Book Review: "Bloodlust Shadows" by Luanne Bennett

 I’m Charley Underwood—welcome to the Stag. Keep your fangs to yourself and don’t forget to tip your bartender.

In Crimson, vampires, wolves, and humans live side by side. And I try to keep them from tearing each other apart.

After taking down a bloodsucking mobster and a rogue witch, I thought I’d catch a break. Maybe even a few days to fix up my bar and spend some quality time with Samuel, my vampire boyfriend.

But I should have known better—after all, this is Crimson.

An old enemy is out for blood, stalking us and leaving terrifying warnings. And this vampire likes to play with his victims, always staying one step ahead. Soon the whole town is caught in his games.

Customers start showing up beaten and bruised, unable to explain what happened. There are rumors of addictions and poisoned blood…

When Samuel disappears, it’s clear this opponent is smarter and more twisted than any I’ve faced before.

And he won’t stop until he’s taken everything from me. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

This is the fourth book in the Charley Underwood series, and takes place right after the third book. Since Samuel killed his Maker, a 'sibling' has shown up in Crimson to exact revenge, and he plans on hurting others to get it done.

It was nice getting some history on Samuel, as it does some flashbacks to his past, and dealing with Shane, the 'sibling'. We also get some small back history on Dog, and some connections with the Pack and the Northern Pack. Charley and Samuel still seem to never get time alone, and just smolders the romance part of the story. Looking for a few more books in this story line from Bennett.

Book Review: "Silver and Lead" by Seanan McGuire

 Seanan McGuire’s New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award-nominated October Daye series continues as Toby Daye is thrust once again into danger... and this time she has more than ever to protect.

Something is rotten in Faerie. In the aftermath of Titania's reality-warping enchantment, things are returning to what passes for normal in the Kingdom in the Mists—until it's discovered that the royal vaults have been looted, and several powerful magical artifacts are missing. None are things that can be safely left unsecured, and some have the potential to do almost as much damage as Titania did, and having them in the wrong hands could prove just as disastrous.

At least the theft means that Sir October "Toby" Daye, Knight errant and Hero of the Realm, finally has an excuse to get out of the house. Sure, she's eight and a half months pregnant, but that doesn't mean she can’t take care of herself. But with the sea witch offering to stand godmother to Toby's child, maybe there are greater dangers ahead for Toby and her family than it appears....

Old enemies will resurface, new enemies will disguise themselves as friends, and Queen Windermere must try to keep her Hero on the case without getting herself gutted by the increasingly irritated local King of Cats. Sometimes, what's been lost can be the most dangerous threat of all. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

This is the 19th book in the October Daye series, and again, it does not disappoint.

This takes place very shortly after the end of the last book. Toby is now about 8 months pregnant, and is feeling disgruntled from being cooped up by the over-protective husband, and the "kids" living in her house. She is called forth to bear witness against the Previous Queen, and at the same time, is requested to return to her job as Hero. The royal vaults have been ransacked, and there are several items that would be deadly in the hands of the wrong people, or Fae.

Again, this was a wonderful tale. There are many things I want to say about the details, but will refrain so I not spoil it too much. I look forward to there being more books in this series, and hopefully that will be true.

Book Review: :Bloodlust Curse" by Luanne Bennett

 

I’m Charley Underwood. I run the best bar in Crimson, Georgia… when I’m not kicking demons and vampire thugs out of town.

A local witch has been murdered. Even worse, it looks like the killer stole her magic, draining it away in a bloody ritual.

Who would play with the darkest kind of magic like this? And what are they planning to do with the power they took?

When the killer targets my mentor Candy, and the dangerous trove of enchanted objects in her shop, it’s time to gather Crimson’s witches and prepare for war.

But as we plan our response, I can’t shake the feeling that the others are hiding something from me. Could these attacks be connected to my mother’s magic? And her mysterious death two years ago?

Nothing will stop me from digging up the truth. Because this isn’t just personal. It’s family. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I giving an unbiased review.

This is the third book in the Charley Underwood series by Bennett, and it still has not lost any of it's charm. Once again Charley is in the mix to stop magic users with bad intent, from doing damage to her town and friends. This time though, it seems there may be more linked to her past and the secrets of her mother that she doesn't know about - and no one seems to want to share.

Like the first two novels, this one was pretty quick read. The story flows wells enough, though our MC Charley just seems to be angry all the time, and really angry when she finds out her friends know more information than they share about the past, mainly in regards to her mother and her death. I've been enjoying the series, and would hazard a guess that there could be a few more books into this series before it get stedious.

Book Review: "Hourglass" by Daniel James

 

Two best friends. One living, one dead. Together they'll protect the borders between life and death.

Clyde Williams is no stranger to death, having lost his older brother and father in service to the US Marine Corps, and more recently, his best friend Kev to a liquor store hold-up. But Kev never stayed dead, and ghosts are something Clyde certainly has no experience with. And things only get stranger and deadlier for Clyde and Kev when Rose Hadfield, agent of Hourglass, knocks at their front door. Rose has some understanding of what it’s like to commune with the dead, and offers them the choice to train their untapped abilities, or remain under Hourglass’ scrutiny in the name of public safety.

Unbeknownst to either of them, they're about to embark on a collision course with an ex-KGB officer turned necromancer, the wealthy and morally dubious Cairnwood Society, and the horrific denizens of Erebus. They're about to learn that death is only the beginning. - from Booksirens.com

This eARC was given to me through Booksirens.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

I actually came across another book in this series, and since I had not read the first, I saw it was still available to request for reading. However, once I started, I just could not continue reading it, so I admit, I did not finish the book. Though the plot of the story sounded somewhat interesting, the writing just made me feel like the author was trying too hard. We have a struggling comic book artist, with a dead best friend's ghost that "lives" with him. They can converse like normal people, and the ghost is slowly gaining some sort of telekinesis power as he is a ghost longer. There conversations are just... inane? I think that is the word I want. Then the ghost starts messing with people, like an evil streak. 

They get approached by a person from a secret organization that wants to bring them on, so they both just say yes, and go traveling with said person to the 'headquarters'. I know we need to get the story moving and giving some background as to how they get in this group, but it just felt too fake, rushed, and lacked a real feel to it.

Book Review: "Hellfire" by B. C. Hollywood

 

Past and present collide in a fiery tale of redemption, magic, and second chances.

Vincent Burke thought he'd already been to hell and back. He was wrong.

In the shadows of modern Dublin, Vincent Burke is a man haunted by his past and driven to the edge by grief. But when a reckless act catapults him back in time to 1800s Ireland, he discovers that his personal hell is just beginning.

Thrust into a world of dark magic and even darker intentions, Vincent encounters Siobhan, a young witch with powers that defy explanation. As the sinister Hellfire Club prepares a ritual that threatens Siobhan's very existence, Vincent must confront the demons of his past to save her from a fate worse than death.

In this desperate race against time, every choice comes with a price. With each step, the line between savior and monster blurs, and Vincent begins to question whether he's rescuing Siobhan or damning them both.

As past and present collide, Vincent and Siobhan find their fates intertwined in ways they could never have imagined. Can Vincent overcome his own troubled history to forge a new future, or will the flames of hell finally consume them both? - from Booksirens.com

I received this eARC from Booksirens.com and and providing an unbiased review.

This book plot sounded interesting to me, so I decided to request if I had the chance to read it. I did. I read. And I want more. Though the story starts off a bit slow, with seemingly repetitious recollections of a tragedy that our MC is dealing with the grief of, it finally gets somewhat into gear around the halfway point. Though not listed as part of a series, I think there is a possibility of a maybe a trilogy out of the starting story. I would be somewhat interested in the future plot plans for the MC and supporting character. 

Book Review: "The Begotten and Blessed" by Stella Hope

 

The monsters of legend are returning and magic may be the only hope.

Slinging drinks, breaking up bar fights with smelly conjured trolls, spying—it’s all in a day’s work for Esme Turner.

But finding out that the bloodthirsty creatures of legend were returning wasn’t what Esme anticipated during her interrogation of a fiery-tempered leprechaun.

​In over her head against the burgeoning threat, Esme faces buried secrets, a leprechaun with too many tricks, and an alluring doctor who just might be a thousand-year-old Welsh demigod.

​When a man-eating pishacha captures her friends, Esme is pushed to her breaking point, awakening infernal powers and a new source of fear equal to the malevolent threat: herself.

​Failure is not an option. If she can’t learn to control her inner demon, those she loves will be the next casualties amidst the surge of monsters. - from Booksirens.com

This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

This is the first book of a series called" Revival of the Fall" by this author. Set in a  modern day Seattle, we find our main character as a bartender in a society that does have magic. She is able to conjure trolls and animate them. Some of her friends are attacked, and she finds herself working for a secret society that is trying to keep Malevolents (bad creatures of myth) from killing innocents. She pairs up with a leprechaun who has Ifrit fire magic, and a one handed doctor, who may be  100 years old. Let's throw in, one of the bad guys that they meet is possibly his son... and oh boy...

I wasn't really into the story as much as I wanted to be. Our alpha female just seemed a bit ditzy and needy to me, compared to many other alpha female stories. I do like the story line, and the soft romance going on. The magic rules in this story world are pretty cool, and some mixtures of myth and stories of lore was interesting.

Book Review: "Mirror Reader" by Karen Duvall

 

When a god abducts her daughter, she’ll risk everything, including love, to get her child back.

Long ago, the real Alice in Wonderland used a spell to imprison Hawaii’s gods. Over a hundred years later, the gods are free and vowing revenge on her descendant and namesake, Alice Dodgson. One of them kidnaps Alice’s little girl.

Alice’s mirror magic is no match for the angry gods. She must ask for help from Keoki, the man who broke her heart… the man who unknowingly fathered her child.

Keoki is mirror-world royalty and is entitled by law to have sole custody of his little girl. As much as Alice still loves him, she can’t fathom a life without her daughter.

Alice and Keoki team up to search for the child, and face danger at every turn. They’ll encounter a lethal demigod, doppelgangers, ghostly night marchers, the Hawaiian pantheon, and maybe Alice in Wonderland herself.

But even if they survive the obstacles in their path, will their love prevail? Or will their secrets be too much to overcome? - from Booksirens.com

This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

This was an interesting re-telling of the classic Alice in Wonderland story. It is set in a current time and of the regular world in the location of Hawaii. The main character, Alice, is a descendant of the original one, and is a mirror traveler - able to step into a mirror world of our time, which happens to be a Hawaii set back closer to the late 1800s. 

Without getting into too much detail, Alice is thrust into a 160 year old issue of the Hawaiian gods being entrapped by her great-removed ancestor, and their recent escape. One god in particular kidnaps her daughter, whose father is of the mirror-world, and our adventure takes off. There is a bit of lost-love being reunited, discovery of parentage, and family history throughout the storyline.

Overall the story was well thought out, though at times I felt the details of what was around them needed more description. This was a good tale, and is able to be read as a stand-alone.

Book Review: "Shadows of Olympus" by Deric Wagner

 

Modern renditions of epic legends.

As the lines between myth and reality blur, the ultimate test of heroism awaits those who challenge fate. In this modern retelling of the Hercules myth, New Illion becomes a battleground where ancient legends and contemporary life collide. Roland, a former ruler turned shapeshifting were-lion detective, prowls the dark streets of the city, burdened by the murder of his family and the loss of his throne. His quest for justice is driven by profound grief, and he is determined to uncover the truth behind his family's killer. His partner, Damaldi, a gunslinger cursed with divine luck, provides an unpredictable edge as they navigate a city where the supernatural is ever-present.

Their investigation into a series of gruesome murders at Yamamoto Industries reveals troubling connections. Executives are being killed in increasingly horrifying ways, each death hinting at a deeper, more sinister threat. As Roland and Damaldi dig deeper, they discover that gods and demons are manipulating mortal affairs, their ancient powers threatening chaos.

Facing both human and supernatural adversaries, Roland and Damaldi must prevent a catastrophe of mythic proportions. With the fate of New Illion—and potentially the world—at stake, they must confront the ultimate challenge and stop the impending disaster. - from Booksirens.com

This eArc was provided by Booksirens.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

When I started reading this requested book, I had quite a few mixed feelings. A ruler of a large city of mixed population (shifter, human, etc) is arrested for murder (of his own family), claims it was magic-induced control of his mind, avoids a sentencing - other than you have to serve as a Warden (special police) in the same city he ruled, for an undetermined length of time. Conflict of interest much? Well, let's add in that as the story flows, we find out gods are involved, and doing their own manipulations, as well as the daemons. So everything is flipping nuts, and this guy is feeling guilt and remorse, as he was trapped in his body when he killed his family, yet has not gotten a chance to try to find the one who manipulated him. Oh, and let's hook him up in this Warden department, as more ofa detective, than a street patrol, because, hey - who needs training? His partner, oh, this guy is all Wyatt Earp with his two six-shooter handguns on the hips, and ensemble like Bat Masterson with an Earp mustache. 

But, once I got into the story, it was easy to overlook all this (it is fiction we are reading, right). There are always parts of hero stories that we know will happen: heroes almost never die, always win in the end, etc. This tale is not much different. His partner is a, for better terms, a "Luck" creature, and there are so many others that just happen to have a particular 'skill' or magic when the hero needs it. Overall, the tale was a good read, and since it is labeled as a chronicle, I am sure to be watching for the next one.

Book Review: "The Others" by Evette Davis

 

Beneath the fog of San Francisco lurks a hidden world that controls our fate.

Much as she wishes otherwise, superstar political consultant Olivia Shepherd was born a powerful empath. It’s a legacy she walked away from long ago—but when she wakes up one morning to find Elsa, a tenacious time-walker, standing in her kitchen, she realizes she can no longer ignore her gifts. She is quickly plunged into the hidden world of powerful “Others” and drafted to work for the Council, a shadowy organization that summons the fog to San Francisco to obscure their involvement in human affairs.

Complicating matters further is Olivia’s new love interest, William. A centuries-old vampire, William is far too jaded to take an interest in human affairs—but Olivia no longer has the luxury of remaining impartial. As shocking details from Olivia’s own past emerge and her role in the Council begins to take shape, will she rise to the challenge of her destiny? - from Booksirens.com

This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com at no cost and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is listed as the first book in 'The Council Trilogy' by Davis, and I feel it may turn out to be a nice series. The story synopsis interested me enough to test out the book, which I found to be entertaining. As with many books, I felt there was some fast movement regarding character acceptance of magical entities, and that they have a special power. I think it was mostly to keep the story moving along at a fairly decent pace so as to not lose the reader.

Worldbuilding was pretty plain, as it takes place in what seems to be a present-day type San Francisco. There wasn't much as to magical theory, of how it appears to work in this story, but most seems to be based on mythical creatures we know of and their basic powers (i.e. vampires with mesmerism, werewolves changing shape). The MC seems to accept abnormal situations, people, and just information about her self, without questioning anything, and seems to quickly "move ahead" in this magical world. Overall, I did find the book entertaining, and I would love to see where this series tends to go in the next part.

Book Review: "Bloodlust Bites" by Luanne Bennett

 

Welcome to Crimson, Georgia. I’m Charley Underwood—witch, bar owner, and accidental demon hunter.

Crimson isn’t a regular town. With vampires, shifters, and humans living side by side, tensions always run high. I try to keep the peace, and most of the time nobody gets hurt. Most of the time.

Right now, Crimson is one bite away from all-out chaos.

A dangerous new wolf is stirring up trouble. A sexy vampire is on the hunt, with a gun full of sunlight bullets. And thugs from Atlanta are threatening my friends.

As if that wasn’t enough, my magic is running wild. One second it’s throwing bad guys through windows, the next it fizzles out to nothing. There’s only one way to get it under control—by taking lessons from Crimson’s terrifying old-school coven of witches.

I need to get a handle on it fast. Way out in the woods, someone is attacking young women, leaving them bitten and bloody. Is it a stranger or one of our own?

When police pin the attacks on one of my bartenders, it’s clear that none of this is random. Someone is coming after me and the people I love.

I’ll do anything to protect my crew. Even strike a deal with a vicious old enemy.

Because when I see what I’m fighting against, it’s clear I need all the help I can get. - from Netgalley.com 

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

This is the second novel in the Charley Underwood series, and continues the adventures of our newest up and coming witch in Crimson. More trouble has arrived for our MC, and as she deals with the multiple problems that arise, trying to keep everyone (mortal, shifter, vampire) from ending up hurt or dead, and stopping the bad guys.

Overall, this is my basic kind of urban fantasy I prefer to read. It is fairly quick and easy to read, and doesn't necessarily dive into vivid detail if there is some 'romance' going on. We have action, magic, fighting both magical and physical. Small plots twists (to a degree) and multiple things going on that just throw the MC into a tizzy trying to figure out which to face and take care of first. Let's throw in that personal love interest part again, and just mix it all up!

I have enjoyed several other stories from this author, and this one does well keeping my interest in the story. Definitely would recommend for any that like urban fantasy.

Book Review: "Candle & Crow" by Kevin Hearne

 

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Iron Druid Chronicles comes the final book in the “action-packed, enchantingly fun” (Booklist) Ink & Sigil series, as an ink-slinging wizard pursues the answer to a very personal mystery: Who cast a pair of curses on his head?

Al MacBharrais has a most unusual job: He’s a practitioner of ink-and-sigil magic, tasked with keeping order among the gods and monsters that dwell hidden in the human world. But there’s one supernatural mystery he’s never been able to solve: Years ago, someone cast twin curses on him that killed off his apprentices and drove away loved ones who heard him speak, leaving him bereft and isolated. 

But he’s not quite alone: As Al works to solve this mystery, his friends draw him into their own eccentric dramas. Buck Foi the hobgoblin has been pondering his own legacy—and has a plan for a daring shenanigan that will make him the most celebrated hobgoblin of all. Nadia, goth queen and battle seer, is creating her own cult around a god who loves whisky and cheese. 

And the Morrigan, a former Irish death goddess, has decided she wants not only to live as an ordinary woman but also to face the most perilous challenge of the mortal world: online dating. 

Meanwhile, Al crosses paths with old friends and new—including some beloved Druids and their very good dogs—in his globe-trotting quest to solve the mystery of his curses. But he’s pulled in so many different directions by his colleagues, a suspicious detective, and the whims of destructive gods that Al begins to wonder: Will he ever find time to write his own happy ending? - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was given to me by Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

As a big fan of the Iron Druid series, I like this offshoot about Al, our Sigil Agent in the same world setting. This is the third book in this line of story, and pretty much continues a very short period after the last one. Some of the problems from earlier books are still lingering (the curse) and a few new ones come up - nothing that this Agent cannot handle though!

This newer series has been a fun read for me. As a fan of this world build Hearne has done for the Iron Druid, the style of magic and it's use, that this blend of specially prepared inks and uses of sigils, brings out yet another aspect that co-exists with an existing world magic. Great read, fulfilling storyline.

Book Review: "An Instruction in Shadow" by Benedict Jacka

 

The ultra-rich control magic—the same way they control everything else—but Stephen Oakwood may just beat them at their own game in this exhilarating contemporary fantasy from the author of the Alex Verus novels.

Stephen Oakwood has emerged victorious against the schemes of his aristocratic family. Now he finally has the opportunity to do what he’s been wanting to do for a long time: track down his father.  

But doing so won’t be easy. Stephen’s not so isolated any more, but the contacts he’s making in the magical world—everyone from the corporation he works for to the mother he’s just beginning to reconnect with—all have agendas of their own. And now a new group is emerging from the shadows, calling themselves the Winged. Their leader, the mysterious Byron, promises that he can show Stephen how to find his father...but he wants something in return.

Following that trail will throw Stephen into greater danger than he’s ever faced before. To survive, he’ll need to use all of his tricks and sigls, and pick up some new ones. Only then will he be able to prevail against his enemies...and find out who’s really pulling the strings. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is the second book in the this series by Jacka, and continues pretty much following the events int he first book. Stephen is still trying to find his father, and figure why his newly-found family is .. well, dysfunctional. While doing all of this he has to handle work, sigl-making, attacks/raids from other people, and groups coming out of the woodwork - all with their wants, needs and for some reason, him.

I felt this part of the series slowed down a bit, and helped explain a bit more of the magic system, than was explained before. It also shows the development of the MC as he has to "find himself" in order to decide how to react to all the chaos going on around him. I am not sure I liked how all these entities are all going after him, considering I did not ever catch what is special about the MC - except he has a rare skill of finding wells (sight?) and maybe of making his own sigls. So that gets a bit boring, but otherwise the story is a pretty good read.

Book Review: "Bloodlust Blues" by Luanne Bennett

 

Welcome to Crimson, Georgia. I’m Charley—reluctant witch, and owner of the best bar in town.

Everyone’s welcome at the Stag—vampire, wolf or human. As long as they don’t make trouble. Or ask too many questions about what we’re selling out of the back room.

I keep the beers coming, and in return the town keeps my secret. But when a gang of deadly vampires shows up at the bar, it’s clear they’re not looking for a drink. They want to take my business. Or my blood.

But this is more than just a shake down. All over town, people are dropping like flies. Disappearing or attacking their neighbors. It’s like they’re possessed. And someone—or something—is pulling the strings.

As if I didn’t have enough trouble, a fancy new restaurant just opened right across the street. And a sexy vampire from out of town seems to think I need protection. I have plenty of dangerous friends already… so why can’t I stop thinking about him?

The whole town is going to hell. Perhaps literally. And it looks like it’s up to me to stop it. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

Luanne Bennett came across my reading radar a couple of years ago, and since that time, I think I have read most, if not all, of her books. This new start to a series was no different. An easy entertaining read that actually has a story line and not just pages of mindless sex fluff. Bennett had proven again that she is an author to contend with.

Book Review: "The Legacy of the Witch Hunter" by Matthius J. Diaz

 

Witches never died, they were only waiting…

A young student is bequeathed a villa in Berlin from his estranged dead uncle. The only catch: He has to spend the night before Halloween alone in the safety of his new mansion, and not open the door for anyone until sunrise.

He soon learns why.

The Grand Witch of the East has returned to complete her Last Ritual, and end the current age.

Discovering he is the last descendant of a blessed bloodline of witch hunters spanning ten generations, Robert Burmantel has to join a crackpot team to take on his family's arch nemesis. There’s wise-cracking sniper, Juan. Tech expert with a dark past, Salena. Sergei the monk; mighty with the pen and the sword. Leading them is over-the-hill Sigurd, who prefers a drink over responsibility.

Pulled suddenly out of his comfortable life, will Robert rise to the occasion and live up to his mighty legacy, or escape his duty and return to the state of mediocrity from which he came? - from Booksirens.com

I received an eARC from Booksirens.com and am providing an unbiased review.

Looking at the cover, and even after reading the story synopsis, I imagined this to be more situated in an older timeline - something like 1800's or something. However, this is much closer to modern times, which is why it is labeled an urban fantasy. I was fine with that, with either situation, as the plot just called out to me to be read. I'm adding in some speculation and comments that will surely be spoilers, so read at your own risk.

The story started out fairly okay. We have a bit of background on our MC (lives in Berlin), fancies get-rich-quick schemes, struggles with school, has no social life (basically). The typical loner hero-to-be story character. An eccentric uncle has left his estate to him, on the requirement he stay inside it Halloween all night. There he discovers his uncle carried the title of Witch Hunter. Story moves along and he meets his first witch (that first night) and then three other hunters. Story is moving along at an okay pace.

Then it stumbles. Cutting the tip of a finger off... immediately following the commands of someone you don't know, in your own new house. Just too much starting to make out MC sound like he obviously cannot do something without being told to do it. Much of the rest of the book is that way. There is much self-doubt going on, and finding out facts about these new hunter "friends". Let's not forget this Grand Witch of the East, that his uncle has hunted for years is coming to Berlin to bring about the end of the world by bringing a demon to it. Sigh. 

It took me a couple days longer to get through the book. Each time I picked it up and read some, I would just mentally shake my head and put it down for awhile. Overall, I love the synopsis of the story. I like how an 'unknown world' is eye-opening to the MC, and finding out he has a special power, well, kind of cool. There is a bit of romance starting between MC and one of the hunters (who happens to be a witch, which witch hunters live to hate/kill - see what I did there.... witch which witch). Overall I thought it really slowed down and became a word-count game to the author after about halfway. By the end of the story, I wondered if the Witch was ever going to be stopped, because it ddddrrrraaaggggssss. If somewhat felt like the author was trying to leave a possibility of future sequels...? But I don't see where that would really go, as the power he has is gone (allegedly) and evidently he is falling for a witch. Yeah. Pretty okay book, prolly a bit more young adult genre.

Book Review: "Devil's Ivy" by C. A. Martin

 

I was broken, until the day a gorgeous stranger invaded my life and declared I was his witch…

I never wanted any of this…

Heartbroken, with my life as a trainee surgeon in tatters, all I wanted was to crawl into a hole and die.

Then Kit darkened my door.

As devastatingly attractive as he is infuriating, he turned what was left of my world upside down, inside out and every which way but straight.

And he did it all with just seven little words.

You’re a witch, Fleur, and you’re mine.

I can’t believe it.

It’s a joke, it has to be.

And yet it all makes perfect sense.

My life had been ruined, but maybe there is a still chance for me.

A chance to overcome my demons and learn the truth about myself.

The truth about the ties of fate that have bound me to this man.

If our nightmares don’t destroy us first… - from Booksirens.com

I received this eARC from Booksirens.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This is the first book in this series and I will admit I was drawn to read this one due to the cover art. When I read the synopsis of the book, I thought, well, I will give it a shot. Overall the book is a pretty easy read. Starts out fairly slow, explaining our MC's background (failed superstar trainee surgeon, now hopelessly worthless). About midway we meet the sexy guy that claims he knows her, and that they are slated to be together because of magicke.

Okay, I admit I did not read the complete book. by midway, and this guy explaining magicke to a muggle, just didn't fit my vibe. I tried picking it up again after a couple days, but the story could not pull me in. I feel it is written easily to read and understand, my mind just didn't like some of it.

Book Review: "Angel's Fire" by Paul Sating

 

Heaven's monster hunter has a new, dangerous job, and it's his biggest yet.

After slaying the behemoth, I earned myself the title of “God’s Sword” and some much-needed time off. I filled the quality 'me time' by reconnecting with my ex—and didn't screw it up! Great, right? Wrong! My time away simply gave those plotting against peace a chance to change their plan of attack.

The last six Bowls of Wrath are missing. Incompetent authorities, enigmatic truths about Yahweh, and the toxic deluge of the Second Bowl left the world in turmoil. Tens of thousands are dead as an otherworldly force drives the curse on.

The world is teetering on the brink of chaos and someone has to grab the apocalyptic problem by the horns. Who better than the Upperworld's grim Reaper, angel assassin, demon hunter, and all-around Mr. Fix It?

As the world disintegrates, Rev Carver must hold together a shattered reality. Will his newfound reason to fight keep him alive through the monumental task of restoring balance to a world on the brink of annihilation? -from Booksirens.com

This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

Rev Carver is back for book three, and he is not a happy camper! Being one of the oldest (and best) Reapers, plus the assassin of the Angels, is not an easy job. Especially when you are trying to get back with the love of your life, and enjoy some time off. But Rev has a tendency to always help others, plus it *is* his job. So again he faces a huge behemoth-type monster that is ravaging the coastlines of the world, trying to stop what the second bowl of wrath has started. Add in trying to figure out who is actually the thief and causing all this ruckus - it's a long work day.

Sating again makes reading an enjoyable pastime for me. His novels are easy to read and understand as he has created the character world that explains easily, including the angel-magic, and unfortunately, the politics that we see in life. Rev Carver is nothing but a big teddy bear that doesn't want to be acknowledged as such, and makes for somewhat predictable reactions throughout the story, but ends well each time. I expect to see a few more books in this series.

Book Review: "A Dark and Rising Tide" by Debra Castaneda

 

When a massive storm surge hits the central coast of California, the ferocious surf destroys buildings, floods streets, and washes up something sinister from the depths of the Monterey Bay.

Peter, a retired state lifeguard, knows the water better than anyone. Carla, owner of a beach-side restaurant, is still mourning the loss of her son in a boating accident. While both love their quaint small town with spectacular views, their personal lives are as complicated as the changing weather forecasts.

After a mysterious creature in the water kills two men, Peter and Carla are plunged into a living nightmare as a massive tidal surge traps them and their friends in a battered, unstable building.

While the storm rages through the night, they discover something horrifying swims between them and escape, just waiting to attack anyone within reach.

They need to make life or death decisions to survive.

But first, they need to make it to morning. -from Booksirens.com

This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is the third book in Castaneda's Dark Earth Rising series (which can be read as stand-alone novels) and is stated to be inspired by true events. That is enough for me to not want to go swimming in coastal waters, that's for sure. As one can determine from the book cover, this is a tale that includes some sort of tentacled sea life. As a large hurricane-type storm beats the coastline of this small village, a handful of people need to survive the storm surge, as well as the sea-life it brings to visit.

I have enjoyed each of these three novels from this author, as each takes place in a different locale, inspired by an urban tale in that area. This one happened to deal with squid-like creatures that seemed to be overtaking humans, and showing signs of intelligence. Throw in a simple romance that grows through the story, and you have a nice read. The book read easily, and seemed realistic enough to happen as written (excluding the who creatures thing). Look forward to reading more from this author!

Book Review: "Fear the Wolf" by Stefanie Gilmour

 

Since she shifted into a werewolf, Alex was terrified. Of the man who attacked her—then of herself.

If her inner wolf breaks free again, people could die, and she’ll be the one hunted.

Alex struggles to keep her savage passenger caged, but life doesn’t make it easy. The Committee ruling the supernatural community would punish her for the slightest misstep. A group of zealots are targeting supernatural beings of all kinds. Worst of all—some people are just jerks.

For help, she relies on her best friend Emma, a wizard and the only person she trusts with her secret. But Emma has her own secret: Mitch. He’s twisting her into someone unrecognizable… and he may be inflicting the same treatment on other vulnerable supernatural citizens.

To save Emma, Alex must make alliances with wizards and werewolves alike, face the Committee, unravel deadly conspiracies, and confront her own worst fear—herself. - from Booksirens.com

This eARC was provided through Booksirens.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

This is the first book of a shifter series by this new author. The plot description sounded interesting enough, I decided to request it for review. I was not completely disappointed. 

The story follows Alex, aged in her 20's, as she tries to keep the wolf in her contained, afraid it comes out, she will hurt people. While doing this, trying to keep a job, and hiding under the radar of the supernatural Committee, who govern the Supes. Unintentionally, she drags herself into a larger mess, that it seems only she can help clean up.

Overall the story wasn't bad. I enjoyed learning about the characters that revolve around the MC. There isn't a lot of background story to our MC, but it comes out in bits and pieces as the story progresses. There isn't much about the backgrounds of the supporting cast. Worldbuilding was fine, as scenes were easily pictured, and seemed consistent with the timeline and urban-ness of the story setting.

Our MC has several conflicts that almost follow each other with no break in between, and it makes the story drag a bit. I could understand how overall, they all lead to the same conclusion, but I felt like the author was trying to shove too many conflicts into the story. I don't recall specifically which ones could have possibly been omitted, as if I remember correctly, they all introduced something/someone/some group/some-something that the author wanted to be sure the reader knew. It just felt like "c'mon, really? That much conflict?" and my attention would wane a bit.

Aside from the couple small issues I noted, I did enjoy the story, and would be interested in reading future books in this series - I'm always curious where the author(s) go next. 

Book Review: "Truth in the Smoke" by S. P. Neeson

 

You're Fae. I could feel the magic when I walked in the door.

When a famous actress says this to me, I’m torn between thinking she’s insane and asking her for more details. But she leaves before I can do either and when I try to find her the next day, she’s dead and I’m left with more questions than before.

Why did she come to me? Why was she killed? Who did it? And was she crazy or did she know something I don’t?

I can try to forget it ever happened and move on with my life or I can break into her house, and the scene of her murder, to investigate.

What can I say? I’m really good at bad ideas. - from Booksirens.com

This eARC was provided to me through Booksirens.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is one of my favored types of reads: decent storyline, quick-moving, and overall a fairly fast read. Add that there will be at least a couple more books (if not more) in the series, it's even better. This starts out as a regular PI being hired to find something story, and then it starts getting interesting, as the PI here, doesn't know anything about 'other races' - meaning fae, etc. From there it gets a little far-fetched (as many stories these days do) with such a headstrong main character jumping head-first without knowledge of whom she might be against, just to 'right the wrongs' that have happened. 

Overall, it was a good read, and I look forward to the next book in the series. I may even look up the author for other works that may have already been written. There is some slow romance growing/blossoming/happening that doesn't get over-detailed. There some fantasy races involved, but best, it's a murder mystery, with huge complications.

Book Review: "Obsidian Murders" by Nicole Fox

 

A journalist who's kinda weird. A 500-year-old detective. Two young women dead from magic.

Tessa O'Hara is tired of people thinking she is crazy. Growing up sensitive to the supernatural and deemed mentally unstable by every therapist she’s ever seen, Tessa moves to Washington D.C to start fresh. But when there are two murders in her neighborhood that reek of magic, she's a bit freaked out and utterly regretting her decision to become a semi-functioning adult.

Seeking aid from a vampiric detective, a grumpy house faerie, and several local Wiccan covens, she is determined to use her abilities to help. But Tessa and her new friends are at a loss when the case abruptly goes cold with no leads or suspects.

Can Tessa help find the killer before another woman is found dead? - from Booksirens.com

I received this eARC from Booksirens.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This is the first book in a new series from this author, and it wasn't bad at all, in my small opinion. I believe this is the first work put out (though the author pen name, Nicole Fox, could be found to a different person, this work is not accredited to) and can be read as so. The plot is fairly easy to follow, and overall is a nice, fun , easy read for the day. IT is your overall vampire/human relationship, and throw in a couple weird things - oh! and add that you hope future books in this series will fill in all details, piecemeal, about the main characters. In short, the usual that seems to be put out every three months in this genre.

In honesty, I did enjoy it though, more than I do most books that seem to randomly appear every few months from some "big" writer with a psuedo. There were a few issues with the use of tense in the writing (it is an ARC) but otherwise I did find it a nice distraction for the day.