Review: Ghostly Game by Christine Feehan

Posted March 20, 2023 by Casee in Reviews | 1 Comment

Review: Ghostly Game by Christine FeehanReviewer: Casee
Ghostly Game by Christine Feehan
Narrator: Jim Frangione
Series: GhostWalkers #19
Also in this series: Predatory Game, Street Game, Ruthless Game, Shadow Game, Power Game, Murder Game, Covert Game, Toxic Game, Phantom Game
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: May 2, 2023
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Point-of-View: Alternating Third
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 400
Length: 11 hours and 15 minutes
Add It: Goodreads
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
four-stars
Series Rating: four-stars

It's fight or flight in this sultry, suspenseful GhostWalker novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.
Gideon "Eagle" Carpenter is used to rolling with the punches life has thrown at him. It's the only thing that's kept him alive. He and his team of GhostWalkers have seen and experienced it all. He does his best to live with all the sins written on his soul. Then he hears the laughter of a woman with the ability to erase--even for a few previous moments--the darkness of his past.
Laurel "Rory" Chappel has always been a nomad. She's accustomed to taking care of herself, despite the physical challenges she lives with. She thinks she's too weak to find real love, but that doesn't stop her interest in Gideon from turning into a full-on addiction. He's all rough edges and danger contrasted with a tenderness that makes her feel safe. Still, after a life spent in motion, she's not sure she knows how to stay in one place.
Gideon hopes he can persuade Rory to take a chance on him with every electric touch. But soon, life conspires against him, forcing the GhostWalker to risk everything to protect the woman he loves....

Rory Chappel is a nomad. She moves from city to city, working as a bartender, but not making any real connections with anyone. That changes when she lands in San Francisco. Not only does she meet a great group of women at her apartment complex, but that’s where she meets Gideon Carpenter. To Rory, Gideon seems too good to be true. He’s attentive & attractive among other things. Rory is used to being on her own, so having so many people care about what happens to her in such a short amount of time throws her off her game. She usually only stays in a city for a few months, then she moves on. She’s not exactly running from anything, she just moves when the urge strikes. It’s not going to be so easy to leave San Francisco. So she starts wondering if she should plant some roots.

Gideon Carpenter is a GhostWalker. Before that, he was an abused child that grew up in a violent household. There are decisions that Gideon made in his life that he regrets to this day. When he first hears Rory’s laughter, he knows he has to find her. When he does find her, she takes his breath away. Rory doesn’t put off the vibe that most GhostWalkers do, but he’s certain that she is a GhostWalker. That would be the only thing that would explain the instant & irresistible attraction he has to her. Then he goes and fucks everything up by telling his team her secrets. It wasn’t that he wanted to tell them, but above all, Gideon is a protector.

This book was unlike any Christine Feehan book that I’ve read in the past. This book was based more on emotion than sex. I don’t think the sex actually happened until about 90% into the book. I was okay with that because at times, Christine Feehan overdoes it with the physical. Honestly, I’m still a little confused about the plot. There was a whole suspense aspect that was weird. Like it didn’t fit into what I’m used to in a GhostWalker novel. Although, that might have ended up being a good thing. This is one of the few series that I still read by Christine Feehan & I plan on continuing with it. It’s interesting & hot. This world that she has created is pretty amazing.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

GhostWalkers

four-stars


Tagged: , , , , , ,

What Are You Reading? (640)

Posted March 17, 2023 by Casee in Features | 2 Comments

Casee

I’ve been reading a lot of Sherilee Gray. She reminds me of Dianne Duvall. Her books are easy, fast, and entertaining. I also read Storm Warrior (Grim #1) by Dani Harper. I wasn’t crazy about it. The heroine drove me batshit crazy. She was supremely annoying. I almost DNFed the book at 89%, that’s how frustrated I was. I’m currently reading Taming the Alpha (Crescent Moon #1) by Katie Reus & Alpha Instinct (Moon Shifter #1) by Katie Reus. I’m looking for a good contemporary if anyone has any suggestions.

I have Things We Hide From the Light (Knockemout #2) by Lucy Score to listen to. Hopefully I’ll start it today or tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

Holly

I read Spring Breeze by Lily Alexander, a new-to-me author, featuring a grumpy boss and a woman who was left at the alter. I really liked parts of the story, most especially the MCs journey to rebuild her life, but it was kind of slow in parts. I’ll probably try another book from the author in the future. I read Power Play by Maria Luis, which I didn’t love. It was a quick read and engaging, but the short page count meant the romance happened a little too fast to be believable. One Last Shot by Julia Connors was a Kindle recommendation because I read Power Play. I enjoyed it. It could have been a little shorter and the third act breakup wasn’t my favorite, but I liked it overall. I also read One Little Favor, a novella set in the same series featuring a grumpy/sunshine workplace romance. It was a cute read. I read By a Thread by Lucy Score, which is another grumpy/sunshine workplace romance. I really enjoyed it. It could have been a little shorter, but the banter was great and I really liked the premise.

I listened to Dog with the Bone by Hailey Edwards. I thought I had already read this series, but I didn’t have it marked. Some details were familiar, while others were brand new to me. It was a quick read and I enjoyed the narrator, but I’m not sure I’m in the mood to continue the series. I read The Dark Elf’s Secret Baby by Celeste King. I didn’t love the heroine (in fact she drove me crazy), but I liked the hero and the writing enough to pick up the second book, The Dark Elf’s Surprise Baby. I have so much regret. Between the “hero” physically assaulting the heroine and the poor choices they both made, I still can’t believe I read through to the end. I will not be seeking out any additional books from the author.

I started Heir of the Dog by Hailey Edwards and Sure Shot by Sarina Bowen, but set both aside after just a few pages, as I wasn’t in the mood for either. I’m still not sure what I’m going to read next.

What are you reading this week? Any new favorites or books that drove you crazy? Share!


Tagged: , ,

What Are You Reading? (639)

Posted March 10, 2023 by Holly in Features | 2 Comments

Holly

I read Queen of Snow by Laura Burton, which I really enjoyed until the end. I was left frustrated and annoyed at the twist it took and I’m hesitant to continue with the series now. I reread Good Boy and Stay by Sarina Bowen, two of my favorites. I discovered a new-to-me author, Maria Luis, and read Body Check, the 4th book in the Blades Hockey series. I really liked the writing and the re-united lovers story. I tried to read Kiss Me Tonight by the same author, but I didn’t enjoy the enemies to lovers trope and ended up DNFing it. I plan to try another book by the author, however, since I liked her writing quite a bit.

What are you reading this week? Any new favorites or books that drove you crazy? Share!


Tagged: , ,

Books to Binge On: March 2023

Posted March 8, 2023 by Holly in Features | 2 Comments

Books to Binge On

Our Books to Binge On feature is pretty simple in its purpose. Every month, we put together a monthly new releases list of books that we’re all looking forward to. These are the books that we can’t wait to read and want everyone to add to their monthly binge-reading lists. Here are the books that we plan to binge on in March of 2023.


The King’s Queen (Gates of Myth and Power #3) by K.M. Shea

Description Coming Soon

 

 

 

 

 

Holly: This is the third book in the Gates of Myth and Power series and I am anxious for the conclusion.


Conquer the Kingdom (Gargoyle Queen #3) by Jennifer Estep

Magic reigns, plots abound, and a new love might not conquer all, in this must-read finale to the epic Gargoyle Queen trilogy by international bestselling author Jennifer Estep.

Time is running out for crown princess Gemma Ripley. Despite being a cunning spy and a powerful mind magier, Gemma hasn’t been able to track down the most dangerous enemy her kingdom of Andvari has ever seen. Adding to her worries is the Sword and Shield tournament. With gladiators flocking to the capital city of Glanzen, Gemma can’t tell who is friend—or foe.

Determined to protect Andvari at any cost, Gemma hatches a bold plan, but things aren’t what they seem. Soon, everything she holds dear is being threatened, including her burgeoning relationship with Prince Leonidas Morricone.

With the kingdom she holds dear slipping through her fingers, Gemma will have to conquer her fear and unlock the true secret of her magic—or watch her friends and family die and her beloved Andvari fall . . .

Holly: I’m waiting until this book releases to start the trilogy. I can’t wait to see what happens with Gemma and Grimm. I loved them in the previous books.


Nevermore Bookstore (Townsend Harbor #1) by Kerrigan Byrne and
Cynthia St. Aubin
.

Cadence “Cady” Bloomquist knows two things for sure: First, shelving books at her shop, Nevermore Bookstore, totally counts as cardio. Second, staying late every Thursday night to take a certain mysterious customer’s order is not the same as waiting by the phone for some man.

Until.

Until the calls with the man who identifies himself only as “Fox” last for hours, and become the highlight of her week. Which leaves her to wonder, if his jagged velvet voice can kindle her fire over the phone, what sort of alchemy might it inspire if they met in person?

There’s nothing Roman Fawkes wants more than the brilliant, beautiful bookstore owner, but Roman Fawkes knows it can never happen. Secreted in his mountain hideaway high above sleepy little Townsend Harbor, his hermit’s existence shields him–and those around him–from the pain of his past.

Until.

Until one of their weekly calls is interrupted by a break-in, and Fawkes is powerless to protect the woman who has become his one link to the world. Orchestrating a trap for the fool who dared harm her, Fawkes finds himself not just ensnared, but beguiled by her. Now so close to Cady, he discovers she’s fallen for “Fox”, and yet he’s unable to reveal her heart’s desire is closer than she thinks.

Can Fawkes resist the temptation to get between Cady’s covers, knowing they’ll never have a happily ever after?

Holly: I’m really intrigued by this premise.


A Tempest at Sea (Lady Sherlock #7) by Sherry Thomas

Charlotte Holmes’s brilliant mind and deductive skills are pulled into a dangerous investigation at sea in the new mystery in the bestselling Lady Sherlock series.

After feigning her own death in Cornwall to escape from Moriarty’s perilous attention, Charlotte Holmes goes into hiding. But then she receives a tempting offer: Find a dossier the crown is desperately seeking to recover, and she might be able to go back to a normal life.

Her search leads her aboard the RMS Provence, sailing from Southampton for the eastern hemisphere. But on the night Charlotte makes her move to retrieve the dossier, in the midst of a terrifying storm in the Bay of Biscay, a brutal murder also takes place on the ship.

Instead of solving the crime, as she is accustomed to doing, Charlotte must take care not to be embroiled in this investigation, lest it become known to those who harbor ill intentions that Sherlock Holmes is abroad and still very much alive.

Holly: A new Lady Sherlock novel! Yessssss.

What books are you looking forward to reading this month? Share in the comments!


Tagged: , ,

Monthly Reads: February 2023

Posted March 7, 2023 by Holly in Features, Giveaways | 5 Comments

It’s a new month so we’re back with a list of our Monthly Reads to share with each of you. This is where you’ll see what each of us has read and what our favorite books and our least favorite books of the month are. Check it out.

Casee

Knight’s Redemption (Knights of Hell #1) by Sherilee Gray | 3.75 out of 5
Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout #1)(audio) by Lucy Score | 5 out of 5
Knight’s Salvation (Knights of Hell #2) by Sherilee Gray | 3.5 out of 5
Demon’s Temptation (Knights of Hell #3) by Sherilee Gray | 2 out of 5
Knight’s Dominion (Knights of Hell #4) by Sherilee Gray | 4 out of 5
Knight’s Absolution (Knights of Hell #5) by Sherilee Gray | 4 out of 5
Knight’s Retribution (Knights of Hell #6) by Sherilee Gray | 4.25 out of 5
The Joy of Minimalism by Zoey Arielle Poulsen | 2 out of 5
A Curse in the Darkness (The Thornheart Trials #1) by Sherilee Gray | 4 out of 5
The Club: Obsession (The Club #1) by Lauren Rowe | 3 out of 5
A Vow of Ruin (The Thornheart Trials #2) by Sherilee Gray | 4.5 out of 5
A Trial by Blood (The Thornheart Trials #3) by Sherilee Gray | 4.5 out of 5

My favorite read of the month was A Trial by Blood by Sherilee Gray. My favorite audio book was Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score. Both these books were amazing.

Holly

Red Rope of Fate (The Elves of Lessa #1) by K.M. Shea | 3 out of 5
Holding on to Chaos (Blue Moon #5) by Lucy Score (audio) | DNF
Steadfast (True North #2) by Sarina Bowen (reread) | 4.5 out of 5
Pretend You’re Mine (Benevolence #1) by Lucy Score (audio) | 3.5 out of 5
Finally Mine (Benevolence #2) by Lucy Score (audio) | 3.75 out of 5
Protecting What’s Mine (Benevolence #3) by Lucy Score (audio) | 4 out of 5
A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorn and Roses #2) by Sarah J. Maas (audio) (reread) | 4 out of 5
A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorn and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas (audio) (reread) | 4.25 out of 5
A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorn and Roses #4) by Sarah J. Maas (audio) | 3.25 out of 5
Moonlighter (The Company #1) by Sarina Bowen (audio) | 3.25 out of 5
Loverboy (The Company #2) by Sarina Bowen (audio) | 2.25 out of 5
Body Check by Elle Kennedy | 3 out of 5
Say Yes by Elle Kennedy | 3.5 out of 5
Things We Hide from the Light (Knockemout #2) by Lucy Score (audio) | 3.25 out of 5
Queen of Snow (Fairytales Reimagined #1) by Laura Burton | 3.5 out of 5
Good Boy (WAGS #1) by Sarina Bowen (audio) (reread) | 4.5 out of 5
Stay (WAGS #2) by Sarina Bowen (audio) (reread) | 4.25 out of 5

My favorite read of the month was Protecting What’s Mine by Lucy Score. I really loved the story overall and the romance. My least favorite read was Loverboy by Sarina Bowen. I’m honestly a little disappointed in myself for finishing it.

Giveaway Alert

Three lucky winners will choose their prize (one book) from any of the books we logged this month. If you want to be entered to win, leave a comment on this post telling us what your favorite – and least favorite – reads of the month were.

Monthly Reads: February 2023

So…what was your favorite read of the month? And your least favorite? Use the Gleam Widget to enter! Good luck!


Tagged: , , ,