Review: Dagger in the Dahlias by Dale Mayer 5 of 5 stars

Dagger in the Dahlias by Dale Mayer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Divorcee Doreen Montgomery can't seem to ignore cold cases when they come knocking even though she actually wants to lie low until she can send some of the priceless antiques in Nan's house to the Auctioneers. Can she avoid the press, avoid the seedier elements of the town who want to rob her and investigate the case (while not aggravating Corporal Mack Moreau too much)?

I loved this book which followed the investigation Doreen had undertaken trying her hardest to work out what happened 29 years ago. As usual, her determination in finding the truth left her a bit oblivious to any potential danger she was in. I loved the fact that once again the animals did their best to help her find the truth as well as follow her around like a faithful dog. Well written and addictive, I was definitely reading faster and faster as she got deeper into the mystery and nearer to the truth. If I have one regret it is that she has still not gone any further than simple friendship with Mack.

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Review: Coven by Rebecca Main 2 of 5 stars

Coven by Rebecca Main
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Zoelle Baudelaire really should have taken her Gran's advice and stayed out of the woods, but she didn't and it starts a chain of events that will rock her world. It appears that her birthmark is actually a soulmark and pack Alpha Aleksandr ‘Xander’ Adolphus has the same soulmark - they are destined to be together. Suddenly she is thrust into a world of werewolves, witches (apparently she is one of those) and danger. Can she resist the inevitability of this or will it change everything?

This book had promise but I just became so irritated with Zoelle and her name indecision (you'll know what I mean). I know it wasn't her choice but her carelessness caused the start of all of this and I found her so rude and spoilt that I had to fight to stop myself from hating her. There were some interesting parts around inter-pack politics but I just didn't enjoy it. It was clearly written and I could understand it, I just didn't enjoy the story enough.

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Review: Scandalously Hellbound by Cassandra Lawson 5 of 5 stars

Scandalously Hellbound by Cassandra Lawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Joey is a werewolf and has recognised that Lucifer's daughter Lucy is his mate - the problem is it's an impossible situation as he just knows that a) she won't get the same sense of recognition and b) her father is bound to kill him if he tries to do anything about it. So he does everything he can to leave her alone in order to stay alive but he just can't do it. So he decides that nothing (not even an overprotective father) will stop him.

.This was a charming story with lots of danger, drama and excitement. The potential relationship between Lucy and Joey was incredible once they both gave in and saw that they were made for each other and it could not be ignored nor denied. There was a great mystery in the story and it added a lot as they investigated it and found out who was guilty and how to fix everything. Well written, it was very easy to understand and was very clear. Very enjoyable especially if you have read any of the Hellbound novels in the past.

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Review: Tempted by Magic by Jasmine Walt 5 of 5 stars

Tempted by Magic by Jasmine Walt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Annia Melcott is an Enforcer and is back in Solantha because she made a deal with a spirit which gave her some illegal magic which is now churning and demanding to be used. However, if she wants to remain as an Enforcer and not end up in Prison she is going to have to learn to hide the magic even if it means she has to choose between sacrificing the innocent to protect her secret - the alternative is ending up locked away for life.

This was a great first full book in the series and very enjoyable. I loved her personality and the way there were times when I was most amused at her humour. It was lovely to be back in the world that has already been previously built that I was missing after the end of the Baine Chronicles. Well written and very enjoyable I'm really looking forward to seeing where this series goes and the adventures I can imagine Annia being involved in.

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Review: A Study in Seduction by Eva Chase 4 of 5 stars

A Study in Seduction by Eva Chase
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jemma Moriarty's family assumed she would give in to a supernatural cult they were in but she escaped with the help of a demon - now she is a criminal genius who gets what she wants doing whatever is necessary. As the time nears for the demon to collect the fee for his help she needs to steal the key to her freedom - however, she'll need the help of Sherlock Holmes. John Watson. Garrett Lestrade (all at the top of their game) to pull off a heist to get it. So she decides to exploit their weaknesses and utilise their field passion in the sheets to get their help. As she spends more time with them she can feel her heart weakening but knows she can't fail at this. She knows they could rule the world together but she knows she needs to disappear at the end of the heist. Will she get away with this?

I liked this twist on the Sherlock Holmes stories. It has the potential to be a reverse harem as well as there are M:M themes. I enjoyed the story but I do admit to being increasingly annoyed with Jemma and the way she used sex to play the guys in the story - I just hope in later books in the series she gets to treat them a little better. Well written it was enjoyable and easy to understand.

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Review: Reyes's Raina by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Reyes's Raina by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reyes Drere's family ran a business around gardening and plants however he had avoided going back after he picked the wrong woman - he had no intention of seeing his ex-fiance. He had been a Navy SEAL for 8 years and since leaving had joined Legendary Securities however when Ice wants to buy plants from them on a large scale he returns home with her to help. However, things start to escalate when the sister he should have picked is nothing more than a friend and the one he had picked turns up dead. Rainareels from seeing the only man she has ever loved turn up at her work one day with his new boss Ice in tow. However when her twin sister turns up dead and the only person with a motive is Reyes things get very interesting. Can he escape the murder charge the cops are determined to hand him, investigate what happened to find the real killer as well as find time to explore what could have happened if he had picked the right sister?

This was a lovely story of how it takes time to sort out your true feelings and who easy it can be to be pulled into something that is not right for you. I loved the ending and that finally everything was fixed to be right. There was a nice twist to the killer's identity and the reason for it. It was great to see another former SEAL working for Legendary find his HEA. Well written and very enjoyable.

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Review: The Defector: A Bridge & Sword Prequel #0.3 by JC Andrijeski 5 of 5 stars

The Defector: A Bridge & Sword Prequel #0.3 by JC Andrijeski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Revik used to be a Rook and even though he has defected the shadow hangs over him. He has been hidden away in monastic caves he has no idea who he is anymore let alone what his life means. So he was surprised when an Adhipan delegation arrives asking for his help. His initial instinct is to say no to the holy warriors but when he hears that Kali needs his help he feels he has to help - especially as she helped him by rescuing him from his former dark existence when no one else would. So he agrees to fly in order to face off against his old Rook friends and as part of that, he sees his ex-partner Terian who definitely holds a grudge about his defection. As they come after him (to kill or bring him back to them) he has to face new temptations and old demons. It all comes down to how much is he willing to give up to become the man he wants to be? He might think he has nothing left to lose by he is wrong about that.

This was definitely a great story that filled in lots of blanks in the main series as well as giving another viewpoint of some of the events in the Terian prequel. It was great to understand more about some of the relationships that Revik was involved in which gave me new insight into some of the events in the main series, and so I know I'll need to go and reread some of it in order to experience this new perspective. Well written and very enjoyable, I could feel and appreciate the thoughts and emotions of the characters in this story.

*** Please note this story includes the suggestion of M/M sexual action.

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Review: Secrets In Blood by L.S. O'Dea 4 of 5 stars

Secrets In Blood by L.S. O'Dea
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Trinity had a plan but it's all gone wrong and now she needs to flee to save herself. Almighty Hugh Truent having learnt of Trinity's parentage is determined to study her and make the discovery of a lifetime - however, there are others who would kill her to hide the truth. The combination of Trinity's struggle to survive and Hugh'd determination will lead to a collision between the classes that could shatter the very foundation of their world as they know it. How will it all end up?

I enjoyed this story with took the story of Trinity and the other classes in their society further. There was plenty of drama, excitement, danger, betrayal and even tragedy. I could definitely feel some of the emotions involved in some of the events in this book - especially the celebration dinner which showed what happens if you are not careful and check things carefully. Wondering how the story is going to develop further and what will happen next.

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Review: The Voodoo Dolls Boxed Set (Books 0-3): An Urban Fantasy Adventure by J.L. Hendricks 5 of 5 stars

The Voodoo Dolls Boxed Set (Books 0-3): An Urban Fantasy Adventure by J.L. Hendricks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Addictive and great series that I really enjoyed.

#1 New Orleans Magic 5*

The Voodoo Dolls are a punk-rock band based in New Orleans who also runs a tourist shop selling voodoo dolls and love potions/fudge. They don't actually have any magic themselves but two of their old school-friends ask for their help finding their missing triplet sister so they introduce them to their wolf shifter friends who they know can help.

Great story with lots of drama and a host of different paranormal races involved in the story. Everything was well written and clear to understand. I liked the link between a female punk-rock band, New Orleans and the host of different paranormal races as they fit together very well. They all had personalities and talents that were in keeping to what they are. There was a burgeoning romance which I hope develops in the series as it continues.

#2 Hurricane of Magic 5*

Whilst Jenna and the other Dolls prepare for Hurricane Gerttie, some vampires are preparing for something completely different which becomes apparent when 8 freshman students go missing from the local university. It must be very concerning as even the local witches council give Jenna and the Dolls help a wolf shifter pack with getting the girls back from the vampires.

A great second book in the series with the girls getting involved in another paranormal emergency involving vampires. There were drama and suspense in spades in this book. Just when you thought surely they would have some time for a rest and to get back to normal, something else happened. The story was well written and everything was clear and easy to feel the thoughts and emotions involved. It seems that everything is developing in this story and I can tell that the next instalment in the story is going to be full of drama again.

#3 Council of Magic 4*

Kat Deveroix is a member of the Voodoo Dolls and recently found out she is a part shifter. Problem is she can't shift and shifter DNA is dominant so there has to be another reason. In their shop, a woman talks to Kat and Jenna about a problem with her boyfriend but it soon becomes apparent that there is a much bigger problem and it is one that the shifter pack thought they had removed some time ago. As part of working out the new monster problem, Kat has to decide between Ivan and her new man. Strap in as we find out so much more about who Kat is.

A great story explaining who Kat is, how she became that way, and the developments afterwards. Finally some romance for some of the Dolls which was long overdue. Well written and everything was clear and easy to feel and experience for the characters. The ending was a little rushed and the last sentence needed details as I think we all wanted it to be horrible/painful for that character. However - I am GUTTED/ANNOYED/pick your word that this is the end of the trilogy when there are still so MANY things for the characters to achieve. No proper HEA for each of the Dolls, and I have questions floating around in my head.

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Review: Escape by L.S. O'Dea 4 of 5 stars

Escape by L.S. O'Dea
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On Earth in the future all animals over a weight of 20 pounds are extinct and humans are not completely human. The population are segregated by class and the lowest class (a Producer) has the job of producing food for all of the other classes with the ultimate being making something called the Harvest List. Producer Trinity knows she won't be chosen to stay and breed as she has some hidden differences to the others due to being a mixed breed - namely claws, fangs and the ability to see in the dark - something she has had to hide her whole life. She is determined to find out where the teenagers who don't make the list go before they come for her and so in the last week before she is taken decides to have one more try to find out what happens by sneaking into the woods. She discovers the horrifying fate that awaits - and so vows to try and return to the camp to try and save everyone else.

I loved the concept of this story and the way the different classes mirrored in many ways real life. I could definitely feel her horror when she discovered the fate of those that were taken away from the camp and understand why she was so compelled to go and try to save the others (even though they had mostly ignored her). It seems that it also mirrored real life in the way that there were some who were profiting from others misery and I only hope that we experience more of those characters and hope that they receive some kind of just deserts for the behaviour towards some of the others. Well written it was well described and I could imagine the world at the way that the characters in the story lived. Looking forward to knowing what happens next - there are some folks can hopefully get some kind of punishment in the future.

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Review: Interview for the End of the World: A Children of Titan Universe Short Story by Rhett C. Bruno 4 of 5 stars

Interview for the End of the World: A Children of Titan Universe Short Story by Rhett C. Bruno
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Billionaire-scientist Darien Trass faces a situation when an asteroid is hurtling towards Earth of selecting who will join him on the voyage on his spaceships to escape the impending apocalypse and start a new human civilisation on another world. Is he up to the task and is he himself worth saving?

I loved this prequel to the Titan Universe series written by the author. This book looked at the challenges involved in selecting people to save as well as the repercussions of not selecting people. It was nice to see him struggle with the responsibility and the humanity involved in some of the decisions he makes at the end. A great introduction to the series as well as a good story to help fill a hole in knowledge from reading the series in isolation from this book. Well written and very enjoyable.

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Review: NIGHT VISION: An Oupire Romance by Caroline Davis 5 of 5 stars

NIGHT VISION: An Oupire Romance by Caroline Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Artist Lily Schmidt is an oupire and while in a local museum meets a century-old vampire. The encounter scares her to death as there is a history of mistrust between the two undead races. Vampire Carl Eckhart explains that he is only interested in the pottery as it was made by his late wife. Disarming Lily's fear she agrees to see him again. Rapidly Lily decides to leave her home town and go spend some time with Carl where they start a passionate affair. However, everything is threatened when rumours at Lily's home town start about a mysterious vampire spy putting Lily, Carl and even Lily's sire Dave Rosenstein into danger. Then Carl discovers Lily’s family might be linked to an unsolved 1913 vampire murder and Lily's suddenly feels she has started a dreadful chain of events. So when Dave disappears Lily feels responsible - as threats appear from multiple directions it seems that the only thing to save them is a vampire-oupire alliance. Can that work between these old foes?

Wow - this was a great story that started off a little slow but then began to move at a quicker and quicker pace as the passion, mystery and threats increased around their relationship. I loved the focus on the two races, the history and differences between them. There are so many modern day equivalents that could be found between this book and the real world. I loved the way that the differences between oupires and vampires were explained and how it related to the situation between Carl and Lily. There were a lot of details that made the story seem much more real to me and it made it much more enjoyable. I loved the way the story ended and would like to think that there was peace between the races going forward. I'd love to read more in the world between the oupires, vampires and what Lily and Carl become involved in next.

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Review: A Vampire's Thirst: A Lethal Masquerade by Elaine Barris 5 of 5 stars

A Vampire's Thirst: A Lethal Masquerade by Elaine Barris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After vampires meet their Bloodmates there is to be a Masquerade Ball - however an acient Vampire has decided he wants them all dead. This story focuses on Gunner and his Bloodmate Imogen. In a previous book in the series he had rescued her from a madman who had kidnapped her so they are both rightly nervous about travelling to the gather but when they receive a surprise invitation from Victor Strong Imogen asked to attend to meet the others. However as they are leaving for the vacation an attempt is made to attack Imogen which they have to handle as it seems they are determined and are not keen to give in.

I loved this book which was a lovely story with contained both drama and danger, but also emotions as they handled the attacks to try to capture or kill Imogen. It was lovely to encounter some of the characters from previous books and to look at this from the point of view of a Vampire who was having to fight much harder to protect his Bloodmate than in some of the other books. Well written and very enjoyable. This book can be read standalone.

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Review: Chicago Defiance Box Set Part One by K.E. Osborn 5 of 5 stars

Chicago Defiance Box Set Part One by K.E. Osborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great value box set containing three great books.

Resistance - 5*

Torque is the President of the Defiance MC whilst Heely is a medical student who works in her family's Froyo store to both help them and have some kind of an income. They would strike you as two sides of a coin until they meet and there is an instant attraction. However he has 2 problems to handle - the club owned by the MC is having issues with the local mafia (Andretti family) and the second one - the fathers of both families have a historic feud over the city too. Can their fledgling relationship survive such an atmosphere? Can Defiance and the Andretti family pull back from out and out war?

I loved this story. It had pretty much everything you expected from a MC romance book and then some. There were battles, injuries, healing, emotion, brotherhood, compromise and passion in this story. It was well told by the author and it was easy to empathise and feel the thoughts and emotions of the characters in the story. I'm looking forward to the next instalment in their story as I feel quite attached to them.

Penance - 4*

Sensei is surrounded by drama - his family is hiding from the Japanese Yakuza (an organisation who wants to buy and control everything), his club is at war with them (they want to control Chicago and push everyone else out) and then he meets a woman called Spanner who is the shining light in his world (even though now isn't really the time). She is the complete opposite of him but it's like he is an addict and cannot stay away. You would think it would never work but in a bizarre way they compliment each other completely. Can everyone survive when it seems to all relate to what happened in the past because bloodshed is definitely coming - it's just a case of who is going to pay penance for the sins of the past?

This was a story full of drama, danger and passion. It was lovely to see more of the human side of these MC members that seem to always be there breaking the stereotypes we all have in our heads. It was also great to realise that Sensei is not the robot that he seemed in the first book but is human, has feelings and his connection to Spanner should continue to soften his harder edges. Well written and easy to read and understand I loved the way the story developed from a more localised problem to something quite personal

Deviance - 4*

When Mylee walked away and the shock of that made Trax what is is today. However when she renters his life under threat he is the only one who can protect her even if it means that they all find out why she left. This story is going to be a wild ride which will also be a perfect example of Defiance.

This was a great story which had so much drama, twists and turns that it almost made you a little dizzy with it all. It was also a master class in politics and handling it whether within a MC or anything else (our politicians could learn a thing or two). I loved the way this was yet another story in the series featuring another couple navigating the choppy seas of love and coming out the other side which was completely different to the other ones. This was clearly written and easy to understand while still capturing my attention and getting me hooked. Definitely an enjoyable read that is worth your investment in both money and time.

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Review: Magic Waking by Eva Chase 4 of 5 stars

Magic Waking by Eva Chase
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emma Hale is a reborn wizard and her goal in each life is to track down the latest incarnation of King Arthur and break the spell that bind their souls in a rather depressing cycle. However she can't remember how she initially cast the spell and the current incarnation is not only very good looking but cocky with it. So when a very talented fae mercenary puts the king in his sights she burns through all her tricks just to stay ahead. Can she find a way to kill him and achieve something she has never known before - kill a fae whilst living as a human?

There was plenty of drama and excitement in this story. I found it very hard to get into and found that by persisting I started to enjoy it a lot more - so if you feel the same way just give it more of a chance. Well written it was an interesting story that was enjoyable.

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Review: Titan's Son:(Children of Titan Book 2) by Rhett C. Bruno 5 of 5 stars

Titan's Son: (Children of Titan Book 2) by Rhett C. Bruno
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kale Drayton is a Ringer who works as a maintenance worker on a gas harvesting ship as part of his race's general servitude to the Earthers who took over his home planet. Then his mother is quarantined as part of being ill and he needs to earn a lot more money than he is doing that job so he decides to leave in order to be able to afford her medicine and care. Then he gets a surprise offer of care for his mother - all he has to do is go back on the ship and load a piece of code onto it. It all seems very simple and easy but then spirals into something much more important and dangerous, and his life go into a free-fall - will he find the courage to take control back?

I loved this story. It had lots of drama, action and twists and turns in the story. I definitely felt empathy for the characters at some points and was routing for him to get everything under control and get back some happiness in his life. Definitely recommend as a read.

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Review: The Final Reveal by Dale Mayer 5 of 5 stars

The Final Reveal by Dale Mayer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kat Greenwald is a highly talented prosthetic design engineer who is in love with former SEAL Badger Horley. Badger and his 6 other surviving friends were in the same unit and were severely injured in the same anti-tank landmine incident. The female partners of these members of the SEAL team all are in for the long run and would dearly love to marry and start a family - however the men are all worried about their health and fear that if they were to tie their partners down they could regret it later on. So Kat decides to meet Badger head on and take a leap of faith - she feels in her heart he will agree with her and they will get the future they both want. Will everything go to plan?

OMG - when you read this you need to have tissues, wine (or tea) and chocolate available as I guarantee you will cry at some point.Having read all of the books in this series it was lovely to have a proper finish to the story. It was lovely to read about the interactions of the team after the conclusion of the Mouse situation and the impacts of their women moving in with them. It was also great to see such strong men admit just how much they love their partners and show just how human they really were. Well written and easy to read if you've read the series you will need to read this book in order to know what happened next. The very end will have a great surprise so look forward to that.

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Review: Phoenix Unleashed by Margo Ryerkerk 5 of 5 stars

Phoenix Unleashed by Margo Ryerkerk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With Bahadur awake Sierra is determined to stop him but her impulsiveness backfires and they are all in a worse position. So she travels across the world to find a magical object which will give her a fighting chance against him. However, he is several steps ahead of her and makes a very surprising move. Will she still find a way to defeat him or is all lost?

Wow, this was an explosive final book in the series where Sierra and the rest of the team struggled with setback after setback in their attempts to defeat Bahadur and save the world. Intermingled with that was the story of Sierra and Gavin's relationship and how it was developing, how duty sometimes came in the way as they struggled to find a way to defeat such a very clever and well-prepared enemy. Well written it was definitely a fitting ending to the series that kept me guessing right up to the end as to whether they would defeat Bahadur and if Gavin and Sierra would have the time to work on their relationship. A great read.

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Review: The Fifth Moon's Wolf by Monica La Porta 4 of 5 stars

The Fifth Moon's Wolf by Monica La Porta
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Valentine Lobo is the last werewolf in the Coral system and has a mate who has been genetically engineered to give him an heir. However when he marries Mirella Canalis the arranged marriage changes to be complementary souls that are joined with passion and love. However it starts a chain of events that could destroy their happiness when politics and jealousy intervene. Can they survive everything that is thrown at them?

I loved this story which was filled with emotions and passion as Valentine and Mirella met and started to form their relationship despite all of the reach and potential problems that they encountered. Well told and clear/easy to understand it was a charming introduction to the Fifth Moon's Tales and promises a lot of interesting stories going forward.

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Review: Immortal Desires by Melanie James by A.K. Michaels by Rebecca Rivard by Monica La Porta 4 of 5 stars

Immortal Desires by Melanie James by A.K. Michaels by 

Rebecca Rivard by 

Monica La Porta

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A bargain collection of books by some great authors.

The Dragon and The Vampire 4* - AK Michaels

Ronan is a powerful vampire and Director of the Supernatural Enforcement Bureau is surprised to find out that dragons DO exist and that one is being hunted in his area. He has to find her and then protect her with everything he has before a group of black magic practising supernaturals catch her. Starr is a dragon and has spent her life hiding in order to say alive. When she meets Ronan she suddenly feels safe and it becomes apparent they are mates.

Great story with lots of drama and danger in the desperate fight to keep Starr safe. Mixed into that was a love story which certainly has a foundation in physical love too. Good start to the series. Well written and a pleasant read.

Sea Dragon's Hunger 4* - Rebecca Rivard

Cassidy O’Byrne is an Irish shifter and one hot summer she had fallen in love with visiting shifter Nic do Rio. However he had a big secret so ended up leaving her behind. However she then discovered she was pregnant and so she gives birth to her daughter Rianna in Ireland and was determined to bring her up alone. Three years later Cassidy is running with their daughter from the Fae so she heads for the only man she thinks can save them - Nic. He never thought he would see her again and is shocked to discover he has a child - now he'll do everything he can to keep Cassidy and Rianna safe and at the same time convince her to give him a second chance.

What a great story. It had all the necessary ingredients of a not shifter man, misunderstandings, hurt, danger and fighting for a new beginning. It was quite addictive as I got further into the story and the danger was building I was really rooting for Nic and Cassidy to be safe and find the happiness that so deserved. Well written it was really enjoyable and worth reading whether you are into the Fada Shapeshifters or Bad Alpha Dads.

The Fifth Moon's Wolf 4* by Monica La Porta

Valentine Lobo is the last werewolf in the Coral system and has a mate who has been genetically engineered to give him an heir. However when he marries Mirella Canalis the arranged marriage changes to be complementary souls that are joined with passion and love. However it starts a chain of events that could destroy their happiness when politics and jealousy intervene. Can they survive everything that is thrown at them?

I loved this story which was filled with emotions and passion as Valentine and Mirella met and started to form their relationship despite all of the reach and potential problems that they encountered. Well told and clear/easy to understand it was a charming introduction to the Fifth Moon's Tales and promises a lot of interesting stories going forward.

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