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Fantasy Romance, New Release, Paranormal, Review, Sci Fi, Suspense, Thriller, Vampire

#Review – Blood King: Revamping the Monarchy (The Heart Nebula Book 3) by Ava Cuvay

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Blood King: Revamping the Monarchy (The Heart Nebula Book 3)

 

Dracula was an upstart nobody from an alien race of bloodsuckers… Kaz just met the planet’s King.

Kazandra Lyon’s failed life sucks. But her vacation to a popular destination-planet sucks on a whole new level when she’s abducted and whisked off to a dark castle mired in twilight. She struggles against the attacks of a bloodthirsty monster and her growing attraction to the sexy and mysterious vampire king. Amidst murdered palace staff, political power struggles, and the king’s blood-searing seduction, has Kaz bitten off too much? Will she return to the unhappy safety of her failed life or stick her neck out and embrace a future with the lusty king who thirsts for her?
Away from his homeworld for far too long, King Rune Lahdunae’s political influence has weakened and his vision for his people is now a relic from a bygone era. He struggles to regain his royal standing as monarch, resurrect his race’s proud heritage, and keep his randy fangs off his beautiful guest. Yet Kazandra’s spirit and humor arouses a hunger in him more primal than the need for her life-giving blood. Can he entice her to remain as his honored guest… and possibly his wife? And can he thwart the relentless killer who is drinking his people dry before Kazandra becomes the next victim?

“Blood King: Revamping the Monarchy” is Book 3 in The Heart Nebula Series. Like it’s interstellar namesake, The Heart Nebula Series is a loosely-connected cluster of stand-alone Romantic Sci-fi stories with sassy heroines, gutsy heroes, passion and adventures set in a galaxy far, far away. In essence, it’s the stuff of stars.

 

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We have all been at a point in our life where we just need to get away from it all. Kaz decides to go to a popular destination-planet to relax and unwind. This place just sucks! Literally and figuratively. She is at a spring break type of place and she is kidnapped and taken to the other side of the planet that no one goes to just for fun. She is placed in the dungeon and is fed on by a monster. She is finally freed by King Rune and his way of apologizing is to have her spend her vacation at his palace. Rune has been brought back to life after 1000 years of being gone to find that his home has been run into the ground. He has yet to figure out exactly why he has been brought back and is struggling a lot with getting the monarchy back under control, dealing with murders in the palace, falling for Kaz and the fact that he is hiding exactly who he is to her. With all of this going on, Kaz is being herself, everyone loves her, and she is falling in love with Rune. The two of them have a lot of inner conflict within themselves and are so different from the other. But opposites attract and the two of the complement each other so well. The only thing is that they both have to be honest with each other and once the honesty is let out will they be able to be together? There is a ton of craziness happening at the palace when Rune hosts a ball of sorts. There is a death and kidnapping. Kaz finds herself in the middle of another mess and when the bad guy is figured out…..well lets just say oh holy hell because I so didn’t see this coming. I knew there was something fishy going on but when the twist unravels, it’s epic!!!! Blood King pulls you into the story and is the type of story that will constantly have you trying to guess what the hell is going on. And when the bread crumbs finally fell into place I was speechless! The sexy king will have you rooting for him and seeing how Kaz’s wittiness and no nonsense attitude brings him out of his shell will make you fall in love with this story. Well done, Ava Cuvay! Bravo!!!!

 

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Ava Cuvay

Ava Cuvay writes out of this world romance featuring sassy heroines, often-alien-but-always-sexy heroes, and an alcoholic beverage or two… Set in a galaxy far, far away. She resides in central Indiana with her own scruffy-looking nerfherder, kiddos who are growing up without her permission, and two kitties that make her laugh. She believes life is too short to bother with negative people, everything is better with Champagne, and Han Solo shot first. When not writing, Ava is thinking about writing. Or wine. And she’s always thinking about bacon.

Dark Humor, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Purgatory, Review, Suspense, Thriller, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR19 – #Review – The New Death (True Death #3) by R.K. Gleason

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The New Death (The True Death Series, #3)

 

Three years after suffering torments at the whim of Daniel, The Guardian of the remaining angels in Purgatory, Shepard is left a wretched soul, untethered and adrift. But things have catastrophically changed in the delicate balance. There’s something unholy festering beneath the overcrowded streets of Purgatory, and only Shepard knows the key to its survival.

New friendships and alliances are formed, old friends resurface, and others are cast aside. Purgatory will never be the same, if it survives at all.

 

Goodreads

 

I feel a little more evil with every book that I read of R.K.’s! This series has me hooked! In this author’s true fashion The New Death continues with bad language, crazy friendships, witty banter and the perfect amount of horror and gore! I can’t tell you enough how good this book is and is probably my favorite of this series so far.

 

“But like someone I once loved told me, f*ck it.”

 

We start this story three years after Shepard lost Andrea. Shepard is in a drunken stupor and has missed everything that Matthew and Horace have done with bringing the new souls into Purgatory. Since Matthew can now bring all of the souls in to one location and Horace tries to explain the rules to everyone to avoid them being taken and killed by The Other Things, Burnington has become over-populated and is in a crazy state of disrepair. In the midst of one of the groups coming in, Niki is amongst them. She and a new friend escape the madness and make it out into Burnington, Purgatory just trying to survive. They are chased by some thugs and run into the subway system to escape them but what the didn’t know was that there are much worse things in the subway. Niki is able to escape and happens upon Shepard and he brings her back to the Open. At once Horace is taken by Niki. As the group become four again they make a plan to try and save her friend. Shepard is being haunted by Andrea and in one of his hauntings he is visited by another being that gives him the key to survival and bring balance back to Purgatory. This rescue mission almost turns into a suicide mission due to new developments. Old friends resurface and more questions are brought forth. This book is one helluva wild ride just like the ones before. And the twists that are brought in will have you smiling and saying WTF! I love this author’s style and can’t wait to continue the series! The story is gripping and definitely not for the faint of heart!

 

 

 

I was born high in the Andes and raised by a band of wandering gypsies. At the ripe old age of 7, I struck out on my own, dabbling in the arts of alchemy and personal financing. Neither of the trades paid off. At 13 I became the personal juggler for Stephen King, but alas, that didn’t last long either. Since then, I’ve wandered aimlessly through life and this planet, stopping along the way to help people and smite the wicked.

A little while ago I decided to try my hand at writing. I published The True Death series independently for The True Death and The Vengeful Death but was recently picked up and published by Love N Books.

 

Anti-Hero, Dark Romance, Part of a Series, Review, Suspense, Thriller, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR19 – #Review – Scars (Marked Series 2.5) by Elena M. Reyes

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Scars (Marked #2.5)

Abandoned.

Thrown away.

Invisible.

Every single one of those could be used to describe me. They can tell you my story—my sad past—without a single syllable passing through my lips.

I hate them—those who lied to me. They claimed to love me, but in reality they used me when convenient. My parents. Sister. And now Talan. Loving them has left me empty. Sad.

Alone.

Not anymore. Screw them. My love has turned to anger…hate. Now, what consumes me is the urge to destroy, to force them to see what they wrecked with their carelessness. My name will never be forgotten. Not after I have my revenge.

His tears will be my ultimate retribution.

 

Goodreads

 

Oh holy hell! This is all about Janice, this girl…..smh. In the first two books we get glimpses of our girl but she has had a sordid past and some other issues to go right along with it. She is the girl we all love to hate….but dayum, I feel so bad for her. So, we all know she is hung up on Talan and currently hates Maya because she stole Talan from her. But the leaps and bounds she goes through to tear these two apart is incredible. And she has a support system that wants to help her be better.

 

I dressed like a whore.

Acted like a b*tch.

Innocent could never be used to describe me.

 

We get to dive into Janice’s world and how she rationalizes what she does and did! She has scars but does an incredible job at hiding them….until…..Maya. It’s definitely an interesting glimpse into her life and give us so much more to go on than just the crazy girl who thinks she loves Talan. There is SOOOOOOO MUCH MORE! I feel more complete with the series at this point knowing just where Janice is coming from and how she justifies her behavior. It’s INTENSE!!!!

 

Losing him to her wouldn’t be the end of my world, just the intermission into my next chapter.

 

I can’t wait to get started with Marked to get my fix! I’m addicted!!!! Bravo Elena M. Reyes, you rocked my world!

 

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Elena M. Reyes was born and raised in Miami Florida. She is the epitome of a Floridian and if she could live in her beloved flip-flops, she would.
As a small child, she was always intrigued by all forms of art–whether it was dancing to island rhythms, or painting with any medium she could get her hands on. Her first taste of writing came to her during her fifth-grade year when her class was prompted to participate in the D. A. R. E. Program and write an essay on what they’d learned.
Her passion for reading over the years has amassed her with hours of pleasure. It wasn’t until she stumbled upon fanfiction that her thirst to write overtook her world. She now resides in Central Florida with her husband and son, spending all her down time letting her creativity flow and characters grow.

Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal, Review, Sci Fi, Suspense, Thriller, Vampire

#Review – Refrain: A Vampire Blood Courtesan Romance by Susan Griscom

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Refrain: A Vampire Blood Courtesan Romance

 

One fateful night changed my life forever and brought secrets to light I never could have imagined, leaving me parentless, penniless, and caring for an ailing sister. My father was not the man I thought I knew, and his greed and sickness have left me with virtually nothing to use to care for my sister and get her the treatments she needs to maybe one day walk again. And now, we might lose our house, as well.

Luckily, an ad in the paper helps me regain some hope. I have something to barter with that not many courtesans have, after all, and it just might be enough to earn what’s needed to secure my future as a successful Blood Courtesan. My first client turns out to be the man of my dreams, the sexy-as-sin vampire rock star I’ve lusted after since I was a teen, but he wants nothing to do with me or what I have to offer.

My father’s misdeeds continue to haunt me and I’m left with only one option: I need to make the talented and headstrong Lyric Rivers desire me, or lose everything. Maybe even my life.

The Blood Courtesans Series, where vampires are real, rich, powerful–and hungry.
Blood is bought and sold like fine wine, and the best blood goes to the highest bidder.

It’s not supposed to be about love … until it is.

Originally published in the Blood Courtesans Boxed Set: Awakenings.

 

Goodreads

 

Vampires! Yes! It’s so hard to take a vampire story and make it unique. I often find that there is a lot of monotony with them. But this is hardly the case for the Blood Courtesans. In this world vampires are real and out in the open. They are normal people like you and me but they drink blood…maybe they are not what you consider completely normal, lol! Neriza is our female lead in Refrain. She lost her parents in a horrible car accident and this accident has left her sister paralyzed. Neriza is the sole provider for herself and her sister along with taking care of her parent’s debt. She decides to apply to be a Blood Courtesan. She tries to do this quietly as her uncle doesn’t agree with vampires paying for blood. Basically she gets rented for sex and blood. She has a unique quality about her that makes her a bit more valuable and she is accepted right away. She is essentially “rented” by Lyric (through his assistant) so that she can go on tour with the band and keep him sustained. Lyric happens to be the lead singer of the band Crimson Rivers, also her childhood crush, also a total hottie with an accent! He wants her gone and gone ASAP! She can’t figure out why so she puts all of her effort into getting him to keep her so that she is not in trouble with the Madame at the agency. As these two are learning to work together she gets some terrible news and finds that her dad was in the middle of some shady dealings, and here is where the real fun begins. Neriza and Lyric do form a friendship and confide in each other about their pasts. As things heat up both of their pasts come to the present and we find that the world may not be as large as we all thought. I can’t give you ANY more of the story without giving away tons of spoilers. The intensity between Lyric and Neriza with the witty banter is enough to make you want to read the book. But all the crazy twists in between are what makes this story amazing!

 

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usan Griscom is a Bestselling and Award winning author. She writes paranormal and contemporary romance – steamy and sexy are the way they usually turn out. She’s a huge fan of superheroes and bad boys confronted with extraordinary forces of nature, powers, and abilities beyond the norm mixed with hot, blow-your-socks-off romance.

She lives in Northern California with a gorgeous view of Folsom Lake from her office where she spends a lot of time daydreaming when she’s not writing. She loves to drink wine and fortunately there are several local wineries close by and she visits them as often as possible. Together, she and her romantic husband have five great superhero kids and nine mini-superhero grandkids, so far.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys hanging out with friends and family drinking wine and dancing.

Sign up for Susan Griscom’s newsletter: http://www.susangriscom.com/newsletter.html

Other ways to follow and learn more:

Susan’s Website: http://susangriscom.com
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Twitter: http://twitter.com/SusanGriscom
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Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/SusanGriscom

Review, Suspense, Thriller, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR – #Review – Savage Deception (Savage Series Book 2) by T.C. Winters

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Savage Deception (Savage Series #2)

 

While waiting to be cleared of charges in the death of an unarmed suspect, dedicated FBI agent Tanner Savage dives into the investigation of Devil’s Breath, a drug that causes its victims to wander the street, delirious and unaware. When a series of murders point to Devil’s Breath as the weapon, whispers of cyberterrorism circulate.
The hunt for the killer leads beneath the city of Indianapolis, an underground world where drugs and humans are trafficked and souls are lost forever. There, Tanner encounters a much darker force guarding a vast criminal enterprise that threatens to undermine his career, beliefs, and psyche.
When the woman who broke his heart years ago, Summer Zahn, is found bound and naked in an abandoned home, Tanner sacrifices his values and his lone-wolf lifestyle to assist her.
As the two events intertwine like the rope on a noose, Tanner discovers that playing by the rules will bury him in a labyrinth of deception.
His only motivations to carry on…
Revenge and retribution.

 

Goodreads

 

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

So Savage!!!!! When I read Sweet and Savage I didn’t realize how many twists and turns there would be in the story and was hooked immediately. Then I got my hands on Savage Deception…..well, let’s just say this is no ordinary rollercoaster ride! This story revolves around Tanner Savage. While he investigating the Devil’s Breath murders his whole world is collapsing. You know the saying, if it wasn’t for bad luck I’d have no luck at all??? Yup, that pretty much sums up Tanner. When an abduction happens and there’s a murder that is all to close to home he is put right in the middle of a very intricately weaved web of deceit and lies. While reading the story I felt the need to talk to Tanner and try to guide him to his next clue, or help him talk out the scenario just so we could figure out what was going on. I felt like I was right in the middle of the story. My heart would speed up and I would get all jittery when we would find another clue. I found myself yelling at Tanner when he was just “being a guy” lol! I was right there in the middle of the story the entire time. Then in the midst of all of this Annie’s past is brought in and is delicately weaved into this beautifully orchestrated chaotic mess. There is a surprise around every curve of every tunnel. There is no shortage of surprises and twists with this story. And by the end…well, let’s just say I didn’t see that one coming. I am on pins and needles waiting to see what happens next. Bravo, Ms. Winters!!!!! Loved it!!

 

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T.C. owned a small business in the real estate industry for decades before deciding a change was required to preserve her sense of humor. She joined the Indiana chapter of the Romance Writers of America and Sisters in Crime where she spent years studying the writing craft, specializing in humor and suspense.
She and her husband are residents of central Indiana where they enjoy volunteering for the various sporting events held in Indianapolis. T.C is an NFL, NBA and WNBA fan, spending many unrecoverable hours tailgating. Other talents include cooking and entertaining.

Apocalyptic, Coming of Age, Dystopian, Fantasy, New Release, Review, Sci Fi, Suspense, Thriller, YA

#New Release – #Review – Gen One by Amy Bartelloni

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Gen One

 

Generations after robots conquered Earth, the remaining population survives in the ash of their defeat. Within their walls in Authority City, bots test and develop super soldiers. Rumors of horrible experiments are enough to keep humans in line. At least, most humans.

Eighteen-year-old Delilah O’Connor scavenges the ruins with her friend Zane, and Gen, a generation one bot they repaired off the grid. Gen’s curiosity gives Delilah hope for the future, but not enough hope to go against the Authority. She finds Zane’s dreams of a human resistance pointless, and it’s enough to keep their on-and-off relationship mostly off.

When they discover two dead guards in a shady trading stop known as the Banks, everything changes. Framed for the murders and pursued by Authority bots, Zane takes Delilah to the only safe space he knows—the headquarters for the Human Coalition. Even there Zane isn’t safe. When he’s captured, Delilah and Gen must join an unlikely alliance of bot and human to go in to Authority City and save him before he becomes another casualty. Things in Authority City aren’t as they seem, they’re worse. And Delilah might lose more than her friend within its walls.

 

Goodreads

 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

“Sometimes you had to get dirty to survive. It was a trick she’d learned in the Banks.” This is a post apoc thriller full of the human spirit along with super bots that may have souls. Delilah’s life goes from a life of plain grimness scavenging in the outer lying areas with her best friends Zane and Gen (a generation one bot) to being an outlaw with everyone trying to kill her. Her life just went from one extreme to the next. After she and Zane find a couple of bodies that were murdered she is abruptly brought into the life of the human coalition and once she is in and understands what they are fighting for she has no other desire but to join them after Zane has been taken. Zane has been trying to protect her and not have her get in the middle of the fighting between the humans and the bots but now that she is in she comes to the realization that this is bigger than her and she must fight to help save humanity for the humans and bots alike. She has come to realize that some of the bots may have souls as she sees this with Gen everyday with her curious nature and human feelings. Not all bots are bad. Delilah has a dormant strength that comes out in full force as she is forced to decide what the right thing to do is. She goes from being fragile and needing protection to being a brave and fearless protector. The transformation was amazing! There is tons of action as they have to infiltrate Authority City where the bots reside and maintain the rule over humans. As they are basically planning a suicide mission they have to get as much intel as possible. As more of the plan comes forth she finds that more people are involved than she ever thought they would. It is so full of twists and turns that you absolutely have to keep reading just to get to the next part and find out what else is going to happen. I can’t tell you any more about the actual story because I don’t want to give anything away but the plot twist is INSANE!

 

The author does an amazing job with the world building and character building as well. This is one of those stories that you can’t help but being able to feel like you are there right in the middle of the action. You start to feel like you really know the characters and that they are real.  The emotions run strong and are heartfelt. The story is rather mind-boggling and a little scary (in a good way) because it makes you think about all of the what-ifs as our technology advances….just something to think about, haha! The end of the story is set up perfectly for a second book. Amy Bartelloni is a new author for me and she has me hooked! I can’t wait to see what happens next. Bravo!

 

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Amy Bartelloni


Amy Bartelloni is a reader, writer, & coffee addict who lives with her husband, 3 children, and various animals in the northeast US. When she’s not playing mom-taxi, you can find her with her nose in a book or her head in the clouds. A people watcher and science fiction junkie, she still believes dreams can come true. Some of her favorite authors include Neil Gaiman, Jasper Fforde, Paulo Coelho, and Stephen King.

Fantasy, Insta-Love, New Release, Paranormal, Review, Suspense, Thriller, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR18 – #Review – Karma’s Revenge by Teresa Gabelman

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Karma's Revenge

 

In a world where human’s and vampires coexist, one woman with only one name and a score to settle has a hefty price on her head. She call’s herself Karma, other’s called her the Slayer of Vampires. Karma didn’t care what she was called as long as she got her revenge.

Axel Walker, also known as the Assassin, was a half-breed so his loyalty lay with the highest bidder. Who had the most money to hand him at the end of a job was the side he was on whether human or vampire. His highest pay day was yet to come and all he had to do was kill the one they call the Slayer of Vampires.

The Slayer and the Assassin become players in a tangled web of deceit. It is Karma and Axel who have to decide whether killing each other is the best plan of action or joining forces to take out those who dare make them pawns in their dangerous games.

 

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I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

Slayer of Vampires plus Assassin equals KARMA! And Karma can be a…..well, I’ll let you fill in the blank, LOL!

 

Sophia is human and has revenge in her blood with the incredible need to avenge her sister’s death. She has been dubbed the Slayer of Vampires as she has slayed several vamps in her search for the one they call Savior. Axel is an Assassin with a special set of skills. He is on the side of the highest bidder and takes the bid to assassinate the Slayer of Vampires. Although, when he is watching the slayer he realizes that she is in fact a woman and rescinds his original acceptance of the job. This is where things go from bad to worse. Sophia has to protect herself and her bestie, Darin (who is a drag queen and is super hilarious!) but Axel is able to find them. Now seeing that they all have hits out on them they have to get over their trust issues and either join the same team or kill each other. As the twists and turns unfold in the story you will be sucked in and won’t be able to put the book down. It is full of sarcasm with snarky comments and come backs and full of angst that will have you fanning yourself before long. This is an amazing world where vampires and humans co-exist but still with prejudices and illegal dealings. The characters are great to get to know with a strong female lead whose strength is kind of dormant but grows exponentially as the action unfolds. This is a fast paced story full of snark and action. A must read!

 

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Teresa Gabelman

Teresa Gabelman is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the ‘Protectors Series’. When not writing about sexy alpha vampires and the women who drive them crazy she can be found on a lake with a fishing pole/Kindle, at a MMA event or spending a fun evening with family.

Being a full-time writer has allowed Teresa to connect more with readers which is what she loves most about writing. If you find the time she would love to hear from you!

Website: www.teresagabelman.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Teresa…
Email: tgabelman@live.com

****Paranormal****

The Protectors Series
Damon – Book #1
Jared – Book #2
Duncan – Book #3
Sid – Book #4
Adam – Book #5
Slade – Book #6
A Warrior Wedding – Book #7
Slade – Book #8
Jax – Book #9
Blaze – Book #10
The Invisible Warrior – Book #11

Lee County Wolves Series
Forbidden Hunger – Book #1
Forbidden Seduction – Book #2
Forbidden Desire – Book #3
Forbidden Temptation – Book #4 TBA

Sanctuary

The Enforcer

Magic & Mayhem Kindle World
Wicked *itch

****Contemporary****
Rodeo Romance
Blind Faith

Contemp. Romance, Review, Thriller, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR18 – #REVIEW – Rules of Protection (Tangled in Texas #1) by Alison Bliss

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Rules of Protection (Tangled in Texas, #1)

 

It’s rule breaker Emily Foster’s birthday, and like everyone at The Jungle Room, she just wants to get some action. Unfortunately, she stumbles on the wrong kind, witnessing a mob hit. To protect her, she’s entered into the Witness Protection Program with by-the-book Special Agent Jake Ward as her chaperone.

When the location of their safe house is compromised, Jake stashes Emily deep in the Texas backwoods. The city-girl might be safe from the Mafia, but she has to contend with a psychotic rooster, a narcoleptic dog, crazy cowboys, and the danger of losing her heart to the one man she can’t have.

Jake’s as hot as he is infuriating, and she can’t help but push all his buttons to loosen him up. Their mutual, sizzling sexual attraction poses a dilemma: Jake’s determined to keep her safe and out of the wrong hands; she’s determined to get into the right ones—his.

Each book in the Tangled in Texas series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series Order:
Book #1 Rules of Protection
Book #2 Playing With Fire

 

Goodreads

 

Oh holy hell! I am going to try and put into words, ever so graciously, what this book did to me. This story had me giving an eye roll at the beginning to the slimy freak that was hitting on Emily, to fanning myself and laughing at the kiss and arrogance of Jake who is trying to help Emily out with the slimeball, then squirming in my seat yelling “RUN!” to Emily when she witnesses a brutal murder. THIS ALL HAPPENED AT THE VERY BEGINNING! What a way to start a story! I was stuck at this point. Very invested and couldn’t put this book down. Turns out Jake works for the FBI and is trying to take this murderer down but now has to save Emily and put her in witness protection for her safety. These two are both hawt and absolutely attracted to each other but no matter what, things go from bad to worse. There is a leak and the safe house has been compromised. Jake goes “rogue” and takes Emily to stay with his family in the boonies in Texas. The angst between these two is INTENSE! Jake has morals and the job comes first but Emily is slowly wearing him down. As with most stories our two main characters carry a ton of baggage. Emily has her reasons and is very stubborn and always a live in the moment type of person. She goes for what she wants and when she wants it. And if it doesn’t pan out she moves on. This personality really bumps heads with Jake who is very rule oriented and very by the book trying to protect her. As with most relationships when we argue things are said that we don’t necessarily mean but these two are under so much stress with all the craziness that is going on that things get crazy between the two. She is super stubborn and just wants to go back to the way things were before the murder but Jake is realistic and has to push her back to make her see reason. These two are constantly going back and forth getting under each other skins and trying to get into bed with one another. And all of the supporting characters from Emily’s friends Dale and Gina to Jake’s aunt and uncle and all of his childhood friends makes for an super funny and super eventful story. I absolutely recommend Tangled in Texas to everyone and am looking forward to reading the second. Alison Bliss is a new author to me and I am tangled up this story!

 

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Alison Bliss

Alison Bliss is a best-selling, award-winning author of humorous, contemporary romances. A born and raised Texan, she currently resides in the Midwest with her husband, two kids, and their dogs. As the youngest of five girls, she has never turned down a challenge or been called by the right name. Alison believes the best way to find out if someone is your soul mate is by canoeing with them because if you both make it back alive, it’s obviously meant to be. She writes the type of books she loves to read most: fun, steamy love stories with heart, heat, and laughter. Something she likes to call, “Romance…with a sense of humor.”

Apocalyptic, Dark Dark and more Dark, Dystopian, Fantasy, Review, Sci Fi, Suspense, Thriller, Urban Fantasy/Urban Fiction, Zombie

#Review – Ravens in the End: Book Two in the Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian Epic (The End Saga – 2) by C.L. Zelle

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Ravens in the End: Book Two in the Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian Epic (The End Saga - 2)

Sex, power, control, Yes—that’s the name of the game now.

Or, wait—maybe it’s always been that. But is this what Vine had in mind when he conned billions into injecting his lies? Was this end game part of his master plan all along? Now, the whole world is his, and it was way too easy. He’s the liar’s liar, the ultimate gamemaker, the grand wizard behind the curtain that would snuff the light of the world out in a single day.

And I helped him do it.

My name is Gideon Tyler, and I’m a liar, too. But it’s not who I am anymore. I once believed love made a man weak, but my love for Grace makes me strong in ways I’m not used to. Strong enough to break free from the compliance; strong enough to be defiant. Strong enough to risk my life for what’s right, despite who I was before, and the mistakes I’ve made.

But dying isn’t on the agenda today.

I have unfinished business to attend to. I wanted to tell Grace the truths of my past because I love her, but she’s already so damn wounded. How could I hurt her more? I didn’t want to . . . But it’s too late now. My lies caught up with us, took me away from her, and now she’s alone out there, and in more danger than she realizes. The undead are the least of her worries—as screwed up as that is. They’re saints compared to these monsters. But I’ll do what it takes to save her, my songbird, my phoenix. I’ll keep her safe. I’ll wear the mask of a monster, the man I was before, make them believe I’m compliant, reformed, I’ll tell more lies.

I’ll put a stop to their games once and for all, and we’ll survive, fly free from the depths of this hell. We’ll find each other in the dark again, because love is our light, our strength, and it’s strong enough to win this game. . .
in the end.

* * * * *

This is the second book in The End Saga (formerly The Night Blind Saga). If you read the books formerly titled Dysphoria and Grace, Murray’s Law, and Tunnels and Planes, then this would be the next installment of the story for you. Those three books have now been combined into one full story, which is the new first book of the series, titled “Willows in the End.” This series will appeal to those who don’t mind some diverse adult content in their reading. Due to certain triggers, this series may not be suitable for everyone, and is advised for ages 18 and up.

 

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The truth? You can’t handle the truth! The games have begun! I honestly can’t tell you if I liked Willows in the End or Ravens in the End better. They are soooooo different and soooooo incredible! I mean honestly, sometimes sequels can’t live up to the originals but Ravens is standing tall!

Willows was the story told from Grace’s point of view. Ravens is Gideon’s point of view. Ravens starts right where Gideon and Grace were ambushed at the church and Gideon was taken. A LOT of questions about Gideon are answered in this installment and boy you better hold on because he has been through the ringer. You will see a side of Gideon that is going to piss you off and another part that is going to have you rooting for him right to the very end. In Willows we know that Gideon was closed off about his past, not necessarily telling lies but definitely omitting information. In Ravens he is placed right back into his own personal hell. Here he will have to continue the charade of the old Gideon with more lies and acting. He has a lot of turmoil because, even though he knows some of his actions and words are lies, they are coming way too easy to him. Almost as if he doesn’t trust himself with the truth. But one thing that Gideon does know is that he has to find Grace. He has to find the woman that made him want to live again. Here is the only spoiler that I will give. He does find Grace and has to watch her make some really difficult decisions. But when I say he finds her, that is really all he does. He can’t actually get to her….yet. He has had to make some very difficult decisions as well and you will see why, more than ever, they need to find each other.

The End Saga is very raw. It’s full of turmoil and twisted emotions. Along with the characters dealing with the virus that has given us the zombies they also have to deal with the actual human villain that uses his brain and his own crazy logic to justify what is being done to all these children and women. The End Saga is super intense, very emotional, and beautifully raw. An absolute must read!

 

 

 

Christina L. Rozelle

Christina L. Rozelle is the author of the bestselling YA Dystopian Scifi series, The Treemakers Trilogy, which includes her groundbreaking debut, “The Treemakers,” and its sequels, “The Soultakers,” and “The Seeker’s Keys.” Hailed for its strong, believable, and relatable characters, original and complex plotting, and phenomenal world-building, The Treemakers Trilogy appeals to lovers of dystopian literature who are looking for something refreshing and new. Christina also writes adult post-apocalyptic dystopian under the nom de plume C.L. Zelle, with The End Saga (formerly The Night Blind Saga) as her first foray into the adult world.

Rozelle’s writing roots sprouted with poetry and prose in countless journals in her early years, continuing through her tumultuous teenage years, and well into her turbulent young adult life. Though her younger self dreamed of scribing non-fiction and poetry someday, when she discovered the magic in creating fiction she never looked back. Overcoming countless obstacles of her own, the wisdom gained along her personal path through healing breathes life into her beautifully dark, yet hopeful tales of triumph. Filled with an array of emotional triggers, not many topics are off limits in her works. Rozelle’s exceptional storytelling dives deep into the survival and growth journeys of diverse, broken characters and unlikely heroes. Authentic, gritty, intricate, and wildly imaginative, her stories also offer hope—a light in the dark—as her characters discover their own inner strengths and worth in the midst of debilitating adversity.

Though her wanderlust calls her to a nomadic life of traveling the world in planes, trains, ships, and RVs, Christina happily resides in a small town in Texas, USA, with her four wonderful children, three rescue kitties, and a rescue puppy, where she’s blessed to be able to do what she loves every day.

If you’d like to stay in touch, and get up-to-date info on new releases, as well as giveaways and promotions, sign up for her mailing lists:
(Adult works) C.L. Zelle’s Dark Army: http://bit.ly/CLZellesDarkArmy
(YA works) The Rozelle Army: http://bit.ly/RozelleArmy

If you’ve enjoyed any of her books, please “hug” Christina by leaving an honest review of any length on Amazon: Amazon: http://bit.ly/CLRoZelleonAmazon

For more information, check out the links below:
Website: http://christinalrozelle.com/
Rozelle’s YA Reader Fan Group: http://bit.ly/RozellesYAReaders
Christina L. Rozelle’s Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/CLRozelleFBpage
C.L. Zelle’s Reader Lounge: http://bit.ly/CLZellesReaderLounge
C.L. Zelle’s Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/CLZellesFBpage
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CLRTweet
Instagram: christina.l.rozelle
Spotify: http://bit.ly/CLRoZelleonSpotify

Fantasy, Paranormal, Review, Sci Fi, Suspense, Thriller, YA

#Review – Shade (Oracle of Senders, #1) by Mere Joyce

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Shade (Oracle of Senders, #1)

Fourteen-year-old Callum Silver sees dead people. It’s not a gift. His family thinks he’s crazy. Sometimes he thinks he’s crazy. He has no friends. He’s forced to live his life surrounded by nothing but the searing pain, sickening smells and desperate moans that accompany the murdered ghosts who seek him out.

When he’s offered a place at Camp Wanagi, the ten weeks in the French countryside isn’t a vacation, it’s a lifeline. A way to meet others like himself and prove his ability can offer more than years of loneliness and expensive therapy bills.

Run by a mysterious group known as the Oracle of Senders, Camp Wanagi brings together teens from around the globe who all possess the unique ability to see the dead. While Cal is relieved to find others like him, he learns quickly that not everybody experiences the spirits as he does. Some of the campers revere their abilities and don’t understand his hesitation, while others—like quiet bookworm Meander Rhoades—have good reason for wishing they could get rid of their ‘gifts’.

While researching their final project, Cal and Meander find an unmarked grave which reveals aspects of their abilities neither knew existed, forcing Cal to decide if the torture of seeing ghosts is worthwhile and, more importantly, if being a part of the Oracle of Senders is necessary, dangerous…or both.

 

Goodreads

 

 

“I see dead people”….One of the best lines ever! In this case, Callum, doesn’t feel like this is the best thing to happen to him.

First, I love this book and can’t wait for the next installment. Second, Cal is such a relatable character, of course he would be if you could see dead people too…or can you? Third, the supporting characters and the world building are perfect!

This is a YA paranormal story. Cal is the main character and sees dead people. But he sees only those who have been murdered. They have an interestingly difficult effect on him. Everyone thinks he’s crazy, his family has dumped tons of time into therapy, but with an offer from Camp Wanagi he may be able to put some of this to rest. He doesn’t get much info on what Camp Wanagi is all about and it is run by a secret organization but he has high hopes of trying to find someone like him or to shed some light on why he sees the dead. This story follows Cal and a group of 14 year olds that all have special abilities with spirits of all sorts. Each person’s ability is different and some of the others feel that it is a gift while others feel it is a curse. The summer for all the campers is quite the experience for all of them. As they hone in their abilities and the spirits come forth, they find that they all need each other more than they realized. This is an incredible story watching the campers changing. No, transforming into the young adults they want to be.

I can’t tell you how good this book is as I just can’t get the words right. Mere Joyce is a new author for me and I am hooked. I can’t wait to check Mere’s other books and I can’t wait for the next installment in this series!

 

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Mere Joyce

Mere Joyce is a Canadian author of books for young adults. Her writing includes contemporary tales, high-action mysteries, and her personal favorite—ghost stories. When she’s not writing, Mere can be found recommending books as a librarian, or spending time at home with her husband and two sons. She’s also been known to be a selective, yet highly enthusiastic fangirl.