The Curse of a Faeblood by M.K. Lorber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ember has been on the run her whole life, or well at least since her mother’s death. But, as she goes from place to place she looks for people with gifts like her. She finds herself in some trouble and that’s when she meets Gavyn and they fall in love. Lots of excitement! Love this book.
Unabridged by Melinda De Ross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have really been into books that I can just relax and escape from the world for a bit. This was an awesome book just for that purpose! Angie left Blade as she felt that was the only way to protect him, imagine her surprise when he reappears in her life as her new boss! Can they communicate and have a second chance at love? I fell in love with the characters and the writing kept me giggling. Great book for reading on an afternoon at the beach.
The True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The True Purpose of Vines is the first book in the first book in The Winemakers series. Set during the 1870s in beautiful Portugal, we meet a widow struggling to save her winery. Griffin is a Brit who has gone to Portugal to chase down a debt. This is an enemy to lover romance. I always enjoy historical fiction, and the beautiful setting and characters did not disappoint. I enjoyed Julia’s character and how strong of a female character she is throughout the story. She has a lot on her plate, and she still keeps it together. Griffin is a typical 19th-century male character but seems to work for the story. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future and seeing what the future of this series holds in store.
The Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twists by Tom Swyers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Josie is so brave for standing up to her creep of a husband Eddie, and protecting her two children. I also feel like she was slightly over paranoid, especially about the virus, but that’s probably a learned trait being with Eddie. I loved that the author included the virus into the storyline. It was strange to read about something I lived through during my lifetime, something that actually affected me, it allowed me to see it through different eyes. The layers of mystery that slowly unraveled through the book kept my attention through each page, especially the pink ladies. Great read!
Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m glad I picked this one up. The Synopsis sounded interesting and it definitely was. Vampires, demons and things that bump in the night… oh my. Greer was our mc and I liked her alot. She went through alot in this story and she did it all for those she loves. I am looking forward to reading more by this author!!
Happy Reading!
The Wolf’s Shadow by Cecilia Dominic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This novel was really good. It is a werewolf novel with a bit of twist on how werewolves were created, this made the novel interesting and different. The story involved mystery and intrigue and kept my attention from beginning to end. The author created a dynamic world and I look forward to reading more from her.
Reigning Hearts: The Complete Series by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reigning Hearts: The Complete Series is a collection of five sweet standalone, full-length stories. Each is wonderful and swoon-worthy. I haven’t read the entire series yet, but only several of the books.
Book 1: Run to the Sea
Book 2: Stars Fall From the Sky
Book 3: A Sun So Bright
I was drawn in by the cover and had not read the synopsis, so when I started reading, I was unpleasantly surprised to meet the character, Fiona. I wanted to dislike this character because she is rich and snaps her fingers to get what she wants. But, let me explain, don’t give up because she proved me wrong. She is a good character who is more profound than I expected, so she surprised me. I wanted to see where this arrangement with Chris would lead and hoped for a happy ending.
Book 4: I’ll See You Again
This story focuses on Nicky and Reid. Once they meet, the two characters seem destined to be, but will destiny work in their favor? I enjoy the differences in their characters and how the story develops around them. I always want books by this author, and this is without exception. I appreciate that the story isn’t a perfect relationship and that there are highs and lows. Much more realistic to read than the ideal romance.
Book 5: A Cold Creek Christmas
The main characters, Amber and Gio, are a great contrast in personalities and feelings toward each other. Amber is a holiday grinch, and Gio is starting over as a single dad.
The two are lovely and had me falling in love with their story. The only downfall of this book is that I wanted more.
I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series and getting caught up in the romance.
The True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The True Purpose of Vines (The Winemakers Book 1) by Giovanna Siniscalchi. This is an amazing historical romance set in Portugal. The writing is so beautiful I truly felt like I was there. Its the story of winemaker and widow Julia who makes the best wine in Portugal. Griffin and Englishman has bought the property right next to Julia and has been sent to Portugal for the sole purpose of spying on Julia for his business. Once he meets her though he is smitten. He can’t get her off his mind. She is not interested and knows she can survive without a man. Julia is a strong woman who wants to feel love again but is scared. When Griffin won’t stop pursuing her will she finally give in or will his business blow up their new relationship in his face? This is an amazing historical romance.
Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is an okay story. I liked the idea of it which is why I read it. It seemed very slow at times and became more interesting as the story grew. I liked the ideas about where the casket girls come from. Very different. The characters are likable, easy to understand and follow their agenda’s. Maybe a chapter on Theron’s life as Hades friend then banishment to work for Rook which would bring him to current time and seeing Greer would have helped with his evolution a bit. Instead we hear about bits of it in his thoughts.
The secondary characters are interesting in their own way. The casket girls each have hopes and dreams that have been squished…or have they?
Overall it has potential for a good new series with a paranormal/fantasy element. The thought processes of the characters are done nicely.
Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4/5 stars
Blood and Ravens by A.D. Brazeau
The start of the Casket Girls Series submerges you into a realm where the supernatural lurks just beneath the surface, ready to pounce at any moment. Greer, the steadfast and strong-willed woman of the hour, finds herself in the midst of an unraveled life that continues to be further unwound by secrets, a dark-haired knight, and far more than just a few twists and turns. She and the other “casket girls” have to find their way in a new land, deal with a forced marriage, and learn to survive even when some seem to be dying. Fueled by rage and confusion, Greer finds herself deeper than she thinks and ends up in the midst of something much larger than she could’ve ever imagined.
When her dark knight no longer seems so knightly, Greer presses harder into the secrets of the world. She uncovers the mystery that is Theron, her dark-haired and even darker-eyed love interest that has the possibility to lead her into the same exile and damnation that he has riddled himself with. When the tension begins to build, both between Greer and Theron and between the normal and supernatural world, the pair must fight through hellish demons that rival the nightmares of the Earth. The stubborn and feisty-natured group of females that had once been shivering and timid as they were torn from their homes wreak havoc on the supernatural. The reader is left rooting for the morally gray villain, and a love story that didn’t begin as one.
Just when you think that another turn isn’t possible, you get thrown into a different direction, following at the heels of the fated pair. Their draw to one another is of pure intoxication, and it is all the reader can do to stay on their heels as they uncover more and more of a dark past. Demons, vampires, and even facing hell itself tries to tear apart the lovely duo, but bonds forged in blood are scarcely broken. Greer’s life will never be the same, and the world is in wake of the to be told stories of the other casket girls. The words flew over the pages for this read, and it is safe to say that the next book is awaited in hungry anticipation.
We’re continuing on with the Satan Devils Saga with Dart. Heart has finally awoken, but doesn’t want anything to do with the gang or his daughter Amy. The gang is still taking care of her in the meantime while they try to give him time. Meanwhile, Dart meets a short black woman named Alex who tries to get a job as a dancer at the strip club, but not to strip. We meet her son in the process as well as her husband who needs to be an ex. Drama is left and right but so good! Keep listening to this series!
Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is probably the best vampire story I’ve read to date. Right from the start, the author pulls you in and drags you under with Greer’s riveting tale. A very quick read full of twists and romance as Theron and Greer manage the beginnings of their romance and lives together in New Orleans. I absolutely love and recommend this book and series, and I’m excited for the next one to come out!
Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 out of 5 stars
This was a beautifully written paranormal fantasy book 1 of this series.
I need to start by saying if I could give this more than 5 out of 5 stars, I would. I’m a huge paranormal/fantasy fan so I was hoping the first book in this series would be a bit interesting and needless to say, it blew me away. I stopped all other books that I was reading so I could solely focus on this one and I finished in less than two days (I had to sleep)!!
The book cover was dark and stunning. From the start, I was intrigued by Greer and her unfortunate circumstances. She started out as a timid wallflower who often went unnoticed except something caught the eye of a dark and mysterious stranger. She finds herself on a boat traveling with other young women like herself to New Orleans, but in her situation, she has no recollection of how she got there.
Soon her new journey was filled with bizarre vivid dreams, a mysterious illness, a group of nuns who we quickly learn have absolutely no maternal instincts whatsoever, cryptic instructions advising each individual young woman that they must exchange their ticket for their cassette (suitcase), and that they would soon be married off to unknown men. Nothing about this arrangement makes you think the girls will have a promising future. Yet, you soon learn that most of them have the courage to sense to work together and try to devise a plan to find out if their futures have something else in store for them.
You meet the dark and enigmatic Theron who is a tortured individual struggling with a new sense of reality and trying to come to terms with his inability to return home. He’s drawn to Greer and her inner essence which causes an overflow of confusion, feelings, etc – all things he isn’t used to.
As the story grows, so does the arc for both Theron and Greer. I think their background and future story could definitely continue and expand in future books if the author chooses to stick with them.
This was an enjoyable story and I look forward to reading book two.
This Night Has Ended by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a beautifully written book wrapping up this incredible series. The author should be very proud of this body of work.
The main character, Rowena, is a bad-ass and continues to embark on quite an adventure in book number five (5). She has a dilemma that will impact the empire and its future, as well as her own. Heavy is the burden of those who have power and responsibility.
I’m a huge fan of anything Paranormal/Supernatural, especially the vampire world, so this series was definitely a great fit for me but I do not think you need to be a fan of this genre to appreciate the brilliance created by this author.
I feel this book is binge-worthy, as is this series due to the intelligent way it was written. Between the impeccable world building and thriving character arcs, the ending plot design delivers a satisfying conclusion to finalize the completed series.
The gorgeous book cover caught my eye so had I not known of this series prior to reading this book, I would have been intrigued from the get go.
This was a quick read and kept my attention from start to finish. I am so thankful to have had the pleasure to read this series. I cannot wait to find another title from this author so I can launch into another breathtaking reading journey.
5 out of 5 stars!
The Cruiser by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a cute contemporary romance. It’s the first book in the Hustlers trilogy and i was not disappointed. It’s a quick and steamy read that is set in the world of the rich and the beautiful Italy, with lots of chemistry. The characters are intriguing, very intriguing, but their stories were captured very well in my opinion. This is my first time reading a book by Rowan and it’s fun and had me laughing most of the time with the banter between the characters. It had a little bit sugar and spice. I look forward to future books from this author.
The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a coming of age novel set in America during the 1940’s, and follows one women who is determined to overcome her circumstances and make a better life for herself. I was gripped from start to finish by this historical novel, and due to the authors descriptive narrative and added historical details I felt transported back in time, and was fully immersed in Margaret’s world. Margaret Rose is a determined young women with big dreams and aspirations, who just wants to escape her domineering father and her family’s poverty. Margaret elopes with an older man in the hopes of breaking away from her father, but shortly afterwards war and tragedy prevent her from achieving her ambitions, as the US enters WWII. When her husband’s ship is torpedoed during the war, Margaret trains as a nurse in order to make a future for herself.
However, she then finds out that she is pregnant and so must quit to have the baby. In desperation the young, widowed Margaret who now had no income to support a child marries again, but this man takes her far from home and leads her into more disaster. Margaret must rise above her misfortunes to create the life she deserves. I was captivated by this heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story from page one, and literally could not put this book down. This poignant novel tells the story of a Twentieth-Century woman, struggling to make something of herself during a time when society did not make it easy for women. I loved Margaret, who is an extremely likeable and relatable main character. I found that the storyline flowed well and the plot kept me happily turning the pages. I recommend reading the authors note, as it turns out the book is inspired by her mother’s true story. An enjoyable and engaging read.
The True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an enjoyable and engaging historical romance which had me hooked from start to finish. Set in Portugal during the 1870’s, and Julia Costa is the best winemaker in Douro, but following her husband’s death she has gained his substantial debt, and is at risk of loosing both her vineyards and with them her legacy. Julia was expecting someone to come for what she owes, but was not expecting handsome Englishman, Griffin Maxwell. Griffin agreed to travel up the Douro river to chase a reluctant debtor, in order to gain a partnership with Oporto’s largest trading firm, but he was not expecting to come face to face with headstrong winemaker, Julia. Julia introduces Griffin to the vibrant Portuguese culture, but even as the couple fall in love with one another their different roots and cultures clash. After all Julia is not the ‘proper Englishwoman’ he intended to marry, and Griffin is an arrogant man who came onto Julia’s lands thinking he was entitled to them, but resisting each other is difficult.
The couple must put aside their differences and work together when the vineyards are in danger from a mysterious plague. In the end they must decide to either allow their cultural differences to keep them apart, or fight for love. This is a wonderfully written and obviously heavily researched, heartwarming historical romance novel. The beautiful settings are brought vividly to life and along with the historical details I felt transported to Portugal in the 1870’s, and felt fully immersed in the story. The characters are likeable and relatable and I loved the slow burn romance with an enemies to lovers theme between Julia and Griffin. The mix of winemaking, Portuguese culture, amazing settings and of course romance made this a real page turner and one which I definitely recommend.
The True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was the first book I have ever read by this author, and I really enjoyed her writing! This book is the first in a series, but it works well as a stand alone book. The story follows Julia Costa in Portugal in 1870. This is a time when women are not highly respected as business owners. Julia is left little choice after her husband’s death and debt left to her. Julia is a powerful woman and force to be reckoned with even while she grapples with her own feelings. Well worth your time to read.
Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I picked up this book because I was intrigued by the premise. The story did not disappoint. I loved the main characters. Very much looking forward to reading the second book!
Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Definitely not what I was expecting! Definitely different! I feel like I need to read Blood and ravens again. I really feel like I’m missing something.
I read the synopsis and I was like “okay you piqued my interest.” I started reading and my immediate response was “What am I reading?” I liked it, I still feel like I missed part of the story.
Greer, kidnapped off the streets of France. Wakes up in a ship destined for New Orleans, to be married off to a man she doesn’t know. Greer has lost time and doesn’t understand what is going on. Till she sees him. A man of mystery and definitely not her betrothed.
Theron, exiled to live amongst the humans. Hand picks Greer to be his “little rabbit” aka food. Little does he know she’s into him. She’s conscious and is starting to figure out what’s going on. How vampires feed on the girls that are to be married. He can’t take her life though. He knows every time he feeds he’s making her weak. He just can’t let her go and he can’t figure out why.
I enjoyed the Greek mythology theme and twist as the story moved on.
Does Theron figure out why he can’t just let go?
Does he finally end Greer’s life?
Or is there something else lurking in the shadows that shakes everything up?
All questions will definitely be answered. I’ve always been vampire obsessed, which was my draw to this book. The author did a wonderful job keeping me interested, I was just caught off guard. I’m rereading it and I think you should read it too! Just go in with an open mind so as not to miss anything.
Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a fantastic combination of Historical and paranormal which is something I haven’t personally read in this genre before. I thought the two Genres matched together worked really well and the author did a great job of getting both across.
The fiest book in a new series I find tends to usually be mainly for setting the scene for what’s to come but I found this book to really have a depth about it. The story was well developed and the characters were complex and unique. This is a well written and exciting story and I am looking forward to the rest in the series.
Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a really good read. It is a paranormal romance with other elements that make this book unique and different from other paranormal romances. The author does an amazing job of telling of a story that is dark and confusing at times but also gripping enough to keep the reader engaged and wanting to see what happens.
When Greer is kidnapped from her life in Paris she finds herself transported to a convent, set to marry a man she doesn’t know or want to marry. Unwilling to submit to her fate she wants to escape and help her other Casket girls as well. She knows she needs to fight but what she is fighting against comes as a surprise even to her.
Theron has been cursed and kicked out of the underworld. He is sent to live his live as a vampire. He knows there is a plan in place for these Casket girls and the he should involve himself. However when he picks Greer as his meal he realises he’s not the cold hearted monster he has been sentenced to be. He actually cares for this girl and he can’t explain why.
Now together they are on a mission to save the casket girls from their fate. Theron’s main aim is to save Greer from her fate. But with hell, demons, and the underworld to contend with will the force of Greer and Theron be strong enough to over come the obstacles against them?
The True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh man I am in heaven. This book incompasses three of my favorite things; Portugal, History and Romance. I was just hooked and loved reading this book. I enjoyed how there was just as much drama and romance to balance out the book. I like how the characters were not simple but had depth and that the story was set in a historic setting. Historic romances are one of my favorite genres to read.
The chemistry and interaction of the characters makes the book flow. The storyline was rich and brought the characters to life. I really felt as though I was back in historic Portugal and could smell the vineyards. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
View all my reviews
To start the narrators of this story were amazing. The voices fit the characters to the T! The story itself was full of action, suspense, romance, and of course an amazing HEA. Dart was a man who just lived his life with not much thought on up or down or more or less. He was a simple man who came across Alex who was a complex woman. Alex was strong, loyal, fierce, and a complete bad a**. Together they were everything and had a connection that no one else could rival. This author has rocked the MC world as usual and given us a great story that is not easily forgotten. Loved this book and loved the audio even more.
The Curse of a Faeblood by M.K. Lorber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
The Curse of a Faeblood (The Faeblood Series #1) by MK Lorber
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. The Curse of a Faeblood is an amazing read. It’s the first book in The Faeblood Series. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Gavyn is a fighter and has had a rough childhood. When a thief is caught he can’t help but want her to be taken in. The quote I chose for Gavyn is: “Jade, you can’t keep feeding every person who wanders to your cart. You know the rules. No more drifters. This one will rob you blind like the rest.”
Ember is part faeblood and has the powers. Only problem is she can’t be caught. When she decides to stick around things become problematic. The quote I chose for Ember is: “Okay. I can stay for one more night. To help you out.”
Highly recommended for Fae Romance lovers.
The Cruiser by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of those novels that you pick up and can’t put down until you’ve finished it and the sun is starting to rise.
Immediately drawn in by Vandana, who is a successful business woman running her own PR firm. From the outside looking in, her life is perfect, until her husband drops a bomb of a secret on her life. She is then offered a client who requires her to travel to Monaco to ensure his reputation is cleaned up in an effort to secure an important contract.
Morgan is a successful yacht designer with a reputation for being a womanizer. He needs to keep himself in line to secure a very important contract, so he hires the best PR firm in the business.
Soon the sparks start to fly and you are drawn into the will they, won’t they of it all. It would be bad for both of them but can they keep their relationship professional?
The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Margaret Rose wants more in her 1940s life than being a mother and a housewife as her controlling father wants. She defies her father and elopes with a much older man before he enters the war only to find herself quickly widowed and pregnant. She finds that no one will hire a single mother and leaves her limited ways to support her small family. She enters tries to train to become a nurse when she meets and marries a new man only to find herself in another bad circumstance.
This is a great story of a young woman would dreams of more for herself than a society allows for her. She continues to work through her struggles to reach her ambitions and to be able to provide for her family without having to rely on anyone.
Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this paranormal story. I found this book to be a well written story where the author’s writing skills and attention to details made the story come to life on each page. I also enjoyed how the characters were creative and kept me engaged throughout. They are connectable, strong and supportive characters that made the story easy to read. A fast paced story that is full of action and even some romance. Greer and Theron are great characters that have great chemistry and growth. They are faced with having to free Theron and Greer making a sacrifice to the Underworld but that is just the start of their problems. You don’t want to miss what happens with these two. They are really great characters who made the story entertaining as well as a story that is hard to put down. A great paranormal story that took me on an adventure that had me coming back for more. I highly recommend this book
Review by @bjwagner
The Cruiser by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Cruiser ( The Hustlers Trilogy, #1) by Rowan Rossler, wrote a book that delivered 100%!! The Cruiser is a book that I found myself reading at every opportunity I could find during the day! Morgan and Vandana have a rocky beginning, but bring the fire by the end of the book! Morgan comes off as a pretentious, rich boy and Vandana is successful in her own way and her world is about to be turned upside down. There are so many details and situations that happen in the book, that it is so hard not to spoil the book! This is a must read if you like a good, steamy romance with some twists and turns. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this trilogy! Great job Rowan Rossler!
Mary Espinoza, April 2022
Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
All the things you crave in a paranormal romance this book has. Well developed characters you get attached to, check. A world built so real with words you feel like you are there, check. Unsuspected plot twists, check. A blossoming yet slow burn romance, check. There isn’t anything missing from what makes a good paranormal romance in my opinion. This a book that keeps you turning the pages wanting more. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens after the conclusion of this seires.
Greer is suddenly taken from her life in Paris and thrust into a convent as a casket girl. Meant to marry another that she has never met. She isn’t the only girl brought into this convent. Dark and unknown secrets lay in wait within the walls of her new life and the lives of the other casket girls. Will they accept their new fate or fight against the supernatural world to change it?
Theron is cursed by the God of the Underworld to live his life as a blood sucking vampire. Does this curse mean he is a cold hearted monster or is there more to him? There must be as he finds himself falling for Greer and fighting with her to save all the casket girls, especially her. Vampires, demons, Hades, and hell itself stand in their path.
