Tag Archives: Paranormal

Cold Curses by Chloe Neill – a Review

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Cold Curses by Chloe Neill – a Review

 

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Description:
Elisa, the only vampire ever born, is hoping all can remain quiet in the City of Chicago in the wake of a destructive attack by an ancient demon who broke the city’s defensive magic. Still, she and her friends, including shifter Connor Keene, know they need to be ready for anything.
 
Everyone is working as hard as they can to repair the city’s wards, but unwelcome creatures are slipping through and Elisa soon finds herself caught in the middle of a magical turf war with roots that go back generations. She knows she will have to take a stand, but retaliating threatens to reveal her deepest secret…

 

 

Review:

Cold Curses by Chloe Neill is the 5th book in her fantastic Heirs of Chicagoland urban fantasy series. I am a fan of Chloe Neill, having read a few of her books. I love this series, and sad to note that this book is the end (hopefully for now), loved both Elisa and Conner.  Refresher:  Elisa Sullivan, our heroine, is the only vampire child ever born, and her parents (Ethan & Merit) are the powerful leaders of the vampires that lead Chicagoland.  Connor Keen, our hero, is a werewolf and the heir apparent to the North American Central Pack Apex (Alpha). Connor and Elisa have become a wonderful romantic couple, as the chemistry between them is sizzling.

Elisa and her team, Theo, Petra are called into a demon attack that has broken the city’s defensive magic.  Chicago is now being bombarded with dangerous demons, slipping through the open wards, who think nothing of killing humans.  Everyone is working as hard as they can to repair the city’s wards, and find out who is behind the destruction. Elisa and Theo investigate someone who has taken over as a leader of the demons, with him saying there is another person who is competing against him. Elisa finds herself in the middle of a magical surf war, and early on, she fears the worst, as her bff, Lulu was seriously hurt.  Elisa is determined to get the demon to release the spell on Lulu.

Connor tries to stay close to Elisa, worries about the attacks on her, though she has handled them, despite some injuries.  All of the various groups have joined together to fight the enemies; such as Gwen, Alexei, Petra, Roger, Elisa’s parents (Ethan & Merit), Aunt Mallory, as well as Lulu after her recovery.  Elisa will discover that a surprise person is bent on destroying them all. 

What follows is an exciting action filled adventure, especially in the last half of the book as the danger escalates, with threats escalating. Elisa was a fabulous heroine, and we got a glimpse of the ‘monster’ inside of her, who would help her when the danger escalated, adding more powers to her ability. Only Connor was aware of the monster.  Elisa will need to step up and use ‘monster’ to help save Chicago.

I love how Elisa and Connor were so great together, with both of them always supporting each other, constantly being by their side whenever needed; even though she was a vampire and he was a werewolf.   They were both independent, strong, savvy and very much in love, with awesome chemistry.  I will miss them, if this is the end of Heirs of Chicagoland.

Chloe Neill gives us another fantastic story, with a wonderful couple and awesome secondary characters.  Cold Curses was so very well written by Neill, with exciting, tense, nonstop action, just enough romance, and a fantastic heroine and hero.  If you haven’t read this series, you need to do so now.  Thank you, Chloe Neill for a such a wonderful series, which I do hope we get to see Elisa and Connor again.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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Claimed by Flames (Claimed by Flames 1) by Lauren Crowne-review

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Claimed by Flames (Claimed by Flames 1) by Lauren Crowne-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 7,2023

He was a demon in love with fire; she was destined to burn.

In the kingdom of Vestia, where demons reign and hidden truths lie in wait, Lilly, a human, struggles to repay a debt owed to a mob boss notorious for his cruelty and wealth. She spends her nights waitressing at one of the most exclusive clubs in the capital city where she catches the attention of Max, a mesmerizing demon who exudes a darkness and mischief that both intrigues and terrifies her.

Max’s scars bear witness to his hidden past, a past that intertwines with Vestia’s throne itself. And Lilly, with her own secrets, cannot escape the magnetic pull she feels toward him.

As their worlds collide, Lilly and Max must navigate the waters of trust and deception. Can they unravel the truths that bind them or will their secrets shatter any chance of happiness?

In this fantasy romance novel, Max and Lilly must decide if the risks they take are worth the ultimate reward: a love that defies the darkness.

I should have known better than to trust a demon.
I should have seen past his smirk and paid closer attention to the scars that run up and down his arms. Maybe then I would have seen the truth and realized who Max really was.
Then again. . . where’s the fun in that?

•••••

REVIEW: Although this book is set in the same world as “The Sins of the Blood War”, it’s not necessary to read them before this book. It’s a completely different set of characters.

Lilly is a human (well almost ?) working in a demon bar. How she got there will be revealed in the book (what? I’m not giving all the story away ?) a little like a hostess (find a guy and make him pay for drinks all night, if he’s happy then he usually leaves a tip) and Lilly is almost done with paying the demon she owes money too (also explained)

It’s all going well, when a fight breaks out….

Max has been watching Lilly for a while now, he’s never interacted with her, but he’s wanted too. And now he knows her name. (Think someone is a little smitten with the human ?) Living in the demon realm his whole life, Max hasn’t had it easy. His character on the outside is arrogant and brash! But get past his exterior and we have a demon with a tortured past (one of my favourite kind ?)

Their first meeting happens when Lilly breaks up a bar fight. Second meeting is when her boss wants her to play “nice” and get information out of Max!

Max is definitely taken with Lilly, but he doesn’t know why she is with Jae (her boss) or even working in the club, he wants to find out but his boss/ruler wants him to use Lilly to get to Jae!!

Can Lilly and Max really have a future? Can they give up their secrets to one another and trust that the person they are becoming involved with won’t break their heart and trust?

I loved the detail this book was given. All the backgrounds were in great detail, nothing was missed. You could imagine the club Lilly worked at really clearly.

Same went for the characters, their traits and thoughts were all on the page for you to digest and ponder.

Next book is all about Blaise (a weapons master) & Charlee, (a human thief) they are in this book, so hoping we still get to interact with Lilly and Max (that have a place in my heart and mind for the time being) ?

A highly recommend read if you like paranormal romance with a little mystery thrown in.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

Lauren Crowne writes sexy, funny, action-packed fantasy and paranormal romance, transporting readers into a world of fae, demons, wolf shifters, and more. You’ll want to root for her bold heroines and hot heroes, neither of which are afraid to fight for the ones they love. Sold to the Demon Prince is the first book in the Sins of the Blood War trilogy, with all three books following the same couple as they try to hold on to their passion for each other even when the world seems against them. When she isn’t writing, Lauren is addicted to drinking iced coffee, forcing her husband to watch funny TikToks, and traveling with her husband and three kids.

 

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The Rebel Witch (Outlaws 3) by Lexi Blake-review tour

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The Rebel Witch (Outlaws 3) by Lexi Blake-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 7, 2023

Kelsey Owens just wants to settle in with her gorgeous husbands, surrounding herself with her reclaimed family. Preparations should be made for the arrival of their new son. The world has other plans. War is brewing, powerful forces are lining up against everyone she loves, and her latest prisoner also happens to be her best friend in the world. Being the sheriff of the supernatural world really sucks sometimes.

Olivia Carey lost everything. Stripped of the magic that gave her life color and substance, she thought it couldn’t get worse. Then Kelsey was gone. She found a light in the darkness. A path back to her magic, but claiming it somehow put her on the opposite side of a war with everyone she knew and cared for. She knows that her cause was just, but lately things are confusing. Captured by the rebels she tormented and once called friends, she is forced to question everything she knows.

When someone dear to them both is struck down, Kelsey and Liv must join forces again. Only Liv can work the spell to save them, but that spell requires a unique ingredient found only on the Hell plane. Stealing it will mean risking everything—including the growing bond between Liv and her old boyfriend, Casey Lane. Hell has some tricks up its sleeve for both Liv and Kelsey. And in the midst of battle, Liv will be forced to decide between saving their world and burning it all down.

••••••

REVIEW:THE REBEL WITCH is the third instalment in Lexi Blake’s adult OUTLAW erotic, paranormal/fantasy series set in the world of the author’s world of the THIEVES. This is the continuing story of witch Olivia Carey, and guardian/hunter/wolf Kelsey Atwood. THE REBEL WITCH should not be read as a stand alone as many of the events of the current timeline are as of a direct result of the previous instalments and the original THIEVES series. Kelsey’s story begins in book six of THIEVES. I strongly recommend reading both series in order.

SOME BACKGROUND: Approximately twelve years earlier, along with the Queen of all Vampire / and the wife of the high priest of the Seelie and the Unseelie Zoey Donovan-Quinn, and king of the vampires Daniel Donovan, Kelsey Atwood travelled through a portal, a magical painting where they would spend four days in the land of the Faery but upon their return discovered twelve years in real time had passed, twelve years in which a war between the supernatural creatures killed many, destroying friendships and families, leaving Kelsey struggling for the years that she lost with her friends, husbands, family and children.

Told from first person perspective (Kelsey and Olivia) THE REBEL WITCH follows in the aftermath of the return and imprisonment of witch turned demon Olivia Carey. Olivia appears to have been the confident and uncaring slave to a man determined to destroy them all but Olivia has been missing for as long as her best friend Kelsey, and upon her return, Olivia is steadfast in the belief that the people she once called family and friends abandoned her, and left her to be used and abused. A curse has threatened the life of someone close, forcing Olivia to work alongside the people she blames for the past torture , torture that has ultimately blocked her magic, leaving her broken and lost. As Olivia struggles through the memories of the past, it will become readily apparently not everything was as it appeared to be. Returning to the Underworld at Lucifer’s command, in an effort to save their friend from final damnation, Olivia and Kelsey along with a large number of family and friends including Kelsey’s mates Trent Wilcox and Gray Sloane, find themselves at a crossroads, when Olivia is unable to mediate her own memories of truth and lies.

The world building is complex and multi-layered; detailed and intricate with many of H*ll’s more notable characters including Lucifer Morningstar and his first love Lilith. We are up close and personal with Olivia’s memories, both real and false, as our heroine must come to terms with what she had done, and with whom she has recklessly and unknowingly betrayed.

THE REBEL WITCH is a story of secrets and lies, magic and mayhem, betrayal and vengeance, manipulation and control, family and friendships, forgiveness and love. The premise is meticulous and elaborate; the romances are fated; the characters are broken, determined, desperate and lost. THE REBEL WITCH ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Reading Order and Previous reviews

The Rebel Queen
The Rebel Guardian

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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Kiss of Enchantment (Darkfire Chronicles1)by Deborah Cooke-review

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Kiss of Enchantment (Darkfire Chronicles 1) by Deborah Cooke-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 7, 2023

The ancient magic of darkfire scorches the history of the Pyr, dragon shifters sworn to defend the treasures of the earth, spreading chaos in its wake. Periodically commanded by Pyr with the rare ability to hold it in thrall, blue-green darkfire burns with relentless power through the centuries, shattering boundaries and provoking change. The Darkfire Chronicles tell the stories of those Pyr illuminated by darkfire’s spark.

One kiss will unveil the secrets of the past…

Cast through time with his fellow Dragon Legion Warriors, Orion follows the spark of his firestorm, the sign of his destined mate’s presence. Only when he’s left behind, alone in a different time, does he discover the darkfire’s deception. His firestorm might be a feint, but the woman touched by its golden radiance is one who could capture Orion’s heart forever. When Slayers attack, Orion is determined to defend her and her secrets, no matter the price to himself.

Grad student Francesca is more interested in her career and research than in getting married. But then, she’s never met a man like Orion, a fierce protector whose presence ignites an undeniable desire within her—although the seductive power of his kiss isn’t the only thing Francesca can’t explain. Orion also creates a glow inside the vase said to contain the voice of the Cumaean Sibyl. When that light is released, Francesca hears the voice of the past and is revealed as Orion’s destined mate—making her the Slayers’ target.

On the run, Orion and Francesca join forces to solve the Sibyl’s last riddle. Will success provide the key to their shared future? Or will the unpredictable darkfire snatch Orion away as abruptly as he arrived—along with Francesca’s memories of the dragon shifter who has claimed her heart? How much will either of them sacrifice to save their their unborn son and defend their future together?

•••••

REVIEW:KISS OF ENCHANTMENT is the first instalment in Deborah Cooke’s adult DARKFIRE CHRONICLES paranormal/fantasy series, a spin-off from the author’s DRAGON LEGION novellas (The Dragon Legion Collection / Dragonfire 9), set in the DRAGONFIRE world. This is dragon Pyr Orion, and grad student Francesca Marino’s story line. KISS OF ENCHANTMENT can be read as a stand alone but for back story, cohesion and enjoyment, I recommend reading THE DRAGON LEGION COLLECTION.

Told from numerous omniscient third person perspectives including Francesca and Orion, using several timelines, and Greek and Roman mythology, KISS OF ENCHANTMENT follows Orion, a member of the Dragon Legion Pyr, who along with his fellow warriors go where the Darkfire crystal needs them to be. Each member of their group ventures off toward their Firestorm and a new adventure, each is taken to another time and place. 1972 brings together Orion with the woman he believes to be his intended mate but nothing is as it appears to be, and Orion must face down two slayers, who are determined to take what doesn’t belong. Orion’s attraction to Francesca is tempered by secrets from the past, a past that is determined to reclaim a place in the present. What ensues is the building relationship between Orion and Francesca, and the potential fall-out as Orion’s time in the past threatens to destroy the beginnings of a lifelong affair.

The world building continues to focus on the Pyr, their struggle with the group known as the slayers, and the search for their fated mates. As each Firestorm announces the nearness of their mates, the Pry must face off against the slayers, who are determined to destroy the woman chosen by the gods to bring forth the next generation.

The relationship between Orion and Francesca is one of immediate attraction. Orion believes Francesca is his chosen mate but all is not as it is supposed to be as Orion discovers Francesca is hiding a secret, a secret that refuses to remain in the past. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Several of the original Pyr return as each recognizes the arrival of another Firestorm but each Pyr struggle with the possibility of who or why, fate will threaten the Firestorm in both the past and the present. We are introduced to slayers Magnus Montmorency and Sigmund.

KISS OF ENCHANTMENT is awash in the reimagining of Greek and Roman mythology intertwined with the history of the shapeshifting Pyr. The premise is detailed, complex and entertaining; the characters are magical and charismatic; the romance is subtle and fated.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

If you haven’t started the interconnected series, ebook one KISS OF FIRE in the Dragonfire series is FREE

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Slay by Laurell K. Hamilton – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Slay by Laurell K. Hamilton – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Necromancer Anita Blake is small, dark, and dangerous. Her turf is the city of St. Louis. Her job: U.S. Marshal—Preternatural Branch. She’s faced horrifying monsters and brutal killers and come out the other side still standing.

Considering how things in her life tend to go, Anita never expected her walk down the aisle with Jean-Claude to go smoothly. They’ve already been confronted with naysayers and a power-hungry ancient evil, but now Anita has to do the one thing that actually scares her: introduce her very religious, very human relatives to her fiancé—the newly crowned vampire king of America.

As Anita tries to keep the peace between the family she left behind and the family she’s chosen, dark forces jump at the chance to take advantage of the chaos. With her happy-ever-after at risk and everyone’s immortal souls hanging in the balance, Anita grapples with a hard truth: Blood makes you related, but loyalty makes you family.

 

Review:

Slay by Laurell K. Hamiltion is the 30th book in her fantastic Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. And I have to admit although a great story, it could have been added to the “Smoulder” book, it felt like a continuation…..

Preternatural U.S. Marshal and vampire hunter Anita Blake is preparing for her wedding to the vampire king of America Jean-Claude…..But it’s not been an easy journey, the humans don’t like Jean-Claude they think he’s got her under some kind of spell and will turn on the humans given half a chance! 

And Jean-Claude’s pack, in fact all the vampires think Anita has their king under her spell, so she’s not exactly their choice for their king! And just when you think it can’t get any worse…. Her family roll up!! Grandma who is vile at best (abused the young Anita) turns up with her dad, who thinks Jean-Claude is evil incarnate! Family dramas aside, we also have a new evil entity wanting to destroy the king of the vampires! 

I will admit, I’ve not read all the Anita Blake stories, I came in late to the series. But it’s an easy enough to pick up and drop a book series, without losing too much. Anita has had many lovers/partners throughout the series. She’s also had many issues with family. And I like that she doesn’t shy away from any of it. 

So while Anita is trying to plan the wedding and keep her family from killing her fiancé and extended lovers/family, there is an evil killing vampires in St. Louis. Is it the evil from the last book returning to take the crown from the new vampire king? 

Apparently her earlier Anita books were just smut and no story! Well I can tell you that had changed… we do get smut, but there is more story and substance now. 

A fast paced action book with evil/power/anger/grief and so much more! 

There are also attacks on her extended family that have Anita worried for their lives, she needs to keep her blood family away from them! There are also traitors within Jean-Claude’s ranks, and they are conspiring with the ancient evil, which makes it an even bigger problem.

The ending is eventful and had me on the edge of my seat, I nearly threw my kindle twice as I jumped. A highly recommended read that will keep you up till your done ? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

A figure rounded the bend in the stairs all that way down, and before my eyes told me who, the energy we shared danced over my skin as if he’d brushed his fingertips over parts of my body that were hidden under my clothes. I shivered as I watched him lift off the steps and start floating toward me. It made me laugh and say, “Now there’s a solution to all these damned steps.”
He rose toward the ceiling, his long black hair spilling out around him like a dark aura. His hair wasn’t streaming out around him because he was flying toward me but moving in the wind of his own power, so that his black curls writhed and boiled like a dozen hands were playing with it, but it was his magic, just his magic.
He needed one of his usual lace, leather, and sexy-boots outfits for all that hair to frame, but he was dressed in one of only two modern suits I’d ever seen him in; the first time it had been to save the feelings of a grieving family, and this time we were trying not to give my father any other reason to hate him. In that moment I knew I didn’t care if my dad liked him or not. I loved Jean-Claude and nothing my dad did would change that.
He landed lightly on first one foot, then the other until he stood beside me at the top of the stairs. I wrapped my arms around him, but the traditionally long suit jacket felt wrong on him. He either did no jacket or some version of a bolero so that it hit him somewhere between his lower ribs and just below his natural waist. He had a fabulous ass, and it seemed a shame to cover it up.
He wrapped his arms around me and laughed. “Ma petite, we chose this suit precisely so it would cover more of my body, so I did not shock your family.”
I stared up into that beautiful face with the darkest blue eyes I’d ever seen, set in thick black lashes with a perfect curve of eyebrows that were all natural; he didn’t even need mascara. So unfair to the rest of us. His face was almost feminine in its beauty, but there was something about the line of his chin that turned all that gorgeousness a little more masculine. He was still androgynous, but it leaned a little more to the male side. The long black curls framed his face and trailed down his shoulders almost to his waist. My family thought long hair was only for girls. Putting him in a traditional men’s suit really didn’t make him look more like the type of man my family would approve of, but hey, at least we were trying.
“I won’t ever look into your face without thinking how beautiful you are, and why are you marrying me?”
“I believe that is the man’s line, ma petite.”
I grinned and said, “Traditionally it is, but most men don’t look like you.”
“That you compare yourself to me and think yourself the lesser beauty means you do not see truth when you look into the mirror, ma petite.”
“I second that,” Nicky said.
I glanced at him and couldn’t help but smile at the look on his face. “I know I don’t always see the truth in the mirror. Nicky and Ethan have met who messed me up.” I turned back to Jean-Claude. “That delight is still ahead of you.”
“I am looking forward to it, ma petite, and before you complain I would give much if my mother and sister were alive for me to introduce you to them. That I can meet your family, however broken, is a gift to me.”

Excerpted from Slay by Laurell K. Hamilton Copyright © 2023 by Laurell K. Hamilton. 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.

 

 

 

Laurell K Hamilton’s publisher (Penguin/Random House)  is graciously offering a hard copy of SLAY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Hunt on Dark Waters (Crimson Sails 1) by Katee Robert-review

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Hunt on Dark Waters (Crimson Sails 1) by Katee Robert-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 7, 2023

Evelyn is a witch with a perfect storm of impulses: terrible taste in bed partners, sticky fingers, and a lust for danger. After she steals from her vampire ex and falls through a portal to another realm, she’s fished out of the waters by a band of seafarers and their telekinetic captain. She’s immediately given a choice—join their ship’s crew or die.

Bowen has no memory of his life before he became one of the Cŵn Annwn. He and his band of pirates are bound by vow to patrol through Threshold, the magical sea in between realms, keeping the portals to other worlds safe. When he rescues Evelyn, he doesn’t expect to be attracted to the unflappably brassy pickpocket. The longer he spends in her presence, the more he begins to question if his heart is the next thing she’ll steal.

But as tension heats up between Bowen and Evelyn, the danger at sea escalates as well. Because Evelyn has no intention of keeping her vows to the Cŵn Annwn, and if she betrays the crew, both she and Bowen will pay the ultimate price….

•••••

REVIEW: HUNT ON DARK WATERS is the first instalment in Katee Robert’s adult CRIMSON SAILS erotic, paranormal/ fantasy series. This is Evelyn, a witch and a thief, and pirate captain Bowen’s story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the storyline premise, including implied same sex, LGBTQ+ romance, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Evelyn and Bowen) HUNT ON DARK WATERS follows Evelyn as she is forced to escape the wrath of her vampire girlfriend’s family but before jumping into a portal, Evelyn takes what doesn’t belong. Landing in the realm known as Threshold, Evelyn is rescued by a group of pirates known as the Cwn Annwn, but all does not go according to plan when she is forced to swear allegiance before breaking the rules. On the run, in search of a portal home, Evelyn and Bowen find themselves the target of the Cwn Annwn, another ship full of pirates, and a vampire who is hoping for the return of what Evelyn took.

The world building introduces several supernatural and magical species, not all of whom accept our story line couple. From marauding mermaids, to Dragons caught between right and wrong, HUNT ON DARK WATERS focuses on the fine line between morality and perversion. The Cwn Annwn are hunters, taking down the monsters of the seas but the power of the chase is threatening the innocent and the uninvolved.

The relationship between Bowen and Evelyn is one of immediate attraction but Bowen knows that to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, she must abide by the laws of the seas, laws that Evelyn is too quick to break right out of the gate. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Evelyn’s former lover Lizzie the vampire as well as a large ensemble cast of magical and powerful pirates, sea creatures, and supernatural entities. Lizzie’s story line is next.

HUNT ON DARK WATERS is a story of power and control, magic and mayhem, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The premise is entertaining and enchanting; the romance is challenging in that I did not feel the palpable sexual attraction; the characters are desperate and powerful but Evelyn was quite unlikeable in the early stages of the relationship, placing our couple in a number of dangerous situations.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her 2015 title, The Marriage Contract, was a RITA finalist, and RT Book Reviews named it ‘a compulsively readable book with just the right amount of suspense and tension.”  When not writing sexy contemporary and romantic suspense, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her children, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

Connect with Katee at: Website | Facebook | Twitter| GoodReads | Instagram

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THE PHOENIX (The Blood Coven 5) by TM Smith-a review

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THE PHOENIX (The Blood Coven 5) by TM Smith-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 2, 2023

Indigo
… isn’t just any witch. She’s the reader of the River Am, incomparable finder of lost objects, witch extraordinaire, sister of Alarik, aunt of Rein, daughter of Tor and Adriana, madwoman, and quirky bitch.

Roark
… is an enigma. He’s a raven shifter, a traitor, and a trespasser.

But
… from the moment Indigo sees Roark bathing in her river, she is mesmerized. Secrets, though, can be world-changing.

•••••

REVIEW: THE PHOENIX is the fifth (and final?) instalment in TM Smith’s adult THE BLOOD COVEN erotic, paranormal/fantasy series. This is Warrior Roark, and witch Indigo’s story line. THE PHOENIX can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

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

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 physically separated in the face of some powerful people hoping to control one or all. The Aeternals are the overarching collection of breeds and supernatural species that inhabit the Scath and Darque realms, and the Alliance are the group of humans that monitor all supernatural activity on Earth.

Told from numerous third person perspective, following several paths, numerous relationships, memories from the past, and a recitation of an ancient journal THE PHOENIX is the culmination of the previous four instalments wherein the Firebrand Warriors are facing a war of which they may not win. Indigo is a powerful witch; the reader of the River Am; the finder of objects and the woman with whom Roark will fall in love but something about Roark sets Indigo on edge, and the world will come to know Roark as someone else. A journey together, searching for a sword known as the Blood Kiss, forces Roark and Indigo to re-evaluate their future, whether together or alone. As both Arisen Dawn and the Firebrand Warriors continue their search for the descendants of the original Blood Coven witches, the build up of power within Arisen Dawn is centered directly on the Blood Coven descendants.

The relationship between Roark and Indigo may or may not begin as an accidental meeting. Indigo is not impressed with Roark’s behavior and attitude, and less impressed when she discovers a perceived betrayal by the man with whom she will fall in love. Working together reveals and unravels hundreds if not thousands of years of secrets and lies, and it is the secrets that may threaten the future for our story line couple. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate.

Once again, the well-developed world building is complicated, stratified, exhaustive and intricate: Three worlds, numerous species and hybrids of supernatural powers and identities; various allegiances and teams; struggles within and amongst, deadly battles and the ultimate war. Many will die; injuries vast and continuous; love is the ultimate betrayer of happily ever after. The author includes a glossary of terms and places, and a list of characters and their supernatural powers/ positions and abilities.

The colorful, powerful and energetic cast of secondary and supporting characters is a hierarchy of political machinations, supernatural entities, powerful magic and a need to control. We are witness to the ongoing, and newly developing relationships between the Firebrand Warriors and their Blood Coven mates, and herein lies the ultimate betrayal when the descendants are used and abused by Arisen Dawn.

THE PHOENIX is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, madness and obsession, angels and demons, betrayal and vengeance, forgiveness and love. The action packed premise is comprehensive, meticulous, thorough, and elaborate; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are charismatic, dynamic and determined.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Firebrand
The Demon’s Fire
The Satyr’s Guilt
The Vampire’s Thirst

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed 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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REIGN (Kindred: The Fated 3) by Donna Grant -review & excerpt

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REIGN (Kindred: The Fated 3) by Donna Grant-a review & excerpt tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 7, 2023

Magic holds both beauty and danger…

As Lady of the Varroki, Malene was powerful and revered. But after a battle, she awakens in Norway as Dagny, a witch with no memories of her past. Her identity fragmented, Dagny finds herself entangled in a life far removed from the path she once trod and seduced by the lure of power. Until that need shifts to passion for the one who has imprisoned her, hoping to make her remember.

As a warrior and the Lady’s right hand, Armir will not stop searching for Malene. When he does, she’s not the woman he remembers. Driven by an undying love that transcends the boundaries of time and space, Armir risks everything for her. But enemies lurk in the shadows, waiting to strike. Will he and Malene overcome their pasts to find a future together?

••••••

REVIEW:  REIGN is the third instalment in Donna Grant’s adult KINDRED: THE FATED erotic, paranormal/fantasy romance series, set in the author’s World of the Kindred. This is Lady of the Varroki Malene, and warrior Armir’s story line. REIGN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storyline is revealed where necessary.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Malene and Armir) REIGN follows in the aftermath of the capture and imprisonment of Malene aka Dagny. For years, Armir has been the protector and guardian of Malene, Lady of the Varroki but a battle for control sends Malene to Norway, where she will awaken as Dagny, a witch who has lost her memories of the past. To protect the Varroki from the woman with whom Armir has fallen in love, Armir magically traps Dagny in a cave, a trap from which she cannot escape until her memories return but all is not well when a coven of witches and warlocks hunts down our story line couple, in an effort to take back control, and destroy the man with whom Malene aka Dagny has fallen in love.

The relationship between Malene and Armir begins as guardian and prisoner. Malene now calls herself Dagny, and believes Armir and his people are determined to kill the people with whom Malene recently has lived. As Armir tried desperately to help Malene with the return of her memories, someone else is targeting our story line couple. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There are a limited number of secondary and supporting characters as Malene and Armir spend most of their time together in a cave fortified by Armir’s magic. Upon their eventual capture, we are introduced to Jean, a powerful witch who is desperate for revenge for the death of her sister, as well as the return of Jarin and Helena.

REIGN is a quick read; a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, magic and the supernatural, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is enchanting; the romance is seductive; the characters are dynamic and desperate.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Rage
Ruin

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Fall

Armir took a deep breath and looked into the dark depths of the cave. He had used it countless times, but it wasn’t his home. It was a place to rest, to escape. It had also been the location he expected his life to end. Some of his darkest days had been spent within the cold stone walls. He had spent hours roaring his anger and bellowing his grief.
And then, just when he had lost all hope, he felt her magic.
Armir held out his hand as a ball of fire swirled in his palm. He shot it toward the ground. Sparks flared to life in what was left of the ash. He looked down at the flames jumping and dancing. He fought not to look over his shoulder where she lay unconscious. He had held her too tightly, stared too long as he carried her to the cave. But he had thought never to see her again.
He swallowed and checked the area once more. Then he walked through the cave to the entrance. He paused and looked out at the rain as it fell in sheets too thick to see more than a few feet. Armir unsheathed his dagger and cut his forearm. Blood welled and dripped onto the stone. The words of an ancient spell he’d never thought to utter fell from his lips as he walked across the entryway, trailing his blood with him.
When he reached the other side, he pulled out a strip of cloth and wrapped it around the wound. For better or worse, neither he nor Malene would be leaving the cave anytime soon. It was the right thing to do. He had a duty to their people—to everyone—to figure out what had happened to her. Why, then, did it feel as if the weight of the world now rested on his shoulders?
He was weary. Tired of losing hope, tired of the guilt. Just…beat. He’d lived his life for the Varroki, to safeguard Blackglade. It had been the greatest of honors to be chosen to stand beside the Lady of the Varroki—and he had stood beside a few. Yet none had been like Malene.
Armir dropped his chin to his chest. The Varroki were a strong people, their magic unmatched. They had descendants of the Celts and Norse, merging the two cultures into one. Because of that, they had chosen to live in a hidden city. At one time, their numbers had been great, but strict rules and the war with the Coven had decimated their ranks to the point of extinction.
He turned and made his way back to the cavern. Malene was on her side, her long, flaxen hair spread around her. He almost hadn’t recognized her in the breeches, leather, and chainmail covering her. He had taught her battle magic, but what he’d seen when he came upon her and Asa locked in combat was something else entirely. It had been merciless and brutal. She had been cold and ruthless. The opposite of the woman he knew.
Like all the Ladies chosen by destiny or fate, Malene had to be convinced to leave her family, life, and home for Blackglade. It was rare for a Lady to reign for more than five years. Many died within the first. But not Malene. There had been a few times he hadn’t thought she would survive. He had believed her too fragile, too vulnerable. However, her inner strength surfaced when her back was to the wall. She hadn’t just survived, she had thrived.
She had known nothing of magic when he found her. He had questioned why she had been chosen as Lady of the Varroki, but the longer he was around her, and the longer she ruled, the more he understood. She had fought the confines of her role, all the while worrying over the Varroki.
Finally, she stopped fighting her destiny and instead grasped it with both hands. He could still remember how her soft gray eyes had danced with excitement when he agreed to teach her to read. It had been her first order to him. Once she grasped it, she had been voracious, combing through every tome in Blackglade at least once.
That’s how she’d discovered the decrees of celibacy for many positions within the Varroki—including his—that had long stood in their culture. She had overturned all of them in an effort to help grow their ranks once more. Yet years of being forbidden to touch a Lady couldn’t be wiped away with a snap of the fingers. No matter how much he might want to reach for Malene, he hadn’t.
He couldn’t.
Armir didn’t know when he had begun to love her. The emotion was just there one day, and there was no way to put it back into a box. Or ignore it. So, he had silently dreamed and yearned. And hoped.
Just when he was ready to tell her how he felt, they had gone into battle against the Coven. He should’ve told Malene about his feelings before they walked onto that battlefield. Instead, he had chosen to keep quiet and let her focus on the upcoming clash. It had turned out to be his greatest mistake because he lost Malene that day.
Being at Blackglade without her had been unbearable. He hadn’t found a body, so he refused to believe she was dead and set out to find her, intending to comb the Earth. Every day that passed without uncovering a clue had eventually worn him down, hollowing him out and creating a hole in his heart.
Some days, he couldn’t do anything but sit with his memories. Other days, he covered dozens of miles, stopping anyone he came across to ask if they had seen someone matching Malene’s description. And all the while, a sense of dread had grown within him that she was gone. Lost to him forever.
Armir lowered himself to the ground and looked across the fire at the woman who had ensnared him utterly, completely. He stared at her heart-shaped face with her high cheekbones and plump lips. He had looked into her large eyes so many times, captivated by their color and the wisdom staring back at him.
No one was supposed to touch the Lady of the Varroki. But he had. He could recount each time down to the last detail. Somehow, that made his yearning grow until she was all he could think about. He hadn’t wanted her to go into battle because he had feared losing her. She reminded him she was the Lady, chosen to bear the magic of the blue radiance. He knew her power, her strength. It was why he hadn’t believed her dead.
And he’d been right.

 

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.

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