Review: DEADLY STORMS by Christine Feehan


DEADLY STORMS by Christine Feehan

Publication Date: September 2, 2025

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Danger is gathering on the horizon in this gripping novel of romantic suspense from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

Shabina Foster does her best to lead a normal life. She takes comfort in her friends and her dogs and finds passion in running her own small-town café in the eastern Sierra. But she can’t help always looking over her shoulder, not after what happened in her past. Since then, Shabina has worked very hard to build herself up and live life to the fullest.

Still, there’s no denying the scars she carries. Truly opening up her guarded world seems like an impossible dream—especially when it comes to the one man who makes her feel safe. Shabina already feels like she’s ruined his life and is determined to keep her distance, even as the ghosts of her past emerge from the shadows.

Security expert Rainier Ashcroft knows firsthand that a storm is brewing and that Shabina is in real trouble. Threats are approaching on all sides—and there’s no telling when the next hit will strike. But convincing the woman he loves to truly let him in will be just as difficult as keeping her alive.

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I’ve not read books one and two in this romantic suspense series but was able to follow along with no problem. The only issue is that I came in blind to the relationship between Shabina and Rainier. You don’t actually see him until over halfway through the book. She only talks about him…a lot. Because of that, I never got invested in him except loving the way he treats her. Shabina herself is resilient, smart, and strong. She suffers from PTSD due to extreme abuse at the hands of her kidnapper years before. I was pleased to see that the author discussed the treatment and issues she faced. I liked her personality and the lovely camaraderie she had with her friends. They are a group of women I would love to be a part of. Note: There was a mention of her having a psychic connection to birds, yet that was never fleshed out. Pity, as that would have been an interesting aspect of the story.

The storyline itself was filled with tension from page one. They had to deal with a two-pronged mysterious danger. It kept me guessing whether it was the same madman or separate issues. That made for a very exciting read that I could not put down.

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

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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.

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Review: HEART MARKS THE SPOT by Libby Hubscher


HEART MARKS THE SPOT by Libby Hubscher

Publication Date: July 22, 2025

Genre: Contemporary Romance


A treasure hunter and the bestselling adventure novelist who broke her heart after one successful expedition reunite for a summer to search for lost riches.

Treasure hunter Stella Moore dreams of having it all—wealth, love, and a flourishing career—but knows she’ll never be that lucky. Every summer she and her childhood friends travel to search for hidden treasure, but she can barely manage her bills, let alone a relationship. Then, a chance encounter with alluring novelist Huck Sullivan during an expedition in Iceland has Stella thinking maybe her fortune has changed.

After his last book bombed, Huck hasn’t written a word. Joining Stella and her crew on an adventure seems like the perfect distraction from his problems, and when the crew finally uncovers hidden treasure, he is certain that he’s found more than just inspiration for his next novel. Huck and Stella’s undeniable connection gives way to an unforgettable night on a black sand beach.

After Huck disappears without a goodbye, Stella vows to put the heartbreak behind her—but that’s easier said than done when, a year later, every bookstore has a life-size cutout of her ex-lover next to stacks of his latest record-breaking bestseller. Good thing it’s time for another summer treasure hunt. Stella throws herself into mapping the path to a shipwreck off Key West, but the last thing she expects is an extra crew member showing up in search of material for a sequel and a second chance.

Stella and Huck are prepared for storms, sharks, sea sickness, even a tentative truce. But facing the feelings they buried and confronting the devastating truth about why Huck left is the only way to find what their hearts have been searching for all along.

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Somehow it was too much, it was not enough, it was perfect all at once.

Donna 4 stars

I enjoyed this contemporary romance wrapped around treasure hunts. There is no swashbuckling danger, but it held my attention all the same. I think it was the group dynamic and banter with the treasure hunters. Huck fit right in with the easy camaraderie, making the romance seem natural. The world building and backstory seemed effortless and pulled me in.

I liked Stella’s personality, independence and strength, despite issues from her past. I also liked Huck, though I thought an author would be capable of explaining his feelings better. They were great together in part 1 of the story. Their growing relationship was a delight to watch. Part 2 had their behavior rather tense and confusing. Again, Huck, an author, could not find the words to communicate? The only reason I knew that he still loved her was because he told me. How was she to know enough to trust him?  However, like a treasure hunt, it takes time for all to be revealed.

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

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About the Author

Libby Hubscher is an author and scientist. She studied biology at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine and holds a doctor of philosophy in molecular toxicology from North Carolina State University. Her work has appeared online and in textbooks, scientific journals, and literary journals. Her short story “The Unwelcome Guest” was long-listed for the Wigleaf Top 50 in 2018. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, two young children, and a menagerie of pets.

Review: IT TAKES A PSYCHIC by Jayne Castle 


IT TAKES A PSYCHIC (A Harmony Novel Book 18) by Jayne Castle

Publication Date: June 3, 2025

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Two unlikely allies search for the secrets of their pasts while on the run within the Alien world of Harmony in the thrilling new novel by New York Times bestselling author Jayne Castle.

Leona Griffin is at the height of her career as a para-archeologist thanks to a recent Underworld discovery. Her high profile attracts the attention of an organization of elite, secretive collectors. They want her to authenticate the artifacts that aspiring members submit as evidence to join their group. The ceremony takes place at a glittering reception where Leona is shocked to discover that one of the relics is a powerful Old-World object known as Pandora’s Box. But she’s not the only one interested in that artifact.

Oliver Rancourt, a man with a unique talent—they say you never see him coming—is also there. Leona knows she must not underestimate him. Attempting to make a discreet exit, she stumbles over the body of a waiter wearing the emblem of a dangerous cult. Before she can alert authorities, a police raid sends the reception into chaos. To avoid being arrested, Leona slips away with Oliver—a risky decision that gets her fired.

Now forced to work together, Leona and Oliver pursue an investigation that leads them to the town of Lost Creek where the locals are obsessed with a chilling legend involving a long-dead cult leader and illicit paranormal experiments. But Leona knows the real danger may be the irresistible attraction between herself and Oliver.

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Donna 4 stars

This is my first time reading Jayne Castle, and I was not disappointed. I am trying to categorize the genre of this story and can only say it is a combination of Syfy, fantasy, and paranormal romance. It all takes place on an alien planet called Harmony. I didn’t realize this was book 18 in the series, but that did not matter. The world building was smooth, and I quickly fell into the nuances of a different reality.

It was fun reading the exciting introduction of Leona and Oliver, their quick banter while danger surrounded them made me want to read more. Later their flirting was a joy as their lively conversations flowed. I enjoyed Leona’s family as well. They added a nice dimension to the book. The action thrown at them was interesting and kept me reading. Overall, it was a fun book. Oh….and now I want my own dust bunny.

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

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About the Author

Jayne Castle is a pen name for Jayne Ann Krentz, the author of more than fifty New York Times bestsellers. She also writes historical romantic suspense as Amanda Quick. There are more than 35 million copies of her books in print. She lives in Seattle.

Review: DETONATE: A Dark Mafia Romance by Luna Mason

DETONATE: A Dark Mafia Romance (Beneath the Mask Book 2) by Luna Mason 

Paperback Release Date: May 27, 2025

Genre: Contemporary Mafia Romance

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Under the bright lights of New York City, a dark romance simmers between a boxing trainer-turned-mafia hitman and the seemingly innocent young woman he can’t stay away from.

Grayson

Seven years ago, I left the special forces and my home after a tragic betrayal. I carefully constructed a new life in New York. A boxing trainer by day. A Mafia hitman by night. Free to live in the darkness to do what I was trained to do—to kill. But one kiss was all it took to bring it all down. The one woman who hated my guts scaled the walls I built around my black heart. I know how far I’m willing to go to fight for her. But can she truly love someone who could never give her the fairytale she deserves

Maddie

I was sick of being the family disappointment—the one who could never get a man to stick around. So, I kissed a lot of frogs to try and find my Prince. Instead, I fell for the villain. The last man on earth I thought I could ever love. He might call me sunshine, but I crave his darkness. I wasn’t meant for his world, but he took me anyway, and I never want to leave. Sometimes life doesn’t give you a choice. Even if loving me puts us both in danger.

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Cori 4 Stars

This was a hot enemies to lovers that kept me up all night. I love a good villain MMC and I fell in love with Grayson. I really enjoyed Maddie’s character as well. DETONATE had a good plot with several subplots going on. It had some action with lots of steamy romance. If you like a good mafia romance this is the book and series to pick up. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next book.

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

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Luna Mason is an Amazon top #20 bestselling dark romance author. If she isn’t writing, you’ll find her with her head in a spicy book.

Review: CRAVING MY RIVAL by P. Rayne

CRAVING MY RIVAL: A Novel (The Mafia Academy Series Book 4) by P. Rayne

Publication Date: April 15, 2025

Genre: Dark Mafia Contemporary Romance

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The final installment of The Mafia Academy Series—a dark enemies-to-lovers arranged marriage romance set at a mafia boarding school for the sons and daughters of the most powerful mafia lords… now with exclusive bonus content! 

Polina Aminoff

At the Sicuro Academy, the Russians and the Italians give each other a wide berth. We’re bitter enemies after all. So imagine my disbelief when my brother announces that I’m to wed Dante Accardi, next in line to run the Accardi Italian crime family. After the shock subsides, I’m determined to save myself. It’s not until my plan is in full swing that I realize there might be more to Dante than I thought. But those closest to me, those who were supposed to protect me have always hurt me. Now I must decide whether to trust him with my heart or if he’ll just be another person in my life who brings me to my knees.

Dante Accardi

Polina Aminoff is a Bratva brat and an ice princess that I don’t think even an easygoing guy like me can thaw. And I’ve never had an issue melting the panties off a woman before. I’m just as unhappy about our engagement as she is, but my father made it clear—it is my duty to the family. Once we’re forced together, another side of Polina shines and I start to think we could have a future together that doesn’t involve being bitter rivals. But she’s hiding something, I just don’t know what. Which leaves me wondering, can I ever really trust my enemy?

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Cori 4 Stars

I really enjoyed this one. I love a bad boy that falls hard and Dante falls. CRAVING MY RIVAL is part of a series but you don’t have to read the previous books. I’m going to go back and read them because I enjoyed this one though. CRAVING MY RIVAL is an enemies to lovers/ mafia romance with lots of chemistry and spice. I really liked the characters and the push and pull between them.  This is my first book by P. Rayne and I’ll be reading more. I recommend this book for mafia academy romance lovers. I want more!

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

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P. Rayne is the pen name for USA Today Bestselling Author duo, Piper Rayne. Under P. Rayne they write dark, dangerous and forbidden romance for Kindle Unlimited.

Review: MY DEMON HUNTER by Aurora Ascher

MY DEMON HUNTER (Hell Bent Book 2) by Aurora Ascher

Publication Date: March 25, 2025

Genre: Paranormal Romance

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For fans of Jenna Levine and K.F. Breene, the steamy, laugh-out-loud paranormal romance about learning how to love—including the darkest parts of ourselves—complete with HEA, clothes-ripping-hot love scenes, and a crew of devilish demon brothers who are supposed to be the bad guys . . .

From the instant New York Times bestselling author of SANCTUARY OF THE SHADOW!

The hunter shall become the hunted . . . And the timid shall become the fierce.

Enslaved to an evil demon queen for millennia, Mishetsumephtai has only ever served one purpose. He is the Hunter, the one who drags the guilty back to Hell.  But finally tasting freedom on Earth has changed him, and for the first time, Mist questions his duty. The human femalewho smiles at him with no idea what a monster he is, draws him in, and he’ll do anything to possess her.

Lily Donovan thought the most dangerous thing about running to the corner store at night would be the aisles of junk food. She didn’t bargain on encountering chaos in the form of a man with unusual tattoos and beguiling amber eyes, stalking her through the ice cream section. Since the death of her parents, Lily has tried to forget what she is. But denial is not an option when she’s confronted with everything she’s been running from.

Neither Mist nor Lily can ignore the burning magnetism between them. But Mist’s reprieve from Hell was always temporary, and the punishment for disobedience will be worse than death. Yet he can’t relinquish the woman whose scent calls to him like nothing he’s hunted before.

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Cori 4 Stars

This book was so much fun. It featured a reluctant witch and sweet demon. I couldn’t put it down. I loved all the characters and can’t wait for more books featuring more of the demons. THE DEMON HUNTER was fun, spicy, and a great story. I’d recommend it for paranormal lovers that like a little humor with their romance. This book kept me entertained from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next book.

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

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Aurora Ascher is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling fantasy & paranormal romance author. She loves misunderstood monsters, redeemable anti-heroes, and epic happily-ever-afters. A woman of many creative pursuits, Aurora is also a professional musician and visual artist. She currently resides in Montreal with her trusty espresso machine and her endlessly patient husband, whom she sometimes doesn’t see for hours until she emerges from her writing cave like a bear in springtime.

Review: FIRST-TIME CALLER by B.K. Borison


FIRST-TIME CALLER by B.K. Borison

Publication Date: February 11, 2025

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

Aiden Valentine has a secret: he’s fallen out of love with love. And as the host of Baltimore’s romance hotline, that’s a bit of a problem. But when a young girl calls in to the station asking for dating advice for her mom, the interview goes viral, thrusting Aiden and Heartstrings into the limelight.

Lucie Stone thought she was doing just fine. She has a good job; an incredible family; and a smart, slightly devious kid. But when all of Baltimore is suddenly scrutinizing her love life—or lack thereof—she begins to question if she’s as happy as she believed. Maybe a little more romance wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

Everyone wants Lucie to find her happy ending…even the handsome, temperamental man calling the shots. But when sparks start to fly behind the scenes, Lucie must make the final decision between the radio-sponsored happily ever after or the man in the headphones next to her.

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Donna 4 stars

This was an enjoyable contemporary romance reminiscent of Sleepless in Seattle. Aiden is a radio romance talk show host. The problem is he doesn’t believe in romance. I liked him even though I occasionally became frustrated with his stand on relationships and inability to communicate at times. I loved Lucie. Quick witted and real. Nothing seemed forced in her personality, making her relatable and someone I wanted to find happiness.

For me the story was about their quick banter and flirting. It was enhanced by the fun friends and family around them. I’m a sucker for group camaraderie that makes me wish I was a part of it all. And this story did that. As for romance, it was a realistically paced slow-burn that became quite spicy.  I think the book could have been shorter, tightened up a bit more, so that is why it is scored a 4.

I’m still smiling and can’t wait for the next book.

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

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Buy Links

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About the Author

B.K. Borison is the author of cozy, contemporary romances featuring emotionally vulnerable characters and swoon-worthy settings. When she’s not daydreaming about fictional characters doing fictional things, she’s at home with her family, more than likely buying books she doesn’t have room for. Lovelight Farms was her debut novel.

Review: HER KNIGHT AT THE MUSEUM by Bryn Donovan

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HER KNIGHT AT THE MUSEUM by Bryn Donovan

Publication Date: November 12, 2024

Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Romantic Comedy 

Synopsis

IMG_3166A centuries-long curse is no match for rom-com shenanigans when a medieval knight is brought to life in modern-day Chicago.

Forgotten by time and abandoned by hope, Sir Griffin de Beauford’s existence stretches out before him. Cursed by a ruthless enchanter to see, hear, and think, but never to move or speak, Griffin suffers the long, lonely centuries trapped in stone…until an unexpected kiss from a fair maiden breathes new life into his soul—and his body.

Emily Porter, a recently divorced conservator at the Art Institute of Chicago, is charged with the restoration of a statue of a medieval English knight. Breaking curses was not part of the job description. And yet, here he is, the man of her dreams come to life, resplendent in shining armor as he joyously barrels into priceless antiquities…and goes on to dismantle her defenses, wreak havoc on her senses, and tempt her to believe once more in happy-ever-afters.

But the modern age tries Griffin’s patience and pride, and Emily is a prime suspect in the investigation of the missing sculpture. In a complicated world, can they find their way to a fairy-tale ending

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Cori 4 Stars

This was such a fun paranormal rom-com. I couldn’t stop grinning while reading this. It’s a feel good book you can curl up with. The characters and storyline were fun and HER KNIGHT AT THE MUSEUM will leave you smiling when you close the book. I recommend this if you’re looking for an escape you can read quickly with a swoony knight and a likable heroine. I hope there are more books to come in this series.

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

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About the Author

IMG_3165Bryn Donovan is an author and a former executive editor in publishing. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Arizona, and she’s a freelance book editor at Lucky Author. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband and their rescue dogs, and she blogs about writing and positivity.

Website | Amazon | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

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Review: MY VAMPIRE PLUS-ONE by Jenna Levine

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MY VAMPIRE PLUS-ONE by Jenna Levine

Publication Date: September 17, 2024

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

IMG_2608Nothing sucks more than fake dating a vampire in this paranormal romantic comedy from the USA Today bestselling author of My Roommate Is a Vampire.

Amelia Collins is by definition successful. She would even go so far as to say successfully single. But not according to her family, and she’s tired of the constant questions about her nonexistent dating life. When an invitation to yet another family wedding arrives, she decides to get everyone off her back once and for all by finding someone–anyone–to pose as her date.

After a chance encounter with Reginald Cleaves, Amelia decides he’s perfect for her purposes. He’s a bit strange, but that’s fine; it’ll discourage tough questions from her family. (And it certainly doesn’t hurt that he’s very handsome.) For centuries-old vampire Reggie, posing as her plus-one sounds like the ultimate fun. And if it helps his ruse of pretending to be human, so much the better.

As Amelia and Reggie practice their fauxmance, it becomes clear that Reggie is as loyal to her as the day is long, and that Amelia’s first impressions could not have been more wrong. Suddenly, being in a real relationship with Reggie sounds pretty fang-tastic.

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Donna 4 stars

This is a fun Paranormal Rom-Com that I was surprised to enjoy so much. At first, Reginald seemed a bit goofy for a leading man, but that changed as I got to know him better. I realize that I would have been more prepared if I had read book one in the series, however it wasn’t necessary for the story as a whole. I also liked Amelia. I was glad she wasn’t a stick-in-the-mud CPA with all those stereotypes you expect. She was easy to get to know and smile as their relationship blossomed.

The storyline itself was two-sided and yet blended nicely. The fake-date/forced-proximity aspect fit right in with the death threats hanging over Reginald’s head. This was enhanced by the dual POV. Their inner thoughts and bullet-point journal was icing on the cake. Now I need to go back and read book one in this series.

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

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Buy Links

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About the Author

By day, Jenna Levine works to increase access to affordable housing in the American South. By night, she writes romance novels where ridiculous things happen to beautiful people. When Jenna isn’t writing she can usually be found crying over k-dramas, starting knitting projects she won’t finish, or spending time with her family and small army of cats.

Review: A WEREWOLF’S GUIDE TO SEDUCING A VAMPIRE by Sarah Hawley 

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A WEREWOLF’S GUIDE TO SEDUCING A VAMPIRE (Glimmer Falls Series Book 3) by Sarah Hawley

Publication Date: August 13, 2024

Genre: Paranormal Romance 

Synopsis

IMG_2064Ben Rosewood never meant to be bound to a vampire succubus, especially one as sexy-yet-terrifying as Eleonore Bettencourt-Devereux, but he has to admit there are some fang-tastic perks….

Werewolf Ben Rosewood is happy with his life. One hundred percent. Everything is fine. His business, Ben’s Plant Emporium, is thriving, and he’s even expanding the shop. His anxiety disorder is…well, it’s been better, but that comes with the territory of running a business and having beastly urges every full moon, right? As for romance—who has the time? Though his family is desperate to see him settled, Ben is fine approaching forty as a single werewolf. But after drunkenly bidding on and winning a supposedly-possessed crystal on eBay one night, he finds himself face-to-face with a beautiful yet angry vampire.

Eleonore Bettencourt-Devereux is a rare breed—a vampire succubus born from two elite European bloodlines during medieval times. Thanks to an evil witch, she’s been stuck in a crystal since she was thirty, forced to obey orders from the possessor of the rock. Eleonore’s been dreaming of breaking the spell and severing the witch’s head for centuries. But did this witch really sell her to someone new, and for only ninety-nine cents?

Eleonore would claw this werewolf’s heart out and eat it, if only the binding spell would allow her to. But Eleonore and Ben soon realize they can help each other with both vengeful and less hostile needs. And why not have a little fun along the way?

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Cori 4 Stars

This was such a fun read. Golden retriever hero meets feisty heroine. I loved the storyline and their chemistry. A WEREWOLF’S GUIDE TO SEDUCING A VAMPIRE is part of Sarah Hawley’s Glimmer Falls Series but you don’t have to read the books in order. I’m going to go back and read the other books in the series though because I enjoyed this one. I recommend this book for paranormal lovers looking for some spice, humor and a good storyline. I’m adding Sarah Hawley to my TBR list. 

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

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Buy Links

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About the Author

Sarah Hawley lives in the Pacific Northwest, where her hobbies include rambling through the woods and appreciating fictional villains. She has an MA in archaeology and has excavated at an Inca site in Chile, a Bronze Age palace in Turkey, and a medieval abbey in England. When not dreaming up whimsical love stories, she can be found reading, dancing, or cuddling her two cats.

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