I love this author’s books. She’s one of my go-to’s for anything dark. I loved the set up, the worlding building, and the characters in this one. ThisI love this author’s books. She’s one of my go-to’s for anything dark. I loved the set up, the worlding building, and the characters in this one. This will be a series I’ll be collecting for my paperback shelf.
I love how Francis is torn between his vows and his nature, and the way his past slowly is revealed. He and Vitari have more in common than they think, especially where their pasts are concerned. They are both realistically portrayed and by a few pages in, I already wanted them to find a way to get their HEA, although I doubt it’s going to be without sacrifice and a lot of violence and angst.
The action is tense, with high stakes, and I already have my suspicions as to who is really moving players on this chess board. I liked how the author doesn’t pull punches with the church or the mafia. I’m looking forward to how it all fits together as the series unfolds.
I loved the prequel story to this series, so had to pick up this one too. I’m now hooked and will be reading more. I loved Duncan and Chance’s story, I loved the prequel story to this series, so had to pick up this one too. I’m now hooked and will be reading more. I loved Duncan and Chance’s story, and how the author doesn’t shy away from the reality of living with bipolar, especially while trying to get the medication right.
I liked how Chance describes his condition as a wild beast within, and feels frustrated with that, the side effects of his medication, and needing to rely on others. This story, and his mental and emotional journal feels very real. I loved how he comes into his own, finds his path in life, and gets his HEA.
I liked Duncan’s friendship with Tristan, how what happened to Logan is slowly revealed, and why Duncan is pushing himself so much. I loved how Chance is good for him, and they both help each other.
The glimpse of Leon and Toryn again is an added bonus and I enjoyed seeing The Collective ten years on, the difference it makes to the community, and how everyone rallies around to save it.
I’m looking forward to Tristan’s book. I’m invested in his story already! ...more
I’m already a fan of this series, and world, and loved Andre and Dante’s story. The mix of romance and suspense is gripping, and I liked that the MCs I’m already a fan of this series, and world, and loved Andre and Dante’s story. The mix of romance and suspense is gripping, and I liked that the MCs are older. I enjoyed catching up with the other residents of Cooper Springs, and getting a glimpse of these two before they move there.
I loved how this story wound around the timeline of the previous story with some of the action taking place at the same time but from a different perspective. The prologue is interesting, and gives a hint of the series arc, with murders still to be solved, and the hint of something evil in town.
I liked how Andre and Dante are both convinced the other doesn’t want a proper relationship. These guys needed to talk long before they finally did. Dante learning to parent Dani is realistic. I liked how others in town help out, and also figure out Andre and Dante before they work things out themselves.
The twists are clever. I liked the revelation about Dante’s family and how the red herring played out. Lani rocks. I enjoyed it when criminal idiots found that out. Watching Dante and Andre dance around their relationship while dodging bullets and bad guys had me turning pages.
Luna is a scene stealer. I loved her part in the story.
I’m impressed with how much takes place in this short story. The action doesn’t let up, but not at the expense of character development. Nobody in thiI’m impressed with how much takes place in this short story. The action doesn’t let up, but not at the expense of character development. Nobody in this is who they seem. I loved the twists, and read it in one sitting.
Jack and Lark are in a bad situation, with a nasty boss, and very questionable clientele. I liked the suspense, and how they’re backed in a corner, with very few exits. I love how Lark’s identity and background are revealed, and why Jack is hesitant to risk his heart again.
Chrys totally rocks in so many ways, and needs a story of their own. I loved the epilogue six months later. Very satisfying, and I’d totally read a series based on that scenario ...more
This is a new to me author. I was intrigued by the set up of the series, so picked it up to try. I have the next book, which starts the series proper,This is a new to me author. I was intrigued by the set up of the series, so picked it up to try. I have the next book, which starts the series proper, to read too. I was drawn into Leon and Toryn’s story very quickly, and didn’t want to put it down. I read this story in one sitting.
I loved how Jon is very much a part of the story, despite him only being there in memories/flashbacks. I liked how Leon and Toryn never lost their love for each other and how they’re just as much lost souls as the people The Collective is formed to give haven to.
I thought the characters were compelling and real, and the setting descriptions brought their surroundings to life. I liked how they’d each faced their own demons, with Jon’s help, and how this is an opportunity to play it forward.
I liked Jon’s sister, Mariah, and how we find out about their shared history as the story progresses.
I still need to catch up on all of Jack and Gareth’s stories, but had no problem following this collection of novellas. The characters are wonderful aI still need to catch up on all of Jack and Gareth’s stories, but had no problem following this collection of novellas. The characters are wonderful and real, and I love Jack and Gareth’s relationship and the life they’ve built together with Nico and Daniel. The mysteries are cozy, but with a few twists that kept me guessing.
I liked how the stories explore both Jack and Gareth, and show how well they mesh together, each providing what the other doesn’t. They both need to look at themselves and how they handle situations and learn how to move forward and change some of their mindset.
I loved the small-town mystery in Mouse Hunt, which is very aptly named. It has everything I like about small-town stories, with an interesting mystery which didn’t go in the direction I’d thought.
I love Bagpuss. What a brilliant name for a cat! I love how quickly he’s settled into his new home. Gareth’s cooking is wonderfully descriptive and makes me wish I could sample it! I love Gareth for so many reasons. He’s supportive, and caring, and knows when not to push things too. I enjoyed the family, and friends as family, feel to A Very Bagpuss Christmas.
Grand Union rounds out the collection with another mystery with several twists. I loved the change of pace, the canal/long boat setting, and Gareth’s realisation that he needs to make some changes.
I’m looking forward to seeing more of Aidan in future stories. ...more
When I read a book by this author I expect fabulous world building, great characters, and, unless the book is the final in a series, a nasty cliffhangWhen I read a book by this author I expect fabulous world building, great characters, and, unless the book is the final in a series, a nasty cliffhanger. This book delivers all those and more. I’m loving this series, with Orion and Miko not being able to catch a break. I’m also not usually a fan of zombie stories, but this one has some cool twists on the usual tropes.
I love how Orion and Miko’s relationship develops in this, and I’m trusting the author to give them their hard won HEA.
The pack dynamics and friendships are a highlight. I love that James, despite being beta, calls Miko out when he needs to. The mix of action, romance, and the ever present zombie threat combines to make a compelling story. I liked the new characters in this story, and I knew there was something more to Wendy!
Lance needs to get his just desserts, and soon. He’s such a nasty guy, and constant thorn in everyone’s side.
I can’t wait to see how everything plays out, especially with the prophecy not looking good for Miko. I love the revelations of his and Trev’s pasts. ...more
I love this both the main series and these companion stories. Logan and Haiden are so sweet together, and wow the author puts them through the wringerI love this both the main series and these companion stories. Logan and Haiden are so sweet together, and wow the author puts them through the wringer, especially Logan. The love the pride all have for this other is a highlight of this series, and I enjoy seeing Mads and Cos especially from other perspectives.
I liked how this story backtracks, and takes partly takes place within the timeline of the previous book and fills in the gaps by showing it from Haiden and Logan’s POVs.
I like that the victories they’ve made haven’t changed the attitudes of many of the humans they encounter. The hate crimes, although nasty, give the story a sense of realism and the feeling that although the end of the series is close, the pride still has a hard road ahead of them.
Both Logan and Haiden have come a long way since their first appearance. I liked seeing them both out in the field and showing how capable they are. I love the shifter mate traditions and how that plays out in this story.
These two are so clueless about their feelings for each other. I love Wren. They need their own HEA.
I loved how the author balanced a sweet story with a much more serious one with dangerous consequences. Those last few chapters…. Whoa.
I’m not usually a fan of zombie stories but this one caught my interest immediately, and now I need book 2! The world building, as I’ve come to expectI’m not usually a fan of zombie stories but this one caught my interest immediately, and now I need book 2! The world building, as I’ve come to expect from this author, is fabulously detailed and quirky, as are the characters. I love that this is set in the UK with twists on familiar places now they’re overrun with zombies.
I loved Orion, a fae stuck on Earth in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, and how he views the world. I’m intrigued by Wendy, his virtual pet, who seems powered by magic as well as science, and I wonder if she’s going to play a bigger part going forward.
Miko does brooding so well, but underneath is a good guy trying to make a difference and fix the world. His back story is tragic. I liked the way it is revealed as the story progresses. I loved how he’s determined not to fall for Orion, and how that works out for both of them.
The supporting cast are great. I loved how the twist with the search for the Oracle. I didn’t see that coming! Lance is a nasty narcissist who needs a huge dose of karma. I’m trusting the author to deliver that by the end of the series.
And that revelation at the end… I didn’t realise when I started reading that this was the first in the series, and figured it wasn’t going to be resolved by the end of the book. ...more
I’ve enjoyed this series and am sad to see it end. I had guessed the resolution but loved seeing it come to fruition. I loved Dima and Arkadii’s storyI’ve enjoyed this series and am sad to see it end. I had guessed the resolution but loved seeing it come to fruition. I loved Dima and Arkadii’s story, and their difficult journey to their HEA. I also enjoyed seeing the characters from earlier books from their perspective.
The world building in this series has obviously been given a lot of thought, especially with the kings bonding to the land, which is a nice touch. The descriptions bring the setting to life and make it easy to imagine. I loved the idea of bonding with a dragon or animal and how that doesn’t always go according to plan. Poor Dima, thinking he had to measure up to his father, who by all accounts was not a good man or ruler. I liked how he finally realises that, with lots of help, and how Arkadii keeps loving him, although they both make some really bad decisions.
I liked Arkadii’s friendship with Nikolai and how that gives some insight into his and Dasha’s relationship. Zoya totally rocks. I love how she figures everything out far earlier than anyone else. I loved the focus on family and how they all support each other. Their relationships and friendships are one of this series’ highlights.
The villains of the story are nasty. I liked how they were finally discovered. Very clever!
The conclusion is nicely done. I liked how helping Dima to find himself isn’t the full answer, and more is needed to give not only him and Arkadii their HEA, but their land too. ...more
I love this author’s annual Christmas Laurel Holiday stories. This one had many of my favourite tropes – small town, second chance romance, and friendI love this author’s annual Christmas Laurel Holiday stories. This one had many of my favourite tropes – small town, second chance romance, and friends determined to help them towards their HEA. I found it a sweet low angst read which hit the spot perfectly for the season, although I’d re-read it any time of year.
I loved how Stillman tried to convince himself that he wouldn’t get his second chance with Tony, and was happy on his own, when it’s obvious he’s not over him. I liked that their romance was later in life, and that both have had life experience, and made their share of mistakes. Tony’s scenes with his fans are sweet. He hasn’t let his fame go to his head, unlike his totally unlikable co-star. Stillman’s attempt at a few lines as an extra is fun, and shows it’s a good thing he’s a sheriff and not an actor.
I liked how the current work call out echoes and slowly reveals the story of Stillman’s childhood. The way it all comes to a head throws angst into the mix, although I trusted the author to get them through it.
I loved the supporting cast of villagers and friends, and Ellery, as all cats in fiction, is a total scene stealer.
Their wonderful HEA, and new life together is perfectly them, and shows that it’s never too late. ...more
I’m a huge fan of Christmas Hallmark like stories and this hits all of the reasons why. I loved the town of Christmas Falls, and need to read more. MiI’m a huge fan of Christmas Hallmark like stories and this hits all of the reasons why. I loved the town of Christmas Falls, and need to read more. Mik, Rudy, and their families and friends drew me into the story and I didn’t want to leave.
This author is one of my go-tos for contemporary romance. Mik and Rudy feel very real. I loved how they’d been flirting for years and clueless that their attraction was mutual, until they start working together to plan the party, and in their mutual support of Mik’s brother.
The running Bigfoot at Christmas gag was fun. I loved the banter, and the serious moments within that with Mik trying to find his direction in life that isn’t in Josh’s shadow, and how Rudy can’t figure out how to stay in a place, and with a person, he doesn’t want to leave.
The supporting cast is wonderful, and like all small town in these kinds of stories is populated with a caring supportive community. I loved Josh and Meredith and how they are Rudy and Mik’s best friends. Lilian, Mik’s grandmother, totally rocks. She knows exactly what’s going on, and has the wise words at the perfect moment.
Their HEA is perfect, and left me feeling warm inside. I’ll definitely be returning to Christmas Falls. ...more
I hadn’t read any of these stories before, so the extra material was a lovely bonus. I loved all the stories, and characters, and would read them at aI hadn’t read any of these stories before, so the extra material was a lovely bonus. I loved all the stories, and characters, and would read them at any time of year. I love when series crossover, and enjoyed seeing other familiar characters from different perspectives. I didn’t want to put any of them down, and have added this collection to my paperback wish list.
I loved how each story, although set around Christmas, was different.
In Angels in the City, Sacha and Jonah are opposites but fit well. I liked how their chance encounter soon becomes much more, and their relationship very real. I liked their work colleagues too, and how Sacha interacting with Jonah’s family.
I love Rami and Fen in Christmas Mountain, and how they connect again. The setting was wonderful, and I loved Rami’s family. I thought this story has all the feels, and it left me with a warm feeling, and sad to leave them.
Homegrown Christmas had me wanting to know more about Gavin’s past with his army friends, so will need to read that series now, although I did follow Yani and Gavin’s story no problem. I loved their sweet romance, Yani’s friend, Bex, and the market and shelter settings.
I love spending time with this author’s cozy cowboys, with their loving families, and huge sense of belonging. I enjoyed catching up with Kase and RydI love spending time with this author’s cozy cowboys, with their loving families, and huge sense of belonging. I enjoyed catching up with Kase and Ryder and their extended family from book 1, and seeing them from a different perspective. Wat and Tygh are a perfect fit for the ranch and each other.
I also loved the touch of realism with this story in that Wat does find it overwhelming at times with his responsibilities to all the kids. It’s exhausting. I liked that although he and Naomi have a great relationship, his daughter throw tantrums and lashes out too. He’s a great guy who has been through a lot. I loved watching his and Tygh’s relationship grow and deepen.
I loved how covid was used in the story, and how Tygh opens up his home, and ends up with a family of his own. The scenes with him, Wat, and the kids are heartwarming. They’re both great dads.
The supporting cast, who are very much family, found and otherwise, add another feel good layer to the story. I love how they all rally round during good times and bad.
Wat and Tygh’s HEA is perfectly them, and a wonderful end to a satisfying story. I hope there’s more to come in this series. ...more
I love this author’s fairy tale retellings. This story is a clever modern take on Jack and the Beanstalk. I thought the parallels to the original wereI love this author’s fairy tale retellings. This story is a clever modern take on Jack and the Beanstalk. I thought the parallels to the original were cleverly done. Both MCs are endearing, and complement each other. Goose, the parrot, is a total scene stealer.
I liked how Jack starts the story with preconceptions of what Felix has done, and how it all unravels very quicky. They both have huge hearts and care about people, despite Jack’s determination to keep himself at arm’s length. I love how Felix gets through Jack’s barriers, and how Jack being there reminds Felix what it’s like to live in the world.
Both men have suffered tragic loss. I love how being together helps them both move forward.
I loved Jack’s relationship with his mum. Their love for each other shines through. I loved the scene where his mum tells him a few home truths including what an idiot he’s been.
Their HEA and glimpse into their future is the perfect ending for them, especially with the pennies which is a nice touch....more
I loved this one sitting read. The characters are wonderfully realized in a very short story, and I loved the feel-good atmosphere of the café and theI loved this one sitting read. The characters are wonderfully realized in a very short story, and I loved the feel-good atmosphere of the café and the cats. Zu and Kiitan are sweet together, and I loved their instant connection.
This was a perfect pre-Christmas read to be enjoyed any time of the year. I loved the friendships as well as the romance, and liked the supporting cast. I also liked how Zu and Kiitan’s way of communicating opens up conversation that Zu usually finds difficult and might not have otherwise had.
This is a sweet short read about two men who find their true paths in life in very different ways. I loved how Remy and Joe got to know each other, anThis is a sweet short read about two men who find their true paths in life in very different ways. I loved how Remy and Joe got to know each other, and how being together shows Joe that he’s lost sight of what’s important.
I loved the hints that Joe’s about to make a huge mistake. His fiancé (check which spelling) and future father-in-law sound awful. I love how he figures that out, and how, although they’re not on screen, their personalities come across loud and clear.
Both Joe and Remy are good people. I love how being with Remy helps Joe to find that side of himself again, especially with the scenes in the hotel and in the flood waters. I liked how Remy has made mistakes in his life too, and needed help and a shake up to point him in the right direction. It’s obvious the kids at the home adore him. I loved Mimi too.
I liked Joe’s relationship with his mother, and how she encourages and supports him.
The HEA is sweet and with a lovely family feel to it. I thought this was a lovely feel good Christmas story. ...more
I love these authors’ cowboy books. They always leave me with a warm fuzzy feeling, like I’ve spent time with friends. I loved Jax and Saw’s instant cI love these authors’ cowboy books. They always leave me with a warm fuzzy feeling, like I’ve spent time with friends. I loved Jax and Saw’s instant connection and how they click as friends and more. I enjoyed the huge part friendship plays in the story too, and catching up with January and Hawk from Flying Blind.
I’d wanted Jax to get his own book when I first met him in Flying Blind. His friendship with January is a highlight of this book, and I love how Jan and Hawk are there for Jax and Saw. Jax’s bakery sounds delicious. I’d totally visit their bakery! I loved how he supports Saw, and helps him when he needs it but doesn’t take over so Saw still has his independence.
Saw’s rehab journey is realistic, and painful at times, with two steps forward and more back when he overdoes things. I love how he and Jax keep similar hours, and are able to support each other. The part Saw plays in enabling Jax to follow his dream, and how well they work together is wonderful.
I loved seeing January and Hawk further on, how Hawk has progressed with his own journey, and how Jan worries about him out in the city with his service dog.
Saw’s sister, Jo, is great, as is Art, who Saw sees for rehab. I liked how Saw’s loss was handled and how Ollie is remembered going forward.
Wow. I thought I had this story figured out, and then the huge twist hit. I loved Valentine and Devere’s story, which begins as a straightforward AU hWow. I thought I had this story figured out, and then the huge twist hit. I loved Valentine and Devere’s story, which begins as a straightforward AU historical mystery detective, then quickly moves into dark fantasy with a dash of steampunk. I also loved Hush – what a wonderful character.
I loved the set up with Valentine coming to his home town to solve a murder and how he reconnects with Devere, whom he’s known since childhood. The story quickly becomes much darker with nothing being as it seems – and then that becoming not what it seems either. I liked Valentine’s determination to save Devere not matter the cost, or what he’s done.
Devere is intriguing. I loved the twist of who he is, and the conundrum of who to believe, him or Adair, or what is even real. I’ve had this author get me invested in a character before only to discover they weren’t the person I thought they were.
The town is filled with people who all have parts to play. Elisabeth is sweet, and I liked her friendship with Valentine.
The HEA is more bittersweet, and has a twist of its own but perfectly suits the ambiguity of the story which is masterfully told....more
I was intrigued by the phoenix shifters in this universe when they first appeared in The Spy’s Familiar, and am thrilled they’re getting their own serI was intrigued by the phoenix shifters in this universe when they first appeared in The Spy’s Familiar, and am thrilled they’re getting their own series. Dalmon and Lucian’s book had me turning pages, needing to know what happened next. I particularly love the world building and phoenix mythos. I’m hooked and this is another one of the author’s series I’ll be collecting in paper.
I love how Dalmon and his ‘brothers’ take on different roles with each new ‘life’, and how they work together to keep themselves and their secret safe, as well as their country. The connection between Dalmon and Lucian across previous lives was nicely done, and I liked that the fated mate trope didn’t pan out exactly how I thought it would. I liked how Dalmon’s story connects with the formation of the Coven too.
Lucian totally deserves his HEA, after everything he’s been through. I loved his ability, and the details about how it works. I enjoyed his and Dalmon’s connection, and the progression of their relationship.
I also enjoyed seeing Everest again, and meeting the rest of their family. I’m always happy to see Sam too, and I loved that this series takes place in the same world as the Familiar Mates and Outcast Pack series.
I loved the action/drama part of the story and how that connects to the Shadow Board stories in previous Familiar Mates stories.