I liked the idea of this story more than the story itself.
The story started out alright, but once the two main characters meet up the second time, it I liked the idea of this story more than the story itself.
The story started out alright, but once the two main characters meet up the second time, it felt like they barely even had a connection on Alyssa’s end of things and they were already jumping in bed. It also felt like Rowan was pressuring Alyssa. An example without being spoilery – Rowan goes to get some extra clothes. Alyssa comments on him looking like he’s moving into her house and he blows it off. Then, he moves his clothes into her dresser and closet without telling her. But he’s expecting her to trust him, even though he’s pulling shady stuff. I didn’t like that vibe at all.
I did enjoy the mythological aspects of the story and the attention to detail.
All-in-all, it wasn’t the read I was hoping for, but it was entertaining. ...more
I’ve heard good things about the first series, but I haven’t picked up any books from it. I decided to check out this prequel to get a feel for what tI’ve heard good things about the first series, but I haven’t picked up any books from it. I decided to check out this prequel to get a feel for what the second generation series might be like.
What I liked: The writing is well done, the story is easy to follow, and the author writes good steamy scenes.
What could have been better: The story gave me nothing to connect to the characters. You get very little backstory outside of some vague statements. I knew it was going to have some steam from the blurb, but I really expected more story line than there was. Even though the story ends on a cliffhanger, it didn’t make me want to grab the first book in the series to find out anything more.
Conclusion: If you want to read a ton of steam, this is the book for it. I feel like I would have appreciated this story more if I had already read the book this is leading up to and had made a deeper connection to the characters....more
I enjoyed the story line around Royce. I found Michelle’s story line to be chaotic. It feels like the author tried to pad out her part of the story wiI enjoyed the story line around Royce. I found Michelle’s story line to be chaotic. It feels like the author tried to pad out her part of the story with too many variables. I also found the flashbacks to the past slowed the story down and I had a hard time sticking with it. Despite struggling through parts of the story, the author does have good attention to detail and manages to connect all the pieces together. If you like intricate story lines, this might be the read for you. ...more
I didn’t know what to expect from this book, but I thought it sounded interesting, so I gave it a shot. The author is a historian, so the historical aI didn’t know what to expect from this book, but I thought it sounded interesting, so I gave it a shot. The author is a historian, so the historical aspects are done well. Unfortunately, I had difficulty sticking with the book, as the story felt like it was dragging in some places. I found myself wanting to skim through to get to the more intriguing parts. This book was not a great fit for me, but if you are a fan of historical mysteries, this will likely be a must-read to put on your TBR....more
This is the third book in the series. I have not read the previous books and I was able to pick up on everything that’s going on in the story. That beThis is the third book in the series. I have not read the previous books and I was able to pick up on everything that’s going on in the story. That being said, it would probably make even more of an impact if I had read the previous stories. There are a lot of things to love about this story. The world building is excellent and detailed. The characters have a lot of depth. And the story line is intriguing. The first part of the story is a little slow, but it picks up later on and keeps you glued to the pages. Overall, a great read! ...more
Misfortune of Song is the fifth book in the Druid’s Brooch series. It can be read as a standalone. The author has done a superb job of weaving an enchMisfortune of Song is the fifth book in the Druid’s Brooch series. It can be read as a standalone. The author has done a superb job of weaving an enchanting story. The characters come alive on the pages and the plot sucks you in. I loved the strength and sassiness of the main character, Orlagh, even though she does show her youth by making some rash decisions. There are many twists and turns to the story and everything may not be as it seems. Misfortune of Song is a great tale of young love, heartbreak, betrayal, magic, and adventure. ...more
This is the first book in this series. It was a quick, easy read. The story had a good flow and great characters. The one thing I feel could have beenThis is the first book in this series. It was a quick, easy read. The story had a good flow and great characters. The one thing I feel could have been expanded on a little more is the Morpheus Society. It’s mentioned, but you don’t really get a feel for it. Although, it may be expanded upon in future books. Overall, great read!...more
While this is the seventh book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I’m going to be honest, I nearly passed up this book because of the wordWhile this is the seventh book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I’m going to be honest, I nearly passed up this book because of the word Benies in the title. For some reason that word just grates on me. But, then I read the description of the book and decided to give it a chance. I quickly learned that I am not the ideal reader for this story. That being said, if you are a fan of rom com hijinks, this might be a good read to pick up. It’s got sweet moments, steamy moments, and a lot of pining with a satisfying HEA....more
I didn’t know what to expect from this book, but the description intrigued me. It turned out to be a great read. The characters were easy to connect tI didn’t know what to expect from this book, but the description intrigued me. It turned out to be a great read. The characters were easy to connect to and the story moved at a good pace. I loved the distinctions between the djinn. The way everything played out kept me turning the pages. Definitely recommend!...more
This is a quick read, but it doesn’t disappoint. It starts off with action and keeps up a steady pace throughout the story. Intense, but then again, iThis is a quick read, but it doesn’t disappoint. It starts off with action and keeps up a steady pace throughout the story. Intense, but then again, it wouldn’t be a good zombie-type story if it wasn’t. The main character, Amy, was easy to connect with right away. I can’t say too much more without spoiling it. If you like quick, intense reads, this is a great late-night story – unless you spook easily, then maybe read it during the day, lol....more
This installment has a ton of HP vibes, especially with the flying car and the competition among the schools. I enjoyed the story and the character deThis installment has a ton of HP vibes, especially with the flying car and the competition among the schools. I enjoyed the story and the character development. You get to know more about the main cast of characters in this book, which was interesting. I particularly liked the scenes with the helper/familiars and the addition to that group. As with the first book, I liked that the author doesn’t put in a bunch of fluff. The story is right to the point with no unnecessary detours. Quick read. Excellent follow up to the first book....more
I really enjoyed this book. The premise was interesting. The characters were easy to connect to. Loved the helper/familiar character additions. A big I really enjoyed this book. The premise was interesting. The characters were easy to connect to. Loved the helper/familiar character additions. A big bonus for me is that you get enough information about what’s going on, without a bunch of extraneous details. It keeps things right to the point of the story without a ton of fluff. This story doesn’t end on a cliffhanger per se, but it does leave you with questions that will make you want to keep reading the series. If you want a quick, entertaining read, check out this story!...more
This is the second book in this series, but I was able to pick it up and read it without having read the first book. This is a complete story, but theThis is the second book in this series, but I was able to pick it up and read it without having read the first book. This is a complete story, but the epilogue ends with a lead into the next book.
As much as I LOVE a steamy book, I feel like the steamy scenes in this one went on too long. I would have preferred a better balance of steam and story line. That being said, those steamy scenes will heat you up. -fans self-
Another thing I felt that could have been handled better was the idea that Noah felt that the activities he participated in at the club were somehow wrong or deviant. At one point he refers to what he does there as “sick s--t.” There’s a lot of stigma around kink communities and I feel like this was a missed opportunity to portray it in a positive light.
Aside from those two things, it was a good read. I enjoyed the suspense....more
This is the first book in the series, and it ends in a cliffhanger.
If you are sensitive to violence against women, please heed the content warnings asThis is the first book in the series, and it ends in a cliffhanger.
If you are sensitive to violence against women, please heed the content warnings as there are on-page scenes.
I wanted to love this book because the description seemed intriguing. Unfortunately, it has a slow start. I felt like the first nine chapters could have been condensed down into two, maybe three to get all the pertinent pieces of backstory.
Also, Rose… did not like her at all. She’s a colossal B. Even when she mellows, she’s still abrasive. I mean, I guess in a male dominated industry that might be a necessity, but I just could not find a way to like her.
All of that being said, the story picks up the pace in chapter ten and gets much more interesting.
I wavered between three and four stars on this book but settled on four because things eventually started holding my attention. ...more
This is the first book in the series and ends in a cliffhanger. I enjoyed this story much more than the original Romeo and Juliet. Loved the charactersThis is the first book in the series and ends in a cliffhanger. I enjoyed this story much more than the original Romeo and Juliet. Loved the characters. Great twists and turns. Plenty of action, danger, and steam. There are a couple of moments that get you right in the feels. Overall, a great read! Looking forward to the next book! ...more
This story is labeled as book 3.5 in the series. The overall story can be read as a standalone, but you’d probably relate to the characters better if This story is labeled as book 3.5 in the series. The overall story can be read as a standalone, but you’d probably relate to the characters better if you’ve read the previous books. This story ends in a cliffhanger as a lead into the next book.
Overall, I liked the idea of the story, but it felt like the main character was a bit slow to pick up on the clues around him. He knew something was up, but it seemed like it took him too long to start putting things together. The most interesting things happened toward the end of the book.
I did not enjoy this book as much as I expected to, however that is mostly my own doing. I didn’t pay enough attention to the categories this book is I did not enjoy this book as much as I expected to, however that is mostly my own doing. I didn’t pay enough attention to the categories this book is listed under and missed the fact that it’s a coming-of-age story (and probably could have surmised that from the blurb, but didn’t for some reason). Those are not my usual reads. In addition to that, it’s under a romance category, but it’s definitely more of a love story due to how things play out (which isn’t really clear by reading the book description). I don’t usually read those either. The writing style took a little getting used to as well.
That being said, if coming-of-age and love stories are your thing, you’ll likely enjoy this book very much. I like the overall concept of the book and the author did a great job of creating the characters. The world building was also great. You will experience many different emotions while reading this, and the tension keeps things interesting. ...more
I haven’t read much sci-fi romance lately, so I thought I’d give this book a try. I enjoyed the toughness of Mia’s character. Totally related to her dI haven’t read much sci-fi romance lately, so I thought I’d give this book a try. I enjoyed the toughness of Mia’s character. Totally related to her disdain when she saw the dress she had to wear near the beginning of the story. Also, hard relate to the trust issues.
One thing I liked was that even though Mia is tough, she still cares about other people enough to try to save them – as is shown in the beginning with De’ara.
I had little bit of a harder time connecting with Castor’s character, but he grew on me.
Favorite character interaction (because, you know, love isn’t perfect): “So, you admit this isn’t going to be all flowers and roses.” “I have no doubt that we’ll have many fights. I hope that at the end of each one, you yell, ‘I love you,’ into my face and not run away.”
Overall, a good read with some intense moments to keep you turning the page....more
This is a superb collection of stories. Great suspense and romance. Wonderful characters. I recommend the box set so you can binge read all of them. TThis is a superb collection of stories. Great suspense and romance. Wonderful characters. I recommend the box set so you can binge read all of them. The only bad thing about it is when the reading adventure is over. Gotta love those book/series hangovers....more
I’ve read a lot of books by this author, Joker’s Fool is my all time favorite, but this one is now following a close second. Even though I had the outI’ve read a lot of books by this author, Joker’s Fool is my all time favorite, but this one is now following a close second. Even though I had the outcome figured out within the first few chapters, the spook factor was excellent. I think the subject matter was what contributed to it. Great read on a stormy night! *Be advised, there are no on-page scenes, but the book does mention child abuse. ...more
What I liked: The characters were well-written. Plenty of suspense and mystery. I liked the overall story line and world building.
What I didn’t like: What I liked: The characters were well-written. Plenty of suspense and mystery. I liked the overall story line and world building.
What I didn’t like: After dealing with all of the discussion around vaccines for the last year and a half, I could have done without that mentioned in the story. However, the author does address this in an author’s note.
Note: If you are triggered by cheating spouses, know that this subject matter is included in the story. Danger to children is also part of the story line, although there are not any graphic descriptions on-page.
On the whole, it was a great read and I’m definitely interested in book two. ...more
Good reimagining of the Apollo mythology. I enjoyed the interpretation of the characters. It’s NA so it has pretty much no steam, but you can still feGood reimagining of the Apollo mythology. I enjoyed the interpretation of the characters. It’s NA so it has pretty much no steam, but you can still feel their connection. The blurb calls it enemies-to-lovers, but I wouldn’t say they are enemies so much as just a bit angsty. Still made for an entertaining read....more
I picked up this book because I was intrigued by the premise. The story did not disappoint. I loved the main characters. Very much looking forward to I picked up this book because I was intrigued by the premise. The story did not disappoint. I loved the main characters. Very much looking forward to reading the second book!...more
This is the fourth book in the series and you definitely need to read the others before this one. The story opens with action and keeps you turning theThis is the fourth book in the series and you definitely need to read the others before this one. The story opens with action and keeps you turning the pages. Excellent worldbuilding, as always. Wonderfully original characters that you continue getting to know on a deeper level. Complex story line. There’s so much in this story to love. The entire series is a must read! ...more
The beginning of this book felt a little disjointed because the way it is written, the character gets ahead of herself several times while telling theThe beginning of this book felt a little disjointed because the way it is written, the character gets ahead of herself several times while telling the story. Once I got used to the writing style, it was a good read. It wasn’t like an adventure or thriller where you’re on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens, but the story does subtly sink it’s hooks into you. You start reading and before you know it, BAM! You’re entranced. Good read for a rainy night!...more
Main points: Enjoyable characters. Good story line. A little bit of steam.
This book is a quick read. I enjoyed that there was a good amount of story lMain points: Enjoyable characters. Good story line. A little bit of steam.
This book is a quick read. I enjoyed that there was a good amount of story line balanced with the romance. One thing I will say is that if you are a reader who doesn’t want the pandemic mentioned in a book you are using to escape, this one might not be the book for you. It doesn’t overpower the story, but it is mentioned. For some reason, I had a difficult time with the feel of the first chapter and struggled to get into the story, but it smoothed out in chapter two. I can’t pinpoint what exactly the challenge was for me, but I pushed through it, and it was worth it. ...more
This is the fourth book in the series. It could be read as a standalone, but I feel like I would have connected better to the characters if I’d read tThis is the fourth book in the series. It could be read as a standalone, but I feel like I would have connected better to the characters if I’d read the previous books. That being said, you won’t be lost if you pick this up out of order like I did. There’s enough backstory to get you caught up. The story starts out with action and just keeps going. Since the two main characters are previously acquainted, there’s already an attraction right at the start due to that history so it has an insta-love feel. If you like mafia romances, this one is pretty on par with the genre. ...more
A lot of thought went into the creation of these books. Having them all in a collection is great because you can binge read all the way through! ThereA lot of thought went into the creation of these books. Having them all in a collection is great because you can binge read all the way through! There are many layers to the story so it gives you an immersive experience. Interesting characters, great worldbuilding. Loved the spiritual aspects woven through. You’ll definitely want to read through the series several times to soak up all there is to be absorbed. Subsequent readings will have you noticing things you didn’t before, and give you a deeper understanding of the story. An epic reading adventure! ...more
Wonderful read! Intriguing characters. Superb world building. Suspense. Danger. Masterful plot twists. I loved the reading adventure this author took mWonderful read! Intriguing characters. Superb world building. Suspense. Danger. Masterful plot twists. I loved the reading adventure this author took me on. ...more
This is the fifth book in the series but I was able to pick it up and read it as a standalone. I’m sure I would have gotten even more impact if I’d reThis is the fifth book in the series but I was able to pick it up and read it as a standalone. I’m sure I would have gotten even more impact if I’d read the previous books, as I understand some characters from those appear in this book. However, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. Superb tension throughout the story. This book had more suspense in it than an entire eight book series I just read that was specifically supposed to be suspense. You don’t want to stop turning the pages, that’s for sure. I enjoyed that there was depth to the story outside of the romance as they are dealing with some serious subject matter. Good action. Great flow to the story. Excellent read. ...more