Tag Archives: urban fantasy

Blind Date with a Werewolf by Patricia Briggs – a Review

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Blind Date with a Werewolf by Patricia Briggs – a Review

 

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Description:
When the deadly werewolf Asil is gifted five blind dates by some anonymous “friends,” his reclusive life will never be the same.

Includes two all-new stories as well as three previously published stories.

Dear Asil:

We are worried about you. A werewolf alone is a sad thing, especially at Christmastime. So we have a challenge for you: five dates in three weeks. We have taken the work out of it and connected you with five people from online dating sites. You should also know that we have informed the whole pack and instigated a betting pool. Have fun!

Sincerely,
Your Concerned Friends

 

 

Review:

Blind Date with a Werewolf by Patrica Briggs is an interesting novel, with an old werewolf (Asil), who is gifted with five blind dates by some anonymous “friends” in this different novel. This is a collection of five short stories, with some of them being new and some have been previously published.

The story starts off with Asil, a deadly werewolf, who is gifted with 5 blind dates, as they were worried about him, and the friends have set a challenge for him using different dating sites.  The 5 dates would take place during the next few weeks before Christmas.

Asil is powerful, brooding, fast, strong, graceful and curious; always determined to see that justice is done.  Asil, better known as the Moor, is an ancient werewolf who is smart and highly lethal. Asil appears young but looks can be deceiving; especially Asil’s wolf is around to defeat the enemy.

All 5 dates were very different for each of them. The first date had Asil attending a Vampire Ball, with young people pretending to be vampires.  Kelly was a gay graduate student and not a real date. The second date had Asil rescuing a tiger shifter and lioness. The third date had Asil meeting Tami, a social worker; helping her rescue some clients. The fourth date, has Asil meeting a ghost hunter, who is a victim of an ancient fae; and Ruby and Asil begin to have feelings for each other. The fifth date has Asil rescuing Mariposa’s daughter, which creates dangerous situations; especially those threatening Asil’s life.

Blind Date with a Werewolf was an excellent story revolving around Ascil’s dates.  It was interesting, fun, strong, graceful, fast, as Asil was really very good. Once again, Patricia Briggs gives us a very nice story; that was very well written.  I suggest you read this enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Archangels Ascension by Nalini Singh – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Archangels Ascension by Nalini Singh – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Aodhan and Illium. Adi and Blue. Sparkle and Bluebell. Friends become lovers, their future a wild unknown.

Finally reunited in New York, they must now learn to navigate the monumental shift in their relationship. But for these two members of Archangel Raphael’s legendary Seven, there is no time to rest. As they investigate a case for the Tower that echoes the darkness from Aodhan’s past, they will be forced to confront not only the scars that mark them both, but the promise of a vast power that flickers in Illium.

The threat of ascension has haunted and troubled Aodhan’s Blue for too long, the forces of change immutable and without mercy…and uncaring of Illium’s fierce wish to remain part of the Seven. Change is a constant in an immortal’s life, and this new horizon will bring with it both terrible heartbreak and a joy extraordinary enough to reverberate through time…

 

 

Barb’s Review:  Archangel’s Ascension by Nalini Singh is the 17th book in her fantastic Guild Hunter series. We have followed both Illium and Aodhan for awhile now, especially in Archangel’s Light; revealing that their friendship runs deeper.  Bluebell and Sparkle now become lovers, in each other’s hearts. Illium and Aodhan are two valuable members of Archangel Raphael’s Seven; and Raphael knows that soon, Illium will finally Ascend.

Blue and Adi investigate a case for the Tower that close family and friends discovered two people who were murdered; which echoes darkness from Adi’s scars of the past. The first half of the book revolves around finding who was behind they murder; bringing them closer to an evil woman who was not liked by many.  While they continue to investigate, their relationship continuous to grow, with the love between them escalating.

With Illium finally ascending in the second half of the book, as he is filled with intense and strong powers.  It was emotional, when Illium faces Raphael, and tells him that he will always be part of their family, knowing he will always be his sire. Raphael knew he was losing two members of his Seven; as Aodhan will become Bluebell’s second.  Though they knew this was coming over so many years, as Raphael and Elena understood, and would always be there for him.  Illium was saying his goodbyes as he knew he could never be there the way he was before. Though he knew if anything was serious, he and Aodan would always be there to help.

It was a wonderful story, with so many wonderful characters from previous stories, as Raphael’s people were always considered family and friendship. So many memories, and they all loved Illium; happy for him now an Archangel, but they will sadly miss him (Raphael, Elena, Dimitri, Jessamy, Sharine, Titus, Honor, Keir, Galen, Nassir, Venom; just to name a few)

Archangels Ascension was a fantastic story finalizing Illium and Aodan story, as well as his new territory; with many people joining Illium in his new land.  Not sure where Nalini will take us in between Raphael (and Elena) or Illium?  Once again, Nalini Singh gives us a wonderful book, that was so very well written.  I really enjoyed this book, and loved Bluebell and Adi.

 

Sandy’s Review:

ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION is the seventeenth instalment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER paranormal, urban fantasy romance series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is the continuing story of Aodhan and Illium, whose story has been developing throughout the series, and is told in book fourteen ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT. ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION is the start of a new series arc but some background knowledge is recommended.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives following a non-linear timeline, ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION advances the series approximately seven hundred years in which the world of Archangels and Angels has been in recovery since the Cascade that destroyed so many lives and the infrastructure of Archangel Raphael’s New York. Illium has never wanted to ascend to the status of Archangel but the heavens have chosen our story line hero. As Illium and his lover Aodhan struggle with Illium’s new status as one of the most powerful beings in the world, time flashes back to the early days of their relationship and the betrayal of one of their own.

The world building follows several timelines jumping seven hundred years, back and forth. Illium and Aodhan are members of Raphael’s Seven but now must forge ahead to establish their own center of power in the world of the Archangels, with the help of their family and friends.

ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION is another riveting, complex and comprehensive story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, madness and jealousy, friendships and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is intricate, emotional, entertaining and thorough; the characters are determined and charismatic.

 

Copies supplied for review

 

Berkley is graciously offering a paper copy of Arachangel’s Ascension by Nalini Singh 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.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Nalini Singh on Facebook

4. Please LIKE/FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE and FOLLOW Berkley on Facebook for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from May 5-9, 2025

 

 

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Basically Vampires by Harper A Brooks-review tour

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Basically Vampires (Supernaturals in Training 2) by Harper A Brooks-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 4,2025

We would always joke about our friendship lasting forever. Now, it’s not so funny.

Colt Enigati and I used to be best friends. Now we’re at each other’s throats. When he left town, I thought I’d never see him again. And when I finally do? I wish he’d stayed away.

Colt is a dhampir, and despite his human father’s hopes that he would miss out on his royal blood, his mother’s genetics are starting to show up. He says he’s a danger to everyone around him.

Especially me.

But when I find him near death and in pain from the transformation overtaking his body, I risk it all to help him fight through the pain. For my troubles, I get a slight graze of his fangs before he can stop himself.

Now, we’re both basically vampires. Maybe that’s not such a bad thing, considering the royal vampire family is coming into town to fight off a moon-mad werewolf and start a supernatural war.

Being together again is stirring up old feelings and complicating our already toxic relationship. But we don’t have time for that kind of stuff. We need to learn to control our newfound powers and find a way to stop the war before it ends up destroying everything we’ve ever cared about.

Including… each other.

•••••

REVIEW: Although a series, these can be read without reading the first book.

When I picked up “Basically Vampires,” I anticipated a fun urban fantasy, but I was totally unprepared for the emotional rollercoaster I was about to ride. Harper A. Brooks took my expectations and flipped them upside down, diving deep into themes of friendship, transformation, and the complexities of power.

From the moment the story opened, I felt the weight of nostalgia as Lacey navigated her feelings about her long-lost best friend, Colt Enigati. Their relationship is told with a fond memory, you could practically feel the spark of their childhood bond. But when Colt returns, he’s not the same boy she remembers, he’s now a dhampir (half vampire/half human) caught in the turbulent waters of his royal vampire heritage.

I loved how the author showed their shared history with the tension of their new reality, making me root for their connection all the more.

The pacing was a thrill ride! Every twist and turn kept me on the edge of my seat. The supernatural elements felt fresh, blending classic vampire lore with new, intriguing twists. I absolutely relished the heat-infused tension between Colt and Lacey, it simmered beautifully as they both grappled with their evolving powers and feelings for each other.

What really struck me were the moments of vulnerability. There were times when I found myself holding my breath, on the verge of tears, as the characters faced their fears and uncertainties. The theme of friendship morphing into something much deeper was handled delicately, and it resonated with me.

As the royal vampire family looms closer and the threat of a moon-mad werewolf becomes imminent, I held my breath, hoping they could control their newfound abilities in time. The stakes felt high, and the author masterfully crafted a world where every decision mattered. I couldn’t put the book down! I had to know how it all unfolded!

In the end, “Basically Vampires” isn’t just a tale of supernatural beings; it’s a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and the bonds that can withstand even the most chaotic storms.

If you’re looking for a story that’s rich in emotion, filled with supernatural thrill, and leaves you pondering the complexities of friendship and love, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into Harper A. Brooks’ world.

I can’t wait for the next installment!

Click HERE for Julie’s review of book one PRACTICALLY WITCHES

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed 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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THE SEVENTH SNOW (A Meddlesome Moirai Tale) by Rose Wulf-review

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THE SEVENTH SNOW (A Meddlesome Moirai Tale) by Rose Wulf-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 29, 2025

A lifetime of lies.
A stepmother set on killing her.
A power locked inside.

Teasha Blanchette would never have believed she had any of those things. Not until the day she inadvertently shattered her stepmother’s mirror, triggered a wave of nonsensical visions, and her stepmother did, in fact, try to end her life.

The other thing Teasha wouldn’t have believed she had?
A lover reborn from lifetimes past.

But as soon as they met, both gathered by curious circumstance at a reclusive dwarven community, Teasha and the man of her waking dreams became inseparable.

Knowing her stepmother wasn’t going away, Omar vowed to stand beside and fight for her. Even if he and his sword were all that stood between Teasha and her stepmother’s ancient magic. He would not waver.

They were only going to get one more chance at their happily ever after

•••••••

REVIEW: THE SEVENTH SNOW by Rose Wulf is an adult, urban fantasy story, a retelling of Snow White focusing on Prince Omar Flores, and Teasha Blanchette.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Omar and Teasha) THE SEVENTH SNOW focuses on the seven lives of our story line couple. Throughout the centuries, Prince Omar has fallen in love with Princess Snow but something or someone will destroy any hopes for a future, taking the lives of our story line couple. Fast forward to present day realistic dreams will pull our couple together, dreams revealing their numerous past lives, and the loss of life at the hands of the Witch Queen, a woman Teasha knows as her wicked step-mother. Magic is a powerful part of the world in which our couple live, magic that appears to have skipped our story line heroine but hiding with a group of cave dwelling dwarves will reveal Teasha’s powers have been hidden behind a veil of dark magic. Training for the inevitably of once again facing their deaths, Omar and Teasha begin training in the hopes of surviving what’s to come.

The world building reveals the past, their life and deaths, and the ultimate betrayal, over and over again. Determined to never repeat history, Omar and Teasha find themselves facing assassins, and former friends tasked with taking them down.

The relationship between Omar and Teasha spans hundreds of years as our couple are fated to repeat history one more time but one more time may result in their final death. Omar is determined to protect the woman he loves, a woman who will discover her magic in the face of the ultimate betrayal. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters including Teasha’s step-mother Griselda, several dwarves, soldiers and mercenaries, security guard Lars, Kahn the owl, as well as Omar’s parents the King and Queen Marwood.

THE SEVENTH SNOW is a story of betrayal and jealousy, obsession and murder, survival and love. The premise is entertaining and interesting; the romance is fated ; the characters are determined and desperate.

Copy supplies for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Sweet Obsession (Dark Olympus 8) by Katee Robert-review

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Sweet Obsession (Dark Olympus 8) by Katee Robert-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 1, 2025

He was mine to protect. Mine to adore. Mine to lose forever.

*A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Poseidon and Icarus.*

Icarus may not have flown particularly close to the sun, but he has fallen…right into the rough hands of Olympus’s own Poseidon. Being held captive by the gentle giant wouldn’t be so bad if Olympus wasn’t on the eve of destruction…or if Poseidon stopped looking at him with those irresistibly stormy eyes.

Poseidon doesn’t have time to babysit his increasingly bratty prisoner, but he has no choice: Olympus is officially at war, and someone has to keep their best bargaining chip out of harm’s way. The thing is, the longer Poseidon is with Icarus, the more he starts to care for his sworn enemy…and the more he realizes that Icarus isn’t the villain he’s been made out to be. There’s a warmth to him, a vulnerability, that Poseidon finds difficult to ignore or deny.

Now with Circe and the Aeaens at the gate and Olympus a hair’s breadth away from falling, Poseidon will have to make a difficult choice: about himself, about his allegiances, and about the man who woke his heart from its long slumber only to threaten to break it for good...

•••••

REVIEW:SWEET OBSESSION is the eighth instalment in Katee Robert’s contemporary, adult DARK OLYMPUS erotic, urban fantasy series, a modern retelling of the gods and goddesses of Olympus. This is Poseidon, and Icarus Vitalis’ story line. SWEET OBSESSION can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including same $ex scenarios and BDSM situation, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: Not all is well in Olympus. The barrier between Olympus and the rest of the world is collapsing, and the attacks in the upper city have become dangerous and deadly. The fight for power and control within the ruling circle of Thirteen has resulted in a number of deaths-someone is determined to destroy that which is no longer theirs to control.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Poseidon and Icarus) SWEET OBSESSION follows the building romance and relationship between Icarus and Poseidon as the gods and goddesses of Olympus prepare for war. Icarus is Poseidon’s prisoner, a prisoner who is determined to ease the darkness that is choking the man with whom Icarus will fall in love but war has come to Olympus, and Icarus may have the ammunition to keep the enemy at bay.

The world building follows preparations for war as the gods and goddesses take sides in a fight for power. Family will target family, friends must take control before everything and everyone is sacrificed.

The relationship between begins when Icarus becomes Poseidon’s prisoner but Icarus suspects Poseidon is struggling with his place in Olympus, and his need to give up control to someone else. As Icarus begins a slow seduction of Poseidon, others see a potential for betrayal by someone who has already been judged. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense including same $ex scenarios and BDSM situations.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting characters including the return of Hera, Zeus, Hermes, Hades and Circe.

SWEET OBSESSION is a story of power and control, obsession and acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is dramatic , intriguing and entertaining; the romance is passionate; the characters are captivating and desperate.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Neon Gods
Electric Idol
Wicked Beauty
Radiant Sin
Cruel Seduction
Midnight Ruin
Dark Restraint

Please Note: The author has also release several novellas and short stories that are not included in my reading order

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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HE IS JENSEN: Part One (Windwalkers 4) by Lisa Renee Jones-review

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HE IS JENSEN: Part One (Windwalkers 4) by Lisa Renee Jones-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 25, 2024

He loved only one, but he was never what she needed, never the right man for her. The best thing he ever did was walk away from Layla before he destroyed her life. Proven over and over again, most recently when he ended up tricked by his own government into taking an “immunization” that turned him into something not quite human, a super soldier, a GTECH.

But as a threat develops that could destroy the world, he believes one beautiful, talented scientist might be able to help them find much-needed answers. That woman is Layla. The problem is that the enemy knows this, too, and he must get to her before they do. And once he finds her, will she hate him too much to accept his help and to offer hers? Because what neither of them can know, is that they might just mean life or death to each other.

•••••

REVIEW: HE IS JENSEN: Part One is the fourth instalment in Lisa Renee Jones’ adult WINDWALKERS sci-fi, urban fantasy series. This is US GTECH soldier Jensen Prescott, and astrobiologist Layla Walters’ storyline. HE IS JENSEN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty, but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory.

SOME BACKGROUND: Some years earlier, government scientists working at Area 51, injected US soldiers with alien DNA creating a super soldier known as GTECH who continue to evolve with super powers but along the way the soldiers have split into two warring factions: The Zodius group who follow a former Renegade-Julian Rain, the leader of the rebel movement, a man determined to control the world: and The Renegades,a special operations group comprised of GTECH and civilians, desperate to save humanity from the addictive street drug known as ICE.

NOTE: HE IS JENSEN is the re-release and reimagined story first introduced as Sterling /The Storm That is Sterling (Zodius Series) but has been completely rewritten with new content, characters, names and premise.

Told from three first person perspectives (Jensen, Layla and Julian) HE IS JENSEN follows in the wake of Layla’s abduction by the Zodius Group. Approximately fourteen years earlier, Layla and Jensen were newly embarking on a high school relationship when Jensen disappeared leaving Layla wondering what went wrong. Fast forward to present day, Layla is an astrobiologist who finds herself a prisoner of Julian Rain, a prisoner forced to research the street drug called ICE, looking for a cure to its’ deadly withdrawal but Layla isn’t Julian’s only prisoner, her would be rescuer is the boy she knew in school, the man who would discover there is more to Layla than meets the eye.

The world building focuses on the past, the present and a potentially deadly future for our story line heroine. Julian Rain is determined to take control, creating a world dependent upon the street drug ICE but Jensen is struggling to come to terms with a possible betrayal from his own Renegade troops.

The relationship between Jensen and Layla is one of second chances, of a sorts. A high school romance that was abruptly halted before is began, is forced to pick up in the wake of death threats against our story line couple. There are no $ex scenes as our couple find themselves fighting for their lives.

The secondary and supporting characters include the introduction of Tad Bensen, and the return of Creed, Maddox, Caleb and Julian Rain.

HE IS JENSEN: Part One introduces the next arc of the series, as the Renegades must stop the distribution and production of the street drug ICE, before humanity loses control. The premise is intriguing, dark and dramatic; the characters are dynamic and desperate. HE IS JENSEN: Part One ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one HE IS CREED Part One

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy – a modern girl we all can identify with.

In addition to the success of Lisa’s INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists.

​Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women’s Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

To find out about Lisa Renee Jones’ upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter here

For more information on Lisa Renee Jones  and her books visit: https://www.lisareneejones.com/

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Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood – a Review

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Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood – a Review

 

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Description:
Belladonna Blackthorn hasn’t lost her magical spark . . . but she hasn’t seen it in a while, either.

Balancing work at her beloved Lunar Books with protecting it from her toxic boss, who’s running it into the ground, and all the while concealing her witchcraft from the non-wicches around her – Belle is burnt out. Perfecting the potential of her magic is the last thing on her mind.

But when her 30th birthday brings a summons from her coven, and a trial that tests her worthiness as a witch, Belle risks losing her magic forever. With the month of October to fix things, and signs that dark forces may be working against her, Belle will need all the help she can get – from the women in her life, from an unlikely mentor figure, and even an (infuriatingly handsome) watchman who’s sworn to protect her . . .

With found family, slow burn romance and an uplifting message about self-love, this is the cosy, autumnal read that you’ve been waiting for.

 

 

Review:

Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood is a standalone novel revolving around witches.  Belladonna Blackthorn, loves her job at Lunar Books, even though her boss is very toxic to work for.  Belle hides her ability as a witch from her friends and other workers, though her mother is also a witch.   On her 30th birthday, Belle is summoned by her coven for a trial that could strip her of her magic; though she has not done much with her magic lately.  She risks losing her magic forever; and must prove herself worthy of the magic she possesses.

With the month of October (Halloween), to fix things, Belle will find help from some wonderful secondary characters; an older retired mentor, Arty, who will train her; her mother, Bonnie; and Rune, a charming watchman, who is sworn to protect her; as well as her bff, Ariadne, who will eventually learn about Belle being a witch.

The story follows Belle, as she learns to come into her magic and herself more. Arty turned into a wonderful (elder) who was always helpful working with Belle, and teaching her how to build up her magic.  I love Rune, who was determined to be the protector, while at the same time, found himself falling for Belle.   Both Belle’s mother, as well as her friend, Ariadne were great.  I also got a kick out Jinx, Belle’s cat.

The two sister witches with one determined to have Belle’s magic removed, but the other sister turns out even worse later on.  Things got difficult when the evil begins to bring the coven down, and Belle will have to bring her magic forward to save everyone.  The last third of the book was extremely exciting, with Belle’s powers rising to stop the evil sisters. 

Rewitched was a wonderful, heartwarming, paranormal story, though a bit slow early on.  It is a story of healing, building self-confidence, accepting their ability and learning to love. Rewitched was very well written by Lucy Jane Wood, as this was a cozy fantasy that was wonderful tale of family and slow-burn romance. The end was very exciting, with a magical and fantastic read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Sanctuary by Ilona Andrews – a Review

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Sanctuary by Ilona Andrews – a Review

 

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Description:
It’s not easy serving the Chernobog, the God of Destruction, Darkness and Death…especially during the holidays; and especially when you’re out of eggnog and one of your pesky, freeloading mythic creatures has eaten your last cookie.

Roman would like nothing more than to be left alone, but when a wounded boy stumbles into his yard and begs for sanctuary, Roman takes him in. Now elite mercenaries are camped out on his property, combat mages are dousing the house with fire, and strange priests are unleashing arcane magic. They thought Roman was easy pickings, just a hermit in the woods, but they chose the wrong dark priest to annoy. For while Roman might be patient, he is the Black Volhv, filled with the love of his terrible god. For his adversaries, it’s a fight to the death, but for him, it’s just another day in the neighborhood.

 

 

Review:

Sanctuary by Ilona Andrews is a standalone novel in the World of Kate Daniels. We did meet Roman (hero), in previous Kate Daniels books. Roman is the priest of Chernobog, who is the God of Destruction, Darkness and Death, and in Sanctuary, we learn more about his backstory, which includes his chaotic family, as well as becoming Chernobog’s Black Volhv.   Roman is depressed, wanting no company during the winter holiday, and to his surprise, a boy races to his house and begs for Sanctuary.

Almost immediately, elite mercenaries appear on his property, wanting the boy and his puppy; with them thinking this was going to be easy, with the hermit in the house.  Of course, little did they know he was a powerful dark priest.  Besides the mercenaries, they are also attacked by mages, strange priests, unleashing magic and trying to douse the house with fire. Roman collects a hoard of witchy pets and demonic beasties, which he manages to bring out in the fight to death against those who want the boy at any cost.  While the attacks continue, Roman teaches Finn what not to use and what is safe.

We learn a lot about Roman in his early years, especially with his perfect older brother. His father was Volhv with Chernobog, during those years, and always pushed for the older son to follow him.  Roman was lonely and felts ostracized from his family.  But when he got older, the choice to replace the father, was a complete surprise as to who Chernobog chose. In the current time, Roman’s dreams show him dragging a tree to give to Morena (Chernobog’s wife), where he sees Andora, a girl he knew when they were very young; he also sees Farhang (the mage) who is in the dream and Finn, who is in for the ride.

What follows is an exciting and intriguing story, with Roman tied to the Slavic gods in this world, with magical siblings; not to mention his wonderful menagerie. Finn was a very good addition, and Andora, a childhood friend, who may become a potential romance.  It was fun to learn about his younger years, being lonely with his meddling family.  I look forward to seeing the possibility of a full novel upcoming. Once again, Ilona Andrews, our illustrious duo, gives us another wonderful masterpiece.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

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