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.