Renee continues to be somewhat naive when it comes to the Neighbors and their intentions. At least Jackson has a more realistic view and tries to mitiRenee continues to be somewhat naive when it comes to the Neighbors and their intentions. At least Jackson has a more realistic view and tries to mitigate any unintentional consequences. Things worked out well for Renee, but she did make some dangerous and very questionable decisions. Noel turned out to be a surprise, which was unexpected. This book was over way too fast and I was very upset to discover that this is very far from the end. It is best to read these books in order. ...more
Contact has been made and we are learning more about the Neighbors. Clearly there are factions on both sides with more sinister motives and this made Contact has been made and we are learning more about the Neighbors. Clearly there are factions on both sides with more sinister motives and this made the story very intense and suspenseful. Renee has an almost idealistic view of the Neighbors, and it doesn't seem to occur to her that there might be individuals with sinister intentions, the same as you would get within the human population. This had me at the edge of my seat quite a few times and I cannot wait to see where it all goes. It is definitely best to read these books in order....more
A unicorn and a dragon, a highly unlikely pair, manage the impossible and find love in the midst of a quest for vengeance.
Right from the start we are A unicorn and a dragon, a highly unlikely pair, manage the impossible and find love in the midst of a quest for vengeance.
Right from the start we are thrown into a whole new fantasy world where a unicorn shifter is the king of all, precarious as his position may be. I was very intrigued by the unicorns, dragons, and many other magical creatures that popped up as the story went on. The world building was fairly solid and did a good job of introducing the history and current state of affairs. It did get a teeny bit confusing sometimes to keep all these different characters straight. There wasn’t one specific villain, but rather an unrelated group all with the same nefarious plans to unseat Dash as High King.
Tanis and Dash set off together, each with their own agenda, that turned out to be chasing the same perpetrators. I liked the two of them together. They put aside centuries of mutual animosity and found that they really enjoyed each other’s company. The relationship development between these two and their interactions was done really well and I was very invested in them and their quest.
In most shifter stories, we get used to the shifters spending more time in their human forms and using their animal forms for specific purposes. Here, for example, Tanis’s dragon form is her natural form and she needed Dash’s magic to turn her human. It was a bit difficult to imagine these humungous dragons going about their day-to-day business, which was set up very similar to what a human’s environment would look like, just bigger to accommodate their size. The same went for Dash (and by extension all unicorns), though he was able to change forms at will.
Despite some gaps, this was an exciting read and I couldn’t put it down. I can highly recommend this if you like fantasy romance with thrilling action and betrayal around every corner, and I hope there will be more.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Chaos follows in the wake of a deadly curse with Ty, Mira, and her demon working against time to find the source.
I absolutely adored the way that Ty Chaos follows in the wake of a deadly curse with Ty, Mira, and her demon working against time to find the source.
I absolutely adored the way that Ty reacted to the curse. The curse was a very bad thing, believe me, but Ty’s actions and Mira’s attempts to corral him added some levity to a very grim situation. The two of them were growing closer, working well together, and playing a little bit with fire when it came to the unacknowledged attraction between them.
This magical mystery was engaging and thrilling. I enjoyed the author’s descriptive writing style that led us from clue to clue through some pretty gruesome moments. It packed quite a punch for a novella, giving us a fully formed story filled with unsettling suspense and no stone left unturned.
This series is connected to The Magicsmith series, but you don’t have to read that series first to be able to enjoy this one. It is better to read the books in order in each series as the events build on each other. I can highly recommend this if you like urban fantasy and the possibility of a romance.
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Evil is spreading on Skye and our beloved Druids are barely staying ahead in this thrilling magical fight for survival.
First of all, you, the reaThe Evil is spreading on Skye and our beloved Druids are barely staying ahead in this thrilling magical fight for survival.
First of all, you, the reader, need to realize that this is book five in the Skye Druids series, which is one of many interconnected series, all part of Donna Grant’s Dark World. If you’re up to it, I’d say read it all, it’s well worth it. You can also start each series on its own, as long as you start that series at the beginning. Each book builds on the previous one.
Now, Still of the Night focused on Ariah and Killian, who loved and subsequently lost each other in a series of unfortunate decisions. Something nudged Killian to return to Skye and to Ariah. The two of them were so sweet and hot and I loved that their reunion wasn’t drawn out. Any feelings of resentment were no match for the Evil that had been insinuating itself on the island and keeping the Druids on their toes. At some point, I was wondering when we would witness Ariah’s magic, and the story did not disappoint. Once Ariah decided to commit, nothing could bump her off course.
The writing drew me in and soon I was immersed in the characters and the events. As usual, we are left with a sliver of hope, some resolution, and a boatload of unsolved mysteries. Clearly, I’m in this for the long haul. Ms. Grant, as long as you keep writing these books, I will read them. I may not like all of them equally, but I am invested.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Life-changing secrets are carefully revealed in this urban fantasy packed with nail-biting action.
The focus of this book was more on Silver and LoganLife-changing secrets are carefully revealed in this urban fantasy packed with nail-biting action.
The focus of this book was more on Silver and Logan’s relationship and the challenges they faced because of the general animosity between Mages and Chitahs and the strict rules governing the Chitahs’ courting rituals. But since neither Silver nor Logan bothered much with such pesky things as rules it was very entertaining to see them navigate these obstacles.
I enjoyed the two of them together, even more than the previous book. Logan proved himself to be loyal above all else and there was no doubt about his commitment to Silver. Silver was struggling somewhat to come to terms with what it would mean to be fully part of Logan’s life. Justus and Silver had some more meaningful interactions, which I loved, and helped to bring more dimension to their relationship.
There were some extremely interesting developments regarding Silver’s heritage that I cannot wait to explore further. As expected, she learned more about how the Breed world worked, but she still has a long to way to go to navigate the complexities of it all. And even though it was hard to read, Silver wasn’t invulnerable, and she found herself in seriously hot water more than once.
I can recommend this series if you like urban fantasy romance with magic. It is best to read them in order. ...more
Twist is a thrilling chase to find Silver’s tormentor before he can do more damage.
I liked the addition of Logan to Silver’s life. Adam, Justus, and Twist is a thrilling chase to find Silver’s tormentor before he can do more damage.
I liked the addition of Logan to Silver’s life. Adam, Justus, and Simon met her at a low point and were instrumental in getting her back on her feet. The relationship between Silver and these three men were complicated and not always easily definable, whereas Logan viewed her very differently.
Logan was super intense, volatile, and sometimes scary. He was possessive and protective about Silver, and it was a bit much at times. In fact, they were all hot-headed. They were very quick to “fight first, ask questions later”.
The action was fast-paced, nail-biting, and very tense. This is a brutal world that doesn’t shy away from violence. Silver found herself in several vulnerable situations. She managed to retain plenty of her humanity while embracing her new identity.
This book gave us more details about Mages and the Breed in general and I liked it more than the first one, which often happens with series like this. I can recommend this series if you like urban fantasy with magic and magical creatures. It is best to read them in order.
Roman has always been an interesting character ever since we first met him in the Kate Daniels series. It was fascinating to learn more about him persRoman has always been an interesting character ever since we first met him in the Kate Daniels series. It was fascinating to learn more about him personally, his powers, and his relationship to Chernobog. I loved his grumpy attitude that hid a very soft heart. The world created here of these gods and their servants were very well done and engaging. We were entertained with all kinds of new and spellbinding magic as well. I was hooked right from the start. It's not necessary to have read the Kate Daniels series first, you can jump into this one directly....more
This vampire version of a whodunnit murder mystery is an utterly thrilling page-turner.
From the very beginning, I was riveted by the seclud
[image]
This vampire version of a whodunnit murder mystery is an utterly thrilling page-turner.
From the very beginning, I was riveted by the secluded setting, the odd collection of vampires that made up the council, the puzzling events, and Alex’s determination to keep James safe. The author did an excellent job of creating these vampires and lulling the reader into a false peace of mind about their true characters. James had to remind Alex (and us) repeatedly that these particular vampires didn’t have altruistic intentions. The farcical style of their “courtroom” and interrogations made me so angry and exasperated.
Alex very cleverly drew conclusions based on the limited information she had. This process took us through intriguing twists and turns, and I never would have predicted the outcome the way it unfolded. She used her magic very effectively and also expanded her powers in interesting ways. The ending was a relief, but also left me feeling frustrated and wondering how the future was going to look for Alex and James.
This series just keeps getting better and better, and I can highly recommend it if you like action-packed fantasy with a soulmate kind of romance. It is definitely best to read the books in order.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The excellent world-building from the first book is expanded here, with exhilarating action and well-developed characters.
I liked Rowan and Evee, as The excellent world-building from the first book is expanded here, with exhilarating action and well-developed characters.
I liked Rowan and Evee, as individuals and as a couple. Both had integrity in spades and a yearning to make up for past mistakes. They were very competitive, and neither wanted to cede the upper hand, but they had each other’s backs when it mattered most.
The author made full use of the characters’ magical and physical abilities, which I always appreciate. As much as Rowan started this rescue mission on his own, he called in reinforcements when necessary, and it was fabulous seeing them all work together. Their familiars were so impudent and amusing.
This book was quite harsh at times with more than one scene alluding to sexual assault and degradation. I’d say that it added gravitas to the bleak situation of the victims and the cruelty of their captors, but it was difficult to read.
I can highly recommend this series if you like magic, suspense, and steamy romance. You don’t have to read them in order, but the first book does an excellent job of setting up this world and is well worth reading first.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
An elf and a human have to put their mutual animosity aside and face the horrors of their past in this magical tale.
Rising Sun is the first book in a new series about the elves on Zora that we first met in Dragon Lover (book 5 of the Dragon Kings series). I don’t know why I’m still surprised by the way that Donna Grant can create new characters and new plot lines in this super extensive universe that is already teeming with so many interesting characters and events.
Yasmin had a very traumatic past that was revealed in bits and pieces and showed her phenomenal fortitude. Ravi was an intriguing mixture of hard and soft. He had to be hard because of his job as spy, but he was very solicitous of Yasmin almost right from the start. Both had to let go of their race-based preconceived notions about each other.
Ravi and Yasmin’s journey to stop a war was fraught with nail-biting danger interspersed with moments of exquisite beauty and tenderness.
The elven world and culture seemed multi-faceted and interesting and I am excited to read more about them. And, as usual, the author very cleverly sprinkled subtle hints around at the end about what may be coming next.
I can highly recommend this entire universe of books if you like shifters, fae, elves, magic, thrilling action, and steamy romance. You can start with this book and this series, or go back and discover the magic of Donna Grant’s Dark World.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
There are two very quick, but emotionally charged and exciting stories in this book. This was a book that was impossible to put down and I enjoyed botThere are two very quick, but emotionally charged and exciting stories in this book. This was a book that was impossible to put down and I enjoyed both magical tales immensely. Both stories take place in the same world, and the world-building was thorough, even for such short stories. ...more
Another excellent blend of myth, legend, suspense, and pure fantasy. I always love it when it's Mercy and Adam against the world, with the help of theAnother excellent blend of myth, legend, suspense, and pure fantasy. I always love it when it's Mercy and Adam against the world, with the help of the pack and Mercy's odd collection of allies, of course. There were a lot of mythical elements in this story that didn't always make sense, but that didn't stop me from being engrossed in this tale of fate. I also liked that the story was told from various different viewpoints. It is definitely best to read the books in order....more
I didn't know what to make of this story at the beginning, but once Renee made contact with August I was all in. I appreciated that Renee had so much I didn't know what to make of this story at the beginning, but once Renee made contact with August I was all in. I appreciated that Renee had so much support for Jackson and the other military personnel there. The world building around the Neighbors and their world was vivid and very detailed. We learned about them via Renee's interactions with August and while she was figuring them out. I am very excited to read the rest of this series. ...more
This was a new-to-me fantasy world that I found very intriguing.
Zoë’s making came out of nowhere, and it was terrifying. It was a thrilling beginningThis was a new-to-me fantasy world that I found very intriguing.
Zoë’s making came out of nowhere, and it was terrifying. It was a thrilling beginning, but then it took a long time before the reader and Zoë were introduced to the intricacies of the world of Mages. At the end of it, I’m still not entirely sure about how it all works, and I hope the following books will make things clearer. Her time of captivity with her Creator was truly horrific and a testament to Zoë’s inner strength that she made it out with the will to carry on.
Adam was amazing. He helped Zoë without expecting anything in return, even when neither one of them had any clue as to what had happened to her. He took her in and gave her a safe space and even after she went off with Justus, he was still a safe space for her. It was difficult to like Justus initially. I was a bit confused as to where he and Simon fitted in in the whole scheme of things. Zoë wasn’t too eager to ask for or accept help, and she never stopped fighting for herself. And Simon was just the right kind of distraction for Zoë as a break from all the seriousness around her.
Overall, I quite enjoyed this story, even though some parts moved a bit slowly. I can recommend this if you like Mages, magic, and political maneuvering. This first book is not a romance and I don’t know what to expect from the following books, but I am excited to find out. ...more
A kidnapping and a very cunning puzzle to solve form a thrilling backdrop to this action-packed fantasy romance.
We were immersed a little bit more in detail into this world of vampires, demons, witches, and more, but new players were also introduced and some of the history of this realm was revealed. Micha and Skye were both quiet souls, going about their business without fanfare. They fit together quite well as a couple. Their chemistry was also more subdued, but no less powerful. Between the two of them they had more than enough determination and courage to see this threat stopped at all costs.
The author very cleverly hid the identity of the true villain in plain sight. Nail-biting action accompanied our heroes on this twisty quest to save the world from sure destruction. There were some vague but intriguing revelations about Maya’s mysterious Benefactor, and I can’t wait to find out more.
This is a fascinating series if you like fantasy romance. It’s best to read the books in order.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Skye Druids and their allies form even tighter bonds while they are being threatened from multiple known and unknown enemies.
I really liked Jasper. He completely owned his unsavory past and did all he could to make it up to Willa and the rest. I was not always so fond of Willa and her impetuous nature. She was very quick to share everything with Jasper, though I’d have thought she’d be more wary of strangers, especially an unknown Druid. And when his secrets came to light, she was understandably hurt, but her reactions were definitely ruled by her emotions.
The action and magical battles were thrilling with a lot of separate threads coming together, but also creating more tension and questions. The best part was how Skye and the Druids there kept luring all of George’s best people away from her delusional clutches.
It is exciting to have so many of the amazing heroes in this world working together, but their slow progress can be very frustrating at times. Balladyn is the best, as always.
The Skye Druids series form part of Donna Grant’s Dark World universe. You can start this series without having read any of the other books, but I would recommend you read this one in order at least. If you like intense chemistry, spectacular magic, dragons, Fae, and Druids, then this is the series for you.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ...more
I was riveted throughout the thrilling action and nail-biting suspense. The discord between Dianthe and Sylus was unsettling and this whole situation I was riveted throughout the thrilling action and nail-biting suspense. The discord between Dianthe and Sylus was unsettling and this whole situation with their making-up was done really well. My favourite part was Sabrina confronting the vampires on Paragon. Aborella played an important role and everything that happened to her were a big surprise. The dragon siblings were slowly making progress and I loved how everyone worked together. This is an excellent series if you like fantasy and magic with steamy romance. It is best to read these books in order....more