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Such a Perfect Family by Nalini Singh -review

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Such a Perfect Family by Nalini Singh -review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 27, 2026

A woman buried.
A woman broken.
A woman crashed.
A woman burned.
And the man who knew them all.

Love at first sight, a whirlwind Vegas wedding, a fairy-tale romance.

For forty-three days, Tavish Advani has been the happiest man in the world—until his new life turns to ash, his wealthy in-laws’ house going up in a fiery explosion. His badly injured wife lies in a coma, her family all but annihilated.

Tavish thought he’d left the sins of his Los Angeles life behind, but it’s not so easy to leave behind an investigation into the deaths of several high-profile women—all of whom he’d professed to love. Tragedy and death follow him no matter where he goes . . . but this time, he knows he’s truly innocent.

Desperately trying to clear his name as the authorities zero in, Tavish begins his own investigation into the fire—and learns that his wife’s picture-perfect family may have been nothing but a meticulously constructed mirage. The truth is much darker than anything Tavish could’ve imagined.

••••••

REVIEW: SUCH A PERFECT FAMILY by Nalini Singh is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, mystery thriller focusing on American born Tavish Advani, and the murders and attempted murders of his in-laws, the Prasad family.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Tavish) using present day and memories from the past, SUCH A PERFECT FAMILY follows in the wake of the fire that destroyed the Prasad family, and left his new wife Diya Prasad fighting for her life. From the outset, Tavish knew he would become the number one suspect having left a trail of questions and death in his wake but all is not as it appears to be. While the New Zealand police focus on Tavish, Tavish begins an investigation of his own, only to discover the family into which he had married, buried many secrets along with one of their own.

The world building is complex and detailed as the author intersperses past conversations and memories into the current timeline. As Tavish reminisces about his own questionable past, uncovered secrets reveal a hidden darkness in the Prasad family line.

The relationship between Tavish and Diya is that of a married couple but our heroine spends much of the story line fighting to survive. We are up close and personal through memories but lies leads to secrets, and secrets are revealed that will continue to destroy.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including law enforcement both in New Zealand and the USA. Using memories, he reader is introduced to deceased members of the Prasad family, as well as the friends and acquaintances that remember a different time and outcome.

SUCH A PERFECT FAMILY is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance,obsession and murder, power and control. The premise is dark, dramatic and gritty; the characters are desperate, determined and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh – a Review

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Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh – a Review

 

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Description:
Justice-Psy Eleri Dias knows the end is near for her, her mind one step away from fatal psychic exposure. In the short time that remains, she is determined to atone for an act of omission that has haunted her for a long, cruel decade. But that decision not only means facing a powerful changeling wing leader, but also putting herself in the path of a serial killer.

Falcon wing leader Adam Garrett is fiercely protective of his family and his clan. After losing his parents as a teenager in a shocking act of malice, Adam has no forgiveness in him for the J-Psy who betrayed him, betrayed them, at the most painful moment of his life. But the evil that stalks his territory will allow him no respite, forcing him once more into contact with the J he has never been able to forget.

Everything that could’ve been between Eleri and Adam was lost years ago, a shimmering promise crushed. As they work to uncover a monster, the moment of reckoning looms ever closer. Soon, there may be no more time left for either atonement…or love…

 

 

Review:

Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh is the 9th book in her Psy-Changeling Trinity series. We meet J-Psy Eleri Dias, who knows her time is coming near, due to fatal psychic exposure.  Eleri is determined face an old friend, whom she has not seen in over a decade, as she knew this haunted her over the years.  Eleri is also on the path of a serial killer.

Falcon Adam Garrett is the Wing Leader of Windhaven, a flock of falcon changelings, and he is fiercely protective of his family and his clan. Adam and Eleri had met as teenagers; they knew they were destined to be mates. But a decade has passed, with Adam having no forgiveness for Eleri, who had betrayed him. To his shock, Eleri returns to help solve who in Windhaven could be the serial killer.  At first Adam remains angry at Eleri, and tries to ignore her; as he has never been able to forget her.  With evil stalking his territory, it will bring them both close together to find the killer.

As we reach close to the three quarters of the book, the Sandman killer is resolved, which brings the last quarter concentrating on saving Eleri, and her other 3 members of her family.  With help from Sascha, Ashaya, Saoirse, Darkriver, Snowdancer, in searching for a cure for J-Psy, whose psychic shields are rapidly deteriorating. Eleri knew it was only a matter of time whether her failing psychic shields would lose her ability to ‘feel’.   I got a kick out of Dahlia and Bram falling for each other.  I really loved that Eleri and Adam were so great together.

Nalini Singh once again gives us another wonderful story in Atonement Sky, which was so very well written by Nalini Singh, which has always been the norm. She never fails to captivate me with her engaging creative stories, fantastic plots, and seamless world building; wonderful couples in each and every story; super secondary characters and fantastic world-building.   I loved every moment of Atonement Sky.  As I have noted many times, if you have not read Nalini Singh, you are missing a gem of an author.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Archangels Ascension by Nalini Singh – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Archangels Ascension by Nalini Singh – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Aodhan and Illium. Adi and Blue. Sparkle and Bluebell. Friends become lovers, their future a wild unknown.

Finally reunited in New York, they must now learn to navigate the monumental shift in their relationship. But for these two members of Archangel Raphael’s legendary Seven, there is no time to rest. As they investigate a case for the Tower that echoes the darkness from Aodhan’s past, they will be forced to confront not only the scars that mark them both, but the promise of a vast power that flickers in Illium.

The threat of ascension has haunted and troubled Aodhan’s Blue for too long, the forces of change immutable and without mercy…and uncaring of Illium’s fierce wish to remain part of the Seven. Change is a constant in an immortal’s life, and this new horizon will bring with it both terrible heartbreak and a joy extraordinary enough to reverberate through time…

 

 

Barb’s Review:  Archangel’s Ascension by Nalini Singh is the 17th book in her fantastic Guild Hunter series. We have followed both Illium and Aodhan for awhile now, especially in Archangel’s Light; revealing that their friendship runs deeper.  Bluebell and Sparkle now become lovers, in each other’s hearts. Illium and Aodhan are two valuable members of Archangel Raphael’s Seven; and Raphael knows that soon, Illium will finally Ascend.

Blue and Adi investigate a case for the Tower that close family and friends discovered two people who were murdered; which echoes darkness from Adi’s scars of the past. The first half of the book revolves around finding who was behind they murder; bringing them closer to an evil woman who was not liked by many.  While they continue to investigate, their relationship continuous to grow, with the love between them escalating.

With Illium finally ascending in the second half of the book, as he is filled with intense and strong powers.  It was emotional, when Illium faces Raphael, and tells him that he will always be part of their family, knowing he will always be his sire. Raphael knew he was losing two members of his Seven; as Aodhan will become Bluebell’s second.  Though they knew this was coming over so many years, as Raphael and Elena understood, and would always be there for him.  Illium was saying his goodbyes as he knew he could never be there the way he was before. Though he knew if anything was serious, he and Aodan would always be there to help.

It was a wonderful story, with so many wonderful characters from previous stories, as Raphael’s people were always considered family and friendship. So many memories, and they all loved Illium; happy for him now an Archangel, but they will sadly miss him (Raphael, Elena, Dimitri, Jessamy, Sharine, Titus, Honor, Keir, Galen, Nassir, Venom; just to name a few)

Archangels Ascension was a fantastic story finalizing Illium and Aodan story, as well as his new territory; with many people joining Illium in his new land.  Not sure where Nalini will take us in between Raphael (and Elena) or Illium?  Once again, Nalini Singh gives us a wonderful book, that was so very well written.  I really enjoyed this book, and loved Bluebell and Adi.

 

Sandy’s Review:

ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION is the seventeenth instalment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER paranormal, urban fantasy romance series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is the continuing story of Aodhan and Illium, whose story has been developing throughout the series, and is told in book fourteen ARCHANGEL’S LIGHT. ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION is the start of a new series arc but some background knowledge is recommended.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives following a non-linear timeline, ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION advances the series approximately seven hundred years in which the world of Archangels and Angels has been in recovery since the Cascade that destroyed so many lives and the infrastructure of Archangel Raphael’s New York. Illium has never wanted to ascend to the status of Archangel but the heavens have chosen our story line hero. As Illium and his lover Aodhan struggle with Illium’s new status as one of the most powerful beings in the world, time flashes back to the early days of their relationship and the betrayal of one of their own.

The world building follows several timelines jumping seven hundred years, back and forth. Illium and Aodhan are members of Raphael’s Seven but now must forge ahead to establish their own center of power in the world of the Archangels, with the help of their family and friends.

ARCHANGEL’S ASCENSION is another riveting, complex and comprehensive story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, madness and jealousy, friendships and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is intricate, emotional, entertaining and thorough; the characters are determined and charismatic.

 

Copies supplied for review

 

Berkley is graciously offering a paper copy of Arachangel’s Ascension by Nalini Singh to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9. Giveaway runs from May 5-9, 2025

 

 

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Primal Mirror by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

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Primal Mirror by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

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Description:
Daughter of two ruthless high-gradient telepaths, Auden Scott is not the child her Psy parents wanted or expected, even before her brain injury. Her thoughts are scattered, her memories fuzzy—or just terrifyingly blank. The only thing she knows for certain is that she must protect her unborn baby…a baby she has no recollection of conceiving and who draws an abnormal intensity of notice from her dead mother’s closest associates.

Leopard alpha Remi Denier is a man driven by the primal instinct to protect. Protect his pack, protect his allies… and protect the mysterious woman who has become a most unlikely neighbor. With eerie eyes that see too much and a scent that alters in ways disturbing and impossible, Auden Scott is the enemy…but nothing about this strange Psy is what it seems, Remi’s feline heart as fascinated by her as the human half of his soul.

Then Auden asks Remi to help her shatter the wall of secrets that is the Scott bloodline. What they unearth will reveal a nightmare beyond imagination. This time, the battle is to the death…

 

 

Review:

Primal Mirror by Nalini Singh is the 8th book in her Psy-Changeling Trinity series. I can’t say enough about Nalini Singh.  She has become my go to author, as I love her Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series.   She never fails to give us a sensational story, wonderful characters, and each book continues to flow seamlessly.  No one does world building so smoothly and flawlessly better than Nalini Singh.   Once again, in Primal Mirror, Nalini has created a masterpiece that grabs hold of me and never ever let’s go until the very end.

We meet Remington (Remi) Denier, our hero, who is the alpha of RainFire, a pack of cats. RainFire is slowly continuing to grow, especially with Remi’s close connections with Lucas (leader of Dark River) and Aden (leader of the Arrows). Remi enlists the aid of the Arrows to track down who owns part of the land near their territory.

Auden Scott, is the daughter of two evil high-gradient telepaths (Shoshanna and Henry Scott), who were part of the Psy Council. Auden was considered a disappointment to her parents, even though she had a powerful psy gift. Shoshanna Scott was evil, and knew she was about to die; so, she set up a plan to experiment on Auden, to take over her mind. 

Remi first meets Auden near his land, and senses something is not right with her; as her scent is quick to change, as she seems far away. But Remi hears her talking about her ability to read about his mother.  Remi finds himself fascinated by Auden, and in a short time they will meet again; discovering that she is now pregnant. Remi is shocked, when during his security rounds, he sees Auden all alone, with no one to help her, in case of emergency; his alpha instincts rise to protect her. Remi does sense two different personalities, but it is the real Auden who asks Remi to help her shatter the secrets that are causing damage to her brain.  She knows she can’t trust her assistant and doctor who have been doing things without her overall knowledge; and her baby is part of their secrets. Auden and Remi slowly become close with both finding themselves falling for each other. Remi, with some help from his pack, will do all he can to protect Auden and the baby; with members of RainFire, as well as others making sure to protect them.

I did enjoy getting knowing the members of Remi’s pack (Rina, Finn, Lark, Angel, Kit, etc) who were wonderful secondary characters.  Loved how they all came together to help Remi and Auden, and Liberty (baby); not to mention Alden, Arrows, Lucas, Krychek, Zaira, Tamsyn, just to name a few.

While Remi and Auden are in the process to stop the enemies, and work on fixing Auden, the PsyNet is severely on its last days; as many will die, unless another network can be provided.  At the last moment, Auden’s baby might be a temporary solution, with her high gradient power, and the hope for Auden to survive against her mother’s nightmare.

What follows is an exciting, suspenseful, intriguing and action-packed story, with me unable to put the book down. Primal Mirror was a tense and emotional story between Auden and Remi, as well as, Liberty, The romance between them was wonderful and I love how the RainFire team accepted Auden and Liberty. 

Nalini Singh once again gives us another wonderful story in Primal Mirror, which was so very well written by Nalini Singh, which has always been the norm. She never fails to captivate me with her engaging creative stories, fantastic plots, and seamless world building; wonderful couples in each and every story; super secondary characters and fantastic world-building.   I loved every moment of Primal Mirror.  As I have noted many times, if you have not read Nalini Singh, you are missing a gem of an author.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Nalini Singh’s publisher is offering a hard copy of PRIMAL MIRROR   to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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7. Giveaway is open to USA  only

8. Giveaway runs from July 23 – 27, 2024

 

 

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Archangel’s Lineage by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

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Archangel’s Lineage by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Raphael and Elena are experiencing their first ever year of true peace. No war. No horrors of archangelic power. No nightmares given flesh. Until…the earth beneath the Refuge begins to tremble, endangering not only angelkind’s precious and fragile young, but the very place that has held their most innocent safe for eons.

Amid the chaos, Elena’s father suffers a violent heart attack that threatens to extinguish their last chance to heal the bonds between them and make sense of the ruins of their agonizing shared history.

Even as Elena battles grief, Raphael is torn from her side by the sudden disappearance of an archangel. But worse yet is to come. An Ancestor, an angel unlike any other, stirs from his Sleep to warn the Cadre of a darkness so terrible that it causes empires to fall and civilizations to vanish.

This time, even the Cadre itself may not be able to stop a ticking clock that is counting down at frightening speed…

••••••••

Barb’s Review:
Archangel’s Lineage by Nalini Singh is the 16th book in her wonderful Guild Hunter series. Nalini Singh continues to amaze us with another fantastic addition to this series.  It has been ten years since Lijuan died, with the destruction having been rebuilt, and peace around the world. But now all over the world, the land begins to quake under the refuge, with buildings being destroyed, and other violent natural disasters. Jessamy and Vivek work together to uncover what is happening, as they find an old ancient language that might give them answers.

When an Ancient ancestor seems to be awakening from his sleep, Raphael will meet an archangel older than any of them; Marduk. He will explain his thoughts on why the world is falling apart.  Marduk will warn Rapheal and all of the Cadre of a darkness that needs to be fixed, or the future may not survive. All the archangels must work together to find the clues left behind by the old angelic ancestors and how to fix it.

The other part of this story revolves around Elena, whose father has a major heart attack, and may not survive.  She rushes to his bedside, spending time with her stepmother, and their kids, including her own sister, Beth. Elena begins to see signs, such as Beth’s hair turning grey, and the other kids growing up, and realizes that she will outlive all her mortal family and friends.  She is in the middle of keeping an eye on her father, but also dealing with Marduk and his suggestions to stop the destruction.

I love seeing Raphael and Elena together, as I loved their spicy scenes; as well as the love they have for each other.  It was also great to see many of our favorites, such as Illium,Aodhan, Dmitri, Jessamy, Keir, Sharine, Titus, just to name a few;  not to mention all the archangels (Cadre) who must work together to save the world.  Vivek, who is working with Jessamy, seems to play a big part in finding information on the destruction, as he also has help from a very old female vampire underworld leader, Katrina.  Where will this lead in future books?

All of the Cadre, including Elena will need to find the clues for each of them that was once used all those many years before. Marduk only knows so much, but they all will need to bring the parts together, and then Elena with help from Keir to hope that they all will survive. I will not give spoilers, so not to ruin it for you.

What follows was an exciting, intense and emotional last third of the book, with everyone pulling together.  As in just about every book I read from Nalini Singh, I could not put this book down.  I loved having so much time with Elena, with her family, as well as the love between her and Raphael.  As always, Archangel’s Lineage was so very well written by Nalini.  If you are new to the series, you should start where it all began. Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now.

______

Sandy’s Review: ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE is the sixteenth instalment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER paranormal, urban fantasy series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE follows several pathways including the ongoing relationship between Archangel Raphael and his consort Elena, as well as the collapsing infrastructure of the Refuge; a worldwide series of environmental disasters; the early sleep of a troubled Archangel, a the awakening of another, too early in time, and crumbling bonds of Elena’s human family. ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE should not be read as a stand alone as there are numerous references to previous events and disasters.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives ( Elena and Raphael) ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE follows in the wake of a series of environmental disasters in each of the Archangel’s strongholds around the globe. It has been approximately ten years since the last war and the events of the Cascade (an event that causes massive power fluctuations and other changes among the members of the Cadre), and in this, reparations and rebuilding have been at the forefront for Raphael and Elena but a meeting of the Cadre reveals an Archangel has chosen to sleep, and another may be responsible for the chaos around the world.

Meanwhile, Elena’s estranged father has suffered a life-threatening heart attack, and our heroine is battling between heart break and remorse. Elena’s father has struggled in the years since the murder of his children, and the death of his beloved wife, and in this, Elena has felt the brunt of her father’s grief, and rejection.

The world building is complex and complicated as the story line references numerous past events, and the possible connections to the current time line. All is not well with Angelkind, and in this, the Cadre of Archangels is struggling to maintain control of the vast territories, and betrayal by some of their own.

The relationship between Elena and Raphael continues to be loving , passionate and seductive. Elena is mortal yet not-Raphael sacrificed himself to save his beloved, a sacrifice that now connects our heroine to the past. The $ex scenes are limited but intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, powerful and energetic secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in previous story lines. We are reintroduced to Elena’s extended family, as well as the introduction of Archangel Marduk.

ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, desperation and devotion, love and acceptance, family and love. The premise is dramatic, detailed, intricate and impassioned; the romance is heated and sentimental; the characters are compelling, authoritative, and dynamic.

Nalini Singh’s publisher is offering a hard copy of Archangel’s Lineage   to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and follow THE READING CAFE on FACEBOOK .

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7. Giveaway is open to USA  only

8. Giveaway runs from April 23 – 27, 2024

 

 

 

 

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There Should Have Been Eight by Nalini Singh – a Review

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There Should Have Been Eight by Nalini Singh – a Review

 

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Description:
They met when they were teenagers. Now they’re adults, and time has been kind to some and unkind to others—none more so than to Bea, the one they lost nine long years ago. They’ve gathered to reminisce at Bea’s family’s estate, a once-glorious mansion straight out of a gothic novel. Best friends, old flames, secret enemies, and new lovers are all under one roof—but when the weather turns and they’re snowed in at the edge of eternity, there’s nowhere left to hide from their shared history.

As the walls close in, the pretense of normality gives way to long-buried grief, bitterness, and rage. Underneath it all, there’s the nagging feeling that Bea’s shocking death wasn’t what it was claimed to be. And before the weekend is through, the truth will be unleashed—no matter the cost.

 

 

 

Barb’s Review:
There Should’ve Been Eight by Nalini Singh is a stand-alone mystery thriller. The story revolves around 8 best friends as teenagers, and now as adults, the group decides to gather at Darcie’s crumbling family estate to reminisce about the one they lost 9 years ago.  There Should’ve Been Eight is entirely told in Luna’s perspective.  With the group slowly falling apart, Darcie (Bea’s older sister) got them all to gather at the estate to reminisce and try and heal their grief.  Bea the one who died all those years ago, was Luna’s best friend, and she wanted to get more answers about why Darcie buried Bea in secret. Bea was the most popular of the friends, with all of them loving her.

They are all happy to be together, but in a short time things begin to change, drastically.  A terrible snow storm moves in, leaving them stranded, with no phone signals; soon accidents start happening, with danger and mistrust arising. Of the 7 friends, Luna, Darcie, Kaea, Ash, Nix, Aaron, Vansi and newcomer, Grace (Aaron’s girlfriend) was the 8th person. First Kaea hurts his foot (sabotaged boot) when a few went hiking; then someone puts Bea’s old creepy doll is on Darcie’s bed, freaking her out. Is someone secretly out to get them?

They are all stuck, with no way to get out, as the snow gets worse.  Then Nix falls down the stairs and breaks his neck. The tension escalates and no one knows who to trust. Soon Ash is missing, with Darcie desperate to find him, with Luna and Aaron helping search for him. Once they find Ash, who is injured with stab wounds, they rush him to the main room where they all are gathered, only to see that Kaea, Vansi, Grace and now Aaron have been drugged and Darcie is also wounded.  Luna suspects between two people who might be behind the attempts and drugging, and is desperate to find a way to get the injured help. Can Luna get them to safety, and will she learn who the real culprit was?

In the last third of the book, it was a wild, exciting and shocking thriller, with so many twists along the way. Without giving any information, since it would ruin the book for you, I was unable to put the book down, especially with the surprising twists.  Luna will learn more about Bea’s shocking death and the truths will be unleashed.

There Should’ve Been Eight was a fantastic compelling thriller that was so very well written by Nalini Singh.  If you enjoy mystery thrillers, with surprising twist as we reach the end, I suggest you read There Should’ve Been Eight.

 

Sandy’s Review: THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN EIGHT by Nalini Singh is a contemporary, adult stand alone, mystery thriller focusing on a tight knit group of friends (Darcie, Ash, Kaea, Phoenix, Vansi, Aaron and Luna) who have gathered together to remember someone they lost.

NOTE : Due to the nature of the story line premise including murder, talk of suicide, and miscarriage, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective Luna , THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN EIGHT follows Luna, and her group of friends as they venture together to the old manse owned by the Shepherd family. Approximately nine years earlier, Luna’s best friend, and Darcie’s younger sister Beatrice Shepherd committed suicide, something all of the friends struggle to accept. Fast forward to present day, wherein the surviving friends, plus Aaron’s new fiance Grace, have arranged a weekend together to address the proverbial elephant in the room but from the outset strange happenings, mysterious illnesses, death and poisonings threaten years of friendships when the group begins to point fingers at everyone present. As the friends begin to succumb to illness and possible murder, Luna struggles to accept that anything and everything has an intended victim, and the person(s) responsible maybe one of their own.

From the outset Luna drops hints as to the who, what and why. Luna herself is battling an hidden illness, one of which she has never revealed, but her suspicions will come to fruition when madness, jealousy, and a history of family troubles threaten to resurface as the storied past repeats itself, over and over, again.

We are introduced to a large ensemble cast of questionable and unlikeable secondary and supporting characters including twenty-somethings Darcie and Ash, Kaea, Phoenix and Vansi, Aaron and his fiance Grace. As the madness begins to spiral out of control, Luna discovers that someone else has declared themself judge, jury and executioner.

THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN EIGHT is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, madness and jealousy, greed and retribution, family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is intriguing and inviting; the characters are eclectic but often one dimensional. The person(s) responsible was easily deduced.

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RESONANCE SURGE by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

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RESONANCE SURGE by Nalini Singh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
StoneWater bears Pavel and Yakov Stepyrev have been a unit since birth, but now Pavel’s life is veering in a new direction, his heart held in the hands of Arwen Mercant, a Psy empath—and the only man who has ever brought Pavel to his knees.

This is it. A point of irrevocable change. For Pavel . . . for Arwen . . . for Yakov . . . and for another pair of twins whose bond has a far darker history.

A low-gradient Psy, Theodora Marshall is considered worthless by everyone but her violently powerful twin, Pax. She is the sole person he trusts in their venomous family to investigate a hidden and terrible part of their family history—an unregistered rehabilitation center established by their grandfather.

Places of unimaginable pain designed to psychically wipe minds, leaving the victims shells of their former selves, the Centers are an ugly vestige of the Psy race’s Silent past. But this Center was worse. Far, far worse. And now Theo must uncover the awful truth—in the company of a scowling bear named Yakov who isn’t about to take a Marshall at face value . . . especially a Marshall who has turned his dreams into chilling nightmares.

Because Yakov is the great-grandson of a foreseer . . . and he has seen Theo die in an unstoppable surge of blood. Night after night after night . .

 

 

 

Review:

Resonance Surge by Nalini Singh is the 7th book in her Psy-Changeling Trinity series. As I have noted many times, Nalini Singh continues to be one of my musts read go to authors, always loving her Pys-Changeling and Guild Hunter series.  She never fails to give us fantastic stories, great couples and fabulous secondary characters; not to mention her amazing ability to make sure her continued world building is totally flawless.

We meet Theodora (Theo) Marshall, our heroine, who has been tortured as a young child, by her grandfather, who was evil; since she was considered a low- gradient Psy.  Theo has a twin brother, Pax, who with the current death of Marshall Hyde (the grandfather who separated them), assumes control of the Marshall family.  Many years had passed when Pax and Theo were separated, but now that Pax is in charge, he only trusts his twin, who is assigned to check out an unregistered rehabilitation center that their grandfather controlled, and work with the Stonewater clan to discover who is still controlling the center.

Yakov Stepyrev, our hero, has had nightmares since he was young, and now recently the nightmares have come back.  Yakov (Yasha) has been assigned by Valentin (Stonewater leader), to meet Theo Marshall, and work with her to find the answers of who is killing innocent people, as well as who is controlling the center, that was created by the deceased Marshall Hyde.  When Yasha meets Theo, he is shocked to see that she is the woman in his nightmares, and his inner bear knows she is their mate. Yasha is determined to protect Theo, as well as prove to her that she is not a monster (since her grandfather did horrible things).

Yasha and Theo arrive at the center compound, searching for clues as who is behind the what is still happening at the center.  Theo cannot remember much of what the experiments her grandfather did to her, and when she sees the site, she has a panic attack, which brings forth rages in her body.  Yasha finds a way to help her out of the attack, and in a short time, as they are always together, the attraction between is very strong; Theo begins to trust Yasha, especially since their chemistry and bond were amazing..

Pavel (Yakov’s twin ) and Arwen Mercant have been together over a few books, and their relationship has made them a great couple.  Arwen, being an E psy and the heart of the Mercant family, plays a big part in helping Theo overcome her panic attacks and open her heart to Yasha. I really like Pavel and Arwen together.  Pax, Theo’s twin, is slowly feeling his life ending soon, due to the Scarab Syndrome; which I hope will resolve in the next book.

What follows is an exciting, suspenseful, intriguing and action-packed story, with me unable to put the book down. Resonance Surge was an emotional love story between Yasha and Theo, who was damaged, with a bond that will bring them totally together. The romance between them was wonderful and I love how the Stonewater bears accepted Theo into their clan. I really enjoyed Yakov and Theo’s story.  I also loved seeing many of our previous heroes, such as, Valentine, Silver, Kaleb, Ena, Pavel, Arden, and the rest of the Stonewater Bears.  

Nalini Singh once again gives us another wonderful story in Resonance Surge, which was so very well written by Nalini Singh, which has always been the norm. She never fails to captivate me with her engaging creative stories, fantastic plots, and seamless world building; wonderful couples in each and every story; super secondary characters and fantastic world-building.   I loved every moment of Resonance Surge.  As I have noted many times, if you have not read Nalini Singh, you are missing a gem of an author.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Nalini Singh’s publisher is offering a hard copy of RESONANCE SURGE   to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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7. Giveaway is open to USA  only

8. Giveaway runs from July 17 – 21, 2023

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Archangel’s Resurrection by Nalini Singh-Review & Giveaway

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Archangel’s Resurrection by Nalini Singh-Review & Giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 25, 2022

For thousands of years, the passion between Alexander, Archangel of Persia, and Zanaya, Queen of the Nile, burned furious and bright, seemingly without end. But to be an archangel is to be bound to power violent and demanding. Driven by its primal energy, Alexander and Zanaya fought as fiercely as they loved. Locked in an endless cycle of devotion and heartbreak, it is only Zanaya’s decision to Sleep that ends their love story.

Eons later, it is the Cascade of Death that wakens them both. The passion between them a flame that yet burns, Alexander and Zanaya stand together in one last battle against the ultimate darkness. But even a warrior archangel cannot win every war. Alexander’s scream shatters the world as Zanaya falls, broken and silent…only to rise again in a miracle that may be a devastating curse. For is it truly the Queen of the Nile who has been resurrected?

Only one thing is clear: this is the last beat of their passionate, angry dance. The final song for Alexander and his Zani…

•••••••

Sandy’s Review: ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION is the fifteenth instalment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER paranormal/fantasy romance series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is Archangel of Persia Alexander, and Queen of the Nile, Archangel Zanaya’s story line. ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and history regarding the Cascade.

Told in four parts, overlapping with several previous story line premises, covering thousands of years, using third person perspective ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION follows the life, the death and the life again of Archangel of Persia Alexander, and Queen of the Nile, Archangel Zanaya. Alexander and Zanaya have a colorful, riotous, and volatile history, and throughout the eons, separation would always rekindle with a violent clash as Archangel’s were not meant to be together for extended periods of time-too much power, too much ego, too many wars to protect or destroy but the time had come, Zanaya had chosen the ‘Sleep’ of the Archangel’s, leaving an embittered and heartbroken Alexander behind. Thousands of years would once again pass, bringing with it the Cascade (an event that causes massive power fluctuations and other changes among the members of the Cadre) brought about by Archangel Lijuan’s descent into madness. A prophecy of death and destruction, resurrection and renewal, as well as the rise and fall of Archangels would be the Cascade, an imbalance that would see the death and injury of many angels and Archangels including the awakening , the fall, and the rebirth of the woman Alexander loved, Zanaya, destroyed by the madness of Lijuan.

ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION looks at Alexander’s brother Osiris’ decline and plummet into madness and fanaticism; Cassandra’s sight revealing pathways that converge and divert; Antonicus, Archangel of the lost city of Elysium, who had dared to cross Lijuan’s black fog, is alive yet not, rising to take over where Lijuan left off.

ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION is a slow moving, complex, and detailed story line of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession and madness, love and understanding. The premise is intricate, startling and enchanting; the romance is complicated and resilient; the characters are powerful, charismatic and strong.

———

–Barb’s Review: Archangel’s Resurrection by Nalini Singh is the 15th book in her wonderful Guild Hunter series.  Nalini Singh continues to amaze us with another fantastic addition to this series. Archangel’s Resurrection is centered on two wonderful heroes, as we learn everything about two ancient Archangel’s and their fantastic love over thousands of years. 

Alexander, the Archangel of Persia and Zanaya, the Queen of the Nile is a love story that lasts through eons, continuing to burn brightly, even at times when they separated over years, only to return to their true love.  Alexander is older, and when he became an Archangel, he knew he was attracted to the young Zanaya, but was determined to allow her to grow, until she became a General for her Archangel, and now Alexander claimed the woman he loved.  The relationship was strong and sizzling, but also tumultuous, causing disagreements that would last for a number of years, until they made up and resumed their deep loving relationship.  

Zanaya, after so many millenniums, decided to Sleep, leaving Alexander to live without her; temporarily shattering their love story.   When the evil Lijuan’s war happened, the cascade woke many ancient Archangels, with Zanaya waking up.  The passion between them still burns, as they stand together with other Archangels to fight Lijuan; and Alexander’s scream shatters the world as Zanaya falls being attacked by Lijuan.  Gravely injured in the battle, Zanaya is taken by Cassandra to heal; when she awakes after only ten years; she does feel a bit different, worried that she carries a small part of Lijuan. 

I loved seeing many of the other Archangels we have come to love.  In this story I loved Zanaya’s friendship with Auri, who became her best friend and her second; as well as Meher.  Avelina was also great as Alexander’s second.

Archangel’s Resurrection was a monumental love story over millenniums that was very romantic and very emotional throughout, which was a fabulous addition to this series.  I really loved Alexander and Zanaya together.

As in just about every book I read from Nalini Singh, I could not put this book down.  Archangel’s Resurrection was fantastic, taking us through millenniums with war, peace, tragedy, destruction, and a magnificent love.   If you are new to the series, you should start where it all began. Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now. Nalini Singh is one of my top favorite authors, and if you are not reading her books, you need to start now.

 

Nalini Singh’s publisher is offering a paper copy of ARCHANGEL’S RESURRECTION  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and follow THE READING CAFE on FACEBOOK .

4. Please FOLLOW and follow THE READING CAFE on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

6. like and FOLLOW Follow NALINI SINGH  on Facebook.

7. Giveaway is open to USA and CANADA only

8. Giveaway runs from October 25-29, 2022

 

 

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