I wavered between three and four stars for this; I'm not sure why the lower rating was a factor. Caris is a strong, valiant warrior and loyal family mI wavered between three and four stars for this; I'm not sure why the lower rating was a factor. Caris is a strong, valiant warrior and loyal family member; Tiberius is a valiant warrior and an ethical keeper of his vows, so they are a well matched couple. I enjoy a lot of fated mates romance, so instalove is not off-putting for me. This is a quick novella, so I understand there is limited space for character development. And yet, something is lacking for me, hence a three and a half star rating rounded up. I'm sincerely baffled!...more
I did not expect the pairing of Sly and Morgaine, but it actually works. The problem is that there are too many (unnecessary) subplots to muddy the flI did not expect the pairing of Sly and Morgaine, but it actually works. The problem is that there are too many (unnecessary) subplots to muddy the flow. The story has cute potential; it would be suitable for a younger audience without the graphic sex marathons or appropriate for mature readers without the childish, illogical choices. It's an unbalanced read for me....more
This is my first book by this author (and definitely NOT my last!), and it stands very well on its own,Witches and Vampires and Demons... Oh, my, yes!
This is my first book by this author (and definitely NOT my last!), and it stands very well on its own, although it is sixth in the series. The storyline blends lightness, sweetness, and darkness quite successfully.
Jase is a vampire who has spent five years being tortured as a prisoner of demons and returns to his loving siblings unsurprisingly changed. Brenna is a formerly powerful witch currently living under a death sentence while needing to fight off unwanted suitors and assassination attempts. They have so much in common that is revealed throughout the story, and I adore this couple and their combustible chemistry.
The world-building is fantastic! Enough time is given to the siblings and their families to add dimension to their characters and make the read even more engaging. The battles are gripping and believable, and there are numerous surprises and plot twists.
I especially appreciated the check-in with each couple in the HFN ending, and the epilogue has me eager for Book Seven. I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a well-written paranormal romance!...more
The first story just didn't do it for me. I liked arrogant lion shifter Mace. I enjoyed the elements of danger and the hEager for more in this series!
The first story just didn't do it for me. I liked arrogant lion shifter Mace. I enjoyed the elements of danger and the humor the secondary characters provided and the sizzle of the smexy times. However, I simply couldn't take Mace's mate, the unrelentingly crass Dez; she really lowered the story for me.
"Shaw's Tail" lacks the dangerous edge but has everything else...in spades. I love the relationship between lion shifter Shaw and his wolfy mate, Ronnie Lee. The banter and the heat add to the fun of how much they genuinely LIKE one another. The zany shenanigans around them only increased my pleasure in this read; this second story is time well spent!...more
I am glad I gave this a try; I enjoyed Book Two much more! Roz and Konrad are a likeable pairing that makes sense: he's an intelligent former dean whoI am glad I gave this a try; I enjoyed Book Two much more! Roz and Konrad are a likeable pairing that makes sense: he's an intelligent former dean who loves to read, and she's an intelligent attorney. Their idea for finding employment inspiration is creative (and batty!) and prompts suitably Lucy/Ethel-esque shenanigans. One character is departing (yay!), and another, formerly charming, has devolved into a real be-yotch. The job resolution and the HEA worked for me....more
I love the premise and the variety of characters; an apartment building populated by various paranormals is fun. Discovering how Merry, the female leaI love the premise and the variety of characters; an apartment building populated by various paranormals is fun. Discovering how Merry, the female lead, lands there is rather touching. However, Merry is a bit childish, and her actions and responses don't align with her career as a nurse nor with her role in her family. I found her irritating. Jason, the apartment owner, is likeable but not as alpha as I prefer and expect. I also apparently missed the humor that was touted! I will try Book Two in the series to see if Roz is as intelligent and commonsensical as she appears in this story....more
This really does read like true romance! Anna and Charles are a wonderful couple; I love fated mates, but this couple still made efforts to understandThis really does read like true romance! Anna and Charles are a wonderful couple; I love fated mates, but this couple still made efforts to understand each other and remain open. The characters are layered: Anna has earned her PTSD stripes, unfortunately, but still rises above; Charles is the first enforcer I've read about that alludes to the toll the role can take; backstories are provided for Asil, Walter and Bran that adds context to; even Bran's awful wife is slightly illuminated. Samuel is still a mystery, but that just gives me more reason to continue reading this author!
The quest they're set on is intriguing, having its roots set centuries in the past, and brings a few revelations; however, the villain is rather...lacking, and for all the magic available, the battles are a bit anticlimactic. This is definitely a character-driven story with emotion and nuance, and I just loved the journey!...more
Paranormal romance blended with Norse mythology? Yes, please!!! Leif is an immortal Viking Berserker and king of his tribe; Naya is the humaCompelling
Paranormal romance blended with Norse mythology? Yes, please!!! Leif is an immortal Viking Berserker and king of his tribe; Naya is the human result of secretive government experiments that leave her totally able to knock her warrior on his @ss! I love the ebb and flow of their relationship because it adds plausibility. Just as important, though, is the bond between the entire tribe; it adds dimension to the secondary characters and makes them more than mere filler. The shadowy organization and its evil machinations are more threatening because of who is ultimately in charge, so each battle has potential consequences for the universe! This author has woven such a gripping storyline, and I'm eager to find out what's in store for Astrid!...more
Reyna (at long last) comes into her own as a main character, strong woman, and worthy leader! Yes, the beginning drags a bit, but the story eventuallyReyna (at long last) comes into her own as a main character, strong woman, and worthy leader! Yes, the beginning drags a bit, but the story eventually becomes engrossing. I especially appreciate the evolution of all the women; each one adds to the story. Never thought I'd say this about a PNR read, but a good half of the sex is just unnecessary filler; the word count could have been used to detail some of the magical systems, perhaps offering a view of what the return of magic would like for the future. The final battle is epic and both tragic and triumphant. Invoking the magic of the gift is part of a suitably dramatic scene; I just wish more attention and follow-up to this new power was offered for the reader. There are the usual editing/proofing fails that marred the series, but the storytelling shines, despite the realistically banal future for Reyna and Elias that is presented. I truly enjoyed this series!...more
Reyna starts this story maintaining her whiny, self-righteous role; however, I'm pleased to find her quickly evolving (but still capable of mistakes).Reyna starts this story maintaining her whiny, self-righteous role; however, I'm pleased to find her quickly evolving (but still capable of mistakes). Elias is guilty of lack of communication with his queen, which brings disastrous results (he's great, but he's not perfect, either). The battles are rather bland. Although there are a few surprise twists/events, this very much reads like a relationship romance. I am still interested in how events will be resolved, though....more
I love the premise of this book; it seemed to include so many favored, reliable tropes. I especially enjoyed the wonderfully descriptive writing that I love the premise of this book; it seemed to include so many favored, reliable tropes. I especially enjoyed the wonderfully descriptive writing that really draws the reader into this well-imagined PNR period piece. The characters are well-written for their assigned roles...with one glaring exception. I expected Reyna to be a strong, intelligent female lead with a solid plan to forge her own destiny. What I got was a whiny, self-involved brat who apparently missed all her classes on "the making of a lady." And that willful refusal to even try to see things clearly had my palm itching to smack her! I do want to know what's in store for the kingdom, but her character is in need of a 180° arc....more