Tag Archives: Vickie

The Salamander (The Dawn of America 2) by Regan Walker-review

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The Salamander (The Dawn of America 2) by Regan Walker-review

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 5, 2026

Even the enemy whispered his name…

Captain Jonathan Haraden’s coldblooded courage earned him the nickname “the Salamander”. Like the creature of old, his crew believed him immune to the fires of battle. At the Revolution’s outbreak, he joined the militia guarding the seacoast, yet his true calling lay on the open sea, and it soon drew him into the fledgling Massachusetts Navy.

A dashing sea captain, tall and handsome, Jon captured hearts as easily as he captured ships, but his own belonged to Hannah, his young wife he lost to fever as the Revolution began. Devastated, he sets sail with a vengeance, entrusting his young daughters to Eunice Mason, a preacher’s daughter and young widow whose quiet strength steadies his home.

Commanding the Tyrannicide, Jon seizes British prizes and vital dispatches for General Washington. But chafing at the state’s inefficiencies and hungry for greater freedom, he accepts command of the privateer General Pickering, backed by Salem merchants who hail his daring and skill. Adored by his crew and feared by the enemy, Jon soon becomes a legend, capturing ships with unmatched audacity. Yet he wonders if he will ever find room in his heart for love again — or will the sea be his only mistress?

••••

REVIEW: The Salamander begins with the burial of Jonathan Haraden’s wife on a foggy morning in June 1776. Afterwards, they gather in the Haraden home where people offer their condolences. When asked what his plans were for the future, Jonathan tells them he has decided to serve aboard the Tyrannicide as First Lieutenant under Captain John Fisk.

At the recommendation of the reverend’s wife, Jonathan decides to hire her daughter, Eunice Mason, as governess for his two daughters: Hannah, seven years old and Polly, nine months old. Eunice lost her husband a year prior and needs a purpose in her life and agrees to care for the two little girls. Along with Martha, the cook, and Silas, the “man of all work,” Eunice settles into her new life.

Once Jonathan sets sail, he more than proves he is where he is meant to be as they seize British ships who are supplying the British forces in the colonies. Being at sea is something that fills Jonathan’s being with purpose and means he is away from home for longer and longer periods of time. He misses his girls and cherishes his time at home, and eventually he starts missing Eunice.

Having grown resentful of the constraints placed on him by the government, Jonathan makes the decision to become a privateer. As he sails the seas seizing British ships, his reputation grows. He shows unflinching bravery and courage under fire which earns his nickname, the salamander. His crew looks to him for leadership and will follow him anywhere.

As time passes, Eunice has become an integral part of the household and her young charges’ lives. She also finds herself longing for something more when her thoughts drift to Jonathan. With Jonathan being gone for longer stretches of time, she is steadfast in her faith that he will return home. However, when word of his capture reaches home, her faith, and Jonathan’s, is tested as never before.

Walker has once again woven an exquisite tale that pulls you in from the very first word. The characters are endearing and very beautifully written. Even though this is a work of fiction, many of the characters are real. Jonathan and Eunice develop a chemistry that warms your heart as the story follows them both through these turbulent times. Whether you are reading a scene at sea or in the Haraden home, you feel as if you are there with them and can smell the salt in the air or the fire in the hearth. The secondary characters add layers to the story that leave you feeling as you know them. Especially Martha and Silas. As always, Walker’s world building is second to none and leaves you wanting more. If you are a fan of the genre, you will never go wrong with one of her tales! Well done, Regan Walker! Very, very well done!

Click HERE for Vickie’s review of THE IRISH YANKEE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie

Regan Walker is an award-winning, #1 Amazon bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval novels that are historically authentic.

Among the awards she has won are the Gold Medal in the Readers Choice Book Awards, the Gold Medal in the Illumination Awards, 1st place in the Chaucer Awards, the International Book Award for Romance Fiction, the San Diego Book Award for Best Historical Romance, the President’s Book Awards of The Florida Authors & Publishers Association, the RONE Award for Best Medieval Novel (twice) and the Kindle Book Award.

You can sign up for her newsletter on her website and get the “Reader Extras” there, too. Regan loves to hear from her readers.

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The Irish Yankee (The Dawn of America 1) by Regan Walker-review

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The Irish Yankee (The Dawn of America 1) by Regan Walker-review

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

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 3, 2025

In June 1775, amid the Revolutionary War’s early stirrings, Irish Yankee Jeremiah O’Brien, seizes a British armed schooner off the Maine coast to thwart the cargo of lumber she was escorting from reaching British forces in Boston. Inspired by this daring victory, Jeremiah abandons his lumber business to command privateer vessels, relentlessly pursuing British merchant ships across dangerous waters.

Defying the British navy’s tightening grip on the Massachusetts coast, he risks his life and his ships to capture many prizes. Yet his greatest battle may lay onshore: winning the heart of Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, a fiercely independent woman who loves the freedom he fights for. Only a man worthy of the title “the hero of the Lexington of the Sea” could earn her love and prove himself worthy of her strength.

••••••

REVIEW: The Irish Yankee begins in May 1775 with a group of men meeting at a local tavern to discuss news that had reached them from Boston saying, “American blood had been spilled by the redcoats at Lexington and Concord”. Though they lived in Machias, Maine (a Colony of Massachusetts), they all feared that with the British crossing the ocean, it would only be a matter of time before chaos reigned up and down the coast. Lead by Jeremiah O’Brien, the men discussed what needed to be done to ensure the safety of all residing in Machias, including trying to stop the British Navy from blockading ports along the coast.

A meeting, called to order by Reverend Lyon, was held the next day in which the entirety of Machias was invited to share the information gathered and to discuss their plans. Once the meeting was over, the residents were all gathered outside to watch Jeremiah and the others raise a liberty pole that would symbolize their independence, vowing to fight the British.

In attendance was Elizabeth “Lizzy” Fitzpatrick. She and her family were new to Machias. Her mother had died, and their father made the decision to move Lizzy and her younger sister and brother to Machias. Once Jeremiah and Lizzy meet, Jeremiah’s interest is piqued and then offers to show her and her siblings around the next day. It does not take long for Jeremiah and Lizzy to become smitten with each other.

With war looming, it does not take long for a British captain to make his way to Machias. It also does not take long for things to go awry. Jeremiah, having been given command of a ship, seizes the British captain’s ship and the captain himself and his men.

Jeremiah soon finds himself, along with a few others, taking the captured officers to Cambridge to be handed off to General George Washington. Once they arrive, the are welcomed by the General and discussions are had about their plight. It is eventually decided that Jeremiah and his men will have official titles that will make them members of Washington’s navy.

While Lizzy waits for Jeremiah’s return, she cannot help but worry and soon finds herself falling for Jeremiah. When Jeremiah and she pledge themselves to each other, little do they know how that love will strengthen them. With Jeremiah being at sea more often than not, Lizzy finds comfort in her circle of friends, her family and Jeremiah’s family. However, things do not always go as planned and their will, determination and faith are tested in ways they never genuinely thought would come to fruition.

The Irish Yankee is a FANTASTIC tale set during the Revolutionary War. Jeremiah and Lizzy were wonderfully written. Each of them is steadfast in their faith, their love for family and country and pull you into the story from the beginning. Walker has once again seamlessly woven actual history into a beautifully created story that leaves you wanting more. If you are a fan of the genre, you will never go wrong with one of her exquisite tales. Well done, Regan Walker! Very, very well done!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie

Regan Walker is an award-winning, #1 Amazon bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval novels that are historically authentic.

Among the awards she has won are the Gold Medal in the Readers Choice Book Awards, the Gold Medal in the Illumination Awards, 1st place in the Chaucer Awards, the International Book Award for Romance Fiction, the San Diego Book Award for Best Historical Romance, the President’s Book Awards of The Florida Authors & Publishers Association, the RONE Award for Best Medieval Novel (twice) and the Kindle Book Award.

You can sign up for her newsletter on her website and get the “Reader Extras” there, too. Regan loves to hear from her readers.

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Overture of Shadow (Muses’ War 1) by Wally Waltner-review

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Overture of Shadow (Muses’ War 1) by Wally Waltner-review

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

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 24, 2025

Light reveals, shadow conceals. What we illuminate, we become.

In Breheimen, artisans and craftsmen aren’t just respected. They are revered. The Muse-touched are individuals whose creativity seems divinely inspired, capable of conjuring beauty so profound it borders on the mythical. Their gifts shape culture, hold political sway, and define the kingdom’s identity—the very spirit of the realm.

But when Master Bard Dorian Silversong is summoned to the capital by his mentor, he walks into a world unraveling. That same mentor, the head of the prestigious Collegium Bardica, has been murdered. Muse-touched artisans are vanishing. And at the heart of it all lies a web of courtly machinations and unseen forces determined to twist the bond between creator and creation for malevolent ends.

What if the power to create was the greatest one of all?

•••••

REVIEW:Overture of Shadow begins with Master Bard Dorian Silversong having been summoned to the capital by his mentor, Sonoran. Upon his arrival at the capital, he is informed that his mentor and friend had been murdered a couple of days before. Dorian then makes his way to Lydian’s estate where she proceeds to tell him what has been happening in the capital.

Dorian and Lydian attended the Collegium Bardica together and had always been close friends and held Sonoran close to their hearts. The Collegium is where the Muse-touched artisans attend to master their particular area of expertise. When Lydian also tells Dorian that other Muse-touched artisans have vanished they vow to get to the bottom of what is going on.

Dorian and Lydian make their way to Sonoran’s estate, which was bequeathed to Dorian upon Sonoran’s death, it does not take long for the two of them to stumble upon things that upend everything they thought they knew about the Muse-touched.

As they set out to uncover the truth, there are several things that must be investigated head on. One being the attraction that has always been there………………Second being their beliefs that being Muse-touched was a blessing for everyone who was chosen.

Overture of Shadow is a well written fantasy tale that slowly lures you into the story. The world building is second to none and leaves the reader being able to see, in their mind’s eye, a landscape that is intriguing and beautiful. The secondary characters, especially Mixolydian (Mixie for short), are very well written. Mixie’s character development leaves you hoping that she features prominently in the next installment. If you are a fantasy fan, you will surely enjoy this world full of intrigue created by Waltner. Well done, Wally Waltner!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie

 

GOODREADS / Amazon Author Page/ Raconteur Press/

Wally Waltner is a genre fiction author and storyteller whose work blends the grandeur of epic fantasy with the pulse and punch of pulp-era adventure. His stories explore the transformative power of creativity—where art and imagination aren’t just themes, but elemental forces that shape worlds, destinies, and the people caught between them.

Born and raised in rural South Dakota, Wally’s roots are grounded in wide skies, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the quiet stories that unfold far from the spotlight. That upbringing taught him the value of listening closely—to people, to landscapes, and to the myths that live just beneath the surface of everyday life. It also fed an active imagination, where a discarded pipe fitting becomes a ray gun, the bed of a rusted-out pickup truck becomes a sailing ship’s deck, and a fallen tree becomes Excalibur.

Wally holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Saint Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where he studied brass performance, voice and composition. Though his creative medium has shifted from music to the written word, the rhythmic sensibility and harmonic structure of his early training continue to shape his storytelling today. Whether orchestrating the politics of a fallen kingdom or the inner lives of Musetouched heroes, Wally brings a composer’s discipline and an artist’s intuition to every tale.

His fiction is often set in richly textured worlds like Breheimen, a kingdom where creativity is more than expression—it’s power, and sometimes peril. Drawing inspiration from bardic traditions, psychological archetypes, and the high-stakes drama of pulp narratives, his work celebrates both the beauty and the burden of imagination.

Muses’ War: Overture of Shadow From Wally Waltner and Raconteur Press

Beyond the page, Wally has spent his career as a leader in the management consulting world, where he helps organizations solve complex problems through clarity, structure, and strategic insight. That same mindset flows into his writing, where story architecture, character purpose, and thematic resonance are treated with the same rigor he brings to transformation programs and executive leadership.

Amongst other things, Wally is a certified Kansas City Barbecue Society judge, a volunteer leader for Paizo Publishing’s Organized Play Program, and a worship musician for his local church.

Wally lives in Kansas City with his wife of 33 years, Mechelle — his steadfast partner in life and creativity — and they are the proud parents of a grown daughter who continues to inspire them both. With plans to relocate to North Texas in the near future, Wally is looking forward to planting new roots, meeting new readers, and finding new stories in the heat, hum, and cultural crossroads of the Lone Star state. Whether he’s exploring broken kingdoms, guiding reluctant heroes, or unpacking the strange bargains that power human ambition, Wally Waltner writes with a storyteller’s grace, a strategist’s mind, and a heart full of wonder. His goal is simple: to craft compelling, creative stories that stay with you long after the final page

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King of Power (Club Velvet Petal 1) by Aleia Kane-review tour

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💜King of Power (Club Velvet Petal 1) by Aleia Kane-review tour💜

Amazon US/ Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 17, 2025

One night at Club Velvet Petal was all it took to destroy everything I’d built. Now, I’m forced to marry the very man who ghosted me a year ago—a decision that could either save my life or end it.

As a SVU detective, I’m used to putting criminals behind bars, not sleeping with them. But Ezekiel King isn’t just any criminal. He’s a former mafia enforcer with a reputation that makes hardened men tremble. He claims this marriage will protect me from a local mafia lord who wants me dead, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’m trading one form of danger for another.

The worst part? My body betrays me every time he’s near. His commanding presence and dominant nature awaken desires I thought I’d buried long ago. Each heated glance, each possessive touch, reminds me of the passion we once shared—before he vanished without a trace.

But when the unthinkable happens, I’m forced to confront the brutal reality of Zeke’s world. Now I must choose—maintain my integrity as a detective, or surrender to the darkness that surrounds him to save the only family I have left.

With rival mafia families closing in and threats lurking in every shadow, my heart and my badge are on opposite sides of a war I never wanted to fight.

In Zeke’s world, love isn’t just dangerous—it’s deadly. And I’m beginning to fear it might be exactly what I need to survive.

In this game of shadows, will love be enough to save us, or will it cost me everything?

••••••

REVIEW:  King of Power begins with Evelyn and her friends leaving a meeting for survivors of abusive relationships. When one of her friends suggests they go out, Evelyn tries to get out of it but then decides to join Lydia and Olivia at a club.

Once they arrive at the club, it does not take long for Evelyn to figure out that this is the last place she should have come to. Once they are escorted to a back room, despite her protests, the one person whom she trusted and then ghosted her walks in.

Evelyn had trusted Ezekiel (Zeke) with her backstory, finally feeling free enough to tell him why her marriage failed and what she endured. She never heard from him again. To see him walk into the room was something she never expected. She also does not understand why Olivia seems to know more than she is willing to share.

Evelyn makes it clear to Ezekiel that she wants nothing to do with him ever again and finally leaves. She has her job and her nephew to raise and a few friends and that is all she needs. Then, she goes back to the club with her friends a few weeks later and is “made” by a member of a mafia family member, one she had gone undercover to try and get information on.

Zeke never thought he would see Evelyn again and he knew that would be safer for her. She has no idea about his past and his current endeavors, but when a threat is made against her, he does the only thing that will keep her safe: he tells the guy who “made” her that she’s, his fiancé. And she is not happy about that.

When threats are made, Evelyn has no other recourse other than to accept his protection for herself and her nephew. Their attraction to each other was never the problem, nor is it now. The real problem is that one skates the law while the other is sworn to uphold it.

King of Power is a nicely written story. The two main characters are relatable and their backstories believable. But, if I am being honest, their connection was a little off for me. I truly did love them together but at times, it felt stilted. It really picked up for me a little over halfway through. The secondary characters were very well written. King of Power is a story of power, betrayal, redemption, and family. I look forward to the next installment. Well done, Aleia Kane.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie

 

Dark gritty mafia romance

Aleia Kane writes gritty, emotionally charged mafia romance with lots of spice, humor, drama, and big feels. Readers love her work for her engaging storytelling, relatable characters, steamy romance, and emotional depth. She has a soft spot for angst-filled, forbidden romances, second chances, and dominant, grumpy bad boys with sweet centers that are impossible not to love.

 She lives in Florida, with her two kids, her cat, and a large collection of houseplants.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website: http://aleiakane.com 

Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/aleiakane 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aleiakane_author 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/55606351.Aleia_Kane 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aleiakane 

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/aleiakane_author 

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The Daughter Between Them by Alretha Thomas – a Review

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The Daughter Between Them by Alretha Thomas – a Review

 

Amazon / Bookbub

 

Description:
Two mothers. One missing daughter. One life-changing secret.

In 2019, Leslie Graham is within arm’s reach of her goal to become the news editor at the Dancing Hills Times. At thirty-five, she has it all—a promising career and a close relationship with her two teenage girls, Rhonda and Jillian. But when an old enemy from her past resurfaces, threatening to reveal life-changing information about one of her daughters, Leslie does everything in her power to keep her world from crashing down.

A decade earlier, in 2009, Barbara Morris’s seven-year-old daughter, Nancy, goes missing in Queens, New York. Barbara and her husband frantically search for her. But all is not as it seems in the disappearance of Nancy Morris, and Barbara may not be the innocent victim she’s painted herself to be. After ten years of her life spiraling out of control and Nancy still missing, Barbara decides to head to Dancing Hills, believing she’ll find the answers she’s looking for. Barbara and Leslie’s worlds will collide there, and the secrets of the past will finally be revealed.

 

Review:

The Daughter Between Them begins in 2019 with Leslie Graham deep in thought while she is going through things in her office at the Dancing Hills Times. She is on the verge of becoming the first African American news editor at the paper, something which she has worked towards for quite a while. She then receives a phone call from the Dancing Hills police department concerning her two daughters, Jillian and Rhonda.

Once Leslie arrives at the police station, she finds out that her girls were involved in an accident and thankfully are okay. However, it was no accident. The girls say that the car came out of nowhere and plowed into their car then took off without stopping. Leslie cannot help but wonder as things continue to happen if her past may be catching up with her.

Barbara Morris has a daughter who goes missing in 2009. She and her husband try to present a united front when looking for their daughter, but things are not at all what they seem. Barbara’s past has caught up with her present and will have a profound affect on not only her future, but Leslie’s.

The Daughter Between Them is another wonderfully written book by Alretha Thomas. The characters are beautifully written and multidimensional, and the world building is second to none. The twists and turns keep you turning the pages because just when you think you know what has happened, or about to happen, you find out you are close………but no cigar. If you are a fan of suspense, you will not go wrong with this one. I have been lucky enough to have the privilege of reviewing Mrs. Thomas’s books for several years now and have never been disappointed once. I do believe, though, that this one may be my favorite. Well done, Alretha Thomas! Very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy supplied for Review

 

 

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Make Mine a Marquess by Tina Gabrielle – a Review

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Make Mine a Marquess by Tina Gabrielle – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub


Description:
He lost everything. Now he’s come to take it all back—along with her—in this entrancing romance that’s ideal for fans of Sophie Jordan and Eloisa James.

Everyone thought that the Marquess of Landon was lost at sea. Instead, Robert Kirkian defied all the odds and survived. Now he’s returned to London to reclaim his title, his property, and his lands from the foul snake who tried to have him killed: his own cousin. But proper vengeance requires patience—and the perfect weapon. Which is precisely when Robert meets his cousin’s charmingly spirited betrothed…

Miss Phoebe Dawson is everything an ambitious gentleman could desire in a wife. Wealthy, exceedingly lovely, and with a sparkle in her blue eyes that could entice even the most reluctant suitor. But Phoebe’s come too close to ruin—the humiliation of it!—to be fooled by yet another handsome face and silken words . But oh, how he makes her feel. So flustered, so flushed…and so thrillingly alive.

Phoebe knows that love is a fool’s game, even if the Marquess does play his hand like an expert. Her reputation can nary afford the tiniest spark of scandal, let alone those slow, deep kisses that leave her breathless. But she’s about to discover the only thing more dangerous than a rogue is a wronged man hellbent on revenge…

 

Review:

Make Mine a Marquess begins with Robert Kirkian, Marquess of Landon (who typically goes by Landon), peering inside a ballroom as he stands in the shadows outside. The costume ball is the beginning of a weeks long house party that is being hosted by his cousin, Lord Willard, whom he spots quickly. As Landon steps back into the shadows, Lord Willard and a beautiful blond woman, Miss Phoebe Dawson, step out onto the terrace. After a brief chat, Willard goes back inside as Landon approaches Phoebe. Learning that Phoebe was Willard’s betrothed, Landon approaches her and the two speak for a brief time before Phoebe heads back inside not knowing to whom she had been speaking. All she knows is that the handsome pirate piqued her interest.

The following day, Landon, along with his friend, Aram, approaches the country estate where the house party is being hosted and lifts the brass knocker. The butler answers the door to discover that the true Marquess has returned home after being lost at sea for five years. In Landon’s place, his cousin, Lord Willard, had taken over all that was rightfully Landon’s.

Once Landon makes himself known to those in attendance at the house party, it is hard to say who is more shocked: Lord Willard or Phoebe Dawson, albeit for vastly different reasons. What follows is a cat and mouse game as Landon tries to ferret out the truth of his ship going down and exactly why Phoebe intrigues him so.

Make Mine a Marquess is another wonderfully written tale by Ms. Gabrielle. Her stories draw you in from the beginning and the worlds she creates are easy to see in your mind’s eye. Landon and Phoebe were beautifully written, and their chemistry leapt off the page. The secondary characters were a bonus that gave the story depth. If you are a fan of regency romance novels, you will never go wrong with one of her books. Well done, Tina Gabrielle! Very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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When A Dragon Falls (Embraced by Magic) by Kerrelyn Sparks-review

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When A Dragon Falls (Embraced by Magic 4) by Kerrelyn Sparks-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 24, 2023

Princess Lenushka of Norveshka prides herself on her courage. She’s faced down the doubters who think a woman dragon shifter is worth less than a man. She will marry to secure the support of her nobles—and ensure she’ll hold the Norveshki throne. A battle-hardened soldier, she’s prepared to destroy the Brotherhood of the Sun, who threaten all Aerthlan. But she can barely look at Bran Morris, the Raven. His dark, brooding beauty is off-limits for a princess who must wed for advantage. And he has far too many secrets of his own for Lennie to trust him with hers.

Bran’s quest is for vengeance, against the Brotherhood monsters who killed his brother and abused his sisters. He can’t dream about the sharp-eyed woman warrior whose memory haunts him, not even when she appears to rescue him from an unknown dragon shifter. But when Lennie and Bran discover they’re Aerthlan’s last defense against a powerful, murderous mastermind, they can no longer afford to deceive each other—or themselves. And when a dragon’s passion is freed, anything is possible .

••••••

REVIEW:When a Dragon Falls begins with Princess Lenushka (Lennie) of Norveshka arriving for Princes Roslyn’s wedding. Once she sees the bridesmaid’s gowns, she contemplates an accidental hiccup and burning them all. Not wanting to upset Roslyn, she decides against it. Roslyn’s wedding to Earl Freydor worried not only Lennie, but the other bridesmaids as well. When Queens Brigitta and Luciana arrived, Queen Brigitta (Roslyn’s mother) was aghast at the sight of the dresses. Things got really interesting when one of the bridesmaids bumped into Queen Luciana. Anyone who comes into contact with Luciana was compelled to tell the truth. Once Roslyn realized that no one liked the dresses, she was heartbroken and didn’t think it could get any worse. Until one of the maids touched Luciana as well and blurted out that she had been having an affair with Earl Freydor. And she wasn’t the only one.

Bran and his younger brother, Zane, have been tracking Greer for quite a while and argued over who would be the one to deliver the killing blow once they found him. Greer was a member of the Brotherhood of the Sun, just as Bran and Zane had been, until their brother had been killed by Greer. Bran was a spy for the Brotherhood and a raven shifter. He knew more about the outside world than Zane so the two were at odds often about how to handle things. They do agree on one thing: the rest of the Brotherhood had to be taken down.

As Bran and Zane and their two companions enter town, they encounter Earl Freydor heading to where they thought Greer may be. Bran shifts and spies on the Earl who does indeed meet with Greer. Greer gets away with Bran following, only to be chased by a dragon. He doesn’t understand why and does his best to outmaneuver the dragon and is ultimately brought down by an arrow. Roslyn’s arrow. Seems she and Lennie were heading to confront the Earl as well and saw Bran giving chase. Bran had been part of a plot to kidnap one of the Queens a long while back and that is all that Lennie and Roslyn knew.

As Zane is kidnapped, along with two others, Lennie knows she must work with Bran and the others to save everyone. Bran has no idea who, or what, Lennie is and at first refuses. Once they decide to work together, they will move heaven and earth to save those they love.

When a Dragon Falls is another exciting addition to the Embraced by Magic series. Lennie and Bran are slow to admit their feelings for each other. They are written well, and their chemistry is sweet. The love they have for their families, both blood and chosen, draws them closer together. There is a large secondary character presence. I loved getting to catch up with the Kings and Queens from the earlier books and see them interacting with their children in this one. As I’ve said in previous reviews, Sparks is one of very few authors that can pull off a story that builds slowly yet keeps you turning the pages. I love the humor, the intrigue and the romance. I would recommend reading the series in order due to the continuing story arc throughout. And, once again, I can’t wait for the next installment in this series. Well done, Kerrelyn Sparks! Very, very, very well done!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie

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Bad Luck Vampire (Argeneau 36) by Lynsay Sands-review

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Bad Luck Vampire (Argeneau 36) by Lynsay Sands-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 26, 2023

Alasdair MacKenzie has never once considered himself unlucky in all the centuries he’s been an immortal rogue enforcer. Not until he meets Sophie. Finding the beautiful, smart, and funny woman who is his life mate is great luck, actually. But meeting her at a wedding full of Argeneaus, not to mention his own busybody uncles determined to “help him claim his woman,” is bad luck. And the fact that Sophie is someone else’s date? Well that’s just the next level of unlucky.

From the way her gaze travels over his body like a caress to the electric zing whenever they innocently touch…he wants her for all eternity! He’ll keep his hands off Sophie until her date is over. After that all bets are off and he’ll pull out all the stops to win her. Great plan—until he gets hit by a car. And then he’s poisoned. Is his luck that bad, or is someone out to stop this immortal from claiming Sophie as his life mate?

•••••••••

REVIEW: Bad Luck Vampire begins with Sophie Ferguson realizing within a few minutes that her blind date with Carl was not going well. She knew there was no reason to continue and told him she was leaving. Carl would not take no for an answer and followed her outside. Sophie defended herself and was trying to make it to her car when she noticed Carl was no longer following her. Carl, in fact, was being “detained” by two huge men who came to her aid.

Tybo and Valerian take “care” of Carl for her, which she is immensely grateful for. What she doesn’t expect is for Tybo to ask for her number. Since they had saved her from more of Carl’s antics, she gave it to him. What she doesn’t know is that Tybo and Valerian are not quite human.

When she sees Tybo again, he invites her to be his date at an upcoming family wedding. She accepts the offer. Once they arrive at the wedding, she realizes she has never seen so many beautiful people in one place. What she doesn’t understand is her attraction to another guest, Alasdair MacKenzie. She chastises herself and tries to settle in and just enjoy the festivities. She also doesn’t understand why a certain guest, whom she just met, is suddenly, subtly, pushing her to sit by Alasdair. That certain guest is none other than Marguerite Argeneau. If you know, you know!

Once the wedding is over, Alasdair starts to court Sophie, only to have so many bad things happen to him. Talk about unlucky. However, it doesn’t take long for him to figure out that someone is either trying to kill him or he is indeed has the worst bad luck of any vampire.

Bad Luck Vampire is another great addition to the series. Sophie and Alasdair are a great couple. As always, there is a huge presence of secondary beloved characters, but it is his Scottish uncles who steal the show. They are hysterical in trying to help Alasdair “woo” his life mate. Sands has always written with humor, but this one made me laugh out loud. I can only hope one of the uncles gets a story soon. If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll certainly enjoy this one. If you’ve not read the series, what are you waiting for? Well done, Lynsay Sands! Very, very well done!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie

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