Review: Leaving Level Five by L.S. O'Dea 5 of 5 stars

Leaving Level Five by L.S. O'Dea
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

McBrid works as a scientist for Professor Conguise and really hates his job but realises that there is no way out alive. He hates himself even more after what he did to Fersia and is determined to treat the other better - even though Guard Charlie and Bush Man Glick's interference might push everything too far resulting in an end to McBrid. Who will survive and leave level 5?

This was full of action and plots within plots as McBrid struggled to save others as well as himself. I definitely found myself reading faster and faster as I needed to know what happened to them next and if they survived. Well written and very enjoyable it's going to be hard to wait for the next book in this delightful series to be published.

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Review: Sing Me to Sleep by Anna Argent 5 of 5 stars

Sing Me to Sleep by Anna Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stygian Attis had a tough start to life raised by a grandfather who hated him due to what happened when he was born. So he was made to control all feelings or desires he might have from an early age. However, that changes when a beautiful woman and thief sneaks into his room. He wants her, his shards want her too and they whisper of a power to change his life forever. Echo Charmaine is on the run from a man who murdered her whole family and is after her so he can get the powerful shards that are within her. Powerful voices in her head are insisting she drop off a magical piece of paper by Styfwn catches her in the act she has inadvertently stumbled into something far bigger that will tie her to him. Drawn together by passion as well as shared shards they need to find a way to rid themselves of the evil within them before the next new moon before they won't make it out alive.

This was a great story which was sensitively told. I felt that the characters came to life and that I could empathise with their thoughts and emotions. I was rooting for them to succeed and find a way to be happy together. There were ups and downs in their relationship and there were points when I was heartbroken for them. Very enjoyable and I can't wait to find out what Hael does next (as we all know she is going to find a way to come back).

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Review: Balance by K.E. Osborn 5 of 5 stars

Balance by K.E. Osborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

On the one side is a techie and geek Ace, a biker who wears a cut and it a member of Defiance, on the other is Neve, the Oscar-winning actress who just wants to be treated as normal. Their meeting will be an explosive mixture of lust, love, friendship, conflict, deception and slaughter. Can they find the right balance or is death the only conclusion?

Wow - this was an addictive story that had me gripped hoping if Ace and Neve could find happiness together, survive the oncoming bloodbath and keep themselves true to who they are. Well written and very enjoyable the book ends with a great teaser for the next book in the series which I already can't wait to read. If you like MC books this book is definitely the one for you.

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Review: A Glint of Light: A Bridge & Sword Novel by JC Andrijeski 5 of 5 stars

A Glint of Light: A Bridge & Sword Novel by JC Andrijeski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Balidor had been told she was a lost cause after Cass betrayed them all to Shadow but he refuses to give in on her - he knows that he can use his psychic training to go through her past and bring her back to him. As he goes through this with her he will help her go through her dark past and finally go for broke as he does everything he can to bring back the woman he loved. Can Balidor bring Cass back or will he lose her forever?

Wow - now I understand Cass and what her childhood was like - and it really wasn't pleasant. Balidor's attempts to bring her back were calculated until they became desperate. I liked that sometimes it was difficult to know who was the dominant of the two of them and the different examples of Christmas spirit - both past and present. Well written and very enjoyable - a must-read for anyone who is a follower of this series and wants to understand more about Cass and her motivations.

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

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

McBrid works on Level Five in Professor Conguise’s laboratory knowing that is he makes any false move or mistake his career and even life will be over. However, he made a massive mistake and killed the most important creature in the lab - now he has to scramble and make a new Aranea successfully. However, in selecting a new smart host, he must find out if they are willing to obey and if there is enough of the original host left in order to avoid becoming their dinner himself.

This was an enjoyable book in the Conguise Chronicles which explored the difficulties of selecting a new host for one of the beasts and the various downsides and conflicts of conscience that apply to the situation. It was great to have McBrid having empathy with the host in question which made them both appear more "human".
This book is standalone and may be read in any order.

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Review: Never Change by Shari Sakurai 3 of 5 stars

Never Change by Shari Sakurai
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nagasaki is in the grip of a bitter Winter as we follow vampire Taku and his lover and younger vampire Thane. as they struggle to find people to feed on. When Taku insists they take advantage of a man they found who is already dying Thane is devastated so he decides to shield him from the darker side of their existence even if it might prove his undoing one day. This is a short story set in the Demon’s Blood universe.

I enjoyed this short story with was a very pleasant read as we explored the thoughts and feelings of Taku. You will have to refer to the End Notes if you need help with any of the Japanese words or customs. Well written it was easy to understand and I just wished there was more about the characters to explore them more fully.

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Review: Kanen by Dale Mayer 5 of 5 stars

Kanen by Dale Mayer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kanen's best friend's wife Laysa is in trouble and he does a mad dash across Europe to get to her as she is currently held captive and being tortured over something that her dead husband supposedly hid - the problem is neither of them knows what it is nor where it is. As they start to unravel the mystery they will delve into her husband's life, the man who wants whatever was hidden as well as a chance for them both to isolate and explore their feeling for each other. As they get closer to the mystery they will have to balance their own opinions against what the man will do when they find what he seeks - which is worse?

I really enjoyed this SEAL story which had a great mixture of drama, danger, betrayal and love. Well written and very enjoyable, the resolution will put to be some of the past as well as set things up for a great future.

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Review: 1975: The Seven Book Five by Sarah M. Cradit 4 of 5 stars

1975: The Seven Book Five by Sarah M. Cradit
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this tale of the events that affected the Deschanel siblings in 1975, they are starting to have families and make very long lasting decisions about their futures. Charles is now a father and has a whole new priority that overrides his reckless behaviour of the past, Augustus has a dissolving marriage at the same time that he discovers he is to become a father, Colleen is in love in Scotland, Evangeline is in New England using education soothe her soul, Maureen is now a mother which has become her true purpose and Elizabeth finds penance for the past by helping Augustus. How will the family navigate through all the secrets, lies and fates that they cannot escape no matter their wealth and power?

There was a lot of emotional torture in this book for the siblings and very little pleasure. A lot of the time this seems to be a reward for past actions and only on rare occasions was it undeserved. It was interesting to see how they reacted to their own scenarios and the effects of their behaviour on the others. I felt desperately sorry for Augustus, Evangeline and Maureen and their situations but not so sad for both Charles and Colleen. Well written and enjoyable to read. This book is a must for anyone who has read the House of Crimson and Clover series of books.

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Review: Kingdom of Sand and Wishes: A limited edition of Aladdin retellings by J.A. Armitage by Margo Ryerkerk 4 of 5 stars

Kingdom of Sand and Wishes: A limited edition of Aladdin retellings by J.A. Armitage by Margo Ryerkerk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Djinn Curse by Margo Ryerkerk - 4*

Roxelana was forced to become a Djinn 100 years ago and has been waiting for her shot at freedom. However to do that she needs to sacrifice the sultan prince to the djinn king however she hesitates after observing the care that he takes with his people. Who will she choose - herself or him?

Nice story with a great reason for her torment over the decision. Well written and very pleasant to read.

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Review: Black Dreams: A Quentin Black Paranormal Mystery Romance #10.5 by JC Andrijeski 5 of 5 stars

Black Dreams: A Quentin Black Paranormal Mystery Romance #10.5 by JC Andrijeski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Miriam's dreams start following her back into the real world, scaring the hell out of her husband, military-trained seer, Quentin Black.

If you have read one or especially both of the Bridge and Sword World and Quentin Black series by this author you will adore this story. It will give you closure on the former and a major development for the latter. I'm struggling with what to write without spoiling this story for the reader, so all I can say is OMG and WOW. Well written and clear/easy to understand this can be read even if you are not familiar with the series but you will get so much more from this if you have.

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Review: The Lonely Wolf by Monica La Porta 4 of 5 stars

The Lonely Wolf by Monica La Porta
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ludwig is an Archangel and Quintilius is an Alpha werewolf. They have been in love for over 2000 years but as they are from rival special they are stuck in a forbidden love, made so much worse when Ludwig chooses his career/duty over love. Lupo is a young werewolf who is full of anger and frustration striving to get a position in the Reds street gang in Rome. Then suddenly he finds love where he least expects it. In a fateful coincidence, Ludwig saves a vampire from a werewolf attack and makes a discovery that will link his life with Quintilius and Lupo's forever. However, he has to handle vampires, werewolves and angels plotting against them first.

There are a couple of stories woven into the story of Ludwig and Quintilius and their love for each other. Lupo was definitely an interesting part of the story and although in this one it covered his relationship with his father Quintilius, it also signposted a potential book detailing his relationship with Jasmine the Panther. I enjoyed the way that the characters in the book explored their feelings and eventually came to the correct conclusions even if they took their time getting to what I feel was the right conclusion. Well written and enjoyable.

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Review: The Immortals - Books 4-6 by Monica La Porta 5 of 5 stars

The Immortals - Books 4-6 by Monica La Porta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A bargain of a boxset that will leave you addicted and wanting more of the Immortals and their turbulent lives in and around Rome in Italy.

The Hidden Demon - 5*
As a demon, Peter is a pariah but has the skill that he can touch the dead and read their last thoughts, so is tolerated by the rest of the paranormal community. However, he is also cursed because any person that he touches he can influence - so he is convinced that he will live his days out with no intimacy nor any companionship. Wolf shifter and forensic anthropologist Ophelia is in love with her best friend Samuel who is totally in love with someone else so going through a personal crisis. So when the remains of a couple are discovered in an embrace both Ophelia and Peter are pulled in to find out what happened and who they are. Having met on site, their wit, intellect and attraction become something that cannot be denied and they feel an inescapable pull towards each other. Problems start when it becomes apparent that they are forces involved that want the story to remain hidden and they find themselves fighting to save themselves. Can they survive the situation and will the pull they feel between each other become impossible to deny?

This was a great story which has a lot of drama, danger, passion and even inter-species politics all pulled into a story which will suddenly become both deadly and undeniable as they end up fighting to save each other from the forces that would prefer that the truth stayed buried. There were some nice touches in this story and it makes you think how would we each cope as individuals if we were not able to touch people we cared about nor be able to tell the difference between an automatic reaction and true passion. I loved the ending of the story and it was so special to experience how they managed to get past all the problems that were in the way. Well written and a very enjoyable story.

An Immortal Valentine's Day - 5*
Alexander Drako may have been a playboy once, but now he is a doting father of three. There is a=to be a nighttime special party for Valentine's Day but he forgot the flowers that Ravenna wants to decorate. So he joins with friends Marcus and Samuel to go to paranormal rehab centre Wolf's Haven to get flowers from their greenhouse that have not been sold. Peter and Ophelia are back from their year-long honeymoon and she is eager to see adoptive father Quintilius who is volunteering at Wolf's Haven so they rush over there. Quintilius is not happy to see Peter as he stole his princess from him. However, they all focus on a crisis at the centre trying to find missing teenager Luisa, a girl who’s run away with a dangerous gang member. Will they be able to find the missing girl and make it back for the party?

I enjoyed this story which had lots of danger, drama and excitement all mixed into a soup of emotions and feelings experienced by the characters. I loved seeing Quintilius and Peter work together and find a way to resolve their differences. It was interesting to see how these strong men had turned to putty as soon as they found love with their women and subsequent offspring. Very enjoyable

Raphael - 5*

Shifter Raphael has a dreadful past life which has left him scarred and now is on his own it no one to care for him. He lives rough in the catacombs beneath Rome and does everything he can to evade the Controler who just wants to send him back to a life of torment in the Renegade Youth Shelter. His life takes a rapid turn the day he meets werewolf Luisa who is his one true soulmate. However, they only meet for a very short time as he has to continue to flee the Controller. With a broken heart and an absolutely bereft wolf, he will sacrifice everything he has (even if it is his freedom) when he discovers he has been captured by a ruthless street gang. Will he be able to rescue her so they can be happy together forever?

This book was a rollercoaster ride through a broken care system, a street-gang and the underbelly of Rome. He'll have to do all sorts of things that are not in his nature in order to be near to her and try to get her away from such a dire situation. The end was explosive and full of drama and danger as Raphael battled to save them both from the brutality of the street gang. If I had one regret, it is that the conclusion was a little abrupt although I did like the final solution. An enjoyable story and at times an addictive read.

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Review: Renegade Vampireby Monica La Porta 5 of 5 stars

Renegade Vampire by Monica La Porta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stella is a real-life Princess but she certainly doesn't live life like one. Her parents tragically died in an accident, she was then raised by an Aunt who has now also died of old age, and she is now all alone in the world with no money, little income from the many jobs she does, and a large bill to pay to save her ancestral home. With impending homelessness and desperate for a solution she contemplates becoming a Blood Courtesan in a business transaction with a wealthy Vampire - after all, it's all business so there is no danger of love getting in the way. Ancient vampire Fabian Laurentis is a world-famous actor and playboy. However, he is also the only reason Stella is still alive and when he realises she is about to make the worst mistake of her life he is determined that no one else will have her - no matter the cost. Little does he realise how difficult that may become - can he keep them both safe?

This was a lovely story and I really enjoyed the softer side of a Vampire being shown. I enjoyed Stella's determination to protect the people and things that she loved and how she took the difficult decision to do whatever it took to save her home. It was well written and it was easy to understand and experience all of the emotions and events happening to all of the characters. I felt so sorry for her as her troubles mounted up and definitely hoping someone could help her.

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Review: Caitlin's Song by John A. Heldt 5 of 5 stars

Caitlin's Song by John A. Heldt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Carson Children make an unplanned stop into 1962 and are based in Boulder, Colorado where Cody and Caitlin get to go to college. Their parents Tim and Caroline Carson are making a planned stop in 1972 but it becomes a nightmare when they read about their children's lives and discover that one has crossed paths with a killer. So broken hearted they race back to the past to reroute history. Will they manage and will the family ever meet up?

This is definitely full of lots of drama and excitement as we look at both the events in 1962 for the Carson children and those in 1972 for their parents. Woven into the story are events from those times in American history which are either big ones in general history or big ones in the history of the growing Carson family. I really enjoyed the events of a dream of Caitlin's as well as the events of the concert near the end of the story. Well written and very enjoyable I can't wait to find out what is going to happen to this time travelling family next and where they are going to go. Is this the time when they all meet or will then need another jump in time?

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Review: Swede by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Swede by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Swede had watched his brothers in arms fall for their perfect women and just hoped one day he would be as lucky. He then pushed those thoughts away as he was on a mission in Mexico watching a rebel camp only to stumble upon a group of civilians - including the one woman he thought was wrong for him. Eva had a long time love of animals and so when a friend asked her to come help move some suffering horses from Mexico to new homes she felt she couldn't refuse. However, she finds herself in trouble until she sees Swede who is determined to keep her safe and extract her from the danger no matter the personal cost. Can she protect her heart and can they beat the rebel's plan which will not be a happy ending for either of them?

This was a powerful story which included lots of danger and drama as they fought to save the animals, each other and found something perfect at the same time. I loved the way it wasn't a simple matter of boy and girl meet in a dangerous scenario and after a miraculous escape, they lived happily ever after. Instead, it was more difficult as Eva needed a lot of persuasions to go with her hidden feelings and they needed compromise, in the end, to find a way forward. Well written I liked the exploration of their emotions and feelings.

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Review: Evidence in the Echinacea by Dale Mayer 5 of 5 stars

Evidence in the Echinacea by Dale Mayer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Divorcee Doreen and her animals (Mugs, the basset hound; Goliath, the Maine coon cat, and Thaddeus, the far-too-talkative African grey parrot) just want to be left alone for a while so she can concentrate on getting the valuable antiques in the house to the auction house, her developing friendships with Corporal Mack Moreau and Penny (her first female friend in the area). However, she finds herself unable to ignore an accusation about Penny’s late husband George’s death she decides it won't hurt to just look into it. Suddenly Doreen seems to be juggling a cold case, a closed case, and a possible mercy killing. Mack should be used to Doreen’s antics by now when she dives into yet another of his cases but it’s becoming increasingly hard to take.

Wow - Doreen sure likes to complicate her life. I don't know how she manages to do the gardening, the house clearance, the investigation of murders and keep her sanity - if it was me I think I would have been overloaded with work to do and things to learn. This superwoman does appear to have her priorities slightly wrong and really needs to now work on finding the important paperwork as well as resolve her own sleeping arrangements which seem bizarrely uncomfortable (for goodness sake woman buy a bed!). This book as once again educated me about some plants as well as a few gardening techniques. Well written and highly addictive I really enjoyed this book which had Doreen in the thick of the action again.

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Review: Raphael by Monica La Porta 5 of 5 stars

Raphael by Monica La Porta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shifter Raphael has a dreadful past life which has left him scarred and now is on his own it no one to care for him. He lives rough in the catacombs beneath Rome and does everything he can to evade the Controler who just wants to send him back to a life of torment in the Renegade Youth Shelter. His life takes a rapid turn the day he meets werewolf Luisa who is his one true soulmate. However, they only meet for a very short time as he has to continue to flee the Controller. With a broken heart and an absolutely bereft wolf, he will sacrifice everything he has (even if it is his freedom) when he discovers he has been captured by a ruthless street gang. Will he be able to rescue her so they can be happy together forever?

This book was a rollercoaster ride through a broken care system, a street-gang and the underbelly of Rome. He'll have to do all sorts of things that are not in his nature in order to be near to her and try to get her away from such a dire situation. The end was explosive and full of drama and danger as Raphael battled to save them both from the brutality of the street gang. If I had one regret, it is that the conclusion was a little abrupt although I did like the final solution. An enjoyable story and at times an addictive read.

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Review: Cruel Magic by Eva Chase 5 of 5 stars

Cruel Magic by Eva Chase
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

College student Rory Franco's life completely changes when mages barge into the family home, murder her parents and then take her to a university known as Villain Academy. It appears her real name is Persephone Bloodstone a missing heir to one of the five dark magic families and her place is to be a scion to stand next to 4 arrogant (but very hot) men who rule the school. However, Rory has double trouble - she can't locate her wicked skills as she doesn't want to feed on other people's pain and she then locks horns with the scions when she sees their behaviour. Can she withstand the vicious other students and the 4 scions who are determined to crush anyone who is not prepared to behave in a way that they find acceptable? Can Rory survive their brutality and get a chance to avenge her parents' deaths?

Wow - this is going to be one hell of a series of books - hot sexy men, a determined heroine and pressure from all sides. I just hope Rory can get her magic working before it is too late as they seem to be more than a bit brutal. I'm already addicted so how am I going to wait for the rest of the series? Well written, a great plot and lots of detail in how Rory seels and the thoughts and emotions she is feeling I loved reading this. Definitely a recommended read.

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Review: Always Gray in Winter by Mark J. Engels 3 of 5 stars

Always Gray in Winter by Mark J. Engels
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Pawlina Katczynski is a Werecat and having resurfaced after a much-needed disappearance she finds herself thrust into a feud between her own family and another Werecat family where she has to fight as part of the battle to make sure an innovative item of technology is on her own side of the fence. Is blood thicker than water?

There were aspects of this story that I really enjoyed - there was a lot of skilled descriptions of items, thoughts and emotions, However, there were also sections that I found difficult - there were characters that I struggled to understand who they were and why they were in the story and the shifts between the past and the present were a little abrupt at times. So, in summary, I did enjoy this book but it was a little complicated at times which detracted from my enjoyment.

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