This is the book I was eagerly awaiting since I've read Hellfire and Bowties and I can honestly say that it was the best fun I've had in months. At soThis is the book I was eagerly awaiting since I've read Hellfire and Bowties and I can honestly say that it was the best fun I've had in months. At some points the story will make your heart ache for Beau, but in the whole it's undiluted fun - that is if you're not opposed to demons with all their sometimes very useful appendages, a lots of somewhat dark, dry humor and hilarious HEA. It made me smile and laugh out loud on every other page. In theory it could be read as a standalone, but I suggest you read Hellfire and Bowties first - also a 5 star read. Can't wait for the next book in this series. The characters were introduced in the first two and it promises a lot of mischief....more
First - don't read this as a standalone. You absolutely need to read True North first or you'll be lost. The story picks up a year after True North enFirst - don't read this as a standalone. You absolutely need to read True North first or you'll be lost. The story picks up a year after True North ended. T.A. Moore's totally unique view on Christmas, Santa, and elves, not to mention her dark sarcastic humor makes this series something you probably never expected to read in this time of year. If you are familiar with her work you already know what to expect. If not, be careful because there's nothing even remotely sweet and cheerful in this novel. Quite the opposite - be prepared for a significant amount of violence and gore. But if you're not queasy and you prefer your reads on a dark side I think you'll be coming back for more. Her imagination is unique and so is her ability to write her moraly questionable characters (to put it mildly) with a healthy amount of sarcastic humor and in a way that they grow on you and you want more. This is a second book in a series. Although there's no major cliffhanger here, I feel that some questions were left unanswered, so I'm hoping for a third book next Christmas....more
"Their dislike is mutual. Their attraction is undeniable. But a stalker threatens to bring the curtains down before the show even starts." I borrowed "Their dislike is mutual. Their attraction is undeniable. But a stalker threatens to bring the curtains down before the show even starts." I borrowed this from the blurb which I usually avoid but it describes perfectly what happens next. If you are a fan of enemies to lovers trope/close proximity/bodyguards/thriller/mystery/cowboys/rock stars /found family/horses... Well you just hit a jackpot! I know I did. This author was always one of my favorites but this time she overdid herself and delivered big time! This year I've read 110 full length novels (shorts or novellas don't count) and I can honestly say that this book ranks among top three - and I choose my reads very carefully. You might ask how she's managed to mesh all the tropes mentioned above. Well she just did with just right amount of angst, emotions and heat. The whodunnit part is perfect. So many suspects! Also it's realistic, emotional and hot. I highly recommend this book. It's a part of the series (book 2) but it can be easily read as a standalone. I can probably guarantee that if you start with this one you'll return to book 1. There's many stories to be told in this series and as far as I know there's at least 3 we can look forward to. Personally - I can't wait!...more
I'm generally not a fan of Christmas low angst stories but I really enjoyed this one. It's a page turner. Frankly I've only decided to give it a try bI'm generally not a fan of Christmas low angst stories but I really enjoyed this one. It's a page turner. Frankly I've only decided to give it a try because of the authors. You can't miss. Whatever trope they choose to write, together or separately - and there's many for any taste ( low angst, high angst or anything in between) - you can expect a very well written story, often with a nice dose of humor when required. In this one it was the initial humor from the page one that reeled me in with masterfully included hints of Sterling's issues, with his (very rich but cold family) and his life choices. Include meeting sunshine helping him solve a mystery of his long lost uncle in a town that doesn't seem real until it does... The misstery takes many twists and turns along with dead ends, until it's resolved in a surprising way. It's low heat and realistic development of the relationship. The attraction and mental connection between Sterling and Harvey is instant, but can they make it work, since their worlds and lifestyles are so far apart? There are also many touching and yet realistic scenes - like the one at the airport. Find out and I hope you'll enjoy it as I did. Actually it was a page turner.
Possible spoilers
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The only thing I wish that was done differently was the epilogue because it feels that the book was wrapped up too quickly. So many things could have been included - Sterling's issues with his father's homophia and many more little but important things (cats?) should be explored deeper. That's why the four stars instead of five....more
This is a nice grumpy/sunshine Christmas story which actually foollows Full disclosure (Veiled Intentions book 4) but can be read as a standalone. TheThis is a nice grumpy/sunshine Christmas story which actually foollows Full disclosure (Veiled Intentions book 4) but can be read as a standalone. The prologue was awesome and actually promised way more than it actually delivered. Frankly I was expecting a bit more depth in relationships and plot development. Relationships (plural) is intentional not a typo. Dakota is warry of any relationship for a good reason. Being accepted and given a home doesn't include him as a family member by default - or so he feels. From my point of view despite his personality, it was a failure on Tad's parents side. They should just try harder to include him. Tad's 'idiot' brother is a nice side kick. So is the solving of the mystery of stolen teddy bears. It's kinda hilarious. Missing person case is meh. In general - this story should be longer - deserved to be longer with some added depth and plot development. Also I absolutely hate when I don't know how the MC's look like, because I'm a very visual reader. I had to check the previous book to find out. I loved Nial's and Mat's cameo appearances - so in the characters. Also I highly recommend Veiled Intentions series (Mat's and Nial's story). It's actually one of my favorites of all time. ...more
If you are not opposed to demons, and their often very useful appendages, some semi- dark, a matter of fact humor and some out of the norm puppies thiIf you are not opposed to demons, and their often very useful appendages, some semi- dark, a matter of fact humor and some out of the norm puppies this is the book for you. I won't repeat the blurb, but I loved the way how Oren, who landed in Hell by mistake, took it in a stride, made it work and took over the management without anyone even really noticing, or when they did, they weren't really complaining. Well just a little bit... This book made me laugh and I've enjoyed every moment. Keep your eyes peeled for Hellfire and Tinsel, shouldn't be long....more
Two men who are destined for each other - not that either of them recognizes it at first - meet in their line of work as competition, but the circumstTwo men who are destined for each other - not that either of them recognizes it at first - meet in their line of work as competition, but the circumstances bring them together once again and they realize they are actually great working as a team. Slowly they realize that they have much more incommon than their line of work or sizzling attraction. Both of them are self made men. Not that things were easy for Raven but Miguel had it really hard and blows just keep coming. Looks like he's down on his luck. As a teenager he survived the unimaginably horrifying experience and he wouldn't have made it without found family. Looks like it's time again to swallow his pride and accept the help from strangers so freely offered with absolutely no strings attached. Looks like his found family just expanded. Enter here some characters we learned to love so much from Logan's Death and Destruction series. This can be read as a standalone, but I can guarantee that you'll want to read all about them. The book is fast paced, hot, with added sprinkle of humor and they get their HEA, but I definitely want to read more because true adventure is just beginning. It could be another Death and Destruction if done right. Now enter my 'Nightcrawler' review: What's with all the hugging? Grown man, or people in general, gay or not, just don't do that (mostly) in real life. In previous series I've read ( Interspecies response) it was handshaking - people don't shake hands every time they meet, especially if it's on a daily basis or even several times a day. So cut it down in the future. Pretty please! I was seriously considering of shaving one star just because of that, but I've enjoyed the book too much to do it. So five stars for this book and the promise it brings. ...more
First a heads up. This is not a story for the fainthearted. Take the trigger warnings of the extreme violence seriously. If you read it as a very dark First a heads up. This is not a story for the fainthearted. Take the trigger warnings of the extreme violence seriously. If you read it as a very dark thriller is definitely worth five stars. I wasn't able to put it down. It delves into the psychology and conditioning of the victim and into dark minds of sadistic sociopaths as well. What you'll be willing to do to survive? Although at some points I had a feeling that it only skims the surface of the true struggle - surviving the consequences with your mind relatively intact. What I didn't like was how Hayden just assumed that they can pick up their relationship like nothing happened, barreled through it, his behavior that felt like insentivity especially after the morning after he learned a part of the horrific story. Almost entire book is written in Jonah's POW - maybe some Hayden's would be welcome at least at some points. In the aftermath they don't communicate their feelings and traumas about what happened enough, at least not on page. The healing process is just hinted at. Jonah's acceptance is maybe more understandable but not entirely. There's also none emphasis on the depth or importance of the relationship they had before the breakup, just hints as the afterthought. This was my first book by this author and it wont be the last - I just need a breather first....more
There are a lot of authors that touch my soul in one way or another, but no-one diggs so subtle and deep into the small things that add together and There are a lot of authors that touch my soul in one way or another, but no-one diggs so subtle and deep into the small things that add together and make relationship really work. She writes her wounded, (body or soul, sometimes both) characters with uncompared depth, realism, compassion and understanding. They are usually not men of many words but their actions speak for themselves. So they show not tell. But sometimes words are needed as Tam will find out in this book or he'll let the best thing that ever happened to him slip through his fingers. Two men who had given up any hope for a true relationship, each for different reasons meet. Can they make it work? Read it and find out. This story is simply beautiful. Every single character in her books immediately takes a life of their own and makes you wish that sometime in near future they'll get a story of their own. Our wishes thankfully almost always come true. Don't stop reading after 'the end '. Because maybe some side character peaked your interest and author will kindly direct you to a story that's already out there. Sab will get his story next year. Can't wait!...more
If you enjoyed Fallen Messengers series by this author then this is a must read. Her imagination and attention to details has no limits so you'll haveIf you enjoyed Fallen Messengers series by this author then this is a must read. Her imagination and attention to details has no limits so you'll have no trouble to seamlessly immerse yourself in this new magical world. This fast paced action and heat packed story is set in Victorian London and obviously the author put a lot of effort in research. I loved all the characters. They are well fleshed out and every single one is memorable. The only reason I'm giving this 4 stars is insta love. Lust - absolutely, but I feel that the enemies to lovers premise should be extended to at least 70% of the book and the time frame is way too short. HFN ending, but the plot continues so I can't wait for the next book in this very promising series. It was hard to put down....more
Great writing, but I wouldn't expect anything less from this author - I loved her Love Songs For The Lost Worlds series. Historically very accurate inGreat writing, but I wouldn't expect anything less from this author - I loved her Love Songs For The Lost Worlds series. Historically very accurate including the language. Terms and phrases used fit the times so I presume that a lot of research was put in this series. The result is a riveting historical, paranormal, mystery/romantic suspense thriller that's difficult to put down. Just a trigger warning - this book gets very dark and spares almost no details. The bigotry, prejudices and racism of the times is often highlighted. Characters are complex and I must admit that I had a hard time liking Hadrian at some moments. He got a tad better in the second book, but in this one he reverted to his insensitive self. There's no doubt he loves Thomas, but has trouble of shoving it properly and he's just barreling through relationship without a second thought, without thinking twice how Thomas might feel. I would give this book 5+ stars without a second thought, but Hadrian frustrated me too much. Don't get me wrong - this is without a doubt the best book in the series (books must be read in order). Brilliant mystery with riveting plot and very well fleshed out characters including supporting ones. Highly recommended....more
This is one of the most delightful Christmas stories I've ever read. I'm actually not a fan of Christmas stories, but it's Barbara Elsborg we're talkiThis is one of the most delightful Christmas stories I've ever read. I'm actually not a fan of Christmas stories, but it's Barbara Elsborg we're talking about and if she ever decides to write an instruction manual for anything I couldn't care less about I'd be all over it. Her characters are always memorable and quirky and her sense of humour should be a trademark - for me it already is. As always she's nailed the balance between serious, sometimes even heartbreaking situations, deep emotions, heat and humour. Her witty dialoguees will make you smile or even laugh out loud. Tiny spoiler ahead - nothing major - it's a Christmas story after all. Includes the best Christmas gifts ever, best humorous proposal ever and just a tiny, very original bit of Christmas magic. This book was just what I needed to lift my spirits and left me with a huge smile on my face. Highly recommended. ...more
I won't repeat the blurb - I never do. Also I don't include spoilers. I wanted to say more in this review but it would include some major spoilers - sI won't repeat the blurb - I never do. Also I don't include spoilers. I wanted to say more in this review but it would include some major spoilers - so it is what it is. This is not a love story although it ends in HEA. It's so much more . It's a painful, for some might be disturbing, but realistic story. It's about growing up with all the insecurities and no real support - from the family or any of the institutions or people that should have paid attention. It's about abusive relationships in many aspects - in and outside the family - an most painful - recovery of the consequences. Recovery and self acceptance. Acceptance of the past and your own worth often shown through the people around you, who don't judge. The self incrminatons, questions, what ifs that most probably never cease, but the inner voices will quiet after time. This is what this book portraits beautifully and in somewhat dull but so realistic colours. This was a very personal read for me in many aspects, but instead of being disturbing it was a confirmation of my feelings at different stages of my life. So thank you Kate Aaron. This is also a very personal review and apologise for that. You probably didn't need my very personal insight - or maybe you did... You decide. What you need to know is, that the writing is amazing, the pace without missing a beat, written in single POW, fluidly altering between past and present. Low heat - but I didn't mind it at all - actually any more heat would do no service to this memorable read. I couldn't put it down. ...more
We got Keegan's and Kerry's story and I loved it - mostly. Don't get me wrong - it was fun, hot, hard to put down, but I feel the character and plot dWe got Keegan's and Kerry's story and I loved it - mostly. Don't get me wrong - it was fun, hot, hard to put down, but I feel the character and plot development as far as Keegan is considered needed more depth. His sudden overconfidence (or courage) came literally out of nowhere and so was exaggerated found family trope. It's all heartwarming and fun, but it somehow lacked foundation and more realistic development. Plot is interesting, but lacked some twits and turns, so it's pretty predictable. The shining light is Sven, an important 'sidekick' and Kerry's stepbrother and so is his history with Dom, Kerry's best friend. I literally can't wait to read this story! Already available for preorder. ...more
Another must read from this author. The world she's created is unique, imaginative and characters strong and memorable. I've read a lot of PNR and urbAnother must read from this author. The world she's created is unique, imaginative and characters strong and memorable. I've read a lot of PNR and urban fantasy books and she's up there with the best. I've read every single title she's published and her ability to combine action, heat, mystery, humor, emotions and found family trope without missing a beat never ceases to amaze me. It makes her books impossible to put down. This one is a slow burn at the beginning, but the slow build up of connection and feelings between Mac and Paris is realistic and deeply moving - until it blazes into a fire. I loved the way Paris expresses himself and how he's bringing Mac out of his shell on the way, crumbling his walls. Add the fast paced story with some really unexpected twist and turns and heart stopping finale which made me cry (don't worry, there's a HEA) and Ms Reyne will owe you some sleep. Icarus and the Devil was her first attempt in this genre and she nailed it, so I suggest you start with it because the fight continues and the characters play important roles in this one. If you want a complete picture you should download her free short story Jason and the Storm. It fits just before final chapter in Icarus and the Devil and I'm sure you'll find the link at her contact information at the end of her books. It's a separate story because it would interrupt the flow of the first book if included. Can't wait to read Atlas and the traitor. Don't worry about the release date stated. We'll get to read it sooner. ...more
Another great sword and sorcery story from Eden Winters. If you enjoyed Warrior King you don't want to miss this one. It's a very well written fast pacAnother great sword and sorcery story from Eden Winters. If you enjoyed Warrior King you don't want to miss this one. It's a very well written fast paced story of loss, betrayal, loyalty, redemption, revenge and love. Eron was saved as a child after the massacre at his father's castle. His family gone, he was raised by mysterious Lord Night and he doesn't remember who he really is. Twelve years later he learned his saviour's trade well - which is robbing the rich and give to the poor. He's content with his life, but glimpses of memories keep coming back and bothering him. Kerric was a captain of the king's guard and was sentenced to a faith worse than death. Along with his men he was turned into a stone gargoyle. He can't move or speak. He's loyal to the core and he feels that he somehow failed his king wich is eating him alive. His only pastime is watching the life go by from the top of the castle, so he's intrigued and somewhat entertained by endeavours of Lord Night and Lordling Night which he's able to observe from his perch. We're talking about imaginative world of course but the setting is historical, maybe you could place it somewhere in 15th century, so I loved the way the author incorporated archaic language and expressions into the story. It certainly adds to general vibe in a very good way.
Good news - the second book in her Warriors series (Warrior King was the first) is coming. Keep your eyes peeled....more
There never was a book written by Barbara Elsborg that I didn't like - actually I loved most of them. Her ability to combine action , mystery, angst , There never was a book written by Barbara Elsborg that I didn't like - actually I loved most of them. Her ability to combine action , mystery, angst , humour and heat without missing a beat is uncompared and all of the above makes any of her books impossible to put down. I fell in love in most of her characters instantly but I was reluctant with Ilya - for about a few pages - lol. When he feels free enough to be himself he's, lovable, courageous even beyond his abilities, loyal, smart as a whip, creative and determined. Especially in pursuing what he wants. There are not a lot of things he's hoping for, just the ones that should be granted to anyone - like freedom to be their self and love freely. But that's an elusive future for Ilya. Until her meets Julien. Somehow Julien sees beyond his walls and vice versa. As Ilya, Julien has a dark story and secrets of his own, but his walls start to crumble around Ilya and so is his conviction that he's completely straight. Barbara Elsborg is one of the rare authors that are one click for me without even reading the blurb. Can't wait for what she comes up with next. ...more
I loved this series from the start, but maybe this is my favorite book so far. I really can't decide. The dynamic between Neil and Connor was amazing. I loved this series from the start, but maybe this is my favorite book so far. I really can't decide. The dynamic between Neil and Connor was amazing. The attraction between them was scorching hot and was palpable in previous books, so I was hoping that they'll get their story. Well the author delivered - big time! Local sheriff Neil is doing everything he can to deny the attraction to the world and mostly to himself, but relentless, brazen and patient former SEAL Connor knows what he wants and he won't stop until ge gets it. They are both caught up in solving some old and buried mysteries, along with heartbreaking Neil's family issues. I've rarely read so accurate and heartbreaking insight into dementia, that's sadly become a disease of modern times (or it's maybe just more acknowledged and reaserched) that can affect anyone. Talking from first hand experience... Connor is somewhat uprooted, but he's becoming to realize, day by day, that Whisper Ridge feels like home . So their bond groves from initial attraction to reluctant friendship and before they realize it to much more. I truly hope this is not the end. Connor's and Quin's plans leave a huge opening for this series to continue. Holding my fingers crossed ...more
Patricia Logan is a master of balancing action, humor, mystery and heat in a reads that are difficult to put down. In this series she's thrown some moPatricia Logan is a master of balancing action, humor, mystery and heat in a reads that are difficult to put down. In this series she's thrown some most imaginative shifters, aliens and supernatural beings into the mix. I rarely had so much fun reading urban fantasy. Mud puppy shifter... tiny praying mantis samurai.....more