"Cursed Magic" (Rejected Fate Trilogy Book 2)

                               by Jen L. Grey 

Review by Katy Grant

 

 In trying the free Ember’s sister, Briar, from her captors Ryker was wounded and is quickly bleeding out. They need to escape to heal their wounds but with the Shadow beings closing in on them Ember fears none of them will make it out alive.  In hopes of saving Ryker and the others she orders them to head for the cars while she stays behind to fight off the Shadows.  Suddenly a shrill whistle sounds and the Shadows start to retreat. With some help from Raven’s vampires, they make it back to the vampire’s strong hold, but all are injured.

There has been a balance in the supernatural world with vampires, shifters and witches normally not mixing. With the attacks upon the wolf shifters, and so many lives lost, there is fear it won’t stop with them. With a tentative alliance between the vampires and wolves another ally comes forward. The Shae pack has also been violently attacked losing many of their people. Bruce, their alpha, has come to ask to join them, offering his help. They need a plan to stop these creatures, learn who they are and the reasons behind the attacks.

 It all seemed to start with Reid Blackwood’s rejection of Ember. They are certain the Blackwood pack is behind the attacks with the help of a witch using spells. However, in spite of their alliance with Queen Ambrosia and her vampires there are some vampires that make Ember uncomfortable. There appear to be no outright lies or overt actions but a feeling that something isn’t right. And while she wants to trust Ryker, since they have grown closer, he is hiding something too. So much mistrust, uncertainty, feelings that Ember is struggling to deal with when it comes to Ryker. In several instances Ember finds herself in control of magic she wasn’t aware she even had. She sees Ryker’s eyes change, something others don’t seem to see, then a coldness comes over him. Also, she is the only one who can sense/feel and somewhat see a wavering image when the Shadows are close. There is a shimmering in the air, but it isn’t formed clearly enough to recognize any one shape.

 Some of the shifters and vampires are happy with their alliance. Staying ahead of the Shadows, stopping them from killing more shifters, discovering for certain who is behind all the killings and why may be the answer to survival. If Ryker’s pack members learn that he is hiding something from them, they could well lose even more who are willing to stand with them in the fight.

Traditionally, witches have kept to themselves, not wanting to get involved with the other supernaturals however, being certain that the Shadows are being cloaked by a spell means they need the help of a witch. There is such a one who owes Queen Ambrosia a favor. When a small group driven by Raven visit with the witch, they find her house in array, and she is no where to be found.

 I felt that this tale was built on hidden layers readers will peel away as the story continues but each layer hides patches of secrets, answers that can’t be attached to the right question and emotions that flow and ebb like the tide, with an occasional storm stirring up. Ryker swears that he and Ember are mates, but she can’t read him, he refuses to admit that there is a change that comes over him at times. Raven doesn’t always share information with the others as if she too is hiding something. There are truths, half-truths, lies, secrets, and mysteries while Ember and Ryker run afoul of trust in their feelings for each other.

 I felt like I was on a slip/slide with this next part of the story. Things I thought I knew turned to smoke drifting direction or did an about face. Maybe people aren’t who I thought they were. Lies can be hidden within twisted words. But through it all I still wanted to hold on to my conviction that Ryker and Ember were meant for each other even if they struggled to agree on the actions they needed to take, the half-truths they shared and those they could trust.  I am eternally grateful to Jen L Gray for giving us a softer cliffhanger this time around since I had to do a quick step to keep up with all the action and deviltry.  Things will come about, in the last book in the trilogy, I am sure.

 For myself, I am really enjoying all the action, suspense, the romance that is slowly playing out, the mystery of who and why. And in the end what is to be gained?  While the pain and heartache of all those who were lost make this a poignant tale it adds to the gauntlet of emotions that run through it.  Loaded with questions to savor, characters to befriend, to love, the need for justice and a final resolution it is not one I want to rush too quickly to an end.

 

 

 

Love, Hate & Manhattan 

       by Marcia DM

Release date March 27, 2025

Review by Katy Grant

Compelling story of feelings locked away, desire disguised as hate, becoming the nightmare that walked the high school halls and made Lauren’s school days a living perdition. While Silas Walker was the instigator, the tormentor, he was the leader others followed.

It had taken years of therapy and distance from the teen who had overshadowed her last years at school to find the confidence, the drive to complete her education that would get her the job she so desired. It was the experience she needed that would make it possible to open her own business in real estate. Taking her ideas and plans for solutions to build more environmentally friendly structures in her city, she only needed the right person to listen to her. She had set her sights a job working at the most prodigious real estate business in New York. Becoming an assistant to the CEO of Property Group was her dream job. Or at least it was until she came face to face with the CEO, Silas Walker, the relentless bully who had hung a target on her back in high school. The minute she saw him she realized that he had recognized her too. Turning, she walked out without saying a word. Silas had known the minute he’d seen her name on the application who she was, and he wasn’t going to let her walk away from him. Not again.

And so, follows a tale told from both Lauren and Silas’s alternating point of view with a few flashbacks to their years in high school. On the surface during those years Silas had been a wealthy privileged jerk, a bully others followed without fear of retribution. However, as we hear his voice, listen to his thoughts, we begin to see a different picture. A teen from a dysfunctional family that allowed him to do as he pleased, always feeling alone uncared for. The one person he wanted to impress seemed uninterested and he lacked the words to tell her how he felt. So, got her attention the only way he knew how, by antagonizing her.

It's been more than a decade. Wanting to prove to Lauren he had changed to show her how important she is to him. He went after her to convince her to take the job she had so desperately wanted. For Lauren, she has no reason to trust this new version of Silas. She still lives with the fallout of his actions, and those who followed him. However, she did need this job, the experience and the money would all help.

Compelling story of feelings locked away, desire disguised as hate, becoming the nightmare that walked the high school halls and made Lauren’s school days a living perdition. While Silas Walker was the instigator, the tormentor, he was the leader others followed.

It had taken years of therapy and distance from the teen who had overshadowed her last years at school to find the confidence, the drive to complete her education that would get her the job she so desired. It was the experience she needed that would make it possible to open her own business in real estate. Taking her ideas and plans for solutions to build more environmentally friendly structures in her city, she only needed the right person to listen to her. She had set her sights a job working at the most prodigious real estate business in New York. Becoming an assistant to the CEO of Property Group was her dream job. Or at least it was until she came face to face with the CEO, Silas Walker, the relentless bully who had hung a target on her back in high school. The minute she saw him she realized that he had recognized her too. Turning, she walked out without saying a word. Silas had known the minute he’d seen her name on the application who she was, and he wasn’t going to let her walk away from him. Not again.

And so, follows a tale told from both Lauren and Silas’s alternating point of view with a few flashbacks to their years in high school. On the surface during those years Silas had been a wealthy privileged jerk, a bully others followed without fear of retribution. However, as we hear his voice, listen to his thoughts, we begin to see a different picture. A teen from a dysfunctional family that allowed him to do as he pleased, always feeling alone uncared for. The one person he wanted to impress seemed uninterested and he lacked the words to tell her how he felt. So, got her attention the only way he knew how, by antagonizing her.

It's been more than a decade. Wanting to prove to Lauren he had changed to show her how important she is to him. He went after her to convince her to take the job she had so desperately wanted. For Lauren, she has no reason to trust this new version of Silas. She still lives with the fallout of his actions, and those who followed him. However, she did need this job, the experience and the money would all help.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A richly told tale that pulled me into their lives, through the gut-wrenching years, to the painful missteps, and the uncertainty that either of them would ever be able to heal from the past. Written with heart, understanding, of the emotional disorders teens and adults sometimes face, it was still hard for me to excuse what Lauren faced because of Silas’ inability to understand or even control his emotions and behaviors at time. But especially what he saw as another rejection from someone he cared about. Lauren suffered from her own personality disorder that compounded the situations driving her to obsessive compulsive disorder.

The bullying behavior can be a trigger for some, but the author delved into both characters allowing me to get a better understanding of the emotions that ruled them, their take on what was happening at the time and how they interpreted the actions and dialogues around them.

The story is complex, it was hard for me to not be pulled in feeling Lauren’s pain and then feeling sorry for Silas while still wanting to smack him in the back of his head to wake him up. Their adult years allow them to follow a slow path to healing, opening up, revealing that at the heart the pain both had felt, was their feelings for each other that they were unable to express and, in the end, building a connection that brought them together and Lauren’s dream to life. I sincerely recommend this story since not all stories of bullies offer such insight or such satisfying endings and hope with a real treat of an epilogue. richly told tale that pulled me into their lives, through the gut-wrenching years, to the painful missteps, and the uncertainty that either of them would ever be able to heal from the past. Written with heart, understanding, of the emotional disorders teens and adults sometimes face, it was still hard for me to excuse what Lauren faced because of Silas’ inability to understand or even control his emotions and behaviors at time. But especially what he saw as another rejection from someone he cared about. Lauren suffered from her own personality disorder that compounded the situations driving her to obsessive compulsive disorder.

The bullying behavior can be a trigger for some, but the author delved into both characters allowing me to get a better understanding of the emotions that ruled them, their take on what was happening at the time and how they interpreted the actions and dialogues around them.

The story is complex, it was hard for me to not be pulled in feeling Lauren’s pain and then feeling sorry for Silas while still wanting to smack him in the back of his head to wake him up. Their adult years allow them to follow a slow path to healing, opening up, revealing that at the heart the pain both had felt, was their feelings for each other that they were unable to express and, in the end, building a connection that brought them together and Lauren’s dream to life. I sincerely recommend this story since not all stories of bullies offer such insight or such satisfying endings and hope with a real treat of an epilogue.

 

The Haunted Heart 

                                    by Penelope Gerhardt                                          

            Competition Leads to mayhem

Chole needed to win this year’s best Halloween Decorations. Thinking about her disappointments, no scholarship for college, couldn’t even made the minor leagues in sports and had only been a mediocre student in college, she needed to win the town’s contest, again. Winning last three years running, made her feel better about herself. However, this year should be facing the stiffest competition ever.

Max an art teacher, had moved in across the street.  Halloween being his favorite time of year the Halloween Decoration contest was right up his alley.  While Chole had grabbed his attention the minute he saw her, he was up to a little friendly competition. Only friendly and competition rarely go together.

They might pick at each other, challenge themselves when coming up with scary creative decorations; they couldn’t deny the strong attraction they had for each other. Until Chole, a tour guide for an old, haunted mansion in town, went just a little to far, awakening a vengeful spirit.

 

Competition isn’t my favorite trope in any story. Chole has her valid reasons, it’s her way of coping with past disappointments. As things get totally out of hand Max and Chole will have to come together to repair the damage Chole set in motion.  At one point I felt Chole had become a bit to vindictive, but she did turn around. Max was a bit more laid back and communication between to two might have made to story a little more enjoyable for me at the time. Max has a past we don’t learn yet but there is something likable about him, especially his dogged determination to win Chole over.

The ending escalated, pulling the story to a spirited ending and I had to laugh. I did end up enjoying the story and wanting to see more of the characters that played secondary parts, as well as learning more about Max and Chole. I recommend this story for those who enjoy the Halloween season and don’t mind a little STRONG competition, romance and a ghostly interference.

 

Claws Of Death (Wings Of Ink bk 3)

                   Release date November 30,  2024

Blurb:
“Together, Ayna… Together, we’re eternal.”

Trading one prison for another, one kingdom for the next—there’s no escape for Ayna.

Myron is free, but freedom comes at steep cost.

Back in Erina’s gilded prison, Ayna has one goal: escape. But with the King of Tavras holding her captive and her sister’s sacrifice keeping her from running, she’s forced to play a dangerous game. If she fails to outmaneuver Erina, she'll never break free. But waiting for Myron to return might risk everything they’ve fought for.

As long as Myron remains free, there’s still hope.

While Ayna fights to stay strong, Myron is racing to save what’s left of his court. With the help of a fairy princess and an Askarean general, he prepares for the looming threat of Tavras, armed with magic-suppressing weapons. But Tavras isn’t the only enemy. The Flames still seek revenge, and without a powerful ally, Myron’s court is doomed. An ancient enemy might just be the ally he needs.

Packed with sizzling romance, intrigue, and high-stake battles, Claws of Death is the heart-pounding third book in the epic romantic fantasy series, Wings of Ink, perfect for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses, Quicksilver, and From Blood and Ash.

The Wings of Ink series is part of the Alcunaire!

There will be five books in this series. Along with the prequel that set the stage for this epic romantic fantasy. But be forewardned this tale has death, danger, mystery, betrayal and more. It is a story that wrings a varitey of emotions from the reader but at its heart there is always the love that is between Ayna and Myron. Together they will stand against the odds, their jouney isn't an easy one as death dogs their steps, pain, betrayal, hatred shadows them, but their love for each other and their need to right old wrongs to bring about change...

Book Links: 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/402iuWv

Universal: https://geni.us/ClawsOfDeathLAR

Series: https://amzn.to/3UXXiy6

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213638740-claws-of-death

 "The Court of Thorns and Wings" 

by Jen L. Grey

Reviewed by Katy Grant

As Travis sat by Lira on their bed her heart beat slower and slower, until it beat no more…

He was devastated, if he hadn’t taken her from Earth, if he hadn’t allowed Eldrin to push him into placing her in the gauntlet arena, not even just once but three times. He had been the one to threaten her with death, caused her pain, and now he watched her die before his eyes, his mate, the woman he couldn’t live without. He had ruled his court with fear. But death feared no man.

So, when he first felt the warmth within himself, he didn’t realize what it meant. Then Finnian called to him to look at Lira. Her fingers had moved. Slowly, so slowly and softly he could barely hear it, the beating of her heart.

They would complete the mating bond, but their journey of troubles had just begun. With her magic awakening, the Seelie would soon know that Lira was in Ardanos and not on Earth. They would come for her. Eldrin had escaped his guard and was on the run. He had the means to slip into the Seelie realm. They had to stop him. Intent on finding Eldrin, in the blink of an eye two Seelie guards incapacitated both Lira and Travis. One carried Lira away, the other left Travis bleeding out, sure he would die. Brought to the castle, something strange was happening, he had started to heal even as he was being stitched where the knife had pierced his throat.

Healed Travis and Finnian set out to find Lira but were caught at the veil by the Seelie and taken to the dungeon. As Lira awoke, she easily recognized the room as her own bedroom from her childhood. And standing there were her parents’ and sister from Earth and her biological parents. She takes the situation in quickly. She had been hidden on Earth but not with humans, they were Seelie disguised as humans. She wanted answers but first she must tell her parents of the bond between her and Travis to stop the harm they were causing his people.

Lira is anxious to explain why she had been with the Unseelie, as well as the fact that they were fated mates. Her parents wouldn’t hear of it. So, when Lira learns of Unseelie prisoners being taken to the dungeon she quickly follows to see who they have captured. Seeing Travis and Finnian she must step between her father’s raised sword and rage to prevent him from harming Travis. Now she is a suspect as well, disobedient of the King in front of her people and will be confined to her room to stop her from aiding the prisoners. Her parents demand utter subjugation from their daughter and will harm the one she loves to get it. They don’t understand that by living on Earth for so long she has learned to feel compassion for others and has come to understand the need for compromise. Together she and Travis will search for solutions that can benefit both the Seelie and Unseelie.

Why is the dragon prince, her parents had promised her to so many years ago, here now? She must find a way to free all of them before she is unwillingly married to the beast. But how can they escape?

There is a lot of misunderstandings, pain, death, villains and lies, those who are blind to truth and will not listen and many caught in the middle. The romantic connection is strong and spicy While there aren’t an abundance of answers lying thick on the ground, at the moment either. “The King of Frost and Shadows” came first, now it continues with “The Court of Thorns and Winds” not a tale you want to miss, while there is more yet to uncover.

 Grab a comfortable spot to sit, a warm drink or something a bit stronger and get ready to settle as the story unfolds with a cliffhanger last page. Looking forward to more of how it all began and how it can be resolved.  I highly recommend this fantastical tale.

Death Like Shadows    

 by Belle Manuel & Angelina J. Steffort

Griffyn had walked away like the time he had spent with Calla meant nothing. Callas was free to return to her family at the Autumn Palace. As she reached the village the smell of fire hit her first. Then the sight of the village burned to the ground, death everywhere she looked. But it was the smell of smoke, and the vision of Autumn Palace engulfed in flames that had her running head long into the burning building. The first sight was of the woman she had called mother, burned beyond hope. She reached out to her father as she heard his chocked voice but quickly realized there was no saving him. As he died in her arms, she let the flames go it was time.  She too would die, joining her family in Narall. No more would she be left behind by those who didn’t love her, the assassin and fae alike.

In the end she hadn’t died. She faced Rafe in chains, burns and cuts marred her body as the guards dropped her at Rafe’s feet. They believed it had been Calla who had set fire to the human village and the Autumn Palace killing everyone. Rafe called for the healer, after ascertaining that it hadn’t been Calla’s fire that had caused the death and destruction. Disheartened, after the death of her family, Griffyn lost to her, Calla gave in to Rafe and offered to sign over her birthright, the city of Breeda, to the fae to stop her brother from causing more pain to all her people. She would only keep Erijnu the Winter Palace and live out her existence there. Rafe and Queen Serei would accept Breeda, but Rafe was certain he would convince Calla to accept him in marriage. Then he would rule, as his right, over all the land. With Griffyn gone there was no one else that would stand in his way of ruling both fae and human alike. 

Griffyn had left with Betsy, the three eyed hyena, returning to Breeda to make sure that the word of Calla’s death would circulate and keep her safe from her brother.  Repeatedly reminding himself of his father’s warning that if Griffyn found his mate, his love, he would end by killing her as he did his mother. He had Rafe’s promise to make Calla happy. He would send Luone and her brothers away out of danger.  Meeting Nayaha in the city meant for a time he wouldn’t be alone, the companionship she offered would warm his bed and help him bury his growing feeling for Calla. Until he was called back to the land of the fae to sign as witness to Calla’s signature. Proving once again that the High Lady of the Court was alive and had indeed signed away her heritage.

Calla learned more of her father and who her birth mother had been, history of the war that had destroyed part of the fae lands, and how her mother had fought and died. However, not all secrets are revealed. Lemai, Griffyn’s father and the God of Death, will surface to torment and involve himself in the land of the living. While once again Griffyn would be drawn into the intrigue and deviltry of the fae and their manipulations. To keep his growing feelings for Calla at bay and distance himself from her presence he used Nayaha and her charms to distract both of them.

In this second book that began with “Flames Like Darkness” the secrets continue to writhe around, hiding in the dark but some will come to light. There is angst, love untold, hatred masked, heartbreak and jealousy, power seeking villains, and we will still not reach the end. Many of the characters I came to care about are back while I still want to literally shake the devil out Griffyn for being so dense. Calla is the strongest, the most compassionate while struggling to seek a solution help those who so long have been forgotten. The writing doesn’t let up and doesn’t always play nice with death lingering around, but this dark tale started to wrap its shadows around me making me want to search out all the answers and in the end hope that the next book will bring more solutions and a brighter happiness to both Calla and Griffyn. If you enjoy dark fantasy, horror and romance this one is not to miss. Belle Manuel and Angelina J. Steffort
have a combined writing styles, imagination and storytelling that definitely lights up even the darkest corners.

"King of Frost and Shadows"

by Jen L. Grey 

                              Coming - August 1, 2024

Tavish, King of the Unseelie had learned to rule with the cruel hand of fear, reprisal of imprisonment or death. And always with the promise that one day they would get their revenge on the Seelie who had murdered his parents, banished the Unseelie to Cuil Dorcha, an island of death, and return them to Aetheglen. His people were dying, the land they were banished to would not support life much longer. Princess Lira, the young girl he had known, had cared for would be their way back.  Lira had been taken to the world of humans over a decade ago, the time had come to return Lira to the world of the fae. To face her death.

 Retrieved from the world of humans, Lira had been there for far too long. She had forgotten her birthright, her magic, had forgotten their time together as children. But their time had come and gone now all he needed from her was her death. Her blood would pierce the veil between realms allowing them to face the Seelie again on their terms this time. The years had changed Tavish, he’d had to become cruel and ruthless to save his people. Now he had Lira, but she must regain her memories, awaken the magic within her for the Seelie to realize she was back. Then, he would use the blood of her death to open the veil between the realms. Leading his people, they would fight, gain their revenge by killing the King and Queen of the Seelie and return to their homeland.

With the death of his parents, at fourteen, he’d had to build a wall around his heart in order to rule with the strength and power needed to control his people. Tavish hadn’t expected to feel something for Lira, nevertheless when they touched there was a spark, a connection. There were those who questioned his softer attentions towards her. They saw her not as a salvation but as a threat, for Tavish was protecting her, keeping her by his side and had forbidden any to touch her in any way or face his wrath. Still, he knew he would be the one who must take her life.

All Lira wanted was to return to the world of humans. She wasn’t fae, she didn’t have wings and was sure she held no magic within her.  So, when the chance to escape came she took it, only to be quickly caught by the townspeople. Angry, scared facing Tavish’s wrath, she tried to protect herself, threatening the King with a knife. By his own laws she would now face punishment. She would enter the gauntlet, a series of challenges in an arena while the Unseelie watched, shouting for her death. Devised by Tavish, the gauntlet was to be a means of keeping traitors in line. Lira would face the deadly obstacle course along with fifty prisoners all who needed to reach a safety point before the game ended or they died. Of the three separate games, each with its own set of deadly obstacles she must survive to the end, while trying kept the prisoners from killing her as well. Tavish may have conceived the idea of the gauntlet, but two of his counselors Eldin, his cousin, and Caelan, would be the ones to create the obstacle course and set the rules. Now Tavish must watch, in fear, as Lira would face not only the deadly games but fifty prisoners who were promised leniency if they played well and more if they killed Lira in the games.

There was once peace and even an alliance of sorts between the Seelie and Unseelie in Ardanos. Until the promise of uniting them in marriage through Prince Tavish and Princess Lira was revoked when Lira was promised to Pyralis, the Dragon Prince. Tavish had been taken and his parents murdered by Lira’s parents and the Unseelie were banished to an island that barely fed them. The mystery behind this despicable act of war would set the stage for this dark tale. Tavish would become a King that ruled with a brutal force, controlling his people by fear of his wrath and retribution. He would find the fae princess and use her blood to pass through the veil into Aetherglen with his people and take their revenge. For twelve years he and his people had longed for revenge, suffered death and hunger, so why did Tavish find the thought of Lira’s death so painful.

Lira, was taken to a world of beings who only wanted her death, for something she had no part in, a life she couldn’t even remember. No matter how cruel, how heartless these people were she still couldn’t bring herself to harm them in cold blood. Even during the games, she only fought back to defend herself. And what was it she felt for Tavish. She was angry with him at times but could not bring herself to hate him, as she believed he hated her.

A world torn apart, a people thrown from their homeland into a realm that promised only starvation, hardships and death. A young man taught to hate, rule by cruelty, without compassion and living only for revenge, until he brought Lira back to the world of the fae. She would show him another way, tear down the wall around his heart. This tale hits the street running and never slows down. Readers will be drawn into the mystery, feel the pain of abandonment, the cut of the cruel actions of Tavish, watch the viscous Eldin play his games, fall in love with Nightbane, a cù-sìth, and warm to Finnian. Delve into a tale rich with past history, mysteries, present dangers and strife even as love slowly crawls to the surface, a love that was always there, between Tavish and Lira, hope for new life and the compassion of a heroine who could still feel for the pain of others.

This is King Tavish’s story, his world, his past and present as he draws Lira in as he seeks revenge and a future for his people. Be warned that by the finish of this unresolved tale it may well leave you brokenhearted, with many unanswered questions, and longing for the next book with answers that only Jen L. Grey can give us. The Court of Thorns and Swords is the second tale.