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Review: Dusk Unveiled by Carrie Ann Ryan
Dusk Unveiled
Carrie Ann Ryan
Ravenwood Coven Series, Book 2
NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues her magical paranormal series where a town keeps its secrets, but an aging curse might just be their downfall.
The Christopher curse is one of legend—so old that every new generation knows they will be touched by it. With every spell muttered, every magical pull needed to save her town, Laurel Christopher knows she’s one step closer to burning to ash and leaving those she loves behind. She’ll fight with all she has to protect her people—and the man she loves—but she might not have enough strength remaining to save herself.
Jaxton Dark lost his best friend to the necromancer attacking Ravenwood but refuses to lose his mate to a curse that could take them both. He’s well aware of the loss calling them, but before he can stand up for those he loves, a betrayal cuts him to the core.
Sacrifice was always an inevitability when it comes to the curse that threatens their fate. Yet it’s only when the darkness makes a subtle and surprising move that star-crossed lovers, Laurel and Jaxton, will truly find out the meaning of who they could be and what they must give up to survive.
Dusk Unveiled is the fast paced and thrilling second installment of the Ravenwood Coven Series.
Laurel, on top of fighting a battle to save her town, is fighting another battle within herself. A cursed fire witch whom with every bit of magic she does the flames kill her a little bit more from the inside out. Her magic has her trapped in a dangerous loop keeping herself at a distance from those she loves.
Jaxton is wing leader of the hawks. He’s a natural and powerful leader. He shoulders not only the responsibility and safety of his own people but also to the inhabitants of the town. He’s a fighter and a believer. Jaxton has a Determination that is so strong that he’s determined not only to help his friend but turn their relationship into what it could be.
Dusk Unveiled was fantastic. Carrie Ann Ryan delivers non stop action packed, fast paced, unfaltering to termination and a love that survives the flames. My goodness this was a very intense story. Intense in action and emotion. Laurel may just be the strongest female character that Ms. Ryan has written. I will not say she’s in denial, she’s just being realistic as to what her situation is. She gives every bit of herself to protecting the town before she will be able to do more. Jaxton stands his ground with his wing while trying to do all he can for Laurel. He knows they are meant for one another. Through the danger and self-sacrifice they not only manage to save their town but they both gave themselves to save themselves. They were perfect for one another; it just took them a bit to get there.
I have been reading Carrie Ann Ryan for about 10 years now. When I found out she was doing a story about witches I was so ecstatic. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this trilogy would be what it is so far. The world building is outstanding. The characters are amazing. Ms. Ryan has taken figures from legend and lore that we have come to love over our years of reading, giving them her twist and making them into something new and fresh. Dusk Unveil Is a fantastic paranormal read.
Review: The Mystery of Albert E. Finch by Callie Hutton
The Mystery of Albert E. Finch
Callie Hutton
Victorian Book Club Mystery Series, Book 3
In USA Today bestselling author Callie Hutton’s third Victorian Book Club mystery, will wedding bells or death knells ring for Lady Amy and Lord William?
Bath, England, 1892. Celebrated mystery author Lady Amy Lovell is set to tie the knot with Lord William Wethington, a fellow member of the Mystery Book Club of Bath. Amy’s great-aunt, Lady Priscilla Granville, has offered to host their wedding at her stately Derby Manor House. But on the eve of the ceremony, the festive air in the drawing room is marred by Mrs. Alice Finch’s argument with her husband, Albert, in another room. The next morning at the wedding breakfast, Alice falls face-first into her breakfast—dead.
When Amy and William’s favorite detectives are summoned to the house, they see two champagne glasses in front of Mrs. Finch and none in front of her husband. Did Albert give his wife a poisoned drink? Always looking for the easiest solution, the detectives charge Albert with the murder.
But Lady Amy is not convinced that Albert is guilty. There are too many things that don’t add up. In the hopes of being able to leave Bath and begin their honeymoon, Amy and William once again take things into their own hands. Suspects begin to pop up, but nothing takes them more by surprise than the discovery of a second body.
Stuck in Bath until the whole poisonous predicament is solved, Amy and William are anxious to collar the perfidious poisoner and be on their way to their honeymoon. If they can’t catch the killer, not only is their newlywed bliss under threat, but they may not live to see happily-ever-after at all.
3.5 Stars
Lady Amy and Lord William should be celebrating the happiest day of their lives. On the day of their wedding, at their breakfast feast Mrs. Alice Finch ends up with her face in her plate and no longer breathing. Not the happiest of things to happen at your wedding. Although they are not suspects, Lord William and Lady Amy can’t even leave for their honeymoon. As the local police miss so many clues and only think one way, Amy and William take it upon selves to get to the bottom of this crazy mystery.
I so love the Victorian Book Club mystery series and the latest The Mystery of Albert E. Finch is the icing on the cake. Amy and William are so perfect for each other. The start of their life together is not the storybook tale they want but it does show what a team Amy and William are together. The Mystery of Albert E. Finch is one of those mysteries that just as soon as you think you have it figured out another person or piece of information comes into play it makes you re-change the way of thinking. Amy is an out of the box thinker and with all the research she does for writing her books she makes a naturally good sleuth. I very much enjoyed The Mystery of Albert E. Finch.
Review: Dragon Unbound by Donna Grant
Dragon Unbound
Donna Grant
Dragon Kings Series, Book 3
He’s never been tempted…until her.
Sexy. Mysterious. Dangerous. He’s an immortal Dragon King bound by ancient rules and eternal magic. Cullen has one objective: find and destroy the evil that threatens the new home of the dragons. Just when he’s closing in, he’s ambushed and finds a stunning warrior woman fighting alongside him. No amount of magic could prepare him for the beguiling lass who spurns his advances and defies him.
From the moment Tamlyn takes a stand against her kind, she’s had to fight one perilous battle after another. Staying alive in an endless struggle, and the lines between good and evil are blurred with every encounter. She’s always stood alone—until she comes to the aid of an irresistibly handsome stranger. Cullen will force her to face truths she’s been running from…even as enemies plot to destroy them both.
**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.**
The new Dragon world has an enemy threat and Cullen is tasked with finding and destroying whomever it may be. Just as he’s about to pounce his target Cullen finds himself ambushed. To his surprise he finds a warrior lass fighting along his side. The fates just shook this dragon king to the core.
I am loving the tales of the new dragon world. Tamlyn and Cullen may not Share each other’s mission but they do understand the cars behind each. They each carried out such noble actions while the enemy lay in the shadows. Tamlin as a strong heroine. She stood her ground and didn’t fall in the face of danger. Cullen met his match and his equal when he met Tamlyn. When the dragon kings know they know it’s amazing to watch them fall. Donna Grant once again bestows the magic of her dragon world upon her readers. Fast paced, lots of action and a couple that you definitely want to root for. The great line of “You my dragon “ , totally hits you in just the right way. Dragon Unbound started my reading year off right.
Review: Dad Bod Rockstar by Melissa Schroeder
Dad Bod Rockstar
Melissa Schroeder
The Melissa Schroeder Instalove Collection
Niall
A lot of people look at my life and think I have it all. Multiple platinum records, more money than I know what to do with, and a seemingly never ending string of women. Everyone thinks they know me, but very few do. I’m ready to settle down, but most women see the rockstar and not the man.
Until Blossom.
She’s way too young for me, and so innocent I’m embarrassed by my infatuation. But the moment I meet her, I’m in love. I only have a couple days with her before I have to be back on the road, so I fill them with as much romance as I can and I promise to get back to her.
Blossom
I’ve led a sheltered life. All I have ever wanted was to be a baker. I spent my early twenties building my reputation, and the past two years running my own small town bakery. I’m over the moon at my success, still there has been something missing.
Then in walks Niall Holden, my celebrity crush.
He loves my baking, and insists on taking me to dinner. We spend two glorious nights together because he has to be back on the road. He promises he will return as soon as his tour is done. I want to believe in happily ever after, but stories in the tabloids make me realize I’m not cut out for this kind of relationship.
Only Niall doesn’t agree, and when he shows up in my small town again, he insists that I am the woman for him. That may be true, but does he just want me…or will he want us?
This story is an age gap, small town, surprise baby romance set in Melissa Schroeder’s Instalove World. It includes a grumpy but totally sweet rockstar, an adorkable baker with a quirky way of looking at the world, cupcakes and cookies, and the antics of the Patton brothers and their wives from The Dominon Rockstar Romance series. There is no cheating, an HEA, and can be read as a stand-alone.
Dad Bods made a big impression in 2021 – and they’re not going anywhere! This January, some of your favorite contemporary romance authors are bringing you a sexy selection of brawny, hot Dad Bods and the women who love their men with a little something extra to hold on to.
These men may be built for comfort but don’t be fooled – they will stop at nothing to protect the women who’ve claimed their heart.
Melissa Schroeder delivers another fantastic insta-love story!
For a short read, Melissa Schroeder packed a lot into the sweet and sexy story. We get it a small town romance, sweets for all of us foodies, who doesn’t love a rockstar romance and A surprise baby. It’s got a little something for just about all of your reading tastes.
Niall has lived The rockstar life and got a reputation to go with it. After many years of being in the business, what most people don’t know is all he wants is to settle down. Blossom is the best at what she does. She worked her tail off to prove herself in the baking world. She’s Proud of herself and she truly deserves it. What can make her world better? Having a rockstar crush walk into your bakery and ask you to dinner. You know things can happen!
I loved this story. Dad Bod Rockstar is a daydream of a story. Niall and Blossom are perfect together. I love that she see him for who he is and not his stardom. Niall shows his true self from the first moment, he’s genuine and caring. Their attraction is completely believable and they come together naturally. They enjoy one another and know how to have fun. Even when the gospel gets in the way they know how to do the right thing and work it out. A great short story to start the beginning of the year
Review: My Bad Decisions by Carrie Ann Ryan
My Bad Decisions
Carrie Ann Ryan
On My Own Series, Book 4
Tanner and I have been at each other’s throats ever since.
The second time he kissed me, I told myself not to fall.
I should have known something burned beneath the surface and I couldn’t resist him.
The third time led to something more and now one positive test later, neither one of us can walk away.
Only when his past sheds light on every difference we’ve chosen to ignore, we’ll have to fight for each other, or lose everything before we’ve even had a chance.
Tanner and Natalie could not be more different. Six of the eight friends have paired off and these two are the last standing.
Natalie is very different from the way her mother wishes her to be. Coming from privilege her parents expect her to do one thing but yet Natalie is determined that she’s going to live her life the way she wants. Tanner grew up with his mom and little brother, he lost his life overseas. Life was not always easy for them yet Tanner does everything he can to better his life and to make things easier for his mom even if the man in her life is not one that Tanner cares for. Tanner hides what he does for a living because he feels like it makes him less of a person yet when a certain friend discovers what he does it seems to open up more possibilities than he could’ve dreamed of.
My Bad Decisions is an emotional conclusion to the On My Own series. Tanner and Natalie like each other more than either one is willing to admit. Through all the arguing and banter, you could feel the underlying desire and chemistry. They both have their issues and confide in one another to help themselves. Big life changes hit them both hard and quick and I love the way they came together. Tanner and Natalie had to work hard but love is hard work. Carrie Ann Ryan completes the series wonderfully.
Review: Immortal’s Honor by Rebecca Zanetti
Immortal’s Honor
Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors Series, Book 14
First comes danger . . .
When Vampire-Demon Sam Kyllwood discovers he’s the keeper of some mysterious circle, he laughs it off. When he finds out that his younger brother is supposed to fight to the death in said circle, he snaps right to furious. And that’s before he starts uncontrollably making things explode —it turns out it’s never too late to develop deadly new immortal abilities. But even those explosions are nothing compared to what happens when he tries to handle a very suspicious, brilliant and beyond sexy human female whose piercing eyes ignite a heat that rages deliciously outside even his unbreakable control…
Then comes desire . . .
Honor McDovall is one of the best interrogators Homeland Security has ever had. But no matter how well she appears to fit in, her mystical gifts are slowly driving her mad. She doesn’t understand them, she doesn’t want them, but for now, she’ll use them to detect and defeat danger until she completely loses her mind. Unfortunately, her job brings her face to face with the deadliest man she’s ever met—and she senses Sam is even more gifted than she is. Yet once they kiss, she realizes he’s also more dangerous than the enemies suddenly coming from every direction. Good thing they both like to play with fire . . .
Rebecca Zanetti keeps readers on the edge of her seats while making them laugh with Immortal’s Honor.
Sam is a vampire-demon hybrid and middle brother to a king and one of the seven. He’s the keeper, part of something much bigger than himself and yet he’s the calm one of the lot. He’s the keeper of the piece, kind of zen, if there is such a thing in his world. Sam was so much more than what I would have ever guessed him to be. What a hero!!!! And when he fell I loved him that much more!
Honor is the best at what she does yet can’t quite seem to him her place. She had gifts and doesn’t understand them. It’s getting to the point of making her crazy. Yet with the even more crazy things going on in her life, She keeps an open mind and allows herself to become familiar with her gifts. Her job puts her in the line of danger but she may have just run into the most dangerous man she’s ever met. With gifts to rival her own or even maybe exceed some thing about this man stirred all kinds of feelings inside of her, and those feelings are not bad at all.
Rebecca Zanetti amazes me with every book. Immortal’s Honor. Sam and Honor are totally perfect for each other but yet neither one of them can make it easy on the other. They fight themselves just as much as they fight their attraction until neither one of them can hold back. The banter, the back-and-forth with each other and the intense chemistry. Danger, intensity and passion are the name of the game for these two. I really loved the amount of humor that was within the story. With so much going on and things coming from all directions it’s nice to be able to laugh right along with the characters. Ms. Zanetti cleared up some questions for us within the pages of this chapter of the Dark Protectors series and gave us more, firing up this reader to know what’s gonna happen next.
Review: Dark Alpha’s Silent Night by Donna Grant
Dark Alpha’s Silent Night
Donna Grant
The Reapers Series, Book 12.5
New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant gives us an intimate peek into the Reapers’ new life with an all-new, heartwarming holiday tale…
There is no escaping the Reapers. We are elite assassins, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. But when Death says it’s our time to live, we are more than happy to obey.
We have suffered betrayal, heartbreak, chaos, and even death. Despite another foe lurking around the corner, most of us have found happiness and love. While some still search, there is contentment—a sense of peace and purpose. And with the holidays upon us, it is time to celebrate the family we have made. The one we chose. The season is for revelry, and we intend to take advantage. Whatever may come next will still be there after the last present is unwrapped.
And we will face it. Together.
What a sweet, beautiful and heartwarming slice of life. Donna Grant brings on the holidays season with Dark Alpha’s Silent Night.
With Christmas around the corner River is missing this time of year on earth. With the encouragement from Kyran and a blessing from Death herself, with the help of the other mates, a wonderful plan for a memorable evening begins to form.
What a beautiful quick raid with the Reapers. Emotional and touching, with everything the seasons about. Sharing love and laughter with those you love and cherish. Remembering and thinking about those that are not present and taking a minute to remember what you’re fighting for and what you truly have. Dark Alpha’s Silent Night gives you are the feels and gears one up for a beautiful holiday season.
Review: Brazen by Jayne Rylon
Brazen
Jayne Rylon
Powertools: The Shields Series, Book 3
Sola doubted her instincts after her best friend and partner on the Shields security team, Aarav, acted for months like the attraction between them didn’t exist. One wild night on their boss’s private jet proves she was spot on even if she has no idea where their relationship will go from there.
When they’re sent to assassinate the head of a money laundering operation at a brand new casino, Sola looks into the eyes of their target and her gut screams he’s not the source of the evil they’re hunting. Risking everything, Sola steps in between the man she loves and the one they’ve been sent to kill.
Sola’s instant and undeniable attraction to their unintended captive forces them to investigate him further and decide—will they eliminate him, protect him, or entice him to join their intimate partnership?
Brazen is a bisexual multipartner romance in NYT and USA Today bestselling author Jayne Rylon’s fan-favorite Powertools Universe. Visit your favorite characters or meet new ones in this interconnected, why choose standalone in the Powertools: The Shields MMF ménage series.
Sola and Aarav are on a mission unlike any that they have been before. Their friendship is something they both treasure yet they both want more and taking that next step has been a difficult one for them both. The mission at hand has all the cards on the table and everyone is seeing clearly. Yet when the target gives you such strong feelings and doubt of what you’re doing sometimes you have to take A step back and look at things for what they are. Cash was the target, not someone that they should’ve cared about or get an instant reaction from. The game is dangerous, once all the facts are no the way it’s played just may be life-changing.
Jayne Rylon combined an emotional journey, a dangerous mission and a love story all in one. Sola and Aarav danced around their chemistry for far too long. They wholeheartedly embraced their passion. Just as they are discovering themselves together, they realized they need something more than they knew. Cash was in a messed situation and two people saw something more inside he didn’t even know he had or wanted or needed. Together Sola, Cash and Aarav worked hard to find that together their world is right as rain and apart it is no way near the same. Brazen is sexy and emotional. There is nothing like a visit in the Powertools world.
Review: Cold Brew Corpse by Tara Lush
Cold Brew Corpse
Tara Lush
A Coffee Lover’s Mystery Series, Book 2
Espresso bar owner Lana Lewis returns in Tara Lush’s second Coffee Lover’s mystery, a stimulating read that fans of Cleo Coyle and Laura Childs will savor to the last drop.
It’s a steamy September, and business is brisk at Perkatory, the hottest coffee shop in Devil’s Beach, FL. Much of the clientele pours in from Dante’s Inferno, the hot yoga studio next door. But the bright, sunny Gulf Coast days turn decidedly dark-roast when the body of the studio’s owner turns up in a nearby swamp.
Between running Perkatory and training Stanley, her golden Shih Tzu puppy, reporter-turned-barista Lana Lewis is too busy to go sleuthing. But when the editor of the local paper asks her to write about the murder, Lana’s dreams of getting back into journalism start to percolate.
Lana discovers that the yogi has a nefarious past and her share of mug shots, so grinding her way through the suspect list is a large task. She learns that the victim was fatally beaned by an SUV before she was dumped in the swamp. But was the killer one of her students? An envious yoga teacher? Or a local photographer who seems to know too much?
But no one tells Lana Lewis what to do. Hunting the caf-fiend who killed the yogi puts Lana and Chief Noah’s relationship–and Lana’s life–in very hot coffee.
It’s a steamy September, and business is brisk at Perkatory, the hottest coffee shop in Devil’s Beach, FL. Much of the clientele pours in from Dante’s Inferno, the hot yoga studio next door. But the bright, sunny Gulf Coast days turn decidedly dark-roast when the body of the studio’s owner turns up in a nearby swamp.
Between running Perkatory and training Stanley, her golden Shih Tzu puppy, reporter-turned-barista Lana Lewis is too busy to go sleuthing. But when the editor of the local paper asks her to write about the murder, Lana’s dreams of getting back into journalism start to percolate.
Lana discovers that the yogi has a nefarious past and her share of mug shots, so grinding her way through the suspect list is a large task. She learns that the victim was fatally beaned by an SUV before she was dumped in the swamp. But was the killer one of her students? An envious yoga teacher? Or a local photographer who seems to know too much?
But no one tells Lana Lewis what to do. Hunting the caf-fiend who killed the yogi puts Lana and Chief Noah’s relationship–and Lana’s life–in very hot coffee.
Review: Inked KIngdom by Carrie Ann Ryan
Inked Kingdom
Carrie Ann Ryan
Underworld Kings
When the Kingdom tore her from me, I promised revenge.
My claim was forfeit the moment she ran, but now I will follow.
I will find her.
I will earn her.
And I will burn the world if they dare touch her.
Again.
Wow! A quick read with a major rush!
Sabrina walked away from a life she could no longer stand to live. She lost her family to the life and walked away from the one she loved because of the life. Four years later, the life shows up on her door bringing fear and hope wrapped up in the one person that she thought she’d never see.
Stone is done. The Kingdom has shattered everything in his life. The brother he stayed for is gone and the one he loves ran away years ago. His determination to keep her safe is the foremost thing on Stone’s mind. Whether it be from a far or near Stone will do everything to protect and have her by his side.
It’s no secret that I very much enjoy Mafia romance. I love what Carrie Ann Ryan gives us with Inked Kingdom! Talk about second chances. Stone and Sabrina‘s chemistry combusts as soon as they are in a room together. They each have been through so much and yet are very different people than they were before. Even while looking over their shoulders they began to find who they truly are. I love how they started over and fell deeper than before. A quick read that gets you good.
Coffee Books Life 