Review: SHADOW DANCE by Christine Feehan

IMG_6913
SHADOW DANCE (A Shadow Riders Novel Book 8) by Christine Feehan

Publication Date: August 22, 2023

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

IMG_6910Tensions and passions rise in the city that never sleeps in this propulsive novel in #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan’s Shadow Riders series.

As the head of the New York City Shadow Riders and his branch of the Ferraro family, Geno bears the weight of dual responsibilities on his broad shoulders. There’s nothing more important to Geno than protecting his territory and his famiglia. So when his own parents become the latest victims in a string of vicious murders, Geno is ready to go scorched earth. He thinks he has the assassin in his sights, but he’s unprepared for the firestorm their connection ignites….

Amaranthe Aubert’s lithe dancer’s body conceals a spine of steel. Even held captive and faced with the threat of lethal interrogation, she’s not about to cave under pressure. She had nothing to do with the murders, no matter what the ruthless man in front of her believes. But before Amara knows what’s happening, Geno connects to her in the shadows, stripping her bare of all artifice. Now, she has no way to hide her true reason for being in New York—and nowhere to run from the man who’s very presence steals the very breath from her lungs….

~*~*~*~

600879C2-1C69-4EC1-B2D2-0B0162F86488

I enjoyed the introduction to the New York Ferraros. They are fierce, loyal, dangerous, and yet share a lighthearted camaraderie that tempers their dangerous personalities. It did take me a little bit to warm up to Geno and Amaranthe, so the insta-love once their shadows merged didn’t mesh with me. Thankfully that changed as their attraction and mutual respect blossomed into a loving and romantic dance. I particularly enjoyed watching Geno struggle with his need to shelter her while respecting her innate abilities that rivaled his. They made quite the couple. The storyline was compelling and had my heart racing a few times. I liked that the Chicago Ferraros were there to help round out this new direction of the Riders. I look forward to the next installment!

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

IMG_6916

Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

Amazon Series Link

~*~*~*~

image

image#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan has over 40 novels published, including four series. Each of her four series has hit #1 on the NY Times. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature for 1999. Since then she has been published by Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards.

She is pleased to have made numerous bestseller lists including the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Bookscan, B. Daltons, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Waldenbooks, Ingrams, Borders, Rhapsody Book Club, Washington Post, and Walmart. She has received numerous honors throughout her career including being a nominee for the RWA’s RITA. She has received a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times and the Borders 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award.

She has been published in multiple languages and in many formats, including large print, palm pilot, e-book, and hardcover. In October of 2007 her first manga comic, Dark Hunger was released in stores. This was the first ever manga comic released by Berkley Publishing and it made #11 on Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller’s List. Her ground-breaking book trailer commercials have been shown on TV and in the movie theaters. She has been featured on local TV, appeared on the The Montel Williams Show, and her book Dark Legend was featured on the cover of Romantic Times Magazine.

Christine Feehan has also appeared at numerous writers’ conventions and book signings including: Romantic Times Convention, Get Caught Reading at Sea Cruise, Celebrate Romance Conference, Emerald City Conference, and numerous Romance Writers of America Conferences.

Website | Facebook | TwitterPinterest

#GhostlyGame #NetGalley

Review: BUSINESS OR PLEASURE by Rachel Lynn Solomon

IMG_5929BUSINESS OR PLEASURE by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Publication Date: July 4, 2023

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Synopsis

IMG_5922A ghostwriter and a struggling actor help each other on the page and in the bedroom in this steamy romantic comedy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk.

Chandler Cohen has never felt more like the ghost in “ghostwriter” until she attends a signing for a book she wrote—and the author doesn’t even recognize her. The evening turns more promising when she meets a charming man at the bar and immediately connects with him. But when all their sexual tension culminates in a spectacularly awkward hookup, she decides this is one night better off forgotten.

Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. Her next project is ghostwriting a memoir for Finn Walsh, a C-list actor best known for playing a lovable nerd on a cult classic werewolf show who now makes a living appearing at fan conventions across the country. Chandler knows him better from their one-night stand of hilarious mishaps.

Chandler’s determined to keep their partnership as professional as possible, but when she admits to Finn their night together wasn’t as mind-blowing as he thought it was, he’s distraught. He intrigues her enough that they strike a deal: when they’re not working on his book, Chandler will school Finn in the art of satisfaction. As they grow closer both in and out of the bedroom, they must figure out which is more important, business or pleasure—or if there’s a way for them to have both.

~*~*~*~

8EFDC566-9513-422B-9FC7-564B903C39EA

I thoroughly enjoyed this sexy little contemporary romance. For me it was refreshing and new in several ways. Each of them had vulnerabilities and issues I could relate to, which made me invested in their future. I adored Finn. He wasn’t the stereotypical alpha male, but instead a bit of a nerd (Lord of the Rings fan which made me love him more.) and a bit unsure of himself. Chandler had her own hidden insecurities that made her the perfect one to understand Finn. I loved how they dealt with issues – honestly and maturely. Especially about Finn’s poor performance in the bedroom. It was refreshing to not deal with angst, tantrums, or drama. The book didn’t need that to drive the story. This novel dealt with OCD and self-doubt, but in a way that was not preachy. It was real, humorous, sexy, and fun.

*Review copy provided by Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

IMG_5924

Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

~*~*~*~

About the Author

Rachel Lynn Solomon is the New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk, Today Tonight Tomorrow, and other romantic comedies for teens and adults. Her next book, Business or Pleasure, will be published in July 2023. Originally from Seattle, she’s currently navigating expat life in Amsterdam, where she can often be found exploring the city, collecting stationery, and working up the courage to knit her first sweater. Connect with her on Instagram @rlynn_solomon or online at rachelsolomonbooks.com.

Review: GHOSTLY GAME by Christine Feehan

IMG_5087
GHOSTLY GAME (A GhostWalker Novel Book 19) by Christine Feehan

Publication Date: May 2, 2023

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

IMG_5079It’s fight or flight in this sultry, suspenseful GhostWalker novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

Gideon “Eagle” Carpenter is used to rolling with the punches life has thrown at him. It’s the only thing that’s kept him alive. He and his team of GhostWalkers have seen and experienced it all. He does his best to live with all the sins written on his soul. Then he hears the laughter of a woman with the ability to erase—even for a few precious moments—the darkness of his past.

Laurel “Rory” Chappel has always been a nomad. She’s accustomed to taking care of herself, despite the physical challenges she lives with. She thinks she’s too weak to find real love, but that doesn’t stop her interest in Gideon from turning into a full-on addiction. He’s all rough edges and danger contrasted with a tenderness that makes her feel safe. Still, after a life spent in motion, she’s not sure she knows how to stay in one place.

Gideon hopes he can persuade Rory to take a chance on him with every electric touch. But soon, life conspires against him, forcing the GhostWalker to risk everything to protect the woman he loves….

~*~*~*~

9C0F7809-58BB-4C10-90BE-5BCF72FB53CE

I believe this is my favorite Ghostwalker installment. I immediately liked them both and understood their reactions to each other and the danger around them. Rory’s past, though forgotten, caused her nightmares and made her afraid to trust. Gideon has many demons from his past as well, yet they help each other break open their shells and find love. The romance was sweet, yet turbulent..I loved it. I didn’t realize until I finished that this book was not as steamy as Ms. Feehan’s usual style. I didn’t miss it at all. It flowed smoothly and believably. The storyline was almost twofold. Separate mysteries swirling around with a lot of drama and danger. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I enjoyed it all.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

IMG_5083

Buy Links

Kindle | Hardback

Amazon Series Link

~*~*~*~

image

image#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan has over 40 novels published, including four series. Each of her four series has hit #1 on the NY Times. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature for 1999. Since then she has been published by Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards.

She is pleased to have made numerous bestseller lists including the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Bookscan, B. Daltons, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Waldenbooks, Ingrams, Borders, Rhapsody Book Club, Washington Post, and Walmart. She has received numerous honors throughout her career including being a nominee for the RWA’s RITA. She has received a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times and the Borders 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award.

She has been published in multiple languages and in many formats, including large print, palm pilot, e-book, and hardcover. In October of 2007 her first manga comic, Dark Hunger was released in stores. This was the first ever manga comic released by Berkley Publishing and it made #11 on Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller’s List. Her ground-breaking book trailer commercials have been shown on TV and in the movie theaters. She has been featured on local TV, appeared on the The Montel Williams Show, and her book Dark Legend was featured on the cover of Romantic Times Magazine.

Christine Feehan has also appeared at numerous writers’ conventions and book signings including: Romantic Times Convention, Get Caught Reading at Sea Cruise, Celebrate Romance Conference, Emerald City Conference, and numerous Romance Writers of America Conferences.

Website | Facebook | TwitterPinterest

#GhostlyGame #NetGalley

Review: TWO WRONGS MAKE A RIGHT by Chloe Liese


TWO WRONGS MAKE A RIGHT (The Wilmot Sisters Series Book 1) by Chloe Liese

Publication Date: November 22, 2022

Genre: Romantic Comedy 

Synopsis

FF7173AD-8FBC-4E57-97A6-38756B699836Opposites become allies to fool their matchmaking friends in this swoony reimagining of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, Much Ado About Nothing.

Jamie Westenberg and Bea Wilmot have nothing in common except a meet-disaster and the mutual understanding that they couldn’t be more wrong for each other. But when the people closest to them play Cupid and trick them into going on a date, Jamie and Bea realize they have something else in common after all—an undeniable need for revenge.

Soon their plan is in place: Fake date obnoxiously and convince the meddlers they’re madly in love. Then, break up spectacularly and dash everyone’s hopes, putting an end to the matchmaking madness once and for all.

To convince everyone that they’ve fallen for each other, Jamie and Bea will have to nail the performance of their lives. But as their final act nears and playing lovers becomes easier than not, they begin to wonder: What if Cupid’s arrow wasn’t so off the mark? And what if two wrongs do make a right?

~*~*~*~

8EFDC566-9513-422B-9FC7-564B903C39EA

I instantly enjoyed this romance. Loving how the author dealt with neurodivergent issues as well as those suffering from anxiety disorders. She didn’t digress into stereotypical anecdotes but kept it real and relatable.  Bea was quirky, fun, and loveable. It was a forgone conclusion that the anxiety ridden, uptight Jamie wouldn’t stand a chance. I became invested in them and their relationship fast. Each of them was socially awkward yet were able to find that tendril of connection in each other. The story had humor, friendship, love and angst from family, and above all – a sexy as all get out romance. I hope her sisters and friends get a book as well.

*Review copy provided by Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

~*~*~*~

About the Author

8C31A715-1BD3-4351-99DA-A3FF1A91E9FCChloe writes romances reflecting her belief that everyone deserves a love story. Her stories pack a punch of heat, heart, and humor, and often feature characters who are neurodivergent like herself. When not dreaming up her next book, Chloe spends her time wandering in nature, playing soccer, and most happily at home with her family and mischievous cats.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Review: DARK WHISPER by Christine Feehan

2FBDD8E4-A22A-4F41-833F-45B088B15CB0
DARK WHISPER (A Carpathian Novel, Book 36) by Christine Feehan

Publication Date: October 11, 2022

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

1B0C9AFE-138C-43DD-A349-9E49B8C9DBA6Embrace the seductive call of the latest novel in Christine Feehan’s #1 New York Times bestselling Carpathian series.

Vasilisa Sidkorolyavolkva is a Lycan of royal blood. She knows what is expected of her, but all she wants is to be out from under her family’s watchful eyes. There is a fire inside her that is building. A restlessness coupled with a sense of growing dread. Every day she feels the weight of the legacy passed down through generations. The prophecy that says a man will come to claim her as his mate, and that she will guard his soul. She knows nothing about him except that he is hers. But nothing seems real until the night she meets him in the flesh….

Afanasiv Belan is a Carpathian, an ancient one. In all the centuries of his existence, no one has ever affected him like Vasilisa. He can see into her mind and feel what is in her heart. They are so alike, warriors bound by honor and plagued by secrets. They both know they must reveal the darkest parts of their souls if they hope to survive and protect the ones they love.

But if they claim each other as lifemates, it will change them down to the bone. They will become something more—something feared by both of their kinds….

~*~*~*~

600879C2-1C69-4EC1-B2D2-0B0162F86488

This book involved so many character groups and back histories. Carpathians, traitors, vampires, mages, dragonseekers, puppets, lycans, demons, Lilith, etc. Despite some areas being a bit convoluted, other parts of the book dragged for me. A lot of repetition on the who and what. This was not one of my favorite Carpathian novels due to the lack of a real romance. Vasi and Siv each accepted that they were fated mates and went with it – although a romantic story never really developed. The book was more information and fights. I did score this a 4 because it had a lot of interesting information that will no doubt help in the next installment, and I had no trouble reading the whole thing.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Buy Links

Kindle | Hardback

Amazon Series Link

~*~*~*~

image

image#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan has over 40 novels published, including four series. Each of her four series has hit #1 on the NY Times. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature for 1999. Since then she has been published by Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards.

She is pleased to have made numerous bestseller lists including the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Bookscan, B. Daltons, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Waldenbooks, Ingrams, Borders, Rhapsody Book Club, Washington Post, and Walmart. She has received numerous honors throughout her career including being a nominee for the RWA’s RITA. She has received a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times and the Borders 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award.

She has been published in multiple languages and in many formats, including large print, palm pilot, e-book, and hardcover. In October of 2007 her first manga comic, Dark Hunger was released in stores. This was the first ever manga comic released by Berkley Publishing and it made #11 on Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller’s List. Her ground-breaking book trailer commercials have been shown on TV and in the movie theaters. She has been featured on local TV, appeared on the The Montel Williams Show, and her book Dark Legend was featured on the cover of Romantic Times Magazine.

Christine Feehan has also appeared at numerous writers’ conventions and book signings including: Romantic Times Convention, Get Caught Reading at Sea Cruise, Celebrate Romance Conference, Emerald City Conference, and numerous Romance Writers of America Conferences.

Website | Facebook | TwitterPinterest

Review: ONCE UPON A DECEMBER by Amy E. Reichert

IMG_5111ONCE UPON A DECEMBER by Amy E. Reichert

Publication Date: October 4, 2022

Genre: Contemporary Romance

SynopsisIMG_5105Jobless and forced home to Wisconsin, journalist Sabrina Monroe can tolerate reunions with frenemies and kisses from old boyfriends, but not the literal ghosts that greet her in this heartwarming tale of the power of love and connection from acclaimed author Amy E. Reichert.

For Sabrina Monroe, moving back home to the Wisconsin Dells–the self-described Waterpark Capital of the World–means returning to the Monroe family curse: the women in her family can see spirits who come to them for help with unfinished business. But Sabrina’s always redirected the needy spirits to her mom, who’s much better suited for the job. The one exception has always been Molly, a bubbly rom-com loving ghost, who stuck by Sabrina’s side all through her lonely childhood.

Her personal life starts looking up when Ray, the new local restaurateur, invites Sabrina to his supper club, where he flirts with her over his famous Brandy Old-Fashioneds. He’s charming and handsome, but Sabrina tells herself she doesn’t have time for romance–she needs to focus on finding a job. Except the longer she’s in the Dells, the harder it is to resist her feelings for Ray. Who can turn down a cute guy with a fondness for rescue dogs and an obsession with perfecting his fried cheese curds recipe?

When the Dells starts to feel like home for the first time and with Ray in her corner, Sabrina begins to realize that she can make a difference and help others wherever she is.

~*~*~*~

600879C2-1C69-4EC1-B2D2-0B0162F86488

This is a modern fairytale set around a magical Christmas village that appears around the globe during the holiday season. Jack and the villagers were fun and their close-knit camaraderie engaging. At times the sweetness seemed a bit overwhelming, but it made my heart smile at the same time. Astra lives in the real world, with close friends and family that I enjoyed. I dreaded the point where one would have to give up everything they knew and cherished to make a happily-ever-after come about. I must say that I love how it was handled. This was a true feel-good story full of the magic of love.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

#OnceUponaDecember #NetGalley

Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

~*~*~*~

IMG_5109

About the Author

28873684-3BA6-4BD7-BD8C-167ECF9DB84EAmy E. Reichert, author of THE COINCIDENCE OF COCONUT CAKE, LUCK, LOVE & LEMON PIE, THE SIMPLICITY OF CIDER, and THE OPTIMIST’S GUIDE TO LETTING GO, loves to write stories that end well with characters you’d invite to dinner. A wife, mom, amateur chef, Fix-It Mistress, a volunteer baby snuggler, and cider enthusiast, she earned her MA in English Literature and serves on her library’s board of directors. She’s a member of Tall Poppy Writers.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTERINSTAGRAM

Review: TOUGH JUSTICE by Tee O’Fallon

B01DAB5A-5F5F-4AB7-8A58-96D58B32824C
TOUGH JUSTICE (K-9 Special Ops Series Book 1) by Tee O’Fallon

Publication Date: March 29, 2022

Genre: Romantic Suspense 

Synopsis

0FF56DC6-3D37-4BD9-914A-15885C0BC145It should have been a routine investigation. Instead, DEA K-9 agent Adam “Deck” Decker watches in horror as one Denver hospital seems to be Ground Zero for overdoses of a new drug. Now Deck can only hope a certain icy, green-eyed ER doctor will help him and his canine partner track down the deadly source.

Dr. Tori Sampson has her reasons for not trusting federal agents, especially ones working for the DEA. But the rash of overdoses—including a heartbreaking case involving a teen—is alarmingly high. And the new opioid is not only extremely dangerous, it defies all the usual medical treatments. So Tori has a choice: work with the big, brawny, and annoyingly hot DEA agent…or watch more innocent people die.

Tori’s the only person who can help Deck break the case, and they’ll need to trust each other, no matter how high the tension and attraction sizzling between them runs. But with every question answered, they realize there’s something more behind these typical teen overdoses. There’s a pattern here, and a pattern can only suggest one thing. There’s a killer on the loose.

~*~*~*~

8EFDC566-9513-422B-9FC7-564B903C39EA

I’m a sucker for K-9 stories and was not disappointed in this one. This romantic suspense kept me glued to the pages and guessing until the end. The tension and danger around the string of opioid deaths was riveting and framed the romance nicely. The one downside for me was understanding two intelligent professionals harboring a general mistrust and hatred for certain professions. (I don’t want to give away any storyline.) It took me out of the story’s flow when it was brought up…a lot. Especially Tori’s particular dislike – the DEA were just doing their jobs.  (Ok, I’ll quit on that bit.)

The book was an enemies-to-lovers with a slow burn romance. Normally I like the physical stuff to move faster, but it worked for this story. Deck was the usual hot DEA Agent. I enjoyed his camaraderie with the other agents and his personality. He was my favorite kind of book hero. Tori was a strong and smart ER Doctor that could take care of herself. I liked that the only time she became a damsel in distress, was when she was out of her realm of experience. They made a good and realistic couple. Now – for my favorite character of this book – K-9 Officer Thor. I just loved that dog.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

2B22327B-441A-4256-862F-D8A8FC166677

Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

~*~*~*~

About the Author

B4E77096-0243-4F0E-B751-179A744A6B8CTee O’Fallon has been a federal agent for twenty-two years, giving her hands-on experience in the field of law enforcement that she combines with her love of romantic suspense. Tee’s job affords her the unique opportunity to work with the heroic and sexy men in law enforcement on a daily basis. For Tee, research is the easy part!

Besides reading and writing, Tee loves cooking, gardening, chocolate, lychee martinis, and her Belgian sheepdog.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page

Review: THE DEEPER I FALL by Erika Kelly

989354DA-75EA-408C-A0CD-2E9D66598F63
THE DEEPER I FALL (A Calamity Falls Small Town Romance Novel Book 10) by Erika Kelly

Publication Date: February 24, 2022

Genre: Contemporary Romance

IMG_3306

AA9B41F0-5332-4D92-8493-19A9E9FADB2EHe’s a rough and rugged hockey player. She’s a posh British princess. To win an enormous inheritance, they’re forced to live together.

This is not going to go well.

When his former hockey coach passes away, Declan Cadell is shocked to learn the man left him a cattle ranch. Well, not exactly. He’s got one little hurdle to jump first. He has to win a trivia contest against the man’s estranged daughter. Oh, and there’s a caveat: he’s only in the running if he lives and works with the spoiled princess who blew off one of the greatest men he’s ever known.

As if it wasn’t hurtful enough that Seraphina Crutchley’s biological father replaced her with a bunch of sweaty hockey boys, now he’s forcing her to vie for her inheritance with one of them. Worse, the guy clearly can’t stand her because if—no, when she wins the contest—she’ll sell the land and return home to London. Why on earth would she keep a cattle ranch in Wyoming?

But Seraphina comes to learn the contest is about so much more than a ranch. It’s about learning who her father was and why he stopped asking to see her. It’s about falling in love…and finding the courage to fight for it.

~*~*~*~

Cori 4.5 Stars

Erika Kelly delivered another great love story. This one was a little different than some of her others. I didn’t immediately love the heroine. She went through a lot of character development. Declan and Phinney were complete opposites but worked. This story was emotional, steamy and kept me turning the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed it and wanted more. I highly recommend anything Erika Kelly writes for romance lovers. She always delivers a well written story with great characters, plenty of romance and a happily ever after.  

*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

D62EADBA-6973-4451-A4E9-7F864FBCB447

Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

Amazon Series Link

~*~*~*~

image

604CAF16-513E-40B9-A008-94B19D5E8AF7 Award-winning author Erika Kelly has been spinning romantic tales all her life–she just didn’t know it. Raised on the classics, she didn’t discover romantic fiction until later in life. From that moment on, she’s been devouring the genre and has found her true voice as an author. Over three decades she’s written poems, screenplays, plays, short stories, and all kinds of women’s fiction novels. Married to the love of her life and raising four children, she lives in the northeast, drinks a lot of tea, and is always waiting for her cats to get off her keyboard.


Review: DARK TAROT by Christine Feehan

3324F8A5-C9BB-42B1-A71B-B0F83DEA1E1B
DARK TAROT (A Carpathian Novel Book 35) by Christine Feehan

Publication Date: November 9, 2021

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

3E303138-7BB4-4021-8977-765FF09BFEE6Light and dark combine as the cards reveal hidden truths in this intoxicating installment in Christine Feehan’s #1 New York Times bestselling Carpathian series.

Sandu Berdardi continues to exist only to protect his people. An ancient Carpathian, his entire long life has been dedicated to honor above all else. He knows his time has passed, especially since he has not been able to find his lifemate—the anchor to keep him sane in a world he no longer understands. But just as he truly starts to give up hope, a voice reaches out to him in the night and his world explodes into color.

Adalasia enters Sandu’s mind seamlessly, as if she has been a part of him forever. While she can see the shape of things to come in her deck of cards, her gift is both a blessing and a curse. The true course of Sandu’s quest remains unclear, with danger waiting at every turn. She cannot see everything the future holds, but she does know it is a journey they will take together.

By joining him, she will start them down a dangerous, seductive path from which there is no coming back….

~*~*~*~

8EFDC566-9513-422B-9FC7-564B903C39EA

I truly enjoyed this installment in the Dark series. It gave a nice angle to the normal Carpathian male finding his life-mate and dealing with the vampires. Lasia is a human with psychic abilities and training that make her a force unto her own. She fights demons and has been prepared for a lifelong quest to guard a portal. She is strong and intelligent, yet kind and compassionate. Just like a kick-ass heroine should be. Sander is an ancient, and if you’ve read the series, you know what that means. I love that he isn’t as pushy as some in the past stories. He appreciates her strengths and abilities, letting her do what she must to get the job done. Of course he has a hard time with it….but he does it.

This book also has a group of ancients along with them as they travel. They are mentally linked and manage to share in a small bit of emotion due to Lasia.  During their journey, they meet up with other Carpathians and give the reader a fun ride through all the danger with their camaraderie. Some of the location shifts seemed a bit abrupt, but I was able to immerse myself into the new location and characters. I enjoyed this long book. It was filled with a nice group dynamic, a lovely romance with super sexy times, intricate battles, and a possible lead-in to a new branch to the Carpathian saga.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

B72A9C15-4875-4D2C-B56E-4EC5D7B46D39

Buy Links

Kindle | Hardback

Amazon Series Link

~*~*~*~

image

image#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan has over 40 novels published, including four series. Each of her four series has hit #1 on the NY Times. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature for 1999. Since then she has been published by Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards.

She is pleased to have made numerous bestseller lists including the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Bookscan, B. Daltons, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Waldenbooks, Ingrams, Borders, Rhapsody Book Club, Washington Post, and Walmart. She has received numerous honors throughout her career including being a nominee for the RWA’s RITA. She has received a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times and the Borders 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award.

She has been published in multiple languages and in many formats, including large print, palm pilot, e-book, and hardcover. In October of 2007 her first manga comic, Dark Hunger was released in stores. This was the first ever manga comic released by Berkley Publishing and it made #11 on Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller’s List. Her ground-breaking book trailer commercials have been shown on TV and in the movie theaters. She has been featured on local TV, appeared on the The Montel Williams Show, and her book Dark Legend was featured on the cover of Romantic Times Magazine.

Christine Feehan has also appeared at numerous writers’ conventions and book signings including: Romantic Times Convention, Get Caught Reading at Sea Cruise, Celebrate Romance Conference, Emerald City Conference, and numerous Romance Writers of America Conferences.

Website | Facebook | TwitterPinterest

Review: CLAIMED (Lair of the Wolven, The Book 1) by J.R. Ward

AB96A3F7-6DB7-4D81-A607-2CEA7875CFC9
CLAIMED (Lair of the Wolven, The Book 1) by J.R. Ward

Publication Date: July 27, 2021

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

1104A35F-F01D-446D-BA8B-843B5B550B15A heart-pounding new series set in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world, about a scientist fighting to save the gray wolves—and getting caught in a deadly trap herself…

Lydia Susi is passionate about protecting wolves in their natural habitat. When a hotel chain develops a tract of land next to the preserve, Lydia is one of the most vocal opponents of the project—and becomes a target.

One night, a shadowy figure threatens Lydia’s life in the forest, and a new hire at the Wolf Study Project comes from out of nowhere to save her. Daniel Joseph is both mysterious, and someone she intrinsically wants to trust. But is he hiding something?

As the stakes get higher, and one of Lydia’s colleagues is murdered, she must decide how far she will go to protect the wolves. Then a shocking revelation about Daniel challenges Lydia’s reality in ways she could never have predicted. Some fates demand courage, while others require even more, with no guarantees. Is she destined to have true love…or will a soul-shattering loss ruin her forever?

~*~*~*~

8EFDC566-9513-422B-9FC7-564B903C39EA

This is an exciting start to a new series. I was immediately drawn into the story, liking Lydia and Daniel, their banter, their individual mysterious lives, and their lovely romance. The mystery and danger surrounding them kept shifting and evolving while weaving in a slow-building romance that was touching. Thankfully, the world building didn’t bog down the story – even though it left quite a few questions lingering. That was the main reason for not scoring it a 5. I am not a huge fan of having to wait a year to understand who/what the players are, and if they’re good or bad, even though it kept me glued to the book. Overall, I loved it and will read it again before the next book, to delve deeper into nuances that I may have missed.

*Review copy provided by Gallery Books in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

2EB2C378-C818-4DA4-A19D-503DD3B3A946

Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

~*~*~*~

✿THE BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD WORLD by J.R. WARD✿
AMAZON SERIES LINKS: http://amzn.to/2qf62lo
✦Dark Lover ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/17wcZJV
✦Lover Eternal ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/179BzU8
✦Lover Awakened ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/18Eqmsy
✦Lover Revealed ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/13g9tWr
✦Lover Unbound ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/18tPt2h
✦Lover Enshrined ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/17woxN4
✦ The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider’s Guide ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/17FIm70
✦ Father Mine: Zsadist and Bella’s Story: A Black Dagger Brotherhood Novella (eBook – the printed version of this story is also found in “The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider’s Guide” http://amzn.to/17wqaKE
✦Lover Avenged ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1I5iTcw
✦Lover Mine ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1dRq35K
✦Lover Unleashed ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/1dR9pDy
✦Lover Reborn ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/18EjoDX
✦Lover At Last ➢ Kindle http://amzn.to/16GUthu
✦The King ➢ Review: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1aQ | Kindle http://amzn.to/12CBV4A
✦The Shadows ➢ Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2gm | Kindle http://amzn.to/1BAHVJT
✦BLOOD KISS (Legacy) ➢ Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-3px | Kindle: http://amzn.to/1BlQjuG
✦The Beast ➢ Review 5 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-4JB | Kindle http://amzn.to/1KX7Jsj
✦BLOOD VOW (Legacy) ➢ Review 5 Stars: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-7kK | Kindle: http://amzn.to/1RxpiwG
✦The Chosen ➢ Review 5 Stars http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-8u8 | Kindle http://amzn.to/2nkaHil
✦BLOOD FURY (Legacy) ➢ Review 5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-ayS | Kindle http://amzn.to/2oGiaMq
✦Dearest Ivie: A Novella Set in the Black Dagger World ➢ Review 5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aEo | Kindle http://amzn.to/2F2HvUu
✦The Thief ➢ Review 4.5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aHi | Kindle http://amzn.to/2w2pTH5
✦Prisoner of Night (Novella) ➢ Review 5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aZ6 | Kindle https://amzn.to/2U7vxBo
✦The Savior ➢ Review 5 Stars https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-b5b | Kindle https://amzn.to/2q3e6E8
✦BLOOD TRUTH (Legacy) ➢ Kindle https://amzn.to/2VrQ5V8
✦WHERE WINTER FINDS YOU: A CALDWELL CHRISTMAS ➢ Kindle https://amzn.to/2Rtmlqh
✦THE SINNER ➢ Kindle https://amzn.to/31tCaRE
✦ THE JACKAL (Black Dagger Brotherhood: Prison Camp Book 1) ➢ Kindle https://amzn.to/2L3NKNv
✦A Warm Heart in Winter (The Black Dagger Brotherhood World) ➢ Kindle https://amzn.to/2BVIM3x
✦LOVER UNVEILED (Releasing 04/20/2021) ➢ Kindle https://amzn.to/2TY3TIj | Hardback https://amzn.to/3gw0Vnn
✦CLAIMED (Lair of the Wolven, The Book 1) (Releasing 6/29/2021)
Kindle https://amzn.to/321gfDR
✦THE WOLF (Black Dagger Brotherhood: Prison Camp Book 2) (Releasing 11/16/2021) ➢ Kindle https://amzn.to/2MYDk5o | HBK https://amzn.to/39Q3ZKC
✦Lover Arisen (The Black Dagger Brotherhood series Book 20) (Releasing 04/05/2022) ➢ Kindle https://amzn.to/3xqQj1Z | HBK https://amzn.to/3i0SDXl

~*~*~*~

About the Author

imageJ.R. Ward is the number one New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series of vampire books. She is a winner of the prestigious Romance Writers of America RITA award for Best Paranormal Romance and is a multiple RITA nominee. A graduate of Smith College, she was a double major in History and Art History with a medieval concentration in both and she still longs at times for a return to those days sitting in dark lecture halls, looking at slides of old triptychs and reliquaries. Prior to becoming a full time writer, she was a corporate attorney, serving for many years as the Chief of Staff of one of Harvard Medical Schools premier teaching sites. Her idea of absolute heaven is a day filled with nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot and the Brothers, of course.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

~*~*~*~