5/5 Review: WILD THINGS by Jennifer Ashley

Wild Things is the next instalment in the Unbound Series by Jennifer Ashley. This is a great piece of writing that could be read in an afternoon. If you haven’t read the other books in this series you won't be disappointed, it can be read as a stand-alone novel; although I would recommend reading them all just because they are so good!

Wild Things evolve around the sexy Wolf Shifter, Mason McNaughton and his mission to find the very rare Shifter healer to perform a miracle on fellow shifter, Aleck who has gone feral leaving the shifter community two choices, perform a miracle and bring him back or kill him. He first has to travel to New Orleans to find a psychic who he has been told to see to show him the way to the healer.

Enter beautiful, but human Jasmine who doesn’t trust shifters at all. Jasmine spends her day trying to help others through her psychic abilities and lives in her late grandmother house. The house itself has a major attitude and isn’t afraid of showing its feelings. Jasmine knows there is change coming, but just doesn’t know how much it’s going to change her life.

Once Jasmine and Mason meet the sparks fly and the chemistry is blinding. I absolutely love how these two form their relationship. It isn’t boy meets girl that hates him, girl falls in love with him anyway scenario. Its told in such a way that Jasmine's hate for shifters is real, but shown to be not reason enough to resist each other, especially once certain things are explained.

There is the ex-boyfriend as the “nasty” factor in this story, but he is dealt with pretty quick and he actually makes way for the rest of the story to move ahead. The elusive healer is found and for the most part this story ends in a happy way. I could see future storylines forming towards the end of the book and look forward to see if any make it into the next book. 

4/5 Review: ORYON by M.K. Eidem

Oryon is the next instalment in the Tornians Series by MD Eidem, It's a novella, but still gives a very strong storyline full of love, hate, angst, loyalty and betrayal.  I believe this book sets the scene for more books to come and I can't wait!

The story is set around the return home to Betelgeuse that Oryon is Lord over.  A lot has changed in their world over the previous few weeks with other dominant males of their linage, finding suitable partners from the distant planet of Earth.

Isis, who is Oryon's lady has grown with confidence, and now wants the freedom that her newly found earth female friends have.  Oryon realizes that this is what it means to have a full relationship, and gladly accepts that things have changed and they start to change Betelgeuse to a more welcoming place.

Although this story focuses on an older couple that usually would be skipped to the younger generation, I felt that showing the background of one of the more unusual older couples was great. It also shows the males and females reaction to each other, and also showing a glimpse of what could possibly be the future instalments to the series.

3/5 Review: For Love Or Magic by Lucy March

Eliot Parker's good-for-nothing deceased husband has left her a new lease on life: a house in sleepy Nodaway Falls, New York. But his offer comes with a cost: his ghost...


As if being married to him wasn't hard enough! Nodaway Falls turns out to be a town with more than a little magic in the air. Eliot swore off using her own powers sixteen years ago, thanks to one catastrophic day when she lost the only people who ever mattered to her, and ran away from her spellbinding father and his reckless enchantments. Now, when a chance encounter with quiet, handsome Desmond Lamb results in a magical explosion that rocks Eliot to the core, she can't help but wonder: Has her heart fallen under some sort of spell? Or is this what true love really feels like? The real question, of course, is whether her husband will stop haunting her...and let Desmond give her a chance at happily ever after?

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This is my first book by this author, and I was excited about reading this  book. Unfortunately, my excitement dissipated with every page. This book is for lack of a better word "boring". There is barely any action to speak of. I felt like I had to go on a hunting expedition to find a sentence that actually meant something (i.e. had some action or dialogue) rather than the endless sentences describing everything in detail. Though there were several scenes that took place in a bar or in someone's home, I felt more like I was stuck in a boring play. There was very little humor to speak of, hardly any snark. I couldn't connect with the characters at all.

I felt completely disconnected from the characters. When I read a romance, I like to be sucked into the emotions of the characters and their responses to one another. Isn't that the whole point of a romance? I can forgive a lot, in terms of poor character development and major plot holes, if I can buy that emotions between the main characters. Unfortunately that was not the case here. I felt more like a casual observer, rather than being emotionally invested in these characters. Logically, I can understand their connection: as  Eliot and Desmond  they were both essentially outcasts from their societies. But emotionally, I totally missed the build-up of the connection and trust between them.

I had to force myself to keep reading hoping the story would grab me in some way, unfortunately it didn't.I think because the author tried too hard to force humor rather than just letting it flow naturally from the characters. I don't think that I will be reading anymore of her books



5/5 Review: Autumn Thorns by Yasmine Galenorn

Fifteen years ago, I ran away from Whisper Hollow, Washington, a small town on Crescent Lake in the Olympic Peninsula. But truth is, if you were born here, you can never really leave. I’m Kerris Fellwater, and when I returned, I inherited my grandmother’s house—and her gift. As a spirit shaman, it’s my responsibility to drive the dead back to their graves, because around Whisper Hollow, people—and secrets—don’t always stay buried.

When I was little, I was told my mother ran off. But now it looks like she was murdered. With the help of my mysterious neighbor Bryan, we begin to unravel the mystery of her disappearance, and in doing so, unearth a dark force seeking to bury Whisper Hollow. Now I must work with the dead, rather than against them, because our enemy will do whatever she can to destroy the town, and she means to start with me.

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 Fifteen years away, Kerris Fellwater is back in her hometown. She ran away after having a fight with her grandfather but now that her grandmother has passed it is up to her, as the spirit shaman, to take over after the family business. Her job is to make sure the dead remain dead. The power is inherited from mothers to daughters. Every shaman has two people to help her, one is a shapeshifter mate and another one is a lament singer.
Soon after getting back home, Kerris discovers that she grew up in a house full of secrets and now she is learning the truth about her mothers death, which she will now avenge.

Kerris is an absolutely fascinating character. She is so complex, being both tough, yet incredibly soft as well. In a lot of urban fantasies, the heroine's physical abilities are off the charts, and this sometimes can make the dangers against them just don't seem threatening at all. Kerri is one of those types. She definitely has a strong power set in the shaman area, but her physical abilities are much less, more along the lines of an ordinary person. So, when the  Shape shifters, witches, and other assorted creature who live in this town go on attack, you feel the threat against her with heart pounding intensity. She and Bryan have explosive attraction and hot and sweaty sex. He has enough dominance in him to make you notice him from miles away. They are a perfect match.


This is a better-than-usual example of the popular sub-genre of urban fantasy involving a young heroine with supernatural powers/connections,werewolves and other supernatural creatures of varying nationalities Ms.Galenorn
s a seasoned fantasy author, and this shows in her worldbuilding, which is of higher quality than is usually found in this genre.It was very refreshing to be able to completely feel the fear that is intended with the danger.Who doesn't like murder, suspense, all mixed in with a good dose of humor?

Yasmine Galenorn is one of my favorite authors, and this book does not disappoint. It differs from her usual style in that it has a modern, rather than high fantasy, setting, but she does it very well. It took me a few chapters to stop feeling like I was reading Yasmine Galenorn  channeling Patricia Briggs, but after that it was all her own. Also, this book is appropriate for younger audiences. As most of Galenorn's books are, this is character centered with a very satisfying plot. It leaves you wanting to know more of what happens to the characters; unfortunately, Galenorn  tends to only write duologues (if that), and you're frequently left yearning to know more of the characters and worlds she's created. I highly suggest all of her series, and I am looking forward to book 2 in this series.

4/5 Review: Down the Rabbit Hole by J. D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas, R.C. Ryan

 

 

You’re late for a very important date...
Enter a wonderland of mesmerizing tales. It’s a place that’s neither here nor there, where things are never quite as they seem. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s whimsical masterpiece, ranging from the impossible to the mad to the curiouser, these stories will have you absolutely off your head.
 

Don’t be afraid to follow them…

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE

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Wonderment in Death” (In Death, Book 41.5) by J.D. Robb
J. D. Robb's "Possession in Death" finds Dallas arriving at a murder suicide which seems like a cut and dry case, except the brother & sister involved had a great relationship.  Eve’s close friend Louise, knew them and said that they would never had hurt each other. While investigating, Eve finds out that the sister was seeking help in the psychic world, something Eve does not believe in, and starts to track the deceased’s footsteps and soon finds that the psychic rabbit hole can be a deadly one. With the help of Roarke, Peabody, Louise, and others, Eve proves that even a mad murderer can be pulled out of a magic hat.

Alice and the Earl in Wonderland” by Mary Blayney
I wasn't sure how I felt about the description, but the book itself was much better than I expected. It was a sweet novella about an Earl who falls in love with a young women who is afraid of marriage due to her parents divorce. Both due to Alice and Weston visiting the twenty-first century, they are able to overcome their problems. The flow was easy and yet pulled on the energy that the author built. It's easy to stay with a story if the author has taken the time too make the reader comfortable with the characters. Excellent read.

“iLove” by Elaine Fox
Macy is in love with her boyfriend, Jeremy, who is way more into his phone then into Macy. When Macy  finally breaks up with Jeremy realizes that he will do whatever it takes to win her back.
I enjoyed the book regardless of those lower than I would have thought of ratings, but I know that people have certain expectations when it comes to what they read and will rate accordingly. As this book was predictable from the beginning, I will say that it was enjoyable nonetheless and I would suggest it to a friend. In fact, I may reread it someday... not real soon, but someday.


“A True Heart” by Mary Kay McComas
This book is a perfect example of a novella. It grabs you from the beginning, plunges you into a new, strange world, and manages to develop a convincing romance in the time frame of a short novel. It was a very satisfying shorter read. You won't regret buying it. You will hope that McComas would someday make this a full novel..


Fallen” by R.C. Ryan
This story was okay,It was great to have a strong-willed female like Beth embrace how she felt about Colin immediately.Each as stubborn as each other, each wanting to lead, neither wanting to lose their power or dignity. He learned to have patience and tolerance with her and to trust her. My only complaint is that it felt like it was rushed. I do think that this could have been  a little longer. I think that you would enjoy this story.

 Overall, this was a good anthology and worth reading. I'm not sure the title fit the type of stories in the book but all four stories were very enjoyable. Definitely a recommended read!



4/5 Review: Closer to the Heart: Book Two of Herald Spy (Valdemar: The Herald Spy) by Mercedes Lackey

Mags was a Herald of Valdemar. But he had once lived the brutal life of a child slave. When he was Chosen by his Companion Dallen, his young life was saved, and he slowly adjusted to being well fed, educated, and treasured as a trainee in the Herald's Collegium at Haven. Singled out by the King's Own Herald, Mags would thrive in his secret training as a spy. His unusually strong Gift—an ability to Mindspeak and Mindhear anyone, not just others who were Gifted—made him a perfect undercover agent for the king.

Sequel to Mercedes Lackey's Closer to Home, this adventure continues Mags's journey as Valdemar's herald spy

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I was very close minded about this story.  At first I decided that it wasn't for me, not my style, the writing was too out there for me.  I am happy to say that I was completely wrong.  After taking a breather for a day and starting with a whole new look at the book, I must say I'm impressed.  This has turned out to be a great book that took on a life of its own inside my head.  Once I got used to the dialect and made it passed the first chapter, I was not putting this book down.  My sincerest complements to the author.  

What can I say about the characters in this book other than I love them.  They are all complex in their own right but I do love the interactions of the couples, Mags and Amily, and Lady Dia and Jorthun.

Amily is the King's Own,.  She is the daughter of Nikolas, the former King's Own and Mags' spymaster.  Mags is her fiance and a Harold.  She is quite a female.  She does not look nearly as deadly as she can be.  Mags says that's one of the things he loves about her.  Harold Mags is a spymaster.  He rescues orphans and teaches them his trade.  They learn, are well taken care of and are trained to be his eyes and ears.  Amily wants to form a team of spies of her own and recruit the help of Mags, Lady Dia and Lord Jorthun, who was Nikolas' spymaster and is Lady Dia's husband.

I won't tell too much about the story as I don't wish to include spoilers but I must say I was fascinated by this world.  If I didn't stop myself I would have rambled on about it and ruined it for many.  It is a definite must read for those who enjoy stories with horses who can communicate mentally with their owners, called companions, kings, lords, ladies and countrymen, errand boys and gifts such as mind speaking.  Those who do read this will not be disappointed.

5/5 Review: Winter Oranges by Marie Sexton

 

 

Jason Walker is a child star turned teen heartthrob turned reluctant B-movie regular who’s sick of his failing career. So he gives up Hollywood for northern Idaho, far away from the press, the drama of LA, and the best friend he’s secretly been in love with for years.

 

There’s only one problem with his new life: a strange young man only he can see is haunting his guesthouse. Except Benjamin Ward isn’t a ghost. He’s a man caught out of time, trapped since the Civil War in a magical prison where he can only watch the lives of those around him. He’s also sweet, funny, and cute as hell, with an affinity for cheesy ’80s TV shows. And he’s thrilled to finally have someone to talk to.

 

But Jason quickly discovers that spending all his time with a man nobody else can see or hear isn’t without its problems—especially when the tabloids find him again and make him front-page news. The local sheriff thinks he’s on drugs, and his best friend thinks he’s crazy. But Jason knows he hasn’t lost his mind. Too bad he can’t say the same thing about his heart.

 

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Winter Oranges by Marie Sexton is such an amazing read!  Jason is a B list movie star who moves to Idaho to get away from the paparazzi that seem to have it out for him.  He is disappointed with the way his life has been going and can’t find any purpose for it anymore.  He feels like he is always going to love his friend Dylan without his feelings being reciprocated.  When he sees a man staring at him from the guesthouse window, he thinks that someone is trespassing on his property and calls the sheriff.  Only to realize that she can’t see the man in the window.  He accepts the conclusion that the man is a ghost pretty easily in theory but then he actually sees the man in the guest house and freaks out.  After he comes to terms with the fact that Ben is a ghost, he begins to get to know him.  Their journey is one full of emotions and the falling in love happens at a nice pace.  It is ista love, which I appreciate.  They learned about each other and so falling in love felt natural, even though Ben was a ghost.  I love how Jason was able to get into the globe and actually touch Ben.  Jason also realizes that maybe Dylan cares more than he is willing to admit, but they end up as very good friends, more like brothers, who are there for each other.  Dylan inadvertently saves Ben and Jason's lives. Jason realizes that he can't hide from the world and that if he continued to do so, he would slowly die from loneliness. I want to know more about Ben and Jason, and hopefully Dylan gets his own HEA.  I love the emotion between the characters!

 

 

4/5 Review: The Danger of Destiny by Leigh Evans

 

WHY WHISTLE IN THE DARK...
There are very few days off when you're on an epic quest. Believe me, I know. I'm Hedi Peacock-one half Fae, the other were-and if being a half-breed with one foot in each world isn't tough enough to manage, there are the four chambers of my heart to consider. The one who holds the strings? Robson Trowbridge, the Alpha of Creemore. If I had my way, he and I would be locked in a bedroom, for eternity, but a pressing family matter needs my attention. It's true what they say: A woman's work is never done.

WHEN YOU CAN HOWL AT THE MOON?
My twin brother is being held captive by the Old Mage in another realm. Lo and behold, as soon as Trowbridge and I arrive in Merenwyn, we're separated in spectacular, dramatic fashion-and I'm left to figure out how to maintain the fragile balance between my Fae magic and my wolf's blood in a realm that cries to both. Not easy, particularly when I'm keeping an iron-grip on my temper so as not to dispatch with extreme prejudice the odd wizard or smart-mouthed mutt servant who crosses my path. My mama never told me there'd be days like these, but I'm not going down without a fight...or my mate.

 

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The Danger of Destiny is the fourth and I believe the last in the Mystwalker series. The story wraps up Hedi Peacock’s journey from a small-time thief and barista to a powerful woman and mate of Robson Trowbridge, the Alpha wolf of Creemore. The book opens immediately after the conclusion of the previous book I spent a great deal of time trying to understand the character's having not read the other books in the series - so I would highly recommend that it be read in order.

I enjoyed it but always felt as if I was missing something - more then likely this as due to my only reading the last book in the series. In this wonderfully descriptive novel - Ms. Evans takes us through a portal in an attempt to save Hedi's twin brother Lexi, who has been bonded to an old Mage.

We are told the story through the voice of Hedi. Again, I think I would have liked her better if I had seen her growth through the previous books. But, Ms. Evan's weaves a wonderful tale of adventure, love, and learning to live when you are half fairy and half were. That being said - I would really recommend the series, if you are into the Fantasy and/or Paranormal genres. I am going to try and fit them in and see if my opinion changes over the next few months.

 

 

 

4/5 Review: The Witch of Painted Sorrows by M. J. Rose

Possession. Power. Passion. New York Times bestselling novelist M. J. Rose creates her most provocative and magical spellbinder yet in this gothic novel set against the lavish spectacle of 1890s Belle Époque Paris.

Sandrine Salome flees New York for her grandmother’s Paris mansion to escape her dangerous husband, but what she finds there is even more menacing. The house, famous for its lavish art collection and elegant salons, is mysteriously closed up. Although her grandmother insists it’s dangerous for Sandrine to visit, she defies her and meets Julien Duplessi, a mesmerizing young architect. Together they explore the hidden night world of Paris, the forbidden occult underground and Sandrine’s deepest desires.
Among the bohemians and the demi-monde, Sandrine discovers her erotic nature as a lover and painter. Then darker influences threaten—her cold and cruel husband is tracking her down and something sinister is taking hold, changing Sandrine, altering her. She’s become possessed by La Lune: A witch, a legend, and a sixteenth-century courtesan, who opens up her life to a darkness that may become a gift or a curse.
This is Sandrine’s “wild night of the soul,” her odyssey in the magnificent city of Paris, of art, love, and witchery.

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This is the first book of the Daughters of La Lune series and is a great historical 

paranormal romantic book.  I thought the book was well written with lots of emotions, 

mostly sad, negative and haunting. 

         Sandrine is running from a bad situation from her husband and after the death of her 

father she feels she needs to hide out with her grandmother in Paris.  Sandrine is ready to 

break out of her shell and become more active even learning how to paint.

          I love all the descriptions of Paris in the 1800's with the cafes, scenery and 

especially how the women were acting and being treated.  La Lune is a powerful spirit 

who has lots of things up her sleeves for Sandrine and it was exciting to see all that 

happen. Julian was an interesting lover to Sandrine and you didn’t know if he was going 

to tell the truth or keep with his hidden agenda. Great book and can't wait to read the 

second in this series.