Dark Alpha's Caress 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…

Reborn to serve, I have never once questioned Death’s directives. Until my mission leads me to a Halfling who stirs things within me that I’ve never felt before. Sorcha’s past intrigues me, but not as much as the gorgeous and stubborn Halfling herself. Though the Others are no more, our enemies still lurk around every corner. I can feel it. But for her, I will battle whatever comes my way—be it present dangers or ghosts of the past.

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REVIEW

Dark Alpha's Caress feels like the beginning of a new arc, which makes sense based on the previous installments.  Due to this fact, any new reader of the series will not find themselves lost.  What loose ends remain from the prior storyline are explained.  

For this reason, Sorcha and Cathal find themselves in a situation not quite as precarious as the rest.  Yes, there is conflict, and it sucks for Sorcha.  At the story's conclusion, I got a bit teary-eyed.  But we see very little of the rest of the group, and I missed them a bit.  No need for the big guns, so to speak, when two can seemingly take care of the problem.  

Sorcha has a uniqueness about her that I find intriguing, Half-Fae and Skye Druid.  Utilizing her power in an epic battle could prove to be a great asset.  Cathal embodies those qualities that all of Death's Reapers do.  Sexy, lethal, loyal, and protective.  The two have sizzling, sexy chemistry.

I am curious to see where the books will go from here.  Where the rising factions will cause trouble, or not, and what challenges lie ahead for the Reapers.

The Fiery Crown by Jeffe Kennedy

ABOUT THE BOOK

A desperate alliance. A struggle for survival. And a marriage of convenience with an epic twist of fate come together in Jeffe Kennedy's The Fiery Crown.

WILL THEIR LOVE STAND THE TEST OF TIME

Queen Euthalia has reigned over her island kingdom of Calanthe with determination, grace, and her magical, undying orchid ring. After she defied an empire to wed Conrí, the former Crown Prince of Oriel—a man of disgraced origins with vengeance in his heart—Lia expected the wizard’s prophecy to come true: Claim the hand that wears the ring and the empire falls. But Lia’s dangerous bid to save her realm doesn’t lead to immediate victory. Instead, destiny hurls her and Conrí towards a future neither could predict…

OR TEAR THEIR WHOLE WORLD APART?

Con has never healed after the death of his family and destruction of his kingdom—he’s been carefully plotting his revenge against his greatest enemy, Emperor Anure, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. When Lia’s spies gather intelligence suggesting that Anure is planning an attack against Calanthe, Con faces an agonizing choice: Can he sacrifice Lia and all she holds dear to destroy the empire? Or does his true loyalty exist in the arms of his beguiling, passionate wife—’til death do they part?

The Forgotten Empire series is:

“Captivating…engrossing.” —Romance Reviews Today

“Sensual fantasy romance you won’t want to miss!”—Amanda Bouchet, USA Today bestselling author of The Kingmaker Chronicles

“Action-packed…sexy…highly recommend.”—Harlequin Junkie (Top Pick)

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REVIEW

The Fiery Crown is book 2 of the Forgotten Empires series.  At this point, Conri and Euthalia are preparing for the backlash of their marriage.  Expecting Emperorer Anure to retaliate soon, and the couple must agree on a way to keep Calanthe safe from his forces while Con attempts to exact his revenge. 

There is nothing about this book/ series I do not like. The fantasy elements are unique and exciting. Euthalia's connection to her land and her magical ties to the orchid ring is clever and interesting. She is a strong leader, intelligent, and dedicated to her people. Conri begins as a reluctant partner, but slowly he and Euthalia work together to combat the impending war. During preparations, you see a strong partnership begin to grow between them, and the people around them fall in line with it. 

Prophecies are an exciting plot device. When handled properly, it can inject a good deal of suspense into the story. In The Fiery Crown, the true meaning is not obvious until it is. It does not contradict itself. I just buzzed right through this story, on the edge of my seat, trying to figure it all out. And I did not see everything coming.

Jeffe Kennedy did an excellent job keeping me engaged in the Fiery Crown. I absolutely cannot wait for more of the Forgotten Empires series.

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.

Blood and Ash: The Jezebel Files, Book One by Deborah Wilde

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Cold-blooded kidnappers. Long-lost magic. When things get serious, she goes full Sherlock.

Ashira Cohen takes pride in being the only female private investigator in Vancouver. With her skills, her missing persons case should be a piece of cake.

She wasn't counting on getting bashed in the skull, revealing a hidden tattoo and supernatural powers she shouldn't possess.

Or the bitter icing on top: a spree of abductions and terrifying ghostly creatures on a deadly bender.

And don't even get her started on the golems.

Reluctantly partnered with her long-time nemesis Levi, the infuriating leader of the magic community, Ash resolves to keep her focus on the clue trail and off their sexual tension because WTF is up with that?

But with a mastermind organization pulling strings from the shadows and Levi's arrogance driving her to pick out his body bag, can Ash rescue the captives and uncover the truth or will the next blood spilled be her own?

Blood & Ash is the epic first novel in The Jezebel Files. If you like headstrong heroines, complex mysteries, and a dash of red-hot romance, you'll love Deborah Wilde's laugh out loud tale.

Get it now!

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REVIEW

Ashira Cohen lives in a world where part of the populace is magically adept. Trying to make it as a mundane detective, where the jobs make less money and are less exciting, Ash attempts to make the best of it.  During a case, a head injury puts her on a path she never thought possible.

I was ecstatic when I discovered NetGalley is now giving out audiobook arcs, which is my preferred method of reading.  A narrator can make or break the audiobook journey, and this was a good one. Hollie Jackson does a good job narrating Blood and Ash: The Jezebel Files, Book One. I never felt her interpretation was disingenuous to the characters.  I was able to simply kick back, listen, and lose myself in Ash's world.

Blood and Ash by Deborah Wilde is my kind of book. I'll be honest you will find elements in this story that exist in a lot of other urban fantasy/ paranormal romances.  But that did not make it any less enjoyable for me.  The supernatural had enough of a uniqueness that I was not comparing constantly to stories from my past. I was engaged and interested in the magical world Ash lives in.

Ash is sassy, amusing, and tough.  Her complicated relationship with her mother drew me in as does the one with her childhood "nemesis" Levi.  Love stories derived from a couple who think they despise each other are most interesting to me.  The conflict in the chase always amps up the passion, and Ash and Levi have it in abundance. 

In short, Blood and Ash is excellent and well worth listening to the audiobook.  After finishing, I immediately started book two, Death and Desire, and now wait impatiently for the audio of book three, Shadows and Surrender. 

Flame by Donna Grant

ABOUT THE BOOK

Flame is the next Dark Kings book in New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant's series.

If she believed in destiny, she would believe they were meant for each other.

But that fire was put out long ago. . .

Living among the Dragon Kings, Cain has spent lifetimes learning to distrust both mortals and Fae. He is a warrior born—and every instinct demands that he fight to keep his own kind safe. But when a fringe member of the Dark Fae contacts the Kings with an urgent warning, Cain is torn for the first time. How can he trust this beautiful creature when resisting his primal attraction to her is battle enough?

Noreen is horrified by what her kind and the malevolent Others are planning for the Dragon Kings. Dark Fae or not, there are lines she will not cross—even if it means risking her life. But she never imagined that she would risk her heart until she meets Cain. She wants him with a soul-deep desire that frightens her…and endangers them both. Is saying goodbye to everything Noreen has ever known worth a love that will span time and realms?

Praise for the Dark Kings series:

“Provocative [and] sizzling.”—RT Book Reviews (4 stars)

“A must-read.”—Night Owl Reviews

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REVIEW

Flame by Donna Grant places the Dragon Kings of Scotland at the end of a progressively developing war. As good as this news is, we are beginning to gauge the extensive toll it is taken on several principal characters. With the most important battle yet to come, some personal issues need to be properly resolved before the team can present a unified front. 

Cain and Noreen suffer a challenging time during their budding romance. Their tale is tense and gripping. The couple's chemistry is fantastic, and their resolution is completely satisfying. Absolutely, under no circumstances, should you willingly miss this remarkable book. We are in deep guys and boy is there a stunning, informative, and exciting amount of lore addressed here. Many of my theories are this close to being revealed, and it is driving me crazy, in a pleasing way. 

One warning, if the Dark Kings series is unfamiliar, it is probably inadvisable to start here. The couple's story is independent, but the backdrop has advanced over several books. Reading Flame will spoil the larger storyline if one starts at the beginning later, which I highly suggest doing. 

Thank you, Donna Grant, for this brilliant book and amazing series! I am completely satisfied with what Flame delivers us readers and cannot wait for more.

Broken Dawn by Dianne Duvall

REVIEW

The Immortal Guardian series, a standard recommendation to everyone I talk to, takes a unique spin on the vampire mythology, one that sets it far apart from other PNRS. I adore Dianne Duvall's heroes and heroines. Her Immortals are powerful and protective without being domineering. Here you will not encounter the stereotypical situation of the male domineering the female. The couples are equal in tenacity, clever wit, and charm. I enjoyed shifting away from North Carolina to Texas in this installment, while still keeping a direct connection to the original group. 

Nick and Kayla have marvelous chemistry, and they were absolutely adorable together. Their relationship slowly develops over time, and when they discover the mutual reciprocation, their interactions are wonderfully steamy. The action and suspense are on par with what I expect from this remarkable series. Everything that I appreciate about the Immortal Guardians is present in Broken Dawn. Dianne Duvall does not disappoint.

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Shatter the Earth by Karen Chance

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ironically for the time traveling, chief seer of the supernatural world, time has never been on Cassie Palmer’s side. There has always seemed to be too much to learn, too much to master, and never enough hours in a day. But the tables have now turned, and the fluctuating timelines of Earth and Faerie are diverging, slowing time in Faerie relative to Earth, and giving humans an advantage for the first time in their war with the fey. It is one they desperately need, for a literal war of the worlds is about to take place. To win, or even to survive, Cassie and her allies, the powerful vampire senator Mircea Basarab and the formidable war mage John Pritkin, will have to pull off their greatest feat yet. And find a way to become more than the sum of their parts.

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REVIEW

Shatter the Earth is the latest in the remarkable Cassie Palmer series by Karen Chance. I cannot state how much I genuinely enjoy these books. There is wry humor, non-stop action, and steamy romance. After ten full-length novels, various short stories, and spin-off books (see Dorina Basarab), I am extremely invested in the complex characters that drive these books. Vampires, Mages, Fae, Demons, and even mythological Gods weave into the intricate plot in unique ways. Every story consistently utilizes elements that genuinely surprise me, which I absolutely adore. In a genre that frequently possesses the same old same old, I can count on Cassie Palmer to not follow my expected path. When speaking to others about the joy in reading a great urban fantasy/paranormal romance, the Cassie Palmer books by Karen Chance are the first on my list of recommendations.

Random spoilery thoughts: My main comment here is holy crap, that Lover's Knot spell! That is most definitely an excellent pay off for them. I wait impatiently to see where this goes. And boy, I hope Dory does not hold too much of a grudge for how that last battle started. Thank you Karen Chance, for constantly surprising me. 

Dark Alpha's Temptation: A Reaper Novel 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…

Carrying Death's orders is my sole duty. I've never had reason to question her, even if I disagreed. But Kyra's fierceness and willpower sheds light on my mission. She drives the darkness of my world away. The answers to the Others' goals lie in her past. For Kyra, I will risk going against Death's wishes. For her...I will battle the past and the future itself.

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REVIEW

In this latest installment of the Reaper series by Donna Grant, we follow Kyra and Dubhan's burgeoning romance. The backdrop is Ireland, amidst the backlash of the events that took place in the Dark Kings book Fever. Dark Alpha's Temptation is not a stand-alone novel. Many books lead to this point, and I fear a new reader would be lost if this is their first in Donna Grant's Dark World series. Prior publications are worth the experience, and one could go back a long way. I love a richly developed setting, and this series is one of my favorites in the urban fantasy/paranormal romance style. 

Dubhan is what you would expect out of a Reaper. Who can resist a sexy, immortal, justice dealing Irishman? Kyra is a courageous heroine to match. Together they are an attractive, charming couple. Overall I enjoyed their story. 

Random spoilery thoughts: This book gave us more information on the threat to Reaper allies, and the Reapers themselves, which I enjoyed getting. After the events in Fever, I was hoping for a theory I had to be confirmed here, which it was not. I could be wrong, but time will tell. Until then I will have to deal with the lingering sorrow and frustration. 

Fever by Donna Grant Release Day Blitz, Excerpt and Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

FEVER by Donna Grant, NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author

Dark Kings Series, Book 16

Releases October 29, 2019

For centuries, the Dragon Kings have lived among mortals, forsaking their true selves. But for Kelton, hiding in the realm of shadows—and existing only in the world of dreams—is no longer an option. A human woman claims to know that he, like other dark warriors of his kind, is real. That the legends about these powerful, seductive men with hearts ablaze are true. And that, with just one embrace, Kelton could destroy her…or love her until the end of time.

Bernadette Davies is an anthropologist who knows better than to fall into the arms of a Dragon King. But how can she resist Kelton when he’s so willing to share his secrets and bare his soul? He hasn’t met a beautiful, trustworthy woman like Bernadette in…forever. But once they give into their mutual desire, their worlds will never be the same. Soon Bernadette must face her dilemma: Should she expose the truth about Kelton in the name of science? Or join him in his battle with the dark forces—in the name of love?

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Excerpt

She had to calm down or else she was going to get sick. And Bernadette really didn’t want to ruin the rug she now paced on.
Her blood felt like ice in her veins. Her hands were sweating. Her stomach roiled violently, alternating between pain and nausea. And her mind was jumbled so tightly that she wasn’t sure she would ever sort anything out again.
Her life had been sedate and boring – and she’d liked it. She liked waking up at the same time every day, having a cup of tea and toast as she read the news on her mobile before getting ready for the day. She’d enjoyed going into work and being good at her job, of having friends, and even eating at the same places for lunch every week. She liked stable and constant. There hadn’t been any surprises.
But all that changed one fateful rainy night. With one image, she’d kissed her peaceful life good-bye without a second’s hesitation. She gave up her home, belongings, friends, and even her career for what? To chase something she knew to be real but the rest of the world didn’t?
She stopped and leaned her hands on the back of the sofa. The leather was cool to the touch. She drew in a breath and slowly released it in an effort to calm herself, but it didn’t work. Finally, she lifted her gaze to Keltan who watched her patiently.
The recent fad with men sporting beards hadn’t been her favorite. In fact, she’d always preferred men to be clean shaven, but she quite liked the beard on Keltan. It accentuated his strong jaw and his wide lips.
Bernadette hastily looked away. She didn’t know why she kept looking at his mouth. It wasn’t as if he was attracted to her or anything.
She cleared her throat and dropped her chin to her chest. “I was once a respected anthropologist. I had a great career.”
“I know. I looked into you.”
Her head snapped up. His gaze caught and held hers. “I gave it all up that night I saw one of you.”
“In Glasgow?”
“Yes,” she said with a nod.
Keltan swallowed, regret tightening his face. “You didna see one of us.”
“I know what I saw. It was a dragon.”

REVIEW

Every Dark King book by Donna Grant is a treat, and Fever is no exception. The Dragon Kings are sexy Scots with an enormous sense of honor and chivalry. In Fever, we meet Kelton as he connects with Bernadette, who is determined to show the world dragons exist. Fever is an intense ride. The series is so close to its conclusion, and so many things are at stake. Admittedly at one point in the narrative, I took a peek at the end of the story. The anticipation was too much for me. 

The romance between Kelton and Bernadette is what you would expect from this series. An almost instant attraction exists between the two, but it doesn't hinder my enjoyment. Kelton and Bernadette's journey is unique to them and worth the experience. 

Random spoilery thought: As much as Con's absence bothers me, I enjoy Ulrich in charge. It is a valid way to experience the what-if of it all, and he is doing a marvelous job. 

The early copy of Fever I received is a great read. I suggest it to anyone who enjoys paranormal romance. All relevant information from past books is explained in Fever. Although this late in the series do yourself a favor and read from the beginning, it is quite a ride. Now, I confront what always seems like a long wait for the subsequent book in the series. 

The Rogue King (Inferno Rising Book One) by Abigail Owen

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kasia Amon is a master at hiding. Who―and what―she is makes her a mark for the entire supernatural world. Especially dragon shifters. To them, she's treasure to be taken and claimed. A golden ticket to their highest throne. But she can't stop bursting into flames, and there's a sexy dragon shifter in town hunting for her...

As a rogue dragon, Brand Astarot has spent his life in the dark, shunned by his own kind, concealing his true identity. Only his dangerous reputation ensures his survival. Delivering a phoenix to the feared Blood King will bring him one step closer to the revenge he's waited centuries to take. No way is he letting the feisty beauty get away.

But when Kasia sparks a white-hot need in him that's impossible to ignore, Brand begins to form a new plan: claim her for himself...and take back his birthright.

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REVIEW

After the death of her mother, Kasia and her sisters are forced to separate. The phoenix power dispersed to them during their dying mother's last act makes the siblings highly sought after by the warring dragon clans. On the run and unable to fully command her powers, Kasia meets Brand. He assures Kasia that to remain safe, she must accompany him to the blue dragon clan ruler King Ladon and she agrees.

On their journey, Kasia and Brand interact with various supernatural entities trying to either help or harm them. The two possess genuine chemistry. As their desire for one another increases the conflict in the story gains as well. Several of the supporting characters are intriguing, and I look forward to encountering them in future stories. Evil found in this world is truly despicable and without remorse. But the author equally discovers ways to include doubt as to whether those who seem trustworthy genuinely are, further increasing tension. It is an exhilarating ride as Kasia and Brand navigate their way through conflicts in The Rogue King.

The Rogue King represents an excellent start to the Inferno Rising series. The romance behind the story is integral to the plot, and it is quite sensual. But the excellent world-building could appeal to a predominantly urban fantasy audience. I enjoyed the balance between the two while reading an early copy of this book and will most definitely be continuing with the next book release in this series.

Moonstruck (Crossbreed Book 7) by Dannika Dark

ABOUT THE BOOK

Evil forces are at play in this spellbinding continuation of the USA Today bestselling Crossbreed series.

Transporting goods is part of the job, but when Keystone accepts the daunting task of moving precious cargo, the team splits up. Raven has orders to follow, but Christian’s seductive ways draw out her violent soul. Their journey is dangerous, their enemies ruthless, and one misstep could prove fatal. 

When one team member mysteriously vanishes, the rest must choose between cutting their losses in the face of chaos or seeing it through to the bitter end. Will Keystone have the fortitude to complete the mission, or will they fall like dominoes?

United they stand, divided they fall.

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 REVIEW 

Moonstruck by Dannika Dark is book seven in the Crossbreed series. It is not necessary to read other installments to enjoy the current story. As always, I recommend undergoing the complete experience from book one. There is a greater depth to the story that way. Kind of police with a touch of mercenary, Keystone assist the breed world with various tasks that official channels are unable, or unwilling, to manage. In Moonstruck, the bulk of the group is escorting a small group of teenagers to a private school.

What I like:   

As the series gets longer, the stories branch out to include more depth on each member of Keystone. Their evolving ties seem to solidify the desire for penance from their dark pasts. The member's relationships are precarious, but the bonds are slowly evolving.  What began as simple partner pairings in some cases feel like genuine friendships, perhaps even more. With Raven and Christan's relationship on solid ground, the focus is mainly on the storyline conflicts. This fact does not bother me a bit. Urban fantasy can be just as thrilling and enjoyable as a paranormal romance, Dannika Dark is astounding because she does both remarkably well.  

Random Spoilery Thoughts

I go back and forth on whether or not I desire other partnerships to turn into romance.  There are a few couples that I think would be good together, but I really do enjoy these books regardless of the romance. At this point, either way will be just fine for me. And all types of love exist. A family is not always the ones we are born to, and the Keystone members are becoming a wonderful sort of misfit family. I eagerly await more from this team.

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. 

Brave the Tempest by Karen Chance

 ABOUT THE BOOK 

Cassie Palmer, chief seer of the supernatural world, faces her biggest challenge yet--her own allies! Everything's on the line in the latest thrilling entry in the New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series.

Cassie Palmer has been chief seer of the supernatural world for a little over four months. In that time, she's battled two gods, fallen in love with two men, and confronted the two sides of her own nature, both god and human. So it's not surprising that she currently finds herself facing two adversaries, although they have a single purpose: to wipe out the supernatural community's newest fighting force, leaving it vulnerable to enemies in this world and beyond. 

To prevent catastrophe, the vamps, mages, and demons will have to do the one thing they've never managed before and come together as allies. Cassie has the difficult task of keeping the uneasy coalition intact, and of persuading her own two opposing forces, a powerful mage with a secret and a master vampire with a growing obsession, to fight at her side. She just hopes they can do it without tearing each other apart.

 PURCHASE ON AMAZON 

 REVIEW 

Once you start a Cassie Palmer book, walking away from the story is not an easy thing to do. Every novel in the series proceeds at a breakneck pace, and this one is no exception. Be aware that Brave the Tempest is book nine. All relevant information is summarized when necessary, but it will enhance the adventure if you know these characters. This series is an excellent binge read. Before reading my early copy of Brave the Tempest by Karen Chance, I wish I had time to revisit preceding books.

What I like: Karen Chance combines fantastic wit with pulse-pounding action. These supernaturals stand out. The characters have a unique voice and creative backgrounds that transform typical stereotypes. I relish the twists placed on the urban fantasy genre norms. Cassie Palmer's world is one of the best on the market.

What I don't like:  As an avid series enthusiast, I find that repeated summarization interrupts my flow. That fact is not unique to this book, or even this series, and it is often my biggest complaint in a sequential read by any author. I understand the necessity of it, so I take it in stride. Brave the Tempest was no more bothersome than any of the others I have read. For some, maybe most, I think it will be a great addition. 

Random Spoilery Thoughts.

Cassie has made her opinion well known about how vampires inherently lie and manipulate. Her horrible experience in Tony's Court doesn't give her many reasons to feel differently, but that also makes her biased on the subject. I want to trust Mircea. Doing so is easier for me when reading a Dorina book as opposed to a Cassie book. I don't believe Mircea always does the right thing, especially when it comes to the Pythias, and he is currently making some pretty bold choices. But Cassie declares some critical judgments concerning Mircea, ones I don't regularly accept as truth. Hopefully, I end up more right about Mircea than Cassie before the series is over.  I am, however, pleased with where their partnership is by the end of Brave the Tempest. I really want them to find a solid non-romantic bond. 

Pritkin continues to struggle with his dual-nature.  I understand where he is coming from, but if Pritkin and Cassie learn to harness their power, they will be a formidable force. Pritkin will need convincing. Or most likely, down the line, the necessity will be thrust upon them. Pritkin will have no choice but to trust in himself. I am eager to see how that union transforms them. And I have to give a little yay! Pritkin and Cassie together are oh so satisfying! I eagerly await the next installment in the Cassie Palmer series.

Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs

 ABOUT THE BOOK 

THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

In her bestselling Alpha and Omega series, Patricia Briggs "spins tales of werewolves, coyote shifters, and magic and, my, does she do it well" (USA Today Online). Now mated werewolves Charles Cornick and Anna Latham face a threat like no other--one that lurks too close to home...

They are the wild and the broken. The werewolves too damaged to live safely among their own kind. For their own good, they have been exiled to the outskirts of Aspen Creek, Montana. Close enough to the Marrok's pack to have its support; far enough away to not cause any harm.

With their Alpha out of the country, Charles and Anna are on call when an SOS comes in from the fae mate of one such wildling. Heading into the mountainous wilderness, they interrupt the abduction of the wolf--but can't stop blood from being shed. Now Charles and Anna must use their skills--his as enforcer, hers as peacemaker--to track down the attackers, reopening a painful chapter in the past that springs from the darkest magic of the witchborn...

 PURCHASE ON AMAZON 

 REVIEW 

I am consistently on the lookout for a new urban fantasy series to lose myself in. A month or so back, I found a book called Alpha and Omega by Patricia Briggs. This creation, belonging to the larger Mercy Thompson world, is the epitome of what I look for in an urban fantasy series. The supernaturals have a uniqueness to them, something that sets them apart from what is typical of the genre. An excellent balance of wit, emotion, and suspense exists here. Even though it is easy to assume success will come to our heroes, there is enough on the line to be anxious for them. 

Anna is a rare Omega wolf. This world is often brutal, and Anna suffers deep emotional distress due to her initiation into the supernatural.  Anna's mate Charles gives her support and confidence, allowing Anna to thrive in her environment. I find that Charles is my favorite character in the series (possibly in the entire Mercy Thompson world). He has the terrible burden of being the Marrok's enforcer. Even though at his core Charles does not enjoy killing, he does it because he must. After witnessing the tole it takes on him, throughout the series, I am glad Charles found Anna and her Omega powers. They are a perfect pair. I felt an immediate connection to these characters. 

The main focus in Burn Bright is on the Marrok's Montana pack.  One of their own dies, which leads the group to a traitor within the pack. Typically I read at a decent pace, Burn Bright was no exception, but I had to skip ahead in the story to find who betrayed them as quick as possible. When it was clear one of the possible suspects would have put Charles in a volatile situation with the Marrok, Bran, I couldn't take the stress of not knowing. I enjoyed the tension as much as it drove me a little crazy. There is a dangerous conflict building here. I anticipate it will carry through a few more books.

A random, somewhat spoilery, thought:

I feel the need to weigh in on the revelation involving Bran in Burn Bright. Not to get too detailed here and really spoil things, although I could argue a few paragraphs about it, frankly, it makes sense to me. At least it could put a few things in further perspective. I will say outside interpretation is not always reliable. Of course, that means reader interpretation can be just as inaccurate. The bulk of the information we have about that relationship comes predominantly from Mercy. And she is biased. Until Bran reveals why he reacts the way he does, there is no reason to flip out about it. And sorry, Mercy had a foster family whose house she lived in, and that was not Bran's. I don't see the implications any worse than Samuel's prior actions.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to immerse themselves in a good urban fantasy/ paranormal romance.  I would suggest starting from the beginning, including the Mercy Thompson books and novellas.  It is well worth it. On a side note, definitely listen to the audio if available. Holter Graham is marvelous, and truth be told without him narrating, I might not have picked up this series and I am glad I did.