#Review ~ The Demigod Complex (Brimstone Inc. #1) by Abigail Owen @AOwenBooks @EntangledPub #PNR

 

When Lyleia Naiad was head-hunted by Brimstone, Inc., for her job as Executive Assistant to a high-powered billionaire demigod, she was given one directive—do NOT fall in love with Castor Dioskouri. Doesn’t matter if he’s the son of Zeus and can electrify a room with a single glance. As an ex-nymph, she possesses a unique ability—a gift from the goddesses to protect nymphs from the randy gods—to resist her boss's charms.

Or so she thought.

He insists she accompany him to an alpha wolf shifter mating ceremony, an event where the pheromones fly, and so do clothes...and inhibitions.

Goddesses save her, because Castor has stolen into Lyleia’s heart, and she’s not so sure she can hold out much longer...

Publication Date : February 17, 2020
Publisher : Entangled: Amara (February 17, 2020)
ASIN : B08472G5RJ
Word Wise : Enabled
Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/2SLnrz4

Lyleia "Leia" Naiad is a former nymph, having lost her spring after a vindictive werewolf had hers destroyed. After her banishment, Leia became an Executive Assistant to Castor Dioskouri, who is also a demigod and the son of Zeus. Nymphs, whether active or banished, have a magical interference, allowing them to resist the charming behavior of gods and demigods. Leia should be more than safe from Castor.....but her heart might not be safe.

Castor Dioskouri asked for one think from Brimstone Inc. when he requested a new assistance. He did not want anyone who would be attracted to him, require love and affection, or fall into lust with him. The company chose the perfect employee, a water nymph. Blessed with a gift allowing nymphs to resist sexual temptations, he thought he'd be safe from Lyleia Naiad. Except he wasn't really.

When Castor discovers Lyleia is going to resign, he does everything in his power to prevent that from happening. During her latest attempt, Castor requests her attendance at a mating ceremony between to shifter packs. Determined not to go, Leia tries to remove herself from the situation but Castor wins, like always. Leia soon finds herself making travel arrangements to Rocky Mountain National Park where they will be staying with the pack members in the Stanley Hotel.

(2017 copyright A.M. of Sapphyria's Books)

(2017 copyright A.M. of Sapphyria's Books)

The Demigod Complex is a quick read, blending paranormal romance and mythology in a novella that packs a punch. Both Leia and Castor are terrific characters and I really enjoyed the chemistry the author created between them. The world building was done well and I was able to visualize the story as I read along. I can't wait to begin the second book in the series.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

Review ~ Our Star-Crossed Kiss (The Rooftop Crew, Book 4) by Piper Rayne #ContemporaryRomance

About the Book:

She’s got two strikes against her.
Her name is Erickson and her parents own The Bagel Place.

It wasn’t always that way. When we were nine, we were best friends. But then a feud between our dads ripped their successful business apart—and my best friend was ripped away too.

Our paths were bound to cross again. When both our families vie for the same spot on a Food Channel’s reality show, the producers decide to change the format, aligning us as allies.

In order to get our parents to agree to work together, Evan asks me to pretend to be her boyfriend, but I dare her to up the ante—be my fiancée. Fake fiancée… obviously.

As usual, I didn’t think things through. Turns out our parents have a lot of demands neither one of us expected. And all those demands lead to things feeling more real than fake.

Grab Your Copy Here:
Amazon US

My Review:

Evan Erickson and Seth Andrews are ones who got away...from each other. A family feud from 20 years ago split the duo apart. Evan and Seth spent all that time using avoidance techniques while being equally as miserable. When a cooking show comes to town, they find themselves competitors until the producers shake up the format. Now, Evan and Seth concoct a scheme to reunite their still-feuding parents....they pretend to date and become engaged. As Evan and Seth's plan continues to ramp up, so do their feelings for each other. The ending of this charade may prove to completely break them both.

Everything about Our Star-Crossed Kiss worked for me. The characters are awesome and include everyone from the previous books. Evan and Seth have such fantastic chemistry and witty banter. While you could consider this a stand alone, I highly recommend reading the series in order so you have context. The character development is great and the authors continue to introduce a new characters. The level of emotions in this book run high, are expertly written, and make the reader feel exactly what the characters are feeling.

The entire series is awesome and highly recommended. Our Star-Crossed Kiss is exceptional and I loved the book very much. I'm glad I will be able to read the story again anytime I want.

I look forward to the next book.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

#Review ~ Morrigan’s Blood by Laura Bickle @Laura_Bickle #UF Urban Fantasy ~ Crow’s Curse, Book One

Garnet has the blood of the legendary Morrigan – and legions of vampires and witches will go to war to possess that power.

Morrigan’s Blood
Crow’s Curse
Book One
Laura Bickle


Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Syrenka Publishing LLC
Date of Publication: Sept. 25, 2020
ASIN: B08B9TJ4V9
Number of pages: 188
Word Count: 57000

Cover Artist: Danielle Fine

Amazon Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3iDIgqv

About the Book:

Garnet has the blood of the legendary Morrigan – and legions of vampires and witches will go to war to possess that power.

As a trauma surgeon, Garnet Conners has seen more than her fair share of blood. But when one of her patients walks off the operating table and disappears into the night, she finds herself caught in a war between legions of vampires and witches in her city.

Garnet has dreamed of bloody battlefields for years – and a mysterious lover who controls a kingdom. In her waking life, Garnet is shocked to meet that man in a club. Merrel knows her from another life, a life in which she was the legendary Morrigan, goddess of death and war.

Garnet rejects the notion of magical incarnations altogether. But she falls in with Sorin, a handsome warlock who’s determined to protect the former bootlegger city of Riverpointe from a secret society of vampires. Haunted by crows and faced with undeniable proof of magic, Garnet scrambles to protect her career and loved ones from magical violence.

Abducted by vampires who seek to turn her into a vampire against her will, can Garnet seize the power of the legendary Morrigan to forge her own path in her embattled city? Or will she be forced to serve as a fearsome weapon in a deadly nocturnal war?

My Review: 

Told from both a historical point-of-view and a modern setting, the author sets up a story that begins in an ancient time filled with battles, treason, and blood. Lots and lots of blood. We learn about the Morrigan, a vampire, also known as the Queen of the Night. She grants her favors to kings in exchange for blood. I enjoyed reading about Laura Bickle's telling of the Morrigan.

The Queen of the Night's modern day predecessor is Garnet Conners. Garnet is a trauma surgeon extremely dedicated to her work. She works all the time, not giving herself an opportunity for much down town or time out with the few friends she has made. Dreams of blood, battlefields, vampires, and crows begin to crowd her nights. Garnet has always found friends in crows. They have always navigated their way to her, leaving little gifts. 

Garnet's life is about to be rocked at the foundation as she meets one of the men from her dreams in a club. The club later becomes engulfed in flames.  To add to the weirdness, one evening she has a fully sedated patient spring off the OR table, jump out a window, and disappear after being fully surrounded by figures just off hospital grounds. Wait until she finds out she's the reincarnation of the Morrigan, goddess of death and war, also knows as Queen of the Night - and everyone is out to harness her power.

Laura Bickle is one of my favorite authors. She writes interesting and captivating stories. The way she twists the mythology of the Morrigan into a modern-day telling is nothing short of perfection. I was captivated from the start and engaged throughout the book. The references to elemental salamanders reminds me of Sparky, the salamander from the author's Anya Kalinczyk series, and I smile every time she inserts those little Easter eggs. I enjoyed the story of Garnet's life being shaken-up, her fairly realistic-feeling dreams, and her inevitable walk down the path of the supernatural. 

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

Review: The Heart of Doctor Steele by Colette Dixon @CDixonBooks #Historical #Romance

Are the rumors about him true? 

She intends to find out.

About the Book:

The mysterious Dr. Steele has taken up residence next door, and scandalous rumors about him are spreading through Margaret Landeau’s small Massachusetts town. Rumors of women he’s ill-used and exploited for his experimental surgeries. Never one to believe gossip, Margaret arms herself with a basket of baked goods and ventures to discover the truth from the man himself.

John Steele has lost everything. His parents, his aunt, too many women he intended to save, and his good name. All he has left is his aunt’s home in a far-flung village and a library he’s stocked with whiskey. He has nothing to offer anyone. Especially not the bold woman next door whose passion for healing reminds him of the man he once was.

But when a dangerously ill girl arrives on his doorstep, pleading for help, Margaret is thrust into his world. She will learn who the real Dr. John Steele truly is, and soon, not even his dark past can stop her from fighting for the brilliant doctor she now loves. But he must deny his crushing desire for her—loving a man like him can only cast a shadow over her own bright future.

Book Details:

Publisher : Crimson Fox Publishing (October 6, 2020)
ASIN : B08DTJ6VDW
Publication Date : October 6, 2020
Print Length : 325 page

Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/30Cui23

My Review:

I was enchanted by The Heart of Doctor Steele by Colette Dixon. The author breathed new life into historical romance with subject matters that women are still having to fight with men about today - the right to treatment for our own bodies and the right to be equal (attending medical school in Margaret's day and equal pay in modern day, for example). I found myself completely absorbed in the tale of Dr. John Steele, disgraced doctor of female ailments. His desire to help those of the fairer sex is noble but, at the point in history, not widely approved. Being run out of town after the spread of lies and the threat of a lawsuit, Dr. Steele finds himself holed up in his late aunt's home in a small town in Massachusetts. 

Margaret Landeau is curious about their new, reclusive neighbor. Unflattering rumors about him have being to circulate but Margaret being of sound mind and not prone to the beliefs of idle gossip, refuses to believe the stories. She's intent on being neighborly and finding out the truth about Dr. Steele. Let's just say his first impression was less than stellar. Yet, Margaret feels drawn to him and is eager to know more. As her unwavering confidence in Dr. Steele, as not only a capable surgeon but also a gentleman, continues to grow, feelings develop between them. When his past drops onto his porch like a rock rolling down a mountain, John and Margaret will be tested in ways they never expected.

This book was amazing and I couldn't put it down. The author created and developed wonderful and likable characters. The subject matter was timeless, pertaining to history and current events. The research done and incorporated into this book by Colette Dixon was on point. I loved the additional historical detail the author provides at the end of the book. The world building was flawless and showed me a small town in the early 1800's where I could see everything from the homes to the church, and feel the tension between John and Margaret  and the stress during surgeries that, at the time, included surgeries without anesthesia. This is a must read!

I was provided an ebook of The Heart of Doctor Steele to review and my thoughts and opinions are my own.

My Rating:

Review: Hush of Ruin: Mists of Magic and Mayhem, Book 4 by HP Mallory @HPMallory #Fantasy #Romance

This episodic, monthly fantasy romance series will suck you into the world of magic and mayhem—of witches, vampires, fae and lycanthropes.

Episode 4: Hush Of Ruin

Sinjin Sinclair has one goal—to gain entry into the Abyss in order to find and protect his one true love. But getting into the Abyss isn’t quite as easy as he might have hoped and he’ll find himself traveling to Faery in order to request help from an unlikely source...

Meanwhile, Emma continues to try to understand who sent a killer spirit after her. And the one person who can help her solve the mystery just happens to be her incredibly handsome and sexy professor...

Pagan wonders if maybe going to Nyx wasn’t such a good idea, after all, when he finds himself her prisoner...

And what happens when Jolie suddenly feels the presence of her sister through their shared mental bond? Is it possible Bryn has entered the Abyss?

Find out what happens in the fourth episode of the Mists of Magic and Mayhem Series!

MISTS OF MAGIC AND MAYHEM:

1. Shadow Phantoms

2. Circle of the Moon

3. Hallowed Flames

4. Hush of Ruin

Publication Date : September 19, 2020

Print Length : 143 pages

ASIN : B08JKQBZGT

Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/34oXCdf

Visit the Author:

www.hpmallory.com

My Review:

Hush of Ruin is the 4th episode in the Mists of Magic and Mayhem serial by HP Mallory.

Episode 4 has a lot going on in the world of Jolie Wilkins. Emma, Stone, and Clark are battling for Emma's life against a killer spirit. Knowing who sent it will go a long way in snuffing the spirit out, provided Emma and Stone figure it out before the spirit can make good on his request.

Bryn is trying to locate a way into the Abyss. Sinjin, desperate to help and protect her, finds himself at the door of an unlikely ally. Together, the duo must find their way to Brynn.

Hush of Ruin is action-packed, fast-paced, and pulls the reader in effortlessly and keeps them engaged. I am excited to be back in this world. Along the way through this fresh, new adventure we get to meet new characters, venture into new settings, and learn new things. The story is engaging and branches in several directions, but done smoothly.

This series is amazing and I love that we are back in the world of Jolie Wilkins. We get to see what they are up to 10 years after the end of the Bryn and Sinjin series. Each book draws you in and the endings keep you wanting more. I’m constantly on edge, waiting for the next book.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

Book Review: The Duplicate Bride by Ginny Baird @GinnyBaird @EntangledPub #Romance

Saying “I do” has never been this much fun in this charming new romance from New York Times bestselling author Ginny Baird.

 

Hope Webb can’t believe her twin sister, Jackie, is begging her to swap places and play fiancée at Jackie’s pre-wedding festivities. Sure, it’s only a business-deal sort of marriage, but Hope is a carb-loving teacher who enjoys curling up with a good book. Jackie is a workaholic whose idea of a good time is a brisk five-mile run at the crack of dawn. The two sisters couldn’t be more opposite.

Now Hope is stuck in the middle of a warm, tight-knit family she can’t help but adore and a groom who turns out to be entirely wonderful...for her.

Hotel magnate Brent Albright knows something is off about his fiancée, but he doesn’t care. Gone is the driven woman with similar career goals, and in her place is someone warm and funny who not only charms his family but him as well. She’s doing everything she can to avoid him, but that’s probably just nerves. Two people about to wed couldn’t know each other less.

Now Brent is determined to woo his fiancée, for real this time, because the more he gets to know her, the more his sweet fiancée turns out to be entirely wonderful...for him.

And that’s when things start to get really complicated...

Publisher : Entangled: Amara (September 29, 2020)
Word Wise : Enabled
Publication Date : September 29, 2020
ASIN : B084V26LFJ

Purchase Link: Amazon

My Review:

The Duplicate Bride is a whimsical romantic tale featuring identical twins; one a workaholic wedding planner for the upper echelon , the other a lowkey school teacher. When Jackie is busy with a high maintenance wedding but her own nuptials are a week away, she can't leave the high profile wedding she's managing. Jackie pulls a favor with her twin, Hope, wanting Hope to step in as her during the wedding week festivities. It's only supposed to be for a couple of days and then they will "trade" back. Hope puts her foot down but a case of mistaken identity puts the ball in motion. Hope can do this for a couple days. She'll try to woo the standoffish grandmother and help blend Jackie into the family she doesn't really know, especially Jackie's fiancé, Brent. What is only supposed to be a couple days becomes much longer and Hope has a a hard time keep up the charade. Jackie's future in-laws and  Brent are wonderful people. 

I spent a lot of this book cringing - not in a bad way but in a "Oh, Hope, this is not going to end well for you" way. Her intentions were wonderful, if not completely unethical and deceitful. Hope blended in nicely with the family in a way you could tell Jackie didn't in the few interactions she may have had with them. Even Brent warmed to Hope much better than is alluded to when he spent time with Jackie. 

Hope and Brent together were cute. They brought out the best in each other. While Hope is a strong and independent woman, Brent brought out her need for companionship and love. Hope also allowed Brent to discover his true wants, needs, and desires concerning marriage, taking over the family business, and opening himself up again after a disastrous previous relationship. 

I was engaged in their story from the very beginning. I devoured this book in one day. I was anxious for Hope, hopeful for her and Brent, and thoroughly disgusted with Jackie for suggesting the switch, and not being upfront with Brent and his family. I didn't agree with Hope's actions either but she truly thought she was doing the right thing at first. The charade should have never gotten as far as it did. 

I enjoyed this contemporary romance. The author's writing style is smooth and conversational. The characters has depth and development. The setting was written well and I was able to visualize the story as I read along, right down to the "eye" from Grandmother Margaret. I will seek out more from this author.

I was provided a copy of this book to read. Thank you Entangled Publishing!

My Rating:

#Review: Neither Hyde Nor Hair (Lucy Westenra, Book 1) by J.R. Rain & H.P. Mallory @HPMallory

My name is Lucy Westenra. And I hunt monsters.

You might remember me—I was one of the first unfortunates turned by Dracula.

Well, the count might think he turned me, but I was saved by witch magic. Owing to an elixir created by high witch, Lissa Ravenwood, I’m mostly humam... as long as I take the elixir every three days.

But the vampire within me is always there in the background, threatening to turn me into a creature I detest. The count, Vlad, wants exactly that—for me to succumb to my darker side and return to him. He considers me his fledgling, his love, his creation.

I consider him a royal pain in my backside.

Regardless, I still need Vlad. Well, I need his help on a particularly difficult case...

Because I’m in control of my vampire side, and I’m stronger and faster than your average human, I work as a bounty hunter, specializing in apprehending things that go bump in the night. I guess it takes a monster to catch a monster.

And the case I’m on now is giving me apoplexy...

Students at Lissa’s witch academy are falling ill—clearly under the effects of Hyde, an illegal street drug. When another young woman’s mutilated body is found in an alley, I realize we’ve got a murderer on the loose. And I have a feeling the two cases are tied… I’m just not sure how or why.

As if that isn’t stress-inducing enough, the vampire council is in town, and that means I need Vlad’s protection. What I don’t need is his constant amorous attempts...

Sigh. It’s just another day in the unlife of Lucy Westenra, a girl who hunts monsters and hasn’t had a date in over a decade...

Print Length : 178 pages
Publisher : Rain Press
Publication Date : September 22, 2020
ASIN : B08JWT88WJ

My Review:

Neither Hyde Nor Hair is a modern retelling of Dracula with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde tossed in for good measure. The star of the book is Lucy Westenra, turned by Count Dracula eons ago, and saved by witch magic. As long as she takes a potion every three days, Lucy is able to keep her vampire side repressed to the point she is almost human. Her vampire side is always just at the surface but Lucy is able to suppress her, most of the time. Lucy's humanity but strength and power of her vampire side make her the perfect bounty hunter for rogue monsters. When her witchy friend Lissa employs Lucy to take over teaching one of her classes at the Academy, and some of the students fall ill, Lucy knows it's time to go on a monster hunt.

What Lucy finds isn't at all what she's looking for.

I was thoroughly entertained by Neither Hyde Nor Hair. The paranormal elements, inclusion of  characters from several different classic stories, mystery, and humor are a wonderful combination. Vlad's amorousness toward Lucy has her see-sawing between her vampiric side wanting him and her human side detesting him. What ensues are a lot of humorous interactions between the two of them. Lucy has been battling against her vampire for generations, knowing that once she fully embraces her, she will go from the bounty hunter doing the hunting to being the vampire being hunted. She's clearly on team human but Vlad is a temptation threatening her ability to stay that way. 

They mystery is fun and full of twists and turns. Lucy dealings with Vlad, the vampire council, and Mr. Hyde all take place while trying to figure out where the students are getting Hyde and who killed a student in a gruesome fashion. The characters are quirky, well-written, and some are quite complex. Other characters are in the background or we only get a brief glimpse. Hopefully, they are characters that we may see expanded on in future books. 

If you're looking for a fun and fairly quick read by a wonderful pair of authors, look no further. Grab Neither Hyde Nor Hair today!

I was provided a copy of this book to review.

My Rating: