Bloodline Destinies by Iuliana Foos

4 Stars

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing

Date of publication: February 13th, 2019

Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Where you can find Bloodline Destinies: Amazon | BookBub

In the year 2516 humans share Earth with elusive vampires and GeMs—a new species of blood-drinkers who appeared after the Flood.

Months before his five-hundredth birthday, Theodor De Croix, Prince of The Old Coven, crosses paths with Vivienne. Torn between proving himself worthy of his bloodline and centuries-old beliefs about true love, he saves her life but rejects the idea that she might be sent to him by fate itself.

Vivienne is a human scientist turned GeM in an accident. Body and mind forever altered, she struggles every day to adapt to her new life. Attracted to the man who saved her, but fearing his kind, she finds herself in more danger than ever.

Caught up in a whirlwind of dreams and evil plots, both must confront their own demons in order to save each other, testing the powers of fate and love.

My Review:

I am going to start this review off with a warning. There are triggers in this book. Vivienne was tortured and abused in this book. What she went through before and afterward was a significant part of the plotline. So, if you are triggered by abuse, do not read this book.

Vivienne is GeM who has endured the worst kind of abuse. Escaping from her captor, she crosses paths with Theodor De Croix. Theo saves her from certain death. Vivienne is torn between her desire for Theo and her fear of what he is. Can she overcome her fear and her past? Can she allow herself to love Theo?

Bloodline Destinies has three significant plotlines. Vivienne and her recovery from abuse are one. Theo and his dance with Malvina was the second one. Malvina and her quest to avenge Ivan is the third one. I loved them all.

There were a couple of twists in Bloodline Destinies that I saw coming. They both involved Malvina. Even though I guessed at what was going to happen, they still surprised me.

I will say that I liked that the book took place almost 500 years in the future. I loved the whole backstory about the alien ship and the destruction it caused on Earth. Also, the entire storyline on how the GeMs were created was fascinating.

The sub-storyline that detailed Vivienne’s abuse and the aftermath from it broke my heart. Her strength poured off the pages.

I liked Vivienne. She had immense strength. I loved how she adjusted to being a GeM. Even though she was made into one the previous year, she was never allowed to learn how to be one (if that makes sense). I thought her fear of Theo was a little much. I could understand why she was scared of him. She had a prey response to him. But he showed her, over and over again, that he wouldn’t harm a hair on her head. That was the only complaint I had about her.

I did like Theo, even if he had a quick temper and came across as a jerk for 90% of the book. Don’t get me wrong; he wasn’t all bad. He came across as a grump. But, he did love Vivienne and was willing to do whatever it took to make sure she was safe.

Malvina was slimy. From her first scene, I knew she wasn’t good news. And man, she was bad. I understood why she wanted to avenge Ivan’s death. That was her dad. She did get what she deserved at the end of the book. She should have been killed off sooner (sorry for the spoiler!!)

As always, the secondary characters added an extra depth to the story. I liked how the author brought in Ana and Andree from book one but kept them in the background. I also loved seeing Thora. I was surprised by Serge and his actions. I didn’t think he would do what he did.

I thought that Bloodline Destinies was an excellent fit for the romance genre. I liked how the author took Vivienne and Theo’s romance slow. I liked that there were setbacks. I also liked that there was a love triangle going on between Victor, Vivienne, and Theo.

As for the sex in this book, it’s there, but the author doesn’t go into detail. It wasn’t until a key scene at the end that I realized that Theo and Vivienne had even had sex. I was confused by it for a minute then the lightbulb went on.

I thought that Bloodline Destinies was a great fit in the paranormal genre. I loved that the author had a new vampire subspecies. The GeMs were fascinating. I do wish that more detail was given about the GeMs. Like why they were so hated.

The end of Bloodline Destinies was what I thought it would be. It was predictable. The storylines were all wrapped up in a way that I liked. I am interested in reading Thora’s story.

I would give Bloodline Destinies an Adult rating. There is no sex. There is language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Bloodlines Origins. I would also recommend to family and friends.

I would like to thank the author for allowing me to read and review Bloodline Origins.

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

Bloodlines Origins by Iuliana Foos

4 Stars

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing

Date of publication: April 11th, 2018

Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Where you can find Bloodline Origins: Barnes and Noble | Amazon| BookBub

Book synopsis:

Determined to turn her fantasy into reality, Ana starts her journey to become a vampire. Along the way, she learns the truth about their secret society, discovers her prestigious bloodline, and falls in love.

Not all vampires are accepting of humans and war looms in the shadows. An ancient tome reveals the vampires’ alien descent and sparks war.

An army bent on eradicating her coven’s existence threatens her new world. Survival or annihilation will be in Ana’s hands.

My review:

I have been reading a lot of paranormal romances lately. Before reading Bloodline Origins, I was getting burnt out on them. So, when I had the opportunity to read/review this book, I already had an opinion formed about it. Then I read the book and was surprised. The author took a typical vampire romance and added her flair to it. I loved it!!

The plot of Bloodline Origins was interesting. Ana was attacked by Ivan and his friend on her way home from the beach. During that attack, Ana learns that vampires are real. So, she asks to join them. Ana finds acceptance and the courage to overcome past hurts. She falls in love. But, there are sinister forces at work. A vampire with an agenda is plotting to eradicate Ana’s new family. Can Ana save her family? Or will she watch them be annihilated before her very eyes?

I connected with Ana. She was a well-written character who had to overcome her past to morph into the woman that she became in the book. Ana wasn’t perfect. She was a normal human woman. I did like that nothing seemed to faze her, well outward. Everything was kept internal.

I liked her reactions when she realized what she got herself into. They went from fear to doubt to acceptance. I loved that she had an opportunity to back out at any time. The scene where she carved her initials on Andree’s hand was the turning point for her. The author created enough doubt for me to wonder if she’d go through with it.

I loved Andree. He was a little bit intimidating when he was introduced in the book. But that went away after a few of his interactions with Ana. As much as I loved hem, I did think that he took some liberties with Ana. Like reading her mind while she was sleeping. And then having David scan her while she was asleep. I got a little peeved with that. That was the only time I got annoyed with him. Every other time in the book, he was perfect. He was patient and so in love with her that I got jealous!!!

Ivan was a creep. I didn’t understand his obsession with wiping out Emilia’s coven. I did feel bad for him, kind of, when Collin was killed. But it fueled his desire to end them even more.

Bloodline Origins fit with the paranormal genre. I was interested in the plotline about the aliens and how vampires came to be. It was an original and different retelling. I am interested in seeing where the author goes with that.

I also liked the different take that the author took on vampires. For one, if a woman was pregnant when turned, she could give birth to a vampire hybrid. But, it was only between certain weeks in the pregnancy. I also liked that the full blood vampires could go out in the sun, but they had to drink a serum. But, the hybrids could go out in the sun, and they didn’t rely on blood to survive.

The book also fits with the romance genre. The love that Andree and Ana had for each other was terrific. Even though it was Instalove, they were bonded within a few days. As for the sex scenes, which are essential in a romance novel, they weren’t graphic. The author spent no time on them at all. It took me a few chapters, after the wedding, to realize that they had sex.

The end of Bloodline Origins was interesting. I am curious to see if what was said will come true. I am also eager to read the next book!!

I would give Bloodlines Origins an Adult rating. There is sex. There is violence. There is language. I would recommend no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Bloodlines Origins. I would also recommend to family and friends.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

I would like to thank the author for allowing me to read and review Bloodline Origins.

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

The Betrayer (Crossing Realms Series: Book 3) by Rebecca E. Neely

The Betrayer (Crossing Realms Series Book 3) by [Neely, Rebecca E.]

4 Stars

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing

Date of publication: March 13th, 2019

Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Series: Crossing Realms

The Keeper—Book 1 (review here)

The Watcher—Book 2 (review here)

The Betrayer—Book 3

Where you can find The Betrayer: Amazon | BookBub

Synopsis:

With the Second Rebellion raging in the city, Curtis Geary, the Keepers’ tech guru, receives a Compulsion for Jordan, a Betrayer ousted by her brood and left for dead. His orders? Obtain information from her that can save his clan—before it’s too late. Plunged into a war zone, cut off from his clan, Curtis quickly discovers this woman is no ordinary Betrayer. Not only does his Vitality energy inexplicably save her life, she may be the missing link in the Keepers’ quest to restore Similitude—the Betrayers’ manufactured weapon deadly to Keepers.

Despised by her own brood, Jordan’s mysterious ability and a wicked set of street smarts have kept her alive—along with the havoc she’s been forced to wreak on humans as a means of creating dark energy. Against his better judgement, Curtis is helplessly drawn to this enigma of a woman, who defies the logic of his trusty computers. Too, despite a lifetime of mistrust and her soldier’s survival instincts, Jordan can’t help falling for this at times awkward but genuine man who offers her what she’s always yearned for—love and an opportunity for a better life.

But in a race against time and a brood master hell-bent on destruction, love and loyalty will come under fire—within the brood and the clan. Can Jordan find the courage to embrace her future and find love? Or will she betray the clan and herself as the Keepers wage what may be their final battle to save the human race?

My review:

Curtis was expecting a Compulsion. With the Second Rebellion raging on around him, it was a given. It was who the Compulsion for that surprised him. It was for the beautiful Betrayer who was cast out of her Brood and left for dead. What happens when Curtis uses his Vitality to save her life was earth shattering. Jordan is key to ending the Second Rebellion. But how? And will she help?

I like to read paranormal romances. But I had become burnt on them. Too much of a good thing. But when I saw that The Betrayer was going to be available, I decided to jump on it. I had reviewed the other books in the series. I am glad that I did because this book was a perfect addition to the Crossing Realms series!!

I liked the romance angle of The Betrayer. The whole opposites attract theory worked well in this book. Curtis and Jordan couldn’t have been further apart. I liked how the author took those differences and made them work.

There were a couple of sex scenes. To be honest, I didn’t think that Jordan and Curtis would actually have sex. There was so much going on. But they did. It was hot.

The paranormal angle of The Betrayer was interesting. I liked that there was more insight into the working of the Brood. Also, Magpie and Jordan’s relationship was explored. As was Jordan, Abel, and her father’s relationship. I did enjoy seeing how Curtis’s Vitality changed Jordan. And Jordan’s secret. Oh wow. I wasn’t expecting that.

The end of The Betrayer was great. I liked how everything was resolved. But, it did make me ask more questions. Like is Zane going to be like Dev? And what about Jordan’s mother? I am also interested to see if there will be another book in the series.

I would give The Betrayer an Adult rating. There is sex. There is language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread The Betrayer. I would also recommend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank the author for allowing me to read and review The Betrayer.

All opinions stated in this review of The Betrayer are mine.

Have you read The Betrayer?

What were your thoughts on it?

Do you believe that someone can change (like Jordan did)?

Why or why not?

Let me know!!

Dark Alpha’s Awakening (Reaper: Book 7) by Donna Grant

4 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, Swerve

Date of publication: February 5th, 2019

Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy

Series: Reaper

Dark Alpha’s Claim—Book 1

Dark Alpha’s Embrace—Book 2

Dark Alpha’s Demand—Book 3

Dark Alpha’s Lover—Book 4

Dark Alpha’s Night—Book 5

Dark Alpha’s Hunger—Book 6 (review here)

Dark Alpha’s Awakening—Book 7

Where you can find Dark Alpha’s Awakening: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Goodreads synopsis:

There is no escaping a Reaper. I am an elite assassin, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. And when Death says your time is up, I’m coming for you…

Serving Death and the Reapers has been my life for centuries. I’ve always put my duty before everything, even my yearning for Death. But now, she’s fading – our foe is bent on destroying her and he will stop at nothing until he does. Death holds the key to our survival. I will do everything in my power to stop her from disappearing. For her, I will ensure we have the best fighting chance. For her…I will cross the divide keeping us apart.

My review:

I was pretty stoked when I saw that there was going to be a book 7 in the Reapers series. I got even more excited when I started reading Dark Alpha’s Awakening. Why was I excited? Because it was Cael and Death (Erith’s) romance. The romance that I was waiting to read. It was also the romance that I didn’t think would happen. So, yes, I was thrilled.

I loved that I got to know more about Erith in this book. Her origins fascinated me. Her stint as Mistress of War and what started it fascinated me. As did why she stopped and formed the Reapers.

Erith brought it in this book. She was determined to find out what Bran was doing/using to drain her life essence. She was also going to end Bran, which was something that should have been done years ago. I loved it.

Cael was awesome in this book also. He was going to do whatever it took to save Erith from Bran. He was a great leader who was loyal to his Reapers. He was willing to do whatever it took to protect his Reapers, their women, and Erith. And oh boy, did he.

I liked how the author kept the sex scenes in Dark Alpha’s Awakening to a minimum. There were 2 or 3 scenes of Erith and Cael having sex. Those sex scenes were beyond hot. There was no build up of sexual tension in this book. But, Cael and Erith had 6 previous books to let it build and man, did it explode.

I enjoyed that the author had this world intertwined with The Dark Kings world. I didn’t quite catch on that they were in the same universe until the last Dark King book, Dragonfire. There was a certain point where Eoghan and Thea were mentioned. At that point, I was like “They are connected, WTH.”. That showed up even more so in this book. Bran, Balladyn, Rhi, Usaeil, and Xaneth were all featured in this book.

What surprised me the most about this book was the author was not afraid to let people die in this book. There were a couple of deaths that took me by surprise. One I was expecting but the other, well it blindsided me. That made me wonder who was going to be the next one to get killed. I have a good idea who but I am going to have to wait to see what happens in the next book.

I am also waiting to see if Erith takes the advice that was given to her and involve the Dragon Kings in the war that is going to happen. Guess I am going to need to keep reading the books to find out.

The end of the book was interesting. While some plotlines were tied up there were other ones that were left open. New plotlines were introduced near the end of the book. I am interested to see where the plotline with Xaneth is going to go. From what was written at the end of the book, it doesn’t look good.

I would give Dark Alpha’s Awakening an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is language. There is explicit violence. There are triggers. They are the death of a loved one and murder. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Dark Alpha’s Awakening. I would also recommend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Dark Alpha’s Awakening.

All opinions stated in this review of Dark Alpha’s Awakening are mine.

Dirty Alphas: A Reverse Harem Urban Fantasy Romance by Alexa B. James and Angelina Avery

4 Stars

Publisher:

Date of publication: December 14th, 2018

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

Where you can find Dirty Alphas: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

Know what’s worse than being forced to marry your depraved, sadistic alpha?
Hiding his corpse.

Ten years after storms and seismic disasters ravaged the world, only one major forest remains intact in the United States, and my werewolf pack is responsible for keeping Heartland Forest for the wolves. Jacob Knight may have been a terrible alpha, but he kept the fae, vampires, and man-eating trolls from taking over Heartland. Day by day, they close in on us.

For two years, I’ve gotten away with murder, and it hasn’t been easy. I live a lie, and it’s eating me up inside. It’s a price I must pay to keep my secrets buried and my pack safe.

But nothing stays buried for long in Heartland Forest.

When Jacob’s three alpha brothers ride their motorcycles into town, claiming they want to rent a room in the apartment building I manage, I know they’re here for more than low rent and creaky pipes.

Do I have what it takes to take on three dirty alphas?

My review:

Its been a while since I have read a good menage book. And I haven’t read a good reverse harem book ever. So when I was approached to read and review Dirty Alphas, I decided to take a chance. I am glad because this book was a good read. Almost a little too bloody for my taste (in romance…other books, I’m fine).

I felt bad for Scarlet. She was forced to marry her Alpha, Jacob Knight. Then she kills him (which I didn’t feel bad for her for doing. He deserved it). What I did feel bad for was that she had to hide that she, herself, was an Alpha. In order for her to do that, she had to give her father power and let him be Alpha. I do wish that more insight was given about how she gave her father power. It was mentioned a couple of times but not much insight was given about it.

What I also liked is that Scarlet had a normal family. Her mother was a freaking hoot. I was cracking up laughing at her scenes. Her father was the opposite. I liked him too. Her sister, I couldn’t stand. What she did to Scarlet was unforgivable in my eyes.

Let’s talk about the Knight triplets. There wasn’t a lot of background given about them. That they were Jacob’s younger triplet brothers. They were given a heads up about his death but decided to leave the pack alone. I understood their decision to go back but thought it was 4 years too late.

I loved how the authors built up sexual tension. The tension between Scarlet and Mack was insane!! It came off the pages. I mean, that dance that they did for the kids set the book on fire….and it was an innocent one. Great sexual tension meant one hell of a sex scene. I had to fan myself. It was that good.

What I also liked is that the authors chose to only have two sex scenes in the book. Like I mentioned above, the first one blew me out of the water. And it was also a typical menage sex scene. I did wince when Aaron joined Mack and Scarlet in bed. For a virgin to allow backdoor access, I was surprised. The second sex scene, with Darrel, was the sweet, heartfelt one.

The main plotline was great. The lengths that Scarlet’s family went through to protect her was amazing. Like I mentioned above, I wish that more information was given about how she shared energy with her father and how that masked her being alpha. I loved how the author resolved that plotline. It was perfect.

The plotline with the brothers coming back was interesting. I wasn’t sure of how their coming back was going to affect Scarlet. I felt that their plotline didn’t move until Scarlet got attacked. Then it got going.

The plotline with the man-eating werewolf was interesting. I was surprised at who it ended up being. And how that werewolf was defeated was fantastic.

Like I mentioned above, there is a lot of violence in Dirty Alphas. The violence could get a little graphic. While I wasn’t turned off by it, some people might be.

I was a little confused by the end of Dirty Alphas. What confused me? Lance. I am not going to say anything more than that. Also, is there going to be another book? Because I got a feeling by how the book ended that there is going to be one by the way this book ended.

I would give Dirty Alphas an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is violence. There is language. There are triggers. They would be forced marriage and violence against women. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Dirty Alphas. I would also recommend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank the publisher and the authors for allowing me to read and review Dirty Alphas.

All opinions stated in this review of Dirty Alphas are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

The House of Fire and Rain (Firemountain Chronicles: Book 2) by Victoria Lynn Osbourne

The House of Fire and Rain (Firemountain Chronicles, #2)

4 Stars

Publisher: Azure Spider Publications

Date of publication: November 15th, 2018

Genre: Paranormal, Mystery, Thriller

Series: Firemountain Chronicles

Whispers in the Woods—book 1 (review here)

The House of Fire and Rain—Book 2

Where you can find The House of Fire and Rain: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Amazon synopsis:

Dave Dobrowski is a detective in Firemountain. Things haven’t been the same in Firemountain since Dinah Steele took down Gleebelix. Now illegal prostitutes are dying in droves. Yet the legal brothel, The House of Fire and Rain, on tribal land is immune to a curse that is killing not only working girls but their clients. Dave and his alchemical partner Jolene Anderson, race to discover why legal girls are protected why illegals are dying and discover there is more than just morality at stake.

My review

Prostitutes and their customers are dying in Firemountain. But the girls who work at The House of Fire and Rain are immune. Dave, a detective, is put on the case to discover what is exactly causing the deaths. When it is discovered that a curse is responsible, Dave must figure out why the “illegal” girls are being targeted. As the curse goes worldwide, Dave and Jolene are racing against the clock. Can they discover who or what is behind the curse?

When I was approached by Victoria to review The House of Fire and Rain, I immediately jumped on it. Not because I had reviewed Whispers in the Woods. It was the blurb. It caught my attention. I wanted to know why the girls at The House of Fire and Rain were immune to the curse. I wanted to know what Dave and Jolene were going to find out about the curse. So, yes, I was thrilled to be reading this book.

I liked Jolene. I thought that her backstory was heartbreaking. Unfortunately, it is only too common. But, Jolene overcame her past. She was going to school to be an alchemist and had a job that she loved. I was surprised at her connection to The House of Fire and Rain. When it was revealed what she did for her second job, I had to stop and process it. I also liked how the author worked that into the plotline.

I didn’t know what to think about Dave. I was apathetic towards him at the beginning of the book. My initial observation was that he was weary of everything that was going on in Firemountain. But, as the book went on, my apathy towards him lessened. I actually felt bad for him, at one point in the book. I also thought that he had good instincts when it came to Lucas Dawnstar. My heart broke for him at the end of the book.

The main storyline of the book started off shortly after Dinah defeated Gleebelix in book 1. The author wasted no time in getting the plotline going. The plotline stayed fast until the middle of the book. The plot did falter when the curse was cured but the author did a great job at getting it back on track.

The secondary storylines were wonderfully written. They added depth to the plotline. They also gave me more background on what was going on.

I liked that the author chose to highlight what and how people view sex workers. She made some valid point about how society treats them. She also made a very valid point for legalizing prostitution. I will say that the cleansing camps that sprung up reminded me of the concentration camps in WW2. I got shudders while reading those scenes.

I will say that I was amused by the inclusion of Kirk Cameron in the plotline. I got a couple of good giggles out of it. Actually, I didn’t put two and two together until Dave mentioned it while watching him on TV. It was light a lightbulb went off over my head…haha.

I wasn’t expecting what happened at the end of the book. I was shocked by what Jezebel did. It went against everything that I thought about her. My heart broke for Dave. For a minute there, I thought that he was going to be happy. I hope that what happen fuels his need to find out what is going on.

The author did a fantastic job of wrapping up plotlines. She also left some plotlines open. The very end of the book made me go “Hmmm”. I can’t wait to read book 3!!!

I gave The House of Fire and Rain a 4-star rating. This was a fast moving book. It had complex characters that I connected with. I did have an issue with the plotline lagging halfway through the book. But the author did a great job picking the plotline back up again.

I would give The House of Fire and Rain an Adult rating. There are sex and sexual situation. There is violence. There is language. There are triggers. They would be sexual abuse and rape. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book

I would reread The House of Fire and Rain. I would also reccomend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank the author for allowing me to read and review The House of Fire and Rain.

All opinions stated in this review of The House of Fire and Rain are mine.

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

Have you read Keep Her Close?

Love it?

Hate it?

Meh about it?

Let me know!!!

In the Mood Fur Love by Eve Langlais, Milly Taiden, Kate Baxter

In the Mood Fur Love

4 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Griffin

Date of publication: October 2nd, 2018

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

Where you can find In the Mood Fur Love: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Goodreads synopsis:

Three hot stories about sexy shifters from a trio of today’s hottest paranormal romance authors, headlined by bestselling authors Eve Langlais and Milly Taiden!

Bearing His Touch by Eve Langlais
When Becka manages to escape her kidnapper, she finds herself asking help of the man with the nice brown eyes. Stavros can’t say no, not when he knows Becka is his mate, but he does have one dilemma when it comes to claiming her. He’ll have to find a way for her to bear his touch.

Fake Mated to the Wolf by Milly Taiden
Looking for a mate to bring to a party? Wedding? Holiday gathering? Mates Fur Hire is right for you? But what happens when your fake mate ends up being your real one, from New York Times bestselling author Milly Taiden!

The Witch, The Werewolf and The Waitress by Kate Baxter
For centuries, Lowman, Idaho has been Ellie Curtis’s prison. A vengeful witch cursed her with immortality and locked her within the confines of Lowman’s borders, sealing Ellie off from most of civilization for eternity. She’s learned to make the most of it. But when she meets a cocky werewolf who’s part of the élite supernatural law enforcement group, all bets are off…

Colin instantly knew that Ellie was his mate, but when he discovers her secret, he’s determined to help set her free. But in doing so, he might just lose the one thing he knows he can’t live without…

My review:

I know that I have mentioned in another review that I don’t like reviewing anthologies. Doesn’t mean that I like reading them. I find reviewing anthologies difficult. Depending on how long the stories are in the book, my review could go on forever. So, this review is going to be short and sweet.

Bearing His Touch

While I enjoyed this book, it did rub me the wrong way in certain parts. I didn’t like that it took so long for Becka to tell Stavros why she had been kidnapped and beaten. That frustrated me. But, that was the only thing that annoyed me about the book. Everything else I loved. Stavros was such a goof. I had a laugh over the pot brownies incident. I liked how everything was wrapped up. I did like the twist with Becka’s Poppa. Didn’t see that coming.

Fake Mated to the Wolf

I enjoyed reading this story. I did have an issue with Hawke not knowing what went on in his company. Including what was happening to his mate. I kinda went “Ummmm, ok” when I read that part. But, after that was resolved, I loved the story. I wanted to know more about Robbie and I hope that he is featured in more books. He deserves his happy ending. I did think that Shawna was kind of a jerk to Hawke for 90% of the book. I mean, she knew about how they found their mate. But, she still thought Hawke was two-timing his mate with her? Hello, use your brains girlfriend. I liked the HEA that the author gave to everyone at the end of the story.

The Witch, The Werewolf, and The Waitress

This was my favorite story. Ellie and Colin were such jerks to each other when they first met. I enjoyed watching them fight over that cinnamon roll. Gave me a fit of the giggles. I did feel bad for Ellie. I couldn’t imagine being cursed how she was. Talk about being restricted and lonely. I thought the whole quest to set Ellie free of her curse was great. Including the ending. I will never look at timber wolves, cougars, elk, and coyotes the same again. Shudder. Again, loved the HEA for Colin and Ellie.

There is Instalove in this book but, and I stress this, it worked. Werewolves and werebears are able to find their mates by smelling them. So, I didn’t mind the Instalove at all. Because it fits in with the lore.

The sex in all three stories were hot. I had to fan myself after a couple of scenes because they were that good. If I had to pick the hottest couple, it would be Colin and Ellie. Talk about some steamy sex scenes.

I am not putting up a like/dislike section to this review. If I did that, it would go on forever.

I gave In the Mood Fur Love a 4-star rating. If you like shifter romances with steamy sex scenes, this is the book for you. I will give a trigger warning for Bearing His Touch and Fake Mated to the Wolf. Bearing His Touch has a pretty graphic beginning scene where Becka is being beaten. Fake Mated to the Wolf has a sexist boss and a scene where Shawna is being held hostage in her bedroom by some not so nice guys. Other than that, this book was a great read.

I gave In the Mood Fur Love an Adult rating. There is graphic sex. There is violence. There is language. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread In the Mood Fur Love. I would also recommend it to family and friends with a warning about possible triggers.

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Griffin, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review In the Mood Fur Love.

All opinions stated in this review of In the Mood Fur Love are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Blood Cure (Blood Type: Book 3) by K.A. Linde

4 Stars

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept

Date of publication: August 21st, 2018

Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy

Series: Blood Type

Blood Type – Book 1 (review here)

Blood Match – Book 2 (review here)

Blood Cure – Book 3

Where you can find Blood Cure: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book Synopsis (from Goodreads):

The stunning conclusion to the Blood Type series finds the world in chaos and turmoil with one final battle left to determine who will survive—humans or vampires.

She had the world on her shoulders. Now she has nothing.

Reyna Carpenter was twenty-one when she became a live-in blood escort for the ruthless and darkly handsome vampire Beckham Anderson. She thought this was just a small price to pay for feeding her brothers back home.

But nothing went as planned. Not even her tumultuous relationship with Beckham. And now she wonders if anything will ever be the same again.

As she finds herself in the midst of a losing rebellion, she and her trusted friends must flee from a city conquered by the vampire élite. With their plans blown to pieces and everything they knew and loved gone, their future hangs in the balance.

Despite all she has lost, Reyna must rise from the ashes, reclaim the life that was stolen—and complete her mission, once and for all.

K. A. Linde’s addictive Blood Type novels are best enjoyed in order:
BLOOD TYPE | BLOOD MATCH | BLOOD CURE

My Review:

OMG. What did I read? What happened in this book!! I can’t even!!! I was expecting Blood Cure to be good but I wasn’t expecting it to be THAT good. I couldn’t believe what I read. I couldn’t believe what was revealed. Kudos to the author for pulling off an ending that stunned me.

If the series lacked sex in the first two books, it was more than made up in Blood Cure. Reyna and Beckham went at it like rabbits. Also, the chemistry that they had been insane. I needed a fan after a couple of the sex scenes…they were that hot.

I liked that Beckham finally told Reyna about his past. I wasn’t too surprised by what he told her. I had a feeling that he wasn’t a nice guy back in the day. But the true scope of what he was and what he did made me shudder. What he did to his sister was awful and heartbreaking. Reyna didn’t even blink twice when he told her. It didn’t even bother her when he admitted what he did. He was remorseful but still.

Reyna was the star of this book. She was determined to beat Harrington at his game. She became the figurehead for Elle after Visage tried to take the group down. After finding out about her blood, she was willing to let the Dr study it. I couldn’t get enough of her in this book and was sad when it ended. Beckham was her only weakness.

What I said about Beckham aside, I liked him. He became fully fleshed out in this book. His worry for Reyna came across loud and clear. He was willing to risk his life so that Reyna could meet her goals. I did think that he should have seen Penny for who she was sooner. Also, I was creeped out about his past. Other than that, I loved him.

Harrington was truly an evil man. But, I felt bad for him. When his past was explained, I could understand why he was the way he was. But that doesn’t excuse the direction he pointed Visage in or what he did to Reyna when she was being held captive. I thought the end of his storyline was perfect!!!

I do have a small complaint about Jodie. I understood her need to find her cousin but man, really, a strip club? I was surprised at who she hooked up with at the end of the book. Very surprised.

I loved the storyline involving Reyna’s blood, soulmates, and Beckham. I was happy to see Beckham try to make right with his sister. I was happy to see that Reyna’s blood was able to pave the way. But it was sad. That poor woman.

All the storylines in the Blood Type series were ended in Blood Cure. The author did a fantastic job of wrapping them all up. I did have a question about Graves. Who or what the heck was he? It was never answered in the book. I was thinking some sort of incubus but I don’t know. All I know is that he was a combination of sex and danger.

The end of Blood Cure was as good as I expected it to be. Like I mentioned above, I enjoyed how Reyna beat Harrington at his game.

What I liked about Blood Cure:

A) Beckham finally coming clean to Reyna about his past

B) Reyna

C) The sex

What I disliked about Blood Cure:

A) Harrington

B) Jodie. She drove me nuts in this book

C) What Beckham did to his sister.

I would give Blood Cure an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is graphic violence. There is language. I would recommend no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Blood Cure. I would also recommend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Blood Cure.

All opinions stated in this review of Blood Cure are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Blood Match (Blood Type: Book 2) by K.A. Linde

4 Stars

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept

Date of publication: July 26th, 2018

Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy

Series: Blood Type

Blood Type – Book 1, review here

Blood Match – Book 2

Blood Cure – Book 3, expected publication date August 21st, 2018

Where you can find Blood Match: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

As the provocative, sensual Blood Type series continues, the rare bond between Reyna and Beckham is threatened by betrayal, greed, and twisted secrets.

A desperate human. A powerful vampire. A world divided.

Reyna Carpenter was promised paradise. She was delivered into hell.

Giving up her body for money was supposed to be the hardest part of becoming a blood escort. She never expected to lose her heart to her dark, enigmatic boss, Beckham Anderson. After being taken by a depraved captor who plans to rule the world, Reyna will do anything to return to Beckham.

She just has to find the will to survive this game.

From the pawn, rises a queen.

Note: Reyna and Beckham’s story begins in Blood Type and continues in Blood Cure.

My review:

I was beyond thrilled when I saw that Blood Match was up for review on NetGalley. I had loved Blood Type and was waiting for Blood Match to come out. I had hyped this book up in my head. I am glad that it lived up to my internal hype because I would have been mad if it wasn’t good. Let me clarify, mad at myself. I try not to let myself get all hyped up over books. But in this case, because Blood Type was so good, I let myself do it.

Blood Match starts off 56 days after the ending events of Blood Type. Reyna has been kidnapped by William Harrington, the president and CEO of Visage. Reyna was kidnapped because of her very rare blood type, RH null negative. Harrington needed Reyna for her blood but he wasn’t above torturing her when she wouldn’t comply. One of those times, he left her alone with a deranged vampire that he called B. Reyna is soon broken out of Visage by Elle. Reyna soon learns that not everything is what it seemed. That enemies can be allies and allies can be terrible enemies. Can she overthrow Visage with the help of her friends or will she be forced to watch people that she loved die?

Blood Match was as dark and gritty as Blood Type. There was an undercurrent of violence that ran throughout the book. That is what made the book so good. You never knew when violence was going to explode. What I also liked, and what made this book dark, was that the “good guys” weren’t necessarily good guys. The author had those characters walk a thin line between good and evil. I loved it!!

The sex in this book was great. But, what I liked was that there wasn’t a ton of it. But, when Reyna and Beckham did bump uglies, it was explosive. Even Reyna’s dream sex was amazing!!!

The plotlines in Blood Match were not resolved. If anything, more depth was added to them. I cannot wait to read book 3 to see how this story ends.

The end of the book was insane. I didn’t expect what happened to happen. And it ended with a small cliffhanger. I was mentally yelling “NO” when I read it.

I rated Blood Match with a 4-star rating. Why did I do that? I liked the plotline. I liked the characters. The sex scenes were hot. Now, with the good, there is the bad. There were parts of the book that I didn’t like. I didn’t like William Harrington. I didn’t like what Visage was doing behind the scenes. I didn’t like the cliffhanger (as small as it was).

What I liked about Blood Match (to recap):

A) Plotline. Thought it was great.

B) Characters.

C) Sex scenes

What I disliked about Blood Match (to recap):

A) William Harrington

B) What Visage was doing behind the scenes

C) the cliffhanger

I would give Blood Match an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is violence. There is language. I would suggest that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Blood Match. I would also recommend this book to family and friends.

I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group, Loveswept, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Blood Match.

All opinions stated in this review of Blood Match are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Moon Blood (The First Blood Son Series: Book 2) by Carol McKibben

Moon Blood (Book 2)

3 Star

Publisher: Troll River Publication

Date of publication: May 1st, 2018

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal

Series: The First Blood Son Series

Moon Blood – Book 1

Moon Blood – Book 2

Where you can find Moon Blood: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

Two vampires battle against the werewolf nation

Hybrid-wolf “Moon” and her human vampire master, Kane, fight for their lives against a stalking shifter network out to destroy them. Each battle may be their last as vampires and werewolves edge ever closer to war.

While Kane and Moon work to unravel the looming threat, more and more questions surface. But one thing is for sure; the real motives behind the werewolves’ plot against them include destroying the vampire race.

Only an act of bravery and trust will stop the werewolf species from destroying what Kane and Moon love the most. Vampire teeth flash and wolf claws clash as supernatural beings fight for life, love, and family.

My review:

I liked this book, even if I felt confused during the first few chapters of the book. Why was I confused? Because it is the 2nd book in the First Blood Son Series. There were references to the first book that made me go “Ok“.

The plot of Moon Blood is simple. Moon and Kane head to Italy to battle werewolves after getting word that the werewolves are mounting an attack against the vampires. While there, Kane meets a beautiful woman who is the direct descendant of the first werewolf. She, more than anything, wants peace. But she realizes that sometimes you have to fight for what you want. Even if that means fighting against your own kind.

I liked that the book was told from Moon’s perspective. She was an interesting narrator. I did like her ability to shift but didn’t understand how she got that ability. Because she wasn’t a werewolf. I have a feeling that it had something to do with Kane and that it was explained in the first book.

The big battle scene between the vampires and werewolves gave me a Twilight flashback.

I am not going to go into the end of the book because I will give away some major spoilers. Let’s say that I thought Moon was an interesting narrator and that her abilities were pretty awesome!!

What I liked about Moon Blood:

A) Moon.

B) Moon’s abilities

C) The lore. Loved it

What I disliked about Moon Blood:

A) Not a stand-alone book

B) The Twilight feel to the book

C) Not knowing how Moon got her abilities

I would give Moon Blood an Adult rating. There is sex. Nothing graphic but it is there. There is explicit violence. There is language.

There are no trigger warnings in Moon Blood.

I am on the fence if I would reread Moon Blood. I am also on the fence if I would recommend it to family and friends.

I would live to thank Troll River Publications for allowing me to read and review Moon Blood.

All opinions stated in this review of Moon Blood are mine.

**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**

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