Tag Archives: Paranormal

The Rebel King (Deviant Kings 2) by Gina L Maxwell-review

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The Rebel King (Deviant Kings 2) by Gina L Maxwell-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 25, 2023

All work and no wicked play makes Tiernan a very unsatisfied king…

Of all the Verran brothers, Tiernan is the least suited to wear the Night Court crown. The Rebel Prince is happy with no responsibilities or accountability―just the freedom to pursue his own dark, lush pleasures in Sin City. Including his secret hunger for a certain smart-mouthed, fiery redhead.

Only, the possibility of having Fiona is stripped away when Tiernan is thrust into the one role he never king . As king of the Dark Fae, wanting―let alone pursuing―anything with a lower-caste fae like Fiona would shift from fun…to forbidden.

Now war is emerging from the shadows of Vegas, and Tiernan is caught between who he’s meant to be and who he wants . And somewhere in this maelstrom of lust, love, and rebellion is the key to the Dark Fae’s survival…even if the cost is more than he can imagine.

•••••

REVIEW:THE REBEL KING is the second instalment in Gina L Maxwell’s contemporary, adult DEVIANT KINGS erotic, fantasy/paranormal BDSM romance series. This is Las Vegas businessman and the new King of the Dark Fae Tiernan Verran, and hotel assistant Fiona Jewel’s story line. THE REBEL KING 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 including scenes of BDSM, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Fiona and Tiernan) with a final chapter by Finnian THE REBEL KING follows in the aftermath of the attack and murder of several Dark Fae. In an effort to ferret out the people responsible Fiona Jewel offers to go in undercover, undercover as an exotic dancer but all does not go according to plan when Fiona finds herself a captive of the man in charge.

Meanwhile, Fiona and Tiernan’s relationship is at risk in the face of ascension to the throne in the wake of his brother’s abdication (The Dark King 1).Caiden Verran had fallen in love with a woman whose heritage was an unknown, and in the ensuing weeks, would abdicate, leaving his brother heir to the throne but like his brother Tiernan has fallen in love with a woman who will not be an acceptable mate, and as the Dark Fae continue to fall to an unknown enemy, Tiernan must come to terms with a future without the woman he loves.

The world building continues to focus on the Verran family, and the ancient laws that govern the lines of power. As the number of supernatural beings continue to live and survive in the world of the human, Fiona will discover she is not who she has been led to believe.

The relationship between Fiona and Tiernan is one of mutual attraction but Fiona is considered ‘other’ and not an acceptable mate for the throne but Fiona’s otherness is something no one expected, and her otherness is about to force Fiona to the outside, away from the man with whom she had fallen in love. Tiernan only has eyes for our story line heroine but Tiernan knows his time with Fiona is coming to an end. When Fiona volunteers to go undercover, Tiernan sees red, and struggles to find a way for protect the woman with whom he had fallen in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic with some scenes of bondage and whipping.

There is a large ensemble cast of magical and supernatural secondary and supporting characters including Tiernan’s brothers Caiden (Bryn), and Finnian, as well as vampire Dmitri; Fiona’s mother Erin Jewel, and several members of the royal court and advisors. Finnian’s story line is next.

THE REBEL KING is a story of discrimination, racism, speciesism and greed; power and control; family and relationships, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is heart breaking, entertaining and dramatic; the romance is provocative and fated; the characters are dynamic and determined.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE DARK KING

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Killer Wolf / Captured Wolf by Karina Espinosa-review tour

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Killer Wolf / Captured Wolf (Sevyn Rose 1 & 2) by Karina Espinosa-review tour

KILLER WOLF
Sevyn Rose 1
by Karina Espinosa
Release Date: May 5, 2023
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

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

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I’m known as the Grim Reaper of Chicago.
But to those closest to me, my name is Sevyn Rose.
As an assassin for the mafia, I’ve amassed a lot of enemies over the years. I’ve been on my own for eight years with one goal in mind—find my missing mother. She left me with simple instructions: leave the pack and contact the mafia. So I did just that.
Everything is going fine until I’m handed the name of my next target. Christian Ellis is the son of the pack leader and my most hated frenemy. Going after him could change the course of my life completely. And worse, it would get me involved with the pack again.
To top things off, a vampire shows up at my door with information on my missing mother—but that information comes at a price. If I want the truth, I have to help him take down the city’s vampire clan leader. Not only putting my life on the line, but that of the local pack.
Trouble is brewing in the city of Chicago. And I’m right at the center of it.

•••••

REVIEW:Book one in a new series /author that I’ve not read yet.

A Paranormal Romance that is occupied by a strong female main character. An assassin for hire! She’s at the top of her field of expertise. A wolf shifter that’s gone rogue with her pack! But Sevyn is happy where she is….. Until it brings Christian back into her life!!
Mates that can’t stand each other, but if in the same proximity, are drawn to each other!

An assassin that’s also now been pointed in the direction of her pack! Her new job is to assassinate the pack leaders son (who is none other than her mate Christian!)
Can she really kill the wolf shifter that is her fated mate? And why would an ancient vampire want to start a war with the wolf shifters? It could draw attention from the humans (who know of their existence, but both keep a low profile anyways!) but the vampire has information that could help her uncover what happened to her mother.

It’s a fast paced action/mystery book, with a fierce female in the lead role.
Nicely written with just Sevyn’s point of view. We also get flashbacks of her growing up with her mother (who was also the pack protector/enforcer) they didn’t have a real close relationship, it was all about survival and training! We also get to see Christian and Sevyn fight the bond when it clicks on at eighteen (both claim it’s only a bond that neither really wanted!)

It’s also a nice change to read about a bond that neither Christian or Sevyn want, the hate and the longing looks both give one another when no one is looking. The banter and the comebacks that Sevyn did have me chuckling. It’s also nice to see she can look after herself and handle anything that gets thrown at her. A quick mind and super fast reflexes helps her in her work. And I liked the fact Christian is a cop, Sevyn is a killer, so we have that vibe going on too (will he arrest her if she’s caught killing?)

Side characters are a mixture of love and hate for me. Her boss is mixed up with human mafia (those are the kills she’s sent out to do). The vampire leader knows more than he’s letting on too! And the pack she left don’t exactly like her either!

And there is a cliffhanger to contend with also!!

But a really good read. And I’m looking forward to the next book.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

____________

CAPTURED WOLF
Sevyn Rose 2
by Karina Espinosa
Release Date: July 21,2023
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

Amazon.US / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

In the captivating world of supernatural factions, Sevyn Rose emerges from years of obscurity, catching the attention of everyone around her. The key to their relentless pursuit lies in her elusive mother, whose sudden phone call sparks Sevyn’s curiosity to uncover the truth behind her disappearance.

Amidst the ensuing chaos, Sevyn becomes the target of vicious attacks by the witches, only to be repeatedly rescued by an enigmatic figure shrouded in mystery. Although this stranger refuses to reveal his motives, Sevyn finds solace in his unwavering protection, even if his presence borders on stalking.

Complicating matters further, Sevyn’s relationship with Christian, her mate, is strained and hanging by a thread. Together, they must confront a crucial decision: should they preserve or sever their mating bond?

Caught in a perilous tug-of-war between witches, mages, and vampires, Sevyn embarks on a relentless quest to find the answers she desperately seeks. Will she unravel the mysteries surrounding her mother’s disappearance? And, in the ultimate test of resilience, will Sevyn ultimately reunite with her long-lost mother?

••••••

REVIEW:Second book in the Sevyn Rose Series, and I’m totally here to see what happens next….
Book two takes up the story where book one left it….

Sevyn is being chased by a whole crew of people that want her (or is it her mother they really want?)

After saving Christian in the last book, she’s living with the pack for the moment. That’s awkward to say the least! No one really wants her there! And she doesn’t really want to be there either! Too many memories of her mother (and also the warning that if she didn’t come home, she was to leave the pack and find her boss Nicholas) and the unwelcome vibe she seems to be feeling!

Lots going on in this book, lots of stuff I don’t want to tell you about either. (Hate when too much is given away) lots of secrets that Sevyn is slowly uncovering. Plenty about her parents (even though her mother claimed her father died before she was born!) the human mafia still want her to kill Christian and the alpha of the group, but she’s also being targeted by them! The vampire leader is pushing for a kill too! And a rogue alpha is challenging both the alpha and Christian for their pack! And a mysterious stranger that turns up when Sevyn is in need! (See told you there was lots going on ?) oh and throw in a coven of witches!!

Sevyn is still a bada$$ character. I worry sometimes when a second book comes out, the character becomes a weak and clingy female… But she’s still as resourceful as ever, still sharp witted and full of snappy comebacks. Her main priority is still finding clues to her mother’s disappearance, and just when you feel like she’s getting somewhere, someone or something gets in her way!

And the bond between Christian and Sevyn? If she carries on behaving the way she does, then it’s going to snap!!! ? it’s a decision that both Christian and Sevyn really need to think about (and a refreshing change to see not all bonds are instant and forever) so they really want to be together?

And this stranger that appears and disappears is intriguing, who is he? Friend? Or someone with an agenda?

So are we any closer to finding what happened to her mother? Are Christian and Sevyn going make a go of their bond, or just break it and move on? Who is our masked figure, and what does he want?

Cliffhanger that I did not see coming!!!!

And now we wait for book three in this fast paced action filled story. I’m left with more questions. I also liked this one better than the first one.

You definitely need to read book one before picking up book two.

A highly recommended read ??

Copy supplied for review

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

Karina Espinosa is the Urban Fantasy Author of the Mackenzie Grey novels and The Last Valkyrie series. An avid reader throughout her life, the world of Urban Fantasy easily became an obsession that turned into a passion for writing strong leading characters with authentic story arcs. When she isn’t writing badass heroines, you can find this self-proclaimed nomad in her South Florida home binge watching the latest series on Netflix or traveling far and wide for the latest inspiration for her books.

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A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

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A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
Only his memories can save her…

A great primal power has risen. The Queen of Flesh and Fire has become the Primal of Blood and Bone—the true Primal of Life and Death. And the battle Casteel, Poppy, and their allies have been fighting has only just begun. Gods are awakening across Iliseeum and the mortal realm, readying for the war to come.

But when Poppy falls into stasis, Cas faces the very real possibility that the dire, unexpected consequences of what she is becoming could take her away from him. Cas is given some advice, though—something he plans to cling to as he waits to see her beautiful eyes open once more: Talk to her.

And so, he does. He reminds Poppy how their journey began, revealing things about himself that only Kieran knows in the process. But it’s anybody’s guess what she’ll wake to or exactly how much of the realm and Cas will have changed when she does.

 

 

 

Review:

A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the 5th book in her wonderful Blood and Ash series.  Poppy has now become the Primal of Blood and Bone, the true Primal of Life and Death, with the gods beginning to awaken. But A Soul of Ash and Blood is mostly in Cas’s POV, especially when Poppy is now in stasis completing the culling. At the start, both Cas and Kieran knew something was not right with Poppy; Cas and Kieran are told to let her rest, but they were also told there is a possibility she may not remember them., when she wakes. Nextas gives them advice, when watching over her, Cas needs to talk to her, which brings us very much in the past. 

For most of the book, Cas reminds Poppy about their journey to what she has become, and their wonderful love for each other. I did enjoy the retelling from the past, as well as in the present when Kieran and Cas remembered things, while they talked to the sleeping Poppy.  It brought back such wonderful memories, which was fun to read, but also intriguing; as well as learning some new things.

I loved seeing in the past, with Poppy and Hawke. It was great to spend time again with so many of our favorite characters.  Kieran played a big part, especially when he worried about Cas falling for Poppy; I loved how Delano always followed Poppy and was so loyal to her. It was great to see many of the others; Vikter, Tawny, Emil, Naill, just to name a few.   

What follows is an in depth look in Cas’s POV, with so many memories from when Blood and Ash all started. The cliffhanger at the end left us holding our breath, especially with Cas desperately trying to save Poppy, and the final scene.  I know people are saying they can’t wait for the next book, but in February 2024, JLA is releasing the 6th book, Visions of Flesh and Blood: A Blood and Ash/Flesh and Fire Compendium.  My question, when do we get the real book 6?

A Soul of Ash and Blood is a wonderful look into this fabulous series, with us falling in love with Cas and Poppy all over again. There is a cliffhanger, as Poppy’s powers continue to grow to become the Primal of Life and Death.  If you are a fan of high fantasy, you would need to start with the first book, but for all of us who continue to followed JLA, we wait anxiously.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy purchased

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RESONANCE SURGE by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

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RESONANCE SURGE by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
StoneWater bears Pavel and Yakov Stepyrev have been a unit since birth, but now Pavel’s life is veering in a new direction, his heart held in the hands of Arwen Mercant, a Psy empath—and the only man who has ever brought Pavel to his knees.

This is it. A point of irrevocable change. For Pavel . . . for Arwen . . . for Yakov . . . and for another pair of twins whose bond has a far darker history.

A low-gradient Psy, Theodora Marshall is considered worthless by everyone but her violently powerful twin, Pax. She is the sole person he trusts in their venomous family to investigate a hidden and terrible part of their family history—an unregistered rehabilitation center established by their grandfather.

Places of unimaginable pain designed to psychically wipe minds, leaving the victims shells of their former selves, the Centers are an ugly vestige of the Psy race’s Silent past. But this Center was worse. Far, far worse. And now Theo must uncover the awful truth—in the company of a scowling bear named Yakov who isn’t about to take a Marshall at face value . . . especially a Marshall who has turned his dreams into chilling nightmares.

Because Yakov is the great-grandson of a foreseer . . . and he has seen Theo die in an unstoppable surge of blood. Night after night after night . .

 

 

 

Review:

Resonance Surge by Nalini Singh is the 7th book in her Psy-Changeling Trinity series. As I have noted many times, Nalini Singh continues to be one of my musts read go to authors, always loving her Pys-Changeling and Guild Hunter series.  She never fails to give us fantastic stories, great couples and fabulous secondary characters; not to mention her amazing ability to make sure her continued world building is totally flawless.

We meet Theodora (Theo) Marshall, our heroine, who has been tortured as a young child, by her grandfather, who was evil; since she was considered a low- gradient Psy.  Theo has a twin brother, Pax, who with the current death of Marshall Hyde (the grandfather who separated them), assumes control of the Marshall family.  Many years had passed when Pax and Theo were separated, but now that Pax is in charge, he only trusts his twin, who is assigned to check out an unregistered rehabilitation center that their grandfather controlled, and work with the Stonewater clan to discover who is still controlling the center.

Yakov Stepyrev, our hero, has had nightmares since he was young, and now recently the nightmares have come back.  Yakov (Yasha) has been assigned by Valentin (Stonewater leader), to meet Theo Marshall, and work with her to find the answers of who is killing innocent people, as well as who is controlling the center, that was created by the deceased Marshall Hyde.  When Yasha meets Theo, he is shocked to see that she is the woman in his nightmares, and his inner bear knows she is their mate. Yasha is determined to protect Theo, as well as prove to her that she is not a monster (since her grandfather did horrible things).

Yasha and Theo arrive at the center compound, searching for clues as who is behind the what is still happening at the center.  Theo cannot remember much of what the experiments her grandfather did to her, and when she sees the site, she has a panic attack, which brings forth rages in her body.  Yasha finds a way to help her out of the attack, and in a short time, as they are always together, the attraction between is very strong; Theo begins to trust Yasha, especially since their chemistry and bond were amazing..

Pavel (Yakov’s twin ) and Arwen Mercant have been together over a few books, and their relationship has made them a great couple.  Arwen, being an E psy and the heart of the Mercant family, plays a big part in helping Theo overcome her panic attacks and open her heart to Yasha. I really like Pavel and Arwen together.  Pax, Theo’s twin, is slowly feeling his life ending soon, due to the Scarab Syndrome; which I hope will resolve in the next book.

What follows is an exciting, suspenseful, intriguing and action-packed story, with me unable to put the book down. Resonance Surge was an emotional love story between Yasha and Theo, who was damaged, with a bond that will bring them totally together. The romance between them was wonderful and I love how the Stonewater bears accepted Theo into their clan. I really enjoyed Yakov and Theo’s story.  I also loved seeing many of our previous heroes, such as, Valentine, Silver, Kaleb, Ena, Pavel, Arden, and the rest of the Stonewater Bears.  

Nalini Singh once again gives us another wonderful story in Resonance Surge, which was so very well written by Nalini Singh, which has always been the norm. She never fails to captivate me with her engaging creative stories, fantastic plots, and seamless world building; wonderful couples in each and every story; super secondary characters and fantastic world-building.   I loved every moment of Resonance Surge.  As I have noted many times, if you have not read Nalini Singh, you are missing a gem of an author.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Nalini Singh’s publisher is offering a hard copy of RESONANCE SURGE   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 July 17 – 21, 2023

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Omegas of Chaingate by Crea Reitan-review tour

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Omegas of Chaingate (Knotty & Sweet Omegaverse) by Crea Reitan-review tour

OMEGAS OF CHAINGATE
Knotty & Sweet Omegaverse 3
by Crea Reitain
Genre: adult, erotic, paranormal, LGBTQ+

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 6, 2023

Possessions. Toys. Breeders.

That’s how omegas and betas are kept in the city of Chaingate. Alphas rule the city, owning the other designations as if they were play things instead of people. Alphas are raised cruel, bloodthirsty, and harsh.

Alpha Nicolai tried to be like the others. He was accepted into one of the biggest alpha packs, one that owned twelve omegas. The alpha pack that ran the city. But try as he may, Nicolai couldn’t bring himself to possess an omega or mistreat a beta.

Having reached his limit trying to live up to the expectations placed on him, Nicolai ran in the middle of the night, taking two omegas with him – the omega that claims his heart and the one his omega loves. He knows that it’ll be a life on the road for them but he vowed to keep them safe. To fight for their freedom. It wasn’t long before they saw that the rest of the world wasn’t like Chaingate. And neither were other alphas.

But that doesn’t mean they’ve seen the last of the city they fled. Betas may disappear from Chaingate from time to time, but no one was going to look the other way when two omegas vanish in the night.

•••••

REVIEW:Ok, the first thing I’ve got to say is that, this is a hard hitting book. Trigger warnings for the first part of the book. This has to be one of the authors books that I’m glad I read the warnings.

But it’s also my second favourite book she’s written. Although I didn’t really connect with the three main characters!

An alpha who runs off with two omegas…..

Alpha Nicolai loves Ayri (who is an omega) but has had enough of the way he’s treated in the pack (chaingate treat their beta/omegas like property) he’s uncomfortable with the treatment of the omegas, so he’s had enough, he wants to leave with Ayri, but he knows that his omega has feelings for another omega Paradise, so he has to run away with both! It’s going to be risky, if caught it will be the omegas that will get punished!

It’s not necessary to read the previous books, it’s stands on its own without any problems.

I really liked how the suspense was kept up. They thought they would be discovered and returned at any moment…. I enjoyed how slowly Ayri and Paradise began to relax and trust (Paradise took longer) Nicolai.

And when they meet Leith, Briar and Sutton, it’s almost love at first sight for the trio. They see how damaged Nicolai, Ayri and Paradise are (Nicolai had been emotionally damaged whereas Ayri and Paradise had been emotionally and physically damaged!) so it’s a slow process to get them to trust Leith/Briar and Sutton, but these alphas are nothing but kind, gentle and persistent.

Does Nicolai’s old pack come looking for them? You’ll have to read and and find out ?

It does end on a HFN (happy for now) for this new pack, it’s going to take time for Ayri and Paradise to truly feel safe and loved.

If you like your books dark and a tad uncomfortable, then give this book a go. It’s really well written, and will take you on a journey that’s going to need tissues.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Alpha Hunted
Knot Interested

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie ?

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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The Satyr’s Guilt ( Blood Coven 3) by TM Smith-review

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The Satyr’s Guilt ( Blood Coven 3) by TM Smith-review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 7, 2023

Denim Quinn is scarred…
She’s human, ex-military, ex-police, and now an ex-Alliance agent who has a bad history with men, most notably an abusive ex-husband whose brutal blows left her marked by visible and invisible scars. She’s not in the market for another man.

Ramirez is weighed down by guilt…
The satyr Firebrand warrior from Scath with spectacular looks, a bigger-than-life ego, and uber sex appeal is not in the market for a human female. His past taught him they’re fragile.

But when they meet…
Sparks fly and the action heats up. Ram and Denim partner to square off against Humans First, a paramilitary group bent on exposing the other realm’s Aeternals to the American army. If he survives being their target, maybe they can put their pasts to rest.

••••

REVIEW:THE SATYR’S GUILT is the third instalment in TM Smith’s contemporary, adult THE BLOOD COVEN erotic, paranormal/fantasy series. This is human, ex-military, ex-police, and now an ex-Alliance agent Denim Quinn, and satyr Firebrand Ramirez aka Ram’s story line. THE SATYR’S GUILT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

WARNING: 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 third person perspective, following several paths, and a recitation of journal entries, THE SATYR’S GUILT follows in the wake of a new designer drug on the streets, a drug that is making its’ user stronger, faster and seemingly immortal but as the Firebrands continue their search for the descendants of the original members of the Blood Coven, Denim Quinn will find herself pulled into Scath, where her attraction to the satyr Firebrand Ram will manifest her powers as one of the descendants of the original Coven. All is not well during the Mardi Gras celebrations in NOLA, as the paramilitary group Humans First hunt those with supernatural powers, and Arisen Dawn begin to amass an army of humans addicted to the new designer drug. As Denim and Ram’s relationship crosses over to something more, the Firebrands find themselves at a disadvantage when one of their own is struggling to survive.

The relationship between Ram and Denim is one of palpable sexual attraction but like all of the Firebrand males, Ram is an alpha, and fears for the life of the woman with whom he is falling in love. Denim is an experienced solider, a former police officer and Alliance agent, and as such, struggles with Ram’s need to protect our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are erotic, passionate and intense.

The world building continues to be complex and detailed as the Firebrands proceed with their search for the Blood Coven descendants but the Firebrands are not the only group looking for anyone with Blood Coven Lineage as someone else is hoping to cross the thresholds between Scath and Earth.The back story about the creation of the three worlds is revealed through the reading of historical journals, journals that begin to take on a life of their own.

THE SATYR’S GUILT is a slow building, comprehensive and character driven story line of discrimination and speciesism; power and control, vengeance and determination, acceptance and love. The secondary and supporting characters are numerous, powerful, magical and dynamic-the author includes an index of characters, names, species and positions as well as terms and places at the beginning of the story. The premise is detailed, action packed and intriguing; the romance is fated and provocative.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Firebrand
The Demon’s Fire

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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Facet (RBMC: Ankeny IA 8) by Kristine Allen-review tour

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 ☠️ FACET (RBMC: Ankeny IA 8) by Kristine Allen ☠️

 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 30, 2023

I’m Damien “Facet” Blackwood—tech guru for the Ankeny RBMC. Love is bullsh*t. My mother and her two thousand husbands were enough to convince me. Give me my computers any day of the week.
Until Willow. Victim of a black market adoption, she wanted our help to find her biological parents. From the second I laid eyes on her, I wanted her, but I couldn’t touch her. It would only lead to heartache.
Then one night I killed a man and my entire world turned upside down. I wasn’t who I thought I was—hell, I wasn’t what I thought I was—and it seemed the people who should’ve protected me only used me.
In a moment of weakness, Willow pushed me too far and I made her mine. Now despite being the biggest danger to her, I can’t let her go.
With secrets and enemies pouring out of the woodwork, I might need to embrace the very darkest part of myself. Because if I don’t, none of us may survive.‘

••••••••

REVIEW: FACET is the eighth instalment in Kristine Allen’s contemporary, adult RBMC: ANKENY IA dark, erotic, paranormal, MC romance series. This is computer guru twenty-eight year old, Damien ‘Facet’ Blackwood, and twenty-five year old waitress, Willow Geisman’s story line. FACET 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 storyline premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Facet and Willow) FACET follows the building relationship between Damien ‘Facet’ Blackwood and Willow Geisman. For months Willow and Facet have danced around one another but Facet kept his distance until someone else made a move on our story line heroine. From the outset Facet’s attraction grew stronger with every interaction, and when their relationship became personal, Facet was unable to stay away but something strange was happening, and Facet needed information, information that only his mother would be able to supply. Facet always knew his mother was a witch but our hero never knew the extent of her powers, and the powers that he was about to discover about himself and the father he never knew. Meanwhile, Willow has been searching for years for her biological parents but she knew nothing about the years before she was adopted by the Geisman family. Months and years without success, Willow would get help from an unlikely source, and quickly discover that like Facet, everything about her life is predicated upon a lie. What ensues is the building relationship between Facet and Willow, and the potential fall-out as Facet and Willow’s lives are about to implode.

Damien Blackwood grew up knowing his mother was different, and by husband number eight, Damien suspected nothing was right in the world his mother existed but meeting his biological father, a man he was lead to believe was dead, Damien ‘Facet’ Blackwood would realize he is much more than the man he thought he could be. His true nature hidden by magic, Facet would quickly discover that even his power would be too much to save the life of the woman he loved. Willow Geisman knew from an early age she was adopted but she knew nothing about the family into which she was born but as she grew, the threats and lies would kill the only mother she ever knew, forcing Willow to run, to save her own life.

The relationship between Damien and Willow is one of immediate attraction but Damien aka Facet refused to act on his attraction.Something about Willow drew Damien like a moth to a flame, a power that would manifest as a killer when Willow’s life was threatened. As their relationship grew, so too, did the threats against the people they loved. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting characters including several members of the RBMC, as well as witches, demons, Demi-demons, succubus and healers.

FACET is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, magic and murder, family, relationships, friendships and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing, captivating and engaging; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are determined, dangerous and magical.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book seven SABRE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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Kristine Allen lives in beautiful Central Texas with her adoring husband. They have four brilliant, wacky and wonderful children. She is surrounded by twenty six acres, where her seven horses, six dogs and three cats run the place. Kristine realized her dream of becoming a contemporary romance author after years of reading books like they were going out of style and having her own stories running rampant through her head. She works as a nurse, but in stolen moments, taps out ideas and storylines until they culminate in characters and plots that pull her readers in and keep them entranced for hours.

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Three Shades by JD Grubb-a review

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Three Shades by JD Grubb-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 2, 2023

We venture forth, adding color to this mysterious, ever-changing world.

A Sky Rider, a sage, and a spirit-forced together, they must find a way to navigate barriers of language, race, and time. Each needs the other to succeed, yet each has a distinct reason for doing so.

•••••••

REVIEW: I’ll be perfectly honest, I didn’t have a clue as to what I was going to be reading. The blurb wasn’t helpful, and the cover wasn’t exactly eye catching. But after reading the first page, I realised I wouldn’t be putting this book down until the last page.

Ashe/Raez/Thian all have their own stories and they do converge and mingle, it gets clearer the further you get into the book. You’d think it would be repetitive reading three points of view of the same thing….. But funnily enough it wasn’t, each point of view added another layer to the story.

Ashe is our fearless sky rider, and my favourite character. She speakers her mind and isn’t afraid to leap into the unknown. After being asked by her lover to stay and be his emissary (which she wasn’t keen on doing) Ashe is ready for an adventure, to see more of the world, and she definitely gets that…..

It’s a beautifully written book, I don’t want to give too much away, I’d advise you to go in blind (don’t read the reviews) I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
And at 336 pages long, it feels like a short read, probably because I read it in a day ? but it packs plenty of action and adventure, a little romance, and a couple of moments that will make you think ?

How the three meet and move on with their lives after connecting, had me smiling…. It was like ships that pass in the night, but the passing left a profound mark on all three of the characters….

The ending does leave you wondering if there would be a second book. ?

I really liked it and would be happy to read more, or this one again and again ?

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 

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