Tag: 4.25 Reviews

Review: Burn by Suzanne Wright

Posted September 18, 2023 by Casee in Reviews | 2 Comments

Review: Burn by Suzanne WrightReviewer: Casee
Burn by Suzanne Wright
Narrator: Cat Doucette
Series: Dark in You #1
Also in this series: Burn , Embers
Publisher: Piatkus
Publication Date: November 26, 2015
Format: Audiobook, eBook
Source: Purchased
Point-of-View: Casee
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 301
Length: 13 hours and 32 minutes
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four-half-stars
Series Rating: four-stars

Part of a small demon lair in North Las Vegas, tattooist Harper Wallis lives a pretty simple life. That changes overnight when she discovers that her psychic mate, or ‘anchor’, is a guy who’s rumored to be the most powerful demon in existence. Compelling, full of secrets and armed with raw sexuality, Knox Thorne is determined to claim her as his anchor, creating a psychic bond that will prevent their inner demons from ever turning rogue. The billionaire also wants Harper in his bed. She’s not so sure she wants either of those things. No one seems to know what breed of demon Knox is, only that he’s more dangerous than anything she’s ever before encountered. But he refuses to walk away. And when an unknown danger starts closing in on Harper, it seems that Knox is the only one who can keep her safe.
As Prime of his Las Vegas lair and a successful businessman, Knox Thorne is used to being in control. He’s also used to people fearing and obeying him. Harper does neither, which unexpectedly amuses him. Unpredictable, elusive, and complex, she draws Knox and his inner demon like nothing ever has. Knox is used to getting what he wants, and he wants Harper. He’ll have her, and he’ll keep her safe from the threat that looms over her. Because Knox protects what’s his. He won’t allow anyone to take her from him. Even if it will mean letting the demon inside him rise and wreak the havoc it was created to make.

It’s been some time since I read this book, but I’m going to give this review my best shot. I LOVED THIS BOOK. I’ve read all the books in the series & I can honestly say that this series will be in my top five of the year. I just adored it.

In the demon world, all demons look for their anchor. An anchor is a psi-mate that prevents a demon from turning rogue. Rogue demons have no sense of right or wrong, they are just mindless killing machines. All rogues have to be put down by someone in their lair. Harper Wallis is a sphinx that grew up among imps, so she’s an imp at heart. When she accompanies her cousin, Khloe, to a demon fighting ring, the last thing she expects is to meet her anchor. Not only does she not expect to find her anchor, she never expected it would be the infamous Knox Thorne.

Knox is the Prime of his lair that is known for not putting up with bullshit from any of his demons. When he inadvertently reaches out to Harper psychically, they both know instantly that they are anchors. Anchors, well, they anchor each other. Knox never thought he needed an anchor because he has fierce control over his demon. When Harper bursts into his life, he realizes how wrong he is. Now all he has to do is convince Harper to bond with him. This is not the same thing as mating, but it is just as important.

They are soon embroiled in a passionate affair, but Harper knows that Knox’s demon won’t be interested in her for long. He’s known for not committing to any woman that he gets involved with and Harper doesn’t see why it would be any different for her. Fortunately (or unfortunately), Knox’s demon becomes fully attached to Harper. Now that Knox has convinced Harper to bond with him, he now has to convince her to mate with him. The only issue is that she doesn’t know what kind of demon he is. Knox is afraid as soon as he tells Harper, that she will immediately pull away from him.

It doesn’t take long for Harper to realize that Knox is the one for her. Even knowing that, she’s unsure of their relationship. Knox is the first demon she’s slept with and she knew it would change everything for her. Now that she’s in his life, she is being targeted by his enemies.

I loved this book from beginning to end. I loved how strong Harper was. I loved how mushy Knox could be when it came to Harper. I just loved everything about it. I’m kind of sad that it’s not a new read for me because I would love to experience it all again. I’ve read (and listened) to all the books in this series & it only gets better and better.

Rating: 4.25 out of 5.

Dark in You

four-half-stars


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Review: Force of Temptation by Suzanne Wright

Posted June 5, 2023 by Casee in Reviews | 0 Comments

Review: Force of Temptation by Suzanne WrightReviewer: Casee
Force of Temptation by Suzanne Wright
Narrator: Jill Redfield
Series: Mercury Pack #2
Also in this series: Echoes of Fire (Mercury Pack, #4), Carnal Secrets
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: December 13, 2016
Format: eBook
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Point-of-View: Alternating Third
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 319
Length: 11 hours and 37 minutes
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four-half-stars
Series Rating: four-stars

Harley Vincent is resigned to life in the human world. Sure, being a margay shifter is half her nature, but life among humans gives her the freedom to roam and do as she pleases. That is, until anti-shifter extremists target her, putting her life in immediate danger.
When an old acquaintance and onetime fling, Jesse Dalton, shows up to offer the protection of his pack, Harley hesitates. She may have feelings for Jesse that go beyond their one-night stand, but life among shifters means giving over her independence to the needs of pack. Plus Mercury Pack has its own threat to face: a rich half-shifter is determined to claim their territory at any cost.
Jesse, who lost his true mate as a child, has wanted Harley since their night together, and he’s not letting her go again. They may not be destined for each other, but he knows she belongs to him and with his pack. Even if he can convince her to join him now, can he convince her to stay?

Harley Vincent is a margay shifter that lives in the human world. After her friend, Mia, died of a drug overdose, the entire pack blamed Harley except for Mia’s brother Jesse. After a one-night fling with Jesse after Mia’s funeral, Harley leaves him in the morning & doesn’t expect to see him again. After all, the Pack blames Harley, so why wouldn’t Jesse? She has no idea that Jesse has decided that they are going to be together. Until Cassidy (a young shifter in the Pack) has a vision of Harley dying. Jesse knows it’s time to claim what he believes is his. Although he lost his true mate when he was a child, Jesse wants Harley with everything he has. Now he just has to convince her that the fact that they are not true mates doesn’t matter to him.

Harley crushed on Jesse for years, but thought it would always stay a crush. She’s stunned when he shows up at the bar she works at & claims her.

I don’t play games, Harley, so I’ll tell you straight. I want you. In my bed. In my life. Where you belong.

What I really liked about this book was that there was not any back and forth or BIG MISUNDERSTANDINGS between them. Jesse simply tells Harley that he wants her & expects her to fall in line. As a margay shifter, Harley doesn’t fall in line with anyone. She’s still not sure about the mating thing as true mates are sacred in their world. Harley wants Jesse to talk about his mate that dies, but he refuses which makes Harley feel like they will never imprint. I have to admit that even as a new SW reader, I was wondering how the whole thing would pan out since his true mate died.

I really enjoyed this one. The Mercury Pack is one big family & they take no shit. How can you not like that?

Rating: 4.25 out of 5.

The Mercury Pack

four-half-stars


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Review: Maggie Moves On by Lucy Score

Posted May 8, 2023 by Holly in Reviews | 2 Comments

Review: Maggie Moves On by Lucy ScoreReviewer: Holly
Maggie Moves On by Lucy Score
Narrator: Emma Wilder
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: June 21, 2022
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
Point-of-View: Alternating First
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 416
Length: 13 hours and 41 minutes
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Can these opposites turn up the heat… without burning down the house?
House-flipping sensation and YouTube star Maggie Nichols can’t wait to dig into her next challenge. Arriving in tiny Kinship, Idaho, with only a cot and a coffeemaker, Maggie is prepared to restore a crumbling Victorian mansion in four months or less. She has her to-do lists, her blueprints, and her team. What she doesn’t have is time for sexy, laid-back landscaper Silas Wright.
The man takes flirtation to a whole new level. And he does it shirtless…sometimes pants-less. He and his service school-dropout dog are impressively persistent. But she’s not interested in putting down roots. Not when fans tune in to watch her travel the country turning dilapidated houses into dream homes. A short-term fling on the other hand could fit nicely into her calendar. After all, Maggie remembers what fun is like. Vaguely.
As their summer gets downright steamy, Silas manages to demolish the emotional walls she’s spent years building, sending Maggie into a panic. He’s the wrench in her carefully constructed plans. With the end of the project looming, she has a decision to make. But how can she stay when her entire career is built on moving on?

Maggie Moves On is a single-title romance by Lucy Score. I wanted something to listen to on my daily commute, so I requested the audiobook from the library. I ended up purchasing the ebook because I got impatient to finish the story. I didn’t love the narrator. Her voices for secondary characters were amazing, but I didn’t love her regular narration.

Maggie Nichols has made a name for herself as a YouTuber who flips houses. Her latest project is a crumbling Victorian in a small town in Idaho. She’s not the type to settle down, but she can’t deny her attraction to the sexy landscape architect she’s hired to help get the grounds in order. Silas is bowled over by Maggie from the start. He’s determined to break down her defenses and get her to see that they could have a future, even if neither of them knows what that looks like right now. Between his adorable dog, some feisty older folks and a bit of teenager angst, the town soon works its magic on Maggie…even if she isn’t quite convinced she doesn’t have to move on.

This was an adorable romance. I enjoyed both MCs. They both had humor and heart, which made for an engaging read. Their banter was especially fun and I literally laughed out loud a couple times at Silas. The whole town really came to life and I loved the relationship Maggie had with her business partner, Dean.

I did think the book was a bit long and there were times I was frustrated with the lack of communication, but overall I enjoyed it. I was sad when it ended.

Rating: 4.25 out of 5


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Review: Ancient Vengeance by Katie Reus

Posted February 6, 2023 by Casee in Reviews | 2 Comments

Review: Ancient Vengeance by Katie ReusReviewer: Casee
Ancient Vengeance by Katie Reus
Series: Ancients Rising #6
Also in this series: Ancient Sentinel, Ancient Warrior
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: December 27, 2022
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Point-of-View: Alternating Third
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 300
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four-half-stars
Series Rating: four-stars

She’s been sheltered her entire life…
Stella is from a fierce and ancient dragon line, but when her kingdom was invaded and half her family slaughtered, everything changed. She’s been taught to fight, to protect herself, but now that one of her sisters is back after being thought dead, she realizes it’s time to make some changes. After years of being smothered, she needs freedom, to spread her dragon wings and experience life. So when her grandmother tasks her with a job in New Orleans, she jumps at the chance to strike out on her own and prove herself.
He's never met anyone like her…
Dragon shifter Rhodes is a killer. An assassin. And he’s been ordered to kidnap the dragon princess Stella as vengeance against her clan. He’s always finished his contracts—until he meets her. Now he’ll do anything to keep her safe. To claim her forever as his mate. But first they’ll have to overcome the danger stalking her—and then he’ll have to figure out how to get her to forgive him for betraying her.

I love dragon shifter books. Other than reading Thea Harrison’s Elder Races series, I haven’t really read dragon books. Katie Reus is one of my favorite new-to-me authors & favorite authors in general. She writes such an amazing story & really brings the characters to life. As a reader than has gotten pickier as the years pass, I really appreciate her even more.

Rhodes has been hired by the fae to kidnap Princess Stella of the Nova realm. Except he knows she didn’t do the things that the fae are accusing her of doing. After following her around for weeks (i.e. stalking) her, he decides that he has to protect her. When she heads out of the realm on a mission to New Orleans, Rhodes barely stops her from being taken by the Fae.

Stella wants to prove to herself & her family that she is more than just an ornamental princess. After being sheltered her entire life, Stella is ready to spread her dragon wings. She wants to prove that she can be an asset to her clan & her people. When Rhodes arrives right when she is poisoned by the fae, she immediately (& incorrectly) assumes that he is a bodyguard sent by her family. Rhodes doesn’t correct her. To do so would mean she would be unprotected as she would certainly never forgive him for lying to her.

Stella is on a mission to find a crown that someone stole from her clan. Although she knows that the fae are a problem, she won’t stop looking for the crown. She feels it’s her only chance at proving herself. Both Stella & Rhodes are drawn into the new world in New Orleans where clubs are only open twice a week & payment goods are traded for services. It is quite a post-apocalyptic world that Reus has created here. I love it.

Rhodes knows that Stella is his mate, but her mating manifestation isn’t appearing which is pretty devastating to him. He doesn’t even consider the fact that the poison could have affected her in that way. Which is weird, because even I guessed that is why. Overall, I loved this book. I thought Stella & Rhodes were both amazing characters & a great team. I’m so excited that these books are being released almost back-to-back. Yay for dragons!

Rating: 4.25 out of 5.

Ancients Rising

four-half-stars


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Review: The Duchess Hunt by Lorraine Heath

Posted December 5, 2022 by Holly in Reviews | 2 Comments

Review: The Duchess Hunt by Lorraine HeathReviewer: Holly
The Duchess Hunt by Lorraine Heath
Series: Once Upon a Dukedom #2
Also in this series: The Duchess Hunt
Publisher: Harper Collins, Avon
Publication Date: September 28, 2021
Format: Audiobook, eBook
Source: Library, Purchased
Point-of-View: Alternating Third
Cliffhanger: View Spoiler »
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 384
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four-stars
Series Rating: four-stars

New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath continues her Once Upon a Dukedom series with this lush love story of a duke who discovers what he desires in a wife may not be what he needs...
Hugh Brinsley-Norton, the Duke of Kingsland, is in need of a duchess. However, restoring the dukedom—left in ruins by his father—to its former glory demands all his time, with little room for sentiment. He places an advert encouraging the single ladies of the ton to write why they should be the one chosen, and leaves it to his efficient secretary to select his future wife.
If there exists a more unpleasant task in the world than deciding who is to marry the man you love, Penelope Pettypeace certainly can’t imagine what it might be. Still, she is determined to find the perfect bride for her clueless, yet ruthlessly charming employer.
But when an anonymous note threatens to reveal truths best hidden, Kingsland has no choice but to confront the danger with Penelope at his side. Beguiled by the strong-willed, courageous beauty, he realizes he’s willing to risk everything, including his heart, to keep her safe within his arms. Could it be the duchess he’s hunting for has been in front of him all along?

The Duchess Hunt is the second book in the Once Upon a Dukedom series. I switched between reading and listening. The narrator, Kate Reading, is a personal favorite.

The Duke of Kingsland needs a wife, but he can’t be bothered with trying to find one on his own, so he puts an advert in the Times and asks anyone interested in becoming his duchess to send him a letter with their qualifications. Naturally, everyone is interested as he’s a duke. When his first choice falls in love with another man, he gives the task of choosing the runner up to his secretary, Miss Penelope Pettypeace.

Penelope has been in love with Kingsland forever, but it’s a quiet kind of love. She’s damn good and her job and loves what she does. She isn’t willing to compromise that for a love that can never be. So she dedicates herself to finding the right girl to be the future Duchess. Things are going well until suddenly the duke seems to notices her as a woman. Where before he treated her well, but just like any other person in his employ, all of a sudden he’s treating her as a woman first. When something threatens to expose secrets neither want revealed, they both realize things are more complicated between them than they ever knew.

This was a great unrequited love story. Penelope was a lovely character. Her steadfastness and attention to detail really came through. She may have been in love with the duke, but it wasn’t a starry-eyed kind of thing. These were two adults who respected one another and I loved that. While I enjoyed the first book in the series, this is definitely my favorite so far.

Rating: 4.25 out of 5

Once Upon a Dukedom

four-stars


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