Exit Strategy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fiery action and finale
The fifth and final book in a brilliant series. I have loved and engrossed with every single page of this book and the whole series. The characters, world building and storyline have been superb. With suspense, shifters, action and even an apocalypse this book had it all. Totally recommend but you must start from book 1.
Slash & Burn by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Action, suspense and shifters
Another fantastic instalment in the Nite Fire series. This is book 4 and the brilliance continues. Dahlia Nite, 1/2 dragon shifter has so much more on her plate as she navigates the ‘things that go bump’ in the night and desperately tries to stop the blight. The author brings so much more to the story as twists and turns has the reader making links across previous books. This series must be read from book 1 to really connect the dots. Now onto book 5, Exit Strategy.
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fantastical brilliance
Absolutely love this series. The writing is spot on with a mix of paranormal, action and fantasy drama. This is the third book in the series and is just as brilliant as the previous two books. Best to read them in order as it does help to know the backstory and the characters more deeply. Dahlia Nite is a strong, talented and relatable FMC with snark. In this story she is faced with complex cases, unraveling lies and encroaching doom. So much going on and delivered seamlessly. Bring on book 4.
Exit Strategy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Exit Strategy is the fifth and final book in the Nite Fire series by C. L. Schneider. This has been a superb series to follow, and I have enjoyed it immensely. So, having said that, I was a little conflicted reading this final book- because on one hand I desperately wanted to know how everything played out in the end, but also not really wanting to say ‘goodbye’ to the series either…..
If you have yet to read the other books in the series, I highly recommend that you do as the storyline follows on from the previous books and you really need to know what happens previously to fully appreciate this instalment. There is a lot of important information, character introductions and details, and relevant backstory contained in the previous four books, so do yourself a favour and read them before starting ‘Exit Strategy’- you’ll be glad you did…
Dahlia Nite is the kick-a** dragon shifter vigilante we have been following on this adventure since the beginning. And if you have been following the series, then you know that a LOT has happened since we met her back in book one. She has strived to keep the streets safe, but with the veil between worlds fraying so quickly, the overwhelming hordes of monsters, the spreading blight, and the very fate of humanity all resting on her shoulders now means that Dahlia is being pushed beyond her limits. Her dragon will not sit back any longer- the apocalypse be damned!! Let the games begin!!!!
Again, this is a fantastic action-packed urban fantasy that had me hanging on every word- and again, C.L Schneider didn’t disappoint, delivering a stellar ending to her fantastic series.
Highly recommended for fans of epic urban fantasy- especially if you like plenty of action and adventure!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, C.L. Schneider!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love all books about fae and magic, intrigue and mystery. You know it’s a good book when you start pulling on a thread and it unravels into something you didn’t expect or a place you didn’t think you’d wind up. This book has all the components that make a page turner of a book. From an unexpected heroine, a handsome fae, mortals rebelling against magic, to the breadth of new magic.
I absolutely love Chloe as the main heroine of the story. A mere mortal with a half brother that is a fae who has chosen to live in the mortal realm where she feels she belongs. In fact she has finally found her place as an apothecary in her mortal town, healing the residents with poultices mixed together from fae recipes. Her picture perfect life is unexpectedly interrupted by the one fae Chloe never wanted to see again Quintus. It hurts for a fae to need to come beg for help from a mortal especially with one that has so much history with him. But with the mortals having developed iron weapons and holding an entire fae castle hostage which also happens to be where Chloe’s sister is with her husband. Quintus has no choice but to go to Chloe after all it’ll take a mortal with extreme love on the line to combat the revengeful crowd that has descended onto the fairy castle. Can Chloe, a mere mortal not only save her sister and the fae but can she do it while guarding her heart against the one person that has the power to decimate it?
If you like fantasy novels mixed with action and romance in the form of enemies to lovers then this book is perfect for you. Or if you are looking for an engaging new read this is an excellent choice that may get you hooked on a new genre.
Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was so very good!! I am excited to read the 2nd book in the series to see where it goes. Chloe is a mortal who is happy to stay where she is in the mortal world but finds herself back in Faerie. Chloe is an apothecary who helps others without thinking about herself. While in Faerie, she grows and learns things about herself that she never noticed before. She finds herself trying to help both mortals and faeries.
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was fantastic! I think it was my favorite so far in this series. I never expected Trey to be like this (trying to write in context without spoilers) but just read it and you’ll see what I mean! The banter was amazing, as was the steam and of course the storyline was great. All of this authors stories that I’ve read so far are amazing. I absolutely loved this installment and can’t wait to read the next one!
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley
Collateral Damage is the sixth book in the Mafia Elite Series. This is a Second chance Mafia Romance that will leave you craving more. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop till I finished. I’m a huge fan of this author and I’ve read several books by her and she manages to up the level every single time. I would recommend reading the previous books if you haven’t already started them, they are just as good as this one. I loved everything about this book and the characters are amazing and make you feel as if you are right there with them. This is about Trey and Hailey and their second chance at having a relationship. Are they willing to pay the price in order to be together Sometimes things get in the way but how far are they willing to go? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait for more!
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Trey is a mafia surgeon? Every mafia needs someone that can stitch up all the collateral injuries that happen during the normal business of a mafia family. Trey gets called to help a kidnapping victim, but who could expect the sizzling chemistry occurring between them? The danger and unexpected twists and turns have me in love with this series. This book can be read as a stand alone book, but you do catch a glimpse of Trey earlier in the set.
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Our favorite author has done it again. This is the sixth installment to this wonderful series and just like the previous installments I couldn’t put it down. Full of action, drama, plot twists, and of course romance, this author blows me pit of the water everytime. While I have read this entire series, this book can be read as a standalone. However I must admit that this aeries is so great that why stop at one when you can read the whole series.
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This has become one of my favorite mafia series. This is book 6 of the series and as usual it didn’t disappoint. In this story, we fall in love with Trey, a mafia brother and doctor in the family. Trey works for a local hospital to keep up appearances, but hates the man that runs the hospital, Allen. Allen has a stepdaughter, Hailey, that gets kidnapped and now he is being blackmailed. Instead of involving the police, he asks Trey to help – knowing exactly who he is. Trey does not want to help Allen, but is intrigued about the kidnapping since about 6 months prior he met Haliey and recognized an instant connection. Trey didn’t do anything about the connection because he was still grieving a prior relationship. He has plans to find her though, but when he does what is he supposed to do with her? A crazy turn of events happens and with that the start of a romantic relationship.
Like all the other mafia books I loved this one. The main reason would be because of Trey. While I fall in love with all the mafia men, Trey is smart, laid back, passionate, vulnerable, and just so worthy (if that makes sense). The two characters together have a great chemistry. The only thing I wanted a little more of was some more sexy scenes between the 2 – though it was pretty PG. Can’t wait for the next!!
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Collateral Damage is a great book just like all the others in the series, HIGHLY recommend. I love this series and can’t wait for the next installment. This book focuses on Trey and Hailey, alternating point of view. I like that Hailey is a normal girl, not born into the Mafia, yet fits in perfectly into their lifestyle. Trey is not one of the bosses, but still involved, serving as their doctor, and the little brother to the new Boss. He is very sweet and reasonable, understanding Hailey and her feelings, and giving her time to explain disagreements. This book had a good balance of romance and suspense. There were some surprises along the way, with some of the supporting characters (read to see what I mean). I wish there was more closure with Justin, I felt like a lot was left hanging when it came to him. I also hoped for some peace between Hailey and her mom, but still did not take away from the book, just wishful thinking.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is the sixth in a series and can easily be read as a stand alone book. Each book follows one of the 5 Italian American mafia families from Chicago. This book is about Trey La Rosa and Hailey Carmichael. Hailey’s stepfather, Allen Mitchel, is corrupt and is Trey’s boss at the hospital. When Hailey is abducted, Allen asks Trey to use his mafia affiliations to find and rescue Hailey. What Allen doesn’t count on is Trey rescuing Hailey, falling in love with her, and discovering just how corrupt Allen is. Hailey knows that Trey is dangerous and from the mafia. Knowing that he is in the mafia is one thing, but trusting him is another. Will they be able to overcome the hurdles to be together? FInd out in this awesome book!
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley. I love this author and this series! This is This is the 6th addition in the Mafia Elite Series and its just as good as the others! Its Trey’s story and he’s the doctor of the family. He actually has 2 jobs, 1 Dr for the hospital and also Dr for the mafia. Trey is still mourning the death of his girlfriend so he’s not in the market for a girlfriend. Hailey has had a crush on Trey for years but it never seemed to work out. When Trey realizes Hailey has been kidnapped he decides he’s going to save her. He doesn’t want her to go thru what his girlfriend went thru. When he saves her and they begin to try to figure out who and why she was kidnapped they realize they have more in common than they thought. Can Trey get over the loss of his girlfriend to trust Hailey to try and make a relationship work? Can Hailey even as strong as she is deal with the Mafia? This is a great romance/mafia read! I can’t wait for then next one!
Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the fifth book in the series, and it is every bit as good as all of the other books. The way that they author writes the stories of the mafia boys, and their women is something that is just pure genius. I am not able to put these books down when I am reading them, and you will not be able to put it down either. I get lost in these books, and this series and I get so involved in reading it that I feel as though I am right there in the action with them. I cannot stop reading these books or saying enough good things about this series.
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I started this series from book one and look forward to each new release with baited breath. Just when you think she has all the characters written into their own story the author writes out more character stories that will leave you breathless. The writing is dynamic and engaging which must be why I just can’t get enough.
This is Trey De La Rosa’s story, who lives a dual life as a doctor and mafia surgeon for the five families. This duality leads to very little time for a personal life not that Trey wants one after what happened to his first love. That is until he is approached by Allen in a frantic state telling Trey that someone has kidnapped Hailey for a ransom. When Trey finds her and realizes that not everything is as it seems the connection they share is undeniable. As more secrets unfold more threats arise from those within and outside of the mafia. Can Trey get over his past so he can have a future with Hailey? Or will the mafia lifestyle be too much for even the courageous Hailey to handle? They always say if you love them let them go and if they love you they’ll always come back!
The romance in this novel is off the charts between the sexual chemistry between Trey and Hailey. It is enjoyable to read a series where the characters from other series still play a large role in each new book. They definitely build on each other and I recommend reading them in order if you can. If you can’t then you still need to read this one it was super hard to put down and may cause some loss of sleep as you just have to find out what happens next!
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the sixth book in this series and WOW was this book amazing! Ever since I have started the first word of this series I was HOOKED. This book was just as good as all of the others. The writing style is so unique, and, in every book, it follows a main couple while you still hear about others that you have read about in previous books. Mafia romance novels are generally amazing but this one is the best one that I have ever read. I cannot wait to read more books by this author!!
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I can’t decide which mafia princess I like more! Em is such a strong female. She has been through so much and Stefano had always been there for her and kept her safe. He’s only ever loved her but he can have her because being with her outa a target on her back. And she had only ever loved him but understands his dilemma. He’s just waiting for his turn to take over the throne and trying to figure out who the rat is! Another wonder read from Amy! Can’t wait to continue their stories.
Blood Oath by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Enzo and Sofia’s story is so great. Their story together goes back to their childhood where Enzo took a blood oath to protect Sofia. They path to each other is not easy, Enzo just wants to protect her but she also has her own secrets putting her in danger. I was just pulled into the story. Blood Oath brought out a few new mysteries and story lines as well. Elena comes into the picture (since I didn’t read these in order I already know what happens, definitely keep reading the books!) It was nice to have her introduced. And who is the Rat? I have my suspicions :).
No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I did not start with this book for this series. It was a accident but I knew after reading Savage Secrets I had to come back and read the other ones! I am a complete sucker for a mafia romance and this one did not disappoint. Mac and Lil have such a great story. With out even knowing each other they knew the other was going to be hard to stay away from. Amy does an amazing job at balancing the romance, suspense, and action throughout her books! Can’t wait to move on to the next one!
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I will continue to read this series! They are all great! Trey La Rosa has 2 jobs, dr at the hospital and dr for the mafia. Hailey is a socialites daughter. Trey swoops in save her when she is kidnapped and the spark is reignited. The steam and suspense *chefs kiss*. There is plenty of drama and questions regarding her kidnapping but Trey is now determined to keep her safe…. So what’s the secrets? Another wonderful addition to this mafia series! I will be not so patiently waiting for the next one!
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Trey has been able to live his own life somewhat separated from the family business. Being a doctor does come in handy though, when gunshot wounds need to be tended without the authorities being involved. However, when the director of the hospital’s daughter is kidnapped, Trey gets involved more than he intended. He never trusted his boss anyway, so why would he involve Trey to go after his daughter? And why was this woman’s kidnapping not as it appears? Another addition to this steamy series. If you haven’t read it, I recommend it!
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Trey La Rosa is the doctor in his mafia family and one of the last few single men. Hailey is the stepdaughter to the chairmen of the board at the hospital. Her stepfather is using the checks her mother writes for the children at the hospital and pocketing the checks. She has come up with an elaborate plan with her best friend to be kidnapped and use the ransom to put the money back to the children. Her stepfather has tasked Trey with getting her back. Only Trey decides to go along with Hailey’s plan and ends up falling for her. Only their plan backfires and while Hailey tries to find the paper trail of the checks ends up finding out some disturbing things. Will things work out for Trey and Hailey?
Captivated by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well, I’m not normally into reading Sci-Fi books, but this may change my perspective. Captivated is the most PERFECT title for this book! Toya Richardson had me hooked from the first page. Sexy, mysterious, action packed!! Let’s see how this goes.
Angelina is a small-time artist just getting started in her gallery. She has been having the weirdest of dreams about 2 sexy faceless men and captured them in her art. What she didn’t know is that these two men were about to change her entire life.
Luca and Salvatore are twin brothers. But they are not of this world. Half Vampire, half Angel, making them hybrids. They have a bond like no other, making them fierce, but something is still missing… If they don’t find that something who knows what could happen!?
Is prophecy and Love enough to save them all? Or will the heartache and confusion be their undoing?
A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was awesome. I felt myself gravitating to the characters. At times it was like I was right there with them. I love a good mythology book. This is one of my favorites now. The author did an amazing job hooking you and keeping you wanting more. I will definitely be finishing this series.
Midnight Magic by Gina Kincade
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Witch Switch by Louisa Bacio is one of the stories included in this collection. I enjoyed the basic plot of forbidden love, parents that don’t approve, a jealous ex, and a struggle to find oneself. I did wish that it was longer so that I could have appreciated all of the many aspects of this story. If this story is something you enjoy, there are other books in her series that focus on some of the supporting characters. I love a good paranormal romance and I liked the idea of the male and female powers being connected. I look forward to reading the other books in this collection since there seems to be something for everyone.
reviewed by @puffprincess
Midnight Magic by Gina Kincade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I don’t always enjoy anthologies as I find myself losing interest quite quickly but this is one that I am glad I tried. Witch Switch was such a great story. I found it so easy to connect with and thought there were some great characters involved. This is an author I am slightly familiar with and I enjoyed being able to see more of her work. The book fit well with the theme of the anthology but I felt it also stood out of its own. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book.
Midnight Magic by Gina Kincade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Anthology as a whole was amazing! It was everyone you expected and more. I started without stopping until the end!
**Louisa Bacio/ Witch Switch**
My first read with this author and I immediately added multiple books to my TBR after. This tale was spicy, magical, full of old fashion revenge, and proof of the power of love. Rafe chooses love with Cheyenne and the tale starts from there. They must ward off the jealous and vengeful ex-witch who really goes above and beyond to try and keep her man. The story is short, sweet, and well worth the read!
The True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read from this author and now she has a new fan. I’m starting to love historical romances and this author made me like them even more. This is the first book of the series The Winemakers and I can tell this is going to be an addictive series. I could not put this book down until the end. I can’t wait to see what she will write about next.
Julia Costa is known as the best winemaker around. She is happy with her life until her husband dies. Julia is now left with a debt that she can’t pay. She is not going to fall for the handsome guy that she owes money to either. Julia will find a way to keep her land and wine. She starts to get to know Griffin and he is not a bad guy after all. Will Julia find a way to take back her life or will she have to start a new one?
Review by @heatherbass
View all my reviews
The True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fantastic change of pace. I have recently become a huge fan of historical fiction and non-fiction via novels as well as television and this really hit the mark for me. I have some relatives that are very passionate about wine, as well as their heritage (they are Italian) and therefore can really admire the love and attentions that Julia gives to the vineyards and the need to save her passion from the plague that’s been infesting the Douro. She is a very stubborn, independent woman and finds it terribly difficult to break down her walls when it comes to others, especially a certain gentleman that is vying for her attentions. What’s a story without a little love, am I right? Icing on the cake, in my opinion!
I knew that I would quite enjoy a different read, and took the chance on this one, and I can’t tell you how happy I am that I did. She obviously put a lot of time and efforts and love into the making of this novel! Amazing story telling, with some real history sewn into the immersive tale spun to capture the hearts, minds, and souls of the reader. Amazing all around, this author is not one to be missed, and I for one look forward to reading more by her!
