Tag Archives: Paranormal

Lust & Destruction / Passion & Betrayal by Marshall & Fox-reviews

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Lust & Destruction / Passion & Betrayal (Sins of the Father 2 & 3) by Jade Marshall & Lila Fox-reviews

LUST & DESTRUCTION
(Sins of the Father 2)
by Jade Marshall & Lila Fox
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, MC, paranormal, romance

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 3, 2023

Fated mates are something every shifter longs for. Right? Not Rylee ‘Dutchess’ West. The Fallen Legion MC’s princess would rather cut off her own arm than allow any man near her. Even the man she is fated to.

But you don’t always get what you want and soon she finds herself alone with Domenico Esposito, the head of the largest mafia family in the country. Things are complicated enough but there are other forces at work that neither of them are aware.

Can two hearts mend each other or will the breakdown in communication keep them apart?

••••

REVIEW:LUST AND DESTRUCTION is the second instalment in the contemporary, adult SINS OF THE FATHER erotic, paranormal, romance series co-authored by Jade Marshall & Lila Fox. This is cougar shifter and head of the largest Mafia family La Cosa Nostra Domenico Esposito, and panther shifter/ mechanic/Fallen Legion MC princess Rylee ‘Dutchess’ West’s story line. LUST AND DESTRUCTION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but for back story I recommend reading book one LOVE AND VIOLENCE where our couple are first introduced.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Rylee and Dom) LUST AND DESTRUCTION follows the building and fated relationship between our story line couple. Eight years earlier Rylee was rejected by her fated mated, and with the bond broken, her panther was open to someone new. Enter Mafia Don Domenico Esposito, who is determined to claim Rylee as his own but hurt by the past, Rylee refuses to accept Dom as her mate. Threats from the past target our story line heroine, using Rylee as a pawn between warring factions of the mob. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Rylee and Domenico, and the potential fall-out as Rylee’s past refuses to let go, and Domenico’s past resurfaces to take back control.

The world building continues to focus on the cold war between the Fallen Legion MC and the La Cosa Nostra Mafia family. All shifter members but rivalry is sparking the call of mates, mates controlled by the other sides.

The relationship between Rylee and Dom is one of unrequited love/mates. Rylee has been rejected in the past, and refuses to be burned by another man. Domenico has been biding his time before claiming Rylee as his own but the more she pulls back, the more Dom is willing let her go. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of powerful and energetic secondary and supporting characters: Dom’s assistant Benny; Rylee’s father Grimm West, Rylee’s brother and panther shifter Draven West aka Psych, and Dom’s sister, cougar shifter Aryanna Esposito; Security Theo, Matteo, and Matteo’s daughter Isabel; Rylee’s ex Zero, as well as Romanian wolf shifter Xavier Popa.

LUST AND DESTRUCTION is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and possession, fate and love. The fast paced premise is captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken, desperate and determined.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one LOVE AND VIOLENCE

________

PASSION AND BETRAYAL
(Sins of the Father 3)
by Jade Marshall & Lila Fox
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, MC, paranormal, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 23, 2024

Fate decides our mates, and sometimes fate has a twisted sense of humor. I’m a lynx shifter and a mafia princess with two mates—a panther and a tiger.

Doom and Sypher are from rival motorcycle clubs and hate each other. I don’t know how we will ever make this work, but I do know I won’t give either of them up. I would rather be alone than give up one of my mates.

••••••

REVIEW: PASSION AND BETRAYAL is the third novella in the contemporary, adult SINS OF THE FATHER erotic, paranormal, MC, shifter, reverse harem romance series co-authored by Jade Marshall & Lila Fox. This is panther shifter and President of the Fallen Legion MC Cian ‘Doom’ West , tiger shifter and Broken Skulls MC member Sypher, and lynx shifter and Isabel Esposito, daughter of the local crime boss. PASSION AND BETRAYAL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

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

Told from three first person perspectives (Cian, Sypher, Isabel) PASSION AND BETRAYAL follows in the wake of both Cian and Sypher claiming Isabel as their fated mate. With the potential for war between the Fallen Legion, and the Brokens Skulls MC, both men make a decision to claim our heroine together but the past is determined to destroy them all. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Cian, Sypher and Isabel, and the potential fall-out as someone else will pay for sins of the past.

The world building focuses on the relationship between Cian, Isabel and Sypher; the need to claim a mate; the betrayal of family and friends, and the fall-out when everything begins to spiral out of control.

The relationship between Cian, Isabel and Sypher is one of fated mates. Both men claim Isabel as their own but Isabel knows that without one another, there is something missing. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

We are introduced to Isabel’s father Matteo Esposito, store clerk Kristy, as well as the return of Cian’s father Micah Wes, and MC member Ghost.

PASSION AND BETRAYAL is a story of betrayal and vengeance, family, madness and murder, relationships and acceptance. The fast paced premise is intriguing; the characters are animated; the romance is limited to claiming our story line heroine.

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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Infinitely Mine (RBMC:Tonopah NV 17) by Nikki Landis-review tour

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Infinitely Mine / Devil’s Ride (RBMC: Tonopah NV) by Nikki Landis-review tour

INFINITELY MINE
RBMC: Tonopah NV 17
by Nikki Landis
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, MC romance, paranormal

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

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

Add to your Goodreads TBR ➩ https://bit.ly/3wjtKkc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 23, 2024

Mammoth:
As the V.P. for the Tonopah RBMC, I make it my job to protect the club, its secrets, and my pres, Grim.
I’m his right-hand man and the one he trusts above all others.
I take pride in my organizational skills and ability to wrangle my brothers, keeping things uncomplicated for Grim.
Everything is just how I want it.
Until I find a single mom and her young son broken down on the side of the road.
Rowen Casey and little Jacob are in trouble and need a protector.
I’m the best man for the job. I just have to convince Rowen.
But taking on this role and getting close to the single mom and her sweet son awakens a deep, primitive need inside me.
I don’t just want to keep Rowen and Jacob safe. I have to make them mine.
And if I need to slash through every obstacle and threat, including the vicious threads of her past, I will.
The Reaper has claimed Rowen and no one is standing in our way.

•••••

REVIEW INFINITELY MINE is the seventeenth instalment in Nikki Landis’ contemporary, adult RBMC: TONOPAH NV, erotic, paranormal, MC romance series-a part of the multi-authored RBMC series. This is RBMC Tonopah NV vice president Waylen ‘Mammoth/Helkin’ Riggs, and single mother Rowen Casey’s story line. INFINITELY MINE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary .

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

➩ The Author recommends reading DEVIL’S RIDE (see review below) before reading INFINITELY MINE

Told from dual first person perspectives (Mammoth and Rowen) INFINITELY MINE follows the quick building relationship between our story line couple. Rowen Casey and her son Jake had recently escaped an abusive situation when RBMC Tonopah NV vice president found an ailing Rowen on the side of the road. Mammoth’s ‘reaper’ Helkin knew immediately that Rowen Casey was their mate, and Mammoth became guardian and protector of the woman with whom he would fall in love but all was not well in Rowen’s past when our heroine becomes payment for a debt. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Mammoth and Rowen, and the potential fallout as the past refuses to let go.

The world building focuses on members of the RBMC: Tonopah NV, their ability to ‘reap’ the souls of the ultimate evil, and the special abilities of Rowen’s son Jake.

The relationship between Mammoth and Rowen is one of immediate attraction and insta-lust . Mammoth believes he has found his mate, and when the past refuses to let go of the woman he loves, Mammoth is determined to ‘reap’ the souls of the men who destroyed her life. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

Several of the previous story line couples return as secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Rowen’s son Jake. The requisite evil has many faces.

INFINITELY MINE is a story of power, control and abuse, rescue and revenge, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is dramatic and dark; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined and desperate.

Previous Reviews

Twisted Devil
Haunting Chaos
Santa Biker
Manic Mayhem
Viciously Mine
Jigsaw’s Blayde
Spook’s Possession
Twisted Iron

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy


__________

DEVIL’S RIDE
(RBMC: Tonopah NV 4)
by Nikki Landis
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, MC romance, paranormal

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 10, 2020

I’ve always been a selfish bastard.
As president of the RBMC I’ve learned how to live and ride hard.
I take life one day at a time, never looking back at my past.
But I’ve got a dark and deadly secret.
One that could ruin any chance I have with the one woman who owns my black soul.
Trish Holloway.
She’s been my weakness since the day we met.
All it takes is one wrong move and her life is in danger.
My enemies surface from every corner.
Lies, deceit, and carnage threaten to tear us apart.
If I’m going to finally take her as my own, I’ve got to tear down every obstacle in our path.
Problem is – the Devil’s Ride shows no mercy . . .
And bloodshed is the only way to truly stake my claim.

•••••

REVIEW: DEVIL’S RIDE is the fourth instalment in Nikki Landis’ contemporary adult RBMC: TONOPAH NV dark, erotic, paranormal MC romance series. This is RBMC president Dexter ‘Grim’ Lanford, and Tricia Holloway’s story line. DEVIL’S RIDE can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order.

NOTE: Some of the events of DEVIL’S RIDE cross over with, and run parallel to, the first three instalments (The Biker’s Gift; Bloody Mine; Ridin’ for H*ll) in the RBMC: Tonopah NV series.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Tricia and Grim) with a final chapter from Patriot, DEVIL’S RIDE focuses on the building relationship between Tricia and Grim, and Grim’s introduction as one of Lucifer’s reapers. Eighteen years earlier Dex Lanford lost two of the most important people in his life at the hands of the Scorpions MC. The resulting chaos came with the arrival of Lucifer Morningstar, offering Dex death or a chance at vengeance. Choosing vengeance, Dex would awake on the side of the road, when a little girl would offer her bear in cautious commiseration. Fast forward to present day wherein Dax Lanford, now known as Grim, as in the Grim Reaper, is the president of the RBMC Tonopah, will come face to face with the past in the form of Tricia Holloway, the young girl now woman he has never forgot but falling for Tricia proved to be more difficult than Grim could have ever imagined when threats against the RBMC and the woman he loved forced Grim to push Tricia out of his life. Months would pass, Tricia found herself on the run, used and abused, until the time came to push her way back into Grim’s life, seeking vengeance for the people she has loved and lost. What ensues is the second chance relationship between Grim and Tricia, and the potential fall-out as Tricia is determined to seek vengeance on her own.

The relationship between Grim and Tricia is a rekindling romance but Tricia must come to terms with the reaper that is part of the man she loves. Tricia has struggled with the monster, the beast that is now part of Dex Lanford’s life but it is the reaper that will inflict the vengeance against the real monster in her life.Grim has struggled with the disappearance of the woman he loves but Dex’s need to protect is about to override when the truth is revealed. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in the previous instalments.

DEVIL’S RIDE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, murder and mayhem, power and control, acceptance and love. The premise is fast paced, intriguing and engaging; the romance is intense; the characters are broken and determined but saying that, Tricia Holloway is a little TSTL (too stupid to live) constantly placing herself in the direct line of fire; an easy target for monsters and the men taking control of her life.

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW:Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter / Amazon Author Page / Website

Nikki Landis is the USA Today & International Bestselling, Multi-Award-Winning Author of over 50 romance novels in the MC, reverse harem, paranormal, dystopian, and science fiction genres. Her books feature deadly reapers, dark alpha heroes, protective shifters, and seductive vampires along with the feisty, independent women they love. There’s heart-throbbing action on every page as well as fated mates and soul bonds deep enough to fulfill every desire.

Sign up for Nikki’s Newsletter and get a FREE book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/tlr47up53q

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Night For Day by Roselle Lim – a Review

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Night For Day by Roselle Lim – a Review

 

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

 

Description:
Exes Ward Dunbar and Camille Buhay thought they would never see each other again. They had broken up to pursue their dream jobs on opposite sides of the country—her to New York City, and him to Los Angeles. But years later, they unexpectedly reconnect in London, where they are interviewing for similar jobs. The spark they feel when they meet again—the attraction comes back like muscle memory, and they are reminded of what they had lost. When Ward and Camille discover they both got the job working opposing shifts, they vow to give their relationship another try.

Ward starts the day shift and finds the immortal clientele unusual and dazzling. When he clocks out at the end of the day, he finds the door locked and himself trapped in the building. After a horrific first night shift contending with restless spirits and ghosts, Camille is also unable to escape. In their respective prisons, they discover that they’re able to talk to each other a few minutes before dawn. This fleeting encounter incites longing for each other, but their promise to be together feels impossible. Because they are caught in the middle of a war of the gods—and their choices will determine the outcome.

 

 

 

Review:

Night for Day by Roselle Lim is an unusual and different kind of standalone fantasy novel.  The story begins with an epic war between the Gods (Western and Eastern) that has been around for many years, and the gods decide to try using mortals to find a way to stop the war, which will continue until a resolution.  We meet Camille Buhay and Ward Dunbar, who after breaking up their relationship two years ago, they both meet again in London, applying for jobs at the same company. Both Camille and Ward realize that they still love each other, and decide to resume their relationship.  Ward applies for the day shift, and Camille applies for the night shift.

They meet their new bosses, with Camille becoming close to the elderly Mr. Samson; and Ward must deal with the testy and angry, Ms. Selene. Ward starts the day shift, enjoying seeing the immortal clientele unusual and dazzling; but when he clocks out at the end of the day, the door is locked, with him trapped in the building.  During the night shift, Camille deals with gods and ghosts, and when she plans to leave, she too us unable to escape; with both of them trapped in an alternate reality, unable to leave.  On occasion, they are able to communicate with each other, trying to solve whatever riddles need to be revealed, as they each have to choose the outcome.

Besides Samson and Selene, the constant visitors (beside Camille meeting ghosts), are gods, such as Mr. King, Theo, Din and Eryna. Both Camille and Ward, are not sure who to trust; especially with both of them rarely unable to communicate with each other. Ward likes and trusts Theo, with Din; and Camille slowly begins to trust Mr. King.  When things get closer to the end, will they be able to solve the riddles and choose correctly on stopping the Gods war? There was a surprising twist at the end with the Gods voting.

Night for Day is wild, dangerous and magical alternate reality, with no escape; unless the gods can free them. Their journey is also about their love for each other, and finding a way to freedom.  Night for Day was very well written by Roselle Lim. I will say this was an interesting fantasy, entirely different from any other book I have read. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

                   NIGHT FOR DAY by Roselle Lim
Ace Trade Paperback Original | February 20, 2024

                                       Excerpt

Mistakes were meant to be in the rearview mirror-not walking, breathing, and able to cup your cheek to stoke every single smoldering memory long buried for self-preservation.

He shouldn’t whisper my name as if he never stopped doing so for the past two years.

Even now, my fingers itched to reacquaint myself with the beauty of his face, then to trace the slight cleft in his chin down his smooth throat, and ever farther down, to where our once shared intimacy implied permission and invitation.

“Camille, I never thought I’d see you again, let alone in London.” The way my name rolled off his tongue and slid through his lips always elicited the same response-it felt like a hot kiss at the nape of my neck.

Ward Dunbar. The mistake I’d commit again and again even knowing that the result would always be heartbreak.

“Job interview. If I get it, I’ll be moving here.” I adjusted the neckline of my buttoned dress shirt, expanding the view of bronzed skin below my collarbones. My traitorous body always reacted to him when he was in physical proximity. Easier to shut down my hormones through the sterility of a black glass screen.

He brushed an errant dark blond strand off his forehead. “I’m here for the same. Though I’ve passed the interview part.”

The skies overhead darkened-clusters of gray clouds huddling together in conference. It had been sunny five minutes ago. Late spring weather in London changed on a whim with wicked fickleness, and we were sliding into the heat of summer. I packed an umbrella and a cardigan in my lavender vegan leather tote, but I didn’t account for him. My purse didn’t contain what I’d need to cope with the nuclear fallout of a failed relationship.

Avoidance therapy was the only method that worked. Putting thousands of miles between us and preventing myself from checking his social media accounts fueled a comfortable sense of forgetfulness-the kind that allowed me to function on a daily basis, but didn’t prevent an occasional damaging slipup. It didn’t hurt that he hadn’t had any long-term relationships since then. Moving to Manhattan helped, and London should have cured me completely.

I was wrong.

Two days ago, I slipped and checked his Instagram. The selfie at an outdoor bookstall on the South Bank caused me to stop breathing for a few seconds. He was here and in the same city. I wasn’t thinking when I sent him a direct message asking to meet at this bookshop. It was pure instinct-I turned off my brain and my heart took over, grabbing the wheel and changing the direction of my life.

“I never thought you’d leave LA.” I resisted the urge to straighten the bent corner of his collar. No tie. I’d been the one responsible for those. His long, elegant fingers had other talents.

“I needed a change. This opportunity was as good a time as any.” He tipped his head toward the bookshop. “It’s going to rain. Can we duck in and chat?”

I followed him into one of the most beautiful little shops in Westminster. These buildings reminded me of an eclectic bookshelf-the windows and architectural details were charming, decorated spines of antique leather. Weathered stone, traditional painted wooden signs mixed with flashy modern ones and clean-line aesthetics. The mix of old and new fitting together in seamless coexistence.

To me, the past and present were constantly at war when I thought about Ward.

As if on cue, the curtain of rain began as he stepped into the shop. I caught a bit of it at the ends of my long hair and the back of my shirt. Again, I was reminded of what I’d be getting into if I decided to have another round in his bed-because that was where it always began.

He headed for the science fiction and fantasy section. He plucked the newest N. K. Jemisin novel from the shelf, tucked it under his arm, and continued to browse the titles, tracing his finger downward on the ones that perked his interest.

“So how does this affect your job in LA?” I took a step forward but maintained a safe distance. The scent of his subtle cologne along with the aroma of Irish cream coffee would undo my crumbling defenses. “Are you on sabbatical?”

Ward’s cushy position at a very exclusive and trendy art gallery in LA was everything he ever wished for-flexible hours, the heavy array of movie stars and wealthy client meetings, and the perfect conduit to maximize his appeal. No one was impervious. He disarmed you with his good looks and gentle tone, then went in for the kill with the way he could make you feel. Empathy combined with charm was lethal.

“I quit.”

I almost fell against a nearby bookcase. “You did what?”

“It’s . . . I needed a change.” He reached for my elbow to help me regain my balance. The heat of his touch distracted me. “I accepted a job yesterday and I start tomorrow. Now knowing that you’re here, I’d say it’s a great move.”

Ward didn’t let go yet. The worst part was that I didn’t want him to.

Excerpted from Night for Day by Roselle Lim Copyright © 2024 by Roselle Lim. Excerpted by permission of Ace. All rights reserved

 

 

 

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Leopard’s Hunt (Leopard People 15) by Christine Feehan-review

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Leopard’s Hunt (Leopard People 15) by Christine Feehan-review & excerpt

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 20, 2024

Gorya Amurov might be known as his family’s peacekeeper, but the leopard inside him wants nothing more than to claw to the surface and unleash hell. A harsh life has shaped him into a vicious fighter with a calm exterior, but Gorya knows it’s only a matter of time until he loses all control. Deep down, he truly believes he’d be better off dead, and that no woman will ever accept him as a mate….

Maya Averina has spent years hunting the criminals who destroyed her life, and she always takes down her prey. She keeps to herself, stays under the radar, and never loses focus. But with her body burning up and her mind distracted by her first heat, an ambush takes her by surprise. Now she’s trapped, an unmated female shifter about to be sold off to the highest bidder. Maya is ready to fight her way out—until the most dangerous, powerful man she’s ever encountered arrives to set her free….

••••••

REVIEW:LEOPARD’S HUNT is the fifteenth instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult LEOPARD PEOPLE erotic, paranormal, romance series. This is Bratva Leopard Gorya Amurov, and Maya Averina’s story line. LEOPARD’S HUNT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary..

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

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Gorya and Maya) LEOPARD’S HUNT follows in the wake of the rescue of our story line heroine. Maya Averina has lived a dark and lonely life since she was a very young child but she never expected to be rescued by a leopard with one of the most violent reputations. The Amurov Leopards are noted for their speed and ability to kill but no one knew the secrets that Maya kept close to her heart. Along with her own leopard ‘Wraith’, Maya was about to enter the Han Vol Dan, and would come to discover her would-be rescuer is her fated mate. Enter Gorya Amurvo, the man with whom Maya will fall in love but a man determined to end his life of violence, one way or another. Working together alongside leopard shifters Gedeon Volkov, and Meiling Chang, Maya and Gorya would place a plan into motion to take down an elite sexual and human trafficking ring, one run by a team of leopard shifters. What ensues is the building relationship between Maya and Gorya, and the potential fall-out as our couple must face the demons that refuse to die.

The world building is detailed and complex. We are up close and personal with the tragic and dark events of the past, a past that would frame and construct the lives of two shifters who have seen the worst of the worst.

The relationship between Maya and Gorya begins as a rescue but will quickly turn into a relationship between fated mates. Both Maya and Gorya’s leopards know but Gorya believes himself beyond repair, and Maya feels just as broken as the man with whom she will fall in love. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including but not exclusive to the Amurov Leopard Crime Family -Timur and Ashe, Sevastyn, Meling and Gedeon, Jake Bannaconni, and Drake Donovan, as well as several cameos by and mentions of the Tegre Leopard(Evangeline, Josh); Kyanite Boston, and Matvei Jarvis, and several extended Bratva and Russian shifters. The requisite evil has many faces.

LEOPARD’S HUNT is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, madness and murder, delusion and infatuation, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, gritty, haunting and tragic; the romance is impassioned; the characters are animated, broken but determined to thrive.

Take note of the warnings, there are many triggers.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Wild Rain
Burning Wild
Wild Fire
Savage Nature
Leopard’s Prey
Cat’s Lair
Wild Cat
Leopard’s Fury
Leopard’s Blood
Leopard’s Run
Leopard’s Wrath
Leopard’s Rage
Leopard’s Scar

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Gorya was back to using his hand like a seductive weapon, his palm stealing around to the nape of her neck, where his fingers settled in her thick hair. It was impossible not to be aware of the way he gathered the mass into his fist, and she slowly tilted her head up toward his.
“Kissing. I’m going to kiss you.”
Thunder roared in her ears, nearly drowning out his soft murmur. She was sure she hadn’t heard him correctly. “Kiss me?” she echoed faintly. She should have expected it.
“Yeah, baby, I’m going to kiss you. If I don’t, you’re going to start thinking about it and you’re going to panic again.”
He was right, but she might panic now. “I don’t know how to kiss.”
“That’s fine. We’ll learn together. We’ll just practice until we get it right.”
His head had come closer to hers. Much closer. She could see the fine lines etched into his skin. Those lines

represented the trauma he’d suffered as a child. Just seeing those creases settled her. She identified with him. She wasn’t threatened by him. She was needed by him.
His lips curved as if he knew what she was thinking. His warm breath reached the left corner of her mouth. Her entire body went taut in anticipation. Every nerve ending came alive. Little goose bumps rose on her skin. His lips brushed hers lightly—a delicate touch, but she felt it like a brand. Her stomach fluttered. A thousand butterflies lifted in flight.
Kissing was so intimate. She should close her eyes, but she was mesmerized by the way his eyes continued to change color, darkening with desire to a deeper blue, the silver ring around the blue thicker. This time she could read the stark passion mixed with growing affection for her. Growing need. Not just the need of a lover. There was that, but it was so much more. Like her, he wanted a much deeper relationship. He wanted something real with her.
Her hands came up of their own volition. She wasn’t going to be passive and put this all on him. He didn’t kiss women. Like her, he found kissing others much too famil- iar. If they were in this together, she was participating fully. She was terrified that she wouldn’t be able to be sexually intimate with him. She was the one afraid her past experiences would prohibit her from having a normal relationship. He was being gentle. Taking care to intro- duce her to their world of shared intimacy and vulnerability slowly and carefully.
His lips merely feathered along hers. Teased and coaxed. Always gentle. Little flashes of flickering flames seemed to touch her and were gone, leaving her wanting more. He didn’t try to rush into kissing her. He took his time, savoring the taste of her. The feel of her. Outlining the curves of her lips with his tongue. Memorizing her. She caught the images in his mind. All the while, he never

closed his eyes, staring into hers as if he could see right into her soul.
Maya had never been so aware of another human being. He was everywhere. Surrounding her with his strength. His heart. Letting her into his mind. Pouring into hers slowly. Carefully. It wasn’t an invasion or a takeover. It was a joining. A promise. He deliberately shared himself with her. Opened himself up to her. Made himself vulnerable.
Maya did the same, staring into his eyes. Giving herself to him the same way. A vow to him that he would be her only. She would give him everything she was. There was no expectation of perfection. Both accepted the other for the broken, damaged person they were. They were going into the relationship with their eyes wide open.
He slanted his head, and his mouth settled on hers. Her lashes fluttered down as he rubbed his lips over hers and then traced the seam with his tongue. The floor tilted and rocked. She gripped his shoulders, needing an anchor so she wouldn’t go spinning off into space.

Excerpted from Leopard’s Hunt by Christine Feehan Copyright © 2024 by Christine Feehan. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.


 

Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 70 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, Ghostwalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.

Follow: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

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House of Malak(The Harem Project) by Crea Reitan-review tour

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House of Malak (The Harem Project) by Crea Reitan-review tour

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

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 15, 2024

I’m the Director of Haven, a newly established sanctuary for all the misused and mistreated humans that The Harem Project recovers from the Division of Silence. I have my hands full, trying to save as many lives as I can.

Then a chance meeting has me virtually running into the men that hold a piece of my heavenly soul and my world shifts. My sense of duty pulls me to focus on Haven, but my instincts insist I make these men mine.

Finding balance isn’t easy, but somehow I manage to find peace in both the professional and personal aspects of my life. I can do this. I can do good and make my home with these divine men.

My name is Tatum and I just joined an all out war with a family whose power is such a threat to the monsters of Silence that we’re nearly number one on their hit list. Instead of waiting for them to target our family, we just jumped into the massacre happening before us.

••••••

REVIEW:There were so many things happening and character crossovers in this book that I think it would be helpful to read the series in order.

There are a couple of triggers you need to aware of, so my advice is check the warnings for jumping in…..

This book is all about Tatum and her relationship with the Malak family. (It’s been the one I’ve wanted to read for a while, they have been mentioned a few times in previous books.)

Whilst learning about the men that will soon become her husbands, she is also working at The Harem Project. She’s working in the facility called Haven, and is on a project for the orphaned children that have lost family through the fight against The Silence and ORKA. (See, I told you there was lots going on.) She’s also looking after the women who were taken and impregnated and children who are the result of those unwanted pregnancies!

Tobiel/Aden/Cobalt/Hawthorn/Lazarus/Hadrian/Rahael are an established family, but they still long for their wife. And when Tobiel meets her, he wants to take her back to his home and introduce her to the rest of the family. But bumping into briefly and then not being able to find his angel (yes she’s an actual archangel) is frustrating Toby. And to make things worse, his husbands don’t seem to be in a rush to find her!

But when he finally meets her, it’s full steam ahead with the courtship ? he’s certain Tatum is the one. And Tatum is definitely interested in getting to know the Malak family.

In this book you also get a few questions answered from previous books. It really starts to come together.

The Silence and ORKA have been increasing their attacks on the families we’ve read about, but it’s the Division of Silence that have taken a darker turn! Using women and children in their fight to win against the “houses” and the “monsters” that live in this world! When I’m fact they are the monsters!

I don’t think it’s a smexy as previous books in the series, I got the feeling we are focusing on the storyline. It’s more of a slow burn this time and again as there are so many characters in this family (seven established if I remember correctly) pages seem to focus mainly on Tatum/Tobiel (which can be a blessing at times ?) but we get to meet and interact with the whole Malak family.

So when The Silence coordinates an attack on the families, will they be able to protect themselves and the children? Will they be able to fight back?

There is betrayal. Plot twists and catching up with previous houses. I really did enjoy reading this one.

Highly recommend you read in order then this one.

Previous Reviews
House of Wyn
House of Igrashi Part 1
House of Igrashi Part 2
House of Agni
House of Kallan

? Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Author Links:

Facebook Group / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Website /

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Protecting the Gray Wolf (Lone Wolf Legacy) by NJ Walters-review

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Protecting the Gray Wolf (Lone Wolf Legacy 2) by NJ Walters-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 12, 2024

If they want his immortality—they’ll have to take it…

I’m used to other wolves coming for me. They want their chance to try and take out the infamous Gray Wolf. And every single one of them fails—because lone wolves aren’t like the others…we’re stronger. Harder. Meaner. Immortal.

But it also means I’m alone. No pack. No alpha. Just the three of us—white, gray, and black. Two too many, if you ask me.

But with power-hungry mages gunning for us, I don’t have the luxury of reflection. They’re in New York City, and I Will. Hunt. Them. Down.

Which is when I see her, and every cell in my body is on alert, filled with the kind of primal longing I never knew I was capable of. Luna West may be human, but there’s some kind of thread connecting us. Call it destiny, fate…or voracious animal hunger.

I know she’s bait. She’s meant to tempt me, to make me weak. But even if I could resist her, I’m not sure I want to.

Because I’ve never denied my wolf anything…especially the chance to raise some serious hell.

And I’m not about to start now.

•••••••

REVIEW:Alone at fifteen after become the legendary Lone Gray Wolf, Kade has lived the solitary life. At times it pleased him, but after becoming bored with nameless encounters Kade keeps to himself. It’s hard when wolf packs look at you with fear, and humans know there is something dangerous about you.

But after being contacted by the White Wolf. Kade is on the lookout for a certain person….

Legend has it there is only one wolf living until it dies then another will take its place. The job of the Lone Wolf is to patrol the wolf packs and take out the rogues that threaten there the exposure to the humans. But in this time and place there are three!! Why?

The White/Gray/Black Wolves don’t like or trust one another, but after finding out they aren’t on their own the White wolf reached out to both black and Gray, only Kade has replied so far, neither have heard back from the Black wolf yet!

Kade is in New York after his inner voice (or as Kade likes to think it’s his wolf) leads him here. He’s found his prey, he just has to make contact and work out if she’s an innocent or part of the plot to claim his immortality!

Luna has lived on her own since eighteen, but truth be told she’s been on her own a lot longer….. Her parents are a famous actress and film director, so don’t have time to play happy families. Her only solace from the loneliness is her art. Her drawings and paintings give her comfort and joy, previous relationships have been brief (they complain she spends too much time with her art!)

When Kade and Luna meet, it’s like two magnets beings drawn together, no one exists but them….

Her wolf from her childhood is actually Kade! But how? She’s drawn and painted the wolf so many times, and her dreams never showed him in human form.

Connected now (although Kade still doesn’t trust Luna fully) they are on the run from forces that want him dead! And Luna maybe become a casualty!

Fast paced and full of action. And the romance is at a medium burn.

You don’t really need to read the first book, but as it’s a trilogy and an ongoing story, it’s probably a good idea to read it, I haven’t, but I’ll probably go back and read it as I really enjoyed the book.

So can Luna and Kade evade the witch and her protector long enough to work out who it is, what they want and how to combat it? But more importantly can Luna and Kade stay together if they survive? As Luna is human and Kade is an immortal wolf…..

Click HERE for Julie’s review of book one PROTECTING THE WHITE WOLF

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Julie ?

Once upon a time N.J. had the idea that she would like to quit her job at the bookstore, sell everything she owned, leave her hometown, and write romance novels in a place where no one knew her. And she did. Two years later, she went back to the bookstore and her hometown and settled in for another seven years.

One day she gave notice at her job on a Friday morning. On Sunday afternoon, she received a tentative acceptance for her first romance novel and life would never be the same.

N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks–all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

 

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads  

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DANE’S MARK ( Breeds 33) by Lora Leigh -Review & Giveaway

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DANE’S MARK (Novel of the Breeds 33) by Lora Leigh -Review & Giveaway

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 6, 2024

A decade ago Katy Chavos was a proud misfit who had her heart broken, crushed by a man who drew her close with one breath and pulled away the next. He left a mark she’s done everything in her power to erase. But when Katy’s job brings her back to the hometown she couldn’t wait to escape, seeing Dane again awakens something inside her that won’t be tamed….

Dane Vanderale isn’t like other Breeds. As a hybrid he’s stronger, more primal, and more determined to hide it. He’s also certain that Katy is not his mate—not that that stops him from wanting her with every part of his soul. He knows he hurt her deeply and he intends to make things right, but she is dead set on keeping him at arm’s length.

Despite their painful history, Katy can’t deny the intense attraction she still feels for Dane. And before long, it will be impossible for either to deny the truth that has been in front of them all along….

•••••••

REVIEW: DANE’S MARK is the thirty-third instalment in Lora Leigh’s adult BREEDS paranormal, sci-fi romance series. This is managerial analyst Katelyn ‘Katy’ Chavos, and Breed Dane Vanderale’s story line. DANE’S MARK should not be read as a stand alone as Dane’s story and the story of the Breeds has been building throughout the series, and as this is the first new book of the series in several years, a reread of the last few instalments may be required as a reminder as to what is happening and why. Dane’s Mark skips approximately eight years from start to finish, wherein many other stories and matings have occurred during that particular timeline.

SOME BACKGROUND: Decades earlier, trying to create the ultimate warrior, genetic scientists combined animal DNA ( sometimes several different animals) with human embryos resulting in a species that has been feared and tortured since their inception. With the increase in natural conception of cross-breed species, not only have the Breeds, but humans have become wary of the powerful results.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Dane and Katelyn DANE’S MARK follows the reluctant and acrimonious relationship between our story line couple. For years, cafe waitress Katy Chavos thought Dane Vanderale had been flirting but Dane’s outright rejection sent Katy into a tailspin, and with the help of someone else, Katy left her home town of Broken Butte, New Mexico, only returning a different woman eight years later. Now twenty-nine years old, Katelyn is a managerial analyst for the Breeds Tech-Corp, and Dane has continued to struggle with his attraction to a woman he did not believe to be his mate but his rejection was slowly killing the woman he loved, a rejection that would ultimately reveal the existence of a number of original Breeds, all with a deeper connection to our story line couple.

The world building is detailed, and complex revealing a more intricate and exhaustive history of the Breeds. Dane and Katelyn’s mating or mate rejection will expose decades of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, and the history of family and relationships including those long thought gone. As the heir and descendant of the first Leo, Dane has been forced to keep the secrets from the human public but it is the secrets that are about to be exposed in an effort to protect the Breeds, themselves.

The relationship between Katelyn and Dane is tempestuous and heart breaking. Dane refuses to accept Katy as his mate thus ensuring Katy will continue to suffer with his rejection and perceived betrayal. As a Vanderale, Dane has been taught never to reveal the existence of his Breed connections, and in this, his mate quite possibly will pay with her life. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative with references to the many Breed anomalies, and mating habits.

There is a large ensemble cast of powerful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including the return of the original Leo and his mate Elizabeth, Graeme Parker, Jonas Wyatt as well as the introduction of Katelyn and Dane’s large extended familes they knew nothing about.

DANE’S MARK is an emotional and heart breaking story of rejection, and the fall-out of decades of secrets and lies. The premise is comprehensive , captivating and compelling and sets the tone for several new series arcs with the introduction of many family members; the characters are desperate, charismatic, dynamic but broken; the romance struggles in the face of constant rejection and pain.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

#1 New York Times bestseller Lora Leigh is the author of the Navy SEALS, the Breeds, the Elite Ops, the Callahans, the Bound Hearts, and the Nauti series.

Follow: Website /Facebook /Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon Author Page

Berkley/Random House is graciously offering a paper copy of DANE’S MARK by Lora Leigh to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Bride by Ali Hazelwood – Review & Giveaway

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Bride by Ali Hazelwood – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again…

Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….

Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she’s ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.

 

 

Review:

Bride by Ali Hazelwood is a fantasy novel, that is so different then her normal rom-coms.  I have mostly enjoyed all of Hazelwood’s stories, but I was surprised reading Bride. Ali you have changed the game, as I totally loved Bride.  It was a fantastic story with Vampyres and Weres, and totally blew me away.  I certainly hope you continue this fantasy world.

We meet Misery Lark, our heroine, who is the daughter of a powerful Vampyre councilman.  Misery has spent many years living among humans, hiding the knowledge that she is a Vampyre, with only her very close BFF, Serena, knowing the truth.  Misery’s father summons her, and wants to establish a peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their enemies, Werewolves. He is proposing a marriage between Misery and Lowe Moreland, the new leader and most powerful Alpha of the Were’s. At first, Misery refuses the proposal, until she hears the new leader’s name, and decides to accept.  Misery’s secret reason to accept the proposal is that her best friend, Serena has disappeared, and she is determined to find her.

After Misery marries Lowe, she is surrounded by Were’s, who do not like her; but in a short time, she begins to earn respect from them.  Lowe’s 6-year-old sister Ana, is constantly visiting Misery, whom she befriends.  Soon Misery helps Lowe in writing and printing, which will lead to friendships along the way.

Turns out that on his wedding day, Lowe recognizes Misery as his mate, and doesn’t tell her, since he had no intention of staying married for the year.  Lowe was well liked by those who supported him, as he was very loyal, caring and always willing to help others.  In a short time, he realizes that he is falling for Misery; and helps her in trying to find the missing Serena.  When Owen, Misery’s brother confides in her that he wants to remove their father from the council, and surprisingly he befriends Lowe to team up.

Bride is an enemy to lovers story line, especially revolving around a forbidden romance, as it was a fantastic world building, and lots of action.  Misery finds herself also falling in love with Lowe, but not knowing that he too has fallen for her. As we get closer to the end, there are some steamy scenes between them.  I really loved Misery and Lowe together.  I got to really like Serena after she is found.  The last ¼ of the book was very exciting, especially when Misery is missing, with Owen and Lowe teaming up to find the culprit. I do not want to tell too much more, so not to ruin the story for you. 

Bride was a terrific story, which was so very well written by Ali Hazelwood.  I have said previously that I was blown away how much I loved this book, as I want more from this fantastic fantasy world.  I enjoyed many of Hazelwood’s rom com, but she outdid herself in Bride.  I wholly suggest if you are a fan of Ali Hazelwood, you need to be reading this new genre.  Totally awesome.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Ali Hazelwood’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy of BRIDE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from February 6th – 10th, 2024

 

 

 

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