Smoke Bitten by Patricia Briggs

 

4 Star

Underhill locked her doors to the Fae.  They left behind their prisoners in her halls.  Now one of them has escaped to the Tri-Cities through the door in Mercy's backyard.  She will need to figure out what has escaped and how to destroy it to protect the humans from it.

This was an interesting book to read.  I liked seeing how it effected those around Mercy and the struggles she had to get rid of it.  There was a lot of interpersonal issues in this book that was interesting to read about.  There were some major issues between Mercy and Adam that is a hold over from the last book and I loved seeing how that worked itself out.  Even though this is the 12 in the series I am not feeling the book content is getting old.  Definitely a good addition to the series.

Book 12 Mercy Thompson

Amazon

Black Magic by Cherry Adair

 

3 Star

Sara Temple refuses to use magic since the death of her parents.  She blames herself for their deaths.  When her life is in danger she psychically calls out to her ex, Jackson Slater.  She hasn't seen him in years but he teleports in to save her life.  He never thought he would see his ex-fiancée again but won't leave her in danger either.  When they are find out they will need to work together to stop the world from ending they aren't happy.  Will they be able to work through their problems and save the world?

This was an interesting take on magic.  I enjoyed aspects of it but I had issues with Jackson being an idiot.  This book was released in 2010.  This next part is a spoiler as well as talking about abortion and miscarriage.  If you have issues with either of these please skip.  Just know Jackson was an idiot and needs a lesson in anatomy and medical issues women have. I also felt the bad guy was just meh and how they take him out was also meh.  If they were stronger together why split up for the confrontation?  I read it but I'll never pick it up again.

On to why he's an idiot When they were first together there was an oopsy pregnancy.  She freaked out because young and never been around kids and he was happy about the baby.  While he was gone she miscarried.  He gained access to her medical files where she had a D and C due to a spontaneous abortion.  This is the medical term for a miscarriage.  Instead of talking to her about what he read he jumped to the conclusion she got rid of his baby and so he hates her and never wants to see her again.  This all frustrated me.  That and she had an ectopic pregnancy which would not have been successful.    

A Certain Wolfish Charm by Lydia Dare

 

3 Star

Lady Lily Rutledge has taken care of her nephew since her sister's death.  In the last couple months his behavior has changed.  She needs the help of his guardian Simon Westfield, the Duke of Blackmoor, but he is not interested in helping.  When she writes he sends money.  She decides to confront him in person.  He disregards her feelings as she's too emotional but he starts to wonder if he might have the same affliction that he and the rest of the family has.  He brings both Miss Lily and her nephew to his home and in the process ruining her.  Forced to marry will he accept her as a mate or keep her at arms length.

This book is a weird book.  That is the best way I can explain my reaction to the book.  It wasn't bad per se but it also wasn't good either.  There were several times that I became frustrated with how stupid certain characters were.  The big one was how did Simon not realize his cousin's son would inherit the wolf that he, the cousin, the brothers, and his father all had.  Ultimately I am going to read the next book because it was so bad it was good enough to read the next.

Book 1 Westfield Wolves

Amazon

Captured in Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan

 

4 Star

Julia and Ronan are happily married but want to add a third person.  When a man from Ronan's past shows up at their door, Julia will give her husband anything he needs to be happy.  They slowly start to build a relationship but can they overcome their past to have a happy future.

I enjoyed this book immensely even though I haven't read the first four in this series.  I had read all of the original series and liked them so I wanted to give this one a chance.  I didn't feel like I was missing anything by jumping in with this short story.  It was a quick read and it made me want to go and reread the original and the new ones.  I didn't feel like it was insta love even though Julia had never met Ronan's ex.  The three of them were really cute together.  Was worth picking it up and reading it. 

Book 4.5 Montgomery Ink: Boulder

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Storm Cursed by Patricia Briggs

 

4 Star

Mercy has brought a whole lot of trouble to the Tri-Cities since declaring the land pack land.  When she gets called out of bed to deal with weird crazy things she has no one else to blame but herself.  She just wasn't expecting to deal with zombie goats and killer goblins.  Adam is trying to negotiate terms for the human government to sit down with the Gray Lords of the Fae and dealing with zombie anything isn't something anyone wants to deal with.  Will they be able to hammer out the details of the negotiations and all survive the zombies? 

The ending of this book made this book for me.  It was not what I thought would happen and holy shit did it throw me.  This book also had a lot going on which kept me engaged.  I really wanted to know what was going to happen next.  There were some surprise deaths in this book as well as finding out some allies were actually enemies.  Overall, I was really happy with this book. 

Book 11 Mercy Thompson

Amazon

Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs

 

2.5 Star

Mercy is abducted from her home and taken to the heart of Europe.  To get her back Adam will have to get together a group of people who will show force without causing problems for the master vampire.  Even though Adam planned on rescuing her, Mercy is able to escape all on her own.  Shifting into coyote she wanders Europe creating chaos everywhere she goes.  By the time Adam resolves the issues with the vampires will he get to Mercy before she is too injured.

The only reason I didn't love this book was the timeline was too convoluted for me.  It switches between Adam and Mercy which isn't my favorite.  What is worse though is the time is not linear when it switches.  The time with Adam is earlier in Mercy's timeline but it is a chapter after she does something else.  I would have been ok if we had several chapters with Adam to keep them on the same timeline but it just was a little to screwy for me.  Otherwise I enjoyed the story itself and I loved who went to rescue her.

Book 10 Mercy Thompson

Amazon

Planet Mail by Kate Pearce

 

2.5 Star

Douglass Fraser crash-landed on an alien planet.  She never thought she would spend her time recuperating by being serviced by three hot men and their king.  Will she decide to stay on the planet when she is healthy?

The writing in this book was really good.  I didn't score it so low because of the writing but because of the way Douglass is introduced to the men.  She literally is awakened by them using her body for pleasure.  There wasn't any consent until later when she agrees to be the consort.  If that hadn't been in the book I would have loved it but someone who isn't awake it's not consent.  Other than this aspect of the book I enjoyed it and liked how the king had to come to grips with certain things.

Book 1 Planet Valhalla 

Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs

 

4 Star

Tension continues to rise between the Fae and humans.  When a troll wreaks havoc on a bridge Mercy and Adam are called in to save lives.  After defeating the troll Mercy and the pack are asked for sanctuary for a small boy who is on the run from the Fae.  He had been living in the Underhill for hundreds of years.  Mercy gives him the sanctuary he needs but ends up getting the pack severed from the Marrock.  

I enjoyed this story.  The pack continues to cause problems for Mercy and Adams had enough and lets them know where they can go.  It was heartbreaking to see Mercy "lose" her dad stand in Bran even though it is just the public thinking that.  I liked seeing the Mercy taking down the bad guy in a round about way.  Really good addition to the series.

Book 9 Mercy Thompson

Amazon

The Segonian by Dianne Duvall

 

5 Star

On the way to the Lasaran planet the ship Eliana was on was destroyed.  Thrown into space in just a suit she needs to survive until the closest team can get to her.  The problem they're over a month away and she only has 24 hours of air in her suit.  With some work she is able to conserve her air and is rescued.  When she is finally rescued after a brief memory loss she starts to get her feet under her.  She is determined to find her missing friends and take out anyone who stands in her way.

This book starts shortly before the last book ends.  You get information from the perspective of Eliana.  We than skip a head to the interactions with her and Dagon.  I enjoyed the banter between Eliana and everyone else.  It was interesting to see how she saved herself as well as learned how to work with Dagon's people.  She has a similar comradery with Dagon's men as she does with her other immortal guardians.  There were so many good parts to the book that brought on the feels.  At one point in the book I just wanted to be done with the book.  Not because I didn't like it but I just wanted to know what was going to happen with 2 characters.  My one only gripe is that I missed have some of the other immortal guardians in this book...I guess I could just start over with the original series again.

Book 2 Aldebarian Alliance

Author Interview: Dianne Duvall

Favorite Sci-fi Binge-watches 

Hello, all! Thank you for joining us and helping me celebrate the release of THE SEGONIAN, the second stand-alone novel in my exciting new Aldebarian Alliance series. If you like sci-fi romance with strong heroes who love kick-ass heroines, fun secondary characters, and lots of action, passion, humor, and happily-ever-afters, then I think you’ll enjoy Eliana and Dagon’s story.

I have loved science fiction for almost as long as I can remember. After all, what better escape can there be when you need one than to leave the planet entirely and embark upon a journey into outer space? So today I thought I would share with you my Top 5 Favorite Sci-Fi Binge-watches.

1

Alien (franchise) films.

I love, love, love this series of movies. I never grow tired of watching them. I even like the newer ones, particularly Alien Covenant. And watching one, just makes me want to binge-watch them all.

2

Guardians of the Galaxy

What can I say? I really like action mixed with humor (which is why you’ll find both in my books). Throw in sci-fi and likable characters and I will eagerly devour it again and again. I can’t wait to see the next one.

3

The original Twilight Zone series sci-fi episodes

The original Twilight Zone series had a particular knack for putting a new spin on aliens, UFOs, and space exploration. I revisit those episodes often.

4

Thor movies.

I binge-watch the Thor movies for the same reason I enjoy the Guardians of the Galaxy movies: They brilliantly combine sci-fi, action, humor, and even tragedy in stories I love. 

5

X-Files

I always liked this series. I was thrilled when they brought it back. Great stories. Fun characters. Intrigue. Alien conspiracies. Drama. Humor. I love binge-watching it. I even like watching the movies.

_______________________________________________

So what are some of YOUR favorite sci-fi binge-watches?

Author Bio:

 

Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians series and The Gifted Ones series. Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and "wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews). Her books have twice been nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and are routinely deemed Top Picks by RT Book Reviews, The Romance Reviews, and/or Night Owl Reviews. 

Dianne loves all things creative. When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the vampires she creates in her books.

For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit DianneDuvall.com or sign up for her Newsletter. You can also find Dianne online . . .

 

Author Links:

Blog

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Night Broken by Patricia Briggs

 

5 Star

When Adam's ex-wife's life is put in danger Mercy has to put up with her in her home.  Christy has a way of making those around her want to defend her which puts Mercy in a tough place.  She doesn't object to helping but she also doesn't want to be put out in her own home.  All the personal drama aside there is a man after her and it will take Mercy and the pack to keep her safe.

I loved this story.  You only really got glimpses of Christy in previous books and this you find out more about Adams marriage.  One of the things that made me laugh out loud was the little ways Mercy puts Christy in her place without actually doing anything overt.  The bad guy was incredibly interesting and I loved seeing how it all ended up working out. This in one of my favorite books in the series. 

Book 8 Mercy Thompson

Amazon

Frost Burn by Patricia Briggs

 

3 Star

While Mercy and Jesse are out black Friday shopping Mercy accidentally hits another car.  While dealing with the car accidents she loses contact with her husband and the rest of the pack.  She will need to keep Jesse safe and find the pack before more people die.

This book was ok.  I had issues with the way the story was laid out.  For me it seemed a bit discombobulated in the way the story was told.  I enjoyed aspects of it like seeing Mercy learn more about the skills she has.  I also loved seeing some old characters step up and help her out.  Overall, it was just ok.

Book 7 Mercy Thompson

Amazon

Dirty Deeds by Faith Hunter, Diana Pharaoh Francis, Devon Monk, R.J. Blain

 

Overall Score 3 Star

This is a collection of short stories from existing series.  I've read all of the authors and liked their writing so I was very excited to read this book.  Some of the series the shorts were based off of I haven't read so the shorts didn't make sense.  This is very much a collection that you need to have read the books to understand what is going on in the story.  The one exception was R.J. Blain's story.  I 'm going to give a brief synopsis and then review the books individually.

Sealed with a Twist by Devon Monk

4 Star

Life in Ordinary is anything but ordinary.  Since Delaney Reed took over as Sheriff she hasn't had a day off.  Her fiancé Ryder wants one weekend away with just her.  With the Gods' powers being transferred and some cursed objects being released to the public will Ryder be able to drag Delaney away?  

Other than this book giving away everything from the rest of the series I enjoyed this book immensely.  I liked the characters, and the town, as well as, the storyline.  I did double check to make sure I owned the first book in the series to read as I want to know how we got to this story.  

At Death's Door by Devon Monk

3 Star

Than is asked to watch Delaney's dog and pet Dragon while she takes her weekend away.  What will happen with these three while Delaney is away?

This was really a none story.  It was about the length of a chapter and it literally just describes what happens when Than pet sits for Delaney.  That is literally it.

Wouldn't necessarily call this a separate story from the Sealed with a twist but ok.  It was interesting to see what Death was 

Bound into Darkness by Faith Hunter 

4 Star

Liz is offered a job to track down a missing dog.  She needs back-up and asks Eli for help.  What should have been an easy job turned into something so much more.

I actually enjoyed this one a lot.  I forgot how much I enjoy the writing and this book made me want to go back and read the series it is a part of.  It was also one of the only books that 1. didn't ruin the rest of the series, and 2. could some what stand alone without prior knowledge of the series.  I enjoyed the interaction between Liz and Eli.  The only question I walked away with was how Liz was blood poisoned.  I assume it was explained in a previous book.

The Ties That Bind by Faith Hunter

3 Star

Bedelia severed her relationship with Linc years ago.  When Linc decides to reveal all of the secrets between them will they be able to move on from their past for a happy future?

This was similar to At Death's Door.  It's an interest interlude between Bedelia and Linc.  It explains them getting back together after being torn apart by Bedelia's daughter.  Linc explains what happened between him and the daughter and wanted to start over.  It was interesting to read and I would have probably connected more with it if I had read the previous books that dealt with their relationship.  I remember the daughter and I vaguely remember what was happening with her in the last book I read but not all of the details.

Pixie Job by Diana Pharaoh Francis

Mallory Jade are in Effrayant with Law Stranger for a wedding.  She's not sure if Law is going to stick around and He's not sure she's not going to run off and disappear on him again.  He's trying to keep everyone safe and sound for the wedding between a pixie and a giant.  

DNF - was too confused over what was going on as the first book came out several years ago and I can't remember if I read it.  I love her books so I will be reading that book and will update this when I've read it.

Doggone Mess by R.J. Blain

2 Star

Joyce works a minimum wage job as a single unmated shifter.  Hiding who she is from everyone.  She loves to torment Wayne when he stops by to offer her a deal to move from her apartment so he can tear the building down.  When Joyce is offered a contract to kidnap Wayne and keep him out of the city for 72 hours for $20,000 she jumps at the offer.  What she doesn't expect is chaos to irrupt.  

This book suffers from the recent issues her other books have had.  It has good bones and then it veers into the mundane.  There is yet more shopping...why so much shopping.  When the book feels like it is finally getting good it ends.  No conclusion to the story at all.  We are supposed to wait until Blain gives them their full length story sometime in 2022.

River Marked by Patricia Briggs

 

5 Star

Mercy and Adam get a surprise wedding after their loved ones feel guilty about being mean.  After the ceremony is over with Mercy and Adam head off for their honeymoon. They end up camping out under the stars.  While there they are pulled in to a deadly fight with a supernatural who is killing people. 

I think this is one of my favorite books in the series.  I loved the betting on the wedding and the guilt the family felt which got Mercy and Adam an amazing wedding.  One of the best things about the book is Mercy finally gets to meet her father...sort of.  It was interesting to see a new monster and how they had to take it out to protect people.  Really good addition to the series.    

Book 6 Mercy Thompson

Amazon

Promo: The Segonian by Dianne Duvall

 

We are out-of-this-world excited to be celebrating this release from Dianne Duvall with our readers today by participating in the blog tour! THE SEGONIAN is the second book in Dianne's sci-fi romance series, Aldebarian Alliance. Keep reading to find out more about the title below. Click HERE to reserve your copy of The Segonian today!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Segonian
Book #2 Aldebarian Alliance
By Dianne Duvall
Releasing date: January 19, 2021

Eliana’s life has never been what one might term ordinary. At least, it hasn’t been for a very long time. As a powerful Immortal Guardian, she spends her nights hunting and slaying psychotic vampires that most of humanity doesn’t even realize exist. Then an opportunity arises that instantly makes her extraordinary existence seem downright boring. The leader of the Immortal Guardians asks her to guard a group of mortals who are embarking upon a voyage across the galaxy to the planet Lasaran. How could she possibly say no?

In no time at all, Eliana is hurtling through space on board a Lasaran battleship and getting to know not one but two alien races. It’s the most exciting adventure of her long life… until the ship is unexpectedly attacked. Amid the chaos and destruction that follow, she valiantly helps everyone she can before an explosion renders her unconscious. When Eliana awakens, she finds herself alone, floating in space, clad only in a spacesuit, with no ship in sight. Alone—that is—except for the warm, deep voice that carries over the comm in her helmet.

Commander Dagon and the crew of the Segonian battleship Ranasura respond to a distress call from their Lasaran allies and join a massive Alliance-wide search-and-rescue mission. He quickly achieves communication with a lone Earthling female and races toward her. Every time they speak, his fascination with her grows and he becomes more desperate to reach her before her oxygen supply runs out. Her strength, bravery, and humor entice him, even more so when she defies all odds and they meet in person.

As he and Eliana embark upon a quest to find her missing friends, a bond swiftly grows between them that deepens with every laugh and smile and tender touch they share. But they are not the only ones searching for Earthling survivors. When Eliana herself becomes the hunted and their enemies begin to close in, can the two of them fight their way to victory, or will their enemies take everything?

AVAILABLE FOR ORDER

Kindle | Paperback | Audible | Kobo | iBooks | Nook

https://youtu.be/douDpQ0ZOr4

The Aldebarian Alliance Series:

The Lasaran (Aldebarian Alliance Book 1)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians series and The Gifted Ones series. Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and "wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews). Her books have twice been nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and are routinely deemed Top Picks by RT Book Reviews, The Romance Reviews, and/or Night Owl Reviews.

Dianne loves all things creative. When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the vampires she creates in her books.

For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit DianneDuvall.com or sign up for her Newsletter. You can also find Dianne online . . .

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest | Goodreads | Book Bub | Instagram

Tour-Wide Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of The Segonian Dianne is giving away several Amazon Gift Cards to readers. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter Form linked below. Follow along with the Blog Tour daily for more chances to win. Good luck!

(1) $50.00 Amazon Gift Card
(2) $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cceafca163/?

Almost Just Friends by Jill Shalvis

 

3.5 Star

Piper has spent her life taking care of everyone around her.  After the death of her parents she stepped in and helped raise her siblings.  Now that they are all out of the house it is time for her to finally spread her wings and go after her dreams.  Before she can do this she needs to fix up her grandparents home to sell it.  When the area is hit by a massive storm she runs into a mystery man Camden.  The connection she feels for him is surprising.  What's even more surprising is the return of her brother and sister.  Her siblings are keeping secrets and want her to help them without dishing the dirt.  Will she be able to spread her wings and follow her dreams?

This book was pretty good.  I enjoy the writing style of Jill Shalvis.  The reason for the lowish rating is I had big issues with the siblings as well as the wish washy Piper.  If the book had been all about Piper and didn't have the siblings issues I would have loved this book.  Both of the siblings were selfish individuals.  Which angered me so much.  They kept secrets from the sister who raised them and never judged them and some big things they kept from them.  One of the secrets nearly breaks Piper and Cam up because he knew what the secret was.  If you are starting out with Shalvis start with a different one because this didn't show why I love her books.

Book 4 Wildstone

Amazon

Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs

 

4 Star

Mercy has learned that the less you know about the Fae the better it is.  She tries to return a Fae book to Fin but can't find him.  The book contains secret knowledge that she will need to use to keep those she loves safe.

This book was a really good addition to the series. The story flowed well.  I didn't feel there was any pacing issues.  In fact my only issue was that I couldn't read the book fast enough to find out how it ended.  I enjoyed the interpersonal issues that Mercy had with the pack and Adam.  Loved seeing Bran in the story and how he helped Mercy.  Leaps and bounds were made within the pack as well as between Mercy and Adam.  Really good addition to the series.

Mercy Thompson

Amazon

Shielding Riley by Susan Stoker

 

5 Star

Porter "Oz" Reed has had his life turned upside down.  A sister he was estranged from has died and left her son without anyone to care for him.  Oz now has to figure out how to care for a child while still being a Delta.  He turns to his neighbor Riley for help.  Recently out of an abusive relationship Riley steps up to help Oz out.  She knows how hard life is in the system and helps guide him.  Oz knows his nephew is keeping secrets and wants him to tell him what they are but will have to earn the trust while still completing missions.  When he finally discovers what the secrets are he will bend over backwards to make everything right.

I loved this story.  When you think all the bad to happen has concluded and they are in for some happily ever after you get thrown a curveball and more drama.  The book showed some struggles single parents have to deal with.  I loved seeing the rest of the team come together to help Oz out.  One of the only things that frustrated me with this book was the epilogue.  Susan Stoker wrote glimpses of future books and I need them right now! The first one isn't coming out until May so yay short wait but the hints of what will happen in that book built an anticipation I don't want.  The other book won't be out until January 2022.  It makes it so I want to wait to read the rest of the series until the last book comes out in January.  All that aside the book was one of the better books I've read from her and I really enjoyed it. 

Book 5 Delta Team Two

Amazon

Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs

 

3.5 Star

Marsilia, local vampire queen has discovered Mercy killed a clan member and is out for her blood.  She will go after anyone she feels is an ally of Mercy's.  To help resolve the issues Mercy heads out of town to help a old friend out of a haunting.

This book had it's moments that were really good and then other times it was really slow and I wanted to move on already.  The story between Mercy and Marsilia was interested and I enjoyed it.  The part about her going out of town and helping the friend less so.  The way it worked out with the friend was interested but while that plot was going on I just wanted to know what was going on with Marsilia.  Overall, it was an ok book.

Book 4 Mercy Thompson

Amazon

Dragon Revealed by Donna Grant

 

4 Star

Jeyra is out for revenge after a dragon king killed her family.  With the help of some magic Jeyra is able to pull a Dragon King into her world and take him hostage.  Her leaders want answers from him and ask her to interrogate Varek.  In these interrogations Jeyra realizes that everything she was raised to know aren't correct.  With the help of Varek will she be able to discover the truth her leaders don't want her to know? 

This is a really quick read.  This is a short story that is connected to Dark King series.  I've read several in that series but not all of them.  Even without the history of all of those books this one was easy to follow.  I enjoyed seeing Jeyra realize things weren't what they seemed and having to rely on Varek to uncover the truths being kept from everyone.  The relationship was a bit rushed considering Varek was taken hostage and held for several days.  Even with the rushed love I liked what I read and will definitely be picking up the next book. 

Book 1 Dragon Kings

Amazon

Shielding Jayme by Susan Stoker

 

3 Star

Jayme had dreamed of owner her own bakery in Seattle.  When her boss decides to sell the bakery to someone else she quits and moves to Killeen, Texas to be with her grandma.  Winnie wants the best for her granddaughter and thinks the big strong helicopter mechanic Rocket is perfect.  Even though Jayme says she isn't interested Winnie manufactures a connection.  Will Jayme allow herself to reach for her dreams?

This was an ok book to read.  I wanted more about why Jayme had moved from Washington to Texas.  It seems like a drastic move just because her boss sold to someone else.  The conflict in the story wasn't anything major and was kind of meh.  There was also a ton of epilogues that went into their lives later and with the longer series I enjoy this but I wasn't feeling that big of a connection to care about their future.  The love story between Jayme and Rocket was good if not a whole lot of insta love.  The one character I loved the best was Winnie, Jayme's grandma.  She was awesome and we saw her in passed books.  It fit with the overall series just not one of my favorite books.

Book 4 Delta Team Two

Amazon

Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs

 

5 Star

When Mercy is asked by her former boss and mentor, Zee to help him investigate who has been killing the fae she is more than willing to help.  When Zee is arrested for murdering a human on the fae reservation he orders her to stay out of it.  Mercy can't leave it alone because Zee is too important to her.  In addition to trying to save Zee she has to decide between Adam and Samuel.  

I am starting the review off with a warning about the book.  Towards the end of the book Mercy is raped by the murderer.  If this isn't something you are comfortable with you can bypass the without it taking too much away from the next book or the future books.  The second warning I am going to give is the ending of the book has a scene between Mercy and Adam.  Know that the next book starts exactly at that scene and will make you not so mad.

I enjoyed this story a lot.  There was a scene with one of the wolves, Ben, who has shown he is good pack member but a bit of a dick.  The scene in this book will make you cry your eyes out with what he has to say and made him one of my favorite characters in the series.  Where the last book had a pacing issue this was not a problem in this book.  It had really good pacing and flowed nicely throughout.  It progressed the talents Mercy had and you learn more about her past.  Definitely a great addition to the series.

Book 3 Mercy Thompson

Amazon

Bad to Worse by Plum Pascal and HP Mallory

2.5 Star

Everly has left Dread and gone on to the correct Academy.  She hopes that it will be what she wants but she misses her men from Dread.  When she finally gets there she is bullied for smelling differently and having a gollum.  The gollum is her only friend.  Will she stay or go back to Dread and her men?

I wanted to like this book so much but the way it ends is what ruined the book for me.  It literally ends at what feels like mid book.   Spoilers will follow:

The people at the new academy arrests Everly and try and purge her of the influence of Dread.  The men come and save her from the purge but it erases her memory of them.  She wakes up in Jean-Claude Von Zarovich the third's castle and feels like she should know them but doesn't.  The book ends literally with her going back to sleep after finding out where she was.  No resolution at all.

So not only is this book a 100 pages less than the first book but it's a dollar more expensive.  I enjoyed the story and the writing but hated where the author ended the story.  Literally it was at the 80% mark on my kindle and the rest was ads for other books by these authors.  Overall, it was an interesting addition but one I wasn't overly happy about it.  I will wait and see what the next book holds just because I want to see where it is going but if that one ends the same way I am out.

Book 2 The F My Life

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Promo: The Segonian by Dianne Duvall

 

We are out-of-this-world excited to be celebrating this release from Dianne Duvall with our readers today by participating in the blog tour! THE SEGONIAN is the second book in Dianne's sci-fi romance series, Aldebarian Alliance. Keep reading to find out more about the title below. Click HERE to reserve your copy of The Segonian today!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Segonian
Book #2 Aldebarian Alliance
By Dianne Duvall
Releasing date: January 19, 2021

Eliana’s life has never been what one might term ordinary. At least, it hasn’t been for a very long time. As a powerful Immortal Guardian, she spends her nights hunting and slaying psychotic vampires that most of humanity doesn’t even realize exist. Then an opportunity arises that instantly makes her extraordinary existence seem downright boring. The leader of the Immortal Guardians asks her to guard a group of mortals who are embarking upon a voyage across the galaxy to the planet Lasaran. How could she possibly say no?

In no time at all, Eliana is hurtling through space on board a Lasaran battleship and getting to know not one but two alien races. It’s the most exciting adventure of her long life… until the ship is unexpectedly attacked. Amid the chaos and destruction that follow, she valiantly helps everyone she can before an explosion renders her unconscious. When Eliana awakens, she finds herself alone, floating in space, clad only in a spacesuit, with no ship in sight. Alone—that is—except for the warm, deep voice that carries over the comm in her helmet.

Commander Dagon and the crew of the Segonian battleship Ranasura respond to a distress call from their Lasaran allies and join a massive Alliance-wide search-and-rescue mission. He quickly achieves communication with a lone Earthling female and races toward her. Every time they speak, his fascination with her grows and he becomes more desperate to reach her before her oxygen supply runs out. Her strength, bravery, and humor entice him, even more so when she defies all odds and they meet in person.

As he and Eliana embark upon a quest to find her missing friends, a bond swiftly grows between them that deepens with every laugh and smile and tender touch they share. But they are not the only ones searching for Earthling survivors. When Eliana herself becomes the hunted and their enemies begin to close in, can the two of them fight their way to victory, or will their enemies take everything?

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The Aldebarian Alliance Series:

The Lasaran (Aldebarian Alliance Book 1)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians series and The Gifted Ones series. Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and "wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews). Her books have twice been nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and are routinely deemed Top Picks by RT Book Reviews, The Romance Reviews, and/or Night Owl Reviews.

Dianne loves all things creative. When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the vampires she creates in her books.

For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit DianneDuvall.com or sign up for her Newsletter. You can also find Dianne online . . .

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Tour-Wide Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of The Segonian Dianne is giving away several Amazon Gift Cards to readers. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter Form linked below. Follow along with the Blog Tour daily for more chances to win. Good luck!

(1) $50.00 Amazon Gift Card
(2) $25.00 Amazon Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cceafca163/?

Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs

 

3 Star

Mercy has friends all over including dark ones.  When one of her friends asks her for a favor she agrees to help her vampire friend, Stefan.  What she finds draws her and Adam's pack into a dealing with a new vampire.  When the vampires and werewolves assigned to find him don't return Mercy will use her skills to track them all down and rescue them.

This is not one of my favorite books in the series.  It was very frustrating to me to have all the guys disregard her and say she should let the men handle it.  What ends up happening is they all end up in the hands of the demon/vampire's hands.  There was also a pacing issue.  The book kind of plodded along and then hit a certain mark and then it rushed through to the end.  It wasn't a bad book and it helped to learn more about what Mercy's skills were but it had some issues.

Book 2 Mercy Thompson Novel 

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Grave War by Kalayna Price

 

3.5/4 Star

Alex has formed an uneasy truce with the Faerie world.  She’s been assigned as lead investigator for the Fae Investigation Bureau (FIB).  As the lead in FIB it is her job to maintain the balance between the humans and fae.  On her second day there is an explosion at the Eternal Bloom that threatens every Fae on the human plain.  Alex needs to find another door into faerie as well as track down who is taking out the doors to the human plain before every fae fades.

This one is I am very much on the fence for the rating.  I enjoyed the book a lot, but it is the final book in the series, and I was left wanting.  She wrapped up somethings but there were some loose ends…at least in my mind.  I wanted to know what happened with some of the humans who have been in the other books and they weren’t mentioned at all.  One of the other plot issues I had was we were used to seeing all her other friends and this one is very much just her trying to figure everything out.  She doesn’t have anyone helping her other than a couple of FIB agents to begin with and then later Falin but only briefly.  We do finally meet Alex’s brother, but no details are given as to how he ended up where he did and why he was there.  We also don’t get to see her really come into her powers.  She’s still learning and gets named Falin’s consort as well as High Queen.  We just never really get to see what all she can do at all.  Here’s hoping there is a spinoff series that brings these characters back to get more of it tied up.

Book 7 Alex Craft

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Bad Blood by H.P. Malloy and Plum Pascal

 

4 Star

Everly thinks she has gotten into the Academy of Enchantment.  While on the train to the Academy she ends up in Dread.  She thinks she's in the wrong place but there's the incubus Harlow who is supposed to take her to a different school.  He's hot as can be and maybe someone at the school will be able to straighten out the issue.   She agrees to stay at Castle Raven Night with her host family, Count Jean-Claude Von Zarovich the third.  When she finally gets into see Riven the headmaster of the Academy of Necromancy she finds out he's the reason she is in Dread.  He needs her help to solve a mystery to save the community.  A quick layover in Dread won't be a problem...Right?

I enjoyed this story.  At least by the end of the book it wasn't a reverse harem.  There are clearly people she's going to end up with but nothing happens with any of them.  It was a little weird as it is supposed to be a reverse harem romance but it felt more like a young adult book.  There was nothing wrong with that but it wasn't what I expected.  I enjoyed the writing and the pacing in the story.  About the halfway mark it was a bit obvious there would be more books in the series as there wasn't a lot of progress in the relationships between Everly and the men.  I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Book 1 The F My Life

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Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

 

4 Star

Mercy Thompson is coyote shifter raised by werewolves.  She’s spent her life repairing cars and annoying the werewolves around her.  When a young werewolf stumbles into her shop she takes him in and gives him a job.  Mercy asks local alpha, Adam, for help with the new werewolf.  This act of kindness ends with the boy dead, Adam injured, and Adam’s daughter Jesse kidnapped.  She will have to confront people from her past to get the help they need to find Jesse.

I really enjoyed this story.  Mercy was an interesting character.  She is a strong woman who is very independent.  I loved her interactions with Adam.  The little things she likes to do to torture the alpha were hilarious.  The story was a different take on a paranormal romance triangle.  You kind of know she’s going to end up with Adam but then there is Samuel from her past.  I liked seeing her interacting with the other werewolves.  It will be interesting to see where the series goes.

Book 1 Mercy Thompson

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Grave Destiny by Kalayna Price

 

4 Star

Alex is still growing and changing and trying to figure everything out.  To get help she has to make a deal with the devil, her father.  He says he will help if she takes the next case no matter what and because she needs the help she agrees.  What happens is Dugen and Falin both need her to investigate mysterious deaths in the Winter Court to prevent a war from happening.  Delving into the mystery Alex realizes how intricate the fae world is and how strained it is becoming.  Alex will have to be very careful not to tip the balance either way as it will start a war no one wants.

This is a really good addition to the series.  As the reader we find out a lot more about the fae and faerie.  Several plot points are resolved with several opening up for the last book in the series.  I liked seeing how she investigated on the fae side of the plain instead of working with the police on the human side.  I did miss some of her interactions with the police.  One of the parts of the book that irritated me which has continued from the last couple books is the harping on her poor eyesight.  Nothing major with this book irritated me and I can’t wait to read the last one.

Book 6 Alex Craft

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Charging by Elise Faber

 

4 Star

When Charlotte was an intern, she made the critical error of dating a rookie hockey player, Logan, and he broke her heart.  Now she’s older and built up her defenses against him.  As the GM for Gold, she decided to bring him and in to play and he’s been driving her crazy ever since.  Logan also has gotten older and wiser.  He wants Charlotte back and will do anything to fill the whole he made in her heart.

I forget how much I enjoy the books in this series until I’m reading them.  This was a really good addition to the series.  It’s a second chance at love done right.  I very much enjoyed the slow burn to get Charlotte and Logan together.  It wasn’t insta forgiveness.  Once Logan explained his reasoning for the heartache 8 years ago, she understood, and she eventually forgave him.  It took longer for Logan to forgive himself.  It was the eventually that worked for me so well.  A lot of times forgiveness is almost instantaneous.  This was not the case and it really worked.  If you are looking for a light romantic read this is a really good one to pick up and to try.

Book 10 Gold Hockey

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Grave Ransom by Kalayna Price

 

4 Star

Alex is pulled into another investigation but this one is much more sinister.  She is accused of using her magic to create ghouls all over Necros.  Briar Darque comes in weapons blazing with her accusation but when Alex proves her wrong, they team up together.  There is a deadline looming and they need to find the creator to save someone close to Alex.

It was interesting to see how the people in Alex’s life dealt with her life changes and secret keeping.  She deserves better than her friends gave her, but I liked seeing her puzzle out the best ways to deal with everything being thrown at her.  The character development in this book was really good too.  You got to see growth in each character.  The one big issue I had was how Death was handled.  He’s just kind of disappeared from her life in this book.  You can see where the author is leading Alex for her love life in this book and I am interested in seeing how that will work out for her.  Overall, a good addition to the series.

Book 5 Alex Craft

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B Clones by Laurann Dohner

 

2 Star

Big

Gemma is the mother of two adult sons who was in an explosion.  She closes her eyes in a hospital and when she opens them, she’s on a ship.  She thinks she’s hallucinating the ship, her twenty-year-old body, and the big brawny man.    When she finds out she and Big are clones she’s a whole lot freaked out.  Will this nightmare turn into a dream?

Blade

Hailey’s living her family worst nightmare.  She’s been kidnapped off her planet and taken into space for men’s pleasure.  She manages to get out of their clutches and locks herself away to buy time to figure out what she should and can do.  Before she can do anything, the ship is boarded by pirates who kill her kidnappers.  All but one wants to sell her to a brothel.  Blade kills all of the crewmates to save her.  He decides to take her home to his family of clones.

I wanted to like these short stories way more than I did.  There is a good premise here, but it just wasn’t followed through on.  It came across as the beginning chapters to a full-length story but it wasn’t.  It wasn’t just this that caused problems for me but also that the guys pretty much had sex with the women immediately after meeting them.  No get to know them let’s just fuck.  Who cares what hell you’ve been through to get to the meet and greet.  I ended up feeling very unfulfilled and wanting more in a bad way.

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Grave Visions by Kalayna Price

4 Star

Alex and those connected to her are slowly fading.  She needs to align herself to a court or declare herself independent to create a tie to faerie.  The Queen of Winter isn’t interested in her having her freedom and will do anything to force her to tie herself to the Winter Court.  To keep herself from this fate she makes a bargain with the queen.  She will track down the person creating a new glamour-infused drug that causes hallucinations that will eventually kill the person.  If she isn’t able to find the person behind the manufacturing of the drugs she will have to fade or give in to the Queen.

Overall, this was a good addition to the overall series.  It adds new information to the overarching plot as well as having Alex grow as a witch/fae.  There were two issues I had with the story.  One big thing I didn’t like was we don’t really learn why Alex as a different reaction to glitter than everyone else.  The Winter Queen goes crazy on it, but Alex doesn’t.  It was just weird.  I am also really tired of the love triangle between Alex, Death, and Falin.  Either pick one or both.  I don’t care how it is decided just pick already.

Book 4 Alex Craft

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Razor’s Edge by Jayne Rylon

 

3 Star

Isabella thought she married for love and not money until her world crashes down around her.  She runs off to the one person she thought she could trust but even her father betrays her.  With no where to turn she decides to hide in plain sight as an instructor on a TV dance competition.  Her partner for the show is rookie, Razor.  He’s trying to get past months of rehab and therapy over a betrayal by a woman pretending to be an innocence.  When he meets Isabella, he wants to believe her innocence but is struggling with his history.  After several attempts on her life they will need to come together to bring down the criminal enterprise.

I enjoyed the first book way more than I did this one.  Razor was hurt in the last book by a pretty face acting innocent and so he was way more hesitant this time around and I understand that.  However, he took it way to the extreme.  I also felt things were thrown in for shock value and then just kind of brushed off.  One of my biggest wtf moments was when Razor makes Isabella prove she is innocent.  Like what would have happened if she had lost her hymen in some other way than sex?  Would he not believe her and continue to treat her like she was part of the criminal enterprise?  It doesn’t deter me from wanting to read the next book, but I am hesitant to spend $5 bucks for it.

Book 2 Men in Blue

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Grave Memory by Kalayna Price

 

4 Star

Alex, as a grave witch, is used to dealing with death and the dead.  When she gets a front row seat to a suicide she tries to tell the police that it wasn’t suicide they don’t believe her.  She gets the widow to hire her to look into what happened and during her investigation she discovers the shades have no memory of the last 3 days of their lives.  All they remember is the moments before their souls are taken.  Alex will need to use all her skills to figure out what is causing people’s will to live be overpowered into suicide.  While trying to discover what is going on she is struggling with her feelings for Death and Falin.

This was an interesting story.  You get a lot of the interpersonal relationships in this book.  Alex is struggling to maintain her friendship from before the blood moon as well as finding out where she stands with Death and Falin.  As for the plot, it was interesting to see how Alex figured things out and finally resolved the issue.  I also liked seeing the growth in Alex as a character.  She was learning more about her powers and what they mean while also managing to learn about fae society.  It was a really good addition to the series.

Book 3 Alex Craft

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