Tag Archives: shifters

An Accident Waiting to Dragon by Abigail Owen – a Review

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An Accident Waiting to Dragon by Abigail Owen – a Review

 

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Description:
It’s not the heat…it’s the pixie dust.

The day her brother died, Gwendolyn Moonsoar fled from her veil of pixies. Grief drove her away, but a broken heart made her stay gone for good. Lucky for Gwen, Brimstone Inc. was there to break her fall. Now, as a special courier transporting the most valuable and dangerous items of the supernatural world, Gwen is good at her job. Damn good. After all, disappearing is her specialty.

Dragon shifter Asher Kato will always be haunted by his best friend Goran’s death. Although a promise he made gave him no choice, Asher will never forgive himself for the role he played…or the fallout it caused with Goran’s younger sister, Gwen. Burying himself in his role as second-in-command of the blue dragons is his only escape. Unfortunately, the peace they fought so hard for isn’t meant for a warrior like him. So, when a courier transporting a rare basilisk egg goes missing, Asher volunteers to track her down.

Except Asher’s mission leads him straight into the arms of the one pixie who would rather vanish forever than spend a single second with him…

 

 

Review:

An Accident Waiting to Dragon by Abigail Owen is the 3rd book in her Brimstone Inc. series. I’ve read most of this authors works. And I’m slowly reading her older books. But I couldn’t download this fast enough. I loved her Brimstone Inc. series and devoured both her Fire’s Edge and Rising Inferno series. You don’t have to read the three previous series to enjoy this one, but for fans it’s a great addition, and for new readers to her books it will have to wanting to read the backlog 😉 

So….. 

Asher is second in command to the blue dragon King Ladon (Ladon, who we met in his book The Blood King) he is a dragon of action and all this sitting around is making him and his dragon restless. 

Gwen is a Moonlight Pixie (but no ordinary one, she can transport rare, dangerous and hard to obtain objects to the Green Dragon Queen’s kingdoms.) So this new task is just right for her.

These two have a previous relationship, they’ve known each other for years (Asher’s best friend was Gwen’s brother) but an unfortunate incident split the friends apart…Asher didn’t think he would see Gwen again, after the death of her brother (by Asher’s own dragon fire!) Gwen avoided him and then fled her home and world! 

Gwen has no idea what she was flying into with her latest mission, but she would complete it as was her reputation on the line… And when Asher is sent on a mission to rescue her, his dragon makes it clear it wants Gwen(I think they must have meant a little more than friends to each other as Gwen is resistant to Asher and his rescue attempt!) 

As always this author has you on the edge of your seat. The action is fast paced and full of drama. The world in which this is based is rich in description and the authors imagination is a thing of wonder and beauty. 

So can Asher convince Gwen that he only wants to help? Can Gwen move past the fact the friend she knew from her childhood has grown into an honourable dragon and the past was something he couldn’t change?  And when Asher tries to do the right thing, will Gwen run again, or will she stay by his side to fight? 

Another highly recommended read from me. Give it a go if you love this author/dragons/action and adventure. You won’t be sorry. 

Reviewed by Julie 🦋

Copy Supplied for review

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

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 20, 2024

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

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

••••••

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take note of the warnings, there are many triggers.

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

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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

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

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

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


 

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

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Bride by Ali Hazelwood – Review & Giveaway

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Bride by Ali Hazelwood – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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

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

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

 

 

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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

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

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7. Giveaway is open to USA only

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

 

 

 

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Wolf on the Edge by Paige Tyler – a Review

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Wolf on the Edge by Paige Tyler – a Review

 

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Description:
He can’t be a werewolf without a pack…For SWAT member Carter Nelson, everything is on the line. Something has triggered the omega wolf in him causing violent outbursts and blackouts. Losing control means losing his pack, so when he’s ordered to see psychiatrist Hadley Delacroix, he grudgingly agrees. However, the more time they spend together, Carter begins to suspect she’s The One, but dating your shrink breaks all the rules. He needs her as his therapist, but he craves her as his soul mate. The decision is out of his hands when a serial killer with supernatural abilities targets Hadley. Carter will risk it all to save his mate, but he’s running out of time…

 

 

Review:

Wolf on the Edge by Paige Tyler is the 16th 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.

Carter Nelson has been a member of the Dallas Swat team for many years, but recently his omega wolf, has been causing outbursts, blackouts and losing control.  He is ordered to see psychiatrist Hadley Delacroix, in helping him figure out what is the cause of his violent outbursts/blackouts.  Carter finds himself enamored with Hadley, as in a short time he believes she could be The One for him (his soul mate). 

Hadley knows that Carter is a werewolf, as her deceased brother was a werewolf, and she has successfully managed to help those in need.  When she meets Carter, Hadley senses that he cannot control his omega side, and in no time, Hadley will ease Carter’s fears. Both will soon become attracted to each other, with Carter needing her therapist side, and craving her as his soul mate side.

Besides her private practice, Hadley also does consulting for the FBI. She agrees to meet a serial killer in prison, to learn more about him for the FBI.  But while doing the interview, he threatens to escape and come after her, since he is a Skinwalker (who eats his victims).  When the killer does escape, she knows she needs protection, and lets Carter take control, staying at his place to protect her. He is determined to be with her 24-7.

What follows is a wild suspenseful, gripping, intense and horrifying adventure, that has Hadley very much in danger, and all the Swat team members, and friends will do anything to stop this vicious killer. I was unable to put the book down.  I really liked Hadley and Carter, as they turned out to be a great couple, as well as soul mate.

Wolf on the Edge was a terrific addition to this series, as Paige Tyler once again gives us a fantastic thriller.  Wolf on the Edge was so very well written by Paige Tyler.  I look forward to more from this series. 

Reviewed by Barb

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Born to Be Badger by Shelly Laurenston – Dual Review

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Born to Be Badger by Shelly Laurenston – Dual Review

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Description:
Emily “Tock” Meyerson-Jackson is on a mission to rid the world of shifters trafficking humans for hunting and cash. And now that she’s narrowed down her suspects to a brutal coalition of male lions, nothing will get between this honey badger and her prey—not even a dog-loving Tiger with absolutely no time management skills. Doesn’t matter that Shay Malone is ferociously adorable. With a war brewing between cat families, Tock doesn’t have time to lounge around with a football-playing tiger shifter. But when she realizes the coalition is also responsible for the death of Shay’s father, she’s forced to partner up with the flirtatious feline. . . .

Revenge is most definitely on the menu for Shay and his tiger shifter brothers. But when it comes to Shay’s alluring partner in crime-solving, so is seduction. Tock might be a bad-ass of a honey badger, but she’s awfully cute when she’s flashing her fangs, which she’s pretty much doing all the time these days. Good thing revenge is a dish best served hot. Because when it comes to Tock, Shay knows just how to turn up the heat. . . .

 

 

Barb’s Review:
Born to be Badger by Shelly Laurenston is the 5th book in her fantastic The Honey Badger Chronicles. I was happy that Laurenston was giving us more Honey Badgers, as this is such a great series, with so much fun from start to finish.  With the honey badgers being the center of this story, expect crazy badgers, violence, mayhem in a wild hilarious, pulse pounding story.  So many wonderful characters, with many from the previous books. No surprise, since everything Laurenston writes, is filled with not only great stories, but fun humorous laughter throughout each book she writes.

This book focuses around Emily (Tock]) and her magnificent honey badger team, and the start of a romance with Shay, a tiger (with his daughter Dani playing a big part in this story). Shay was immediately attracted to Tock, who loved his daughter, but she did not want him to be part their fight; when she learns that the coalition is responsible for Shay/Finn/Keane father’s death, she allows them to help.  Tock and her team are determined to stop shifters who are trafficking humans for a hunt or cash.  They set out to find them, only to discover that they are in the middle of an ambush.

Tock and Shay were a slow burn romance, with them being a great couple.  I loved how Tock and Dani became close, and loved the cute little puppies that Dani took care of. We got to see so many new characters, as well as many previous characters. Tock’s grandmother was a powerful badger, but Tock and her bonded team were so insanely amazing, with nothing stopping them.   I absolutely loved Charlie, who played a major role throughout the book. Everyone feared Charlie, especially with her amazing abilities; and always able to take control.  Not to mention that when Charlies was stressed, she baked, and all the bears, lions, wolves ran to get her baked foods.

What follows is an exciting adventure that was also fun-filled, with wild & crazy action, a fantastic group of characters, and so much laughter throughout.  In order to stop a coalition of shifters trafficking humans, the Badgers will team up with the badger family, lions and wolves to defeat the enemy and stop the war.

When it comes to fun, wild crazy antics, hysterical and exciting, no one does it better than Laurenston.  Telling too much more would be spoilers, and this is the kind of story that needs to be read and fully enjoyed.

Born to be Badger was another fun, hilarious story, with great characters, sweet romance, action, suspense and so much laughter.  I cannot wait for the next book.   If you have not read Shelly Laurenston, you are missing an author that always gives us fantastic stories, who should not be missed.

•••••••

Sandy’s Review: BORN TO BE BADGER is the fifth instalment in Shelly Laurenston’s contemporary, adult HONEY BADGER CHRONICLES paranormal, romance series-set in the author’s Magnus Pack and Pride Worlds. This is Amur tiger shifter and single father Shay Malone, and badger shifter Emily ‘Tock’ Meyerson-Jackson’s story line. BORN TO BE BADGER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.

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

Told from several third person perspectives including Tock and Shay BORN TO BE BADGER follows several overlapping scenarios including the hunt for the person(s) responsible for murdering Finn, Keane, Dale and Shay Malone’s father; the take down of a human trafficking ring; and the ongoing investigation into a powerful drug created to take down the honey badger shifters.

Shay and his brothers are desperate to find the person(s) responsible for the murder of their father but without the help of some powerful shifters, Shay struggles to ferret out those responsible. Meanwhile, the honey badgers have been targeted, and Tock Meyerson-Jackson has found herself the victim of a powerful tranquilizer, a drug meant to incapacitate the violent badger. As part of a search and rescue team, that was ambushed, Shay becomes guardian and protector of our story line heroine, something Tock does not need in the face of her large extended vengeful family. The search for any and all suspects reveals a human trafficking ring and a possible connection to a larger coalition somewhere in Europe.

The world building is detailed, complex and elaborate with many references to a number of shifter sports league and powerful groups, including families and deep ops organization, most of whom we met in the PACK series. We are up close and personal with Tock’s broad circle of blood family and family by friendships, as well as the considerable extended matriarchal family of questionable cousins (The MacKilligans), aunts, sisters and close friends. If you have not read any of Laurenston’s previous story lines or series, I recommend starting with The Magnus Pack then the Pride Series where the author begins to build her fantastic shifter world full of snark and fun-you will have to have a sense of humor for some of the darker scenarios. Ultimately, all of the shifters are predators, and therefore, killing is part of the cycle of life.

The secondary and supporting characters are numerous, powerful and energetic.-wolves, bears, lions, tigers, hyenas, badgers etc. We are introduced to Shay’s brothers Finn, Keane and Dale, as well as his daughter Dani, and the return of several Van Holtz including Ric and Niles, and the Dunn Triplets. The requisite evil has many faces.

The relationship between Tock and Shay is slow to build as there is limited break in the action, the impending war between the badgers and everyone else, and the take down of the people responsible. The Badgers are a powerful and vicious group of shifters, a group that every other shifter fears the most. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

BORN TO BE BADGER is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, friendships and family, acceptance and love. Shelly Laurenston pulls the reader into a humorous and frenetic action-packed story of secret organizations run by animal shifters, and the fight for control. The fast paced, character driven premise is intricate and fantastic; the characters are determined, dynamic and boisterous; the romance is subtle.

;

 

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Cold Curses by Chloe Neill – a Review

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Cold Curses by Chloe Neill – a Review

 

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

 

 

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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Total Eclipse of the Moon by Zoe Forward – a Review

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Total Eclipse of the Moon by Zoe Forward – a Review

 

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Description:
If he doesn’t break the curse tying him and his brothers to the Crown of England as paranormal terrorist hunters, they’ll be forced to execute him.

An accidental demon possession erodes Shane Lanzo’s sanity. Sometimes he’s in control. Sometimes not. His only hope is the witch who cast the curse, which is a problem. The last two times he approached her, the feisty enchantress somehow tamed the demon inside him, but rendered him useless against his desire for her.

Madeline Edney sucks at being a witch. Her casting the curse on the lycan brothers was a fluke, and it destroyed her life. She’s been hunted by the Crown ever since to make sure she doesn’t try to undo the curse. She never expected Shane to find her so easily. He’s a temptation that promises zinger chemistry, her absolute weakness. One taste was gratifying. Two was foolish. Three has become an addiction. Lifting the curse requires she forfeit her life, but if the hunters kill her, it leaves Shane at the mercy of the Crown. Either way she dies.

Shane has a choice: freedom for his family, risking Madeline in the process or a chance at happiness with the witch who fated his brothers as prisoners for eternity.

 

 

 

Review:

Total Eclipse of the Moon by Zoe Forward is the 3rd book in her Crown of Wolves series. The Lanzo brothers (Lycans), are bound to the Crown’s command, as they have  been cursed to be the Crowns weapons, and destroy all enemies. We meet the fourth brother, Shane, who was presumed dead; but he has been accidently possessed by a demon; with both fighting for control.  Shane is determined to find a way to break the curse tying him and his brothers to the Crown of England, as paranormal terrorist hunters. Though he has met her a couple of times, he has not been successful to get the witch to remove the curse that she put on all 4 brothers.

Madeline Edney, a witch, who has limited powers, does her best over the years, to avoid Shane or any of the other brothers, since she really doesn’t know how to remove the curse.  Madeline knows the Crown is always keeping an eye on her to not remove the curse; she is very much aware that lifting the curse will cause her death. 

Shane does find Madeline, who is able to help tame his demon, especially when she sings.  Both Shane and Madeline find themselves very attracted to each other, with sizzling chemistry; giving into their passion, which is now addicting.  Madeline manages to leave Shane behind, leaving him to return home to his family, who are shocked that he is still alive.

What follows is an exciting, tense, action-packed adventure that kept me unable to put the book down.  I loved the chemistry between Shane and Maddy, and prayed they would find a way to be together, especially with her possible loss of life if she removes the curse. Shane, who is totally in love with Maddy, wanted to remove the curse, but he did not want her to die doing it.  He had to find another way to save her. It was great to see the whole family together: Roman, Nova, Ky, Vivi, as well as Cora, Evie, Dom, Antonio and at the end, I did like Baku (the demon).  I do not want to say too much more, because you need to read this book, without me ruining it for you

Total Eclipse of the Moon was exciting through most of the book, with non-stop action, great characters, and a world filled with witches, secrets, enemies, vampire and battles. I thought that Shane and Madeline were so great together. Total Eclipse of the Moon was so very well written by Zoe Forward. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

 

 

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Animal by Barbara Meyers – a Review

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Animal by Barbara Meyers – a Review

 

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Description:
Sometimes he’s a beast. Can Bree tame him?

After animal sanctuary director Bree is mysteriously attacked, she becomes obsessed with her rescuer, the enigmatic Griffin Lancaster.

Bree’s cooperation is key to preserving Griff’s family legacy, and his skills are necessary to maintain the sanctuary’s viability.

While Griff lives on borrowed time, he must fight an internal battle between his desire for Bree, and his determination to protect her from the evil that’s a part of him.

Their attraction to each other becomes irresistible as their paths continue to cross. To save Bree, Griff cruelly rejects her advances.

Bree nearly destroys herself before Griff rescues her once again, only this time she won’t let him escape. Bree must find a way to change Griff’s destiny because losing him again is unthinkable.

Bree discovers the truth Griff doesn’t want her to know: Saving him is possible. If she’s willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.

There’s no way either can survive without the other.

Or is there?

 

 

Review:

Animal by Barbara Meyers is a slow burn shifter romance that is always a tick for me. But this is really slow, and I didn’t really gel with the main characters. It’s a really good read, but I was left feeling a little deflated afterwards. The spice scenes go from red hot chilly to somewhat nondescript and fade out!! A curse that turns you into another creature is bad enough, but when the curse also shortens your life span! No wonder Griff is always looking to be alone! 

Bree works in an animal sanctuary, she loves her job, what she’s not expecting is to be attacked one evening! 

Griff just wants it all to be over! He’s had enough of waking up and not remembering the previous night. He’s also aware that his lifespan is shorter than normal! He’s a good guy, so why was he cursed?  Yes the key to breaking the curse is pretty predictable, and I’m sure most of you will guess it pretty quick. 

Griff and Bree spend a lot of the book dancing around one another. He doesn’t want to fall in love, he doesn’t want to find Bree mutilated the next morning, and have no idea how it happened! 

I personally feel there should have been a warning about the death (especially Griff thinking of taking his own life! Personal opinion). And although fascinating, the folklore and legends did take up a big chunk of the book! I did like the idea of a single shifter living on their own, rather than the pack we usually read. It did stop rather abruptly, and I would have liked a chapter so see their future. 

So a pretty good book with lots of potential.  A good story, but with an abrupt ending. And characters that were ok. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

 

 

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