Author Ali Hazelwood is one of my go-to authors when it comes to romance, so I was intrigued when I received an ARC of BRIDE and learned it was paranoAuthor Ali Hazelwood is one of my go-to authors when it comes to romance, so I was intrigued when I received an ARC of BRIDE and learned it was paranormal romance. The synopsis and cover were enough to entice me in, and I slipped into this one cautiously optimistic. What I discovered was a multilayered, unique world of supernatural characters mired in political turmoil. A place where history and tradition command the uniting of a vampyre bride and a werewolf groom to strengthen an alliance between age-old mortal enemies. A couple who each come into the relationship with few expectations and a hidden agenda . . . only to discover a world of possibilities if they can let go of the past and work together.
Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyr councilman in the South is ordered to wed Lowe Moreland, the most powerful Alpha of the Werewolves in a marriage of convenience. Both sides have much to gain from the union, and Misery has no say in the matter, but readers soon learn she actually has her own reasons for carrying through with the farce of a marriage, and Lowe is smart enough to stay wary of her intent. Unlike his predecessors, Lowe is a fair and compassionate leader who agrees to the union with hopes of unmasking traitors among their midst and solving the mystery of missing people and attempted murders. Mistrust drives the action at a fast pace with political unrest bleeding over into the couple's relationship, keeping them at arm's length in spite of their intense attraction to one another. Both Misery and Lowe find it hard to let go of the past, open up and place their trust and heart in the hands of someone else. Their people may be mortal enemies, but the sparks flying between them are igniting yearnings for so much more. Is it possible for a vampyre and a werewolf to find real love and make a family together?
BRIDE is a unique, action-packed paranormal romance with twists and turns that keep readers burning through pages for answers. It's a smorgasbord of mystery, romance, and fantasy all rolled up in a sizzling forbidden love story. The paranormal world created by Hazelwood is a highly visual masterpiece with great characterizations and a multilayered plot line with a side of humor and sensual banter. While the suspense edges out the romance, there's no doubt this is a couple right out of a fairy tale. Author Ali Hazelwood has proven romance is romance in any genre, and she knows how to deliver. Highly recommended to fans of mystery, romance, and paranormal romance. Many thanks to Berkley Publishing for an arc of this title. All opinions expressed are my own. This review is available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews. ...more
Another great little story in this novella although I'm always a bit disappointed that these novellas only feature cameo appearances by Bones & Cat. SAnother great little story in this novella although I'm always a bit disappointed that these novellas only feature cameo appearances by Bones & Cat. Still the stories are entertaining for shorts. 3.5 Stars...more
Lucy Dennings is an outsider amidst all the hustle and bustle of New York City. She works for a nonprofit, has a crush on a co-worker who doesn't knowLucy Dennings is an outsider amidst all the hustle and bustle of New York City. She works for a nonprofit, has a crush on a co-worker who doesn't know she's alive and goes home alone each night to her small apartment and romance books. Her life is driven by routine until the day she discovers a gorgeous man in the alley by her apartment . . . a man who appears dead. A man dressed all in black with . . . are those wings? And then the man or being moves, and Lucy's life is forever changed. The stranger's name is Cyrus and when he looks at her, deeply buried feelings and memories overtake her. Who is this man, and why is he so familiar to her? The story that unfolds is emotional, passionate and heartbreaking.
The Sinner is one of several books to take me by surprise lately. It's been awhile since I read a paranormal romance story, but I was intrigued enough to accept this one for review. I'm glad I did as I couldn't put it down until I finished it. The emotional turmoil and desire swirling through these characters is mesmerizing. I'm not going to go any deeper into the plot line because it's truly best to read this one without knowing more as I did. Scott has rendered a heart wrenching story of love and loss and delivered it through characters that are easy to pull for. The ominous tone of hopelessness permeates the pages and drives the fast pace throughout until the shocking climax. Fans of paranormal romance are going to devour this book. Highly recommended!
I'll start by saying if you haven't read the previous books in this series, turn around right now and do so. Cry Wolf will standalone, thanks to the aI'll start by saying if you haven't read the previous books in this series, turn around right now and do so. Cry Wolf will standalone, thanks to the author's expertise at including backstory, but these are character driven books and their development as well as that of the overall story arc is huge - as in do yourself a favor and read the previous books in order. As to Cry Wolf, it's fantastic - witty, emotional, steamy . . . everything I've come to love about this series taken to a higher level.
Coop is spending the day reconnecting with family at the DC Zoo when some strange events occur culminating with him running into Park's ex, Eli, who claims he's being blackmailed and needs help. Coop decides to open an investigation as dead "half-shifted" bodies start piling up. When it becomes clear someone is targeting Coop, he and Park dive into the case. Things get even stranger when Neil, Coop's sorta-ex, shows up on another unconnected case - or is it?
Readers are drawn into clashing plot lines that twist and careen, old werewolf legends about the coming of a powerful being, and the beautiful love story that is Coop and Park in Cry Wolf. I enjoyed the expanding werewolf world and legends and the implications they have on our heroes. The continued development of secondary characters fleshed the story out, leaving me wanting even more. And the planning of a wedding . . . well, it was everything I've wanted as a reader and more - so emotional and heart touching. The ongoing banter that speaks of a new level of comfort between these guys balances out the scorching hot love scenes. This book and series are a perfect combination of suspense, paranormal, urban fantasy and male/male romance. Highly recommended! *Special thanks to Harlequin/Carina Press for an arc of this book. **Reviewed at: Cross My Heart Reviews...more
Tensions escalate and emotions rage as former adversaries begrudgingly unite to stop a deadly invasion of enemies from the north in Rise By Moonlight,Tensions escalate and emotions rage as former adversaries begrudgingly unite to stop a deadly invasion of enemies from the north in Rise By Moonlight, the compelling final book in Gideon's By Moonlight series. Shapeshifter King Max Savoie and his mate Det. Charlotte Cassie offer refuge and support to the displaced Terriot King Cale and his brothers as they join forces along with others to protect their families and the people of New Orleans from the imminent threat posed by Geneviere Savorie and her lethal trackers. Max and Cee Cee find themselves walking a narrow line between their conflicting worlds yet again as new alliances are formed, battle lines drawn, and loyalties questioned as it all comes down to one final epic explosive showdown. Fans of the By Moonlight series will be ecstatic over this vividly rendered, intoxicating story, but if you're new to the series have no fear. Gideon excels at weaving in needed backstory, offering an engaging reading experience to everyone. I guarantee you'll quickly become addicted to these ferocious, yet sinfully sensuous characters and find yourself one-clicking to purchase previous books. I highly recommend you indulge your fantasies by starting with Masked By Moonlight, book one.
Gideon pulls out all the stops to deliver an exhilarating, potent finale to fans of this unique paranormal series. Rise By Moonlight is an intense, emotionally-charged story with all the elements of great paranormal romance suspense. From page one to The End, my senses were on high alert, and I couldn't turn pages fast enough as tensions escalate, stakes are raised, and imminent danger inches ever closer. Lies, secrets, and betrayals run rampant threatening to destroy Cee Cee's fragile world and all she holds dear. Support characters include all the favorites from previous books - both those you love and those you love-to-hate. Some will prove themselves while others are forced to show their true colors. As always, Gideon's delivery is spot-on and her trademark banter and sensual chemistry between characters sizzles. Rise By Moonlight is an engaging, electrifying, non-stop action paranormal romance - the gratifying culmination of multiple plot lines fans have been waiting for. As the #1 fan of the series, I hate to see it end . . . but oh what a way to go! Highly Recommended!
*Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to beta-read this book. **Review posted at: Cross My Heart Reviews...more
Each book in the House of Terriot Boxed Set features one of four H.O.T. shape-shifter princes - alike in their allegiance to their king, family, & thrEach book in the House of Terriot Boxed Set features one of four H.O.T. shape-shifter princes - alike in their allegiance to their king, family, & throne and yet, different in personalities, personal battles, and the persona they present to the public. Four deadly princes – Turow, Colin, Rico and Kip - each with a chip on their shoulder, a battle to fight, a throne to protect, a woman to seduce. Four delicious princes who love fiercely, party hardy, and break hearts wherever they go.
Utterly captivating, each of these four books is intense, fast-paced, paranormal romance/suspense at its best - raw, emotional, heart-racing stories that pit the wits of dark, deadly, delicious heroes worthy of redemption against strong, courageous, sensuous, and often snarky heroines who give as good as they take. To get all four books for less than the price of one? Priceless! Highly Recommended! ...more
So much love for these guys & this series, and I do believe this is the best of the series thus far! What does it mean when your boyfriend takes you hSo much love for these guys & this series, and I do believe this is the best of the series thus far! What does it mean when your boyfriend takes you home to meet his family? Especially if you're human and your boyfriend's not...at least not completely? Pack politics and family dynamics threaten to tear Cooper & Park apart in this thriller. The plotline is compelling, but it's the characters that drive this story. Secrets are outed and lines crossed. But the chemistry, as always, is undeniable. Heat and an irresistible magnetic pull radiate between these two guys resulting in a fantastic and yet angst-filled story that I can't get enough of. I can't stress enough how well written and delivered these books are. One of my favorites of 2020. Highly recommended....more
If not for a heads-up from a reading buddy, I wouldn't have read Charlie Adhara's Big Bad Wolf series. It just wasn't on my radar. And what a mistake If not for a heads-up from a reading buddy, I wouldn't have read Charlie Adhara's Big Bad Wolf series. It just wasn't on my radar. And what a mistake that would have been as it's quickly become one of my favorites. Wolf In Sheep's Clothing is the fourth book of this fantastic series . . . a unique and intriguing blend of paranormal, male/male romance, and mystery suspense. I love that the author devotes special attention to each element - mixing the ingredients to produce the perfect cocktail for readers - one that delivers a potent reading buzz both relationship and case wise. While you can read any of these books as a standalone, the overall character and relationship development emerges slowly as an over-all story and series arc. I advise reading the series in order of release.
Picking up soon after the close of the previous book, Wolf In Sheep's Clothing finds Cooper and Oliver house hunting, and it quickly becomes obvious that these two opposites have different ideas about what constitutes the "perfect house". The banter between these guys is perfection and so much fun - full of snark, wit and snazz. An unexpected phone call from Cooper's former BSI superior raises concerns about a wolf-shifter who disappeared while working as a ground's keeper at a wolf-oriented couple's retreat, and it brings a halt to their house hunting plans much to Cooper's relief. Oliver and Cooper are sent undercover posing as a couple seeking counseling to search for information about the missing wolf. A wide variety of characters are introduced that I found a bit hard to keep straight; however, they provide a unique pool of possible villains that kept me guessing and also serve to introduce more of the previously unknown wolf-lore which I loved. As the story unfolds, the twisted plot lines intertwine and begin to reveal connections, truths, and hidden pasts and dangers resulting in a story that I couldn't put down. A storm is brewing both literally and figuratively . . . who will survive?
Adhara's writing flows in a hypnotic manner that quickly drew me in, holding me entranced. The pace elevates steadily in correlation with the growing suspense throughout. The author's unique blend of paranormal, mystery and suspense is enhanced by multi-dimensional characters whose development is ongoing and highly addictive. Cooper and Oliver wear their disguises well, especially when survival hinges on them trusting one another completely with everything. As much as I love the suspense in this story, it's the character relationship development that held me bewitched through all four books. Oh! Did I forget to mention the insane, overwhelming, all-consuming chemistry between this big bad wolf and hardcore human? Shame on me! I'll just say don't stand too close because the heat is scorching hot! Adhara brilliantly renders another story of two strong yet vulnerable men exploring a male/male relationship they're absolutely powerless to control in the middle of a chaotic case. Oh the emotional turmoil! I enjoyed every single minute of it and can't wait for book 5 rumored to be coming in 2021! If you're a fan of paranormal romance, read this book. If you're a fan of male/male romance, read this book! If you're a fan of mystery suspense, read this book! I highly advise everyone to grab the Big Bad Wolf series and carve out some alone reading time because you're entering binge-reading territory, my friends. Enjoy!
*A special thank you to HARLEQUIN-Carina Press for an arc of this book! **Reviewed at: Cross My Heart Reviews...more