Look. I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t expect much from the original series Hidden Species, but I’m 8 books in which inclu3.5 Stars Rounded Up
Look. I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t expect much from the original series Hidden Species, but I’m 8 books in which includes this spinoff, and I can say that I really do enjoy all the characters that have been introduced. Masters has brought an interesting paranormal world full of demons, shifters, dragons, elves, and more, and though while mostly light hearted and fun, there are some serious topics thrown in for good measure as well.
So yes, this is the most serious book of the bunch, focusing on Steffen, head of security for the dragons, and why he’s the ultimate in theorizing conspiracies. His background was heartbreaking, but his healing was a poignant tale to read as Masters mostly concludes the conflict that started in the previous book and is related to the main story arc of the original series.
Again, low on funny shenanigans as compared to other entries, where this shines is all the people we’ve been introduced to coming together, fighting off evil as a solid team who always has each others’ backs! A solid romance and conclusion to this spinoff, though I’m very confident we will see these characters again!!!...more
Still easy breezy like the first two installments!
The pace is picking up as Lawton and his merry band of found family continue their journey on3 Stars
Still easy breezy like the first two installments!
The pace is picking up as Lawton and his merry band of found family continue their journey on finding the source of an insidious magic plaguing the realm.
The romance is sweet between this necromancer prince and his alpha half-orc lover, and I only want their happy ending to be fully realized. I’m confident that I won’t have any worries about that coming to fruition....more
I liken this to a comfort read and as par for the course, I had a good time visiting Fabian of the dragon clan and watching him find his soul3.5 Stars
I liken this to a comfort read and as par for the course, I had a good time visiting Fabian of the dragon clan and watching him find his soul mate.
Fabian is way out there, head high in the clouds, easily distracted mainly by researching things for or within the living archive which houses all dragonkind knowledge. He also isn’t going to say no to pretty much anything, which includes all things fun, as well as unwittingly signing up for a scientific experiment. What’s uncovered is researcher Rhys, whose studies reveal another concerning situation involving the supernatural community.
Admittedly, this was very low key, very laid back. Fabian was adorable and so was nerdy, slightly uptight Rhys. Not as funny as some books, this still succeeds, highlighting the wide cast of characters (whom I really enjoy) as they band together to tackle a problem and broaden their found family bonds!...more
In the grand scheme of things does this break any new barriers? No. However, this series definitely got better with each book, tied together wi4 Stars
In the grand scheme of things does this break any new barriers? No. However, this series definitely got better with each book, tied together with a central story arc, and in the end what’s most important to me is that I had fun!
Where this shines is the various offbeat paranormal characters that got more and more entertaining as the reader gets into each POV, where the interactions and history between them all builds, adding more weight and depth, not only to the characters but to the entire story as a whole!
This last installment features OCD and uptight sorcerer David who falls for his complete opposite. Unbeknownst to David, elf Caolan is his perfect counterpart, a calming, caring, and carefree presence that is a balm to his soul. They must work together to bridge their worlds to save Caolan’s people from annihilation as well as the existence of magic as they know it.
Really great silly fun with a dash of romance and a seriously unsettling underlying plot thread that I thought was a well thought out creation! Good stuff!...more
Um, I’m kicking myself because once again, I’m in the position where I’m all caught up on this author’s works, and it’s not a good feeling!
I4.5 Stars!
Um, I’m kicking myself because once again, I’m in the position where I’m all caught up on this author’s works, and it’s not a good feeling!
I. Need. More.
This is probably my top favorite MM fantasy universe. Just saying.
So, if you want a quick peek at Lochan and Ervyn then just be reassured that this delivers on a fun adventure of them doing what they do best - accomplishing the impossible mission. Seeing them work so in sync and being happy is just icing on the cake, and my only complaint is that like with ALL of Bacon’s works, this ended too soon and obviously, was not enough.
Upon reflection, the Kai Gracen series probably is my favorite of Ford’s, so it was nice looking back at snippets of Kai’s early years with Dem4 Stars
Upon reflection, the Kai Gracen series probably is my favorite of Ford’s, so it was nice looking back at snippets of Kai’s early years with Dempsey and how he was incorporated into the bounty hunting life. Still with action, suspense, plenty of monster gore with horror this was a nice reveal filling in some missing gaps!...more
Atmospheric, a bit dark, capitalizing on the folklore of the wood and why some superstitions should be held in wary careful respect to ward o3.5 Stars
Atmospheric, a bit dark, capitalizing on the folklore of the wood and why some superstitions should be held in wary careful respect to ward off those ugly things that go bump in the night.
There’s a bit of mystery here as the wood cyclically takes on a life of its own. Bridging magic and legends and curses, this starts with Tobias who’s tethered to the forest for unclear reasons except he simply knows he’s a protector. When his new inquisitive “landlord” starts to show up on a regular basis, a very slow burn connection commences. Tobias knows Henry’s just the sort of light that would attract the darkness to take Henry for its own.
So yes, danger lurks, hungrily seeking its next victim, and this is all about sacrifice, renewal, and redemption. If this sounds interesting to you, it’s currently on KU!...more
Look I’m not going to rehash every single reason why this didn't work for me, but if you like the idea of an enchanted island that houses bot2.5 Stars
Look I’m not going to rehash every single reason why this didn't work for me, but if you like the idea of an enchanted island that houses both Fae and human alike, where relations have remained civilly contentious at best, and where a prince is finally freed from a coerced sleep alongside an enemy hell bent on destroying humanity, then this might catch your fancy.
Let me stress that this is not a poorly written story. It is full of detail and interesting world building and sets up a premise that obviously caught my eye. There’s a slow burn romance, plenty of action and magic, and a satisfying ending that I find no fault with. However, this took me forever to finish. I had absolutely no momentum or drive and whether that’s on me or the book, I can’t really say. All I know is that I have another Ringle book on my shelf, and I hope when I get to it, it will be more of a success. Please wish me luck! ...more
A very tasty morsel taking place in the magical world of the Beacon Hill Sorcerer.
Not a stand alone as this occurs after Love Springs Eternal and readers will be lost if they start here. Of course, I’m intrigued as I enjoyed the introduction of new characters Remi and Celyn. Bonus points for an appearance from Batiste and Isaac!
If you haven’t met Angel and company, you are missing out on a fabulous urban fantasy series, and I urge you to start with The Necromancer's Dance!...more
I seriously love this awesome high fantasy series, and it was an absolute poignant delight seeing Tris and Bet as youngsters noticing each ot4.5 Stars
I seriously love this awesome high fantasy series, and it was an absolute poignant delight seeing Tris and Bet as youngsters noticing each other even way back when.
Equally moving is Roland’s own burgeoning relationship with formerly abused, but now thriving, dragon Aderyn! There’d better be a spinoff about these two when they’re older! Pretty please with sugar on top!...more
I’m a bit conflicted here. I’ve enjoyed every Adler book I’ve come across, and when I saw this spooky paranormal come up, I felt it was tota2.5 Hearts
I’m a bit conflicted here. I’ve enjoyed every Adler book I’ve come across, and when I saw this spooky paranormal come up, I felt it was total no brainer.
You’ve got Oliver, new to town, trying to start over in life and career and though his move is not the easy transition he was hoping for, he’s attracted to his gruff landlord Nym, and there seems to be a reluctant mutual attraction brewing. However, the other residents that live at Lakeside Lodge are a lot odd, there’s strange voices to be heard, and unexplainable goings on that give rise to goosebumps and paranoia. Things obviously are not what they seem.
So it’s a wonderful seasonal premise that had lots of potential but the whole set up felt somewhat flat as everything just wasn't explored enough - the kooky denizens of the house, the quick romance between Oliver and Nym, the awkward reveal, the awful conflict with unwelcome dramatics, and the resolution that was just too easy. For me. That’s just my unimportant thoughts as many others have loved this story and its quirky protagonist.
So I hate to be a bummer. I truly do. Assuredly, I am a fan of Adler, and she has written some really good stuff! I wholeheartedly recommend The Wolf and the Sparrow if you want a twisty historical fantasy or to start with Adrift if you’re jonesing for an outer space adventure. I’ll mark this as an unfortunate blip that just didn’t quite meld with my expectations, and I absolutely look forward to what Adler will bring next.
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Look. If you’ve come this far into Maslow’s series or are contemplating whether or not to continue, be reassured that this carries on the adv3.5 Stars
Look. If you’ve come this far into Maslow’s series or are contemplating whether or not to continue, be reassured that this carries on the adventures of Twig, Quinn, and company with the usual shenanigans, life threatening situations, all with plenty of magic, betrayal, and familial bonding galore.
Twig and Quinn are back home, and life should be happy and peaceful as they are prominent members of society and trying to make some big changes. Thing is, progresssion and equality are not welcomed by all and murder after murder happens, where Twig and those he cares for are slowly being set up.
This was slower paced than previous installments, and the cast of characters can be daunting. However, the found family dynamics of demon Bill, Quinn’s brother Zak, with the new addition of orc Dandy, adds a fun spin to everything.
Overall, still entertaining, and I look forward to what new adventures are awaiting for this eclectic group of characters!!...more
Admittedly, I’m not typically ever in the mood for fae politics which often bridges horror with a cold brutal manipulation, always with doubl3.5 Stars
Admittedly, I’m not typically ever in the mood for fae politics which often bridges horror with a cold brutal manipulation, always with double entendre underhanded word play hiding true nefarious intentions. Just so you know, this is no different and doesn't let up on these sorts of themes prevalently seen in the sidhe culture.
However, this is ripe with just the type of hero that I love. Roark is the powerful son of Queen Mab, and he’s dutiful in protecting his Unseelie citizens at the detriment to his own health and safety. He’s cold as ice, and his unbreakable veneer makes him unapproachable and untouchable. Roark likes it that way because to ever show weakness would make him too vulnerable to his enemies as well as to his very own mother. Nevertheless, such antiheroes always have a soft spot that renders them unable to do anything but their love’s every whim, and they would sacrifice all, even their own happiness, to see them safe. That person for Roark is Phineas, and it was a lovely thing to watch unfold.
This isn’t perfect except for Roark. He was a wonderful character, self sacrificing, alpha intimidating and uber powerful, and I enjoyed seeing his defenses slowly chipped away in the face of Phineas’s determination to find out the truth. Phineas was a little more difficult for me to like. He’s the rare human who can channel ley line magic which is a huge problem as it makes him a target for all creatures who want to manipulate and use him, and that includes Roark’s mother.
Regardless, this was a very nice set up to the age old feud between the Seelie and Unseelie, and though Roark and Phinaeas find love and score a point for their side, the war has just begun…...more
This was an interesting take on European history retold in an alternate universe, all entwined with magic, the land of fairy, and the mysterio3 Hearts
This was an interesting take on European history retold in an alternate universe, all entwined with magic, the land of fairy, and the mysterious Emporium!
Owain is a straight laced English naval officer, and when his captain confiscates much needed Spanish silver for the crown, he’s tasked with reporting the valuable intel to his command in London. Once he starts on his journey, strange happenings abound, and Owain confoundingly finds himself in over his head.
Soon, Owain is embroiled into also aiding the royal princess unravel a possible conspiracy to overthrow the throne, and his eyes are slowly opened to the world around him. Things aren’t black and white, and treachery lurks around every corner. What also lurks is Ben, the mysterious man whom Owain had a blissful one night stand with, and it remains to be seen if Ben is a friend or a foe. Regardless, Owain can’t stop thinking about him and only hopes he’s on the right side.
For someone who is not very knowledgeable about European history, I felt this was an engaging spin on it. The concepts were smart and the variations were refreshing especially where women were often in traditionally male leadership roles of the highest order. There’s a lot going on in this which kept the pace fast, but in and amongst missions and investigations, the romantic development was not fully realized enough for me (though what we got was nicely smexy), nor was the mystery in the entirety of its conclusion (I’m still scratching my head a bit).
This looks to be the debut of Clara Merrick, and it contains a great premise. This ends with a solid HFN and as with many of the stories in this loosely connected series, there’s plenty of wiggle room for sequels galore and this is definitely one of them. Overall, I’m confident that fans of historical romance will surely have a good time! Enjoy!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Really, the blurb says it all for this next installment in the Magic Emporium series!
Callum is a focused assassin for hire. His job doesn’t al3 Hearts
Really, the blurb says it all for this next installment in the Magic Emporium series!
Callum is a focused assassin for hire. His job doesn’t allow for his emotions to get in the way, especially annoyance at being cajoled into buying a worthless trinket from a Dumbledore look alike while scouting a mark. However, when Callum and his handler are basically threatened to take out said mark who couldn’t possibly harm a fly, Callum’s gut instinct makes him hesitate, putting both himself and the man he’s supposed to kill in even more danger.
Linden is a fae, and he’s unsuccessfully hiding in the human world from an evil sorcerer bent on killing him. When circumstance forces him to return home, Linden doesn’t expect Callum to follow, and he wonders should he dare trust a man who does murder for hire? Regardless, these two are complete opposites, a fact that only fuels the irresistible pull between them more. Linden is all sunshine and warmth which apparently, can make a cold blooded killer melt. Duh.
This is my first foray from this author and the writing is good! Just know there’s gonna be a simple progression from lust and attraction to falling in love to defeating the bad guy to having a bit of no communication and running away only to come back so they can live happily ever after forever and ever. Overall, Grayson delivers a good amount of world building bridging the stark differences between Callum and Linden and also provides some nice explicit for those who need to know.
Easy breezy reading if you need some paranormal fluff in your life. Enjoy!
Thanks to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review !
It’s no secret that I adore Ms. Bacon’s world of The Order, and this long awaited sequel to Ervyn and Lochan did not fail me. If you’re new t5 Hearts!
It’s no secret that I adore Ms. Bacon’s world of The Order, and this long awaited sequel to Ervyn and Lochan did not fail me. If you’re new to this universe, my recommendation is to read in publishing order starting with The Mutt
In case you didn’t know, Ervyn and Lochan are soldiers in the Scouts, the best of the best of the Queen’s elite defense, doing the impossible missions that only a very select few can accomplish. This time around, they’re trying to stop magic supremacists from causing havoc on the kingdom, and they are in desperate need of intel. The thing is, in order to get said intel, it will put their relationship to the test.
I admit at first that I was a bit disgruntled to find out that this starts technically 2.5 years after The Highlander, because I really wanted to see all the details of Ervyn and Lochan’s burgeoning relationship. Though they are definitely committed now, both still harbor that deep buried fear that maybe, just maybe, they’re not good enough to keep the other. So, when this important mission throws a potential wrench in their dynamic, it puts them in a tailspin of insecurity, doubt, and jealousy. What it also does is allow the reader to bask in some delicious emotions, as well as some very intimate scenes between these two strong, capable, and lethal men, who only show vulnerability (rarely and sparingly) to the other. UNF! I love when that happens!
Instead of whetting my appetite, Ms. Bacon has only served to make me hungrier, and it will be a very long, torturous, pining wait for the next installment because although she leaves things not necessarily on a cliffhanger, there’s just enough of a hint of more challenges ahead for Ervyn and Lochan. For now, be reassured that this had plenty of action and suspense, swoony feels, romantic smexy, and a deeper peek into their touching, intense relationship, ending with these two solidly confident in each other’s love. I have no doubt we’ll be put through an emotional wringer in the future for other reasons, but the payoff will be well worth it, the tease here, always making you want more. So much more.
Bravo Ms. Bacon! Thank you so much for this, and I’m just putting it out there that I’m still eagerly waiting for all your other stories that need to come out, in the event you were wondering and weren’t sure of my wants and needs and desires. *wink*
This may be blatant instalove but pair this with Cochet’s tendency for hardcore fluff with a good dose of sexy and one can’t really begrudge 3.5 Stars
This may be blatant instalove but pair this with Cochet’s tendency for hardcore fluff with a good dose of sexy and one can’t really begrudge the King of Frost getting a second chance at love with an elf who too, deserves another shot at being happy. Cheers!...more
This continues to be a solid entry in the life and times of Kai Gracen!
Here, a shit ton of revelations regarding Kai’s horrific origins and tor4 Stars
This continues to be a solid entry in the life and times of Kai Gracen!
Here, a shit ton of revelations regarding Kai’s horrific origins and torturous past are further explored, harsh painful revelations he’s in no way ready to face. While he does some soul searching and healing, Kai (with a huge kick in the ass by his mentor Dempsey) realizes what’s really important and that means perhaps, maybe sorta embracing his Sidhe side.
I’ve said this before. This is top notch urban fantasy with a side of romance. Erotic Rhys Ford this ain’t, just so you know. The action is spot on, the high stakes are always crazy dangerous, but through it all and despite his dark origins, Kai always does what’s right whether you want him to or not.
Be reassured that stubborn loyal Ryder is steadfastly by Kai’s side, and they’ve finally taken that next step albeit, sadly with no explicit details. Regardless, this sets in motion some potentially wondrous change for their markedly different and divided lives and I for one, can’t wait to see what these two can accomplish together!...more
* A Reader Obsessed *
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