Category Archives: book review

BOOK REVIEW: They by G. Allen Wilbanks #horror #bookreview @gallenwilbanks

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I do not know what They are. I don’t know where They came from.

All I know for certain is They appeared in the house about six weeks after Amy and I moved in.

They may have always been in the house, but I don’t believe that’s true. I believe they found something compelling about the old building that drew them to it. My wife and I were merely the unfortunate souls who resided there when They arrived.

Lock your doors, close the drapes, turn on all the lights…Supernatural horror from G. Allen Wilbanks at its best.

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BOOK REVIEW – 5 stars

They is a spine-tingling, hair-raising, chilling tale that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Do you love things that go bump in the night? Enjoy tales of spooky things stalking you in the dark? If you answered yes to both of those questions, They is a must-rest you won’t be able to put down! Mr. Willbands packs quite a punch in so few pages that will leave you wanting more. Be prepared for a dark tale with an even darker ending… buckle up because it will be quite the ride!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

BOOK REVIEW: Hit It and Quit It by Melynda Price #contemporaryromance #bookreview #NetGalley

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“Hey, Mom and Dad, I’m engaged!”

It was one little white lie. What could possibly go wrong?

With my brother’s destination wedding on the horizon and no plus-one at my side, desperate times call for desperate measures. My mother has made it her personal mission in life to get me back together with my ex, who also happens to be the best man and my partner down the aisle. Nobody knows why I abruptly broke off our engagement and fled to Montana two-years ago, and I intend to keep it that way. Wyatt is determined to win me back, and the thought of dealing with him and my mother for a week in Maui would drive any woman to drink. Which is exactly what I did, and five shots of Tequila later, I’ve got the perfect solution to my problem. All I need is a fake fiancé…

I’ve had one goal that’s kept me alive when it would have been easier to give up—recuperate and get back to Afghanistan to complete my mission. What I wasn’t expecting was a petite, sexy-as-hell blonde to crawl through my bedroom window and turn my life upside-down. After a rocky start that involved me pulling a gun on her, we coincidentally find ourselves in need of the same thing—a fiancée.

To be fair, I warned her not to fall in love with me—that I was only going to break her heart. Guess I should have taken my own advice…

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MY REVIEW – 4 stars

What happens when you mix a quirky woman, an alpha Marine, and a fake engagement? Lots of laughter, heat, and a bit of heartbreak,

While the fake fiancé trope always offers the same ingredients, I really loved that Cullen was not only active military, but Summer accepted him scars and all. His PTSD and flashbacks made his character more realistic. Watching him reluctantly fall for his “Smalls” made for a delightful read.

Summer is sassy and so much fun. I loved her character. The way she handled her ex made me want to cheer her on, especially during their last scene together.

Hit It and Quit It is a beautifully written romance full of heat, heart, and two broken souls who can only be whole if they’re together. The ending seemed rushed compared to the pacing of the rest of the book, but overall, it was a very enjoyable read.

*Disclaimer: I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review above is only my opinion.

Book Blitz: Doin’ a Dime by Lani Lynn Vale #contemporaryromance #bookreview

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Doin’ a Dime

Souls Chapel Revenants MC Book 4

Lani Lynn Vale

Release Date: May 18, 2021

About the Book

Live-in property & pet caretaker needed. Six-year minimum. Background check required. Generous compensation. Marriage of convenience required.

The moment that Wyett Villin read the ad on her local community’s page, she knew that it would be perfect. It didn’t matter how big the house was, what kinds of animals she had to take care of, or what the compensation was. She didn’t give a flip as long as it got her out of her childhood home and away from the person that she despised the most.

Only, she had no clue that by accepting the position, she would be agreeing to watch over the mini-mansion and two large dogs of Hunt McJimpsey, computer hacker extraordinaire, sexy nerd, and convicted felon of Souls Chapel, Texas.

She’d meant to make her life easier, not complicate it more.

***

Hunt McJimpsey was careful. He knew exactly what he was doing and practically planned every single step that he took to make sure that he always had his tracks covered.

But one single mistake costs him five years of his life, and if he’s going to go down for the crime, he might as well make it spectacular.

Three years into his prison sentence, he’s a changed man, and definitely not for the better.

He’s harder, angrier, and even more brilliant and conniving than before he went in.

He thinks that by keeping up with his dogs’ babysitter, his property caretaker, and reluctant wife, that he’s only doing his due diligence as a responsible person. Only, what starts out as curiosity for his property turns into genuine like for the woman that is caring for what means the most to him.

When an opportunity to get out of the hellhole known as prison arises and the only thing he has to do is join a motorcycle club and sign some of his free time away to help those less fortunate, he jumps at the chance.

Not only because he’s ready to get the hell out of prison, but because he’s ready to meet the woman that he’s been falling for, one visit a week, for the last three years.

Purchase Links

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YhELyn

Apple: http://apple.co/3chz4sw
Nook: http://bit.ly/3chiV68
Kobo: http://bit.ly/39pv476

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2YjB4rT

MY REVIEW – 5 stars!

While Doin’ a Dime was lighter on action, it more than made up for it with sizzle because this one was super hot!

Who knew Hunt had such a bad boy side? The quiet hacker of the group might get his hands dirty in a different way, but he’s definitely not someone to mess with. With a few keystrokes, he can wreck your life. Good thing Wyett has him in her corner. If anyone needs a knight in shining armor, it’s her.

For fans of geeky guys who get the girl, Doin’ a Dime is a must read! There’s plenty of heat between Hunt and Wyett, just enough intrigue to keep you hooked, and lots of moments that will make you want a Hunt of your very own. Wyett is a strong woman who likes to handle things on her own, but she understands Hunt’s need to take care of her. These two were so sweet together! They were perfectly matched in every way.

Two thumbs up! Five stars! Ms. Vale knocked this one out of the park…

About Lani Lynn Vale

Lani Lynn Vale is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, two cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple also meaning over twenty) chickens.

When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading.

Lani is married with three children and lives in the Great State of Texas.

Website: http://www.lanilynnvale.com/

Facebook: https://bit.ly/LLV-fb

Instagram: https://bit.ly/LLV-IG

Twitter: https://bit.ly/LLV-twitter

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/LLVgoodreads

BookBub: http://bit.ly/LLVbb

Book Tour: Blood at Dusk by Brenna Harlow #paranormalromance @BrennaHarlow @SDSXXTours

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Blood at Dusk
The SoulBlood Series Book 1
by Brenna Harlow
Genre: Vampire Paranormal Romance
Will she forgive him of his sins, or fight their bond until her last dying breath?
Kora was left alone when the world crumbled, and the bloodsucking monsters invaded.
The vampires killed her family, her friends; everyone she had ever loved.
She waited for the moment they would enter her hideaway and snuff out her miserable existence for good. They never came though, and the revelation that she would be alone was too much… until she saw him.
Aldeon finds himself in a world that isn’t his own.
A place filled with so much of the crimson liquid that keeps his species sane, that even he cannot resist feeding.
Dhampirs have been ravenous for eons, delving into madness as their minds grew weak with hunger.
But now he is full again, left to await the time when the others return to their senses and join him.
A single scent dissipates all of his newfound revelations, and suddenly the tantalizing aroma is all that he can think about.
Everything changes when he gazes into the terrified eyes of a human woman, and another instinct takes hold.
Protect. Serve. Mate.
“Adult fans of Twilight and Darklight by Bella Forrest will love this new Vampire Paranormal Romance.”
Content Warning: This book does contain mature themes, such as but not limited to; sexual content, suicide and suicidal ideations, violence, and strong language. Not suitable for ages under 18+.
MY REVIEW – 5 stars!

I seriously loved this book! There’s action, adventure, romance … all set in a post-apocalyptic, paranormal universe where vampires have kicked off the end of the world. What’s not to like?

Aldeon is possessive of the human he knows is his fated mate, but not in an overbearing growly way. He wants to take care of her, and determines to earn her trust. I found him to be very sweet, at least with Kora. When it came to others of his kind, or anyone he felt might be a threat, the vicious half of him was set free.

Kora has struggled to survive, even though her family all died. When she first meets Aldeon, she thinks he’s going to kill her, the way the other vampires have wiped out the other humans. She believes she’s the last of her kind in the entire world. Cities have been left in ruins, bodies left to rot. And yet Kora still hangs on, fighting to stay alive day after day.

The romance between these two was relatively quick, and the book was a fast read overall. I will say this book ends in a cliffhanger. I’m not a particular fan of them, but while this story ends with an overall story arc that hasn’t been finished, Kora and Aldean do get a happily-for-now sort of ending.

If you like vampire romances, but want something a little different, Blood at Dusk is a must-read.
It takes everything you know and love about the sexy undead but adds a new twist.

*Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The review above is only my opinion. 

Brenna Harlow (if that’s even her real name) lives happily in her own fantasy land, drinking way too much coffee and reading an endless amount of smutty paranormal romance. She joined the land of the living only to share her love for the creatures of the night, and henceforth has claimed her throne at the Kingdom of Vampires and Fated Mates.
You can find Brenna in any coffee shop that provides free Wi-Fi, drinking her triple shot espresso and stabbing her keyboard to death.
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Paperback of Blood at Dusk + Swag Pack,
$15 Amazon giftcard –
1 winner each!

Book Review: Dark Secret by Danielle Rose #YoungAdult #paranormal

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There’s no wrath like that of a witch scorned.

Seventeen-year-old spirit witch Ava Lopez is the self-appointed guardian of the witches and humans of Darkhaven, an idyllic village nestled between the forest and the sea. Her watch: vicious and bloodthirsty vampires.

Ava is a novice in the eyes of her coven. If she expects to protect them and the secrecy of their powers, she must gain better control of her own. When a full moon ritual goes awry, control may be lost forever, and Ava is exiled from her coven. Forced to seek refuge among the beings she had always sworn herself to hunt, she vows revenge on those who have upended her life.

But the more time Ava spends away from her coven, the more she discovers a startling truth: the witches haven’t been honest with her. Ava’s quest to strip the truth from everything she’s ever known begins with the toughest realization of all—coming to terms with who she has become.

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MY REVIEW – 3 stars

While I typically love paranormal books, I struggled a bit with this one. It took me a few chapters to get into the story, but once I did I enjoyed it. Despite the fact Ava is a witch, she’s your typical teen — she does what she wants despite what the adults tell her. Unfortunately for Ava, her actions have severe consequences. She’s plunged into a world she both fears and hates. The story was good enough to keep me engaged, but I wouldn’t say it really wowed me. It dragged in sections and had chunks where things were over-described. But all in all, it wasn’t a bad story.

*Disclaimer: I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review above is only my opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: Hell in a Handbasket by Mila Young and Harper A. Brooks #reverseharem #fantasy

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See no evil. Hear no evil. Speak no evil. Sleep with no evil… If only it were that easy.

Between being kidnapped by a psycho dragon-shifter, influenced by ancient relics, and fighting for my freedom, I’d say my hands are full. But really, my troubles have just begun.

Cain, Dorian, and Elias are wickedly dangerous, scorching hot, and all too tempting. They’re devils in disguise. Literally.

I don’t know why they’re collecting these relics, but it looks like I’m not the only one with secrets. Despite all the risks, I might be falling for the three of them. But there’s a good chance this Hellish relationship ends up being the death of me.

To make matters worse, there may be something more to my shadow than I originally thought. Something evil that’s set on taking over me entirely if I let it. With each passing day, I find myself falling deeper into its darkness and further under the demons’ deadly charms.

There’s no other way around it… Things are quickly going to Hell in a handbasket. 

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MY REVIEW – 4 stars!

Book two in this series starts off with a bang … there’s tons of action, super hot scenes, and the mystery surrounding Aria doubles.

Elias, Cain, and Dorian have never met anyone like Aria. They don’t understand the shadow living inside her any more than she does. In the mix of trying to figure where she came from or what she is, they’re also still on the hunt for the relics they need in order to return to Hell.

Dragons, kidnappings, and lots of hot sex make this a book I couldn’t put down. By the end, I’m still left wondering exactly who or what Aria is, and whether or not her demons will realize she’s more important than them returning to Hell. They’ve been around for centuries but still haven’t realized love is more important than anything else…. stubborn men!

While the book does end with a cliffhanger, and you definitely need to read book 1 before diving into this one, I found that I had to know what happened next. I flipped through the pages, gobbling up every scene, and now I’m eager to read the next installment. Hopefully, all my questions will be answered and Aria will get her happily ever after with her demon trio!

*Disclaimer: The authors did not request a review of this title. I purchased/borrowed it from Amazon. The review above is only mu opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: Playing with Hellfire by Mila Young and Harper A. Brooks #reverseharem #fantasy

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The devils aren’t in the details.
They’re in my bed…

When my warlock foster father trades me to demons for his outstanding debts, I find myself in Hell on Earth. I’m thrust into a supernatural underground crime ring I can’t get out of, eternally bound in a contract I never made.

Three hot-as-hell demons stand in between me and my freedom.

A tattooed, brutish Hellhound shifter. An incubus with the power to bend wills on command. And the heir to Lucifer’s throne—the original sin demon, Pride, himself. I have to find a way out of the deal before they devour me, body and soul.

But I’m no angel. There’s something inside me, something that craves the chaotic darkness these demons possess.

Escaping may mean giving in to Hell’s more sinful temptations. But playing with fire only hurts if you get burned…

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MY REVIEW – 4 stars!

A fantasy reverse-harem romance that will pull you in and not let go…

I stumbled across this little gem as part of the suggested reads on my Kindle, and I’m glad I decided to check it out. If you like darker reverse harem romances, this one has it all… demons, magic, slavery, and more…

Aria is a strong heroine, who won’t stop until she gets what she wants. In this case, she wants to escape a deal with three demons. She didn’t agree to be sold to Cain, Elias, and Dorian, and she refuses to stay with monsters. One failed escape attempt after another ends up in heated encounters with each demon.

Cain, a Prince of Hell, doesn’t want Aria in his home. And yet, he can’t seem to let her go. Elias, the hellhound, finds himself drawn back to the house more and more now that Aria is in residence, and the incubus, Dorian, is mystified that she can ignore his sexual lures.

With a mystery of who – and what – is Aria, three demons determined to do whatever it takes to return to hell, and a woman who refuses to be a pawn in their games, the pages are filled with action, emotion, and sexual tension.

Be warned, it does end with a cliffhanger… so naturally I’m off to read book 2! I have to know what happens next.

*Disclaimer: The author did not request a review of this title. I purchased/borrowed through Amazon. The review above is only my opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa #YAfantasy #bookreview

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The book that launched the beloved New York Times bestselling series is back. This limited 10th anniversary exclusive collectors’ edition includes a new Q&A with Julie Kagawa, original drawings by the author, the complete Guide to the Iron Fey, and a sneak peek at a brand-new novel in the Iron Fey series featuring Puck, Meghan and Ash.

MY NAME IS MEGHAN CHASE.

In less than twenty-four hours, I’ll be sixteen. Countless stories, songs and poems have been written about this wonderful age, when a girl finds true love and the stars shine for her and the handsome prince carries her off into the sunset.

I DON’T THINK IT WILL BE THAT WAY FOR ME.

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan Chase’s life, ever since her father disappeard when she was six. Ten years later, when her little brother also goes missing, Meghan learns the truth—she is the secret daughter of a mythical faery king and a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she’ll go to save someone she loves, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

THE IRON FEY 

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MY REVIEW – 5 stars

A fantastic start to an amazing series.

If you’re ready to be immersed into the world of the fae, The Iron King is a great place to begin. Meghan Chase thought she was human. Ordinary. Until she discovered her best friend Robbie is actually the famous Puck, and her father is fae royalty.

Sword fights, evil fae, and a dangerous quest make for an enjoyable read. Few in this story are quite as they first seem. Grimalkin keeps saying fae are only out for themselves, and while he does make deal with Meghan for his own personal gain at a later date, it’s clear he also likes her. The winter prince, Ash, is another who is more than what we first expect. He’s not nearly as cold or hard-hearted as he first seems.

Is there more to the fae characters than first meets the eye? Or is it perhaps Meghan who is slowly changing in the land of the fae? The human qualities the fae dislike may be the very thing that changes the entire world for the better.

Meghan is a strong character, even if she feels weak. She’ll stop at nothing to save her little brother, even if it means she may lose her life in the process. The Iron King is a great story about the strength we can gain from the love and loyalty of those around us, and the love we feel in return.

A stunningly beautiful, action-packed story that will make your heart race, bring tears to your eyes, and make your breath catch as Meghan, Puck, Grim, and Ash all rush into danger at every turn.

*Disclaimer: Neither the publisher nor author requested a review of this title. I purchased a paperback copy at Barnes & Noble. The review above is only my opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: Shadow Trials by Isla Frost #youngadult #fantasy

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HARRY POTTER MEETS THE HUNGER GAMES
Ever since magic stormed the world, the price for human survival is surrendering your firstborn to the monsters.

But this year it’s Nova’s turn, and the monsters better watch their backs.

I am the firstborn in my family. The first of three. And today I will pay the price for my siblings’ lives by surrendering control of my own. I will step through the runegate, and I will never see my family again.

What the others do with the firstborn is shrouded in mystery. All anyone knows is they are never heard from again.

I will step through the runegate willingly.

But I can keep secrets too. And I’ll do whatever it takes to bring the others to their knees…

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MY REVIEW – 5 stars!

I’m not quite sure I’d compare this book to Harry Potter, like the tagline in the book description suggestions, but it did have a slight Hunger Games feel to it — but with a paranormal twist. There’s a ton of mystery to this one and a lot of asking “why” as I read from beginning to end. The book does end on a cliffhanger, but that’s not at all unusual for a fantasy YA book. That being said, the characters at times act extremely immature so if you’re expecting a YA with more “adult” characters, this probably won’t be a good selection for you.

I enjoyed the main characters, and while there was a lot of angst, drama, and quite a bit of violence, I needed to know why everything was happening. What was the grand plan for the first borns? While book one doesn’t answer many questions, and in fact makes you ask a ton more, I found it to be intriguing enough I needed to keep reading. There were times I wanted to smack the characters for being idiots, but they’re teenagers and act accordingly.

While there’s a romantic thread that slowly builds in book one, it’s not the main focus of the story. It’s very much a fantasy worldbuilding, and we’re plunged headfirst into the mayhem. Even with magic, different factions of supernaturals, and the “classroom” lessons, this is in no way a Harry Potter type of tale. However, I enjoyed it a great deal. From the beginning, the students are warned they may not make it through training, but it has an ominous tone making you wonder — what happens to them?

Having never read this author before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’m certainly glad I picked up Shadow Trials, and I will definitely check out her other books. It’s fast-paced, action-packed, and full of drama and teen angst… a definite page-turner!

*Disclaimer: The author did not request a review. I purchased/borrowed this title from Amazon. The review above is only my opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: Wrath of the Tooth Fairy by Sarina Dorie #fairytales #fantasyromance @SarinaDorie

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Mira has never understood why princesses have all the fun. Fairy godmothers deserve a taste of Prince Charming, too! Too bad that affair costs Mira her job and reputation. Cast out of the fairy realm and reduced to working as a lowly tooth fairy, she’s spent ninety-nine years waiting for her chance at redemption. So why did the bogeyman have to start haunting her life now?

Frustrated by the frequent terror of his visits, Mira takes drastic measures to save herself, including a date with a prince of darkness—yeah, she has a thing for princes. But her obsession with all things prince isn’t a coincidence, and when corruption in the fairy community is exposed, Mira comes face to face with the real reason she was demoted. Now, she wonders if she even wants to be a fairy godmother again and if the bogeyman might have been right all along.

From the award-winning author of Womby’s School for Wayward Witches comes a delightful new series. A fractured fairy tale for those who like to see the fairy godmother have a happy ending—even if it isn’t with Prince Charming!

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MY REVIEW – 5 stars!

Fairytales meet modern days in this delightful fantasy romance.

I haven’t read anything by Ms. Dorie before, but the book description sounded interesting. While there were a lot of characters to meet, I didn’t feel lost at any point in the story. It flowed well and kept me entertained from beginning to end.

Mira has had a rough time of it since she was caught with Prince Charming. Demoted to Tooth Fairy, she works tirelessly to regain her Fairy Godmother status. It’s too big a part of who she is to give up. Mira has a big heart, always looking out for those in need, and even if it will get her in trouble and possibly cost her the future she desperately wants, she can’t help but make sure the children are taken care of. I loved her character!

The Bogeyman wasn’t at all who he seemed to be. Creepy, stalker-ish, and evil are the ways we typically view the Bogeyman, but Ms. Dorie put a different spin on this story. I won’t spoil the surprise, but I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you discover who he is and what he’s been doing.

The side characters made the story richer — vampires, fairies, and other creatures help round out the world Ms. Dorie has created. I wouldn’t mind reading more about the other Tooth Fairies and hope they’ll get a book in the future.

Wrath of the Tooth Fairy was an absolute delight! Mystery, romance, and the age-old tale of good vs. evil made this a page-turning, entertaining read that I couldn’t put down.

*Disclaimer: I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review above is only my opinion.