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.

Mated To The Wolves                      by Ophelia Black

Available July 24, 2024

Ruled by the gods, the choices you are given put you between a rock and a hard place.

Ylva’s choice…. Refuse, giving Fenrir his freedom and watch as he brings an end to every last magical being. Or accept, face her fate and become the mother of a new beginning for her people.

They came for her on graduation day, breaking the agreement to allow her to leave the pack behind, freedom to attend college and follow her dream of becoming an artist. Resisting them got her drugged and bound giving her no choice but to return to the clan, where she would answer to the demands of the power drunk Alpha, Erik Thostenson. The man she had paid to buy her forever freedom, had found a use for her. The female population within the pack had been ravaged by a virus, which had cost the lives of many females. Of those who survived, ten percent of the women of breeding age, were now sterile. Within the last five years, along with the loss of the women, all the females born had died shortly after birth. Ylva was to be the answer to saving not only the pack but placing the Alpha in complete control again.

The fire that destroyed her home had taken the lives of her father, mother, and brother. Ylva was left in the care of her despicable aunt and uncle. She was now the last of the Ekildson line, which directly links back to Fenrir, the great wolf. Fenrir, called her to his realm to fulfill a prophecy whose time was upon them. Bound by unbreakable chains, Fenrir offered Ylva a choice, that was no choice at all. She could set him free of his chains to begin the chaos of Ragnarök, a battle that would be the rid the world of all magical beings. Or return to her pack and submit to the demands of the Alpha. She couldn’t have conceived of the lengths the Alpha would go to maintain power and control over her and the pack.

She’d accepted her fate, given up her freedom. Now she was bound forever to the clan of wolves that had at best ignored her. At their worst, they had bullied her during childhood. Would it also mean giving up her dreams of being an artist?  If she had been given forewarning of the Alpha’s diabolical plans, could she have sentenced the magical world to death, simply to spite the few who had so destroyed her own life?

And so it begins…

The Alpha, in his madness and need for control, has chosen four males to become her mates. One an old friend of her father’s, one a disposed healer, one a bully that made her growing years hell, and the one she had loved who left her with unfulfilled promises. How was she to mate with them? The Alpha had made it clear submit or be forced….

Their mission was to find and secure the amulet of Fenrir for within it held a great power, only the one in possession of the disc could wield the power that would bring about change. There were others greedily seeking the amulet and all that its promise held. Ylva and her mates had to tread carefully, taking care to whom they spoke or trusted for getting in the way of the other seekers could mean death and destruction to her world and to those she was coming to care for.

Ophelia Black has given us a very complex tale based around a Norse legend. It wraps itself around the legend of Fenrir and the threat of Ragnarök, interspersing pieces of the legend and twisting it into a tale that captures the imagination. It has taken hard turns and sometimes left no good choices for the five wolves, just the lesser of the two evils. They will travel a maze froth with traps, danger, corruption, those in the shadows that would lend them a hand, hard won trust, mysteries, villains closing in, dark spells and death. It will take all five of the mates to protect each other and outwit those whose own agendas lead them to seek power overall. Each has their own personality that was slowly exposed as the story goes on. Acceptance is hard won, learning to give and take, as they come together in the search for the amulet.

 There is mystery, romance is strong and spicy hot, a reverse harem with some dominant and submissive traits. There is some bullying, both in the past and present. No good tale is without its angst, and this is no different. The story is one I am glad that I had the opportunity to travel through. I admit there were times I wanted to smack several of the characters in the back of the head to wake them up, or just shoot them. And I would love to be in character form with the chance to depose of the Alpha by serving him up to Fenrir as a slave.

 

As frustrated and angry as the story made me at times, I couldn’t stop myself from wanting to see how Ylva would handle everything that was thrown at her. Strong, smart, independent with a compassion that rang throughout the story. I also took note of any signs that might indicate the men were softening in their attitude towards her or realizing they might love her.  The men too were so well played out that at first, I simply wanted to just kill them off. Slowly, very slowly, they started to grow on me. The journey itself was diverse, and I found myself surprised at some of the turns the story takes. My main discord with this is Ylva being forced into relationships with men not of her choosing, and at times their dominating her in situations. There is reasoning behind their actions, these men are not soft creatures, but they are loyal and supportive of the journey, and protective of each other as a clan unto themselves. Towards the end I saw a bit of softening along with explanations, which is a start. The path they travel is a long one and not to be completed in this first book.

“ Lost Heir”

             by Karina Espinsoa

                        Review by Katy Grant

 

The wait is over "Lost Heir" the continuation of Leila and Ronan's story that began with "Blood Weaver" is now available.

Learning the full wording of the prophecy that would bring the Fox Demon, Leila has come to understand why Ronan hadn’t told her the whole truth. He was searching for a means to answer the prophecy while yet saving her. Entering Valoria after being gone so many years she was first comforting by the welcome of her people, however, upon entering the Grand Hall the feeling of confinement was stifling; she knew there would be challenges ahead. Her father’s welcome was warm, so different from the look on her mother’s cold face. At once she knew there would be problems. Caelan’s anger was clearly felt, he had resented her spending any time with Ronan on the journey.  The march now over, Ronan was freed on the orders of her father, trying to prevent trouble between the Grasslands and Valoria. Ronan is free but closely watched during his time at Court.

Court politics are like ground fog swirling around their feet, whispers of war hanging in the wind, the Queen’s displeasure could be tasted in the air and Caelan’s rage was hanging in the shadows ready to pounce. Leila has been changed by the things she has seen as well as by her interactions over the years with people at all levels. A change that will not bode well for the plans some have for the Lost Princess.

 

Housed in the Northern Castle while Leila is in the Eastern Castle, Ronan still manages to find his way to her suite in order to assure her of his love and protection even against his father. While in the face of her mother’s angry disapproval, the two manage to spend time together talking, making plans and exploring their love which has grown beyond mere words and has culminated into the physical realm. Ronan and Leila are not the only ones that are searching for answers to questions that arise there are murmurs of a lost heir, talk of war on the horizon, whispers of rebellion and a push for a political for a marriage. Marcellus surprisingly stands up to his mother in favor of his sister and has his father agreeing that he will never force his children to marry against their wishes. When Caelan discovers Leila and Ronan in a compromising position, his plotting becomes even more assiduous as he whispers his lies into most willing ears. Ronan needs to leave Valoria before Caelan’s lies get him imprisoned once again.  Help comes from an unexpected source as Marcellus finally starts to realize that something is very wrong with his old friend Caelan, that he is a danger to both his sister and Ronan. Plans for Ronan’s escape will now include Leila since she won’t leave his side. They quickly flee for their lives. While running towards what they believe is safety, they find unexpected allies, and learn dark secrets that come to light.

But will they find the help they need or is death awaiting them. Together Ronan and Leila are stronger but with so many secrets yet to come to light and villains still hiding behind friendship the ending is still uncertain as we await the final chapter yet to come.

Court schemes and politics across all three realms, have need of Lyanna for her position and powers. What they don’t realize is the past ten years has allowed Leila to gain some control over her powers, to delve into even darker powers and she won’t hesitate to use them. No one will ever control her life again. Her choices, decisions, for good or bad will be her’s alone.

There are whispers of a Lost Heir, but who is this person? Why is Lyanna's mother so eager to see her tied in marriage to Caelan? What is really behind Caelan’s insistence that Lyanna will be his?

There is treachery, jealousy, insatiable ambition, danger, characters from “Blood Weaver ‘’ will show up to help carry the tale further, spicy romance and distorted beliefs that could bring death.  I couldn't finish it fast enough and will now go back to read "Blood Weaver" and "Lost Heir" while wanting to learn of the fate of those who have drawn me into their world.

 The Sinner's Bargain 

       by Airika Phoenix

                                              reviewed by Katy Grant

Release date June 4, 2024

Their lives had been full of pain; they need each other to crawl free of the past.  

 Thoran lives in a veritable mansion with the splendor of a castle that has long been neglected covered in dust, chipping away at its beauty.  Just as the anger inside him, his nightmares, are chipping away at him. His need to control what he cannot has led him down a dark path to become a ruthlessly successful businessman, on the grey side of the law. Dealing with those who feed on humanity, the twisted. The one thing he values is the small patch of silver roses his mother so lovingly tended before her death. And soon he will lose it all, if he cannot procure a wife. He has tried five times and five times the curse of the house has brought them violent death. Until her.

 

Naya was the bargaining chip with which her parents intended to use in order to gain the money to pay their debts and continue to live the lifestyle they valued beyond their daughter. A son was to be valued a daughter to be sold to the highest bidder. All her life Naya was controlled by fear and punishment, never allowed freedom outside of her room and even there her mother held sway. Paraded in front of those who came to her parent’s house for business purposes but enjoyed the look and touch of a young beautiful girl. Until he came, Brixton was the worst. A bargain made for her at fourteen, her body, her life bought and sold. Without the help of her brother the man would have taken her then. For six years more she escaped his revolting touch, mostly. On the eve of her wedding, she was to be sent to him, but her brother had other ideas. He had an escape plan. Sadly, it went wrong, and she ended up in the garden of the beast, from which no one ever left.

 

Running from the man who was intended to set on the road to a new life, Naya ran into the garden of silver roses but was quickly found by her tormentor. Just as quickly Thoran and Cyrus found them both by the bed of roses and called a halt to their struggles. Naya feared her escape was short lived when Thoran pulled her into his arms heading for the house.  No one ever entered the garden and lived to tell of it. Except there was something that drew Thoran to her innocence. Perhaps they could save each other. The tormentor was another situation, he would die but not before he suffered for daring to touch this woman that the beast thought of as his.

 

This dark fairy tale had the feel of the past, deadly curses and a forced marriage, but was in truth set in the present encroached with mafia style domination and business dealings. Thoran was a beast always in control devoid of sympathy for those outside of a few.  Naya was a beautiful young woman whose only protection against her greedy perverted parents was her brother. The draw that each felt towards the other was a crack in the wall Thoran he had built around himself. He’d lived with the curse of death the house promised all his life, he’d been betrayed by a friend and buried five young women who had hoped to be his wife. It had left him without a heart or compassion but somehow this slight beautiful young woman had made him want to keep her with him, to protect her to touch her.

 

After the first few pages, I wanted to skip a chapter or two to see if I would be able to continue. Somehow the story took hold of me and wouldn’t let go, wouldn’t let me try to bypass the picture it painted in my mind, I held my breath and continued. In the end, I realized this was the perfect beginning to capture my attention, to let the story tell itself in its own way. It let me walk through the pages, to be a voyeur who could look and feel but not touch. The darker elements a reader will encounter are psychological child l abuse, sexual harassment of a child, loss of beloved parents, forced marriage, mafia type enforcement, and death. There is light under it all trusted friends and family, love and protection, characters who change for the better, friendships made and a spicy romance that will outlive the ages. In my opinion this story needed both to make it one I will never forget, share with others and return to read again.  Check this one out, read a few pages but don’t let the first few chapters put you off, it is a grand story.

 

"Heart of Night"  by Angelina J Steffort

           review by Katy Grant  

“Heart of Night” …. made my blood run cold.

At the end of “Wings of Ink” the curse is broken but Myron is left without Ayna the woman who reached his heart and brought freedom to the Crows.

   A prison, no matter how gilded is a prison, still. A guard who smiles to your face then gives orders to have you tortured is an evil jailer, still.  Ephegos’ had hidden behind friendship, swore he only wanted revenge for the death of his sister when he kidnapped Ayna. He lied. Underneath that smile was greed for power, fueled by evil. Pain was his dearest companion, as long as it was someone else’s agony. He would see to it that Ayna suffered every day. For though she believed Myron to be dead, he knew the truth, Myron lived and would suffer the agony of separation from his mate; the pain of knowing that she was in the hands of a traitor willing to kill to get what he so long coveted. In her painful belief of Myron’s death, Ayna wouldn’t let Ephegos win, she would somehow get free. In spite of the physical pain that Ephegos had his persecutor inflect upon her and the emotional agony of losing Myron that was tearing her up inside. She couldn’t allow his death to be meaningless. She would prove worthy of her mate. She had lost so many to death in her short life, her father, Ludelle, her first lover and the crew of the Wild Ray, she thought of as family. Executed by order of the King of Travas, carried out by the General of the prison in Travas. Without her magic, that Ephegos had somehow stolen from her, there was no escaping from him without outside assistance. She had to hang on, to plan, to endure.

   So, when it came even though it came from an unexpected source it was to be accepted with trepidation. One who was bound by a promise tied with magic, the other in the form of a young female servant who could slip around unnoticed. Ayna was loath to trust either since one was inflecting physical torturous pain while the other fed her the poison that kept her magic from reaching her. However, hope, even the slightest bit, was something to hold on to. 

   As usual without knocking, Ephegos enters the room when she sees he has brought another. Though he shaved his head and mustache she would recognize him anywhere, The General. They were working together. The executioner of those she loved, the jailer who’d had her thrown in a dungeon for months before giving her to what she had hoped was to be her death, as the bride of the Crow King. So, there was more than simple revenge that Ephegos reached for.  As the weeks passed, Ayna would learn more about his plan to rise in power, but what his “allies” didn’t know was that Ephegos wasn’t going to stop until he ruled over all the land, and the people, supernatural and human.

   Finally, she had a reason to hope, she must find a way to escape. Forced to dress in finery and sit at the table and eat with her captor, across the table was the reason she had continued to fight death, Myron. Just knowing he was alive meant he loved her as she loved him. He’d risked everything to come for her. They would escape or they would die together.  Ephegos, took great pleasure is seeing them so close, unable to touch, to communicate except with their eyes. He wanted Myron to know that his beloved wife was to be sold to the King of Tavras, a monster in human form.  The man who had given the orders to have her father and the crew of the Wild Ray executed before her eyes. Somehow, she must escape, free Myron and those with him from the dungeons before Ephegos could sell her off.

   Reading this tale made my blood run cold. My heart was breaking for Myron and Ayna, the loss of so many Crow Fae. My skin crawled whenever Ephegos walked on the pages. And I could see the blood rolling off the page as the words described Ayna’s torture. The thing that kept me reading was in part the same as Ayna the belief, the hope that Myron would come, and they would be together again. That Ephegos couldn’t, wouldn’t win. That somehow in the end the Puppeteer and his minions who had manipulated the Fire Fae, the Crows, the humans in battle and hatred towards each other would fall out in the end. But there was more to this. Why did the King want Ayna, a pirate, a traitor to the crown, the wife of the Crow King?  

   There may have been less physical presence of Myron in this tale, but he isn’t any less felt. The story drew me back to images of the of the dark ages, with its political strife, torture as a means of control, feudal Kings and rivalry. Where Kings and their ilk ruled by fear, intimidation, and the brutal force of the lackeys they paid to do their dirty work. I never thought I was a blood thirsty kind of person but by the end of this book I was back in the stands at the Colosseum screaming for the gladiators to spill the blood of their opponent. At the heart of this second book is the love, determination and loyalty that Myron and Ayna earned from others who would risk their very lives to help free them. So yes, it is dark, a bit savage, with a brief moment of romantic spice, characters that got caught up trusting the wrong person, but the strength of the love and belief in the need to right so many past wrongs make this a story I am so glad I didn’t miss. Myron, Ayna and their cohorts fought valiantly but still left us standing on a precipice at the end of this book. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I recommend this book. However, to truly understand the whole story start at the beginning with “The Fall of The Wild Ray,” then pick up with “Wings of Ink” before diving head long into “The Heart of Night,” while we sit on the edge waiting for “The Claws of Death”…..

 Wolf Touched 

             by Jen L. Grey

review by Katy Grant

On the run with no safe place in sight. With all that had transpired, Raffe and Skylar decided Olivia would continue to travel with them until they were given more answers. After reaching the pack’s home ground, Raffe and the others are informed that under King Jovian’s orders they may stay but Skylar and Olivia weren’t welcome. However, the elders were in for a surprise. Raffe denies father, breaking from the pack. While in turn Keith, Adam and Josie leave the pack and accept Raffe as their new alpha, in the face of their father’s displeasure and anger. Skylar struggles to get her wolf to conform. However, alongside her strength, Skylar had wisdom, aware that others would follow Raffe much quicker. In the end she managed to pull her wolf in line. He in turn quietly admits to her strength while whispering he would have given in to her. Time is short, danger is hunting them; they need to move now.

The cabin they rented was hours away from the pack’s grounds, so hopes were high those chasing them wouldn’t speedily find them. Nonetheless, within hours the cabin is set on fire. Battling the burning building, attacked by their former pack members and witches, during the fight Raffe is dealt a fatal wound. Sirens sounding too close, means humans are too close by. Once again, they must retreat and disappear. Raffe would die if they couldn’t find a doctor and a cure for the reason he couldn’t stop bleeding. Olivia once again offers the sanctity of her home. She promises it is a place shielded and Dru, her husband, is a doctor. Raffe is close to death by the time they finally reach their destination. Only to be confronted by several angry witches. It appears the coven is in hiding and have been keeping watch over Olivia and her family for years. It will take the help of Dru and knowledge only the witches can offer to save Raffe. It’s here they will learn of Skylar’s history and more about the first arcane born along with the rest of the story about what really took place all those centuries ago.

Danger comes for them wherever they go. The information the witches offer them shows the evil intent behind Octavia, her coven and the secret society, how they had twisted and distorted the history of the first arcane-born for their own gain. Knowing of Skylar’s abilities and lack of knowledge about her magic gave them a means to try to control her. Once again time was no a friend. So even learning of the traitor in the wolf pack who had helped to spread fear and distrust among other supernaturals, couldn’t stop the battle when the Eastern Wolves and witches came for them; believing Skylar, Raffe and those who side with them, would gain the power to destroy and finally control them. So much is hidden behind doors, masked in half-truths, fueled by greed and revenge. But how do you get those fighting to protect their own people and way of life to stop and listen?

 This final episode of the trilogy that began with ‘Wolf Mate.” It hit the ground running and never slowed down. The layers in this had me peeling the story away a bit at a time, not quite sure what I would find under the next layer, but I loved it. I lamented that some characters perished, gleefully enjoyed the death of others, got wrapped up in the players I had grown to care about, sucked up the suspense, cringed in times of danger, delighted in the spicy romance as it unfolded for several couples and felt part of the gang that rallied around Raffe and Sky. If you enjoy paranormal romance with magic filling the air, danger around every curve, cloaked enemies in the midst, death on the wind, and a heathy dose of angst, I highly recommend this trilogy. While I anxiously await the next series of tales that Jen L. Grey will come up with. And luckily the wait is to be short lived.

 The Alpha's Protective Mate 

         by Jaymin Snow

       Release Date:  May 13, 2024                              

Review by Katy Grant   

The Before:

   With her beloved at her side, life is slowly drifting away. They’d gone against the laws of their species, quelled a war, spent a lifetime together, and raised children they outlived. Only their daughter Lillith would be left behind. As his beloved takes her last breath, his wolf doesn’t mourn. It quietly follows the beautiful red head with green eyes into their next adventure as his eyes slowly close. Their love would follow, reaching out for the future.

 

Present Day:

   I tried to avoid the wolf shifters who came into the café where I work. It had taken me years to pull myself up, finish school and save money to become a veterinarian. I have Mano, my cat and a few friends, but trusting anyone with my secrets could cost me my life and possibly theirs.  My father had thrown me out into the night to die, when I was fourteen for being a weak vampire. Now living/hiding in shifter territory, it is almost as dangerous for me as if my family discovered I was still alive. My family history could easily get me killed if they realized that my father is Beruth Sanguinite, Head of the Nelo Clan of vampires. Cruel beyond measure her brother and father had sold drugs to the shifters until her brother had been caught and killed.  

 

Robert Montgomery was the Alpha of the wolf shifters, rich powerful and deadly. For the last two years he had been coming into the café where I worked, I tried to avoid him as much as possible. Today for some reason he has chosen to take notice of me, and I am terrified. After my shift at the café, I headed to the animal shelter where I volunteer. That night as I step outside to lower the shutters, I see a man, hurt bleeding. If I leave him, he will die. As I stepped out to help him, I realized I knew him; it’s Robert Montgomery.  And then, Hell steps up in the form of two vicious vampires’ intent on killing both the alpha and me.

 

Although Charlotte had accepted her need to blend into the background, masking her true self meant never finding love, have children of her own or get too close to others, always fearing discovery. Robert would always wear the horrible scars on one side of his face given to him by his half siblings, but he was now Alpha, made laws that the wolf shifters followed. However, his life was a lonely one, seeing only disgust in the eyes of the women who covet his wealth and power as his mate. Charlotte and Robert are not only drawn to each other but drawn into the plots of others trying to tear down the strong hold the wolf shifters have on the surrounding areas.

 

There is so much going on here but at the heart of it is the love Charlotte and Robert found for each other despite the odds and the people against them, where  their past and their future comes together. The story is a maze, they will navigate together to put a stop to an evil genius and the men that would serve him and work to blend the paranormal and human world in peace. But be warned, the romance can be spicy at times, there is murder, drugs, missing shifters, including children, and vicious power-hungry villains. Where there is life there can sometimes be sacrifice that is heartbreaking. 

 

From the very beginning of the story, I was swept up in this telling as I tried to navigate the maze, I felt like I walked each step with the characters, shared Charlotte’s pain, mistrust, her need to give and receive love she was so long without. Robert’s tale may be a little less laid out, but the reader is given enough to fill in the blanks on their own. When I finished this book, I wanted to turn around and read it at a more leisurely pace for anything I might have missed but to travel the path Robert and Charlotte walked to the end. I never saw the end coming when the dust of battle finally cleared, to offer the HEA for some of my favorite characters. I recommend this story to those who enjoy paranormal romance with heat, danger, a bit of mystery and spicy romance.

                                                   Of Claws & Chaos by M. Sinclair

                 
                                                                                          reviewed by Katy Grant

The eighth and final tale of courageous young princesses that gave up their magic and life to return what was taken from their dying land.

 Evera had never expected that a night out, with her friend Stella, at The Portal would have ended in a struggle with two totally strange men and then dropped through a portal to a land she had never seen. Okay this was strange. The two men were no where in sight, and what a strange sight. I saw a river below the cliff edge I was standing on. It looked like a town below with people celebrating, but like no modern town she had ever seen.

 This might be my only hope for answers and a way home. I didn’t have any idea of what I would find when I reached there. But something here was triggering long ago memories. I was on the run again this time from the terror within me. The King and Queen of Vargr were demanding I be brought to them and somehow, I knew it wouldn’t end well for me. No one had to tell me twice to run. But the Kingdom of Nightfall didn’t sound much better, and I would have to travel through the mountains to reach it, alone and at night.

 The Kingdom of Nightfall was beautiful to look at and Axel the man I had thought of as a King was the ruler of Nightfall. He knows me. He loved me long ago. He had waited fifty years for my return. I had been one of eight princesses who had given their lives to restore magic to the land. Axel had been my personal guard but had left my parents’ Kingdom entering the land of Nightfall. It had taken him more than thirty years to bring life and prosperity to the land that had once been a desolate barren place. How?  

He tells me I am his true mate, but I don’t remember. He says I have great magic within me, but I can’t pull it forward. He says I am a wolf shifter and used to run by his side in my wolf form but can’t hear her call.  I know this my parents and half-brother, Reyon, the rulers of Eventide, are cruel, vicious and want me for the magic I can’t find within me. If they capture me, I will be killed when they have no further use of me.

 The final story of the eight princesses, answers why the land of Nightfall has been barren, as well as offering the romance behind Evera and Axel’s love. As a love paranormal love story, I sincerely enjoyed reading it. Evera struggles the most with trying to understand her past, present and accepting the future Axel presents to her. Although there is talk of war and the viciousness of Evera’s parents, it isn’t until the later part of the book that most of the interaction happens. Then, the tale runs with blood, spills out their hatred, shows their greed, exacts their cruelty, while the people of Nightfall seek their vengeance. For my part, I had wished that this part of the story had been spread out a bit more throughout the story. This tale did wrap up the series for me, and I really appreciated the different writing styles of each book. It spread out the saga from a lot of different angles.  Evera and Axel’s love tale at the heart of the story touched me when I thought of all the years Axel fought to hold that love and make a better place for Evera when she returned.  Evera’s years on Earth were heartbreaking but strengthened her character while adding to her character after her two lives were finally able to come to light for her.

 I highly recommend the book. Though it is a standalone read, I believe readers may find more enjoyment by reading the complete series starting from the beginning. The romance is spicey hot, the background building is lush, I just wish there was a little more history given. The action and the danger towards the end was a surprise and had me on the edge of my seat with the twists that came up. I really loved that M. Sinclair gave us an updated epilogue at the end.

 

                                   

"The Lost Girl"  by Casey L. Bond

                                         May 3, 2024

                                                                                                      Review by Katy Grant

 Who is Peter Pan…really? There are two sides to every tale and Casey L. Bond has just offered us

another look at this boy, only now he is a man. Neverland is no longer the happy place of Peter and his lost boys, a villainous Hook on the horizon, beautiful mermaids, and others. Readers may never see it in the same light again.

 Ava has lived with her sister Belle since she was found as a child, alone, no memory of who she was or where she belonged. Grown now, it has been her turn to take care of Belle. The shadows Belle had kept closely guarded for years have broken free and are taking her over. Belle loses herself as she watches from the roof top for the second star to appear in the sky where there is none. Until there is.

 As a lifeguard it has been Ava’s job to save people who flounder in the water, but tonight Belle has demanded to be taken to the beach, she pulls Ava with her into the water. Ava is afraid. Belle’s eyes have become dark, she has become overshadowed. Suddenly she grabs Ava holding her so tightly, she fears her ribs will break. The shadows within Belle become black wings and she lifts Ava high up into the sky as they fly off into the night towards the bright star that shouldn’t be there. Now, Ava dares not let go.

 Dropped on a sandy beach, Ava lands on her ankle and rolls. When she finally tries to stand, she realizes something is seriously wrong with her ankle, she aches all over and Belle has taken off beyond the palm trees. Ava takes her first painful steps into Neverland.

 Rescued from Wraith, one of the lost boys, by Hook, Ava has no idea who to believe or trust. She needs to find Belle, but that isn’t likely as she finds herself pulled onto Hook’s ship of pirates. If she needed confirmation that Hook is a villain, she finds it in the mermaid, alive but slowly dying, captured and nailed to the front of his ship. He shares the tale of the change in the merfolk from beautiful and kind to viscous and beastly.  Hook bargains with Ava for information. She soon hears a totally different story about Peter Pan and Neverland, as she realizes Tinkerbell is the sister who so lovingly raised her. And who now holds the answers and means to stop or assist Peter Pan with his desires and return her home.

 At the heart of this tale is Pan’s need to escape Neverland, no matter the cost to others, the havoc and pain he has caused needs to be stopped and rectified. Hook along with his men and other creatures have been drawn in and suffered because of Pan’s actions. He is willing to help Ava, but they must find Belle; she is the key to stopping Pan and hopefully returning what they have lost. The more Ava learns about Hook the closer she is drawn to him. He isn’t the total villain she may have once believed.

Magic be here, along with dark secrets, curses, hatred, villainy, and death but it is also underscored with hope. There is much drama, adventure, and heated romance as well. As we rush to the last page there is a surprising twist that will have you watching for the second star, in the sky, that will guide readers to the next tale in this wonderfully creative, heartbreakingly romantic fantastical adult tale. There is so much to relish, to lament, to explore in this new version of Neverland and those who dwell there. What you read in these pages will have you questioning what you thought you knew for some time to come. I highly recommend this tale and its spicy romantic look at a hero who isn’t quite a hero but not quite a villain either and a boy that is more lost than I ever thought.

As “Wolf Mate” left me struggling to search for who might have wanted Skylar so bad they would ambush her and spirit her away. For what purpose? Good or bad? Who? And why would a friend betray her? So many questions left me hanging. But Jen L. Grey is a storyteller that can twist a tale so you might never guess where she is going until she leads you there.

And so, on to “Wolf Bitten” which is now available today. The story picks up just as she left us in “Wolf Mate” and delves deeper into Skylar’s magic, how she landed at EEU and the changes within her as she slowly evolves. But Rafe is close behind as he has realized that his interest in her isn’t just going to go away. This tale just gets richer , more involved and oozes drama everywhere. I highly recommend you check this trilogy out, with the final tale coming out on the heels in June. 

 Wolf Mate by Jen L. Grey

All of us are different, each in our own way, we are unique. Within the world of supernatural beings, wolf shifters, vampires, and witches they believe there are only humans outside their realm. But they are wrong. There is Skylar…

She’d always known she was adopted, that her parents loved her in their own way, but were slightly uncomfortable with the weird things that happened around her when her emotions started amped up.  By Kindergarten even someone she believed was a true friend turned from her labeling her strange. Her only comfort came as she escaped to the woods. As she reached into the ground it seemed to calm the blood that jolted within her. The ground would stop shaking and the wind around her calmed. Even as the animals gathered closer to her, she felt a sense of peace. It was why she wanted to become a vet. Her empathy for animals and their affinity for her.

After completing two years at a local college, Skylar was offered a full scholarship at an elite college that could put her on the fast track to veterinary school. Her parents were so delighted they practically shoved her out the door. She’d even emailed her designated roommate, Lucy, a few times and she sounded so friendly.  At twenty-two Skylar began to hope she might make a friend and things would be different at EEU.

 However, Lucy took one look at her and ran to try to change rooms with someone else. Rafe Wright, the hero of the football team, singles her in front of others for his special form of sarcasm. Then does an about face when he catches her alone. He gives her his number with instructions to contact him if she gets in trouble. Like cold and hot wind blowing over her making life on campus even worse. Controlling her rioting emotions after a particularly embarrassing encounter with Rafe stirs her blood, her desk begins to shake, lights to blow and even the ground to shake. Her only thought is to escape. There are woods behind the dorms, a haven with animals and nature that draw off the magic that zips through her. But the woods here aren’t a saft environment. Skylar soon learns there are creatures here she believed to only exist in mythology.
Skylar never learned to control the magic within her or the plethora of incidents that happen around her, but help may be closer than she knows. Someone on campus knows exactly what she is and is even willing to train her in ways to harness her power. It is a roller coaster ride of a tale with Rafe appearing to care, coming to her aid one minute only to turn on her in front of others making her look like a fool. Slade is a witch who has his own motives for helping her but shares the truth behind EEU’s unique mix of supernaturals and humans who attend. There is animosity even between the different species of supernaturals but their greatest fear and unbreakable rule is “humans must never learn of them.”  Some see Skylar as a threat that should be eliminated, while others see her as a tool to be used for their own ends.

This book took a different route from other books with supernatural beings in the worlds of Jen L Grey I have read. This time she brings us a magical being whose abilities I have never seen and appear to be evolving. While slowly learning more about Skylar, there is also a forbidden romance building between her and Rafe. Things are constantly moving and changing clear up to its cliffhanger ending. The characters had me second guessing myself with their secrets and swiftly changes responses to Skylar from one time to the next, storylines that veer off in several directions, forbidden romance, villains, and power struggles that had me reading, while enjoying the audio version, with Marnye Young narrate the tale, far into the night. I got the sense of a storyteller sharing a story with me not simply reading it. Emotions, high and low, vibrated as Marnye voiced the characters in all their moods. She is easy to follow along with as she spoke and the tale flowed through her words. Both the book and the audio are available. I am looking forward to see where this story will take me.