Review // Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh

December 31, 2021

Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh

He'd kill for her, destroy for her, savage anyone who dared attempt to take her from him.
And he would never let her go...even if she begged for her freedom.

────── ♔ ──────


Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh

Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh


Guild Hunter #2
Release - February 2, 2010
Genre - Paranormal Romance / angels, vamps, hunters
Dual POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 3 out of 5 / several scenes
Format/Source - ebook from the library / I own the paperback
Length - 352 pages
Publisher - Berkley

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux wakes from a year-long coma to find herself changed—an angel with wings the colors of midnight and dawn—but her fragile body needs time to heal before she can take flight. Her lover, the stunningly dangerous archangel Raphael, is used to being in control—even when it comes to the woman he considers his own. But Elena has never done well with authority…

They’ve barely begun to understand each other when Raphael receives an invitation to a ball from the archangel Lijuan. To refuse would be a sign of fatal weakness, so Raphael must ready Elena for the flight to Beijing—and to the nightmare that awaits them there. Ancient and without conscience, Lijuan holds a power that lies with the dead. And she has organized the most perfect and most vicious of welcomes for Elena…

Find Archangel's Kiss here:

Goodreads * Amazon


My Two Cents

4 "I'm definitely warming up" stars

In the last book, Angels' Blood (see my review here), I found the story to be vague and a bit lackluster. I figured it was probably because this author and her books were new to me. This book gave me exactly what I thought was missing in the first one... THE ROMANCE!!

I also found this one a bit creepier than expected. There are zombies and yet they don't look like the walking dead. If it weren't for Raphael's super senses and Elena's keen nose, they could pass as vamps. It was heartbreaking and scary. And it was awesome!

The politics between the archangels was still just as entertaining and for some reason, I couldn't get enough of Lijuan. I wonder what role she'll play in the stories to come.

I'm still kind of reserving judgment because while I definitely liked this story, I'm still not in love, but if the author builds on everything I've read here, I can only see a better reaction on my part.

And I'm off to read Archangel's Consort because not only can I not get enough of this author's writing, but... Raphael!!

Excerpt


About the Author

Author Nalini Singh

On Me

I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I spent three years living and working in Japan, where I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page.

I’ve worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher, but not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency, but I call it grist for the writer’s mill.

On writing

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. All of my stories held a thread of romance, even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes. Creating unique characters and giving them happy endings is my favorite thing. I even love the voices in my head, so there’s no other job I’d rather be doing. When I got the call in September 2002 that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.

Visit http://www.nalinisingh.com/ for more information

Review // Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh

December 29, 2021

Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh

He closed his eyes, dropping his forehead against hers. “You’ll be the death of me, Elena.”
She smiled. “You need a little excitement in that boring old life of yours.

────── ♔ ──────


Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh

Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh


Guild Hunter #1
Release - March 3, 2009
Genre - Paranormal Romance / angels, vampires, hunters
Multiple POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 3 out of 5 / one real scene
Format/Source - ebook from the library / I own the paperback
Length - 368 pages
Publisher - Berkley

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux knows she’s the best—but she doesn’t know if she’s good enough for this job. Hired by the dangerously beautiful Archangel Raphael, a being so lethal that no mortal wants his attention, only one thing is clear—failure is not an option…even if the task is impossible.

Because this time, it’s not a wayward vamp she has to track. It’s an archangel gone bad.

The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other…and pull her to the razor’s edge of passion. Even if the hunt doesn’t destroy her, succumbing to Raphael’s seductive touch just may. For when archangels play, mortals break…

Find Angels' Blood here:

Goodreads * Amazon


My Two Cents

3.5 "I'm reserving judgment" stars

All of my favorite PNR readers have recommended this author to me for years! And me, being the me that I am, took one thousand years and a day to actually give her a go. Maybe I'm an angel and time has no relevance to me. LMAO wouldn't that be awesome?!

So what did I get?
😇 a sexy archangel. Seriously, Raphael had it all. Cool, calculating, sexy, lethal, powerful, sexy, gorgeous, intelligent, ancient, sexy... You get what I'm saying
😇 a hunter who appeared to be able to handle just about anything thrown at her. And while I could take her or leave her, I did admire the guts that Elena seemed to have
😇 tons of beautiful vamps and angels. Dimitri... he could get it. Venom... I could probably look past those snake eyes and give it to him. And Bluebell... Mannnnnnn... Ilium could definitely get it!!
😇 a juicy plot that had me turning the pages as fast as I could to find out what the heck was going to happen next. This whole bloodborn business... the elusive mystery that surrounds these ancient archangels... I'm intrigued!

Yeah, I could love or hate Elena. I don't feel anything for her right now but bouts of annoyance, frustration, awe, and a bit of envy. I'm not a big believer in the romance that blossomed out of virtually nowhere, but that's probably because the chemistry between Raphael and Elena (or lack of) left me confused. Everything between them, apart from their mission, was so vague (at least to me) that I couldn't tell where they stood as far as a 'relationship' goes. So the fact that they end up together was a little surprising.

But that's just me it seems. I'm not really feeling it, but I know there are a couple of books still to read so I'm holding out hope for more and reserving judgment until then.

We'll see.

Excerpt

Elena’s instincts were screaming at her to grab the knife in her boot, do some damage and get the hell out, but she forced herself to stay in place. The truth was, she wouldn’t make it more than two feet before Raphael broke every single bone in her body.

It was exactly what he’d done to a vampire who’d thought to betray him.

That vampire had been found in the centre of Times Square. He’d still been alive. And he’d still been trying to scream—“No! Raphael, no!” But his voice had been a rasp by then, his jaw hanging on by stringlike tendons, his flesh missing in places.

Elena—out of the country on a hunt—had seen the news footage after the event. She knew the vamp had lain there in agony for three hours before being picked up by a pair of angels. Everyone in New York, hell, everyone in the country, had known he was there, but no one had dared help him, not with Raphael’s mark blazing on his forehead. The archangel had wanted the punishment witnessed, wanted to remind people of who and what he was. It had worked. Now the mere mention of his name evoked visceral fear.

But Elena wouldn’t crawl, not for anyone. It was a choice she’d made the night her father had told her to get on her knees and beg, and maybe, maybe, he’d accept her back into the family. Elena hadn’t spoken to her father in a decade.

“You should have a care,” Raphael said into the unnatural silence.

She didn’t collapse in relief—the air continued to hang heavy with the promise of menace. “I don’t like to play games.”

“Learn.” He settled back in his chair. “You will live a very short life if you expect only honesty.”

Sensing the danger had passed—for now—she unclenched her fingers with an effort of will. The force of the blood rushing back into them was painful in its extremity. “I didn’t say I expected honesty. People lie. Vampires lie. Even—” She caught herself.

“Surely you’re not going to practice discretion now?” The amusement was back but it was tempered with an edge that stroked like a razor across her skin.

She looked into that perfect face and knew she’d never met a more deadly being in her life. If she displeased him, Raphael would kill her as easily as she might swat a fly. She’d be smart to remember that, no matter how the knowledge infuriated her. “You said I had to do a test?”

His wings moved slightly at that instant, drawing her attention. They truly were beautiful and she couldn’t help but covet them. To be able to fly…what an amazing gift.

Raphael’s eyes shifted to look at something over her left shoulder. “Less a test than an experiment.”

She didn’t twist around, had no need to. “There’s a vampire behind me.”

“Are you sure?” His expression remained unchanged.

She fought the urge to turn. “Yes.”

He nodded. “Look.”

Wondering which was worse—having her back to an enigmatic and highly unpredictable archangel, or to an unknown vampire—she hesitated. In the end, her curiosity won out. There was a distinctly satisfied expression on Raphael’s face and she wanted to know what had put it there.

Shifting, she turned sideways with her whole body, the position allowing her to keep Raphael in her peripheral vision. Then she looked at the two…creatures who stood behind her. “Jesus.”

“You may go.” Raphael’s voice was a command that awakened absolute terror in the eyes of the one who looked vaguely human. The other scuttled away like the animal it was.

She watched them leave through the glass door and swallowed. “How old was…” She couldn’t call that thing a vampire. Neither had it been human.

“Erik was Made yesterday.”

“I didn’t know they could walk at that age.” It was an attempt to sound professional though she was creeped out to her toes.

“He had a little help.” Raphael’s tone made it clear that that was all the answer she was going to get. “Bernal is…a fraction older.”

She reached for the juice she’d rejected earlier and took a drink, trying to wash away the stink that had seeped into her pores. The older vamps didn’t have that ick factor. They—except for the unusual ones like the doorvamp—simply smelled of vampire, like she smelled human. But the very young ones, they had a certain rotten-cabbage/putrid flesh smell that she always had to scrub three times over to get rid of. It was why she’d begun collecting the body washes and perfumes. After her initial contact with one of the newly Made, she’d thought she’d never get the smell out of her head.

“I didn’t think a hunter would be so disturbed at the sight of the just Made.” Raphael’s face appeared oddly shadowed, until she realized he’d raised his wings slightly.

Wondering if that implied focus or anger, she put down the glass. “I’m not, not really.” True enough now that that first, instinctive flash of disgust had passed. “It’s the smell…like a coating of fur on your tongue. No matter how hard you scrape, you can’t get it off.”

Open interest showed on his face. “The feeling is that intense?”

She shivered and looked around the table for something else to take the edge off. When he pushed a cut grapefruit in her direction, she dug into it with relish. “Uh-huh.” The citrus fruit’s acidic juices dampened the reek a little. At least enough that she could think.

“If I asked you to track Erik, could you?”

She shivered at the memory of those almost-dead/not-quite-alive eyes. No wonder people believed those stories about vampires being the walking dead. “No. I think he’s too young.”

“What about Bernal?”

“He’s on the bottom floor of the building right now.” The barely-Made vampire’s odor was so noxious, it permeated the building. “In the lobby.”

Golden tipped wings spread to shadow the table as Raphael put his hands together in a slow clap. “Well done, Elena. Well, done.”

She looked up from the grapefruit, belatedly aware she’d just proven how good she was when she should’ve flubbed it and gotten out of this, whatever “this” was. Shit. But at least he’d given her some idea of the job. “Do you want me to track a rogue?”

He rose from his chair in a sudden, liquid movement. “Wait a moment.”

She watched, transfixed, as he walked to the edge of the roof. He was a being of such incredible splendor that simply seeing him move made her heart squeeze. It didn’t matter that she knew it was a mirage, that he was as deadly as the filleting knife she carried strapped to her thigh. No one, not even she, could deny that Raphael the Archangel was a man made to be admired. To be worshipped.

That utterly wrong thought snapped her out of her dazed state. Pushing back her chair, she stared hard at his back. Had he been messing with her head? Right then, he turned and she met the agonizing blue of his eyes. For a second, she thought he was answering her question. Then he looked away…and walked off the roof.

She jumped up. Only to sit back down, blush reddening her cheeks, when he winged upward to meet an angel she hadn’t seen until that moment. Michaela. The female equivalent of Raphael, her beauty so intense that Elena could feel the force of it even from this distance. She had the startling realization that she was looking at a mid-air meeting between two archangels.

“Sara’s never going to believe this.” She forgot the stench of young vampire for the moment, her attention hijacked. She’d seen photos of Michaela, but they came nowhere close to the reality of her.

The other archangel had skin the color of the most exquisite, fine milk-chocolate and a shining fall of hair that cascaded to her waist in a wild mass. Her body was quintessentially female, slender and curvy at the same time, her wings a delicate bronze that shimmered against the richness of her skin. Her face… “Wow.” Even from this distance, Michaela’s face was perfection given form. Elena fancied she could see her eyes—a bright, impossible green—but knew she had to be imagining it. They were too far away.

It made little difference. The female archangel had a face that would not only stop traffic, it would cause a few pileups in the process.

Elena frowned. Despite her appreciation for Michaela’s looks, she was having no trouble thinking straight. Which meant the damn arrogant blue-eyed bastard had been fucking with her mind. He wanted her to worship him? They’d see about that.

No one, not even an archangel, was going to turn her into a puppet.

As if he’d heard her, Raphael said something to his fellow archangel and winged back down to the roof. His landing was a lot more showy this time. She was sure he paused to display the pattern on the inside surface of his wings. It was as if a brush dipped in gold had started at the top edge of each wing and then stroked downward, fading to white as it neared the bottom. In spite of her fury, she had to face the truth: If the devil—or an archangel—came to her and offered her wings, she might just sell him her soul.

But the angels didn’t Make other angels. They only made blood-drinking vampires. Where angels came from, no one knew. Elena guessed they were born to angelic parents…though, come to think of it, she’d never actually seen a baby angel.

Her thoughts derailed again as she watched the fluid grace of Raphael’s walk, so seductive…so perfect.

Standing up, she sent her chair crashing to the tiles. “Get. Out. Of. My. Head!”

Raphael came to a standstill. “Do you intend to use that knife?” His words were ice. She felt blood scent the air and realized it was her own.

Looking down, she found her hand clenching on the blade of the knife she’d drawn instinctively from the sheath at her ankle. She’d never have made such a mistake. He was forcing her to hurt herself, showing her she was nothing but a toy for him to play with. Instead of fighting, she squeezed harder. “If you want me to do a job for you, fine. But I won’t be manipulated.”

His eyes flicked over the blood seeping from her fist. He didn’t have to say anything.

“You might be able to control me,” she said, in response to the silent mockery on his face, “but if that would’ve gotten the job done, you’d have never gone through the farce of hiring me. You need me, Elena Deveraux, not one of your little vampire flunkies.”

Her hand unclenched in a violent spasm as he made her release the blade. It fell to the ground with a thud cushioned to softness by the blood that had pooled below. She didn’t move, didn’t attempt to stem the flow.

And when Raphael walked to stand less than a foot from her, she stood her ground.

“So, you think you have me over a barrel?” The sky was a seamless blue but Elena felt storm winds whip her hair completely out of its coil.

“No.” She let his scent—clean, bright, of the sea—settle over the lingering coat of vampire on her tongue. “I’m ready to walk away without a backward look, return the deposit you paid the Guild.”

“That,” he said, picking up a napkin and wrapping it around her hand, “is not an option.”

Startled by the unexpected act, she closed her hand to help slow the bleeding. “Why not?”

“I want you to do this,” he responded, as if that was reason enough. And for an archangel, it was.

“What’s the job? Retrieval?”

“Yes.”

Relief began to wash through her like the rain she could feel so close. But no, it was his scent, that fresh bite of water. “All I need to start with, is something the vampire wore recently. If you have a general location, even better. If not, I’ll get the Guild’s computer geniuses on tracking public transport and bank records etcetera, while I hunt on the ground.” Her mind was already at work, considering and discarding options.

“You mistake me, Elena. It’s not a vampire I want you to find.”

That halted her in her tracks. “You’re looking for a human? Well, I can do it but I really don’t have any advantage over a good private investigator.”

“Try again.”

Not vampire. Not human. That left…“An angel?” she whispered. “No.”

“No,” he agreed and, once again, she felt the cool brush of relief. It lasted until he said, “An archangel.”

Elena stared at him. “You’re joking.”

His cheekbones stood out starkly against the sun-kissed smoothness of his skin. “No. The Cadre of Ten does not joke.”

Her stomach curdled at the reference to the Cadre—if Raphael was any example of their lethal power, she never wanted to meet that august body. “Why are you tracking an archangel?”

“That, you do not need to know.” His tone was final. “What you do need to know is that if you succeed in finding him, you’ll be rewarded with more money than you can hope to spend in your lifetime.”

Elena glanced at the bloodstained napkin. “And if I fail?”

“Don’t fail, Elena.” His eyes were mild but his smile, it spoke of things better not said aloud. “You intrigue me—I’d hate to have to punish you.”

Her mind flashed to that image of the vampire in Times Square, that broken mess that had once been a person…Raphael’s definition of punishment.

About the Author

Author Nalini Singh

On Me


I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I spent three years living and working in Japan, where I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page.

I’ve worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher, but not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency, but I call it grist for the writer’s mill.

On writing

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. All of my stories held a thread of romance, even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes. Creating unique characters and giving them happy endings is my favorite thing. I even love the voices in my head, so there’s no other job I’d rather be doing. When I got the call in September 2002 that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.

Visit http://www.nalinisingh.com/ for more information

Review // Wish of Dragons by Aja James

December 28, 2021

Wish of Dragons by Aja James

He wanted that one.
Kai had never entertained such a thought across all his substantial existence.
It was extremely specific, startling, stubborn, and incontrovertible.
Undeniable.
Mine.

────── ♔ ──────


Wish of Dragons by Aja James

Wish of Dragons by Aja James


Dragon Tails #3
Release - TBA
Genre - Paranormal Romance / fated mates / Valkyries and dragons
Multiple POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 5 out of 5 / plenty of action
Format/Source - eARC provided by the author
Length - 240?
Publisher - Indie

Every lore of every clan, across time and space, dreamed of dragons. Did you ever wonder why?

Erebu and Sorin fought through countless lifetimes of trials and tribulations to find one another again. They even conquered death.

But Ere’s rebirth requires a price: he must answer the Celestial Summons when it comes and faithfully complete each task the Jade Emperor sets before him.

On the bright side, he doesn’t have to perform miracles alone. Sorin will be right there with him. One the not so bright side, his Fate, the Fate of all dragon Kind, and by extension, the Universal Balance, depend on the successful execution of each quest.

No pressure.

His third task is find and retrieve the Wish of Wonders.

Find Wish of Dragons here:

Goodreads


My Two Cents

5 "I am forever changed" stars!!

After meeting and experiencing Kai, I'll never be the same.

This book's mission took our heroes to the edge of worlds. There were vikings, trolls, giants and sprinklings of the mighty Odin and the whimsical Freya. It was fantastical, mythical, and almost ethereal magic.

And for all the wonder that was mixed into this story, I can't help but be completely in awe of all the greatness that was put into Kai.

There's just something too sweet to resist about a taciturn, brooding, broken, monster of a man (see Sorin). And Kai... He had the enchanting one-word and grunt seduction of Natalie down to a science. Yup, here I am, enamored by a man who barely spoke a word!

While I would never dream of sharing a man (and would definitely cut a b!tch if she thought we could), I'm fine with sharing Kai with Eir. She was not a sweet heroine looking for a daring rescue. She was a Valkyrie, a caller of death, and if rescuing was going to be done, she'd be a part of it. She went from cold to scorching over Kai and I absolutely loved how she finally found her heart through him.

...her warrior was different. First, because he was not average in any sense of the word. He was a hero among heroes, a god among men. Second, he was hers.

Okay, so back to Kai. My heart kept breaking for this man. Born to fight gods, he was a brother to Ere, but after the war was won, when Ere was reborn as a Pure One, Kai was kept prisoner. He was a weapon and nothing more. He had no real freedom and couldn't form real relationships. I loved how he and Ere and Sorin reconnected here. It was not only hilarious (thanks again, Ere), it was sweet and well deserved.

I'm saying it again... This author is a marvel at creating eerily beautiful worlds and stunningly beautiful characters.

They came together in a fury of mouths, tongues, teeth and limbs. Grabbing, clawing, sucking, biting. They hungered for each other, so they feasted. They thirsted for each other, so they drank their fill. They ached and longed and craved, so they inhaled, consumed and tore into each other with the wildness and abandon of animals in heat. But also with the intensity and passion of long-lost soulmates, coming back together as one.

And while I could expound on my great love for Kai, I don't want to encourage any of you to try to steal him from me. So just know that he is the epitome of the best you can find in a hero, love him from afar, and love this story whenever you read it. Because you really need to read it!

Wish of Dragons by Aja James

About the Author

Aja James just completed the Pure/ Dark Ones paranormal-fantasy romance series in 2020. If you want your heart battered, bruised, shattered and skewered, then put back together in the most glorious ways, check out the series below. Every couple gets an HEA, but they fight like hell for it on the way.

Aja is now working on her new series, Dragon Tails, because dragons are her favorite shifters of all!

Visit https://aja-james.blog/ for more information!

Review // Song of Dragons by Aja James

December 21, 2021

Song of Dragons by Aja James

She'd never seen anything as majestic, magnetic, and erotic as Andros the centaur.

────── ♔ ──────


Song of Dragons by Aja James

Song of Dragons by Aja James


Dragon Tails #2
Release - December 24, 2021
Genre - Paranormal Romance / fated mates/ mythology / lgbt rep
Multiple POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 5 out of 5 / so many exquisite scenes
Format/Source - eARC provided by NetGalley
Length - at least 200 pages
Publisher - Indie

Every lore of every clan, across time and space, dreamed of dragons. Did you ever wonder why?

Erebu and Sorin fought through countless lifetimes of trials and tribulations to find one another again. They even conquered death.

But Ere’s rebirth requires a price: he must answer the Celestial Summons when it comes and faithfully complete each task the Jade Emperor sets before him.

On the bright side, he doesn’t have to perform miracles alone. Sorin will be right there with him. One the not so bright side, his Fate, the Fate of all dragon Kind, and by extension, the Universal Balance, depend on the successful execution of each quest.

No pressure.

His second task is find and retrieve the Song of Destiny.

Location: Unknown. Time travel will be required.
Clues: Too few. But there may be a few harpies, a centaur, a giant Chinese Tibetan Mastiff and other mythical monsters along the way.
Accompaniments: His beloved Sorin (who is all he needs!) A spoiled, vain, high maintenance she-dragon (who he doesn't need). But whose enchantment spells have their uses from time to time.
Timing: ASAP. Determined by an arbitrary Sandglass in the Jade Emperor’s possession.

The end of the world may be just around the corner. Along the way, enemies may become lovers, reluctant friendships may form, and lots of hot, desperate, this-may-be-the-last-time-we-have-sex sex will definitely be had.

And who knows, you too may fall under the enchantment of…

SONG OF DRAGONS.

You can find Song of Dragons here:

Goodreads * Amazon


My Two Cents

5 "I'm gonna suffer some major withdrawal" stars

I honestly don't know where to begin.

I've been telling everyone since the beginning that this writer is a genius. From the characters, the plot, the intermingling of worlds, the mythology, the history, the intricate details that make the big picture... I CANNOT GET ENOUGH!!

It all happens in ancient Greece, during a time when myth and legend were real and fundamental. I had so much fun with the rich world the author created and found myself desperate not to finish this story.

First of all, there's more Ere and Sorin. Anyone who is anyone has gotta love these guys. Ere is always a guaranteed hoot, no exception. And Sorin, with his stoicism and silent support, is always perfection. Together, these men make my day each and every time!

Then we get the task, which is hilarious when I know I should be taking things seriously. From the vagueness of the mission to the elusive hourglass, I'm over here giggling my tail off.

At first, I didn't think I'd like Divina, which would suck because she'd be the first heroine I couldn't stand. She came off very superficial and flighty and it was an ordeal to try to take her seriously. However, I quickly learned there was so much more brewing beneath her surface. As a celestial dragon, she never really had to feel or suffer or long for anything. Then she meets Andros and her whole world, shoot everything she believed in, came crashing down. And who could really blame her? Andros was everything!!!!!

“I do want you. You must know that I do. I can’t stop touching you when you’re near. I can’t look away. I can barely think. I’ve never wanted anything or anyone as much as I want you. And that just…” She trailed off and gulped a breath before continuing in a whisper, “It scares me. I don’t know how to handle it.”

Speaking of Andros... this male had so much going for him. Gorgeous looks, long beautiful hair, luminous purple eyes... and HE WAS A FREAKING CENTAUR!! I wasn't sure how these two were gonna get busy, but the author solved that dilemma right quick and it was so effing hot. I mean 'oh lawd my virgin eyes' kinda hot. Yes, these two had me feeling like a born-again blushing virgin for all that they had going on and I loved it!! What won me over from the start though was his heart. He was such a kind, thoughtful, sweet soul who only wanted someone to call his own. For someone to know him. To love him as he would love them. He only wanted Divina.

“I am not afraid to hurt for you,”he repeated low, his manhood throbbing against her swollen, needy core in time with her own heartbeat and pulse. “I know you do not accept me fully. I know you are not mine the way I am yours. I will never ask you to give something you cannot. I only want you to be brave enough to hurt for me too.”
Her breath froze on a wet hitch as she stared into his clear, violet eyes. Suddenly, he smiled. An aching, sensual smile that made her heart skip a couple of beats, then ratchet back up in a thundering gallop. “Be brave when you claim me, my woman. I promise you I am worth it.”

Seriously, if you can't tell by all of my exclamation points, take my silly advice and start reading these books. If you love paranormal romance, mythology, the best heroes in the game, their equally to-die-for heroines, and stories that will keep you guessing, shrieking, sighing, fanning yourself, and definitely paying attention... GET TO READING!!

She’d never have enough. They moved together in a primal dance older than time. Bodies slicked with sweat. Scents fused; breaths combined. When she came at last, pulling him into the vortex with her, it was a soft, trembling, full-bodied surrender. Filled with quiet sighs and deep exhales. Worshipful. Reverent. And finally, a dragon who had been loved by many, but who never fell herself, understood what it was to give all of her being to another. Mind, body, heart and soul.

Song of Dragons by Aja James

Excerpt

“I don’t think he’s the kind of male who can just have sex and walk away,”she said softly in that small, guilty voice.
“I think he wants more. I don’t think I can give him what he wants.”
“Why not?”
“You don’t even know me or you wouldn’t ask!”
“That’s why I’m asking.”“I’m just…I’m just not the type of woman who commits to one man!”
“No need to shout at me.”
“I’m not!”
“My bleeding, tender eardrums beg to differ. You’re speaking with exclamation marks.”
Divina took a steadying, fortifying breath, her mouth flattening into a thin line.
She looked pissed. Ere approved of this look more than the blotchy, red-faced blubbering.
“You’re not very nice,”she noticed.
“Neither are you.”
At this, she stumbled and gaped at him.
“I’m the nicest person in the world! Everyone loves me! I make people happy! I love my babies—
”Ere snorted.
“You didn’t make the centaur stud happy.”
That made her retreat into stuttering.
“I-I-”
“And maybe you bestow all that gushy goodness and effusive affection on all your creatures and everyone around you because you’re addicted to the affection and attention you get in return.”
“W-What—”
“There’s a word for it. It’s called narcissism. Or, wait, maybe it’s HPD. Histrionic Personality Disorder.”

About the Author

Aja James just completed the Pure/ Dark Ones paranormal-fantasy romance series in 2020. If you want your heart battered, bruised, shattered and skewered, then put back together in the most glorious ways, check out the series below. Every couple gets an HEA, but they fight like hell for it on the way.

Aja is now working on her new series, Dragon Tails, because dragons are her favorite shifters of all!

Visit https://aja-james.blog/ for more information!

Review // Dream of Dragons by Aja James

December 15, 2021

Dream of Dragons by Aja James

He was her treasure.
She'd lay claim to him every chance she got.
If she could tattoo the words "property of Rui" on his forehead, she would.

────── ♔ ──────


Dream of Dragons by Aja James

Dream of Dragons by Aja James


Dragon Tails #1
Release - September 3, 2021
Genre - Paranormal Romance / mythology / MM romance
Multiple POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 4 out of 5 / several scenes
Format/Source - ebook borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Length - 322 pages
Publisher - Indie

Every lore of every clan, across time and space, dreamed of dragons. Did you ever wonder why?

Erebu and Sorin fought through countless lifetimes of trials and tribulations to find one another again. They even conquered death.

But Ere’s rebirth requires a price: he must answer the Celestial Summons when it comes and faithfully complete each task the Jade Emperor sets before him.

On the bright side, he doesn’t have to perform miracles alone. Sorin will be right there with him. One the not so bright side, his Fate, the Fate of all dragon Kind, and by extension, the Universal Balance, depend on the successful execution of each quest.

No pressure.

His first task is find and retrieve the Jewel of Dreams.

Location: Unknown. Time travel will be required.
Clues: Too few. But there may be a dragon-slayer, a king, a wizard, and a few mythical monsters along the way.
Accompaniments: His beloved Sorin (who is all he needs!) A humorless, anti-social female dragon (who he doesn’t need). Though her kickass fighting skills do come in handy in a pinch.
Timing: ASAP. Determined by an arbitrary Sandglass in the Jade Emperor’s possession.

The end of the world may be just around the corner. Along the way, enemies may become lovers, reluctant friendships may form, and lots of hot, desperate, this-may-be-the-last-time-we-have-sex sex will definitely be had.

And who knows, you may never want to wake up from this…

Find your copy of Dream of Dragons here:

Goodreads * Amazon


Dream of Dragons by Aja James

My Two Cents

5 "Are you even surprised?" stars

I don't know how it's done, but I am completely in awe of everything Aja James created here.

I thought I was prepared. After the wondrous and life-changing experience of reading the Pure/Dark Ones series, I thought I knew what I was getting into.

I was wrong!

Getting to be with my beloved Erebu, my sweetest taboo, was just icing on the deliciousness that was this story. He and Sorin will always have my attention!

If you love retellings as much as I do, you're going to love this story. Actually, even if you don't care for them, you'll love this story. We're taken on a journey to Camelot to meet those who were believed to be mythical creations. There's King Arthur, Lancelot, Modred, Gawain, Morgan, and even Queen Guinevere. But nothing is as it seems and the way the author wove this tale... seeing is believing.

I am truly in love with the way this author blends mythology with legend and present truths and pop culture. She takes readers on a path that is both cerebral and emotional. And seriously, how can my emotions not be all over the place with everything she gifts us?

Meeting the celestial dragon, Rui, and watching her come to life and find her greatest treasure, Wolfe, was another uniquely beautiful experience like all the others I've been given by James. Each love story feels like the best wrapped present and seeing Rui find her humanity, witnessing her embrace everything that comes out of love, was extremely satisfying.

... as if her eyes had a mind of their own, they practically stretched out of their sockets to turn her head so she could sneak another glance at the warrior male.
Bright, citrine eyes met hers directly.
Shit.

Once again, I highlighted probably more than half the book, but sharing those would reveal way too many spoilers. I will say that I always wanted to know more about Tristan and I finally got to!! His back story was such a surprise and I was so happy to get those original glimpses of him. I still want to know how Ayelet came into the picture for him, how they realized they were fated mates, etc... But I'm just so happy with what I got that I'm willing to let those unanswered questions go... for now.

About the Author

Aja James just completed the Pure/ Dark Ones paranormal-fantasy romance series in 2020. If you want your heart battered, bruised, shattered and skewered, then put back together in the most glorious ways, check out the series below. Every couple gets an HEA, but they fight like hell for it on the way.

Aja is now working on her new series, Dragon Tails, because dragons are her favorite shifters of all!

Visit https://aja-james.blog/ for more information!

Review // Trouble by Ari Reavis

December 14, 2021

Trouble by Ari Reavis

Isn't that all I ever wanted?
To be seen as something more,
someone more,
just... more.

────── ♔ ──────


Trouble by Ari Reavis

Trouble by Ari Reavis


Standalone - Unwavering Love #3
Release - December 6, 2021
Genre - Contemporary Romance / bad boy meets good girl
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat Level - 4 out of 5 / several scenes
Format/Source - eARC provided by the author
Length - 215 pages
Publisher - Indie

Trouble.

People don’t understand how much power a name holds. Justin has been known as Trouble for as far back as he can remember. He’s never seen any other choice than to live up to his name so he can be able to take care of his younger brother. But then…he meets her, and his name begins to feel like a burden he no longer wants to bear.

The moment a handsome stranger walks into Lena’s office, she wants to know what story lays beneath his many tattoos and sexy grin. Putting a hard past behind her, she’s starting her future, but now she can’t help but wonder how Justin might fit into it. She couldn’t have imagined just how much he would change her life, how much he would change everything.

She only knows him as Justin. How long can Trouble stay hidden? When their worlds collide and the secrets between them are exposed, can they survive them?

Find your copy of Trouble here:

Goodreads * Amazon


My Two Cents

5 "Always love a bad boy" stars

"Trouble" was anything but.

Justin knew what it was to struggle and survive. Abandoned by those who were supposed to care the most, he took on the responsibility of raising his little brother. However, with no education and no marketable skills, there was only one job he was qualified for in the hood. And thriving? He would leave that for his brother.

Lena knew what it was to struggle and survive. Alone and abandoned, she grew up in the system. Instead of taking the hard road, she was determined to succeed.

So different and yet so compatible. When they meet, they recognize something in the other that was necessary in their lives. Their relationship blossomed organically and beautifully and I was in love with the way they loved each other.

"I will always be here to help you see the best parts of yourself, Justin." - Lena

So beautiful!

My heart hurt for all that Justin had to go through, for all that his brother had to go through, but I loved how they powered through everything. I loved their dynamic and found myself rooting for their success. And can someone find me a Miss Lydia and/or a Miss Lou to come save a chick?

Oh and let's not forget the ending of this book... If I wasn't already going to rate it highly, the lump in my throat at the end as I forced myself not to cry made its five-star-worthiness quite clear. I can't recommend this author enough. She writes such authentic characters and heartwarming stories and everyone who loves romance should be reading her.

About the Author

Ari Reavis is a wife and mother of five. Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, she enjoys staying in, devouring books and watching movies. Her kids are running around, her husband is trying to show her martial arts moves, and she's trying to write. Her day in a nutshell.

Visit https://arireavis.wordpress.com/ for more information

Blog Tour // The Darkest Destiny by Gena Showalter

December 10, 2021


“Gena Showalter never fails to dazzle.”-- Jeaniene Frost, New York Times bestselling author

The Darkest Destiny, an all new steamy paranormal romance from New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter and 1,001 Dark Nights, is available now!



Forsaken. Deathless. A monster in every way. Mostly, Brochan is determined. He craves what fate promised him—the woman who will help him conquer a heavenly kingdom. He will stop at nothing to win her.


Viola, Keeper of the demon of Narcissism, lives for a single purpose—treating herself and her pet to the best life possible. But a crazed warrior is now appearing everywhere she ventures, ruining her fun . . . tempting her beyond reason and keeping her at a razor-edge of desire.


Though legions of males have attempted to win her, all have failed. Somehow, this rampaging beast is tearing down her walls, one by one, claiming he owns her heart and her very destiny. To be with him, however, she must defeat the only force strong enough to destroy her—love.


**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**



Grab your copy today, exclusively on Amazon!



Check out my 5-star review!


Sneak Peek

Is he as torn as I am?


No, he couldn’t be. The rogue had also delivered cleaning supplies and clothing: T-shirts and sweatpants she’d rather die than wear, as well as a French maid costume. The cruel beast obviously taunted her.


She was right the first time. Definitely hate him.


When next she caught sight of him, she would tell him. During every delivery, he had somehow remained hidden, as if he’d known when she slumbered, the coast clear. Even though she didn’t have a set schedule or know when she would succumb to the need for rest. Did he ever ponder their kiss? Or crave more of her?


A fresh tide of anger frothed. He’d gifted her with the best kiss of her life, the truth of his adoration drowning out the demon’s lies. Then he had rejected her. Abandoned her.


He must know what separation from an adoring public did to her. He’d followed her for months. But still, he stayed away? 


That settled it. No more kisses for him!


Tremors shook her as she motored forward. When her knees almost buckled, she whimpered. The weakened demon was feeding, weakening her. The heartless fiend had even begun revealing those long-buried memories, the terrible truth now so clear… 


As she’d smiled and chatted in those recollections, she’d destroyed people with her words. Males and females, mortals and immortals, had withered under her praises. Because her praises were insults!


Scraping noises halted her. Her ears twitched. Did she detect huffing too? 


Someone was here! 


Gasping, she pressed herself against the nearest wall, hiding in a shadowy corner. Though she was brave—the bravest!—she knew there were times to be leery. This was one such time. She had little strength and few weapons at her disposal. 


Had the Forsaken found her? Maybe Brochan had returned for good. Perhaps a stranger had stumbled upon the realm. What if Fluffy had arrived?


Please be Fluffy.


Add The Darkest Destiny to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/37esXBc


About Gena Showalter
Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of a multitude of sub-genres within romance: paranormal, Fantasy, contemporary, and young adult. She’s also written standalone novels, novellas and anthologies, as well as co-authored a nonfiction guide about how to write a book in a year.


Gena lives in Oklahoma with her husband, two adult children who grew up way too fast, and menagerie of dogs and cats who enjoy farting while she works, walking across her keyboard during pivotal scenes and demanding pets at all hours of the day and night. Her novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan’s Red Hot Reads and Seventeen magazine. She’s been interviewed on Nightline and mentioned on Orange is the New Black—the very moment her family decided she might be a real writer after all.


Chances are good she’s hard at work on her next novel. Chances are even better that the book is a twisted tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who (lovingly…sometimes) kneecaps him.


Connect with Gena
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3rsrPFG
Instagram: https://bit.ly/31q4xFy
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3oeq7Wu
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/3G4Givl
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3loGbTq
Stay up to date with Gena by joining her mailing list: https://bit.ly/3G6Ea6i


For More information about 1001 Dark Nights Visit
Facebook: https://bit.ly/37fl0uT
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2Y7uBQp
Website: https://bit.ly/2AIIr3A
Stay up to date on all 1001 Dark Nights releases, join their mailing list today! https://bit.ly/2zgxaHu

Review// The Darkest Destiny by Gena Showalter

December 07, 2021

The Darkest Destiny by Gena Showalter

If she could date herself, she would.
There was a good chance she was her own fated mate!

────── ♔ ──────


The Darkest Destiny by Gena Showalter

The Darkest Destiny by Gena Showalter


Standalone - Lords of the Underworld #15.5
Release - December 7, 2021
Genre - Contemporary Romance / enemies-to-lovers
Dual POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 4 out of 5 / 1.5 scenes
Format/Source - eARC provided by Social Butterfly PR
Length - 204 pages
Publisher - Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated

Forsaken. Deathless. A monster in every way. Mostly, Brochan is determined. He craves what fate promised him—the woman who will help him conquer a heavenly kingdom. He will stop at nothing to win her.

Viola, Keeper of the demon of Narcissism, lives for a single purpose—treating herself and her pet to the best life possible. But a crazed warrior is now appearing everywhere she ventures, ruining her fun…. tempting her beyond reason and keeping her at a razor-edge of desire.

Though legions of males have attempted to win her, all have failed. Somehow, this rampaging beast is tearing down her walls, one by one, claiming he owns her heart and her very destiny. To be with him, however, she must defeat the only force strong enough to destroy her—love.

Grab your copy today, exclusively on Amazon!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IvAwVB
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/DarkDestiny
Add The Darkest Destiny to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/37esXBc

The Darkest Destiny by Gena Showalter

My Two Cents

5 "Why You So Obsessed With Me?" stars

It has been far too long since I've taken a dive into the world of the Lords, and The Darkest Destiny has reminded me of all that I love and miss about this author's writing. This story was bloody brilliant!

Viola was a riot! She was the type of character I happen to love to read about.
🙀 hilariously irreverent
🙀 irritating and kinda ruthless - remember, she's possessed (oppressed) by Narcissus
🙀 vulnerable and vain - good luck making sense of that!
🙀 absolutely, positively gorgeous
🙀 completely irresistible

Forget her stunning beauty and brilliant mind. If possible. She had so many magnificent qualities. So much more to offer. Her sparkling wit and magical laugh delighted all who heard her—and also those who didn't. Intelligent beyond words, she'd even helped her own mother birth her. And Viola had done most of the work! Forget Helen of Troy. Viola had launched two thousand ships with a wink.

And the way she connected with Brochan... the way she truly saw him and all that made him glorious... I'm in love with this couple.

In battle, he was magnificent, full stop. Fierce and unrelenting. Utterly savage. Such strength! He was determined to reach her, whatever the cost. Did he even know how sexy that was?

I happened to love every moment of this story. From Brochan's first glimpse of Viola, to her perceived betrayal, to his mission to kill and protect her, to the moment she beheaded him (don't even ask), to their declarations of all they found worthy in each other... I loved it all!

And now I only want to read more of this series!!

About the Author

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of a multitude of sub-genres within romance: paranormal, Fantasy, contemporary, and young adult. She’s also written standalone novels, novellas and anthologies, as well as co-authored a nonfiction guide about how to write a book in a year.

Gena lives in Oklahoma with her husband, two adult children who grew up way too fast, and menagerie of dogs and cats who enjoy farting while she works, walking across her keyboard during pivotal scenes and demanding pets at all hours of the day and night. Her novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan’s Red Hot Reads and Seventeen magazine. She’s been interviewed on Nightline and mentioned on Orange is the New Black—the very moment her family decided she might be a real writer after all.

Chances are good she’s hard at work on her next novel. Chances are even better that the book is a twisted tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who (lovingly…sometimes) kneecaps him.


Connect with Gena
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3rsrPFG
Instagram: https://bit.ly/31q4xFy
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3oeq7Wu
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/3G4Givl
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3loGbTq
Stay up to date with Gena by joining her mailing list: https://bit.ly/3G6Ea6i

For More information about 1001 Dark Nights Visit
Facebook: https://bit.ly/37fl0uT
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2Y7uBQp
Website: https://bit.ly/2AIIr3A
Stay up to date on all 1001 Dark Nights releases, join their mailing list today! https://bit.ly/2zgxaHu

Review // Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout

December 04, 2021

Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Love is a strange creature one thinks one has a grasp on and understanding of, only to discover later that it was only the barest taste of the real thing.

────── ♔ ──────


Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout


The Dark Elements #2
Release - October 21, 2014
Genre - Young Adult Paranormal / love triangle
Heroine POV - 1st person
Heat Level - 1 out of 5 / heroine blushes at a bare chest
Format/Source - ebook borrowed from the library
Length - 453 pages
Publisher - Harlequin Teen

Every touch has its price

Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.

But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay…

Find your copy of Stone Cold Touch here:

Goodreads * Amazon


My Two Cents

3 "I can see... Can you?" stars

If you read my review of White Hot Kiss, you're probably wondering if I feel the same way.

I do.

I went in thinking to myself that I needed to be more patient. More tolerant.
She's a teenager and teenagers can be ridiculous. Remember you were one once.
The problem is... I grew up.
And I don't mean in years.
I mean, when things happened, I learned from them.
I evolved.
Sadly, Layla did not!

Our heroes won the battle, but not the war in the last book. Stone Cold Touch deals with the repercussions of all that happened before. Although Layla lacked self-awareness, it was easy to see what and who and where and why and everything else. All I had to do was observe and I understood. That doesn't mean the ending didn't still leave me shook, because it did. And again, despite how much I can't stand Layla... I'll be reading the next book.

I know, I know. I'm not making sense.

The author writes in a way that no matter how I feel about one character, there's still so much to enjoy. Like the hotness of Roth. Or the sweetness of Zayne. I believe both men deserve far more than they've gotten. And I'm not enjoying the love triangle that is going on here. One, it lacks real chemistry. Actually, the chemistry is all one-sided. The guys are giving and Layla isn't cutting it. I'm telling you, the endless blushing needs to stop. GROW UP!! And two... Well, these guys would be the perfect friends IMO. The only thing stopping them (aside from being natural born enemies) is Layla and what they believe they feel for her.

I honestly wish this wasn't categorized as any kind of romance. If it was just about a girl who is coming into her own, who happens to have powerful friends who are men, I'd be happier lol. Or maybe not. Maybe I would always find Layla to be terrible.

Okay, I'm off to read the next book. Wish me luck!

About the Author

# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more.

Visit https://jenniferlarmentrout.com for more information