My review for Donna Grant's KINDRED - THE FATED TRILOGY

 

KINDRED – THE FATED TRILOGY
Historical – Fantasy Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
April 9, 2024

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0CS8KHD2Y

RATING:
3.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://donnagrant.com/

 

RAGE:

Elin is a witch running from her past. She wants to live a quiet life away from people. However, things never go as Elin wishes. She feels conflicted about helping the man who approached her for help. When a witch becomes involved, Elin agrees to confront her. Will Elin find the place she belongs? Or will she be forced to walk away from Rob and her feelings for him?

Rob MacKenzie searches desperately for someone to help his people when a mysterious illness befalls them. He happens upon the woman squatting at an abandoned cottage on his family’s land. Rob senses Elin is not telling him the complete truth, but he cannot stay away from her. Will Rob convince Elin to trust him with her secrets? Or will he be forced to give up on her?

Elin has a generous heart. However, for all her good deeds, she has been victimized by superstitious idiots. I understand Elin’s desire to find a place to belong. Thanks to mistakes and past actions, she denies herself the safety of witches’ one haven.

Rob is a sweetheart. I like how he does not have preconceived notions about witches. Rob accepts Elin for her generosity and helping nature. I also adore his patience with Elin. He knows that she has not been completely truthful with him. However, Rob is willing to wait for her to trust him enough to tell all her secrets.

RAGE is the first book in Donna Grant’s paranormal-historical romance series, KINDRED: THE FATED. It is a spinoff from her THE KINDRED series.

RUIN:

Asa is a descendant of the First Witch’s sister. She wants to reunite with her younger sister in Norway. However, Asa encounters a gravely wounded Highlander who warns her of danger. She prepares for the threat coming for her. Can Asa defeat the powerful witch targeting her? Will she get a chance to see her beloved sister again?

Rory Sutherland is the banished third son of the Laird of the Sutherlands. He returns to Scotland to search for Asa and warn her of the danger coming. Rory decides to help Asa fight the enemies who want her only for her special bloodline. Can Rory defeat the Viking chieftain who intends to possess Asa? Will he find the place he truly belongs?

There is only one nitpick I have about Rory. I wanted to know more about his connection with Yggdrasil. I felt that angle should have been explored more in the story. There must be a mystical reason why the tree appeared to him twice, unless the author plans to reveal that in future books.

RUIN is the second book in Donna Grant’s paranormal-historical romance series, KINDRED: THE FATED, a spinoff from her five-book series THE KINDRED. The story can standalone. The prior series sets up the world where witches reside, why they are hated, and the factions among them. I am behind on both series, but it did not hinder my ability to follow the story’s plot. The author does a good job summarizing the important parts of the previous books.

REIGN:

Malene is the Lady of the Varroki. After battling the Coven leader, she wakes far from home without any memories of her former life. Malene adorns a new identity, a witch named Dagny who thirsts for power. However, Armir stands in her way. The man whisks Dagny to an isolated cave, and he claims to know her. Can Dagny escape her cavern prison? Dare she trust Armir? And will he be beneficial to Dagny regaining her memories as Malene?

Armir is considered The Lady of the Varroki’s instructor, protector, and right-hand man. He has always loved Malene, but he knows a romance between them is taboo. After her disappearance, Armir refuses to believe she is dead. When Malene returns but as Dagny, he is determined to keep her from doing despicable things. Will Armir finally act on his attraction to Malene/Dagny? Can he convince Dagny to give up her quest for power?

I could not connect with Malene. She just fell flat with me. I really tried to like her but could not.

I love Armir’s dedication to Malene. When everyone else, including the Varroki, believed she died, he never gave up hope on finding her alive. Armir instead searched the world for her. He also refused to allow her, as Dagny, to do something that Malene would regret.

REIGN is the third and final book in Donna Grant’s Historical-Fantasy romance series, KINDRED: THE FATED. I suggest reading the five books in THE KINDRED before delving into KINDRED: THE FATED. The former books set up the world, the situation it is in, and the Varroki people. Malene and Armir play important roles there, leading up to this story.

My review for Julie Ann Walker's MAN IN BLACK

 

MAN IN BLACK
Romantic Suspense

 

AUTHOR:
Julie Ann Walker

RELEASE DATE:
May 28, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Limerence Publications LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781950100170

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://julieannwalker.com/

 

 

Fisher Wakefield, former Delta Force soldier, is a covert operative for Black Knights Inc. He believes their resident office manager is too good for the son of a convicted felon. Fisher tries to keep Eliza at arm’s length. However, all his good intentions go out the window after Eliza witnesses a massacre. Fisher will do anything to protect her from an unknown threat. Can Fisher convince Eliza to keep things platonic between them?

Eliza Meadows is the Chief of Staff’s only child. She is the link between the Black Knights boys and the U.S. president. When she becomes the only witness to a massacre, Eliza depends on ‘her guys’ to keep her safe. However, one is determined to keep her at an emotional distance. Eliza refuses to become another one of Fisher’s conquests. Can Eliza convince Fisher to take a chance on them? Will he break her heart?

Eliza and Fisher are indeed like ying and yang. However, those differences balances things out between them perfectly. I adore how Eliza never once held Fisher’s background against him. She respects (and loves) him for the person he is within. Eliza does not care that he is a felon’s son or that he grew up poor. I understand Fisher’s reasons for keeping a distance between them given his family history. He feared that history would repeat itself, and he refused to put Eliza through the same horror his mother experienced.

MAN IN BLACK is the third book in Julie Ann Walker’s romantic suspense series, BLACK KNIGHTS INC: RELOADED – a spinoff from her BLACK KNIGHT INC books. Yes, this series can stand alone. However, characters from the first one do make appearances throughout the story. I enjoy seeing the children from the first group! Ozzy is great as usual. I still love his music choices unlike Fisher’s (lol). I miss his snarky, wise cracks.

Again, Ms Walker sets up the next couple within this book. It is going to be Britt and Julia! I always like that about her books. Also, I have a hunch on who “Bishop” is. I may be way off the mark… or I may be correct in my suspicions. Either way, I cannot wait for the next installment!

My review for Heather Graham's DEATH BEHIND EVERY DOOR

 

DEATH BEHIND EVERY DOOR
Romantic Suspense, Mystery & Thriller

 

AUTHOR:
Heather Graham

RELEASE DATE:
May 21, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780778310235

RATING:
2.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.theoriginalheathergraham.com/

 

 

Luke Kendrick is a member of the newly formed international Krewe group called ‘Blackbird’. He is determined to apprehend the mastermind behind the H.H. Holmes society, murderers who emulate a nineteenth-century serial killer’s MO. Luke arrives in time to rescue his new partner from becoming another casualty.

Carly MacDonald is a new Krewe/Blackbird agent. She is tasked with investigating unusual disappearances near a particular Scottish castle. When her hunches prove true, Carly luckily escapes becoming another victim. Now she and her partner Luke race to locate other members of this one society before they kill again.

Can Luke and Carly destroy the H.H. Holmes society by capturing the mastermind? Or will they become their next target?

I could not connect with either Luke or Carly. They felt more one-dimensional to me. The author never really delved into their individual points of view. I think that is why I had trouble connecting with them both. There were times when Carly came off too perky and bubbly. That annoyed me. Yeah, I know that it was an act to throw off suspension.

DEATH BEHIND EVERY DOOR is the first book in Heather Graham’s romantic suspense series, THE BLACKBIRD FILES, a spinoff from her KREWE OF HUNTERS. I have only read a few of the KREWE books, so I am familiar with what they do. This series can standalone.

The story focuses more on the mystery and suspense element. The romance between Luke and Carly is nearly non-existent. It just happens. The pacing is slow. I could only read so much at a time before I got bored. I do have a small nitpick. It felt like the author tried to shove a history lesson down my throat.

I am no stranger to this author’s works. I have read many of her Shannon Drake and historical romance books. She is a hit and miss with me. This book would be a miss.

My review for Janna MacGregor's A SIMPLE SEDUCTION

 

A SIMPLE SEDUCTION
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Janna MacGregor

RELEASE DATE:
April 2, 2024

PUBLISHER:
---

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0CRLNXCMK

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.jannamacgregor.com/

 

 

Lady Honoria “Noria” Ardeerton is the eldest sister of the Duke of Pelham. She sneaks into her brother’s masquerade to experience one night of pleasure. Noria meets Marcus. However, she never expected him to be her brother’s best friend. Or for them to be caught in a compromising position. Noria fears an old family shame could harm his charity if she marries him. Can Noria find the strength to exorcise the past? Or will it have the power to destroy everything that she loves?

Marcus Kirkland, the Earl of Trafford, wants to find a wife who can help him with his charity. He never expected to find his ideal bride at his best friend’s annual masquerade. Marcus is convinced Noria is perfect for him, but she insists on a one-time, no attachment affair. After their one night together, he discovers his lover’s identity. Now he must convince Noria to marry him to save both of their reputations. Can Marcus soothe all of Honoria’s fears enough to marry him? Or will this jeopardize his friendship with Pelham?

I am still undecided on my feelings for Honoria. There were moments when she aggravated or annoyed me. I understand her reservations, especially on the marriage front. Anyone would. However, she did some things that came off as foolish. What I like the most about Honoria is her good heart. She enjoyed helping her brother look after his tenants. Honoria even treated servants with respect and kindness.

Marcus has a heart of gold! I adore the charity that he has started. Marcus intends to help children who were like him, orphaned young without relatives. Unlike his peers, he does not want to ignore their plight. I like the patience that Marcus showed Honoria. Deep down, he knew there was a reason for her reluctance. Marcus tried everything to overcome her fears. He refused to give up on her.

A SIMPLE SEDUCTION is the first book in Janna MacGregor’s brand-new historical romance series, MILLIONAIRES OF MAYFAIR. My wish came true! I had hoped the author would write a series about the Ardeerton siblings. Pelham intrigued me in HOW TO BEST A MARQUESS (the last book in THE WIDOW RULES series). I especially wanted to see how he would react to his sisters’ love interests. He did not disappoint me! I also adore the close bond the three Ardeerton siblings share.

I have a feeling I know who Pelham’s heroine will be. His book will be a second chance trope, my least favorite. Which dims my enthusiasm. I wonder if Pippa will be paired with Ravencroft. Their book I will anticipate.

My review for Kerrigan Byrne's "A VOCATION OF VIOLENCE"

 

A Vocation of Violence
Historical Romance, Historical Mystery

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kerrigan Byrne

RELEASE DATE:
April 23, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
---

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.kerriganbyrne.com/

 

 

Miss Fiona Mahoney is a crime scene cleaning specialist. She decides to defy Jack the Ripper’s written ultimatum by taking a lover. However, a demimonde’s murder disrupts Fiona’s planned interlude. When her childhood friend becomes the prime suspect, she is determined to prove his innocence. The case takes Fiona into dark and dangerous territory. What secrets will she unearth? Can Fiona find the real murderer before her friend hangs? And does Jack the Ripper have a hand in this?

Sadly, Fiona did not choose who I had hoped. Yeah, I am a little disappointed, but I am also okay with her choice. I almost thought Fiona would pick my least favorite one. I never saw his appeal. When I am not enamored with a certain pairing, it dims my enjoyment of the story. However, I am glad I persevered.

The scene between Fiona and ‘her choice’ is nicely done. Kerrigan Byrne does not go into explicit, steamy detail as in her other novels. The tone and pacing did not call for it. Which I am totally fine with.

I cannot wait for the next installment.

My review for Donna Grant's ENDLESS SKYE

 

ENDLESS SKYE
Paranormal Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
March 12, 2024

PUBLISHER:
DL Grant, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0C7N8RF23

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://donnagrant.com/

 

 Willa Ryan’s attempt to steal a particular book goes horribly awry. She has no choice but to flee to Skye to join up with her brother and his friends. Willa manages to reach the isle only to succumb to her injury. She later learns that a mysterious man saved her. Jasper may be the only person who can properly heal Willa’s wound. Will Willa be able to trust Jasper? Can she help the Skye druids fight against their dangerous adversaries?

Jasper McCabe is a grifter – a person who adopts identities to con others. He agrees to get close to Willa to infiltrate her brother’s network of druids. Everything about his latest job feels wrong, especially when he finds Willa injured. Jasper cannot help but be captivated by both Skye and Willa. The druid makes him rethink his career choice. Which side will Jasper choose? And what role does he play in the upcoming battle?

I only have one real problem with Willa. Basically, I did not like how easily she divulged certain information to Jasper. I know it was necessary for the story’s pacing. However, it just felt wrong, especially for a person you are not sure you can trust. I did get bored with Willa’s sibling squabbles with her brother. Yes, I understand she chaffed under his overprotectiveness.

Jasper is a con man with principals. He only steals from the rich, he never takes all their money, and no violence. I like that about his personality. I honestly did not know what a “grifter” was until this book. It is something I never heard used before.

ENDLESS SKYE is the fourth book in Donna Grant’s paranormal romance series, SKYE DRUIDS. This series is yet another spin-off from her others (DARK SWORD/DARK WARRIORS, DARK KINGS/DRAGON KINGS, and REAPERS). The SKYE DRUIDS can be read separately; however, it is better to start from the beginning to understand the world and the troubles each set overcame to this point. Characters from the other books do make an appearance, such as the MacLeod Druids. It is nice to see the Warriors again. I miss them!