If you enjoy paranormal romantic suspense and urban fantasies, then this novel was written for you. Despite being the fourth book in the series, DaIf you enjoy paranormal romantic suspense and urban fantasies, then this novel was written for you. Despite being the fourth book in the series, Darkness Rises worked as a standalone for me. However, I plan to go back and read the earlier ones.
Krysta’s special abilities help her fight vampires. She sets herself up as bait and then proceeds to fight those she lures in. However, one night she finds an unexpected ally. Etienne is two hundred years old, but he’s not a vampire. He also fights vampires preying on humans.
Krysta is strong and outspoken, but somewhat selfish in the beginning of the novel. She is so focused on revenge that she puts her brother’s life at risk night after night. However, she does show growth during the story.
Due to the number of characters, I believe it would be better to start at the beginning of the series. Additionally, there may be nuances to the world-building that would be clearer by reading the books in order. Despite this, the world-building was great and the relationships between individuals were amazing.
Duvall brings action, suspense, and romance to this novel. The characters are well-defined and there is a solid plot with plenty of action and some heat. The ending sets up the next book in the series which I can’t wait to read. Woven into the story line are revenge, family, friendship, romance, loyalty, hatred, and power.
Overall, this novel immediately captured my interest with intense action, great characters, and a compelling plot.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was January 1, 2013. ---------------------------------------- My 4.41 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Once again, Patricia Briggs has blended urban fantasy, action, suspense, and a little romance into another fantastic novel. Winter Lost is the fouOnce again, Patricia Briggs has blended urban fantasy, action, suspense, and a little romance into another fantastic novel. Winter Lost is the fourteenth book in the Mercy Thompson (Hauptman) series. Mercy is a car mechanic, coyote shapeshifter, and mate to Adam Hauptman, the leader of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack. Mercy needs to travel to Montana to help her half-brother Gary, but now that she’s not alone, Adam goes with her. In the Montana wilderness, they become trapped with strangers at the Looking Glass Hot Springs lodge. The storm isn’t your average storm and neither is Gary’s problem. Ancient magics abound. Will Mercy and Adam solve the problems and escape unscathed?
Mercy is a strong female lead character. She’s independent, kind, thinks the best of others, and has a sense of humor. She doesn’t get mad, she gets even when crossed and she doesn’t like people to worry about her, so she doesn’t always communicate what she should. Adam is a strong alpha werewolf and is good at walking tight ropes. However, his temper isn’t always his strong suit. They do a great job of supporting each other and are stronger together. The other pack members play minor roles in this story line, but occasional interludes keep readers up-to-date with some of them, but the interludes have a slight adverse effect on the overall flow of the story.
I was quickly drawn into Mercy’s life once again. It was easy to visualize the scenes and be transported to them throughout the story. The author is a wonderful storyteller who kept me turning the pages with a great plot, gripping scenes, and strong characters. The plot is twisty, the pacing is fast, and the mystery unfolds and culminates in a fascinating conclusion.
Overall, this is an excellent urban fantasy novel with great characterization and fantastic world-building. I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here. Those who enjoy urban fantasies, supernatural suspense, and books by this author will likely enjoy this series. Since the story line as well as the characterization builds over the course of the series, I recommend reading it in order.
Berkley Publishing Group – Ace and Patricia Briggs provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be June 18, 2024. ---------------------------------------- My 4.77 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Melissa Holtz combines a paranormal cozy mystery with some romance in her debut novel An Enchanting Case of Spirits. Alyssa Mann’s fortieth birthdMelissa Holtz combines a paranormal cozy mystery with some romance in her debut novel An Enchanting Case of Spirits. Alyssa Mann’s fortieth birthday has arrived and her friends Nina and Lanie aren’t about to let her sit home alone. After dragging her out for drinks, they surprise her with a visit to a psychic, Madame Corinne. The next morning, Alyssa wakes up with a hangover and a man perched on the edge of her bed.
In a panic, Alyssa runs next door to her detective neighbor’s house. Nick West searches and doesn’t find an intruder and Alyssa finally accepts that she saw a ghost. As other ghosts appear, she and her friends work to learn how to control her power and investigate the deaths of the ghosts.
The characterization is great in this novel. Alyssa isn’t adventurous, but she is organized, clumsy, and witty. She’s also a widow with a teenage daughter. Nick is skeptical, courteous, hates hypocrisy, and lives for the chance to help others. Alyssa’s daughter Ava is studious, empathetic, protective, and funny. Lanie is smart, charismatic, and loyal. Nina is practical, analytical, and has a secret she won’t share with her friends.
Romance and humor mix with amateur sleuthing and police investigations into several deaths providing a lighthearted and entertaining read. However, there was one secret that wasn’t revealed. Why refer to it multiple times and not have it play a role in the plot? Will there be a second book with these characters that resolves it. The pacing was a little slow in the beginning of the novel. While the connections made were a little obvious, I still enjoyed the story and the characters, but wished the ending wasn’t quite as rushed as it was.
Overall, this was a funny and light read that entertained me. If this becomes a series, I would read the next book. Themes include friendship, family, grief, romance, death, romance, helping others, and much more.
Berkley Publishing Group and Melissa Holtz provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be April 9, 2024. ---------------------------------------- My 4.09 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
In Wolf Instinct, Paige Tyler brings romance, action, and adds to the world-building in the ninth book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranoIn Wolf Instinct, Paige Tyler brings romance, action, and adds to the world-building in the ninth book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspense series. Set in contemporary times and mainly in Los Angeles, California, this novel features SWAT werewolf Zane Kendrick and FBI agent Alyssa Carson.
Zane and two others in his pack leave Dallas to try to take down the man responsible for an attack at their compound. They have a lead that he has family in Los Angeles and start to follow his nephew. While at a club, Zane meets Alyssa. She’s there trying to find the people responsible for abducting young women. The four of them end up working together when their investigations seem to intersect.
Zane moves quietly, looks out for others, and has a sense of humor. He also is suffering from an injury and is estranged from his biological family. He is a troubled, but very capable protagonist. Alyssa is strong and feisty. She’s also used to working alone, even on unusual cases.
As usual, the story starts with a prologue that shows the trigger for Zane’s change into a werewolf. After that, the book picks up soon after the previous one in the series. The plot had some twists and turns with high stakes and some surprises. The storyline is gripping from beginning to end with several action scenes. The world-building is excellent, and in this novel, there’s some new information about the supernatural world.
This book delivers on escapism through instant attraction, friendship, family, and trust, as well as justice. At the same time, it tackles the serious issues of murder, secrets, power, human trafficking, and much more. There’s at least one steamy scene.
Overall, this is a briskly paced and suspenseful novel that’s full of danger, action, and a sense of urgency. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend you check out this series. There is enough background that this novel can be read as a standalone, but the series is best read in order. I always enjoy catching up with old friends from previous novels.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was June 25, 2019.---------------------------------------- My 4.43 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
In Wolf Rising, Paige Tyler brings romance, action, and memorable characters to the eighth book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal roIn Wolf Rising, Paige Tyler brings romance, action, and memorable characters to the eighth book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspense series. Set in contemporary times and mainly in Dallas, Texas, this novel features SWAT werewolf Jayden Brooks and high school teacher Selena Rosa.
When Jayden rescues Selena from a hostage situation, he realizes he’s likely met his soul mate. Selena finds him irresistible as well and even bites him. Selena doesn’t understand her loss of control and aggression. Can Jayden win her heart help her regain control of her actions and emotions?
Once again Jayden and Selena seem to be well-matched. Jayden is strong, humble, pragmatic, practical, and funny. Selena loves to cook, is sincere, and does everything she can to keep her students in school and out of the local gangs.
As usual, the story starts with a prologue that shows the trigger for Jayden’s change into a werewolf. After that, the book picks up three weeks after the previous one in the series. The plot had some twists and turns with high stakes and some surprises. There are some unpredictable moments in the story and the various conflicts and action moved the story forward rapidly. The world-building is excellent with a unique take on how werewolves originate. There’s also some new information about the types of werewolves in this one. It is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on in their efforts for survival and justice.
This book delivers on escapism through instant attraction, friendship, family, found family, romance, trust, as well as protecting and helping others. At the same time, it tackles the serious issues of murder, drugs, gangs, secrets, and much more. There are a couple of steamy scenes.
Overall, this is a briskly paced and suspenseful novel that’s full of danger, action, and a sense of urgency. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend you check out this series. There is enough background that this novel can be read as a standalone, but the series is best read in order. I always enjoy catching up with old friends from previous novels.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was October 30, 2018. ----------------------------------------- My 4.39 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
In Wolf Hunger, Paige Tyler brings romance, action, and suspense to the seventh book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspIn Wolf Hunger, Paige Tyler brings romance, action, and suspense to the seventh book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspense series. Set in contemporary times and mainly in Dallas, Texas, this novel features SWAT werewolf Max Lowry and Lana Mason.
While attending a police awards ceremony, Max and Lana meet and are instantly attracted to each other. Max realizes that Lana is also a werewolf, but does she know it? Additionally, hunters arrive in Dallas and seem to be pursuing Lana. Can Max and Lana achieve reach their happily ever after? Max and Lana seem to be well-matched. However, Max’s character has a lot more depth than Lana’s. He is charming, funny, patient, thoughtful, and protective of others. Lana was a quippy sense of humor, is willing to stand up for herself, and is intelligent.
The plot had some twists and turns and the stakes were high. The significant amount of danger and action kept me full engaged. The author uses a unique take on werewolves and did a great job of painting the picture for readers without slowing down the pacing. It is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on as their efforts.
This book delivers on escapism through instant attraction, friendship, family, found family, romance, trust, protecting and helping others, and love. At the same time, it tackles the serious issues of domestic violence, murder, secrets, and much more. While most conflicts and issues are resolved, I was left with a few open questions. There is one steamy scene at about the halfway point.
Overall, this was a suspenseful novel, full of danger, and action-packed. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend you check out this series. There is enough background that this novel can be read as a standalone, but the series is best read in order.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was December 5. 2017. ---------------------------------------- My 4.19 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
A Bite of Blueberry by Melissa Monroe and Kyla Colby is the third book in the Priscilla Pratt paranormal cozy mystery series. Priscilla is a vampiA Bite of Blueberry by Melissa Monroe and Kyla Colby is the third book in the Priscilla Pratt paranormal cozy mystery series. Priscilla is a vampire operating a bakery and catering business in Bellmare, Massachusetts. She’s also become an amateur sleuth. However, not all residents of the town like her and her business is being boycotted by some. Despite this, she’s hired to cater a breakfast. Unfortunately, she finds another body and gets caught up in another murder investigation.
There’s a mix of characters in this story line. Some are likeable, some are not, some add humor, and some are up to no good. I enjoyed the mix of humor, family, friendship, and community which helped to provide some relief from the threads of revenge and murder.
Overall, this was an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery that was fun to read.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was August 24,2018. ----------------------------------- My 3.45 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Tonya Kappes has penned an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery with the first book in the Magical Cures Mystery series, A Charming Crime. June HeTonya Kappes has penned an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery with the first book in the Magical Cures Mystery series, A Charming Crime. June Heal took over her deceased mother’s flea market booth that sells natural remedies to heal the body and mind. When her best friend and local police officer, Oscar Park, suggests they move to a town 30 miles away, she’s not sold on it, but ultimately decides to relocate to Whispering Falls, Kentucky. However, soon a member of the community is found murdered and June becomes the main suspect.
June is good in chemistry, has nightmares, and normally tends to see the good in everyone. However, many of her actions don’t seem very believable. Oscar has a bond with June, but didn’t seem to be a great crime solver. I wanted more character depth for him.
While the story is enjoyable, there were several instances when events were over-the-top and unrealistic. Despite this, the story flowed reasonably well and it was a quick read. The idea of a magical village provided a chance to wonder what it would be like to live there; especially with the odd laws they have. Readers are introduced to an eccentric array of characters who will likely show up in future books in the series. Secrets, lies, murder, and trust are threads that are woven into the novel.
Overall, this was an amusing story with magic, murder, discovering more about one’s self, and more.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was June 8, 2012. ------------------------------------------- My 3.46 review rounded to 3 stars is coming soon....more
Christine Feehan returns with another thrilling book in the paranormal romance and supernatural suspense Leopard series. Gorya Amurov is known as his Christine Feehan returns with another thrilling book in the paranormal romance and supernatural suspense Leopard series. Gorya Amurov is known as his family’s peacekeeper, but he and his leopard are barely under control. His harsh life has molded him into a savage fighter with a calm exterior which is what others see. He believes he would be better off dead. Maya Averina had a cruel childhood and has been years hunting and killing the criminals who destroyed her life. She keeps to herself and has never lost focus until now. An ambush takes her by surprise and now she’s a prisoner about to be sold to the highest bidder. She’s ready to fight her way out until a man arrives to set her free. They’re also both Amur leopard shifters.
As always, Feehan does an incredible job of bringing the main and secondary characters to life. Both Gorya and Maya are elite shifters with abilities beyond that of most others. They’re faster, stronger, move more stealthily, and have other unique abilities. Gorya’s leopard, Slayer, is a killer and difficult to control. Maya’s leopard is Wraith. She has protected Maya since Maya was a toddler. Gorya seems gentle and considerate when compared to his cousins. He sooths explosive situations and then fades into the background. Many consider him weak. He has recently taken over the lair in the Atchafalaya River Basin in Louisiana and many challenges are expected. Both had tragic and frightening childhoods and action-oriented careers. Each goes through a transformation as the story progresses. It was also great to reconnect with characters from previous books. This gave the series continuity and I enjoyed visited with old friends; especially Gedeon and Meiling. What a job interview they had!
While most of the novel takes place in Louisiana, there are also scenes in San Antonio and Houston, Texas as well as Russia and Panama. The world-building but good but not quite as great as the last book in the series where it was especially vivid.
The story grabbed my attention immediately and didn’t let up as I rapidly turned the pages. The deeply involved and multi-layered plot has some unpredictable moments that add suspense and danger including a surprise near the ending. The author balances the violent aspects of the novel with the intrigue, romance, suspense, work relationships, and the mending of two broken individuals. This novel features cruelty, power, death, greed, human trafficking, ill treatment of women and children, trust, friendship, acceptance, relationships, and much more. There is one long spicy and steamy scene.
Overall, this action-packed paranormal romantic suspense story has great characterization and pulls on the heart strings. It looks at a variety of types of relationships. Those who enjoy steamy and action-packed paranormal romantic suspense novels with compelling characters will likely enjoy this series. I have read more than seventy books by this author across multiple series. This one has the right mix of romance, tension, action, and a thrilling storyline. I’m looking forward to reading my next book by this author.
Berkley Publishing Group and Christine Feehan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 20, 2023. ----------------------------------------- My 4.34 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
What a fascinating introduction to Peri Sanguis in chapter one! Wild Magic by Alexandra Ivy is an urban fantasy, a mystery, and a paranormal romanWhat a fascinating introduction to Peri Sanguis in chapter one! Wild Magic by Alexandra Ivy is an urban fantasy, a mystery, and a paranormal romance combined in one entrancing novel. In a world of mages, witches, vampires, and more, Peri is a strong mage. At sixteen she was forced to flee her home to save her own life. Eventually she found a family with Maya and Skye who tutor her and together they run the Witch’s Brew bookstore and café. When her mother and her coven in slaughtered, she must travel back to Wyoming to solve their deaths. A member of the Vampire Cabal, Valen, goes as well and they work together to solve the mystery.
Both Peri and Valen are well-defined characters with depth. Peri is independent, intelligent, stubborn, opinionated, impulsive and uses mockery as a weapon. Valen is protective, wealthy, powerful, independent, arrogant, and bossy. However, he is also generous and has a hidden sense of humor.
Death, suspense, action, and drama immediately pull readers into the story, which is well-written. The plot is twisty and flows well. There is the right amount of mystery, romance and creative twists to the paranormal to keep readers engrossed and wondering what was going to happen next. My biggest quibble is that I wanted to know more about the Gyre. I felt the worldbuilding concerning it was insufficient.
Overall, this novel was a fast-paced and entertaining tale with great characterization that kept me engaged throughout the story. This is the first book in the Magic for Hire series. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Kensington Boks, Lyrical Press and Alexandra Ivy provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for January 02, 2024.
-------------------------------------- My 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Cold Curses by Chloe Neill is the fifth and final book in the Heirs of Chicagoland urban fantasy series. Combining supernatural suspense and a bitCold Curses by Chloe Neill is the fifth and final book in the Heirs of Chicagoland urban fantasy series. Combining supernatural suspense and a bit of romance with plenty of action made this a great read. Elisa Sullivan is the only vampire ever born. She’s engaged to shifter Connor Keene, the son of the local pack leader. Everyone is working to repair Chicago’s wards, but unwelcome creatures are slipping through and wreaking havoc on the city.
Elisa is an associate ombudsman, one of the city’s human-supernatural liaisons. She’s goal-oriented, dedicated, and puts others first. She also tends to use sarcasm against fear. Connor is dedicated and hard-working. He is facing several challenges to his ascension to Apex when his dad retires.
The author does a great job on characterization as well as world-building. The novel is well written with a unique situation that results in multiple action scenes. There’s plenty of angst as Elisa and her allies try to make sense of the changing circumstances. With exciting scenes, a larger-than-life protagonist, and strong and evil antagonists, the story captivated me from beginning to end. Themes woven into the novel include power, romance, family, friendship, love, bias, violence, evil, anger, jealousy, and much more.
Overall, this was an engrossing and entertaining novel with great characterization, plenty of action, and lots of drama. I recommend reading this series in order. The background and gradual addition of characters will make the experience more enjoyable.
Berkley Publishing Group and Chloe Neill provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 14, 2023. ------------------------------------ My 4.2 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Slay by Laurell K. Hamilton is a relationship intense urban fantasy blended with paranormal romance and supernatural suspense. It’s the thirtieth Slay by Laurell K. Hamilton is a relationship intense urban fantasy blended with paranormal romance and supernatural suspense. It’s the thirtieth book in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. Preternatural U.S. Marshal and vampire hunter Anita Blake is preparing for her wedding to the vampire king of America Jean-Claude. Humans think she is siding with the monsters and the vampires fear he has fallen under the spell of the most powerful necromancer in several millennia. It’s time for her family to meet Jean-Claude. Frederick, her father, thinks Jean-Claude is evil, but unbeknownst to Anita, prejudiced and far more vitriolic Grandma who abused Anita when she was young comes too. On top of this family drama, there is another powerful and evil force intent on destroying Jean-Claude.
This book focuses on relationships for a large part of the book, but there is also more suspense and action that there was in the last novel. Whether it is Anita’s relationships with the many men and women in her life or with the various members of her family, there is a lot of domestic drama. The author does a great job on characterization. The story is well written with a unique situation that resulted in a showdown set-up with a powerful evil creature. There are some mildly steamy scenes as well, but not like many previous novels. Themes woven into the novel include romance, relationships of all types, bias, violence, evil, power, anger, grief, jealousy, and much more.
Overall, this was an engrossing and entertaining novel with great characterization, plenty of action, and lots of family drama. I recommend reading this series in order. The background and gradual addition of characters will make the experience more enjoyable.
Berkley Publishing Group and Laurell K. Hamilton provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 7, 2023. ------------------------------------------ My 4.09 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
A legend, a protector of her tribe, and a 2000-year-old warrior are combined with suspense, action, and romance in Dark Memory by Christine FeehanA legend, a protector of her tribe, and a 2000-year-old warrior are combined with suspense, action, and romance in Dark Memory by Christine Feehan. This is the thirty-seventh book in the Carpathian Dark paranormal romantic suspense series. Safia Meziane has trained to protect her tribe and family since birth. Evil is coming to Dellys, Algeria soon. While afraid she won’t be able to protect those she loves, she always thought she would face evil alone. However, her family reveals that isn’t so. She has been promised to a warrior. He’s an outsider and a Carpathian. Petru Cioban is over 2000 years old and has spent that time without the presence of his destined lifemate. Now he arrives only to find her ready to battle vampires and other evil beings.
While Safia and Petru are physically attracted to each other, their cultures are very different. This means they must work through their expectations and needs. Safia has been trained to be a warrior and defender of her people. She has abilities other humans don’t. She’s courageous, giving, compassionate, has fast reflexes, loves to bargain, and is used to speaking her mind. Petru is dangerous, a man of honor, powerful, intimidating, intelligent, an experienced fighter, and doesn’t believe in arguing. The secondary characters provided balance, opportunities for humor, support, and conflict and were well-developed.
While the novel is set in contemporary times, Safia’s family has passed down legends from generation to generation and have trained each to fight the coming evil. The narrative was descriptive giving readers a good feel for the Meziane farm as well as the nearby town of Dellys. The plot was somewhat straightforward with high stakes and lots of risk. The significant amount of danger and action kept me fully engaged and made this a true page turner for me. This is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on as their journey progressed and became ever more dangerous. The prose is well-written and engaging. Woven through the novel are threads of caring for others, family, betrayal, treatment and expectations of women, leadership, love, respect, trust, friendship, and the battle between good and evil. There are a couple of spicy scenes and a lot of violence in the story.
Overall, this novel is entertaining, suspenseful, full of danger, and has great characterization. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend you check out this series. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Christine Feehan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for October 03, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
----------------------------------------- My 4.41 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Paige Tyler features new supernatural villains in the fifteenth book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspense series: WildPaige Tyler features new supernatural villains in the fifteenth book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspense series: Wild As a Wolf. Set in contemporary times and mainly in Dallas, Texas, it features alpha SWAT werewolf, Hale Delaney and Karissa Bonifay, a sword-wielding warrior who does personal protection and works for her family’s security business.
Hale and his packmates are facing a gang of supernaturals who are wreaking havoc in the city. Meanwhile, his high school girlfriend who broke his heart shows up to protect the Chief Executive Officer of a company opening a new auto assembly plant. Neither Hale nor Karissa are the same people as when they last saw each other. They end up hunting dangerous adversaries together and learn the truth about what really happened when they were teenagers.
Hale often feels at a disadvantage since his nose was broken when he was 17. He can’t smell anything so he relies on his other senses and his martial arts training as well as claws and fangs. He’s strong, fast, and cares about others. He and his teammates eat a lot and talking through issues occurs during meals and snacks. Karissa tends to talk to herself to work thru difficult problems, has an overwhelming need to protect others, is good at reading people, and has instincts that alert her when something bad is about to happen. Even after 10 years apart, they are strongly attracted to each other, but can they get over their past hurts? Characters from previous books in the series make appearances, but the focus is on Hale and Karissa.
The plot is twisty and the first sentence had me rapidly reading the story. Exciting scenes, great protagonists, and epic antagonists are combined with romance, a friend having trouble, and family issues. The narrative was descriptive without slowing the pace. Additionally, there are a couple of surprises along on the way. I hope readers get packmate Carter’s story soon. It would also be great to see Karissa’s brother Deven again at some point in the future. There is a steamy scene in chapter 17.
Overall, this book is emotionally-charged, full of danger, and intense; with a terrific romance and nonstop action. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend you check out this series. There is enough background that this novel can be read as a standalone, but the series is best read in order.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Paige Tyler provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for September 05, 2023.
------------------------------------------- My 4.43 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Danger, suspense, tension, romance, and action provide readers with an entertaining and compelling reading experience in Shadow Dance by ChristineDanger, suspense, tension, romance, and action provide readers with an entertaining and compelling reading experience in Shadow Dance by Christine Feehan. The eighth book in the Shadow Riders series switches from the Chicago Ferraro family to their cousins in New York City. Geno Ferraro became the head of his family and his family’s territory at the age of thirteen after an event that left this father severely injured. Eighteen years later, his parents are killed in the latest string of murders. He sets a trap and thinks he has the assassin caught. Amaranthe “Amara” Aubert is a classical ballerina and a shadow rider. She had nothing to do with the murders, but when Geno connects to her in the shadows, she can’t hide her true reason for being in New York.
Shadow riders are a fascinating concept where they slip from one shadow to the next to travel unseen. Tasked with the job of bringing justice to those who can’t get it achieved via regular law enforcement, it is a dangerous job requiring training from an early age. Geno and Amara are compelling characters. Geno took on business and family responsibility at a young age. He puts family first, has learned to compartmentalize, thinks quickly, is trained in self-defense and fighting techniques, has a strict moral code, and is very good at observation. He’s also viewed as ruthless and cold by many. Amara is a talented ballerina, determined, captivating, fast, confident, deadly, and can process info at an extremely rapid rate. While there are several new characters, including Geno’s brothers, Salvatore and Lucca, readers also get to spend time with some of the Chicago members of the family as well.
A chilling scene to start the novel immediately pulls readers into the story. Who is committing the murders and why? Who will be the next target? As knowledge is pooled and research delves into events, possibilities become known. The significant amount of danger and action kept me fully engaged and made this a true page turner for me. It is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on as their journey progressed and became ever more dangerous and unusual. It contained the elements that I love in this genre of books. The book delivers on escapism through attraction, friendship, family, romance, action, and love while also tackling serious issues including secrets, trust, abuse, stressful situations, honor, having the courage to do what’s right, duty, loyalty, battling evil, and selfless sacrifice for others. There are a couple of steamy scenes in the second half of the novel.
Overall, this briskly paced novel was engaging and had great characterization. I can’t wait to find out who will be featured in the next book. I recommend this to those that like paranormal romantic suspense novels and urban fantasies with relatable and likeable main characters.
Berkley Publishing Group and Christine Feehan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 22, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------------- My 4.24 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Romance, suspense, ghosts, death, and more are combined in Kat Martin’s romantic suspense novel, The Ghost Illusion. Add in some horror, criminalsRomance, suspense, ghosts, death, and more are combined in Kat Martin’s romantic suspense novel, The Ghost Illusion. Add in some horror, criminals, and a Victorian mansion with hidden secrets and readers will find themselves quickly turning the pages. Eve St. Clair has recently inherited a house in Sunderland, England from her uncle. She’s a psychologist and decided to move there from Boston, Massachusetts. However, when she starts hearing voices and footsteps in the house, she decides to contact Paranormal Investigations, Inc., a group who researches problems like hers. Since his wife and daughter died, Seattle billionaire Ransom King has added researching parapsychology and debunking frauds to his more standard businesses. He agrees to send his team to England to investigate Eve’s claims.
Eve is sincere, intelligent, open-minded, compassionate, and determined to find answers. However, she came across as a little more vulnerable than I expected in a couple of scenes. Ransom is self-sufficient, efficient, and protective. However, he is also filled with guilt since he was driving during the storm that led to an accident and the death of his family. Both main characters go through transformations during the story. The secondary and tertiary characters are also well developed.
The plot is multi-layered and gets increasingly dangerous as the unsettling disturbances escalate and secrets are revealed. It’s twisty, thought-provoking, and tragic, as well as full of suspenseful moments. While the book takes three or so chapters to start moving, readers get a sense for Eve and the mansion, as well as an introduction to Ransom’s team. By the end of the fourth chapter, I was eager to see what was going to happen next. The writing is fluid and flows well in this unsettling story that occasionally makes your blood run cold. The incredible setting was easy to visualize. While the romance is predictable, how they approached it added another layer of interest to the story. I also enjoyed the approach to research taken by the team members to help resolve the problem.
Overall, this novel was entertaining and had great characterization. If you enjoy engaging characters and a well-plotted ghost story mixed with romance, suspense, action, and danger, then I recommend you check out this novel. Kat Martin is a great storyteller and I always look forward to reading her books. I recommend reading the author’s note after reading the novel. She talks about a building and an event that are part of the story in it.
Kensington Books and Kat Martin provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for September 26, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------------ My 4.24 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Reading a book that makes you feel immersed in its world is extraordinary. Ancient Guardian, the ninth book in the Ancients Rising series does thaReading a book that makes you feel immersed in its world is extraordinary. Ancient Guardian, the ninth book in the Ancients Rising series does that. It features alpha dragon shifter Orion who awoke from a long hibernation into a different world. He finds a band of humans working to survive in Robichaux Parish, Louisiana. For the last year, he has been living among them, keeping his nature secret, and keeping predators away from them. However, an enemy has escalated threats, including against the woman he loves, but has kept in the friendship zone. Violet Robichaux and her three sisters have helped organize their small farming community after The Fall. She’s fallen hard for Orion, but hasn’t acted on it. However, when a visiting group of supernaturals and humans want to strike an alliance, multiple secrets are revealed.
Violet is approachable and well-trusted. She’s a doctor, well-respected, and a leader, but she doesn’t know how to protect herself physically. Orion is a natural leader. He’s protective of others, but feels he’s unworthy. His childhood experiences were a nightmare and still affect him millennia later. Their characterization has depth, as does that of several secondary characters.
Besides great characterization, the world-building is well-done. Life in a community after much of the globe suffered destruction isn’t easy and the challenges the humans face are considerable. The plot is intriguing, full of suspense, twists, intense moments, and some emotional scenes. The story builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. There are a few steamy scenes in the second half of the book. My only quibble was with the ending where certain information was revealed about some of the secondary characters. It felt rushed. Their stories could have been told in two more books. Themes include leadership, trust, protection, love, greed, secrets, family, and friendship.
Overall, this was a fun and entertaining novel that has depth to it. I recommend it to those who enjoy paranormal romantic suspense with action scenes, romance, and some intensity to the underlying themes. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as other books by this author.
KR Press, LLC – Author Collective 20 and Katie Reus provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be June 27, 2023.
----------------------------------------- My 4.21 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Twice as Hot by Gena Showalter is a paranormal romantic suspense novel set in contemporary times when the book was published (2010). It features BTwice as Hot by Gena Showalter is a paranormal romantic suspense novel set in contemporary times when the book was published (2010). It features Belle Jamison and Rome Masters. Both are employed by a government agency known as Paranormal Studies and Investigations and both have extraordinary capabilities. But Belle is still learning to control her supernatural capabilities. She and Rome are engaged, but he returns from a mission with selective memory loss. Additionally, the man responsible for taking those memories wants Belle for himself. On top of that, a new group of supervillains is causing trouble.
This is a story that combines romance, suspense, and action with humor. A fiery and intense protagonist, a manipulative ex-wife, a supervillian antagonist, and great secondary characters are combined with a compelling story line, exciting scenes, and a plot with a few twists and turns. Overall, this second and final book in the Tales of an Extraordinary Girl is an entertaining read with emotions yo-yoing, plenty of action, and an excellent wrap-up for the series.
All opinions expressed in this review are my own....more
Once again, Paige Tyler brings readers another wonderfully executed story. In Loving the Wolf, romance, action, and suspense fill the fourteenth bOnce again, Paige Tyler brings readers another wonderfully executed story. In Loving the Wolf, romance, action, and suspense fill the fourteenth book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team paranormal romantic suspense series. Set in contemporary times and mainly in Los Angeles County in California, this novel features SWAT werewolf Trevor McCall and Jenna Malone. Jenna is the younger sister of Trevor’s friend and fellow SWAT werewolf Connor Malone.
Jenna and Trevor met during the last book in the series and they connected, spending time talking and getting to know each other. When Jenna invites him to California for a visit, he accepts, but doesn’t tell Connor. Trevor suspects Jenna is his fated mate. However, there’s something hiding in California that is dangerous, and Jenna is in the middle of it.
Art has been Jenna’s coping mechanism since she experienced a traumatic event when she was a teen. She works in the movie industry doing a little glamour makeup, but mainly creating monsters for shows. She also draws and sculpts the things in her head. Abandoned by her family, she has made a life for herself with friends she works with and those she encounters during her days. She is also helping the unhoused by providing meals and trying to get them jobs. Trevor is warm, welcoming, a great listener, and protective. They are strongly attracted to each other, but is she Trevor’s fated mate? Characters from previous books in the series make appearances, but the focus is on Jenna and Trevor.
It is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on as their efforts to resolve the hidden danger increases. I’m being deliberately vague here to avoid spoilers. It held my attention fully and contained the elements that I love in this genre of books. It delivers on escapism through attraction, friendship, family, romance, and love. At the same time, it also tackles the serious issues of kidnappings, family dynamics, guilt, friendship, and the unhoused. There is one steamy scene just after the halfway point in the book.
Overall, this book is emotionally-charged, full of danger, and intense; with a terrific romance and nonstop action. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend you check out this series. There is enough background that this novel can be read as a standalone, but the series is best read in order.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Paige Tyler provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 09, 2023. -------------------------------------- My 4.5 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
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