Tag Archives: Paranormal

A Rebel Without Claws by Juliette Cross-dual review

Image

13

A Rebel Without Claws (Southern Charm 1) by Juliette Cross-dual review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Indigo/Chapters (Paper) /

After yet another bar fight and arrest, bad boy Ronan Reed leaves Texas to live with his Uncle Shane, alpha of the Blood Moon pack. Since werewolf cage fighting isn’t illegal in Louisiana, Ronan makes big plans to lead his own team in the ring. But when he sets eyes on sweet Celine Cruz, his whole world stops and she becomes a tantalizing distraction he doesn’t need.

As an Aura witch, Celine always wants to help heal the broken. She knows all too well what it’s like to battle anxiety, and so she’s dedicated her life to helping those in need. But the second she meets Ronan, she knows she’s in trouble. He’s everything her close knit family would hate: a werewolf with a hot temper and a sinful grin to match, who runs with a dangerous crowd. So why can’t she stay away?

Ronan thinks she’s a good girl. Little does he know, all Celine wants is to do wicked things with the bad boy werewolf, who revels in breaking all her rules. But as their forbidden romance becomes too tempting to resist, Ronan notices that the wolves are circling…and they’re coming after his mate.

••••••••

Sandy’s Review:

A REBEL WITHOUT CLAWS is the first instalment in Juliette Cross’ contemporary, adult SOUTHERN CHARM erotic, paranormal, romance series , a spin off , set in the author’s STAY A SPELL world. This is twenty-seven year old, MMA fighter/ mechanic/ werewolf Ronan Reed, and aura witch Celine Cruz’s story line.
 
Told from dual first person perspectives (Ronan and Celine) A REBEL WITHOUT CLAWS follows the building romance and relationship between werewolf Ronan Reed, and aura witch Celine Cruz. Fifteen years earlier, following the death of his mother, Ronan found himself juggling between family members as his temper and grief refused to back down. Having moved to Louisiana, living with his uncle Shane, Ronan forges forward with a new MMA team, fellow shifters and friends who have his back but meeting Celine Cruz pushes Ronan out of his comfort zone, and the fact that Celine is his fated mate, makes the threats against our story line heroine, all the more dangerous. With an over protective father, and two brothers taking aim at the man whom she love, Celine finds herself falling for a wolf who is in a battle for his life.
 
The world building focuses on grief and loss; fated mates and acceptance; betrayal and obsession. Werewolf cage fighting is an outlet for Ronan as his struggles with his wolf, an outlet that now threatens the woman he loves.
 
The relationship between Ronan and Celine is one of fated mates: immediate attraction and palpable sexual energy but Celine knows that her family may struggle to accept the man that she loves, a wolf who knows Celine is his heart and soul. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
 
We are introduced to Ronan’s uncle Shane; his MMA teammates  Zack and Bowie: Celine’s cousins vampire Morgan and Samara; brothers Diego and Joaquin; their parents Evie and Mateo Cruz .The requisite evil has many faces.
 
A REBEL WITHOUT CLAWS is a story of loss, family acceptance and love. The fast paced,character driven premise is exciting and entertaining; the romance is fated and impassioned; the characters are magical and determined.

 

 

Barb’s Review:
A Rebel Without Claws by Juliette Cross is the first book in her new Southern Charm series. This series is a spinoff with the new generation of the Stay a Spell characters that we have come to love, returning to New Orleans.  We meet Ronan Reed, our hero, who left his home in Texas to live with his Uncle Shane, alpha of the Blood Moon pack. Ronan makes plans to set up his own werewolf underground cage fighting team, which is legal in New Orleans.      

Ronan quickly meets Celine Cruz, an Aura witch, whom he immediately knew she was his fated mate. He is warned by friends to stay away from her, because of her scary family, such as father, brother, uncles.   

Celine is the daughter of Evie and Mateo (Stay a Spell), and it was fun seeing both of them, playing a part in Celine’s life.  Celine is a child therapist who does art therapy for supernatural kids, as she always wants to help others.  Celine also finds herself very attracted to Ronan, and in a short time the chemistry between escalates.  Celine learns from Ronan that he has not shifted in wolf form since he was 12-year-old, due to the death of his mother.  He ends up going to a therapist, that will help him deal with his past traumas, as well as being able to eventually release his wolf.

I really loved how Ronan and Celine fell in love, especially being fated mates. They made such a great couple, with both always there for each other, as well as being supportive.  I got a kick out of Ronan’s experience his first Savoie family dinner. It was great to see many of our favorite characters from Stay a Spell.  It was nice seeing Mateo and Evie (Celine’s parents), and loved when Evie would always keep him in his place. During the werewolf cage fighting, things became intense, and when Celine was in danger, Ronan’s wolf finally came out to save her.

A Rebel Without Claws was a wonderful start to this new series, in the same world as Stay a Spell; with witches, werewolves and vampires.  I really loved Ronan and Celine together, as they were the perfect fated mates. If you were a fan of Stay a Spell, you really need to read this new Southern Charm series.

 

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

Share

Viking, Inferno, Reaper (VRMC) by Andi Rhodes-review tour

Posted on by
14

VIKING, INFERNO, REAPER (Valhalla Rising MC 1, 2, 3) by Andi Rhodes-review tour

VIKING
(Valhalla Rising MC 1)
by Andi Rhodes
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,MC, mythology, paranormal, fantasy

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 22, 2023

Humans are taught that death is the end, that it’s their soul’s final curtain call. But for the members of Valhalla Rising MC, death is only the beginning.

Viking…

I never asked to be one of the chosen, never dreamed a place like Valhalla existed. Yet that’s exactly where I ended up when a Valkyrie plucked me from obscurity. I’m respected here, celebrated as a fallen warrior, but none of it lessens my vicious need for revenge or fills the hollow parts of me.
As president of Valhalla Rising MC, it’s my job to make sure the Warrior Code of Conduct is adhered to and that Odin’s orders are carried out. But that becomes infinitely more difficult when I’m sent back to the land of the living for a mission that puts me in direct contact with a Legacy. And then there’s the matter of the beautiful woman my soul seems to recognize.
I know I can complete my mission, but I’m not as convinced I’ll be able to do it without breaking all the rules.

Makayla…

As a doctoral candidate in mythological studies, I’m doing my thesis on Valhalla. I’ve always been obsessed with tales and legends that get passed down through the generations. I love my life, my little corner of the world I’ve carved out for myself. So much so that I’m immersed in history to the point that I’m oblivious to the danger lurking in the present.
When my space is invaded by a man who insists that I’ve got things all wrong, my existence shifts into something unrecognizable. Where there was once order and understanding, there’s now chaos and uncertainty. And I don’t hate it… because he’s there.
I know he has rules to follow, but will they hinder his ability to keep me safe? Or will he break them for me… for us?

•••••

REVIEW: VIKING is the first instalment in Andi Rhodes’ contemporary, adult VALHALLA RISING MC erotic, mythology, paranormal, fantasy series. This is Valhalla Rising MC (VRMC) president Viking aka Leif, and doctoral student/exotic dancer Makayla ‘Mea’ Ashbridge’s story line.

Told from three first person perspectives (Viking, Makayla, Odin) VIKING focuses on the second chance relationship between Valhalla Rising MC (VRMC) president Viking aka Leif, and doctoral student/exotic dancer Makayla ‘Mea’ Ashbridge . In the year 987AD Leif lost his wife to a marauding band of Vikings, and in the aftermath, Leif finds himself a warrior in Valhalla, and president of the otherworldly VRMC but the time has come for Viking to reclaim that which was lost, and along with his fellow VRMC warriors, comes face to face with his past, a woman named Makayla Ashbridge. Makayla Ashbridge learned about Odin and Valhalla at an early age but all of the stories were not necessarily true. Under the guise of correcting the errors of the past, Odin sends Viking to Earth, and in doing so, hopes to set into motion a rekindling romance between our story line couple.

The world building reveals the how and why of the Valhalla Rising MC both in Valhalla and on Earth but Viking’s returns comes with memories from the past for our heroine, a woman who has a target on her back.

The relationship between Viking and Makayla is one of second chances, of a sorts. Makayla is a young woman determined to get her doctoral in Norse Mythology but in reality, the Norse Gods and warriors come to her. Reconnecting with the woman he still loves, sets into motion a rekindling romance for our story line couple. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, charismatic and energetic secondary and supporting characters including VRMC warriors both living and dead, gods, and Valkyries. We are introduced to Viking’s VP Inferno, Demolition, Acid (SAA), and Reaper-every member has a special affinity and ability; Norse god Odin, Valkyries Kara, Herja and Mist; as well as several members of the earth bound VRMC.

VIKING is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and obsession, magic and mythology, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is enchanting and intriguing but the ending felt a little bit rushed; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are dynamic, enterprising and fun.

_________

INFERNO
(Valhalla Rising MC 2)
by Andi Rhodes
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,MC, mythology, paranormal, fantasy

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 28, 2024

Inferno…

Life is a series of events that can either make or break a man. As a human, I always seemed to find trouble, and that was never more true than the day I ran into a burning building to save its occupants. Unfortunately, I was only able to save two, and they went on to live another day. I, on the other hand, died in that fire.
But it wasn’t the end for me. I became a celebrated hero, both in Valhalla and in the human world. When the little girl I saved is all grown up, she’s in danger again, and Odin sends me to the land of the living to protect her. The problem is, I look exactly as she remembers, and that leads her to the wrong conclusion that I’m the enemy.
It doesn’t matter. The second I lay eyes on her as a beautiful woman, I know I’ll do whatever it takes to save her life… again.

Emmy…

When I was a child, I was one of two survivors of a horrible tragedy. Hundreds died that day, including the man who rescued me. I was changed in ways I couldn’t even begin to fathom at such a young age, but as I got older, it became more clear. Helping other survivors of trauma is my calling, my passion.
But how can I help others when I can’t even help myself? I’m suddenly the target of a deranged stalker, and my life is once again in jeopardy. A ghost from my past appears, quite literally, and I’m convinced he’s the one who’s out to get me. But despite my fear, there’s something about him that forces me to accept his help.
My life was spared once, but will my luck hold out? Or will I die right as the world starts to make sense again?

••••••••

REVIEW:INFERNO is the second instalment in Andi Rhodes’ contemporary, adult VALHALLA RISING MC (VRMC) erotic, paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is VRMC VP Dean ‘Inferno’ Haskins, and trauma counsellor Emmaline ‘Emmy’ Daniels. INFERNO can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Inferno and Emmy) INFERNO begins in 2006 wherein Dean Haskins rescued two people from a deadly fire at a local primary school, and trying to save more lives, Dean lost his own in the process. Fast forward to present day Dean aka Inferno has been assigned by Odin to protect his soulmate Emmaline Daniels, the child, now the woman, he saved years before but Emmaline has a stalker, and Inferno is determined to take down the person targeting our story line heroine.

The world building focuses on Inferno’s need to get close to Emmaline but Emmaline is beginning to suspect Dean is someone from her past.As the stalker get closer, the Valhalla Rising MC begins to search for the person responsible.

The relationship between Emmy and Inferno begins as a rescue in 2006 but neither one thought about the other in all those years. Emmy is a trauma counselor who focuses on people who are struggling; Inferno is a warrior of Valhalla MC, and Odin has commanded he protect the woman that calls to his soul. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including VRMC warriors both living and dead, gods, and Valkyries. We are introduced to MC president Viking and his wife Makayla; Demolition, Acid (SAA), and Reaper-every member has a special affinity and ability; Norse god Odin, Valkyrie Kara.

INFERNO is a story of madness and obsession, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is entertaining, captivating and twisted; the romance is fated; the characters are desperate , sassy and dynamic.

_____

REAPER
(Valhalla Rising MC 3)
by Andi Rhodes
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic,MC, mythology, paranormal, fantasy

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

Reaper

Life wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. I peaked at thirty, and by the time I was thirty-five, I was divorced, and my ex had custody of our two kids. So when I was killed trying to be a good samaritan, I was cool with it. Until I realized that I was being given a second chance and still had to ‘live’.
As the enforcer for Valhalla Rising MC, and with my ability, my afterlife is a major improvement. But when Odin sends me back to the land of the living to play savior to a single mom, my reality shifts once again. To say I’m not happy about the order is an understatement, but Kyra and her little family start to grow on me, and before I know it, I find myself needing her like humans need air to survive.
When I tell her what I really am, will she embrace the possibilities, or will she run in the other direction as any sane woman should?

Kyra…

As a single mother to twins, I rarely have a moment’s peace. Add in an absent baby daddy and a failing diner, and I’m about to pack my bags for the nut house. The only thing that keeps me going is knowing my little ones need me.
After what amounts to the hardest day of my life to date, I’m ready to throw in the towel. But a surly stranger steps in and somehow, he makes me smile. I don’t have any room for a man in my life, nor do I particularly want one, but I find myself starting to depend on Craig to chase away the dark.
When he throws me a curveball of epic proportions, can I do what’s best for myself and my kids, or will I let history and fear get the better of me?

••••••••

REVIEW: REAPER is the third and final instalment in Andi Rhodes’ contemporary, adult VALHALLA RISING MC erotic, paranormal, fantasy series. This is Reaper aka Craig Binder, and single mother/ café owner Kyra Thomas’s story line. REAPER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

Told from three first person perspectives (Reaper, Kyra, Odin) REAPER follows Reaper aka Craig Binder as he is tasked with protecting single mother Kyra Thomas. As one of Odin’s warriors, and a member of the Valhalla Rising MC, Reaper is living his second life, and in this, he dreams of a second chance at family and love. Protecting Kyra comes with a darkness-Kyra’s past refuses to let go, and our heroine is targeted by an unknown predator.

The world building follows Reaper as he struggles with Odin’s orders to return to Earth. Reaper had never intended to fall in love but Odin and Skuld had other plans, plans that place Kyra in the direct line of fire.

The relationship between Reaper and Kyra is an ‘arranged’ relationship. Reaper has been tasked with, and assigned to Kyra Thomas, a young mother who is struggling with the demons from her past. The $ex scenes are limited but seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters: Viking and Makayla, Acid, Demo, Inferno and Emmy, Grump, and Valkyries Skuld, Eir. We are introduced to Kyra’s children Hunter and Heidi, short order cook Barry, and Kyra’s ex Jason. The requisite evil has many faces.

REAPER is a story of obsession and murder, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, love and forever. The premise is intriguing, dramatic and engaging; the romance is passionate and fated; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Copies supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

FOLLOW: Website/ Facebook/ Instagram/ Goodreads/ Bookbub/ Amazon Author/

Andi Rhodes is an author whose passion is creating romance from chaos in all her books! She writes MC (motorcycle club) romance with a generous helping of suspense and doesn’t shy away from the more difficult topics. Her books can be triggering for some so consider yourself warned. Andi also ensures each book ends with the couple getting their HEA! Most importantly, Andi is living her real life HEA with her husband and their boxers.

For access to release info, updates, and exclusive content, be sure to sign up for Andi’s newsletter at andirhodes.com.

Share

Giving The Dragon Water (Elemental Dragons 3) by Victoria Jayne

Posted on by
13

Giving The Dragon Water (Elemental Dragons 3) by Victoria Jayne

ebook is only 99¢ for a limited time

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 4, 2025

Fate happened when they were busy making other plans.

Felicity Monroe lost her dream job. So, she headed to a secluded island where she could sip tropical drinks with umbrellas in them to escape reality. A delicious piece of dragon shifter only added to the appeal.

Unfortunately, as an Ember Witch, things were never that easy—not even a vacation.

Kai Aukai’s duty was to protect Pāhaʻohuna from humans. Of course, that involved working with the local coven. When the spell casters brought in witches from the mainland who hated each other, it complicated things. If they couldn’t get along, one had to leave.

Considering he mated Felicity, she had to stay.

Felicity’s moonlit dance brought more than the dragon shifter. Betrayal threatened to sabotage their mission. They all have to work together to save Pāhaʻohuna from human exposure. If they don’t, they’ll have to relive witch trials and dragon slayings.

••••

Sandy’s Review

GIVING THE DRAGON WATER is the third instalment in Victoria Jayne’s contemporary, adult ELEMENTAL DRAGONS erotic, paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is dragon Kai Aukai, and Ember witch Felicity Monroe’s story line. GIVING THE DRAGON WATER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from omniscient dual third person perspectives (Kai and Felicity) GIVING THE DRAGON WATER follows in the wake of Felicity Monroe’s arrival on Pāhaʻohuna island, an island of supernatural beings hidden from the human world. Pāhaʻohuna is struggling to keep their island a secret, and an Ember witch is needed to strengthen the wards. Meeting dragon shifter Kai Aukai finds our heroine reconsidering her future but the arrival of her estranged aunt precipitates a series of dangerous events that threaten the lives of the island inhabitants.

The world building focuses on a potential betrayal; the group known as the Coalition for Light whose aim it is to reveal the existence of the supernatural; and the power that comes with magic and madness.

The relationship between Kai and Felicity is one of fated mates but Felicity tends to waffle between awareness and obliviousness, often a little naïve to the point of exhaustion. Refusing to participate in the destruction of life, Felicity struggles with her abilities, and the demands of her kind. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and magical secondary and supporting characters including Office of Security Captain Makoa, Kilikilo coven witch Kiely, Felicity’s aunt Josephine; leader of the Ember witch coven Divina, and the return of dragons Gideon and his mate Ella, Declan and his mate Alisa.

GIVING THE DRAGON WATER is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and forgiveness, power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is magical, intriguing and enchanting; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined, dynamic and desperate.

Julie B’s 🦋 Review

Third book in the series (I read one and two, which were great 👍🏻) not really a requirement to read to enjoy this story. But I think it adds to the overall feel of the story.

Poor Felicity, losing the job she loves had her at a bit of a loose end. What better way to pick up the pieces and start again, than by going on holiday.

You would think so…..

Kai is a dragon shifter that protects the island he lives on. it’s his honour to protect and he does it fiercely. But they need to increase the protection spell, and so another witch is brought in to help….

I love the almost instant attraction the dragon side of Kai has, he wants what he wants and no one, not even Kai’s human side will stand in the way 😜

But it’s only a holiday romance? Not if fated mate rule comes into play! But can she really stay on an island that only wants you for your power!

There is also the fact another witch was brought to the island, and as it’s a family member, so we can expect rivalry and betrayal.

If you love a good shifter story with a fated mates trope, then I highly recommend this book and the series.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Giving the Dragon Fire
Giving the Dragon Ice

Copies supplied for review

Follow: Website/ TikTok/ Twitter/ Facebook/ Instagram/ Goodreads/

Victoria Jayne is the epitome of a Jersey Girl. She doesn’t [know how to] pump her own gas, enjoys pork roll, and grew up on the Jersey Shore.

She’s lived throughout the state of New Jersey and remains there with her sports journalist husband and two darling daughters.

When not writing, Victoria enjoys baking with her daughters, rooting for the New Jersey Devils, thinking of home improvement projects, and staying up far too late chatting on Discord.

Share

Sinner’s End by Jade Marshall & Raven Hush -review

Posted on by
15

Sinner’s End (Forgotten Shadow Lords 1) by Jade Marshall & Raven Hush -review

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 7, 2025

Adreanna

My world has always been myself and my twin sister in our gothic home at Sinner’s End near the graveyard beyond our small town. I’m the responsible one. She’s the party girl. But I know it’s a bad idea when she drags me to Harken, the refurbished asylum-turned-dance club run by the most dangerous man in the city everyone is obsessed with. I know, and I still go. But I don’t walk away unscathed. None of us do.

Mana

Forget-Me-Knot. That’s the reason people come to my club. To drink the demon aqua vitae on offer and release their cares on the pithy lives they live from sunrise until sunset. The hours I spend strapped to a chair, filling vial after vial with my own blood to provide their entertainment, locked to this plane in a deal I should never have made. The endless torment I hate, until I meet her. Adreanna. The human I want to ruin with every strand that connects me to this realm. But she also has the power to shatter me—if she chooses to use it.

Kaleb

Taking the bartending job at Harken was a no-brainer. I needed the cash, and the night hours freed my time to live it up. But between the freaky AF owner of the asylum and the girl I can’t take my eyes off, I’m screwed before everything turns weird. Before I end up in a twisted quartet where I don’t have to be touched to experience pleasure or pain. I end up kneeling for a creature I don’t want to worship. All for the girl I’ll give everything for…even when I discover a part of myself that’s more terrifying than all the monsters Harken has to offer.

Lethe

I don’t know where I came from. I don’t know my own name, only the one given me by Harken’s monstrous owner. But my purpose in this place is protect the woman we all obsess over with my dying breath. Let her come to no harm. Give her every part of myself, even if it means tarnishing the purity inside me. I am the opposite of all Harken stands for, but the moment I touch Adreanna something awakens inside me I cannot—and will not—control. Even if it means twisting my purpose and making her mine, no matter the consequences. And those can be deadly.

Bowen

This world will end by my hand. I’ve known it since I fell, but I am not the only Fallen in Harken. Pity the other doesn’t recognize his face in the mirror or know his own name. I am the end, the delusion, and the never-ending darkness. All will come to know their fate through me. Harken’s stones will fall silent.

Blood will flow.
One will die.
One will live.
One will rise above all.
And she will reign.

•••••

REVIEW:SINNER’S END is the first instalment in the adult FORGOTTEN SHADOW LORDS dark, erotic, paranormal, why-choose, reverse harem story line co-authored by Jade Marshall and Raven Hush. This is Adreana (Addi), Mana, Kaleb, Lethe, and Bowen’s story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.The number of TW is long, not much is left to the imagination.

Told from five first person perspectives (Addi, Mana, Kaleb, Lethe, and Bowen) plus one chapter from Asmodeus, SINNER’S END follows the highly sexual, erotic and questionable power arrangement and relationships between Addi, Mana, Kaleb, Lethe and Bowen. Mana is the proprietor of Harken, the asylum as the residents have come to call it, but behind the darkened and scream filled walls lies the unspoken sexual proclivities of the men who will each claim Adreana as their own. Adreana will quickly discover there is more to the men then she could ever have imagined, and our heroine will become payment for a debt, a debt she will pay with her life.Sinner’s End is the house in which Adreana and her sister Emma reside, a house that is more than anyone could have ever imagined.

The world building follows the highly sexual, and sexually graphic nature of the relationships between Addi, Mana, Kaleb, Lethe and Bowen. The story focuses on need, want and demands; the push and pull between the heavens and the underworld, and the men who take as much as they are willing to give.

The secondary and supporting characters include Addi’s twin sister, as well as the King of demons and his spawn, a fallen angel, a succubi, a hellspawn, and the reaper.

SINNER’S END is a story of secrets and lies, domination and submission, power and control, possession, manipulation, obsession, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, dramatic, and not without questionable consent;-there is more $ex than story; the characters are supernatural, determined and broken.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Share

SANCTUM (Primordial Lands 1) by Luna Kayne-a review

Posted on by
16

SANCTUM (Primordial Lands 1) by Luna Kayne

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 4, 2025

An angel destined to fall.
A demon determined to rise.
A mortal fated to unite the realms.
When Lily stumbled into the Underworld as a child, she awakened a prophecy that had been waiting for her since the dawn of time.

Now, twenty years later, she unknowingly alerts the realms of her existence, and Hell isn’t the only thing coming for her.
LILY
If you’d told me yesterday that I was chosen to battle the Celestial Lands and the Underworld alongside an archangel and an archdemon who hate each other, I would have said you were crazy.
That was yesterday.
Today, I am the key to saving both worlds. A war is coming, and the fate of a god rests in my hands.

••••

REVIEW: SANCTUM is the first instalment in Luna Kayne’s contemporary, adult, PRIMORDIAL LANDS erotic, mythological, urban paranormal fantasy menage romance series. This is twenty-six year old, Lily, archdemon Asmodeus aka Jett, and archangel Michael.

Told from three first person perspectives (Lily, Asmodeus and Michael) SANCTUM focuses on twenty-six year old Lily, a young woman whose parents were murdered twenty years earlier, a young woman who is much than she could have ever imagined. At six years of age, Lily’s spirit left the human world in the wake of her parent’s death, and she found herself under the protection of the Prince of Demons, Asmodeus aka Jett. Upon returning to the Earth realm, Lily would grow up in the foster care system, meeting her best friend and mentor Finley along the way. Fast forward to present day, a field party ends with the arrival of hellhounds and demons, with only Finley and Lily surviving to see another day. Calling out for help, Lily invokes the name of Jett, the man who saved her years before, one of the men with whom Lily will fall in love. As Jett (Asmodeus), Lily, Finley, and Asmodeus’ demon friends Ragnar, Slade and Bowie go in search of the truth, the Archangel Michael comes into play, as he becomes part of Lily’s entourage, taking hold in her heart.

The world building focuses on the uniting of the three worlds: Celestial Lands, The Underworld and Earth; the preparations for war, and the discovery of the living heart of God. Metaphors, teachings, preachings and Christian spirituality all wrapped up in a story of power and control, life and death, and the ultimate hunger for domination.

There is a large ensemble cast of otherworldly and celestial secondary and supporting characters: Soul hunters, hellhounds, The Fates aka Moirai, Synergies, Underworld demons Ragnar, Slade, Bowie: Death; Archangel Gabriel, Archangel Uriel; Lily’s best friend and guide Finley-not every one will survive.

SANCTUM is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and anarchy, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is detailed, enchanting and complex; the romances are seductive and fated; the characters are determined, desperate, dynamic and powerful. SANCTUM ends on a happily ever after-for now.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Possess Me / Wicked Fortune by J. Kenner-reviews

Posted on by
13

POSSESS ME / WICKED FORTUNE by J Kenner -reviews

POSSESS ME
Stark Ever After 8
by J. Kenner
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance , paranormal

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 29, 2025

Love brought them here. Darkness may destroy them.

Our historical Catalina Island retreat was supposed to be a dream come true. A charming cottage with a glamorous Hollywood history. A sanctuary where my billionaire husband, Damien Stark, and I can relax, reveling in our ever-growing love.

But the cottage hides a dark secret, and our tranquil paradise soon turns into a haunting nightmare. As shadows of jealousy and betrayal invade our lives and possess our souls, our already intense passion explodes. But now there is a tinge of violence. Of fear. And the walls seem to whisper of murder.

The darkness within these walls threatens to destroy everything we hold dear. And now Damien and I must find a way to break free of these nightmares before they tear us apart.

•••••••

REVIEW: POSSESS ME is the eight instalment and novella in J Kenner’s contemporary, adult STARK EVER AFTER erotic, romance series focusing on billionaire businessman Damien Stark, and his wife Nikki Fairchild-Stark. STARK EVER AFTER is set in the author’s multi-layered STARK WORLD.

Told from first person (Nikki) and third person (Damien) POSSESS ME is a paranormal story line focusing on a haunted house and a possession. At a recent fundraiser, Damien purchases an ancient bracelet that once belonged to a murdered Hollywood star but Damien had a surprise for Nikki, and presents his wife with the keys to the dead woman’s home. From the outset , Nikki begins to suspect the house is haunted, and the couple finds themself reliving a life that isn’t their own.

POSSESS ME veers off the series path, and dives head first into the paranormal. J. Kenner also writes a series focusing on a demon hunting soccer mom, and in my opinion, POSSESS ME slides a little too close into the other series.

POSSESS ME is a story of obsession and possession, danger and madness, spirits and revenge. The premise is intriguing but predictable; the romance is provocative; the characters are familiar and desperate but sadly, I am disappointed in the direction of the story line and the ‘paranormal’ aspect. I am a big fan of the Stark World series of books but to start adding paranormal elements is disheartening and discouraging.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Anchor Me
Play My Game
Seduce Me
Unwrap Me
Hold Me
Please Me
Lost With Me
Damien
Indulge Me
Delight Me
Cherish Me
Embrace Me

______

WICKED FORTUNE
(Wicked Nights 5)
by J. Kenner
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance ,

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 5, 2025

Matthew Holt built an empire on secrets, a polished billionaire hiding from the shadows of his past. Powerful and focused, he won’t let anyone stand in his way. Least of all a woman. But when Aria Parker steps into his office, he is determined to have her—whatever the cost.

Aria isn’t just any personal assistant. Blaming Matthew for the tragic death of a dear friend, Aria has infiltrated his world, intent on uncovering the truth. But as the heat between them intensifies, their growing attraction becomes just as dangerous as the truth she’s chasing.

The deeper she digs, the more elusive the answers become, until all she knows for certain is how much she craves his touch—no matter the consequences.

With everything on the line, Aria must decide if she can trust the man she came to destroy. Because the more she learns, the more she realizes that Matthew might not be the monster she thought—but the one person who can help her uncover the threat still lurking in the shadows.

•••••

REVIEW: WICKED FORTUNE is the fifth instalment in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult WICKED NIGHTS erotic, romance series, set in the author’s Stark Worlds. This is forty-seven year old, billionaire business and CEO of Hardline Entertainment Matthew Holt, and twenty-eight year PA Ariadne ‘Aria’ Parker’s story line. WICKED FORTUNE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading POSSESS ME for back story and cohesion. There is a slight cross-over with POSSESS ME.

Told from first person (Aria) and third person (Matthew) WICKED FORTUNE follows in the wake of the death of Aria Parker’s friend Jenny Garland, a death she blames on entertainment mogul Matthew Holt. Applying and getting the job as Matthew’s new PA, Aria Parker begins a search for the truth, only to discover the darker side of the entertainment industry that destroys so many lives but as their relationship goes from professional to personal, someone else is playing a dangerous game with the lives of the naïve and innocent.

The world building follows Aria as she follows a potential trail of betrayal; of abuse and mistrust, of ignorance and destruction that may or may not be connected to our story line hero. Matthew Holt knows that once his own story is revealed, there may be no going forward for our story line couple.

The relationship between Matthew and Aria is predicated up several lies: Aria is determined to destroy our story line hero, and Matthew must prove he is worthy of love and forgiveness from the woman who now controls his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Nikki and Damien Stark’s former nanny Bree Bernstein-Stone, now married to Damien’s son Aston Stone; Matthew Holt’s secretary Lila Blackstone, Joel Carradine, and Elias Trent.

WICKED FORTUNE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, greed and desperation, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is intriguing, dark and dramatic; the romance is provocative; the characters are broken determined and dynamic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Wicked Grind
Wicked Dirty
Wicked Torture
Wicked Heat
Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development with AwesomenessTV/Awestruck.

Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YouTube | Amazon Author Page

Share

Carousels and Characters by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

Posted on by
14

Carousels and Characters by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

 

Amazon / Bookbub

 

Description:
This book club is whooshed right into the pages of a cozy mystery. The quirky group of brave members must solve the mystery and reach The End to get out of the book.

In each book of the series, they travel to a different world and meet paranormal characters. It could be shifters, fairies, genies, ghosts, or anything else! It’s so much fun, you’ll wish for a book club like this!

In this book journey, they travel to an enchanted amusement theme park. It’s a magical, wonderful place, but something is disturbing the park. Robberies are occurring from every ride. It began with little things, like props or costumes, but now the stakes are rising.

The book club has entered this story so that they can find out who is behind the thefts and stop the problem. Hopefully, they can do it before chaos strikes the entire theme park and closes it down, leaving hundreds of workers jobless and thousands of park visitors disappointed.

 

 

Review:

Carousels and Characters by Elizabeth Pantley is the 9th book in her wonderful Magical Mystery Book Club series. Refresher: The magical library consists of 8 members, who choose a book, and they are transported into the story, with cozy mysteries that they have to solve. This is a fun, enjoyable, lighthearted series, with wonderful characters and a magical cozy mystery.

Paige chooses a book to travel to an enchanted amusement theme park, where the club is swept into the magical park. The workers in the park need help to figure out why there are robberies, and missing people.  Posing as park inspectors, they enter each of the attractions, to ask questions with the staff. The group tries to learn why, as each area is having issues; when one person disappears from one location, and turns up in another.  The group split up often, as they are determined to find the culprit.

While they have fun in the wonderful park, enjoying rides and all the food; but the group constantly gets thrown off, with a few red herrings and suspects. In a short time, they will begin to suspect the culprit, and the park leaders also help.

The group is always fun, as all of them are fantastic characters. I loved that Paige is now the leader, with Glo and Gee Gee staying in the previous book.  I also love Frank, who is always wonderful.  The rest of the team are all great characters, always finding clues along the way.

What follows is a another terrific, enchanting and fun addition to this series, that has all the members trying to find clues, as well as suspects. I really enjoy this series, as it is so very entertaining.  All the characters in the Magical Mystery Book Club are very good, with Paige leading the way. There were a few surprises along the way, which changes a few things at the end. Carousels and Characters was a wonderful lighthearted fun magical mystery, which was very well written by Elizabeth Pantley.  I look forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied by Author

Share

These Boots Are Made For Walking by Deanndra Hall-review tour

Posted on by
14

These Boots Are Made For Walking (Maisey Friedman Mystery: Dressed to Kill Series Book 2) by Deanndra Hall-review tour

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

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

This ain’t her first rodeo, but it could be her last …

Still reeling from solving an innocent woman’s murder, Maisey Friedman is ready to take a breather—even though the entire town knows her secret now. Enjoying some time with a friend to decompress is exactly what Maisey needs. But when her friend graciously gifts her with a pair of retro leather western boots, everything changes.

Just merely sliding the boots on catapults Maisey and her husband, Aaron, into another investigation of an innocent woman’s mysterious death. Suspects keep turning up, each one making their job harder than ever, and the real murderer refuses to let the truth surface. With the looming possibility that Maisey will be silenced once and for all, it’s up to Aaron and the other deputies to track down the criminal and try to pry Maisey from the clutches of a madman before it’s too late.

•••••••

REVIEW: THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING is the second instalment in Deanndra Hall’s contemporary, adult MAISEY FRIEDMAN MYSTERY: DRESSED TO KILL paranormal, cozy mystery series focusing on social worker / clairvoyant Maisey Friedman. The Maisey Friedman Mystery series is a spin off from the author’s JUSTICE FOR MAISEY -Police and Fire: Operation Alpha (Bluegrass Bravery) with the inclusion of the characters Maisey and Aaron Friedman. (March 2021).

Told from omniscient third person perspective (Maisey) THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING continues to focus on Maisey Friedman, and her psychic abilities to ‘see’ the moment of someone’s death. Maisey Friedman likes to shop the local thrift stores but a recent find by her friend, at a storage locker pulls Maisey into the murder of a young woman, a woman who discovered a secrets no one else knew. As Maisey, along with her husband Sheriff Aaron Friedman, reopen the investigation, stirring up a proverbial hornet’s nest of vipers and greed. With a target on her back, Maisey is desperate to uncover the truth, but her journey leaves a trail of victims in its’ wake.

The world building continues to focus on Maisey and her ‘psychic’ abilities to see the final moments of someone’s death. Wearing the clothes in which someone has died, finds Maisey experiencing a vast array of heart break and pain, especially when grief stricken family members want to know the truth.

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING is another story of betrayal and vengeance, pain and suffering, greed and obsession, family and acceptance. The fast paced, novella length premise is dramatic and dark; the characters are desperate and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Deanndra Hall is a working author living in the far western end of the beautiful Bluegrass State with her husband of over 35 years and small menagerie of weird little dogs. When she’s not writing, she’s editing. When she’s doing neither of those two things, she’s having dinner with friends, spending time with family, kayaking, eating chocolate, drinking beer or moonshine, or looking for something that she put in the wrong place and can’t seem to find (which is pretty much everything she owns).

 

Amazon | BookBub / Facebook / Bookbub / Twitter/ Goodreads

Share