Branded by Fire (Psy-Changeling #6) by Nalini Singh ~ Review

Source: Purchased.

Though DarkRiver sentinel Mercy is feeling the pressure to mate, she savagely resists when Riley Kincaid, a lieutenant from the SnowDancer pack, tries to possess her. The problem is not simply that he pushes her buttons; the problem is that he's a wolf, she's a cat, and they're both used to being on top.

But when a brilliant changeling researcher is kidnapped from DarkRiver territory, Mercy and Riley must work together to track the young man - before his shadowy captors decide he's no longer useful. Along the way, the two dominants may find that submitting to one another uncovers not just a deadly conspiracy, but a passion so raw that it'll leave them both branded by fire...

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

After a long break from the Psy-Changeling series, I finally picked up the next installment. And I know I've enjoyed the previous books, but it was so lovely to ease back into this world again. Braded by Fire is another solid and awesome installment in this series.

I've got to start this review by talking about how much I love this world. How well written it is. How easy it is to fall into, even while being incredibly complex. Nalini Singh is talented and brilliant. And this goes for the world and the overall plot within it, but also the characters. We get to see the couples from the previous books. I love checking in with them. And at the same time, there's an entire cast around the main characters of THIS book, ripening for their own stories and I'm excited.

As for the main couple in Branded by Fire, I of course was a fan. Something special about Mercy and Riley was how early they got together. Don't get me wrong, there is complications and conflict and it's still a lovely story of them becoming a couple that will last, but I enjoyed that their romance was built of a push and pull that involved them TOGETHER instead of apart. 

While the romance was marvelous, I also have to mention the familial relationships in this one--Riley and his siblings, Mercy and hers. I adore it. And their bonds to their packs! Have I mentioned that I love them?

The entire story was well done: the world-building, the plot, the romance, the side characters, literally everything. That said, this one just wasn't a favorite for me. Not sure if it was my mood or my forever love for Brenna and Judd or what, but this one fell juuuuust short of a 5-star read for me.

Overall, Branded by Fire is another strong installment in the Psy-Changeling series. It has everything I was looking for: a lovely romance, an interesting plot, and world-building that was comprehensive but not overbearing. If you've been holding out on this series, y'all, you really must pick it up!

4.5 stars - This series continues to be brilliant!

Mini Reviews: Broke Down, The Spanish Love Deception, and Drag Me Up

I've read a few books lately that I want to talk about, but I don't think I'm quite in the mood to write an entire long-form review. So...here we are with mini reviews! :)

Broke Down by Sharan Daire

Source: KindleUnlimited.

My car broke down on an icy road in the middle of nowhere. I’ve got no money in the bank, no place to stay, and no food for my kids. Can it get any worse?

Sure. A police car pulls up.

The county sheriff calls his twin brother to tow my car for repairs that'll probably cost more than the beater is worth. They say don’t worry about it. They only want to help.

Sure they do.

These gorgeous guys just happen to have two friends who own a luxurious motel called Little Cypress Lodge. I walk into this incredible hotel and it's like I've entered a new fantasy world. It's warm, there's plenty of food for my kids, and they say I can stay. For free. As long as I need a place.

The four of them even want to hire me to do some modeling work for their new fashion line. Crazy, right?

Me. The broke down, homeless single mom.

If I can keep up the act long enough to make some deposits on a new place, I can start a new life for me and my kids. If I don't lose my heart first.

Goodreads | Amazon

**Available through KindleUnlimited!**

I picked this one up as a brain candy read right before the new Mariana Zapata book released. I started it and it was so fun. Then the MZ book released, so I put this one aside for a few days before picking it back up. It was just as easy to get into the second time as it was the first. It doesn't have loads of depth, and it falls on rather simple tropes that tend to be present in books like this, but it really did hit the spot. If you're looking for a quick read that will make you smile and, yeah, probably roll your eyes too...but that's part of its charm, then I say definitely give this one a try!

3 stars - A fun, brain candy RH!

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

Source: KindleUnlimited.

A wedding. A trip to Spain. The most infuriating man. And three days of pretending. Or in other words, a plan that will never work.

Catalina Martín, finally, not single. Her family is happy to announce that she will bring her American boyfriend to her sister’s wedding. Everyone is invited to come and witness the most magical event of the year.

That would certainly be tomorrow’s headline in the local newspaper of the small Spanish town I came from. Or the epitaph on my tombstone, seeing the turn my life had taken in the span of a phone call.

Four weeks wasn’t a lot of time to find someone willing to cross the Atlantic–from NYC and all the way to Spain–for a wedding. Let alone, someone eager to play along my charade. But that didn’t mean I was desperate enough to bring the 6’4 blue eyed pain in my ass standing before me.

Aaron Blackford. The man whose main occupation was making my blood boil had just offered himself to be my date. Right after inserting his nose in my business, calling me delusional, and calling himself my best option. See? Outrageous. Aggravating. Blood boiling. And much to my total despair, also right. Which left me with a surly and extra large dilemma in my hands. Was it worth the suffering to bring my colleague and bane of my existence as my fake boyfriend to my sister’s wedding? Or was I better off coming clean and facing the consequences of my panic induced lie?

Like my abuela would say, que dios nos pille confesados.

The Spanish Love Deception is an enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating romantic comedy. Perfect for those looking for a steamy slow-burn romance with the sweetest Happily Ever After.

Goodreads | Amazon

**Available through KindleUnlimited!**

Before I say anything else, I must tell y'all that THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD. It was such an absolute delight. So many of my favorite romance tropes thrown into one beautiful book: grumpy hero, fake relationship, office romance, SLOW BURN! I'd been looking forward to reading this one, and I'm so glad it delivered. I give it 4.5 stars (rounding up to 5) only because of a couple of tiny things that don't entirely matter but did take it from being a definite favorite to only a *contender* for favorite. Even so, I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the tropes I listed, and also to fans of Mariana Zapata.

4.5 stars - A delightful slow burn romance!

Drag Me Up (Gods of Hunger #1) by R.M. Virtues

Source: Purchased.

They say he’s a myth...

And Hades prefers it that way. He may do all the work, and Zeus may get all the credit, but at least it allows Hades to preserve the one thing he truly cares to have: his solitude. The mere mention of the Wraith of Khaos Falls is enough to keep order, and he is rarely forced to leave the shadows of Casino Asphodel.

She belongs in the spotlight...

And Persephone clawed her way out of Demeter’s shadow to reach it. Now she’s lead in Calliope’s Cirque production but not without great cost, and there is not enough money in the world to pay off the debt accrued for the simple mistake of trusting Zeus. Though it’s easier to ignore the bars when she still has room to fly.

Landing a residency at the legendary Casino Asphodel is everything she trained for. Meeting a man she’d been convinced didn’t exist? She could never be prepared for that. Hades isn’t prepared for her either, but it’s soon evident they’re a force when together. He gives her a soft place to land, and she makes him want to reach for the stars. But when Zeus ups the stakes, they must be willing to go all in, even if it means coming down from the sky. Or stepping into the light.

Goodreads | Amazon

I've been seeing this book all over Twitter lately, and I was intrigued enough to download the sample. Then, of course, the sample intrigued me enough that I bought the ebook. And I must say that I'm glad I did, because I really enjoyed it. Mostly because the romance was so well done. Hades and Persephone (yes, THE Hades and Persephone!) connect right away, and I love that neither of them play games with each other as they ease their way into a relationship. It was sweet and lovely. Drag Me Up also uses Greek mythology in a unique way. I liked it, but I wish I'd been more drawn to the inner workings of it all. Maybe as the series goes and I get to know the characters better, I'll grow more interested in that aspect. Overall, I really liked Drag Me Up and I'm excited to read more of the series as it releases! I definitely recommend y'all give this book a try!!

3 stars - A well done Hades & Persephone romance!

The Brightest Night by Jennifer L. Armentrout ~ Review

 

The thrills, drama, and intrigue continue in the third installment of the Origin series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout.

He is the darkest star.
You are the burning shadow.
And together, you will bring about the brightest night.

Less than a year ago, Evelyn Dasher was a normal girl, living an unremarkable life.

Now, she's on the run, under the protection of the beautiful, deadly inhuman Luc. She's been betrayed by those who were closest to her. And she's learned truths about herself that she never saw coming--things she once knew, and was made to forget. Truths with devastating consequences. She's caught in the eye of the storm.

She is the eye of the storm.

Goodreads

Amazon | B&N

4 1/2 stars

I am a huge Jennifer L. Armentrout fan.  The Brightest Night is my most anticipated read of the year and it did not disappoint. 

This world has captivated me since I read the first book in the first series.  I love these characters.  They are so real to me.  So many of my favorites are all back together in this third book in this spinoff series.  There were some I'd hoped to never see again.  Yeah, that was a surprise.  But it was so nice to spend time with Kat and Daemon, Dee and Archer, and even Dawson and Beth.  Loved that Hunter is around a lot.  All these characters are comforting.  Old friends.  So many favorites make this a great read.

And this is a great read.  It's a hard book to put down because you just want to read and read.  There is so much going on with lots of hints being dropped.  I noted many a hint and saw part of it coming.  But really, it was a surprise.  And I love that.  I love all the good moments.  The happiness.  The growth.  The struggle.  The Luc moments.  But really the brilliance of this book is that the hints only add to the surprise.

I adore Luc.  His love for Evie is so strong.  He'll do anything to protect her.  The tender moments between them were numerous and appreciated.  I love spending time with these two.  They are perfect together.  Really, they are the reason this book is so hard to put down.  I just wanted to savor every moment they spent together.  I love Luc's silly pick-up lines.  I love how Evie is aware of the pain that lives in Luc and is trying to help him.  Luc is over protective.  Evie is coming into her own.  They are the amazing super couple of this world.  Once everything falls together, I expect they will be unstoppable together and Daedalus is not prepared for what they have unleashed.

Luc's comic relief is always welcome.  I love how he wants to buy a certain newborn a lama.  He always gives the most interesting gifts.  Think pet rock. Ha.  It's always nice to have Luc around.

The ending was intriguing.  Some will call it a cliffhanger.  I'm not one of them.  I lived through the Opal cliffhanger and this one didn't hit me like that.  I felt it coming.  And it didn't unsettle me.  It made me want book 4 like now but I trust this author to give me an epic book 4 that will tie this all together.  I trust there to be a happy for Evie and Luc...Nadia and Luc.

Trust.  Recently, I read a book 2 from a different author.  It was an experience that changed my reading habits.  Like Twilight got me back into reading, this book almost got me out of reading.  It came down to trust.  The author had broke my trust over her characters.  This author, Jennifer L. Armentrout, would NEVER break my trust over characters.  She may take her characters down a road I wish they didn't have to travel.  She may even Opal me but I trust her to do right by her characters.  Book 4 will be epic and I believe that.  I can't wait for the ride.

                                       

Baby & the Late Night Howlers (Sweet Omegaverse #1) by Kathryn Moon ~ Review

Source: Downloaded through KindleUnlimited.

Baby & the Late Night Howlers (Sweet Omegaverse #1) by Kathryn Moon

Baby’s heat is coming…

After years of assuming she was a beta, discovering her omega designation in a biker bar surrounded by alphas isn’t exactly fulfilling any fantasies for Baby. She only wanted to get laid, not get knotted, bitten, and bonded. Now Baby’s entire life is about to turn upside down.

With the sexual frenzy of her heat on its way, she needs to find a pack, a nest, and alphas she can trust.

The Late Night Howlers have given up hope…

After years of waiting for an omega to choose them, this motorcycle club of alphas is ready to move on with their lives. Until one sweet woman takes a chance on them.

A rundown bar and apartment building is no place to spoil a new omega but the Howlers are determined to do right by Baby when she needs them. All they have to do is keep her satisfied while resisting the mouthwatering temptation to bite and bond her, permanently.

When a rival MC comes sniffing after Baby, her safety is put at risk and the Howlers may be torn apart forever.

Goodreads | Amazon 

*Available through KindleUnlimited!*

I came across this one the way I do many books these days--I kept seeing it recommended in Facebook threads and finally it caught my attention enough that I downloaded a sample and took a peek. Then I downloaded the whole book and let it take over my life because reading this was SUCH A GOOD DECISION.

Before now, I hadn't really read much of anything centered in an omegaverse. I knew what it was and I had looked at a little, but I'd never sat down to actually read an entire book. From what I'd seen, it was always a toss up of whether I'd like it enough to read the whole thing because of certain aspects of the world. THIS ONE, however, this world Kathryn Moon has carved out of the idea of an omegaverse is everything I could ask for and more. It's exactly what the series title says--a sweet omegaverse. I kind of think about it as omegaverse-lite. It's perfect for anyone who may be new to reading this type of book or who maybe find themselves not quite sure about how they feel about a full-on omegaverse. 

All this to say, I loved the world. I love the packs. I love the alphas devoted to their omegas. I love the bonds and true relationships that grow through it all. It was all so easy for me to fall in love with.

The characters are *chef's kiss.* Baby was reasonable and kind in the midst of a surprise situation that changed the entire course of her life. Seth was a sweetheart. Jonah...also a sweetheart, but more of a hardheaded one. And I so enjoyed getting to know and love the rest of Baby's alphas as the story progressed. And the pack in general--it was just all so GOOD.

The storyline was exactly my kind of thing. So basically what I'm trying to say here is that when I said I let this book take over my life, I meant it. I could barely take my eyes off this book. I FLEW through, reading it in every spare moment. 

That said, there was one teeny-tiny thing that I totally saw coming from a mile away, which I would have forgiven, but it kind of took the characters too long to see it, considering at least half of them were suspicious in the first place. This didn't take away from reading for me (as I'm sure you can tell since I've basically been gushing) but it made this book just short of perfect.

Overall, Baby & the Late Night Howlers was a pleasant surprise. I loved the world and the characters and the easy to love reverse harem romance that developed. I am 100% for sure jumping into the next book (which is Baby's best friend Lola's story) next!

4.5 stars - A sweet, pleasant surprise!

From Blood & Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout ~ Review

Source: Review copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

From Blood & Ash (Blood & Ash #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Captivating and action-packed, From Blood and Ash is a sexy, addictive, and unexpected fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Laura Thalassa.

A Maiden…

Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty…

The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom…

Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

When JLA started dropping hints and teasers about a fantasy romance she was writing, I was intrigued. Then when the ARC landed on my kindle, I was excited. So of course that means it took me too long to pick it up because I was afraid of my own expectations. But yet again, Jennifer L. Armentrout has written a stellar novel that's more than likely going to land on my list of 2020 favorites.

From Blood & Ash is a new genre for JLA, and I'm genuinely impressed at how she tackled it. The story was told in a way that was intriguing while also informative of the world. I was interested in the characters and the world and the lore and everything mixed together to make this book everything it was, and that's thanks to Jennifer L. Armentrout's skillful storytelling.

I'm especially a fan of the unique take on vampires. And the paranormal aspects that make up the fantasy world as a whole. They were complex and clever and the way they unfolded with the story was great.

As always, the characters were crafted well. I liked Poppy from the beginning. I was skeptical of Hawke for a while, but he definitely won me over as a love interest. I enjoyed the side characters, both Poppy's friends and the new additions later in the novel that I get a feeling we're going to see more of in the next book(s).

The romance, like Hawke, took a minute for me but once it started working it WORKED. Like, I will go down with this ship. I love Hawke and Poppy's dynamic. They're funny and passionate and are going to make an awesome couple once they settle into it. I'm looking forward to seeing their relationship grow and evolve as the series continues.

There were only two real downsides to this book for me. One was the fact that I had to skim a little in the beginning, because I have little patience for exposition and there was of course a lot of it--which is to be expected in high fantasy. It didn't drag as much as it could have, which I'm thankful for, and it picked up not too far in and from there I just flew through. Like, read 461 pages in one day flew through. And then there were some things about the story I predicted. That's all I'm going to say about that so I can avoid spoilers.

Overall, From Blood & Ash was an impressive venture into a new genre for one of my favorite authors. I sincerely enjoyed the story, characters, and unique take on vampires, and I cannot wait for book 2!

4.5 stars - I'm genuinely impressed--surely a 2020 favorite!

Barbarian Alien, Barbarian Lover, Barbarian Mine by Ruby Dixon (Ice Planet Barbarian's #2-4) ~ Review

Hi, friends! I've been working on the Ice Planet Barbarians series since December, as I'm certain I've mentioned once or twice or twenty times. Since I've been binge reading them for a while, I'm kind of far into the series. I actually just finished book 14. So instead of trying to wrack my memory to write a long, full-length review for each book, I'm going to write little mini reviews instead. Just a paragraph, maybe two if I'm feeling wordy. But it'll give my overall opinion of the book.

I may consider doing this for other books/series when I get too far ahead to feel comfortable giving a full review, so please let me know if you like this or hate this!

Barbarian Alien (Ice Planet Barbarians #2) by Ruby Dixon

Twelve humans are left stranded on a wintry alien planet. I’m one of them. Yay, me.

In order to survive, we have to take on a symbiont that wants to rewire our bodies to live in this brutal place. I like to call it a cootie. And my cootie’s a jerk, because it also thinks I’m the mate to the biggest, surliest alien of the group.

BARBARIAN ALIEN is a sequel to ICE PLANET BARBARIANS. You do not have to read both in order to understand the plot, but the story will be richer if you do!

Goodreads | Amazon 

*Available through KindleUnlimited!*

Based on other reviews of this one, I thought I'd have trouble with the heroine. As it turns out, I actually ended up being a fan of her, her name is Liz btw, throughout the whole book. She's strong and witty and stubborn and I have all the respect in the world for her. I liked Liz's overall dynamic with Raaahosh, and can definitely appreciate his desire to have his mate. That said, I felt so-so about the way some parts played out. As a whole, I did enjoy!

Barbarian Lover (Ice Planet Barbarians #3) by Ruby Dixon

As one of the few humans stranded on the ice planet, I should be happy that I have a new home. Human women are treasured here, and one alien in particular has made it clear that he wants me. It's hard to push away the sexy, flirtatious Aehako, when all I want to do is grab him by his horns and insist he take me to his furs.

But I've got a terrible secret - the aliens who abducted me are back, and thanks to the translator in my ear, they can find me. My presence here endangers everyone... but can I give up my new life and the man I want more than anything?

Goodreads | Amazon

*Available through KindleUnlimited!*

I'd loved both of these MCs in the previous books. So of course I went into this one expecting to love it. Unfortunately, this one was one of my least favorites. I loved the couple together. They were so cute and so sweet. But the push and pull that went down and made up most of their storyline...well, it didn't really work for me. I'm glad for them, but sadly, meh.

Barbarian Mine (Ice Planet Barbarians #4) by Ruby Dixon

The ice planet has given me a second lease on life, so I'm thrilled to be here. Sure, there's no cheeseburgers, but I'm healthy and ready to be a productive member of the small tribe.

What I didn't anticipate? That there'd be a savage stranger waiting nearby, watching me. And when he takes me captive, the unthinkable happens... I resonate to him.

Resonance means mating, and children... but I don't know if this guy's ever been around anyone before. He's truly a barbarian in all ways, right down to clubbing me over the head and claiming me as his own.

So why is it that I crave his touch and hunger for more?

Goodreads | Amazon

*Available through Kindle Unlimited!*

This one was a gem in the series. The plot was new, compared to the previous installments (and those to come after). I loved the build of the relationship, and the building of communication between Harlow and Ruhk as the story progressed and they got more comfortable with each other. As a couple, they are absolutely one of the best in the series for me. That said, I was a tiny bit irritated at the conflict later in the story, which felt forced, but I do respect the growth it represented. One of my favorites!

****4.5 stars****