Unknown's avatar

Not Dead Enough

This book deserves a solid 4.5 stars, without a doubt.

I found myself thoroughly enjoying this story, marking it as my first experience with this particular author. I’m genuinely excited to explore the other books in this series in the near future. While there were a few minor instances of sentences feeling slightly out of order, these issues were not significant enough to detract from the overall narrative. The pacing commenced a bit slowly, but it quickly gained momentum, particularly with the entrance of the main female character. The plot was well-structured, providing a refreshing and engaging flow that made it easy to follow along and immerse myself in the story. The character development was commendable, with each individual embodying their roles in a way that felt authentic within their contexts. I found myself rooting for all the characters, even the antagonists, as they were portrayed in a way that made their actions believable and, honestly, relatable.

The protagonist, Brett Perkins, was a soldier whose life took a tragic turn at the hands of a mysterious entity known as the Project, which ultimately led to his death. However, his story does not end there—he was resurrected, only to discover that life after death was far from a dream. Following the destruction of their base, which resulted from a daring escape by its inhabitants, Brett and his team are now tasked with hunting down and eliminating a group of rogue vampires. These cunning creatures have evaded capture since the chaos of the base’s demise. When they begin abducting human women, Brett and his companions quickly realize that the situation is dire and cannot bode well for the victims involved. Their urgency escalates when they arrive on the scene just moments after the latest victim has been snatched away.

Julia Collier, the female lead, is navigating her own turbulent life, recently separated and in the throes of a divorce from her husband. Her ex-husband is a well-regarded figure in their town, which has unfortunately resulted in a campaign to tarnish Julia’s reputation, turning friends and acquaintances against her. Adding to the tension, her ex has dispatched thugs to follow her, issuing threats that leave her feeling cornered and vulnerable. When she discovers men lurking outside her home, she fears that her ex is finally poised to act on his threats, prompting her to muster the courage to fight back. What she fails to realize is the true nature of the individuals who are actually after her.

I was particularly drawn to Julia’s character; she embodies strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Instead of crumbling under pressure, she stands her ground, showcasing a remarkable fortitude that is often lacking in female characters within the genre. The male characters are equally compelling, portraying soldiers who transcend typical stereotypes and embody camaraderie and friendship that go beyond mere battlefield bonds.

Overall, I believe this story will captivate anyone interested in the paranormal, offering a blend of suspense, strong characters, and vivid storytelling that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

My rating: ★★★★½

Unknown's avatar

Micah’s Bride

I absolutely adore this series and its characters; my enthusiasm for their journeys keeps me eagerly anticipating each new release. The depth of character development is remarkable, allowing the individuals to evolve into more relatable and lifelike personas with every book. As the plot progresses, the stakes have grown increasingly high, drawing readers into the intense and often emotional trials faced by the main characters, along with newcomers introduced along the way.

An exciting twist has emerged in the narrative as the vampires begin to embrace certain aspects of human traditions—something they never expected to find pleasure in. This exploration of blending cultures adds a unique layer to the story that keeps readers engaged.

One of the central characters, Micah, who finds himself in a committed relationship, feels no greater need for validation other than the profound bond he shares with Sam. Their connection is powerful and undeniable, promising an eternal union. However, Sam, despite her deep love for Micah and her desire for an everlasting partnership, carries the weight of her human past. She longs for the magical experience and the sense of commitment that a wedding ceremony symbolizes.

Sam’s previous marriage was far from idyllic; it was a painful chapter in her life that she was fortunate enough to leave behind. Her first wedding, lacking in joy and fulfillment, resulted in an unsuccessful union that deeply affected her. Now, with Micah, she yearns for a fresh start, an opportunity to rewrite her narrative and build a future free from the shadows of her past.

Sam has confided her desire to marry Micah, revealing not just her wish for a wedding but her hope for a life together that celebrates their love in a way she has always dreamt of. This pivotal moment now rests in Micah’s hands, challenging him to decide how to honor their deep affection and Sam’s wishes.

This book is a beautifully crafted tale devoid of violence, instead overflowing with heartfelt emotions, making it the perfect read for those who appreciate a richly woven story of love and personal growth.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Unknown's avatar

Bear Naked for Christmas

I have read only one other book by this author, which was also a delightful holiday-themed novel centered around Valentine’s Day. I truly enjoyed that story, so I was excited to dive into another of their works. From the very first page, this book managed to draw me in completely, holding my attention throughout the entire reading experience. I started late in the evening, and when I eventually had to put it down, I found myself eagerly anticipating the moment I could return to the story. Even though it’s a short story, I was so invested in the characters and their journey that I wished it could continue, just to learn more about this captivating couple.

While the main characters were engaging, I did feel that some of the supporting characters were somewhat underdeveloped. They still piqued my interest, and I could easily envision more depth and backstory that could be explored further. Additionally, I encountered a few issues with the writing, particularly concerning sentence structure. There were instances of awkward word placements, as well as some missing or incorrect words, which occasionally disrupted the flow of the narrative.

The protagonist, Katie, is a dedicated doctor who arrives at Scarfell Mountain for her family’s annual holiday gathering, fully embracing a tradition that brings them all together. After a particularly challenging year, marked by the heartbreak of a recent breakup with her fiancé, Katie is looking forward to reconnecting with their cherished neighbor, a wonderfully sweet older gentleman known for his warmth and kindness. However, she is taken by surprise when she discovers that the neighbor has been replaced by a strikingly handsome young man. Their initial encounter sparks a surprising interest within her, but just as she begins to entertain the possibilities, the complications of her past begin to resurface in the form of her ex, creating a tangled web of emotions and drama.

Overall, this charming Christmas story encapsulates the essence of the holiday season, offering a blend of romance, laughter, and a touch of nostalgia. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming read that has all the elements to make your holiday season a little brighter.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Unknown's avatar

Night Shift

This series is one of those rare gems that elicits a longing for its continuation, even as readers acknowledge that every tale must eventually reach its conclusion. I must say, the ending of this particular installment was masterfully crafted, providing a satisfying resolution that deftly tied up all loose ends.

In this third book, the characters have evolved significantly, allowing readers to form a deeper connection with them. The author has painted a vivid picture of the town, making it so well-defined that you can easily imagine the streets, the cozy corners where each character resides, and the unique atmosphere that envelops Midnight. The storytelling is compelling, with prose that grips the reader’s attention, leading them to read long into the night, despite knowing the pressing need for rest.

The narrative takes a darker turn as an unexpected phenomenon begins at the pawnshop in Midnight, where residents are purchasing weapons to commit suicide at the infamous crossroads. Initially, this unsettling trend goes unnoticed, but as more townsfolk succumb to this chilling impulse, it becomes clear that something sinister is at play. Lemuel, the town’s solitary vampire, is deeply invested in unraveling the mystery. He has been meticulously translating a collection of ancient texts, believing these may hold crucial insights into the strange occurrences.

Fiji and her circle of friends find themselves grappling with a deep sense of unease and confusion as the situation escalates. It is only when Fiji reveals to her companions that she has been hearing a disembodied voice seemingly urging others to a fatal destiny that the group begins to grasp the gravity of their situation. Notably, the situation also weighs heavily on Olivia, who must confront her own challenges amidst the turmoil facing their community. The decisions that must be made have the potential to irrevocably alter the lives of everyone in Midnight, leading to outcomes that could be either disastrous or transformative.

I thoroughly enjoyed this installment and genuinely hope for more installments in the future. Midnight has become an enchanting place full of intrigue, making it an irresistible destination for readers. If you haven’t yet delved into this series, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so; it is truly a captivating journey.

My rating: ★★★

Unknown's avatar

Bear Naked Valentine’s

I was completely drawn into this story right from the beginning and I thoroughly enjoyed it till the very end. I loved the characters and the way they interacted with one another. It felt like I knew them since the start, even though I was just meeting them. The story has a light tone with a touch of fun, a little bit of angst, and a whole lot of romance. This is the first book I’ve read from this author, and since I started near the end, I plan to read the other books in this series.

Lucy is a police officer, but she finds it hard to meet men due to her profession. Men are either intimidated by her or have a creepy interest in her handcuffs. During her latest blind date, things go worse than usual when her date realizes she is a cop. He turns out to be a bad guy, and he takes off running, forcing Lucy to chase and arrest him. After this disastrous date, Lucy almost gives up on dating altogether. However, her best friend has other plans and introduces her to a new dating app.

Chris is the owner of a bar in a town that is being developed to accommodate shifters from all over the country who are interested in relocating there. Although he tells himself that he is not interested in finding a mate, he feels envious of his friends who have found love. When they ask him to beta test a dating app, he is initially hesitant, but he decides to give it a try. Chris thinks that if the app doesn’t work out, he can always go back to his mundane life. However, the app works better than he ever could have imagined.

This was a wonderful story with a few dark moments to provide balance. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

My rating: ✧✧✧✧✧

Unknown's avatar

Savage Possession

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/

Unknown's avatar

Day Shift

The story continues seamlessly a few months after Manfred has taken up residence in Midnight and he is more a member of the community. The characters are already well established and I like them all, even Olivia. The town seems to be changing in subtle ways that the residents cannot do anything about. Several stories are going on in this book that relate to individuals and then come back to the group. This is an ensemble that works well apart but even better when they come together to help each other.

People say there is no such thing as bad publicity but in Midnight where the residents value their solitude it can be deadly. Olivia Charity is an anomaly in a town of secretive people. No one really knows what she does for a living, only that she is beautiful and dangerous.

While in Dallas on a working weekend, Manfred finds out just how dangerous Olivia really is when a couple she is seen in their hotel winds up dead at the end of the evening. Things take a turn for the worse when one of Manfred’s regulars dies during their reading, and her son makes claims that could put Manfred in jail as well as bring the eyes of the world to Midnight, Texas. Olivia is told to help Manfred get rid of his problem and she reluctantly agrees.

Sookie gets a mention here and a character from Dallas who hasn’t been seen in a long time. Things get a little more mysterious in some instances and we get some explanations for other things. I enjoyed this a great deal and think anyone else would too. This is a three-book series and should be read in order.

My rating: ✺✺✺✺

Unknown's avatar

Fury

I have never read this author before but really love her style based on this particular book. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and had a hard time putting it down to do anything else. I really liked Fury when he was introduced and felt for everything that happened to him. It took me a little longer to fully warm up to Ellie but I did because she seemed so sincere about everything she did, if a bit impulsive. All the other characters were very well fleshed out and it makes me more than ready to read their stories as well. The timeline is never stated so I have no idea whether this is the near future or the present, but science would say it is more a future event.

Fury was born and bred through the fusion of human and animal DNA to be an unwilling test subject at Mercile Industries. His life has been nothing but pain and betrayal from a human after human and he has come to hate them. Because they created him they feel they can treat him like an animal and do as they please. When a new nurse comes into his cell she seems to be different, she smiles at him and tries not to hurt him. He begins to trust her and looks forward to when she comes. But then one human he has trusted betrays him and he swears that if he is ever freed he will kill her.

Ellie Brower was working as a nurse at the corporate headquarters of Mercile Industries and was unaware of the more immoral testing that was being done in the name progress. When she is approached by a law enforcement officer about going undercover in the secret lab she is willing because she feels that they are abusing people not just animals. When she first sees Fury, known as 416, she is immediately attracted to him and wants nothing more than to save him. When she has to betray him it is the hardest thing she has ever done.

This was a great story with a lot of action, gun fights, hate groups, and raids. There was also a love story that was hard won by the two people involved and some seriously HOT love scenes that could make you blush. The New Species are some of the hottest-sounding hybrids I have read about in a while and if only they were available. I would recommend this book very highly. I am hoping the rest of the series is just as good.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Unknown's avatar

A Werewolf to call Her Own

I really do like this series. It’s pretty much light and fluffy with a nice romance that may not go smoothly but you know it will work out in the end. You get just what you need from this book and the others because you just want to be taken away for a while and this does that perfectly. The characters are who they need to be and you don’t need to go super deep because they give you enough. The location is exotic but could be almost any Island paradise you can imagine so it almost tailors to the individual.

Maxim is on vacation from the rigors of being beta to a pack he helped build. He has always had a hard time relaxing but this place seems to be working. Ceara is a young vampire, full blood, who is at Mystic Isle for the solstice but has a bucket list she would love to work on. When Maxim sees the young vamp he is enchanted and wants to meet her, and he gets his chance when she is approached by a demon who scares her. Maxim knows right away that she deserves better than him but cannot help wanting to spend what time he can with her.

Ceara falls fast for the werewolf who rescues her and just wants him to be the one. After being cloistered for so long she just wants to break out and enjoy herself if possible. Maxim could do that for her or he could cause her true heartache.

It kind of bugged me that the spelling of Ceara’s name changed from time to time. Other than that I found everything to be great. Look for that HEA for Ceara and Max.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unknown's avatar

The Cajun’s Captive

I have read something from this author before and liked it enough to try this series. While this did not grab me out the gate I still did enjoy it. The characters seem thin but I assume they will get more of a lift as this continues since they will likely be seen in subsequent books even though they will not be the focus. I also expect that their surroundings, besides the fact that it is Louisiana, will be more fully fleshed out. This didn’t really give me a chance to see them in my head and become a part of the story.

Sebastian Deveraux is the Alpha of his pack and like all his brothers is sexy as pure sin. He has waited decades for the right woman, his mate. He was sure he’d found her in Amanda St. James ten years earlier, but she ran from him. When she shows up on his porch as a hurricane is blowing in he decides to do anything to keep her with him. Even if that means chaining her to his bed.

Nice enough story but I hope to get more from the rest of the series. Still worth reading.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars