Review: Jeffe Kennedy's Strange Familiar

 

STRANGE FAMILIAR
Dark fantasy romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Jeffe Kennedy

RELEASE DATE:
March 31, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Brightlynx Publishing, Inc. 

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0DCT5MVD4

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.jeffekennedy.com/home

 

 

Wizard Alise (Elal) Phel decides to leave the Convocation Academy for a third time. She accompanies a weakened Archivist Cillian to the house of his birth, only to receive a chilly reception from his grandmother. Asked to leave, Alise returns to House Phel and finds her sister in labor. The happy event is destroyed by the arrival of Lord Elal, her and Nic’s father. Alise agrees to go back with him to save her niece from his evil machinations. Will Alise allow herself to be molded into the wizard that her father wants?

Wizard Cillian Harahel leaves the Academy in disgrace. He returns home on the verge of death due to magically carrying the hidden Phel archives. When Cillian wakes, he finds out that Alise left and without a word of goodbye. He agrees to his grandmother’s demands to remain, only so he can restore the archives without problems. However, Cillian unearths an old conspiracy that could upend their wizard/familiar world. Will Cillian be reunited with Alise? And at what costs for them both?

Alise disappointed me around the middle of the book. I can somewhat understand why she wavered. Alise had been psychologically stunted by her wizard father. Plus, inwardly, she always wanted his love and approval. I wish Alise would have harbored more cynicism and distrust towards her father and his new treatment of her.  What I admire the most about Alise is the sacrifice she made for her newborn niece. She gave up her freedom and happiness, so her niece would be free from Elal’s twistedness.

Cillian showed amazing growth in this book. He could have wallowed in despair and misery over his disgrace. Instead, Cillian threw himself whole-heartedly into the project he shared with Alise. He knew it was the only way he could help her at the time. What I adore the most is how Cillian’s presence helped Alise free herself from her father. He has always inspired strength in her when she needed it the most.

STRANGE FAMILIAR is the second installment of Jeffe Kennedy’s dark fantasy romance series, WARRIORS OF MAGIC. A continuation of her BONDS OF MAGIC and RENEGADES OF MAGIC books. It is best to read these series in chronological order, starting with DARK WIZARD. BONDS OF MAGIC introduce the author’s wizard/familiar world, the dynamics between them, and the many characters involved. Each trilogy continues with the on-going plot. The new series picks up where the last one ends with an all-new cast.


I am happy that Jadren (and Seliah) make an appearance in this story. They were mentioned in RELUCTANT WIZARD, which bummed me out. Their parts in the story are small. I feel Jadren’s snarky demeanor gave the story some much-needed levity to counteract the overall heavy situation. I wonder what role they, along with Nic and Gabriel, will play in the next installment!

Review: Thea Guanzon 's "TUSK LOVE"

 

TUSK LOVE
High Fantasy, Fantasy-Romance,
Critical Role

 

  

AUTHOR:
Thea Guanzon

RELEASE DATE:
July 01, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Random House Worlds

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780593874264

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.theaguanzon.com/   https://critrole.com/

 

 

Guinevere is the daughter of down-on-their-luck merchants. She yearns for freedom and adventure, not the future her parents planned out.  When her caravan is attacked, Guinevere is rescued by a grumpy half-orc. Her journey is fraught with obstacles and enemies. Guinevere never anticipated falling for her sullen travel companion. What path would she choose? A vagabond life with Oskar? Or the privileged life Guinevere’s parents arranged?

Oskar is a blacksmith’s apprentice. He intends to visit his deceased mother’s clan in the north. However, Oskar encounters Guinevere when her caravan is set upon by bandits. The woman is sheltered, helpless, and annoying, yet Oskar agrees to escort her to her destination. Something about Guinevere awakens his soft and protective side. Oskar knows he has nothing to offer her. Can he walk away once they reach their journey’s end?

Guinevere is not the usual heroine type that I enjoy. In the beginning, she comes across as the typical, cliché damsel-in-distress – one who feels the need to please her parents. However, Guin starts to change as the story progresses. Her demeanor and personality remind me of an old role-playing character that I used to play years ago. Perhaps that is why I clicked with her so easily. And I also liked how her naivete and kindness charmed even the most hardened souls.

Orcs are not my favorite fantasy creatures. I have noticed a rise in their popularity in both anime and books (there is even an author who writes orc romances). Oskar grew on me. He behaves sullen and grumpy, but that is all an act to hide his cinnamon roll-y insides. What I adore the most about Oskar is his persistence in protecting Guinevere. He even put his vow of visiting his mother’s people on hold to help Guin on her journey. Oskar even got angry for her sake, especially after learning how her parents treat her.

TUSK LOVE is a standalone, romance fantasy set in the Critical Role world. Fans of Dungeons & Dragon type stories will enjoy this book. I am a fan of Vox Machina – thanks to the animation on Prime. When I noticed TUSK LOVE’s title matched the one Pike read in the show, I just HAD to read it too. It did not disappoint.

Tropes in the story: grumpy/sunshine,  opposites attract, forced proximity.

I would be interested to read more stories set in the Critical Role world. High fantasy (like D&D’s Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance) is one of my favorite genres. Romance is another. I have a difficult time finding fantasy-romance stories with this level of fantasy. Most of the ones I find center around The Fey or the commonly, overly used fantasy creatures.

Review: Jeffe Kennedy's "RELUCTANT WIZARD"

 

RELUCTANT WIZARD
Fantasy-Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Jeffe Kennedy

RELEASE DATE:
August 27, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Brightlynx Publishing, Inc

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781958679739

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.jeffekennedy.com/home

 

 

Alise (Elal) Phel is burdened with a heavy secret: that she can sever the wizard-familiar bond. She faces the repercussions of leaving the Academy for a second time. Alise wants to complete her coursework to graduate, plus find the missing archives on House Phel’s history. However, other house denizens target her. Alise’s only ally is a bossy Academy Archivist wizard. Will she come to terms with the guilt eating at her? Can Alise deal with the foes thwarting her search?

Archivist Cillian Harahel is a junior faculty member at the Convocation Academy. He is assigned to assist Alise in her independent studies; he is also warned to keep a personal relationship with the wizard. Cillian knows there can be no future for them. When enemies force Alise to the breaking point, he risks everything to aid her. What sacrifices is Cillian willing to make for Alise? Can his brand of magic be of use to her? And will he be able to protect her from her enemies?

Alise continues to impress me. She has shown amazing growth in the background of the other trilogies. I understand Alise’s need to keep others at a distance and distrust others. She has witnessed the unfairness of her world, especially between wizards and familiars. Alise’s change of point-of-view differs from the rest of her peers, which makes her an outcast. I like how Alise and Cillian’s different natures compliments each other. Their strengths bolster the other’s weakness.

Cillian captured my attention since his first appearance in TWISTED MAGIC. He did NOT disappoint my expectations! Cillian is nothing like the snarky, broody hero-types I enjoy. He is also not the usual powerful and arrogant type generally found in books. Others will describe him as a cinnamon roll. Personally, I see him as a teddy bear with a white knight complex. Cillian can be levelheaded, but he can be absentminded when it comes to his interests and research. A nice change of pace.

RELUCTANT WIZARD is the first book in Jeffe Kennedy’s fantasy-romance trilogy, WARRIORS OF MAGIC. It is a continuation of her BONDS OF MAGIC and RENEGADES OF MAGIC series. RELUCTANT WIZARD picks up where TWISTED MAGIC leaves off. So, it is best to start from the very beginning with DARK WIZARD. It sets up the author’s world, the dynamics between wizards and familiars, the characters involved, and the current situation.

Nic and Gabriel and Seliah and Jadren do not make appearances in this book. They ARE mentioned. In Nic’s case, she does write to Alise. Hopefully, they will have a prominent or minor role in the next two installments. I need my Jadren fix (LOL).

Review: Jeffe Kennedy's TWISTED MAGIC

 

TWISTED MAGIC
Fantasy Romance

 

 

 AUTHOR:

Jeffe Kennedy

RELEASE DATE:
November 28, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Brightlynx Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0CFZR7KXD

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.jeffekennedy.com/home

 

 

Jadren El-Adrel fears yet yearns to learn the truth about himself and his magic. He has learned to work with his half-feral familiar, Seliah. Jadren receives a summons to return to House El-Adrel with Seliah. He knows his mother holds the answers he seeks, but he refuses to comply. When they kidnap Seliah, Jadren willingly returns, only to discover an unlikely ally. Will Jadren muster the courage to face his mother? Can he and Seliah help her brother against his enemies?

Seliah (Phel) El-Adrel finally has her wizard and his love. They are slowly learning the workings of his unique magic. Their tentative reprieve is shattered when Jadren’s mother orders them to return. Seliah knows she must bolster her snarky wizard’s bravado to confront his mother. She has taught him that they are stronger together than apart. Will Seliah’s words prove true? Can she help Jadren recognize his true potential? And at what expense?

It is no secret that I love snarky, broody wounded type heroes. Jadren has captured my rapt fascination (and love) since his introduction in BONDS OF MAGIC.  I like that the author explored some of the horrors Jadren experienced.  It explains why he behaves the way he does, his views, etc.  I also like that Jadren is slowly discovering his abilities, and yes, self-worth. He still harbors doubts. Years of trauma are not so easily erased. However, Jadren is learning to overcome it with Seliah’s help and love.

Seliah has come a long way since her introduction in BOM. She is no longer the half-mad, feral girl but a familiar learning the workings of her new world. I love how Seliah never gave up on Jadren. Even at his worst, she still saw his potential. Seliah understands him better than most because like him she was broken too.

TWISTED MAGIC is the third book in Jeffe Kennedy’s dark fantasy-romance trilogy, RENEGADES OF MAGIC – a continuation from her BONDS OF MAGIC series. I strongly advise starting with BOM before venturing into this series. BONDS OF MAGIC introduce the intricacies of the author’s world, the dynamics between wizards and familiars and the characters involved. RENEGADES OF MAGIC also continue the ongoing plot from BOM.

REVIEW: Casey Griffin's "ENGRAVE DANGER"

 

ENGRAVE DANGER
Paranormal, Cozy Mystery

 

 

AUTHOR:
Casey Griffin

RELEASE DATE:
March 27, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Charming Frog Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781990470295

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Violet Woods dreads returning home to Charm Island. The place holds painful memories of her fiancé, who died five years ago. Violet’s only reason for coming back is to help her injured father. She is greeted by her ghostly love AND a body floating in the harbor. Violet’s father is the number one suspect. She is determined to clear his name and find the true culprit. Violet also learns about her witchy lineage. Will her supernatural ability help Violet with the case? Or will she become the next victim?

Violet slowly grew on me. I understand her need to leave Charm Island, especially with the tragedy she endured. Losing a loved one is never easy. Then seeing his ghost only adds to the pain. I like Violet’s reaction on learning that she is a witch. The news shocked her. She needed time to mentally process it before accepting it. I hate it when movies and authors have a character instantly accept such news. I would be like Violet in a state of denial if someone sprung that on me.

ENGRAVE DANGER is the first book in Casey Griffin’s brand-new series, A CHARM ISLAND MYSTERY. It is also the author’s first jaunt in the cozy mystery genre. Since I love her doggie romance, I decided to give this new series and genre a try. It did not disappoint.

There is no romance nor sex scenes in this novel, which I am totally cool with. I hear there will be (romance) in the upcoming books. It is actually a nice change-of-pace reading a story without romance or sexy scenes. I am eager to see who Violet will be paired with.

The paranormal element is nicely done. It meshes well with the mystery. The fun part (for me) is guessing who out of the characters introduced are supernatural. I have a hunch on Max. I cannot wait to see if my guess is correct in the next installment!

REVIEW: Donna Grant's "Blood Skye"

 

BLOOD SKYE
Paranormal Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
March 11, 2025

PUBLISHER:
DL Grant, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781958353455

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://donnagrant.com/

 

 

Carlyle’s family has always been associated with the London Druids. He has no intention of joining that organization. Carlyle is a member of the Knights – a group who right the many wrongs their kind causes others. When he learns the London Druids are behind his father’s disappearance, Carlyle rushes back to England. He suspects Devon has the information he needs. However, circumstances cause Carlyle to work with her. What secrets will Carlyle and Devon unearth about their family? Or is there more afoot?

Devon – aka Song – is the London Druids’ fixer, assassin, and spy. She has her reasons for following the organization’s every command. Her latest assignment is to retrieve a mysterious object from a member. However, Song is confronted by Carlyle. When the organization turns against her, she has no other resource than to ally with Carlyle. Song learns new things about herself. Can Song break away from the London Druids alive? What part will she play in the upcoming war? And will Song be ready for it?

I really have no strong thoughts or opinions on either Carlyle or Song. However, I do like how Carlyle is helping Song take back her life. She has been the London Druid’s puppet since childhood, with no individuality. With Carlyle’s guidance, Song is learning what she likes, dislikes, etc. I also like that Carlyle gave her a place to belong… on Skye with the Knights and the Skye Druids

BLOOD SKYE is the sixth book in Donna Grant’s paranormal series, SKYE DRUIDS. It connects with the author’s others: DARK KINGS/DRAGON KINGS, DARK SWORDS/DARK WARRIORS, and REAPERS. This series can stand apart. Events from the prior books/series that are important to the world’s evolution and development are paraphrased. Couples from the other series often make appearances. In BLOOD SKYE, Nikolia, Esther, Henry, and Melisse play a small role.

Review: Angie Fox's "SECRETS, LIES, AND FIREFLIES"

 

SECRETS, LIES, AND FIREFLIES
Paranormal Romance

 

  AUTHOR:

Angie Fox

RELEASE DATE:
March 07, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Moose Island Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781957685298

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://angiefox.com/

 

Verity Long takes on her most personal case yet. One that hits close to home. A fire at Sugarland’s library not only brings back Verity’s grandmother… but reveals a body too. She is asked to help in the investigation by using her ghost-hunting skills. Verity learns that her Long ancestors are somewhat connected to the body. What more, she learns of a long-buried family secret. A secret that someone is willing to kill to possess.

Verity honestly annoyed me in this book. Part of me understands why she behaved the way she did towards Frankie. I would have done the same thing if my late grandmother returned. However, it almost turned into an obsession– one that could easily have dire and harmful circumstances. It shows such emotional growth on her part. Verity is no longer the person she was when her grandmother lived.

Both Frankie and Ellis did not play a big role in this story. Which saddens me! I had hoped that Didi’s return would have given Verity insight on how to unground Frankie. If not her than Didi’s grandmother. But nada! Ellis did get to play the gallant knight-in-shining armor. He made me fall in love with him all over again! Now I am ready for a double wedding: Ellis with Verity and Duranja with Melody!

The true hero of this book is Lucy! I love her part in capturing the bad guy! That is all I will say so not to put spoilers!

SECRETS, LIES, AND FIREFLIES is the fourteenth book in Angie Fox’s paranormal romance series, SOUTHERN GHOST HUNTER MYSTERIES. In some ways, the story can standalone. I would not suggest it. The prior thirteen books show Verity’s rocky relationship with her spectral sidekick, Frankie. Their trails and errors in their ghost-hunting. Their successes. And their character’s growth and evolution. I love seeing how Frankie has rubbed off on Verity. Little things she never realized until she did them.

Review: Janna MacGregor's "A SIMPLE SCANDAL"

 

A SIMPLE SCANDAL
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Janna MacGregor

RELEASE DATE:
February 25, 2025

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0D6FSDWY3

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Dane Ardeerton, the Duke of Pelham, decides it is time to take a wife. He already has the perfect candidate in mind. Dane knows he must make amends between them before he can win Lady Grace’s trust and affection. He already has the perfect candidate in mind. As a front to get closer to Lady Grace, Pelham hires her matchmaking services. The infuriating woman insists on introducing him to other potential brides. Can Pelham soothe all of Grace’s fears and uncertainties? Or will he lose Grace for a second time?

Lady Grace Webster earns the moniker The Governess amongst her peers. She helps her clients navigate the ton, avoid scandals, and find prospective marriage partners. Her latest client is none of than the Duke of Pelham, a man that Grace has history with. She tries to keep things professional between them, but Dane seems to have other plans. Can Grace trust Dane again with her vulnerable heart? Or will history repeat itself?

Dane has piqued my interest since his role in HOW TO BEST A MARQUESS, book three in THE WIDOW RULES series. At the time, I remember hoping the author would write a series centering around him and his sisters. And Jana MacGregor delivered. The only disappointment I have is that his story became a second chance (why is it all my favorite characters gets this trope). What I adore the most about Pelham is his protectiveness towards his sisters. He tends to be overprotective but that is understandable with their childhood. Pelham strives to give them a better life than the one they had as children.

I believe most of my problems with Grace stem from the trope used. Once it became evident in book one that she would become Dane’s match, that they had romantic history, I started to become emotional detached towards her. This always happens whenever I read that trope.  I had already adored Dane because of his appearance in HOW TO BEST A MARQUESS. I did commiserate with Grace. She found a respectable way to financially support herself, using the skills and assets afforded for her because of her noble birth.

A SIMPLE SCANDAL is the third installment of Janna MacGregor’s historical romance series, MILLIONAIRES OF MAYFAIR – a spinoff from the author’s WIDOW RULES books. The story (and series) can easily standalone. It IS more enjoyable to start from the beginning with A SIMPLE SEDUCTION. The first book reveals the siblings’ rearing with their dysfunctional parents. Instead of turning the siblings against one another, it only strengthened their bond and protectiveness. What I love the most is Beth and Grayson’s appearance at the end of the book.

The second-chance trope is what dampened my anticipation for this story. I could never get into that trope. It always makes me feel cheated out of the romance between the main couple. I also notice that it (second-chance trope) to be the current trend in stories of late.

Review: Sherrilyn Kenyon's "SIMI"

 

SIMI
Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Sherrilyn Kenyon

RELEASE DATE:
February 25, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0CX9MQ5GT

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Simi is an orphaned Charonte demon. She does have a powerful akri, who would slay anyone that dares hurt her. Simi’s innocent, childlike demeanor allows her to befriend all kinds of beings from demons to humans to even gods. She even meets the one who will one day win her heart. Their paths continually cross throughout the centuries, which only adds to their growing feelings. Simi will do anything to protect him, even anger her akri-daddy, Acheron.

Simi has always been a fan favorite. People have often speculated on who would be the best “fit” for her. And who would be able to stand up against Acheron. I admit being hesitant and skeptical. There is a part of me that wanted Simi to remain the same. But, then another part wanted to see her as an adult, enjoying the same experience as other couples from the series did. Strangely, I am still feeling ify about the person Simi ends up with. I felt oddly disconnected towards the end of the book. Perhaps it is the lengthy wait that colored my view on her happily-ever-after.

SIMI is the third book in the SHADOWS OF FIRE series, a continuation of the CHRONICLES OF NICK books. It is also a YA spin-off from the author’s wildly popular DARK-HUNTER books. Young Adult is not a genre that appeals to me. I never could get into them, so I am unfamiliar with the CON novels (my middle son has, and he loved them). I never heard of the SHADOWS OF FIRE series until this book. Now, I have read most (save for four or five, there abouts) of the DARK-HUNTER books.

The book starts with Simi’s point of view, including her unique speech patterns. It made it hard to read at first, until I got used to it. Then I followed the story much easier. It was fun to see Simi growing up throughout the centuries and seeing the people she meets along the way. I had a feeling about who the author would pair with Simi when he was introduced in the book.

What I love the most about this book is being reacquainted with old characters. Mama Lo, The Peltiers, Santuary, Deveraux sisters, Nick, and especially Cherise.  I never realized how much I missed them until they showed up in the book. It was also nice to meet the children from those beloved characters, even if they were merely mentioned.

REVIEW: Charis Michaels' "CLAIMING THE PRINCESS"

 

CLAIMING THE PRINCESS
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Charis Michaels  

RELEASE DATE:
August 26, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Avon

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780063280137

RATING:
4.75

AUTHOR LINK:
https://charismichaels.com/

 

 

Captain Luke Bannock, former smuggler turned privateer, never intended to become a war-hero. He simply wants to rescue his surrogate father and avenge his dead crew mates. As his reward of valor, Luke requests a marriage with the French princess living in exile. He plans on using her to confront his nemesis; however, the princess is not what Luke expected. He soon finds himself loath to include her in his revenge plot. Can Luke find another way to rescue his surrogate father without using Danielle?

Princess Danielle Allard d’Orleans never knew her royal French heritage. Her simple village life gets disrupted by the sudden news of her arranged marriage to a war hero. Danielle knows nothing about the handsome sea captain, but she senses there is more to Bannock than what he has told her. And he offers Dani a way to save her beloved Kent village. However, she soon learns Luke’s true reasons for marrying her. Can Danielle forgive Luke for all his lies? Will she help him rescue his surrogate father?

I have always been a sucker for the wounded / tortured hero types. So, it was inevitable that I would love Luke! He is haunted by the gruesome deaths of his crew and the kidnapping of his surrogate father. I like how Luke felt uncomfortable being labeled a “hero”. He believed he did not deserve that title. What I love the most about Luke is that he often wrestled with his guilty conscience. He hated lying or misleading the truth to Dani, but he felt that he had no other choice. Desperate men do desperate and risky things.

Danielle is a good fit for Luke. Both were raised by surrogates from a young age. This allows the two to easily identify with the other. I admire Danielle’s dedication to her hometown. She hates how it is becoming a ghost town due to a businessman’s greed. Dani knows, for it to thrive once again, she needs to find a way to bring back jobs for the townspeople. What I love the most about Danielle is how the news of her royal blood did not diminish her love for her adoptive family. She refused to push them out of her life but to share them with her missing sister and brother.

CLAIMING THE PRINCESS is the third and final book in Charis Michaels’ historical romance series, HIDDEN ROYALS. I started this series in the middle with THE PRINCE’S BRIDE. It made me want to read the next installment because I became invested in the d’Orlean siblings. I seriously need to read SAY YES TO THE PRINCESS, book one. Elise, Killian, and Gabriel - characters from the prior books – play important roles later in the story. I practically devoured this book in two days, even forgoing precious sleep.

There are only two things that kept me from giving this delightful book five stars. Bannock and his mother. Danielle alleged there was a valid reason his mother never was a part of his childhood. I sensed a story there. I even expected it to be touched on, but it never happened. If it was not going to be explored, then why bring it up? Heck, I would have been happy with it being covered in the epilogue.

My other small nitpick – I wish we knew what became of Amelia and Fernsby courtship. Did they wed? Did he get praised for his part at the end? Their courtship was a very minor detail in the story.

Review: Machi Yamashita's LOVE ON THE HORIZON

 

LOVE ON THE HORIZON, Volume 1
Boys Love

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Machi Yamashita

RELEASE DATE:
January 07, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comic

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888774021

RATING:
4

 

 

Nagi Kitagawa is a first-year art university student. Yuu Yamasaki is Nagi’s senpai and his neighbor. Whenever Yuu gets drunk at their club’s get together, Nagi brings him home and puts him to bed. Nagi realizes his feelings for his upperclassman deepening, especially after Yuu kissing him.  Does Yuu share Nagi’s feelings?

The art style is a little different than what I am used to. It was not off-putting.

LOVE ON THE HORIZON is a sweet, heartwarming story. There was no real conflict that stood in the boys’ way. I like how Yuu went to talk to Nagi when he thought his kohai avoiding him, instead of letting it drag on.

I would definitely read the next one to see how Nagi and Yuu’s relationship progresses. Also, to see if any obstacles crop up that they both need to tackle.

Review: Nalini Singh's ARCHANGEL'S ASCENSION

 

ARCHANGEL'S ASCENSION
Paranormal Romance

 

  

AUTHOR:
Nalini Singh

RELEASE DATE:
May 06, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Berkley

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780593550038

RATING:
5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://nalinisingh.com/

 

 

Illium and Aodhan – Bluebell and Sparkles– are two valuable members of Archangel Raphael’s Seven. Slowly, they must adjust to the newness of their changed relationship. The two angels agree to investigate a cold case that mirrors Aodhan’s traumatic past. This case prompts Aodhan to finally confront his inner demons and heal with his lover’s assistance. However, ascension threatens Illium. Will ascension destroy Illium and Aodhan’s bond?

Illium and Aodhan have always been my favorites from the start of the series. Honestly, I liked them more than I did the main characters. Illium has this infectious personality that one cannot help being drawn too. He made me smile and laugh. I remember empathizing with Aodhan, curious about the pain lurking beneath the man’s façade. The two angels went through amazing growth throughout the entire series. Did I see them becoming a couple? No. Am I happy about it? Heck yes, I am! It made sense to me.

ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION is book seventeen in Nalini Singh’s best-selling (and popular) paranormal romance series, GUILD HUNTER. It is best to start this series from the beginning. They set up the author’s unique world – a kind of parallel universe to ours with angels ruling. The books also show the deep bonds Adi and Blue share, not only themselves, but with certain others.

I would also highly suggest reading ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT, book fourteen, before this one. It shows the evolution of their relationship from friendship to lovers.

Beloved characters (Elena, Raphael, Dmitri, Naasir) from the prior books make frequent appearances throughout the story. I like how the author breaks the story into parts. We get glimpses of Adi and Blue’s future.

I hope there will be more books following Illium and Aodhan. I would love to read my precious Bluebell rocking the Cadre’s foundation with his Sparkles’ aid.

Review: Julie Ann Walker "BLACK MOON RISING"

 

BLACK MOON RISING   
Romantic suspense

 

 

AUTHOR:
Julie Ann Walker

RELEASE DATE:
March 25, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Limerence Publications LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781950100194

RATING:
5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://julieannwalker.com/

Britton “Brit” Rollins, former Army Ranger, is a covert operative for Black Knights Inc. He masquerades as a motorcycle mechanic to keep his true job a secret. Brit cannot seem to shake his growing interest in a certain blond federal agent. When his ex-con brother shows up unexpectantly, Britton agrees to help clear his name. Even if it puts him at odds with Agent O’Toole. Can Brit convince Julia to help him find the traitor within her Bureau’s ranks? Or will this fiasco reveal the truth about Black Knight Inc.?

Federal agent Julia O’Toole is damned good at her job. She could never get the handsome mechanic at Black Knights Inc from her mind, or her fantasies. When a case falls into her lap, it gives Julia a valid reason to approach Britton. She suspects there is more to the man and the shop than it appears. While chasing after Britton and his brother, Julia learns there is a traitor in the FBI. Will Julia jeopardize her hard-earned career for Britton? Can she convince the stubborn man to take a chance with them?

Britton is an adrenaline-junkie. There is only one risk he dares not take (or touch): love. I understand his hesitation of losing his heart to someone. The mind conjures all types of thoughts and reasons to protect itself from being further hurt. What I adore the most about Britton is his willingness to help his brother. Some family members write their kin off once they go to prison. Brit knows his brother is uncapable of murder. Petty crime, yes. Murder, no.

Julia is a tough-as-nails woman. A necessity to carve out a niche for herself in a male-dominated occupant. Julia does not allow male egos, or testosterone, stand in her way of doing her job. I like how Julia remains open-minded when presented with new facts and evidence. She does not close her mind to the possibility of one’s innocence, as some agents would. While they think of elevating their career, Julia wants to uphold justice. I find that admirable of her character.

BLACK MOON RISING is the third book in Julie Ann Walker’s romantic suspense series, BLACK KNIGHT INC: RELOADED – a spinoff from her popular BLACK KNIGHT INC books. It is not necessary to read the prior series before this one. But boy, oh boy would you miss out! Boss, Becky, and Ozzie, characters from BKI, make frequent appearances throughout the entire book. It is always great to see the original gang again! I really miss them! And we cannot forget the resident Black Knight’s mascot, Peanut!

In my opinion, it is not a Black Knights book without Ozzie. I have always adored his character from the very beginning!  His antics and quips make me laugh every time. I always fist bump the air when his character makes an appearance. Ozzy really is my ideal soul mate, lol. Though, I bet my husband would frown being replaced so easily by a fictional character! And his love for 80’s music and hairbands! Am I a nerd for knowing the two bands (Tesla and Skid Row) mentioned, especially the songs. I even started humming the melodies. Okay, I itched to find the two songs on my Ipod to listen to them.

There is one thing I am dying to know. Kerberos. Will we learn who they are in future books… Or (hint, hint), is there a possibility of a spin off about the hacker group? I would be down with that! Especially, if the Black Knight boys, both new and old, will be involved.

Julie Ann Walker never fails to enrapture me with her characters and books. I always grin in eager anticipation whenever a new Black Knights Inc ARC hits my inbox. I can be sicker than a dog or dead tired, but that does not stop me from delving head-first into her book. Now to wait for Hew and Sabrina’s book! The wait is going to kill me!

Review: Donna Grant's "THE UNCROWNED KING"

 

THE UNCROWNED KING
Fantasy Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
January 14, 2025

PUBLISHER:
DL Grant, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0D9FTXP2N

RATING:
3

AUTHOR LINK:
https://donnagrant.com/

 

 

Kora wants to rescue Derek from Meina’s evil machinations. However, she must partner with another enemy to achieve her goal. She also finds allies, and acceptance, with the Dragon Kings and their mates. When they finally locate Derek, she willingly faces death to help retrieve his stolen memories. Will Kora’s love be enough to reach Derek? Can they defeat Meina? And what about her questionable partnership with Villette?

Derek wakes with no recollection of his past. All he knows is what Meina tells him, yet he is hesitant to believe the Star Person. Derek cannot forget the faceless woman who has been haunting his dreams. Derek believes the Dragon Kings and the hellhound is responsible for all his losses. However, something about the hellhound feels familiar. Will Derek regain his missing memories? Or will it be too late? And who can Derek trust?

I am still not enamored with the hellhound- angle. I hoped that my opinion would change with the second part. Perhaps, if Kora morphed/shape-changed into a canine form like the Dragon Kings did, I would have liked her better. Hellhounds are not really my favorite kind of supernatural creatures. That could be my hangup. Derek and Kora are okay – they never really changed my feelings and thoughts about them from the first book. Neither really grabbed me or invested me.

THE UNCROWNED KING is the final book in Donna Grant’s fantasy-romance series, THE BASTARD DUOLOGY. The story picks up immediately where the first book leaves off. So, it is necessary to read THE BASTARD KING before venturing into this one.

I have a couple of nitpicks, things that just did not work for me. The first one is that there were too many characters mentioned. This boggled down the pacing. They had no real purpose in and with the plot. I feel for new readers it would be too overwhelming and confusing.

Another nitpick of mine is the repetitious retelling of the Dragon Kings’ plight on Earth as dialogue. Long time readers and fans of the DARK KINGS/DRAGON KINGS series already know the tale. I feel the author can get away with “and so they/he/she explained what happened on earth between Dragon Kings, the humans” etc. I skip over those parts because it feels long-winded, and it jars me out of the story’s momentum.

There is one aspect that I really liked. It is small, but it piqued my curiosity and interest. The tomte. I have never heard of this species/creature before. Learning about new species is always fun for me.