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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

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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

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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

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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

FOLLOW: Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Website/

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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A Light in the Flame by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

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A Light in the Flame by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
The only one who can save Sera now is the one she spent her life planning to kill.

The truth about Sera’s plan is out, shattering the fragile trust forged between her and Nyktos. Surrounded by those distrustful of her, all Sera has is her duty. She will do anything to end Kolis, the false King of Gods, and his tyrannical rule of Iliseeum, thus stopping the threat he poses to the mortal realm.

Nyktos has a plan, though, and as they work together, the last thing they need is the undeniable, scorching passion that continues to ignite between them. Sera cannot afford to fall for the tortured Primal, not when a life no longer bound to a destiny she never wanted is more attainable than ever. But memories of their shared pleasure and unrivaled desire are a siren’s call impossible to resist.

And as Sera begins to realize that she wants to be more than a Consort in name only, the danger surrounding them intensifies. The attacks on the Shadowlands are increasing, and when Kolis summons them to Court, a whole new risk becomes apparent. The Primal power of Life is growing inside her, pushing her closer to the end of her Culling. And without Nyktos’s love—an emotion he’s incapable of feeling—she won’t survive her Ascension. That is if she even makes it to her Ascension and Kolis doesn’t get to her first. Because time is running out. For both her and the realms.

 

 

Review:

A Light in the Flame by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the 2nd book in her Flesh and Fire series. I am such a big fan of Armentrout, as she always gives us fantastic fantasy stories, and wonderful lead characters.  The Flesh and Fire series is a prequel to her wonderful Blood and Ash series, taking place thousands of years prior to that series. Refresher: Seraphena (Sera) Mierel, our heroine, was born to be an assassin, fulfilling her part in a deal made by her ancestor all those years before, as she has trained to be a powerful weapon. Nyktos saves her life, and he takes her to his home, to become his Consort. It is here where we meet all of Nyktos’s wonderful warriors that guard him, and when they get back home, we meet many more wonderful secondary characters. A Light in the Flame picks up where A Shadow in Ember left off, with Sera’s true mission was exposed.

Though at first, most of Nyktos’s people resent Sera, but as she realizes Nyktos was never her target, everything begins to change; especially her feelings toward him. Nyktos truly accepts that she was trained to enact her forced plans, but now Sera is free, determined to help defeat the real enemy. Sera had been trained all her life to kill Nyktos, and now she knows that everything she knew was false.  Sera and Nyktos were so great together, with their chemistry off the wall.  Nyktos continues to protect Sera, and slowly all his crew, begin to care for her too. I loved how Sera would not listen to others, when she wanted to train, as well as to help Nyktos; the warriors always gave in, and her wonderful abilities won them all over. 

Sera was an awesome heroine, strong, fierce, powerful, determined, a warrior, with amazing abilities and courage.  Soon she realizes that she loves Nyktos, even though he is unable to love, but she will also be protective of him.  Nyktos was also great, as we couldn’t help fall in love with him; especially how he protects Sera, as well of all in his realm.  They were so great together, both succumbing to their true feelings.

I enjoyed all the wonderful characters in Shadowlands, as they were lots of fun, and totally opening up and accepting Sera.  I loved Nektas, who was great with Sera, always offering advice.  But most of all I adored both Jadis and Reaver (Nektas’ baby drakens). I really loved how Sera would use her powers to bring back to life two important women, whom both would then ascend. As we get closer to the end, thinking all was well, the coronation happens, and Sera is crowned Consort.

There were many villains in this book, that had me hating them, and as we raced to the end, we learn how despicable many of them were.  Kolis, the King of the Gods (the false Primal of Life), was evil, especially when the truths are revealed about his knowledge of the past, changing the game.  Attes, who turned into a traitor, showing his true side. Veses, who blackmailed Nyktos, causing Sera to think he was having affair with her, but later she will learn the real truth.

What follows is an exciting, action filled, emotional, sexy, intense, and romantic adventure that had me holding my breaths so many times.  The last third of the book was mind-blowing, with heart wrenching, emotional and many surprising twists. Jennifer L. Armentrout once again gives us another intriguing story, with wonderful world building, and lots of action, suspense, violence, betrayal, passion and fantastic characters. Of course, as the norm for JLA, we are left open, with a cliffhanger at the end.  Now we have to wait to see Sera and Nyktos again. If you have not read the Blood and Ash series, I suggest you read that series, then start Flesh and Fire series.

Reviewed by Barb

Owned copy

 

 

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Hunted (Dhampyr Series 1) by VM Nelson-a review

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Hunted (Dhampyr Series 1) by VM Nelson-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 25, 2022

Tasi, an eighteen-year-old, head-strong, blood-drinking, dhampyr, has been hidden away in a small town in Maine since the death of her parents. Though she had trained to fight and kill vampires, she never believed those skills would be useful in her mundane life. That’s where she’s wrong.

In one moment, her life changes forever, and her aunt’s final words ring in her head.

They want your blood.

Now orphaned and charged with protecting her sister, Emily—a sister who doesn’t know what they are or that she’s about to endure a life-threatening change—Tasi has no other choice but to follow directions left for her. She is to find an ally who lives in New York City. This is the only way Tasi will figure out why she and Emily are being hunted before they end up drained of their blood.

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REVIEW: HUNTED is the first instalment in VM Nelson’s contemporary, young adult DHAMPYR paranormal series focusing on eighteen year Dhampyr Anastasia ‘Tasi’ Vasile.

Told from first person perspective (Tasi) HUNTED follows eighteen year old Tasi and her thirteen year old sister Emily Vasile, as they navigate a world in which vampires are hunting the duo for their blood. Tasi and Emily are hybrid-part human, part vampire- known as Dhampyrs. Dhampyrs are stronger, faster and more powerful than most vampires something that threatens the vampire population. On the run in the wake of their parents’ murder, Tasi and Emily go to New York in search of a woman called Sonya, a woman whose secrets run dangerous and deep but Tasi and Emily will find themselves in the company of vampires, vampires who will become both friend and foe, leaving the sisters with no one to trust. As Tasi trains with the resident vampires to fight the enemy coming for their blood, she finds herself falling in love with a young man she is unable to trust. Emily will undergo the change, a change very few Dhampyrs ever survive; the sisters are about to face an uncertain future when betrayal comes at the cost of friendships and trust.

We are introduced to several vampires: Ethan, Austin, Cas, Lizzie, and their mentor/master Sonya, as well as the resident librarian/researcher Jelena.

HUNTED is a slow building story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and friendships, secrets and lies. Like all young adult story lines, there is the requisite love triangle, the mean girl and jealousy, the secrets, and the questionable adult care…but HUNTED is also a very familiar story line akin to The Shadowhunters Series, with a little side serving of Vampire Academy, and The House of Night series. The similar overtones are many and recognizable. The premise is entertaining and interesting; the characters are familiar but energetic and young (even though many are decades old 😉 ). HUNTED ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison – a Review

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Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison – a Review

 

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Description:
Rory Morris isn’t thrilled to be moving back to her hometown, even if it is temporary. There are bad memories there. But her twin sister, Scarlett, is pregnant, estranged from the baby’s father, and needs support, so Rory returns to the place she thought she’d put in her rearview. After a night out at a bar where she runs into an old almost-flame, she hits a large animal with her car. And when she gets out to investigate, she’s attacked.

Rory survives, miraculously, but life begins to look and feel different. She’s unnaturally strong, with an aversion to silver–and suddenly the moon has her in its thrall. She’s changing into someone else–something else, maybe even a monster. But does that mean she’s putting those close to her in danger? Or is embracing the wildness inside of her the key to acceptance?

This darkly comedic love story is a brilliantly layered portrait of trauma, rage, and vulnerability

 

 

Review:

Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison is a standalone novel.  Rory Morris, our heroine, is not happy to return to her hometown, but her twin sister, Scarlett is pregnant and estranged from the baby’s father; and Rory needs to be there for her sister. She has bad memories, and has been distant with her mother, who is out of town.  When meeting friends at the local bar, she leaves early to drive back to the house, only to accidently hit an animal with her car; when she checks to see what she hit, Rory is attacked.

Rory survives, and is treated at the hospital, with scratches (why have her deep bruises disappeared?), not to mention she suddenly has extra strength, craves meat, angry and feels so very different.  After reading up, she begins to realize that she was bitten by a werewolf, and now she is changing into one. Rory tries to learn more about werewolves, and how to lock herself up during a full moon.

While Rory deals with her transformation, she meets an old flame, Ian, who still professes his love for Rory.  Rory must also deal with her mother, whom she resents, since she had a bad childhood experience with a former boyfriend of the mother.  Rory can’t forgive.

Most of the characters were flawed, which included Rory and Scarlett. Rory was a great heroine, doing everything she can to help her sister, and still deal with the change in her life being what she calls “a monster”. Despite that, Rory was cool, charismatic, sassy and quirky; Scarlett was even more unpredictable.  The relationship between Rory and Ian was nice, but what happens when Ian finds out about Rory?

Such Sharp Teeth was a wild ride of a book, that kept me entertained, as well as tense at times. I did like most of the secondary characters. The closer we got to the end, was very exciting, with a satisfying finale.  Such Sharp Teeth was very well written by Rachel Harrison.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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