Tag Archives: books

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The Seance in Apartment 10

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This is the first work I have encountered by this author, and it has certainly piqued my interest enough to explore more of their writings and discover how the narratives evolve. The characters were fairly well-developed, yet I felt they could have benefitted from deeper backgrounds. An exploration into the histories and motivations of the side characters would have enriched the overall experience and offered a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play.

The story begins with a rather slow pace, taking its time to establish the setting and introduce the characters. However, midway through the narrative, the pacing begins to quicken, leading to a compelling crescendo where the plot takes on a life of its own, drawing me in more forcefully with each passing chapter.

The protagonist, Tori, moves into a dilapidated studio at the eerie Lamplight Complex, only to find herself entangled in unexpected supernatural occurrences. A dark presence lurks within the walls of the aging building, and with only a couple of residents, it soon becomes apparent that the entity has limited options for interaction. The tension escalates when Tori invites friends over to celebrate her new home, and they unwittingly engage with a Ouija board. This fateful decision unveils the perilous consequences of meddling with the unknown and the veil between the living and the dead.

As the story progresses, Tori’s reality begins to unravel, spiraling toward chaos and what feels like an impending madness. Though not overtly terrifying, the narrative evokes an unsettling sensation that leaves a lingering feeling of unease, as if something ominous is lurking just out of sight.

Overall, this book serves as an engaging starting point for my journey with this author and might prove to be a suitable introduction for others as well. If you’re a newcomer to their work, this story could effectively draw you into their unique style and storytelling.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟½

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Bronco

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Summer Camile Sellers, once wealthy, has lost everything due to others’ arrogance. Her life, now a prolonged nightmare, finds solace only in her horse, Aria, and the hope of rebuilding. At 22, Summer faces her first job unprepared, journeying to Springhill Ranch in Colorado, clinging to hope for a better future.

My feelings towards Summer are mixed; her arrogance is evident, yet she acknowledges the need for humility. Nonetheless, she is a compelling character, capable of growth, which I appreciate.

Jake Lawson, the quintessential cowboy, has little patience for city dwellers but makes an exception for Summer, the attractive newcomer at the ranch. Both harbor secrets; Jake’s are closely guarded, yet Summer prompts him to contemplate a future he’s never considered—one with her alone. His uncertainty about her feelings, however, remains a barrier.

I was drawn to Jake immediately, perhaps due to his upright nature or simply my fondness for cowboys.

The sexual tension between them was palpable from the outset, escalating to a crescendo that was timely yet not premature. Their story is a tender tale of two individuals scarred by their pasts, who never envisioned finding a kindred spirit, yet they did in each other. While Contemporary Romance isn’t always my preference, this story captivated me, leaving me curious about their future—a testament to its impact.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟½

The cover has been updated since the original reading.

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A Stone Kissed Sea

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I enjoyed getting a chance to really get to know Doctor Lucien Thrax after having met him in earlier novels. This revealed a great deal about him as an individual while also giving us the chance to meet his Sire, Saba, and the other ancients who have made cursory appearances since the original Elemental Mystery novels. The characters have all become more textured and nuanced as the series has progressed giving more depth and life to the world they inhabit. Knowing that this is the last novel set in this particular world made it bittersweet.

Lucien has been working on a cure for Elixir for the past three years without any luck, though he has had a few breakthroughs in detecting usage. The elimination of Elixir is very personal to him due to a loss he suffered because of it, it has also caused him to build a wall around his heart. Dr. Makeda Abel is a human under the aegis of Katya who has been funding the work of Lucien into the Elixir problem. Katya has also been funding the research of Makeda into human blood diseases and their possible cures.

Katya decides that even though Lucien has been working very hard and is making her money he could use some help. Makeda is sent to collaborate with Lucien, even though he would prefer to work alone. Lucien for his part does not take it well and does everything he can to make things difficult for Makeda, and because she would prefer not to be there she does not immediately fall in line. Though both of them are brilliant they cannot see what is right in front of them.

Power, Passion, and Politics. These are three things which drive the vampires as well as the humans in all our stories. You get a healthy dose of all three here as things go from good to bad to worse and back to good again. There is some good action along with a few steamy scenes that are fairly tame, though still hot enough for most. I believe fans will be more than happy with how things play out here.

** I listened to this for my second go with this as I have for the previous books in the series. It is just as compelling when listened to as when you read it. The narrator is fantastic and gives voice and life to all the characters. Enjoy this both ways.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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Ravaged

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I enjoyed reading this book as much as I enjoyed reading each book in this series. I love meeting new characters and also getting updates on the characters from earlier novels, but unfortunately, rarely any of the mates. Every time I start reading a book, I get pulled into the story and find it hard to put down until I finish, but I have to stop often because sleep and work get in the way. The world they inhabit is like ours but with a subtle twist.

Ever since Aiden stopped aging, he has been struggling with his dark impulses. Unlike his brothers who only had to deal with one dark impulse, Aiden is fighting against multiple ones such as bloodlust, sex, violence, and death. His work with Ronan has helped him to keep the darkness at bay, but he’s starting to lose the battle. He hopes someone will take him out before he gives in.

Maggie Doe had a difficult upbringing and always dreamed of having things she never had especially her own home. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when Aiden is rushed into her ambulance. Aiden has lost all hope for his future, but Maggie’s arrival brings a glimmer of hope back into his life.

This book has a good balance of mature themes, including sex, violence, and gore. It can be enjoyed as a standalone or as part of the larger series. I am excited for more young readers to experience it.

I found this book just as engaging as the others in the series. Tavia Gilbert’s narration is excellent and she brings each character to life, regardless of gender. I highly recommend it.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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Savage Possession

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I really enjoy this book series, but it has become too predictable for me. The characters are still fantastic, and I love how they are depicted, but the plot is becoming a bit repetitive. The main couple always has to struggle to stay together due to some external force trying to keep them apart. This theme has been consistent since the first book, and while it was enjoyable initially, it has become tedious. It would be nice to see the characters dealing with different situations, or perhaps even have another couple in the pack face romantic challenges.

Darcy always knew that her life wouldn’t be easy. She expected to face various challenges and make hard decisions. Therefore, when she is faced with death, she makes an almost immediate decision that she will do anything to stay with her love, Mason. Zane suggests that she takes on vampire nature to replace her witch nature, and Darcy agrees without considering the consequences. However, after surviving the conversion, everyone is pleased, but they sense something different and dark about Darcy.

I already have the next book in the series but I’m unsure if I want to read it right now. I already know what’s going to happen since we’ve already had a showdown with the same villain before. Do I really need to waste my time? I do like the series, but it’s time for things to move forward. It feels like we’re always in the same place.

My rating: ✭✭✭✭

https://www.amazon.com/Savage-Possession-5-Mystic-Wolves-ebook/