Category: Non ARC

Creed (Fallen Angel’s MC: Book 1) by Erin Trejo

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Date of publication: February 3rd, 2016

Genre: Romance

Series: Fallen Angel’s MC

Creed – Book 1

Tank – Book 2

Ryker – Book 3

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

Creed doesn’t have his life mapped out but he knows he has a family in Jason and Jada, his neighbors. They always accepted him for who he was. One fatal mistake takes his best friend Jason away from him. Leaving his sister Jada behind to pick herself up, Creed seeks solace in her. Jada gives in to her feelings for Creed to only have them crushed when he leaves. Creed moves on with his life, which isn’t the best life possible. He finds a new family with the Fallen Angel’s Motorcycle Club. They become the family he lost. Taking risks, he doesn’t care about his life anymore until Jada falls into his clubhouse one fateful night. After he learns her involvement with a rival, Creed wants her safe but he knows he can never be the man she needs. Will he save himself and Jada? Or will they both lose everything forever?

My review: 

The man on the cover of this book is good-looking. I sat at my desk for 10 mins, drooling over him. I have a thing for muscular, tat’d bad guys. I usually don’t comment on the cover of books I review but this one I had to.

What I loved about this book was that there was no InstaLove or InstaLust. Jada and Creed have been in lust/love with each other since they were teenagers. Creed didn’t exactly hide his wanting Jada from anyone. The only one holding him back was Jason, Jada’s twin brother and Creed’s best friend. Jason asked Creed not to hook up with Jada (even though they both wanted to). There is a horrible accident where Jason dies. After the funeral, Creed and Jada do hook up on the roof of her house and then left right afterward.

The author does fast forward a year, and Creed has turned into an enforcer for an MC. He doesn’t give a flying flapjack about anything or anyone. Jason’s death has affected him greatly. Then there is a fast forward four years from Jason’s death, and Creed is the same. He uses the club’s Angel chasers for sex but doesn’t have a connection with them or anyone. He is still hung up on Jada.

Then, bam, Jada is back in the picture. She is the old lady to Kenny, a member of the Shadows Heat MC (storyline #2). She is beaten daily, uses god knows what drugs, prostitutes and is forced to have sex with other brothers. She is also drugged up all the time (Kenny shoots her up). She is a hot mess. The night she meets up with Creed again, she is at the Fallen Angel’s clubhouse with her friend.

Creed about flips a lid when he sees her again, but he can’t get her to stay with him. The next time they meet up, Jada is in the hospital after ODing, and Creed is there after being shot. Creed busts both of them out and so begins their relationship again.

While the sex was hot, I read those scenes shuddering. Jada was a prostitute who had sex with many men, and she does it bareback with Creed. All the time. I am not a prude but jeez.

Jada and Creed’s relationship also moved very fast too. But, as I said above, these two have been lusting after each other since they were teenagers. So I wasn’t surprised when they started doing the dirty almost right away.

Kenny isn’t happy that Jada left him (and his club) and has taken up with Creed and his club. There was a twist that was revealed mid-book that I didn’t see coming. I also didn’t understand Sharp doing a 180 during the book after the twist was revealed. The ending of the book surprised me. I wasn’t expecting what happened to happen.

How many stars will I give Creed: 3

Why: While I really liked the book, I really couldn’t move past the violence and the swearing. Like I said above, I am not a prude at all, but when every other word out of both Jada and Creed’s mouth is “effing”, it just drags the book down. I found myself skimming some of the dialogue because of that.

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes but with a warning about the explicit sex and graphic violence.

Age range: Adult

Why: Language, Sex, Violence

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Undoing Time (The Fine Art of Deception: Book 1) by Alyssa Richards

The Fine Art of Deception: A Time Travel Romance Book Series (Book 1) by [Richards, Alyssa]

Publisher: 

Date of publication: January 18th, 2015

Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Suspense, Mystery, Thriller

Series: Undoing Time

The Fine Art of Deception – Book 1

Somewhere in Time – Book 2

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

Art appraiser Addison Montgomery just wants a normal life. One where she can ignore the vicious ghosts who follow her. One where she’s free from her “gift” of touching an object and seeing the owner’s deepest secrets. And one where she can fall in love without having all of the above get in the way.

But when tall, dark, and dangerous gallery owner Blake Greenwood enters her life, normal is the last thing she’s feeling. The man has more secrets than the priceless art he sells, giving Addison’s quest for normal no chance. That, and he may just hold the key to uncovering the truth behind her father’s unexplained disappearance.

Despite her paranormal gifts warning her to stay away, she feels an inexplicable, captivating fascination for him, something that goes deeper than attraction. There’s something between them that’s older than time, and if she can learn to give him her trust, it may just save her life.

My review:

I felt awful for Addie in the first few chapters of this book. She had a horrific breakup with her ex-fiance. At first, she glossed over the details. He left her to be with her best friend But, no, her ex-bestie and himself decided to ruin Addie at her job. The author didn’t get into what they did, but whatever it was, it was awful and caused Addie to become a hermit of sorts. She didn’t find comfort at home. Addie has special psychic powers. She is an empath, can see and talk to ghosts, and if she touches an object, she can see past owners and events attached to the object. All 3 of these “gifts” have made her life a living hell.

I couldn’t even imagine living as she did. She barely slept, barely went out, and lived like a hermit. I am a homebody, but it would drive me nuts to not run to the store. Her only comfort is a sapphire ring that she bought while in Paris. For some reason, she dreams that she is the woman (named Sassy) and she has a lover named Jack.

She decides to apply for a job at her grandfather’s old art agency that is now being run by her grandfather’s partner. She has always loved art and decided that this would be a great career for her.

Now, this is where the book got fascinating. Addie meets Blake and has an instant attraction to him. She was almost pulled to him, and she was scared to death. I mean, who wouldn’t be after what she went through.

Speaking of Blake, I liked him…even when he was less than honest with Addie. But he did get on my nerves, a little bit, with his secretiveness. While I understand why he was so secretive, it still bugged me— what a way to start a relationship.

I also liked that the book was pretty cut and dry with who the bad guy was. No guessing, no red herrings…which was excellent.

The chemistry between Blake and Addie was intense, and the sex was through the roof. I did think that they were going to go “let’s go bareback because you haven’t had any partners for a while and I am clean” but it didn’t. I did a fist pump and praised the author for doing that. Hooray for fictional safe sex.

I will say that the ending was pretty satisfying. More secrets come out, and there were a couple in there that surprised me. Kept me interested enough to want to read the next book and see how everything is resolved.

How many stars will I give The Fine Art of Deception? 4

Why? Great storyline and great characters.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex, language, some violence

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Escape Aether (The Trinity Key Trilogy: Book 2) by L.M. Fry

Escape Aether: A Teen Steampunk Novel (The Trinity Key Trilogy of the Aehter Series Book 2) by [Fry, L.M.]

Publisher: Eleah Enterprises

Date of publication: March 30th, 2016

Series: The Trinity Key Trilogy

Into Aether – Book 1 (review here)

Escape Aether – Book 2

Save Aether – Book 3

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Steampunk

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

Valera longs to escape her sheltered life and overbearing mother. She just never imagines that her opportunity would arrive after being kidnapped.
Now she has a decision to make: face a world filled with danger and discover her own power, or return home where it’s safe and live in a gilded cage.

My review:

What an amazing 2nd book of the Trinity Key Trilogy!!

Escape Aether starts right where Into Aether leaves off, Valera being shoved off the airship platform. Julia kidnapped Valera because she believes that Valera can help her merge the rest of the Trinity Key. After saving Valera, they head straight away to Subterria. That’s where Julia thinks that her father had kept her part of the Trinity Key. Unfortunately, Subterria is in the middle of a civil war, caused when Julia’s father attacked Harmony’s Circus and Harem of the Horrific. While they are there, they meet up with Marcus Corvus, Valera’s step-uncle. Who was even eviler than I remembered in the first book. It is in Subterria that Valera starts harnessing aether and discovers that she can use/control heat.

Then the book shifts to Theo, who is still in Aetherland with her mother, father, Victor, Vivi, Nessie, and Victoria. Theo had discovered that she could cause storms and control lighting. She can also speak to Valera in her mind, but that link has been muted for some reason. The only reason that she knows Valera is alive is that she can still draw on aether. If Valera were dead, then she wouldn’t be able to draw on it. She makes the decision, with Victor and Nessie, that she is going back to Subterria to get Valera back. They get to Subterria shortly after Julia and Valera but get held up after Theo is attacked by Rufus Corvus. She is saved from him (and well, he was pushed to his death) by Victor and Benji, the strong man of Harmony’s circus. His death was awful. I had dreams of being crushed beneath gears for a few nights after I finished the book.

While they are there, they find out that Valera is willingly with Julia and that upsets both Theo and Victor. Valera does apologize to Theo and she wants Theo to tell her family that she loves them.

I’m sorry Theo. This is something I have to do. Tell my family that I love them.

They also find Titus, Victor and Valera’s stepfather, in the dungeon and decide to take him home to Victoria. When they arrive home, they are met by members of the Elder’s guard, which Theo takes out with aether. After she is taken into custody, she is charged, by the Elders of Aether, with heresy and treason. All because she and Valera combined their two keys.

On the Julia and Valera front, things aren’t going as well. After finding out that her father didn’t have the key, Julia decides to head to Boulder, Colorado. She is looking for a town called Goldsville. That is where her father’s vault is. While they were out on their adventure, Marcus finds Goldsville and where he thinks the vault might be, Azure Springs. So they head off to there.

Not going to go much into the book after this point. But I will say there is so much packed into the last half of the book, that it was hard for me to put down. Also, to see Julia and Valera’s transformations during the book was excellent.

I had started off the book not liking Julia. But as the book went on, and I read more and more about her life, I began to feel bad for her. Let’s say that she had it rough.

Valera had been hidden from the world by an overprotective mother and it showed. By the time Marcus came into the story, she was starting to develop a backbone. Her interactions with Marcus made her stronger.

The ending was not what I expected, but it was perfect. Not everything gets resolved and there are even more problems. I can’t wait to read the next book and see how the trilogy ends!!

How many stars will I give Escape Aether? 4

Why? A well-written steampunk/dystopia/fantasy. Very vividly written with great world-building, this is a series that stays with you even after you are done reading it.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Teen

Why: Very clean. No sex (just a few kissing scenes with Theo and Victor). Mild violence and no language.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

Shadows of Men (The Watchers: Book 1) by M. Lee Holmes

Shadows of Men (The Watchers Book 1) by [Holmes, M. Lee]

Publisher: Self published

Date of publication: July 21st, 2016

Series: The Watchers

Shadows of Men – Book 1

Genre: Fantasy

Where to find: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

When Rhada, High Protector of Kaena, is commanded by the King to travel north to investigate a suspicious disturbance, she is less than thrilled to spend over a month on the road. As her companion, she chooses Captain Mayvard Stoneward, the only person who can bear her company. The two of them set off on a journey that will forever change their lives- a journey where Rhada’s past seems to follow her everywhere she goes- a past that the people of the realm have not so easily forgotten.
Meanwhile, Lord Ivran Cassius has plans to overthrow the throne, and at his side is the entire realm, eager to rid themselves of the man who calls himself King. Rhada’s absence leaves King Firion vulnerable, and Lord Ivran only needs to find the right moment to strike.
But none of them are expecting the darkness that has gathered in the north- an ancient sorcerer, seemingly returned from the dead. He is a man who can raise the dead from their graves and control the minds of his prey- a man desperately seeking vengeance. 
The realm of Kaena will have to come together to fight this new evil, and only one person can save them all.

My review:

This book starts on a horrifying note. Viktor, who is the High Protector of Kaena, is choosing his successor. That wasn’t horrifying; it was the way the successor gets elected. His sword tells him (well its more like a ringing, very hard to explain and is better described in the book) the name of who it wants. They go, get him, stab him through the chest, and the sword gives him his life back. Viktor is trying to ignore the sword because who the sword wants because of the gender of that person. After the 3rd person is killed, he tells his King who the sword wants, and the chapter ends. I got so frustrated at that point because I wanted to know WHO it was. But it compelled me to keep on reading.

In the next chapter, which takes place years later, it is revealed who the successor is. Her name is Rhada and she is the most feared and hated person in the realm of Kaena. It is explained that she is responsible for a massacre at a city called South Fort, which was done by the King’s command. She is summoned to the King and Queen after the Sorceress Myranda has a vision of a city. Her exact vision is this:

North, in the city of Tyos, the blood of the innocent people has flooded the streets and a great wall of flame has swallowed the Blood Sea entirely

King Firion and Queen Scarlet order Rhada to go to Tyos, investigate if it happened, and report back to them. She decides to take her Captain, Mayvard Stonewall, with her, which anger Myranda. They are supposed to be married within three days, and now the wedding is on hold. At this point in the book, I didn’t like Rhada. She came across as cold, mean, and unfeeling.

As Rhada and Mayvard are preparing for their journey towards Tyos, a group of rebels is meeting in the city of Mordrid to discuss A) when to kill Rhada and B) when to attack and kill the King. Unbeknownst to them, there is a spy for King Firion in their midst.

I won’t go much into the book after that point but to say that Rhada had a tough time of it for the rest of the book. I went from not liking her to feeling bad for her. I kept thinking to myself”Thank God for Mayvard“, especially at the end of the book.

There were a few smaller storylines that were wrapped up by the end of the book, but the main storylines were not. I was very disappointed when the book ended. There were a few things that I wanted to know and now I will have to wait for the next book to find out. I did find the epilogue fascinating.

How many stars will I give Shadows of Men? 4

Why? A great fantasy that kept my attention. The author did a great job writing vivid characters and a world that came alive. Also, and I never comment on this, the cover totally lived up to the book.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Violence, sex, a pretty graphic chapter of torture and one rape scene.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Just Juliet by Charlotte Reagan

Just Juliet: An LGBT Love Story by [Reagan, Charlotte]

Publisher: Inkitt

Date of publication: September 17th, 2016

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Genre: Romance, Young Adult, LGBTQIA

Goodreads synopsis:

The coming out story that will completely change the way you look at love, now available for free on Kindle Unlimited.

Juliet represents the road less traveled. Will Lena take it?

Lena Newman is 17, her best friend’s a cheerleader, her boyfriend’s a football player, and as far as everyone is concerned, her life is sorted. But that’s before she befriends the new girl. Juliet is confident, slightly damaged, drop-dead gorgeous and a lesbian. 

Lena realizes that her interest goes beyond just friendship. She sets off on a path of self-discovery where the loyalty of those closest to her will be tested.

My review:

This book should be THE book a teenager reads if they are questioning their sexuality or want to come out to loved ones. It showcases the good, the bad, and the ugly without glossing anything over. Take, for instance, Scott’s coming out to his parents. For me, that is the worst case scenario. It is the bad and the ugly all rolled into one, and I was in tears reading it. Not to get preachy but you loved your child before he/she was born why should that change because of who THEY love or what gender they identify with? I am in the minority but if my son or my daughters came up to me and said “Hey, Mom, I am gay/bisexual/trans,”I wouldn’t be throwing them out. I wouldn’t be screaming at them “I didn’t raise a faggot or a dyke” or assaulting their SO’s (like Scott’s father did to Lakyn). Like I said above, they are your children. You carried them in your body and molded them into who they are. I can’t understand WHY anyone would choose to act like that to their flesh and blood. Strike that, I do, and it is called IGNORANCE and FEAR.

Ok now that I went off that tangent let’s continue with the review.

Juliet’s father, for me, was the best case scenario. He knew his daughter was a lesbian and could care less. Juliet did explain why he was so tolerant, but you need to read the book to find out why (I know, I’m a shit).

I didn’t connect with Lena, at first. I don’t know why, she didn’t jive with me, at first. It was that while she was very attracted to Juliet, she didn’t know how to express herself to her. But once she did, and oh boy was that scene funny, she got more likable, and by the end of the book, I loved her. Her coming out scene to her parents was bittersweet, especially after Scott told her about how his parents reacted.

Juliet, I loved. She was that girl that everyone stopped to look at because she commanded attention. She didn’t take anything from anyone (the scene at the football game stands out in my mind the most). She was out, proud, and I loved it. While she was more experienced than Lena, she slowed it way down and to it at Lena’s pace.

The secondary characters made the book too. Lakyn, Scott, Lacey. Lacey had me in tears laughing at points in the book. Lena couldn’t have asked for a better best friend.

The ending was great. It wasn’t a HEA per se, but it was close to it.

How many stars will I give Just Juliet? 5

Why? It is just a really well-written book that explores all sides of coming out to parents and friends. It is also a book about first love.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age Range: Teen

Why: No sex but some scenes of making out, language.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Her Steamy Viking (Her Viking’s Desire: Book 2) by A.J. Tipton

Her Steamy Viking: A Paranormal Romance (Her Viking's Desire Book 2) by [Tipton, AJ]

Publisher:  Self Published

Date of publication: August 2nd, 2014

Series: Her Viking’s Desire

Her Fiery Viking – Book 1 (Review here)

Her Steamy Viking – Book 2

Her Winged Viking – Book 3

Her Rock Hard Viking – Book 4

Her Christmas Viking – Book 5

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

ATTENTION READERS: This is a sexy SHORT novella. Bite sized for your reading pleasure. 

A cursed Viking trapped in a watery prison. A modern-day witch digging into her past. What they discover could bring them together…or tear them apart.

Over a thousand years ago, Bram and his brothers were cursed. The Viking has spent centuries trapped in a Scottish loch as an invisible water wraith, despairing of ever breaking free. But when a gorgeous woman splashes into his world, Bram finally has a chance to make things right. 

Audrey is a tenacious witch exploring the grounds of her grandmother’s secret Scottish cabin. When she feels drawn to the beautiful waters of a nearby loch, she discovers she is not alone. Will her magic be enough to free her aqueous lover?

Her Steamy Viking is a hot paranormal romance novella. If you like smoldering love stories, magical adventures, and fun in the water, then you’ll love this standalone installment from the Her Viking’s Desire series. 

My review:

I went into this book with the expectation of it falling a little short from the first story. I am happy to say that I was proven wrong.

This book was great. Short but great.

Audrey had inherited a cottage on a remote island from her grandmother. She came to the island expecting a rundown cottage and finds a castle. After poking around for a bit, she decides to take a rowboat out onto the loch. While she’s out there, she decides, “Hey, isn’t it a wonderful idea to sunbathe naked in the rowboat.” Not thinking of splinters or people coming upon her while she is naked in the rowboat. She thinks, “It’s remote, and no one will be here, so let’s do it.” If I decided to sunbathe naked in a rowboat, I would get a splinter in my butt and a plane would fly over and get an eyeful. So glad that didn’t happen in this book.

Bram is a Viking warrior who has been cursed to be water because the witch that cursed him accused him of being spineless. The curse went like this:

I curse you to truly be the spineless puddle you are. Not until you prove the strength of your conviction and two households work together for your release, will my curse be broken.

So he spent a thousand years at the bottom of the loch until Audrey rows on by and disrobes. He immediately becomes aroused at the sight of her. Not getting laid for a thousand years will do that to a guy. When Audrey drops her necklace into the lake and dives after it, does he get a chance to make his move.

And oh boy, did he ever. Not going to go into the rest of the book but there oral sex (on both ends) and one explosive sex scene. I had to fan myself during those scenes. They were so hot!!

How many stars will I give Her Steamy Viking? 4

Why: The sex was out of this world and I loved that Bram was a Viking with a conscience. Audrey was pretty awesome too. She had spunk…lol.

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex, sex, and more sex.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

Isolated: A Jason King Thriller (Jason King Series: Book 1) by Matt Rogers

Isolated: A Jason King Thriller (Jason King Series Book 1) by [Rogers, Matt]

Publisher:

Date of Publication: August 14th, 2016

Series: Jason King

Hard Impact – 0.5 (Prequel)

Isolated – Book 1

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

On a cold night in Australia, two construction workers driving along a deserted mountain road are gunned down inside their vehicle. The killings are fast. Efficient.

An assassination carried out with expert precision. The only witness to the crime is a man resting by the side of the road. Recently retired, he’d flown halfway across the world to escape his demons.

Ex-U.S. black ops operative Jason King.

Quickly spotted, King is targeted by those in the shadows of a small country town, ruthless killers determined to tie up loose ends. They have no knowledge of the violent past they are about to revive…

My review:

This book read just like an action movie, and I swear that is what part of the appeal of it. It starts so nice and calm, with Jason King just walking away from a bar and sitting under a tree. Then, BAM, people are getting killed left and right.

I loved it.

This book is action-packed, and at one point in the book, I started asking myself, does Jason King have superhero powers? He went through stuff that would kill ordinary people (being ejected through a car’s windshield stands out in my mind the most). Nope, he is an ex-U.S. Black Ops (Delta Force), and he is a killing machine that seems like he can take almost anything.

The storyline was a bit vague in the beginning, but after a bit of detective work and a beating of a local biker gang, he finally starts on his quest and the storyline even out. It seems that something is going on in Jameson, it isn’t good, and Jason King is determined to get to the bottom of it. And oh boy, did he.

Like I said above, Jason King was a killing machine. Put it this way, at one point in the book, he took on ten men at once and killed them all, by himself.

The ending of the book was what I expected, but it was rather sad. All of the storylines were wrapped up, and there was a couple of twists in it that I didn’t see coming. Also, while the storylines from this book were wrapped up nice, Jason King’s was not, and the author left it so that there could be a second book.

How many stars will I give Isolated? 4

Why? Great book that exploded within the first chapters and kept up the insane pace and action.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age Range: Adult

Why: Sexual situations (but not graphic), language and extremely graphic and violent killing scenes.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Errant Spark (Elemental Trials: Book 1) by Ronelle Antoinette

Errant Spark (Elemental Trials Book 1) by [Antoinette, Ronelle]

Publisher: Self published

Date of publication: July 1st 2016

Series: Elemental Trials, Book 1

Errant Spark – Book 1

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

How can you afford to risk it all for love when your life is not your own?

They say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer, but In Egalion’s Imperial court, you can’t tell one from the other…especially when they change at the flip of a coin. Behind the luxury and splendor lies a realm of treachery where cloak-and-dagger political maneuvering threatens to destroy the peace of two thousand years. 

Twenty-five-year-old Battlemage Jex Xander has a mouth that frequently gets him into trouble, while in contrast, Enari Namelum speaks not at all. When Jex becomes the target of a faceless curse-slinger, Enari, the girl he has protected since the day they met, must now protect him. A string of ritual human sacrifices coupled with Jex’s growing inability to keep his feelings (and hands) to himself only serve to complicate matters. Amidst the mounting chaos, passion and romance should be the last thing on their minds, but life and the Goddess seem to have other ideas.

In a world as enticing as it is perilous, love, danger, and magic will collide, leaving lives irrevocably changed. The events of a single summer stand to change the course of more than just the kingdom of Egalion and the ones dismissed as pawns may yet prove to be the most important players.

“Errant Spark” is the hush before the storm, the last deep breath before the plunge. The flint has been struck and it’s possible the whole world might go up in flames…because love in the Imperial court is as dangerous a thing as backroom politics and jealousy can be as much a driving force as silver and gold.
***
Fantasy? Action? Romance? Yes! This romantic fantasy novel by Ronelle Antoinette is a broad, epic, sweeping fantasy with more twists and turns and ups and downs than a wild roller-coaster! The first installment of the Elemental Trials series is one of those books that really is so much more than what the blurb can convey. Described as “surprisingly complex and visionary” by one reviewer, “Errant Spark” will leave you mesmerized from the first page to the last. 

Hailed by Amazing Stories Magazine’s Ricky L Brown as “a simple story about interesting characters with just enough romance and magic to make it work. […] Errant Spark is as complex as George RR Martin, with a world that is well-suited for conniving and cavorting. Rest assured, there is plenty of sex and violence, but not as raw and stabby as the aforementioned works. It’s more like a big kid’s version of a fairy tale.

Recommended for:
•Mature teens and up
•Fans of epic fantasy and romance
•Those looking for characters they want to eat…or take home and enjoy
•Readers who can appreciate a gorgeous tapestry of magic, myth, and mayhem
•Connoisseurs of fine love stories that complement the plot and that ‘slow burn’
•Lovers of surprises, twists-and-turns, and well-placed, necessary supernatural elements
•Anyone looking for sex, magic, love, fantasy, and a story that will sweep you away
•Those who don’t mind staying up all night so they can turn that final page

My review:

I am a huge fan of fantasy. About 90% of the books I read (and don’t review) are fantasy. When I was approached by to read Errant Spark, I was very excited and couldn’t wait to read this book.

I wasn’t disappointed at all.

The book starts with meeting Jex Xander, a battlemage, and his mentor, Eryk, the High Mage. Jex has a reputation of being somewhat of taking many ladies and men into his bed. He is a bit of a manwhore, and I loved it. The threesome scene was hot.

He is pursued by Sarene, the middle daughter of the Tor and Torina of Egalion. I didn’t like Sarene at all. She was rude and a spoiled brat.

The book jumps to Enari Namelum, a mute orphan who lives at the Cyrilan Temple. She is training to be a kvinna under the tutelage of Vasi de’Curande, the Master Apothecary of the Temple. She is shunned because of her exotic looks and her aversion to being touched. People say that she looks like a Vintyri (think Fae) and her muteness keeps her isolated from other people.

Vasi and Enari have been summoned to the Imperial Palace to assist Tora Aelani with the birth of her child. While crossing the plains, they are met by Jex, who has come to escort them across the plains. When Jex meets Enari,  there is an instant attraction. Note that I said instant attraction, not instalove, big difference!! Jex falls ill and almost dies on the journey home. The relationship was off while Enari and Vasi nurse him back to health.

Then the book gets good. Mysterious deaths are happening in the palace, around the same time Jex is brought in. Jex and Enari have sex and connect on a deeper level. I loved seeing that. The High Mage is brought into the investigation of the deaths.

There is a heartbreaking death that I didn’t see coming, a birth and a couple of revelations that did surprise me. One I did guess at but the other one, well it took me by surprise.

How many stars will I give Errant Spark? 4

Why? While a great high fantasy novel that kept my attention, I had issues with some of the titles and terms. If there was a guide, it would have been great. Other than that small issue, a great read.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Adult

Why? sex scenes (including a threesome) and violence

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Agrathias by Conor Nicholl

Agrathias by [Nicholl, Conor]

Publisher: 

Date of publication: August 5th, 2016

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Book synopsis:

900 years ago, Dogane fell at the hands of Ubinion and Ramas. That day, the people rejoiced to the heavens, which had finally removed its dark veil and given them the warmth they deserved for so long. Since then, nearly everyone had forgotten the power that almost tore Agrathias apart.

…

But Ubinion and Ramas had always warned of the corruption they were never able to completely rid the world of. A corruption that now allows one sorcerer the chance to rule Agrathias…forever…

My review:

This book was fantastic, and I loved reading it.

Agrathias starts with a mystery man sitting in a tree, surrounded by monsters called Arcams. He is full of grief and guilt over leading them to his village and the death of his sister. The chapter ends with a battle between him and the Arcams. This unknown man is a sorcerer and he controls ice. He did take out a ton of Arcams before being captured.

The next chapter, Arone is approached by a strange man and is demanded to give back what is his. Arone does what any sane person would do being confronted by a weirdo, he turns around and leaves. But he gets attacked by a strange guy and injures him with fire, which startles Arone. At this point, Arone’s brother shows up and they head to the village to let the mayor know.

The mayor gives Arone an egg-like object and tells him to head to the capital to talk to the king. Before that could happen the Arcams attack the village. While Arone is helping defend, he is told to find his parents by their friend. He witnesses the destruction of his village and the death of his brother while escaping.

Arone is grief-stricken. He makes it to the city and sees the king, who has the same reaction that the mayor had. The king put Arone up at a tavern and has him meet his sorcerer, Tyris.

Arone discusses magic with Tyris. He can’t understand where his fire magic comes from. That night, he goes back to the tavern and realizes that his egg-like object has hatched, and it is a baby griffon. He tells Tyris, who advises him on how to handle a griffon.

After that, the book gets epic. Arone, Aine, Akadi, Abnoba, and a motley crew that they pick up in their adventures. I loved Lupercus and Gunnolf’s characters. Kathara, I didn’t care for her. She was too prickly for me to like. Urana’s and the Ragmar’s characters weren’t gotten into until almost the very end.

The adventures that crew went on were epic and very well written. I felt that I was in a quest with them all.

I did feel bad for Dogane. While he was evil, he didn’t start that way. He was made that way by being abused by a tutor that his father hired. He did try to tell his father, and his father looked the other way. It was heartbreaking reading that but it explained a lot.

The ending of the book was fantastic. All the storylines were ended. But there are still unanswered questions that will be explored in the next book. I would love to know, what happened to Arone’s parents? Are they still alive?

How many stars will I give Agrathias? 4

Why? A great, well-written fantasy novel. This book takes you away to a land where magic is the norm, griffins are real and friendships that are forged are forever.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range? Teen

Why? To be honest, I would have no problem with my 11-year-old daughter reading this book. It is very clean (no sex, no swearing) with minimal violence.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Her Fiery Viking (Her Elemental Viking: Book 1) by A.J. Tipton

Publisher:

Date of publication: September 12th, 2014

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Erotica, Contemporary

Series: Her Elemental Viking

Her Fiery Viking – Book 1

Her Steamy Viking – Book 2 (review here)

Her Winged Viking – Book 3 (review here)

Her Rock Hard Viking – Book 4 (review here)

Her Christmas Viking: Holiday Magic – Book 5 (review here)

Where you can find Her Fiery Viking: Amazon | Audible | B&N | AbeBooks | Alibris | Kobo |

Goodreads Synopsis:

Mikkel just might be too hot to handle. He’s an ancient Viking, cursed with immortality and the compulsion to burst into an uncontrollable ball of fire when enraged. After centuries of tragedy, Mikkel fears the fury within him and the danger he poses to anyone he lets too close.

But when Joanna, a smart, sexy engineer angry at the world, explodes into his life, Mikkel can’t resist her smoldering allure. Has the time finally come to let someone in and embrace the fire? Or will their fiery passion scorch these lovers?

This mature romance includes incendiary bar room shenanigans, harrowing kidnapping, high speed car escapades, and a love strong enough to heal even the most damaged of hearts.

NOTE: Each book in the “Her Elemental Viking” series stands on its own and can be read in any order.

Note to self…..do not read erotica A) in public and B) next to a very nosey older woman. The older woman was reading over my shoulder, during a pretty explicit sex scene; she gasped and said, “You should be ashamed of yourself, reading stuff like that” My reply “You shouldn’t be reading over my shoulder, you old bird” (I reserve the right to make what I said more PC). Seeing that I was at Miss B’s orthodontist appointment, probably not the place to read this type of book, she shouldn’t have been reading over my shoulder. Oh well, lesson learned.

Mikkel is this super hot demolition expert over a thousand years old and has an awful anger management problem. He bursts into a fireball when he gets angry (which is quite often). The book starts with him banging a secretary in his boss’s office.

Joanna (also known as Jo) is a female engineer with a huge anger management problem. She has more of a hair-trigger temper than Mikkel. Put it this way, on the first day of her new job, Joanna tasers someone and manages to alienate her new boss. I think she is my book soul mate.

For a short story, this book did pack a lot into it. The author wasted no time in having Joanna and Mikkel hook up. In the bathroom of their favorite bar after getting spent. After that, it was a fuckfest. But I did learn that Joanna developed anger management issues after her sister was murdered. Mikkel’s, well, I am not going to go too much into that.

The ending was pretty good, too-full of action, no sex, but action where there was fighting, etc.

I would recommend Her Fiery Viking to anyone over 21. There are language, violence, and explicit sex scenes.

If you enjoyed reading Her Fiery Viking, you will enjoy reading these books: