Tag Archives: Paranormal

Harbored in Silence (Aspen Pack 4) by Carrie Ann Ryan-review tour

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Harbored in Silence (Aspen Pack 4) by Carrie Ann Ryan-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 22, 2023

A witch on the run who could save the world–or destroy it with one touch

I am who they fear.

The Harvester Death Witch.

The one who holds the power of their fate in my hands.

Or at least…that’s what they whisper.

The coven has fallen. The vampires are circling our den. And if we don’t find new allies, our Pack won’t be able to fight much longer.

On my Alpha’s orders, I must find others who hide beneath the shadows for not only our protection, but theirs as well.

Only I’m not alone on my mission.

I brought Cruz back from death once before, and though I know the goddess forbids it, I’d do it again.

Because he’s my mate.

And my ending.

••••••

REVIEW: Harbored In Silence is the fourth installment in the Aspen Pack series, by Carrie Ann Ryan. Like always, I recommend reading the series in order to get the most out of it. For readers that know a little backstory, Cruz and Dara’s book is here and it is everything and more than what you are hoping for.

Dara is the Harvester Death Witch. Cruz, the heir to the Aspen Pack. These two have some things happen in the previous books in the series, so when I finally got my hands on their story I was thrilled. Dara saved Cruz’s life, bringing him back from the dead, now we get the full story of that choice and them becoming mates. As always, C.A.R story’s are one of my most anticipated reads, her books always pull at the heartstrings, and Harbored holds true as well.

Dara is dying, before her death all she wants to do is save her pack, and set Cruz free of the bond that formed when she saved his life. Cruz on the other hand is ordered to keep her safe, with this task they both must fight the mating bond they are feeling. The longer they stay together, however, the stronger their feelings for one another get. Can the two find a future together? Can they save Dara from dying?

C.A.R knows how to write a good paranormal romance, that’s for sure. Cruz is grumpy, and loyal, and no matter who or what Dara is, he can’t help but want her. Dara is a strong woman with a vulnerable heart, she wants to save her pack more than anything else, but with Cruz, their connection sparks to life a passion for a life she knows she can never have. This was a heartwarming story of love, struggle and tragedy. If you are looking for a good paranormal romance, look no further than the Aspen Pack.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Etched in Honor
Hunted in Darkness
Mated in Chaos

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

 

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Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Fractured Connections, and Elements of Five series, which have sold over 3.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.

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Unsolicited /Equipoise by Crea Reitan -review tour

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Unsolicited /Equipoise (Brothers of Eschat 1) by Crea Reitan -review tour

UNSOLICITED
Brothers of Eschat 1
by Crea Reitan
Genre: adult, polyamorous, paranormal, romance
Release Date: September 15, 2022

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ABOUT THE BOOK: It starts with an unsolicited d!ck pic that led me to the @rgy where I met five glorious men for a night of my life. Don’t worry, this doesn’t result in an accidental pregnancy. It’s a whole lot weirder than that.

By the next afternoon, I found some odd marks on my body. They’re very obviously not bruises. It starts with a red line spiraling around my left ankle that kinda looks like a snake. And then a gray-blue star on my hip. By the time the fourth mark shows up, I realize that each one is where one of them men had held me while we… you know.

I’m starting to feel like a freak show as they continue to cover my body as visible reminders of my salacious night. Now, I’m doing the unthinkable – tracking down my one night stand (all six of them) to figure out what the f*ck is going on.

All I can say is I’m not prepared for the world I’ve been marked into. But at least the men are hot and hung.

This is a polyamorous story with content not suitable for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

••••••

REVIEW:  Could you imagine that a d!ck pic sent to you by mistake, could result in a night of passion/tattoos and more ? than you should shake a stick at? No? Well that’s what happened too Lux…..

Lux is a photographer, she loves nothing more than capturing beauty in all its glory. So when a group of d!ck pics come her way, curiosity and appreciation for the male form has her conversing with total strangers (I do love the text parts of the book, did make me chuckle) and then an invitation to a party to meet up has Lux in a quandary, does she stay at home, or have a night to remember?

Let’s just say, there is a lot of spicy moments, and some may say maybe too much?! If it’s not your thing, then either skip over or don’t bother grabbing the book. It didn’t bother me, it became part of the story. In parts it did get a little monotonous, but it’s all part of this book.

I did enjoy the interactions between Lux and the men she was with when they weren’t all going at it ?

I also enjoyed trying to work out the dynamics within the “brotherhood”, don’t panic, they aren’t blood related, they just refer to themselves as brothers. And the tattoos I hear you ask, well, after her spending the night with them all, mysterious shapes begin to appear on Lux’s body! And she’s not happy, not happy at all! She goes in search of Sunny/Apo/Sham/Rage/Atar/Gedd and Doom to enquire what the hell the markings are about….

But they are nowhere to be found! And a search is in order for Lux to have her questions answered.

There are a few twists that I sort of saw coming. There were also a few twists I didn’t see until I got slapped with them. There are definitely questions left unanswered. There is also m/m in this book (it’s not all about Lux ?) I liked that Lux seemed more mature in age than usual FMC, I also liked her no nonsense attitude, her confidence and her brain (she didn’t become a doormat after being with the guys)

Sunny/Apo/Sham/Rage/Atar/Gedd and Doom are all great monsters/men, this is end of days (and as the author tells you in the front of the book, she created this world, her word is law) each has his own personality, i’d personally like to have seen a little more development. Apparently this was suppose to be a one off book, but I’ve seen that there is now a second book. ??‍♀️

I can see why we needed possibly a second book, as there was a few questions that needed answers, but to be honest I think the author could have left it at book one (my opinion)

Do they all have a happy ending? Well to find out you’ll have to read the book.

? Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

___________

EQUIPOISE
Brothers of Eschat 2
by Crea Reitan
Genre: adult, polyamorous, paranormal, romance
Release Date: May 4, 2023

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ABOUT THE BOOK:  Fight or f*ck. That’s how the Eschats live.

What started with unsolicited d!ck pics that led to an @rgy has resulted in the end of the world. While I’m happy in my new life with the seven Brothers of Eschat, living in their underground world of Manaalanian, there are questions left unanswered. Questions that require a lot of d!ck-in time to contemplate, make plans, and decide to put forth an effort to solve.
But we don’t actually find the person responsible for setting the end in motion. He finds us. And he needs our help to set the world right because now there’s something else interfering in his endeavor to rebuild civilization by unaliving everything that is left.

I said it before and I’ll say it again; at least the men in this weird world are hot and hung. There are worse ways to spend my days. Like running from things that are set on killing me while my men fight for their very existence.
This is a polyamorous story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

•••••

REVIEW:Book two has us almost where book one left us. I’d recommend reading book one first, but that’s just me. (But this book will make more sense if you read book one)

And without giving too much away from book one….

Lux is still with her hot posse, they are discovering that “end of days” is still going to happen! And they are all linked to the end of days prophecy! They are still trying to correct the damage Kulki created! But there is also something else in the dark that’s trying to bring on the end of days….. and it’s harder to pin down….

Lux is still a strong character, but in parts she does become a little whiny! She also stops questioning things and lets her “guys” deal with issues! And I’ve also got issues with Sunny/Apo/Sham/Rage/Atar/Doom and Gedd, they’ve gone from wanting to save the world to almost “meh” ? whatever!!

Kulki has a few chapters to have his say in the book, and also a few chapters dedicated to “nothing” (this is a character that interests me immensely) who are these characters? well in order to find out, you’ll need to read the books ? #sorrynotsorry

Still plenty of smut and spice, still lots of m/m, m/f/m, in fact throw those two letters in any direction and there they are ? all still at it.

I did get the feeling that the author didn’t really want to write this book, don’t get me wrong, the descriptions are spot on, continuity is dead on. It just felt a little half hearted.

I love this authors work, I’ve read most of it, but I have to admit, this isn’t my favourite couple of books!

? 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:

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Loving the Wolf by Paige Tyler – a Review

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Loving the Wolf by Paige Tyler – a Review

 

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Description:
When you find your fated mate, don’t let go, no matter what… The problem with Jenna Malone is that she’s SWAT werewolf Trevor McCall’s best buddy’s sister. Trevor suspects she’s The One, but how the heck can he make a move? When Jenna invites Trevor to visit her in Los Angeles, he figures he can withstand the temptation. But what’s hiding in LA is much more dangerous and complicated than any of the SWAT team could have guessed, and Jenna’s right in the middle of it…

 

 

Review:

Loving the Wolf by Paige Tyler is the 14th book in her fantastic SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team series. I have been a big fan of Paige Tyler’s books, as she always gives us wonderful, paranormal romance suspense stories, that are exciting, pulse pounding action filled, as well as great couples and hot alpha men (werewolves) that are part of the SWAT team.

Jenna Malone, our heroine, has returned home from visiting her brother, Connor (last book hero); and after trying to convince him that he needs to help find their missing sister, Hannah (kidnapped 10 years ago). Connor has always thought Jenna was hallucinating, with her seeing Hannah being taken by a creature, and she angrily leaves to go back to LA.

While in Dallas, she met Trevor McCall, another member of the SWAT team, and they spent time together, enjoying their company. Jenna invites Trevor to visit her in LA, and he makes plans to take a vacation, as he begins to feel she is the ‘One’.
Jenna takes Trevor around LA, and while sightseeing, they hear a scream, with both running to help save the woman being dragged by a creature. Trevor has never seen this type of creature, but manages to save the woman. He later learns from Jenna that the creature is the one who kidnapped Hannah all those years ago. Trevor calls Hale to get some backups to help discover about the creatures, and to tell Gage, not to bring Connor. That didn’t work out, as Hale, Mike and Connor are send to help. Connor is upset, as he is angry that Trevor is around his sister; despite Jenna saying Trevor is staying at her place.

Throughout, there were fights between Trevor and Connor (he was really annoying), but Trevor knew Jenna was his soulmate.
The mystery behind Hannah’s disappearance, was an enthralling non-stop action filled adventure. The SWAT members go underground to battle the creatures (Ghouls), and try to rescue the people kidnapped, as well as find Hannah. When Hannah is seen, Connor realizes the error of his ways, knowing Jenna was right, and he did nothing to try and find Hannah. The team will work with Hannah to help rescue others, as she worked with a group of Ghouls, who want peace and stop the others.

What follows is a suspenseful, exciting, intriguing, action filled mystery, that kept me unable to put the book down. I loved Jenna and Trevor, as they made a great couple; especially when they both know that they are soulmates. I also loved the pack members who were there, Madeline, Jenna’s friend, and other great secondary characters.

Loving the Wolf was a fantastic addition to this wonderful series, as well as very well written by Paige Tyler.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Heart Stings by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Heart Stings (Elemental Assassin 19.5) by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

 

 

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Description:
Heart stings can be the most dangerous wounds of all . . .

Lorelei Parker has had plenty of “heart stings” in her life—moments that are both happy and sad. With her grandmother’s recent marriage, Lorelei has had far more good times than bad lately.

That all changes when a ruthless Ashland underworld boss starts threatening her, but Lorelei is determined to figure out why the other crime boss is so interested in her thriving business. She vows to use her elemental Ice and metal magic to do whatever it takes to defend herself and her family.

Also in the mix is the mercurial Hugh Tucker. Lorelei doesn’t know what the vampire is up to, or if he’s a friend or an enemy. Tucker might even be something else, something more—if Lorelei can stay alive long enough to figure out whose side he’s really on . . .

Note: Heart Stings is a 38,000-word novella from the point of view of Lorelei Parker. It takes place after the events of Last Strand, book 19 in the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series.

 

 

Barb’s Review:
Heart Stings by Jennifer Estep is a novella (19.5 book) from her wonderful Elemental Assassin series.  This novella takes place after Last Strand (finale), and is focused on Lorelei Parker. Lorelei has become friends with Gin and her gang, and with Gin away on vacation, she helps her grandmother plan a wedding, since the last one was destroyed by an attack (Last Strand).

Lorelei is being threatened by the underworld boss, Clyde, who wants to buy her shipping business, and she keeps refusing.  She knows he will attempt to force her to accept, but Lorelei is ready to defend herself and her grandmother, with her elemental ice and metal magic ability. At a restaurant, having dinner with her family, Hugh Tucker stops over to say hello.  The attraction between the two of them sizzles, but both do not trust each other.  Lorelei overhears Tucker accepting a job working for Clyde, and is concerned if he is an enemy to her, or he has other plans. When she and Tucker end up in the same room, the both succumb to their feelings.

At the party, Lorelei is kidnapped by the underworld boss, and she learns the real reason for his wanting her shipping business. Clyde plans to find what he is looking for; he also plans to kill her; as well as kill Tucker. But Lorelei doesn’t worry, as she uses her elemental ice magic to stop Clyde, saving herself and Tucker, who also joins in to help defeat Clyde and his giants.

What follows is an exciting, romantic and wonderful story! I loved seeing Lorelei and Tucker together, as they were very steamy. Since this was a novella, it was nice to spend time with Lorelei, and see how she uses her powers to protect others.  Though I was not a big fan of Tucker in this series, he turned out very good in this story.

Heart Stings was very well written by Jennifer Estep, which was a fun short story, and I loved every minute.  Lorelei was a great heroine in this book. I hope sometime in the future, we get to see the heroes of Elemental Assassin, such as Gin, Finn, Owen, Bria, Silvo, Sophia, Jo Jo, along with Lorelei and Tucker. If you have not read the Elemental Assassin series, it is time for you to start now.

 

Sandy’s Review:

HEART STINGS is instalment 19.5 and novella in Jennifer Estep’s contemporary, adult ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN paranormal/urban fantasy series. This is business woman, ice and metal elemental Lorelei Parker, and vampire Hugh Tucker’s story line. HEART STINGS can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading LAST STRAND for back story and cohesion. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. HEART STINGS takes places approximately one month after the events of book 19-LAST STRAND, and the disastrous wedding reception of Lorelei’s grandmother Mallory Parker and her new husband Stuart Mosley.

NOTE: Heart Stings first appeared in the Dirty Deeds 2 anthology in 2022.

Told from first person perspective (Lorelei Parker) HEART STINGS follows Lorelei, a one time smuggler turned shipyard owner who is struggling with the likes of crime boss Clyde O’Neal. A dead body in her backyard, threats against her life, and vampire Hugh Tucker working for Clyde meant Lorelei Parker was in the direct line of fire, as Clyde O’Neal demanded ownership of Lorelei’s shipping yard but there is something in the shipyard that Clyde desperately wants, and Lorelei is standing in the way of Clyde’s demands.

HEART STINGS is a story of desperation and greed, flirtation and attraction, forgiveness, acceptance and love.The fast paced premise is intriguing and enchanting; the romance is subtle; the $ex scene is passionate; the characters are magical and determined. HEART STINGS is an exciting and interesting addition to the Elemental Assassin series where two previous- secondary characters finds their own happily ever after.

Copies supplied for review

 

 

Jennifer is graciously offering a $10 Amazon Gift card to ONE (1) lucky commenters  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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8. Giveaway open Internationally

9. Giveaway runs from May 8– 11,  2023

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Ruin (Kindred: The Fated 2) by Donna Grant-a review

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RUIN (Kindred: The Fated 2) by Donna Grant -a review

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 2, 2023

Love…against all odds.

Banished by his father and laird, Rory Sutherland does what he swore he’d never do—return to Scotland. But a dangerous threat has risen, and it’s turned its gaze to his beloved home. He risks everything to find the witch who can stop the growing menace. Asa’s power and beauty excites him. Her allure seduces him. She’s his match in every way. And nothing will ever be the same after being touched by her magic.

For Asa, being a witch has been a blessing and a curse. For every good thing in her life, the tragedy that follows has been crushing. She’s rudderless, adrift without a plan. Until a dark, sexy Highlander crosses her path with a dire warning. She’s being hunted by a dark force that intends to use her powerful bloodline. Bound to Rory by their quest and Fate, a passion ignites that consumes them. Against all odds they found each other, but they need to survive the coming war…or be ruined.

••••••••

REVIEW: RUIN is the second instalment in Donna Grant’s adult KINDRED: THE FATED erotic, historical, paranormal / fantasy romance series set in the author’s World of the Kindred. This is Norse witch Asa, and Highlander Rory Sutherland. RUIN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storyline is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Rory and Asa) RUIN follows the building romance and relationship between Norse witch Asa, and Highlander Rory Sutherland. Norse witch Asa left her homeland of Norway seven years earlier in the search for something more, a search that took her to Scotland where she would find a family, a family that The Coven would destroy. Hoping someday to return to Norway to find her younger sister Lissa, Asa would come upon an injured Highlander, sent to warn Asa about an impending war. Viking Hosvir Ivarsson, and a powerful witch hunt for the bones of the first witch, and Asa is a direct descendant of the witch in question. With Rory by her side, and the help of another powerful witch and warlock, Asa would face down the danger, a danger too familiar to our story line heroine. What ensues is the building relationship and quick proclamation of love between Asa and Rory, and the potential fall-out as Rory is severely injured trying to protect the woman he loves.

The relationship between Rory and Asa is predicated on a warning. Asa’s sister Lissa has sent Rory to warn our heroine about the witch and men coming to claim our story line heroine. Rory is determined to protect Asa with his life, a life he is willing to sacrifice for the woman he loves. Asa is a powerful healer, and is gifted with the ability to speak to animals but never expected to fall for the injured Highlander.Something about Rory drew Asa like a moth to a flame, a flame that could easily be doused with the swing of a sword. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters are limited. We are introduced to Armir, Jarin and Helena, Elin (Rage 1), as well as Hosvir Ivarsson, and his witch Dagny. The requisite evil has many faces.

RUIN is a quick read; a fast paced story of betrayal and vengeance, obsession and greed, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is swift and seductive; the characters are powerful and determined.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one RAGE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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

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

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

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

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GRIM AND BEAR IT (Stay a Spell 6) by Juliette Cross-dual review

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GRIM AND BEAR IT (Stay a Spell 6) by Juliette Cross-dual review

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 9, 2023

Not even Death can take her from him.

Clara Savoie is so confused. She is absolutely positive that Henry Blackwater is practically in love with her. But for some strange reason, he won’t even ask her on a single date. Time to take matters into her own hands.

When Clara shows up on his doorstep with an unusual invitation, tempting cupcakes, and naughty innuendo, Henry has no choice but to say yes. Now he’s the newest member of the High Tea Romance Book Club. While Clara learns the haunting secrets of her broody grim, Henry shows her what commitment from a necromancer truly means.

But when his father is arrested for murder, Henry is dragged back into the nightmare he’s been avoiding all his life. When he steps back into his father’s world, he isn’t just endangering himself but also the bright, beautiful woman he can no longer live without. But he just might have to.

••••••

SANDY’S review: GRIM AND BEAR IT is the sixth (and final?) instalment in Juliette Cross’ contemporary, adult STAY A SPELL erotic, paranormal romance series focusing on the Savoie Sisters of New Orleans. This is grim /necromancer Henry Blackwater, and witch Clara Savoie’s story line. GRIM AND BEAR IT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but for back story I recommend reading this series in order as Clara and Henry’s story begins at the beginning of the series

Told from dual first person perspectives (Clara and Henry) GRIM AND BEAR IT follows the building romance and relationship between grim/ necromancer Henry Blackwater, and witch Clara Savoie. From the first time they met Clara knew Henry would be the man to steal her heart but Henry, a quiet and shy introvert, always kept his distance, until the day Clara arrived at his doorstep with cupcakes and an invitation to her weekly book club. The proposal was Henry’s ‘invite’ into Clara’s heart but all was not well in Henry’s past, and his ‘grim’ was paying the price for the sins of the father. When Henry’s father is arrested for the murder of his girlfriend, Henry must use his abilities to uncover the truth. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Henry and Clara, and the potential fall-out as our couple are targeted when Henry gets too close to the truth.

Henry Blackwater prefers to keep to himself in the aftermath of a betrayal by his own father. As a young grim Henry was forced to face the dangers beyond the vale, a danger that changed Henry into something else. Clara has been attracted to Henry from the first day that they met but Henry appeared unaffected by every attempt by Clara at seduction and flirting.

The relationship between Clara and Henry is a friends to lovers in which Clara is the first to make a move on the man with whom she is falling in love but as Henry reveals the secrets from his past, Clara refocuses her heart on the man and their future. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters most of whom we have met in the previous instalments including all of Clara’s sisters and their significant others: Evie and Mateo (Wolf Gone Wild #1), Devraj and Isadora (Don’t Hex and Drive #2), Nico and Violet (Witches Get Stitches 3), Gareth and Livvy (Always Practice Safe Hex 4), Jules and Ruben (Resting Witch Face 5), their mother Serena, as well as their growing families; Henry’s young brother Sean, their father Silas Blackwater, human bartenders JJ and Charlie; wolf shifter from the Blood Moon Pack Alpha Shane. I am hoping the author has plans for a series focusing on the wolves or a second generation series following the numerous children of the Savoie Sisters-plenty of baby fever for everyone.

GRIM AND BEAR IT is a story of betrayal and vengeance, jealousy and obsession, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is captivating and enchanting; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are magical and mystical.

 

BARB’s Review:
Grim and Bear It by Juliette Cross is the 6th book in her wonderful Stay A Spell series. I am a big fan of Juliette Cross, having read all of her books, and I have loved them all.  She is an amazing author, who gives us fantastic stories, as well as wonderful characters; totally enthralling us in each and every book. Needless to say, I loved loved Grim and Bear It.  I am sad that this is the finale of the Stay A Spell series, and our wonderful Savoie family.

Grim and Bear It centers on Clara and Henry, who we have been waiting for their story.  Clara Savois has always been attracted to Henry Blackwater, and knows he also has feelings for her. We have watched over the last few books how they keep circling around themselves, with most of the family knowing they were meant for each other.  Clara decides to take matters in her own hands, going to Henry’s house and bringing cupcakes; and she convinces him to join her High Tea Romance Book Club (he loves books). In a short time, Clara professes her feelings to Henry, and he finally expressed how much he loved her.  It was so sweet to see how much love Clara and Henry had for each other; she was his ray of sunshine, and he was so romantic to her.  I did get a kick out of the family seeing them finally together. 

Henry had a number of issues, being a grim, but Clara was always there for him, using her Aura, and lighting his darkness.  When Henry’s father is arrested, Henry must put aside the distance between them over the years, and find a way to prove his innocence.  He must use his grim abilities to enter a portal for the dead, bringing back nightmares from when he was a child; Clara will be instrumental in helping Henry.

What follows is an exciting, romantic and steamy story that had me unable to put the book down, which is no surprise, as I am always hooked on Juliette’s books. To say too much more would be spoilers.  I loved spending time with all our previous heroines and heroes, who all played a large part of this book. Jules showed up later, and it was so heartwarming to see all the Savoie sisters, how they support and love each other.   The epilogue was fantastic.

Grim and Bear It was so well written by Juliette Cross; as it was another fantastic story in this wonderful series. This was a great series that was a joy to read throughout, with so much love, wonderful sisters and their mates, fun, sexy, heartwarming and a perfect end to the series.  If you enjoy a paranormal romance, exciting, action, witches, family, great secondary characters, and sexy, you should have been reading this entire series.

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Wolf Gone Wild
Don’t Hex and Drive
Witches Get Stitches
Walking in a Witchy Wonderland 3.5
Always Practice Safe Hex
Resting Witch Face

Copies supplied for review

________

 

 

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

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

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

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Ghostly Game (GhostWalkers #19) by Christine Feehan-Review & Giveaway

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Ghostly Game (GhostWalkers #19) by Christine Feehan-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 2, 2023

Gideon “Eagle” Carpenter is used to rolling with the punches life has thrown at him. It’s the only thing that’s kept him alive. He and his team of GhostWalkers have seen and experienced it all. He does his best to live with all the sins written on his soul. Then he hears the laughter of a woman with the ability to erase—even for a few precious moments—the darkness of his past.

Laurel “Rory” Chappel has always been a nomad. She’s accustomed to taking care of herself, despite the physical challenges she lives with. She thinks she’s too weak to find real love, but that doesn’t stop her interest in Gideon from turning into a full-on addiction. He’s all rough edges and danger contrasted with a tenderness that makes her feel safe. Still, after a life spent in motion, she’s not sure she knows how to stay in one place.

Gideon hopes he can persuade Rory to take a chance on him with every electric touch. But soon, life conspires against him, forcing the GhostWalker to risk everything to protect the woman he loves….

••••••

REVIEW:GHOSTLY GAME is the nineteenth instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult GHOSTWALKERS erotic, paranormal romance series focusing on an elite group (4 teams) of enhanced men and women known as the GhostWalkers (GW). These ‘super soldiers’ were once part of an unauthorized government experiment performed by Dr. Peter Whitney. The original GhostWalkers struggled without a female anchor, a female whose genetic and enhanced powers were often in tandem with the men involved. This is GhostWalkers Gideon ‘Eagle’’ Carpenter, and bartender Laurel ‘Rory’ Chappel’s story line. GHOSTLY GAME can be read as a stand alone but for back story I recommend reading the series in order, or at the very least book one SHADOW GAME where the reader is introduced to the world of the GhostWalker.

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

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Gideon and Rory) GHOSTLY GAME follows with Gideon’s discovery of the woman he believes is his fated mate. Laurel ‘Rory’ Chappel rarely stays in one place or city for very long but has found a home and friendship in San Francisco. A series of break ins and murders in her apartment building finds our heroine the target of police, police she begins to suspect are on the wrong side of the law. Meanwhile, several mysterious and dangerous men begin to follow our heroine from work to home, where she will come face to face with her future in the guise of GhostWalker Gideon Carpenter. What ensues is the building but trepidatious relationship between Gideon and Rory, and the fall-out as Rory’s issues of trust implode when secrets and lies push her out of Gideon’s life.

Rory Chappel has no idea she is a GhostWalker: a part of Peter Whitney’s orphaned girl experiments, experiments of which have left Rory with no memory of her early life, or the torture and pain that had been inflicted as a child but the more time she spends with Gideon, using their telepathic abilities, Rory’s memories and powers begin to tear at the fabric of her mind, a tear that can only be healed by a psychic physician.

Gideon Carpenter has not been forthcoming about who he is, and what he can do but it is his team of GhostWalkers that threatens his growing relationship with our story line heroine. Mack McKinley, Gideon’s team leader, suspects Rory is the enemy, sent by Dr. Peter Whitney, and as such has the entire team looking at Rory as an assassin, biding her time to destroy them all. As Rory continues to struggle with issues of trust, she begins to pull away, suspecting she has more than one target aiming to take her down. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters from GhostWalkers Team Three headed by Mack McKinley and his wife Jaime: Javier Enderman, Kane Cannon, Paul Mangan, Rhianna Bonds, Ethan Meyers, Lucas Atherton, Marc Lands, and Brian Hutton but saying that we are not witness to their powers or their strengths with the exception of Paul Mangan. We are introduced to Rory’s friends and neighbors: Lydia Sawyer, Janice DeWitt, Pam Williams, Cindy Atler and Sally Hudson, and Rory’s boss Brad Fitzpatrick, and Detective Warren Larrsen. The requisite evil has many faces.

The world building continues to focus on Dr. Peter Whitney and his experiments that have created a super solider, as well as the abuse of a number of little girls under his ‘care’ but use of these powers amongst Team Three is limited throughout the story except in the case of Gideon and Paul. I have to question why the Team would text information to one another when each of them has the ability to talk telepathically between minds.

GHOSTLY GAME is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, abuse, torture and brutality, acceptance and love. The premise is detailed and intriguing; the romance is subtle; the characters are powerful, determined and strong.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpted from Ghostly Game by Christine Feehan Copyright © 2023 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

 

“I’m not getting the GhostWalker vibe off her,” Gideon said, his eyes on the woman talking to one of her many male customers.
It didn’t matter that her hair was piled on her head in a sloppy knot that was falling out tendril by wayward tendril; it was obvious she had masses of hair, and it was dark cherry red. The real deal. Cherry red. He’d never seen that color of hair on anyone before. Every time she moved under a light, it blazed into vibrant life. It was difficult to keep his eyes off her.
She had those eyes. A deep green. Emerald? Jade? No, emerald for certain. Her eyes sparkled when she talked to her customers. She looked directly at them even when she was mixing drinks, her rhythm never faltering. Sometimes she would laugh softly, the sound musical, turning heads no matter how low it was in the noise of the crowded bar.
“You’ve been here several times over the last couple of weeks, Javier.” Gideon made it a statement. It would be difficult to get anything past Javier.
Gideon had held out as long as he could. The doctor hadn’t given him permission to come see Rory in person, but he couldn’t resist the compulsion any longer. Javier wasn’t happy about it, but he’d come along to ensure Gideon didn’t tear open any wounds. In other words, Gideon thought a little ironically, babysitting.
“I’ve watched her closely,” Javier admitted. “I can’t see any indication that she’s a GhostWalker, other than she has extraordinary reflexes. Her bartending skills are amazing. She’s fast and can handle multiple orders. She doesn’t seem to forget faces or names. On the other hand, I’ve followed her home every night, and she doesn’t run or exhibit any kind of behaviors or skills a GhostWalker might under cover of darkness. She walks, Gideon. Even if there’s a threat to her, which, on more than one occasion, I shut down.”
Gideon didn’t like that. The bartender everyone called Rory was a very attractive woman, although she didn’t seem to notice that she was. She didn’t flirt with her customers so much as genuinely try to connect in a friendly, positive way. If a man asked her out, she gave him a grin but refused gently.
Gideon liked the sprinkling of freckles across her nose and her generous mouth. It would be easy to fixate on both. “You did a background search on her?” Javier was a genius with computers. Gideon knew Javier had. He’d read the report multiple times and committed it to memory. He hoped Javier had updated it.
“Not much to find. She moves around a lot. Lost her parents early. Put herself through bartending school and uses that to earn her way. She doesn’t stay in one place very long. She goes to a state, travels within that state for a little while and moves on to the next one.”
“Anyone following her?”
“Not that I can find.”
Gideon slid his fingers around the neck of the beer bottle and rolled it back and forth. “I’m really drawn to her, Javier, more than any woman I’ve ever been around. The chemistry for me is off the charts. That doesn’t happen. Not like this. Not just with the sound of her voice. Her laughter. Now, watching other men around her, my attraction to her could be a little on the dangerous side, and you know I’m really not that man.”
Javier studied him, one eyebrow arched.
“Not over a woman,” Gideon clarified. “How can I trust it? You know Whitney pairs us. Would he pair someone who isn’t a GhostWalker just to experiment?”
Javier shrugged. “I wouldn’t put it past the bastard to do anything, but what would it matter even if he did pair the two of you? Look at Kane and Rose. They’re happy together. Whitney didn’t make that happen. He might be able to make you attractive to each other, but he can’t manipulate your emotions.”
“And if she’s a plant?”
Again, Javier shrugged. “Then she’s an enemy, Gideon, and I’ll kill her. Whitney doesn’t get to have spies in our home.”
Every cell in Gideon’s body instantly rejected Javier’s casual threat. “Not happening, brother. I wouldn’t be able to let you do it,” he admitted. “That’s another black mark to put in the column against her.”


 

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.

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The Reading Cafe and Berkley/Random House are graciously offering a HARD COVER copy of GHOSTLY GAME to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Wicked Reign (Kingdom of Monsters) by Harper A Brooks-review tour

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Wicked Reign (Kingdom of Monsters 1-3) by Harper A Brooks-review tour

 

 

 

 

CRUEL SHADOWS
Kingdom of Monsters 1
by Harper A Brooks
Genre: adult, paranormal, fantasy, reverse harem romance

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

Release Date: November 17, 2022

I’m caught in the shadows…
…and the shadows want to play.

I thought I’d dreamed up the shadow realm and the place I called Dark Castle. But it’s very real. And he’s still here.

My prince, my savior, my captor… The monster in my bed. But this time, he’s not alone.

I must escape, but first, my prince and his shadow men want me to fulfill their demands. All of them.

The longer I stay, the harder it is to resist their dark promises, their insatiable hunger. Because, while these monsters’ smiles are cruel, their touches are the most delicious torture. But they aren’t the only threat in this world. The darkness that wanted me before has found me again, and like my Shadow Prince, it’s ready to claim me as its own…forever.

•••••

REVIEW:*trigger warnings are given, so I do advise you to read the warning before starting the book.

What Stella thinks is a dream world, is in fact a reality! As a child it was her favourite place to visit, a safe space where she could leave her worries at the door and play with the boy she met there….. But why has she started to dream about it again? Because her world is a lonely place, she needs a friend. But the last time she dreamed of her castle, it had ended with her being told to leave that world and never return!

Airic has become darker and more sinister with time! He is both elated and terrified that Stella is back in his world and his life. But it’s dangerous for her to be here, being human and being in this realm is forbidden, the consequences are lethal. But the more time he spends with his childhood friend, the harder it gets to send her home….

Wels is a shapeshifter with an agenda! He knows his prince/friend is hiding something, he just has to figure what, and how this will benefit him!

Reis is Airic’s best friend and captain of his guard. A knight with a code of honour, but one look at Stella and Reis is contemplating disobeying his friend and prince to be with Stella!

The story does start out a little slow, but I’m happy gathering all the details about this new world, I don’t mind a slow pace at first, but I do want it to pick up speed as we get further in the storyline, and I’m happy to say it does.

I did like how Wels started out as a bit of a douche! Self cantered and pretty arrogant, but almost immediately he wanted to care and protect Stella, even if he didn’t know why!

Airic just needs to see Stella is there for him, but his fear of Stella getting found in his realm and getting hurt has him pushing her away far too many times! And Reis is becoming Stella’s protector and knight and disobeying his prince more and more!

There is a fair amount of spice in this book (there is also more than one love interest for Stella ?) But it’s M/F at the moment, there is only Stella with I’ve guy at a time. The jealousy they show to Stella when one of the others is around does make me wonder how this book will turn out!

And the twists and turns in this book will keep you wondering who to trust and who to stay clear of! The push/pull dynamic between Airic and Stella does get a little monotonous, either commit or leave her to choose either Wels or Reis! And when she’s finally told why she was banished from this realm, how will Stella react?

Cliffhanger approaching… And it’s a pretty good one, will will have you reaching for the next book in this trilogy.

Off to grab the next book….

______

NECESSARY EVIL
Kingdom of Monsters 2
by Harper A Brooks
Genre: adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, reverse harem

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

Release Date: January 26, 2023

A great evil waits for me… And it won’t stop until it swallows me whole.

I’ve been ripped from Dark Castle, thrown back into the mortal world where I don’t belong. Here, they think I’m crazy. They’ve locked me up and forced pills down my throat, telling me I’ve lost my mind.

And maybe I have…

I’ve fallen for three monsters after all. Prince Airic, Knight Reis, and shapeshifter Wels—they are the sinister men of my nightmares and my deepest fantasies. I can still feel their touches, hear their voices in my head, but they’re in danger.

I have to get back to them because if the shadows close in, I can lose everything.

The kingdom. My monsters. And ultimately, myself.

•••••

REVIEW:We pick up right where we left off in book one. You could probably read book two without reading book one, but I’d feel you’d be missing background information.

Poor Stella, one minute she’s sort of living her best life with three men/monsters. And the next, she’s being carted off to a mental institution because she’s screaming about going back to a dark castle and using portals! Being back in the human realm is hard for Stella, watching her men battle Malachi and his dark forces (this is the guy who wants Stella and the Dark Castle and the realm for himself.) then being sucked into a portal without knowing if Airic/Reis/Wels are alive or dead! But an ally helps Stella escape and she has a stone hidden in her home that will help Stella hopefully return to her the sides of her men.

Wels answers her her call for help. Unable to believe he has her back in his arms. He’s aware she’s been with both Airic and Reis the last time she was here, but he’s not worried, in fact with the four of them, they should be able to finally banish Malachi from this realm forever.

Airic was gravelly injured in the last book, but by the time he and Stella are reunited he’s up and as grumpy as ever! I tell ya, he gave me whiplash with his “I need you, but I can’t be with you” vibes, I’m hoping by book three he’s pulled his head out of his a$$ and told Stella how he really feels about her.

Reis (my favourite character) is still the soft hearted one of the group, he takes the guilt about not defending his prince well enough, he feels guilty that he couldn’t stop Malachi from storming the castle and even feels guilty about the feelings he has for Stella! But he is determined to keep his prince alive and keep Stella alive long enough to banish the usurper Malachi.

The story is gathering momentum, the battle lines are being drawn up, can Stella figure out how to use her magic, or will she just be a power source for Airic/Reis and Wels to use to enhance their powers? Alliances are being formed, but there is also beings in this realm who would sell them out in an instant, so they all need to be wary.

Most of the book is dedicated to the foursome trudging through forests and avoiding Malachi’s army (there is a bounty on each head)

And Malachi? Well he’s crowned himself the dark Prince of the realm, a power absolute! But if he can get his hands on Stella…. Well his power will hold no bounds and he’ll be able to conquer the world he truly desires! And when Stella is injured, the three men in her life are at a loss. What do they do? Will they lose her?

This book also ends on a cliffhanger…. Now I need to wait for the last book…..

________

WICKED REIGN
Kingdom of Monsters 3
by Harper A Brooks
Genre: adult, paranormal, fantasy, monster, reverse harem, romance

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

Release Date: April 27,2023

The darkness is closing in…And I’m the only one who can stop it.

They say I’m the key. The Chosen One. They say I have the power needed to restore Prince Airic to the throne and save the Dark Castle.

If only I knew how to use it.

My monsters are helping me learn, but it’s their bodies that I crave the most. They are the spark that always sets me ablaze… and my magic too. I just need to figure out how to harness our bond and tap into the power within. Somehow. But time isn’t on our side. There are enemies everywhere, danger lurking around every shadowed corner, and a bloody war looming on the horizon.

Controlling the chaotic magic inside me is the only way to take back the kingdom and free its people from Malachi’s wicked reign.

Otherwise, the darkness will devour everything. And this world, along with the monsters I love, will be lost to me forever.

•••••••

REVIEW:Last book in this trilogy. It also starts where the last book ends, so I’d advise reading book one and two before this one.

Wels/Airic and Stella are looking for Reis. (You’ll have to read the last book to find out why he’s missing) with the help of an ally (who betrayed them first) they begin their search.

Stella finally gets all of her questions answered in this book, but not before they find Reis, try to Malachi and save Airic’s realm! She needs to return to her world to find clues, but upon returning, her world no longer looks the same! It looks like to save both worlds Stella needs to solve the prophecy and quick!

We get to read from all the main characters points of view (which I personally like) We get to read Airic and Wels’s sides, to witness them putting aside their differences and being there for one another, for Stella and to bringing home Reis.

Taking on Malachi is a daunting battle, but one they hope to achieve and survive if they all want to be together. He’s not going to be easy to defeat as he grows stronger with each day!

That was a great read. Lots of action and emotion through the book. I really liked how they thought only Stella is the saviour of all worlds, when in fact that’s not the case. It also took a while for Airic to accept both Reis and Wels in Stella’s life, and that’s a different view from all the other #whychoose stories I’ve read, usually the characters are either established in their group and someone comes along and joins them, or they all come together and accept one another straight away. There is also no m/m action, it’s all about Stella ?

I’m hoping we return to this world at some point, but as there wasn’t really anyone else we gathered along the way, it’s highly unlikely.

It’s a great book and a great trilogy, I’d highly recommend it.

*on a personal note, I didn’t feel Airic/Reis/Wels were really monsters. One shifted, one gathered shadows to him, I’ve read other stories with actual monsters, and this one I felt wasn’t a true monster story.

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Julie B

 

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Harper A. Brooks may be a Jersey girl at heart, but now she likes to hideout in the mountains of Virginia with bigfoot and all his little woodland friends. Even though classic authors have always filled her bookshelves, she finds her writing muse drawn to the dark, magical, and romantic. When she isn’t creating entire worlds with sexy shifters or legendary love stories, you can find her either with a good cup of coffee in hand or at home snuggling with her furry, four-legged son, Sammy.

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