Review: The Space In Between

The Space In Between by Jen Minkman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This author never lets me down, and this book really didn’t disappoint. If you’re looking for a love story with a paranormal twist, you should really check this one out. You’ll laugh, you’ll smile, and you might even cry, all while learning about a unique and interesting world.

Moira is an art student who is dragged along by her sister to a Halloween ritual. The two women, along with their brother, end up opening a portal of sorts between their world and the one “in between.” It’s a little difficult to explain the rest of the details without spoiling any future readers, but I can say a few general and vague things about it. Moira spends her time in this new world getting to know Hayko, a boy who pretty much represents everything that Moira wants to be, but isn’t at the moment. It was wonderful watching the journey she makes from the beginning of the book to the end. She really gets to grown into herself along the way, no matter what twists and turns crop up.

The world building in this book is phenomenal and I found myself holding on for an extra hour or two just to “finish this chapter” or “get to the end of this page.” The romance was also slow and steady, choosing to grow over time as opposed to the spontaneous love stories I seem to have been reading lately. It was refreshing and honest in its narrative and I was smiling big and bright at the end. This author is quick becoming one that I can truly depend on for a fantastic read.




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Review: Devil's Bargain

Devil's Bargain by Christine Warren

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very quick paranormal romance with a devilish twist (ha-ha). There are no prerequisites and it is firmly in the standalone category. Having read and enjoyed this author before, I was glad to get the chance to check this story out.

Lilli is a half-demon who made the unfortunate decision to trade 3 favors to a prince of hell. The last favor, though, seems like a walk in the park for her. She's just got to retrieve a simple book and return it to him in order to regain her freedom. Easy, especially for a tough as nails bounty hunter chick like herself. Aaron is a big of a bookworm who discovers an ancient book of prophecies while going through his deceased Uncle's belongings. After confirming his find, Lilli makes an attempt to steal it out from under him (in his basement, to be precise). Sparks (and magic) flies when they meet each other in a most uncommon way.

The romance element in this story happens pretty much instantaneously for these two, which leaves this read more in the paranormal action category than anything else. While it was a quick read, there was still some solid story developed in a short amount of time. If you've never read this author before, this could be a quick way to gauge whether you'd be interested in her other books.



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Review: Under the Final Moon

Under the Final Moon by Hannah Jayne

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I totally admit that I joined the Underworld Detection Agency a little late in the game. I've only read the last book and this one, but didn't feel too lost or out of place. As a matter of fact, I have found myself falling completely in love with these characters. All of them have quirky and unique personalities. The dialogue is sarcastic, witty, and downright hilarious at times. The pages simply flew by from start to finish in this action-filled, love-triangle plagued, Armageddon-adjacent story.

Sophie is the only "breather" at the Agency. She is also probably the most likely target for wrongdoers and evil minions alike. Stuck between her two hottie protectors (a "Guardian" and a Fallen Angel, no joke), she battles evil in whatever for decides to come at her that day of the week. Oh, and Satan is her dad. In this book, daddy dearest has gone all out and came with fire and brimstone, scouring the city for her. Luckily, she shares an apartment with a tough as nails vamp and her nephew (Vlad, yes, that's his name).

To be honest, the overall story in these books is never really my focus. These characters are all phenomenal and I could read about them just cooking dinner or walking the dog (both of which would likely end in bloodshed). The books I've read in this series are all wonderfully entertaining, and this one didn't disappoint. I still need to go back and read the first few in this series, but only because I genuinely love this series (not for lack of understanding -- the recaps do wonders!).



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Review: Blood Moon

Blood Moon by M.A. Grant

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This series is really getting better and better with each installment! The writing is simply wonderful -- fun, quick paced, romantic, and intelligent. These books are not just fluffy romance. They have some serious content that has me begging for more.

Dana and Connor's relationship is really one of my favorites. They're roommates (from the last book) and it is really great to watch them interact. He acts like the typical Vegas bachelor, she acts like the typical schoolteacher and together they explode. The sexual tension, the chemistry, the "realness" to it all made them just wonderful. We all know (or should know -- read book 1) the horrible history that these brothers had growing up and Conner was not unaffected. He has some serious baggage that Dana can somehow cut through. Like I said, I'm completely in love with these two and have been from the start.

The big bad (Rupert) is still lurking, so there was a solid dose of action and mystery from that angle. There were also some cameos from the third brother, who will hopefully get to star in his own installment sometime soon. If you're a paranormal romance fan who isn't afraid to have a HEA you have to work for, this is definitely a series you don't want to miss. Take a chance on a book that breaks from the norm!



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Review: Just a Night: A Collection of Erotic Stories

Just a Night: A Collection of Erotic Stories by Stephanie Nelson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Overall this collection was exactly what it advertises: A hot collection of one night stands that will leave you panting.

What He Wants by LP Dover: 3 stars
This was a nice little mix of flirty and sexy with a splash of romance thrown in. Melissa is a divorced teacher who is determined to have fun at the start of the summer. Her seemingly ordinary night on the town with her girlfriends ends up introducing her to a man who could be more than trouble to her single lifestyle. There was some steamy scenes but it was definitely about more than just the sex.

The Club by Tara Brown: 4 stars
Wow, this was the dirty sexy one! There was a lot of naughty times had in all sorts of creative combinations. Hannah is a divorced woman who has a reputation for being tough as nails while getting her job done. This, unfortunately, doesn't exactly endear her to the opposite sex. In a desperate attempt to shake things up in her life, she takes a mysterious card that grants her access to an exclusive club. There are masks and orgies and all the goodness that goes along with it. The humor and quotability of this story was really fun too. Many vagina references abound. This one had a really weird but rewarding HEA, too.

Like a Bird by Stephanie Nelson: 3 stars
A blend of raw sex and some real heart, this story was a little deeper than your typical rock star fantasy read. Krista is a fangirl who suddenly finds herself singled out by her favorite lead singer. Rather than the expected partying, she is able to spend an almost normal evening getting to know him better (and banging their brains out). She gets the ultimate birthday fantasy but I was sad that we didn't get more resolution at the end. I guess there's a reason these are "just one night."

Tender Forces by Lili Von: 4 stars
This story was almost-sort-of a historical romance. Cassidy is doing this one last Civil War reenactment with her brother and friends before she sets off on a brand new adventure. One of her brother's friends, Ty, has been a longtime crush that turns into a whole lot more in this one night experience. There's role play, a lot of alpha male, and other naughty happenings on a night that seemingly happens years ago. As a little surprise, there's also a touching amount of romantic dialogue that gives it a bit of a deeper feeling than a one night stand.

More than Words by Emma D. Fallon: 4 stars
In this blast from the past story that actually does happen a while ago, Caroline is caught in a world where being a divorcee is a horrible stigma. After a day of sunbathing alone, she happens upon a lonely soldier and sparks fly. This one really pulled at the heartstrings and also felt a little bit like a virgin tale. I felt like this story fell strongly in the romance category and had me rooting for these two every step of the way. While other stories left me satisfied with one night only, I wanted a lot more for these two wonderful characters.

Exquisite Folly by Melissa Lummis: 4 stars
Emily is driven by one thing: her determination to make up for a youthful, pivotal mistake. An unplanned pregnancy before she graduated high school
changed the course of her life forever. No matter how hard she works or how much time she devotes to her son, it will never be enough. Her own happiness
is the furthest thing from her mind. Mike never planned on being a single father, but when cancer claimed his beloved wife his picture-perfect life
shattered. A year later he still struggles to pick up the pieces and raise their daughter though his heart breaks every day. And around each corner
inescapable memories of the love of his life haunt him. When these two broken souls reach out to each other for comfort, neither intends for it to go so far,
or so deep. Can they learn to live and love again, even if it’s for just one night?

Hooked by C.G. Powell: 3 stars
This was a really quickly developing thriller/romance/high school revenge-ish read. Renee had her heart broken in high school by Mike, the town hottie. On a failed fishing trip she ends up being "rescued" by Mike and his friends only to discover that he wants so much more than that. There wasn't actually a whole lot of revenge (other than in her head), but there is a lot more thrown in for good measure. A gun toting gangster, lots of girl power. and spur of the moment sex round out this surprising tale.

One by J.M. Walker: 3 stars
Hot hot hot! This one was filled with all sorts of down and dirty sex. Mimi is a waitress at an alternative lifestyles club who meets the elusive and gorgeous alpha male, Bryce. He certainly takes the lead in what turns into a whole heck of a lot of sex. Lots and lots of sex. Did I say sex? Because this story was overflowing with sex. I think this was officially the most sexy story of the bunch, and even gave you a nice variety along the way. Who knew so much sex could be jammed into one night? I really liked this one for the twisty turny way that it dragged me along thinking one thing, only to be surprised by the ending.



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Review: Betrayed

Betrayed by D.B. Reynolds

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really good little read that ramps up to the next book in the series (Lucas). You get some solid Cyn and Raphael time as well as a fairly extensive introduction to both Lucas and his relationship with Raphael.

While it’s not the length of a full novel, this sure did have some solid story. Raphael and Cyn are once again under attack. This time, however, it will probably end in a vampire war between Lucas and the vampire lord on his border. There’s some smut and some heart, but it had a pretty sad ending. I hope we get some good resolution to this emotional turmoil in the next installment. Why can’t everyone just live happily ever after for once? Poor Cyn and Raphael are always getting tossed around in misunderstandings and possessive battles of will.




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Review: Taste of Darkness

Taste of Darkness by Katie Reus

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really really like this new series and the direction it’s going in. There’s a real uniqueness in the mashed up world of wolf shifter, dragon shifters, demons, and other wild paranormals. The matches are new and exciting with me guessing and second guessing myself every step of the way.

Drake was the dragon shifter we met in the previous installment. His instant attraction to Victoria was overwhelming, but he has been trying to “make himself more deserving” of her before revealing his intentions to make her his mate. It doesn’t matter to him that she’s a wolf shifter or that she is wonderfully independent. The match is absolutely perfect. They both balance each other out in great ways, when they least expect it.

This isn’t your typical virgin romance. Victoria is tough as nails and confident in her sexuality. The sexy scenes sizzle right off the page. If you’re looking for a brand new twist on a shifter romance novel, you should definitely check this series out. It’s really shaping up to be a wonderful series.




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Review: In Still Darkness

In Still Darkness by Dianne Duvall

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve only read one other Immortal Guardians story, but this short read really sold me on all the others. I believe this can read as a standalone just fine, but be warned that you’ll want to pick up the rest of the series immediately after finishing.

Jenna is your typical everyday woman. She’s working hard to put her son through school and she never expected to be attacked by vampires. Lucky for her, Richart is out there protecting the human race against the evil vampires. After a steamy kiss, he’s hooked and she doesn’t remember a thing. Their love story was adorable and honest in a way that is hard to find in the paranormal romance genre. Sure, there’s lots of zany stuff happening, but at the core it was a fairly normal tale of romance. Oh, and I loved the way Richart spoke about Jenna. If this story doesn’t melt your heart, I don’t know what will.

If this book is any indicator for how the rest of the series is written, sign me up! I loved the rich world filled with fun characters and backstories. I’ll definitely be checking the rest out in my spare time.




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Review: Cursed

Cursed by Angela Addams

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a quick and super sexy read involving witches, werewolves, and who knows what else! The first in the series, this was a little introduction to the author's world that has already hinted at so much more.

Darcy is a sorta/kinda witch who deals in vengeance lust spells. She feels like a tough chick until the night she has to snare Raven, the bassist of a popular band. Raven is, of course, more than she imagines in both the sexual chemistry department and in the fact that he is actually a werewolf.

There's a lot of misdirection, mistrust, and, well, sex that happens pretty quickly. Darcy and Raven's romance was more one of lusty fated mates, with a few twists thrown in. Overall, it was a sizzling hot beginning to what hopefully will be a nice set of stories.



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Review: Night's Deep Hush

Night's Deep Hush by Erin Kellison

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was one of those books that pulls all the characters back together. We've met three couples so far, each unique in their characters and relationship, but they all came to aid when their friends are caught.

At the end of the last book (in epilogue) we found that Rook was captured, and Mr Millions is somehow drawn to Jordan (and ends up convincing her to run). This book backs it up a little and shows what actually happened. While they are still trying to fight the system, this story revolves around another creature like Steve, this time a woman who is trying to rescue her son. She goes about it through the kidnap and blackmail sort of way, but you can see her motivation.

Rook is unfortunately the target her kidnapping because she needs an excellent tracker. Jordan, for her part, does amazingly well. She manages to show that she's not just along for the ride in this relationship, and can fight for her man. There's even more information about the dream world exposed and every bit of it fits in flawlessly. I'm seriously in love with the world that the author has built here and can't wait to see what everyone does next.



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Review: Darksider

Darksider by Erin Kellison

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book (again) picks up where we were left at the end of Book #2. I don't recommend starting from the middle, because you miss all the wonderful world building (and it really is wonderful)! Here we get to watch a romance develop from a slightly different angle. We still get our favorite characters checking in, but this primarily centers around Harlen and Sera.

Sera is a chef who is working on opening her second restaurant. She was involved in some preliminary shared dreaming exercises before the fad took off and has had no desire to go any further. Harlen was her boyfriend at the time and he ended up choosing a different path. Eventually their choices led to their break-up, which appears to have left them both missing a part of themselves. Sera is finally forced to reconnect with Harlen after she is pulled into some sort of waking dream. The two explode like fireworks in a really great story of growth and understanding.

Harlen's character was a little vague up until this point. I am happy to say that he didn't disappoint as a main character, and this book appears to be very critical to events down the road. This couple had an easier time getting together because of their history, but they still had a lot of romance thrown in. This "dream team" (ha) that we're putting together to fight the system is really great to watch. I especially like Maisie's overprotective nature towards Steve. I will keep powering through these books until I'm all caught up!



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Review: Lay Me Down

Lay Me Down by Erin Kellison

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

First -- if you haven't read Book #1 in this series, go back and do so. These books pick up *immediately* where the previous one left off and would leave you in the dust. Second -- I might have even loved this one more than the first! This world just keeps getting more and more impressive with its depth. The characters, too, just keep getting more fully developed with each installment.

This story centers primarily around Maisie and Steve. When we last saw them, it looked like they hated each other. Obviously they are the reluctant couple of this book. Maisie is the wild child younger sister to Jordan, who is still in trouble from her dealings in the first book. Steve is trying his hardest to recruit Maisie because she is clearly a huge talent. For as much as Maisie is free spirited, Steve is buttoned-up. He has a lot of secrets and we get to learn them all (thank goodness).

The Steve/Maisie love story might be my favorite so far. They balance each other and are both tough, stubborn characters. It's nice to see a series still "check in" with the previous characters as easily as its done here. This world just keeps getting better and better!



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Review: Darkness Falls

Darkness Falls by Erin Kellison

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was such unique and wonderful experience in world building. The universe that the author creates is totally unlike anything I've ever encountered. It was beautifully written and had me completely absorbed.

Malcolm Rook is a man with a bad boy past. He's being haunted by an accident he can't make right when he's sent out on assignment to find a new recruit. This isn't like any other recruiting assignment, because it takes place in the "dreamwaters" (I love that word). Malcolm is a part of the "dream police" (they have a much better name for it) and has some extraordinary abilities when it comes to dreaming. Jordan is a buttoned-up older sister who only tries shared dreaming at the request of the little sister she helped raise. Lucky for her, on this particular night she ends up becoming the target of one dark and sexy recruiter.

The action in this was a good way to ramp up the plot and show the amazing things that people can do in this world. The romance and sex was really well done (for me) with lots of sexy times thrown in with lots of self realization. Overall, this was a short read that had me dying for more (which I had, luckily). If you're looking for quick, fun paranormal romance with a truly unique edge, look no further!



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Review: Silver Wolf Clan

Silver Wolf Clan by Tera Shanley

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an interesting start to a brand new series that centers around werewolves and the way they attempt to survive in a modern world. The romance was a mix of fated mates and the typical overprotective male werewolf/human match, with a bit of family and a lot of heart.

Grey was camping alone one night when his entire life changed. In an attempt to save a woman and child, he ends up being the victim of a “monster.” He later discovers that this monster is a werewolf because that’s exactly what he ends up turning into. After losing time while he tries to get control over, he still can’t get the woman out of his head. Morgan is a woman who suddenly finds she has to play mother to her sister’s daughter. Lucky for Grey, even with this big change, she can’t stop thinking about the mystery man from the woods. Their romance was sweet with a werewolf-y edge. I was worried that the family aspect might be a bit of a burden, but the story flowed along seamlessly.

The pack members that we meet in this book were one of the strong highlights. Their interactions, banter, individual personalities, and histories were completely addictive. I really can’t wait to see where this interesting pack grows in future installments!




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Review: So I Married a Werewolf

So I Married a Werewolf by Kristin Miller

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really cute, fun, enjoyable read. The romance, sexy times, and adorable banter really made this such a fresh spin on the same old paranormal romance genre.

Faith is a dog trainer (who is also a werewolf) who is secretly in love with her BFF neighbor (Carter, who is also a werewolf). As is to be expected, Carter is oblivious to Faith's feelings and is completely secure in their easy going friendship. Nothing would probably have changed in the near future without a big push from Carter's job. While going through the final interview process for a promotion, Carter is informed that without a mate he isn't likely to get approved. During a brainstorming session with Faith, he comes to the only logical conclusion -- he and Faith will set up a fake marraige. Of course, Faith is completely up for the idea, blissfully optimistic that this fake marriage is just the setup Carter needs to realize how perfect they are for each other.

The expected set of misunderstandings, sexually charged scenes, and arguments, but it is all worth it in the end. This couple had some great banter, hilarious internal monologue, and felt very genuine and "real." If you're looking for a rewarding and fun read in the paranormal romance genre, look no further than this series.



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Review: Bitten by Vengeance

Bitten by Vengeance by Shawntelle Madison

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the last in this series of Hadley Werewolves books and it has a really fulfilling way of tying up any and all loose ends. There is romance, action, curses, witches, and werewolves, leading to a tense, quick read.

Nevena is a cursed witch who is more determined than ever to shut down the blood demons once and for all. She has a history with them and has taken this task very personally. While recovering from some battle wounds (as a blood witch, they are usually numerous), Drew, the good cop from a town destroyed in part by blood witches, accidentally touches her blood. Along with her personal vendetta, Nevena has a curse following her since childhood that makes anyone who touches her blood die, or be inextricably linked to her. Drew, being the trusting and determined person, ends up accepting this curse with a lot of understanding. His traveling companions, however, are a little more hesitant to fall in line with the blood witches.

Luckily, everyone manages to put aside their personal issues to work together for the sake of the world as a whole. Also, it ends up that this curse is exactly what both Nevena and Drew need to force them both to open up. The romance is more of a "fated mates" type, but still "real" enough to balance the big action thrown their way. The end of the book gives you a HEA and a nice summary of where all the individual characters end up, which is a nice way to end such a series.



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Review: Shifter's Claim

Shifter's Claim by A.C. Arthur

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

While I haven't read all of this series, I think that it is easy enough to pick up at any point and catch up rather quickly. The shadow shifter world is a really unique and interesting combination of action/adventure and yummy romance. Oh, and it's also really hot and steamy.

Priya has made an appearance in other installments. She's seen little hints here and there about the shadow shifters and it made her the perfect target for blackmail in exchange for exposing these "cat people" to the world. This determined reporter has strong family ties that made it relatively easy for her to be manipulated and led her to a very sexy run-in with Bas. To the world, Bas is a womanizing millionaire playboy with a growing resort empore. His personal life revolves around being Faction Leader for his territory and trying to keep as isolated as possible. Some big mistakes in his past have left him with more than a few walls around his heart that he has very little desire to work on any time soon. Priya is the unpredictable element that throws all of his plans out the window. They crash into one another and, though they are both determined to fight it, find staying apart nearly impossible.

The chemistry between Bas and Priya scorches the pages of this book. When they come together, it's like fireworks going off. For me, it was the absolute perfect balance of sexy times and plot development. There were twists and turns, compromises and controversy, and really tough character choices. I can't wait to see where this series is headed next!



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