Admittedly, I’m not typically ever in the mood for fae politics which often bridges horror with a cold brutal manipulation, always with doubl3.5 Stars
Admittedly, I’m not typically ever in the mood for fae politics which often bridges horror with a cold brutal manipulation, always with double entendre underhanded word play hiding true nefarious intentions. Just so you know, this is no different and doesn't let up on these sorts of themes prevalently seen in the sidhe culture.
However, this is ripe with just the type of hero that I love. Roark is the powerful son of Queen Mab, and he’s dutiful in protecting his Unseelie citizens at the detriment to his own health and safety. He’s cold as ice, and his unbreakable veneer makes him unapproachable and untouchable. Roark likes it that way because to ever show weakness would make him too vulnerable to his enemies as well as to his very own mother. Nevertheless, such antiheroes always have a soft spot that renders them unable to do anything but their love’s every whim, and they would sacrifice all, even their own happiness, to see them safe. That person for Roark is Phineas, and it was a lovely thing to watch unfold.
This isn’t perfect except for Roark. He was a wonderful character, self sacrificing, alpha intimidating and uber powerful, and I enjoyed seeing his defenses slowly chipped away in the face of Phineas’s determination to find out the truth. Phineas was a little more difficult for me to like. He’s the rare human who can channel ley line magic which is a huge problem as it makes him a target for all creatures who want to manipulate and use him, and that includes Roark’s mother.
Regardless, this was a very nice set up to the age old feud between the Seelie and Unseelie, and though Roark and Phinaeas find love and score a point for their side, the war has just begun…...more
This is a world where if wanted, one could willingly bind away their worst memories into a book, forgetting and leaving them there for safe k2.5 Stars
This is a world where if wanted, one could willingly bind away their worst memories into a book, forgetting and leaving them there for safe keeping for all eternity. In its best light, such an event is looked upon as a type of medical treatment, allowing a person to move on from horrors they’ve experienced like it never occurred in the first place. However, in this alternate universe, what happens most often, mainly in the upper echelons of society, depravity and evil is hidden so that tormentors and abusers can go on forever in their wicked ways. In the lower realms of society, the business of binding is looked upon with superstition and fear.
In and amongst this dark and grim setting is Emmett, a newly discovered Binder who is slowly learning the trade. Emmett’s world is turned upside down because being a Binder isn’t something you choose, it chooses the person and one can’t ignore such a calling. Despite planning a life as a farmer, Emmett is forced to leave all he’s ever known to become an apprentice to a mysterious old lady. When she dies suddenly, Emmett’s life is further upended as he’s dragged to the city to continue his training and there, he quickly learns that bound memories are a hot commodity among the rich. When Emmett sees a book with his name on it, he’s understandably shocked and is rashly forced to burn it to release its truth. What he learns is awful, wonderful, and heartbreaking as it’s all tied to the elusive Lord Lucian.
This was not a fun book to read. The main characters for me were hostile, angry, often with a huge chip on their shoulder. There was a tragic love story here, forbidden because MM isn’t accepted, and the obvious stark divide between classes is also a huge barrier. It doesn’t help that the world both Emmett and Lucian live in is nothing bright or happy or special and I too would want to be bound to live in a cloud of ignorance than to face the awful machinations of this created society that loves to see others miserable, being able to lock up their dreadful secrets in private despicable libraries of their own making.
Overall, I never warmed up to Emmett, Lucian, or any of the other characters who had way too many faults that impeded my liking this story and impeded my ability to root for the MC’s to get their happy ending. Points for originality, points for well written detailed prose that definitely immersed the reader in the gloomy world Collins created, but this took me forever to finish. Despite all the descriptive minutiae, there were still so many unanswered questions and ultimately, an unsatisfying win that frustrated me with its abrupt ending that should’ve been so much more. ...more
Whelp. My dream of a satisfying conclusion did not come true with the finale to this trilogy.
It seems I just don’t have the brain power to infer1 Star
Whelp. My dream of a satisfying conclusion did not come true with the finale to this trilogy.
It seems I just don’t have the brain power to infer basically the entire story arc that is this series, especially when the story hopped all over the place, literally and figuratively, as Taylor and Corentin traverse across space and time to get the elusive apple to kill Taylor’s psychotic brother Atticus.
All the points go towards a really unique and gleefully twisted look at reincarnated fairy tale characters that live amongst us lowly humans. The setup was intriguing but sadly, there were just too many plot threads that were sorely left dangling or without proper explanation.
Many others have enjoyed this alternate universe and apparently understood what the author was trying to convey. I needed a translator, but that’s moot since I’m simply grateful I can finally put this series to bed. The End....more
I’m typically all for an amnesia trope and this one grabbed me pretty easily. Take note that with most amnesia storylines, the re3.5 DSP Beyond Hearts
I’m typically all for an amnesia trope and this one grabbed me pretty easily. Take note that with most amnesia storylines, the reveal and resolution are a bit long in coming which might frustrate some.
So yes, as per the blurb, Aidan basically finds himself naked and afraid, not knowing who he is or where he’s at. When he’s quickly found by his employer Nassim, it’s evident that they’re closer than just simply an employee/employer dynamic, but no one is willing to say much. Hence, Aidan starts on a journey of self discovery that lends more questions than answers and a growing inexplicable pull towards Nassim. Why is that? I think you already know the answer...
This book is loosely tied to the The Gryphon King's Consort, and I have to say that what I enjoyed most about book one was the complex world building and hierarchy, where here it was a bit lacking. I wanted more of the interesting world where the mythos lived. I wanted more about the dragons and their fascinating political and turf issues. I simply wanted these two things more cohesively connected and intertwined. Nassim’s history and his background was interesting and unique (just like King Luca’s) and the potential for expanding on that was missing. However, I appreciated Nassim and Aidan’s personal fears and struggles while the central mystery behind Aidan is slowly revealed.
Overall, I think that if you liked the first book, or love anything with dragons, plus enjoy the concept of the mate bond with some UST and smexy, then this will be a reliable DSP Beyond win. If Burke chooses to write additional stories in this world, hopefully she’ll bring more of the fantastical creatures and their elaborate cultures which is where this series shines the most and will keep me coming back for more!
Thank you to the publisher/author for a copy in exchange for a honest review
I can hardly resist a space opera, and I dare you to try when up for offer is an amnesiatic lost king, a piratical past lover who is desper3.5 Hearts!
I can hardly resist a space opera, and I dare you to try when up for offer is an amnesiatic lost king, a piratical past lover who is desperate to find him, and a people who need their rightful ruler to lead them out of their tragic brutal circumstance.
Griffin is said piratical past lover, and he’s been searching for Helios, who’s next in line for the throne, for several long years, hoping against hope that maybe, just maybe, Helios is still alive after sacrificing himself for capture so that many others could escape. What Griffin finds is far from pleasant. Helios is a very changed man, knowing only his sex slave existence due to wiped memories and being forcibly conditioned to serve. However, what’s fully ingrained is not forever lost.
Despite the fact that these two men come together very quickly due to the undeniable magnetic connection they still have, they are both stymied by doubt, obligation, and a past that did not condone them being together. Despite that very history and the vast distance and time that has transpired, it’s obviously not enough to keep these two apart again now.
Having not read the original, I have no means to compare this to its former self. What I will say is that the author has added approximately 22K words in this newly revised edition and hopefully, that’s evident in the adventure, the romance, and the more fully realized story.
So yes, there’s action, there’s plenty of smexy, and an interesting universe that held my attention. Overall, I really enjoyed the outer space setting, and I look forward to the big payoff regarding the promised political intrigue as it’s probably safe to say, there’s gonna be some pretty good violence and lots of comeuppance on the horizon.
This ends with Helios and Griffin a strong formidable team. They make a fantastic return in starting anew, and Helios especially is on the precipice of a not yet fully realized destiny foretold in the stars that left me kinda in awe and ready to see how everything pans out. The entire series looks to be up for revision and re-release by DSP, and I will follow through to see Helios and Griffin’s well deserved win!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review
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I would like to say that this sequel to Americana Fairy Tale delivered on all the goods, but unfortunately, it fell a bit short.
What this did2.5 Stars
I would like to say that this sequel to Americana Fairy Tale delivered on all the goods, but unfortunately, it fell a bit short.
What this did accomplish though was continuing a fascinating unique world where reincarnated versions of various fairy tale characters we all know and love (or love to hate) exist, and each has a predestined fate to overcome or succumb to.
Corentin and Taylor have already saved humankind once, and they just want to live their lives anonymously with no Enchant interference. Thing is, when you’re a cursed Huntsman who loses his memory every 7 days and a princess who can’t harness the powerful dragon magic of Sleeping Beauty, one is going to inevitably have some issues when living a self imposed bubble of exile, because ignoring a problem never ever erases it.
And boy do these two have some problems. There’s Taylor’s “Snow White” brother Atticus, who’s crazy and missing. There’s the evil witch Idi, who’s bound to make a reincarnated appearance at any moment to wreak more havoc. Don’t forget Corentin’s memory issues and feelings of low self worth and Taylor’s inability to communicate or control his magic. Harsh awful truths are just chomping at the bit to be revealed and once set free, will test both to their limits where nothing will be the same again.
This has a lot of potential, and maybe the final book will be the end all be all, but beware a huge lack of explanation, a dark twisted exploration into legend and lore, and plenty of uncomfortable violence and off putting smexy.
I’ve come this far and I’m going to read the conclusion, but my high hopes and expectations might be just that - a fairy tale - and I’m worried they’re not going to come true....more
I’m not sure what to think of this, as it certainly is original in re-envisioning the reincarnations of all possible fairytales ex3 On the Fence Stars
I’m not sure what to think of this, as it certainly is original in re-envisioning the reincarnations of all possible fairytales existing amongst us normal mundane humans. These “Enchants” each have a set of rules to live by, magic potential to explore, and possible curses to defeat. This is a world where it turns itself on its head eschewing convention where boys can be princesses and girls can be princes. Here, time warps and shifting reality are a dime a dozen, and fate and responsibility can hang upon a person like an albatross whether they know it or not.
This starts off with Taylor. Taylor has had it rough. He’s male, he’s been born a princess, and he doesn't even know which princess he is. The fact that Taylor just might be “curseless” is the worst possible outcome for someone of his status. Taylor is also gay and doesn’t want to marry his female Prince Charming, so when he jilts her at the altar this further compounds his scandalous situation and sets in motion a series of events that have been patiently waiting to repeat themselves for the last several hundred years. Said disaster waiting to happen involves his brother Atticus, the reincarnation of Snow White, who betrayed all she loved because she fell for the evil witch Idi, thus inciting war and genocide. So, Taylor’s “misbehavior” pushes history to the edge of repeating itself, influencing Atticus to take the wrong path. Taylor must now right his wrongs, all the while being chased by the mysterious huntsman Corentin, hired by a resurrected Idi, to kill Taylor and who has his own awful curse and issues to contend with.
Whew! Confused yet? Yeah… me too.
Obviously, the setup and premise are pretty darn intriguing. The execution?? Not so much. Often I was scratching my head, I was frustrated, things were weird and crazy, and Princess Taylor was all over the place. Ensue emotional ups and downs, frenzied fantastical fights, barely contained UST, feisty pixie godparents, insane brotherly rivalry, discovering awesome true love, and embodying horrible wondrous destiny all wrapped up in one mind boggling ride.
All of that should’ve been a guaranteed win, but a lot needs to be rectified. It remains to be seen if the payoff will be worth the strenuous calisthenics my poor brain was put through. Taylor and company definitely have their work cut out for them...
Impressive with the world building and the setup, this isn’t your typical paranormal romance.
Isra is basically a loner, a wandering soul eve3.5 Hearts
Impressive with the world building and the setup, this isn’t your typical paranormal romance.
Isra is basically a loner, a wandering soul even amongst his Bedouin people of wanderers. He’s been having recurring dreams about a mysterious man that he can’t ignore and feels the overwhelming need to find this stranger and help him no matter what. Thus, Isra implores his childhood friend, a mischievous fire spirit, for guidance and is forever changed with what he comes across.
Janan has no recollection of any personal history and after being on his own for many months, the kind offer of aid from Isra is just too hard to refuse. What they discover in trying to find out who Janan is, is something more powerful and dangerous than first assumed.
I was really expecting grand adventure and whirlwind romance and though we do get that somewhat, this was also a lot more sedate than anticipated. Truly well written, I liken this to more an ode to the Bedouin lifestyle and culture, a love song really, to freedom - not only physically but spiritually from all the trappings of the modern world. Bridging plenty of faith and religion with lots of commentary about life in general, this was more a thoughtful romance - not only about two people but also towards a way of living and where identity shapes one’s worth and humanity.
Not containing a lot of flash and bang that was wanted and expected but again, more of an introspective study on many things, in and amongst a sweet love story, peppered with some lite smexy, and a penultimate finale. Li for sure mixes up genres and tropes, and I look forward to what may come next.
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
An oddly compelling page turner. I don't think I’ve ever read an MM billionaire/lover for hire story and it was strangely pleasantly nostalgic 3 Stars
An oddly compelling page turner. I don't think I’ve ever read an MM billionaire/lover for hire story and it was strangely pleasantly nostalgic of my various MF reads way back when.
Elijah is severely down on his luck, and it just so happens he catches the eye of a rich sexy mysterious man on his first day of being a stripper. When Mason entices Elijah with an extremely lucrative contract in exchange for his time and attention, how can Elijah say no? There’s just one caveat. Do not fall in love. Riiiiightt.
I do agree with various readers who were miffed about missing the relationship formation between these two as Elijah wakes up from a motor vehicle accident induced coma and can’t remember the last few years. However, there’s snippets of flashbacks and a bit of suspense that provides the rest of the answers but mainly, it’s mostly about Mason’s struggle with letting Elijah go for his own good versus wanting to keep him for forever.
For those that need to know, the editing could use some work but overall, this was easy sexy sentimental comfort reading....more
Oh how this pains me to give such a rating but for some reason, unlike the first book Fangs and Catnip, I just wasn’t feeling it with this seq2 Hearts
Oh how this pains me to give such a rating but for some reason, unlike the first book Fangs and Catnip, I just wasn’t feeling it with this sequel.
Don’t get me wrong. I still find the entire premise charming - a B&B that caters to the supernaturals, portraying plenty of fun characters that now boasts the addition of a magpie, a raven, a fox, and an imp! This go around focuses on Tom, who we saw in book one and is now a successful werewolf who’s made it his life’s calling to help other shifters in need. When he gets a call from his old friends Tanner and Connor, Tom doesn't hesitate to help them with a rogue wolf prowling the Dead & Breakfast’s property. Tom for sure, never expects to find his perfect match in the process who unfortunately, is caught up in some very awful evil.
Having originally listened to Fangs and Catnip, I think this sequel would totally benefit from another audio by Dorian Bane, as he lent an authenticity and dramatic flair to the quirky humor and endearing qualities of each shifter character. It seems though, that DSP has stalled on producing more audios for their Beyond line which is terribly terribly disappointing and thus, we might not get an audio for this book. By actually reading this, the over the top silliness was made all the more blatant, and the constant “mate, lover, mate, honey, mate, love, mate” (can you tell that mate was used here no less than 200 times???) drove me a lot wonky.
For those of you who fancied the first book I have no doubt you’ll like this sequel for the same original reasons, especially as this continues mostly as a cute and sexy romantic romp. Alas for me, the different “reading” experience was just too stark, and my enjoyment just couldn’t be stoked to previous levels.
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Really just a beautiful and thoughtful meditation on what happens to us after we’ve passed away. It’s not all hearts and flowers, nor is it 4.5. Stars
Really just a beautiful and thoughtful meditation on what happens to us after we’ve passed away. It’s not all hearts and flowers, nor is it all doom and gloom, this is a place where one goes to hopefully find peace and make amends despite past mistakes and wrongs.
Our hero Joe awakens in an unknown realm. It’s fascinatingly wondrous but there’s a pressing urgency for him to rediscover himself down memory lane so that he can fully reap the benefits of his new existence. As Joe slowly remembers, there’s many a sucker punch of emotions through glimpses of his struggles, both triumphant and terribly painful, but most importantly is finally finding his true love - someone who’s everything to him, someone who he must reunite with.
Arvin’s take is not black and white but pervasive with redemption, forgiveness, and a tentative happiness should one be brave enough to take a chance at seizing it. Though perhaps Joe didn’t get his ultimate fairy tale ending when alive, rest assured he finds his blissful forever in Arvin’s blending of many interpretations, creating a unique (and personally preferred) alternative to the paradigm.
Overall affecting and thought provoking with a truly wonderful, and for once, both literally and figuratively, happily ever after....more
For one who loves a military/spy/action thriller, this story ticked off many boxes. When both MC’s work for the same covert operation and are4 Hearts!
For one who loves a military/spy/action thriller, this story ticked off many boxes. When both MC’s work for the same covert operation and are equally tough alpha males? Even better.
As per the blurb, this is about Phelan Cole, who’s basically the top dog at an elite anti-terrorist agency set on destroying evil in all its many forms. Phelan knows by experience that the world out there isn’t kind; it’s cruel, unfair, and full of horrible potential. Thus, Phelan’s dedicated his life to fighting such and to his amazement, he’s lucky enough to find his one true love amidst the madness and chaos. Still, Phelan’s love for Clyde Barnett is not an easy one. Clyde, has many issues, as he’s has been conditioned since he was a child that any weakness, let alone not being heterosexual, is absolutely forbidden. He’s had that literally beaten into him over and over again, where his first instinct is to hate what’s different and all that is associated with the hidden part of himself that even he can’t admit to. However, through his employment at the agency, Clyde’s exposed to Phelan through their working partnership, and eventually they become friends, then lovers, and ultimately husbands - a relationship that slowly unravels Clyde’s own self hatred and deeply ingrained homophobia. Of course, what results is something glorious.
Now the reason why I love tough alphas who are nigh indestructible is because the only thing that can humble them is love. It can bring them to their knees, making them vulnerable, making them ooey gooey and dripping with so much sap that I just can’t not melt along with them, and that’s what happens here. That’s what happens to these two intimidating, skillfully deadly men who only show their weaknesses and true selves to each other. That’s some freaking fantastic fabulousness if you know what I mean. So, when Clyde’s memories of his beloved Phelan are erased, the fallout is absolutely devastating.
Is this book perfect? Hell no. Topmost, it is loooooong, and many know I try to avoid such as much as possible. It is also quite repetitive, mostly in key phrases and themes, as well as an over abundance of self reflection. I’m also not smart enough to say exactly what pov this is written in, but this is not a typical book that unfolds linearly. It’s definitely more a telling than a showing which I know will bother some, so I recommend reading the sample and seeing if it works for you because the writing remains consistently so in that particular format. After a while though, the story caught me, and I just wanted to know more and more as info was doled out in pieces, jumping between past and present, between Phelan and Clyde, revealing a story that was quite impressive.
As a warning, Phelan and Clyde literally go through emotional and physical hell to get their happy ending, and it was painful. However, I’ll never complain when a book can show just how strong the feels are between two people and how that love can inspire one to do amazing things and accomplish the impossible, but mostly in how it breaks down barriers both external and internal, which is obviously the ideal in what its superpower can be. What’s particularly intense is Clyde’s journey. Phelan’s love is nothing short of revelatory and life altering for him, and it’s something he never wants to be without.
So, what makes the lasting impression for me of course, is the intense love between Phelan and Clyde. Their love is the catalyst to everything they do and everything they say because the other completes them, and that appealed strongly to the always hungry romantic in me. These two hard, stoic and sometimes scary men, who can basically kill with a look, would sacrifice their very lives for each other. Despite several faults to this book, it hammers the message home. Ultimately, nothing can come between Phelan and Clyde - not self doubt, not personal demons or hang ups, not near death, not even memory loss. Nothing. They will prevail and win! Keep that in mind when reading this and don’t lose faith!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Sen is the son of the god of light and purity, and his dad is none too happy that Sen’s set up house wi3 Stars
Well this was an interesting kinky mix.
Sen is the son of the god of light and purity, and his dad is none too happy that Sen’s set up house with the demon of lust and depravity. It surely doesn’t matter that they’re in love; Baldeer won’t have his offspring tarnish his reputation and thus has erased Sen’s memories.
At times sexy hot, at others, it was a bit squirm inducing. I overall liked the concept as Sen sets out to regain his life back through some rather eyebrow raising challenges. This ended somewhat abruptly, but Sen and his demon lover Lilivite, are at a very good place.
Regardless, this short will surely satisfy your “special” craving for something different. I wouldn't be opposed to reading more about these two should the author choose to write more!...more
As usual, when I’m this late to the game, there isn’t much I can add to all the other reviews out there. Basically, if you're a Klune fan th3.5 Stars!
As usual, when I’m this late to the game, there isn’t much I can add to all the other reviews out there. Basically, if you're a Klune fan then I think this is a worthy read but be forewarned, this is the more serious, angsty side of Klune. I’m making the assumption that this entry is a very personal reflection from the author, more so than any of his other works, and it definitely shows.
Overall, this is a unique story with an equally unique win for the romantic protagonists Mike and Sean. What sticks out the most while reading this book is that it was an amalgam of various things many of us have probably consumed - Pleasantville, The Truman Show, The Matrix. The Maze, Lost, Under the Dome. Take that for what you will. Regardless, it’s a romantic mind trip for sure! ...more
A very solid, romantic love story with a guaranteed happy ending!
What this excels at and stands out for me is the intensity of emoti3.5 Amnesia Stars!
A very solid, romantic love story with a guaranteed happy ending!
What this excels at and stands out for me is the intensity of emotions between Santi and Hank. You get to see their inception and snippets along the way on how these two meet, fall in lust and love, and make their somewhat complicated situation work because they are absolutely gaga and perfect for one another. When their past, present, and future is taken away by Hank’s head injury, you definitely feel those emotions of despair that Santi goes through, as well as Hank’s frustration, but you also have faith that such a great love will ultimately persevere and conquer all.
This was swoony romance, and I loved the feels, the determination of Santi, and the evolution of these two destined souls who find each other not once, but twice. The writing style and the intimate scenes were a bit aggressive for my taste, but I’m confident that if you love the amnesia trope, this will be a highly enjoyable read.
Again, a great journey with lots of smexy and ooey gooey heart warming feels!
You know what?? I'm happy to say that I'm about 95% satisfied with this sequel. It definitely expanded on Inseparable, for it brought better insight iYou know what?? I'm happy to say that I'm about 95% satisfied with this sequel. It definitely expanded on Inseparable, for it brought better insight into Adam and Joe's relationship. There are flashbacks, which reveal glimpses of the important moments in their lives and how their feelings (and the choices they made) shaped who they are today.
This had my favorite kind of angst which is all about relationship insecurity. Joe is afraid Adam might change his mind, at the same time feeling extraordinary pressure for being his first in everything male. Adam is afraid Joe has changed his mind, that Joe doesn't feel as strongly as he does, no longer desiring him. There's a big elephant in the room bellowing for attention, especially since Adam is now finally getting over his health issues.
So my big wish for page after page of virgin smex was not necessarily granted. (view spoiler)[No butt sex, people. (hide spoiler)] However, this had fabulous UST, and the smex that did occur was hot!! This was a wonderful friends-to-lovers tale, and it was extremely satisfying to see Adam and Joe, who have loved each other for so long, finally free to express those feelings without fear. Funny and grounded, it also brought tears - and that either indicates great story telling or I was fighting something stuck in my eye (at least 3 times).
Overall, highly recommended despite that darn missing 5%!!...more
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