There she was. Light exploded inside of him and he relaxed into it.
Rebel's Karma by Rebecca Zanetti
Standalone - Dark Protectors #13
Release - June 8, 2021
Genre - Paranormal Romance
Multiple POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 3.5 out of 5
Format/Source - eARC provided by the publisher
Length - 320 pages
Publisher - Lyrical Press
There’s no denying destiny . . .
For too long, Benjamin Reese has masked his deadly skills and temper with loyalty and humor. A vampire-demon hybrid, he fiercely protects his family, guards his brothers, and destroys the enemy without mercy. But when he discovers one fragile, beautiful blonde—a woman once mated to a Kurjan, no less—every primal instinct he has buried for centuries roars to life. With the mating mark she roused on his hand entwining their fates, no one will prevent him from keeping her safe and making her his, forever . . .
Or desire . . .
Karma wishes she could remember her last name. Or if she even had one. All she has in this confusing new world is a desperate duty to save the innocent. That means destroying the dark, dangerous, and desirable Benjamin Reese and everything he loves—an impossible task even before his touch arouses a passionate hunger she can’t afford. She’s certain a deadly enemy watches her every move, but it’s not until Benny kisses her that she tastes true danger…
For too long, Benjamin Reese has masked his deadly skills and temper with loyalty and humor. A vampire-demon hybrid, he fiercely protects his family, guards his brothers, and destroys the enemy without mercy. But when he discovers one fragile, beautiful blonde—a woman once mated to a Kurjan, no less—every primal instinct he has buried for centuries roars to life. With the mating mark she roused on his hand entwining their fates, no one will prevent him from keeping her safe and making her his, forever . . .
Or desire . . .
Karma wishes she could remember her last name. Or if she even had one. All she has in this confusing new world is a desperate duty to save the innocent. That means destroying the dark, dangerous, and desirable Benjamin Reese and everything he loves—an impossible task even before his touch arouses a passionate hunger she can’t afford. She’s certain a deadly enemy watches her every move, but it’s not until Benny kisses her that she tastes true danger…
I've been looking forward to Benny's book for what feels like forever. He's the funny one, the crazy one, the one who seems to be the most carefree. Rebel's Karma gave me the many dimensions of this character. I got to see his huge heart, his compassion, his vulnerabilities. If I didn't already love him, I would after reading this story.
I don't want to give anything away, but there were many moving parts to this instalment of the series...
⭐ There was a time when I believed that Hope and Drake were destined for each other. Who wouldn't dream of peace by uniting warring nations? But for the last two books, my dreams of the future have changed. Then again, the author has introduced a twist that changes things. Maybe Hope and her best friend, Paxton, are fated. What are Drake's true motives? What is Paxton up to with his uncle? And why is Hope so blindly believing?
⭐ I know that Sam is Logan's older brother and that he has a big part to play in the Seven ritual, but beyond that I realize I know nothing about him. Please tell me I'll be getting more of his story.
⭐ Although what is going on with Garrett seems minor, I'm sure it will play a big part in the future and my heart already hurts for him. I need to know what the fates have in store for him and when I will be getting his book!
Seriously, when is the next book coming out?
My Note(s)
I can't be the only one who wanted to punch Karma in the chest. I just can't! She gave me so many reasons to be compassionate and understanding towards her, but she bothered me too much to care.
* she made horrible assumptions about anyone who wasn't Kurjan or Cyst. Obviously she was brainwashed or suffering from some form of Stockholm Syndrome, but I can't really get onboard with that. See, she was able to point out the horrors she witnessed and suffered at their hands... the fact that they lied all the time, and yet... she couldn't see beyond her programming. I can't respect that.
* she was deceitful, even after figuring out that the Seven and the Realm were the good guys. Could she not write? I'm just saying, what stopped her from writing a note explaining her situation with her eyes closed? She was just too intent on doing the bidding of the Kurjan despite knowing that they weren't trustworthy.
* I was so over her whole damsel-in-distress who can do bad all by herself routine. She's never been able to fend for herself. Nothing about her would lead anyone, not even herself, to believe that she could accomplish anything much less more than the warriors she was surrounded by. Her words: "I'll do whatever I have to in order to save them. Just stay out of my way." Are you freaking serious???
The smell of the earth, deep and true, centered her as she traversed the hastily created tunnel. It probably said something about Karma that she preferred darkness, muddy walls, and being underground to any other circumstance. Battery-operated lanterns had been dropped haphazardly along the trail, their artificial light dancing across the packed dirt walls, highlighting minerals she couldn’t name as she descended quickly, the swish of her skirt the only sound she made.
She bent her head, trying to stay in the moment and not panic at the job to come. One she was no more prepared for than she had been for mating a Kurjan general nearly two centuries ago. Or was it closer to three?
Taking a deep breath, she turned the corner and faced the cell. The cell that had been dug just the day before, in case it might be needed.
It was.
She swallowed.
The male was sprawled across the ground, so large he could probably spread his arms and reach the cement blocks on one side and the steel bars on the other. If he’d been conscious. Bruises mottled his face and neck, while a wound bled freely beneath his jaw. Blood ran past his ear to pool on the dirt beneath him.
She couldn’t breathe.
It really was him. Despite the bruises, blood, and dirt covering his face, she recognized him from more than three years ago. He’d tried to pull her into a helicopter with him after he’d attacked the Kurjan stronghold where she lived. He was bad, he was the enemy, and yet…he’d saved several kidnapped human females from the Kurjans. The Kurjans were an immortal species more powerful than any other. It had been a miracle that the male before her had succeeded in taking those gifted human females away from the Kurjan nation. He’d almost taken her at the same time, but she’d fought him.
Had he thought he was saving her? Had he hurt those human females? Were they now in worse danger than they’d faced when captives of the Kurjan nation?
She waited patiently, as she’d been taught. The guard would get to her when he had time. The medical supplies in her pack became heavy, so she set them down, stepping closer to the bars to study the male.
Benjamin Horatio Lawrence Reese. He was a vampire-demon hybrid, large even for his kind. At about six-foot-seven, or maybe eight, he was as tall as many Kurjans. The wideness of his torso tapered down at his waist, matched by the length of his legs. His boots had to be a size eighteen, and his hands were big enough to cause colossal damage. Oh, she’d been hit before, but one punch from him and she’d be dead.
He could never learn how much she already knew about him. How she’d been preparing for this day for three years—since he’d tried to take her from another Kurjan holding. Her home. With the Kurjans, since she’d mated one centuries ago and thus had become immortal, even though she’d started out as a human female.
A see-through figure hovered behind the male.
Karma sighed. “Loti? I thought you’d moved on.” She’d helped the Kurjan spirit accept his fate after he’d been killed in a training accident, or so she had thought.
The kid, his hair black yet see through, rolled his eyes like any teenager. “I’m going now. Just wanted to say goodbye.” Then he stiffened. “The guards are coming. Good luck.” He wisped out of sight, and hopefully out of this world to the next one.
The air changed, and Karma stiffened as the guard made his way down the tunnel, his white hair glowing as he came closer. He was a Cyst: one of the elite soldiers and spiritual leaders of the Kurjan nation. A single line of white hair bisected his pale scalp, leading down to a long braid. His eyes were a deep purple tinged with red, and he spared her not a glance as he unlocked the cell and then stepped back.
She took a deep breath and entered, wincing as the coppery smell of blood assaulted her nostrils. Then she dropped to her knees and reached inside the pack for the materials that would clot the bleeding wound. The hybrid must’ve been badly injured in the skirmish if he was still bleeding.
A ghost popped up in the other cell, and she ignored him. He was wavering in and out of her sight and would soon cross over; there wasn’t time to help him.
The second she touched Benjamin’s head, his eyes opened.
He was fully alert in a second, his deep eyes a strange metallic color. “Karma,” he murmured.
She drew back. He remembered her name? Nobody remembered her name.
“Do you need blood?” she whispered, leaning closer, even as the guard locked the cell door and disappeared down the hallway, leaving her alone with the enemy. Right now she was useless to the Kurjans, so if the prisoner killed her, they’d find a plan B.
“No.” Benjamin sat up, looked around, and put his back to the cement brick wall. His impressive body seemed to take up all the space in the cell.
She shook her head, her lips trembling. “You must be badly injured, or you would not have been captured. You need blood.” It would hurt if he bit her, and he’d have to be quick to avoid touching her skin for long.
“I let them take me. I’ve been searching for you for three years.”
God. The Kurjans had been correct. He really had been looking for her. He’d been caught twice and both times had asked about her, so it wasn’t like he was keeping it a secret. “The baby? Rose?” Karma held her breath. When Benjamin’s people had attacked the Kurjan holding, she’d gone with her instincts and forced him to take a toddler who had been kidnapped by the Kurjans—and she’d paid for that decision. “Is Rose well?”
Benjamin nodded. “Rose is fine. She’s at Realm Headquarters with a nice family.”
Relief and fear made an odd combination in Karma’s body. “Realm Headquarters?” The Realm was the enemy of the Kurjans. Its people were evil, or so she’d been taught. She’d always wondered, because lies were everywhere. She held out bandages and antibiotics, although the wound beneath his jaw was already closing as he sent healing cells where they were necessary. “I don’t need those,” he murmured, studying her with an intensity that shot tremors through her abdomen.
“I don’t understand why you would come looking for me,” she said, sitting back and keeping her knees covered with her dress. The Kurjan leaders had noted that this male kept showing up in different attacks, and he took ridiculous risks for a soldier with his experience. They’d been sure he was coming, based their plan on that knowledge, but she hadn’t believed it. Why would this male put himself in danger for her? “You let them take you hostage?”
“Yes.” Benjamin’s voice was low and rough, hinting at demon ancestry.
She rested her hands on the thin material over her knees. “I don’t understand.”
A bone snapped loudly into place somewhere in his body, but he didn’t even flinch. “Let’s start here. I’m Benny Reese.” He held out a hand the size of a frying pan, as if they were meeting at a village game instead of in a cell.
She hesitated and then slid her palm against his. “Karma.”
His hold and shake were gentle, and he released her before the mating allergy could hurt either of them. She’d been mated centuries ago to a Kurjan, and no other male could touch her for long without both of them developing terrible rashes.
“What’s your last name?” he asked. Another bone popped into place.
She jerked at the sound. “I do not have a last name.”
“Oh.” He looked beyond her at the steel bars securing the cell. “I was out for a while. Where are we?”
“In a temporary holding area where you will be kept until you are transported to a more secure location.” She coughed. “For questioning.”
His smile nearly knocked her over. Even the slight tipping of his lips turned his rugged face from dangerously hard to nearly boyish with charm. Amusement glimmered in his eyes for a moment. “Darlin’, I’ve been tortured before. You don’t need to trouble yourself about that.”
She had bigger things to worry about than the life of this massive hybrid. She allowed herself one moment to stare into his unusual eyes. Oh, many immortals had metallic-silver eyes, gold eyes, even copper or purple. But his were a combination of all argent colors, mingling into a hard-edged glint, even with the humor lurking there. In another time, she might’ve thought him beautiful. She’d learned long ago that beauty could mask the darkest of evils.
Vampires were bad, demons were bad, and this male was a hybrid of both. When he decided to kill her—and he would at some point—she wouldn’t stand much chance of surviving. Yet she still couldn’t comprehend why he’d come for her. “Why are you here?”
“For you. To rescue you because I couldn’t last time.” He stretched out his arms and healed a broken finger in his left hand.
His words didn’t make any sense. “Why?” Surely his ego wasn’t such that he’d risked his life just because she’d rejected his help last time. She wasn’t worth that.
He sighed. “I’d hoped to ease you into the truth, but here it is.” He held up his right hand, showing a demon marking with a jagged R in the center. The R was a crest representing his surname: Reese. Demons mated with a branding and a bite—the marking was transferred from the demon to the mate during sex.
Her mouth dropped open, and she hurried to shut it. “You’re mated?” Why did that thought nauseate her? How odd.
“No. The brand appeared when I touched you three years ago.” His chin lowered, and he studied her, towering over her even as he sat. “When you shoved me away and refused to get into that helicopter with me.” He didn’t sound happy.
She snorted and then quickly recovered. “Impossible. I’m already mated.” Well, she had been mated a couple of centuries ago, although her Kurjan mate had died shortly thereafter. Sometimes she forgot what he had looked like, and that was fine with her. “Your brand must have appeared for someone else.”
“No.” Benjamin looked down at the dark marking. “The mark hasn’t faded a bit, and it’s pulsing like a live wire now that you’re near.”
Oh, Lord. Her research on Benjamin suggested he might be insane. Dangerous and unstable? There was no way she could succeed in this mission. “Benjamin—”
“Benny. Might as well get cozy with me now.” His smile held charm and determination that warmed her in an unexpected way.
For the second time in her life, she let her instincts take over. “Just leave. Take an opening and find freedom,” she whispered tersely, her stomach cramping. “Forget about me.”
“Not a chance.” His gaze ran over her face like a physical touch.
Movement sounded down the tunnel, and she stiffened.
Benjamin tensed and set his jaw. “Get ready, darlin’. We’re about to escape this place.”
She bent her head, trying to stay in the moment and not panic at the job to come. One she was no more prepared for than she had been for mating a Kurjan general nearly two centuries ago. Or was it closer to three?
Taking a deep breath, she turned the corner and faced the cell. The cell that had been dug just the day before, in case it might be needed.
It was.
She swallowed.
The male was sprawled across the ground, so large he could probably spread his arms and reach the cement blocks on one side and the steel bars on the other. If he’d been conscious. Bruises mottled his face and neck, while a wound bled freely beneath his jaw. Blood ran past his ear to pool on the dirt beneath him.
She couldn’t breathe.
It really was him. Despite the bruises, blood, and dirt covering his face, she recognized him from more than three years ago. He’d tried to pull her into a helicopter with him after he’d attacked the Kurjan stronghold where she lived. He was bad, he was the enemy, and yet…he’d saved several kidnapped human females from the Kurjans. The Kurjans were an immortal species more powerful than any other. It had been a miracle that the male before her had succeeded in taking those gifted human females away from the Kurjan nation. He’d almost taken her at the same time, but she’d fought him.
Had he thought he was saving her? Had he hurt those human females? Were they now in worse danger than they’d faced when captives of the Kurjan nation?
She waited patiently, as she’d been taught. The guard would get to her when he had time. The medical supplies in her pack became heavy, so she set them down, stepping closer to the bars to study the male.
Benjamin Horatio Lawrence Reese. He was a vampire-demon hybrid, large even for his kind. At about six-foot-seven, or maybe eight, he was as tall as many Kurjans. The wideness of his torso tapered down at his waist, matched by the length of his legs. His boots had to be a size eighteen, and his hands were big enough to cause colossal damage. Oh, she’d been hit before, but one punch from him and she’d be dead.
He could never learn how much she already knew about him. How she’d been preparing for this day for three years—since he’d tried to take her from another Kurjan holding. Her home. With the Kurjans, since she’d mated one centuries ago and thus had become immortal, even though she’d started out as a human female.
A see-through figure hovered behind the male.
Karma sighed. “Loti? I thought you’d moved on.” She’d helped the Kurjan spirit accept his fate after he’d been killed in a training accident, or so she had thought.
The kid, his hair black yet see through, rolled his eyes like any teenager. “I’m going now. Just wanted to say goodbye.” Then he stiffened. “The guards are coming. Good luck.” He wisped out of sight, and hopefully out of this world to the next one.
The air changed, and Karma stiffened as the guard made his way down the tunnel, his white hair glowing as he came closer. He was a Cyst: one of the elite soldiers and spiritual leaders of the Kurjan nation. A single line of white hair bisected his pale scalp, leading down to a long braid. His eyes were a deep purple tinged with red, and he spared her not a glance as he unlocked the cell and then stepped back.
She took a deep breath and entered, wincing as the coppery smell of blood assaulted her nostrils. Then she dropped to her knees and reached inside the pack for the materials that would clot the bleeding wound. The hybrid must’ve been badly injured in the skirmish if he was still bleeding.
A ghost popped up in the other cell, and she ignored him. He was wavering in and out of her sight and would soon cross over; there wasn’t time to help him.
The second she touched Benjamin’s head, his eyes opened.
He was fully alert in a second, his deep eyes a strange metallic color. “Karma,” he murmured.
She drew back. He remembered her name? Nobody remembered her name.
“Do you need blood?” she whispered, leaning closer, even as the guard locked the cell door and disappeared down the hallway, leaving her alone with the enemy. Right now she was useless to the Kurjans, so if the prisoner killed her, they’d find a plan B.
“No.” Benjamin sat up, looked around, and put his back to the cement brick wall. His impressive body seemed to take up all the space in the cell.
She shook her head, her lips trembling. “You must be badly injured, or you would not have been captured. You need blood.” It would hurt if he bit her, and he’d have to be quick to avoid touching her skin for long.
“I let them take me. I’ve been searching for you for three years.”
God. The Kurjans had been correct. He really had been looking for her. He’d been caught twice and both times had asked about her, so it wasn’t like he was keeping it a secret. “The baby? Rose?” Karma held her breath. When Benjamin’s people had attacked the Kurjan holding, she’d gone with her instincts and forced him to take a toddler who had been kidnapped by the Kurjans—and she’d paid for that decision. “Is Rose well?”
Benjamin nodded. “Rose is fine. She’s at Realm Headquarters with a nice family.”
Relief and fear made an odd combination in Karma’s body. “Realm Headquarters?” The Realm was the enemy of the Kurjans. Its people were evil, or so she’d been taught. She’d always wondered, because lies were everywhere. She held out bandages and antibiotics, although the wound beneath his jaw was already closing as he sent healing cells where they were necessary. “I don’t need those,” he murmured, studying her with an intensity that shot tremors through her abdomen.
“I don’t understand why you would come looking for me,” she said, sitting back and keeping her knees covered with her dress. The Kurjan leaders had noted that this male kept showing up in different attacks, and he took ridiculous risks for a soldier with his experience. They’d been sure he was coming, based their plan on that knowledge, but she hadn’t believed it. Why would this male put himself in danger for her? “You let them take you hostage?”
“Yes.” Benjamin’s voice was low and rough, hinting at demon ancestry.
She rested her hands on the thin material over her knees. “I don’t understand.”
A bone snapped loudly into place somewhere in his body, but he didn’t even flinch. “Let’s start here. I’m Benny Reese.” He held out a hand the size of a frying pan, as if they were meeting at a village game instead of in a cell.
She hesitated and then slid her palm against his. “Karma.”
His hold and shake were gentle, and he released her before the mating allergy could hurt either of them. She’d been mated centuries ago to a Kurjan, and no other male could touch her for long without both of them developing terrible rashes.
“What’s your last name?” he asked. Another bone popped into place.
She jerked at the sound. “I do not have a last name.”
“Oh.” He looked beyond her at the steel bars securing the cell. “I was out for a while. Where are we?”
“In a temporary holding area where you will be kept until you are transported to a more secure location.” She coughed. “For questioning.”
His smile nearly knocked her over. Even the slight tipping of his lips turned his rugged face from dangerously hard to nearly boyish with charm. Amusement glimmered in his eyes for a moment. “Darlin’, I’ve been tortured before. You don’t need to trouble yourself about that.”
She had bigger things to worry about than the life of this massive hybrid. She allowed herself one moment to stare into his unusual eyes. Oh, many immortals had metallic-silver eyes, gold eyes, even copper or purple. But his were a combination of all argent colors, mingling into a hard-edged glint, even with the humor lurking there. In another time, she might’ve thought him beautiful. She’d learned long ago that beauty could mask the darkest of evils.
Vampires were bad, demons were bad, and this male was a hybrid of both. When he decided to kill her—and he would at some point—she wouldn’t stand much chance of surviving. Yet she still couldn’t comprehend why he’d come for her. “Why are you here?”
“For you. To rescue you because I couldn’t last time.” He stretched out his arms and healed a broken finger in his left hand.
His words didn’t make any sense. “Why?” Surely his ego wasn’t such that he’d risked his life just because she’d rejected his help last time. She wasn’t worth that.
He sighed. “I’d hoped to ease you into the truth, but here it is.” He held up his right hand, showing a demon marking with a jagged R in the center. The R was a crest representing his surname: Reese. Demons mated with a branding and a bite—the marking was transferred from the demon to the mate during sex.
Her mouth dropped open, and she hurried to shut it. “You’re mated?” Why did that thought nauseate her? How odd.
“No. The brand appeared when I touched you three years ago.” His chin lowered, and he studied her, towering over her even as he sat. “When you shoved me away and refused to get into that helicopter with me.” He didn’t sound happy.
She snorted and then quickly recovered. “Impossible. I’m already mated.” Well, she had been mated a couple of centuries ago, although her Kurjan mate had died shortly thereafter. Sometimes she forgot what he had looked like, and that was fine with her. “Your brand must have appeared for someone else.”
“No.” Benjamin looked down at the dark marking. “The mark hasn’t faded a bit, and it’s pulsing like a live wire now that you’re near.”
Oh, Lord. Her research on Benjamin suggested he might be insane. Dangerous and unstable? There was no way she could succeed in this mission. “Benjamin—”
“Benny. Might as well get cozy with me now.” His smile held charm and determination that warmed her in an unexpected way.
For the second time in her life, she let her instincts take over. “Just leave. Take an opening and find freedom,” she whispered tersely, her stomach cramping. “Forget about me.”
“Not a chance.” His gaze ran over her face like a physical touch.
Movement sounded down the tunnel, and she stiffened.
Benjamin tensed and set his jaw. “Get ready, darlin’. We’re about to escape this place.”
Visit https://rebeccazanetti.com/ for more information!
I love that when I'm with you, I don't have to pretend I'm nice. - eCard
I Don't Dance by Lani Lynn Vale
Standalone - Freebirds #5.5
Release - December 3, 2014
Genre - Contemporary Military Romance
Dual POV - 1st person/Elliott & Blaine Masters
Heat Level - 4 out of 5
Format/Source - Kindle purchase
Length - 111 pages
Publisher - Indie
Her
Blaine didn't understand the true meaning of lonely until she spent her first Christmas away from her husband. She was never one to believe in love at first sight. Then she met Elliott while he was on leave from the Army. From that moment on, they loved fiercely, and never wasted a day. She knew that deployment was a very real possibility… one that scared her to death.
Him
When the orders are handed down, he has to go, leaving his new wife at home while he risks his life half a world away. Elliott did his best. He loved Blaine with his whole heart, but he had a responsibility to his team and to his country. Regrettably, that meant being away from Blaine Christmas after Christmas, year after year.
Her
Blaine made the best of her situation, and did what any good military wife should do, even if it tore her to pieces to do it. She stood by her man. Years go by, but one thing holds true. They’re meant to be. Blaine and Elliott have a love like no other, and time and distance will never change that
Find I Don't Dance on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3g4UWsp
My Note(s)
Elliott + Blaine family tree:
Their children:Baby Masters (RIP)
Justin Douglas Masters
Tawny Masters
Paige Masters
Check out my reviews of the other books in this series:
Visit https://lanilynnvale.com/ for more information!
He held me up when I needed him the most.
There were many things that scared me on this earth, but I well and truly believed that, with James, I could accomplish anything. Be anyone.
There were many things that scared me on this earth, but I well and truly believed that, with James, I could accomplish anything. Be anyone.
Texas Tornado by Lani Lynn Vale
Standalone - Freebirds #5
Release - July 29, 2014
Genre - Contemporary Romance/military/instant connection
Dual POV - 1st person/James Johnathan Allen & Shiloh June Mackenzie
Heat Level - 4 out of 5
Format/Source - Kindle purchase
Length - 420 pages
Publisher - Indie
Him
James had plans for his life. Those plans were derailed by the surprise arrival of his daughter. His life revolved around her. Then she arrived with her beautiful brown hair that was made to wrap around his wrist, and a butt that was to die for in a tight pair of jeans. Nevertheless, he didn't need any more drama in his life. His ex-girlfriend was stirring enough of that up for ten women. Yet, there was something about her that soothed his soul.
Her
Shiloh’s made it her life’s mission to protect the innocent children she can from the big, bad, scary things that lurk in the darkness. She has an inane curiosity for life and craves knowledge. Which is why when she starts poking around in her father’s business, she inadvertently starts something in to motion that threatens her very existence. Her father, the one man that was always supposed to be there for her, drops her off with a brother she never knew she had and leaves. Making her question the father she obviously never really knew at all. Then she meets him, and she doesn't think her life’s so bad after all. The sexy biker turned SWAT officer sets her nerve cells to igniting, and she relishes in every single second of it.
Him
He knew life could change in an instant. One soul crushing instant.
When he’s presented with the aspect of losing Shiloh before he’s ever even had her, he decides it’s time to grab life by the handlebars and ride it like he stole it. Then that threat not only touches his woman, but his daughter. And there’s no power on God’s green earth that can protect them from a father’s wrath.
Find Texas Tornado on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Tki8du
Shiloh was Sam's sister (Boomtown) and from the moment she entered the scene, her life wasn't easy. Not that she had it great to begin with. Her father dumped her on Sam because she poked her nose where it didn't belong. So she's without her dad, the brother she grew up with is unreachable, and the brother she's just met wants nothing to do with her. Good times.
James steps in and like the hero he is, he gives Shiloh her person. He became the one person she could always count on. The one person who would always give her just what she needed. Aside from his daughter, Janie, he put her first.
He had a ton of baby mama drama (it was pretty extreme), she had some evil chasing her, and a ton of her father's secrets were finally revealed. I'm thrilled about it and I'm looking forward to how it affects the stories to come.
If you know anything about this author's books, you know that they can be devastating, heartwarming, hilarious, sexy and necessary. If you don't know... now you know.
My Note(s)
* I suffered some confusion at different parts of this story, but it in no way took away from my enjoyment of it. So although it wasn't as fluid as I'd like, I'm sure it will make more sense with the more stories that I read. I can't wait to get my hands on Sebastian's book, Lights to My Siren.
James + Shiloh family tree:
Their children
Caroline "Janie" Jeanine Allen (James') - Kinda Don't Care
Scout Allen
Emmaline "Rebel" Allen
James' Family
Cheyenne Allen (sister) - Boomtown
Shiloh's Family
Silas Mackenzie (father) - Counter to My Intelligence
Samuel Cash Mackenzie (half-brother) - Boomtown
Sebastian Sue Mackenzie (brother) - Lights to My Siren
Amelia Rose Mackenzie (half-sister) - Any Day Now
Check out my reviews of the other books in this series:
Whom it was shouted by, I didn’t know, but I didn’t stop. In fact, I turned on the turbo blast, and took off like a shot. My adrenaline was pumping, and only pushed me faster. I so did not want to talk to anyone right now, and least of all my prick of a brother.
It’d been in my first hour on the floor of the bathroom that I decided just to say, ‘fuck it’ and ignore him from now on. I was tired of putting forth all the effort with my family and getting nothing in return. My dad. My brother. Brothers. Mother. No more, I was done. Finished.
“Fuck,” a man grunted from a good distance behind me.
I let the first smile break over my face in weeks. Did I mention that I was a sprinter, as well as a long distance runner? Yeah, I kicked ass in high school. I broke state records in the 100-meter dash and the 400 meters.
Although my distance running was lacking compared to my sprinting, I still did good when I put my mind to it. Cross-country kept me in shape during the off-season, and I made myself stick with cross-country even though I hated it with every fiber of my being. Sprinters weren’t made to go the distance.
Another curse sounded from behind me, and I let out a laugh this time. Spying my shortcut, which I rarely used lately due to the mud, I took it despite my reservations. I lost my sandals in the first mud puddle, and had to stop to go back for them, although, I didn’t put them back on. I was in the forest now, and it was very unlikely there would be anything but twigs on the ground.
Yelling sounded somewhere behind me, but I kept going. My lungs had that good burn going, and I felt exhilarated.
Running was my therapy. Although I sucked balls at the distance, I kept doing it even though I hated it.
“I’m gonna beat your ass when I catch you, you little shit.” Sam yelled.
I cackled. My ass he was going to catch me. I knew these woods like the back of my hand. I’d met with the owner, a lovely woman in her late seventies, and asked her if it would be all right. She’d readily agreed, saying I was a sweet ‘child’ and so I spent my days off exploring.
That, and hidden stashes of things in the woods, planned an escape route, and made maps of the woods for just in case.
“Mother fucking son of a bitch. Goddammit.” Sam growled.
Brother bear has a potty mouth.
It’d been in my first hour on the floor of the bathroom that I decided just to say, ‘fuck it’ and ignore him from now on. I was tired of putting forth all the effort with my family and getting nothing in return. My dad. My brother. Brothers. Mother. No more, I was done. Finished.
“Fuck,” a man grunted from a good distance behind me.
I let the first smile break over my face in weeks. Did I mention that I was a sprinter, as well as a long distance runner? Yeah, I kicked ass in high school. I broke state records in the 100-meter dash and the 400 meters.
Although my distance running was lacking compared to my sprinting, I still did good when I put my mind to it. Cross-country kept me in shape during the off-season, and I made myself stick with cross-country even though I hated it with every fiber of my being. Sprinters weren’t made to go the distance.
Another curse sounded from behind me, and I let out a laugh this time. Spying my shortcut, which I rarely used lately due to the mud, I took it despite my reservations. I lost my sandals in the first mud puddle, and had to stop to go back for them, although, I didn’t put them back on. I was in the forest now, and it was very unlikely there would be anything but twigs on the ground.
Yelling sounded somewhere behind me, but I kept going. My lungs had that good burn going, and I felt exhilarated.
Running was my therapy. Although I sucked balls at the distance, I kept doing it even though I hated it.
“I’m gonna beat your ass when I catch you, you little shit.” Sam yelled.
I cackled. My ass he was going to catch me. I knew these woods like the back of my hand. I’d met with the owner, a lovely woman in her late seventies, and asked her if it would be all right. She’d readily agreed, saying I was a sweet ‘child’ and so I spent my days off exploring.
That, and hidden stashes of things in the woods, planned an escape route, and made maps of the woods for just in case.
“Mother fucking son of a bitch. Goddammit.” Sam growled.
Brother bear has a potty mouth.
Visit https://lanilynnvale.com/ for more information!
I saw you have tattoos and a real job, excuse me while I take off my clothes. - E-card
Last Day of My Life by Lani Lynn Vale
Standalone - Freebirds #4
Release - June 26, 2014
Genre - Contemporary Romance/military/second chance/amnesia
Dual POV - 1st person/Jack & Winter Stoker
Heat Level - 4 out of 5
Format/Source - Kindle purchase
Length - 344 pages
Publisher - Indie
Her
She’s the definition of lost. Doesn’t know her name? Check. Cruelly beaten within an inch of her life? Check. No memory of anything that's happened since she woke up from that beating? Check. Losing a child she doesn’t remember conceiving? Check. She hasn't felt anything but lost in a very long time. Then an old biker tells her danger is on the horizon. He sends her to a man that she instantly feels a connection with. A bone deep connection.
Him
He’s the definition of despair. After the death of his young wife while on a tour of duty in Afghanistan, he hasn't seen the appeal of participating in the world around him. He’s lost the only thing he ever loved. He’s been a shell of the man he once was. His only escape from reality is feeling the wind in his hair, going as fast as he can get his old Harley to take him. That’s the only time he can push his demons back far enough to feel peace. That is until she screams his name.
Find Last Day of My Life on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3py0SgO
☆ Winter and Jack met, fell in love, got married real quick, and he was sent off to war. He left her in good hands with his family and best friend.
☆ Fast forward 7 years and we realize that Jack lost his wife to a violent assault. At least that's what he believed until a woman, who looks a lot like his wife, shows up and starts screaming his name.
☆ Winter has no memory of who she is, who Jack is, but when she was in danger, it was Jack that she ran to.
☆ I love a good amnesia story and I loved that the author didn't conclude it quickly but also didn't draw it out.
☆ Adam's funeral... heart... broken. It actually brought tears to my eyes and I feel that the author captured the scenes quite beautifully.
☆ During the 7 years of their separation, these two were with No. One. Else!
It seemed that Jack and Winter couldn't catch a break. The suspenseful scenes were amazing! However, between a death, an assault, silly shenanigans, friends going through some ish (I'm looking at both Taima and James) and attempted murder, their love for one another persevered. I loved this couple!
My Note(s)
⭐ My only real issue with this story was that while Winter was coming to terms with everything that happened seven years ago, it seemed like she forgot that Jack was doing the same. She kept secrets from him, didn't communicate properly... I didn't like it and it didn't mesh with the strength of this couple. He had obviously suffered in ways she couldn't understand because her amnesia saved her from a lot of it, so making it appear as if she wasn't functioning as part of the team didn't seem authentic. I'm just glad that this didn't take up too much space in the story and resolved quickly.
⭐ This is the origin story for Adam Stoker (named after his father's best friend) from Any Day Now and Taima Stoker from Shock Advised.
Check out my other reviews from this series:
“Whew boy, he is fine!” A large woman said from the step to my right.
I agreed silently, but continued with my turn. My lungs were burning and my legs ached from running in between sets.
The woman was absolutely hilarious. We’d been complaining for nearly an hour now about how hard the trainer was being on us today.
“Bom-chicka-wa-wow.” She said shaking her butt.
I turned in the direction her eyes were focused on and smiled. Jack had moved to the stair climber. Now you could see the tattoo. You could also see the muscles in his back and legs bunch and contract with each revolution.
No matter how mad at him I was, I never stopped wanting to jump on his cock and ride him like a cowgirl taming a bronco. Even though he hadn’t let me have a moment’s peace, I knew he was doing it for me. He didn’t want anything to happen to me, and for that to happen, he went everywhere that I went. Or someone did when he couldn’t. It’s just that it’d been over a month and a half now, and I was just plain over it.
“That,” I said panting for breath. “is my husband.
“Damn.” She said in a dejected tone.
That’s right people; he’s all mine.
“Alright everyone,” The trainer yelled. “Have a great weekend. See y’all Monday!”
As I went to grab my phone and water, I saw some chick that looked immaculately perfect walk in the direction of Jack. Her hair didn’t have one single strand out of place. Her boobs were perky and beautifully arranged in her halter workout tank. Her tight black capri pants displayed her beautiful lower half as well.
“What the hell is she even doing here? She’s done. Get the fuck out so the rest of us don’t have to look at your perfect body.” I mumbled.
“Amen.” The lady I’d been goofing off with during the workout agreed.
“What’s your name?” I asked her.
“Cookie.” She smiled.
“See you next week, Cookie!” I said and took off towards Jack.
Rounding the gate that separated the basketball court from the gym, I saw that the woman’s hand was resting on Jack’s bicep. She smiled, flicked her hair over her shoulder and started blabbing about not seeing him in forever.
“Laura.” He nodded curtly.
Understanding dawned, and I moved to Jack’s side. “Good workout?” I asked Laura.
Her frown told me she wasn’t very happy with this newest development. Apparently I was standing too close to her prey. “And who are you?”
Jack pulled me tight against his glistening body and I grimaced. Sweat wasn’t so bad when it wasn’t pouring from you in rivulets. When two people were both doing it at the same time, it was really quite gross. I didn’t move, however.
“This is my wife, Winter. Winter,” He said gesturing with his head. “This is Laura. She works with Cheyenne and Payton.”
“Nice to meet you.” Not.
Her mouth gaped open in surprise.
Cookie laughed as she passed and saw Laura’s expression. “It’s okay, honey. I think everyone’s heart is smashed into pieces.” She said, gesturing to all the woman who were loitering and none too obviously staring.
“We went on a date a few weeks ago.” She finally said.
Jack sighed. “That wasn’t a date. That was a ‘you happened to be there when I was’ situation. And it’s been nearly two months now.”
Fury overtook her features. “But you said you’d see me some time! If I’d known you had an ugly, fat wife I would have left you alone!”
Jack took a threatening step forward, but I stopped him. “Have you ever heard the term ‘more cushion for the pushin’?”
I agreed silently, but continued with my turn. My lungs were burning and my legs ached from running in between sets.
The woman was absolutely hilarious. We’d been complaining for nearly an hour now about how hard the trainer was being on us today.
“Bom-chicka-wa-wow.” She said shaking her butt.
I turned in the direction her eyes were focused on and smiled. Jack had moved to the stair climber. Now you could see the tattoo. You could also see the muscles in his back and legs bunch and contract with each revolution.
No matter how mad at him I was, I never stopped wanting to jump on his cock and ride him like a cowgirl taming a bronco. Even though he hadn’t let me have a moment’s peace, I knew he was doing it for me. He didn’t want anything to happen to me, and for that to happen, he went everywhere that I went. Or someone did when he couldn’t. It’s just that it’d been over a month and a half now, and I was just plain over it.
“That,” I said panting for breath. “is my husband.
“Damn.” She said in a dejected tone.
That’s right people; he’s all mine.
“Alright everyone,” The trainer yelled. “Have a great weekend. See y’all Monday!”
As I went to grab my phone and water, I saw some chick that looked immaculately perfect walk in the direction of Jack. Her hair didn’t have one single strand out of place. Her boobs were perky and beautifully arranged in her halter workout tank. Her tight black capri pants displayed her beautiful lower half as well.
“What the hell is she even doing here? She’s done. Get the fuck out so the rest of us don’t have to look at your perfect body.” I mumbled.
“Amen.” The lady I’d been goofing off with during the workout agreed.
“What’s your name?” I asked her.
“Cookie.” She smiled.
“See you next week, Cookie!” I said and took off towards Jack.
Rounding the gate that separated the basketball court from the gym, I saw that the woman’s hand was resting on Jack’s bicep. She smiled, flicked her hair over her shoulder and started blabbing about not seeing him in forever.
“Laura.” He nodded curtly.
Understanding dawned, and I moved to Jack’s side. “Good workout?” I asked Laura.
Her frown told me she wasn’t very happy with this newest development. Apparently I was standing too close to her prey. “And who are you?”
Jack pulled me tight against his glistening body and I grimaced. Sweat wasn’t so bad when it wasn’t pouring from you in rivulets. When two people were both doing it at the same time, it was really quite gross. I didn’t move, however.
“This is my wife, Winter. Winter,” He said gesturing with his head. “This is Laura. She works with Cheyenne and Payton.”
“Nice to meet you.” Not.
Her mouth gaped open in surprise.
Cookie laughed as she passed and saw Laura’s expression. “It’s okay, honey. I think everyone’s heart is smashed into pieces.” She said, gesturing to all the woman who were loitering and none too obviously staring.
“We went on a date a few weeks ago.” She finally said.
Jack sighed. “That wasn’t a date. That was a ‘you happened to be there when I was’ situation. And it’s been nearly two months now.”
Fury overtook her features. “But you said you’d see me some time! If I’d known you had an ugly, fat wife I would have left you alone!”
Jack took a threatening step forward, but I stopped him. “Have you ever heard the term ‘more cushion for the pushin’?”
Visit https://lanilynnvale.com/ for more information!
"Baby, I'd never let you fall. Never. The only way that would ever happen would be if I was dead, or both my legs and arms didn't work. If one of them worked, I'd claw my way to you. I'd do everything in my power to watch over you. Only death would separate me from your side." - Max
Another One Bites the Dust by Lani Lynn Vale
Standalone - Freebirds #3
Release - December 16, 2013
Genre - Contemporary Romance/military/enemies-to-lovers (kinda)
Dual POV - 1st person/Maximillian "Max" Tremaine & Payton Evangeline Alvarez
Heat Level - 4 out of 5
Format/Source - Kindle purchase
Length - 318 pages
Publisher - Indie
Her
I wanted him, but couldn't find the courage to have him. You know that feeling, the one where you’re too scared to go to sleep, too scared to go out, and too scared to do anything? Ever since my assault, I've been functioning, but not living. That was until I met that motorcycle riding man with such a deep gravelly voice that it sent shivers down my spine. He helped me through some of the darkest moments of my life.
Him
She was a cock tease pure and simple. Or so I thought. What I believed to be a game on her part, turned out to be a bone deep fear of everyday life. We helped each other cope, and slowly our friendship turned into something more.
Them
Circumstances broke the two of us apart just as we decided we wanted to be together. A vengeful woman sets out to ruin Max and anything he holds dear in his life. Payton has gone through so much in her life that enduring one more thing just might break her. Only Max taught Payton a few things. Never hold back. Never hesitate. Do something stupid, and always learn from your mistakes. Together, they can overcome anything.
The suspense part of this book was intense. Imagine being hunted by a lunatic for no reason. A lunatic that had no problem causing harm to kids. Yeah, it wasn't hard to wish that Max would end the villain's life slowly with some torture.
Payton was just as immature and childish as Cheyenne and Ember, which is really getting annoying. Please save me from what's supposed to be funny and is instead very frustrating.
Max was such a sweetheart and an outstanding hero. He saw Payton, he wanted Payton, and he saw NO ONE ELSE once she was on his radar. I enjoyed the glimpses given of Max's military career and I wanted to see how far the master interrogator would go.
Another highlight of this story, for me anyway, was seeing little Harleigh (from F-Bomb), Dax (from Just Kidding) and Bennett (from Kill Shot, which I haven't read yet). I love how this author ties everything and everyone together!!
Visit https://lanilynnvale.com/ for more information!
I'm still learning to love. Be gentle with my heart. Otherwise you're going to feel the wrath that is my brother." - Ember's secret thoughts
Highway Don't Care by Lani Lynn Vale
Standalone - Freebirds #2
Release - October 1, 2013
Genre - Contemporary Romance
Dual POV - 1st person/Gabriel "Gabe" Luca Maldonado II & Ember Leigh Tremaine
Heat Level - 4 out of 5
Format/Source - Kindle purchase
Length - 361 pages
Publisher - Indie
Her
Snark. Jokes. Attitude.
These were all things I used to disguise the hole in my heart. I'm not a happy person. I don't live life. I just exist. That is until that beautiful man rides in on his Harley Fat Boy and burns rubber on the way into my heart.
Him
My life's been no hayride either. Everyone I've ever loved in life has died or betrayed me. So I stay back and watch. Unless you're one of my brothers, you get nothing from me. I don't participate. I ride. I eat. I sleep. I work. And I repeat. That is until Ember stomps into my life with her bad attitude. She's all piss and vinegar, and makes me want to share my bike seat for the first time.
Together
They fight like cats and dogs. Don't see eye to eye on a single thing. They rant, rave, and yell.
They bring out the best in each other. They heal each other's hearts and souls. They find what they were missing, even the things they never even knew they had.
Everything is perfect. If you didn't count a gang, one of the biggest in the South, gunning for Ember. That, or the pure evilness that is Gabe's ex-girlfriend. Gabe will have to put his life on the line to save the one woman he loves, but will it be enough?
One thing is constant in life. It's about the journey, not about the destination.
The suspenseful edge of this story was actually terrifying and had my heart pumping like crazy. Gabe was a beast and I love a take-charge man who can basically take everyone out viciously and single-handedly. Yummmmm!
Okay, so there were some interesting facts I learned from this story. I got to see the origin of Gabe Jr and now meeting his father... I can see why I enjoyed If You Say So so much. I also got to see more about Cora from Ain't Doin' It and my heart broke more for her. I don't know how Lani Lynn Vale keeps all of these characters and their family trees and events straight, but I'm impressed and I can't wait to learn more.
Visit https://lanilynnvale.com/ for more information!
Our new unit was formed in a little over a month. It consisted of nine men: Jack, James, Gabe, Elliott, Max, Dougie, Justin, Malcolm and myself. I was appointed to Captain of the unit, much to my surprise. - Sam
Boomtown by Lani Lynn Vale
Standalone - Freebirds #1
Release - June 27, 2013
Genre - Contemporary Romance (military, instant connection)
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat Level - 4 out of 5
Format/Source - Kindle purchase
Length - 302 pages
Publisher - Indie
Her
I wanted to have a pity party of one when I went for that beer. I never imagined I would meet a dark and dangerous man. That man took me on the wildest ride of my life. Literally and Figuratively. He quickly became my entire world.
Him
I didn't know I was looking for her. I saw her warming that bar stool and knew she would be mine. A man like me doesn't deserve the likes of her. But damned if I didn't take it.
Her
When we met for the first time we didn't know that we already had a connection. A cruel game was being played, and we didn't know the rules. Sam would save us, but at what cost? Sam was one of my main reasons for living. If he wasn't in this world anymore, would I still want to be a part of it?
Cheyenne was having a bad day. It was her birthday and she was all alone, but she wasn't going to let that stop her from getting a little celebrating in. The bar she chose... Sam's haunt. And when he gets his first glimpse of her, something tells him he won't ever be looking away. They started off explosive, the suspense that stalked them was creepy, and their love was sublime.
I've read plenty of books by Lani Lynn Vale and one of the things I love most is that her characters, main and otherwise, just may pop up in a future story. This book not only gave me insight to the background of Free, but I learned about Sam and Cheyenne, Luke Robert's story has so much more context for me, and I saw Janie and Kayla when they were little girls. I've learned so much about characters that I've come to somewhat know and definitely love. Now I have more questions and I can't wait to discover the answers in the books to come.
Visit https://lanilynnvale.com/ for more information!
We are well on our way to a hot summer. Seriously, it's promising to be so hot here in Toronto that I made sure I got my first Pfizer shot on Thursday. I did not want to brave the heat and the eventual soreness from the shot while melting away. Although I guess I can't avoid the heat when I go for my second shot in a few weeks.
Back to book news... May wasn't my best reading month, but I did find more than a few amazing reads. I hope that we all find incredible reads for June and I wish for all of you a happy and safe summer!
The Best Book(s) of May
The Rise of Fortune and Fury by Sawyer Bennett is the final book of the Chronicles of the Veil series and it was such a fantastic ending to a must-read urban fantasy series. Doin' a Dime by Lani Lynn Vale is the story of Hunt and Wyett. They were so sweet together and gave me another reason to adore the author. The Prince's Bride: Part 2 by J.J. McAvoy was an amazingly adorable continuation of the romance of the king and his queen. The extended epilogue found in The Prince's Bride: Beginning Forever almost made me cry! Bjorn Cursed by N.J. Walters was the emotional tale of Bjorn and how he reunited with his resurrected wife. And The Rivals by Dylan Allen was the collection of stories about the Rivers and Wildes and the heroes and heroines you just have to meet!
I did read some other fine books, which include:
★ Blood Seeker by Lexi C. Foss
★ The Brave Line by Kate Stewart
★ Dream Spinner by Kristen Ashley
★ Material Witness by Lisa Mondello
Book Haul
I only purchased ebooks this month, which sucked because I have a long list of paperbacks on my list and I have no idea when I'll get them.
Added to my TBR
I have a bunch of to-read lists. Goodreads, Amazon, paper, glass jar, etc. I've tried really hard not to add to any of them and although I do fail to keep this number to zero each month, I'm not doing too badly.
My Reading Stats
I only read 10 books in May. Not great but not bad either. Most of these reads came from my TBR, which is one of my goals this years, so I'm taking my read count as a win. I read 10 books and 4210 pages.
What Else?
I didn't do anything extra this month. I was planning to do a reading challenge, but decided against it because I don't want to feel confined in choosing what to read. I've also lapsed on doing any of the book tags I used to do, such as Top Ten Tuesday, and I'm hoping to get back into that in the near future.
Thanks for sticking around until the end :D I'm still looking for book recs, so if you have one you think I'll love, please let me know. I'm looking for extremely sexy Fantasy or Paranormal. And when I say sexy, I do mean descriptive to explicit scenes please. I'm grown and I don't need my sex to be watered down.
What are you looking forward to for June? I hope it's as incredible as we deserve it to be!
Talk soon,
xo, Natalie
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