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Married to the Vampire King (Blood Bonded Mates #2)
Married to the Vampire King (Blood Bonded Mates #2)
Jay Castle | 2024 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
longer, but so much better than book one!!
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 2 in the Blood Bonded Mates series. While not strictly necessary to read book one, Snowed In With The Vampire Prince, it will give you a better understanding of Pierce and James who play a huge part here. And you know, it was rather good! I thoroughly enjoyed that book. But this book??

Freaking LOVED this book!

Ethan is a with without any gifts. Nathaniel is the reigning Vampire King. The witches and vampires will kill each other, if Ethan doesn't do something, and that something is marry Nathaniel. The mirror told him so. What could possibly go wrong?? Well, turns out, feelings could get involved!

What I especially liked was how Ethan's secrets, and Nathaniel's, took time to come out, and they came out to each other slowly. I'm gonna be vague here, cos spoilers, but I loved this, I really did.

Nathaniel knew who Ethan was, right from the start, but he didn't know what would happen. He wanted to spring the idea at Ethan in good time, but things had a way of sending plans out the window!

I loved that we got to catch up with Pierce and James from book 1. They both play a huge part here and it was fab how they seamlessly slotted into this book. I hope they pop up in follwoing books too.

I loved how Ethan and Nathaniel surprised each other, at every turn. Me too, to be fair!! It's a lot longer than book one, some 300 odd pages, and I think this book needed those extra pages. The story was very multi layered.

There is romance and love, and betrayal of the highest order and I loved that I did not see who was the bad guy here! Totally sideswiped with that one, so well played there Mr castle, very well played.

I am loving wathcing these people develop and grow, and as the author puts out more stories, I wanna read them! I can't see who might be next, but I need, NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED to read it!

5 full and shiny stars!

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
The Goblin King's Mischief
The Goblin King's Mischief
D. Lieber | 2024 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The world building is excellent and you can digest each little new bit of information as it comes.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this!

When Melody first met Aodh, they were but children, but they promised themselves to each other. When Melody's father found out, he was not happy, and bound Aodh memories of Melody, and took her away. Now, on the verge of being made the mistress of another king, she does something drastic to win the Goblin King's heart. The road to true love is never easy, as Melody soon finds out. Can she make Aodh see her, really SEE that she is his, in every way?

I really only have one niggle about this book! Only Melody gets a say and I really REALLY wanted to hear from Aodh as well. I think, for me, had he been given a say, this would be a 5 star read from me.

That said, what Melody does say is that she gets across all of that heartbreak she faced when her father took her away. All of the emotion she feels, when she makes the dangerous decision to outsmart the Goblin King. And the pain she feels, when Aodh pushes her away.

There is a large supporting cast, with a betrayal thrown in, coming from a very unexpected source! But given the choice this person had to make, you can see why they did it. Melody's brother did something a bit questionable, but he got the answers he needed for Melody.

It's not especially explicit, but there is much emotion here. It's more about Melody winning Aodh over, rather than getting into his bed. Although, she wants that too :0 Some ideas are a little darker, but perfectly normal for this world. Melody is promised to another king as his mistress, and her parents are very happy about that.

No real violence, either.

The world building is excellent. Not everything is thrown at you all at once, and you can digest each little new bit of information as it comes. You can immerse yourself into this world, so beautifully.

First I've read of this author, I'd like to read more.

4 very VERY good stars.

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Entangled Beta (Murder and Mayhem Omegaverse #2)
Entangled Beta (Murder and Mayhem Omegaverse #2)
Cassie Lein, Bre Rose | 2025 | Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murdery and Mayhemery indeed!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 2 in the Murder and Mayhem Omegaverse series. I have not read book one, Shattered Omega. I will come back to this point.

The title of this series is absolutely SPOT on! I mean, Sasha is . . .I mean, I LOVED Sasha and her murdery tendencies! She is who she is, and once she talks to Levi, her Alpha, she makes no apologies for being who she is. It really is needed, the on page violence that she inparts on certain folks who darn well deserve what they get coming to them!

But I also felt, deeply, for Sasha. Since she is a beta, and not an omega, when Levi finds his Kismet Omega, she feels she may be pushed out. Now, I think she didn't give Levi enough credit for how he feels about Sasha, but add Stone into the mix, another Alpha, and with Flynn being the omega in the pack, it's understandable how she loved.

I loved that Stone crept up on both Levi and Sasha. Flynn was another story. Flynn was in everyone's mind from the minute they saw his picture and met him. But Flynn has suffered, badly, and needs time. I love that the Alphas gave him that time, and allowed Flynn to heal before starting something new with everyone.

It's steamy and the smexy times are plentiful, but they do not overtake the plotline, and I did love that. I do love the smexy books, but I need a plotline with them!

Back to not reading the first book. I think I maybe missed *something* by not doing. I can't pinpoint exactly what it was, and my book brain will not release what's bothering it, but there was that tiny niggle at the back of my brain for the whole book.

This point, and that fact it is present tense, multi POV AND first person are the only reasons I give this book. . .

4 solid stars

 I do need to go back at some point and read book one before I get to book 3, which I really REALLY want to read, especially after reading that blurb and who I think that it!

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Christa's Obsession (Obsession #3)
Christa's Obsession (Obsession #3)
JP Sayle | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I really loved watching Wanda give herself to Christa, emotionally more than physically, to be honest.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the Obsessions series, and there is some overlap between this and the previous two books. I think you *SHOULD* read them before this one. Silas is Wanda's brother and it will give you a better picture of the dryad/tree relationship. Wanda's is quite different.

After being kidnapped by demons and rescued, Wanda wants nothing to do with the entire demonkind. But her brother is mated to one, and Dakata saved her life, along with a couple of others. But why, at the back of her mind, is Christa lurking? She is Dakata's sister but Wnada cannot remember her being at her rescue. And then, they touch, and both ladies know the other is their Blissful One. But Wanda hates demons? How can she be mated to one??

Ms Sayle writes MM books, has done for a while and I have followed her from the beginning. THIS is her first foray into FF books, and I was mighty, MIGHTY curious about Wanda and her trees in both previous books, so pairing those two things together, made me fully immerse myself into this book.

I was NOT disappointed! I loved how it all played out between Christa and Wanda, I really did!

Oh, and the trees?? All FEMALE trees, which I don't believe was mentioned in earlier books. And those trees know just how to please their dryad, and her demon mate! I will never look at a peach in the same way :-) Steamy and smexy, that's what these two ladies are, along with the peach trees and I really thought Sayle nailed those scenes.

This book is mostly about Wanda letting go of her fears and fully committing to Christa. The visit from the Demon King, Asmodeus, helps a great deal, and the family dinner with Christa's siblings does too. I really loved watching Wanda give herself to Christa, emotionally more than physically, to be honest.

Given the epilogue, and what I've seen about the next two books, they all overlap somewhat. I actually liked that. It's a bit different, is all, and gives spoilers for future books.

I absolutely cannot fault this, I really can't!

5 full and shiny stars!

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
One Step Sideways (Enhanced World Security #1)
One Step Sideways (Enhanced World Security #1)
Victoria Sue | 2024 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
daark and deadly!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is a spin off from The Enhanced Wordl series, and you really do need to have some understanding of what it means to be Enhanced and how they are treated to fully appreciate this book. I will be honest, I did not read books 6 and 7 from the main series. I don't I missed anything, but I did read books 1 through 5.

Kane was jailed at 16 for shooting a dog. But no one saw any other scars, just the one on his face. When he is released 17 years later, Diesel Rawlings collects him and offers him a job. Danny was a medic with Rawlings. He suffered at the hands of the enemy. He can't baby sit an ex con, especially one who did what he did. But not all is as it appears, and Danny and Kane must work together to find the missing teenagers.

Like I said, I did not read books 6 and 7 of the main series, I can't rememeber why I didn't, but I absolutely LOVED this revisit to this world and the men in it!

Both Kane and Danny suffered, and I felt for them, deeply. When both men fully open up to the other, I cried, I really did!

I'm not going to go too much into the plot, cos spoilers, but things did not go how I was expecting them to, and I have no idea WHAT I was expecting! My book brain is a fickle place sometimes!

It's dark, though, that suffering both men talk. Not a easy read, I tell ya, and I have no triggers.

It's full of love though! Once Danny and Kane get their act together, it was brilliant. Not especially explicit, but I don't think it was needed. Again, that suffering pops up all the time.

The guys from the main books are talked about, but do not take part here. I would have liked them to, but I didn't miss that they weren't. Does that make sense? I think I'm just greedy!

And that epilogue?? Oh well played there Ms Sue, very VERY well played! Bawling my eyes out, I was!

I can't give it anything other than. . . .

5 full and shiny stars! (and I might just go back now, and read books 6 and 7!)

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Enforcer's Little Warrior (Little Paws Haven #3)
Enforcer's Little Warrior (Little Paws Haven #3)
JP Sayle, Layla Dorine | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
7.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Bash knows Romy needs to tell him about his past, and he'll wait til Romy is ready.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the Little Paws Haven series, and I think you really SHOULD read books one and two before this one. There is an ongoing story arc that is not fully recapped, but you might get enough to muddle through. Just my opinion, it's my review :-)

Romy and Bash know they are mates, but dealing with two little rhinos they found, means getting to know each other is a bit down the list of priorities. They do TRY though. Bash digging a wallow, for example. But then they are hit with a devastating blow, and Romy needs his Little time to fully process the grown up stuff after. And the council is still causing problems!

I loved book one, and book two didn't quite hit the same spot. This book is on a par with book 2. WHY?? I dunno (insert wailing!) and you know I hate not being able to translate what my book brain wants to say!

I liked that it takes time for Romy and Bash to fully commit. They do take their time to get to know each other before mating. The Council and their aptitude for meddling continues, it gets in the way of Romy fully opening up to Bash for a while. Bash knows Romy needs to tell him, and he'll wait til Romy is ready. His hand is pushed though, given what happens and when he tells it all?? Oh my.

It was nice to catch up with Cosmo, Harley and Nomad. Gabai and Asher are mentioned but don't really play a part here. Book 4 is laid out for us as well!

I'm still not 100% certain what the council has been doing, but it is much clearer now, given what the crash of rhinos, along with all the allies, finds.

The steam level is low, I thought, but the drama/danger level is high and there is a bit more violence in this book. I mean, RHINOS!! But I think it was needed for this book.

I'm looking forward for Arlo and Taggert, and what Tagg can find on the computers!

4 very good stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
The Demon Bodyguard
The Demon Bodyguard
Alex J Adams | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Zeke flips from stalker to protector on a penny.
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This book is about Zeke, who is Mal's brother from The Demon Undertaker. I would recommend that you read that book before this one. While not strictly necessary, I think it will give you a better picture of the relationship between Mal and Zeke.

Zeke takes a job that will net him a million Euros. But watching Rory is boring, until Rory catches Zeke watching him and Zeke's demon half shouts MINE! Then it becomes a matter of keeping Rory and his daughter safe. The danger, however, is not all it seems!

What I loved most about this, was that while there was that MINE moment, it is a while coming. And once it comes, Zeke flips from stalker to protector on a penny. His whole self upends itself at that realisation, and I loved that he had to talk to Mal, who pretty much laughed his head off! How Zeke was with Mal in The Demon Undertaker is so far removed from how he now feels, it's uncanny.

The danger never really lets up for Rory and his daughter. And I loved that Rory *TRIED* to give his father in law the benefit of the doubt, but it was thrown back at him. I did like that they let it play out, without Carlotta ever knowing the truth about her grandfather.

Dante, from The Devil's Dilemma pops up, as well as Mal and Jason. I loved how Adams has seemlessly joined three books, from 2 different series, but somehow managed to follow them on from one another!

The story line is dark here, but there are some lighter moments, mostly with Mal winding Zeke up. Steamy and smexy, but deeply emotional in places. Rory has a lot on his shoulders and he needs Zeke but doesn't want to disrespect his dead wife.

I quote directly from my review about The Demon Undertaker:

Adams is an author I have followed from the very beginning. I can honestly say, I'm loving the newer stuff she writes, as she continues to hone her craft. THIS book was no exception. THIS is my favourite book so far. I'm fairly certain, I'll be saying that for the next one too!

5 full and shiny stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Taking What's Mine (Men of Maddox Security #4)
Taking What's Mine (Men of Maddox Security #4)
Logan Chance | 2025 | Contemporary, Crime, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
super steamy!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 4 in the Men of Maddox Security series, I've managed to read it before book 3, but I don't think it matters. They kinda/sorta run along side each other.

Lincoln is tasked with keeping Isabel, Dean's sister, safe. Her stalker is getting close. She is quite capable, thank you very much, and takes great offense at Dean for making her do this. But for the fact it is Lincoln, she might have pulled a hissy fit. Finding themselves in the middle of an adult club, when looking for leads, was not what they expected. But it gives them both a roundabout way to get what they want: each other. They just gotta keep Isabel safe til the threat is gone.

So! Reading out of order, but not really missing anything for doing that. But I do like these books, and I have book 3 to read after this one.

We had a 4 star, a 4.5 star and now we hit the ding, ding, ding, jackpot with a 5 star read!

I think what did it for me here was, Lincoln and Isabel have known each other for some time, worked together daily. And while each has attraction to the other, neither admitted it out loud. This close protection for Isabel brings brings them closer, and I loved the way it evolved.

Steamy, oh yes! Given the situation they find themselves in, and I did NOT see that one coming at me! Loved that!

Book 2 got a higher rating than book 1 for the emotional connection and we get that here, mostly because of the previous attraction, but I still think the emotional connection is far deeper than the pairings in previous books. Might be me, but still, that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it!

There is some reference to Dean's story here, and I've not read that, but I didn't feel I missed anything. I WANT to read it, but I don't feel I NEED to, you know?? Dean's wife Sophia pops up here and I liked her for what little I know of Dean so far. At some point, I will read their story!

5 full and shiny stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Dream a Little Dream (To Love a Psycho #1)
Dream a Little Dream (To Love a Psycho #1)
C.F. White | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance, Thriller
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
There is no HEA here, not yet. There is no romance, not yet.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is the first book in the To Love A Psycho trilogy. There is no HEA here, not yet. There is no romance, not yet.

But what is here, is setting the stage for what is to come, and I bloody loved it!

It's dark and deadly. Very little smex, but the steam is building, oh yes!

Aaron is the child of serial killers, Kenny the psychologist who helped bring their capture. Jack, the police constable who finds Aaron. While this is mostly about Kenny and Aaron, it is important to mention Jack. Given as Jack played a huge part in Kenny's life before, and the fact that Aaron knows Jack, from that very early meeting and again, when he comes back into his life.

What I think (cos Lord knows if I can word it correctly!) I liked most about this book, was that both men are somewhat . . .not damaged or unhinged but those words keept jumping from my book brain and I dont think they are right, but that sort of thing. They are both haunted by their past, and Kenny especially surprised me. He fights Aaron all the way, but knows he can't keep away. Even taking to him to his therapy is something Kenny HAS to do for Aaron.

Given what's said here about Jack and Kenny's relationship, I can see why Kenny needs to look out for Aaron, he has no one else, but Kenny is hard wired that way: to care for someone, in any way he can. I think deep down, Kenny knows this, even if he psycoanalyses himself to the very max, I don't think he's actually seeing that in himself.

I did not see it all playing out the way it did, and I love being surprised. I can't wait to see what White does to this pair in the next book, but I am promised an eventual HEA, they are just gonna have to work so darn hard at it, it might break me!

4 stars, but only because it is a cliff hanger, and I KNEW that going in, but I can't quite stretch, not yet!

*same worded review will appear elsewhere