One Cursed Rose (Grimm Bargain) by Rebecca Zanetti

 

Summary

Information is power, and those who control it live like gods.
In my world,
billionaires play deadly games of insult and influence where magic is the dirtiest weapon of all. Here, even a powerful princess can be swallowed by the darkest of shadows . . .

My name is Alana Beaumont, and due to a recent tragedy, I’m the sole heir to Aquarius Social, a family business being systematically dismantled by an unseen enemy. My father’s solution is to give me in marriage and create a coalition with a competing family, so I’m torn between my thirst for revenge and my duty. Now I just have a week to finish my hunt before the wedding.

There’s nothing like an assassination attempt to cut short the best of plans—even worse is my unwanted rescue by Thorn Beathach, the Beast whose social media empire is driving Aquarius under. The richest, most ruthless of them all, he protects his realm with an iron rule: no one sees his face. When he shows himself to me, I know he’ll never let me go.

Thorn may think he can lock me in his castle forever, but I’m not the docile Beauty he expects. If the Beast wants to tie me up, I’m going to take pleasure from every minute of it . . .and we’ll just see who ends up shackled.

 

Review

I didn’t know what to expect of this story, but I was open. I knew it was a spin on the Beauty and the Beast fairytale and was curious to see how this author would handle it.

This is a new series and she is off to a great start!

We’re in a world parallel to that of the Dark Protectors as a Kayrs is mentioned. In this world there are four powerhouse families that run social media, but no one (except them) know that likes, follows, hearts, etc grant these families literal power. Each family has a stone (diamond, garnet, aquamarine, etc) and popularity online generates power that feeds their family stones. These stones allow for the four families to amass wealth, health, and power. Each family has someone who feeds the stones and starts the process. The four families are competitors.

Thorn Beathach is the head of the family whose stone is garnet and is also the stone feeder for the family. Alana’s family stone is aquamarine and she is the stone feeder for her family. Unfortunately, her family has fallen to the bottom of the tier of four. Her father has plans for a merger to the Sokolov family through marriage of her and the youngest Sokolov heir. Little does anyone know that Alana is being watched and coveted by a mysterious man who has plans for her that do not include her marrying anyone but him.

I enjoyed this book wholeheartedly. There are multiple side stories running at the same time as the overall “love story” between Thorn and Alana. There is a mystery surrounding Alana’s childhood. There’s a mystery surrounding the recent death of Alana’s brother. And most importantly, there is a mystery surrounding Thorn Beathach and his beastly ways.

I will definitely continue with this new series of Zanetti’s.

 

*thanks to Netgalley for an ARC 

 

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Clean Sweep (Innkeeper Chronicles 1) by Ilona Andrews

 

 

 Summary

On the outside, Dina Demille is the epitome of normal. She runs a quaint Victorian Bed and Breakfast in a small Texas town, owns a Shih Tzu named Beast, and is a perfect neighbor, whose biggest problem should be what to serve her guests for breakfast. But Dina is...different: Her broom is a deadly weapon; her Inn is magic and thinks for itself. Meant to be a lodging for otherworldly visitors, the only permanent guest is a retired Galactic aristocrat who can’t leave the grounds because she’s responsible for the deaths of millions and someone might shoot her on sight. Under the circumstances, "normal" is a bit of a stretch for Dina.

And now, something with wicked claws and deepwater teeth has begun to hunt at night....Feeling responsible for her neighbors, Dina decides to get involved. Before long, she has to juggle dealing with the annoyingly attractive, ex-military, new neighbor, Sean Evans—an alpha-strain werewolf—and the equally arresting cosmic vampire soldier, Arland, while trying to keep her inn and its guests safe. But the enemy she’s facing is unlike anything she’s ever encountered. It’s smart, vicious, and lethal, and putting herself between this creature and her neighbors might just cost her everything.

 

Review

I've been in a sort of reading slump and so I started diving into my tried and true author's catalogs for something I hadn't read.

Innkeeper Chronicles enters the picture.

I was introduced to the idea of magic, Innkeepers, vampires, werewolves, shifters, etc. Dina is the Innkeeper, a neutral entity that protects her inn and those inside of it. When neighborhood animals are dying to a creature, Dina must step out of her neutral position and help out. That is when she meets and teams up with Sean (the closest werewolf in the area). I didn't know what to expect, but I enjoyed the rapport between Dina, Sean, and the other characters in the book. I definitely enjoyed the author's take on vampires, their clans, the rules, etc. Who thinks to make vampires sensitive to coffee?! :)

Anyway if you love a good murder mystery with action, humor, and a budding attraction between two main characters - you'll love this.  

Leopard's Scar (Leopard 14) by Christine Feehan

 

The moment Meiling sees Gedeon she knows he’s a leopard shifter—just as she knows she can’t trust him. Meiling doesn’t take chances, life has taught her better than that. So why does she find herself rescuing this deadly, gorgeous man, when she knows she’d be better off leaving him to die?

Gedeon is used to women throwing themselves at him, not throwing his injured body over their beautiful, deceptively strong shoulders and carrying him to safety. He might be embarrassed, if he wasn’t so aroused by the very thought of this feisty lotus blossom.

As they strike up a working relationship that suits them both, Gedeon starts to rely on Meiling for just about everything. But when her hidden nature rises to the surface, the connection that links them shifts into an all-consuming desire. And neither will escape unmarked. . . .

 

Review

  I will start this review by saying that I absolutely love Feehan’s leopard series. Only one step behind the Ghostwalkers series. Some of this review may be a bit spoiler-ish so continue at your own risk.
I do have to be honest that there were a couple of things that bothered me about the story, but I do not know if these same things will still be valid once I reread the book for the second time.

1. Time jumps: There were at least three. Maybe more. Personally, this is more of a point of information and not so much a con. I am just pointing it out. It allows for more information and for the story to progress without tiring out the reader so I am okay with it, but I did notice them. I suppose I am sensitive to it because HBO’s House of the Dragon season one had a lot of them as well. The more material - the more time jumps.
2. Clarity of the abilities of the uber shifters: This idea that there were shifters with more specialized powers and were eradicated because of them is good. Early on we see that strength and speed are two of the most prominent abilities. (more so than a normal shifter). If I remember correctly we are told that there were communities of uber shifters, but there were three specific families that had more powers than the regular uber shifters. And so that made them targets. These three families that were destroyed were from Russia (Gedeon), China (Meiling), and North Korea.
It isn’t till the middle of the book that we are told that Meiling’s entrancing effect on leopards has more to do with her uber shifter genes than the usual effect of female leopards on male leopards. If you’re familiar with the series, you’ll recall that Evangeline had a calming effect on the Amurov leopards as well. I felt that could’ve been introduced a bit better. To piggyback off this at the tail end of the book we are told that these uber shifter groups can produce fire. Once again I felt like that could’ve been presented much better. It seemed very last minute and I remember saying to myself ‘wait what’.
3. The training status of Meiling: At the start of the book, I got the impression that Meiling was not trained and was a bit timid. [Her thought processes and such at the Venezuelan camp] Further on in the book as she is fully Gedeon’s partner we are given little nuggets of information that says she is faster and can handle herself to the point she could do damage to trained shifters like Timur and Joshua Tigre’s bodyguards. I truly was flabbergasted like – wait when did she get this type of training? How is this possible? As I think it through now – I suppose she is not trained per se but her uber shifter strength and speed puts her on level footing.

The following are pros, in my opinion, that helped me to appreciate the characters and the entire series more.
1. Friends before lovers: The fact that Gedeon and Lotus blossom (I love this nickname) were friends first. What started off as possible enemies led to these two characters having a great working relationship and then finally a good personal relationship. Gedeon noticed early on that Meiling would make the perfect partner. She was low-key, but had his same skillset (outside of killing people). They were both fixers.
2. Teaching shifters (male and female) about bonding: I loved that this book incorporated multiple fixer cases and that one of them allowed some of our favorite male shifters to see that the way that shifter culture is very much one-sided. The males fool around extensively and are not honest about the distinction between sleeping around with shifter women without the intent to mate and sleeping with shifter women with the intent to mate. This case made it clear that the leaders of the lairs (Joshua, Drake, etc) needed to have conversations [and teaching moments] with their male members about transparency with sexual partners (human or shifter) and with their female members about true mates and how it really works. The general idea is that transparency and education needed to make its way through the lairs to protect all members – male and female.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I would recommend it and the entire series to anyone. The sexual interactions are steamy and a bit rough, but that goes part and parcel with the animalistic nature of these people. They are not human. They have animal counterparts. The relationship development between Gedeon and Meiling was smooth and easy to follow. I didn’t find the story predictable and I always enjoy when previous characters make a cameo in the current story. Nine out of ten, A-, do recommend.

 

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Shadow Music (Highland Lairds #3) by Julie Garwood

 

Summary:

For Princess Gabrielle of St. Biel, Scotland is a land of stunning vistas, wild chieftains, treacherous glens, and steep shadows--skullduggery, betrayal, and now murder. Prized for her exquisite beauty, the daughter of one of England's most influential barons, Gabrielle is also a perfect bargaining chip for a king who needs peace in the Highlands: King John has arranged Gabrielle's marriage to a good and gentle laird. But this marriage will never take place.

For Gabrielle, everything changes in one last burst of freedom--when she and her guards come upon a scene of unimaginable cruelty. With one shot from her bow and arrow, Gabrielle takes a life, saves a life, and begins a war.

Within days, the Highlands are aflame with passions as a battle royal flares between enemies old and new. Having come to Scotland to be married, Gabrielle is instead entangled in Highland intrigue. For two sadistic noblemen, underestimating Gabrielle's bravery and prowess may prove fatal. But thanks to a secret Gabrielle possesses, Colm MacHugh, the most feared man in Scotland, finds a new cause for courage. Under his penetrating gaze, neither Gabrielle's body nor heart is safe.

Review:

I am such fan of this author's romance books! When I was a little young one in the romance fiction game, she was one of the first authors I read. I love her romance books! I love them so much that I reread all of her romance fiction yearly. I was making my way through the Highland lairds when I noticed Amazon was pointing me towards a book called Shadow Music. Long story short - I cannot believe this book has been out for so long and I never knew about it. Utter shock!

I grabbed it and it did not disappoint. I was able to revisit characters that I love i.e. Broderick, Ramsay, the Maitlands, etc. We are introduced to Princess Gabrielle and all of the greedy Englishmen that are lusting after her and her kingdom's treasure. We are also introduced to Laird MacHugh who is an ally of the Sinclairs, Maitlands, and Buchanans. By fate (more likely the machinations of a greedy king and his barons) - Gabrielle ends up finding sanctuary with Laird Colm MacHugh. Colm, alongside Gabrielle's cousin by marriage Broderick Buchanan, are searching for enemies of the MacHugh clan and happen to witness Gabrielle being mistreated. They rescue her and decide the best way to protect her is for Colm to marry her.

This book is more than just a story about a Princess and her interactions with a greedy England. The author finds a way to spin a tale about a monarch guarding the secret of her once rich nation, a strong Laird bent on avenging his brother, a greedy lustful King John, two obsessed English barons, and sprinkling in prior characters with a nice love story. Sad it took me so long to read it, but glad I did.

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Wild Lover (Magical Lovers 3) by Michelle Howard

Summary:

Danger threatens...
Christine Jones never imagined that becoming connected with the paranorm world would bring danger to her doorstep. But with her best friend married to a warlock, his enemies have now targeted her as an easy means to strike against him.
Hope found...
Ben Griffin never thought he’d find his mate. Centuries had gone by and he’d resigned himself to a lonely future. Nothing could have prepared him for someone like Chrissy Jones. His boss’ enemies think they can get to him by using her? That’s not going to happen.
One night...
Can a one night stand lead to a love everlasting?

Review:

I'm going to be honest and say that I read this series out of order. I started with book 3 and I am definitely going back to read the first two.

I will say that it was not difficult to follow the story even though I was unfamiliar with some of the characters mentioned. In fact, it only whetted my appetite for more. I thought I had a good idea of where the story line was going, but I am happy to say that as the story moved along I didn't. It is the nature of the romance fiction beast to most often be able to predict the path a book will take. The interesting part is, of course, the journey. 

In this book, those familiar with the characters, know that someone is out to get the warlock Drake who just so happens to be getting married to Christine's (main character) best friend.The night before the wedding Christine and Drake's bodyguard, Ben, have a fling. Ben disappears and at the wedding he acts as if he has no idea who Christine is. After a huge altercation between the two at the wedding, Christine becomes a target because of her relationship to Drake's wife. 

This book was so much better than I thought it would be. Its fast-paced and sexy, and definitely worth the read.

 

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Broken Skies (Dragon's Gift: The Storm #4) by Veronica Douglas and Linsey Hall

 

Broken Skies by Veronica Douglas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So now we come to the end of Neve and Damian's story.

Neve is now a full blown genie and her and Damian are still battling Matthias. We have Neve trying to resolve her missing parents, her new status as a full-blown genie, and figure out her and Damian's relationship.

Damian is a fallen angel with a (view spoiler)[ Firesoul nature (hide spoiler)] that makes it exceedingly difficult for him to be around Neva safely.

Matthias is out of control and is seeking the creation of a new plane with the help of enslaved genies and demons.

There are so many issues that Neve have to deal with as a couple and between themselves. Each issue had its own moment for resolution so that when the series finally ended - I was satisfied.

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Linsey Hall Shadow Guild Vampire Bride Series

 

Drakon and Mac. 

Let me say that I enjoyed this couple's story. I am not new to the writings of the Shadow Guild (Mac's friends Carrow, Eve, Seraphia, Beatrix, etc). I will say that you will appreciate these two characters more if you're 'familiar' with the stories of her friends; however, it's not necessary. 

This trilogy starts off completely different than other books in the Shadow Guild series. Book 1 (Bite Me) starts with Drakon accusing Mac of burying him alive and that he is there to exact revenge by killing her. Mac negotiates her life by selling her skills as a seer in order to help him locate a hidden treasure amongst a secret shadow group's Hunger games. Throughout this book Drakon and Mac are fighting for their lives (Mac twofold) while at the same time Mac is trying to discover who actually locked Drakon away.

Book 2 (Suck It) continues the story of the evil sorcerer Ludovic and the continuous threat of his next plot for power while trying to acquire Mac. The plot turns out to be attacking a mass of shifters and using their souls to fuel his power. It is now up to Mac and Drakon to help the shifters against their new foe. In the background lurks the truth of Drakon's immortality and its connection to Mac.

In Book 3 (Kiss Me), Drakon has turned to stone because of his connection to Mac. The relationship between the the two is complicated. Cue the angst. The truth of Mac's power and background are becoming clearer and clearer. With the help of witches, Drakon is returned to flesh for one week. So now Drakon and Mac must find a solution to the flesh to stone issue while still going after Ludovic while still trying to learn Mac's true history. Its a lot going down and oh so worth it. 

I can say that this series moves quickly. As the author presents questions  you do not have to wait long to get answers.The story arc's are fast-paced. Most of the three book ending's have a resolution wrapped up in a pretty bow and initially it was hard to deal with, but I dig it now. 

I give the entire series a B+ for enjoyment and yes I will be moving on to the next Linsey Hall series that I haven't read yet.

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Mentored in Fire (Demon Days, Vampire Nights book 10) by K.F. Breene

 

Mentored in Fire by K.F. Breene
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I so love Reagan's crazy ass. So Reagan has been rescued by her dad and is now in the Underworld to get some training and get to know her dad. Cahal came with her and is there to keep her grounded. The level of intrigue, secrets, and power plays left me on the edge of my seat. Penny, Darius, and Emery are in the Underworld trying to rescue Reagan & Reagan is with Lucifer - learning the ropes. On the other hand, the world is in shambles. War is coming. The elves time is up. As Reagan said - you're either with them, Lucifer, or the elves. Vlad is still machinating. Ja is now fully in the mix. I can't wait to read the next book. I hope that Cahal and Roger both get their own book.

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Demon Pack (Demon Pack, #1) by Jaymin Eve and Everly Frost

 

Summary

I’m no stranger to the dark. The shadows belong to me. But the dark can’t hide me forever...

I run with my own pack—my four demon wolves and the two friends I would kill to protect.

We might be the rejected shifters of the Vegas supernaturals, different and unwanted, but our pack is strong. Feared. Think of us as your local supernatural vigilantes.

With my demon wolves secretly watching our backs, we’re unstoppable. Until the night the first rune appears on the streets. A rune that hasn’t been seen for hundreds of years, sending the Vegas supernaturals into a tailspin.

It seems that the Master of Demon Runes has returned, a demon with unlimited power to deceive and kill, dragged up from the depths of the underworld itself.

What he wants, no one knows.

Except maybe… me.

Because there’s a teeny tiny chance that my demon wolves used to be his. And an even larger chance he won’t return to the underworld without them…

Or without me.

Review

So, its become obvious that Jaymin Eve is fast becoming one of my fav authors. I first discovered her writing in her Shadow Beast series. I saw that there is a part two coming in December, but I couldn't stop myself from starting this.

Nova is kick ass. She is the alpha of her pack, which consists of two outcast shifter hybrids (like herself) and 4 invisible wolves. The other two hybrids are sisters to her, Malia and Taniya. Together they all form a vigilante-like group that patrols the Vegas areas keeping out of line supernaturals in line. Unfortunately, on a <i> routine </i> operation they discover that the King of Demons has disappeared from the Underworld and as a result a high-level demon is running amok in their area. That combined with a mysterious stranger that tries to warn Nova and her pack away and the story begins. There are secrets that Nova holds, secrets that the mysterious stranger holds about himself, Nova, and what is actually going on, and there are secrets that entwine them all.

Action, secrets, intrigue, specieism, sexual tension, family. I loved every part of this book. I'm just sad that I have to wait until December for part two. This is definitely worth reading and I have already added part two to my TBR list.

ARC The Adversary by Thea Harrison

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Dragos and Pia move to the Other land of Rhyacia, they hope starting a new life will bring safety and freedom to their family, especially their young baby, Niall. And at first their new home seems perfect… but looks are deceiving.

Beneath Rhyacia’s idyllic façade an ancient, malevolent force lurks, waiting for the right opportunity to break free of its cage. When that opportunity comes, it strikes with devastating accuracy.

While Dragos has never backed down from a fight, he’s also never encountered an enemy like this one before. How can he fight a foe who doesn’t have a body? A foe who can invade and turn his own mind against him?

How can Dragos protect his family, when at any moment one of them may become the enemy?

As Dragos and Pia race against time to fight this unseen menace, they must also acknowledge a terrifying truth—when anyone can become the enemy, no one can be trusted.

An adversary who can trap the dragon poses a threat to everyone in Rhyacia, and that means no one is safe…

 

 

 

 

Dragos and Pia….two of my most favorite characters out of all of the books I have ever read. This pair have been through so much in their short time together. Two children and one new kingdom later – here we are. The Cuelebre power couple are trying to establish a kingdom for Elder races in a new dimension/world called Rhyacia. Pia, alongside the Elves, are able to sense and see shadow individuals that once resided in Rhyacia. That, however, is not where the problem resides. The building crews stumbled upon a crypt and when she and Dragos go to investigate an accident occurs and what comes out of the crypt alongside her is not her husband. Cue the Adversary title. Now Pia and the Sentinels, along with some New York Sentinels, and Liam (aka Peanut aka Cuelebre Heir #1) are fighting the being that his currently inhabiting Dragos.  

This story is just as amazing as it sounds. It is full of non-stop action and edge of your seat intrigue. Technically, you can enjoy this book by only having read The Unseen; however, to get the full FEELS of friendship, determination, comradery, love, and dedication possible I recommend that you read at least a couple of the Elder Race novels. The Sentinels would be more like old friends if you do.  

Both books, The Unseen and The Adversary, are worth picking up. And The Adversary does not disappoint.

 

Dream Spinner (Dream Team #3) by Kristen Ashley

 

 

 

 

 

 Hattie Yates has finally met the man of her dreams. Yet years of abuse from her demanding father have left her petrified of disappointment. She’s already failed to reach her goal of becoming a professional ballerina—she can’t handle the terrible consequences of another dream becoming a nightmare. But when a stalker sets their sights on Hattie, there’s only one man she dares to hope can help . . .

Axl Pantera knows Hattie is the only woman for him. Yet despite the attraction burning between them, Hattie refuses to let him in. The former soldier is determined to woo her into letting down her walls. And when danger comes calling, he’s up against more than her wary and bruised heart. Axl will do anything to prove to Hattie that they’re meant to be, but first, he’ll need to keep her safe.

 

Definitely a page turner. Definitely a classic Kristen Ashley read.
I love when this particular author teases the reader with potential future books by introducing spicy characters. Axl and Hattie though - wow. Hattie's life is in shambles - family drama leading her to push her friends away and absolutely block potential love matches. Cue the crazy dude harassing Hattie. Now we have a prime opportunity for Axl to slide into her life and blow things up with passion, love, friendship, and protection. Definitely a 5 star book!

 

*thanks to Netgalley for the ARC

 

 

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Wild Wind (Chaos 6.6) by Kristen Ashley

 

Wild Wind by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm between 3 and 4 stars for this one.

Don't get me wrong I was interested in Jagger's story and I enjoyed quite a few things about this book - it just wasn't my fav. I got into it, but I didn't get into it.

First of all, I definitely enjoyed the change in heroine background. I don't see a lot of ethnic diversity in KA's books so to see that Archie was 1/4 Black and the fact that Jagger bonded with Mal - I felt that. She didn't gloss over the racism in some MC's and actually had Jagger address that.

Now Jagger and Archie...talk about some damaged people. Damaged in the sense of dealing with the death of a parent in their formative years. Archie knew her mom, but Jagger didn't really know his dad. We see there is underlying issues on the sides of both Archie and Jagger that kept them away from each other - and in some cases was still there preventing them from being all in with each other. It was nice to see Archie attempting to give Jagger what he needed emotionally, but we could see that there was something else there. Something standing in the way of Jagger going full tilt to Archie.
And when we learn what it is - cue the broken heart. Definitely time for Chaos to get involved.

All in all it was definitely worth the read. The length of the book was perfect for what we were dealing with.

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Lightning Game (Ghostwalkers 17) by Christine Feehan

 

Lightning Game by Christine Feehan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have come to realize that the Ghostwalker series is my favorite Feehan series - one step above her Leopard people series. That being said I loved this book, but felt that it could've had a few more pages. (view spoiler)[ I would've appreciated a bit more follow up on the status of Zara's feet. Was Rubin and Jonquille able to help (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ The mysterious Fontenot brother/pilot/prisoner/Swamp Man? I need to know more (hide spoiler)]

I love how we were able to see deeper into Diego and Rubin's past. I love that we were able to see deeper into Rubin and Diego as individuals as well as brothers. We see Rubin struggles with how he is perceived as royalty among Ghostwalkers, that his life means more than others, and how it affects him. We see Diego struggle with a deep-seeded need to protect his brother. So many nuggets of information provided in this book - about other Ghostwalkers and the Campo brothers. It is always nice to revisit prior characters while being provided new information. This series is not slowing down.

New villains. New connections.

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Repeat Offender (Souls Chapel Revenants MC book 1) by Lani Lynn Vale

 

Repeat Offender by Lani Lynn Vale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was different than the previous LLV books. 

Historically, the 'heros' are cops/former military/medical professionals who are on the "right" side of the law. Use that word loosely. This is the first in a series of good men with complicated pasts. Histories that may include the military or law enforcement, but have ended in prison sentences. Lynn is the mayor and he doesn't take care of matters the way you would think a mayor would. But he get's things done. Things being a sex trafficking ring. Throw in a sassy wildlife blogger/photographer and we have ourselves a good story.

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Hot Seal Redemption (Hot Seal Team #5) by Lynn Rae Harris

HOT SEAL Redemption by Lynn Raye Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Got this book for free thru an email ad and I am so glad I took it up on its offer. I have never read this author before so I had no idea what to expect - I just expected (based on the summary) a good read.

And I got it.

Bailey is trying to get her life together - working in a club as she stacks her money so that she can go into nursing school. Her little sister (that she raised) is a in and out of her life type of sister until she shows up and leaves a newborn. Before she splits she gives the baby's father's name. Its a Navy SEAL. Bailey finds him and makes some demands.

Alexei is 95% sure he is not the baby's father, but something about Bailey makes him pause. She is a hard worker and is just like him - not looking for anything resembling romance. Especially now that she may have a child to take care of. Alexei agrees to a DNA test, but in the meanwhile he can't stop but get involved with Bailey.

Who is the baby daddy? Where is her sister? Why did she take off? Why is there something calling to both Bailey and Alexei about each other?

These two were super sexy and definitely not looking for any type of attachments. I enjoyed the realistic hesitance on the part of both main characters about the baby and about their own interactions. When sex trafficking and bikers get thrown in the picture we see that its not all DNA tests and dirty diapers. Something else is going on. I appreciated that this wasn't just a story of a mother abandoning her child to be raised by a family member and the family member happens to fall in love. Its deeper than that, but not too deep.

Good read! I'm going to keep going with the series. I may go back to read 1-4 or I may go on to read the next in the series.

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Moon-kissed : Within the Darkness by Amelia Hutchins

 Synopsis

Alexandria Helios is on a mission to find her brother. Landon disappeared on his quest to find the Sacred Library that holds the cure to the moon sickness affecting their people. There is one problem. Her journey will take her through the Kingdom of Night and directly into Torrin’s path as the head of the Night King’s army. He’s egotistical, sexy, sin incarnate, and everything she knows she shouldn’t want, but his whispered promise of dark desires awakens something deep within her that makes him hard to resist.
Torrin didn’t expect the lead assassin of the Moon Clan to walk into his trap. Alexandria has ignited something within him he thought was gone, and he knows he shouldn’t crave her, but he does. She’s a fire in a world of ice, bathed in blood and moonlight that calls to the darkness within him.
Secrets are unraveling as both are tossed into a ploy that neither is destined to survive. Can they find common ground and work together to defeat the darkness? Or will the world come crashing down around them as they tear each other apart?

 

 Review

 If you want tension, anger, sex, death, murder, sorrow, angst, hopelessness....it is all there in this book.

Alexandria and Torrin burnt up my pages. This is not your cookie cutter romance where the hero and heroine fight for their love - this is enemy vs enemy with sexual tension riddled all through it. Did I mention there's magic and a prophecy as well? 

If you've read this author's previous works then you know that there is a slow, taxing, painful burn between the main characters. At times they hate each other as much as they care for each other. At their core they are enemies and are constantly trying to outthink the other.

Just a warning - there isn't a HEA this is where you see Alexandria slowly morph into the bad ass that she is meant to be.

ARC: The Unseen by Thea Harrison (part 1 of 4 novellas)

Summary:

Saying goodbye to their old life in the Wyr demesne in New York may be hard, but Dragos and Pia are determined to create a new life in the Other land of Rhyacia.
At first, everything seems idyllic. Rhyacia is paradisiacal. Accompanied by old friends and new allies, the future looks safe and bright for Dragos, Pia, and baby Niall.
But strange things are happening beneath the picturesque façade. Items move unaccompanied, buildings collapse without justifiable cause, and even the most Powerful residents of Rhyacia can provide no logical explanation for the events transpiring. Whispered rumors point to something called the unseen.
As Dragos and Pia investigate, they uncover a greater mystery than they could have imagined, and they realize the startling truth…
They’re not alone in Rhyacia. The land Dragos had thought was uninhabited hides many secrets, a shocking history that’s not quite ready to be buried, and something more.
Something ancient, evil, and hungry. Something that wants to consume Dragos and take everything he holds dear.
Something that just may be powerful enough to overcome the dragon…

Review:

I think a lot of us forget that Pia is not even 30 years old yet nor have her and Dragos been mated even 5 years yet. Though, they are devoted to each other and have gone thru some heavy stuff they're relationship is still developing. As this story begins, Pia is coming to grips with another major chapter of her life ending as well another beginning. 

We also see nuances of Pia and Dragos's relationship as well as their interactions with other characters (sentinels and others). As the Unseen is  introduced we also get a glimpse into the growth that Pia's character has experienced and is experiencing. Dragos himself points it out. He follows it up with a gentle urging of allowing herself the room to be more of a leader and confident in her own skin.

 

Now enter the true idea of the Unseen. I knew going in that the book was going to end in a cliffhanger, but oh my goodness - did it ever. Dragos is gone now and Pia is in charge. My heart literally ceased to beat correctly as she laid out her directions to Graydon. It all became clear why the author chose to have Dragos give her such a pep talk. She would need it now as she is now the head Wyr in charge. She has to be confident in herself and trust her orders and choices as they all seek to get Dragos back. 

 

Rating: High and should be talked about

 

 

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