Young Enough (The Age Between Us Part 2) by Charmaine Pauls

Young Enough by Charmaine Pauls is part two in the Age Between Us series. This book is a direct continuation of Old Enough, so part one must be read first. In Young Enough, Jane and Brian continue to fight for their relationship. As time passes, Jane and Brian's obligations pull them away from one another.  

The younger man, older woman taboo is handled nicely in the Age Between Us series. Brian is what Jane needs to feel whole after a series of losses. Jane shows Brian his current way of living will not work out as he planned. They help one another grow, make each other better. Relating to Jane proved to be difficult at the start for me, but in the end, I understand the actions she took. Her priorities are not wrong. Brian makes some bad decisions, but his intentions are always pure. In the end, he does the best he can.

After reading the first novel, I was absorbed in their story. It was not hard to wish the best for Jane and Brian. Given the suffering they experienced, it was a long time coming when it finally happened. Charmaine Pauls does her tortured heroes well, with emphasis on tortured. I highly recommend this dark romance. I received this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion. I encourage all readers to reach their own conclusions.

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Old Enough (The Age Between Us Part 1) by Charmaine Pauls

Old Enough by Charmaine Pauls is part one of two in the Age Between Us series. Having read Charmaine Pauls work before, and enjoying it, I was eager to give this book a try. Warning, this book ends on a cliffhanger, and for me this book went extremely fast. I recommend having both parts on hand when beginning Old Enough.

Jane, for the most part, has been able to go on with her life after the death of a previous lover over a decade ago. On the anniversary of his death, she mourns him deeply, then returns to her husband and daughter. She considers Francois her best friend, however, a passion for him is lacking. When he asks Jane for a divorce, it still comes as a shock to her. 

Brian is a student in college. He is trying desperately to care for his emotionally troubled mother and his younger sister. A chance meeting at a bar, with a man determined to ruin Jane's life, puts Brian on Jane's path. From the moment Brian sees Jane, his gravitation to her is instant.

When Jane and Brian meet, seemingly by chance, they quickly begin an affair. Watching the romance grow, steeped in a passionate dominant-submissive intensity, was alluring.

Brian is mature for his age, having to become the head of his household at a young an age. Everything Brian does is for the benefit of others. He protects his mother, sister, and, almost immediately, Jane. The perfect balance of compassion and assertiveness, Brian is appealing as the romantic lead. 

Jane has a hard time recovering from the changes in her life. Her old friends, her ex-husband, her job, all seem to drag her further into despair. Brian becomes the one good thing in her life, and soon, even their affair becomes impossible for her to believe will survive. I felt sorry for Jane. I spent a lot of time frustrated with the treatment she endured from her family and friends. So frustrated, in fact, that I began not relating to her very well.

Unfortunately for Brian and Jane, their romance is ill-timed. Jane is dealing with her divorce, as well as the prejudice regarding her relationship with Brian. Brian is desperately trying to avoid involvement with the gang in his neighborhood. He realizes dealing with the crime family head-on, rather than avoiding it, is the only way to ensure his loved ones will remain safe. These outer influences make it appear their relationship will not survive.

Charmaine Pauls knows how to write dark, taboo romances. Her couples have to work hard for their relationship, but the payoff is better for it. I received this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion. I encourage all readers to reach their own conclusions.

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Midnight With the Devil by Emma Castle

Midnight with the Devil by Emma Castle is an enjoyable concept. The approach here is a deal with the Devil. Diana's father is in the hospital, dying of cancer. Lucian Star, as the Devil calls himself in this instance, overhears Diana's plea for her father's life. Realizing Diana could be useful to him, Lucian agrees to save him. His general goal is the corruption of her soul, to safeguard the gates of hell with the act.

Diana's part of the contract requires Friday nights, for three months, be spent in Lucian's company from dusk till dawn. Lucian is, of course, the ultimate bad boy. And bad boys are an attraction. Diana spends a good deal of time fretting over the attraction/lust she feels for Lucian. Finally giving into her primal urges, Diana discovers there are many things she got wrong about the Devil, and how he fits into her sense of morality.

Overall I enjoyed this story. The mythos created here was entertaining. In a dominance story, the women are occasionally too submissive, but in Midnight with the Devil, I never felt that way about Diana. She kept a level head and realized when she had things wrong. Lucian is what you would expect from the Devil if the Devil wasn't evil incarnate.

However, something felt off to me. Maybe it was the flow between actions. Segues did not always seem smooth to me. There were times I felt there should have been more to the scenes, or maybe some further background to things. In the end, the mythology kept me intrigued, and the chemistry between Diana and Lucian was engaging. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest opinion. I encourage all readers to reach their own conclusions.

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Broken Ground by Val McDermid

Broken Ground by Val McDermid is part five of the Karen Pirie series. I had no problems following the events or the relationships presented in Broken Groud. The author gives readers enough that the novel works fine as a stand-alone. DCI Karen Pirie of Police Scotland's Historic Cases Unit is good at her job. With Karen deeply involved in three separate cases, I worried the plot would suffer from overload. Honestly, at times it did to a degree. However, the mysteries unfold in a way that kept me intrigued. I felt sympathy and remorse for the victims and was eager for the DCI to bring them justice.

Intelligent and strong-willed, Karen is a female protagonist I enjoy. Despite the loss of a loved one, Karen retains healthy relationships with those around her. She even gets the opportunity to explore a new one. Karen is proud of her job. She gives it her best and expects the same from her team. Confronted with the constant condemnation from her direct supervisor, eventually leads to a gratifying encounter between the two.

Overall, Broken Ground was an enjoyable crime mystery novel. As previously stated, I did get slightly bogged down by the multiple plots, but it was never so much I did not enjoy the novel. I would recommend this story to those looking for a decent mystery from abroad. I was granted an ARC copy of this book by Grove Atlantic, through NetGalley, for my honest opinion. I encourage all readers to reach their own conclusions.



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Purgatory's Angel by B. Huges-Millman

Jamie is, what she refers to as, a Dark Angel. She volunteers to defend humans from demons, and Jamie's battlefield is our dreams. During sleep, Jamie will transport to a demon hunting in nightmares, to stop them from murdering the dreamer. The concept of Purgatory's Angel by B. Hughes-Millman is an imaginative one. Being in mortal danger, while one is so vulnerable during sleep, is a truly terrifying scenario.

While in the dream realm, Jamie usually remembers every aspect of her fight. Upon waking one day, the details of the dream she was defending in are frustratingly vague. Most of what Jamie retains is her friend Sarah, and a man Jamie has never met before, are present for whatever occurred. Disturbingly, the day after this dream, Jamie meets the man, Collin, in the waking world. The significance of the scene is more than it appears. When Collin and Jamie finally address this encounter, a twist in events reveals itself that I had not connected. I enjoy when a situation surprises me.

Instantly, Jamie feels a connection with Collin, although she worries he is a demon and means to harm her. Soon, she discovers the connection she feels is mutual, but the couple remains suspicious of one another. The downfall in this story is with the romance. Jamie and Collin possess fantastic chemistry. However, deception surrounds the couple. It was difficult for me to support their union, after witnessing the manipulation Jamie and Collin experience, and do to one another.

Jamie speaking of pre-existence, what I assume is the realm, or time, when she fought against Lucifer, always leads to more questions than answers for me. Jamie states Dark Angels heal fast, as an explanation to why she appears younger than her ninety years of age. Demons kill Jamie's parents and grandmother, proving they are not immortal. Assuming this is her first lifetime, and the author never gives reason to believe anything different, it does not seem possible only ninety years passed since Jamie fought against Lucifer. It seems the battle would have been, well, a very long time ago. The matter of her existence before being a dream warrior causes great frustration for me. I do acknowledge that future clarification on these points is possible. Being the first novel in a series, some of the explanation I am looking for may come later.

Aspects of Purgatory's Angel I enjoyed, it was unique and engaging. The relationship between Jamie and Collin, however, was a bit difficult for me to get behind, which took away from this enjoyment. It makes me question if reading the series, in its entirety, would be worth it for me.

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Dragonfire by Donna Grant

Dragon Kings V and Roman are on a quest to find V's stolen sword. Due to V's amnesia of the incident, they travel to V's territory hoping to find clues when they arrive. The duo meets Camlo and Sabina while on their search. V and Roman discover that the brother and sister, who are descendants of the clan V protected, have information relating to V's curse and his lost weapon. V and Camlo work together to uncover V's memories, while Roman and Sabina, the couple of the story, descend inside a mountain for V's sword.

The path to retrieve the Dragon King sword was tense, and fast paced. At the climax of the story, I was bouncing in my seat. Roman's clever Dragon power lends to his artistic tendencies. Sabina's creativity, although different in expression than Roman's, gives the couple a common interest. Roman's dominance induces fantastic desire during their intimacies. The spark between the pair is potent, which is a common thing with Donna Grant novels.

I make it no secret that I am a huge fan of the Dark World series. The subplots continue to grab my attention. At this point, the recurring characters are as much of a focus for me as the main couples are. Dragonfire is the first novel since Ulrik's redemption. He played a minor, but crucial, part here. I believe his presence will be game-changing, especially for Con. I see Con reaching his breaking point, and that could be a very good, or a very bad thing.

Every Dark King book is a comfort, and a curse, all rolled into one. There is an overwhelming sense that resolution is just around the corner, and I am eager for the good versus evil showdown. But at the same time, I do not want them to end. Dragonfire by Donna Grant was given to me by Saint Martin's Press, through NetGalley, for my honest opinion.

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In the Mood Fur Love by Eve Langlais, Milly Taiden, Kate Baxter

In the Mood Fur Love by Eve Langlais, Milly Taiden, Kate Baxter is a compilation of short stories centering on shifters finding their mates. I am torn when faced with short stories. Reading novellas are an excellent way to sample new authors. 

I enjoyed two stories out of the three. Bearing His Touch by Eve Langlais has charming characters. The bear shifters are quite hilarious, and there is a unique take on vampirism. Fake Mated to the Wolf by Milly Taiden was, unfortunately, not engaging to me. The dramatic undertone did not grip me. I felt the lack of full novel development most here. Perhaps if I knew these characters a little better, the struggle would interest me more. The Witch, the Werewolf and the Waitress by Kate Baxter was also enjoyable. I suspected as much, having read prior novels from this author, and her short story did not disappoint. A bonus was the setting takes place in my neck of the woods, which rarely happens in popular fiction.    

Every couple experiences what is close to love at first sight. The men are very alpha, and the women slightly subservient. These are not bad traits, but, short stories can lack substance leaving the genre cliches more prominent. Overall I did enjoy In the Mood Fur Love. I was provided an ARC copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley.  I encourage all readers to form their own opinions.

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Consumed by J.R. Ward

Consumed by J.R. Ward was addicting from page one. We meet Anne and Danny with their fire crew when a call takes them to an abandoned warehouse fire. It is clear, in the first few pages, that Anne and Danny have a connection that goes beyond platonic colleagues. A bad choice on Anne's part puts her life in danger. Danny, rushing to her aide when ordered not to, is forced into extreme action to save her life, nearly losing his own. The several chapters between the beginning incident and Anne and Danny reuniting were fast-paced and incredibly addicting. I couldn't get through it fast enough.

Ten months after the accident, Anne begins work as a fire inspector. The loss she suffered due to the fire left her in a very dark place. She can no longer work at the firehouse, and she, to her irritation, continues to think about Danny. Meanwhile, Danny spirals out of control. Too much alcohol, too many one night stands, too many bad choices when battling fires; all this eventually drives a crew mate to contact Anne, with the hope she can help Danny become more stable. I was desperate for Anne and Danny to have their time together. Anne was fighting a losing battle with her feelings for Danny, and Danny needed a break from his anxiety. They needed each other to start emotionally healing from their accident.

Anne and Danny both fear admitting their feelings for each other, but for very different reasons. Anne wants to keep Danny from entering her life again. She has convinced herself the romantic feelings she has will fade but, the attraction is still prominent. A past trauma has left Anne distrusting of their emotional bond. She does not make things easy for Danny, and she is slow to open up to him. Danny knows Anne will run as soon as love is mentioned. He takes what she will give him, which amounts to a quick physical interlude. Nothing is new in this scenario, but I had become quite attached to the characters at this point. I sympathized with Danny and his desire to be with Anne.

Clues to a series of warehouse arson, that include the one she last fought in, lead Anne to a business tycoon who is untouchable. Something sketchy is happening, but Anne finds it difficult to prove. Anne pursues a lead, and after discovering its legitimacy, someone begins to terrorize her. Danny learns she is in danger and offers to watch over her. Anne brings down some defenses and agrees to let him stay. The intimacy Anne and Danny share, during this time, brings them closer to a sustainable relationship.

A woman from Danny's past soon comes between the couple. I found Anne's quick judgment of Danny predictable, not necessarily in a bad way, but her lack of trust in him did cause some frustration. I understand her lack of faith due to her past, and I know she did not have the benefit of hearing Danny's thoughts, but her decision to immediately see the worst did not sit well with me.

Following a hunch, Anne pursues her terrorist and nearly loses her life. Danny happens upon the scene and again, keeps Anne safe. I did not see the ending coming, which was a welcome surprise. The lovers, of course, have their resolutions, but the antagonist came out of nowhere.

It is clear this book is the start of a series.  Short prequel stories are available that I did not read, but it may be worth checking out to get a feel for the characters. I enjoyed Consumed by J.R. Ward and will be checking out the proceeding novels when they are released. I received this book from Gallery Books, through NetGalley, for my honest opinion. I encourage all readers to draw their own conclusions.

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Concealment by Rose Edmunds

Amy is a part of the Blue Skies Brainstorming Group at Pearson Malone, whose focus is on tax law. This company is currently brokering a big sale for one of the firm's major clients. In the beginning of Concealment by Rose Edmunds, a lot of tax jargon was present. The explanations of tax law are relevant clues relating to the plot. I, unfortunately, realized early that this did not hold my attention. It was difficult for me to push my way through to get to the action. A member of Amy's advisory group is found murdered. Through an unlucky chain of events, Amy becomes entangled in the investigation. At one point, she even becomes a suspect.

The reveal of Amy's psychological condition seemed to take a while, so long that not knowing became an annoyance for me. Amy is clearly delusional. She sees, and often converses with, a manifestation of her teenage self. Learning, finally, that her mother is a hoarder, I had the thought that it could not be as traumatic as she leads it out to be. When the character soon references derision from others that mirrors my own thoughts, it gave me pause. Amy's mother blames her for the urges she fights. The suffering from that alone would likely leave Amy with severe self-esteem issues if nothing else. Amy inwardly berates herself about her weirdness. She considers herself masquerading as someone she is not, lending credibility to that theory.

The stress on Amy increases, due to the murder investigation and her responsibilities to her firm's client, and she experiences a mental break. Here, I found myself reevaluating the plot thus far, and I began to suspect Amy was an unreliable narrator. The people disagreeing with her explanation of events seemed reasonable. Amy's scenario, suddenly, appeared to be ludicrous. I don't know if this was intentional on the author's part, but Amy's instability gave an extra layer of suspense to the action. The indecision continued until I convinced myself Amy was completely irrational. When deciding if Amy was seeing and concluding things correctly, or if her delusions got the better of her, it was an intriguing inner battle to experience. One I enjoyed as much as I became frustrated by it. The bonus came when a plot twist vindicates Amy.

I have mixed feelings about Concealment. The mystery aspect held my attention. I did not see the resolution coming, which is a significant allure to me. Admittedly though, I did not like Amy. She was not a sympathetic character to me at all. Arguably, that doesn't matter. In the end, her detachment to those around her is explained through her illness. My focus on her journey was how her mental abuse hindered healthy adult relationships in her life. I encourage all readers to draw their own conclusions.

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Hellbent by Gregg Hurwitz

Hellbent by Gregg Hurwitz is book three in the Evan Smoak Orphan X series.   Every installment can be read as a stand alone, but are more enjoyable when read in order.  In Hellbent the need to eliminate Evan, previously an active government assassin known as Orphan X, is becoming more imperative for Sciver. The current project runner of the Orphan program catches up with Evan's former handler Jack. Sciver plans to torture Evan's location out of him and assassinate Jack to induce a reaction from Evan that forces him out of hiding.

Hellbent takes on an emotional undercurrent that the other two books have only touched on. Evan is facing his past, his desire for a better life and the consequences the Orphan program created for him.  He is now painfully aware of how unequipped he is at dealing with human connections. The addition of Joey serves as a reflection of his past and the turning point in his life that made him what he is. I was just as invested in Joey's salvation as Evan. I want more than anything for both characters to experience a human connection, a sense of normalcy and to not feel so alone.

As always with this series, the action of Hellbent is fast-paced and smart. I spend most of my time on the edge of my seat. Often I do not see a solution for Evan's conflicts, which is quite nerve-wracking. And I love it. Now my eight-day binge reading of this series is over. Only a few months to go before the next installment, which is already on my to-read list. I was granted a copy of this book by St Martin's Press, through Netgalley, for my honest opinion. I encourage all readers to reach their own conclusions.

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Nowhere Man by Gregg Hurwitz

Nowhere Man by Gregg Hurwitz is book two in the Evan Smoak series. This book could easily be read as a standalone, although I would suggest reading book one as well. Active members of the Orphan program nearly succeeded in assassinating  Evan. After the confrontation, Evan resumes his undertaking of helping those unable to turn to anyone else. While tying up loose ends with a human trafficking ring, Evan is kidnapped.

Most of Nowhere Man takes place while Evan is in his kidnapper's custody. What proceeds is an intricate game of cat and mouse where both men consistently underestimate each other. This conflict makes for suspenseful interactions that kept me eager for a resolution. I was honestly unsure how Evan would make it out of his situation. When the ending did come, it was quite epic and served as a turning point for Evan.

I am surprised at how attached I have become to this character. The author is not only presenting a thrilling vigilante story. Evan is a vastly sympathetic character that the reader gets to know slowly through his adventures. I, of course, have already started the next book in the series. I can tell reaching the end will make for a bittersweet wait until more books come out. Nowhere Man was given to me by St Martin's Press through NetGalley for my honest opinion.  I encourage all readers to come to their own conclusions.

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Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz

Through a series of flashbacks, we see 12-year-old Evan Smoak inducted into the Orphan program. In this highly covert, government-funded program the Orphans become some of the best assassins in the world.  Years later Evan has gone underground. No longer an agent he becomes the Nowhere Man, a moniker he obtains due to the number those in need call, 1-855-2-NOWHERE. With his skills, Evan can help those with no other recourse. Ones in dire straights with no way of improving their situation. Defending his latest client becomes difficult as Evan learns his cover is no longer intact, and those from his past are out to kill him.

As I started Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz, I was a little unsure what to expect. Then on page one, there is an acknowledgment "to all the bad boys and girls, rulebreakers, and vigilantes --- for being so wicked that they're good."  One of the greatest I have seen. Vigilante stories attract me. Taking an impressive skill set that can harm and using it to help is, well, the stuff of superheroes. And something I can get behind.

Evan's handler Jack gives him harsh training to make him the best of his field. Slowly we observe Jack's relationship with Evan goes deeper than the job. Procedures, or commandments, taught to Evan include never let an innocent be harmed. One thing other Orphans don't seem to mind. Jack often tells Evan the hardest part is keeping him human, implying Jack cares he stay that way. Which validates that Evan would choose the path he did after going underground. You can't help but root for him and worry for him. Even hope the brief connections he makes with those outside his job will lead to a personal connection. The author does an excellent job of making Evan sympathetic.

Orphan X delivers on the suspense. Whether coming from the tension of his missions or the fear Evan will be found by those seeking to harm him, this story is a page-turner. There is action, and subterfuge, and even a bit of a twist I did not see coming.

If I were to mention anything slightly negative, and this is minor, I am lost in the fight scenes sometimes. Specific style names about fighting techniques get lost on me. Usually, I gain definition through context. A fight is a fight. I retain the overall events, but the specific descriptors don't help me much.

I finished Orphan X and immediately started Nowhere Man. I am fully rooted in Evan Smoak's world and cannot wait to see what happens next. I was granted an ARC copy of this book by St. Martin's Press through NetGalley for my honest opinion. I encourage every reader to reach their own conclusions.

Stygian by Sherrilyn Kenyon

The Dark-Hunter series is captivating. Intricate crossover plots spread throughout multiple novels. Solving the character's mysteries is a bit obsessive for me, and I revel in the depths these plots contain. Minute details can reveal hidden plot points, often found during rereads I indulge in. I am a big series reader, and this is one worth experiencing. In Stygian, background information is summed up when relevant to the current plot. Most of this happens in the back half of the novel and worth a warning, you will be able to tell where the additional content would be.

Honestly, the Lords of Avalon and Dragon Rising books are among my favorites in the DH world. In Stygian, the drakomai Sarraxyn is a principal character. Knowing some of Urian's past, I admit being unsure how Urian and Xyn could become a couple. They shared space in previous installments with no hint at a relationship. Urian and Xyn's reconnection is handled well, thoroughly convincing me of the lack of recognition previously.

Although enthusiastic about Urian's tale, I admit being leery of it.  Both Acheron and Styxx were arduous for me. Their books rip your heart out, stomp on it, shove it back and start all over again. Tissues are a must. Don't get me wrong, I loved experiencing Acheron and Styxx's journey, but it was a hard ride.  Formatted the same in that we begin with Urian's birth in ancient times, I worried Urian would have an upbringing filled with isolation. Urian does have it rough, but, it was not as tumultuous as I anticipated. Urian felt love and friendship. His family stuck by him. He had friends. He found love, although it was a long ride before they could be together.

In short, Stygian is a fantastic addition to the Dark Hunter world.  All my favorite characters show up in one way or another. One personal thing this book gave to me, is an ability to forgive for a prior misdeed. That scene, in particular, stirred my emotions in a big way. I love Urian and Xyn together. They both deserve someone epic and are well paired because of that. All opinions are my own, and I encourage readers to reach their own conclusions.

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Dagger's Edge by Lora Leigh

Dagger's Edge (Brute Force 2) by Lora Leigh is a romantic crime thriller. The events begin directly after Collision Point's ending. Information relevant to current affairs is summed up when necessary, but there is a depth to the relationships if one reads both.

Crimsyn, on the run and desperate to escape her corrupt, powerful family befriends Ivan's daughter.  Ivan is a dominant man possessing a significant Russian family legacy. Having ties to Ivan from her past, she knows he can help her maintain cover. Syn, as Ivan calls her, realizes it is a risky request due to a violent feud between their families. After a passionate night in Ivan's bed, Syn runs again with the intent of leaving Ivan behind permanently. Several weeks after Syn's escape, Ivan catches up with her. Together they devise a plan to stop Syn's family from causing more horror in their lives.

Ivan persuades Crimsyn they must get engaged. He hopes the betrothal going public will lure those trying to abduct Syn in the open. When that occurs, he intends on striking them down permanently. Syn's only requirement for participation is Ivan helps her believe the love she wants for them is real. Ivan's passion for Syn is apparent, and the love between them feels authentic. It's fulfilling Ivan accepting he needs Syn. Even more satisfying is Syn accepting her fairy tale has become a reality.

Ivan exudes power. He doesn't give excuses regarding possessing and shielding those he loves. Nor his drive to complete those tasks by any means necessary. Rising above his treacherous past gained Ivan a vast empire, which ensures Syn can remain by his side and protected. Syn has a tenacity to her. Her strength comes from within. Moments passed I saw a week woman who needed rescuing, but never so much so that I was totally put off by her.

Dagger's Edge is a great addition to the Brute Force series. Ivan and Syn were well paired, and quite sexy together. There was a great amount of mystery and suspense. I am enjoying piecing the character's background stories together. I was granted an ARC copy of this book by St. Martin's Press through NetGalley for my honest opinion. I encourage all readers to come to their own conclusions.

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Don't Look Back by Dawn Ryder

Miranda Delacroix has made an enemy of Carl Davis. Miranda surrendered evidence to a Special Ops team implicating an associate of Carl's in a severe crime, injuring Carl's political career. Carl ordered an assassin to take out Miranda to safeguard his political goals. Don't Look Back by Dawn Ryder belongs to the Unbroken Heroes series. From the beginning, it was apparent this book was part of a series.  Even though it was a bit disorienting at first, it quickly becomes clear how the characters fit into each other's pasts. All I needed was a basic understanding of past events, so I would say Don't Look Back could be read as a stand-alone novel. This book would be good for those who enjoy a political crime thriller, or romance novels.

The pacing of Don't Look Back is frenetic. Switches in the narrative produce just enough to advance the plot before diverting the action to other characters. This method kept me invested in the intrigue.  Various players attempt to outwit each other for victory. It immediately drew me into the events of the quest to bring down the enemy.

The threat to Miranda's life brings her reclusive, billionaire son Dunn to the States from Scotland. The Special Ops team safeguarding Miranda have personal ties to her and her adult children. Thais, who is a member of Special Ops, and Dunn have a desire growing between them. Thais' assignment places her in position to guard Dunn and keep him from executing a premature move against Davis. When the two of them acknowledge the chemistry they share, they realize it is something they can no longer deny.

When their physical encounters begin, Thais and Dunn are unsure how a relationship will work for them. The author gives insights into the emotional connection the couple is forming and walls they have both built begin to crumble. Even though Thais and Dunn fear what is growing between them, they determine the passion they feel for each other is worth experiencing.

The injustice perpetrated by a political figure, assassination for power, was an act that one could argue hits a little close to home. Misdeeds in our government I absolutely believe happens. To the scale of covert assassinations, who's to say? Watching a group who could change things in this atmosphere, had me rooting for them. Witnessing Dunn and Thais' affection grow was a satisfying romance. They were sensual and intense. An alpha couple aptly paired. I most definitely recommend Don't Look Back by Dawn Ryder. I received an advance reader copy of this novel from NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for my honest opinion. I encourage all readers to reach their own conclusions.

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Devilish by Tricia Barr

Devilish by Tricia Barr is an erotic paranormal romance and will be enjoyable to fans of the genre. The Devil as an anti-hero makes the basis of his myth tragic. A spin on the fallen angel's mythology kept me interested and engaged. In the love story, the Devil was appealing and highly seductive.

The Devil found his way out of hell and to the world of man. He crash lands in New York City and the world's reception is wary. Felicity meets with the Devil representing the New York Times to obtain an interview about the reason for his presence. The Devil, or Lucifer as he prefers, gives minute details of his story to Felicity over the course of several dates that they share. In addition to sharing his tale, he vows to Felicity that he will win her affections.

Hearing the lore of Lucifer's existence is what you would expect it to be with a few embellishments. A lot of thought went into keeping the Devil in a familiar position while making him empathetic. We discover Lucifer is not the epitome of evil. Instead, he is charming and sexy with some roguishness that pairs well with the bad boy aura. Lucifer is often mischievous, but he never takes on a demonic guise. In a nice twist, we discover Lucifer's downfall was caused by an expected force. Devilish inserts unique touches on the Devil's legend that maintains the intrigue. The interpretations of hell itself and Lucifer's method of escape aided in substantiating his humanity. I was charmed by this version of the Devil.

Felicity, I had a hard time respecting as the heroine. Felicity is a virgin at the start of the story. There is nothing wrong with that in reality although I find it overused as a romance trope. Her lack of desire for the men she has met is the self-professed reason for abstinence. Felicity immediately gains a spark with Lucifer and subsequently fights it. At one point it even occurred to her Lucifer forcing the issue would be preferable to giving in to her need for him. I interpreted she was not afraid of Lucifer only of the desire she felt, but it was admittedly a bit unclear. I typically enjoy stronger female characters who are firm with what they want, or what they don't and that remain true to themselves.

Felicity gives in to her desires and sleeps with Lucifer. On the day that occurs, she uses sexual guile to seduce another man for information. This scenario is wrong for several reasons. She has a deadline but the decision is dangerous, and that fact never occurred to her. That man could have ended her life without a second thought, and no one knew what she was doing. Her decision to obtain a goal through sex was a discredit. They did not fully procreate, but it felt wrong considering her feelings toward sleeping with Lucifer and the fact she just lost her virginity. Even with the issues I had, I found the book immersive and there existed astonishing chemistry between the characters.

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Blackout by Dannika Dark

Blackout is the fifth book in the Crossbreed series by Dannika Dark. I would caution against reading these books as a stand-alone. There are several interconnecting plotlines throughout the series. All of the background information is important in the development of the characters and the bigger narrative. The Crossbreed books center on Raven Black and her adventures with the Keystone group. Raven lives in Cognito where several supernatural beings cohabitate. As a member of Keystone, she does a myriad of different jobs as requested by the breed's Higher Authority.  This group can be called in for a variety of things. In Blackout Keystone is tasked to secure several groups of political officials during a period of anarchy taking place in their city.

The developing plots in the Crossbreed series continue to progress in Blackout. As is typical, some of the resolutions were gratifying, and some broke my heart. Raven and Christian continue to struggle with their feelings. I surmise personal issues need to be resolved for Raven and Christian's relationship to flourish. I also believe turmoil in Raven and Christian's romance is not Houdini's primary goal. I am keen on discovering what his objective is. Shepard and Niko both have demons in their pasts that are quickly catching up to the Keystone team. Although Shepard winds up better off by the end of Blackout, Niko is going to have to eliminate his demons sooner rather than later. The ensemble present in Keystone is a family. They are a bit wary perhaps, but in the end, they always support each other.

In a community that is predominantly lawless, other than dealing with the most heinous of crimes, Keystone struggles to bring justice without giving into the darkness surrounding them. Rather than maintaining the focus on the supernatural elements, this is a tale about humanity.  Facing loss of loved ones, rising above PTSD, dealing with extreme prejudice, fighting addiction, creating healthy relationships in both friendships and love. I feel angry with them and sad, and devastated when the world is crashing down around them, and cautiously optimistic, and happy when things go their way. These books represent a deluge of the emotional spectrum. I feel an immediate kinship with Dannika Dark's characters and gloriously praise every book she has written. I admit I have a particular fondness for the Keystone group in the Crossbreed series. I encourage everyone to reach their own conclusion.

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Denied by Cathy Clamp

Anica is charming and good-natured. She is Russian and written with the accent. An approach that lent well to her personality. The introduction to the story was thrilling. The characters being a part of a wildfire fight near their community was intense. The special bond between Anica and the interloper investigating a rash of murders was recognizable and immediately intriguing. A feeling they shared that I recognized could lead to their pairing.

Unfortunately, Denied is a story I was unable to immerse myself in. The number of species the different characters could shift into became too much. Wolf, Owl, Snake, Bear. At the introduction of a Spider, it seemed a little contrived. Perhaps if I introduce myself to the series with the earlier novels, I would feel connected to the character relationships more. Experiencing their pasts might make the current narrative feel less chaotic and disjointed to me. I was never sure what I was supposed to have already known. Some of the backgrounds referred to were unclear to me in the current context.

I will be honest there was a point I began skimming this story, then finally I gave up reading altogether.  I don't necessarily want to discourage one from giving it a try. My opinions are my own, and may not match that of others. If the synopsis appeals, give it a go. NetGalley and Macmillan Tor/Forge books granted me early access to Denied by Cathy Clamp for my honest opinion.

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Shadow's Bane by Karen Chance

Update 01/07/2019 I just made my way through the entire Cassie Palmer novels. I have to say, this book is better when you know all of the back story. I also feel the need to say this is one of my favorite ongoing series out there right now. SO glad I decided to read them all!


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Shadow's Bane by Karen Chance is the fourth in the Midnight Daughter series. Dhampir Dory is the main protagonist. She is sassy, hilarious and I appreciated seeing this world through her eyes. Dory is on the trail to stop fae slavers while dodging assassins looking to steal her newly appointed Vampire Senate seat. There is exciting action, relationships with a depth of emotion, and Dory's quest to find mental stability. I was hooked immediately.

Urban fantasies that comprise multiple casts of supernaturals tend to be more enjoyable for me. Avoiding species cliches is more likely when all the focus is not on one breed. Shadow's Bane has a variety, all unique and compelling. I haven't seen a dhampir quite like Dory. About halfway through the book, everything started to come together for me. The relationships were clear, and the depth of the threat was fully surfacing. By this point, I had a vested interest in the characters.

Different backstories interject throughout the narrative, serving to help one understand the connecting plot-lines of the characters introduced in prior installments. I appreciate the context, but it became a bit tiresome for me. There was a lot to absorb, stopping midway in a scene to connect all the dots interrupted the flow. I can fill in the blanks and would rather backtrack in a series if I feel it necessary.

Speaking of backtracking, I will now be doing precisely that with the Midnight's Daughter books. Shadow's Bane is what I look for in an urban fantasy series. I received an ARC copy of Shadow's Bane from Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for my honest opinion. I encourage all readers to come to their own conclusions.

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Deep Cover by Scarlett Cole

Amy and Cabe are working on different angles of a criminal case at the Lucky Seven Casino and a dedication to doing the right thing, for all of the parties involved, was a priority. A past crime involving Amy's mother supports her drive to stop the female disappearance at the Lucky Seven. Cabe and his team have a similar investment. Sokolov's crime syndicate has directly threatened the lives of family members of the Eagle Security team. They possess equal justification to make sure the casino becomes crime free. Bringing the villains down became as essential to me as it was to them. The team worked intelligently and well together, and it was clear they were all becoming great friends. I remained invested in the characters during the attempt to end these atrocities.

Amy's father is a professional poker player, and her uncle runs a casino. Due to her resources, she has the skills to go undercover at the Lucky Seven to investigate the missing women. As Amy goes undercover as a card dealer, the stress builds. The owner of the casino, Faulkner, has charm but at the same time, he crosses a line that justifies caution and suspicion. In contrast, Amy's direct supervisor Ortega is respectable with Amy and the rest of the staff. Who is helping Sokolov launder money if anyone? Who is responsible for the missing women, the indecent boss or the moral one? These questions fuel the anxiety. Cabe and Eagle Securities focus their attention on the money laundering. Cabe attempts to befriend Sokolov while covertly searching for the money switches. Cabe and the team do their job well. Cabe's instincts and reactions are appropriate to what I believe an ex-NAVY Seal would be. He is protective and keeps his team, which now includes Amy, safe.

I enjoyed Cabe but, his contribution is primarily guarding Amy's back. I would have liked to see Cabe play a more prominent role in the end battle, rather than just being Amy's knight in shining armor. Along the same lines, I felt an agent with Amy's qualifications could have needed less saving. I also sense Amy being more assertive in the face of danger would have made her more interesting. A  dynamic involving a couple fighting together is a delicate balance. I still found their decisions sound and them both to be capable in their jobs.

When reading romance novels, I am most committed when the plot surrounding the couple can stand on its own. I find that Deep Cover was one of these novels. Having said that, the romance in Deep Cover was also quite captivating. The characters, for justifiable reasons, decided not to pursue their attraction to each other. In high-pressure situations, that only lasts so long. When they give in to the chemistry between them, it is explosive. Well done there. This relationship develops while they are getting to know each other without bringing sex into the equation. I welcome this method as it is more believable. I recommend giving Deep Cover by Scarlett Cole a chance. I received this book from Netgalley and St Martin’s Press in exchange for my honest review.

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Pancake Money by Finn Bell

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Pancake Money by Finn Bell centers on Bobby and Pollo, detectives attempting to solve the savage murder of a priest. Over the course of a few days more grizzly deaths occur, and the detectives face what seems to be an unsolvable case. Pancake Money is highly engaging. Where the story succeeds most for me is when it focuses on the detective's relationships and deductive processes. Worth noting, the entire book takes place in New Zealand. I have never visited New Zealand and was glad to realize this was not a problem. The author delivers the necessary descriptors to paint the background picture with clarity.

The story begins with a gruesome murder as seen through the eyes of the executioner. The scene's perspective seems more about the intimacy of the act then the brutality of it. Despite being brief, this scene is an effective way to set the mood. It consumed me with dread and sadness, although I am still unsure if the sorrow was for the victim, the killer, or both. I experienced a full spectrum of emotion reading this book, and I loved it.

The methodology the characters use to identify the perpetrator is fascinating. Bobby is attending a forensic psychology class throughout the plot. These lectures further foreshadow with topics such as pain motivating individuals to fulfill any task. Throughout this investigation, the detectives examine the reasons that drive a murderer.  Bobby and Pollo discuss which would apply to the killer and why the crimes represent one motivation over the other. Gaining knowledge in the context of the novel made me a part of the examination. I received insights along with the characters by understanding how they were drawing their conclusions.

It is clear from the beginning Bobby and Pollo are close. They respect each other, keep each other safe, spend time with one another's family, and have meaningful interactions. The relevance of the title, Pancake Money, comes from a poignant tale Pollo discloses to Bobby towards the beginning of the story.  Believably in this relationship is a motivational key in the third act. It was necessary to connect them as a family, and I did not doubt this fact at any time.

Being fond of a decent mystery novel I frequently read from this genere. Going in, I hold onto the hope that the book's resolution is not glaringly evident. The big question here is, did I figure out the end before the reveal? The answer is an emphatic no, and for me, that is a huge deal. I consistently try to anticipate the resolution in anything I read. In Pancake Money, the full story was not entirely evident until the crime solver dictated the clues, and solution, at the end. I was then able to pinpoint the evidence referred to and found it entirely believable. It was quite a ride getting there. I would highly recommend Pancake Money to anyone who enjoys a great murder mystery.

Awaken the Darkness by Dianne Duvall

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Awaken the Darkness is the latest in the Immortal Guardian books by Diane Duvall. When Susan rescues Stanislav, he has lost all memory of his past. As they begin to realize Stan has preternatural gifts they are desperate to find his memories and someone they can trust. Reading Awaken the Darkness as a stand-alone is entirely possible. The reader has the opportunity to discover his background as Stanislav remembers. But as a series reader, I always recommend starting from the beginning.

Stan and Susan are fantastic together. Their relationship evolves quickly, but I feel it is a reasonable occurrence. You perceive their emotional connection right away. Susan was cautious but compassionate. Stanislav was respectful and protective of Susan, but he was not obnoxious about it. They found instant chemistry with one another and are a likable couple.

The plot unfolds in a tight pocket of time, and the pacing is quite fast. I felt an immense amount of tension when the situation called for it. Once Stan was on the correct path to finding his Immortal family, I got especially anxious. The poor man had all the answers in front of him. But if you can't remember your past, it is incredibly hard to trust. Then the ending snuck up on me. Not a lot happens in regards to the overall series arc, but I did not mind this at all.

When I first experienced The Immortal Guardians series by Dianne Duvall, I fell instantly in love with the series. She brings an appropriate balance between drama, comedy,  suspense, and romance. This is a captivating urban fantasy/paranormal romance series, one that I wait not so patiently for the next installment. I always suggest that all readers come to their own conclusions.

Stygian Preview Review by Sherrilyn Kenyon

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Updated review will appear in a separate post sometime after 08/28/2018.

I was recently able to read an excerpt of Stygian by Sherrilyn Kenyon as given to me by Netgalley and Macmillian Tor/Forge Publishing. This excerpt contained about 200 pages of the novel. I am already invested in what is happening. I love the Dark-Hunter series because of the intricate plots within plots. Solving the mystery of these has become a bit of an obsession of mine. I don't mind the depths these plots contain, or the attention I pay to minute things, or the rereads I feel are necessary.

In Stygian, there is background information contained when necessary. I would not have felt anything missing if Stygian was my first Dark-Hunter book. The entire series, however, breaks into subsets. For example, Stygian is the Lords of Avalon #7, Dark-Hunter Dragons Rising Trilogy #3, Were-Hunters #12, Dark-Hunter #29. I am a big series reader, and this is one series worth experiencing in its entirety.

To be honest, the Lords of Avalon and Dragon Rising books are among my favorites. I am fond of the dragons (and mandrakes). As with the other Dragon Rising books, even Styxx and Acheron, I anticipate sections of this book will cross into plotlines already addressed. That doesn't bother me. As previously mentioned, I reread the Dark-Hunter books anyway. In Stygian, the drakomai Xyn is a principal character. The prospect of her story joining with Urian's is intriguing. Wherever Stygian goes, I am impatient for it, especially now.

Although enthusiastic for Urian's tale, I admit being leery of it. Both Acheron and Styxx were arduous for me. Their books rip your heart out, shove it back and start all over again. Tissues are a must. Don't get me wrong, I loved experiencing Acheron and Styxx's journey, but it was a hard ride.  Formatted the same in that we begin with Urian's birth in ancient times, I worried Urian would have an upbringing filled with isolation. Urian does have it rough, but so far, it was not as tumultuous as I anticipated. It could be much of that comes later, I am sure some of it will, but I feel better knowing that Urian felt love and friendship to a degree. Where does that leave me? Counting down the days until I get Stygian in its entirety. I have full faith Urian's journey will be worth the wait and do him justice. All opinions are my own, and I encourage readers to reach their own conclusions.

Lies That Blind: SpiritBeasts Book 1 by Diane Rose Wilson

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Lies That Blind by Diane Rose Wilson is book one of the Spirit Beast series. Frankie travels from New York to California to attend her Aunt’s funeral. When Frankie inherits all of her Aunt’s assets, everything about her world changes. Meeting Christopher helps her integrate into an existence she never dared believe possible.

Starting this story was difficult. Right out of the gate is an introduction I feared would lead into a love triangle. Then there is a wake with many people to keep track of and decide how to interpret. Admittedly I got a little lost. I now feel this was a brilliant way to inject the reader into the uncertainty Frankie must feel. She doesn’t know these people, who they are or what they mean to each other. Feeling awkward about the exchanges going on, feeling unsure about their interaction with her and between each other. It gives a sense of where she had to be at mentally in that scenario. It was a bit jarring, but I get it. And the love triangle is addressed but is not as bad as I anticipated.

The story roots in an urban fantasy world.  There are hints of it when Lies That Blind begins but, the mystery unwraps as Frankie becomes aware of it. Frankie meets Christopher, and the story starts to come together. First, I admit that I have a dislike for most love at first sight situations. When handled well, it works for me, and here it was. I would call Frankie and Christopher soul mates or something of the like, and it felt genuine. Qualities exist that are unique to this world, making it a nice change from the usual paranormal romances out there. And the author’s way of connecting the reader to the story was very engaging. It was emotionally connecting and fast-paced, an urgent feeling at times when there was conflict building. My tell when things get tense is clenching my fists while reading, with this story I did that. Worth mentioning, it was a carnal tale, and it worked for these characters. The passion between them was raw and visceral, almost palpable. It was appropriate for Frankie and Christopher.

Oh, how I hate novellas. That’s not true I don’t. I have various reason why I prefer a full-length novel, but in this case, I wanted more, so much more. My favorite stories in this genre are those that could stand without the romance built into the plot. Although it would change it some, with this beginning, I would wager Lies That Blind: SpiritBeast book 1 is one of those stories. Highly recommended. I was given the opportunity to read this through NetGalley for my honest opinion. I encourage all readers to reach their own conclusions.

Dark Alpha's Hunger by Donna Grant

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I read an ARC copy of Dark Alpha’s Hunger from NetGalley and St Martin’s Press in exchange for my honest opinion. Dark Alpha’s Hunger by Donna Grant is book six in the Reaper series. The Reapers are a unique group among the Fae. Both the Dark and the Light Fae make up the Reapers. They align primarily with Death and each other. Reapers are responsible for the execution of the Fae so deplorable they can no longer exist among their people. This story focuses on the Reaper Eoghan and the Half Fae Thea.  When the couple finds each other, Thea discovers she belongs in a world of magic she never knew existed.   

One can read this book as a stand-alone, more so than the rest of the series. The storyline diverts a bit with this installment.  It moves away from the main Reaper group and introduces multiple new characters. I always suggest in a setting such as the Dark World, that reading all previous installments take place. Hostilities in a realm that includes the Reapers and the Dragon Kings in the immediate, and going as far back as the Dark Sword series, are now in full swing. Several characters that share time here have deep-seated pasts. To omit confusion background information is given when relevant, but the full dramatic effect will not occur if that past is not familiar to the reader.

As always, the characters are engaging.  And who doesn’t enjoy a sexy Fae with an Irish brogue? Eoghan has the respect of his fellow companions due to his integrity. Thea overcomes a dark past to find happiness in a new world. The attraction between the two is fast and fierce. I am not typically in support of an insta-love scenario, but overlook it when the payoff is worth it. In the Dark World, the thematic developments deeply integrate into their world and are tremendously compelling. I like the buildup of various subplots, and again, sexy Fae.

For those who are aware of the Dark World and its complexity. ** Beware of minor spoilers.** Usail, the Light Queen, has gone way beyond what I feel is redeemable. Or rather, any delusions regarding Usail’s true nature can no longer be contested after her actions and admissions in Dark Alpha’s Hunger. If one considered Usail’s words carefully, there is a slight hint about Rhi and her Dragon King. Perhaps one that gives it away. But, maybe not. This secret, as for many others readers, is one I am invariably trying to uncover.

What I find best about these books is the world building. The Dark World is a fun and intriguing urban fantasy setting, everything interconnects. The males are dominant but possess decency and honor. The women rise above their fear and become better for it. The romantic interludes are always sensual. I plan for the release dates, so I don’t have to wait to experience them. My opinions may not match others, and I encourage everyone to find their own.

Murdered by James Schannep

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Murdered by James Schannep is a Click Your Poison book. By design, the reader places one’s self in the story-line and dictates the narrative. The premise of Murdered is the reader is on vacation in Brazil for the annual celebration of Carnaval. After separating from friends, you find a murdered woman and the possible killer who flees the scene. At this point, the reader becomes the primary navigator of the plot.

A common problem I find in mysteries is the foreshadowing that reveals the endgame before it is time. This issue was not a problem for me while reading Murdered. Every pathway my choices revealed enough clues to keep me eager for more. My addiction to this book occurred from the beginning. The short chapters spurred the action forward and did not reveal so much it was easy to achieve resolution. I found the way to a fulfilling ending but never became bored on the journey.

It is likely the first read through will not reveal the whole story, I would suggest multiple tries. I made my way through the full story three times before I found all the details of what happened. I had to backtrack more times then I can count after going down a wrong path, or when I died, which I did, a lot. I never did feel like I was wasting my efforts revisiting where I had already gone, I always found a better path. Resolving what worked with each character to get to the truth, or how to defeat them when necessary, was gratifying and entertaining.

It might help to suspend one's disbelief during a reading. How likely would it be for the Brazil police, or the Diplomatic Secret Service, to bring a random American tourist in on a murder investigation? Not to mention give said tourist a weapon, or depend on them in a firefight? These were however minor things. Once engaging in the action of the story it did not concern me much, I just went with it.

I would highly recommend this book to mystery fans. Just remember it is a unique format. I remember reading choose your own adventure stories when I was younger. This book is reminiscent of those novels. Murdered does have a more adult audience in mind than the young adult books I read in junior high, but the essence is the same. I loved them then and find I have just as much fun with them now.

Broken Promise by Tara Thomas

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Broken Promise is the third book in the Sons of Broad series. The eldest Benedict brother Kipling is the center of this romantic thriller. Alyssa, Kipling’s partner and would be lover, discovers things about her family and her murdered sister while helping Kipling find his kidnapped half-sister. A connection exists in their separate tragedies, and the couple confronts the threat the Gentleman has been tormenting the Benedict’s with.

Kipling and Alyssa were gravitating toward one another in previous novels, and here they develop it. Their attraction matured naturally into love, the compatibility they share obvious. Kipling and Alyssa are entertaining together. I appreciate the dry humor between the two. They are also intelligent enough to defend against the threat from the Gentleman.

The background given on the Gentleman reveals his true identity and his supposed slights with the Benedict family. The Gentleman works as the protagonist for me in Broken Promise. Exposing his background gives him more substance in my eyes. Realizing his true motivations increase the anxiety. It is unsettling for the characters, understanding there’s no reasoning with a madman.

All and all I was glad to read the conclusion to this series. The romance was engaging. I worried about the leads when their lives were in danger. I became wary of and disgusted by the bad guy and his motivation. I could foresee some of the mystery unravel before the reveal, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Decent tension presents itself, and a few things still surprised me. I'd give it a solid three out of five stars. Worth mentioning, the bonus content is kind of sweet. There is a great speech given at a wedding so check it out if you can. This book was given to me by Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for my honest opinion. I encourage all readers to come to their own conclusions.

Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris

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Bring Me back begins over a decade after Finn's girlfriend Layla went missing from a rest stop after the couple came home from a weekend trip. Finn was hopelessly in love with Layla and her disappearance affected him deeply. After meeting Layla's sister Ellen, who was opposite from Layla in every way, he got to a place where he could love again and eventually proposed marriage to Ellen. Shortly after the marriage announcement, things begin to happen that makes Ellen and Finn believe that Layla is secretly trying to sneak back into their lives.

This book strongly captivated me from the beginning. The chapters are short, so the flow is quick. The way the focus flips back and forth in part one from past to present events it keeps the intrigue up. I had a hard time putting the book down. Finn eventually begins to descend into a type of madness. Unsure if Layla is behind the events plaguing him, or if in fact, he can rid himself of Ellen, Finn secludes himself and bogs himself down with worry. I was sympathetic with Finn, albeit a little frustrated. Secrecy was probably one of the worst things he could have done, but as a third party observer, it is always easy to draw those conclusions.

For me an enjoyable mystery/ thriller gives me hints about the events without being too overt with it. I can't help but spend my time trying to figure out the end game. Bring Me Back was no exception. The plot gives just enough to think I figured it out. Then other feasible scenarios come to light and supply the doubt to consider alternate theories. The formula works very well.

The ending is where I had a problem. Although, problem may not be the correct word, but I was not a fan. I don't want to give too much away, and in all reality, it probably would not have been a happily ever after no matter what at its conclusion. I did, however, hate what happened to Finn. It made me feel terrible for him, and Ellen, and Layla. In no way would the ending prevent me from recommending this book. Just do not expect Bring Me Back to have any sunshine or rainbows at its conclusion. This book was given to me by Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for my honest opinion. My opinion may not be that of others, and I encourage all readers to come to their own conclusions.

Bones and Bourbon by Dorian Graves

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Siblings Retz and Jarrod have been separated for several years when Bones and Bourbon by Dorian Graves begins. Both have tragic pasts. Since Retz was an infant, he has shared his body with the consciousness of a necromancer with low morals. Jarrod is dealing with a curse that dictates he take any supernatural job offered or suffer the consequences of said curse. I saw them both as suffering from suttle mental abuse throughout their lives, which gained my sympathies and my desire for them to succeed. There was well-placed tension in Bones and Bourbon. I was drawn in by the foreboding I felt surrounding the characters on their journey. The small triumphs they did acquire were welcome. The humor within the story was just enough for things not to get too grim for me. There was also a good deal of mystery surrounding several of the characters, giving me the desire to seek out their stories in the future. 

There was complex and entertaining world building. I find most of my novels from the urban fantasy/ paranormal romance genres and vampires and werewolves are everywhere. I enjoy that the preternatural focus in this book is outside of what is most frequent. Learning about new types of supernaturals is something I enjoy and always prompts my desire to do outside research. Integrating the various kinds of creatures was interesting, however, it did cross my mind the book suffered slightly from overkill. Huldras, furaribi, lamia, fae, necromancers, and even Bloody Mary.  And that is not all. Everything integrates well, but I couldn't help but wonder if it was a conscious thought to put in as many types as possible.

Overall, Retz and Jarrod's story was quite enjoyable.  I was engaged in their relationships and perseverance. The brothers did their best in a world that was determined to beat them down. I am eager to see them prevail in their overall quest.  All opinions are my own, and I encourage all readers to come to their own conclusions.  I received an ARC copy of Bones and Bourbon by Dorian Graves for my honest opinion.





   

Blade of Darkness by Dianne Duvall

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Blade of Darkness by Dianne Duvall is book 7 of the Immortal Guardians series.  Led by Seth who is the oldest among them, the Guardians defend humanity against those driven violently insane by the same virus that infected the Guardians and gave them their immortality. I ran across these books through the Audible Romance Package on pure luck, and am thankful for it.  I binged all seven books, along with the short stories and prequel Gifted Ones books, in an almost obsessively short amount of time. You could read Blade of Darkness as a standalone, but as always I advocate against it. This series especially there is a deep connection between the characters that enhance the enjoyment if you know them all.

In Blade of Darkness, Immortal Guardian Aidan has recently transferred hoping to ease the loneliness he has faced for the past 3000 years. A stronger threat has emerged and is trying to bring down the Immortal Guardian's, making Aidan a direct target for elimination. Out of the series, Aidan's was one of my favorites.  There was a tense misdirection at play throughout Aidan's story, and visions from Aidan's lover Dana greatly exacerbated it. Aidan is forced to put enormous faith in his Immortal family at a time it seems they have no reason to back him. I appreciate when reading a series, you can't take for granted that in the end, everyone will come away from the conflict unscathed. Ramifications are necessary for me to hold onto my suspension of disbelief. I felt there are real things at stake for the Immortal Guardian group in Blade of Darkness.

This series is a stand out among the urban fantasy, paranormal romance genres. I would not hesitate to recommend Blade of Darkness, and the Immortal Guardians series as a must read.  The urban fantasy elements are a great mix of action, mystery/thriller, and comedy.  From the question surrounding Seth's true origins to the hilarious, snarky attitudes of some of the Guardians and their seconds, those who help the Guardians complete their daily duties, I readily admit it is great fun for me. The paranormal romance aspects of it are a great addition, but not at all what holds the stories together. But when the romance takes a front seat in the narrative, it is well worth experiencing, and insta-love is rare which I appreciate. I have added Dianne Duvall to all of my follow lists and eagerly await the next Immortal Guardian installment. All opinions are mine and may not be identical to others. I urge all readers to come to their own conclusions.

Torched by Donna Grant

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Torched by Donna Grant is the newest in the Dark Kings series.  Torched centers on the Dragon King of the Silvers, Ulrik, who was stripped of his powers and banished from the rest of his Dragon King brethren long ago.  Reading Torched as a stand-alone is possible, but with the background interactions involving Ulrik throughout the series, I would not recommend it. Ulrik has been evolving throughout the past several books, leading him to a place in Torched where he can take on his enemies, and possibly find a purpose beyond his need for vengeance.

I have long awaited Ulrik's story. I enjoy a protagonist that struggles with their darkness within and needs a good redemption.  Ulrik is one of these characters. Ulrik has been seeking revenge against the Dragon King of Kings Con, even though Con had his reasons for causing Ulrik's centuries of solitude without his magical essence. In Torched Ulrik allows himself to act on his feelings for the Druid Eilish who is responsible for unlocking his magic. In allowing himself to feel something other than hatred Ulrik finds some peace and reassesses what he wants from his future.  The series has shown the bond between Con and Ulrik remained and Ulrik finally admits to himself that it sucks to stay murderously angry with your best friend.

My final assessment is this installment of the Dark Kings series is well worth reading.  I read about the Dragon Kings for its urban fantasy elements and the massive subplots that have been developing as far back as the Dark Sword series with the Dangerous Highlander.  I love interconnecting plot lines, and the overall narrative is continuing to advance toward its apex. I am eager for its conclusion. The characters in the Dark World are a family with deep emotional ties. They care for and keep each other safe.  It is satisfying to see one of their central exiled characters has found a way to become part of that family again. The paranormal romance aspect is just as good as it always is.  Admittedly Ulrik is my type of alpha male, so I had no problems engaging in the passion between Ulrik and Eilish. There were a few moments I felt the lack of an emotional bond between them but came to the decision that could have to do with Ulrik's state of mind.  All opinions are mine and may not be identical to others. I urge all readers to come to their own conclusions.

The Big Alpha in Town by Eve Langlais, Milly Taiden, Kate Baxter

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Big Alpha in Town contains short stories that revolve around shifters finding their mates. Bearing His Name by Eve Langlais involves Ark finding his mate Jade. Jade believes Ark impregnated her sister, and Ark strives to convince Jade otherwise. Owned by the Lion by Milly Taiden centers around Keir finding his mate Ally.  Keir hopes to gain Ally's love before revealing to her the depth of his ties to her. No Need Fur Love by Kate Baxter centers around Owen finding his mate Mia. Mia finds Owen looking for a one-night stand, and is shocked to discover their immediate bond. Problems arise for the couple when Mia's father is unsupportive.

I enjoyed the romantic snapshots contained in Big Alpha in Town. All the characters were likable, and taking part in their relationships was entertaining. Out of the three short stories in Big Alpha in Town, my favorite was Bearing His Name. Ark was a strong alpha male but to me never felt too arrogant.  I found him, and his entire clan for that matter, charming and hilarious.  The other two stories were enjoyable as well, but my favorite tales are those with a good dose of humor throughout them.

Compilation novels present an excellent opportunity to try an author's writing style. I have since pursued other works of those authors unfamiliar to me, and I recommend giving them all a try. I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own and may not be identical to others. I urge all readers to come to their own conclusions.

X Marks the Spot by Opal Carew

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X Marks the Spot is a stand-alone novella by Opal Carew. While celebrating Abi's brother's wedding, Abi is determined to act on the crush she has had on Del since the two of them attended college together. While trying to make her move on Del, Abi finds herself in Liam's bed by accident. Liam, deciding its time to renew efforts to win his estranged wife back uses Abi's mistake to his benefit and seduces her.

The idea for this book is good in concept. I enjoy a denied passion love story. The romantic encounters are pretty sexy and serve the purpose of getting your blood pumping. The scenarios are motivated mainly by Abi's indecision on which of the male characters she wants, which leads to bed-hopping between the two men, and eventually the three of them together. There is less time to develop characters the shorter the story is, and here they are a little one dimensional, but this fact may not matter depending on one's perspective. The story unfolds into a string of sexual fantasies and not much else, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The men are sexy and in love. The woman gets what she wants in the end, and everyone is happy. In between, they all spend a lot of time between the sheets. If lustful thoughts are what you want out of your erotic romances this one will deliver.

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own and may not be identical to others. I urge all readers to come to their own conclusions.

Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon by Kerrelyn Sparks

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Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon by Kerrelyn Sparks is book three of The Embraced series. Starting with the third book presented no issues for me, I was able to follow the plot without feeling I was missing things, even when the characters referred to what most likely occurred in past books. Gwennor is an Elf, a race which is the sworn enemy of the Norveshka people.  Through happenstance, Gwen finds herself on Norveshka helping General Silas find a cure for the ancient curse afflicting his people.

This book was lighthearted, funny and sweet which was such fun for me. The banter between Silas and Gwen and the rest of the characters for that matter kept a smile on my face most of the novel. The couples were adorable. When events were more serious, it never became too dark which was appropriate for the setting.

The mystery alongside the love story was quite enjoyable and kept me guessing. What I most liked about it is in a world of mages and shifters, their problems were resolved in part by real-world applications. This approach helped ground the story to reality in unexpected and interesting ways.

Any issues I had, which were mainly due to Gwen being slightly too naive for my taste, was due to personal preferences. I was able to overlook it and have a good time reading Gwen and Silas's story. They were well paired and quite sexy. I received an ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own and may not be identical to others. I urge all readers to come to their own conclusions.