Review: Heat

Read if you like: huge, sweeping fantasy stories with romance subplots, dragons, and wars between supernatural characters.

Heat | Donna Grant

Series: Dark Kings

Genre: Adult Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Released: January 30th 2018
Pages: 336
Format: Ebook
Source: Publisher

Nikolai is a dragon shapeshifter who knows well the meaning of loss. Orphaned and raised to be a Dragon King, he never accepts defeat. Now, Nikolai prefers his solitude . . .until a beautiful, irresistible woman calls upon him for help—and Nikola’s whole word goes up in flames.

Ever since MI5 agent Esther woke to discover her mind taken over with magic, she feels like stranger to herself. She looks to a notorious dragon, one who has the power to help her find her memory. But as she and Nikolai come closer to discovering what really happened to her, a dangerous passion ignites between them. Can this lone Dragon King help the woman he’s grown to love to uncover the truth about her past—or will a deep and fiery danger tear them both apart?

I'm a bit miffed that the blurb on Netgalley didn't make it clear this isn't the first in series, or able to be read alone. This is the second time I've come across this problem in the romance genre. I should learn to check on Goodreads if they're like book one, not twelve.

This isn't bad but I'm not sure I'll remember it. I didn't mind the central romance, but all the other characters just overwhelmed me. I got there was a war going on but all I wanted to know about was Nikolai and Esther. One thing that did seriously impress me was the fact that Nikolai's voice had a Scottish dialect and I ACTUALLY QUITE LIKED IT? I've lost track of the number of books I've DNF'd because of the horrific word choice and voice that knocks me out of the story but this was written really well.

Maybe a better book for someone else, although there's plenty to like here if you're into huge, sweeping plots in your romance.

2 stars

#FreeInKU - Queen Takes Knights

Read if you like: women who can hold their own, alpha males in HEALTHY relationships, and hot-as-hell romance.

Queen Takes Knights | Joely Sue Bukhart

Series: Their Vampire Queen

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance, Reverse Harem
Released: October 17th 2017
Pages: 190
Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited

A lost virgin vampire queen. Two vampire knights sworn to protect her.
It’s about to get very hot… and bloody…

Ever since her mother was murdered by monsters five years ago, Shara Isador has been on the run. Alone, scared, and exhausted, she’s finally cornered in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Out of hope with nowhere else to turn, she’s ready to end it all when two men come to her rescue.

They say she’s a lost queen descended from Isis, and they’re her Blood, vampire knights sworn to protect her. It all seems like a crazy nightmare, until the alpha offers his blood. Then she realizes she’s never wanted anything more. Except maybe his body… and his friend’s, too.

But they’re not the only ones searching for a lost queen. Shara must learn how to wield her new powers quickly and conquer her fears if she intends to keep them all alive.

Paranormal romance with not one but TWO alphas who aren't domineering, controlling, or problematic. This book is awesome. Steamy, awesomely dangerous, and a story that is genuinely interesting with a plot twist. And consent is SO important in this. I love it so much and need the next book!

5 stars

Review: The Dragon's Hunt

Read if you like: mythology, a new twist on paranormal, and characters with chemistry.

The Dragon's Hunt | Jane Kindred

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: December 1st
Pages: 304
Format: EBook
Source: Publisher, via Netgalley

By day, Leo Ström works as an assistant in a tattoo parlor. By night… Well, he isn't quite sure what happens at night. He just knows that it's best if he restrains himself. 

Ink is more than just superficial decoration to Rhea Carlisle. Her ability to read her clients' souls in their tattoos gives her work its special magic—and it allows her to see that there's more to Leo than his brilliant blue eyes. 

The passion that kindles between them might be Leo's salvation. Or it might be the end of the world…

Look for 2 new titles from Harlequin Nocturne every month!

Harlequin Nocturne: Delve into dark, sensuous and often dangerous territory, where the normal and paranormal collide

The first two thirds of this book? Awesome and interesting and seductive. The last half? I have NO IDEA what happened. I could not tell you.

But I did really enjoy most of this book, and I want to read the books with the side characters (especially Dev,  helloo Dev.) I really liked the main characters, Rhea and Leo, and I LOVE the tattoo sight, which was not what I expected of tattoo magic. The Viking element too is awesome, though I do wish it had hinted at it in the blurb. There are SO MANY old Norse words in this and I honestly can't remember one of them. At one point there were so many in a sentence, I just skipped ahead to a part I could understand. And like I said, I like Leo. He's fun and snarky and interesting but I couldn't for the life of me figure out why there were SIX versions of him. I feel the last few weren't explained well at all. So I got lost but I just sorta went with it and enjoyed the story.

What I liked was the magic, the vision parts, the characters and the romance. The Norse bits really confused me but I'd still recommend this book. I don't get why it's called The Dragon's Hunt though - there's a dragon in ONE scene. I kept waiting for dragons but nope. Vikings.

4 stars

Review: Royal Enchantment

Camelot Reborn: Royal Enchantment | Sharon Ashwood

Published by: Harlequin Nocturne, July 1st 2017

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Mythology

Pages: 304

Format: Ebook

Source: Harlequin Nocturne, via Netgalley

She married the king. She wanted the man. 

Guinevere's marriage to Arthur was a political partnership, never a romance. Merlin knows that the king's court, newly restored at a medieval theme park, will only be complete if Arthur has his lady. Little did anyone suspect that once Guinevere gets a taste of twenty-first-century freedoms that this ancient queen would lose interest in belonging to any man—even a royal one. 

It takes a dragon, and some passionate nights spent in each other's arms, to lure her back to her husband's side. Arthur is willing to accept Gwen's help in protecting the new Camelot from a fae menace, but the bigger challenge will be wooing back Guinevere for a second chance at love…

Oh hey, this was awesome.

I had some reservations in the beginning, when Arthur was (accurate to his era's attitudes, to be fair) controlling, belittling of Gwen, and an all-around DICK. But the best thing about this book by far is the GROWTH. These characters grow so much, Gwen from a downtrodden woman who has no voice to a woman who talks up for herself and takes action despite the restrictions placed on her, and Arthur from a domineering, controlling prick to a man who listens, learns, and does better. Honestly, I love how flawed they are. Their relationship is a real one - messy, hurtful, and ultimately hard won and hopeful and fulfilling. The writing is exceptional, and made the love, the hurt, (and yeah, the awesome fantasy elements) so vivid and real.

To touch on the fantasy an action parts of this book (of which there were SO MANY MORE than I expected, which I loved), there's so much myth and legends and awesome creatures packed into this - it's exciting from page one. Arthurian legend, a theme park, dragons, fae, and knights, all packed into modern day times. One of the things I love about romance series is I can (like I did with this book) come into the series at any book, but I really want to read the first two of this series!!

Fantasy, mythology, and vividly real romance make this book stand out. I loved it!

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

Review: Angel Unleashed

Angel Unleashed  | Linda Thomas-Sundstrom

Published by: Harlequin Nocturne, April 1st 2017

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Mythology

Pages: 304

Format: Ebook

Source: Harlequin Nocturne, via Netgalley

A fine line between vengeance and desire… 

As an immortal Blood Knight, Rhys de Troyes is familiar with quests. It's obvious that the ethereal beauty who just arrived in London is on one of her own. But Avery Arcadia Quinn seems intent on keeping her secrets, even as Rhys strips away all her defenses. 

A grounded angel, Avery seeks to recover the wings stolen from her centuries ago when the Knights were created from her suffering and pain. She swore vengeance, but her burning connection with Rhys threatens to consume her anger, her mission…and even her vow to destroy him.

This was not what I expected - it was SO MUCH better.

Urban fantasy and romance blended with all my favourite parts of Arthurian legend.  I want to read the author's other books - that's how much I enjoyed this. There was a bit of instalove, which is to be expected of the genre - but I kept expecting the big reveal that they were together in the past, before Rhys had died, and his memories of that had been lost too. But that didn't happen.

I loved a whole lot about this - great world building and setting (yay, London!), interesting characters (the MC is no damsel), and secrets that make this story even better. I want to read more in this world!

The only things that really bugged me were I thought it went on too long, there were SO MANY action scenes basically one after the other, and Avery didn't really defend herself in the beginning (Rhys came to her rescue A LOT when she could have handled it.)

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

Reviews: Lost Wolf, Chosen Wolf

Curse Of The Moon: Lost Wolf | Stacy Claflin

Published: July 17th 2016

Genre: NA, Paranormal, Romance

Pages: 258

Format: Ebook

Source: Purchased

She’s hiding a dark secret. It already killed her once. 

Victoria can’t wait to start college, but there’s a hitch—she can’t remember anything before arriving on campus. Her memories finally spark when she sees her ruggedly handsome math professor, but she senses something terrible happened. The shock on his face affirms her fears. 

Toby is an alpha wolf who never thought he’d see his true love again—not after she died in his arms. Nothing could have prepared him for her walking into his class. But to his dismay, not only has she forgotten the past, she doesn’t even know who she is. 

He’s determined to do whatever it takes to restore what they’ve lost. Can Toby help Victoria recover her memories, or will he lose her forever? 

USA Today bestselling author, Stacy Claflin, brings you Lost Wolf, the first book in the Curse of the Moon series. It’s a paranormal romantic suspense saga that features gripping supernatural drama, surprising twists, dynamic characters, and heart-pounding romance. 

Read Lost Wolf today to satisfy your craving for a fast-paced paranormal tale.

So, so damn good. I hoped for a decent paranormal story with okay romance at best but holy hell this was awesome. Exciting and gripping story with tonnes of mystery and questions. A hot as HELL romance. Seriously, I want a Toby. And I really liked Victoria as a MC too. The only downside was Carter, who felt surplus, but I can live with that. A romantic, mysterious story. Don't hesitate to read this.

Characters ★★★★☆
Setting/World ★★★☆☆

Writing ★★★☆☆

Curse Of The Moon: Chosen Wolf | Stacy Claflin

Published: September 29th 2016

Genre: NA, Paranormal, Romance

Pages: 228

Format: Ebook

Source: Purchased

Victoria is a werewolf who can’t shift… and it’s slowly killing her.

Since leaving her family’s pack, Victoria has acquired many enemies. One of them has cursed her with the inability to turn at the full moon. Each un-shift is painfully worse than the last, breaking bones as well as her optimism.

Before finding the cure, Victoria must figure out who is behind it, and that proves harder than it would seem. Even with the high witch, a valkyrie, and a former troll king on her side, the mystery only continues to deepen. A cursed body is unearthed and friends disappear.

Can Victoria and her new pack find the cure in time to save both her and their missing friends?

Chosen Wolf is the second book in the Curse of the Moon series by USA Today bestselling author, Stacy Claflin. It’s a paranormal romantic suspense saga that features gripping supernatural drama, surprising twists, dynamic characters, and heart-pounding romance.

Read Chosen Wolf today to satisfy your craving for a heart-pounding paranormal tale. 

With just as much wolfy, paranormal drama and smoldering romance, this is a strong sequel. I didn't love it QUITE as much as book one, but I like how Victoria and Toby's relationship grew, and the look into their past, along with the growing threat surrounding them. Great action, layers upon layers of mystery, and an awesome cast of characters. I'm so glad I started this series!

Characters ★★★☆☆
Setting/World ★★★☆☆

Writing ★★★☆☆

In The Air Tonight (ARC Review)

Sisters of The Craft: In The Air Tonight | Lori Handeland

Published by: St Martin's Paperbacks, June 2nd 2015

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

Pages: 352

Format: Ebook

Source: St Martin's Press, via Netgalley

Four centuries ago, in a small Scottish village, three baby girls escaped the wrath of a witch hunter. Today, one young woman will learn about her secret history, her heart's destiny, and the sisters she never knew she had...

With her blue-black hair and dark eyes, Raye Larsen has never fit in with the Scandinavian community of New Bergin, Wisconsin. Being adopted is part of the reason she feels like an outsider, but what really sets Raye apart is her ability to see dead people. Everywhere. 

She’s learned to keep her visions to herself . . . until she stumbles onto the ghost of a murder victim who needs Raye’s help. Enter Bobby Doucet, a distractingly handsome homicide detective who has been tracking a killer all the way from New Orleans. Could this be the break in his case he’s been looking for all along? 

Meanwhile, the deeper Raye gets involved with the case—and with Bobby—the closer she comes to unlocking the mystery of her own origins. What she discovers about herself could destroy everything she knows . . . and everyone she loves. Is finding the truth worth the risk?

Filled with dark magic, dazzling romance, and dire suspense, this is the first book in a thrilling new series by New York Times bestselling author Lori Handeland.

It took me absolutely ages to get into this book. There's a disconnect with the POVS, one of which is first person and the other is third, and the book is peppered with references to things I just do not know. They're definitely regional, and because of this cultural difference it took damn forever to get used to the writing style. But by around 30% these dropped off and the gem of a story started to show. And I really, really liked it.

The main character, Raye, is a witch who sees ghosts. Except she doesn't realise she's a witch, ad she pretends she doesn't see the ghosts so people won't think she's crazy. Bobby, the other MC, is a cop investigating a serial killer who just rolled up to Raye's town and killed a woman. The serial killer turns out to be a witch hunter, and is after Raye because she can see ghosts. It's a pretty complex plot, and there's a lot to it, but it's great. It's not a plot-heavy book, though - it's very set in the real world and relationships (even if some of those relationships are with ghosts) so at some points I did skim some pages. 

There's a couple obligatory (and unnecessary imo) sex scenes but they don't delay the story too badly, and they do link into the character's growth. It turns out this book is a lot more paranormal romance than urban fantasy, but I still enjoyed a lot of it. My only issue is how Raye and Bobby went from sex to marriage in a matter of weeks. That seems ridiculously unrealistic to me - why would you jump into marrying someone when you don't 100% know them yet? Date first, kids. You'll find out all their problems before you're bound to them by law.

It's a much better book than the beginning set me up for. I did wish for more ghosts and supernatural stuff at parts, but the bits we did get were amazing and make me want more. The cult conspiracy thing is awesome and definitely interested me, and I liked this story enough to want to read the next one right away. I'd definitely recommend it for urban fantasy and paranormal romance fans.

Characters ★★★☆☆

Setting/world-building ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★☆☆

This book is very close between 3 and 3.5 for me. So technically, it's a 3.25 star!

Beauty Awakened (Review)

Angels of The Dark: Beauty Awakened | Gena Showalter

Published by: Mira Books, February 26th 2013

Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance, Angels

Pages: 447

Format: Ebook

Source: Purchased

His name is Koldo. He is scarred, powerful, his control legendary-and he lives only for vengeance, determined to punish the angel who viciously removed his wings. But if he yields to the forces of hatred, he will be kicked from the heavens, eternally damned. 

She is his last hope. Nicola Lane was born with a defective heart, yet this fragile human shows surprising strength as demons stalk her every move, determined to end her. She is the key to Koldo's deliverance...and his downfall. Though he fights duty, destiny and his first addictive taste of desire, his toughest battle will be the one for Nicola's life-even if he has to sacrifice his own...

Beauty Awakened is awesome. All the gripes I had with the first book weren't present. There was a decent amount of intimacy without being overkill, no use of the word decadent, and everything just felt really balanced.

I love Zacharel more than Koldo, but I enjoyed this book a lot more. The action and romance just fit together better than book one. 

This book is just all kinds of good. Action and demons and kickass angels. A relationship that's passionate and not forced. Women with agency and guts. Men who aren't total alpha males (okay so they're like 90% alpha, but that 10% humanity makes them likeable.) And a war between angels (Sent Ones) and demons that is compelling and cool. Not to mention a hero with a screwed up life, twisted back story, and parents that both want to kill him.

Beauty Awakened is high-octane sequel with pockets of romance, meaning, and humour. Better than the first book by a long shot.

My only issues are superficial - Koldo on the cover is beardless, and the title has absolutely no relevance to this book whatsoever. Beauty Awakened? What's with that?

Characters ★★★☆☆

Setting/world building ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

Wicked Nights (Review)

Angels of The Dark: Wicked Nights | Gena Showalter

Published by: Mira Books, July 1st 2012

Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance, Angels

Pages: 411

Format: Ebook

Source: Purchased

Leader of the most powerful army in the heavens, Zacharel has been deemed nearly too dangerous, too ruthless;and if he isn't careful, he'll lose his wings. But this warrior with a heart of ice will not be deterred from his missions at any cost;until a vulnerable human tempts him with a carnal pleasure he's never known before.

Accused of a crime she did not commit, Annabelle Miller has spent four years in an institution for the criminally insane. Demons track her every move, and their king will stop at nothing to have her. Zacharel is her only hope for survival, but is the brutal angel with a touch as hot as hell her salvation? Or her ultimate damnation?

Wicked Nights went in strong. With a MC attacked by a demon and put in an asylum for the criminally insane, I was drawn into the drama from page one. But it started on a downward slope after halfway, when the romance overtook plot. I liked it a lot less after that.

Annabelle is a great character, strong and feminine and gutsy (and a POC!) and I liked her a lot. I liked Zacharel too, the male main character. I wasn't really impressed with his super macho thing but that's just because I always hope for better characters. I liked how he was fairly naive and clueless in certain aspects, but hated how he got ultra possessive and dickish in parts. I could have done without the you're mine and belong to no one else spiel. Annabelle belongs to herself. Women belong to herself. Men need to understand that, and PNR writers too.

The action was great, and the fighting between demons and angels were the best parts IMHO. I thought it was pretty cool how it went into the hierachy of angels as well. But the sex scenes got tedious. I could have done with two at most, not four. After the second one I just got bored and flipped pages to the actual plot. Not to mention I read the word decadent SIX times.

I liked the action and the angels but the romance was overkill.

Characters ★★★☆☆

Setting/world building ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆