Tag Archives: vampires

Blood Moon Bound / Blood Moon Heat by Sherilee Gray-reviews

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BLOOD MOON BOUND / BLOOD MOON HEAT (Blood Moon Brides 1 & 2) by Sherilee Gray

BLOOD MOON BOUND
Blood Moon Brides 1
by Sherilee Gray
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance, vampires

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 24, 2023

Shut away since childhood by her cruel parents, Delphine longed for the day her mate—a powerful vampire warrior and mysterious member of The Five—would save her from an agonizingly lonely existence. But with their identities kept secret, she never imagined he’d be the Five’s brutal and battle-scarred commander.

Over the centuries just one thing has kept Constantine sane: dreams of the sweet female destined to be his and a life after war without pain or bloodshed. Every part of him hungers for Delphine, yet when he learns who her stepfather is—the male he’s vowed to destroy—he knows he must give her up.

But keeping his innocent bride at arm’s length won’t be easy—especially when Delphine ignores the battle lines completely and launches a ruthless campaign to win his heart...

•••••

REVIEW: BLOOD MOON BOUND is the first instalment in Sherilee Gray’s adult BLOOD MOON BRIDES erotic, paranormal, romance series focusing on The Five ancient vampire warriors-Stefan Valiente, Rainer Beiste, August Drapała, Nero Kossek, and Constantine Caputo. This is ancient vampire Commander Constantine Caputo, and twenty-one year old, vampire Delphine Albertan’s story line.

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

SOME BACKGROUND: Five ancient vampire warriors have returned from the war with the Fae, and each will be presented with their fated mate, a virgin female who is unaware of the position in which she is about to be thrown-claimed and bonded by a man who has lost all emotion and the ability to feel.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Delphine and Constantine) BLOOD MOON BOUND follows the building relationship between our story line couple. Like all virgin brides betrothed to the Five ancient vampires, Delphine has been secluded and kept pure in preparation for her twenty-first birthday but Delphine is struggling with Constantine’s lack of attention, and his disappearances that will leave her alone for days and weeks. As their relationship slowly turns personal, Delphine believes Constantine has betrayed her, and searches for someone to take her away but all is not as it appears to be, and our heroine will become a pawn in a much darker game of winner take all.

The world building focuses on the building relationship between Constantine and Delphine, as well as Constantine’s need to avenge a former lover and friend, as well as his new bride. Delphine has emotionally suffered at the hands of someone who should have protected her heart, and Constantine is determined to make them pay.

The relationship between Delphine and Constantine is a fated mates but Constantine has lost all ability to feel, and in doing so, begins to push his bride out of his life. Delphine, like the other brides is naïve and unaware of what to expect as a bonded bride, and in this, Constantine must slowly take control of the woman with whom he will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and impassioned.

We are introduced to the other ancient vampires: Stefan Valiente, Rainer Beiste, August Drapała, Nero Kossek,, and their new mates, as well as Constantine’s right hand man John, and Delphine’s parents Douglas and Miriam Albertan. The requisite evil has many faces.

BLOOD MOON BOUND is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and deception, acceptance and love. The premise is haunting and twisted; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are dynamic and charismatic.

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________

BLOOD MOON HEAT
( Blood Moon Brides 2)
by Sherilee Gray
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance, vampires

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 25, 2025

My fate was sealed years ago. I would be mated to one of The Five.

However, the heartless vampire who’ll claim me broke all the rules. Instead of staying away until our blood moon ceremony, Nero watched me intently, fascinated by the pain his nearness caused me.

He is incapable of love, and instead of making me his mate, Nero makes me his prisoner—only offering freedom to savor my fear and the dark sensual need he stirs when he catches me again.

But as danger looms, awakening startling new emotions in him, I learn the ice around his heart is no match for the passion burning in his soul…

••••••••

REVIEW: BLOOD MOON HEAT is the second instalment in Sherilee Gray’s adult BLOOD MOON BRIDES erotic, paranormal romance series focusing on The Five ancient vampire warriors-Stefan Valiente, Rainer Beiste, August Drapała, Nero Kossek, and Constantine Caputo. This is ancient vampire Nero Kossek, and twenty-one year old vampire Mina Angelos’ storyline. BLOOD MOON HEAT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. The events of BLOOD MOON HEAT run parallel to, and cross over with the events of book one BLOOD MOON BOUND.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Nero and Mina) BLOOD MOON HEAT follows in the wake of the claiming of our story line heroine. At sixteen years of age, it would be revealed to Mina Angelos and her parents that she is to be the fated mate to ancient vampire warrior Nero Kossek. Having spent all of her life a prisoner in a gilded cage, Mina would find herself secreted away except for the one night a year when Nero would quietly visit without speaking a word. Days following her twenty-first birthday, Mina and four other young woman would be called together for a ceremony in which each would be introduced and claimed by an ancient warrior. Enter Nero Kossek, the vampire with whom Mina would fall in love.

Like all ancient vampires, Nero has lost all emotions and the ability to feel , and in this, Mina became nothing more than another prisoner, locked in a room, away from all others but as Mina and Nero continued to dance around one another, Nero would be sent on assignment, and our heroine would become the target of some powerful males.

The world building focuses on the acrimonious relationship between our story line couple. Mina Angelos is painfully naive, naive to the point of pain, and in this, her actions threaten the safety of our story line couple. Determined to make Nero work for her affection, Mina refuses to accept our hero as her fated mate. Nero Kossek struggles with his inability to bond with the woman that would one day control his heart, an inability that threatens Mina’s life going forward. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense but scenes of struggle .

We are introduced to the other four Blood Moon brides, as well as Nero’s assistant Pretender, and Mina’s parents.

BLOOD MOON HEAT is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and obsession, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic and dark; the romance is limited; the characters are broken, determined and desperate.

Copy supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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A Bloom In Winter (Black Dagger Brotherhood) by JR Ward-review

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A Bloom In Winter (Black Dagger Brotherhood World) by JR Ward-review

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Hard Cover edition on SALE at B&N for only $13.00

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 12, 2024

Nothing warms a cold heart like true love, and in this newest Black Dagger Brotherhood winter book, a fighter who has never been a savior finds himself falling in love—and trying to rescue—a male who’s lost all hope.

With the BDB training center reopening, and the Brothers looking to add more soldiers in the war against the Lessening Society, fan favorite Callum decides to find his purpose in fighting. Apex knows what suffering the male has survived, and he joins the program just to make sure Callum doesn’t get himself killed. As the two hit the streets, and the danger gets real, Callum must decide whether he can open himself up to love or if he will give in to his inner darkness and spiral down into an abyss of hatred and death…forever.

••••••

REVIEW:A BLOOM IN WINTER by JR Ward is an adult, paranormal, romance story line set in the author’s Black Dagger Brotherhood World.

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

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives A BLOOM IN WINTER, following two time lines and several intersecting pathways includes a plot to take down Wrath the Blind King, and the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Mahricelle ‘Mahrci’ Whestmorel is in seclusion, hiding in her family’s summer home Camp Ghreylke, in the wake of an arranged mating she does not want. Her father has sent his head of security, vampire Apex, and his assistant Mayhem, to set up a new security system, in an effort to retrieve his wayward daughter, and bring her home. Mayhem finds himself pulled into the aura that is our story line heroine, a woman who is struggling in the face of potential betrayal.

Meanwhile, Apex comes face to face with his past, a male he once loved, a male who continues to struggle with the demons from years before. Enter Wolven Callum, the male Apex thought he had lost. As each couple dances with their attraction to their significant others, the BDB begin an investigation into the murder of a once prominent member of the original Glymera, a society of rich vampires who appear to be on the rise, taking aim at Wrath and the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

A BLOOM IN WINTER is a story of a building betrayal, one developing relationship, and a rekindling romance. Mayhem has fallen for a female promised to someone else; Apex struggles with his attraction to a male who is too broken to let go of the past. The relationship between Mayhem and Mahrci is one of immediate attraction but Mayhem’s time at the Whestmorel summer residence is limited, and Mahrci is biding her time before she has to run again. Apex stood by Callum thirty years earlier, in the wake of Callum’s torture and abuse at the Wolven prison camp but Callum ran, and Apex has been hoping for the male’s return. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

The dynamic secondary and supporting characters include several members of the BDB including Wrath, Tohr, V,, Rhage, Qhuinn, and Saxton. We are quickly introduced to Sympath Blade, Mahrci’s ex Remis, and her father Whestmorel.

A BLOOM IN WINTER is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, greed and obsession, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic, entertaining and captivating; the romances are fated and impassioned; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

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Hera’s Scream (American Noir Trilogy 2) by Shaun Griffin-review

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Hera’s Scream (American Noir Trilogy 2) by Shaun Griffin-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 4, 2024

You reap what you sow—the old proverb will prove no less true for Anastasiya, self-styled vampire Goddess. She allowed Faith, the young woman turned vampire, to live. But as Faith’s powers continue to evolve Anastasiya must decide—is the girl a potential ally or a rival to her position of power?

As Anastasiya contemplates her next move she is unaware of a deadlier threat. Goran, professional assassin and brother to Dragan, the man she killed, is out for revenge. His hunt will lead him to Anastasiya and her acolytes. Will they survive the deadly retribution he has planned?

Throw into the mix a corrupt biologist on the trail of the alien vampire virus, two FBI agents moonlighting as guns for hire, a cop investigating the suspicious death of his friend, and you have the ingredients for an explosive showdown.

••••

REVIEW:⚠️ TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️ Please be advised to read the triggers before reading the book.

Book one needs to be read before book two, as it continues from where book one left us.

Anastasiya isn’t our heroine in this story, she isn’t even really a nice character. A vampire who doesn’t sparkle or give off nice vibes. A killer when she feeds, and doesn’t care about the humans she feeds from! But she does care about the vampires being found out and exterminated! It’s her fault that Faith is killing and exposing herself and the vampires to the humans, she really should have ended her when she had the chance. (She turned Faith into the vampire)

And now that Faith is becoming even stronger than Anastasiya herself, she’s worried that Faith will want her position of top vampire!

Faith herself is still struggling with both being a vampire and obtaining strengths and other powers. All she wanted was to be left alone, but being hunted by humans/vampires and her “maker”, Faith is now turning the tables on the hunters! She’s making her own followers.

We also have Goran, a professional assassin out to 💀 Anastasiya, she took his brother from him, and now he seeks revenge! And I have to admit he’s come close a few times. But if he does come face to face with Anastasiya, what exactly does he have planned?

I liked this book a lot better than the first. It answered a lot of questions from the first book, and sets up book three nicely.

And the ending?!?! Well….. Nope…. 🤐

A little more SciFi than Noir I felt. But still really well written.

If you like your vampires that don’t have redeeming qualities, if you want a book that will have you on the edge of your seat, then I highly recommend both book one and two. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait long for the third one.

Click HERE for Julie’s review of book one HERA’S CURSE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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Master Romano / Master Oradea by Sylvia Black -tour

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Master Romano / Master Oradea (Masters of the Consulate  4 & 10) by Sylvia Black -review tour

Master Oradea
Masters of the Consulate 10
by Sylvia Black
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

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

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

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203516955-master-oradea

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 26, 2024

A vampire master on the hunt for a rogue who got away. An infuriating beauty who won’t do as she’s told. When destiny speaks, will immortal hearts survive?

As a pureblood and dark-souled master, I will capture the rogue vampire trying to steal the secrets that we keep. When we find him, no one will stop me from seeking retribution for the destruction they’ve caused. Not the shifters, witches, or even the biggest traitor of all. But when a red-headed beauty gets caught in the crossfire, I must save her from our foes. That proves harder than it should because the fiery female has powers of her own. When she uses her magical gift, the mystery of the stones exposes a secret we’ve never known. Battle lines between the witches and vampires become clearly drawn, but that won’t stop me. Whether destiny forbids it or not, I will make the bewitching enchantress my mate.

•••••

REVIEW: MASTER ORADEA is the tenth instalment in Sylvia Black’s contemporary adult MASTERS OF THE CONSULATE dark, paranormal, romance series. This is pureblood vampire Master Oradea, and Natalia Benzini’s story line. MASTER ORADEA can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout, and many of the previous story line characters and couples play a significant role.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Oradea and Natalia) MASTER ORADEA continues to focus on the hunt for a group of rogue vampires and shifters in and around Eastern Europe and the Carpathian Mountains. Natalia is the only sister in the Benzini crime family, and as such, a rogue vampire has targeted our story line heroine. The Benzini crime family blame the vampires for the threat against their only sister but when Master Oradea offers to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, our heroine sees red until she realizes her life is truly in danger. Natalia Benzini is much more than a mobster’s younger sister, our heroine is about to discover she has her own powers that may have been passed through the maternal family order. As the pureblood vampires find themselves on the defensive against a betrayer, their mates (and witches) must come to terms with the possibility that one of their own may be in league with the rogues and shifters . What ensues is the rapidly building relationship between Natalia and Master Oradea, and the potential fall-out as Natalia discovers the thin line between love and hate between vampires and witches.

The world building continues to focus on the war between pureblood vampires, and the rogue vampires who have partnered with shifters with the same belief system as the old order. The rogue vampires believe that all vampires should be given free rein, free will to feed on whom ever they want, and in doing so, exert their power over the people below.

The relationship between Natalia and Master Oradea is one of immediate attraction. Natalia’s life has been threatened, and in doing so, places her in the very capable hands of our story line hero, a man whose own battles and beliefs with some of the supernatural species threatens his own relationship with our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting characters including many of the previous story line couples. We are introduced to Natalia’s siblings: Michael, Marcus, Antonio and Frankie Benzini. The requisite evil has many faces, some more familiar than others.

MASTER ORADEA is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, obsession and demands, power and control, family and relationships, friendships and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is intriguing and captivating but does very little to advance the series or the ongoing conflict; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined, desperate and dynamic. MASTER ORADEA ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger, you have been warned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book nine MASTER BOTOSONI

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

_________

MASTER ROMANO
(Masters of the Consulate 4)
by Sylvia Black
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 31, 2022

A vampire seeking retribution.
A nosey little witch.
Will their newfound love survive the ultimate feud?

As master of my region, I’m tasked with settling the centuries-old land feud between the vampires and witches, once and for all. It will be far harder than anyone thought.

Especially, when a sassy witch captures my full attention, drawing me to her as though she were put on earth just for me.

The evil little enchantress has secrets and curses of her own that could mean certain death for her and the others in her coven.

When Raven is suspected of being a spy, I’m ordered to end her life to prove my loyalty to the vampire community.

A king of darkness forced to choose between my loyalty to the purebloods or the forbidden soul mate who I have every intention of claiming for my own.

••••••

REVIEW: MASTER ROMANO is the fourth instalment in Sylvia Black’s contemporary, adult MASTER OF THE CONSULATE paranormal, romance series. This is vampire Master Romano, and witch Raven’s story line. MASTER ROMANO can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Romano and Raven) MASTER ROMANO follows the building romance and relationship between our story line couple. Master Romano has been recalled to Europe in the wake of issues of trust. Having lived and worked in Chicago, Master Romano is about to come face to face with the vampire’s sworn enemy, a young witch who is hoping to discover the who and what of an ancient vampire but the vampires are at war with the witches, and someone is controlling behind the scenes, someone with enough power to bring together witches, vampires and wolves in a war for power and control. What ensues is the building but forbidden relationship between Raven and Master Romano, and the potential fall-out when Romano is led to believe that Raven is part of a much larger plot to end them all.

The world building continues to focus on the centuries old hatred between vampires and witches. Both have been taught and indoctrinated into believing the other is evil and cruel, and when one of their own seeks to control, Raven is once again caught in the middle between vampires and witches.

The relationship between Raven and Master Romano begins acrimoniously. Romano discovers a possible spy on his estate in the Carpathian Mountains, and Raven is about to uncover the truth about who is controlling the witches and wolves behind the scenes.The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate 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 Overmaster Descallia and his mate Lucianna, Lucianna’s sister Isala; Raven’s aunt Devora, Master Catteneo, vampires Lucas, Clay, Silver, Terrence and Embry, as well as Raven’s sister Ezra. The requisite evil has many faces.

MASTER ROMANO is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is engaging and intriguing but the stereotypical ‘witch’ paraphernalia is a bit over the top including brooms, wands and cauldrons; the romance is passionate, the characters are determined and dynamic

Own a copy

Sylvia Black is a master’s prepared paranormal romance author with a special love for old-world history and the folklore of Europe. A grandmother born and raised in the Baltic sea region nurtured this love and it grew more profound as a young child living for years in England and traveling extensively.

Sylvia likes to keep her readers on the edge of their seats one minute and fanning themselves as the heat rises in the next. Her novels feature handsome, dark-minded males who will stop at nothing to protect their mates.

The perfect day for Sylvia would be spent sitting on a balcony overlooking the Amalfi Coast in Italy while enjoying an espresso as she writes.

While not writing, she spends time with her husband and family, including an adorable fur-baby. She enjoys traveling extensively, especially when researching for her next novel.

She also loves to spend time interacting with you, her readers, so please feel free to connect with her on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SylviaBlackRomance

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sylviablackauthor

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Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sylviablackauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21440759.Sylvia_Black

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sylvia-black

Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/sylviablackauthor

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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

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

 

 

 

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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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Darius (Blackdagger Brotherhood-Prequel) by JR Ward-review

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Darius (Blackdagger Brotherhood) by JR Ward-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 5, 2023

Darius, son of Marklon, isn’t looking for love the night destiny comes to claim him. He’s also not interested in crashing his new car. But when a human woman runs out into the road and he must swerve to avoid killing her…everything goes off course.

Disillusioned by his King’s lack of leadership and the losses in the war against the Lessening Society, Darius finds purpose in protecting a woman he cannot make his own. Love finds a way, however—until the truth of what he is comes out and she leaves him in horror.

Unbeknownst to them both, Anne is carrying his young, a female who is destined to be Queen—and after a tragic reunion, he vows to protect their daughter. Resigned to perpetual sadness, he is determined to serve the memory of his beloved no matter the cost…unless by some miracle, fate sees fit to once again bring them together.

••••••••

REVIEW:DARIUS is the prequel storyline in JR Ward’s contemporary, adult BLACKDAGGER BROTHERHOOD paranormal romance series focusing on a group of warrior vampires known as the Blackdagger Brotherhood. This is the story of Darius and Anne, Beth’s parents. DARIUS can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion, I recommend reading or having some knowledge of book one DARK LOVER.

DARIUS was first released in audio format in July 2022.

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

Told from first person (Darius), and third person perspective DARIUS  follows the short lived relationship between Beth’s parents Darius and Anne, and the resulting birth of the vampire’s Queen.

ON the night they met, Darius, son of Marklon, rescued and saved the woman with whom he would fall in love but as a member of the vampire species, and the Blackdagger Brotherhood, Darius is unable to reveal the truth, or claim the woman who would give birth to his only young. As Darius and Anne’s relationship began to grow, Anne’s past would seek vengeance, revealing the truth about the who and what of the man with whom she was falling in love. Twenty years would pass before Anne would once again come face to face with Darius, twenty years in which Darius watched from afar as his daughter grew into the woman who would control the King’s heart.

Several of the series characters make cameo appearances: Fritz, Vishous, Zsadist, Phury, Havers, Xhex and JM, Beth and Wrath.

DARIUS is a revealing, emotional, action packed and heart breaking story of love, betrayal, acceptance and loss. The premise is edgy, haunting and tragic; the romance is tender and fated ; the characters are animated but doomed.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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J.R. Ward is the author of over thirty novels, including those in her #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling series, The Black Dagger Brotherhood. There are more than 15 million copies of Ward’s novels in print worldwide and they have been published in 25 different countries around the world.

After graduating from law school, Ward began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. Writing has always been her passion and her idea of heaven is a whole day of nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot.

Visit the JRWard Facebook Page

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Both Feet in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost – a Review

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Both Feet in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost – a Review

 

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Description:
If you thought you learned more about the dangerous and sexy alpha vampire, Bones, in The Other Half of the Grave, you haven’t seen anything yet…

Cat disappeared from Bones’ life to protect him, but this Master vampire will keep his promise to find her.

Two hundred years of bounty hunting made Bones the best at what he does, yet it’s still taken him four long years to find Cat, the half vampire now known as the “Red Reaper.” There’s a price on Cat’s head, and not even her job as a secret government agent can save her. Only Bones can. But has time hardened Bones too much to love again? Or will his passion for Cat burn through every obstacle—alive, undead, or otherwise—between them?

 

 

Review:

Both Feet in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost is the 8th book in her wonderful Night Huntress series. I have read and loved all of the Night Huntress series, which was one of my favorite paranormal series, written so very well by Jeaniene Frost.  I loved our heroes, Cat and Bones, as they were such a fantastic couple; with Bones being a Master Vampire, and Cat (known as the Red Reaper), being a Half Vampire. I could not wait to read Both Feet in Grave, which was in Bones’ POV, and happy to say I loved it.

It has been four years since Cat disappeared, when she left him to protect him. Bones finally finds her, using another name, but she is attending Denise’s wedding, and he plans to be there.  Bones had suffered during those 4 years, and when he sees her walking down the aisle, his love is still potent, and when Cat sees him, her eyes light up.  When the service is over, Bones convinces Cat that he will always be at her side, especially since someone is trying to kill her. Despite Cat’s concern, she cannot resist him, and the chemistry between them explodes.   Bones offers to join her team, and offers Don some of his powerful blood to increase their powers; though Cat wasn’t crazy about this, she convinces her team (Tate, Juan, Cooper and Don) to accept Bones.  He learns a lot about what the team does, and works closely with Cat.  

Ian, who is Bones sire, is determined to make the Red Reaper his own, and Bones makes plans to trick Ian, and the man, Max, who was Bones father, who also was trying to kill her.  I will say I never liked Don, but I totally hated Cat’s mother, who was a horrible mother, and evil. I enjoyed seeing some of our previous favorites, such as Mencheres, Charles, Denise, and Ian.  We also learn more about Annette and Bones time together years ago. But most of all, it was great to see Cat and Bones fight their enemies. As much as I love Bones, I loved Cat, who was one of the best kick-assed heroines in the paranormal world.

Both Feet in the Grave was a fantastic addition to this series, as it was very exciting, action, intense and very steamy. Cat and Bones continue to be one of the best couples in the literary world. To tell too much more would be spoilers, and if you are a fan of the Night Huntress series, you need to read this book from start to finish. Both Feet in the Grave was so very well written by Jeaniene Frost.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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