Undying Light: The Stella Maris Series Book 1 by Aurora Wildey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kaela was nearly killed in an attack but Terran saved her. Unfortunately, he was injured in the rescue and fearing for his life Kaela heals him with her power. Now, they must protect each other to survive.
Messenger by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The conclusion to Cyrus and Jace’s story. The Messenger was alright. An MM romance with a lot of drama to go along with it. The author keeps on intrigued in what’s been written. Also the display of character growth is beautiful in its own way.
At the conclusion of the Perdition Riots Jace was exiled from the city of Las Vegas. If he stayed away the messengers couldn’t touch him. However he asked Cyrus to come with him and at the time he said no. With some regret Cyrus is doing what he can to find Jace and make sure he’s alright. Unfortunately other messengers have plans for Cyrus. He killed one of his own kind to protect the enemy he must pay. And pay he did, left for dead in an alley his life changed forever.
Jace living on a ranch in Tucson has been trying to adapt to his new way of life. He’s a mess though, he misses Cyrus. So when he finds out Cyrus was attacked and left for dead, he doesn’t care about breaking his exile agreement. Once he re enters Las Vegas all bets are off, he’s fair game for the messengers. What he found though, was unexpected.
What happens to Cyrus?
What will happen between Cyrus and Jace?
How can they keep the messengers that want them gone at bay?
Those questions and so many more. You could very well read this book as a standalone, but I would advise reading it as a pair with book 1 Watcher. If you’ve already read Watcher, what are you waiting for? It’s time to read the epic conclusion.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reggi Dupree paints a colorful paranormal world in the town of Hoodoo, Texas ripe with witches, vampires, ghosts and more. I love picking up the start to a series and looking forward to continuing the story; my only disappointment throughout the book was that I didn’t realize there was a prequel that was seemingly referred to a number of times. Not the end of the world (though, that may come later in the Hoodoo books!), and the witty banter woven in throughout with Gwen and her closest friends was entertaining and engaging. With a number of surprises within the book, I found myself eagerly turning the pages to find out whodunnit and what happened next. A fun read, for sure!
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
You ever started reading a book and just liked how it sucks you in and makes a completely different world for you; Return to Hoodoo did just that for me. The beginning few paragraphs grab your attention and just take you. You’ll get a giggle and you can just hear the narrator’s voice speaking in her twang and full of attitude. This book is fun full of everything you want, magic, romance, and more. A great read for those days you just need to escape and have a laugh with a great story.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a cute story! I really enjoy the whole paranormal theme plus this has characters that are midlife. I liked seeing her struggle with her past, current and future. This is one of my favorite tropes and this one held up to what I expect. The story is fast paced, has snappy dialogue and tons of characters. I came to care about Gwen and wondered what was going to happen with her. She is smart, witty and has a great sense of humor. This easily comes through with every scene she is in.
The secondary characters are plentiful and delightful. I love the town and the different townies. I really learned to care for a lot of them and wonder what will happen to them in the future. I look forward to finding out.
Overall this suspensful story really held my interest. It does end with this story being completed but the future of Gwen and her friends will be found out in future stories.
Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I admittedly have never read a steampunk genre book so I wasn’t sure what to expect but was blown away by this story as the author must have done immense research.
Its the Victorian era, mid 1800s in France and we meet Jacky a studious serious mechanically inclined borderline genius and her sister Angie who is carefree has a zest for life and quite often needs to be bailed out by her sister in many questionable situations. They board a train, but the train ends up having a mechanical failure and Jackie is shocked to find its not run by normal means, and Jacky wants to figure out the mystery behind this train, this also leads them to uncover so many things including a war about to outbreak. Can these sisters stop the war before it starts?
This book was a lot of fun. Jacky and Angie did a lot of growing up as I got through the story and worked together like true twins do. I was fascinated by all of the true to history Victorian era items in the book and really enjoyed also the Paranormal that was part of this book and somehow this historical fiction and Paranormal and steampunk came together flawlessly with excellent attention to detail. This has opened my eyes to a new genre I’ll want to explore further.
The world as you know it does not longer exist. The war between angels and demons has involved the human kind and the results are horrific.
Cyrus and Jace, the first a messenger from the skies has fallen in love with the second a exile from the celestial community after breaking the laws has a watcher.
In the battle field of Sin City the different types of angels and demons make the life of the place a living hell, the lack of order and discrimination against each other had made the lovers torn apart. Forces of each legion will ensure the chaos prevails so the goals are reached.
Cyrus will seek to find Jace against all judgment, and Jace will try to understand the new role that the consequences of his actions now bring him.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book jumps right into the story and does not slow down! I absolutely love the main character! Gwendolyn is my idea of the perfect character. She has the right amount of sugar and spice to make for a great main character. The author did such a great job writing her. She is rightfully guarded and not sure who to trust when she returns to Hoodoo. What is supposed to be a one night stay turns into a whirlwind. Things take an unexpected turn around chapter 24 that got me excited to find out what would happen. I then couldn’t put the book down and stayed up late into the night reading needing to know what would happen next. Of course the ending did me in and now I cannot wait for book 2! Forewarning this book ends on a huge cliffhanger!
Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Espirit de Corpse is a very unique read. It’s very interesting and keeps you on your toes. There is a lot of action going on at the same time. I love how the author keeps the story going on multiple fronts seamlessly. The characters are very well thought out especially the sisters, Angelique and Jacqueline.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book, filed with everything supernatural in one town, a ton filled with vampires, werewolves, ghosts, demons, witches, and so much more. I absolutely loved Gwen she is a fierce strong-willed woman, a great person that could be a leader, knowing what she want and take no BS from anyone. This book was really fast paced but it I felt like something was missing, I wanted to know more about what happened before in the past. I wanted to understand what the reasoning was and to see and feel more on what she had gone thou. I really feel like there needs to be more back story. But this book was amazing and a really good read with the character development and the amazing pictures it painted to feel like you were really in this book. Can’t wait to know what is in store with all everyone involved and the adventure this will continue with.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I threw myself into this book so completely that when the end came, it felt like sudden cold air across my skin while I was warm & cozy. I didn’t want to stop reading for anything, & then the end just popped up & swerved me hard. I had to recover for a day before I could write this. Return to Hoodoo is PHENOMENAL in so many ways, & all the best ones. The author’s writing style is so unique & refreshing, & I felt like I was hearing it all from Gwen herself, like we were old friends. She is such a character to a root for, & I wish I could give her real life encouragement. & universe, could I PLEASE get an Ash ?? like for real. PLEASE. It’s fantastic that Gwen is 45 & still learning & figuring things out. That perspective of age is refreshing & comforting. Intriguing characters aside, the storyline & writing are equally incredible. Love Reggi Dupree’s voice, creativity, & style. All the other books in this series will be devoured just as voraciously expeditiously.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book! This was funny, creative, and surprising. I was not expecting the ending. I love the main character, Gwen. I can’t wait for the next book. I am so excited for it!
Reviewed by @purplesky25276
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I super enjoyed this book. I loved Gwen’s “give no f*cks” attitude. The characters were all interesting and different. I enjoyed Kyle and would love to know more about this character and his journey.
I cannot wait for the next book to be out!
Undying Light by Aurora Wildey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Surviving a robbery/attack at work, Kaela finds herself in a safehouse of sorts. The man who saved her is not only the district attorney prosecuting the case but also a werewolf. The man who is harboring her is an undying, something akin to a vampire who feels a pull to Kaela. Being pulled in different directions, Kaela just wants to get out of this alive. Each of the other two men also have their own motives in helping her.
Opinion
This book is not a quick read. It is one you will want to sit and think about while reading it. Going from chapter to chapter, I found my brain trying to piece together what was happening and what would happen. It truly was a fascinating book that I enjoyed immensely. The book did leave in a bit of a cliffhanger without a resolution to one of the issues that played a minor role in the plot but could potentially be a major problem. I can see this particular issue playing a minor roll in several more books until it comes to a culminating point.
This book is worth a reread, especially right before the next book in the series is released.
Undying Light by Aurora Wildey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an interesting and unique story that caught my attention from the moment I read the blurb. I wanted to know what story was going to be about and who the characters would be. I enjoyed watching how v things played out and really getting to know these characters. As the first book in the series I think its sets a good premise of course what is to come.
This is a new author to me and if this book is any indication of her work then I am looking forward to discovering more.
Undying Light by Aurora Wildey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What if your life is threatened and you almost die? But you didn’t, you were saved by a stranger, Terrain but his injuries have you saving his life with your powers of light. It seems like one thing after another when Seth joins and is just like Kaela. Kaela is in a struggle of her life trying to stay alive and figure out who to trust. Follow her on her journey to figure out what her life is now. A great creative story. The story will pull you in and have you asking tons of questions. Finding the answers in each new page.
Messenger by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is amazing. First thing first, you do need to read the first book in this series to understand fully what is going on. I skipped it, however, I will be going back to read it. I mean you can read this book without reading the first but it makes it harder to understand the dynamic between Jase and Cyrus. This book picks up where the other left off and it goes into detail about things but I feel I would have had a fuller understanding of what was happening had I read the first book before this one. That being said, this book is still amazing and I felt myself getting swept away with the story. It brings elements into the concept of Romeo and Juliet. There isn’t much of a resemblance to the actual Romeo and Juliet story because this one is between two males, had supernatural aspects, and really the only thing it has in common with Romeo and Juliet is the forbidden love between the two main characters. That said, it was an amazing spin on a timeless classic piece of literature. The slow burn between the charters that builds throughout the book. You can tell instantly how much they each care for each other and you can also feel, how everyone disagrees with some of their choices. It has angst, suspense, drama, love, and some good steam. You will not be disappointed reading this book if you like celestial, paranormal romance. I just suggest reading the first book in the series before this one so you are all caught up and not struggling to figure out things along the way. However, if you. just want to devour a great book and don’t mind not knowing everything but eventually being able to piece things together, go for it!!! This book will leave you wanting more, so I am excited to go back and read the first one in the series.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
They are Italy’s only hope.
James, God’s own appointed knight, a hybrid vampire wolf, a teenaged wizard, and a handful of kindred Lycans are the only barrier that stands between all of Italy and its destruction.
The corrupt politician, Matisse, has spent decades transforming himself into a Lich. Now that he can raise the dead, he leads masses of undead warriors across Italy, intent on killing every living soul in their path.
As heaven’s small band struggles to stop the Lich and his unholy soldiers, other mythological predators arise, determined to destroy James and his friends.
With evil closing in on every side, will Heaven win?
Messenger by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the series, so I would highly recommend reading the first before starting this one.
I love twists and retellings of the classics so when I came across this book (bonus points for paranormal elements – angels) I knew I had to read both books.
Jace and Cyrus are great characters. There are other well-written characters in this book, but as the main characters Jace and Cyrus steal the show. The struggle they face following the conclusion of the last book is gut-wrenching and the pain they feel is written well. I really felt for the pair as they suffered.
I was rooting for them from the beginning and was invested to see how they would navigate the obstacles in their way as they made their way forward.
Undying Light by Aurora Wildey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So this author is new to me but the book plot sounded intriguing and I am all for trying new authors. How else are you supposed to find new favorites?
Kaela is just a girl trying to finish school to become a nurse, her real passion is treating those that cannot afford to be treated. Terran is the only son raised in an old money family who is hell bent on bringing justice to those that escape it. They both have gifts however they don’t know about each other until an attack happens which could cost Kaela her life but Terran steps in to save her. Seeing him badly wounded Kaela uses her gift to heal Terran which sets off a series of events that paint a target on her back. Enter Seth who just wants to retrieve items stolen from him when he senses another being that is just like him. How can this be when one hasn’t been born in so long? Will Kaela bring herself to trust the two men in her life? What makes her so special in the grand scheme of things that she is being targeted for?
This book was like all my favorite things rolled into one. It was like a non stop roller coaster ride that kept me turning pages just to see what would happen next. This book will definitely go into my pile to reread and one to share with my 16 year old who is a voracious reader like myself.
Messenger by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I think one of my favorite parts about this series is that it doesn’t matter where someone comes from. Some of these characters will do the right thing even if it goes against their society’s norms. The most unlikely of actions can from the people we least expect them to. Their love that should be forbidden in every sense has changed their worlds in ways I doubt either of them imagined it would.
I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book cover to cover! Gwen shows up and shows out in every chapter in this book. I love the narrator, her voice gives me incredible vibes of the south while listening to it. With every page turn I became more and more comfortable with everything that Gwen faces, and saw my thought process. Gwen gets a haunted house, a ghost, and accusations of murder all in the beginning of the book! I didn’t want to put it down and neither will you! I think I need to purchase the hard back of this one ASAP!
Messenger by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 2nd book in the Star- Crossed Celestials Duet series. I would really recommend reading these books in order so you follow the story of our characters and understand how they are in the position they start this story from. This is a paranormal MM romance. It is also a twist on Romeo and Juliet. This is a story of forbidden love and all the pain and hurt that goes along with it when you can’t be with the person you really love because of circumstances out of your control. Jace and Cyrus finally found each other and found their soul mates, however that wasn’t meant to be. With Jace being removed by law and Cyrus choosing to stay to carry on protecting the world by keeping demons under control the lovers are forced apart.
Jace is a Watcher who’s job is the look after the humans and keep the demons under control. Cyrus is a Messenger and his role is to keep the Watchers under control. Because of their differences they shouldn’t be together. Its not right or the way things should be. When Jace is involved in trouble he is banished from Las Vegas leaving his home,family and love behind.
Neither Cyrus or Jace are coping well being apart and Cyrus is trying desperately hard to find him to reunite with him. But with a war that keeps breaking out, being monitored by his fellow Messengers and an ex lover who will stop at nothing to get Cyrus back it’s going to be one long fight for him to find the man he truly loves.
This story is emotional, you can really feel the heartbreak and torment that both Jace and Cyrus go through being apart and also their determination to find a way to get back to one another.
The author really brings this story to life and invites the reader into a world that is fast paced, engaging and makes you feel like you are beside Jace and Cyrus every step of the way.
Rogue by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Rogue is the sixth book in The Talisman series by Tam DeRudder Jackson and is my first time to read a book from this author. This is a paranormal romance with quite a bit of steamy romance, deceit, magic action, mythology and so much more!
Baz (the main character) finds out about a huge lie that has been hidden from him and now he’s not too sure about his life choices and about the path that his life is on. As a rogue warrior, he has definitely had his fair shares of going to hell and back and now finds himself wrapped up in the middle of a supernatural battle. He also discovers that there are some high stakes and things are not looking good at all. Delany (other main character) is a talisman-warrior who happens to also be a hybrid, has found herself doing nothing but protecting her warrior community for as long as she can remember. She has now found herself in a unique predicament, not only has she been kidnapped, but she also has to fight her fatal attraction to the ‘enemy’. Will sparks fly or will she be able to accomplish her task at hand and be able to defeat her enemy?
This book actually happens to be the sixth book in a series, I read it as a stand-alone book, but I really suggest reading the rest of the books that come before this one. There were times when I found myself very lost and confused. Now I will say that the book was entertaining, I just felt like there were times when things weren’t described or refreshed from the previous books. But nonetheless, great job to Tam!
Mary Espinoza, April 2023
Messenger by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Messenger is the second book in the Star-Crossed Celestials Duet by A.L Morrow. It definitely gives ‘Romeo & Juliet’ vibes, with a bit of a twist in the form of a celestial spin. This is a MM paranormal romance- an urban fantasy with angst, action, drama, celestials, demons, tension, chemistry, star-crossed lovers, fate, emotion, and sizzle.
This genre is definitely A.L. Morrow’s wheelhouse, and she’s delivered another stellar read. She always manages to surprise me, in a great way. So, if you love MM fantasy with angst, and some sexy twists- then you are definitely going to want to read this story/duology for yourself.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, A.L. Morrow!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Undying Light by Aurora Wildey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
Undying Light is the first book in The Stella Maris Series by Aurora Wildey. This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Wildey, so I really wasn’t sure what I could expect from one of her books. But I was quite intrigued by the synopsis, and I love a great urban fantasy- so I took the chance and grabbed a copy to explore.
This is an intriguing urban fantasy with paranormal elements, magic, action, adventure, secrets, agendas, danger, dramatic developments, tension, and more. The story is told from multiple POV’s, which gave the story extra interest and depth.
When Kaela is attacked, a stranger with enhanced abilities comes to her rescue, saving her, but is gravely injured in the process. Kaela takes a risk, exposing her own powers of light in order to save him. And so, the adventure begins. Add in a protective immortal, more danger, agendas, trust issues, angst, and plenty of secrets- and this story takes an intriguing turn.
What does Book # have in store for us?
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Aurora Wildey!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Rogue by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rogue (The Talisman Series) by Tam DeRudder Jackson
While this is a 6th book in the series, its my first read by this author. The story was action packed and very well written. The characters Baz and Delaney have almost instant chemistry and that makes the story really hard to put down. They draw you into their world and keep you wanting more. I am definitely a fan and eager to read all of the other books in this series.
Review by @MandaKelly
Rogue by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have read a couple of books from this author and she always blows my mind on the stories she writes. This book is part of the very addictive Talismen series. You can read this book as a stand alone but it could be a little hard to understand if you don’t read the whole series in order. I was so excited for this book so I started it right away. I could not put it down until the end. Now I can’t wait to see what is next in this series.
Baz never wanted to be a rogue but he had no choice. He is being forced to defend his ruler and he doesn’t want to. Baz finds out that his ruler has been lying to him so she can stay safe. He forms a plan to get out of that hell. Baz finds himself in a new world and then he takes the beautiful Delaney. He wants to get to know her but he knows it is very dangerous and so is she. Baz doesn’t understand what he feels but I don’t want to let it go. Will Baz and Delaney get the freedom they want or will they both end up in danger?
Review @heatherbass
Rogue by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Newly obsessed reader of author Tam DeRudder Jackson. After reading the first book of this series (Talisman) I became a real big fan. I totally started reading more of her stories including the previous one in this series and the Balefire series. She is an amazing writer, this story was filled with wild action, exciting paranormal beings and a lot of passion between fated mates Baz and Delaney. Even with the odd betting and pitted against them they end up being a perfect pair for each other. And can I say the Morrigan is a real piece of work. A highly recommended read.
And again the cover 😍🥵
Undying Light by Aurora Wildey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by the talented Aurora Wildey, and I wasn’t sure what to expect other than an original story plot. Original, seems too simple of a word but Undying Light is a unique plot that follows the perspectives of three different individuals.
Terran is the only son of an old money family in his hometown with a secret “affliction” that only affects the males of his father’s family. Kaela is an extremely intelligent young woman that is 18 and about to finish college as a registered nurse. Seth is one of only six of his kind still in existence. Terran is determined to bring justice to those who escape true justice. Kaela is set on healing those that can’t afford it. Seth is determined to find his belongings that have been stolen again. In a flurry everything comes together, Terran and Kaela find each other in a lifesaving moment that triggered more events to unfold. Seth discovers the first new undying in more years than he can remember.
What will happen to Kaela? Can they achieve their goals in one piece? What exactly is Kaela and what makes her existence so important? The world the author creates is truly otherworldly while still being routed in reality. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.