[image]
What a perfect book for the holidays! Ms. Dark devotes time to each couple, including a wonderful revelation, and gives hints of what's to
[image]
What a perfect book for the holidays! Ms. Dark devotes time to each couple, including a wonderful revelation, and gives hints of what's to come. There's a freak snow storm in Austin, TX and everyone put off Christmas to the last minute. Now there's a scramble. There's magic and love and magic love brings. 5 glorious Christmas stars! I own it in Kindle but glad I could get the audio from my library.
As an aside, this one reminds me a bit of my own Christmas stories set in my Moonstruck world. ...more
[image]
So, I can admit that Prince, in the very first book of the series, intrigued me. Then he sort of grated on me. Then he was kind of a jerk
[image]
So, I can admit that Prince, in the very first book of the series, intrigued me. Then he sort of grated on me. Then he was kind of a jerk but still intriuguing. No excuses. Anyway... Prince and Nadia. I did not like Nadia and ham. Enter Kat. Totally would eat green egs with her. Prince is being himself, all buttoneed up and well...Prince-ly. This is a fun diversion and Nicole Poole's narration in entertaining.
Original review: I'm a huge fan of Dark's Seven series and Prince has long been a character I wanted to know more about. I was glad to get this chance to peek at his history and to see him get his HEA. Twin sisters who are total opposites, Prince's oldest friend in trouble, and Prince feeling the need to finally settle down and mate. Hrm...what's not to like?...more
[image]
A tense but fulfilling story with Qhuinn and Blay taking center stage. Lots going on in this one.
[image]
A tense but fulfilling story with Qhuinn and Blay taking center stage. Lots going on in this one....more
[image]
Wow. It's been awhile since I indulged in this series. This time around, I'm grabbing the audio version from the library. This is a keeper
[image]
Wow. It's been awhile since I indulged in this series. This time around, I'm grabbing the audio version from the library. This is a keeper series and the audio books are on my wish list as the book budget allows. Until then, I have the Kindle book and my library. This is a dark book. Things happen. April, the heroine is in great jeopardy but she's convinced she has to go things alone. Which leads to all sorts of more bad things. Reno is one of my favorite Cole brothers. And we get to meat Treavor. Nicole Poole's narration is great. Still 5 stars, even though I wanted to hit April with a clueX4 on more than one occasion.
Original Kindle version review 2014: This is the second book in Dannika Dark's Seven series. Shifters--wolves and other breeds, Mages, and humans. What's not to love? Add Ms. Dark's engaging voice, wonderful characters and a great story and this is a win on all levels. I can't wait for the next installment, and based on other reviews of this and the first book, SEVEN YEARS, this world is linked with her Mageri series. I will definitely have to give those books a look....more
[image]
I first discovered Dannika Dark when I saw a blurb for SEVEN YEARS, the first book in her Seven series. I enjoyed the world but for some r
[image]
I first discovered Dannika Dark when I saw a blurb for SEVEN YEARS, the first book in her Seven series. I enjoyed the world but for some reason, dropped out of it by the time ONE SECOND was released. I rediscovered the Breed world when I saw a blurb for THE VOW. And I'm happy there's a new spin-off series set in this world. It's been years but I had no trouble finding the rhythm of the world or remembering previous characters. Melody and Lakota have a long history. His half-sister is her best friend. He's saved her life--literally--twice. He's dropped off the map, she's gone from Texas to the "wilds" of Oklahoma to negotiate a contract with a tribe to buy gemstones for her best friend, who is a jewelry designer. They're opening a boutique and due to circumstances...well, no spoilers. Read the books blurb and if you are so inclined, I highly recommend this book. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I'm going back to the beginning for a reread--a first listen, in my case, since I'm doing the audio book. 4.5 stars...more
Archangel's Sun I don't quite know what to say. While there is a lot of action and heartbreak in this book, it's also a breath of fresh air. It's a chArchangel's Sun I don't quite know what to say. While there is a lot of action and heartbreak in this book, it's also a breath of fresh air. It's a chance for the reader to let out a relieved breath after the breakneck action and terror of the previous two books. The Hummingbird and The Archangel of Africa. Lady Sherine and Titus. For so long, she was broken but recent events have left her battle tested and more resilient. She has rediscovered who Sherine was meant to be, and while the Hummingbird is important to angel-kind, Sherine is a woman who is discovering what she wants. I've always loved Titus and to watch how he "bleeds" for his people and for those he has inherited upon killing Charisemnon.
Lujan, the Archangel of Death, and Charisemnon, the Archangel of Disease, have left devastation and plague behind, despite their demises. No corner of the world has been left untouched by their evil legacy. But when Titus learns that the Cadre is sending The Hummingbird to him to help? Yeah...right!
Their story is delightful, the banter fresh and so true to both characters. This book was a joy to read, despite the dark corners it delved into. And the ending? OMG! Go Sharine! Now I have to wait another year. *makes sad face*...more
[image]
This book was pretty much more of the same as the previous entries in this series. Interesting enough and I liked the characters but nothi
[image]
This book was pretty much more of the same as the previous entries in this series. Interesting enough and I liked the characters but nothing that really blew my skirts up. Still, glad I stumbled across this series and that I could check them out from Hoopla. 3.5 stars...more
[image]
This book involves all the same characters, with a new couple. The dragon who finds his mate considers himself unworthy and unlikely to be
[image]
This book involves all the same characters, with a new couple. The dragon who finds his mate considers himself unworthy and unlikely to be picked to participate in the mating selection process. There's an undercurrent of politics and to futher complicate matters, the heroine was married to a human and has a young son. While an enjoyable story, there were a few plot details that sort of slpped through the cracks and I'm beginning to notice a slight "dependence" on similes and metaphors. Granted they are imaginative but as a reader, I don't need one in every paragraph. I'm willing to move on to the next book in the series to see what happens....more
[image]
I hate my eyes! I wanted to devour this book in one great gulp of a reading marathon but due to circumstances and on account of because, I
[image]
I hate my eyes! I wanted to devour this book in one great gulp of a reading marathon but due to circumstances and on account of because, I can only read print (paper OR digital) for about ten minutes at a time and the my eyes cloud and tear up. Of course, some of those tears were a result of this book. All the feels! Justice and Liza broke my heart and then put it back together again. This is the final book in the Savaged Illusions trilogy. If you haven read the first two (Savaged Dreams and Savaged Vows), PLEASE do! Knowing their whole story makes this final chapter in their relationship so poignant. FIVE All-the-Feels STARS!...more
[image]
Well. Okay then. After an okay prequel that intrigued me enough about this world to give the first full-length novel in the series a try,
[image]
Well. Okay then. After an okay prequel that intrigued me enough about this world to give the first full-length novel in the series a try, I'm totally glad I did. I found the characters interesting, the plot compelling, and the writing not only competent by highly entertaining. Dragon shifters, fated mates, fires, and the ned for secrecy. Plus, a broken hero and a heroine on the run from her past. Fun, exciting, and sexy times. ...more
The Mate I was looking for a quick listen and I'd marked this series to check out on Hoopla. Dragon shjfters, fated mates, and political intrigue. ThiThe Mate I was looking for a quick listen and I'd marked this series to check out on Hoopla. Dragon shjfters, fated mates, and political intrigue. This prequel novella is short, which makes character development and worldbuilding a bit problematic. All things considered, the author gave just enough to make sense and keep the reader invested in events. I enjoyed it enough I'm going to give the next, full-length book in the series a try. 3.5 stars...more
[image]
The blurb of this book caught my attention and I've heard lots of good things about the author though I've never read her. I put a hold on
[image]
The blurb of this book caught my attention and I've heard lots of good things about the author though I've never read her. I put a hold on the book at my library and when it popped up as ready, I borrowed it. It started out interesting enough but then veered into plot territory that isn't too high on my catnip list. No spoilers because it is a big plot point. Let's just say there are those who will likely love this book. The characters were likeable enough but all in all, I found the book somehwhat formulaic. Nothing wrong with that! But with the other plot devices, this one just didn't ping that high on my radar. 2.5 stars bumped to 3 because it was well-written and edited....more
[image]
2020 relisten: The In Death books can be shelved as "police procedurals" (if I had a shelf labeled that) because, at heart, they are. But.
[image]
2020 relisten: The In Death books can be shelved as "police procedurals" (if I had a shelf labeled that) because, at heart, they are. But. There's also so much more going on in the books--through the plot and character arcs. This one is a police procedural. It's a blueprint of an investigation, of weeding through all the possibilities until the murder is solved. And I enjoyed the slower pace and the "real" detective work that solving this case entailed.
2017 review: What is there to say about this book? Soooo much! This book was almost...cozy. Which is crazy, considering this IS Eve Dallas we're talking about. But it was a nice respite from the breakneck speed of the few previous books. Seeing where Eve has gotten to on an emotional level, where she is with Roarke, where she stands with the "Gang." Almost everyone made a cameo, with a few notable exceptions. And Roarke! OMG, seeing into Roarke's head and his conversations with Eve and Summerset?!?!?! That's all I'm going to say. This is a spoiler free zone. I listened to the audio version (will have to indulge in an actual "read" of the book once some eye issues resolve) and as always, Susan Ericksen does a masterful job with the narration. There's enough mystery to keep readers engaged, even though Larinda Mars (the victim) is totally despicable. This once again gives such insight into Eve's sense of right/wrong, good/evil, and justice. And did I mention Roarke!?!?!...more
[image]
I've read this novella two previous times, in the MIRROR, MIRROR anthology. This is my first time in audio. As always, Susan Erickson does
[image]
I've read this novella two previous times, in the MIRROR, MIRROR anthology. This is my first time in audio. As always, Susan Erickson does a magnificent job. This particular one is a riff on the Hansel and Gretal story and Lt. Good Witch Dallas comes to the rescue. It's a tense countdown as to whether Dallas and the team can rescue a pair of kidnapped twins. A good solid 4 stars....more
[image]
I first read this back in 2011 as the lead story in THE UNQUIET anthology. In the ensuing years, it's been released as a standalone and I
[image]
I first read this back in 2011 as the lead story in THE UNQUIET anthology. In the ensuing years, it's been released as a standalone and I now have it in audio. I missed it during this marathon relisten, as the events in this novella occur not long after Eve returns from the McQueen case and events in Dallas (NEW YORK TO DALLAS). I'd moved on and just backtracked. This is a perfect October read/listen. Quick case, with some spooky overtones and a nod to Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."...more
[image]
I originally read POSSESSION IN DEATH as part of "The Other Side" anthology. It's since been released as a stand-along and in audio. It's
[image]
I originally read POSSESSION IN DEATH as part of "The Other Side" anthology. It's since been released as a stand-along and in audio. It's been added to my audio collection of the series. This story gets into what Eve would call "the woo-woo stuff." Roarke, being Irish, is a little more openminded. Eve comes across an old woman who dies in her arms, and who makes Eve promise to find her great-granddaughter. Turns out, the old lady was a Romany, with a gift. And it appears that Eve has inherited it. This is a short novella but worth 5 stars.
The events of this story happen immediately after the end of INDULGENCE IN DEATH. While reading/listening to the novellas aren't totally necessary to the flow of the series, this one finishes up things at the end of INDULGENCE so I'd recommend adding it in the rotation.
[image]
This novella was originally published in the DEAD OF NIGHT anthology. I originally read it there and I'm eventually adding the audio editi
[image]
This novella was originally published in the DEAD OF NIGHT anthology. I originally read it there and I'm eventually adding the audio editions of these novellas to my collection. Eve is called to the scene of the future's equivalent of a social media influencer--a girl with more money than brains and an insatiable thirst for walking on the edge. She finds it in the form a...vampire. Or is he? Eve and the "Scooby gang" investigate and wrap up the case with a bit of action, blood, and a satisfying ending. It's short but fun....more
[image]
This novella was originally released in an anthology some time ago. I'm glad it's out as a single in audio. While the story isn't "instrum
[image]
This novella was originally released in an anthology some time ago. I'm glad it's out as a single in audio. While the story isn't "instrumental" in the over-all arc of the series, it's a fun side-note to things. Number 12 was a swinging club in the 1960s, ancient history to Eve Dallas and her cohorts. But there's a legend and a curse associated with the place and when Eve is called to the scene of a murder--the grandson of the original owner? Things get spooky. Awesome way to while away 3 hours....more
[image]
ARGH! I hate cliffhangers and while I let it slide a little in my original review, it's now 6 months post release and no news on when the
[image]
ARGH! I hate cliffhangers and while I let it slide a little in my original review, it's now 6 months post release and no news on when the next will release. *SIIIIGH* All I can do is wait. Still five stars.
Aug. 2020 review: Well...dang. That was a wild ride! Warning: this is NOT a standalone. Okay, it might be but I highly recommend at least reading/listening to SAPPHIRE FLAMES first. And you probably need to read/listen to DIAMOND FIRE for backstory. In fact, why not just enjoy the whole Hidden Legacy experience and start at the beginning with BURN FOR ME. Let me explain for those who are unfamilar with the series. The first three books are Nevada Baylor and Connor Rogan's couples arc. DIAMOND FIRE is a novella that hands off the reins to Catalina Baylor. Her arc with Alessandro Sagredo is covered in the next three books, of which EMERALD BLAZE is the second. Hopefully, the youngest Baylor sister, Arabella will get her HEA as well.
It's hard to talk about this book without spoilers. At the end of Catalina's first book, Alessandro left her and she was facing a couple of big hurdles dealing with the two new positions she now occupies: Head of House Baylor and...well...spoiler from the first book. As mentioned, one should read it first. In this book, bad things are happening, the part of the plot that continued from the first book is addressed in this one, and did I mention the action? LOTS of action, crazy magic, and chemistry. Yes, I am repeating myself. Anyway, read the cover blurb. Go back to the very beginning so you understand the world, buckle your seat belt, and enjoy the ride. It's a good one.
These books are not traditional romances of any subgenre. This is purely Urban Fantasy with a good side order of romance. The relationships build slowly, despite the off-the-charts chemistry and when the sexy times happen, they are spectacular. There are twists and turns and crazy magic and good guys and bad guys and family dynamics and...and...well...dang! Which is how I started this. This is a wondersul addition to a favorite series. I only have two bones to pick: 1) I have to wait a year for the next book and 2) there's a bit of a cliffhanger and I HATE THAT!
Also, I hope the Gordons will consider doing a short in Alessandro's voice, showing some of the things that happened to him off-page. It's explained but still, it would be fun to hear his voice, much like they did with Curran in the Kate Daniels series. Anyway, wishful thinking....more
[image]
Fun beginning to the new spin-off series. It was nice to see cameos from characters in the other series. Bree, a Pallas Cat, and Alex, a w
[image]
Fun beginning to the new spin-off series. It was nice to see cameos from characters in the other series. Bree, a Pallas Cat, and Alex, a wolverine are an interesting pair. She's an omega--a physic ability that can heal the mind like a healer does the body. In Wright's world, there are true mates and inprinted pairs. Bree's true mate, Paxton, is...dark. If I say more, I'll give away the story. As in all of Wright's books, there's lots of steamy and fairly graphic sex so if that isn't your catnip, you should probably steer clear. There's a reason her books are on my dark-and-dirty shelf. There's also action, humor, strong characters, chemistry, and a little angst. I enjoyed getting back into her world....more
[image]
Well. That was...interesting. And in an odd way, it just hit the spot. An author recording their own audio book is a chancy proposition--n
[image]
Well. That was...interesting. And in an odd way, it just hit the spot. An author recording their own audio book is a chancy proposition--normally. In this case, Luke Arnold is not only a writer, he is an actor of some reknown. I don't quite know how to describe this book. It is, at its heart, a gritty, detective noir pulp novel. Only it is set in a fantasy world where there was once magic and now there isn't. Fetch Phillips, the hero, never met a simile or metophor he didn't fall in love with. I blame the author. But at the same time, that theatrical overuse of both literary devices is perfect for the story and the character. Fetch is a flawed human being dragging around a steamer trunk load of guilt. No, I take that back. His guilt? Not even a supertanker could hold it all. There's backstory mixed into the current events because that's where the character's mind wanders. There's sadness and loss and betrayal. There's a mystery and as Fletch is a "man for hire," ie. a PI, there should be a case for him to solve. There's a tough dame and a first love lost in time. And frankly, I hope there's a sequel. This book won't be for everyone. For me, it just hit the spot at a time when my reading engine was running on fuel. I was DNFing far more books than I finished. This is not one of those. It's a langorous telling of a thrilling tale and told in the way Fletch's story was meant to be told. I enjoyed this book quite a lot. 4.5 stars...more
[image]
Well...okay then. This book has gotten a lot of hype--partly due to the premise and partly due to the writing duo publishing under the nam
[image]
Well...okay then. This book has gotten a lot of hype--partly due to the premise and partly due to the writing duo publishing under the name of Kit Rocha. I enjoyed a good many of the Beyond series books written by them, but eventually drifted away as I sometimes do, with every intent of catching up with the series at some point. Then the hype for this book/series started up. Mercenary librarians and super soldiers! What's not to love?!?! Except...
Set in the same general world as Beyond (which was somehwere around the west coast(?)), this story is set in Atlanta, which obviously fared better after the Flares that decimated technology. The premise is intriguing. The worldbuilding is up to Rocha standards but...I just couldn't connect to this book. The characters were likeable enough but I found myself listening for a few minutes and then being easily distracted by something else. I had to do a good bit of mental shoving to get back to the book as I had it on loan from the library and there's a waiting list. So I sort of half listened. I liked it well enough and I might give the next book a try but for now, for whatever reason, this one sort of underwhelmed me and was predictable to boot. I'm disappointed because I really REALLY wanted to love this book. YMMV, as evidenced by the variety of reviews. If this type of book is your catnip, give it a try. You may love it. ...more
[image]
Well...wow. I really liked the chemistry between Boone and Ryn. She had drama. It mostly got fixed. He had issues. They sort of got fixed.
[image]
Well...wow. I really liked the chemistry between Boone and Ryn. She had drama. It mostly got fixed. He had issues. They sort of got fixed. Yes, I'm being vague because...spoilers. There were dangling threads at the end that left me feeling a bit unsatisfied so I'm dropping what is usually an automatic 5 stars for me down to 4. I suspect those threads will be followed up on in the next book. If not, I'll be sorely disappointed, especially when it comes to some responsibilities Boone feels he has. I can't say anything more than that.
On a technical note, I'm returning the audio book for credit. I NEVER do that, even if I didn't enjoy the book. There were HUGE CHUNKS of information left out. The audio producer/editor just stopped two differen chapters only a few pages in and then skipped probably 40 pages to the next chapter. I had to buy the Kindle version and struggle through reading it because the information skipped was VITAL TO THE STORY! I don't blame KA but Hachette is a huge company and if they can't get their $h!+ together because they messed up the first book in this series too--bad sound quality and repeated lines. And the actual typos I caught in the parts I had to read? I get missing a typo here and there. I'm a writer. I miss them. My editors miss them. My copy editors and proofreaders miss them but there were some glaring ones that should NOT have been missed. Anyway, that's my mini-rant and I'm off to return the audio version with hopes that Hachette will fix their F$#@-ups and rerelease it.
Warning: There is a D/s element to this story that totally fits the characters' personalities but if you can't get past that, this isn't the book for you....more
[image]
I'm smiling through my tears. The story Heather Webber tells is gentle and poignant, filled with people you want to sit on shady porch wit
[image]
I'm smiling through my tears. The story Heather Webber tells is gentle and poignant, filled with people you want to sit on shady porch with and drink sweet tea while dogs and kids play on the grass dappled by sunshine and shade. This is a book of comings and goings, of families that aren't perfect, of redemption and love and mistakes and second chances. It's a book about the wisdom of elders and the impetuousness of younger folk. There is magic and secrets and bunnies and a buttonwood tree that gives advice.
I loved this author's book, MIDNIGHT AT THE BLACKBIRD CAFE, and when I saw she had a new book coming out, also set in Alabama, but with new folks and different magic, I couldn't wait to be enchanted. This book was worth the wait. The narrators, Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis, are perfect for their roles, telling the story of Sarah Grace and Blue Bishop, and how the past, present and future are entwined like a wild wisteria vine.
SOUTH OF THE BUTTONWOOD TREE is sweet and sad and happy and hopeful. It touched my heart. And I know the characters are all going to live happy, if not quite perfect, lives....more
[image]
How did I miss this book?!?!?! Okay, anthology. Whatever. Somehow, I did.
"Miss Congeniality" - I'm a big fan of Laurenston's Pack series,
[image]
How did I miss this book?!?!?! Okay, anthology. Whatever. Somehow, I did.
"Miss Congeniality" - I'm a big fan of Laurenston's Pack series, with Nils Van Holtz and Dr. Irene Conridge playing secondary roles. Getting to see how they met and Nils managed to "catch" the doc despite his best intentions had me laughing out loud. Totally 5 stars.
"Wicked Ways" - I've not read Cynthia Eden. Her worldbuilding is interesting and I like her characters but I just didn't get "into" the story. It was a good listen. 3 stars
Also, 5 stars to Nick Toren for his narration, which gives this book a 4.5 from me....more
[image]
I know nothing about Japanese kitsune, other than they are magical fox shifters. After reading this book, that's still about the sum total
[image]
I know nothing about Japanese kitsune, other than they are magical fox shifters. After reading this book, that's still about the sum total of my knowledge. That said, Mai and Gunner--kitsune and alpha werewolf respectively--are an interesting pair. There's a lot going on in this book and be prepared to read the whole trilogy. Also, there may be a prequel that's available at the author's website.
Anyway, a mostly light read, enjoyable narration, different type of shifter. There's not much romance in this first book, but it reads more paranormal than urban fantasy. Blurbs for the next books hint at more romance between fox and wolf. We'll see....more
Loading...
