Category Archives: Fantasy

Enemies to Lovers, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, new adult, Part of a Series

#Review – Fallen Gods (Fallen Gods 1) by Rachel Van Dyken

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AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

They said the Gods were myth. That the Giants were only stories told around dying fires. They lied.

The Gods aren’t dead—they’re only sleeping, locked in mortal bodies, scattered across the world, waiting for the right spark to wake them. And my father is the most ruthless of them all.

He raised me to obey. To bleed. To be his blade when the time came. Now he’s sending me to Endir University, a place filled with ancient bloodlines and deadly secrets, to steal back Mjolnir, the hammer of legend. If I fail, everyone I love dies.

I’m always impressed by authors who can create these types of worlds. My sister is the same way and I’m always bugging her to write a book. So kudos to you authors! This is also my first Rachel Van Dyken book that I’ve read even though I’ve “known” her for years.

As for this book. I really enjoyed it. I’m not a huge enemies to lovers reader. No reason really. It’s just not a trope I search for when picking up a book. But I enjoyed it in this one.

I loved the mythology parts and I’m always fascinated by those topics.

We meet Rey who is assigned a mission by her dear old dad and she has a week to do it. What could go wrong right?

Then we meet Aric, who’s a sleeping giant and is grumpy and miserable and I was digging it.

This book had quite a few twists and turns that I couldn’t predict.

I can’t wait for book two and I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

One click – https://amzn.to/4qBkG0I

Audio Book, Fantasy, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Shifters

#review #audiobook #whychoose Bitter Brambles (Ivy Institute 2) by Albany Walker narrated by Brooke and Jake Bordeaux

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I expected to die as soon as I stepped foot into the Ivy Institute, but dying would have been too easy.

Nothing at The Ivy is quite what it seems. Not the enigmatic demon whose touch kills everyone he touches, yet somehow saved my life the first day I arrived. Nor the dark deity combat instructor who vows to train me to survive the Undertaking. A deadly game held to entertain the Gods he’s forsaken.

The headmistress brought me here to be her secret weapon. She made it clear if I can’t be useful, I’ll be dead. When I’m torn from The Ivy and my mates, I’m certain she’s responsible.

Huddled in the icy cliffs of Mount Nivei lies Frostburn Institute where the cold will kill you nearly as fast as its inhabitants.

Death seems inevitable, until an unlikely ally makes himself known.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221312795-bitter-brambles

 

i was given this audiobook from the author for an honest review

After arriving at Ivy, Briar was starting to get a bit comfortable she’s now got not 1 mate but 2 one she has fully attached to and the other just emotional. while working on her fighting next thing she knows it was black, she was bit by a snake and on the verge of dying, then she was traded to a new cold institute. both of her mates are fuming not knowing where she was and not being able to know how to get her back. Briar just wants to survive and after proving herself different, in the meantime she not only was discovering that she had some powers that she didnt know she had, she also now mated to a wolf shifter as well as her 2 back at the Ivy. this girl has her hands full while just trying to survive. the audio book was great and the story is just as good.

Albany lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her high school sweetheart. She spends most of her time juggling her four children’s extracurricular activities, with her nose stuck in a book. When not reading you can find her writing her very own book boyfriends. Albany’s passion is writing romance with real characters that are far from perfect, but always seem to find their own happily ever afters.

Fantasy, Paranormal, Reverse Harem, Review

#review #audiobook #whychoose Tender Thorns (Ivy Institute 1) by Albany Walker Duet Narration by Bridget and Jake Bordeaux

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Nestled in the shadows of the Mori Forest lies The Ivy Institute. It may look like something out of a fairytale, but if the rumors are true, it’s where nightmares reign.

The only way to get into the elite facility is by invitation and, once received, it’s impossible to refuse.

They were never supposed to know I existed, yet here I am, walking toward the only place that might be more dangerous to me than where I grew up.

Secrets shroud the institute and its inhabitants, but I have secrets too. Secrets that will get me killed…or worse.

I guess I’m about to find out.

Please note: Tender Thorns is a dark academia whychoose romance novel intended for mature audiences.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/206876665-tender-thorns

https://www.amazon.com/Tender-Thorns-Ivy-Institute-Book/dp/B0F6YVJH9L/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.r3_JPmfcWxPnsJAUUU0LuNR__fjbquzVOch-hc5mpj-tUgUZmnvs07-CXCg1nV-KZRo28eo0moTJohcikPLu8PPt_i9GoHOlXzHWIC_yfP1RAuFbmqOj8_FusXEJyDgnm4gsoOkV-7Im8eFbQ2mTPaQHZaPfWHeg7JxvKNUvbMWsvt7sQ8T-ckxFwgRYaCF75u7vyrlnlx-eJCXzeKlP4uGzi4W3RnK4kVZN4fNv7eDyGvS7XJSm_NCJzKZk3fK9NMTbG95YGxm3AO0DyxYEnMKKr9fd3vCh2RWo7AS7dKY.dmCEKPUYEraQt41fjFkKihHJYgMoayyPJ6T3A52GNI4&qid=1767971941&sr=8-4

i was giving this audiobook by the author for a honest review

Last week I received my invitation to The Ivy Institute to train with all the others like me or so I’m told, my father got greedy and used me as his cash cow. I was almost unstoppable so when I got my invitation I was dreading it. al the Ivy Institute we were the elite from witches, vampires, shifters, healers and almost any kind of supernatural being you could think of now I was one of them, at my new home where I hope I would learn about my powers and hopefully survive. in a new place where I’m granted privacy and respect, I’m not sure what to do with it but I’m hoping they too aren’t taking advantage of me. this was a great read it started out a little slower for me, but I had just finished a different genre, so it took me a while to get into it but once it picked up for me it was fantastic as usual.

Albany lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her high school sweetheart. She spends most of her time juggling her four children’s extracurricular activities, with her nose stuck in a book. When not reading you can find her writing her very own book boyfriends. Albany’s passion is writing romance with real characters that are far from perfect, but always seem to find their own happily ever afters.

Fantasy, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Urban Fantasy/Urban Fiction, Vampire, Werewolf, Witches

#Review #AudioBook – Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser Series Book 1) by Meghan Ciana Doidge

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If you’d asked me a week ago, I would have told you that the best cupcakes were dark chocolate with chocolate cream cheese icing, that dancing in a crowd of magic wielders — the Adept — was better than sex, and that my life was peaceful and uneventful. Just the way I liked it. That’s what twenty-three years in the magical backwater of Vancouver will get you — a completely skewed sense of reality. Because when the dead werewolves started showing up, it all unraveled … except for the cupcake part. That’s a universal truth.

Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic is the first book in the Dowser series, which is set in the same universe as the Oracle, Reconstructionist, Amplifier, Archivist, and Misfits of the Adept Universe series. While it is not necessary to read all the series, in order to avoid spoilers the ideal reading order of the Adept Universe begins with Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1).

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon

 

Kelly’s Review

This book! Listen to it, trust me, you will be hooked!

In my opinion, a narrator can make or break a story for me. The narrator did a fantastic job of capturing the main character, Jade, but was also able to take on the other characters as well. The narrator hooked me! There are times when it takes me a while to finish an audio book because I am just not that invested in them. I found myself making time to listen. I was like, I NEED MORE!

The characters and world building were well developed. Jade and Sienna bickered and bantered like most siblings which would bring a smile to your face because you can imagine doing this with your own sibling(s). The vampires and wolves….Let me tell you something. There is a death that I did not see coming and completely threw me off my game. For that, I applaud the author because it is hard to surprise me with something like this and I love a twist like this! (claps loudly)

This series is so much different than the normal paranormal vamps, werewolves, and witches. It is so much more. It is fun to listen to with its witty banty and mystery. Highly recommend!

 

Meghan Ciana Doidge profile image

Meghan Ciana Doidge writes tales of true love conquering all, even death. Though sometimes the love is elusive, the vampires and werewolves come out to play in the daylight, and bloody mayhem ensues.

Enemies to Lovers, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Ghosts, M/F/M, Mystery, Paranormal, Review, Standalone, Urban Fantasy/Urban Fiction, Witches, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR26 #Review – Dumpster Fire by Jay Leigh Brown

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Secrets. Lies. Betrayal. I have no one to trust.

A simple job from a sweet ghost sends my life into a tailspin.

I’m racing against the stepsons of the most powerful Seer in Grand Rapids. And they will do anything to get what I’m looking for.

I should have let them have it.

Unfortunately, I’m not capable of going back on my word.

Now, with an extra job, two insanely hot jerks, and a cascade of secrets, I can no longer trust my best friend. I’m on the run, my magic is on the fritz, my life is in danger, and there is no one I can trust. All I have to do is deliver my package, keep my magic hidden, and stay off the radar of the most powerful Seer in the city without the help of my best friend.

I am Salem Teller and I never miss my mark, even when the odds are stacked against me.

*** This is a why choose enemies to lovers romance. The guys are not cinnamon rolls and Salem is no lady. It’s a tough world they are navigating, and the folks and magic that reside in it are not always nice. Please visit my group or contact me for a specific list of things that some may find painful.***

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon

 

Kelly’s Review

I picked this book up purely because of the book name and cover. I mean, Dumpster Fire? Come on? Who is not intrigued by that title? The cover is hot! And if you turn the page, Dump, the raccoon, is on the inside!

Enough about why I picked up the book and the cover. The story is soooooo great! This world that the author has built is original. A breath of fresh air! The throuple in this story are all hard headed in their own ways, all with their own agenda, and everyone…I mean EVERYONE has a secret. The types of magic users and types of magic being used differ than what most of us are used to and it is incredible!

As the story progresses and secrets start to unravel, the dumpster fire starts to burn hotter and hotter. Dump, Salem’s raccoon familiar, is so amazing!  It’s wonderful when they (Salem, Raine, and Reese) realize it is okay to break when you’ve found the right people to put you back together again.

There are a ton of twists and turns around every corner. One of the best things about the book is the comedy that breaks all the drama up. You will laugh, you will want to punch someone, you will want to give Salem a hug, and then back away because Raine or Reese have it taken care of (wink wink). Oh, and wait until you experience the library! The freaking LIBRARY!

 

Jay Leigh Brown profile image

Jay Leigh likes all the beverages both alcoholic and caffeinated. She hates seafood and pumpkin spice and adores every flavor and genre of fine men and books. She resides in the wilderness of Michigan, boating and camping all summer, writing all winter. She’s a decent photographer and shamelessly purchases all things dachshund. A prolific breeder, she has a huge family, having far more than the allotted 2.2 children with the hottie who put a ring on it. One day she hopes to hang up her stethoscope permanently, and spend all her time palpating nothing but her shiny new retro keyboard. Dreaming in stories, she wants nothing more than to drown both your face and your panties with her words.

Bully, Dark Romance, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Kindle Unlimited, Part of a Series

#Review – Vicious Fae (Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac Book 3) by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

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The King will fall.

While I continue my hunt for the Fae who killed my brother, I have to try to keep my heart away from the vicious boys who could be responsible for his death.

But as my investigation leads me down a dangerous road and answers seem closer than ever before, I’m whisked away to the elite school, Zodiac Academy, with the four Kings, and my heart becomes more vulnerable than ever.

There are so many secrets left to uncover, and I sense something terrible is about to come to light.

But I’m in so deep to this dangerous labyrinth, what if this road only ends in blood?

The series continues with Elise trying to find her brother’s killer. Lots of excitement, drama and tension between her and her guys.

BUT we finally get a scene between Ryder, Dante and Elise and holy crap on a cracker. It was what I had been waiting for. I loved every bit of it.

I am sad how the book ended and I hope things change. There’s still two more books, so who knows what’s going to happen. I can’t really say without giving some major spoilers but wow, what a ride.

Can be read in Kindle Unlimited – https://amzn.to/4lU3HVN

Box Set, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Mermaids, Novella, Paranormal, Review, Sweet Romance

#Review #LittleMermaidEasterEggs – Fathoms Below (Short Story Bundle) by Ava Cuvay

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FATHOMS BELOW – A Short Story Bundle Drenched with Romance
Under the sea, Atlantia’s mer-creatures are devoting full time to floating… and falling in love.

– BETTER WHERE IT’S WETTER
Ariel LaRue assumes the sexy merman pictured on the lake house is “just art.” Then a violent storm topples her into his arms, and she discovers the ocean isn’t the only thing that gets her wet.

– KISS THE GIRL
Mako, a young Sharkanian General, knows there’s more to life under the sea than hunting for food and waging war with the Atlantians. But he struggles against his own predatory nature until a gentle mermaid calms the savage hunger of his heart and tames his sharp bite.

– POOR UNFORTUNATE SOULS
Ursule has an uncanny knack for problem-solving which has earned him the grim moniker Sea Witch. Unfortunately, it doesn’t prevent pesky merpeople from approaching him with their problems. Until two captivating eel-maids invade his lair, wishing for nothing more than his company. And his talented tentacles.

– PART OF HIS WORLD
Prince Eric wasn’t always royalty. For that matter, he wasn’t always a merman.

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon

 

Twinsie Kelly’s Review

This short story bundle set in Atlantia starts with Ariel housesitting and then being turned into a mermaid. “Be nice to the sharks, pretty mermaid. They’re not mean. They’re misunderstood.” It is Better Where It’s Wetter, I would never argue with that!

We then really get to meet Mako in Kiss the Girl. This is more of a grumpy sunshine type of story. He is the big bad Mako but what he doesn’t realize is that he is really a protector. Pearl brings this out in him. I am in love with Mako!

Next, we meet Ursule. He loathes everyone literally just wants to be left alone. However, when he meets Two Unfortunate Souls and realizes how badly they have been treated and starts empathizing with them as he treated others in the same manner. Ursule thinks he is dying because he starts feeling regret, LOL!

Each story will make you smile, roll your eyes a bit, and comes with a high level of steam that will leave certain areas boiling. Oh, and don’t forget the Little Mermaid Easter Eggs!!!!!

 

Ava Cuvay profile image

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, USA 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.

Bully, Dark, Dark Romance, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Kindle Unlimited

#Review – Savage Fae (Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac Book 2) by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

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There’s more to my brother’s murder than I realised…

Shadows in the halls, mysteries lurking around every corner.

Whoever killed him is covering their tracks well.

And now I’m walking a dangerous line between getting close to the four kings for information and wanting to crawl deeper under their skin for my own desires.

I can’t trust anyone.

I can’t let my guard down.

And I must keep the urges of my body separate from my heart.

But I’m starting to break all of my own rules.

I just hope I’m not falling for my brother’s killer.

I’m going to review as I read so I don’t forget anything.

If you haven’t read book 1, there may be spoilers in this review.

30% in – I’m 30% in and am liking this one a whole lot more than book 1. There’s also way more tension in this one and I’m chomping at the bit for Elise to…uh…do her thing with a few of the Kings. Or all of them. Whatever suits her fancy.

I think Ryder is my favourite and Gabriel is a close second. Ryder is broken and has clearly had some beyond horrible things happen to him when he was a kid. As someone who writes these sorts of characters, Ryder definitely owns a piece of my heart.

Elise is still trying to figure out who killed her brother and who tried to kill her as well. I also don’t like the school councilor. There’s actually not a lot of people I like at this school.

60% in – That scene between Elise, Leon and Dante? Holy moly, that was one of the hottest scenes I’ve ever read.

70%-100% – Things really started picking up from here. These ladies can definitely write some amazing action scenes. I felt like I was right there!

This series is only getting better and better and I can’t wait to find out answers to more secrets!

Can be read in Kindle Unlimited – https://amzn.to/4l87Wwl

Fantasy, Horror, Novella, Paranormal, Standalone

#Review – Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw

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A USA TODAY BESTSELLER • A Bram Stoker, Shirley Jackson, British Fantasy, and World Fantasy Award Finalist! • An Indie Next Pick! • An October LibraryReads Pick! • 2022 RUSA Reading List: Horror Winner!

Cassandra Khaw’s Nothing But Blackened Teeth is a gorgeously creepy haunted house tale, steeped in Japanese folklore and full of devastating twists.

A Heian-era mansion stands abandoned, its foundations resting on the bones of a bride and its walls packed with the remains of the girls sacrificed to keep her company.

It’s the perfect venue for a group of thrill-seeking friends, brought back together to celebrate a wedding.

As a horror reader, I really enjoyed this novella. I found the writing smart and it pulled me right into the story.

Kat and her friends are spending a few days at what is known to be a haunted mansion in Japan. Personalities don’t always mesh as we find out there is some animosity between a couple of the characters.

As things progress, they have a night of food, drinks and chatting where secrets come to light and things that should stay hidden, don’t. Friendships are tested but while this is happening, the house they’re staying in has secrets of its own.

They end up coming face to face with a ghost who’s only looking for some company. Nothing wrong with that right?

One click now – https://amzn.to/4lN5BqB

Bully, Dark Romance, Dragons, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Kindle Unlimited, Part of a Series, snakes, Werewolf

#Review – Dark Fae (Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac Book 1) by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

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A complete dark, fantasy romance series from Amazon.com and Wall Street Journal #1 bestselling authors Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

What do a heartless Dragon Shifter, a cold-blooded Basilisk, an arrogant Lion Shifter and a brooding, tattooed Harpy have in common…?

Me.

Elise Callisto. Vampire. Angel of vengeance. And a girl on a mission to destroy one of them for murdering my brother. I just don’t know which one did it yet.

When I interrogated/accidentally killed a Werewolf who was high on a new and dangerous drug called Killblaze, his final words painted a dark reality for me. The King of Aurora Academy killed my brother. The trouble is, there’s four kings at the academy and each of them have motive and bloodthirsty natures.

Aurora Academy isn’t a place for the faint of heart. To put it lightly, my town is the cesspit of Solaria where the most cutthroat Fae in the kingdom reside. The school itself is divided by the two gangs who run this city. The Lunar Brotherhood and the Oscura Clan. And guess what? Two of the kings run the gangs at the academy, their hatred for each other so fierce I hear a day doesn’t go by without blood being spilled in the halls.

I might be a petite, lilac-haired girl who looks like I couldn’t hurt a fly, but they haven’t been introduced to my fangs yet. And they don’t know why I’m really here. Or that I’ll do whatever it takes to bring down the Fae who took my flesh and blood from me.

I don’t believe in fate, but I do know this… the King who killed my brother is a dead man walking. And I’m prepared to sacrifice my heart, body and soul to ensure I get my revenge.

This is a gritty, college age, steamy series set in a world where Fae fight to take whatever they want. The heroin will end up with multiple love interests so you never have to pick a favourite alphahole. You can expect dark and hot romance, and a twisted murder mystery which will leave your head spinning and your heart racing. – this series is set in the same world as Zodiac Academy but is its own story and can be read independently.

I can’t begin to tell you when I was this obsessed with a series. I started reading the Zodiac Academy and ended up finding a reading order online. It’s a giant world, so I wanted to make sure I was reading all of it. If that makes sense at all. So there are three series within this world and they intertwine in a way. I read the first 3 books along with 2 novellas for ZA and then started Ruthless Boys because you see these characters in ZA. Which makes sense, since we already see Gabriel in ZA. And let me tell you, I was NOT expecting him to be the way he was in Ruthless Boys.

So Ruthless Boys takes place 5 years before Zodiac Academy does and it’s at a different school. We meet Elise who is trying to find her brother’s killer. She then meets the four kings of the school. And of course, two of the Kings are part of rival gangs where they will one day be the leaders. While they’re not like our favourite boys from ZA, they are similar. But I think Ryder is the scariest. Gabriel can be mean but things happen between he and Elise that makes me question on who she actually ends up with. I can’t tell you how hard it is not to read spoilers. These books have been out for a while but now that I’m reading, it’s like they’re popping up everywhere and the universe is wanting me to get spoiled. 

This book is the first of the series, so obviously we’re learning about each character. There’s not a lot of world building like ZA has but this one does have a darker feel to it. But in ZA I find that the guys are meaner. I don’t know. I love them both.

I can’t wait to get deeper into this series to find out what actually happened to Elise’s brother. I have theories but I’m probably wrong. I usually am anyway.

One click here