Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book. Callen finds Thatch, the leader of a black ops task force, bleeding and Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book. Callen finds Thatch, the leader of a black ops task force, bleeding and bitten when he goes against orders, again. But Thatch was bitten by Callen's sister, and his niece is now missing and Thatch might be the only link to finding the child. But as the investigation spreads its net, Callen is forced to make some decisions, decisions that could cost him his heart. I really REALLY enjoyed this from Ms Seymour! She usually writes fairly fluffy, contemporaries and this isn't fluffy, nor contemporary but it is great! I loved the twist to werewolf lore, that the oly way for a wolf to be made is to be bitten. But that act kills the wolf and transfers all their memories to the new wolf. I loved the supporting cast, and all the little . .hints/clues/dropped comments . . .about them. Some questions wre thrown up, that haven't been answered here. However, in my personal experience, its best not to wait for those questions to be answered cos the last time I felt like this, I had a right proper hissy fit when those questions were NOT answered LOL So I won't voice those questions, and then I can't be dissappointed, right? I loved Callen. He is funny and hilarious, and dark and deadly. He is deep and meaningful, but takes great pleasure in winding his friends up. I loved that fact tht the bond between Callen and Thatch creep up on them, and there isn't that MINE moment at first meeting. It DOES come, but it's more growled out of Callen in reaction to someone else touching Thatch. So why only 4 stars with all those things I loved? Thatch isn't given a voice. Now, I know I say it a lot, and I will continue to say it where I think it necessary but HERE I think it really needed. Thatch takes ALL of his Hazel's, Callen's sister, memories and thoughts and feelings. ALL of them. And that had to be confusing when they start to come through! When those memories sends them far north to find Hazel's daughter. When he comes face to face with that daughter. What was Thatch feeling? I needed that, I really did, and if I HAD Thatch, I have no doubt, not a single one, that this would have been a 5 star read. I don't know if this is a stand alone, or there will be more of this group of people, I hope so, I really do! But I don't get Thatch, and so. . . 4 good, great solid stars **same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merged review:
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book. Callen finds Thatch, the leader of a black ops task force, bleeding and bitten when he goes against orders, again. But Thatch was bitten by Callen's sister, and his niece is now missing and Thatch might be the only link to finding the child. But as the investigation spreads its net, Callen is forced to make some decisions, decisions that could cost him his heart. I really REALLY enjoyed this from Ms Seymour! She usually writes fairly fluffy, contemporaries and this isn't fluffy, nor contemporary but it is great! I loved the twist to werewolf lore, that the oly way for a wolf to be made is to be bitten. But that act kills the wolf and transfers all their memories to the new wolf. I loved the supporting cast, and all the little . .hints/clues/dropped comments . . .about them. Some questions wre thrown up, that haven't been answered here. However, in my personal experience, its best not to wait for those questions to be answered cos the last time I felt like this, I had a right proper hissy fit when those questions were NOT answered LOL So I won't voice those questions, and then I can't be dissappointed, right? I loved Callen. He is funny and hilarious, and dark and deadly. He is deep and meaningful, but takes great pleasure in winding his friends up. I loved that fact tht the bond between Callen and Thatch creep up on them, and there isn't that MINE moment at first meeting. It DOES come, but it's more growled out of Callen in reaction to someone else touching Thatch. So why only 4 stars with all those things I loved? Thatch isn't given a voice. Now, I know I say it a lot, and I will continue to say it where I think it necessary but HERE I think it really needed. Thatch takes ALL of his Hazel's, Callen's sister, memories and thoughts and feelings. ALL of them. And that had to be confusing when they start to come through! When those memories sends them far north to find Hazel's daughter. When he comes face to face with that daughter. What was Thatch feeling? I needed that, I really did, and if I HAD Thatch, I have no doubt, not a single one, that this would have been a 5 star read. I don't know if this is a stand alone, or there will be more of this group of people, I hope so, I really do! But I don't get Thatch, and so. . . 4 good, great solid stars **same worded review will appear elsewhere**...more
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book, right? This book is bloody AMAZING!!
I mean, this is the authIndependent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book, right? This book is bloody AMAZING!!
I mean, this is the author's first book, that I can see, and it blew me away, it really did.
It's told from Nim and Tristan's point of view, with two others getting a say for a short time. They have clear and concise voices, and you get the setting of this world in dribs and drabs. You do NOT get everything all at once, and I really loved being able to process every little bit as and when it came at me.
And you can process it, just in time for the next bit to be thrown at you. And I really LOVED getting thrown at! I can't tell you how much I love being able to take steps into a new world a bit at a time, I really can't.
There is something much bigger going on here, that is revealed, I'm sure. The clues are there, I think, but I'm not sure I put it all together in the way it's meant to be put together. I mean, SOME things are totally clear, but it's the other bits and pieces that are a little fuzzy and I love that they are, cos I NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED the next book to make things unclear!
Tristan and Nim's story is dark and deadly, and somewhat graphic in it's violence in places, but it really is needed, for you to get what has happens to the Blues since the ambush and death of their king. There is passion and love here, but it's not especially explicit, but as much as the violence IS needed, the sex is NOT. You get all you need between Nim and Tristan with what is here.
The people in this world are varied and different, with their own skills and powers and traits unique to their race. Some hints about dragons and Nephilim. Wings for Nim, her brother Val and a couple of Tristan's men. Those things are just *there*, you know? You don't get a big long winded explanation, just Nim stretched her wings. And I loved that!
Like I said, I bloody LOVED this book, and if this really IS this author's first book, she nailed it! Absolutely NAILED it and I cannot wait to see what comes next. I know that Val is next, Nim's brother, and given what happens to him in this book, I think that one might be a much more difficult read.
5 full and shiny stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merged review:
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book, right? This book is bloody AMAZING!!
I mean, this is the author's first book, that I can see, and it blew me away, it really did.
It's told from Nim and Tristan's point of view, with two others getting a say for a short time. They have clear and concise voices, and you get the setting of this world in dribs and drabs. You do NOT get everything all at once, and I really loved being able to process every little bit as and when it came at me.
And you can process it, just in time for the next bit to be thrown at you. And I really LOVED getting thrown at! I can't tell you how much I love being able to take steps into a new world a bit at a time, I really can't.
There is something much bigger going on here, that is revealed, I'm sure. The clues are there, I think, but I'm not sure I put it all together in the way it's meant to be put together. I mean, SOME things are totally clear, but it's the other bits and pieces that are a little fuzzy and I love that they are, cos I NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED the next book to make things unclear!
Tristan and Nim's story is dark and deadly, and somewhat graphic in it's violence in places, but it really is needed, for you to get what has happens to the Blues since the ambush and death of their king. There is passion and love here, but it's not especially explicit, but as much as the violence IS needed, the sex is NOT. You get all you need between Nim and Tristan with what is here.
The people in this world are varied and different, with their own skills and powers and traits unique to their race. Some hints about dragons and Nephilim. Wings for Nim, her brother Val and a couple of Tristan's men. Those things are just *there*, you know? You don't get a big long winded explanation, just Nim stretched her wings. And I loved that!
Like I said, I bloody LOVED this book, and if this really IS this author's first book, she nailed it! Absolutely NAILED it and I cannot wait to see what comes next. I know that Val is next, Nim's brother, and given what happens to him in this book, I think that one might be a much more difficult read.
5 full and shiny stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**...more
I have a *thing* for the more obscure paranormal creatures, and gargoyles are at the top of that list, since so few are writt*purchased copy Jan 2020*
I have a *thing* for the more obscure paranormal creatures, and gargoyles are at the top of that list, since so few are written. Add in an author who is a firm favourite, and really, you can't go wrong!
And I LOVED this gargoyle book!
It has twists and turns, new additions to the folklore of gargoyles. It has a feisty young lady, with an old head on her shoulders. It has an old solider, with a hardened heart. It has a scorned witch, and some bad as sin fae folk who want nothing more than to destroy all the gargoyles!
Beaumont (not ever shortened to Beau, so many Brownie points!) is old, and actually has had enough. Faced with his little pickpocket stealing his most precious stone, he knows that he will die if he doesn't get it back. But since meeting the feisty little thief, his attitude is changing, and maybe, just maybe, he can find it, and be happy with Sadie.
I loved that Beaumont only calls Sadie her given name but once in the whole book. She's his little thief, his pickpocket, all those sorts of names. Why? He doesn't like that Sadie contains the word SAD! I was like, "oh thats so sweet!"
I liked that Sadie's sister will play a huge part in another gargoyle's life, in book 2. And I wonder if the scorned witch will be making another appearence in a later book to redeem herself.
Ms Redd has started a new series with a bang, and I hope to get to read them all!
5 full and shiny stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merged review:
*purchased copy Jan 2020*
I have a *thing* for the more obscure paranormal creatures, and gargoyles are at the top of that list, since so few are written. Add in an author who is a firm favourite, and really, you can't go wrong!
And I LOVED this gargoyle book!
It has twists and turns, new additions to the folklore of gargoyles. It has a feisty young lady, with an old head on her shoulders. It has an old solider, with a hardened heart. It has a scorned witch, and some bad as sin fae folk who want nothing more than to destroy all the gargoyles!
Beaumont (not ever shortened to Beau, so many Brownie points!) is old, and actually has had enough. Faced with his little pickpocket stealing his most precious stone, he knows that he will die if he doesn't get it back. But since meeting the feisty little thief, his attitude is changing, and maybe, just maybe, he can find it, and be happy with Sadie.
I loved that Beaumont only calls Sadie her given name but once in the whole book. She's his little thief, his pickpocket, all those sorts of names. Why? He doesn't like that Sadie contains the word SAD! I was like, "oh thats so sweet!"
I liked that Sadie's sister will play a huge part in another gargoyle's life, in book 2. And I wonder if the scorned witch will be making another appearence in a later book to redeem herself.
Ms Redd has started a new series with a bang, and I hope to get to read them all!
5 full and shiny stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**...more
Sasha can't live at home, so he's on the streets. He finds an empty home that calls to his 6th sense and moves in. Then Nick buys the house. The houseSasha can't live at home, so he's on the streets. He finds an empty home that calls to his 6th sense and moves in. Then Nick buys the house. The house reacts badly to Nick wanting to sell it, and makes Nick's already tight budget and time frame almost impossible. Sasha doesn't want Nick to end up in the hospital, or worse, so he has to come up with something quick, while clearly out and healing his grandfather's house.
I won a copy of this book, and I am so bloody glad I did! Ms Ryan usually writes Young Adult and had this book came with that tag, I would not have entered, cos I'm not a YA fan. This is Ms Ryan's first foray into a much more adult setting, and into the male/male genre, and BOY does she smash it out the park!
Sasha can read houses, they call to him. His skill isn't made immediately clear, and we have to wait for the full picture. I think it really hit me, just what this meant for Sasha, when he was healing his grandfather's house.
I loved we got all of Nick's internal wrangling with himself over his growing feelings and attraction to Sasha. Loved that he was like, "okay then, must be bi" Loved the interaction between Nick and his brothers! His older brother needs a story now, needs to find his happy ever after, especially after what happened here. Well both brothers should have a story, I think!
It's not overly explicit, I thought, but it wans't lacking in any thing regards to the heat and steam level between these two! Not at all! It does carry a violence and drug use warning. These ARE needed and are an integral part of the story, but they are all off screen. We know Sasha's mum does drugs, but we don't see it. We know WHAT happened to Nick, cos we deal with the fall out, but not HOW. It also comes with a non-con warning. It's mostly touching, and doesn't develop into a full blown attack, but could very well have. It needs mentioning though.
It's told from both Sasha and Nick's point of view, in the first person. Each change occurs as a a chapter changes and is clearly headed. I didn't quite manage to read it in one sitting, but very nearly!
I can't wait to see what Ms Ryan comes up with next. I love finding new to me authors, especially ones who step outside their comfort zone! She impressed me here, greatly, and, apparently, I'm a tough critic! I'm not sure that's true, but I LOVED this book.
so,
5 full and shiny stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merged review:
Sasha can't live at home, so he's on the streets. He finds an empty home that calls to his 6th sense and moves in. Then Nick buys the house. The house reacts badly to Nick wanting to sell it, and makes Nick's already tight budget and time frame almost impossible. Sasha doesn't want Nick to end up in the hospital, or worse, so he has to come up with something quick, while clearly out and healing his grandfather's house.
I won a copy of this book, and I am so bloody glad I did! Ms Ryan usually writes Young Adult and had this book came with that tag, I would not have entered, cos I'm not a YA fan. This is Ms Ryan's first foray into a much more adult setting, and into the male/male genre, and BOY does she smash it out the park!
Sasha can read houses, they call to him. His skill isn't made immediately clear, and we have to wait for the full picture. I think it really hit me, just what this meant for Sasha, when he was healing his grandfather's house.
I loved we got all of Nick's internal wrangling with himself over his growing feelings and attraction to Sasha. Loved that he was like, "okay then, must be bi" Loved the interaction between Nick and his brothers! His older brother needs a story now, needs to find his happy ever after, especially after what happened here. Well both brothers should have a story, I think!
It's not overly explicit, I thought, but it wans't lacking in any thing regards to the heat and steam level between these two! Not at all! It does carry a violence and drug use warning. These ARE needed and are an integral part of the story, but they are all off screen. We know Sasha's mum does drugs, but we don't see it. We know WHAT happened to Nick, cos we deal with the fall out, but not HOW. It also comes with a non-con warning. It's mostly touching, and doesn't develop into a full blown attack, but could very well have. It needs mentioning though.
It's told from both Sasha and Nick's point of view, in the first person. Each change occurs as a a chapter changes and is clearly headed. I didn't quite manage to read it in one sitting, but very nearly!
I can't wait to see what Ms Ryan comes up with next. I love finding new to me authors, especially ones who step outside their comfort zone! She impressed me here, greatly, and, apparently, I'm a tough critic! I'm not sure that's true, but I LOVED this book.
so,
5 full and shiny stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**...more
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book. I also won a signed copy!
OK SO! This is book 2 in The Hawks series, and Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book. I also won a signed copy!
OK SO! This is book 2 in The Hawks series, and you really REALLY MUST read Tristan, book 1, before this one. This book picks up immediately after that one, and you need, you really NEED that book to get the full picture of what's happened before. You get the most of it recapped, but personally, I don't think it ALL comes across.
Lanval was rescued, along with his sister Nim and Keeley, the Queen's maid. The Queen, however, was not and Val needs to rescue Alanna before her despot of a husband hangs her for treason she did not commit. But Val is broken, inside and out, and his Hawk friends hate him for what they thought he did. Lanni is glad Val is free, she can die knowing he is safe. Then, he's there, rescuing her and whisking her away! Ballinor won't stop though, and with a new chancellor at his side, things get mighty difficult for everyone.
In case you missed it, when you read my review for Tristan, I LOVED that book. And I wanted to love this one as much as that one, but I can't, as much as it pains me, I really can't.
Why?? Cos I LOVED THIS ONE MORE!!
OH my freaking gosh, this book! Full of so much! So much pain, for both Lanni and Val. So much love between them, even if it takes them such a long time to finally, FINALLY come together fully. So much discovered, by The hawks, about what happened before, and so much guilt from everyone!
I cried, a lot in this book. Val and Lanni are perfect for each other, but they know they can never be free to be together, while the King listens to his newest Chancellor. Oh I did NOT like him. The last one was just trying to get his hands on Lanni, but this one?? He's after so much more than that. What exactly, I'm not entirely sure yet, but I'm sure all will be revealed, eventually! I love being kept in the dark!
I shouted a lot too! Lanni has a lot of ideas about honour, as does Val, but some of it is misplaced. I swore, a few choice words a sailor would be proud of, or rather, words a soldier in the barracks would be proud of! These men, this group, right? They love hard, they fight hard, and they *think* they mess up hard, but actually, THEY don't! Reece, oh he needs such a hug. He thinks he caused most of the group to be captured, but he didn't. Even the Chancellor says so, but Reece feels he did. His book is gonna be painful reading, I reckon!
Both Lanni and Val get a say, along with Mathos, who has his book next. I did see him with someone else, to be honest, but given what was discovered here, then reading what it says at the end of this one, I was made to see my error. Mathos is not Mabin, like Val and Nim, but something else. Something with a beast inside him. With scales. Dragon-type beast? Not 100% certain, I may have missed all the clues, but Mathos the man is a bit of a player. He thinks he won't fall like Tristan and Val, so when he meets his lady in the next book, there is sure to be fireworks.
Said lady also gets the epilogue. When she was revealed in this book, I wasn't expecting her, and she has quite a tale to tell, I'm sure. How she will react to Mathos should be amusing, given these men have protective streaks a canyon wide, and she has been where she has all her life.
I said in my review for Tristan that I thought this would be a much darker read than that one, and it is, it really is. The level of violence Ballinor steps up to is given in great detail, and you can feel every lash given, every punch taken and every injury to Lanni at the hands of her husband. Val too, but it's mostly Lanni who suffers here.
I can't wait for what comes next, because I'm not seeing the whole picture yet. I can't see where this is all going and I love that! Mostly, though, because I'm loving these guys, watching them fall one by one, and meeting the strong women who take their hearts.
Write quicker, Ms Roberts.
Write. Quicker!
5 stars, but more if I could!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merged review:
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book. I also won a signed copy!
OK SO! This is book 2 in The Hawks series, and you really REALLY MUST read Tristan, book 1, before this one. This book picks up immediately after that one, and you need, you really NEED that book to get the full picture of what's happened before. You get the most of it recapped, but personally, I don't think it ALL comes across.
Lanval was rescued, along with his sister Nim and Keeley, the Queen's maid. The Queen, however, was not and Val needs to rescue Alanna before her despot of a husband hangs her for treason she did not commit. But Val is broken, inside and out, and his Hawk friends hate him for what they thought he did. Lanni is glad Val is free, she can die knowing he is safe. Then, he's there, rescuing her and whisking her away! Ballinor won't stop though, and with a new chancellor at his side, things get mighty difficult for everyone.
In case you missed it, when you read my review for Tristan, I LOVED that book. And I wanted to love this one as much as that one, but I can't, as much as it pains me, I really can't.
Why?? Cos I LOVED THIS ONE MORE!!
OH my freaking gosh, this book! Full of so much! So much pain, for both Lanni and Val. So much love between them, even if it takes them such a long time to finally, FINALLY come together fully. So much discovered, by The hawks, about what happened before, and so much guilt from everyone!
I cried, a lot in this book. Val and Lanni are perfect for each other, but they know they can never be free to be together, while the King listens to his newest Chancellor. Oh I did NOT like him. The last one was just trying to get his hands on Lanni, but this one?? He's after so much more than that. What exactly, I'm not entirely sure yet, but I'm sure all will be revealed, eventually! I love being kept in the dark!
I shouted a lot too! Lanni has a lot of ideas about honour, as does Val, but some of it is misplaced. I swore, a few choice words a sailor would be proud of, or rather, words a soldier in the barracks would be proud of! These men, this group, right? They love hard, they fight hard, and they *think* they mess up hard, but actually, THEY don't! Reece, oh he needs such a hug. He thinks he caused most of the group to be captured, but he didn't. Even the Chancellor says so, but Reece feels he did. His book is gonna be painful reading, I reckon!
Both Lanni and Val get a say, along with Mathos, who has his book next. I did see him with someone else, to be honest, but given what was discovered here, then reading what it says at the end of this one, I was made to see my error. Mathos is not Mabin, like Val and Nim, but something else. Something with a beast inside him. With scales. Dragon-type beast? Not 100% certain, I may have missed all the clues, but Mathos the man is a bit of a player. He thinks he won't fall like Tristan and Val, so when he meets his lady in the next book, there is sure to be fireworks.
Said lady also gets the epilogue. When she was revealed in this book, I wasn't expecting her, and she has quite a tale to tell, I'm sure. How she will react to Mathos should be amusing, given these men have protective streaks a canyon wide, and she has been where she has all her life.
I said in my review for Tristan that I thought this would be a much darker read than that one, and it is, it really is. The level of violence Ballinor steps up to is given in great detail, and you can feel every lash given, every punch taken and every injury to Lanni at the hands of her husband. Val too, but it's mostly Lanni who suffers here.
I can't wait for what comes next, because I'm not seeing the whole picture yet. I can't see where this is all going and I love that! Mostly, though, because I'm loving these guys, watching them fall one by one, and meeting the strong women who take their hearts.
Write quicker, Ms Roberts.
Write. Quicker!
5 stars, but more if I could!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**...more
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
OOOOH! I liked this, a LOT!
Angelo is a wolf, with a hatred of vampires as one killedIndependent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
OOOOH! I liked this, a LOT!
Angelo is a wolf, with a hatred of vampires as one killed his parents and sister. Vin is a vampire assassin that Angelo has to guard. Someone is trying to kill him but the wolf might just finish the job.
What I particularly liked about this, was how quickly Vin was thinking that Angelo was his, his Angel. And he used that name from very early on and I loved that neither of them was fully aware of the mate bond til it was pointed out.
It's steamy, but oh so deadly. Vin is, after all, an assassin, with hundreds of years of experience. Some of that violence is on page, and while graphic, I do think it is needed to get the point across, that Vin might look cute, but the vampire is deadly.
I loved the way this author built this world, with shifters, vampires and witches all at each other's throats but trying to keep the peace at the same time. No one wants a war. Or maybe, someone does, but we are not yet fully privvy to WHO, just clues thrown at you. Vin does come a cropper here though, at the hands of who it might be, the lines are a little blurry for me, but still! I felt every blow!
I loved the supporting cast, too. They help Vin and his Angel see their true connection, but also play a huge part in the background story too. I look forward to catching up with them in future books. It'll be interesting to see who falls next. Well, I know who is next, I just hope I can get my grubby mitts on it!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book two in the My Truth series, and I read it back to back to b Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book two in the My Truth series, and I read it back to back to book one, All He Needs. While not strictly necessary to read book one before this one, I would personally recommend you do. Spoilers, is all you’ll get but book one was a 4 star read cos of one minor niggle that is explained in my review.
We met Angelo and Tristan in book and there were some indications to what might be in store for them in that book. Rick (Angelo’s brother) Mason, and Caden all pop up here, hence the spoiler tag.
THIS book, however, does NOT have that niggle and is an altogether different, difficult, heart-breaking, gut wrenching, sobbing kind of book!
I mean from the very beginning, when Tristan begins telling the tale, it’s awful reading, what happened to him at the hands of a family friend. When he is on the streets after, and what happened to him and his friend then. Tristan really does break your heart.
Then when Angelo takes up the story? OH, I wanted to wrap that man up in cotton wool and protect him! From Tristan of all people cos you know, right when they meet, Tristan is gonna break Angelo’s heart! And he does, just not in the way I was expecting.
Angelo is smitten with Tristan, right from the start, but Tristan comes across as straight and all Angelo can do is be a friend for Tristan. Then Angelo notices things, little touches, glances and the like, and it makes Angelo think.
When Tristan breaks down and finally tells Angelo everything that happened, you’ll cry, you really will! I rarely react to such extremes when READING, but I was sobbing great wracking sobs when Tristan was telling Angelo! Listening, I react more for so . . . . . oh. . . . .I need to LISTEN to this, I really do! Someone narrate it, please!
But I digress, sorry!
Because of Tristan’s history, the physical relationship between him and Angelo is slow, and takes time to build. There is an emotional connection from very early on, but the physical stuff comes much MUCH later in the book. And I LOVED that it did. Often, things move too fast for characters who suffer like Tristan did, but not so here. I did think, at one point, it might not ever happen, at all but once Tristan is able to talk to Angelo and then to professional help, things get much better, very quickly.
This is only the second book I’ve read of Ms Grech, after All He Needs, but I need to read more. She has a way of breaking your heart I’ve not come across before!
This is NOT a light and fluffy read, this is NOT a short book, both in page length and time span, this is not one of those books you can fall into and forget the world. This IS however, a stunning read that I read in one sitting and I stayed up way, WAY past my bedtime to finish it. I needed to know that things turned out okay for Angelo and Tristan, and I could not leave their story midway through.
5 stunning stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merged review:
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book two in the My Truth series, and I read it back to back to book one, All He Needs. While not strictly necessary to read book one before this one, I would personally recommend you do. Spoilers, is all you’ll get but book one was a 4 star read cos of one minor niggle that is explained in my review.
We met Angelo and Tristan in book and there were some indications to what might be in store for them in that book. Rick (Angelo’s brother) Mason, and Caden all pop up here, hence the spoiler tag.
THIS book, however, does NOT have that niggle and is an altogether different, difficult, heart-breaking, gut wrenching, sobbing kind of book!
I mean from the very beginning, when Tristan begins telling the tale, it’s awful reading, what happened to him at the hands of a family friend. When he is on the streets after, and what happened to him and his friend then. Tristan really does break your heart.
Then when Angelo takes up the story? OH, I wanted to wrap that man up in cotton wool and protect him! From Tristan of all people cos you know, right when they meet, Tristan is gonna break Angelo’s heart! And he does, just not in the way I was expecting.
Angelo is smitten with Tristan, right from the start, but Tristan comes across as straight and all Angelo can do is be a friend for Tristan. Then Angelo notices things, little touches, glances and the like, and it makes Angelo think.
When Tristan breaks down and finally tells Angelo everything that happened, you’ll cry, you really will! I rarely react to such extremes when READING, but I was sobbing great wracking sobs when Tristan was telling Angelo! Listening, I react more for so . . . . . oh. . . . .I need to LISTEN to this, I really do! Someone narrate it, please!
But I digress, sorry!
Because of Tristan’s history, the physical relationship between him and Angelo is slow, and takes time to build. There is an emotional connection from very early on, but the physical stuff comes much MUCH later in the book. And I LOVED that it did. Often, things move too fast for characters who suffer like Tristan did, but not so here. I did think, at one point, it might not ever happen, at all but once Tristan is able to talk to Angelo and then to professional help, things get much better, very quickly.
This is only the second book I’ve read of Ms Grech, after All He Needs, but I need to read more. She has a way of breaking your heart I’ve not come across before!
This is NOT a light and fluffy read, this is NOT a short book, both in page length and time span, this is not one of those books you can fall into and forget the world. This IS however, a stunning read that I read in one sitting and I stayed up way, WAY past my bedtime to finish it. I needed to know that things turned out okay for Angelo and Tristan, and I could not leave their story midway through.
5 stunning stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**...more
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Monster Mercenary Mates series, and you really should reIndependent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Monster Mercenary Mates series, and you really should read book 1, Caught by the Alien Mercenary. It will set the scene for this book, but also give you a better picture of Asmoded and his crew and how they all interact.
Mitnick saves Harper from the vault, after she was locked up by her previous captor. He manages to smuggle her on boeard and keep her for a whole year before he gets found out! She is his mate, and he will look after her, which ever way he can!
I really enjoyed this second instalment of this series.
Again, it's not a complicated plot, and it is plenty steamy but it's a slower burn than book one, and a bit darker. Harper's previous captor was not the most pleasant of beings and she suffered at his hands. Nick loves Harper, knows she belongs to him, he just has to bide his time til they can be together.
I loved that Nick was only Nick to Harper, and everyone else had to call him by his full name. I loved that Mandy plays a huge part here, as does Asmoded and the rest of the crew.
The next book is set up nicely, and I look forward to reading it!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Dark Earls series, but you don't need to have read book 1, SubtIndependent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Dark Earls series, but you don't need to have read book 1, Subterfuge, before this one. While Ben and Ashley play a part here, you don't need to know their story before you read about Robin and Simon.
Which brings me nicely to a huge, HUGE point I need to make.
In the Modern Crofton series, I said that I wasn't liking the fact that each and every book, had a lot, and I mean A LOT of Ben and Ashley, to the point where they had the bigger part of someone else's story. HERE?? Not so much and I loved that they don't! There is a little bit at the beginning, a forward, kind of, from Cohen and she says that they don't appear as part of the story. Why I read that, I don't know cos I don't usually, but I was so glad to read that and I am so glad that the respective pairings will get a full book, rather than half a one.
Robin was introduced to Prince Simon when he was just a baby. There was a spark, that kicked in, so very early on, but Robin knew he had to wait for Simon to be of age in terms of Simon's fae heritage. A long time, but Robin knew his place. Things don't quite go to plan though, and Robin is left searching for Simon, his Eternal.
I wasn't sure how this was all gonna go, but I didn't see all this happening! I'm going to be vague, cos of spoilers, but I loved what happened!
Both Simon and Robin know their place, and they must be joined. That joining was planned a long time ago, and I didn't expect just how long they had been planning this!
I knew who Kitty was, from the very first time she popped up.
I loved how all the players from Crofton Hall are popping up, and still carrying on, even Dorian causing problems for Robin, although, Simon does put Dorian in his place.
It's not overly explicit, but I loved that Simon was keen to consummate their joining, just as much as Robin was! It's dark, though. Simon suffers a lot here.
I loved this, I really did. I'm so looking forward to the rest of the books, as and when they come out!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Imagine reading a book, and it changes the way you see things. Everyday Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Imagine reading a book, and it changes the way you see things. Everyday things, like the Shadow the light makes behind the cuppa tea on your desk. Or the one that is in the corner, cos the light doesn't quite reach that far. Cos let me tell ya, this book has done that for me!
Enter the world of the Shadows, with Guardians, Healers and Seers. With power tripping heads of Council who want. . . well I'm not really entirely sure what his plan will lead to, but it won't be good for the norms of this world, and maybe not even for those who can manipulate the Shadows. With a betrayal at the highest level. And with love at its most profound.
I loved this book! So forgive me if I rant a bit too much!
I loved that i could process each bit of new information, before the next bit came. I loved the layers to the story. There's romance, and danger. There's the world building, and the idiot trying to destroy it. There are friendship bonds, and those bonds being decimated. And so much romance, and even that being tested.
I loved that we didn't get who was controlling the Shadows that were so slimy, I had an idea but that was wrong.
I loved that Ethan took everything thrown at him, and promptly threw it back, tenfold. I loved that Kay was as damaged as he was. And I loved that when it all goes down, he says JUST the right thing to her! He melded himself into this world beautifully. I think there might be a secret or three about his full heritage to come out, but maybe I'm just reading into the story and being greedy cos I'm like that!
While Kay and Ethan do get a HFN ending, there is, I think, much to come for them. Their relationship will again be tested, and I can't wait to read about it! And Elizabeth, Kay's gran. She needs to be happy and given what is revealed here, she might be!
There is also the matter of the idiot and the Blood Shadows and what he will do now. I can't see which way he might go!
Zach, one of the Triad of Shadow Guardians with Kay and James is next. And I'm not certain who brings the trilogy to a close! James would be good, as the third in the Triad but that would mean he comes out of this mess. And if he does, he will be deeply damaged in many ways. Oh, he's gonna break my heart, I know he is! (Assuming he gets a book! *looks pleadingly at Ms Roberts!
Ms Roberts has a skill, that enables you to just fall into whichever world she writes about and you can just absorb it all, as an everyday occurrence and nothing out of the ordinary that these people can manipulate the Shadows, hinted with blues, greens and red, and heal people with a single touch.
So thank you, Ms Roberts, for a new world to fall into, even if it's just for these three books! I look forward to reading them!
5 full and shiny stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merged review:
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Imagine reading a book, and it changes the way you see things. Everyday things, like the Shadow the light makes behind the cuppa tea on your desk. Or the one that is in the corner, cos the light doesn't quite reach that far. Cos let me tell ya, this book has done that for me!
Enter the world of the Shadows, with Guardians, Healers and Seers. With power tripping heads of Council who want. . . well I'm not really entirely sure what his plan will lead to, but it won't be good for the norms of this world, and maybe not even for those who can manipulate the Shadows. With a betrayal at the highest level. And with love at its most profound.
I loved this book! So forgive me if I rant a bit too much!
I loved that i could process each bit of new information, before the next bit came. I loved the layers to the story. There's romance, and danger. There's the world building, and the idiot trying to destroy it. There are friendship bonds, and those bonds being decimated. And so much romance, and even that being tested.
I loved that we didn't get who was controlling the Shadows that were so slimy, I had an idea but that was wrong.
I loved that Ethan took everything thrown at him, and promptly threw it back, tenfold. I loved that Kay was as damaged as he was. And I loved that when it all goes down, he says JUST the right thing to her! He melded himself into this world beautifully. I think there might be a secret or three about his full heritage to come out, but maybe I'm just reading into the story and being greedy cos I'm like that!
While Kay and Ethan do get a HFN ending, there is, I think, much to come for them. Their relationship will again be tested, and I can't wait to read about it! And Elizabeth, Kay's gran. She needs to be happy and given what is revealed here, she might be!
There is also the matter of the idiot and the Blood Shadows and what he will do now. I can't see which way he might go!
Zach, one of the Triad of Shadow Guardians with Kay and James is next. And I'm not certain who brings the trilogy to a close! James would be good, as the third in the Triad but that would mean he comes out of this mess. And if he does, he will be deeply damaged in many ways. Oh, he's gonna break my heart, I know he is! (Assuming he gets a book! *looks pleadingly at Ms Roberts!
Ms Roberts has a skill, that enables you to just fall into whichever world she writes about and you can just absorb it all, as an everyday occurrence and nothing out of the ordinary that these people can manipulate the Shadows, hinted with blues, greens and red, and heal people with a single touch.
So thank you, Ms Roberts, for a new world to fall into, even if it's just for these three books! I look forward to reading them!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the first book in the Ambrosia series, but I am reading this AFTIndependent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the first book in the Ambrosia series, but I am reading this AFTER I already read book 2, Rowan & Aldred. I would say, because of that, they can both be read as stand alone reads, but are best enjoyed when read in order,
I loved, like LOVED book two. It was so dark and deadly and it pushed ALL my buttons. This one is not so dark, but it still pushed my buttons, just in a different way, and I loved it too!
Lodrick, as a human, is given Ambrosia, and gets addicted. It only takes one sip, after all. Lodrick is rescued from the throes pf addiction by Godefroy, the God of Peace and Harmony. He has long since given up on finding a companion, will Lodrick accept him?
What I loved about this, was how very DIFFERENT Godefroy and Aldred are, in all ways. Aldred had no desire to soothe Rowan, (at least, not at first) but Godefroy is all about soothing Lodrick, and keeping him happy.
Lodrick, however, thinks Godefroy is too much: too sweet, too kind, and too suffocating and at the worst time, he pushes Godefroy away. Neither of them knew that Godefroy would suffer as well as Lodrick.
The book comes with couple of trigger warnings.
Addiction: Lodrick becomes addicted to Ambrosia, and there is no getting over it. He can only exist as a nymph, as Godefroy's nymph, getting his fix from Godefroy and the smexy times. Lodrick knows this, but he hates it, at first.
Dub/non Con: While Lodrick is away with Godefroy at another Goddess's party, and finds himself in the middle of a rather large smexy pile. Now, at points, he does say he wants it, he needs it. But, at others, he realises the situation he finds himself in. It was difficult reading, once Lodrick realises, and I wasn't sure he was going to get out of it.
So, some darker lines, but nothing as dark as book 2 and I loved that it wasn't! It's an altogether lighter read than book 2, but not a fluffy read, at all.
And I loved it!! I think had I read this BEFORE book 2, I might not have loved it quite so much but the marked differences between Godefroy and Aldred, and also between Lodrick and Rowan make this book.
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Blood Bonded Mates series, and you should at least read book 2,Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Blood Bonded Mates series, and you should at least read book 2, Married to The Vampire Prince before this one. It sets the scene for what Bryan did at the hands of Giles.
I enjoyed book one, loved book two and I loved this one too!
It's far more emotional, I thought, than the other two. And it carries some powerful emotions, from Bryan mostly, but Tobias surprised me too!
Bryan is learning to cope with the guilt of what he did. he doesn't want his memories removed, he needs to suffer like he made those witches suffer and he is drowning in it. He goes off to try to offset the guilt by doing some good. Tobias knew Bryan was his mate from the age of 14, he didn't know he would meet him in such difficult circumstances, but Tobias is patient, if nothing else. He knows Bryan needs to heal, but when Ethan's mirror shows Bryan's death, Tobias knows he can no longer stay away.
I loved that Tobias was so flipping patient with Bryan. Bryan pushes Tobias away, a lot, and quite brutally at times, but Tobias knows, he KNOWS Bryan is hurting. Bryan doesn't need fixing, he needs time. The time factor ran out with the mirror, but Tobias still let Bryan control the pace of their relationship,
And Bryan?? Oh that boy needs a hug so bad! He asks Tobias for said hug, and it made me cry. I'm not gonna say how he gets his redemption, but I didn't see that one coming, either!
The thing with hunters was another surprise in this book! They are a pair, that have much to say and those two are next. I look forward to seeing how their story plays out.
I can't see that there is a bigger picture, after the thing with Giles was all sorted, but I'm hoping there are many more of these to come!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Manyin is kidnapped but manages to get settled on an alien planet. THEN she geIndependent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Manyin is kidnapped but manages to get settled on an alien planet. THEN she gets kidnapped again, and the latest kidnapper is not such a nice alien. Escaping onto Asmoded's ship as a stowaway seemed like a good idea, until she is caught by Asmoded after watching him do naughty things in the shower! The mercenaries just have to finish this mission, then he can get rid of the pesky human who seems to have gotten under his skin, a skin that changes colour the minute they are touching. Someone wants Asmoded dead, and Manyin is just collateral damage. Can they get away or will they never get to really admit what they mean to each other?
Asmoded is Naga, part man, part snake. Now, I've read a couple of Naga books, and they didn't do much for me, but this one pushed some buttons when I red the blurb, so I jumped in.
And it's a thoroughly enjoyable read! Told from both Manyin and Asmoded's point of view, in the first person, I really liked it!
I liked that Manyin pushes Asmoded. He is captain of his ship, and should be deferred to, but Manyin finds great pleasure in riling the beast. And Asmoded, for all his raging, comes to appreciate that riling. She pushes him, makes him think differrently, makes him a better captain.
Asmoded has some baggage he is still dealing with. But what I did not see coming about that, was the way that things were flipped on their head and Asmoded got some closure and found someone he thought forever lost to him.
It's stteamy, once these two decide to act on the smoking attraction between them! MAde interesting by the fact the Naga have a super strong snake-like body, and an interesting difference to the male appendage! (I need me a Naga!)
Book 2 is set up nicely, and I hope to be able to read it! I do hope ALL the beings (for they are all different and not just Naga) on Asmoded's ship get a book!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2in the Ambrosia series, and I have not read book one. I w Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2in the Ambrosia series, and I have not read book one. I want to, though. Oh how I WANT!
I wasn't sure how this was gonna go, since it came with a stern, VERY STERN warning to note the triggers. I, after reading, STRESS that point.
Rowan is a bully and Aldred the God of Justice and Retribution. Who better to meek out the punishment the boy deserves. But something is off with Rowan and it takes a bit of time for Aldred to get deep into Rowan's reasons for being a bully. What he discovers shocks him, and makes him oddly protective of the boy. There is also the issue of the god going around, giving ambrosia out to humans, which is deadly if not managed correctly.
So, triggers:
Explicit smex: Oh yes, once Aldred decides he's keeping Rowan, the God loves his boy, and he loves him HARD.
Torture: Aldred, in the beginning, is brutal to Rowan. It was painful, reading about it, and it goes way darker than anything I've read before. I will admit, I came close to stopping, but something begged me to continue and I am so glad I did.
Mention of past abuse: Rowan's reasons for being a bully aren't immediately clear, and it does take some time for Aldred to get to the bottom of them.
Sexual assault: If it's the scen I'm thinking of, it's not a full on page assault, just the threat is there, and but for a kitty cat, there would have been.
It's a very different read than my usual fare, and I'm not tagging it as romance, because, let's be honest, I'm not sure Aldred could love in the hearts and flowers sense, but he cares, DEEPLY for Rowan, and I think, in time, his hearts and flowers will come.
Told from both Rowan and Aldred's point of view, this book is powerful in it's intensity; dark in it's violence; and in the end, the reason's for Rowan being a bully is paid back a hundred fold.
I've had a look, and can only see two books by this author name, and I question that! Why?? Cos if this is book 2 by this author, what is Lucie Fleury gonna be like at book 4, 6 or ten?? Sign me up, mate, I'm-a following this author!
Again though, HEED the triggers, I have none but this really pushed my boundaries!
But dear lord I cannot give it anything other than. . . .
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 5 in the Intersprecies Alliances series, and I STRONGLY recommend you reIndependent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 5 in the Intersprecies Alliances series, and I STRONGLY recommend you read the previous books before this one. There is an on-going story arc through all the books that is not recapped here. You nned to know what happened before.
We met Sazahk in a previous book, but I don't recall meeting Garin before. Garin is Dominic Turner's bodyguard. Sazahk is Serihk's brother. Garin is tasked with escorting Sazahk into the Dead Zone to see if there is any sign of life there, a millenia after the Qesh destroyed it. Falling into boiling puddles, deadling with a rather embarassing reaction to toxic funghi and finding a cute little thing where no-one expected there to be an fauna, and the two become close. But Garin has family responsibilties and Sazahk is no good for any one.
I loved this, I really did!
Garin and Sazahk have reactions to close proximity with each other. Garin knows what they are , but Sazahk is a little mistified by them. His scientist brain wants to test Garin's reactions to everything, even his touch. But Sazahk has some scars he doesn't want Garin to see, some physical but mostly emotional. It takes another near death experience for them to be honest with each other. But then Sazahk, the stoopidist most brilliant Qesh in the whole universe, makes a decision for Garin that he should not have! He does redeem himself, beautifully though!
I loved that we caught up with Patrick, Fal'ran, Bar'in and Tar, but also Serihk, and Dominic, and the Insect Prince Hyg.
And it's Dominic's book that is next and I've been waiting for so long for it! Admittedly, I wasn't quite expecting his book to be the last, and I probably didn't see him with the person that he gets. It's all laid out for you here, so I'm not spoilering that for you!
I can't fault this, nor the series as a whole. It's been fully engaging right from the start!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Usually, when I love a book, I can rant and rave for ages, but for some reason, this Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Usually, when I love a book, I can rant and rave for ages, but for some reason, this book is not letting me rant about it, and I don't know why, and ya'll KNOW how much that stresses me, when I cannot voice what I want!
But I loved it!
It makes no bones about what sort of book it is, and it makes no apologies for it, either. Both Xaviaro and Sparrow are murderers, and they know it.
But Xav is a "sweet murdering marshmellow" when it comes to Sparrow and I loved that Sparrow really saw Xav, you know? I loved that Xav knew that Sparraow would be the one to get him on his knees, and he knew that very quickly.
The attraction between these two was powerful, and deadly, and it runs hit right through the book. But so does the violence, although, violence isn't quite the word I would use. Yes, there is on page murder; Sparrow is, after all, out for revenge, and Xav is Enzo's right hand man, but I still can't bring myself to say it was violent.
Sparrow (whose real name is not told, and I only just clocked that!) tends not to talk about important stuff, so some points were kinda thrown out at you: his training, his faked suicide to name a few. It made me double back a check a couple times, but once I clicked that this was just his way, I stopped doubling back.
The supporting cast are interesting too, Enzo and Elio especially. Those two have their eyes on someone who might or might not be their enemy! I hope they get stories, and I hope I get to read them.
I've read a couple of Neuhold books, that were KU reads and I don't usually bother with reviews for KU reads. I think I might dig a little deeper in the back list of this author.
In the end, the book let me rant a bit, I loved this and I loved that it did not pretend to be anything it wasn't. It's dark and deadly, but also a lot of fun,
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Blood and Bonds series and you really MUST read book 1, Touch iIndependent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Blood and Bonds series and you really MUST read book 1, Touch in The Night and book 2, Bleed in The Night. It is a continuation of the ongoing story arc, and much is NOT recapped.
Book three has to be my favourite!
This book follows Mason, the police detective tasked with finding out who is killing haemophiles and humans, and more importantly, WHY. He is joined by Cai, a former police dective who wa turned against his will. There is some clashing at first, but Mason finds himself attracted to Cai and he is straight, right?
So, book three. It wraps up everything that has been happening, with a big fat bow. BUT! I did NOT see that coming at me, not at all! I had it all worked out, who was doing all this and why. Then, I'm thrown for a loop as to who turned Cai those ten years ago, and it appears the bad guy was playing the long game.
THEN! There was another thing thrown at me that I did not see coming as well! I mean for the most part, this book kinda threw me, but in the best way!
Again, the book is told only from Mason's point of view but I knew it would be, so I was prepared.
I'm being deliberately vague, I know but I don't want to give you spoilers.
We get, eventually, a wonderful wedding of Jesse and Emory (from book 1) and there is a return of Tyler and Lucien (book 2) for said wedding. So it was nice to catch up with them.
But the best bit?? The epilogues! Told from Emory, Lucien and Cai's points of view. While I would have LOVED to hear from them in their respective books, getting this little glimpse into the minds of the haemophiles was the best thing! We get the fear of these guys, at falling for a human, and the joy they feel at finally admitting they needed someone in their lives. I loved it because it was so unexpected! This is not a spoiler thing, either, cos other reviews have mentioned it already, and I NEEDED to say how much I loved getting into THEIR heads, just for this little bit.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Cian is sent on a journey to find out who or what is causing all the deaIndependent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Cian is sent on a journey to find out who or what is causing all the deaths in his village.
I really enjoyed this! It's a step out my comfort zone, and a very good one at that.
I'd class it as high fantasy. Very Tolkien-esque, with an epic journey, lives at stake, elves, dwarves, centsaurs, sea serpents on the rampage and a madman, messing with dark blood magic.
Throw in a slow burn sweet romance, between Cian and his guide, Thanyon, and you've got a near perfect book!
Only Cian gets a say, though, and at points, he had a lot to say.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
For the most part, I liked this book. It's a bit different to the usual Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
For the most part, I liked this book. It's a bit different to the usual adding a third troupe, and I do like a difference.
Luka and Burton live together, but at the beginning of this book, they are NOT a couple. Phoenix thinks they are. They both want Phoenix in their lives, but they also want each other.
Mostly, its three guys getting down and dirty, There is much, MUCH smexy times. I'm usually one to say I like my books on the smexy side, but I also like some story with my smex. And apart from these three getting together, the only real plot line is Phoenix' father and him getting his comeuppence. It was a bit too much smexy times, if I'm totally honest.
Some minor editing niggles: misplaced names was the biggest for me.
Did I love it? No. But I did enjoy it, and it's the first I've read of this author. I'd like to jump into their world.