Spring Reviews 2017
May Reviews
The Queen's Dance by Nicole Kelleher
Paranormal Romance -May 16th, 2017
5 stars
The Queen's Dance is the author's second sweeping installment in her epic Aurelian Guard saga. Filled with swashbuckling romance and fantasy it is sure to please even the pickiest reader. Although this is the second book in the series it can easily be read as a stand alone but watch out! It will make you want to read the first in the series immediately after.
Lady Claire is cursed by the ability to foretell the future of people. But ironically she cannot 'see' her own. Plagued by a power the makes her hyper vigilant (for touching anyone will bring these unwanted visions) she is relieved to be returning back to her home. There she hopes being surrounded by those who love her and the familiar she can finally relax. She will not have to guard against the visions that overcome her. But she is mistakenly taken for her sister and kidnapped. She starts a journey of courage and pain that forge her into an indomitable force of nature. She must deal with treachery and intrigue in foreign lands that seek to challenge and use her powers for their own benefit. Even as she tries to find freedom, she is plagued by thoughts of the man that she loved and left behind. Can Claire successfully fight her way to independence and new love?
Sweeping romance and an action filled journey make this book an additive read. One that I did not want to end! Claire's transformation from timidity to independence will make readers root for her through tragedy, love, heart break and betrayal. The twists and turns throughout the story are totally unexpected and thoroughly entertaining. The author has created an original landscape you won't want to leave! This story was truly a breathe of fresh air. I hope the author continues this series in many more books. There is so much to explore (fantastic world building) and features well rounded characters that make you want to immerse yourself in its magic. It is a rare author that can create characters that you feel are your friends. The nuances between the characters and their funny quirks made them very dear. I enjoyed reading about the friends and the friendships the heroine forged along the way. Claire's journey and struggle to accept and embrace herself felt very real and readers will be sure to empathize with her.
The author has created a vibrant heroine that is atypical as she is lovable. It is a rare book that you slow down to savor because you want to soak the pleasures of it with you. This book is phenomenal saga of an indomitable and charming heroine.
Fantasy, adventure and epic world building with unforgettable characters -you can't go wrong!
Reviewed by Steph Bookaholics Romance Book Club
The End of Magic by Amber Benson
Urban Fanasy - May 16th, 2017
3 1/2 stars
The End of Magic is the third in the installment in the Witches of Echo Park series. Packed with action, complexity and multiple characters it is not a stand alone novel and is best read in order.
Lyse MacAllister has come a long way and learned a lot about magic. Now she and her coven sisters are trying protect their world from the terrible Flood. The Flood was unleashed by the evil mastermind, Desmond. A witch hater that ironically fell in love with a witch -Lyse's aunt Eleanora. But even as the sisters try to work together they might not be strong enough. As many of their rank have already died. In their desperate struggle more of them may soon die. Can Lyse lead them to crush Desmond’s fanatical plans or has the momentum of his movement become too strong?
This story was exciting and fast paced. The destruction and emotional upheavals alone make it a thrilling book. Plus I liked the magic and paranormal aspects of the novel. There are multiple characters and many are given their own chapters and I enjoyed reading each character's point of view. However, there are a couple characters which the author devotes more chapters to. Curiously, I found myself more interested in the less main characters such as Evan and Arrabelle. Even the villain Desmond was more interesting than the 'main' character Lyse. Lyse has become a more hardened character. She is tough but not as sympathetic than the other witches in the novel. My issue is that I found the switching back and forth between characters (when I was just starting to settle in and enjoy one character) a bit jarring and broke the flow of the story for me. Sometimes I would skip chapters to read about the character I preferred. Also the book seems to climax then had a ending that was not a cliffhanger but left many loose ends dangling around. The author writing is strong and the storyline interesting but after the last page, everything seemed too disjointed for me to feel the satisfaction I usually feel at the end of a book. I was left wanting more! My feeling is this series may be one where you save all the books for reading at one time.
Magic, Mayhem and strong characters make this a rewarding series but the interesting and many different points of view often made for more difficult reading.
Reviewed by Steph Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Dating the Undead by Juliet Lyons
Paranormal Romance -May 2nd, 2017
4 stars
Zany characters and steamy sex make for a hilarious vampire romance. Fans of Katie Mac Alister will be sure to find this book a winner!
Silver Harris is tired of all the losers she's been dating. In fact, she discovered her latest making out with another woman on New Year's Eve- the nerve! So she makes a grand exits from the party and she walks directly into more trouble when she meets a most distracting vampire named Logan Byrne. Logan gives her the hottest kiss on record and then adds a bite that takes her to heavenly bliss. Well, Silver figures she has the solution to her woes. She will stop dating human men. She will find herself a hot vampire boyfriend instead. She isn't looking for anything serious just some fun and if Logan is a taste of what vampire men are like...she wants more! So she decides to join a vampire dating service called V-Date. But while these vampire men look good they just don't make her hot and heavy like Logan.
Logan is the vampire enforcer and his boss has put him a new mission. The new V-Date site is really an elaborate set up by human police to find out more about them. Such as their vampire weaknesses.... So Logan assigned is to join V-Date and find out who could be undercover on the site. And reporting information about vampires to the police. But who does he find but the one human Logan can't forget. Silver. And he can't seem to get his hands or fangs off of her! Could she be part of the spy network? Logan hopes not, but until then it is his duty to watch over her....
Criminally funny this romance will knock you socks off. Logan is very sweet for being a tough guy. Silver is sassy and her friends are wacky and adorable characters. Logan and Silver have chemistry from the get go. Logan is honorable and quite kind. But a new player from Logan's past brings danger and Silver's questionable involvement with the police adds additional confusion. As both try to muddle through love, the undead and staying alive the action and sex get only set steamier! This original and laugh out lough romance will tickle the funny bone and keep you on your toes with a multitude of surprises.
Reviewed by Steph by the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
The Bad Luck Bride by Janna MacGregor
Historical Romance - May 2nd, 2017
4 1/2 stars
This sparkling debut will having is filled with romance and intrigue as a conniving hero is uncovered by his lady love!
Lady Claire Cavensham is beautiful, poised and wealthy. So the world should be her oyster. But she is bogged down by an ugly curse that even she believes. For some reason she can't seem to get to the alter. Now, after many failed betrothals she discovers her latest fiancee is also backing out! Feeling sick, she wonders if she will ever have a family to call her own. But to her surprise, Alex, the Marquess of Pembrooke comes to her aid. Somehow he knows of the broken engagement before anyone else and tries to console her. When they are discovered together (although their meeting is innocent) he announces they are now engaged. But is it to save her from scandal or to help himself? Claire is suspicious of his motives but Alex appears kind and even solicitous. Soon she finds herself caring for the stoic man and thinking they might have a loving marriage together. But Alex's motives have never been pure. He married Claire to soothe his conscience after utterly ruining her fiancee. And marrying her completes his vengeance. What he didn't expect is to care for Claire so deeply. Unfortunately, when she discovers his duplicity Alex’s troubles have only just begun....
Janna MacGregor has created a dazzling Regency brimming with romance, grim skeletons and a sexy hero. Alex is strong, (generally) moral and unyielding. A true alpha hero. But when Claire discovers his deceit he must try to be compassionate and compromise. Unfortunately, Alex has a lot to learn. While I loved his take charge/coming to the rescue character, poor Claire often seems rail-roaded by the force of his personality. Being a kind-hearted individual, she wants everyone to be happy and lets Alex take the lead. But when she finds out his ulterior motives she holds fast against his 'persuasions.' Claire and Alex make a sweet couple. When Alex lets Claire in his life he becomes softer and more human. And with Alex, Claire has found a reliable shoulder that she can share her darkest secrets and insecurities with. They need each other to balance each other out. The issue is that Alex seems to want to own Claire and does not realize he must give something of himself in return. Sometimes it was difficult to read him make the same mistakes with Claire over and over. Claire has had a lot of tragedy in her young life. The cancelled engagements the death of her parents. She is not the typical flighty socialite and Alex's no nonsense attitude mesh well. It is when they fall in love that the book gets more interesting. I liked how the author showed them falling in love and the changes they will have to make to keep their marriage strong. This book also has a few surprises that make Alex rethink he actions and hopefully make him a better, less judging person.
This dazzling Regency will enthrall you! Revenge, tragedy and unexpected romance, what more could you want?!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
A Piece of My Heart by Sharon Sala
Contemporary Romance - May 2nd, 2017
4 stars
An orphan with a heart of gold and honorable cop find each other again and this time they make it stick.
Mercy Dane went from foster home to foster home. It taught her resilience and extreme practicality. But it never stopped her from secretly wanting a home and family of her own. As a blood donator, she is unexpected called to Blessings, Georgia to help a victim in a car accident. Mercy has a rare blood type and ends up saving a woman - only to discover that the mysterious woman is actually her sister! Now Mercy has a ready made family but she isn't quite sure what to do. In addition, she meets the handsome Police Chief of Blessing, Lon Pittman.
Lon and Mercy met each other when they were younger and Lon helped her when her place was broken into. But after a night of passion, Mercy disappeared. Lon never forgot her and looked for her. But Mercy felt it couldn't be more than a sweet memory and left. However, Lon isn't going to let Mercy get away from him this time. He feels Mercy has become even more beautiful on the inside than the outside. And he likes the outside quite a bit!! However, these changes are happening too fast and Mercy isn't sure if she really fits in Blessings. Especially when some of the town folk look down their noses on her. Can Lon and her sister convince her otherwise?
This sweet romance is part of the author's Blessings series. Mercy is an unexpected and gutsy character. She is used to being alone and does not have the security or roots that Lon has. However, this has taught her self reliance that is atypical for a heroine. While some people may jump at the chance of a new family. Mercy is cautious and has decided that her new family will have to take her as she it. She is tired of trying to change herself and happy with person she has become. Lon is equally self confident and he wants Mercy in his life. I liked how cleverly he slowly gets her interested since Mercy is a bit gun shy of a real relationship. Their courtship is sweet and genuine. Lon is sort of like the next door neighbor crush that you wish would notice you! His 'Aw shucks' manner is deceptive as he very responsible, has a strong sense of integrity and is willing to defend Mercy. At first Mercy's rebel persona may not seem to match with Lon down home style but they each have a sincerity, independence and an undeniable attraction that draws them together. I also think that Lon admires that Mercy can take care of herself but at the same time he wants to be there for her. Both characters are easy to like and are kind people you want to find happiness together. This small town romance will warm your heart.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
April Reviews
Snared by Jennifer Estep
Urban Fantasy- April 25th, 2017
4 1/2 stars
Ensnared is the latest novel in the author's popular Elemental Assassins urban fantasy series. Funny, yet with dark tones, the characters and involving mystery make this book a blast.
In this story, assassin extraordinaire and supposed crime boss, Gin Blanco is determine to discover more about the malevolent underworld criminal group that call themselves the Circle. She discovered that they were responsible for her murder of her mother and sister. Something Gin can't really remember due to early trauma. But her memories are viciously coming back and with it forces that want Gin dead, too. When she is asked to locate the missing sister of a colleague Gin stumbles upon what appears to be a serial killer. One that may be tied directly to the Circle! But as Gin tries to find the missing girl she finds more than she bargained. Can she and her gang solve the mystery of her disappearance before it is too late?
Fast-paced, fun and with a pretty scary villain -this book packs a punch! This story most closely resembles a crime novel than any other books in the series. So mystery lovers will be in for a treat. As the villain is twisted and very clever and the mystery pulls the reader in many different directions. The tension while trying to find the missing girl feels very real and the reader can't help rooting for Gin to find her. But I also liked the further introduction of the unsavory Circle, which has imbued fresh life into the Elemental Assassin series. Gin is getting her steam back as the personal stake with the Circle drives her and the plot to make some dangerous choices. (I particularly found her mother's ties to the Circle the most intriguing and hope the author will reveal more.) Gin's flashbacks to the past and the mother she thought she knew are tantalizing as they are frustrating. Her adopted brother, Finn is another perk of the book. He is no longer depressed from his mother betrayal and his flirty and exuberant nature give a light and charming touch to the story. In fact, most of the cast members make appearances that will make you immediately wish there was the next book in the series available to dive right into.
Mystery, elemental magic and a Gin kind of justice make for an exciting read.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Wicked Abyss (Immortals After Dark) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal Romance -April, 25th, 2017
4 ½ stars
Lovely Fae Princess Calliope (Lila) learned young how to survive when she was exiled to the human world. Longing for her beautiful home world of Sylvan, she schemes on staying alive from the deadly Morior who want to kill her entire line and winning her way back into the Sylvan King’s heart. After many years her King and Nix the Ever-Knowing visit her and propose a plan. She will infiltrate the Demon World of Pandemonia, seduce its King Sian. There she will discover his weakness and return to Sylvan. But before she can plan her attack she is kidnaped by two devious Sorceri and sold to Sian. Lila soon finds herself at his mercy and unprepared for the monstrous man that she wees. But for some inexplicable reason she can’t help finding him attractive....
Sian has long awaited the reincarnation of his mate. The Fae Princess that stole his heart, stepped on it and betrayed his race. He has waited over a thousand years for her return and his revenge. And now he has finally found her in Lila. As he plans his devilish tortures for her he is appalled to discover that he is still cares for her. And how can he have his vengeance if she doesn’t remember him at all!
This latest installment in the IAD series will please fans to no end. The author delves deeper into the Immortal world as the Accession draws near. Nix the Ever-Knowing plays a key role -manipulating behind the scenes. It made me wish she was featured more often in the series. This story also questions the Morior role in the Accession as well as their mysterious leader Orion. Sian plays the beast to this retelling of the Beauty and the Beast tale. He has suffered from the betrayal of his mate over a thousand years ago. He has also recently become King with his brother’s death. A side effect of becoming King is that he is slowly transforming from a handsome devil into a brutish demon. And with his transformation he is mental state is eroding and becoming more bestial. With the arrival of Lila, Sian’s demonic state is soothed. And Lila despite Sian’s grueling tasks begins to have tender feelings for Sian. This story is really wonderful because the author takes the time for each to really know each other and I liked how open Lila was to Sian’s appearance. She was not afraid of him or cowed by his behavior. She gave him as good as she got. Her cleverness often tricked him in ways that were very entertaining to read! In fact, Lila really carried the story. She isn’t a quitter and this reader really wanted her to triumph and get the sexy demon on her own terms. I also liked that despite his vows to reek vengeance upon Lilia when it came down to it Sian was kind to Lila more so than her own kind and even encouraged (and was proud) her intelligence and devious antics. They are truly a match made in Hell!
Reviewed by Steph Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Blade Bound by Chloe Neill
Paranormal Romance - April 25th, 2017
4 1/2 stars
Merit has come a long way. As Sentinel (protector) of the powerful vampire House of Cadogan. She has had to be tough and intelligent. But she is also lucky to have found the love of her life with its Master, Ethan Sullivan. Merit and Ethan are finally set to marry but the day before the marriage all hell breaks loose as a mad vampire infiltrates their House and attacks Merit. Unfazed, but on increased alert, the wedding goes on as planned. But before they can celebrate, Chicago is suddenly under a deadly and magical cooling freeze. Plus even more citizens of the windy city are going mad. All Ethan and Merit know is that something magical is causing these disruptions and it could be an old enemy they thought long gone. Can Ethan and Merit find a way to save their city and their new marriage from utter destruction?
As the last installment in Merit's adventures this book will satisfy readers but make them still wishing for just a little bit more! All the beloved characters bring back their humor and get their just desserts. But along the way the author has masterfully written a thrilling novel of romance, paranormal and high stakes. Merit has finally come full circle. She has changed from the naive college graduate student and come into her own. In this and the prior books the romance and building love between Merit and Ethan is stronger and more enduring -romance fans will love it! I enjoyed reading them support and understand each other through some tough times. Ethan is as usual, the perfect gentleman rogue. His devilish charm and awesome vampire powers make him a sexy complement to the tough as nails Merit. There are also a couple surprises in the story the keep it intriguing and segue it into a new and highly anticipated new series!! Merit and Ethan must make some difficult decisions that make that had my hair raising. Besides the thrilling danger and the amazing relationship between Merit and Ethan, I found myself highly entertained by Merit and Mallory together. As great friends their comrade and the gang's devotion to each other are funny as well as touching to read. I will miss them all and hope the author will find a way to sneak peaks of them in her future books!
Do not miss this last and best installment, unfortunately it will make you nostalgic and you might find yourself re-reading the whole series all over again!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Bound by Benedict Jacka
Fantasy - April 4th, 2017
4 1/2 stars
Poor Alex Verus just wants to live his life quietly with his friends. But his power to see multiple futures make him too valuable for the Dark and Light Mages. When he was younger he apprenticed with the Dark Mage Richard Drakh. However, this has put a taint on him. The White Mages do not fully trust him and his allies grow thin. When he is forced to work with the Dark Mages to save his and the life of his friend, Anne -Alex knows his chances of survival are slim. When he and Anne are given assignments that seem insignificant he soon realizes that both of them are part of some deeper, darker plot. But what? And can he use what he does know for leverage with the White Mages to save himself and Anne during the fall out? For his old Master is powerful and any mistake would mean the end of them both.
Bound picks up right after the last book and starts at a break neck pace. In this book I believe it is more important to have read the prior books as the backstabbing and intrigue will get a bit confusing if the reader doesn't know some of the main players. This reader felt the constant stress Anne and Alex are under to make their dark Masters happy but also knowing they are will be betrayed by the same men. Their desperate search to stay alive and work undercover for the other side as insurance make this book a high stakes game of life or death. I enjoyed that Anne takes a larger role in the story and sometimes I wished I knew what she was thinking. (Maybe a novella with Anne?!) But what I particularly liked is how the author didn’t shy away from the double dealing politics. He spends time explaining the fascinating Light Council and the big players. I have a feeling that many of those players will be returning and I can’t wait! However, as what seems to be happening in a lot of books today there is also a big surprise at the end and Alex and the reader don’t really know what it means- except it can’t be good. It isn’t exactly a cliffhanger (which I feel cheats the reader) but a portent of more dealings with the deadly Dark Mages which I really don’t know how Alex will maneuver himself out of -but it will definitely be bringing me back for the next installment.
A tense, high adrenaline rush -this story can’t be beat.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Wanted of Wired by Vivien Jackson
Futuristic Romance -April 4th, 2017
4 stars
Mari is one tough woman, a mercenary who only want money and information on her long, lost father. Her father is a brilliant and diabolical genius who is Mari's only family. On her latest job Mari and her sometime partner Heron Farad find themselves in trouble when Mari is framed for murder of an important man. On the run, she must trust Heron not to betray her. But sexy Heron is part man and part machine. Mari has never trusted anyone who is not completely human and Heron picks up on her paranoia. So why is Heron seemingly helping her to his own determent? Mari finds she must put her life in his hands and soon Mari learns about the man behind the tech. A man she could love. But she must first face her past, her prejudices and make changes in her life before it is too late.
This stunning futuristic world is desperate and dark. Mari is just trying to hold on and save what little she has from dying. When her latest job promises her tantalizing intel on her long lost father. It is information she can't resist even if her instincts tell her something is wrong. But she goes ahead anyway. He is the only family she has left. Although he father was often uncaring she is determined to find and save him. His work has given her a clear argument against using technology on humans. So she is a bit appalled that she is so attracted to her merc partner Heron. He distracts her. She does not approve of his mechanical implants and tries to see him as non-human. But when Mari is betrayed Heron seems more human in his compassion and thoughtfulness than even herself! As Heron risks his life and those that he loves to protect Mari, she is confronted with her prejudices. Mari must make many changes to her point of view and re-evaluate her priorities. Her life is not as black and white as it seems and the author has quite a few twists and turns that will shock and delight the reader. Heron is a magnificent hero. He is a bit of an idealist and has sacrificed much for others. He has many friends who love him - unlike Mari. Heron steals the story and sometimes I wondered what he saw in the often rough and curt Mari. It was fascinating to read about him and what Mari doesn't know about him is quite a lot!
A smokin' hot hero with a heart of gold saves the day and his woman in this futuristic romance.
Reviewed by Steph by the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Bound by Their Secret Passion by Diane Gaston
Historical Romance -April 1st , 2017
4 stars
In Bound by Their Secret Passion Diane Gaston wraps up her Scandalous Summerfields series. While it helps having read the prior book this book can easily read as a stand alone.
Lorene Summerfield and her sisters paid in scandal and were forced to live as paupers when their father died and their infamous mother left them to live with her lover. Destitute Lorene married the wealthy and very elderly Earl of Tinmore. But it was not a happy marriage as her husband wanted to control his young wife and her younger sister. While the rest of her sisters have found love she is stuck with a man she does not love for but is bound by duty to care for. The only thing that gives her comfort is her music and the rear friendship she has found with Dell, the Earl of Penford. But tragedy occurs when in a misunderstanding Dell is accused of killing her husband when he falls and hits his head. Afraid of more scandal Lorene goes into hiding/mourning. However, the blossoming love and respect she feels for Dell haunts her. And while she is determined to stay a widow when a chance encounter puts them together Lorene can't help wanting more of his company. However, when her infamous mother returns to London. Lorene must deal with the whispers and scandal. Soon she will have to decide if safety or happiness are more important.
This romance is what readers of the series have been waiting for! While the beginning starts quickly, the middle of the book has long periods when Lorene and Dell are apart. Both are honorable people who have been trying to live up or down to the expectations of their parents. When Lorene's troublesome mother arrives and causes havoc things get more interesting but also more frustrating as Lorene pushes her wishes aside (yet again) for the comfort of others. I really admired Lorene and wanted her to be happy but I also hoped she would be more proactive in the story. Lorene's sisters make appearances and their happiness makes for contented reading as it is nice to see them settled. Lorene happiness, in contrast, shows dramatically how much she has suffered. I guess I was hoping the Dell would make some dramatic overture or save Lorene. Or Lorene would save herself from her impetuous and selfish mother. The slow pacing except for the disruptive mother was enjoyable and Dell and Lorene are very sweet together. In fact, there a a couple very romantic scenes. This was a satisfying end to the series and I was happy for Dell and Lorene who are more quiet and gentle characters. They truly deserved each other!
Reviewed by Steph by the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
March Reviews
Stealing Mr. Right by Tamara Morgan
Contemporary Romance -March 7th 2017
5+ stars
Stealing Mr. Right is smart, sexy and an outrageously delicious read! And for me the best read of the year thus far.
Penelope Blue has demons from her past. Namely a dead beat father who happens to be a famous thief. Although he wasn't the best role model, Penelope finds herself following his footsteps in crime with her three best buds Riker, Jordan and Oz. Together they make for a fantastic criminal team. Until they find themselves on the radar of one tenacious FBI agent named Grant Emerson. Grant is like a dog with a bone and it seems whenever they are about to pull a heist he shows up. But Pen is undeterred. Her father was obsessed with a stealing million dollar necklace and now she wants it, too. And no FBI agent is getting in her way. But Grant seems to be always in the way. So Pen decides to meet the man in person to feel him out, only she finds herself falling dangerously under his spell. Soon she is married to Grant and rationalizes about keeping him close so she can keep tabs on his work. Talk about keeping your friends close but your enemies closer! But with a necklace on the line and her friends facing prison Pen can't afford to let feeling get in the way no matter how HOT Grant is or how much she might be falling for him.
This book was ridiculously fun and superbly entertaining. I could not stop reading it. When Pen boldly introduces herself to Grant to distract him from a potential heist, she finds herself going down a slippery slope. Grant is quite simply irresistible. He is considerate, responsible and adores her. Something she never had as a child and secretly craves. And lying to him about her real identity is slowly starting to wear her down. Especially since she is getting a sneaking suspicion that she might be falling in love with him! But what happens if Grants finds out? Will Pen's life be for the better or the worse.? The sexual tension between Pen and Grant is off the charts but what really made it for me was how sweet they are together. Their verbal repartee is worth the price of the book. I loved how Pen first tries to get Grant to notice her and he asks her out on their first date. It was the most original, funny and charming first meeting between two main characters that I have ever read. I think I feel in love with them both at that instant. Please keep them coming Ms. Morgan!
Reviewed by Steph by the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs
Urban Fantasy -March 7th, 2017
5 stars
In Silence Fallen, Mercy finds herself in hot water when she is kidnaped by a very old and powerful vampire with an agenda. However, the trouble is the vampire think she is physically stronger that she actually is and ends up being hurt by their torture. She is desperate to escape and find her mate Adam. And she must figure out why she was taken. To do so she must use all her cunning and survival skills to get away safely and protect her pack.
This thrilling novel literally starts with a bang as Mercy is stolen from her pack and tortured for unknown reasons. What do these vampires want from her? This questions drives much of a story that has many twists and turns. This novel will keep you at the edge of your seat as the answers are anything but straightforward. Suffice to say Mercy is part of a larger, deadlier plot. However, the terror she and the pack feels for her add unrelieved tension. Adam and Mercy’s bond/love are the most thoroughly express in this novel, even though they are mostly apart. There are new and scary characters introduced and the tragic stories of some of the characters including the enslaved female alpha make for disturbing reading. However, there is also a fun and surprising twist that many readers (including myself) will miss that will make them immediately re-read the book to see if they could have picked up the clues to a clever subplot earlier. Brimming with subterfuge and adrenaline. This emotionally charged book will have your heart racing from the first chapter.
Reviewed by Steph by the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Magic of Nothing by Seanan McGuire
Urban Fantasy -March 7th, 2017
4 ½ stars
Antimony Price finally gets her debut in the popular and funny Incryptid series. This story takes a darker turn as Antimony must deal with the fall out from her sister, Verity Price's big reveal that paranormal creatures exist in the human world.
Things are getting dangerous for the Price family as the Covenant of St. George (a militant groups bent on killing any life forms not human) has renewed their efforts to target the Price family. The Price family left Covenant when they discovered that not all non-humans beings are evil and now protects them from the Covenant. As such, they are hated by the Covenant for their betrayal. In an effort to protect themselves, Antimony Price is sent undercover to infiltrate the Covenant in England and discover what they know. But this puts her life on a knife's edge. Will she be recognized? When she successfully joins them she is put on probation and a training mission. However, Antimony is being zealously watched by the Covenant and any move she makes to help those in danger will place her life on the line....
Magic or Nothing has a different tone from the rest of the series. It is less playful and more serious as the weight of protecting her family is place squarely on young Antimony's shoulders. I loved that the author instantly makes the reader sympathetic to the heroine. Most of the books in this series are about Verity who is more flamboyant and sees her younger sister Antimony as a bit dour and scary. But this is because Antimony feels that she is the responsible one in the family and must be more serious than the flighty Verity. The book also features more stealth and cunning versus the straightforward action. I admired Antimony's courage and was definitely on pins and needles when she successfully infiltrates the Covenant. Indeed, this book will not disappoint and it is a rare author who can juggles the different personalities and perspectives in the series and still make each unique and charming. Poor Antimony has some tough choices and the author brings in new questions and challenges that the family will have to face. The big change in this book is that the ending ends somewhat at a cliffhanger. Antimony has a lot more to do and I really hope the next book in the series will continue with her as I am dying to know what will happen to her next!! (Please!)
Reviewed by Steph by the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Undiscovered (Amoveo Rising) by Sara Humphreys
Paranormal Romance -March 7th, 2017
4 stars
Zander Lorens lives in darkness. Ever since he and his twin brother were cursed for killing the a young woman they both loved. As powerful dragon shifters, Zander is now condemned to remain in his human state and his brother Zed in a slumberous dragon from riddled with nightmares. But there is hope when Zander finds a beautiful woman named Rena McHale. Rena enchants him. She is also not aware of her shifter heritage or abilities. Everything about her draws Zander. But he realizes she is meant for his brother - for only his true mate can awaken him from his deep sleep. But Zander can’t seem to stop his desire for her.
Rena is mesmerized by Zander but his wild stories and insistence that she is meant for his brother drive her crazy. She wants only Zander - if she can only change his mind before it is too late!!
Dragons, a curse and a steamy romance- what's not to love?! Sara Humphrey's latest Amoveo novel will be sure to enthrall fans and convert new ones. Zander and Zed are the last dragon shifters and so hot! I can't wait to find out more about them and their history. Hopefully the author won't stop with this book (hint!). Zander is very noble. He has suffered and regrets his past. His only drive is to break the curse and free his brother. And giving up the woman he has come to love is his sacrifice. But it isn't Zaner's choice on who Rena loves. And she loves him -not some unknown brother she never met! Rena is strong, resourceful and brave. Most of all she has a will of her own and she will prove to Zander that they are meant to be together. As Zander struggles with his desires the tension between them is hot, Hot, HOT! I also enjoyed reading Rena discovering about Zander's past and the secrets of the dragonshifters. This series and mythology of this series is only getting better!
Reviewed by Steph by the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Flash of Fury by Lea Griffith
Contemporary Romance - March 7th, 2017
4 stars
Kingston McNally is bent of revenge. His special ops team was betrayed. He wants to know why and find his own brand of justice. All his resources point him toward a seemingly young and innocent woman named Allie Redding. Although he doesn't know how she is connected and vows to discover all her secrets. But someone else wants Allie and Kingston finds himself saving her from terrorists instead. But Allie is tougher that she looks and is determined to save herself. Even if Kingston is sex on a stick! But she doesn't bet on Kingston's determination to keep her safe or his need to vengeance. Caught in the middle Allie must decide if her secrets are really hers to keep and if they are worth dying for.
This non-stop thrill ride steams with passion and intrigue. Allie has secrets that aren't exactly her own and she doesn't want to be responsible for the fall out. She simply want to live her own life in peace. But the world has other plans and Allie finds deep inner reserves that makes her an admirable and exciting heroine to read. Kingston seems to have a one track mind- hurt those that hurt him and his team. But pesky thoughts of Allie keep getting in the way! Is she an innocent? She seems to have skills that say otherwise. Kingston fights with his desire for Allie and his need to take justice. As they try to stay alive and keep ahead of their enemies, their passion for each other come to a head. I liked how Allie and Kingston make a great couple. They balanced each other out and brought out the best in each other. Allies calm resolve seemed to temper Kingston' need to revenge. Military and thriller fans will love this fast paced romance.
Reviewed by Steph by the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Etched in Bone by Anne Bishop
Urban Fantasy -March 7th, 2017
4 ½ stars
In Anne Bishop’s latest Others novel there are no large evil forces to threaten the inhabitants of the Lakeside Courtyard -or so it seems. This story focuses more on the quiet and not so quiet social interactions between the Others and humans. Their relationships and specifically the danger of a physical relationship between Simon and the fragile Meg. This story also includes the introduction of a manipulative human and his terrible impact on their small community.
This less dramatic but equally engrossing novel shows how seemingly small issues can tear the fabric of their family apart. Meg is innocent despite the tragedies she has suffered and her shifter friend, Simon is definitely more savage in nature. But they both find they care about each quite a bit. However, they have no understanding of romance or love in the human sense. For most of this series Meg has been the main focus of the stories. In this book her presence takes a back seat to a nefarious new character with a shady and manipulative human that wants to take advantage of the Others. His presence gives a sinister cast to the story but it also brings light as Meg and Simon (and those who care for them) end up realizing how much they care for each other. It was also interesting to read how the ‘smarter’ humans realize how them must try to get along with the Others it they how to survive. This novel also drills home how much the Others are different. They are more straightforward in their needs and ‘uncivilized.’ It also challenged this reader’s thinking of what is really important and if ‘uncivilized’ is really bad.
Reviewed by Steph by the Bookaholics Romance Book Club