Audiobook Review: Sweep in Peace

But on Amazon/Audible

Sweep in Peace is the second book in The Innkeeper Chronicles, featuring intergalactic innkeeper, Dina Demille and her snarly shihtzu, Beast. I really enjoyed this pair in the first audiobook, Clean Sweep, and Renee Raudman’s narration was superb. I tried this installment in the graphic audio version, which I had not experienced before. The sound effects gave the story added dimension and fun, but I did miss some of Renee’s southern accent for Dina.

In this story, to ensure the prosperity of her inn, Dina accepts a questionable offer from an intergalactic arbitrator, George. This agreement will require that Gertrude Hunt serve as a mediation point for alien factions warring on the planet Nexus. This will challenge Dina to feed large hordes, maintain peace among hothead military leaders, and keep all her guests safe against inside and outside threats.

One of my favorite aspects of this installment was the addition of Orro, the overly dramatic (former) red clever chef. Orro is a Quillonian, which I am having a hard time picturing but I imagine to be somewhat of a large hedgehog. His dramatic antics were a nice addition to Caledonia’s spry wit. The two of them add some comedic relief to the action points in the story and Dina’s reserved nature.

Although warring factions were residing within Gertrude Hunt, I found this installment to be lacking in the action/excitement that we experienced in the first book. There was more intrigue, but less fighting. It fell on Dina to discover the motivations of all the parties, including the “neutral” arbitrator. I think we will see a lot of machinations come along from George in the future, and I am looking forward to that. As a lawyer, I would have had more interest in the arbitration proceedings, but we were left somewhat on the periphery of those. So I would have preferred a peak into what was happening in the walled off room with the sect leadership.

This story did have some nice twists and turns, a little heartache, and the reappearance of a favorite secondary character. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and performance, just not quite as good as the first and third installments.

3.5 stars

View all my reviews

ARC Review: The Cowboy Says I Do by Dylann Crush

Series:	Tying the Knot in Texas #1
Pub. Date:	Aug. 4, 2020
Publisher:	Berkley
Length:	332 pgs
Source:	NetGalley

As I just moved to Houston, I thought this would be a good choice. I don't, Texas is a tiny town somewhere between Houston and Dallas. There are quirky small town residents and family-driven politics and economics. That's how we get our main characters, the newly elected mayor (despite a lack of qualifications) and the deputy sheriff (despite questionable business activities by his family). This is a good story for those fond of sweet romance without a bit of small town drama.

ARC Review: Sucker Punch by Laurell K. Hamilton

Series:	Anita Blake #27
Pub. Date:	Aug. 4, 2020
Publisher:	Berkley
Length:	496 pgs
Source:	NetGalley

This was quite the different kind of book for Anita and the Marshalls, one where they were trying to save a life instead of take it. I don't know if it was the rush to beat the clock or just the different situation, but the investigation didn't seem to fall into place well for me. There also wasn't the thrill of the hunt of the defeating of the big bad villain, so it just wasn't as exciting overall.

ARC Review: How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne

Series:	Devil You Know #1
Pub. Date:	Aug. 27, 2019
Publisher:	St. Martin's Press MacMillan Audio
Narrators:	Derek Perkins
Length:	440 pgs 13 hrs 4 min
Source:	NetGalley / Publisher

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is the first installment of the brand new Devil You Know series by Kerrigan Byrne. I could not wait to get my grabby hands on this new series, particularly with the teaser that these men are "dark, bold and brave." Kerrigan is exceptional at writing these types of heroes, and I couldn't wait to embark on a new adventure after the Victorian Rebels series.

ARC Review: Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews

Series:	Hidden Legacy #4
Pub. Date:	Aug 27, 2019
Publisher:	Avon
Length:	352 pgs
Source:	Edelweiss

Sapphire Flames is the first full novel in the Hidden Legacy series transition from the story of Nevada Baylor, to that of her younger sister, Catalina Baylor. I do recommend that you read the novella, Diamond Fire, first. The novella serves as a nice bridge between the two series arcs, and we get to see Catalina before she becomes the Head of House Baylor, while she is still growing into her confidence and power.

ARC Review: Diamond Fire by Ilona Andrews

Series:	Hidden Legacy #3.5
Pub. Date:	Nov. 6, 2018
Publisher:	Avon
Length:	160 pgs
Source:	Edelweiss

This is a major blogger shame review - I totally forgot I had a copy of this ARC. How could I miss Nevada and Rogan's wedding?!?! Gack! Anywho, Diamond Fire is a novella in the Hidden Legacy series that serves as a bridge to transition from the story of Nevada to that of her younger sister, Catalina. Because this is a novella, this is going to be a mini review so I don't give away any spoilers.

ARC Review: Protect the Prince by Jennifer Estep

Series:	Crown of Shards #2
Pub. Date:	July 2, 2019
Publisher:	Harper Voyager
Length:	448 pgs
Source:	Edelweiss

Magic. Murder. Mayhem. Romance. That certainly sums up this series in four words. When I started Protect the Prince, I was a little worried that I wasn't going to remember enough of what happened in Kill the Queen to enjoy the story. However, Estep did a good job at putting in subtle (and not so subtle) reminders so that everything started coming back to me fairly quickly. This is definitely a series that must be read in order, as it's a continuing story arc. So this review will contain spoilers for the first book, Kill the Queen, so proceed at your own risk. 

ARC Review: Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh

Series:	Psy-Changeling #18 Psy-Changeling Trinity #3
Pub. Date:	June 4, 2019
Publisher:	Berkley
Length:	416 pgs
Source:	NetGalley

I don't think I've ever read a bad, or even mediocre book in the Psy-Changeling series, or by Nalini Singh in general. The Psy-Changeling Trinity series has been extra interesting as we navigate the alliance among the Psy, Changelings and Humans. I have enjoyed expanding into some of the different changeling groups... but also loved coming back to our favorite wolf pack with this latest installment, Wolf Rain.

Audiobook Review: Fireborn by Katie MacAlister

Series:	Born Prophecy #1
Pub. Date:	Nov 20, 2018 June 11, 2019
Publishers:	Tantor Audio Kensington
Narrator:	Zehra Jane Naqvi
Length:	10 hrs 1 min 298 pgs
Source:	Hoopla / NetGalley

I had this book in my TBR on Hoopla when I saw it come across my NetGalley feed, and realized that Kensington was doing a re-release this past June. That having renewed my interest, I decided it would be a good time to do an audio/print read along, so I snatched this one up. Unfortunately, life and work travel got in the way that prevented me from getting the book read (and reviewed) prior to that re-release date... which seems to be the story of my life this year. But I'm glad I finally got to enjoy the story and meet a new cast of characters from Katie MacAlister.

ARC Review: Shadow Warrior by Christine Feehan

Series:	Shadow Riders #4
Pub. Date:	June 4, 2019
Publisher:	Berkley
Length:	432 pgs
Source:	NetGalley

The Shadow Riders is such a unique series that I feel refreshed and get sucked in every time I pick up one of the books. With all the travel I've been doing, I was stoked to get to this one in the line up right before a hellish day of delayed flights and being squeezed into the tiny rows and uncomfortable seats of turbulent airplanes.

ARC Review: The Tiger Catcher by Paullina Simons

Series:	End of Forever #1
Pub. Date:	May 28, 2019
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Length:	464 pgs
Source:	Publisher

Despite having The Bronze Horseman on my TBR list for years, this is actually my first read by Paullina Simons. I have heard great things about her writing, so I figured I couldn't let a new series by her pass me up. I wasn't sure what to expect... but man, did this book put me through the ringer!

ARC Review: The Beyond by Chloe Neill

Series:	Devil's Isle #4
Pub. Date:	June 4, 2019
Publisher:	Berkley
Length:	336 pgs
Source:	NetGalley

It's always a happy-sad moment when you come to the end of a series, and The Beyond, the final installment of the Devil's Isle series, is no exception. After living in New Orleans (and moving away a couple years ago), Devil's Isle has held a special place in my heart. Chloe Neill is also an author who does New Orleans right... even though Devil's Isle is somewhat post-magical apocalypse, Neill is spot on with her New Orleans layout and history. I have loved her re-imagining of New Orleans in this series.

ARC Review: Down & Dirty by Rhenna Morgan

Series:	Men of Haven #6
Pub. Date:	March 11, 2019
Publisher:	Carina Press
Length:	368 pgs
Source:	NetGalley

Welp. Here's another book for my favorites shelf. That's not really surprising given how much I have been raving about this delicious hero as we waited for his story throughout the series. It killed me to not be able to devour this book in one sitting - but work kept getting in the way and this review is way later than I expected it to be. But it was kinda nice to spend a little time with the book each night before I fell into bed... too bad I didn't have an Axel there to "run lines" with. ;)

ARC Review: Space by Penny Reid

Series:	Laws of Physics #2
Pub. Date:	March 12, 2019
Publisher:	Self-Pub
Length:	226 pgs
Source:	Author

So Motion left us with a huge cliffhanger that I'm sure had many people screaming at their kindles. So now that it's 2.5 years later, I was dying to see what would happen when Mona and Abram meet again. And what better place for a surprise run-in than a snowed-in cabin in Aspen?

ARC Review: Circle of the Moon by Faith Hunter

Series:	Soulwood #4
Pub. Date:	Feb. 26, 2019
Publisher:	Ace Roc Books
Length:	368 pgs
Source:	NetGalley

I'm a huge fan of Faith Hunter, and this series is a perfect example why. Our heroine, Nell Ingram, is such a unique and interesting character that I could read about her every day and never get bored. I love the aspect and characteristics of her power and land, and her upbringing in a polygamous cult adds a dynamic aspect to her character that brings her down to earth and makes her relatable. Not because of the cult aspect, but just her simple common sense approach to everything, and even her ability to turn on the church widder woman persona when she wants to prove a point or manipulate someone.

ARC Review: Oria's Enchantment by Jeffe Kennedy

Series:	Sorcerous Moons #5
Pub. Date:	Jan 25, 2019
Publisher:	Self-Pub
Length:	166 pgs
Source:	Author

Admittedly, one of my favorite aspects of the Sorcerous Moons series is the outlet it provides for my Jason Momoa fantasies in the guise of Lonen, our barbarian king. But over time, I have come to love Oria just as much, and I really enjoy the interactions between our Destrye king and his Baran queen.

ARC Review: Shades of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost

Series:	Night Rebel #1
Pub. Date:	Oct. 30, 2018
Publisher:	Avon
Length:	384 pgs
Source:	Publisher

This review is super late, and you may have noticed that I haven't posted in a while... but my work life has been absolutely nuts for the last couple months and I haven't been able to read much at all. I miss it! So I apologize to Jeaniene and Avon for my tardiness. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Avon.

It's unfortunate that it took me so long to be able to read this first installment of the Night Rebel series, as I am absolutely gaga for our fun-loving, yet vulnerable hero, Ian. I knew, after the conclusion of the Night Prince series, that Ian's story was going to be spectacular. So I do suggest you read that series (along with Night Huntress) first, so you have the full backstory of what's going on. If you haven't read those series, be advised that this review may contain spoilers for those previous series.

ARC Review: The Arrows of the Heart by Jeffe Kennedy

Series:	Uncharted Realms #4
Pub. Date:	Oct 7, 2018
Publisher:	Brightlynx Publishing
Length:	297 pgs
Source:	Author

It's no secret that The Uncharted Realms has been one of my very favorite fantasy romance series since its inception with The Pages of the Mind... and the series is still going strong with this fourth installment, The Arrows of the Heart.

ARC Review: Ocean Light by Nalini Singh

Series:	Psy-Changeling Trinity #2
Pub. Date:	June 12, 2018
Publisher:	Berkley
Length:	430 pgs
Source:	NetGalley

Ocean Light is the second book in the Psy-Changeling spinoff series, Psy-Changeling Trinity, which focuses on the alliance (and its members) among the Psy, Changelings and Human Alliance. Instead of focusing on the races separately, we now are working toward a more integrated society with the signing of the Trinity Accord. Silence has fallen for the Psy, and they are attempting to make inroads into the human race as they have learned that, much like the empaths, they are necessary for the health of the PsyNet.

Audiobook Review: Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Series:	Night Huntress #4
Pub. Date:	Dec. 22, 2010
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio
Narrator:	Tavia Gilbert
Length:	9 hrs 33 min
Source:	Audible Romance

So this year I have not been able to go on a road trip this year without getting a craving for Cat and Bones, so the re-read has continued with Destined for an Early Grave, the fourth book in Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series. 

I remember reading this book for the first time and being thrown for a loop with some of the revelations about Cat's past. It was definitely not something I predicted, and I am happy to report that I am still discovering (or rediscovering) tidbits that I didn't remember from before. A totally unexpected vampire has surfaced to derail Cat and Bones' relationship, and he has some unique dreamwalking powers that are super scary and put Cat in danger. Gregor was an interesting character... I almost wanted to know more about him and his motivations.