Tag: Paranormal (Page 2 of 51)

BOOK REVIEW: Ward Locked (Ravencrest Academy #3) by Theresa Kay

January 29, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Ward Locked (Ravencrest Academy #3)
by Theresa Kay
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
New classes. New director. And lots of new rules.

After spending my three-week Winter Break under magical house arrest, I’m looking forward to returning to school. But when I get there, everything has changed.

OSA has tightened its hold on every academy and Ravencrest’s new director takes the restrictions a step further, leaving me without my two closest friends. Worse, the boy who left me behind is back on campus with an even bigger surprise in tow…one that involves a ring.

And all that is the least of my worries.

Shifters and witches are disappearing and someone is working in the shadows, twisting magic to their whims in unnatural ways. With my own magic still out of control, my biggest issue will be figuring out who to trust. Making the wrong choice could be the last thing I ever do.

Ward Locked is the third book in the Ravencrest Academy series, an exciting YA supernatural academy series with a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance. Perfect for fans of Paranormal Academy, Legacy Academy, and Darkblood Academy.

Review:

Ward Locked was filled with mysteries, friendship, love, political intrigue, and fabulous twists and turns. With fae, witches, wolves and vampires, oh my, this book was so much fun! This story made me fall that much harder for the Ravencrest Academy series!

If someone had told me six months ago that I’d be sitting in the backseat of a fancy car with a driver as I returned to my super exclusive private school, I’d have laughed.

Coming back to school, there were so many changes. Those we loved from the previous books weren’t there. Students, teachers, staff….they were just gone. It caused so much unrest, and heartache for Selene. Yet it wasn’t a simple black and white answer for why some of those were gone. OSA didn’t even remember them. And if that wasn’t enough, Tristan was back at school with a fiancé. Who was even in some of Selene’s classes. There were so many obstacles in Selene’s life and world, and I loved watching her try her best to persevere!

Every bit of common sense I have is screaming that this is asking for trouble, that I’m going to end up hurt, that—
And then he kisses me, and all thoughts leave my head.

I was so happy with how many answers we got within these pages! Multiple about Selene! And watching her come into her own power was beyond phenomenal! But so much was going on around her. Not only with the disappearance of people, but what you’ll learn about the Hunt. There were also moments that made me see red, like the self-defense with Callahan. And a character whose name I don’t want to mention for spoilers, but every moment with them made me want to punch them in the throat. So while there was still some good surrounding her, there was so much that needed to be fixed.

My gaze clashes with his, and there are all sorts of things I can read in his golden-brown eyes. Lust. Love. Pain. Hope.
I can’t encourage any of those emotions, but it’s that last one I really can’t afford to give in to. To do so would only hurt myself.
“We can’t do this,” I pant out. “You’re engaged.”
“You know that’s not real.”
“It’s real enough,” I snap.

Like Tristan. Sigh. I still love him with all of my heart. Yet when he apologized to Selene for being engaged, nope I wasn’t hearing it! I was just as upset as she was. I wanted him to stand up to his mom and end it. Yet as the picture was painted for us, things were even more dire than I could have fathomed. I had no clue how it was going to be fixed! Yet I kept the hope alive. And that’s all I’m saying about that ♥.

“Wait fifteen minutes and then head for Marie’s office. I will create a distraction.”
“A distraction? What is that supposed to mean?”
His expression goes cold. “Marie is looking for fae. I shall give her one.”

This story had so many twists and turns in the latter half. As someone who loves being able to guess what will happen next, there was so much that left me grappling. I had absolutely no clue how certain things were going to unfold. So hold on, because it was a very bumpy ride and I loved every minute of it!

BOOK REVIEW: Spell Linked (Ravencrest Academy #2) by Theresa Kay

January 28, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

Spell Linked (Ravencrest Academy #2)
by Theresa Kay
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
School sucks, even for the supernaturally gifted.

The fallout from last quarter is worse than I could have ever imagined and hostilities between shifters and witches are intensifying by the day. OSA has practically taken over campus in their search for Bitten witches—and any traitors who didn’t report them. Including... me.

But that's not the only secret I have to hide.

My powers are growing, while my control over them is not. Unfortunately, there's no one I can turn to for help. My roommate's already suffered the consequences of being drawn into my problems, and after a magical mishap ends with another friend being blasted across the room, I refuse to endanger anyone else. Still, I'm a little tempted to give some magical payback to the arrogant witch-boy who kisses me one minute and gives me the cold shoulder the next.

All of this aside, I still have to find a way to pass all my classes. With the end of semester tournament closing in, there’s no time for mistakes. In this volatile equation, one little slip-up could be deadly.

Spell Linked is the second book in the Ravencrest Academy series, an exciting new YA paranormal academy series with a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance. Perfect for fans of Supernatural Academy, Bloodline Academy, and Oberon Academy.

Review:

Spell Linked was a fabulous continuation of the Ravencrest Academy series! And if it’s been a while since you read that first one, no worries, the beginning gave us a great summary of the previous book. It was quick, caught me up to speed, and fit in so effortlessly. If you love academy and young adult books, then you need this series in your life!

When he says things like that it makes me want things I shouldn’t.
Like him.

I loved Selene’s voice so much! She was so easy to like and click with. So I wanted to clap out loud and cheer for her when she finally found something at school she was good at. Sigils! It was such a huge win and I was so happy for her! Even if it did leave me with more questions. She was still growing and had so much to figure out….not only with her school work, but her powers, and who was trustworthy too. So yes she did have some mistakes along the way. But I loved that she learned from them. And tried her best to do better the next time!

“….No matter what they say or do tonight, they can’t affect you. This isn’t your life unless you choose it.”

Tristan is still the king of hot and cold. Yet after what happened at the end of book one, I understood why. He didn’t know what to think. His whole world got turned upside down and he was stuck in a horrific position. I’d be jaded and wary if I was him too! Yet Tristan was still protective of Selene. He was the sigh-worthy person we fell in love with in that first book. And the dress?! Sigh. As we continued to learn more about him, my heart continued to break but I found myself falling harder. And I was counting the minutes until Tristan and Selene were together!

Blood doesn’t make a family, people do.

Friendship was still such a strong theme. I adored Selene and Adrian’s friendship. Their platonic relationship was done beautifully. And Basil, oh his matchmaker ways had me laughing out loud! He just wanted what was best for Selene and he is my favorite type of grandpa character! I also loved her friendship with Isobel. And of course the romance between Tristan and Selene, will they or won’t they. That got answered in this book!

His eyes are closed, his hands at his sides, every bit of him under careful control. Control I want him to lose.

Spell Linked was laced with a mysterious element that had me guessing from that first page to the last. And just know that while we got answers in this book, there are still so many to come in books 3 & 4! I can’t recommend this series enough!

BOOK REVIEW: Lone Wolf (Exiled Omegas #1) by Tessa Kane

October 25, 2023 / Jen / 0 Comments

Lone Wolf (Exiled Omegas #1)
by Tessa Kane
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
No good deed goes unpunished.

After being exiled by my pack at seventeen, I've spent the last four years constantly on the move trying to avoid all ties to the shifter world.

Unfortunately, I can’t outrun fate.

When I step in to break up a fight, the shifters involved realize I’m a rare male omega. Not only does that revelation put me in the crosshairs of competing packs that would do anything to control me, it also leads me to cross paths with an Alpha who claims to be my fated mate.

Past experiences have left scars—both literal and figurative—and, fated mate or not, permanently binding myself to an Alpha is the last thing I want.

But Julien might be exactly what I need.

As my life erupts into chaos and new threats emerge from the secrets of my past, I realize this Alpha is different and placing my trust in him could finally allow me to have the one thing I've always wanted.

A home.

Lone Wolf is a fast-paced MM fated mates shifter romance set in an A/B/O world with mpreg. It features a cynical omega who’s a little skeptical of this whole fated mates thing and the cinnamon roll Alpha who refuses to let him go. This book was previously published in serial format on Kindle Vella under the same title. This version has been edited and expanded.

Review:

Lone Wolf was a MM shifter romance that was impossible to put down. With an addictively quick pace, entertaining storyline, and fabulous characters, this book was such a huge hit! If you love shifters, paranormal stories, or MM romance, definitely put this one on your tbr!

Dawn is creeping along the edges of the sky before I can pull myself together enough to shift into my wolf. I grab the bag Luke left for me in my mouth and run as quickly as my still healing legs can manage.
I don’t look back.

The prologue pulls you right into Keir’s life. He was an omega shifter, which was looked down upon within his pack. After his cousin Luke helped him escape being beaten to death, Keir spent the last four years on the run. He was utterly alone and my heart hurt for him. Chicago had been the longest he had stayed anywhere, and even that amounted to just a couple of months. Yet when Keir stepped in to protect someone, it put him in the middle of a huge push and pull. Other packs wanted to control Keir because of what he was. A male omega was extremely rare. Yet through it all he met Julien, who was Keir’s fated mate. The path to their happily ever after was filled with obstacles at every single turn. Making this book impossible to put down.

Nothing good can come from associating with Alphas, no matter how nice they seem— or how loudly my wolf is whining about not wanting to leave Julien’s side.

I absolutely loved Keir. He was resourceful, quick witted, and had the kindest heart. The life he had been dealt was challenging, and his past will tug at your heart. Yet Keir had been in the dark for so much. So I loved that we learned things right along with him. For what he truly was. What that meant. The possibilities for his future. We felt what Keir did, right along with him. And from the moment he met Julien, there was a war within himself. He was pulled to his mate, yet he was scared. The past hadn’t been kind to him and others seemed to want him for different nefarious reasons. So I kept my fingers crossed that Keir would follow his instincts, and trust Julien whole heartedly.

I guess— I halfway expect to him to just rip my clothes off and claim me right here.
But that’s not what happens.
He simply holds me close, breathing me in as he runs his hands up and down my arms.

I was obsessed with Julien and wanted him for myself. Julien was sexy, his intentions were breathtaking, and he was someone you can easily swoon over. We also got a few chapters in his POV, which had me cheering with joy! So when Julien stepped in to save Keir from a precarious situation, my heart beat faster. Not only did he recognize him as his fated mate, but his level of protection was through the roof hot. Julien was brave, fierce, and completely seductive.

“Promise me you’ll be fine,” he says, taking hold of my hand and giving it a squeeze.
“I promise.” I lean down and rub my cheek over the top of his head. “I won’t let anything take me away from you, especially not Stevens.”

Keir and Julien together were like an explosion. From that first day, things escalated quickly and even their kissing was hot. And their moments together were steamy and sensual. Yet there was also a connection between them that grew and I loved watching that friendship and trust flourish. Around them were side characters who I absolutely adored, Luke I’m looking at you! And others who I was counting down until they met their death! Especially when there was a flashback that showed grooming of a minor, I was hoping his death would be the worst! On top of that were politics that were fascinating, and a storyline that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next.

I chuckle, the sound barely more than a puff of breath. “You and me against the world?”
“If that’s what it takes, then yes. Always.”

Lone Wolf was a deeply romantic MM shifter romance that was so easy to devour. With political intrigue, life and death situations, and plans in play, this mesmerizing tale will sweep you away! The epilogue will leave a smile on your face for Keir and Julien. And you’ll also be left so excited for the next book, which is Luke’s story. I can’t wait to be back in this world, see what happens next, and follow Luke who I fell so easily for!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Prince of Ruin (Claimed by the Demon #1) by Bec McMaster

June 22, 2022 / Jen / 4 Comments

Prince of Ruin (Claimed by the Demon #1)
by Bec McMaster
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
This demon prince will ruin you….

A story of forbidden love, two reckless hearts on either side of a vicious war, and betrayal.

Sera

Sera knows the taste of the bitter ashes of love. The former angel gave her heart and soul to a demon once, and it cost her everything.
Cast from Heaven and newly mortal, she’s forged herself anew on the vicious streets of New Purgatory, but she’s never forgotten him.
And when Uriel offers her a chance of redemption, she takes it.
Even if it means facing her most vicious heartbreak—and her greatest threat.
And stealing from him.
But when she walks into Azazel’s club, she can’t deny the obvious. Even though he won’t recognise her new body, one look into his piercing eyes and she knows the fierce connection they once shared hasn’t faded.
Is there any mercy left in Azazel’s villainous heart?
Or will his darkness consume her?

Azazel

Once upon a time the angel, Sariel, betrayed him.
He swore to break her.
Ruin her.
Destroy her.
Until she vanished over a thousand years ago, and he was forced to leash his desire for vengeance…
But when a sassy blonde calling herself Sera comes strutting into his club during one of the infamous reaping nights—wearing a pair of angel wings in a blatant middle finger to his kind— he can’t take his eyes off her.
Her innocence consumes him.
But it’s the knowing look in her eyes that makes his breath catch.
Because his soul hasn’t forgotten hers.
And while he swore to punish her, he takes one look at her and realizes vengeance has a new desire…
He will possess her, body and soul.

Prince of Ruin is a deliciously sexy novella featuring two former lovers, a war between mortal enemies, and the price of betrayal. Expect danger, wicked sin (and piercings) and a possessive mafia-style hero (is that the right word?) who may just try to tempt her to the dark side. Who will win? The demon with a heart of pure obsidian? Or the innocent whose love still burns like a supernova?

Warning: This novella is full of savage desire and sweet vengeance, and ends with a HFN.

Review:

Prince of Ruin was wickedly seductive and intoxicating. While I binged this book in one sitting, it sure didn’t feel like a novella. The world was richly imagined, the characters leaped from the pages and the story-line was one I kept thinking about long after I finished that last page. If you’re looking for a steamy, paranormal romance you definitely need to give this one a try! It landed right on my favorites list!

Uriel’s words echoed in her head. “What price are you willing to pay for redemption?”
Everything, she’d breathed.

Sera was a former angel who was now in a human body. To redeem herself from the past and prevent a war from happening, she needed to steal the shard of Michael’s sword back. But stealing it had consequences. Azazel had the shard, and she would have to get close to him to take it from under his nose. Azazel was a demon, who she had once fallen for. Hard. Their love was forbidden and betrayal was going to be laced throughout their future, again.

“Once upon a time a demon fell in love with an angel.” His voice was like velvet over her skin, but she could sense the threat within the words.
It took all her strength to swallow down the rush of feeling those words conjured. “Love? Can a demon truly love anything other than himself?”

I absolutely loved Sera! She was so brave, cunning and fearless. She did what she believed was right. Even if that meant she had to trick, lie or weave stories to others. It all led her to where she needed to be. And at the end of the day, she protected those she loved and would do anything for them. So when Sera wore angel wings and white into Azazel’s demon club, she easily grabbed Azazel’s attention. She toyed with him, just like she wanted. Now all she had to do was locate and steal back the shard!

Azazel leaned down, a gentle kiss spilling from his brutal lips. It stirred against Sera’s lips. A kiss of heat and sin. A promise of sweetness and seduction.
A lie.

Azazel was wickedly charming. Yes he could be deadly and ruthless. But underneath him simmered so much more. He was lust. He was power. And he was someone Sera knew she couldn’t trust. Their past proved it, didn’t it? At the same time, Azazel could also be kind, caring and extremely attentive….for a demon. Sera played a tricky game when it came to Azazel. She didn’t think he would know it was her. But they both got sent down a path that neither of them saw coming!

You loved him. Once.
You wanted this to happen.
You needed it to happen.

The chemistry between Sera and Azazel was electrifying. When they physically got together, their moments were extremely passionate, erotic and scorching hot! But sacrifice, duty and love swirled throughout the pages. And those sacrifices and risks that were taken were absolutely everything! I was obsessed with how their story unfolded. Plus, there were other characters I can’t wait to learn more about, especially Sera’s technowitch friend, Tayla. She was hilarious!

There’d been a moment where he’d looked at her, and she saw the angel she’d loved.
Her treacherous heart wanted to defend him. He was there, he was still there. Or parts of him, anyway.

Prince of Ruin left us at the perfect stopping spot. We were left with a happily for now that allowed us to breathe, but I desperately need more! I can’t wait to see what happens next, there is still so much story to tell! Prince of Ruin was a forbidden love story that was sinfully hot and completely consumed me! It’s a must read for paranormal romance lovers!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: My Song’s Curse (Duet of the Gods #1) by Poppy Minnix

February 8, 2022 / Jen / 4 Comments

BOOK REVIEW: My Song’s Curse (Duet of the Gods #1) by Poppy Minnix My Song's Curse (Duet of the Gods #1)
by Poppy Minnix
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Ultimate control has its downside, especially when it comes to romance. But will it be enough to keep them together?

As a siren Lula Aglaope can bend anyone to her will with the smallest whisper, but she’d give up her power for one meaningful, honest conversation.

She wants a normal life, like the open, true connections the humans seem to pull off with such little effort.

When she meets Alexiares, God of Warding off Wars, all thoughts of normalcy fly out the window. The beautiful demigod cannot be controlled! He’s frustrating, irresistible...and utterly off-limits.

Alex has watched Olympus slowly fall apart. The old gods continue their archaic control of the Universe, denying the progress of humans and other deities. But Alex has plans to repair the damage, and Lula is a major player.

She just doesn’t know it yet.

Falling for her is the worst idea. And just when things move in the right direction, danger arises that no one expects, plunging the sirens into the deadly Olympian spotlight.

With Lula’s sisters missing, and a pile of broken laws surrounding them, will Alex and Lula change the Universe for the better or destroy it?

If you like Kevin Hearne, Molly Harper, and Shannon Mayer, you’ll love this fun paranormal romance steeped in mythology!

Review:

My Songs Curse was seductive, intoxicating and I was obsessed from just that first page. This was a forbidden love story that wove mythology, friendship and love throughout the pages, and I loved every minute of it. If you enjoy paranormal or adult romance, then you definitely need this book in your life!

Each of us has experienced the same.
Just a taste. I scratch at the tightness below my throat

Lula lived such a lonely life. She couldn’t be around humans for long, without them changing or ruining themselves. And with her siren sisters scattered across the globe, she was entirely alone. That was until she met Alex. Alex, aka Alexiares, was a demigod from Olympus. He was the son of Hercules and grandson of Zeus, king of Olympus. He seemed to appear in Lula’s life out of nowhere. Yet there were things already in motion. So as we watched the story unfold, through both of their eyes, we got taken on a journey that was mesmerizing.

I cover my hot face with both hands. I don’t want this. The control I possess hangs its heavy weight around my neck, threatening to strangle, and I can’t shrug it off and walk away.

I loved Lula, she was resilient, strong, brave and kind. But she was so lonely. So when Alex walked into her life, everything changed. Being able to have a conversation and kiss someone of their own free will was beyond unique to her. In her 182 years of living, that had never happened. Because when she was around the humans, even a word or laugh from her lips consumed and twisted them. With Alex, she could just be. Yet, them being together was completely forbidden and Lula was unaware of the plans he had for her.

“Godsdammit, Lula, you’re my perfect torture,” he says, breathless.

Alex was sigh and book boyfriend worthy. He was determined, astute, seductive and charming. With being a demigod, so much had been handed to him. Yet Lula was unlike others in Olympus. She didn’t bow down to him and she treated him like an equal. And she not only challenged him but enticed him too. Meeting Lula face to face was not part of his plan, at the moment. Yes he had been watching her, but so much was at stake and in play. Yet from the first moment he spoke to Lula, there was no way he could walk away.

There is only this moment. May it last for eternity.

Alex and Lula together were exhilarating. There was so much chemistry between them, that even them making food together felt seductive. But they were forbidden. A siren was not supposed to be with a demigod. And anything more then a kiss could be catastrophic. I loved that they couldn’t not touch the other, and as the story progressed their moments together were sizzling sexy *fans face*. But there was so much more going on. There was political intrigue, plots about Olympus, a missing siren and so much unknown. With friendship, laughter and loyalty laced throughout the pages, this book was so much fun!

“I want to experience every inch of you more than anything. Every mysterious thought, every blush, every eye-roll. I’m choosing you.”
My mouth opens even though I haven’t a clue what to say, but speech is impossible anyway because he closes the distance and captures my lips.

My Songs Curse was a forbidden love story that was mesmerizing. The story-line captured my heart and I always had to know what happened next. And with side characters who felt larger then life, I heart Comus and Rath!, this story was so well rounded out. The ending left us at the perfect place. Yes there was still lots up in the air, but we were left beyond happy and at a perfect resting spot. I enjoyed this story so much, and Minix has definitely created a fan for life!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*