Runaway Fire by Tia Capway

 

Who breaks their wedding vows five minutes before they are even spoken? Evidently, Adam. Furious after finding him tupping one of her bride’s maids, Fiona simply ran. There was no going back. Fiona didn’t want to hear anything Adam had to say. She had found shelter in a truck at the fire station and then she had found him, Mason. He had taken one look at her tear-stained face, listened for just a minute to her ranting about Adam and decided to help her. Two things she needed right now, the locks changed on her house and an experienced lover to wipe away what she saw in the walk-in-cooler. He helped her with both of these problems. Then he walked away. He was a one and done kind of guy.

Only one glitch, neither could stop thinking about the other.

 

Mason was a firefighter. He was also a wolf shifter. They had strict laws about not allowing humans to become aware of the supernatural world around them, shifters, and witches. But something was wrong with the magic around them. Mason’s mom and sister, Sharon, were shamans who could sense something was changing around them and not for the better. Sharon had dreams of a witch who would come to the aid of the pack.

 

As a surgeon, Fiona was usually in control but after the fiasco of her wedding, her tryst with Mason and now Adam coming to the hospital throwing a fit, she’d had enough. Furious, she missed the gathering clouds overhead, when lightning struck Adam’s classic and set it ablaze, she burst out laughing. When Mason showed up with the fire department, it seems to just be fate. Fiona felt something was changing in her and the more she thought about it, she was certain she had caused the lightning strike to Adam’s car. Could she be something more?

 

This short tale can be read in one setting, but has hot spicy romance, humor, magic, mystery and an ongoing dark element that appears to have been carried over from other books in the series. For such a short tale the characters were easily relatable for me. I enjoyed their interactions. Evil is ever present, but the source is only slowly being unveiled. The story isn’t a stationary one; the storyline moves forward at a pace that held my interest, with situations and characters that filled the pages. It is a well-played out yarn, however there were a few times that the author lost me and I had to reread a sentence or two. Once, when Fiona was at the firehouse, Mason came up and startled her. The next thing I read, he was picking her up off the floor then, she is brushing herself off. No mention of her falling. I say this because there were a few times I felt like I came in on the middle of a conversation. In spite of and because of the few misses I ran into, I enjoyed the author’s writing style, storyline and characters. I started with the third book then decided I had to have the first two to see what I had missed. There will be a fourth that I am looking forward to reading.  I gave the book four stars because I realize other readers may find descriptive sexual content a trigger, while others find grammatical errors disconcerting.  

 

I was given an advanced readers copy in return for my honest opinion about the storyline and content.

Gargoyles of Stonehaven Trilogy

 
"The Stone Secret" by Debbie Cassidy is the second book in the trilogy, beginning with "The Stone Initiation" both now available! Swing over to Amazon.com to see all formats.

The secrets of Stonehaven won’t stay buried for long.

I’ve barely had time to wrap my head around the revelations doled out by my gargoyle sire when a knock at my dorm door brings a blast from the not-so-distant past back into my life. I thought I’d left Levi behind. I was wrong.

The secrets of Stonehaven won’t stay buried for long.

I’ve barely had time to wrap my head around the revelations doled out by my gargoyle sire when a knock at my dorm door brings a blast from the not-so-distant past back into my life. I thought I’d left Levi behind. I was wrong.

He’s here for me, and things are about to get complicated.
But convincing Levi that I’ve moved on without revealing that Serath is my fated mate isn’t the only challenge I’m facing.

With the elite trials mere weeks away, I need to make sure that I’m physically and mentally prepared, and that involves training directly with Serath—the object of my forbidden desire. Focusing won’t be easy, but I’ll need to find a way, because failure is not an option.
Failure, means death.

Cam's adventure continues in The Stone Secret. A heart-pounding MF paranormal romance that weaves a tale of fated mates and impossible desires, where dark secrets and forbidden passions collide, and a hidden destiny awaits.

 Way Of The Wolf 

                                                by Jonathan Yanez

Review by Katy Grant

On an M class planet, three resides a race of beings that hold magic within their bodies, Marcus Walker and his son Jack, are two such beings. They live in the Outlands, using their services to protect others. Others… there are shadow spirits, walking dead soul snatchers, mutated creatures (evolution or man created?), vampires and witches, mages and more unknown as yet. Charlotte Sloan is the Captain of the Queen’s guard, a hard-won position, even harder to hold as a female amongst the men. Aareth Emerson, once a security guard for the Queen, within the walls of the city of New Hope, turned assassin after the death of his wife. Queen Eckert is at the center of New Hope’s clean up. Over the past decade, she has supported the growth of technology with mechanics and mages working side by side, enforced fair treatment for all within the city walls, while replacing those who would work only for their own welfare. Now she wishes to reach out to those who live in the Outland to encourage growth and bring about a better world for all. There are others you will meet, but these are the players at the center for now.

 The Queen has called these four together to go into the Outland city of Burrow Den, who has requested help dealing with a wild creature on a rampage, that has killed so many. It will be a long hard journey, that will see one dead before it is over. There is one, within the city walls, who would see them fail!

 And so, the journey begins…

 There is much going on in this dark, gritty, mystical tale. Along with its atmosphere of mystery, gloomy horror, beasties that terrorize, and evil scientists, the main characters show grit and tenacity that will carry them forward.

 The four hold their secrets close as they grow along the way, with others joining the journey, even as they face unexpected dangers. Along their foray they encounter a strange adversary who strength, speed and agility could overpower them. When they reach Burrow Den they encounter mistrust, lies, mysteries, curiosities and supernatural creatures whose existence is only in part explained. Horror stalks them in the night, sent by those whose only concern is for their own power and control while having not a care for those they would experiment on.

 I found camaraderie and experienced loss of some I had grown to care about, terror and new technology to wrap my head around.  At times some of the mechanics made me think steampunk, as I when rode the steam powered locomotive and then the magical, geared bicycles. I found a few scenes that made me think of Dr. Moreau. Inhabitants of the Outland made me think of less advanced societies. I had to stop a few times to reimagine, to wrap my head around what I just read and listened to.  Magical beings, creatures not to be found on our world and parts where I had to stop and reimagine what the magical creatures, gnomes might look like, even how the environment, weapons and machines might appear.  I enjoyed reading the book even as I listened along with the three narrators who told the story. This is the first in the series, so the ending leaves one part answered and waiting for the next journey to begin. I found myself wrapped up in the story of the characters for each shares a bit of themselves as the story goes on, the world that is so different from my own, but really gives my imagination a good run. This is a complex tale, so get ready to suspend logic, give your imagination free reign and if you enjoy horror, magic, sic-fantasy and mysteries, I suggest you might give this one a try.

 

The three narrators did a good job with the read aloud. I had not difficulty understanding or differentiating between characters. It was well paced. Over all one I could easily follow as I was driving and mindless housework.

Review 

The Devil of Drury Lane by Tracy Sumner

  Mercy Ainsworth loved drawing and getting into mischief. Her father despised both. It was her Nanny that cautioned her to play the game, hide her more spirited side and become a demure Miss in public while feeding her love of art in a less public place.

 

She had been attracted to Damien DeWitt, the youngest of the Duke’s three sons whose residence bordered her father’s estate, since she was a young girl. They said he was the quiet one, but she saw beyond his outer façade, a power and resolve that she captured in a sketch she drew of him. Allas, she lost it to the wind when she was called home. It was his brother who found the sketch and called it to Damien. As he held it closely to his nose, in order to see it without his spectacles, she had seen a depicted a strength in him that he himself had never dared to bring forth in his father’s presence.

 

Years had passed and Mercy had found a way to hide her true self from her father. For Damien the gossips had titled him the Devil of Drury Lane, with women. His brothers maybe but never him. She was sure, but curious about the title. Her father was selling her, in marriage, to pay off his debts. Mercy would have the man she wanted, hide the truth and satisfy her curiosity. She wanted Damien DeWitt and they would enjoy each other.

 

This short novella is packed with secrets, insights, spicy romance and the oft reminder that there was a time when parents having little care for their offspring would abuse or use them to enhance their fortunes. While, at times there are those siblings who will support each other no matter what it takes. I loved the fact that Damien and Mercy were at the center of the story, with others as characters that enriched the background of the tale. This quick read sucked me in from the first page with characters that appeared to live in the real world then, found the means to be themselves and finally a way to be together. I highly recommend this tale if you love spicy romance that feels like it could have come straight off the pages of a diary written more than 200 years ago

 

Release Date:  July 20, 2023

            Hidden Fate by Jen L. Grey

 King Arman is dead.  With his dying breath, he bade Thorn to stop Drake and rule in his stead.

 For too long Thorn had hidden, had been feared for the magic within him. The same magic his grandfather had had and used for evil purposes, to murder and control the people. A caring person wanting only to heal those who were sick or injured, he was unsure at times that using his magic might make people around him fear him. He hadn’t realized that he was missing a part of himself, until Everly appeared. Recognizing this human as his fated mate. Through their connection she could reach out to him, bring a sense of calm, help him see different perspectives and find the best solutions.  She helped him see himself as a healer, his magic as a gift and not a curse.  To see the good that he could do for his people, and how different he was from the grandfather that had used his magic as a means of destruction.  Now they must find others to listen, to trust and help stop Drake from destroying the world of dragons…

 Now there was no one to stop Drake’s reign of terror as he would proclaim himself the next dragon king. Mad with power and hatred for his brother, desire for the human that was Thorn’s fated mate and wife, he was assured the crown upon his head, his people’s obedience in all things and the woman at his side.

   Drake’s climb to power was littered with the dead he deemed unfit to live, coercion and the fear he struck in the hearts of those he would rule. He would find Thorn and Everly. Kill Thorn and take Everly to his wife. Those that would disagree or fight against him would die, along with the cripple, infirm or elderly dragons. What he hadn’t counted on was that Thorn had been changed by Everly’s love becoming anchored in his belief in himself and what was right. He had become stronger.

   Together Thorn, Everly, Elliott, Eva, Saphira, Vlad and Cassidy along with others must now work to gather people they could trust and would trust them in turn to stop Drake and those who follow him. The battle that soon to be wrought, would be a bloody one, brother against brother, warriors, many who were forced to serve, against the untrained and the vulnerable.  While for many the stories of Thorn’s grandfather’s evil use of his magic was a cautionary tale and a warning that Thorn could follow in his footsteps. It would take demonstrations of Thorn’s power to heal and his words of a world where all were free and could live in peace that might turn the tide.  First, they must show people that Thorn is not someone to be feared for his magic but a man who cares for others, who would use his magic to heal, wherever possible, not to kill, and one who seeks peace for all.

   The love stories abound in this tale with several finding fated mates, spicy love scenes, and the love siblings have for each other. Before there can be peace and freedom, there will be war and death. Who will end up with the crown will determine the kind of world in which dragons would live. There is suspense, tension, action and even some humor in this final tale. It’s a journey that favors poor odds for victory over the battle of genocide of those who may be sick or weak. And have the reader turning pages quickly to see the outcome. It is also one of strength and conviction that you must fight for a better world for all, no matter the odds. A few will start, gather strength and numbers and not stop until Drake may be defeated.

   The conclusion of the trilogy that started with “Ruthless Mate” continued in ”Mated Dragon” this tale of dragons with Jen L. Grey’s spin on dragon magic is one I found fascinating and sad at times.  Parents who feared what they did not understand and blaming the child. Thankfully, Thorn found love in his adopted parents and a young human woman, that will help him to become the man he was meant to be. Secondary characters, each with their own personalities, help bring the story to life and create the world of dragons that live on the pages in the books. For myself, I love adventure, suspense, uniquely created worlds, characters, including the truly evil, that can bring a story to life and of course romance. I enjoyed the spicy romantic scenes and dialogue in the tale but at times it took over the tale. This isn’t always a misstep, but I thought the romance wouldn’t have suffered with a bit less and bit more storyline about Drake’s thoughts and motives, background about the dragon magic or the evil grandfather, etc. Jen L. Grey is a grand storyteller, I guess I just wanted a bit more of her imaginary tale.  

 

Edge of Chaos Boxed Set by Mila Young & Harper A Brooks

 

The Kings of Eden don’t have hearts… so they want mine.

https://geni.us/EdgeOfChaosLAR

I’ve danced for powerful men. Deadly men. And when one wants to take things too far, I barely escape with my life. What I don’t know is that someone else was watching me from the shadows.

Someone deadlier… Someone scarier.

Now the Kings of Eden are after me.

They’re the monsters that rule this city, and I've become their newest obsession.

Because of it, I’m swept up into their deadly world of gang wars and destructive magic. Dracon, Cassius, Knox–they’re criminals, murderers, and inhuman… But I can’t resist.

Chaos is about to break out, and I'm finding myself craving the men who could just as easily break me. Ruin me. Kill me.

When my dark secrets of the past come back to collect, I have no idea if any of us will survive.

We crave salvation, but we may only find a savage end to the love we’ve finally found.

EDGE OF CHAOS is the complete collection of the Kings of Eden series, including the following full length books:
Kings of Eden
Stolen Paradise
Ruthless Lies

Review 

A Touch of Iron 

          by Karina Espinosa

Ansel had loved his older brother growing up but when Alec chose the Unseelie Court and turned from his family, he believed that Alec had chosen a darker path. Losing all trust in his brother’s ability to care for anyone but himself. Ansel became convinced only he could save Violet and that his brother was only looking to gain favor with the King and would bring harm to her. He blindly followed the Queen’s plans for bringing Violet to the Seelie Court.

 

Betrayed! Ansel had delivered my mom to the Unseelie court and was now under the powerful control of the King. She loved her mom and would find a way to protect her at any cost.  In this, she and Alec were much alike. While she now felt it would be impossible to ever forgive Ansel for this betrayal against her only family. The King would try to use her mom against Violet to gain what he wanted, to control her power as the last dragon. But he didn’t know Violet. He demanded to know who Violet’s father was, and this was just one more step toward reaching that goal as well. Kazimir would recognize her, and she feared how he would react, if it was revealed that he had fathered her. She had to act fast and stand her ground.

 Alec had secrets too and the King held the key to those, so if he thought Alec was crossing him, Alec’s family might pay. For him, his family had always come first but he soon realized he was coming to care for Violet more than he ever thought possible. For two centuries, he had lived in the Unseelie Court and danced to the King’s tune. But times were changing. There were those who would see the King and Queen’s reign end and they would use the last dragon to get what they wanted.  Violet too, would soon learn there were some unexpected allies, with their own agenda, that would quietly come to her aid, for a price.  

  Now that the King had Tessa in his Court, he would challenge Violet. He fell back on an old law long discarded by the Fae which could still be called forth when needed.  Without a family name, the king held total control her Tessa. By refusing to name Kazimir as her father, she couldn’t produce a family name and so couldn’t protect her mom. In order to claim a family name for herself she must face a human trial, that could make use of the five human sufferings. She would have to face at least one or more in the world of Fae. Alec feared for life and tried to talk her out of agreeing. But Violet stood her ground, she would face whatever the King threw at her and come out on the other side. After all she had learned air, fire and even a bit of earth elements. She would face her trial in the Air Village her only mentor Calypso, the leader there. Violet could use only her power over air. In addition she would also be given a potion that would cause her to temporarily lose her memories,  including her own identity. She would wear an iron bracelet to inhibit her other powers coming to her aid as well.

 And no one could interfere with her trial. And so, it begins.

 

Legend has it that the last dragon would bring changes to the world of the Fae. But Violet was having a difficult time trusting anyone in this magical world where lies, inuendoes, and threats flowed freely. In the middle of the trials, challenges and threats to her life, Violet realizes there is only one person she can truly trust and love. Violet, Ansel and Alec’s tale has been building to this splendid conclusion with all three characters finding that nothing is as it has previously appeared. As they share adventures, face adversity and the intrigue of those in power, they change, adjusting their understanding of things happening around them. Secrets slowly start coming to light. Some of this in sight will alter the way they see and feel about each other. Joining forces with Fae seeking to change their world, brings danger and love to the foreground.

 Karina Espinosa has brought the world of Fae to life through her vivid imagination, full of mystery, intrigue, misadventures, secrets, love and heartbreak. She gave us a grand finale to the story she started with ”Hint of Delirium” but I for one will keep my fingers crossed that at some point she will revisit her world of Fae and share stories about some of the other mesmerizing characters with whom we had such a short introduction.