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BOOK REVIEW: In Every Generation by Kendare Blake #Buffy #BTVS #NetGalley #InEveryGeneration #fantasy #youngadult

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The first in an all-new series by New York Times best-selling author Kendare Blake continues the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer featuring the next generation of Scoobies and Slayers who must defeat a powerful new evil.

A new Slayer for a new generation…

Frankie Rosenberg is passionate about the environment, a sophomore at New Sunnydale High School, and the daughter of the most powerful witch in Sunnydale history. Her mom, Willow, is slowly teaching her magic on the condition that she use it to better the world. But Frankie’s happily quiet life is upended when new girl Hailey shows up with news that the annual Slayer convention has been the target of an attack, and all the Slayers—including Buffy, Faith, and Hailey’s older sister Vi—might be dead. That means it’s time for this generation’s Slayer to be born.

But being the first ever Slayer-Witch means learning how to wield a stake while trying to control her budding powers. With the help of Hailey, a werewolf named Jake, and a hot but nerdy sage demon, Frankie must become the Slayer, prevent the Hellmouth from opening again, and find out what happened to her Aunt Buffy, before she’s next.

Get ready for a whole new story within the world of Buffy!

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MY REVIEW – 3 1/2 stars

I can’t remember feeling quite so conflicted over a review before. The writing itself was good, and the story entertaining. But here’s my dilemma …

If you’re a huge Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, to the point you grew up watching the show (back when DVR and streaming services weren’t a thing – you were home to watch it or you were out of luck), and have read the comics, there’s a lot in this book that will be hard to swallow. Quite a few times I found myself screaming “that would never happen” or “what the heck was that?” … A time or two I contemplated not finishing the book. If you pick up this book and expect it to follow the Buffy-verse canon, you’ll likely be disappointed. Or outright angry.

That being said…

Once I realized all the things that happened in the comics, beyond the TV series ending, hadn’t even been taken into consideration when this book was written, I decided to try and enjoy it as a separate series altogether. If I had never been a Buffy fan, what would I have thought?

After tossing aside all my expectations, and reading this as someone who wasn’t familiar with Buffy, I enjoyed quite a bit of the story. I loved the addition of the Countess and Grimlock. With the new “scooby” gang in place and an unfinished story ARC, it’s clear there will be more to this than just one book. So many questions are left unanswered. The writing style was easy to follow and I could picture the scenes in my head. There was just enough description to let my imagination fill in the rest.

Frankie doesn’t feel like a strong character starting out. She’s quiet. Very much a “behind the scenes” sort. Until her slayer powers are activated. Even then, she’s so focused on how much she’s not like Buffy, she doesn’t stop to enhance the skills she has that are uniquely hers. It was enjoyable, watching her grow as a character. I also enjoyed the secondary characters of Hailey, Jake, and Grim.

I think teens will enjoy this story, and it’s clean enough for even tweens to read it, even if there are a few bloody scenes and quite a bit of fighting (hello! Vampire slayer!).

*Disclaimer: I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Disney Hyperion for the chance to review this title. The review above is only my opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: Death (The Four Horsemen) by Laura Thalassa #apocalypse #romance #fantasy #bookreview @LauraThalassa

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They came to earth–Pestilence, War, Famine, Death–four horsemen riding their screaming steeds, racing to the corners of the world. Four horsemen with the power to destroy all of humanity. They came to earth, and they came to end us all.

He’s known by many names: Thanatos. Horseman. God’s last angel. And then, of course, there’s the one I’m all too familiar with—

Death.

The day Death comes to Lazarus Gaumond’s town and kills everyone in one fell swoop, the last thing he expects to see is a woman left alive and standing. But Lazarus has her own extraordinary gift: she cannot be killed—not by humans, not by the elements, not by Death himself.

She is the one soul Death doesn’t recognize. The one soul he cannot pry free from her flesh. Nor can he ignore the unsettling desire he has for her. Take her. He wants to, desperately. And the longer she tries to stop him from his killing spree, the stronger the desire becomes.

When Lazarus crosses paths with the three other horsemen, an unthinkable situation leads to a terrible deal: seduce Death, save the world. A hopeless task, made all the worse by the bad blood between her and Thanatos. But Death’s attraction to her is undeniable, and try though she might, Lazarus cannot stay away from that ancient, beautiful being and his dark embrace.

The end is here. Humankind is set to perish, and not even the horsemen can stop Death from fulfilling his final task.

Only Lazarus can.

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MY REVIEW – 5 stars!

I’ve read thousands of books. Only a dozen have ever made me cry. This book ripped me apart, put me back together, then gave me such an emotional ending I cried again. Yes. Death made me cry at least twice, and that’s an unheard of feat when it comes to me and books.

Being a romance, I expect a happily-ever-after, especially for a series finale. What I got with this book was so much more. The incredible journey Lazarus and Death take, the ups and downs, the battles (both physical and emotional), left me feeling raw, hopeful, angry, and oh so many other things. There’s beauty in death, and this book shows that in the most heartbreaking ways. There were times I wanted to scream at Thanatos, and times I wanted to hug him.

The final book in The Four Horsemen series is a rollercoaster ride that was well worth the wait! I’m only sorry the series had to end.

*Disclaimer: Neither the author nor publisher requested a review of this title. I purchase a copy from Amazon and the review above is only my opinion.

Book Tour & Review: Disavow by Bella Di Corte #contemporaryromance #mafia #bookreview @XpressoTours

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Disavow
Bella Di Corte
Publication date: November 5th 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

He was my only oath.

Aniello Assanti was a monster dressed in a gentlemen’s suit.

He was everything I should’ve feared and run away from. A walking nightmare. He belonged to an organization that valued money over life; power over free will; codes over love.

And if that wasn’t enough of a deterrent, he was strictly forbidden.

I, Rosalia Lombardozzi, solemnly vow…no fraternizing with the men who belong.

I worked for the same organization, and even with that oath forever marking my tongue, I was drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Something existed between us that not even the fire of disloyalty could turn to ash.

Some called it obsession. I called it love.

The world we lived in called it an act of betrayal. To disavow meant certain death.

When the heart takes an oath, though, it is more sacred than any vow spoken—it’s the one thing worth living and worth dying for.

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MY REVIEW – 5 stars!

The story of Assanti and Rosalia is quite a ride.. full of passion, danger, death and destruction.

The first chapter started in a way that made me feel a bit like I’d been dropped into the middle of something. It took me a few pages to settle in but once I did I couldn’t stop reading. The attraction between Rosalia and Assanti is immediately apparent, and forbidden. Both characters were willing to risk everything for love. Assanti not only would kill for Rosalia but would die for her too.

The secondary characters added extra layers to the story and brought it to life. The friends and family, their enemies… each was multifaceted and complex in their own way. And seldom was anyone as they first appeared.

Disavow will keep you on your toes, always guessing, but will give you a deeply satisfying ending that will make you wish there was more… you’ll never want to leave Bella Di Corte’s world once you take that first step.

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

Author Bio:

Bella Di Corte has been writing romance for seven years, even longer if you count the stories in her head that were never written down, but she didn’t realize how much she enjoyed writing alphas until recently. Tough guys who walk the line between irredeemable and savable, and the strong women who force them to feel, inspire her to keep putting words to the page.

Apart from writing, Bella loves to spend time with her husband, daughter, and family. She also loves to read, listen to music, cook meals that were passed down to her, and take photographs. She mostly takes pictures of her family (when they let her) and her three dogs.

Bella grew up in New Orleans, a place she considers a creative playground.

She loves to connect with readers, so don’t hesitate to email her at belladicorte@gmail.com if you’d like to reach out.

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BOOK REVIEW: Thanksgiving with Dad’s Best Friend by Lena Little #agegapromance #dadsbestfriend #bookreview

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I’ve been infatuated with him ever since I heard his name as a child, and as I got older, and sorted through pictures of him and my dad I started to feel…other things.

Things I shouldn’t but do.

But all those desires I tried to keep to myself? I don’t need to anymore. Because one look in his hungry eyes and I know he feels the same.

Tate is clearly trouble, and not just with the law.

I thought that a hardened man like Tate would only ever see me as a girl, an off-limits kid due to my age, lacking experience, and of course there is my dad.

But when my dad’s best friend stops by for Thanksgiving dinner he doesn’t just come for a meal. He comes for his prize. Me.

I’m thankful for a lot of things this Thanksgiving day, but none more than my dad’s best friend…my man…my everything.

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MY REVIEW – 4 stars

Want an alpha hero who’s a bit of a caveman but has a heart of gold? Then meet Tate!

Having spent twenty years in prison, Tate knows time is precious and he doesn’t plan to waste a second of it. He’s wanted Tatum since he first saw her picture and he’ll stop at nothing to make her his.

While I love age gap romances, his constant thoughts of knocking her up were a bit much at times. For me, it was just brought up too frequently for such a short book. But I loved his protective nature and how he wanted Tatum to be happy. He had a sweet side with a gruff nature that made for an interesting character.

Tatum loves her family and will do anything for them, but after meeting Tate, she wants to do something for herself… something that will make her happy.

The writing style was a bit choppy in spots, but it felt like the author found her pacing about halfway through. The last half of the book was great.

If you’re looking for an Insta love story with limited plot and character development, lots of steam, and a happily ever after then Thanksgiving with Dad’s Best Friend might be the perfect book for you.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. The review above is only my opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: Thoruk’s Gift by Celeste King #orcs #fantasyromance #bookreview

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Thoruk is a huge scary monster of an Orc. He could break me without a thought. And somehow I’m in love with him.

There isn’t much left of my world after the Orcs came rampaging through the portal. If you’re a woman, you’re property – and that’s if you’re lucky enough to end up in a human bunker. Life can’t get much worse.

And then I get captured by a band of primal, savage Orcs.

I was foolish enough to be caught while on a foraging mission. I’m taken to the chieftain as a prize. His name is Thoruk and this huge, powerful savage is determined to make me more than a breeder.

He wants more than my curvy body. He wants my heart as well.

He’ll fight for me. He’ll die for me.
But most of all…

He’ll love me.

Author’s Note: Thoruk’s Gift is a full length monster romance that features a giant Orc with eyes for his beloved, curvy human. Action and adventure abound as well as steamy scenes between the tiny human and giant Orc. HEA guaranteed.

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MY REVIEW – 5 stars!

Raise your hand if you watched the World of Warcraft movie and wanted an orc of your own… if your hand is up, this is the book for you!

The orc chieftain saw human females and only thought of the benefit to his people… until one of the women made a bargain with him. Through Kay’s strength and determination, he begins to see the humans as something more.

Battles, both physical and mental, take up a good bit of the book, but the author also included friendships, romance, life lessons, and a feel-good story that will leave you wanting more.

All the stars for Thoruk’s Gift!

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. The review above is only my opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: Worse Guy by Ruby Dixon #Aliens #SciFiRomance #bookreview #kindleunlimited

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Crulden the Ruiner is the most dangerous gladiator in the galaxy.

I’m his clone – equally ugly, equally dangerous, and just as feared. I’m also being held captive, since no one trusts a creature like me to be let loose.

A curvy, determined human named Bee doesn’t think I’m a creature, though. In fact, she thinks I just need a guide. She’s got half the males on this planet eating out of her hand, and she’s confident she can do the same with me.

The managing little female has no idea what she’s in for. I’m not some fool to be led around by my tail. But…the champion in me loves a challenge.

A champion also wants to win a prize. So I tell Bee I’ll go along with her plans if she kisses me…right on my tusk-filled mouth.

I never expected her to say yes…

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MY REVIEW – 5 stars!

Another fantastic read from Ruby Dixon!

I think what I loved most was the “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” aspect, except in this case the book was the alien males. The clone of Crulden looks fierce, is feared, and caged like an animal… but when it comes to Bee he has a far gentler touch than her boyfriend, Ruffin, a respected guard.

Seeing Bee’s patience and determination with the clone was wonderful. She wanted to give him a chance when others wouldn’t. They feared him, hated him… but Bee saw the good inside him.

This is a heartwarming, feel-good story that will leave you smiling.

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

About the Author

Ruby Dixon is an author of Science Fiction Romance. She likes fated mates, baby-filled epilogues, and cinnamon roll heroes. She also likes to write biographies of herself in the third person, because it feels more important that way.

Ruby also loves coffee and dirty books and will probably be a cat lady at some point. 🙂

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BOOK REVIEW: The Orc’s Bride by Layla Fae #fantasyromance #LaylaFae

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Orcs killed my family. They order us around and take from us what they want. And I am determined to end their rule. So when the ferocious silver-eyed orc says he’ll carry me away from my backwater village right to the orc capital, I take this chance. Being among orcs and having access to their Imperator, I can save humankind.

There is only one complication. This orc wants me to become his mate. He promises, or rather threatens, to court me over the journey. And orc courtship isn’t about flowers and holding hands. It’s about showing me his desire. I must pretend to be attracted to him so he doesn’t discover my secret.

The problem is… I don’t really have to pretend. I’m falling in love with my deadliest enemy.

This steamy monster romance is a 37.000 word novella and ends with a HFN. It’s book one in The Silver Fury series.

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MY REVIEW – 4 stars

It took me a few pages to settle into the rhythm of the author’s writing but once I did, I enjoyed the story. The world-building was excellent and I enjoyed the characters. Una and the orc general may not seem like they’d be a good match, but as the two get to know one another they learn a few surprising things. The secondary characters add depth to the story and I found them entertaining. What I didn’t like was the cliffhanger. Hopefully, it won’t be long before the next part of the story releases.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. The review above is only my opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: Cinderella and Fae Charming by Amelia Shaw #fairytales #fantasyromance

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Just because I sleep in front of the fire, doesn’t make me a damsel in distress.

My step-mother calls me Cinderella… Not because I’m happily married to a prince, but because I have a horrible family! My parents are both dead, leaving me with a step mother who tormented me until I left home forever.

Now I live on the streets, stealing food to survive. It isn’t ideal, but neither was living under the same roof as the my step-mother once my father died.

But I’m not helpless, I can handle anything that comes my way… Until I my step-mother tries to sell off my father’s house.

Now all bets are off.

*** Standalone Urban Fantasy twist on Cinderella with Fae, and magic, and a slow burn romance.

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MY REVIEW – 4 stars

Cinderella and Fae Charming is a cute fantasy romance with a more modern flare.

Imagine if Cinderella had been fae, along with everyone else in the story… that’s exactly what Amelia Shaw did with this cute fairytale retelling. I loved the Shawna learned how to save herself instead of relying on the prince to swoop in and rescue her. She was a strong character, even though she had her flaws. The prince was dashing, and a bit arrogant, but what else would you expect from a fae prince?

The pacing for the first 70% of the story held steady. The last 30% had a more rushed feeling to it. I would have enjoyed a bit more storyline between the ball and the ending.

Super cute book! Perfect for those preferring a more moderate heat level.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

BOOK REVIEW: The Haunting of Leigh Harker by Darcy Coates #horror #bookreview

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From bestselling gothic horror author Darcy Coates comes a chilling story of a quiet house on a forgotten suburban lane that hides a deadly secret…


Leigh Harker’s quiet suburban home was her sanctuary for more than a decade, until things abruptly changed. Curtains open by themselves. Radios turn off and on. And a dark figure looms in the shadows of her bedroom door at night, watching her, waiting for her to finally let down her guard enough to fall asleep.

Pushed to her limits but unwilling to abandon her home, Leigh struggles to find answers. But each step forces her towards something more terrifying than she ever imagined.

A poisonous shadow seeps from the locked door beneath the stairs. The handle rattles through the night and fingernails scratch at the wood. Her home harbours dangerous secrets, and now that Leigh is trapped within its walls, she fears she may never escape.

Do you think you’re safe?


You’re wrong.

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MY REVIEW – 5 stars!

Fabulous! Just absolutely fabulous…

The Haunting of Leigh Harker will give you chills and have you begging for more. Just when you think you have it all figured out, another twist is added. One part haunting and one part murder mystery, it will keep you on the edge of your seat.

There were times the story seemed a bit confusing, but the more I read, the more it all started to fall into place — until the author turned everything upside down, leaving me enthralled, in awe, and scrambling to find out what happened.

A must-read for horror fans!

*Disclaimer: I purchased the paperback edition of this book. Neither the publisher nor author requested a review.

BOOK REVIEW: Hetty by Eddie Generous #horror #bookreview #NetGalley

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Hetty Stanley was a schoolteacher. Hetty Stanley was a prudish spinster. Hetty Stanley was a murderer. Hetty Stanley has been dead for more than a century.

Dane Butler is doing his best and his best isn’t enough, but a little luck puts him into an inherited home that shares a property line with a woman and her son. Winona and her son Casey are no better off than Dane, forcing the strangers to rely on one another.

One day, Dane looks up from his computer at the sound of Winona shouting in through his door. Her four-year-old son is missing—no boots and no coat, January in Minnesota. Hours pass. Police scour the woods and begin pointing fingers at the only plausible suspects, but one high-ranking officer knows the painful history. Children have been disappearing from the old schoolhouse property for decades, and although it is impossible, there’s only one likelihood: Hetty Stanley.

To save Casey, Dane and Winona must find the link to Hetty and follow it, no matter how impossible the route seems or what trials they might face and what stakes they must overcome.

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MY REVIEW – 3 stars

I’ve struggled over my review and rating for Hetty the last two days… and finally decided on 3 stars. Here’s why…

The book got off to a decent start, letting us meet Hetty right off. It went downhill a bit from there until about 60% into the story.

While I understand and appreciate a more active way of getting Dane’s and Winona’s backstories, the constant flip flopping, and time warps, made it confusing quite a bit if the time. It also made the story lag quite a bit. We went from immediate action to humdrum daily life for such a large chunk of the book. Had this not been called the scariest book ever by quite a few people, I’d have never made it to the “scary” bits.

Admittedly, the sex scenes in Winona’s point of view with “the Cowboy” very nearly made this a two star read for me. They were unrealistic and had I not known going into the book it was written by a man, those scenes would have made it glaringly obvious. I think I actually cringed a few times.

The creepy factor would spark then die again as the dead kids made their appearances. I’d get excited, thinking things were about to take off, only to go back to the humdrum parts that lagged. Until Casey disappears. That’s when the magic happens …

I wouldn’t call this the scariest book, in fact, I would call it slightly creepy and at times a bit chilling, but as horror goes, it didn’t make my heart race or make me want all the lights on. It was a decent story and seems to be set up for a potential spinoff.

I just don’t think this author’s writing is quite to my taste, even though the idea behind Hetty was rather fabulous.

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