Review for Kinley MacGregor's ACROSS ENEMY LINES

 

ACROSS ENEMY LINES
WWII Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kinley MacGregor

RELEASE DATE:
November 24, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0GH42NLYX

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Amandine Lundy keeps a low profile and strives to remain neutral in her war-torn city. But neutrality is impossible with one sister leading the Resistance while the other dates a Nazi officer. After her younger sister reveals Amandine’s knowledge of explosives, she falls under Nazi’s control. Her only hope of escape and protection is from an undercover spy. Will Amandine be forced to choose a side? And can she survive to see her beloved Paris liberated from Nazi occupation?

Sebastian Edwards is an SIS agent sent to infiltrate the Nazy army in Paris. He has been quietly removing the explosive engineers the Nazis employ to bomb the city, until Amandine. Sebastian notices she is unlike her opportunistic sister, and that she refuses to destroy the city she loves. When a mistake threatens to expose him, he takes Amandine with him as he escapes. Will Sebastian discover who his true allies are? And can he protect Amandine during this turbulent time?

I could not help but sympathize with Amandine. She is a single woman trying to survive a bleak and unstable time. Amandine understands the danger of choosing a side, yet both sisters drag her into an impossible situation without regard for her thoughts and feelings. What I admire most is her refusal to help either side destroy her beloved city. Though Amandine wants to live, she would rather remove herself from the conflict than become an instrument of its destruction.

Sebastian is easy to like. His occasional cheekiness, especially towards his superiors, provides welcome comic relief. The strain of maintaining his cover is evident in his paranoia and second-guessing himself in situations. What I admire the most about Sebastian is his protectiveness towards Amandine. He recognizes that she has been forced into the conflict and wants nothing to do with their plans. And he never abandons her to save himself.

ACROSS ENEMY LINES is a standalone novel by Kinley MacGregor (aka Sherrilyn Kenyon). This genre is outside my normal wheelhouse. I tend to stick to paranormal romance, fantasy, fantasy romance, romantic suspense, contemporary or historical romances (mostly regency). AEL is a first for me in the World War II era and a welcome change of pace.

The main reason I picked up this book is because of the author, Kinley MacGregor. I am familiar with her historical romances and her paranormal romances written under her alias Sherrilyn Kenyon. The romance in AEL is very subtle nothing like her other books. And there are absolutely no sex scenes. The author focuses more on the storyline, which I am totally okay with. I can see some readers and fans will be disappointed.

Another thing I noticed is that AEL did not have the author’s trademark snarky wit.  Honestly, the story did not need it. Sebastian was cheeky, but nothing compared to the author’s other well-known and beloved characters.

Review for the graphic novel adaption of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

 

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Graphic Novel Adaptation

 

 AUTHOR:

Gaston Leroux

ILLUSTRATOR:
Paul Brizzi and Gaetan Brizzi

RELEASE DATE:
April 06, 2027

PUBLISHER:
Abrams ComicArts

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781419793950

RATING:
2.5

 

 

I first discovered The Phantom of the Opera through the title song from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, sung by Susan Brightman and Michael Crawford. Years later, a friend rekindled my interest in it (she is a diehard fan). Although I have not read Gaston Leroux’s version, I have read Susan Kay’s PHANTOM and Frederich Forsyth’s THE PHANTOM OF MANHATTAN. I have even watched the movie with Gerard Butler. So, I am familiar with the storyline.

The art style disappointed me. I had expected something closer to comic book or Disney style. Now the illustrators did a great job with the background. I just wished the characters had a little more depth and personality to them. The style used for the people reminds me of newspaper political cartoons or book illustrations, especially the latter with the black and white pencil art.

What really threw me off was the dialogue bubbles. I did not like how they were done. It made it hard to follow the story or dialogue.

Review for Alexandra Ivy's "EVERYONE'S A LIAR"

 

EVERYONE’S A LIAR
Suspenseful Thriller

 

AUTHOR:
Alexandra Ivy

RELEASE DATE:
October 27, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kensington

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
1496755499

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://alexandraivy.com/

 

 

Livia Benoit runs a real estate business in New Orleans. When her latest boyfriend has catfished her, she realizes there is more to the deception. Livia attends the mandatory annual reunion at the Benoit family home, but danger shadows her every move. The only person she can trust is her childhood friend, Deputy Sheriff Bryce Swift. What secrets about the Benoits will the bayous reveal? And can Livia survive long enough for them to come to light?

Livia pleasantly surprised me. I like that she sees herself as the Benoit family’s “black sheep”. Unlike her relatives, she is neither money-hungry nor status-obsessed. Livia prefers working than living the life of a bored and pampered socialite. Although she attends the mandatory family reunion to collect her trust fun allowance, she invests it in her business rather than flaunting it.

Byrce may be a secondary character, but she plays an important role in the story. I like how easily she accepts Livia. She knows that Livia is not conceited or self-absorbed like her Benoit kin. I adore how Byrce immediately helps Livia with her “catfishing boyfriend” problem. She did not brush it aside as nothing or assume it is Livia manufacturing drama. Bryce did get annoyed whenever her friend stuck her nose in dangerous situations.

EVERYONE’S A LIAR is a standalone mystery-suspense thriller by Alexandra Ivy. I have mostly read this author’s paranormal romances and decided to try one of her thrillers. It did not disappoint! The suspense kept me glued to the pages, eager to see what would happen next.

There is no romance for the main character Livia – which I am totally cool with. A possible romance between secondary characters (Bryce and Finn) is hinted at, at the end.

My main reason for picking up this book to read is the setting: New Orleans. I am a sucker for any story that is set in this infamous place. The author does an incredible job painting the picture of the mansion (The Willows) surrounded by wild bayous.

Review for Den Mitao's KISS OR DIE TRYING! Volume 1

 

KISS OR DIE TRYING! Volume 1
Boys Love, Romantic Comedy

 

AUTHOR:
Den Mitao

RELEASE DATE:
December 08, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888779088

RATING:
4

 

 

Kanemaru is a relationship hopper – he falls in love easily though the relationships never last. His latest crush, Liu, works at his favorite restaurant. Liu is an international student – he transferred to Japan in search of safety and peace. He is unaware of the playboy’s interest. That changes when the two are taken hostage during a robbery. Hijinks ensue. Will this relationship be different for Kanemaru? And will Liu reciprocate his feelings?

For all of Kanemaru’s faults, he is a cinnamon roll. I believe his inability to commit to his relationships stems from being orphaned and abandoned young. I love how Kanemaru always asks for consent before kissing Liu. Some people may find that annoying. I feel this shows that he genuinely cares about Liu, and he wants to avoid making him uncomfortable.

Liu remains an enigma, with only few scattered details mentioned about him. The manga does not really reveal his nationality (not that I noticed). What is known about Liu is his uncanny ability to escape hostile and dangerous situations with ease. I like how Liu’s unintentional influence causes Kanemaru to take his college studies more seriously. I wonder if more about his background will be revealed in future volumes?

KISS OR DIE TRYING! is more light-hearted, romantic comedy BL fluff. The art style reminds me of Gravitation, especially with Kanemaru’s design. I am still undecided if I want this manga in my personal collection or follow future volumes.

Review for Sherrilyn Kenyon's THE WARRIOR

 

THE WARRIOR
Historical Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Sherrilyn Kenyon (aka Kinley MacGregor)

RELEASE DATE:
November 03, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0HJMN5LZH

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Lochlan MacAllister is the laird of a powerful Scottish clan. He sets out to uncover the truth after that his brother faked his death. His search leads him to France, where he again encounters the infuriating hoyden Cat. Lochlan rescues her from her attackers, only to find them both pursued by the French royal guard. The truth he seeks is far darker than he imagined. Can Lochlan protect Cat from those hunting her? And will he find his missing brother alive?

Catarina is the illegitimate daughter of the French king. She refuses to become her father’s political pawn, so she repeatedly evades his attempts to bring her back to France. While escaping her kidnappers, Cat is rescued by an unlikely savior. When Lochlan agrees to help her, she joins his quest. Catarina never expected to fall in love with the stoic Highlander. Can she escape the fate her royal father has planned? Or will she be forced to leave the only man she trusts and love?

I already knew some about Lochlan’s upbringing from his brothers’ stories. It is remarkable that he did not become hard or cynical. Instead, he grew into a man opposite of his abusive sire: a responsible laird who puts his family and clan’s well-being before his own. I understand Lochlan’s reluctance to allow a woman into his heart. He had already been betrayed once in the most horrendous way possible. What I adore the most about Lochlan is his kindness towards the less fortunate. He refuses to allow anyone to be taken advantage of in his presence.

Catarina did not appeal to me. Which is surprising since she seems to be the type of heroine I usually prefer. I cannot pinpoint what exactly about Cat that rubs me the wrong way.  I just did not care about her character when she first appeared in THE SCOTSMAN, book four. Catarina is Lochlan’s opposite.  She knows that he carries the weight of his clan on his shoulders. I like how Cat tries to encourage Lochlan to think and live for himself for once.

THE WARRIOR is the seventh book in Sherrilyn Kenyon’s historical romance series, BROTHERHOOD OF THE SWORD and MACALLISTER. Originally released in 2007 by Avon by the same title but under the author’s other alias, Kinley MacGregor. Sherrilyn has re-published the series (except for Simon’s novella) with different covers and new titles. As with the other books in this series, I first read THE WARRIOR when it was released in 2007. I have not revisited them until recently. Much of the books’ contents I have forgotten except for the ending. That will always remain memorable to me.

I am ecstatic that Simon appears in this book. He has become a favorite side character of mine and sorely missed in the last couple novels. Stryder and Rowena, the couple from book five (THE CHAMPION) play important roles in the story. And we finally get to meet the elusive The Scot. I have been curious about him and his identity.

I do have one request (or inquiry) for the author? Would she please consider writing more in this series? That is if she has the rights. There is a slew of side characters I would dearly love to see get a happily-ever-after. I am probably not the only fan who feels that way. In the last book, it was Corryn. In this story, it is Kestrel.

Review for Shana Galen's "A LONDON CRIME LORD TAKES A BRIDE"

 

A LONDON CRIME LORD TAKES A BRIDE
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Shana Galen

RELEASE DATE:
March 23, 2027

PUBLISHER:
Berkley Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798217188536

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://shanagalen.com/

 

 

Charity Claremont is the twenty-eight-year-old spinster of a viscount. She discovers that her mother has sold her hand in marriage to the infamous crime lord, Baron of Blackfriars. With homelessness as her only alternative, Charity accepts the arrangement. Her new husband is nothing like the man portrayed in the papers. She understands why Trig married her; she also knows the ton will never fully accept him. Can Charity adapt to her new life?

Trig Blackfriars is known throughout London as the notorious crime lord Baron of Blackfriar. He strives for respectability – and marrying into the peerage is the key to achieve that. When Charity’s mother seeks him for financial support, Trig agrees on one condition: her daughter’s hand in marriage. He never expects his bride to captivate him. When his rival threatens everything he has built or loved, Trig is determined to protect Charity at any cost. Will he achieve the respectability he desires?

The entire story is written solely from Charity’s point-of-view. So, readers gain insight into her thoughts, perceptions and feelings. I dislike the childhood Charity’s parents forced upon her – her father’s mistreatment and her mother’s indifference. Honestly, I feel she should cut her mother completely out of her life. What I like the most about Charity is that she never looked down on Trig or acted superior. She treated him as she would anyone else. There were no class distinctions between them.

What is there not to like about Trig? Through sheer grit and determination, he rose from the butter to become a wealthy businessman. I love that, before they married, Trig informed Charity she would always have a choice with him. Something her father and everyone else in her life had denied her. What I adore the most about Trig is that he gave Charity a library. That is every modern bookworm’s dream. Best of all, Trig refused to restrict what she read like most men in that era.

A LONDON CRIME LORD TAKES A BRIDE is the first book in Shana Galen’s brand-new historical romance series, MONKS OF BLACKFRIARS. This is the second book I have read by this author, and I enjoyed it like the first. It did take me some time to adjust to the first-person perspective. I have no issue with that style, although I do know some readers who do. Some of my favorite books are written in it, such as Susan Kay’s PHANTOM and Jenniferson Roberson’s CHRONICLES OF THE CHEYSULI series.

The lengthy title is what first caught my attention on Netgalley. And the synopsis convinced me to give the book a try. I enjoy stories that feature gaming clubs and crime lords. They offer a nice change-of-pace than the usual personages in haut ton. I love the “nod” to A SHOPE GIRL’S GUIDE TO WOOING A LORD, the first book in the author’s THE HEIRESS HUNTER series.

I cannot wait for new releases for both series!

 

Review for Sherrilyn Kenyon's "THE OUTSIDER"

 

THE OUTSIDER
Historical Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Sherrilyn Kenyon/Kinley MacGregor

RELEASE DATE:
October 13, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0HJMGHQS2

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Christian of Acre is known amongst the Brotherhood of the Sword as the Abbott. He has no desire to claim his birthright or his betrothed – until the choice is taken from him. A beautiful, naked stranger appears in his room and claims to be his wife. When assassins strike, Christian has no other option but to help her. He tries to resist Adara’s charms, but something about the woman soothes his traumatized soul.

Adara is the queen of a small nation. She refuses to yield to a power-hungry usurper determined to seize her throne. To protect her people, Adara must quickly find her husband and consummate their marriage. She is dismayed to discover that Christian has no interest in claiming his rightful place as king. When they are besieged by assassins, Adara hopes to persuade him to reconsider. Or give her an heir.

Christian is a tormented soul, haunted by his time in a Saracen prison. I admire how he offers the dying comfort and last rites despite his wavering faith. That must have draining consequences on a young teenager’s mind. I also like how Christian takes his duties within the Brotherhood of the Sword seriously. He knows the personal toll it will take, and yet, he remains committed in helping each rescued soul the Brotherhood finds.

I am still unsure how to feel or think about Adara. I like that she first thinks of her people before worrying about herself. Normally, monarchs see their people as expendable pawns. I also like how steadfast Adara kept to their marriage. However, she seemed to idealize what a husband should be, and she tried to impose that on Christian.

THE OUTSIDER is the sixth book in Sherrilyn Kenyon’s historical romance series, A BROTHERHOOD OF THE SWORD (fifth book in MACALLISTER series). Originally released in 2005 by Avon as RETURN OF THE WARRIOR under the author’s other alias, Kinley MacGregor. Sherrilyn has re-published the series (all except one novella) with different covers and titles.

I first read this story when it was released in 2005 and have not revisited it until now. I remembered some scenes and characters, others not so much. It was wonderful to return to a beloved series from my younger years. I do have one question for the author. Is she considering writing more books in this series? Please, please say yes. There are many side characters, members of the Brotherhood especially, I would like to see get a happily ever after. Corryn is one of them. She is so spunky and fun!