Tag Archives: Paranormal

An Accident Waiting to Dragon by Abigail Owen – a Review

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An Accident Waiting to Dragon by Abigail Owen – a Review

 

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Description:
It’s not the heat…it’s the pixie dust.

The day her brother died, Gwendolyn Moonsoar fled from her veil of pixies. Grief drove her away, but a broken heart made her stay gone for good. Lucky for Gwen, Brimstone Inc. was there to break her fall. Now, as a special courier transporting the most valuable and dangerous items of the supernatural world, Gwen is good at her job. Damn good. After all, disappearing is her specialty.

Dragon shifter Asher Kato will always be haunted by his best friend Goran’s death. Although a promise he made gave him no choice, Asher will never forgive himself for the role he played…or the fallout it caused with Goran’s younger sister, Gwen. Burying himself in his role as second-in-command of the blue dragons is his only escape. Unfortunately, the peace they fought so hard for isn’t meant for a warrior like him. So, when a courier transporting a rare basilisk egg goes missing, Asher volunteers to track her down.

Except Asher’s mission leads him straight into the arms of the one pixie who would rather vanish forever than spend a single second with him…

 

 

Review:

An Accident Waiting to Dragon by Abigail Owen is the 3rd book in her Brimstone Inc. series. I’ve read most of this authors works. And I’m slowly reading her older books. But I couldn’t download this fast enough. I loved her Brimstone Inc. series and devoured both her Fire’s Edge and Rising Inferno series. You don’t have to read the three previous series to enjoy this one, but for fans it’s a great addition, and for new readers to her books it will have to wanting to read the backlog 😉 

So….. 

Asher is second in command to the blue dragon King Ladon (Ladon, who we met in his book The Blood King) he is a dragon of action and all this sitting around is making him and his dragon restless. 

Gwen is a Moonlight Pixie (but no ordinary one, she can transport rare, dangerous and hard to obtain objects to the Green Dragon Queen’s kingdoms.) So this new task is just right for her.

These two have a previous relationship, they’ve known each other for years (Asher’s best friend was Gwen’s brother) but an unfortunate incident split the friends apart…Asher didn’t think he would see Gwen again, after the death of her brother (by Asher’s own dragon fire!) Gwen avoided him and then fled her home and world! 

Gwen has no idea what she was flying into with her latest mission, but she would complete it as was her reputation on the line… And when Asher is sent on a mission to rescue her, his dragon makes it clear it wants Gwen(I think they must have meant a little more than friends to each other as Gwen is resistant to Asher and his rescue attempt!) 

As always this author has you on the edge of your seat. The action is fast paced and full of drama. The world in which this is based is rich in description and the authors imagination is a thing of wonder and beauty. 

So can Asher convince Gwen that he only wants to help? Can Gwen move past the fact the friend she knew from her childhood has grown into an honourable dragon and the past was something he couldn’t change?  And when Asher tries to do the right thing, will Gwen run again, or will she stay by his side to fight? 

Another highly recommended read from me. Give it a go if you love this author/dragons/action and adventure. You won’t be sorry. 

Reviewed by Julie 🦋

Copy Supplied for review

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Wolf’s Gambit (Blackridge Peak 1) by Eve L Mitchell-review tour

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Wolf’s Gambit (Blackridge Peak 1) by Eve L Mitchell-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 29, 2024

My whole life, I’ve been the outsider. The wolves of the Anterrio Pack took my brother and me into their pack after our parents died.

To the pack, I remained the wild, untamed misfit despite my efforts to belong.

My first heat loomed ahead of the Luna Ball, and once again, I found myself attracting unwelcome attention, not just from my pack but also from the visiting Blackridge Peak Pack.

When my brother suspected their new alpha might hold answers about our past, he refused to put me at risk while he searched for the truth. Instead, he set me free from a pack that never truly accepted me.

Running from the only home I’d ever known, I longed for a fresh start. But in an unfamiliar human world, finding my place proved to be another challenge, as trouble followed me relentlessly.

Until I realized it was not just misfortune that was dogging my heels.

It’s an alpha.

•••••

REVIEW:WOLF’S GAMIBT is the first instalment in Eve L Mitchell’s contemporary, adult THE BLACKRIDGE PACK erotic, paranormal romance series. This is thirty-two year old, Blackridge Pack alpha Cannon and eighteen year old Kezia’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 (Kezia and Cannon) WOLF’S GAMBIT follows in the years after the death of Kezia and Kris’ parents. Wolf shifters, without a pack, Kezia and Kris were taken in by the Anterrio Pack but Kezia never felt welcomed and with the approach of her first ‘heat’ Kris forces his sister to run in an effort to save herself from what was to come. Months by herself on the road ended when Kezia found herself imprisoned by the Alpha of the Blackridge Pack, an Alpha who is determined to claim Kezia as his own but Kezia knows all is not well, and there is more to her story than she could possible know. As Kezia continues to fight her attraction to Cannon, someone else is forcing his claim against our story line heroine.

WOLF’S GAMBIT is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance. The fast paced premise is intriguing and entertaining; the characters are powerful and determine. The relationship between Cannon and Kezia is fated but Cannon also struggles with his need for a woman he does not want. Kezia is unlike any female shifter in recent history, and in this, she has become a target for every shifter male. WOLF’S GAMBIT ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 Goodreads / Website/. Twitter / Facebook / Instagram/ Newsletter / Bookbub / Amazon Author /

Eve L. Mitchell is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes contemporary romance and urban fantasy.

Being an avid reader from a young age, Eve still considers herself to be a reader first. She believes there is nothing better than getting that new book either on your e-reader or in your hands, and the fact she may bring that excitement to a fellow reader, fills her with wonder. She writes under a pen name because otherwise her Secret Agent status will be revoked.

Eve lives in the North East of Scotland, with her three coffee machines and her significant other, Mr. M. She enjoys NFL Football, music and having long conversations with the voices in her head, which sometimes turn into the stories she writes.

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Forewarned (Fated Love 1) by Chantal Fernando-review

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Forewarned (Fated Love 1) by Chantal Fernando-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 26, 2024

The fae spend their entire lives searching for their true mate.
But me? I know who my mine is.
And I don’t want him.
My name is Astrid. I’m a fae, a seer and a healer.
Not much scares me. But him?
That’s the darkness I’m never going to let catch me.

•••••

REVIEW:FOREWARNED is the first instalment in Chantal Fernando’s adult FATED LOVE erotic, paranormal/fantasy romance series. This is thirty-five year old, Fae Prince Rave, and Fae healer /seer Astrid’ story line.

Told from first person perspectives (Astrid) FOREWARNED follows in the wake of Astrid discovering her fated mate. Astrid wants nothing to do with the Shadow Prince Rave but something about Rave draws her life a moth to a flame. Having spent much of her life with her best friend August, Astrid knows they will remain only friends but having seen and felt her fated mate, Astrid struggles with the discovery of Prince Rave, and the possibility that life as she knows it is coming to an end. There is a supernatural war on the horizon, the vampires are determined to take back what doesn’t belong, and in doing so set into motion a war between the supernatural powers, exposing our heroine for her true nature and power.

The world building is detailed, focusing on the fated mates, blood lines and betrayal, secrets and lies. Raven’s questionable behavior precedes his introduction to our story line heroine but the truth of his behavior may go deeper than Astrid could have ever imagined.

The relationship between Rave and Astrid is one of fated mates but all is not well when all four Fae princes claim Astrid as their own. Rave is determined to claim the woman that calls to his heart, a woman whose powers may be stronger than his. The $ex scenes are passionate and provocative.

We are introduced to several supernatural species including vampires, witches, succubii and shifters including Rave’s brothers Cove, Nico and Elios, their father the King,as well as Rave’s right had man Sore, several supernatural royalty and the requisite jealousy and betrayal.

FOREWARNED is a magical story of power and control; secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, jealousy and love. The premise is intriguing and twisted; the characters are animated and charismatic; the romance is seductive and fated. FOREWARNED ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

New York Times, Amazon & USA Today Bestselling Author Chantal Fernando is thirty years old and lives in Western Australia.

Lover of all things romance, Chantal is the author of the best selling books Dragon’s Lair, Maybe This Time and many more.

When not reading, writing or daydreaming she can be found enjoying life with her three sons and family.

Chantal loves to hear from readers.

Follow Chantal: Website/ Facebook/ Twitter/ Goodreads

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The Lawgiver’s Firebrand/The Firebrand’s Succubus by TM Smith

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THE LAWGIVER’S FIREBRAND / THE FIREBRAND’S SUCCUBUS (Blood Coven World 1 & 2) by TM Smith-reviews

THE LAWGIVER’S FIREBRAND
(The Blood Coven World 1)
by TM Smith
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 5, 2024

He’s Arrogant

Lawgiver Daire is an arrogant incubus, a connoisseur of elegant females and the finer things of life.

She’s Common

Arianna is a witch and Firebrand warrior who is … well … common and less tastefully dressed than the legislator.

Nonetheless

When Daire needs an arm charm and bodyguard for a gala, he hires Ari. After a fire breaks out at the event, a question must be asked. Who’s the target? As the story unfolds, the mismatched warrior and the incubus dodge attacks and pursue a more erotic pastime than avoiding a killer.

••••

REVIEW: THE LAWGIVER’S FIREBRAND is the first novella in TM Smith’s contemporary, adult THE BLOOD COVEN WORLD erotic, paranormal / fantasy romance series-a spin off from the author’s THE BLOOD COVEN. This is incubus/lawgiver Daire, and witch/ Firebrand warrior Arianna ‘Ari’s’ story line. THE LAWGIVER’S FIREBRAND can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but some but some previous knowledge of the original series may be helpful. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Thousands of years earlier, a powerful group of witches and warlocks, in an effort to protect the human race, divided the world creating three realms: Earth, Scath and Darque. The Blood Coven series focuses on the fight to keep the worlds separated in the face of some powerful people hoping to destroy the people of earth.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Ari and Daire) THE LAWGIVER’S FIREBRAND follows the building but reluctant relationship between our story line couple. Daire is an incubus; a lawgiver whose actions have been questioned by those opposed to interspecies matings. A night at the bar brings Daire up close and personal with rookie Firebrand Warrior and witch Arianna, the woman with whom Daire will fall in love. Daire is hosting an extravagant party, and Arianna has been tasked with Daire’s personal protection but a smoke-filled room and blazing fire forces Ari to expend all of her energy saving everyone else. Desperate to claim Ari as his own, Daire takes Ari to one of his many mansions but someone else is targeting our story line couple.

The world building focuses on the have and have nots; the powerful and the demanding; and the mention of the violent group known as Arisen Dawn.

The relationship between Ari and Daire begins acrimoniously. Daire is wealthy and a bit of a snob, and he sees Ari as someone beneath his stature and power. Ari knows immediately she is not in the same league as our story line hero but the heart wants something that may destroy them all. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

THE LAWGIVER’S FIREBRAND is a quick read; a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are charismatic and determined.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews from The Blood Coven Series
The Firebrand
The Demon’s Fire
The Satyr’s Guilt
The Vampire’s Thirst
The Phoenix

Copy supplied for review

_________

THE FIREBRAND’S SUCCUBUS
(The Blood Coven World 2)
by TM Smith
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 8, 2024

The Beauty
The strikingly beautiful Zora, succubus executive assistant at the prestigious Ministry of Well Being on Scath, is being stalked by an obsessed admirer.

The Beast
When her worried boss calls for a Firebrand bodyguard, the scarred and fierce warrior, Darius, shows up for the job.

The Snag
Though Zora is drawn to Darius, convincing him they are perfect together takes time

•••••

REVIEW: THE FIREBRAND’S SUCCUBUS is the second novella in TM Smith’s adult THE BLOOD COVEN WORLD erotic, paranormal/fantasy romance set in the author’s Blood Coven World. This is djinn and Firebrand warrior Darius, and succubus Zora’s story line. THE FIREBRAND’S SUCCUBUS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but some previous knowledge of the series may be helpful. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Thousands of years earlier, a powerful group of witches and warlocks, in an effort to protect the human race, divided the world creating three realms: Earth, Scath and Darque. The Blood Coven series focuses on the fight to keep the worlds separated in the face of some powerful people hoping to destroy the people of earth.

Told from three omniscient third person perspectives (Zora, Darius, stalker) THE FIREBRAND’S SUCCUBUS follows in the wake of a stalker threatening our story line heroine. Zora has a stalker, and the threats are increasing. Hoping for help from the Firebrand warriors, Zora reveals the information to her boss, and a guardian is secured for our story line heroine. Enter djinn and Firebrand warrior Darius, a scarred male who is struggling to accept his attraction to the woman in his life. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Zora and Darius, and the potential fall-out when Zora’s stalker takes aim at our story line couple.

The world building is limited but focuses on the protection of our story line heroine. Darius is a scarred Firebrand warrior, and believes he isn’t worthy of a mate or love. Sensing Zora’s attraction, Darius believes she is using her succubus magic, and their attraction is nothing more than a forced relationship.

The relationship between Zora and Darius begins as an assignment but Zora is hoping for something more. Darius struggles with his attraction to our story line heroine, and in this, Zora’s attempts at seduction are rebuffed and refused. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense.

The secondary and supporting characters are limited. We are reintroduced to Zora’s boss Alarik

THE FIREBRAND’S SUCCUBUS is a quick read; a story of power and control, attraction and obsession, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and entertaining ; the characters are desperate and dynamic; the romance is fast and furious.

Copy supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

 

Social Media: Website/ Facebook/ Instagram/ Amazon Author/

A master’s degree in English and a doctorate in administration led me to education. After retiring from my career as a teacher and principal, I settled in to write something more creative than lesson plans on split infinitives and inner-school memos on noise in the hallway.

My first novel was the romantic mystery comedy romp Affection for Crime. My plans were to make this Maggie Hall book the first in a series about a quirky columnist and her friends and lovers. That may still happen, but interest in a different genre has changed my direction.

I am now living with vampires, demons, ylves, mages, and other magical beings who keep me awake at night with their tales of love and adventure. Taking great interest in their lives, I began a paranormal romance series with alpha males who aren’t always nice and females who have no problem keeping them in line.

I have learned much about the difference between writing a series and writing a stand-alone book. First, get a fantastic writing software program. Second, keep great notes. And third, do not think book one is complete until you have finished book five. These have been hard-learned lessons, but I am a hardheaded author.

Here are more orts, scraps, and fragments from my life. (Thank you, Virginia Woolf and Shakespeare.) I moved from sunny Las Vegas to the less-than-sunny Pacific Northwest. Here I have adventures with my daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters who also moved to the area. I also enjoy my membership at Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN), a local organization that supports the arts and offers classes and events with eleven different studios where a welcoming community of artists praise each other’s efforts. It was at BARN where my critique group began. With equal time given to in-depth comments on each other’s works, snarky remarks, and laughter, we have now been together over five years. (from the Author’s website)

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ENDLESS SKYE (Skye Druids 4) by Donna Grant-review

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💜ENDLESS SKYE (Skye Druids 4) by Donna Grant-review💜

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 12, 2024

Passion comes with a price…

For Willa Ryan, family is everything. So, when her brother asks her to locate a book of unparalleled power, she doesn’t hesitate. Except she does more than find it. She attempts to steal it, and in the process, ends up running for her life—straight into the arms of a man waiting to rescue her. Jasper is unlike anyone she’s ever met, and she’s helpless to resist the undeniable passion between them. But desire always comes at a cost.

Jasper McCabe is a master of disguise and deception, and he uses both ruthlessly. Yet nothing can prepare him when he comes face-to-face with the breathtaking women he’s supposed to use for his ruse. Every instinct screams for him to run as far from Willa as he can. But there’s no escape from the captivating Druid and the feelings she awakens. With his darkest enemies closing in, Jasper is forced to choose with his heart, or lose the woman who is his one chance at salvation.

••••••••

REVIEW: ENDLESS SKYE is the fourth instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult SKYE DRUIDS paranormal / fantasy romance series -a spin off from the author’s REAPER series which in turn is a spin off from the author’s many interconnected series and stories. This is Druids Willa Ryan, and Jasper McCabe’s story line. Willa Ryan is Scott’s sister (Iron Ember #1). ENDLESS SKYE should not be read as a stand alone- I recommend reading the series in order, as well as DARK ALPHA’S COMMAND (Reaper 15) for back story and cohesion as many of the events of the current time line are as of a direct result of the events in Dark Alpha’s Command. Several characters from the other series including Reaper Balladyn and Druid Rhona (Dark Alpha’s Command) and some of the original Dragon Kings (Nikolai) and Reaper characters appear as secondary and supporting characters.

SOME BACKGROUND: Months earlier, betrayal and vengeance forced a take-over of power on the Isle of Skye but someone or something is killing the Druids, not only on the Isle of Skye, but around the world including Edinburgh Scotland. With the focus on the death of the Druids on the Isle of Skye, Balladyn and Rhona (Dark Alpha’s Command/Reaper 15) begin an investigation that reveals a danger targeting the Druids and the MacLean family, in particular.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Willa and Jasper ENDLESS SKYE follows Willa Ryan, on the run, from a powerful group taking aim at the Druids. Along with her father, Willa planned their escape but Willa was attacked, and barely made it to the Isle of Skye where she will meet fellow Druids Jasper McCabe, a man with a special ability that may save them all but Jasper has a secret that is about to be exposed, threatening the lives of the Druids on the Isle of Skye. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Jasper and Willa, and the potential fall-out when the truth about Jasper is revealed, and our couple are targeted by someone determined to destroy them all.

The world building is complex and detailed as the killing mist is but the least of their worries. Unable to determined to origins of the mist, the Druids on the Isle of Skye are facing two more adversaries that have targeted anyone with magic and power, and there may be a traitor in the mix.

The relationship between Jasper and Willa begins as a lie. Jasper is not whom he proclaims himself to be, and his sudden appearance on the Isle of Skye is questioned, especially in the face of his quick seduction of our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Like the other instalments, there is large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters from Donna Grant’s numerous interconnected series including Druids, Reapers, Dragons and Fae: the TruthSeeker Esther and her mate Nikolai (Heat/Dark Kings 12); Elodie and Scott, Edie and Trevor; Rhona and Ballady; Mason, Krisi, and Callum. The requisite evil has many faces.

ENDLESS SKYE is a comprehensive and intricate story of madness and obsession, power and control, secrets and lies, forgiveness and love that follows several intersecting paths and developing stories. The premise is thrilling and suspenseful; the romance is seductive but predicated upon a lie; the characters are desperate and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Iron Ember
Shoulder the Skye
Heart of Glass

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK |  NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

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Three Kinds of Lucky by Kim Harrison – a Review

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Three Kinds of Lucky by Kim Harrison – a Review

 

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Description:
Petra Grady has known since adolescence that she has no talent for magic—and that’s never going to change. But as a sweeper first-class, she’s parlayed her rare ability to handle dross—the damaging, magical waste generated by her more talented kin’s spellwork—into a decent life working at the mages’ university.

Except Grady’s relatively predictable life is about to be upended. When the oblivious, sexy, and oh-so-out-of-reach Benedict Strom needs someone with her abilities for a research project studying dross and how to render it harmless, she’s stuck working on his team—whether she wants to or not.

Only Benedict doesn’t understand the characteristics of dross like Grady does. After an unthinkable accident, she and Benedict are forced to go on the run to seek out the one person who might be able to help: an outcast exiled ten years ago for the crime of using dross to cast spells. Now Grady must decide whether to stick with the magical status quo or embrace her own hidden talents . . . and risk shattering their entire world.

 

 

Review:

Three Kinds of Lucky by Kim Harrison is the first book in her new The Shadow Age series. We meet Petra Grady, our heroine, who is a sweeper extraordinaire, who has the unique ability to handle dross, a damaging, magical waste. Dross is magical garbage that is left behind by mages performing magic. Petra has never been able to perform magic, but she has the rare talent to in handling the dross: dross if left lying around, can turn into bad luck for anyone who touches it.

Benedict Strom, a former friend, has been working to crack a code by neutralizing dross. He needs someone like Petra, with her unique abilities, to help research aimed at making it less dangerous. Petra wants nothing to do with what she feels is dangerous and hopeless, but her boss forces her to become part of Benedict’s team. Her life is about to change drastically.

After a terrible accident blows up the lab, both Petra and Benedict are on the run. Seems Benedict is being blamed for the explosion, and Petra decides to seek out an exiled outcast, who knows everything about the Mages, Dross and Shadows. Upon meeting the man who was close to her deceased father, Petra shortly will learn that she does have hidden talents, which will change everything.

Petra comes into contact with Shadow, which is feared by all magic users. Petra manages to build on her contact with shadow, with mental talking to each other, which also leads her to have magical ability.    I did felt bad when her lovable dog, Pluck, dies; but later on, the Shadow Pluck becomes an important part of the changes, especially her having weaver abilities.  What follows is an exciting last third of the book, with Petra, Benedict, her father’s friend, and Len (a militia member) who will fight the mages.  I will say I really hated her roommate, Ashley, who turned into an evil person. 

Three Kinds of Lucky was a very good start to this new series, and was very well written by Kim Harrison.  I look forward to what she has in store for us, with the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Rift in the Soul by Faith Hunter – a Review

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Rift in the Soul by Faith Hunter – a Review

 

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Description:
Nell Ingram draws her powers from deep in the earth, and uses them to help Psy-LED, the Psychometric Law Enforcement Division, which solves paranormal crimes. When a local vampire calls to report a dead body on her compound, Nell knows she and her team have to be ready for anything.

But the dead body is just the beginning of a mystery that involves supernaturals of all kinds, including some of the most powerful vampires in the country. As Nell gets closer to the truth, she begins to understand that the perpetrator is tracking her too—and that there is something personal about this crime. Something with roots that go almost as deep as those in Soulwood.

 

 

Review:

Rift in the Soul by Faith Hunter is the 6th book in her terrific Soulwood series.  Brief refresher: Nell Ingram is a member of PsyLed (Unit Eighteen), a Homeland Security division that investigates paranormal cases and is based in Knoxville, TN, close to Soulwood.  The PsyLed team is made up of witches, werewolves, empaths and Nell fits right in with her Soulwood powers; they make a great team, as they are all very likeable (Occam, Ayatas, T-Laine, JoJo, Tandy & Rick). Nell has really come into her own, as she is a powerful woman controlling her Soulwood land and plants.

Rift in the Soul begins with Nell summoned by the Master of the City, vampire Ming of Glass, reporting a dead body; both Ayatas and Rick also respond, making sure to protect Nell. Ming tries to get Nell to kill a powerful and ancient vampire, who plans to destroy everything.  Nell senses things are not right, with Ming and her team; soon after, an attack destroys Ming’s home by the ancient vampire, who is searching for the Blood Tarot.  While on the site, both Nell and Occam find the Blood Tarot, which is now hidden at PsyLed.

In a short time, Nell learns that the perpetrator, has a demon inside him, making things even more dangerous.  All of the PsyLed team join Nell at Soulwood, where attacks are at full force; with Nell’s magical connection to the land, fighting off the vampires. We learn so much more about Nell’s family, and how her powers in the land continue to grow. I really love how her younger sister, Mud is also gaining powers as a plant-woman, throughout Soulwood’s land.  We get to see Esther, who recently divorced, and has two babies, now living in Soulwood, and is also gaining powers. Nell, her family and PsyLed friends do everything in their power to stop the baddies.

While all this is ongoing, the whole family is in the process of preparing Nell’s wedding to Occam (her cat man). I loved how much the relationship between and Occam and Nell became totally filled with deep love.  Though Jane Yellowrock (she is the Dark Queen), is not fully part of the story line, there were so many mentions of her; especially with her on her honeymoon, as well as her approving many issues to help.

What follows is an intense, exciting, gripping and violent story.  Rift in the Soul is another fabulous addition to this series, as it is non-stop action, suspenseful and intense..  The last half of the book was an edge of your seat thriller, and Nell was totally amazing stepping up in a wild and fantastic ride to the climax. We are used to Faith Hunter always having a fantastic group of characters, an amazing heroine in her series. Nell is a great heroine, and in this book, she evolves to be even more powerful.  I loved her sisters joining together to fight the evil. The epilogue was wonderful, as we get to see Nell marry Occam, with everyone there.  Faith Hunter has once again given us a fantastic story, with so many emotions throughout.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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Charming a Cursed Highlander by Vonda Sinclair-review & excerpt

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Charming a Cursed Highlander (Highland Shifter 2) by Vonda Sinclair-review & excerpt

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 14, 2024

The myth and magic of the Scottish Highlands comes to life in this fun, historical, fantasy, paranormal romance.

A Determined Lass…

Since Catriona MacCain was a young girl, she has been in love with Torr MacElrath, but he doesn’t seem to realize she exists. His recently acquired curse of shapeshifting into a kelpie, or water horse, at night doesn’t deter her. Brodie, her older brother and the MacCain chief, is also entangled in the curse. He has abandoned the clan, and in his absence, their mother negotiates a marriage alliance for Cat with the cruel Chief MacPeter in exchange for his protection. After rejecting the atrocious marriage plans and learning what will destroy the curse, Cat runs away to find Torr and gain his help.

A Cursed Highlander…

Torr, trapped by the curse, hates his dark and lonely existence. With her ginger hair and sunny enthusiasm, Cat bursts into his life like a fiery explosion. He remembers her as a wee lass and can hardly believe the beautiful, tempting young woman Cat has grown into at age twenty. He wants to help her escape marriage to a vicious beast, but how will he resist her, especially when she’s determined to captivate him and shatter his curse? Falling for her would surely destroy his friendship with Brodie and bring destruction upon their clans.

The previous year…

Lady Wilona MacRae has been honing her malicious witchery skills for years. When three friends—Gavin MacTavish, Torr MacElrath, and Brodie MacCain fight in a battle in which her son is killed, she accuses them of murder and condemns them to live under a curse for the rest of their lives. Against their will, they transform into beasts daily.
Gavin’s story: Dreaming of a Devilish Highlander
Torr’s story: Charming a Cursed Highlander
Brodie’s story: (coming soon)

A magical, opposites attract, grumpy-sunshine fairytale romance novel with shifters, a witch, a sorcerer, Scottish legends, steaminess, adventure, madness, and mayhem.

•••••

REVIEW:Torr and Catriona work hard to achieve their HEA, but things don’t go according to plan….

This is the second book in the trilogy. It’s not really necessary to read book one. It gives you a little background on the curse, but you get just as much info in here, so it’s really your choice. I read (and loved book one) and I’m looking forward to book three.

Torr is best friends with Brodie and Gavin. They’ve been friends and allies for years. Being cursed because of a mothers broken heart isn’t how the three friends thought their lives would turn out….

Gavin was cursed to live his life a Hawk (first book in the series) His two friends have different curses, Torr turns into a kelpie (water horse) so having a relationship isn’t in his future, slowly turning him into a grumpy and angry character.

Catriona has loved Torr for years, but has convinced herself that he never really saw her other than the annoying little sister of his best friend.
After her brother was cursed and abandoned his clan, his mother decided to marry off Catriona to protect the clan. But she has no wish to marry the vile MacPeter. So Cat needs to find and break their chiefs curse.

I have to admit I would have like to have seen more action between Cat and MacPeter, we only really got snippets! ?

Lady Wilona doesn’t see the curses as being enough. They killed her son, revenge will be served…..
I liked the fact we got to see the villains points of view and thoughts.

It’s a fast paced read with lots of humour. A feisty female that drags Torr back to life. But can they really break the curse? Or will Torr return to the water and never know love again?

A highly recommended read. ??

Click HERE for Julie’s review of book one DREAMING OF A DEVILISH HIGHLANDER

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

 

Catriona shivered as the ferryman—she’d learned his name was Hamish—oared his small wherry along the length of dark Loch Mirich. Thankfully, no storm raged this night as it had the previous one.
She had not told Hamish their true names lest he tattle if her clansmen came searching. At the moment, no one would guess she was a lady, thanks to the cow dung aroma from the byre that clung to her old clothing and her grimy face.
Despite the chill breeze, she could not help but admire the stark white full moon and the millions of stars that twinkled in the midnight blue sky. She focused on the splash of the oars leaving the water and plunging in again. She prayed no giant loch monsters lurked beneath, waiting to rise up and devour them. She forced herself to take a deep breath of air scented with fish and peat bog.
Aggie gripped her hand and scooted closer. Despite her maid’s physical toughness, it seemed she was losing courage on the water and in these strange surroundings. She had never traveled far from home before.
“‘Tis all right, Aggie,” she whispered, squeezing her hand. “We shall be there forthwith.”
Hamish huffed as his robust arms pumped the oars. She’d told him she wanted to arrive quickly. And, of course, he wanted to hurry home and eat his supper.
When they arrived an hour later, Hamish jumped into the shallows and tugged the boat toward the bank. He held a hand up and helped her alight. Icy-cold water splashed onto her shins and filled her shoes.
She released a short scream. “Blast! I hate getting wet.”
“Pray pardon. ‘Twas as close as I could get.”
“Grrr.” Catriona dug into her pocket for the number of coins they’d agreed upon and pressed them into his palm.
“Many thanks.”
While he helped Aggie off, Catriona lifted the bottom edge of her skirt and squished onto dry land. She convulsed into shivers.
“Hurry, Aggie. My feet are like blocks of ice now. And we need to reach Castle Dubhuisge before it gets much darker.”
Aggie grabbed her arm, stopping her. “What’s that?” she whispered.
Catriona followed her gaze to a large white horse standing in the moonlight at the wood’s edge.
Hamish cried out a prayer and paddled away quickly. Why had he done that?
The horse snorted, then pranced before them, showing off his long mane.
“Oh, he’s magnificent,” Catriona breathed.
“Lass,” Aggie whispered, her eyes as big as the moon overhead. “Is that a kelpie?”
“Nay! ‘Tis but a beautiful horse. Someone’s prized stallion who’s escaped his stall. ‘Haps he belongs to Laird MacElrath.”
“And what do you think kelpies appear as? Bonny white horses. Look, his eyes glow evil green. ‘Tis a kelpie, I vow. Come! He will eat you alive.”
Aggie dragged Catriona away from the loch shore and toward a path. They ran a short distance.
“Are kelpies real?” Catriona paused and glanced back at the white horse that now calmly nibbled grass in the distance.
“Aye.” Aggie caught her breath as they continued to walk. “Selkies are real. So why would kelpies be only a legend?”
“But selkies are nay a threat to people.”
“‘Tis how they differ. A kelpie will lure you onto his back with his beauty and friendliness, then he’ll dive into the loch and eat you! Does nay matter to him if you’re alive or drowned when he has his meal.”
Catriona scowled at the images Aggie’s words conjured. “But horses neither eat meat nor live in lochs.”
“He’s nay a horse, lass; he only looks like one! You cannot apply reason to the world of magic.”
A stick snapped behind them. Catriona jerked around. The white horse stood close, watching them, his sleek coat glowing in the moonlight. His head held high, he sniffed the air and switched his tail. His breath fogged the chill night air.
“He’s following us,” Catriona whispered, now a bit uneasy because she hadn’t heard him approach.
“Run!” Aggie grasped her sleeve and took off.
Catriona had no choice but to sprint alongside Aggie if she wanted to keep her sleeve. “We cannot outdistance a horse!”
“If ’twas only a horse, I would nay be running.” Aggie huffed. 


 

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