Broken (The Four #3) by Layla Frost-review

Broken (The Four #3) by Layla Frost-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 1, 2024

You know the deal by now. Fated mates. Nefarious baddies. Grumpy-sunshine. And all the spicy tension.

I’d been called a lot of things.

Cold.
Cynical.
Jaded.

An antisocial basta—You get the point.

I’d say it came with being an overworked doctor, but that wasn’t the case. In my own personal purgatory, I’d lost touch with what I was meant to do—who I was.
Until I got stuck in a hospital elevator with a beautiful, broken woman. Comforting her through hell reminded me why I’d become a doctor in the first place.
I had no clue why, but the hippie goddess consumed my thoughts. I was obsessed. From the first touch, I knew I wasn’t going to let her go.
And that was before I got my memories back.

At the best of times, I was crap at relationships—and we were far from the best of times.
Thrust into a war I’d forgotten, I had to find a way to explain that we were targets of the soul stealing organization that’d cursed me.
That magicks, fate, Heaven, and Hell were not just tales.
That she was my mate.
The literal other half of my soul.
Unequivocally mine.

•••••••

REVIEW:Let’s see if I can keep this short and sweet…Broken is book three in the paranormal romance series by Layla Frost. The first two books, Styx and Stoned must be read before going into Broken, there is far too much goodness that happens in the first two books that readers can’t miss.

Lennon and Lilith’s story was the best way to start off the month of love. These two are such a kick in the pants together, even without all the other drama going on in the storyline, the two main leads will take you on the best adventure. Readers who love a little grumpy/sunshine romance, tossed in with fated mates and paranormal vibes, you will love Broken. Be warned though fellow readers, you will live in all your feels for a while after this one! I sure did.

Fantastic job to Ms. Author, we patiently waited for the next book in the Four series, and I can totally say it was well worth the wait. But I totally can’t wait to see what comes next of our lovely little group of crazies.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

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Growing up, Layla Frost used to hide under her blanket with a flashlight to read the Sweet Valley High books she pilfered from her older sister. It wasn’t long before she was reading hidden Harlequins during class at school. This snowballed into pulling all-nighters after the promise of “just one more chapter”.

Her love of reading, especially the romance genre, took root early and has grown immeasurably until it was time to write her own stories.

When she’s not writing, Layla Frost is an insomniac with a deep love of iced coffee, tchotchkes, plants, and her hens. She’s also the world’s okayest mom, but her kids think she’s cool… ish.

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INTO THE BARGAIN (Clandestine Magic ) by Colleen Cowley -review

INTO THE BARGAIN (Clandestine Magic Fairy Tale) by Colleen Cowley -review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 31, 2024

A young lady with no income—and shortly no home—must be in want of a wizard husband.

Pen Novak has two weeks to find someone to marry. Otherwise, she’ll be spirited off to live with her awful uncle. Fortunately, her town’s omnimancer is on the market, and he plans to choose someone at a ball in thirteen days.

Unfortunately, he’s not the type to appreciate cleverness, persistence or anything else Pen has to offer. Enter the wizard’s intriguing assistant, who makes her a bargain: a magical brew that could virtually guarantee her selection, in exchange for a favor. Which he won’t specify. Nor will he tell her his name.

Of course she shouldn’t accept. Especially as she starts to notice his fine eyes and tempting lips. But with all the job openings in town meant for men only, what other choice does a young lady—or, rather, a not quite so young lady—really have?

INTO THE BARGAIN is a fairy-tale-inspired fantasy romance set in the Clandestine Magic world, shortly before the events of the trilogy that begins with SUBVERSIVE. This quick read (21,000 word) novella is a standalone story with an HEA, perfect for fans of gaslamp fantasy, feminist awakenings and slow-burn romance with some steam.

••••

REVIEW: INTO THE BARGAIN by Colleen Cowley is an adult, fantasy romance, dystopian novella set in the author’s CLANDESTINE MAGIC world. This is twenty-five year old Pen Novak, and the omnimancer’s assistant story.

SOME BACKGROUND: Some time in the middle of the twenty-first century, America is controlled by wizards and magic, and women’s rights are behind by more than a century. Only men aka wizards are granted the use of magic, women are meant to be seen and not heard.

Told from omniscient third person perspective (Pen) INTO THE BARGAIN follows Pen Novak and her desperate attempts to find a husband. Two weeks before she will be homeless, Pen wants to meet the local omnimancer, a man searching for a woman to be his wife but the wizard is not at home. Pen finds herself returning daily, and with the help of the omnimancer’s assistant, is willing to stake her claim before anyone else. All is not as it appears to be, and Pen will find herself falling for a man whose own life has been destroyed by someone else.

The relationship between Pen and the assistant begins as a bargain, of a sorts. Pen visits every day, staying in the house owned by the wizard, while the assistant begins to slowly reveal the reality of the situation. Falling for the assistant was never in the plans but Pen will discover the secrets and lies of the man she was hoping to love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate but mostly implied.

INTO THE BARGAIN is a novella length story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, magic and mayhem, secrets and lies, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate yet dynamic.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Subversive
Radical
Revolutionary

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

1. “Colleen Cowley” is not my normal, everyday name. It is a family name of sorts, though.

2. In my teens, I wrote a really awful high fantasy with a portal and many other clichés. And then I took a novel-writing break that I thought would be permanent.

3. As much as I love The Hobbit, my favorite sort of fantasy is set in our world. There’s such possibility in the idea that something magical could be happening right under your nose.

4. I am a sucker for stories with billowing coats, banter and wizards.

5. All forests, I suspect, are at least a little bit magic.

6. Some of my books are available only to my lovely newsletter subscribers.

Follow author: Website /Twitter /Goodreads/

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War of Heavenly Fire 1-3 by Devyn Sinclair-review tour

War of Heavenly Fire 1-3 by Devyn Sinclair-review tour

QUEEN OF DARKNESS
War of Heavenly Fire 1
by Devyn Sinclair
Re-Release Date: January 1, 2024
Genre: adult, paranormal, fantasy

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Three angels. One assassin. She’s fighting for her life, but they’re fighting for her heart.

I was born for two things: To kill, and to be a queen.

Trained as an assassin since birth, I’ve destroyed Hell’s enemies one by one. Now my throne is so close I can taste it.

One more assignment. One more seduction. One trail of broken bodies to lead me to my crown.

Three archangels can’t be that hard to kill, right?

Turns out, I’ve never been more wrong.

And this mistake? It will cost me everything.

••••••

REVIEW:I’ve not read the original version, so I have nothing to compare it with. But I do like the authors other series (based in an Omegaverse)

This is a why choose book and three book series. I’m aware of the cliffhanger, and I know my triggers…..

Queen of Darkness starts at a fast pace and continues at that pace till the cliffhanger ending….

The main character, Arielle has had such a terrible past and her present isn’t all that great either!! She’s been attacked physically and mentally and remodeled into a role that her father wanted her to be…

Arielle is a vessel for the infernal flame which is potentially the next ruler of the underworld! But it’s not an easy throne to obtain, task after task is thrown at Arielle, and she completes each and every one. Arielle doesn’t enjoy her tasks of killing, but the alternative doesn’t bear thinking about!

And now she’s been assigned the job of killing three archangels, she knows she’s good at her job, so she’s confident it won’t be hard…. So technically she’s on the side of evil? She has to kill to survive (does that make her bad?)

Cassian is an archangel, not sure why he’s in hell. And to be honest, he’s not my favourite character, he was hard to get to know. He taught Arielle to fight, he’s trained her hard, but there are feelings between them, both want more, but both understand they can’t have that! Malakai (Kai) Atlas and Solomon are known as the Trinity. And are on the side of good.

I liked the concept of this book. If angels fall they usually have turned evil, but not in this book. The struggle they face makes you want to read more of them and I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it.

Arielle really struggles with choosing the deaths of Solomon/Atlas/Kai or having the thing she most wants. You want her to choose the three archangels, but you’ve also watched her become more, so I wanted her to have both. But how do you choose between something that you have worked towards your entire life and the freedom that you’ve always wanted, or to finally be seen as the person you are and be loved.

What will be the consequences for choosing one over the other?

Highly recommend this book. And now I’m off to find the next book.

Oh…. And the cliffhanger…. That I did not see coming!!! ?

_______

QUEEN OF TORMENT
War of Heavenly Fire 2
by Devyn Sinclair
Re-Release Date: January 1, 2024
Genre: adult, paranormal, fantasy

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She sacrificed everything to save them. Now they’ll risk it all to save her.

Betrayal has consequences, and the price is my life.

Tortured every day for my betrayal, I’d choose it again if it meant the angels I love are safe. No matter the cost.

I don’t deserve their rescue, but my angels come for me anyway, risking the entire world to save my life.

Even though I’m free, Hell will never stop hunting me, and never stop trying to destroy Heaven. We have to end this.

But ending the war means going back to Hell once again, and this time, I may never come back.

••••••

REVIEW:If you thought the first book was good, then be prepared to be blown away by the next one.

You definitely need to read the first book Queen of Darkness before reading this one….

I’ll try not to give anything away, but this book does carry on from the first. Characters roles are fleshed out and we are given more details about the trinity, Arielle and Cassian.

The action doesn’t stop, and it was hard putting down. There is betrayal/passion and a few twists.

It shows us that good people can do bad things and vice versa. Arielle might have been brought up bad, but that doesn’t mean she wants to continue being bad!

I thought Arielle was a great character, she’s being constantly bombarded and bullied. But she refuses to become the weapon her father wants her to be….

I liked how Solomon/Atlas/Kai sought to forgive her and show her it was ok to want more. They are there for her, and that’s why it’s so hard for her to forgive herself and the actions she chose in the previous book.

I can’t wait to see where the third and final book takes us.

_______

Queen of Annihilation
War of Heavenly Fire 3
by Devyn Sinclair
Re-Release Date: January 1, 2024
Genre: adult, paranormal, fantasy

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

They gave up everything for each other. Now they’ll give up everything to save the world.

I tried to end the war and failed.

Hell has a new queen. One obsessed with ending my life and the lives of my lovers. She will stop at nothing.

My angels and I are on the run, and nowhere is safe to hide. But the fate of the world is in our hands.

We unleashed Hell, and have no other choice but to destroy it.

I am the only one who can.

We have one last chance to defeat our enemies, or face our own annihilation.

••••••

REVIEW: With this being the third and final book in the trilogy, I was keen to see how it would play out. You definitely need to read the books in order before getting to this one.

Nissa (who is Arielle’s sister) now rule’s Hell! How did that happen? (You’ll need to read books one and two) and she’s out to end her sister and the men she’s fallen in love with!

All pieces fall into place and we get answers to questions I had in books one and two. But I did wonder if Arielle could win against her sister ?

The battle for good against evil was really well balanced. But the author never loses sight of the balancing battles with the plot. We get both written really well.

I liked that Arielle doesn’t immediately forgive and forget her past indiscretions, she battles with her conscience throughout the book. And even if the men she is now with have forgiven her, it’s not an easy thing for her to do!

So, the final battle with Nissa. Which way will it go? Will Arielle still choose the right side? Will the Trinity finally bond with her?

I’ve loved all three of these books, but I have to admit this is my favourite.

So if you like your heroine with a battle on her hands and the love of more than one male ? then this trilogy is for you.

A highly recommended read ??

Copies supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B?

Social Media: Goodreads/  Amazon Author / WebsiteFacebookInstagram / TikTok

Devyn Sinclair writes steamy Reverse Harem romances for your wildest fantasies. Every sexy story is packed with the right amount heat, hot men, and delicious happy endings.

She lives in the wilds of Montana in a small red house and a crazy orange cat. When Devyn’s not writing, she spends time outside in big sky country, continues her quest to find the best lemon pastry there is, and buys too many books. (Of course!)

If you’d like updates about Devyn’s new releases, sexy bonus content, and the occasional dessert recipe, sign up for my newsletter by copy & pasting this link into your browser: https://www.subscribepage.com/devynsinclair

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ZORION (Demonic Disciples ) by Cassi Hart -a review

ZORION (Demonic Disciples ) by Cassi Hart -a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 23, 2023

Kara
It’s no secret that I’ve been down on my luck recently. I’m not really one to complain, but today has been especially bad. I was late to work because of car trouble, and even though it was out of my control, I still got reprimanded. Now that I’m home, I can’t focus on anything. I need to clear my head. Usually, a walk in the woods behind my house works, but not this time. No, I stumble and fall, twisting my ankle. Now I’m in the middle of nowhere and there’s something coming towards me through the trees. Is it someone coming to help me, or some nightmarishly horrible monster?

Zorion
I may be a high-ranking demon with the Royal Legion at my beck and call, but even power feels lackluster after a while. I’m tired of these duties that keep me away from things that I love. To escape the stress, I find myself wandering in the mortal plane, taking in nature in all its glory. Every little plant and insect knows exactly what to do next in its life; I wish I could say the same. I need a mate to retire from the militia, but finding a mate is daunting. No one I’ve ever met before has ever appealed to me, but then a little bird quite literally stumbles across my path. Is this her? The mate I’ve been quietly searching for?
As Above, So Below.

The hunt is on. Six demonic brothers, sworn by evil to maintain the balance of nature by eliminating the creatures that bring chaos to it. Driven only by their primal instincts to find their mates so they can protect, possess and procreate with them. Only a blood moon eclipsing through the night sky will seal their bond and free them to chase their new prey. They’re cruel, dominating sinners with hardened souls, immense power and dynamic presences that won’t let anything stop them from finding and claiming their destiny.

•••••

REVIEW: ZORION by Cassi Hart is the fifth instalment in the multi-authored contemporary, adult DEMONIC DISCIPLES erotic, paranormal/fantasy novella series. This is twenty -one year old Kara, and gluttony demon Zorion’s story line. ZORION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Zorion and Kara) ZORION follows the quick building relationship between our story line couple. Zorion is a demon of gluttony; Lucifer’s favorite son, and he is a collector of earthly possessions but his vacation time finds himself drawn to Kara, a young woman who is struggling in her personal and professional life, and the woman with whom Zorion will fall in love. Zorion is also looking for his mate, and Kara is the woman that calls to heart. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Zorion and Kara, and the potential fall-out as a demon-hunter as tracked down our story line hero.

The relationship between Kara and Zorion is one of insta-lust. Zorion knows immediately that Kara is his mate but taking a human mate means leaving everything and everyone else behind. With a demon hunter on his proverbial tail, Zorion is summoned, leaving his mate in a precarious position. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.

There are limited secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Kara’s grandfather, as well as a cameo by a demon hunter, and a local shop owner.

ZORION is a fast paced, quick erotic story line of lust and love, power and control, supernatural and acceptance. The premise is entertaining; the romance is seductive; the characters are charismatic but not very well fleshed out.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

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Dragon Kiss (Dragon Kings) by Donna Grant-review & excerpt tour

Dragon Kiss (Dragon Kings) by Donna Grant-review & excerpt tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 11, 2024

Alasdair and Lotti return to face the biggest foe the Dragon Kings have met yet—and the stakes have never been higher.

Lotti has come a long way since finding love with Alasdair and uncovering her true origins as a Star Person. She has embraced the magic she once shunned—as well as the label of Destroyer by her own. And it has made her powerful. But will it be enough to stand against her family as they target the Dragon Kings?

Alasdair has faced many adversaries who rose up against the Dragon Kings. But nothing could prepare him for the Star People and the discovery that they once enslaved his kind. It’s more than his life on the line this time. It’s the very existence of all dragons. It will take Alasdair and Lotti, together, to defeat their enemy.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

•••••••

REVIEW:DRAGON KISS is the seventh instalment in Donna Grant’s adult, DRAGON KINGS paranormal, fantasy romance series -a spin off from the author’s Dark Kings, which in turn is a spin off from several other fantasy series by the same author. This is Amethyst King Alasdair, and Lotti’s continuing storyline, and it pics up after the events of DRAGON ARISEN. DRAGON KISS should not be read as a stand alone but for back story I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise including the search for a missing King, and the history as to how the dragons came to live in Zora.

SOME BACKGROUND: For tens of thousands of years the Dragons have lived and ruled on Earth but a war between the dragons and humans forced the Dragon Kings to send the other dragons through a portal into an unknown world. Fast forward to present day, the portal has been revealed, and the Dragon Kings have been reunited in Zora, with their family and kin, but a new war is on the horizon between the Dragons, the Divine and the people of Stonemore.

Told from third person perspective DRAGON KISS picks up immediately after the events of DRAGON ARISEN where in Alasdair and Lotti, along with Varek and his mate Jeyra continue their two-fold search the massirine stone, and the hunt for Dragon King Merrill but at every turn someone or something intends to take them down. A new enemy, a powerful invisible force, a beast of unknown origins, a ghost from the past, and the means to destroy the Dragon Kings finds our foursome struggling with their journey, and surviving.

The world building continues to focus on another powerful enemy of the Dragon Kings, one who is determined to take control by destroying everyone in their path. Similarly to many of the interconnected series, the DRAGON KINGS are missing one of their own, held captive by someone intent on ruling them all.

DRAGON KISS is a story of power and control, obsession and madness, family and friendships, determination and love. The premise is captivating and covers but a few hours in time; the characters are desperate and powerful.

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Prequel-Ignite the Magic
Dragon Revealed
Dragon Mine
Dragon Unbound
Dragon Eternal
Dragon Lover
Frost Dragon

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Lotti would happily stay in Alasdair’s arms for eternity if she could. He had come into her life and shown her he was as solid and unmovable as the mountains. He shouldered her burdens without a second thought. All those decades she had wandered alone, forever watching others but never being a part of anything, had taken a toll. The loneliness itself had left scars, cutting deeper than any blade could.
Alasdair had changed all of that. He’d gained her trust, and with that, she’d learned not to fear her magic but to embrace it, accept it. It had been so simple. Her life could’ve been different had she done it years earlier. But the past was the past. There was no use looking over her shoulder and questioning her choices. It was time to be in the present.
And that meant finding a way out of the cave.
She closed her eyes as Alasdair’s fingers drifted lazily along her spine as she lay curled against his side. They could pretend the outside world, with all its dangers and threats, couldn’t reach them in the cave. It was a distraction they’d both needed, but it was time to get back to reality.
“I ken,” Alasdair murmured.
Lotti grinned at his deep voice and accent so different from anything she had ever heard on Zora. He had promised to take her to see his home in Scotland one day, and she couldn’t wait. “Reading my mind again?” she teased.
He kissed the top of her head. “I doona think that’s a gift I’d ever wish to have. I heard you sigh and know your thoughts are running along the same vein as mine.”
“We need to get back to Iron Hall.”
“Aye.”
She inhaled deeply and released it as she rose onto her elbow to look at him. “What does it say about me that I don’t want to leave this place?”
His gaze was tender as he gently smoothed her hair away from her face. “It doesna say anything, love. I doona wish to leave either.”
“Do you think there will ever come a time when we’re not fighting someone trying to harm the Kings or dragons?”
“Or those with magic,” he added. Alasdair shrugged and looked at the ceiling. “I’d love to say there will be, but the truth is that I doona know. We had times of peace on Earth, but nothing lasts forever.”
She leaned forward to kiss him, her lips lingering. Then she looked down at him again. “Then there’s only one thing for us to do.”
“And what’s that?”
“Fight when we must. And when we have peace, embrace every moment we’re given.”
Alasdair’s lips curved. “Doona forget the occasions we snatch for ourselves.”
“Never,” she said with a smile.
It would be so easy to kiss him again and give in to the desire once more, but they had taken as much time as they could. Lotti got to her feet and grabbed her clothes. She could have redressed in an instant, just as she’d removed everything earlier, but she wanted the time to consider their options.
She tucked the shirt into her body-skimming pants and fastened the leather vest that fit snuggly against her torso. Lotti sat on a boulder to put on her boots that reached her knees. Alasdair was already dressed in his all-black attire. He leaned a shoulder against the wall with his arms crossed, his gaze on her.
“How do you make everything so bloody sexy?” he asked.
Her stomach fluttered at the heat she saw in his eyes. She stood and grinned. “Just lucky, I guess.”

 

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

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Dragon Frost (Dragon Kings Novella) by Donna Grant-review

Dragon Frost (Dragon Kings Novella) by Donna Grant-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 5, 2023

The holiday season is Rhi’s favorite time of year, which means Con loves it, too. Except they’re on Zora, where there are no traditions—and beginning one could be hazardous. Finding the lost dragons should’ve given everyone peace. Instead, they’re facing powerful enemies at every turn. Despite the danger, the King of Dragon Kings knows his mate longs to have their space dripping with holiday decorations and gifts piled under the tree, and he’s going to do his best to give it to her and make sure they have time to celebrate the season and their love.
And perhaps a surprise or two.

••••

REVIEW:DRAGON FROST is a stand alone, holiday novella in Donna Grant’s DRAGON KINGS paranormal, fantasy series, a part of the numerous interconnected Dark Kings series. This is the continuing story of Constantine, King of Dragon Kings, and his mate, Fae warrior and Queen Rhi. DRAGON FROST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but for backstory I recommend reading the series in order or having knowledge of previous events.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Rhi and Con) DRAGON FROST focuses on the approach of the Christmas holidays. Con’s mate Rhi loves Christmas, her favorite human holiday but life in Zora is anything by happy for our story line couple. Ostracized by his own children, and the dragons he sent to another realm, Con struggles with his new direction and position but in an effort to make his mate happy, Con plans a holiday celebration for two, taking a trip to the Fae Realm, in spite of what happened months before.

Donna Grant pulls the reader into an emotional story of one man (dragon’s) emotional and powerful love for the woman he lost then found. Watching his mate’s childlike abandon meant more to Con than he could have ever imagined but their exchange of gifts is about change his life, in more ways than one.

DRAGON FROST is a sweet, tender and heart warming holiday short story focusing on Con and Rhi. The premise is captivating-there are no conflicts or pressing issues for our story line couple ; the romance is seductive ; the characters are familiar and fun.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Prequel-Ignite the Magic
Dragon Revealed
Dragon Mine
Dragon Unbound
Dragon Eternal
Dragon Lover

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

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The Kingdom of Sweets by Erika Johansen – a Review

The Kingdom of Sweets by Erika Johansen – a Review

 

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Description:
A darkly magical take on The Nutcracker where two sisters, cursed from birth, are forever changed one memorable Christmas. . . .

Light and dark—this is the destiny placed upon Natasha and Clara, the birthright bestowed by their godfather, the mysterious sorcerer Drosselmeyer. Clara, the favorite, grows into beauty and ease, while Natasha is cursed to live in her sister’s shadow. But one fateful Christmas Eve, Natasha gets her chance at revenge. For Drosselmeyer has brought the Nutcracker, an enchanted present that offers entry into a deceptively beautiful world: the Kingdom of Sweets.

In this land of snow and sugar, Natasha is presented with a power far greater than Drosselmeyer: the Sugar Plum Fairy, who is also full of gifts . . . and dreadful bargains. As Natasha uncovers the dark destiny laid before her birth, she must reckon with powers both earthly and magical, and decide to which world she truly belongs.

 

 

Review:

The Kingdom of Sweets by Erika Johansen is a retelling of The Nutcracker. It is a very dark story about a twisted tale between cursed twin sisters: one light and one dark. At their birth on a Christmas, they are cursed by their godfather, Drosselmeyer.  Clara is beautiful, everything light, and loved by all.  Natasha is dark, not attractive, always living in the shadow of her sister.  When they turn 17, Natasha is shattered when her boyfriend, Conrad is stolen by Clara to wed. 

Natasha hatred for her sister becomes darker, especially with Clara’s betrayal.  Drosselmeyer has brought the Nutcracker, an enchanted present that offers entry into a deceptively beautiful world: the Kingdom of Sweets. While in the Kingdom of Sweets, Natasha makes a deal with the Sugar Plum Fairy, to get her revenge on Clara, in return for the Fairy wanting to destroy Drosselmeyer.  Natasha will take over Clara’s looks and light life, as she feels she deserves this life, as well as Conrad; she also kills Clara, or thinks she has.  

Years pass, as Natasha finds herself not happy with her life as Clara, and she begins to see her evil decisions cause more harm than she ever imagined, with things of the past coming back to haunt her.  The beautiful world in the Kingdom of Sweets is in reality a decaying world, and once Natasha realizes Clara is still alive, but living under terrible conditions, she knows she has to find a way to change everything back. 

I was not a fan of most of the characters, including Natasha and Clara, as most of them were not really likeable.  The ending was nice, with both sisters, though never close, managed to find a way to salvage their own lives.

The Kingdom of Sweets was a depressing kind of retelling on the Nutcracker theme.  It was dark and gruesome throughout; with characters mostly evil. This was a gothic  story filled with magic, curses, family twists, in a tangled world of evil, hatred, bitterness.  The Kingdom of Sweets was well written by Erika Johansen.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Stings and Stones by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

Stings and Stones by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

 

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Description:

An Elemental Assassin short story Collection. Flash back to one of Gin Blanco’s many missions as the assassin the Spider. Learn more about Gin’s relationships with her mentor, Fletcher Lane, and her foster brother, Finnegan Lane, and see what trouble the other characters get themselves into when Gin’s not around. From a ghost’s lost love to a villain’s origin story, this action-packed collection has something for every urban fantasy and paranormal romance fan.

The Stings and Stones collection features ten short stories told by various characters.  

“Spider’s Bargain” — Gin Blanco
“Web of Death” — Gin Blanco
“Web of Deceit” — Fletcher Lane
“Poison” — Finnegan Lane
“Wasted” — Finnegan Lane
“Tangled Dreams” — Jo-Jo and Sophia Deveraux
“Tangled Schemes” — Bria Coolidge
“Spider’s Nemesis” — Mab Monroe
“Haints and Hobwebs” — Gin Blanco
“Parlor Tricks” — Gin Blanco

 

••••••

Barb’s Review:
Stings and Stones
is a 67,000-word collection of Elemental Assassin short stories. Some of the stories previously appeared on Jennifer Estep’s website, while others have been featured in anthologies.

I enjoyed reading each and every short story, as it was so much fun. I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep and her wonderful Elemental Assassin series. Gin, Fletcher, Finnegan, Bria, Jo-Jo, Sophie, Owen, just to name a few, were wonderful characters throughout all the books.

At the end, Estep added an excerpt from her Galactic Bonds series, which was ok.

But I am thrilled that there will be more of Elemental Assassin and our wonderful heroine, Gin Blanco. If you have not read this series, you are missing a gem of a series.

 

Sandy’s Review: 

STINGS AND STONES by Jennifer Estep is a collection of ten previously released  (newsletter or website) short stories and novellas in the author’s ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN series focusing on assassin and elemental Gin Blanco.

Told from several first person perspectives including Gin Blanco, Fletcher Lane, Finnegan Lane, Jojo or Sophia Devereaux, Bria Coolidge or Mab Monroe, each story line can either be a  prologue or epilogue to one of the instalments in the Elemental Assassin series, or a side story in which the reader is up close and personal with the private and personal lives outside of the main story lines.

Fast paced, entertaining and intriguing, STINGS AND STONE is a wonderful addition revealing a little background and history of the story line characters.

Copies supplied for review

 

 

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