Inferno by Donna Grant

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Inferno is the explosive, most anticipated, final book in Donna Grant's Dark Kings series featuring Con, the King of the Dragon Kings!

I knew what I wanted. And nothing was going to stop me.

King of Dragon Kings. Driven, ruthless, shrewd. The weight of survival for Constantine and his brethren has pushed him to set aside his own yearnings—for now. He’s the most powerful of all Dragon Kings, and Con will stop at nothing to destroy anyone who dares to threaten his existence.

For years, Con has hidden his pain—his desperation—for there is one smoldering beauty that he craves above all else, even if he feels he doesn’t deserve her. However, his enemies are at every corner. There is no one left to trust. But none of that matters anymore: There is only one thing that Con wants. With this one woman by his side, he can fight for the freedom of his fellow men-in-arms. All Con has to do is get her to surrender her heart…and be his for all time.

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REVIEW

The Dragon Kings are gorgeous, protective, fierce, gallant, amazing Scots.   They do their best to protect humanity from the Dark Fae while maintaining anonymity. Forces continually strive to expose their true dragon form to the world, to initiate their destruction. 

The Dark Kings saga by Donna Grant is one of my all-time favorites out there.  And Inferno is the big one. Con's story. The King of Kings.  Is it worth the wait?  Absolutely it is.  Let's start with the standard warning, especially this far in if you are not familiar with the Dragon Kings, do not start here.  You are going to spoil a whole slew of books if you read this first and believe me, it is a fun test of patience trying to figure out who Con's mate is.  

And the not so standard warning that I will not be able to review further without spoilers. Last chance, stop here if you do not want to spoil, well, the entire series. Of course, everyone's fantasy of how things were supposed to happen are different.  I spent hours analyzing Con and Rhi over the years, and I almost had myself convinced they were not mates.  Until the beginning of 2020, when I ran across the big spoil. I didn't have to read it, but I did, and after the last book, I would have swung back around to that conclusion anyway.  In short, Con and Rhi were no surprise.  I enjoyed getting their flashbacks.  I liked that Rhi made Con work for it. I almost wish we could have got the reveal a few books ago.  That way, Con REALLY would have had to work for it, but that might have been too torturous.

The Usaeil reveal was a bit unexpected.  I know some are a bit offended by it, but it makes a warped bit of sense.  Honestly, I think it is a great final f you.  Her past comes back to bite her in the butt.  And Erith's nice little secret, oh boy.  That one was almost over the top, but I like where it will lead us.  

Melisse and Henry, I approve, if it is what I think it is, and it better be.  She is just awesome.  I mean she's like Maleficent, how is that not the coolest thing ever.  And Balladyn still needs his happy ending.  These are my wishes for the future.  So with the mate of the King of Dragon Kings, the Usaeil saga is closed.  Good frickin riddance.  I will now continue my series reread so I can grin every time Con and Rhi start in on each other.  I know your secret now.

Lethal Nights A Brute Force Novel by Lora Leigh

ABOUT THE BOOK

#1 bestselling author Lora Leigh turns up the heat in her latest novel of high-stakes passion and persuasion featuring the men of Brute Force.

Ilya Dragonovich is no stranger to the dark side. As a safe-house owner for security agency Brute Force, Dragon knows that the battle line between good and evil runs through the heart of every man—and, sometimes, a beautiful woman…

Emma Jane Preston needs help. After her marriage crumbled, she believed she could get back to a normal, happy life. But now she needs the kind of protection that comes at a cost—one that only someone like Dragon can provide. But can Emma Jane trust this handsome, undercover operator to keep her safe when she is in danger of falling into the arms of the deeply seductive, fiery Dragon...and never letting go?

“Leigh’s books can scorch the ink off the page.”

—RT Book Reviews

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REVIEW

Ilya and Emma Jane experience a moment of attraction that they do not acknowledge. When Emma Jane's life is in danger, Ilya comes to ensure her safety. What follows is an entertaining, suspenseful, sexy romance. Ilya, as with all the males in the Brute Force series, is very Alpha. Emma Jane is well equipped to deal with his overprotective, demanding manner, and it never feels like Ilya is blatantly trying to control her. I enjoyed getting to know them throughout the conflict and as a couple.

Every Brute Force novel contains this curious undertone of the supernatural. Here it is represented in Ilya's dragon tattoo and how it relates to his heritage and his romance with Emma Jane. I enjoy this aspect of it. The author presents it without explanation, and it is up to the reader to decide how much validity to give to it. 

When the mood strikes me, I appreciate a sexy alpha male and his romance with a take no crap female. Lethal Nights is a worthy addition to the Brute Force saga.

Death of Darkness by Dianne Duvall

REVIEW

The Immortal Guardians are a refreshing take on the standard vampire story. Even though a newcomer will comprehend the events in Death of Darkness, Seth's journey should be experienced from the beginning. I always recommend discovering all the books in a series.

Death of Darkness represents a world of individuals who can kick serious a**. They are fiercely loyal and consider one another family. As a group, they help defend humanity against supernatural threats. The Immortal Guardian males are formidable and protective without being condescending or frightening. The Immortal Guardian females are as capable as the men in all areas, which remains a crucial factor to my enjoyment of this series.

What I enjoyed: Death of Darkness comprises a highly anticipated novel for me and in no way did it disappoint. As the leader of the Immortal Guardians, Seth has supported the weight of their world on his shoulders. It was pleasant to witness him relax a bit. While several conflicts were cleared up, there was a sweet intertwining of the burgeoning romance between Seth and Leah. Their relationship was unrushed and a friendship forged over time, even though it was clear from the beginning the two were romantically perfect for each other. 

The wit that makes up all of the Immortal Guardians books was present, as was the seductive appeal of the lead. Several moments of suspense kept me on my toes, one, in particular, really got my blood pumping.

This series is a constant fixture in my to-read list of urban fantasy/ paranormal romances. I highly recommend it.

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne Blog Tour Stop, Excerpt and Review August 27th

ABOUT THE BOOK

These men are dark, bold, and brave. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees...

Famed and brilliant, Lady Alexandra Lane has always known how to look out for to herself. But nobody would ever expect that she has darkness in her past—one that she pays a blackmailer to keep buried. Now, with her family nearing bankruptcy, Alexandra strikes upon a solution: Get married to one of the empire’s most wealthy eligible bachelors. Even if he does have the reputation of a devil.

LOVE TAKES NO PRISONERS

Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is seeking revenge and the first step is securing a bride. Winning a lady’s hand is not so easy, however, for a man known as the Terror of Torcliff. Then, Alexandra enters his life like a bolt of lightning. When she proposes marriage, Piers knows that, like him, trouble haunts her footsteps. But her gentleness, sharp wit, independent nature, and incredible beauty awakens every fierce desire within him. He will do whatever it takes to keep her safe in his arms.

“Romantic, lush, and suspenseful.”—New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Enoch

Excerpt

Chapter One

Maynemouth, Devonshire, 1890 Ten years later

Alexander,

Accept the invitation to Castle Redmayne. I’m in danger. I need you.

—Frank

Alexandra Lane had spent the entire train ride from London to Devonshire meticulously pondering those fourteen words for two separate reasons.

The first, she had been unable to stop fretting for Francesca, who tended to give more than the appropriate amount of context. The terse, vague note Alexandra now held was more of a warning than the message contained therein.

The second, she could no longer afford a first-class, private railcar, and had, for the last several tense hours, been forced to share her vestibule face-to-face with a rough- featured, stocky man with shoulders made for labor.

Alone.

He’d attempted polite conversation at first, which she’d rebuffed with equal civility by feigning interest in her correspondence. By now, however, they were both painfully aware she needn’t take four stops to read two letters.

It was terribly rude, she knew. Her carpetbag remained clutched in her fist the entire time, except when her hand would wander into its depths to palm the tiny pistol she always carried. The sounds of the other passengers in adjoining vestibules didn’t make her feel safer, per se.

But she knew they would hear her scream, and that provided some relief.

For a woman who’d spent a great deal of the last ten years in the company of men, she’d thought these painful moments would have relented by now.

Alas, she’d become a mistress of manipulating a situation so, even if she had to endure the company of men without a female companion, there would be more than one man. In the circles she tended to frequent, people behaved when in company.

It had worked thus far.

Alexandra braced herself against the slowing of the train, breathing a silent prayer of relief that they’d finally arrived. She’d been terrified that if she’d glanced up once, she’d be forced into conversation with her unwanted companion.

Rain wept against the coach window, and the shadows of the tears painted macabre little serpents on the conflicting documents in her hands. One, a wedding invitation. The other, Francesca’s alarming note.

A month past, she’d have wagered her entire inheritance against Francesca Cavendish’s being the first of the Red Rogues to capitulate to the bonds of matrimony.

A month past, she’d assumed she’d had an inheritance to wager.

Their little society had seemed destined to live up to the promise they’d once made as young, disenchanted girls to never marry.

Until the invitation to an engagement masquerade— given by the Duke of Redmayne—had arrived the same day of her friend’s cryptic and startling note.

The invitation had been equally as ambiguous, stating that the future duchess of Redmayne would be unveiled, as it were, at the ball. Included in Alexandra’s particular envelope was a request for her to attend as a bridesmaid.

The subsequent plea for help from Francesca—Frank— had arrived in a tiny envelope with the Red Rogue seal they’d commissioned some years prior.

Alexandra hadn’t even known Francesca had returned from her romps about the Continent. Last she’d heard, the countess had been in Morocco, doing reconnaissance of some sort. Nothing in her letters had mentioned a suitor. Not a serious one, in any case. Certainly not a duke.

Francesca had a talent for mischief and a tendency to interpret danger as mere adventure.

So, what could possibly frighten her fearless friend?

Marriage, obviously, Alexandra thought with a smirk.

A risky venture, to be sure.

From How to Love a Duke in Ten Days. Copyright © 2019 by Kerrigan Byrne and reprinted with permission from St. Martin’s Paperbacks.

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Review 

What I liked: I don't read a lot of historical romance novels. I was pleasantly surprised by How to Love a Duke in Ten Days. The main female characters were not timid creatures driven by the rules society deems appropriate. Lady Alexandra Lane attains a respectable profession and becomes independent. Likewise, the Piers Atherton the Duke of Redmayne is not a stuffy aristocrat. He feels more at home away from the other nobles and is not looking to gain more prestige. 

At its heart, this book is the story of a woman reclaiming peace after a horrible experience causes severe PTSD. *Warning, anyone who has a trigger involving sexual abuse should tread cautiously.* Alex finds a way to overcome her fears of intimacy and comes out better in the end. Her journey is profound and inspiring.

What I didn't like: In a nutshell, secrets. Misunderstandings, when one could have just been completely honest from the beginning, does not endear me to the characters. I felt the decision to hold things in so long really drew things out unnecessarily. I will say that it opened up room for character development, so I get where it came from.

All in all, I enjoyed reading this early copy of How to Love a Duke in Ten Days. I could easily recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good historical romance.

Blood Truth (Black Dagger Legacy 4) by J.R. Ward

ABOUT THE BOOK

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Savior brings you the next sizzling and passionate paranormal romance in the Black Dagger Legacy series.

As a trainee in the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s program, Boone has triumphed as a soldier and now fights side by side with the Brothers. Following his sire’s unexpected death, he is taken off rotation against his protests—and he finds himself working with Butch O’Neal, former homicide cop, to catch a serial killer: Someone is targeting females of the species at a live action role play club. When the Brotherhood is called in to help, Boone insists on being a part of the effort—and the last thing he expects is to meet an enticing, mysterious female...who changes his life forever.

Ever since her sister was murdered at the club, Helaine has been committed to finding the killer, no matter the danger she faces. When she crosses paths with Boone, she doesn’t know whether to trust him or not—and then she has no choice. As she herself becomes a target, and someone close to the Brotherhood is identified as the prime suspect, the two must work to together to solve the mystery...before it’s too late. Will a madman come between the lovers or will true love and goodness triumph over a very mortal evil?

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REVIEW

Part four of the Black Dagger Legacy books, Blood Truth, is the tale of the final trainee Boone. After an injury takes him out of the field, Boone works to solve a murder case. During the investigation, he meets Helaine and is instantly drawn to her, as she is to him. 

Boone and the rest of the trainee group for that matter, have escaped the glymera's aristocratic confines, which thrills me to no end. It appears the largest conflicts come from their old world, prejudice beliefs, and the next generation is rising above it. Boone struggles with this in his household, but Helaine supports him in coming to terms with it. The couple has great chemistry, and they meet at a time when they both require a change in their lives.

Although the core focus is not on the Brotherhood, they are still present throughout Boone's story. I enjoy that every legacy book assumes a minor pause from the main BDB story arc. I enjoy the trainees interacting with the Brothers away from the war. Blood Truth, for example, is predominantly a murder mystery. Butch puts his detective shoes on, and it is delightful to experience. I have a secret hope he can eventually go back to that full time. 

J.R.Ward's world of vampires is one of the best in the genre. These books possess a unique voice, are suspenseful and witty. I typically find little wrong when reading from the Black Dagger Brotherhood world. I did experience some minor annoyance during Blood Truth with the convenient wrap up of the murders and a lack of thorough explanation, but I can live with that. Everything else lives up to my expectations. 

Dark Alpha's Redemption by Donna Grant

 ABOUT THE BOOK 

There is no escaping a Reaper. I am an elite assassin, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. And when Death says your time is up, I’m coming for you…

My duty to Death drives me forward. I've never once strayed from my path – not even when the future seemed uncertain. However, Maeve's intelligence, cunning and determination challenges me in ways I never imagined. Finding out what she knows is the key to learning how to conquer our enemy. The Dark Fae breathes new life into me unlike anything I've ever known. For Maeve, I will risk trusting the Dark. For her...I will battle darkness itself.

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 REVIEW 

Dark Alpha's Redemption is the continuing saga set in Donna Grant's Dark World. This far into the series, I highly suggest reading all preceding novels. At this point, several characters are crossing over, and although previous plot points get abridged when relevant, a lot is going on. 

As always, the overall story-line surrounds a couple finding love. Maeve and Bradach begin as wary associates on the hunt for a missing fae. The two have great chemistry, and the discovery of their feelings for each other feels natural. 

In Dark Alpha's Redemption, a stronger comparison continues to unravel regarding the dark and light fae. It is becoming more apparent that the heart of the being is what matters, not their title or where they reside. Seeing them as both make them more relatable, and it also gives a better sense of what they need is a leader who can be both. I have my guesses/hopes on who could fill this role, but we are getting closer to that revelation.