Monthly Archives: July 2018
Perfect Storm by E.A. Copen #Review
An ancient evil lurks in the waters of the Concho River.
After a massive storm, flood waters threaten Paint Rock, Texas, home to over three hundred supernaturals. In the water lurks a new predator, a giant, venomous snake shifter with origins in Native American myth. When one of her own is bitten, Judah Black must find a way to hunt down the monster and a cure before the venom kills her friend and more people get hurt.
But nothing’s ever simple.
To find and catch her prey, she’ll have to work with a bounty hunter named Logan Creed whose decades long hunt for the mythical snake borders on obsession. He’ll sacrifice everything to complete his hunt, including her family and friends.
This book is the first novella in the Judah Black series and ends with the mystery being solved, but all sorts of relationship questions still unresolved. A love interest is hinted at between Judah and the werewolf, Sal. Judah is a human paranormal detective with a werewolf son, Hunter. There seems to be quite a bit of story that happened previously, as old events are mentioned. I was confused as to when those events were in a story, as this novella is labeled as the first in the series.
My Partner the Wolf by Hollis Shiloh #Review
Tom Langley and Sean Goods work together in a human-and-wolf shifter partnership, assisting the police, rushing in to solve crimes wherever their bosses send them. They’re a great team, and they have fun together, too: joking and enjoying each other’s company in a way that doesn’t happen every day.
Tom is also a married man. And his husband hates the wolf shifter with a passion. Tom tries to balance the sides of his life—one minute on a high-pressure chase with Sean, the next placating his husband Lowell.
Then the unthinkable happens: his marriage ends. Heartbroken, he’s not expecting to ever get over Lowell’s betrayal or to be able to love again.
Sean offers a solution: sex as friends. They have chemistry, and they trust each other.
But can they change their partnership that much? And is Sean secretly harboring feelings for him—expecting more than just sex?
Sean is a loveable, funny, strong, and protective. He’s the best buddy a guy could have. But Tom might not be able to keep from breaking his heart—if Sean is in love with him, and Tom can’t love him back.
One of the common rules of the workplace is that a person should not get romantically involved with a coworker. The problem with that general rule is that certain jobs need partners that work well with each other, can trust each other, and act as a unit…specifically law enforcement jobs. The level of connection gets amplified when one of those partners is a wolf shifter, as Tom Langley has come to find out working with lone wolf Sean Goods. But Tom is also married to Lowell, and Lowell and Sean simply do not get along.
This is the set-up of the romantic complications of _My Partner The Wolf_, a book written by Hollis Shiloh. While dealing with the complications in this set of same sex relationships, the author adds a paranormal element in his story but keeps the emotional elements grounded. The characters are well developed, and the action moves with a reasonable pace. The world itself is mostly realistic, and while the existence of wolf shifters isn’t gone into in great detail, the story doesn’t require any further explanation to keep it well structured.
As far as negatives or criticisms, I have remarkably few. I could see where some readers might see some of these character actions and reactions as perhaps overly dramatic…possibly even stereotypical…but when it comes to love and heartbreak, large reactions and feelings do tend to emerge. Some people tend to be more grounded than others, which is actually seen between Tom and Sean. Also, if same-sex romance and action isn’t your thing then this novel is definitely not for you. If well written and well-constructed romantic same-sex fiction is what you’re after, then this book definitely is for you.
The Castle of Fire and Fable by Steffanie Holmes #Review
Five beautiful witches … one painful choice.
Now that the secrets of Maeve’s past have been revealed, she begins to embrace her newfound powers. Being a witch and a science geek makes her head hurt at times, but luckily she’s got Corbin, Arthur, Flynn, Rowan, and Blake to awaken her powers and tend her broken heart.
The only way the coven will be strong enough to battle the fae is if Maeve chooses a consort. But how can she choose when each of the guys need and want her? How can she accept only one when they all fill the empty void inside her?
Maeve is still reeling from the death of her parents when another tragedy strikes. This time, she must face her grief head on, and find strength in her bond with her five broken witches to battle an impossible foe.
The Castle of Fire and Fable is the second in a brand new steamy reverse harem romance series by USA Today bestselling author, Steffanie Holmes. This full-length book glitters with love, heartache, hope, grief, dark magic, fairy trickery, steamy scenes, British slang, meat pies, second chances, and the healing powers of a good cup of tea. Read on only if you believe one just isn’t enough.
So I started with book two in this series. It was easy enough to follow, with the right amount of missing information to make me want to go back and read that first book. I wasn’t lost, just very curious! The action in this one grabs you right away and has you racing through the pages! The sex scenes are hot and steamy and mystical, full of magic and power.
As an independent reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock, I gave this one the full five hearts as some of the history for these guys left me heartbroken and misty-eyed. I can’t wait to go back and see how they all got together to begin with!
https://www.amazon.com/review/R3D0X3TH233O1M/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
The Kinshield Legacy by K.C. May #Review
When the mage-king of Thendylath and his queen are slain by a demon, and the only written account of their demise is burned in a fire, the kingdom falls into chaos. For two hundred years, the truth of King Arek’s death is locked within the impenetrable palace. All that remains of the king’s powerful magic is a tablet embedded with gems and protected by mysterious runes. But then, the gems in the tablet, one by one, disappear.
Warrant knight Gavin Kinshield is a man of many secrets. He’s the one deciphering the runes in the tablet. Unless he can find a suitable replacement, he’ll be Thendylath’s next king. All he really wants is the letter written by his ancestor Ronor Kinshield, champion to King Arek… a letter he must earn by tracking down a common thief.
But when Gavin saves a woman’s life, what should have been a simple task draws him face-to-face with his nightmarish past… and the truth of King Arek’s demise.
The Kinshield Legacy: An epic fantasy adventure is the first book in the kinshield saga series of books. The book starts out with Gavin Kinshield looking at where Queen Calewin had died two hundred years before. Gavin a poor peasant who is a long way from his ancient ancestors does not know what is drawing him in to look at the King’s bloodstones, but each time he goes in he finds a rune comes to him and another stone is released and comes loose. But his story is only starting here I will let you read on.
This story is good. This is a nice story that is about fantasy with your typical sword and sorcery feel to it. This is a steady paced story for the reader. I would recommend this for you adult readers or readers who do not mind a story that is not going to keep you on the edge of your seat the whole book.
I’m giving this book 4 hearts
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from
Romance Authors that Rock. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lovers Catch by Dani Stowe #Review
A Contemporary, Sexy Reverse Little Mermaid Novel.
Shelley grew up dreaming of mystical creatures who lived beneath the sea. Her aunt insisted on the existence of men with fishtails. But as an adult, Shelley tries to forget such nonsense, to avoid becoming another loony in a long line of perceived psychotic women. So, Shelley will choose not to believe in everything she’s been taught about underwater people, destiny, and cosmic connection because it’s just plain crazy. To believe that men could come with gills and fishtails is simply absurd. Until of course, Shelley is saved by one such man, a seaman, who will do everything he can to make her love him like crazy.
Deep and Wet: This book is intended for mature audiences.
This story is really one a kind. I fell in love with the characters and the story. The author really makes you feel involved with the legend that it makes it hard to put the book down. You really think you know what’s going occur but the twists keep you guessing. I’m an independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock and all opinion and feelings are my own. Based on content this book is for a mature audience. I’m giving this book 4 hearts.
The Ninth Hunter by Anna Hub #Review
These weren’t ghosts of the dead with unfinished business. They were something far more sinister.
Daniel Barrow is a ghost hunter bound to a life of misery; protecting the world from ghosts by killing their human hosts. He knows the rules: mark the targets, plot the crime scenes, and then murder those beyond saving. Daniel’s safe in his rituals—until he meets Faye Michaels.
Faye isn’t his average target and her ghosts threaten to destroy everything he has worked for. When his ritual goes wrong, Daniel must create an uneasy alliance with the woman he intended to kill. But the deeper they dig, the closer they get to a dangerous secret that will change their lives forever.
Daniel must make a choice: fulfil his duty, or turn his back on those he has come to trust. Can the truth lead him to salvation?
The Ninth Hunter is a story about Daniel Barrow. Daniel is outside the house of 20-year old who was the host for ghosts. They were created and attached to her life force and the only way to stop them was to kill her, but Daniel thought of it as a kindness since they would drive her nuts and suck her life force from her before she died. Daniel is only twenty-three himself but finding out about the ghost and all at twenty has made him feel much older than his years. He has a job to do though, and that is to get rid of ghosts.
This story is really good. This is a great book for anyone who loves ghost stories, and stores about the other side. The characters developed really fast and pulled the reader in right away. This is a very unique view on ghost stories and my first book from this author so I look forward to checking out her other books.
I’m giving this book 4 hearts
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from
Romance Authors that Rock. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Demon King’s Desire by J.L. Sheppard
Jenna Jenson’s spent her life wondering why she’s different. The only people who may help her find out have been lost to her since their mother’s death. When she’s attacked by a man whose supernatural abilities supersede her own, she’s rescued by the devastatingly handsome demon king, Lucas Thaler. While she’s inexplicably drawn to him, powers she never knew she possessed are unleashed, leading her to discover she’s part of a new breed of immortals who can either save or destroy life.
After a war in his demon plane and home, Lucas has dedicated his life to battling Malum Inmortalis, rogue immortals whose sole purpose is to rule immortals and mortals alike. As fate would have it, the hunt for these vile creatures leads him to her. Instantly, he recognizes her. She’s the woman he’s been waiting for, for centuries, the woman he’s been dreaming of for centuries—his fated mate.
Demon King Lucas has been dreaming of his fated mate just hoping someday she’ll be a reality. While waiting to find her, Lucas, his soldiers, and other guardians are fighting Malums, those out doing evil against the world and killing humans. Jenna has no idea any of that is going on or that she is one of the new race. All she knows is that she has a few abilities that make her different than others. All she wants is to find her sisters, who she was separated from when they were little. Lucas knows immediately that Jenna is the one he’s been fighting for. Convincing her and especially her guardian angel Clyde, is another matter. As she trains with Lucas and his soldiers and gains control of her powers, she is more and more drawn to Lucas. Together they come together to the Malums holding one of her sisters and face a betrayal from someone close to Lucas. This was an interesting story and a unique storyline on shifters. It was interesting, but it did take me an oddly long amount of time to finish. Jenna and her powers were especially interesting and Lucas’ love and devotion to Jenna was sweet. I rate this book 5 Stars and will look for the next in the series.
*****Reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*****
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39788630
https://www.amazon.com/review/R3NVNZDAQKWBXX/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
Immune by Jessica Gomez #Review
They thought the worst was behind them, days of chaos and death. Relocating to the mountains of Oregon was supposed to give them a fresh start, but when the residents of the cave slowly begin to turn, they realize their horrors are not yet over.
The Infected are returning.
After one of their own turns and escapes with their security, they contemplate the risk of pursuing. With winter right around the corner and another rescue mission on the horizon, the group decides to focus their attention on the fast approaching cold.
While rescuing the small group that helped Ian return home, Lillie’s premonitions begin to present themselves in haunting dreams, flashes of turmoil. Warning her of the events to come. Encountering the new breed informs them of their increasing intelligence. Hunting in groups like carnivorous animals and ambushing their prey.
With the increasing intellect of the Infected and their friend’s intimate knowledge of the caves, was it a mistake to let them live? Are Lillie’s dreams a prediction of her future? Or can this small cave family fight against all odds and beat the hand of fate?
Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming by Sara Crawford
To find her Muse, she must first find herself.
Sylvia Baker used to live for music: constantly listening to artists like M83 and Moonlight Bride, writing songs, and playing drums in a band. But now, the soundtrack of her life is silence. If she lets the music back in, she’s worried she will return to her delusions about the Muses–the mystical beings who inspire artists to create art. She’s worried she’ll have to face the wounds of losing Vincent, her Muse, her love.
She tries to move on, immersing herself in the real world–working at the grocery store, mending her relationships with her friends and her father, and developing a new love for hiking. But in her dreams, she is forced to face the questions growing in her heart.
What if they never were delusions? What if a vicious battle between the traditional Greek Muses and modern Earthly Muses tore her from the world of the Muses? What if she never lost Vincent at all? And what if he’s the one who needs to be saved?
Review: I challenge all of you to take a moment and turn on your favorite movie or television program. Now, turn off the sound. Do you still get the same enjoyment out of the program? If it were possible to listen to a movie or TV show with just the dialog intact, but without the music, it would be a very different experience. For me, personally, a life without music would be a very poor life, indeed. In this second installment of the Muse Chronicles, Sylvia is dealing with the aftermath of being outed as someone who sees and interacts with Muses. Unfortunately, the “normal” people around Sylvia, including her musician father, Dylan, believe her to be suffering from a break with reality and, at the end of the first book, she spends some time in an in-patient facility doped up on anti-psychotic medications and she spends the bulk of this second book fighting her way back to normal, or at least normal for her. And, for Sylvia, she feels that “normal” needs to be a life without music, which makes life very difficult for her. While Sylvia finds her new status quo, the Original Muses and the Earthly Muses continue to wage a fight that will leave some dead, and some fighting for inspiration for themselves and their artists.
Like many second books in a trilogy, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming is spent setting up the action of the third book, which I cannot wait to read. I have truly enjoyed the new spin on the Greek Muses, on Inspiration and the inspiration we all take for granted each and every day. As was the first book, this book is also very much a love story dedicated to music and the author has created several playlists so that her readers can enjoy the music she references, which I really appreciated. While some middle books in a trilogy can be dull and rote as they set up the action for the final installment, this one stayed fresh and enjoyable and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the stories of the Greek Muses and who are lovers of music, as I am.
Reviewed by HR Duby for Romance Authors that Rock
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2447478480?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R2Y48R0SF0AQWZ/ref=cm_cr_othr_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B077TL31HH
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Caught in a Lie by Laura Read #Review
‘Dating is like psychological warfare, and all’s fair in love and war.’
Julianne Carrell is a bored socialite in London, flitting from man to man, shop to shop, party to party. When asked to seduce a man for more money than she’s ever seen before, she thinks that setting a honey trap will be exciting. Then she finds out that she already knows her target: years ago, she had a one-night stand with him behind his girlfriend’s back. Will he remember her?
Now married, Thomas Matthews is a junior partner at a consultancy firm, with a wealthy father backing him to enter politics. Does he want to follow in his father’s footsteps though? He can’t help feeling that he’s being manipulated to enter a dark, secretive world that he doesn’t fully understand.
As Julianne gets closer to her target, she realises that she’s being played by powerful people who want Thomas under their control. They won’t stop at anything to get what they want. Julianne knows that she’ll lose out on her money if Thomas finds out the truth about her, but soon she learns that there’s even more at stake: perhaps her life.
This book is the 1st in the Sex, Lies & Politics series. This story shows how people in power can be manipulated using whatever is in their background. Thomas is in a stale marriage and is running for a political office. A one night stand year prior is going to be the cause of his downfall. Julianne is the one night stand. She is the most unpleasant woman. She has a relationship with a good man, but accepts money to ruin Thomas. Julianne has no redeeming qualities and I hoped Mark would totally dump her.
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