Review: Heat

Heat by Donna Grant

Dark Kings Book 12

Publication Date January 30, 2018 by St. Martin's Press

Reviewed by Janet

5 Firebreathing Stars!

Synopsis:

Nikolai is a dragon shapeshifter who knows well the meaning of loss. Orphaned and raised to be a Dragon King, he never accepts defeat. Now, Nikolai prefers his solitude . . .until a beautiful, irresistible woman calls upon him for help—and Nikola’s whole word goes up in flames.

Ever since MI5 agent Esther woke to discover her mind taken over with magic, she feels like stranger to herself. She looks to a notorious dragon, one who has the power to help her find her memory. But as she and Nikolai come closer to discovering what really happened to her, a dangerous passion ignites between them. Can this lone Dragon King help the woman he’s grown to love to uncover the truth about her past—or will a deep and fiery danger tear them both apart?

Heat by Donna Grant

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whew! Fanning self at the moment. The title of this book is aptly named. Nikolai and Esther have unbelievable chemistry that fills the pages. They are made for one another. I absolutely love this series. The Dragon shifters are smokin' hot, pun intended. There's no need to start at the beginning of this series because each book is perfect as a standalone. However, after reading one, you may want to go back and plow through the others. Nikolai's story is fantastic! There are other paranormals in this book that you will notice throughout the series. You may need to check and see if your favorite has a story out already.

This author always does a splendid job when it comes to creating her characters and their back story. While there are hurdles to overcome, as with most paranormal romances, readers are guaranteed awesomeness in this book along with a happily ever after. And yes, I'm still waiting for Rhi's book.

Reviewed by Janet of the GothicMoms Review Team

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Review: Halloween Carnival Volume 3

Halloween Carnival Volume Three

Published October 17, 2017 by Hydra

Reviewed by Jennifer

5 Screaming Stars!!!

Synopsis:

Kelley Armstrong, Kate Maruyama, Michael McBride, Taylor Grant, and Greg Chapman unleash the unsettled spirits of the past in five frightening stories collected by celebrated editor, author, and horror guru Brian James Freeman.

THE WAY LOST by Kelley Armstrong
The kids in Franklin don’t ask questions. Each Halloween, one of them disappears into the forest. Dale promised his mother he’d never go into the woods alone. But the kids in Franklin also lie.

LA CALAVERA by Kate Maruyama
The Día de los Muertos Festival at the Hollywood Cemetery used to be ours. Now, without Jasmine, it’s only right that I go one last time in her honor—before I let her go for good. . . .

THE DEVIL’S DUE by Michael McBride
Pine Springs, Colorado, has prospered for generations by honoring its traditions and its promises. Then one man refuses to do his civic duty—and the price he must pay is fatally steep.

A THOUSAND ROOMS OF DARKNESS by Taylor Grant
Samhainophobia: an irrational fear of Halloween. Phasmophobia: an irrational fear of ghosts. For Anne, these terrors are more rational than she knows.

THE LAST NIGHT OF OCTOBER by Greg Chapman
Every year, one little boy wearing a grotesque Frankenstein mask comes knocking at Gerald’s door. Gerald has always managed to avoid him . . . until this year.

Halloween Carnival Volume 3 by Kelley Armstrong

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Halloween Carnival, Vol. 3 ...

The Way Lost ... by Kelley Armstrong

That was an interesting short story with a wicked twist! Dale ... did you remember it right?

La Calavera ... by Kate Maruyama

At first you think this is going to go one way ... twist! Very SWF!

The Devil's Due ... by Michael McBride

Wow ... this was delightfully dark! It was well written and scary when you put yourself into the story. I liked that depending on your take it how you felt the ending would either be happy'ish or tragic.

A Thousand Rooms of Darkness by Taylor Grant

Holy Samhain! At first I was unsure about this story & if I would like it. I'm glad I kept reading! I love the Celtic twist at the end!

The Last Night of October by Greg Chapman ...

A Spooky well written Horror/suspense story ... no spoilers here! Want details ... read the book.

Reviewed by Jennifer of the GothicMoms Review Team

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Review: Dragon Fire Angel Light

Dragon Fire, Angel Light by Shara Godwinson

Published December 11, 2017 by NineStar Press

Reviewed by Terri

5 FLAMES!

Synopsis:

William is a dragon shifter who, despite having lived for over two thousand years, has never found a true love. When he meets Evyn, a quirky musician/journalist who wants to be a real photographer, he immediately finds him irresistible.

But Evyn’s a little supernatural too, and an evil brotherhood and a band of soul reavers are after him to destroy his pure soul.

Can William protect his love from evil?

Dragon Fire, Angel Light by Shara Godwinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Let me preface this review. I saw the blurb about dragons and paid no attention to the M/M relationship in this story. I have not read a story where the main characters are male lovers. This book was just so much to read that I forgot about the genre it was and focused on the story. So if you choose to read this, you know what you're reading.

The characters felt real. I felt like I was walking in their shoes. There were even a couple of times I found myself moving as if I was fighting the battle scenes. I enjoyed the world Godwinson created. It's fun to think of paranormal beings living beside me and not even knowing it. The plot was clearly laid out and developed in such a way, I HAD to keep reading because I wanted to know what happened next. I need to investigate this author more because I want another book. This one did not end in a cliffhanger, but there are certainly some unanswered questions.

Reviewed by Terri of the GothicMoms Review Team

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Review: To Seize a Wayward Spirit

To Seize A Wayward Spirit

Djinn Have Book 1

Publication Date January 1, 2018

Reviewed by Terri

4 Wayward Stars

Synopsis -

Fans of R.L. Naquin’s Monster Haven series will love this beguiling spin-off, featuring a djinn caught in a hot mess of lost souls, fast food and otherwordly murder.

Sometimes monsters like to pretend to be humans dressing up as monsters…

After a major goof turned their last mission into chaos, Hidden Government chaser Kam and her friends must hunt and recapture a crapton of souls. Seventeen, to be precise. But by the time they chase down the first one—a goblin en route back home to Oklahoma—a banshee ups and gets assassinated, leaving their progress at exactly negative one.

The connection between Kam’s goblin and her banshee? A cosplay club, natch. Because sometimes monsters like to pretend to be humans dressing up as monsters.

As the body count rises and the Hidden cosplayers point fingers at each other, it’s up to Kam and her team to stop the insanity. One costumed faction has a secret they’re not sharing—even with each other—and if the bad seed isn’t found soon, the others are likely to be murdered…or worse.

This book is approximately 65,000 words

To Seize a Wayward Spirit by R.L. Naquin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this book. It was fast, and the characters were funny. I tend to be a bit snarky, and I love matching wits with other people. The author did such a great job creating these characters, especially the main character; I see myself hanging out with the main character. The combination of different paranormal creatures works well to drive the plot forward and keep the reader turning the pages to find out what happens next. I thought the author did a great job of creating tension between the main character and her intended without making it awkward and all about their love story. I can't wait to read more about these people and their story.

Reviewed by Terri of the GothicMoms Review Team

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Review: The Passion of Cleopatra

The Passion of Cleopatra by Anne Rice & Christopher Rice

Ramses The Damned Book 2

Published November 21, 2017 by Anchor

Reviewed by Sarah

4 Immortal Stars

Synopsis -

From the iconic and bestselling author of The Mummy and The Vampire Chronicles, a mesmerizing, glamorous new tale of ancient feuds and modern passions.
Ramses the Great, former pharaoh of Egypt, is reawakened by the elixir of life in Edwardian England. Now immortal with his bride-to-be, he is swept up in a fierce and deadly battle of wills and psyches against the once-great Queen Cleopatra. Ramses has reawakened Cleopatra with the same perilous elixir whose unworldly force brings the dead back to life. But as these ancient rulers defy one another in their quest to understand the powers of the strange elixir, they are haunted by a mysterious presence even older and more powerful than they, a figure drawn forth from the mists of history who possesses spectacular magical potions and tonics eight millennia old. This is a figure who ruled over an ancient kingdom stretching from the once-fertile earth of the Sahara to the far corners of the world, a queen with a supreme knowledge of the deepest origins of the elixir of life. She may be the only one who can make known to Ramses and Cleopatra the key to their immortality—and the secrets of the miraculous, unknowable, endless expanse of the universe.

The Passion of Cleopatra by Anne Rice

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first book of Anne Rice (I know shocker!) and I did enjoy it. The book had wonderful imagery written in to make it feel like you were at each location when it was described in the book. The spin on the characters was fantastic but I feel like it also honored them in its own way but not making it seem like satire almost if that makes sense. As it is the second book in the series and I jumped in assuming it was a first in the series I was able to follow along without too much confusion so it can definitely be read as a stand alone, although I do plan on going back to read the first so I have a better idea of Ramses full story from the start- in her books/world/series.

Reviewed by Sarah of the GothicMoms Review Team

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Review: Alpha's Prize

Alpha's Prize by Renee Rose and Lee Savino

Bad Boy Alpha's Book 3

Published October 16, 2017 by Burning Desires

Reviewed By Janet

5 Howling Stars!

Synopsis:

 MY CAPTIVE. MY MATE. MY PRIZE. 

I didn’t order the capture of the beautiful American she-wolf. I didn’t buy her from the traffickers. I didn’t even plan to claim her. But no male shifter could have withstood the test of a full moon and a locked room with Sedona, naked and shackled to the bed. 

I lost control, not only claiming her, but also marking her, and leaving her pregnant with my wolfpup. I won’t keep her prisoner, as much as I’d like to. I allow her to escape to the safety of her brother’s pack. 

But once marked, no she-wolf is ever really free. I will follow her to the ends of the Earth, if I must. 

Sedona belongs to me. 

Publisher’s Note: Alpha’s Prize is a stand-alone book in the Bad Boy Alphas series. HEA guaranteed, no cheating. This book contains a hot, demanding alpha wolf with a penchant for protecting and dominating his female. If such material offends you, do not buy this book.

Alpha's Prize by Renee Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A paranormal scorcher! Carlos is one sexy dominant wolf who commands the pages as well as his pack. He meets Sedona under the most dire of circumstances, as they are imprisoned together. This is highly erotic and perfectly fits this setting. Given everything that's going on, Carlos and Sedona remain strong. There is much at stake here. I loved every minute, and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I've never had the privilege of reading these authors before, but I'm definitely going to read the others.

Reviewed by Janet of the GothicMoms Review Team

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Review: Magician's Keeper

The Magician's Keeper by Nicola E. Sheridan

Published November 4, 2017 by Escape Publishing

Reviewed by Terri

4 Super-Sized Stars

Synopsis:

A brand new steamy paranormal romance about learning to love all of yourself.

In a world where people judge one another by exacting standards of size and style, being a big girl like Eudora Splat was never going to be easy.

Though trouble is brewing between magic folk and human purists who would see them all destroyed, Dora, a half-giant, tries to eke out a quiet, unnoticed life for herself, but it’s hard to be subtle when you’re over seven feet tall.

Losing her job as a gardener due to human complaints, Dora is recruited as a prison guard, where she’s enlisted to protect the magician Evander “Bear” Gordon from human purist attack. Bear encourages her to embrace her power and celebrate her heritage, introducing her to a world where she can be extraordinary and not just weird. 

But after years of hiding and shying away, can Dora find the strength to grab onto a new life — and hold on to the man she’s falling in love with?

The Magician's Keeper by Nicola E. Sheridan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a different kind of read for me in that it didn't include the usual group of paranormal beings. I'm also not used to giants playing an intelligent character. They are normally stereotyped as being a little slow or even dumb. So it was fun to read about Dora, a half-giant because she was very real. She had all kinds of emotions and ideas. She was also pretty tough and held her own in every fight she had. She was the one who rode in and saved the day. (I always like when the female characters are tough and kick a$$). The author did a great job creating a fantasy world but mirroring it close enough to real life that it was relatable. The plot wasn't fast-paced, but I actually found that enjoyable. Too many books just bombard the reader with intense action scene after intense action scene, and they forget to develop the story and characters. I think this book made for a great start to what could become a decent series.

Reviewed by Terri of the GothicMoms Review Team

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Review: Maid of Ice

Maid of Ice by Shona Husk

Blood and Silver Book 3

Publication Date November 21, 2017 by Lyrical Press

Reviewed by Terri

4 Magical Stars!

Stalkers and death threats . . . 
For Finlay Ryder, danger means playing a racecar driver on a daytime soap. That is, until he’s forced to reckon with his true identity as an Albah, a magical ancient race, by one of his own kind. Someone wants him dead. And worse, an ancient vampire is on the prowl, drawing blood left and right. Now, Finlay has no choice but to hunt enemies with unspeakable powers—or risk being hunted himself . . .

. . . and that’s just the first date 
Ice skater Alina Nyx is using her broken wrist as an excuse for a career change. And when she falls for handsome Finlay, Albah drama feels like her new full-time job. Learning about magic and vampires is exciting, until her life is threatened. Now, as she begins to uncover her own mysterious powers, she must combine forces with Finlay to eradicate their foes for good, or all Albah will suffer . . . 

Maid of Ice by Shona Husk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the PNR world, it is hard to come up with something new. I think this author did a good job creating a twist in order to create a great "something new". This is a fun romance with unique world building. I enjoyed the way the author used an ordinary backdrop/setting and added the right amount of urban fantasy to appease this fantasy lover. I think the characters are well-developed, I liked the interplay between the two main characters and the dialog read natural and felt "real" (that's important to me). I'm thinking (and hoping) that this is the first of a series.

Reviewed by Terri of the GothicMoms Review Team

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Review: Touch of Night

Touch of Night by Carin Rafferty

Sanctuary Series Book One

Published February 28, 2007 by Imajinn Books

Reviewed by Kaila

4 Stars!

Synopsis -

This is a reprint of Book One in Carin Rafferty's acclaimed Sanctuary series. 

Ariel Dantes is running out of time. Her brother Armand has disappeared while investigating a secretive cult professing to be a coven of witches and warlocks. When the police won’t agree to open a case, Ariel must track down the last man to see her brother—self-professed warlock Lucien Morgret.

Bar owner and banished warlock, Lucien will do anything to protect his former coven. His doubts about the coven’s safety have been building, and now a journalist is missing. He’ll help Ariel . . . as long as she obeys his rules.

If Lucien and Ariel want to save Armand and the coven, they need to work fast. With time against them, and a rogue warlock practicing the forbidden Old Ways, they’re running out of options. Lucien realizes he will need to meld with Ariel’s mind - and body –in order to fight the darkness. But will mating with this mortal woman save him or damn him? Will they lose themselves, and the ones they love, forever?

Touch of Night by Carin Rafferty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this story a great deal. It was a different sort of fantasy story for me, and was interesting. It kept me on the edge of my seat in places and it made me feel in the action right along with the characters. The writing was also very well done. I liked it a lot and I really enjoyed the twists and turns that I didn't see coming. It was wonderful and a fast paced story. Very well done from this author and I'm glad I got the chance to review it.

Reviewed by Kaila of the GothicMoms Reviews Team

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Review: The Beautiful Ones

The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Publication Date October 24, 2017 by Thomas Dunne Books

Reviewed by Janet

4 Magical Stars

Synopsis:

In a world of etiquette and polite masks, no one is who they seem to be.

Antonina Beaulieu is in the glittering city of Loisail for her first Grand Season, where she will attend balls and mingle among high society. Under the tutelage of the beautiful but cold Valérie Beaulieu, she hopes to find a suitable husband. However, the haphazard manifestations of Nina’s telekinetic powers make her the subject of malicious gossip.

Yet dazzling telekinetic performer and outsider Hector Auvray sees Nina’s powers as a gift, and he teaches her how to hone and control them. As they spend more and more time together, Nina falls in love and believes she’s found the great romance that she’s always dreamed of, but Hector’s courtship of Nina is deceptive.

The Beautiful Ones is a sweeping fantasy of manners set in a world inspired by the Belle Époque. (Goodreads)

Review:

 This is an interesting love story. There is a light touch of paranormal because the two main protagonists have telekinetic abilities. I would have loved to see more use of these gifts in the book. The plot and romance are slow developing and well-written, which make it all the more sweeter. 

I honestly wasn't a big fan of Hector through most of the book, but he grew on me with the way the author had me understanding his point of view. Antonina, or Nina as she likes to be called, is just lovely and optimistic about everything. Throughout the book, I found myself saying, please let Nina get her happily ever after. All readers will root for her. This is a gentle romance for those who enjoy the build-up without all the sex. I'd like to see what this author will create next.

Review: Damned

Damned by Alexandra Weis & Lucas Astor

Magnus Blackwell Book 1

Publication Date October 31, 2017

Reviewed by Janet

5 Mystifying Stars!!

Synopsis:

Over a hundred years after the death of Magnus Blackwell, Altmover Manor sits abandoned. Determined to rescue the neglected Mount Desert Island landmark, a well-known architect purchases the once grand home.

Will Bennet and his fiancée—the quirky and stubborn Lexie Arden—want to make Altmover Manor their showplace. But Magnus has other plans. 

A spirit bound to his former residence, Magnus finds himself inexplicably drawn to the young woman. She has a supernatural gift; a gift Magnus wants to exploit to end his purgatory.

As Lexie and Will settle in, secrets from Magnus’s past begin to surface. Compelled to learn all she can about the former owner, Lexie finds herself drawn into a world of voodoo, curses, and the whereabouts of a mysterious dragon cane.

It soon becomes clear Magnus’s sins won’t be so easily forgotten. What Lexie unearths about his road to redemption is going to change the future … for both of them. (Goodreads)

Review:

Hold on to your seats because you're in for one helluva ride! Pulls you in with a phenomenal plot and a great cast. This is paranormal at its finest. The haunted house theme and Lexi's abilities really keep the pages turning. Lexie and her fiancée Will purchase an old house with lots of history, and things get going from there. The spirit of Magnus Blackwell has unfinished business and refuses to leave Lexie alone. The adventure continues in New Orleans own French Quarter where Lexie is drawn to the world of voodoo. You'll love to hate Magnus and won't be able to put this down. 

The detailing of this book makes it the perfect escapism read. The appearance of a Maine Coon cat is a mystery. I don't know if it gets any better than this, but I'm anxiously awaiting the next book. Paranormal fans are in for a treat.    

Review: Temptation Trials

Temptation Trials Part 1 by B. Truly

Self-Published June 3, 2017

Reviewed by Terri

3 Stars

Synopsis:

The Bachelorettes Meet Wild Things 

Part I of Temptation Trials

Will you be Tempted? Will Love save your Soul?

One nation under his reign.
Cardinal sins of man caused humanity to pay the price. Cali Nasser grew up in a world succeeding World War III. The aftermath forced the world dictatorship that she must now live in. A new Regime arose from the ashes. They demanded obedience and cooperation from every citizen, even in matters of the heart.

One domain ... One accord … One nation. In Cali’s eyes, the moral code revolves around a twisted plot for control.
It used to sicken Cali how people would allow the Regime to test their love through the Temptation Trials. That is, until she met Kincade. Cali’s entire point of view changes when she falls for him. She struggles with herself, debating if she should challenge the government’s law of arranged marriage.

Cali’s childhood friend, Stefani, always kept a positive perspective about their lives until she was threatened with the same dilemma, at odds over the man she loves.

Now Cali and Stefani face a desperate choice—submit to the Regime’s will, or fight for what they value most—love. Although lust, mistaken for love, could lead to damnation. Do they give up on love or sign up for the Temptation Trials, a reality TV show where every temptation is laid before them?
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Can love save their souls?

Rated Mature 18 +
Adult, Dystopian Romance with sensuality, sexual content, and love triangles. (Goodreads)

Review:

The best part of dystopian stories is the slight sense of reality in the storyline. And with as crazy as the world seems these days, it's almost like watching the aftermath of a car accident; ya know you shouldn't, but you can't help but slow down and stare as you drive by. The storyline for this book is great. A pair of new adult girls hook up with a pair of hot new adult rebels and join together to fight the good fight. The author uses a dual POV and does a good job distinguishing between the two main characters. 

Where this story lacked and why I'm rating it a three has to do with the overall execution and presentation. There were several holes in the plot line. For example, in one scene one of the couples comes under some heavy shooting. In the previous scene, they were handcuffed together. They discuss running away at separate times but don't mention getting out of the handcuffs until several scenes later. Some of the dialog and word choices felt a little off for young adults. There was also a lot of repetitive info dumps. 

I think the author has done a great job creating a whole story. It has strong merit and deserves a chance to shine. With a little editing, this book could easily be a five-star.

Review: Demon Hunting With the Sexy Ex

Demon Hunting With a Sexy Ex
Demon Hunting Book 5
Publication Date September 19, 2017 by Lyrical Press
Reviewed by Janet
5 Demonic Horns!

Synopsis:

Cassandra Ferguson McKenna, aka the Witch of Devil River, has only one thing to say to her demon-hunting ex: We are never ever getting back together. Sure, Duncan Dalvhani may be the hottest thing this side of the Mason-Dixon line. He’s got a body to die for—which is hard to ignore when he skinny dips in her river every day—and swears he loves her. But as a demon hunter, Duncan is the sworn enemy of a demonoid sorceress like Cassandra. Give him another chance to break her heart? Witch, please. But when Cassandra is attacked by a werewolf, Duncan not only comes to her rescue, he helps her take on a band of magic-drunk moonshiners, fire-breathing demons, shifty shapeshifters, and a pet Sasquatch named Sugar. Welcome to Alabama. But when a portal opens up for even more hellaciousness, Cassandra has to admit that Duncan is slowly opening her heart—to a whole new world of unearthly delights... (Goodreads)

Review:

Usually with the first book in a series, it's too hard to follow along without feeling lost in a brand new world. Not with this book! Even though this is the fifth book in the series, and my first time picking up a book within it, I was able to enjoy it just as much as I would a stand-alone.

Lexis George did an excellent job at creating a story that was not only well written , but also really fun to read. The characters were well developed with very interesting personalities. 

For readers who haven't picked up any of the other books in this series, I say give it a try!

Review: The Censors Hand

The Censor's Hand by A. M. Steiner

Thrice-Crossed Swords Trilogy Book 1

Published May 18th 2017 by Ptolemy Publishing UK

Reviewed by Rose

4 Magical Stars

Synopsis:

“We do not dabble with magic; we capture it, structure it and sell it.”

So claim the powerful masters of the Honourable Company of Cunning. Operating from the forbidding island of the Convergence, their arcane works have reshaped society. Now a censor, a guardian of justice, has been murdered in their midst and a terrifying conspiracy will be revealed.

Miranda, one of the hundred adopted daughters of the Dowager Duchess, wants nothing more than to become a master of the cunning arts. Only a fool would doubt her genius, but never before has a woman been permitted to wield such power.

Jonathan faces ruin. The sails of his mill haven’t turned since the Company diverted the winds of Bromwich to their advantage. He’s always been a devout and law-abiding man. How far will he go to protect his family from destitution and the gangsters at his doorstep? (Goodreads)

If Daniel, his brother, passes the tests to become a censor, maybe he could protect them. He might even get the chance to make amends for what happened to their sister. But in the real world, justice is elusive, and the damage of the past can rarely be undone. 

Review:

This is the first book in the Thrice Crosses Swords trilogy, and the first I have read from this author. The beginning is well laid out and really hooks you in. The story follows three main characters journey. 

The flow is smooth and well developed world building leading up to more to come. A solid fantasy for the adult reader. 

Review: Of Fame and Fate

of Flame and Fate by Cecy Robson

Weird Girls Book 8, Flame Book 2

Publication Date September 26, 2017

Reviewed by Terri

5 FLAMING STARS!

Synopsis:

Taran Wird, who commands the power to wield fire and lightning, is an oddity in the supernatural world. But neither Taran nor her unique sisters compare to the bizarre entity known as Destiny. And Taran is assigned to protect her.

Born of two witches, Destiny is revered among the supernatural elite for her acute ability to predict the future. Her biggest prophecy involves Taran’s sister, Celia, whom Destiny decreed will bear children strong enough to take on the evil that’s rising. Yet Destiny is not alone in her predictions, or individuality.

When Johnny Fate, a rock star among humans and a male version of Destiny is discovered, his powers and Destiny’s clash, triggering the start of Destiny’s demise and altering the fate of Celia’s unborn children.

Taran, her werewolf lover Gemini, and their allies must determine if it’s Fate who will decide what will become of Celia’s children, or if their lives and the world will perish with Destiny. (Goodreads)

Review: 

I read Cecy Robson's first book in this series a couple of years ago. I read the next two as fast as I could. Then every time the next book released, I ordered it and read it within a day. There was a lag between a couple, and I found a few other series, and I lost track of this series. When I came across the chance to review this book, I realized there were two books I had not read. So I quickly read those two, so I could catch up in this series. I think this book CAN be read as a stand alone, but it is a lot better if you read the whole series or at least the two books right before this. 

The women in this series are as kick-ass as any I've read. The spotlight is on Taran in this book. She struggles with accepting that unconditional love is not only possible, but she is worthy of it.  The passion she feels for Gemini is strong, and it will help her through anything if she remembers to trust and rely on it. Robson has created such life-like characters I feel a strong connection and would totally take them all out for a beer if I could.

The fast-paced action pushed me to read "just one more chapter" until I finished it. The world building is so solid; it was easy to SEE this book as if I was watching a movie.

Review: Wicked Edge

Wicked Edge by Rebecca Zanetti (ARC Review)

Realm Enforcers Book 2

Published November 10, 2015 by Lyrical Press

5 BLOODY FANGS!!

"Sometimes its your weaknesses that make you so much stronger than your enemies."

Synopsis -

“Zanetti gives paranormal a sexy MC twist!”—New York Times bestselling author Joanna Wylde

 

If you love the Dark Protectors, these wicked hot Realm Enforcers are for you!

Daire Dunne is more than ready to take a quick break from his duties as a Coven Nine Enforcer. When he spots a sexy blonde across a Titan’s of Fire party, it’s not long before she’s on the back of his Harley on the fast track to his apartment. Unfortunately, one overheated kiss in, the woman drugs Daire and steals valuable files that can’t fall into enemy hands. The second he comes to, the hunt is on...

Now that Cee Cee has the information to take down an enemy that destroyed her family, she can implement her perfect plan for revenge. Nothing will stop her, not even a shockingly sexy enforcer barging into her life. Not even the spectacular, fire-branding sex engulfing them. But if Daire ever figures out who her family really is, all bets are off...

Praise for Wicked Ride

“Non-stop action and a hero to die for!”—Alexandra Ivy

“Fast-paced romance . . . very compelling. Highly recommended.”—Library Journal (Goodreads)

Review -

First of all, let's try to clear up some of the rumors I've been hearing right now. Wicked Edge and the Realm Enforcer's Series as a whole, is NOT an MC contemporary novel. Far from it. It is a continuation of the incredible, delectable Dark Protector's series, with the focus being in the human world. The MC aspect only has to do with the Dunne brothers' ongoing investigation on the deadly drug taking out witches, Apollo. Don't get me wrong, Zanetti has used what little MC activity within these books to its full capacity making for some very adrenaline pumping fight scenes. And the rival MC? A group of Grizzly Bear shifters, so in no way shape or form are these contemporary novels.

That being said, I'm loving it. The guest appearances, the tie ins, the relationships/matings that are continuously bonding the families that fans already know and love are fangtastic, without being overwhelmingly so. The Realm Enforcers is a strong enough series to develop a fan base on its own while more than enough to keep Dark Protector fans from going into withdrawals. 

Daire Dunne is more than sure that fate has planned for him to find a mate that will be obedient, docile and completely organized. He finds out just how far from the truth that is after he ends up being drugged by the "enhanced human" he brings home with him for a night of fun in the sack. What he gets is far more complications in his life than he ever thought possible, along with a possible lead on the witch helping with the making of Apollo. If he can survive the woman fate has brought kicking and screaming into his life, he may be a few steps closer to closing his case.

Cee Cee has plenty more secrets than just what her name is and her true species, and she's very good at keeping them. She has been plotting for almost thirty years revenge against the demon who killed her mate, and the time has come to put all of those crazy plans to action. As strategically as she has everything planned there should be no complications, except for the deadly enforcer she pissed by drugging once, or twice. Not that she's really keeping count or anything. Cee Cee has had her life decided for her since birth due to not having the same powers as her brethren, but now her time has come to show everyone how strong she truly is. But will she survive to enjoy the outcome?

Fast-paced, action packed edge of your seat plots and characters readers can't help but love. This is a Paranormal novel to be loved regardless of gender. A true must read, right along with the rest of the series.