Paranormal, Romance - novel
TBR Reviewer: Amanda

Review

Quenton Blake is the most powerful of the Greek Muses, immortal beings that inspire others in exchange for feeding off their souls. Unfortunately, dead Muses become Shades, unnatural beings that invade and stretch out dead bodies, creating zombie-like creatures and looking for the next meal. Quenton and his team try to kill off the Shades. When Quenton's ex dies in a car accident and becomes a shade, he heads back to the home he left behind to claim his toddler daughter. Marie is Anna's daycare provider who steps up and offers to be her nanny after the car wreck. Unknown to Marie, she is about to enter a world she doesn't understand, where she is bait but could also be Quenton's salvation, for her soul could make him mortal.
 
This book had some confusing twists and turns, mainly because Marie has no idea what is going on and keeps bumbling into things she doesn't understand. There were a lot of convoluted threads to the plot - missing women, Tobin's hostility, Anna's illnesses, Marie's fears, Quenton's close-mouthedness - but all in all, the plot was entertaining. I enjoyed the fact that it was a different version of paranormal than many others out there in the market. I
liked Marie, who as fearful as she was with her past history, still stood up to the jerks in her present. She was a strong woman character. With all the factors ranged against him, Quenton didn't come off very well, so I had a hard time seeing them as a couple. There were also several editing errors that really bothered me, but overall the story had real promise and I want to see where the series goes. It also had some great lines in it; my favorite was when Marie though Quenton looked like "An extra hulky, extra irritated mime on meth." It is certainly worth a read if you are looking for something different in paranormal romance and do not mind occasionally fumbling to understand the plot.

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Thriller, Paranormal - novel
 TBR Reviewer: Kim

Review

This is the story of William Chandler. Disillusioned with his life after the death of his husband he turns into a vigilante and starts killing anyone connected to child abduction. He has a police officer after him about the murders but she isn't as disgusted by his behaviour as she should be. Together they must try and save a young girl who has been abducted by an entity known only as 'The Devourer'.

This story started off really well. I liked the idea of a vigilante serial killer taking out anyone connected with child abduction. It made serial killing seem almost honourable! The side story of the police officer chasing him, but not really trying too hard was engaging. Then ghosts were introduced and I thought things were getting a little strange but it was still enjoyable and I carried on page turning to find out what happened next. Then vampires and
werewolves were added. It all got a little bit silly and went downhill from there. It seemed as though the author had decided to throw in every cliched monster and go from there. The last quarter of the story didn't make much sense and created more questions than answered them. The author kept getting their characters muddled up. I wish I could recommend this as it started off so well, but sadly I can't as it just didn't hold up to it's early promise.

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Paranormal, Romance - novel
TBR Reviewer: Daniella

Review

Merci is called in by her boss Arthur to do a job. He needs her magic skills to find Drake Monroe, Merci´s ex-lover. Drake, who is the wizard Merlin incarnated, has been kidnapped by a goddess who wants to destroy both him and Merci. While working together to lift the curses the goddess has laid upon them, Merci and Drake realize they never really stopped loving each other. Can they win over the goddess and lift the curse, before they are torn away from each other, this time for good?
 
This book starts very well with a compelling concept. King Arthur and his knights have been reincarnated in modern day USA and are on a mission to protect other people through their private investigations firm. The author uses the short story form well and manages to set the stage quickly, and weaves in the background story very smoothly. The story of Drake and Merci is wrapped up well enough in this book, while opening up for an interesting continuation of the series. The story does leave me with the feeling that I would have wanted more, and not just in the sense of wanting to read the rest of the series. The ending felt rushed with the “final fight” not really involving the two main characters and their abilities. I would have liked to learn more about their magic, have them work the problem a little more and seen them grow a little from the experience. 

Beloved Wizard was very good entertainment and a good romance. It got me interested to read the rest of the stories about Arthur and his knights.

Excerpt

 


“I have no wish to be the next greatest anything. I like me just the way I am. I mind my own business and no one gets into my shit. Nice, quiet and uncomplicated.”

Color rose on Nimue’s fair complexion. Merci knew she’d just crossed the line, but couldn’t seem to care, even if the goddess could squash her like a bug. The only thing that mattered to her was Drake’s tall form moving ever closer toward them.

Nimue grabbed her upper arm in a punishing grip, whirled her around to face Drake. Nimue flung her hand out and Drake flew back like a puppet on a string, crashing into the far wall of the warehouse with a sickening flesh-meet-cinderblock thud. He lay crumpled amidst the debris like a broken doll.

Something snapped within Merci. Her blood scalded her veins. The taste of ash filled the back of her throat. Rage, cold and biting, filled her, coloring her vision in a red haze. Drawing energy from the earth, she channeled it up through her body, willing it to form. Her hands glowed, magic as hot as a stream of lava engulfed her. Her skin stung like the bite of a thousand fire ants as a small burst of electricity arched over her arms, snapping with pent up energy. The stench of ozone, hanging like a heavy cloud in the still air, filled the area. The force arched into Nimue, dropped her to the floor. Merci offered a feral smile while Nimue wreathed in pain against her magic. She bent down close enough for Nimue to hear her. “Since you don’t know me, I will explain this to you. You don’t fuck with what is mine. Drake, is mine.”

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Paranormal, Romance, - novel
TBR Reviewer: Luta Wolf

Review

As humans we have control over our basic instincts, while the animals around us go into heat during spring we remain somewhat free from that driving desire but what if we didn’t. What if we weren’t human but something different and mating was about something other than love, a drive that is all about pheromones and doesn’t go away. Could you fight it?
 
I found the plot to this story hugely fascinating. In a way it isn’t new, you can read any shifter book and it talks about “mates” but the authors approach was unique and kept me entirely captivated. A little too captivated as I got so sucked into the emotional impact of the characters that it was hard to let go of the melancholy once the story was over. 

All the characters are well written and three dimensional. Even the so called “bad guys” were anything but and pulled you into their own individual stories. I love Teriza, there is something queenly about her. Despite all that she goes through, all the pain and confusion, she still carries herself with grace. All together what I really loved about this book was that it was thought provoking, it called to the honor inside me and asked me “What would I do had I been in this situation?”

The sex scenes are hot as well, though be warned there is a lot of sex with “other” people, meaning others outside of the relationships that they end up in but no actual cheating. My only complaint is that I wish the author had put as much effort into bringing us out of the emotional turmoil that she worked so hard to put us in, however, this is a really good book that I feel compelled to recommend.

Excerpt

“I should go.”


Teriza absorbed the quiet sound of Paul’s voice, but startled as the oven
timer beeped. “Dinner’s ready.”


“It smells delicious, but we both know it’s best if I don’t stay.”


Teriza couldn’t step out on a limb with Paul. Not yet. This was too new. She
needed time to think rationally, if her body would allow her that luxury. Such
thinking wouldn’t be possible with him so close. Even knowing that, there was a
part of her that wanted to stake her claim on Paul.


Instead of skirting the counter to leave the kitchen area, he chose to pass
by her. Gaze locked on hers, Paul drew close, then closer still. One second more
and he would pass her. He made a slight shift and Teriza’s hand shot out, her
fingers clamping over his wrist. The action was motivated from an instinct she
couldn’t trust. Having found and lost her life-mate so recently, this could
merely be a manifestation of her fear of being alone, of not ever having a
family of her own.


Paul hooked one finger inside her sleeve and tugged twice, asking her to
close the distance between them. His gaze smoldered, but he didn’t make a move.
Teriza looked away, released him and a chill stole through her chest. Another
sign? She took a baby step forward, testing her body’s reaction. Paul remained
still. Teriza inched forward until her breasts were dangerously close to
brushing his chest when he inhaled. She lifted one hand, letting her fingertips
skim over his sweater-covered bicep, up, up over his shoulder.


‘Teriza.’


Her name whispered along raw nerve endings. Raising her gaze to his face she
saw the tightly clenched jaw, the warning in his eyes. She was toying with an
open flame.


For both their sakes she had to let him go. For now.


Dropping her hand, Teriza took a step back and knew physical pain when Paul
closed his eyes and shuddered. She turned away, lest he see her indecision. A
slight movement of air preceded muffled footsteps, then the front door opened
and closed.


Only then did Teriza release the breath she held and take note of the
trembling. The ache. Not just for sex—though that was indisputably present—but
for Paul and the closeness, the serendipitous connection of a kindred spirit she
felt when he was near.

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Paranormal, Romance - novel
TBR Reviewer: Amanda

Review

Hatch Lancaster is a dragon, a member of two dragon races hiding among humans in plain sight. Hatch is a Concord and is sent by an older friend to Maui with no understanding of what he is supposed to be doing there. His mother, Ellie, also drops strange hints and orders on him while he is there, and requests he check on an old friend, Lucas Blue, and his daughter, Vivian Blue. Vivian, or Blue as she is called, is an 18-year-old half-breed, the daughter of a Tar and a Concord dragon who has been raised to think she is human. Throughout the book, Blue begins to find out about Dragonkind, the truth behind her parents' life (and mother's death), and her own strangeness. Hatch falls in love rapidly, and
although they both fight it to begin with, Blue falls right back.

This book set up a very interesting society and I was pulling for Blue and Hatch, but the writing left much to be desired. At times choppy, I often felt as confused as Hatch was about what was going on, and I still had too many unanswered questions at the end of the book. However, I liked all the characters and the world that was built. The concept of what dragon
scales are and each character's individual magic was quite fun. I would love to see Hatch and Blue get their HEA rather than the ubrupt ending that was left. I assume a sequel is in the works and would be pleased to read one.

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Romance, Paranormal - novel
TBR Reviewer: B.H.

Review

The beginning was confusing. The author gives up details that she’s outside at some kind of alter but a few paragraphs down Rowen is in her bathroom. The witch chants were cheesy rhymes that were a real struggle to enjoy. The editing would also benefit from more attention. Then there’s meeting the spirit that Rowen has seen since she was a child. First, it’s just spirit then Odessa and then grandmother. Pick one and go with it, I had to sort through the page to figure the simple fact that these three people were the same person. It’s also very hard to decipher who’s who and who’s speaking the way the author wrote this.
There’s also too many character introductions at once. Courtney’s also confusing. Is she the brother’s wife or sleeping with the dad? Or is Alison the wife? Then there’s information dumps. It’s all muddled and it really ruined a potentially good story. 

There’s a lot of good one liners and the story is interesting. Witches are hot right now, but this book is not. If an editor were to go through and fix it up then I might recommend Headlocks and Hexes. As is, I would not recommend this. 

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Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance - novel
TBR Reviewer: Shyla 

Review

Infinite Betrayal was slow to start, and I was tempted to put it down after the first sixty pages passed by with an overwhelming amount of details, background, and very little action. Fortunately I stuck the story out, and the action, passion and adventure kicked in. With twists, turns and a fresh take on shape shifters this tale left me impressed and eager to read more. 

Mina is a woman who’s stuck at a turning point in her life, and unsure of where to go next. After losing her Mother she receives a mysterious letter that leads her to Germany. The Father she’s always thought to be dead is alive, and with nothing left to loose she sets off to find him, and hopefullya part of herself in the process. Once she arrives there she meets the sexy enigma known as Mathias. Sent by her Father the tempting French born man has her thinking wicked thoughts the first night they met. Luckily for her , the reality of their coming together is even more phenomenal.  I can only describe their passionate encounters as Smex. The hot nasty, down and dirty melding of bodies we all need every now and then. 

Mathias is his king’s best warrior sent to protect the daughter no one knew he had, until now. The attraction  he feels for Mina is instant, and resistance is futile when instincts take over and he marks her. The discovery of her true heritage brings up painful betrayals and tests them both in ways they never imagined. 

This is a wonderful read that will keep you turning pages as fast as you can read them once you get over the slow start. I recommend this books, especially if you love shifters.

Excerpt

Mina tried to turn again to go to her room. His fingers tightened slightly and he took the first step to loom over her. He inhaled slowly as if he was getting ready to deliver an unwanted speech. Mina narrowed her eyes and raised a hand to stop him from speaking. Instead of delving into the reasons he would not be leaving her side, he reached up with his free hand and grasped Mina’s raised palm gently. He released her arm and pressed her hand between both of his as if warming it. His green eyes darkened as Mina’s mouth fell open in shock. She stopped breathing, almost as if in expectation of what he was going to do. Very slowly and deliberately, he raised her hand to his mouth.

The blood in her veins stopped flowing as her knuckles came into contact with his warm lips. His mouth remained on her hand for what seemed like hours. Her fingers instinctively
curled inward and she fought the urge not to place her other hand in his hair and hold on tight. Jesus, what this man could probably do with that mouth. It might have been a while since Mina had had sex, but the flutter in her stomach reminded her she was probably due for some real quick.

Slowly removing his mouth from her hand, he took a slight nip at her skin with his teeth. Mina’s nipples immediately tightened against her shirt at the sensation. Mathias lifted
his thick lashes and she met his heated gaze. His eyes were warm and inviting. He didn’t let her hand go but simply started brushing the inside of her palm with the pad of his thumb. Mina was immediately aware of the wetness pooling between her legs at the mere idea of what could happen next. She felt chilled but about to melt at the same time. No words came to her. Only a feeling of guilt mixed with the tantalizing thought of letting him touch her more. She was way too turned-on to utter a word. With her mouth still open, she just stood
there and stared. His eyes were almost hypnotic. Her mind was a complete blank. All she knew was she did not want this man to let go of her hand.

She imagined he continued up the steps and led her behind him, like a lamb to slaughter. Once reaching her room, he would push her up against the door and crush his mouth to
hers, sending her into oblivion. He’d lace his hands into her hair and gently tug at the curls to force her closer. She’d arch against him to get the feel of his body against hers. Warm, hard and ready. His hands would move slowly down her back to grip her ass, lifting her against him. Wrapping her legs around his hips, she’d feel the hardness of his need for her and grind herself against it. She’d moan into his mouth that she wanted him desperately. He’d magically open the door, and within seconds, he’d be on top of her, burying her in the soft down comforter on top of the bed in her room. Gently moving his hands up her sides and underneath her sweater, he’d cup her breasts and move his thumbs expertly over her already hard nipples. Throwing back her head in ecstasy, she’d beg him to take her...

Wake up Mina!

She snapped out of her sexual trance to realize she had been grasping his hand hard enough to dig her short nails into his skin.

He slowly straightened his stance. Once again, she looked up into his gorgeous face. Was he smiling? Her hand still molded in his, Mina remained frozen in place. “Good night then,
Mina. Sleep well.”

Mina’s hand was slowly lowered to her side and his warm palms slipped away, leaving her wondering what the hell had just happened.

Very casually, Mathias turned and walked out of the hotel, closing the door firmly behind
him.

Mina remained standing on the third step with her mouth open and her gaze glued to the closed front door of the hotel. “Holy shit.”

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Paranormal, Romance - Novel
TBR Reviewer: Daniella

Review

Nala Arpaiahas lived an isolated life since her parents died when she was very young. She knows she has some kind of power and being able to connect with other people´s minds makes her very suitable for her chosen profession as a psychiatrist. One day, Gabriel Ricardo shows up to tell her that she belongs to a community of magic-users and otherworldly creatures. An evil magician named Broncestan is after her and her abilities. Gabriel is her assigned guardian and he will take her to the safety of a magic mansion in Albania.  Nala now has to learn about her family history and how to control her abilities, before the spell that has protected her expires on her 25th birthday and Broncestan can attack her. 
 
I liked the magical world that Sara Trimble built, with many interesting characters and creatures. She has put enough of her own spin on things to make it different from other stories in the genre. It does take quite a long time before  the main plot unfolds.

The love story between Nala and Gabriel didn´t grab me until the end. It starts with such instant attraction and Gabriel tries to resist, because he believes that he can´t do his job well if he is involved with Nala. That they are struggling with that issue feels valid, but most of the time it feels like what actually comes between them is that Nala. Gabriel and a whole
bunch of the other residents of the mansion act as hormonal, hot-headed and jealous teenagers when it comes to their love life. I understand that some jealousy and heart break can be needed to drive the plot forward and drive wedges between lovers, but some of the high school drama could have been left out. 

I enjoyed Heart over mind.

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Paranormal, Thriller - novel
TBR Reviewer: Shyla

Review

Conner is a private investigator with a painful past. His life was once decimated by the paranormal , and now he does his best to avoid anything supernatural. Problem is , the other world has their sights set on him When people close to him begin to disappear and spirits show up to give him warnings. Connor is forced to face the horrendous event he’s been struggling to forget. It’s a race for him to  figure out what’s after him and how to stop it, before he loses the person who means the most to him. 

Nightfall had a great concept, but it was so background, and detail heavy I had a hard time wading through it. The story jumped a lot between past memories, and events to the present which really threw me off. It prevented me from getting lost into the complex world P.W. created, the way I wanted to.  On the upside there were plenty of twists, and turns, and I was kept  guessing, till the very last.

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M/M, Paranormal - novel
TBR reviewer: Amanda

Review


In Lost Shifters #16, another of the small band of shifters rescued from slavery earlier in the series finally gets his story. Gage is a Hawk shifter with a desperate crush on Branson, the blind Lion who runs the historical archives of the shifter coalition. As is expected in this series, both characters bring plenty of baggage into the romance and it is interesting to
watch how the past is both revealed and begun to be put to rest. Everyone in the coalition also continues to deal with the fall-out from the Ravens' very public attack that has drawn the shifters out of obscurity and into human notice, so many favorite characters from previous stories put in brief cameos.
 
I appreciated the way that Gage and Branson kept mis-reading each other because of the way they filtered their current interactions through past memories. Branson spent so much time being picked on that he just thought Gage was taunting him when Gage made his interest known. Gage's ugly childhood and young adulthood made rejection even harder to deal with. I loved the way Branson's younger brother sneakily pushed everyone's buttons to force the issue and I think my favorite scene was when Branson chased Gage down in front of all his friends.
 
I think my favorite part of this series as a whole is the way that Ms. Hecht takes damaged, dysfunctional characters and pairs them together with beautiful results. Gage and Branson definitely fit each other and their story is a great addition to the Lost Shifters series.

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