An Ashen Sky by Alexes Razevich

 

 

Blurb:

I see your future, and I see my own. My future is terrifying.

Ten years ago, on my twenty-first birthday, I discovered the bloodied body of my uncle who'd raised me. Rumor said a secret society known as The Whispers had tortured and killed him when he wouldn't turn over a magical pendant. Rumor said his niece-me-who'd disappeared right after, had the stone and chain.

A series of small towns sheltered me before I landed in the beach city I've called home for seven years, eking out an anonymous living as a Tarot card reader. The cards help focus my far-sight. If you sit at my table, I will see your true future. I see my own, too.

But my far-sight didn't warn me my apartment would be set on a fire or that a tiny blue dragon would save me from the flames. I certainly wasn't expecting Aiden Maddox-a too-good-looking trainer and bodyguard whom the dragon insists on hiring-or what his touch does to me.

Now The Whispers are closing in. Again.

An Ashen Sky features magic, romance, and a grumpy dragon with a deep and abiding love of bacon.

 

My review:

This is the first in an interesting urban fantasy. I liked Nic and Maddox. Blue the pocket dragon was a sweet surprise. This story moved well and kept me reading. I am looking forward to the next installment.

 

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Beauty and the Blade by S.C. Grayson

 

 

Blurb:

Most London socialites dream of marrying for love or status, but Contessa’s wedding is about justice—and revenge.

Nathanial Woodrow is known on the streets of London as the Beast, leader of the fearsome Lion gang who mark their victims with three slashes on their face. Since her mother was found dead with the signature slashes years ago, Contessa has wanted nothing more than to see her murderer brought to justice. However, the Beast has been impeccable at maintaining his façade as the high society Mr. Nathanial Woodrow, and nobody has been able to gather enough evidence to convict him. When the Beast unexpectedly asks Contessa’s father, the Chief of the Royal Police, for her hand in marriage, Contessa and her father hatch a plan to bring him down from the inside.

As Contessa enters the lion’s den in search of evidence to convict the Beast, she finds that not everything is as she once thought. Her father’s work, hunting down Talented that use their magic to rule the criminal underworld, is thrown into question with each glimpse of the kind-hearted man beneath the mask of a hardened gang leader. As Contessa navigates her search for justice, she finds herself questioning what side she’s really on, and why she finds herself drawn to a man she’s supposed to hate.

 

My review:

Beauty and the Blade takes us to a world where those who are “gifted” are being hunted down and hung simply for the way  they were born. This is a thought provoking love story. I really enjoyed this book and am anxiously awaiting the next in this world.

 

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Consequences: Owned by the Vampire - Out of the Fire #1 by Candace Blevins

 

Consequences: Owned by the Vampire - Out of the Fire #1 by Candace Blevins

 

Blurb:

Daniel was part ogre and part human, way back in the sixth century. Now he’s a nearly seven-foot-tall genius vampire who consults for NASA. Since he lives an hour and a half from his coterie, he maintains his own flock, and he purchases slaves through the Concilio, rather than dealing with the hassle of enticing shapeshifters to voluntarily provide his sustenance. He has needs few would volunteer to slake.

Mariah is a sexy gazelle shifter, tall and lithe. She grew up in flyover country, and despite the Concilio’s rules against shapeshifters playing organized sports with humans, she played high-school basketball in her small town without getting caught. However, a college scout turned her in, and now she’s owned by the Concilio, trained as a pleasure slave.

Daniel hitches a ride to Italy with a friend to attend an auction, and he returns home with a statuesque gazelle who was aiming for an applied physics degree on a basketball scholarship. She’s intelligent enough she doesn’t annoy him simply by opening her mouth, and sturdy enough to withstand the things he plans to do to her.

It isn’t the ogre part of Daniel’s personality that’s needed toning down over the centuries, but his inner Viking. Razing and pillaging, indeed.

 

My review:

This book started out rough. If I didn’t know and trust the author I might have quit early on but she made it worth the pain of the first few chapters. I had to remove myself from the characters in this book as the S/m dynamic was important to the story but to tough for me. I continued Daniel and Mariahs story and was thrilled with the way the author took their journey.

 

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Chaos at Carnegie Hall by Kelly Oliver

 

 

Blurb:

Can Fiona catch a killer and find a decent cup of tea before her mustache wax melts?

1917. New York.

Notorious spy, Fredrick Fredricks, has invited Fiona to Carnegie Hall to hear a famous soprano. It’s an opportunity the War Office can’t turn down. Fiona and Clifford are soon on their way, but not before Fiona is saddled with chaperon duties for Captain Hall’s niece. Is Fiona a spy or a glorified babysitter?

From the minute Fiona meets the soprano aboard the RMS Adriatic it’s treble on the high C’s. Fiona sees something—or someone—thrown overboard, and then she overhears a chemist plotting in German with one of her own countrymen!

And the trouble doesn’t stop when they disembark. Soon Fiona is doing time with a group of suffragettes and investigating America’s most impressive inventor Thomas Edison.

When her number one suspect turns up dead at the opera and Fredrick Fredricks is caught red-handed, it looks like it’s finally curtains for the notorious spy.

But all the evidence points to his innocence. Will Fiona change her tune and clear her nemesis’ name? Or will she do her duty? And just what is she going to do with the pesky Kitty Lane? Not to mention swoon-worthy Archie Somersby . . .

If Fiona’s going to come out on top, she’s going to have to make the most difficult decision of her life: the choice between her head and her heart.

 

My review:

It’s 1917 England is fighting WWI but though America has committed to joining the war effort they have yet to fire a single bullet. This historical mystery drops famous names of the era like leaves from a tree. Fiona has to deal with the misogyny of the time while trying to the  follow notorious spy Fredrick Fredricks. This assignment takes her to New York City where apparently they can’t make a cup of tea and they call biscuits cookies. Fiona is an intriguing character and the mystery was engaging. I look forward to further adventures.

 

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Coulda by Pepper North

 

 

Blurb:

One look at this bartender, and everyone gets thirsty...

With thirteen years separating them, Amber has always known that Rio is off limits. Not only does her father forbid such a relationship, but Rio himself seems intent on keeping her at arm’s length. If only that was enough to quench her desire for the handsome older man.

Hired for his good looks, charismatic personality, and bartending skills, Rio makes Amber’s father a lot of money by drawing women into the establishment. Watching the boss’s daughter grow from an enchanting imp into a beautiful woman was never in the job description, but as Amber approaches her eighteenth birthday, Rio can’t ignore her any longer. Will a promise and a duty force this drink-slinging Daddy to wonder forever what coulda been, or will he find a way to serve up a happy ending for them both?

For some, there is a second chance at having Mr. Right. Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda explores a world of connections that can’t exist... until they do. Forbidden love abounds when these Daddy Doms refuse to live with regret and claim the women who own their hearts.

 

My review:

A sweet second chance romance. Amber fell hard for the bartender at her fathers bar but he was thirteen years older than her. Rio knew he needed to let Amber grow up and spread her wings so he left town so she would fly. But now he’s back and is going to make her his.

This is the first in what I assume is going to be a trilogy of friends and lovers destined for each other. I really enjoyed it.

 

Buy link:

Amazon

 

 

Black Hollow: Running to You by Jennifer Wedmore

 

 

Blurb:

Pop star Angelica has a stalker and the threat is escalating, after a call with an old friend she heads to Black Hollow. She didn’t expect to find a temporary job teaching music at the local school or a free place to stay. But she feared her time was limited. Could she hide from a stalker and could the town keep her safe?

Damien Boogey ignored the legends about his kind and became the principal of Black Hollow Academy. He loved kids and didn’t scare them like the urban legends humans loved to tell. When Seraphine shows up with an unexpected new employee, he knows she’s up to her tricks. He didn’t expect to fall for the new teacher right away, nor did he expect her to push him away.

Can a superstar on the run, stop long enough to find her forever?

 

My review:

I love visiting Black Hollow. In this installment we have a one name pop star running from a stalker and hiding with the paranormals in Black Hollow. This story is filled with twists and turns and terrific characters. I did not see the stalkers identity till they were revealed. A fun romantic mystery.

 

Buy link:

Amazon

 

Cruise by Miski Harris

 

 

Blurb:

How do you maintain love in the light after a lifetime in the dark?
40-year-old widow Armando Cruz had spent his entire life in the closet. He’d married his best friend and confidante Marta right out of high school. Every year, Marta sends him on a gay men’s luxury cruise. Ten days living vicariously through men who enjoy what he will never have – the freedom to be who he really is.
Marta has passed away and he’s taking the cruise to fulfill a promise made before her death…what made Marta think this time will be different?
At 31 years of age, Lyndon Douglas has concluded his poor past choices have damned him to be single forever. His mother’s concern that Lyndon’s locked himself in an emotional prison with no escape prompted her to surprise him with an all-expenses paid gay cruise…will the change of scene free him from the shadows?
When Armando and Lyndon meet the powerful attraction is powerful forms a strong bond between the two men. Is ten days enough time for their bond of light to curse the darkness at home?
If you always do what you’ve always done;
all you get’s what you’ve always got;
or not… 

 

My review:

Miski Harris is a new to me author but I will be checking out her back list asap. Cruise is a sweet slow burn tale of a closeted man enjoying a yearly gay cruise and a work-a-holic man who hasn’t had a relationship in ten years whose mother sends him on the cruise. This story sucked me in and kept me following their saga with delight.

 

Buy links:

Amazon

                                         

Magic Tides (Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years #1) by Ilona Andrews

 

 

Blurb:

Ilona Andrews invites you back to the #1 New York Times bestselling Kate Daniels series in this exciting new long novella featuring Kate, Curran and Conlan, some familiar faces, some new friends, and all the special brand of chaos they create!

Kate, Curran and their son, Conlan have left Atlanta, vowing to keep a low profile, and are settling into a new city and new house...but some things never change! Magical mayhem is about to erupt when Kate undertakes the rescue of a kidnapped youth, while Curran guards the homefront.

It should be a simple retrieval, but with monsters on land and sea, Kate’s got her work cut out for her. Still, she’s never let her blade dull or her purpose falter. And that low profile? It’s about to wash away with the raging tides!

 

My review:

Kate and Curran are back! I was thrilled to find the authors are continuing to share Kate and Currans tale post Keep. All they want is life as close to normal as possible. But life is never dull and we get to go along for the ride. Kick butt action, snark and bon-homie I am all in for future installments.

 

Buy links:

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Her Cyborg Rangers (The Drift: Haven Colony #5) by Susan Hayes

 

 

Blurb:

 

She dreamed of escaping Earth one day—but she never imagined the price she’d pay to be free.

Jade was a cyber-jockey. Emphasis on the word was. Now, she isn’t sure who she is or what she wants to do with her new life.

No one else seems to know what to do with her either, including the two sexy cyborgs who are never far from her side, but always just out of her reach.

Cyborgs. Batch-brothers. Survivors. They thought they were prepared for anything. Then, they found her.

Wreckage and Ruin thought settling down would be simple, but living a quiet life has its own challenges.

The new ranger program might be just what they need, but it’s not all they want. Drawn to Jade since the day they rescued her from mercenaries, they’re trying to give her the time she needs to heal… and the space they need to keep their secret.

Three broken souls with the power to heal each other—if only they can let go of the past and trust in a future big enough for three.

 

My Review:

Jade is a human who escaped the hellscape that is Earth and eventually ended up broken but still fighting on Haven, Cyborgs Wreckage and Ruin know that Jade is the one for them but are giving her time to heal. The time has come to fish or cut bait.

Watching these three get together is painfully funny. A terrific addition to the series.

 

Buy links:

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Lie To Her (Bree Taggert #6) by Melinda Leigh

 

 

Blurb:

Lies from the heart lead to a dangerously intimate case for Sheriff Bree Taggert in #1 Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh’s novel of revenge and fatal deceptions.

When a digital marketer is found murdered in his backyard—hands bound and face smothered by plastic wrap—Sheriff Bree Taggert and criminal investigator Matt Flynn respond to the call. Their investigation focuses on the man’s dating-app profile and the word liar carved into his forehead.

One day later, the killer strikes again.

Both victims are players in the internet dating scene. In their wake, they leave a trail of hurt—and angry—women. But Bree and Matt aren’t convinced the motive is as simple as it appears. Everyone they interview seems to be lying or hiding something.

As the list of suspects grows, the killer’s rage escalates, and he leaves a personal and deadly warning for Bree. They must act fast. Because someone Bree loves is targeted as the next to die.

 

My review:

Lie To Her is an enthralling addition to the Bree Taggert saga. Bree and her team take on a psychopath killer whose victims hit close to home. I really enjoy this author and this series. Bree is entirely relatable and who wouldn’t want a honey like Matt. The mystery keeps you riveted and guessing. Heartily recommend.

 

Buy links:

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Mated in Chaos (Aspen Pack #3) by Carrie Ann Ryan

 

 

Blurb:

My wolf hid my fated mates—until the moon goddess forced our mating.

As Alpha of the Central Pack, I know we are the weakest link in the alliance, but I will stop at nothing to prove our worth and rebuild from our shameful and brutal past.

Along the way I fell for Adalyn and Nico, but stayed away, thinking they were fated for each other—and never me.

When a mating bond is forced on us, our worlds collide and now we must survive in this new fated life where rules break and the heat between us boils over.

Only Valac’s revenge over losing his mate in our previous battles take danger to a new level and if I’m not careful, I’ll lose my two mates before I even get a chance to make them fall for me like I have for them.

And if we’re not careful, the darker danger hiding in the shadows might break us all. As Valac’s master is waiting. And he’s closer than we think. 

 

My review:

WOW! This action-packed adventure has the wolves fighting the vampires, the witches minding their own counsel and the alpha of the Central Pack being given his mates in an unexpected way. This is a fantastic addition to the series I can’t wait to see where the author takes us next.

 

Buy links:

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Bad Girls Bite (Blood Fae Druid #2) by S.L. Choi

 

 

Blurb:

Being bad never tasted so good.

Lane Callaghan almost died six months ago. Her heroic deed finally achieved the one thing she always wanted and finally realized she never needed—the sun fae’s respect. While the fae no longer wish her dead, she has new bigger, badder enemies at large. And after inadvertently binding herself to the beast inside her sugar muffin, Teddy, possibly within her bedroom.

Once again thrust into the unwanted role of heroine, Lane and her sisters are hired—some would say forced—into another job. This time, it isn’t just the sun stones that are missing, sun fae are vanishing without a trace. As Lane reluctantly begins to peel back the layers of the investigation, she discovers sun fae secrets and shames that hit a little too close to home and threaten to tear her family apart.

Lane must navigate a treacherous path through lies, secrets, and escaped homicidal druids, all with the jaws of Teddy’s black wolf hovering at her neck.

 

My review:

Oh the joy and angst of being Lane. This fast paced adventure has Lane growing into the woman she is supposed to be. She needs to learn to accept help she doesn’t have to go it alone. The relationship between Lane and Teddy heats up. I really enjoyed getting to know her sisters better and really love my visits to this world. Bring on the next installment.

 

Buy links:
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The Wolf is Mine (SWAT Book 13) by Paige Tyler

 

Blurb:

The stakes are higher than ever in the thrilling and sexy paranormal SWAT series. What can a werewolf do to win the woman he knows is his fated mate? Werewolf Connor Malone and his SWAT team are in San Antonio looking for their teammate. But Connor can’t stop worrying about his cat who went missing the morning he left Dallas. His furry friend has been by his side since he found her a year ago, and the fact that she’s disappeared is weighing on him. Things get much worse when he and his team realize they’re up against a powerful creature they might not be able to defeat...Back in Dallas, Connor’s feline friend turns out to be the powerful woman who introduces herself as Kat Davenport...a witch who needs the SWAT team’s help to defeat the wicked warlock who cursed her. And when she and Connor are thrown together again, there will be no denying the connection they already share, and the white-hot chemistry that sizzles between them.

 

My review:

Kat is a cat or is she? Kat is stuck in her cat shape except for a couple days a year. She found and cuddled up to Connor as a cat. Now the trouble that cursed her into her feline body has followed her to Dallas and the SWAT team. This is going to shake up Connor’s world view.

This is an amazing addition to the series. I just loved Connor as an adorably confused werewolf. This is non-stop action mixed with love and magic.

 

Buy links:

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A Very Bossy Christmas (Very Holiday #1) by Kayley Loring

 

 

Blurb:

What’s the actual last thing you’d ever want your executive assistant to see you doing the morning after you had hot, drunk, angry sex with her in a terrible hotel room? Dancing around your terrible hotel room to “Come and Get Your Love” like Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy—naked? Yeah. Me too.

And yet, here we are.

This isn’t even the most unprofessional thing that’s happened between us in the past couple of weeks.

The first was when I agreed to let her have Christmas Day off, but only if she goes with me to three family gatherings as my fake girlfriend.
The second was when she caught me belting out a Christmas song on stage in the awful hotel bar.
The third was the hot, drunk, angry sex that followed, but I do not regret it.

And she hasn’t even found out the real reason I need her by my side this holiday season.

I need to pull it together before I do the dumbest, most unprofessional thing of all—fall head over heels in love with the only assistant who’s lasted more than a month at the job and claims to hate me and my moods more than she hates eggnog.

And I’ve seen how much she hates eggnog.

 

My review:

A Very Bossy Christmas is a delightful grumpy/sunshine fake date romcom guaranteed to leave you with a happy heart. I thoroughly enjoyed Maddie and Declan. Laugh out loud funny.

 

Buy link:

Amazon

Santa's Little (Collared Ever After) by Della Cain, Kaytea Kat

 

Blurb:

When Tannon takes a daytime gig as Santa at Club Collared, he assumes it’s for the staff’s family Christmas party. Tannon assumes wrong and finds himself in a room full of mommies, daddies, and littles. One little touches his heart in a way no one has, but can he be what Rowan needs? Can he be Daddy Christmas?

Santa’s Little is a candy-cane-sweet age play Christmas romance featuring a first-time daddy, the little who stole his heart, body positivity, all kinds of Christmas magic, true love, and a guaranteed happy ever after. If you like your Christmas romances on the Hallmark side but a bit kinkier, check out Santa’s Little by USA Today Best-Selling author Della Cain and her bestie and frequent partner in crime, Kaytea Kat.

 

My review:

Santa's Little is a spicy/sweet holiday mm romance. It was nice seeing the sub with more experience than the Daddy. This story made me smile.

 

Buy link:

Amazon

 

Conspiracy in Crime (Partners in Crime #2) by Elise Sax

 

 

Blurb:

Peter and Piper are in love and enjoying a life of leisure that only millions of dollars can buy. But when Peter is contacted by his spy agency to do a final mission, the couple jump at the chance to save the world one more time.

After they’re called in to investigate a spike of radiation in Russia, they discover an international conspiracy that threatens to unleash World War Three. An unspeakable evil from the past comes out of the shadows, and Peter and Piper must stop it. From Russia to Italy to Hawaii to South America, they travel around the world, determined to stop the ticking time bomb before it goes off and takes down civilization.

Conspiracy in Crime is the second book in the Partners in Crime Thrillers series. It is an international thriller and action adventure romance.

 

My review:

Peter and Piper are back and ready to rumble. They take us on an international adventure fighting bad guys and trying to find Pipers past. This is an insane gigglefest of a thriller. Can’t wait to dive into their next adventure.

 

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