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.

Review: Amelia Grey's LOVE, THE DUKE

 

LOVE, THE DUKE
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Amelia Grey

RELEASE DATE:
April 01, 2025

PUBLISHER:
St. Martin’s Paperback

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781250850461

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://ameliagrey.com/

 

 

Miss Ophelia Stowe is a vicar’s sister. When a religious artifact is stolen from her late brother’s vicarage, she intends to recover it. Ophelia’s search brings her to London and to the Duke of Hurstbourne’s door. The infuriating man refuses to help her search the tone for the missing relic. He instead offers a marriage of convenience to rein in Ophelia’s reckless pursuit. Can Ophelia find the chalice before the new vicar takes over?

Drake Kingsley, Duke of Hurstbourne, receives a letter from a friend, asking him to marry his sister. He declines, only to have the woman show up at his home in disguise asking for help. Hurst cannot ignore his growing attraction to the headstrong beauty. He also knows he needs to rein in her reckless search for the stolen artifact. Can Hurst convince Ophelia to follow his strategy on locating the chalice? Or will her recklessness rub off on him?

I could not really connect with Ophelia like I did with Fredericka and Edwina. There were times when she simply irritated me.  I understand Ophelia’s reasons for searching for the stolen artifact. She did not want her late brother’s good name tarnished. I respect and admire that sentiment. However, it felt like Ophelia refused to listen to reason. It was either her way or no way at all.

There were moments when Hurst’s high-handedness made me want to throttle him. He could have been more sympathetic and understanding towards Ophelia’s need to preserve her brother’s reputation. I get that his tumultuous past with his father colored his views on how things should be done. I wish that he and Ophelia could have compromised on the search for the stolen chalice. It would have made for a more enjoyable read than the two butting heads at every angle.

LOVE, THE DUKE is the third and final book in Amelia Grey’s historical romance series, SAY I DO. The story can standalone. The heroes from the previous two books (Wyatt and Rick) make occasional appearances throughout the story. I wish their ladies (Fredericka and Edwina) had a more prominent role. I feel they would have easily championed Ophelia’s endeavor and forced Hurst’s hand into helping her. It would have made the story more fun and entertaining.

Review: Angie Fox and KC Bailey's DEATH AT THE ICE HOTEL

 

DEATH AT THE ICE HOTEL
Mystery

 

 AUTHOR:

Angie Fox and KC Bailey

RELEASE DATE:
January 03, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Purple Couch Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798992181906

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://angiefox.com/  and https://www.kathleencordeliabailey.com/#/

 

 

Leia Peterson wants to honor her late friend’s memory by fulfilling some of their childhood wishes. She convinces her long-time best friend Katherine to accompany her. The two women travel to Minnesota to enjoy a festival that includes staying in a hotel made from ice. However, Leia and Kat never expected to find themselves neck-deep in a mystery. Will they be able to solve the icy mystery before the end of their vacation? Or is it a case that is best left alone?

I am used to reading books where the main characters are either in their 20’s or 30’s. Leia and Katherine are in either their late forties or early fifties. It is a nice change of pace to read a story where the characters are closer to my own age. I could relate a bit more with them. I like how both women wanted to honor their late friend’s memory by taking this journey. In the process, Leia and Katherine are re-connecting.

DEATH AT THE ICE HOTEL is the first book in Angie Fox’s brand-new series, WANDERLUST MYSTERIES, with author KC BAILEY. This book is quite different from what I usually come to expect from Angie Fox. There is no romance whatsoever. For people expecting a romance, they might be disappointed. Personally, I did not mind. It did take me a while to get into the story. Also, I am unfamiliar with KC BAILEY and her works.

Review: Suzanne Enoch's "A DUKE NEVER TELLS"

 

A DUKE NEVER TELLS
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Suzanne Enoch

RELEASE DATE:
April 01, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Bramble

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781250331090

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://suzanneenoch.com/

 

 

Lady Margaret “Meg” Pinwell learns about the advantageous match her parents made for her. She knows nothing about her ducal betrothed except for what she has read in the papers. With her aunt’s help, Meg masquerades as a lady’s companion and visits his country estate. However, an accident forces both women to continue their disguises. Meg finds she prefers the duke’s rapscallion butler than him. Which man will Meg ultimately choose? The aristocrat? Or the butler?

James Clay, the Duke of Earnhurst, has no interest in restoring his ancestral home. He enjoys annoying his man of business - that he inherited from his late father. When two women show up, unannounced, James introduces his employee as the duke. However, an unfortunate accident forces James and Elliott to continue the ruse. He never expected to fall in love with a lady’s companion. She becomes James’ reason in fixing up his home. Will his guests learn of his and Elliott’s true identities? But at what price?

I could not connect with either Meg or Clara. There were moments when both women annoyed me. I understand Meg’s concern about the validity behind the rumors surrounding James. Any sheltered young woman would be. What I disliked the most about Meg is the opinion she formed about Elliott. She had already made up her mind about him. Meg did not want to see his good points, just the bad.

I did not care much for James’ attitude. However, he slowly endeared himself to me. I understand some of James’ anger towards his late father and jealousy of Elliott. It is just a shame that he and his father could not have made amends.

A DUKE NEVER TELLS is a standalone historical romance by Suzanne Enoch. This book contains two romances. It did feel like it centered more on Clara and Elliott’s romance than Meg and James. For some reason, this book did not grab me like the author’s past works.

REVIEW: Jill Shalvis' THE LOVE FIX

 

THE LOVE FIX
Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction

 

AUTHOR:

Jill Shalvis

RELEASE DATE:
June 24, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Avon and Harper

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780063353442

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Lexi Clark’s life is a mess. Jobless, she returns home at her stepsister’s behest. Sunrise Cove holds too many painful memories for Lexi. She grudgingly agrees to honor her mother’s final wish – to make amends to the people she had wronged. The endeavor allows Lexi to see her mother in a different way. She also forges bonds with her stepsister and her childhood nemesis-turned-crush. Can Lexi finally let go of her past resentment? Will Sunrise Cove offer what she truly needs?

Heath Bowman spends his time, and energy, taking care of his grandfather and others. Lexi’s return to Sunrise Cove sends him into a quandary. He manages to convince Lexi to complete her mother’s last wish. Heath finds himself volunteering to accompany her along the journey. He cannot ignore the chemistry brewing between them, but he is hesitant to start something. Will Heath and Lexi’s trust issues stand in their way? Can he let Lexi go once she finishes her task?

Heath and Lexi’s background broke my heart. Both were hurt by a parental figure but in different ways. I understand why Heath and Lexi both keep people at arm’s length. They have been hurt too many times by the few individuals they let in. Since they have so much in common, they understand each other.

What I adore the most about Lexi is how she does not need Heath to fix her problems. She rather meets her challenges and problems on her own terms. I like how Heath never once tried to push Lexi to forgive her mother. Yeah, it often puts him in a difficult position.

THE LOVE FIX is the eighth book in Jill Shalvis’ contemporary romance, women’s fiction series, SUNRISE COVE. Each book in this series can stand alone because each story has a new cast of characters. There is no on-going or carried-over plot.

Jill Shalvis never disappoints me. I know to anticipate humor to lighten up the tough subject matters she touches on in each book. She also includes a quirky pet that warms my heart whenever I read her stories.

Gus, Heath’s cankerous grandfather, is my favorite character. His antics made me giggle. He made the book so dang enjoyable!

REVIEW: Larissa Ione's "LEGACY OF CHAOS"

 

LEGACY OF CHAOS
Paranormal Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
December 03, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781963135084

RATING:
5

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

 

 

Stryke is the super-genius son of Shade and Runa, a Seminus demon and a warg. A tragedy causes him to alienate himself from his family and to start an anti-demon tech company. He reluctantly allows a DART agent to work with him to create a specialized weapon for their agency. The woman is not afraid to show her open dislike of him. Can Stryke forgive himself for his part in his brother’s death? Or is there more at play than he is aware of?

Cyan is the senior technomancer for DART. She blames Stryke and his company for the deaths of her best friend and her parents. When a chance to work with him arises, Cyan agrees only to make trouble for the incubus. However, she begins to see the guilt-ridden man hidden beneath his aloof and arrogant exterior. Can Cyan help Stryke overcome his trauma? And will helping him help her come to terms with her own grief?

It is no secret that I have a softness for the wounded/tortured hero types. So Stryke checked all my boxes and then some. My heart hurt over all the pain and guilt he carried over the years, alone (by his own design). I wish his family had understood Stryker’s reasons for alienating himself from them sooner. But, I also understand why they did not. They too were dealing with their own grief in their own ways.

Cyan is no stranger to grief. I believe that is how she was able to see the guilt-wracked person beneath the veneer. I like how Cyan wanted to help Stryker move past his trauma and guilt, once she understood him. And in doing so, she remembered fond memories of family and friend.

LEGACY OF CHAOS is the second book in Larissa Ione’s paranormal romance series, DEMONICA BIRTHRIGHT. It is a continuation, of sorts, of the author’s DEMONICA and LORDS OF DELIVERANCE books…  but with the next generation. I suggest new readers begin there before jumping into this series (for many reasons). A lot of the world - its current situation, Seminus demon, etc - are explained in those books. Plus, they rock!

I have been a long-time fan of Larissa Ione’s books. So, when I got the email that I was chosen to review this book, I squeed in happiness. I practically devoured it, forgoing sleep and other things (Larissa’s books do that to me). It is also great to see old favorites return but playing supporting roles. I love seeing what kind of parents they became! Now I must wait until late next year (2025) for the next installment. THAT is going to be rough!