Review: Payback's a Witch

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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Emmy Harlow was chased out of her magical town of Thistle Grove by heartache. She had to sacrifice family, friends, and magical ability in a desperate attempt to escape her pain and find herself. Now she must return to fulfill a family duty, as arbiter of traditional witchy games.

Review: Trouble with the Cursed

Trouble with the Cursed by Kim Harrison

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
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I'm so happy this series is still going. Aside from our main and secondary characters, I absolutely love the gargoyles, pixies, and even the demons.

Rachel Morgan is fumbling her way along as the demon subrosa, trying to keep the DC vamps in the dark about the state of Constance. 🐁 That becomes more difficult with the arrival of Flynn, one of the old dead. But with him, we get Ivy as as a host/guide/hostage, and it's always nice to have the historical characters coming back in. Speaking of, lots of thoughts of our beloved Kisten in this story, which makes me want to go back and read the first book.

As it's Rachel's birthday, she should be lounging with loved ones and eating cake. Unfortunately we know fate never has that in store for this demon-born witch, so instead she will be dealing with stodgy undead, misbehaving demons, betrayal and more distractions than she can count. But, that's her cross to bear and she somehow muddles the way and comes out on top, kinda.

I really loved how the team, new and old, pulled together on this one to get all situations taken care of. I am excited to see where the future of the series is going after these happenings. Relationships were broken, some were mended, and we have new characters coming in, and old ones coming back. The demons are sure to be up to new shenanigans, but maybe they will hate Rachel a little less.

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Review: Abandoned in Death

Abandoned in Death by J.D. Robb

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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I always save In Death books for long drives and road trips because they are great at keeping my mind preoccupied. This installment was no exception, and I was quite surprised when the identity of our serial kidnapper and killer was revealed.

Young women of a certain type are being snatched off the street, only to turn up dead and posed with mysterious allusions to the past and family. As the killer is operating a little too close to Eve's loved ones, she wants this criminal off the streets quickly. This story focuses mostly on the footwork by Eve and Peabody, but I liked the contribution of our interns who featured in past stories. I felt like this one had more procedural than action sequences, which I think is a break from recent installments.

I would've liked to have had a little more Roark (as always) and some more snark with Somerset. But I enjoyed the check-in with Mavis and Bella, and all the updates on the estate they are remodeling.

 

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Review: A Curse of Queens

A Curse of Queens by Amanda Bouchet

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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I was so excited to see that Amanda Bouchet was getting back into Thalyria with the Kingmaker Chronicles. Cat and Griffin have taken the Throne and are well on their way to uniting all kingdoms with the birth of their daughter, Baby Eleni. When a curse halts them in their tracks, the family is scrambling to find a way to overcome the gods.

I couldn't recall much about Jocasta from the earlier books, only that she was a Hoi Palloi healer. We get a view of just how good Jocasta is with healing plants here, and her sheer determination when it came to researching a solution for Cat. Jocasta had a lot of humility. Although she was joyful for the happiness her family had found, she couldn't help but feel that her own life was lacking and unfulfilled. This would then lead her to feel guilty. It was wonderful to see her overcome all of that and each out and grab the things that would make her happy.

Flynn had been with Griffin throughout the series, so I was no stranger to his grumpy and serious mien. Now we get to peek beyond Flynn's gruff exterior to all his vulnerabilities and doua2bts. I found him endearing, and stubborn. LOL

There were pockets of action as Team Elpis embark on their quest, but not quite so much as the prior installments. That gave us time to get to know our main characters, along with Carver, Bellanca, and Prometheus. I love these fantasies with elements of Greek mythology and meddling gods. This one took us back across the countryside and into unknown territory. I have a feeling there will be at least two further books that will also take us to new and exciting places. I can't wait.

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Review: The Promised Queen

The Promised Queen by Jeffe Kennedy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I cannot believe its taken me so long to read the culmination of Lia and Conri's story. Life has gotten in the way of reading lately, and what better way to dive back in than spending time with favorite characters.

After the heartbreak and tragedy in the last installment, I absolutely loved all the empowerment and growth in this one. Lia and Conri have certainly had their ups and downs, and they still aren't perfect, but they are well on their way to a beautifully delicate balance.

Action lovers need not fear, you will get a dose of that here as well. Anure and his wizards must be faced... but the ending and secrets revealed just might surprise you. I do hope we see some spinoff of this series!

 

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Review: The Other Half of the Grave

The Other Half of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


It was so fun revisiting the introduction of Cat and Crispin from Bones' perspective. Oddly I didn't feel as much of a connection to Bones in this story... however I think my previous connection to him came from all his imagined turmoil and experiences throughout the entire series, rather than in a single book. I would certainly love to reread the entire series from his POV, but I'm not sure if that's the plan here. A fangirl can always hope though!

If you have been living under a rock and are new to Jeaniene Frost, I'd recommend reading Cat's perspective first, then this one. These first books are the start of Cat and Bones (sometimes tumultuous) relationship, and are the precursor to Cat's transformation into the Red Reaper killing machine. This was a nice jaunt back to where it all began in that murky cave in Ohio.

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Review: Warrior of the World

Warrior of the World by Jeffe Kennedy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a nice conclusion and good set-up for the next spinoff series. Because I let this one fall thru the cracks, I wish I had gone back and read the earlier books first. There was enough recap to jog my memory. But these books are so good at eliciting feelings, that I kind missed that turmoil from the last book leading into the happiness and relief of this one.

Jenna/Ivariel has continued to evolve, mature, and come into her true self. This book focuses less on the action and more on the character growth and relationships instead. I like the analogies between Ivariel and Efe, and I continued to love the presence of the elephants in this series. I can't recall another using elephants in this way, and it was majestic. I can't wait to see what the next series holds for our characters.

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Review: True Dead

True Dead by Faith Hunter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I feel like it's been so long since I last read a Yellowrock book (and I'm about 6 months late on this one) do I was glad I was able to read Of Claws and Fangs first for a refresh. If you need one of those like me, all the Claws and Fangs stories take place before this book.

Lots of action here, but that's expected whenever Jane and Beast are involved. But we head back to New Orleans for Jane to finally claim her position as the MOC and Dark Queen. Challengers and betrayal and surprises abound. It was interesting to see the change in Jane/Beast since their pass thru the rift, and to find out just what happened to Sabina and Leo. I really really like Koun, and would love to see some spinoff or short stories featuring him. I also like the new addition of Quint, because who wouldn't love a loyal sociopath!?!

I got sucked into this story and devoured it in 2 days. But it makes me sad that the ending is nigh, as these are some of my absolute favorite characters in urban fantasy.

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Review: Tear Down the Throne

Tear Down the Throne by Jennifer Estep
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gemma has matured and become an outstanding heroine. She has grown more comfortable with her power, adept at her spycraft, and improved her fighting skills. The last thing left to master will be her emotions, particularly where her feelings of adequacy and Leonidas are concerned. I'm a sucker for a forbidden or enemies-to-lovers romance, and Gemma and Leonidas couldn't be any more at odds. Though Leo does seem to have a greater grasp on his feelings for Gemma.

This installment brings us to another summit, and I was very interested to see all the royals gathering again. (Although I did miss Everleigh and am curious why she didn't attend). I absolutely loved the idea of the Gauntlet, and couldn't wait to see how it would effect everyone. There was SO much action and drama in this one, I felt like the book flew by and was sorry to see it end. I especially enjoyed the introduction of Otto and Violet, and I hope they continue to play a part in future stories. I also have an inkling of where our next spinoff will occur, and who that heroine may be.

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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: Spells for the Dead by Faith Hunter

Series:	Soulwood #5
Pub. Date:	July 28, 2020
Publisher:	Ace
Length:	384 pgs
Source:	NetGalley

I so enjoy spending time with Nell Inghram, our widder-woman who liberated herself from a cult in East Tennessee. Oh, and a yinehi with unique powers and abilities. I have loved watching her come into herself as the series has progressed. As Nell's experiences have grown beyond pizza and Krispy Kreme, she has amassed a family through blood and the land. So Nell is no longer our loner against the church, but now has a team to help fight battles both personal and professional. Her common sense approach to life and solving crimes is endearing and inspiring. And her relationship with Occam, the werecat, is so dang cute that I can't help but smile at their interactions.

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: The Lost Daughter by Gill Paul

Pub. Date:	Aug. 27, 2019
Publisher:	William Morrow
Length:	496 pgs
Source:	Publisher

This was my first read from Gill Paul, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. However, I was intrigued by the concept of a historical fiction concerning the Romanov family, whom I was only vaguely familiar with before embarking on this reading venture. I have always thought the Romanovs were fascinating, but it just wasn't something we studied much in school. I have not read The Secret Wife, but I definitely have added that earlier story to my TBR after finishing The Lost Daughter. 

Audiobook Review: Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym M. Martineau

Series:	Beast Charmer #1
Pub. Date:	June 25, 2019
Publisher:	Sourcebooks Casa Recorded Books
Narrators:	Brian Pallino Jennifer O'Donnell
Length:	438 pgs 12 hrs 43 min
Source:	NetGalley / RBDigitial

Kingdom of Exiles is a creative debut from one Sourcebook's newest authors, Maxym M. Martineau. I got to meet Maxym at Book Lovers Con this year, and she was lovely. I am stoked she has decided to write in my favorite genre - fantasy romance - as it seems the books in this genre are fewer and far between these days. I can definitely say that this author has been added to my auto-buy list, and can't wait to see where she takes this series in the future.

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: The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare

Series:	Girl Meets Duke #3
Pub. Date:	Aug 13 2019
Publisher:	Avon
Length:	368 pgs
Source:	Edelweiss

I'm a bit behind on my Tessa Dare books, so I haven't read the first installment of Girl Meets Duke. A problem which I intend to rectify as soon as possible. I really liked Chase and Alexandra from The Governess Game, but I think that Ash and Emma are going to have quite interesting stories of their own in The Duchess Deal.

Audiobook Review: In a Badger Way by Shelly Laurenston

Series:	Honey Badgers #2
Pub. Date:	March 26, 2019
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Narrator:	Charlotte Kane
Length:	13 hrs 43 min
Source:	Hoopla

Shelly Laurenston's honey badgers are a ridiculously good time - and whether you are reading or listening to them, they can't help but make you smile. It's hard to believe this is only the second book in the series, because these seem like beloved characters that have been around for a while.

A Beggar's Kingdom by Paullina Simons

Series:	End of Forever #2
Pub. Date:	July 23, 2019
Publisher:	William Morrow
Length:	656 pgs
Source:	Publisher

A Beggar's Kingdom is the second installment of Paullina Simons' End of Forever series, an epic romance saga spanning time and distance. Phew, this second book put me through the ringer! If you are looking for a happy-go-lucky romance story, this definitely is not it. But if you want to get emotionally invested in your lead character, this is the story for you.