Blurb: What do you do when when your lover is out to kill you?
After university, Johnny dated a mysterious and influential man who never disclosed his profession. Now, following a quarrel, Johnny suffers a series of attacks—attempts on his life that his lover has the power and influence to perpetrate.
With nowhere else to turn, he must rely on his childhood best friend. But can Johnny trust him? With time running out and the world against him, Johnny must solve the mystery himself if he wants to survive.
Review: This story was told by Johnny and seemed a recounting of his life. We get to to know about his best friend Jacob, Johnny falling in love with a secretive man named Lex and attacks on Johnny. I liked the story but it felt a little monotone to me.
The mystery of who was out to kill Johnny was interesting but I wanted more.
Blurb: It’s not stealing if you’re stealing it back….
Ari had a game plan for life. Shoot people. Get money. Hang out with fellow criminal friends. He saw absolutely no reason to change that plan until one dark night in Memphis, when a little girl reached out to him with pocket change and a desperate plea for him to help her.
Adopting an abused little girl off the streets was, needless to say, not part of the plan. Ari had no idea what he was doing with an eight year old. He especially didn’t know how to juggle taking contracts and raising a little girl.
Things get more complicated when the mercenary, Carter Harrison, approaches him with a job. He needs Ari’s expertise to get into the very high-security museum, Knowles, and steal back Monet’s Water Lily Pond. The job isn’t an easy one. He’d need more than the two of them to make it happen. It’s further complicated because Ari’s not sure what to do with his new daughter while working this job.
And for that matter, how’s he supposed to handle the sexy mercenary?
Review: Ari and his twin, Luca, were orphaned and sent into the foster care system. One came out a lawyer and well Ari is the assassin. He was damn good at his job and with the help of his two friends, he was even better. There was one basic rule that he followed and it was no harm came to kids. So when a little girl came to him for help, lets just say he now has a daughter. One that might just beat them all.
Carter is in some need. He is hired to steal back a painting from one of the high security museums. He is hired by an unknown to get a stolen painting from a private museum and return it to another. He could go in and get a kid back but this one was a little harder to work. He liked working with a team and it looked like he might have found a good one.
No one would take a job by an unknown even for a big payday. That would say that he is not as sure of his job or his life if he did. Also who goes to check up on an assassin where their kid is without getting the heads blown off.
Remi is unlike any kid I know and comes off not so positive in this story. While the idea of an assassin adopting some random kid just because he felt bad for her is a bit strange, it was still a good add into the story. However the fact that she doesn’t act like she really should is the problem. Just because someone helps you doesn’t mean you automatically trust them. Also the characters don’t act like assassins, mercs, thieves and hackers. Once in an assignment you don’t change it, yet they rushed a job that was supposedly not able to do. It just came off wrong. You get the mention of Luca, the meeting between them all set up but then it stops. You don’t get to see it through.
Then there is the security they are going through, and lets face it, it just doesn’t pan out. Now on the flip side of the coin, the story is still pretty entertaining. I might have griped about the characters but lets face it they still were a big hit with me. I like the way they interacted with each other. It is a slow burning romance and for once it worked out all right with this story. I am not a fan of the dual voices in the story, but I think the part that drove me nuts is the author put their name ahead to know who was talking, but lets face it it was easy to figure it out right off the bat.
Over all I really liked the story and can’t wait to see what the next book has going on.
The Fae must be defeated if Brandr and Logan hope to find their happily ever after. Only by working together will have any chance of Mending the Rift and saving humanity.
The end would be upon Brandr and his friends soon. The only question, would Brandr be able to find his fated one in time? He feared he was too late when he arrived to find the field empty. Then the Veil opens again and hell rains down upon him as the Unseelie pets attack. But when Brandr was too injured to move, the Druid he was destined to claim as his own flees in terror. Talk about demoralizing.
That did not happen. Not even in some weird fantasy could Logan have imagined that a dead man could come back to life. And he had definitely been dead, since Logan had to put his head back on his body. But when he was faced with the truth, that the man was immortal, Logan has to admit to being…intrigued.
But as Samhain draws closer, the danger around them increases as the Fae converge. The Fae must be defeated if Brandr and Logan hope to find their happily ever after. Only by working together will have any chance of Mending the Rift and saving humanity.
Review: This story was so good with the addition of Logan and the new kids. I loved Brandt and Logan together. Logan’s power was off the charts and very much needed in this addition. As with the others in the series you get a well written beautiful story about druid’s needing to stop the fae from coming through a rift and taking over. There were heart stopping moments that had me on the edge of my seat.
A lot happens throughout. There are twists and turns that I thoroughly enjoyed. I am sad this is the last book. I wanted more about Fen considering Aed cursed him as well. Even though he helped the vikings he was more in the background. I wanted to know how he escaped the fae. Is there a love interest for him, as eternity is a long time to spend alone and Aed never said in the curse he could not find someone for him.
I loved the entire series. Each druid possess a unique ability that will help mend the rift. But Logan was the last one needed to accomplish this. A Fantastic end to an amazing series.
Blurb: When Killian Barth, history professor, meets Blaine Genneau, quantum physicist, they ignite their own big bang. But Killian can’t pursue a physics professor – or a human. As the most pow-erful male witch in 10 generations, Killian must bolster his dying race by reproducing – despite the fact that he’s gay.
Even a fling with Blaine is out of the question, because Killian has been told sex with humans drains his power. But if that’s true, why can young human Jimmy Janx dissolve spoons with the power of his mind? If Killian can sort through the lies he’s been fed, he’ll still face his biggest obstacle – convincing rational scientist Blaine to believe in magic.
With his ancient and powerful cat familiar, Aloysius, on his shoulder, Killian brings the lightning against deceit and greed to save Blaine from danger and prove love is the greatest power of them all.
Review: Spell Cat is the first book in Tara Lain’s paranormal romance series, The Aloysius Tales. This narration is actually from the recently published second edition from Dreamspinner Press. Before coming across the audio of this story, I’ve not read either edition of this story. However, I thought the plot sounded interesting and more often than not I’ve really enjoyed Lain’s work (probably with a preferences towards her recent stuff than the older stuff).
The narration of this book was performed by KC Kelly. Who did a good job, creating tones and voices not only for the two MCs, but a whole host of minor characters, which also included a couple “European” and “Russian” type accents. It was honestly a great performance and I think this is one of those books where I wouldn’t enjoy as much if I simply read it book myself.
I will admit, I did a bit of research, because from the blurb I found it confusing as to why the series was called the Aloysius Tales. Then I actually started the book and then I realised: Aloysius is the name of the damn cat.
The story starts with Professor Killian Barth, a history professor who specialises in the history of witchcraft. The subject he teaches is popular – from kids wanting easy grades to others who find it cool to study witches. He also happens to be a bona fide witch, the most powerful witch for 10 generations and is known as the witch master, a powerful figurehead in the community. The witches are dying, the witch elders telling everyone that this is because witches have been diluting their powers by “mixing” with humans. And being the most powerful male witch means that his power-hungry mother and another power-hungry elder, have orchestrated an arranged marriage between Killian and the most powerful female witch to ensure the purity of the witch line. The biggest issue being that Killian is gay.
This makes Killian a heart breaking figure because he has never allowed himself some measure of happiness. He has been told his whole life having sex with humans will deplete his powers and make him weaker, yet he is comfortable and prefers to be in the human world. Perhaps worst of all, when he meets physics professor Blain Genneau, there is an instant spark of attraction between the two men. Which only serves to make Killian more miserable.
The story, shortly after Killian is introduced to his new familiar, the black cat Aloysius, is Killian’s battle to be find out what exactly is behind the whole “humans deplete a witch’s power”. All to find a way out of his arranged marriage and maybe even find some kind of happiness, no matter how temporary. Killian is definitely the main character here, although Blaine I felt got about as much “air time” as the secondary characters such as Killian’s fiancé Lavender and Killian’s strange student Jimmy Janks. In some ways that didn’t feel very fair to their romance, but for the overall story it worked that this was predominately told from Killian’s POV, and Killian has a lot of thing going on.
I recommend this one to those that love paranormal fiction, in particular those that like witches and magic. This is a first in a series which follows the influence of familiar Aloysius on the witch community and the love lives of a select few. I’m keen to hear or read more.
Blurb: When the pickiest eater in America is tapped to judge a cooking competition along with his chef ex-boyfriend, will it be a recipe for a second chance… or disaster?
Luke Walker’s humor about foods he can’t stand made him an internet celebrity and his blog, The Pickiest Eater in America, a huge hit. He plans to bring that same lighthearted comedy to the show—but he won’t be the only host.
Meyer Thibodeaux might be a famous chef, but he’s solemn, uptight, and closeted. He’s also Luke’s ex. As different as they are, the sparks between Luke and Meyer never really went out, and as they work together, each begins to see the other in a new light, and the passion between them reignites, hot as ever. But secrets, gossip, and rumors on the set could sour their reunion.
Review: Twice Baked is a standalone novel by Andrew Grey. I love Andrew Grey, I’ve never encountered a book of his I didn’t dislike or couldn’t finish. For me, the winning appeal is always the writing style and the three-dimensional characters who almost always develop along the way and learn a thing or two. This is actually the second book of Grey’s I’ve read recently where he has done something different to what I’ve become used to, but it still has all the hallmarks of a sweet Andrew Grey romance in my mind.
The main characters are Luke Walker and Meyer Thibodeaux.
Luke’s opinions on food is almost like everyone’s inner child – there is always some texture that is just so gross it makes you dry reach, or there is something that is said to be so amazing but taste like week-old dirty socks. Luke has a great sense of humour and because of that he has been able to make a name for himself with his blog, declaring him the Pickiest Eater in America. He is unashamedly himself and he has made it work for him. So much so, when a cooking competition, not that dissimilar to Masterchef, needs a new judge he is approached. He and the producers of the show are of the same mind – they want to inject humour along with his natural personality which makes the show more accessible to those intimidated by high cuisine. The only problem is that his ex, Meyer, is also a judge and while he has never had closure over the ending of that relationship, Luke is ready to go in and be an adult when it comes to be in the same room, let alone the same TV show, as his ex-boyfriend.
Meyer doesn’t take Luke’s reappearance in his life quite so easily. Again, Luke is his ex and that comes with a natural uneasiness, no matter how things ended between them. But he has major concerns that Luke will make a mockery of show that he had helped create by being a judge. Meyer is a celebrity chef and the back story is that he essentially left Luke behind to pursue his career.
However, the sparks are still there between them. The passion between them is felt through the words. Luke and Meyer, at first, don’t appear to have changed much from when they had last known each other, but being together in the same world again brings them together. And they do indeed realise that things have changed for them, they eventually realise that they have grown as people, and they continue to grow through the course of this book.
Luke and Meyer’s biggest problems stem from a lack of communication when they had first been together. Their current obstacle is to now balance their personal lives and professional life as famous TV judges. Now that they are nursing the spark of romance, which is now fragile, they learn to trust each other when things on set start to go wrong. There is intrigue on set and it’s easiest for them to be honest – to each other, and as much as possible, the world.
This a great second chance romance novel, I think anyone who likes that would not be disappointed. Added to that those that love cooking reality TV shows and like a bit of heat in the kitchen will probably also enjoy this one. There is loads of charm and romance.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (27th June 2019)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: An accident crushed Duncan’s Olympic dreams and landed him in a chair, but he knows it’s time to get his life back on track – and he has a plan in mind. Working with his friend Todd, an Olym-pic skeleton racer, on a promotional campaign will not only help Duncan regain some direction, but it’ll give Todd the financial boost he desperately needs. The sport Todd loves is draining his resources – so much so that he’s thinking of giving up racing just to make ends meet.
As the two men work together, their friendship blossoms into much more, and suddenly the future is looking brighter than it has in a long time. But just when love, happiness, and success seem within their grasp, the USOC steps in with plans to stop their campaign. That’ll mean an end not just to Duncan’s business, but to Todd’s dreams…and Duncan isn’t about to let that happen to the man who means everything to him.
Review: Heart Untouched is the third book in Andrew Grey’s Hearts Entwined series. You don’t necessarily have to read the series in order. However, since the couples of the previous books feature heavily I think it would make more sense to read the series in order, but that is only my opinion.
Andrew Grey is a go to author for. I could gush for a long time about how much I love his writing. I love the knack he has to make deeply emotional characters, with equally emotional and relatable storylines. I also love the knack he has with characters which are either differently abled or single fathers – I’m truly a sucker for those types of books in general.
The audio narration was performed by Greg Tremblay. Tremblay is a brilliant narrator and I have enjoyed many of his performances of Grey’s work. I love how Tremblay enhances a book by just changing his tone, giving characters their own voices and sometimes making audio experience more relatable and easier to connect to characters than just reading the book.
Part of me was a little disappointed that I didn’t love the book as much as I normally would an Andrew Grey book, and I got no idea if there has to do with either the story itself or the narration. Nonetheless, this was still an excellent and thoroughly enjoyable read. I just hold Grey to higher standards, haha.
The story starts with Olympic skeleton racer, Duncan. Unfortunately, a major accident during competition has not only shattered his dreams of competing in the Winter Olympics, but he is also now confined to a wheelchair. Duncan is lost now, but his friend and one of his fellow skeleton racer teammates, Todd.
Being an Olympian is not an easy thing. Obviously, one has to be absolutely awesome at their chosen sport. But there is also the endless need for funding so that they can take months at a time to train and meet whatever other requires are set by the US Olympic Committee. Back home, Todd is making money but is feeling the noose of tight finances threatening his Olympic dream. Add to that his friend Duncan has had his life shattered, receiving very little help from the sport governing body that had dictated their lives for so long, leaving Todd with rather mixed feelings. But with Duncan struggling, Todd also needs to help his friend. Lucky for Todd he works as a mechanic for a man who employs both a blind man and a deaf man, so he has the support of his wider group of friends to help Duncan find his way through his new normal.
The romance between Duncan and Todd is sweet and slow-burning. The fact that these guys are friends and have great chemistry is a plus. While there were times where the story felt a little flat, it was OK because these guys felt like your normal, down to earth sort of blokes. This is a real sweet, heart-warming and generally just filled with hope.
Blurb: The course of true love runs through every neighborhood….
Only one thing stands between Gregory MacPherson II and his dream revitalization project for the gritty neighborhood of Ball’s End: a rinky-dink, run-down used bookstore called Hailey’s Comic. But when master negotiator Mac shows up to make a deal with the owner, he comes face-to-face with quirky, colorful Hailey—unexpectedly good-humored about Mac’s attempted eviction and, also unexpectedly, a hot guy.
Hailey won’t give up his lease, no matter how much money Mac offers. When it comes to consummating their mutual attraction, though, he’s a lot more flexible. Soon Mac has as hard a time prying himself out of Hailey’s bed as he does prying Hailey out of the building. But Hailey doubts Mac’s plans serve Ball’s End’s best interests, and he insists Mac give him a chance to prove his case. If they’re going to build a happy ever after, one of them will have to be remade….
Review: Him Improvement is a standalone contemporary romance by Tanya Chris. I honestly didn’t know what to expect, as Chris is a completely new author to me. However, since this is published as part of Dreamspun Desires, I was keen to give it a go. The blurb, to me, reads like a typical trashy romance (not trashy-bad, I mean trashy-good) where one plucky hero goes up against another rich and mysterious hero, then boom… they fall in love. I was totally up for this.
The story follows one businessman, with the overly pretentious name Gregory MacPherson II, who aims to make life better by revitalising a rather run-down area. But there is one problem and that man is Hailey and runs a bookstore named Hailey’s Comic and has a big heart when it comes to the locals of Ball’s End. (A rather unfortunate name in my opinion, but makes me think of the train station in Sydney that goes past Ball’s Head). Hailey doesn’t really go into his aquaintace with Mac with any particular plans, but he does begin to open Mac’s eyes to what could truly help to revitalise an area besides simply acquiring land and knocking down existing building, displacing residents and business owners.
This book covers the stereotypes but the chemistry between the characters is satisfying and making for an overall enjoyable read. I’m still not entirely sure of how I feel about the romance between Mac and Hailey, but ultimately it felt natural that they did indeed come together. I really enjoyed the journey of discovery that Mac goes on because of Hailey and makes their connection feel “right”.
I’m not really sure who to recommend this one to. I suppose the whole rich businessman and small business owner is a little stereotypical and if that’s your thing, then this is the book for you. If you like sweet and sexy contemporary romances you should give this one a crack.
Blurb: Guilt-ridden after the massacre of his family, Isaac Salvatore turned to binge drinking to escape the pain. Now twenty-four years old, Isaac is a recovering alcoholic woefully out of practice in the magical arts, leaving his fire affinity hanging on the edge of disaster. After a month of rehab, he returns to Beacon Hill and his family, determined to remain sober, learn to control his magic, and figure out a plan for his life that doesn’t involve drinking.
Constantine Batiste is the oldest, most powerful vampire in the city. Born in ancient Gaul, the bastard son of a Celtic king, his long life has been shrouded in tragedy and horrors. Recent mistakes have left him wary and determined to guard his clan from all foes. When two of his clan members fall victim to an ancient evil, he summons the Necromancer of Boston for aid. Accompanying his older brother to the Tower is the handsome young fire mage once wounded by Constantine’s arrogance, and their encounter reignites an attraction that burns within both Constantine and Isaac.
The answer to who is targeting the vampires of Boston is buried in the dark, early days of Constantine’s transition to an immortal life. Isaac finds himself saddled with a painful insight into the evil cutting a swath through the supernatural population of Boston. While his brother, Angel, takes over the hunt to find and stop the threat to the city, Isaac struggles to find a balance between helping his brother and finding his own purpose and place in the world, free from his brother’s shadow.
Falling in love wasn’t part of his plan, but mastering the flames that burn between him and Constantine soon becomes the most important thing in his life, even as an ancient evil seeks to destroy them.
Review: Isaac had finally gotten to the bottom and needed help. He was finishing his time in the hospital trying to get over drinking. He had made one big mistake and didn’t tell them just how much he was drinking so it was harder then he had expected. Now home he is bout to see the one man he was in lust of, very powerful vampire.
Constantine missed the man he was falling for. He had screwed up and lost the ability to entice the young fire mage. Isaac’s brother marked him so it would never work again. That didn’t take away from the fact that he was falling in love. To bad for them someone is not only out to get the vampires but also for Isaac and Constantine.
It might have been a damn good story if it didn’t come off the way it does. It felt like the author was rambling and mixing up parts of the story. Also some of the words that were used was just plain nutty. It was long winded when a shorter story would have been better. It was so slow that it took me four days to finish, where it should have been maybe two hours. I liked the guys quite a bit but the story was just off to me. There was action but it was more of a blur then something you would have expected. There was a distinct feeling from Isaac that he wouldn’t be liked by the vampires but you saw just a handful in the story. So there was no reason for the way the character felt. There wasn’t even really any heat from his brother or his brothers mate.
There was some action as I said above but very little. You get a bit more romance but mostly how each other is feeling. The sex scenes were a bit dry and not all what one would expect. There was just something that made the story go in the opposite direction than it should have. The characters while charming were not as full as they should have been. You don’t see much of his brother, don’t get me wrong it is Isaac’s story, but you would expect his brother to be there more. Then they were all worried to death about the evil in the story being so hard to die, then one move does it, came off lame to me.
Overall the story was fine, not the best that I expected but was still a good read in the end. I can’t say that this is one of those stories that will be read more than just once, but I am afraid that it probably will just be put on the shelf. It was just to long winded with to much added in than was needed. I am sorry to say but this story just wasn’t my idea of fun.
Blurb: Rav Miller looked into the terrified, intelligent eyes of the chocolate Labrador on death row, and knew he’d do anything to save him. When the dog, Sammy, escapes and heads to Mad Creek, Rav follows. Mad Creek. The town had become legendary in Rav’s mind after he’d met that bizarre group last year. Rav dismissed his crazy suspicions back then, but when he arrives in Mad Creek, he knows it’s true. Dog shifters exist, and apparently they all live in the California mountains. It’s enough to blow a bad boy’s mind.
Sammy has something in common with Rav—neither one of them trusts people. After Sammy’s abuse as a dog, he particularly dislikes tough-looking men like Rav. But when Sammy gets a chance to work with rescued dogs at the new Mad Creek shelter, his deep compulsion to help others overcomes his fear. Rav and Sammy bond over saving strays. If they can each find the courage to let someone else in, they might find their way to love.
Sheriff Lance Beaufort doesn’t like humans moving into Mad Creek, especially not the tattooed and defiant Rav. When Rav starts a rescue shelter, the town thinks he’s wonderful! But Lance isn’t fooled. He doesn’t buy Rav’s innocent act for one second. How much does Rav know about the quickened? What is his game? And why did he have to show up now, when Lance and the other town leaders are overwhelmed by all the new quickened pouring in?
Rav knows how to save a life. But can he save an entire town? Can he rescue Mad Creek?
How to Save A Life is the fourth book in series Howl to the Moon by Eli Easton. I adore this unique series. It is sweet and while there is plenty of drama and misunderstanding, which fits since there are characters who have not always been human and some only recently transformed. However, there is not a lot of angst, which is something that I liked a lot, and I felt it really fit the bubbly personalities of dogs that had been completely adored in their time before they transformed.
I read on Amazon that this book can be read as part of the series or as a standalone. And while I do agree with that, there are not plot arcs which tie this book to the previous books, I recommend reading this this series if you can just to get a feel for the world of Mad Creek as it was set up. But then again, if something is a series I can’t stand not reading it all.
Rav Miller is a man with a mysterious past. He had left his life behind to help dogs by opening and running a dog shelter. He has a deep passion for helping dogs, especially those in kill shelters. For the past year the strange encounter he had with a group of men – and a couple of their dogs – from Mad Creek had him intrigued with the town. The mystery deepens for him when a new dog that he rescued, Sammy, runs out of the shelter and makes it all the way to Mad Creek on foot. Rav follows Sammy chip and is intrigued by the town. He can tell that there is something different and when ideas and bizarre suspicions are formed in his head, he figures out what is going on all on his own.
Rav is very much an alpha male and when he sees the situation in Mad Creek (high unemployment), he wants to fix it, that the town is populated by people that can shape shift into dogs gives him the idea. Having decided to start another shelter, this one in Mad Creek, Rav also has to deal with disapproving and grumpy sheriff, while trying to get glimpses of the skittish man called Sammy. But the shelter isn’t going to help the town financially and he has to deal with sheriff who is extremely grumpy and overprotective of his people – it’s definitely a clash of the alphas!
Sammy is newly quickened, he has had two owners that loved him. One of them had died and the other is a victim of domestic violence. Sammy was in a kill shelter when another quick also at the shelter told him about Mad Creek. After he was saved from the kill shelter by Rav, Sammy escapes Rav’s shelter and heads to Mad Creek. He goes for the job advertised at the new shelter, the caring and loyal nature of his dog half helps him to overcome his fears. Now working with Rav side by side the two men have a lot to learn.
I will admit that this is not my most favourite book of the series, but it’s still pretty damn good. I don’t know why, I think that I found it a little difficult to connect to Rav, it’s the only thing that I can think of. I think I also found it a little odd how he randomly decided to pick up his entire life on what seemed to be a whim.
A final side note, because I was surprisingly slow about this realisation, but I just managed to link all the titles in this series to a song. Although not all the songs have the “how to” in the song title, that’s just minor details. This epiphany happened started because I got the song How to Save A Life by The Fray stuck in my head, I already have Wish Upon A Star from Pinocchio stuck in head. Then I remembered that song by The Script called Howling at the Moon and then it just snowballed from there. Done! I’m happy I got that out and I’m kind of ridiculously happy about it.
Shorty’s Review 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts:
I adored this story about Rav and Sammy. Sammy is so sweet and cute yet has been abused by a previous owner then taken to a pound. When it’s almost his time to be put to sleep Rav takes him in. From there Sammy escapes and heads to Mad Creek where Rav follows.
Things are not smooth for these two. Rav has to get Sammy to realize not everyone is out to hurt him. With Lance not trusting strangers Rav has a way to go in getting the town to trust that he will keep their secret. It helps when he figures out a way to bring in much needed revenue an jobs for the town.
Adorable, sweet and cute this story had me in tears at times. I loved the way the story progressed and ended.
Blurb: Cobra has never interacted with the people of Drago since most are there to hide from their nasty past. Coming across his mate having a picnic with his dragon in Drago Park and a freak trying to kill him is more than unexpected as is discovering Cal is not Cal and isn’t even human? Cobra wants answers. He just hopes that he can get them before whoever is out to kill his mate succeeds.
Review:Each book in the D.O.A. collection features a different romantic couple. To enjoy the overall story arc and crossover characters, I would recommend reading the series in sequential order.
Cobra is one of the D.O.A. and his best friend is Taco, who is also his dragon. For one day every year for twenty-five years he has received a note leading up to a meeting. The bad side is he has no clue what that person wants. Now is the time to meet, but when he goes there it is to a big surprise.
Taco and Cal have started to become best buds. They hang out and get to know each other. He has an idea that he has found his and Cobra’s mate. But as a dragon he is not for sure. So he decides to help Cal with this meeting.
Calvin is not who he says he is. He has one hell of a big surprise that places him in danger. He has watched Cobra and is falling for the man. He has never actually talked to the man but with the help of Cobra’s dragon he might have a chance.
To bad that danger has came looking for them both. There are many different twists to this story that your attention will always be captivate, as has mine. This is one of my favorite series and I love how the characters are with each other. They are quite quirky and are very protective of their friends and family. The story is intriguing and will keep you entertained.
I had a blast reading this and can’t wait to get my hands on the next one. Now a new member has been born and damn if it is not going to be a big hit as well, I can’t wait. I would definitely recommend this story and the previous ones as well.
Blurb: Soulmates across time. Two hearts that were meant to be together.
In present day, Zach takes a road trip to Trinidad to find information on a missing friend.
In 1892, Layton Blue, outlaw, longs for hearth and home even as he treasures his life of freedom.
A freak rainstorm washes Zach’s car into a ditch, sending him back to the year 1892. Searching for help, alone and on foot in the middle of the nowhere, he crosses paths with the famous Ketchum Gang. Now the gang’s prisoner, Zach’s fate is to be sold at a seedy auction for whores.
Layton is put in charge of making sure Zach does not escape, but as the chemistry between them grows, Layton finds himself wanting to help Zach.
Can Layton overcome years of being on the run? Can Zach accept help from an outlaw?
A male/male time travel romance complete with fast rides across the desert, campfires beneath the stars, cool water in the desert, wild rescues, and true love across time.
Review: Zach is looking for his friend Laurie and ends up in a storm that sends him skidding off the road and into eighteen-ninety two. This is where he interrupts a card game with an outlaw by the name of Tom, who is mean and cruel. Tom takes him and plans to sell Zach to replace what he lost in the game.
Layton is part of Tom’s gang and longs for something better. When he meets Zack the attraction is genuine. The get closer when Layton keeps an eye on him to keep him out of the crosshairs of the rest of the gang.
It’s a dangerous journey these two take looking for a way out without being killed for their trouble. I liked the story. Layton and Zach were good for each other and I loved that Zach eventually found his missing friend.
Blurb: I’ve investigated some pretty strange cases in my life, but I have to say this is a first. A corpse—a murder victim—has gone missing during the middle of an investigation, and no one has any clue where it went. Psy is called in to clear the investigative team, make sure they’re not an accomplice. It’s a four hour drive outside of Nashville, to a place famous for being haunted, so none of us are particularly eager to go.
And then we arrive on scene and I see who we’re dealing with and I want nothing more than to turn around and go right back to Nashville.
This case is complicated and strange, and absolutely nothing is as it seems at first glance. Even with my eyes, it’s going to take some digging to get to the truth.
Review: Finding out what happened to a corpse shows that the past doesn’t stay where it belongs. Someone from Jon’s past has appeared once more and lets hope it leads to the perfect outcome. Lets not forget Donovan definitely does have a fear of ghosts as in hell no. Garrett is definitely a big hit with everyone and Jon’s love life is on the right track.
I miss going to haunted houses and this one seems to have them in spades or so it seems. We also get to see the best blowup ever, say bye bye to a jackal. Now you just have to figure out who I am talking about because I am definitely not going to say. I could go without drama but it seems to have the perfect place in this story.
Our characters are quirky and lovable to be around. I do want to see Sho and Garrett’s relationship, they are going to burn the sheets. I am not really seeing a lot of the magic side of the coin but there is still some there. They actually got to use some good old fashion police work in this one. An old case is solved and they are on the way to having life perfect. And I don’t remember Jon getting shot or stabbed in this one so that is a big win. As much as I love these stories I will admit that there is so much potential that is not being used in these stories. There is so much that could be done with them but so far it is not there.
I enjoyed reading this and can’t wait to see what the next book has going on. My attention was captivated throughout the story and would definitely admit that these are stories that will be read many times over.
Blurb: A trick of fairy magic becomes a romantic treat.
Halloween is fantasy-loving college senior Greg’s favorite holiday, and he’s thrilled to explore a spooky puzzle—even if his friends prefer slashers over witchcraft. Luckily the gorgeous and otherworldy Alaric wants to sneak time alone with him. Unluckily Greg’s sworn off hookups. Still reeling from an intoxicating kiss, Greg opens a secret door…
…and steps through a portal to the enchanted realm Alaric is destined to rule.
Stranded with the alluring Greg, Alaric sets off across his kingdom with the man who might be the consort he’s always wanted. It won’t be easy—Alaric’s ex, the Lord of Spiders, wants to reunite with Alaric—but if Greg and Alaric succeed, they’ll find what they’ve always wanted: a place to belong.
Review: His Fairy Prince is the second book in JS Harker’s Tit for Tat series, which is also part of the Dreamspun Beyond house line.
I make no secret how much I enjoy both Dreamspun Desires and Dreamspun Beyond. I really like the type of romances that come out these house lines and I like the fact that they following them, I get to read different authors, and in books such as these, I get to follow ongoing series. To me it’s all a win.
JS Harker is an author that I only discovered through Dreamspun Beyond, although not overly familiar with other works, I know I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read so far. Being that this is the second book in the series, I have vague recollections of book 1, it doesn’t stick out as a book that I disliked. So really, I don’t have strong feelings either way where the book or the author are concerned. Although this is a second book in the series, this is also a standalone book. The link between the stories is more to do with the ideas rather than any personal connections between the characters. The main gist of being a college student, during a holiday that he absolutely adores, encounters a paranormal being who turns out to be his perfect match. That’s really it in a nut shell, but it’s a fun world.
In this book we meet Greg, who loves Halloween and is a bit of a nerd who also loves a bit of live action role playing. He and his friends attend a sort of fun house type set up which has different rooms and scenarios to play along. Greg’s excited because he snagged the witchcraft room, only to be disappointed because his friends (who seem really flaky and false towards him) prefer to go to the slasher scenario room.
When Alaric, who runs the place, sees Greg on the security feed he is instantly infatuated. He’s a bit miffed at Greg’s friends and decides to make an encounter with the young man. Greg isn’t interested in a random, meaningless hook up, and Alaric must concede. However, things take a strange turn when Greg, who is out on his own, opens the portal that takes him to plane of existence where Alaric comes from. A place where Alaric also happens to be a prince.
As soon as he realised what has happened, Alaric follows Greg and the two men are on a journey to get Greg back home. Alaric also finds himself being tested by the magic of his homeland, to determine whether he worthy and ready to rule. The only question is, are these quests enough to bring the two men together for a HEA, or will Greg decide to go back home to mortal realm?
What I love the most about this journey is that it’s a bit like Alice going down the rabbit hole and a little bit like a labyrinth. Greg is learning new things about a world he had only dreamed about in his wildest dreams, while learning more about Alaric. Alaric is also on his own journey of discovery.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (27th June 2019)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Prime
Blurb: Former helicopter pilot Maverick Delgardo’s injuries ended his Air Force career, leaving him bit-ter and one drink away from becoming an alcoholic. When his sister asks for his help on a pri-vate protection case to babysit a disgraced pop star, Mav reluctantly agrees.
Deacon Daniels, onetime lead singer and idol to his teenage fans, saw his career and reputation ruined when a reporter’s exposé led to a devastating scandal. Without money or a job, a heart-broken Deacon has lost custody of his baby niece. And just when Deacon thinks his life can’t get any worse, a stalker’s threatening messages escalate to murder.
Mav only agreed to one meeting, but his protective instincts kick in, along with an attraction to Deacon. When the body count increases, however, Mav is unsure he is up to the task of pro-tecting Deacon from a killer. But it is too late for Mav to step away, now that he’s lost his heart, and he must find the strength to reassure Deacon and his niece that they are in safe hands no matter the cost.
Review: In Safe Hands is a standalone novel by Victoria Sue, with the audio narration performed by Michael Pauley. Both the author and the narrator are people whose work I know and am aware of, although I couldn’t tell you anything from the top of my head. Honestly, I was just intrigued by the blurb. I was sucked in by a down on his luck celebrity, a cute kid and a tough former Air Force helicopter pilot turned bodyguard. If that’s the type of thing you like as a reader, then I don’t think you got anything to lose by giving this one a go.
Michael Pauley’s narration is great. I really enjoyed listening to him perform this story. I can’t really single anything in particular out, it was overall a very enjoyable listen. I do think that this is the type of book that I would enjoy less if I read because of the emotion and tone given to the reader by the narrator.
The story itself was good. I really did like it, but I think that there were times where it felt a tad bit flat. While I enjoyed the chemistry and interactions between the two MCs, I felt that there were times where I just wanted them to get their shit together. Yet, I also found the MCs really interesting, I loved their individuals flaws and challenges that they have to face, this definitely made for a more enjoyable story.
The story starts with former Air Force pilot Maverick Delgardo. He suffered injuries which ended his career in the Air Force, leaving him scarred and also suffering PTSD. From a long hospital stay and rehab he has had a difficult time adjusting to life outside of the military. He finds himself languishing in his sister’s basement, medicating himself with alcohol to deal with his PTSD. However, his sister, who is an ex-cop and now runs her own business (she has a complicated back story too), wants to bring Mav in (as they had originally planned some time ago) to act as private security. Through her connections, they have been requested to provide security for a celebrity, who has seen his fame decline and reputation ruined from circumstances beyond his control.
That celebrity is Deacon Daniels. And not only has the scandal destroyed his life, leaving him with no money, no job to make money and also in danger of losing his home and all his belongings. Perhaps the worst of it is, it has also led him to losing custody of orphaned his baby niece, who he adores with all his heart. It is absolutely heart breaking when he tries to hide the fact that losing her has hurt him more than he lets on at first.
Mav had been ready to meet the guy and turn him away. An instant attraction and his instincts for danger has him looking into the case more. However, as the guys get to know each other, the attraction gives way to genuine affection. Mav has to get his broken self together so that he can help Deacon find out who is stalking him and get custody of his niece.
Hi peeps! We have J. Scott Coatsworth visiting today with the tour for his brand new release The Shoreless Sea, we have a brilliant exclusive excerpt, a fantastic $25 Amazon GC, & Three eBook sets of his Oberon Cycle trilogy giveaway and my review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤️ ~Pixie~
The Shoreless Sea
(Liminal Sky 03)
by
J. Scott Coatsworth
As the epic trilogy hurtles toward its conclusion, the fight for the future isn’t over yet. It could lead to a new beginning, or it might spell the end for the last vestiges of humankind.
The generation ship Forever has left Earth behind, but a piece of the old civilization lives on in the Inthworld—a virtual realm that retains memories of Earth’s technological wonders and vices. A being named Lilith leads the uprising, and if she succeeds in setting its inhabitants free, they could destroy Forever.
But during the generation ship’s decades-long voyage, humanity has evolved. Liminals with the ability to connect with the world mind and the Inthworld provide a glimmer of hope. They’ll have to face not only Lilith’s minions, but also the mistrust of their own kind and persecution from a new government as homotypicals continue to fear what they can’t understand.
The invasion must be stopped, the Inthworld must be healed, and the people of Forever must let go of their past and embrace what they’re meant to become.
Hi peeps! We have S.J. Himes stopping by with the tour for her newest release Mastering The Flames, we have a great new except and Lisa’s review so check out the post and enjoy! ❤️ ~Pixie~
Mastering The Flames
(The Beacon Hill Sorcerer 04)
by
S.J. Himes
Guilt-ridden after the massacre of his family, Isaac Salvatore turned to binge drinking to escape the pain. Now twenty-four years old, Isaac is a recovering alcoholic woefully out of practice in the magical arts, leaving his fire affinity hanging on the edge of disaster. After a month of rehab, he returns to Beacon Hill and his family, determined to remain sober, learn to control his magic, and figure out a plan for his life that doesn’t involve drinking.
Constantine Batiste is the oldest, most powerful vampire in the city. Born in ancient Gaul, the bastard son of a Celtic king, his long life has been shrouded in tragedy and horrors. Recent mistakes have left him wary and determined to guard his clan from all foes. When two of his clan members fall victim to an ancient evil, he summons the Necromancer of Boston for aid. Accompanying his older brother to the Tower is the handsome young fire mage once wounded by Constantine’s arrogance, and their encounter reignites an attraction that burns within both Constantine and Isaac.
The answer to who is targeting the vampires of Boston is buried in the dark, early days of Constantine’s transition to an immortal life. Isaac finds himself saddled with a painful insight into the evil cutting a swath through the supernatural population of Boston. While his brother, Angel, takes over the hunt to find and stop the threat to the city, Isaac struggles to find a balance between helping his brother and finding his own purpose and place in the world, free from his brother’s shadow.
Falling in love wasn’t part of his plan, but mastering the flames that burn between him and Constantine soon becomes the most important thing in his life, even as an ancient evil seeks to destroy them.
Mastering the Flames is the fourth book in The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series and is not a standalone.
The series should be read in order for maximum enjoyment and understanding of the plot and characters.
Blurb: A high-stakes case of industrial espionage ties them together, but before they can pursue their attraction, they must find out who’s pulling the strings.
Devon Donaldson doesn’t know how a folio of stolen corporate secrets found its way into his bag, and certainly can’t think of anyone who’d want to frame him. The trouble is, he has to convince Powers McPherson.
Devon’s firm hired Powers to investigate the theft of a new banking system, and so far Devon is his only lead. While Powers’s gut tells him Devon is innocent, he has no intention of letting Devon out of his sight… for more than one reason. Working together to get Devon’s life back leads to feelings far beyond cooperation. But before they can act on them, they need to find the group of thieves intent on ruining Devon’s reputation.
Review: Pulling Strings is a standalone novel by Andrew Grey. While this is something a bit different from what I normally expect from Grey’s writing, I can’t say that I’m surprised or disappointed that he mixed things up a bit for this story. The most important parts of his writing that I love the most are there: engaging writing style and use of words, relatable main characters, palpable chemistry between the romantic leads of course a good dose of drama.
What you read in the blurb is what you get, so I’m going to keep this review quite short so that I can avoid too much spoiler details. The premise of the book is quite simple: new employee gets to know the man who is investigating corporate sabotage at his work, while proving his innocence and finding the real culprit, feelings emerge. However, what makes this book enjoyable is the complexity of the characters as we get to know them. It’s a lot of fun and the chemistry that is shared between the two characters is believable and makes me think of a Hollywood movie, a sort of unbeatable duo (even if it’s corporate type of story rather than crime or spies).
The two main characters are Devon Donaldson and Powers McPherson. Devon is a relatively new employee for the company he works for who gets caught in a web of corporate sabotage when the man hired to find out who is stealing company secrets, Powers, follows him under the suspicion that Devon is the culprit that he is after.
Devon is hard working and quiet, everything that you would expect from this type of character. He is the conscientious employee who unwittingly looks suspicious. He’s looking to make a positive impression at work. Powers is your typical type of security/private investigator. He can blend into the office environment, as though he is a spy, he has a quick mind and is dedicated to finishing his job assignments.
I enjoyed the passion between these guys, because while the corporate intrigue was an important part to the story, it was the passion followed by the romance that really was properly fleshed out. An enjoyable read, if you like a bit of intrigue and mystery, particularly when it’s wrapped into a neat package set in a multimillion dollar company.
Blurb:Dr. Jason Kunik is working on the most earth-shattering genetics project ever, DNA mapping of a new species, the quickened—dogs who can shift into human form. The problem is, no one knows the quickened exist and Jason can’t betray them by publishing his studies. When he moves to Mad Creek to continue his research in a town full of quickened, all he wants is peace, quiet, and to be allowed to bury himself in his work. Perhaps if he figures how out the mutation is activated, he can silence his own inner dog forever.
Milo is a hospice comfort dog who has bonded with, and lost, many beloved patients in his life. He intuitively understands sickness and pain on a spiritual level most can’t see. When he gains the ability to become a man, he thinks he finally has everything he ever wanted. But being a man isn’t the same thing as being loved, and taking shelter in Mad Creek isn’t the same thing as finding a home.
When a mysterious illness hits Mad Creek and threatens all the quickened in town, it’s up to the scientist and the comfort dog to figure out what it is and how to stop it. Along the way they might discover that true love is possible—if you wish upon a star.
How to Wish Upon A Star is the third book in Eli Easton’s series Howl at the Moon. It is based around the town and people of Mad Creek in California. What makes them special is that they are quickened, which is dog shape shifters which received the spark of magic that gave seemingly ordinary dogs the ability to shape shift into human. Many of the inhabitants have passed on the ability for generations, but the newly quickened are those that started life as a dog before becoming quickened.
I adore this unique series. It is sweet and while there is plenty of drama and misunderstanding, which fits since there are characters who have not always been human and some only recently transformed. However, there is not a lot of angst, which is something that I liked a lot, and I felt it really fit the bubbly personalities of dogs that had been completely adored in their time before they transformed.
I read on Amazon that this book can be read as part of the series or as a standalone. And while I do agree with that, there are not plot arcs which tie this book to the previous books, I recommend reading this this series if you can just to get a feel for the world of Mad Creek as it was set up. But then again, if something is a series I can’t stand not reading it all.
The characters of this book are Milo and Jason Kunik. The former being a recently turned quickened and the latter being a third generation quickened who was also a scientist who studied the potential genetic side of things on the side.
Dr Jason Kunik has returned home to Mad Creek after being away for ten years. He’s done his studies, did his PhD and then went onto work for a major company in a lab, doing genetic research. On the side he has also looked into dog and human DNA, trying to begin to unravel the mystery of the quick. Unlike many quickened, he isn’t really in touch with his canine side and to some extent he resents his dog.
Back home in Mad Creek there isn’t a lot he can do without a lab, still he continues on with his research which includes interviewing the recently quickened residents of town. It’s not going well for him. Jason has a lot of problems being able to communicate with them, some still struggle with human speech, but he also is a stereotypical nerd and finds it difficult to communicate. I kind of don’t really like that, but I do know from personal experience that many scientists do struggle to pass down information to those that are not familiar with their area. In short, I’m of two minds when it comes to that part of Jason, but he otherwise a smart cookie.
Meeting Milo is something unexpected to Jason in many ways and he doesn’t know how to deal with his attraction, much the same as Milo isn’t too sure. Their situation changes when there is an illness affecting the quick of Mad Creek. The only doctor the quick have is the town vet, a human who had mated a quick lady and so the sheriff and the town doc enlist Jason’s help. The scientist/microbiologist in me wants to over analyse things when it comes to Jason’s work but I won’t because this is fiction and I need to realise that I should let people have their fun.
Milo is everything that is sweet and naïve in this book. I love his story when he eventually tells it to Jason. If anything I wanted to know more about that side of things, not necessarily from Jason but finding out how “real” that was. Milo was made quickened after living his life as a comfort dog in a hospice, he could sense illness and when a patient was going to pass on. He had become attached to a couple patients in particular and as he realised he was getting more smarter, he was sad when the people died of their assorted illnesses. I totally loved Milo, he has so much love to give and he can see that Jason needs a little bit of love in his life. Part of it because he was a comfort dog, but the rest is all chemistry between the characters.
Shorty’s Review 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts:
Jason and Milo have a town to save and a virus to destroy when the quickened in town become sick. It’s grueling process the quickened go through. It’s a race against time for Jason to find a cure before the unthinkable happens. All the while Jason starts having feelings for Milo and Vice versa.
I loved these two together. Milo was so sweet and innocent. His ability to comfort others and be able to tell when they’re sick was invaluable to Jason. The story was tense at times with the right amount of drama interspersed to make for an amazing story.
I loved everything about the book and found it quite entertaining to read.
Blurb: When Sy learned that Connor, the young familiar who’d been staying with him, had been captured, he knew immediately that he could find him. After all, what use was it, him being a Necromancer, if he couldn’t locate lost souls. The fact he was hosting Dakar’s parents at the time, shouldn’t have made it an issue. After all, they were pack orientated and understood the need to bring a family member home. Didn’t they?
Dakar had been a loving son for fifty years, so when his mom pitched a fit at him, for being part of the efforts to bring Connor home, he was a wee bit annoyed. Unfortunately, he had bigger things to worry about. A demon had set his sights on his mate, and while that wasn’t as unusual as you might think, this particular demon came with complications.
Everything is coming to a head for this unusual family. A wicked sprite, an off-course priest, and a demoness who isn’t all she appears to be are just some of the hurdles Sy and Dakar will have to cross before they finally get their HEA. And what was a dragon doing in the middle of a field?
Review: This trilogy covers the same romantic couples as well as a couple others. To follow the amazing story I would suggest starting with book one. However there is some history of child abuse that shows up in the story so if by chance it is an issue with you, well you might not want to read it.
Luther’s, yes the devil, son is up to no good. He wants Sy to help him raise a army of the undead. To bad that isn’t going to happen but his attempts to get the guys to try is quite interesting. Dakar’s parents are showing their ugly side and need to get their asses kicked. Connor is a cutie that might get a surprise in the end. Clive and Steve are going strong and damn if they are not cute. Wait to see who is the new police captain, lets just say damn he is hot.
This story has the magic flowing, ghouls showing up, demons loosing their minds, and stuck up magical users. There is danger, excitement, twists, and the guys have it handled. It is a fast paced story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is a story that has been well developed and told with the perfect flow of feelings. I liked how the guys are getting together and love is flowing.
I had a lot of fun reading this and can’t wait to check out the rest of this author’s work. I would definitely recommend this story.
Blurb: Kell Iverson Cross never imagined he’d find so much joy in his life, and he doesn’t take a single moment for granted. His tireless work championing omega rights have made him a bit of a celebrity across the territory, so when his brother Braun suggests Kell be the first omega to run for public office, Kell doesn’t say no right away. It’s a huge risk to their family, though, and Kell isn’t sure the political statement is worth it. It may be more change than the traditionalist citizens of Sansbury are ready for—especially the ones who’ve already painted a target on Kell’s back.
Demir Higgs is barely staying afloat with both university exams and the upcoming medical school entrance test. Add in spending time with his younger brothers, cultivating his relationship with his two boyfriends, and winning over a grieving ten-year-old? He’s exhausted in the best way, because Demir is happy, healthy and in love with two amazing men—men he isn’t always sure truly need him in their lives.
Brandt Lars’s greatest wish came true when his missing bondmate Oliver and their son Eriq came back into his life. Eriq is still grieving the death of his beloved uncle, and he’s standoffish with Demir. But their family is trying to come together—as well as come out to more of their friends as an alpha/omega/beta triad. But when Oliver’s traditionalist parents refuse to accept Demir and threaten to take Eriq away, Demir can’t help wondering if it’s time for him to back out of their relationship for good…
Settle in for the final full-length installment of the BREAKING FREE series, where an accidental secret, a possible surprise pregnancy, a blast from the past, and an unexpected kidnapping combine to shake up the lives of everyone Kell and Demir know and love. But they’ll survive these challenges and changes the same way they always do: as a united and loving family.
NOTE: This is a non-shifter Omegaverse story with alpha/omega/beta dynamics, heats, knotting, mpreg, and MMM pairings. In this world, omegas are second-class citizens, but they are working toward gaining more civil rights and protections under the law. Series warnings for mentions of past physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. This series is best read in numerical order.
Review: This is a wrap up of the series and as such all the characters throughout the series make an appearance but the story focuses on Kell and Demir. A lot happens and issues develop as well as things being resolved. I enjoyed this book with it’s struggles and the subsequent conclusion to an amazing series.
The uncertainties for the characters are real and they handle them wonderfully yet sometimes have problems as any real life person would. I felt the entire book was awesome and I was pulled into the story with no problem. I am sad to see this series end but also glad there is a spin off already out to continue on with the side characters and kids.
An interesting series as well as brilliantly written.
Title: To the Ends of the Earth
