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Claiming Hope ( Hope 2)
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
83 of 220
Kindle
Claiming Hope ( Hope 2)
By Elizabeth Knight
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

So you guys remember the naked man in the alley?

Now he’s my mate along with one of his friends. I might also have my eyes on the other two as well because why not? Oh yeah forgot to mention, turns out I’m a werewolf, hence the mating thing. Not only that but I’m the only Alpha Female in existence, which makes sense why that asshole of a fake fiance wanted to keep me for himself.

*Girl you suck at explaining what's going on.*

Shut up I’ve got this handled. Managed to do it last time without you.

Anyway…

Thanks to the four men who came crashing into my life, I was rescued and kept safe. Now I’m on a plane to who the hell knows where while the guys keep alluding to the fact that I have an important role to play in their world. Am I ready to step into whatever they have waiting for me? I’ve only been a werewolf for two weeks and still have so much to learn.

That was so much better than book 1! Hopes wolf is just brilliant I loved it the first time round but this was better. The story had an interesting take I loved her different mates and the pack she now leads. The ending was a cliffhanger but a really good one. Definitely moving on to book 3!
  
FO
Fury of Fire (Dragonfury, #1)
2
2.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
<b>NOTE:</b> I did not finish Fury of Fire. I reached page 207, out of 412, before I called it quits. My review reflects on what I read and no more, which is more than enough to be indicative to how the author creates her book.

During the course of reading, everyone comes across a book that just doesn't connect with them. That doesn't mean the book is bad or that others shouldn't read it, it just means the it isn't a good fit that particular person. This is that book for me. I had a very difficult time getting through what I read, mostly due to a bunch of little things that stood out and were what I consider oddities, especially in context to situations in the book. If I had to describe this book in one word, it'd be abrasive. The characters, the dialogue, and most importantly, the writing felt like rubbing sandpaper over a wound. Over and over again.

<b>THE BAD</b>

The constant bombardment of internalizing that both Myst and Bastian provide in this book was like a splinter under my fingernail. The more I dug, the more painful it became, and I started to dislike the book and main characters more and more as I read on. Admittedly, it was pretty easy to loathe Bastian and Myst when it became apparent that they are both boring and stupid, and I didn't find Bastian all that likeable in the first place. Call me crazy, but I just feel uneasy when a character wants to immediately jump the bones of a person he just met in horrific situation while she is frightened beyond belief. But apparently that's okay because he acknowledges his creepiness in a fit of mental self-flagellation. Sorry, but that doesn't fly with me. Maybe if that had been mentioned only once, I would have let it slide, but it keeps on like that for way too long. Apparently he's all alpha on the outside and emo on the inside. What a winning combination! Not. Myst herself starts off, uh, decent enough but then quickly becomes the nitwit I was hoping to avoid. She gets the fastest case of Stockholm Syndrome I've ever come across. For all intents and purposes, Bastian kidnapped her. Sure, we the readers know it's for Myst and the baby's safety from the evil Razorbacks, but she certainly doesn't know that, therefore I found her reactions extremely unrealistic and bizarre to the situations she was in. One minute she's fighting, and by fighting I mean being stubbornly spunky, or somewhat thinking of escape, the next she's imagining wild, hot monkey sex with Bastian. I'm sorry but if some big, six-foot-six (apparently every male is 6'6 in this book, even the human cop. Obviously, if a guy is under that height, he's not really a man.), scary dude who can turn into a dragon kidnaps me, I am so not going to be thinking about how hot they are or what they're like in the sack. Yeah, uh-huh, that makes perfect sense. Oy! Anyway, they end up making out that night due to Bastian's alpha going crazy and some supernatural roofie that dragons put out to females. God, this is not romantic at all. And it's only been a few hours since they "met"! The morning after Myst is kidnapped, she wakes up naked and finds out Bastian bathed her, can you say mondo creepy? So after she dresses, she goes meandering through the Nightfury's lair, admiring his artwork and crap, then ends up in the kitchen with the rest of the freaky-tall Nightfuries. I'd be high-tailing it out of there, in fact, I would have been plotting escape long before this point. It appears she only thinks of escape once a day. While she's in the kitchen, Bastian has her sit at the table so she can eat her breakfast. He sets down a plate in front of her and as she goes to have a bite, she notices he cut her waffles into little, perfect, bite-size pieces and she's apparently overcome by this act. How weird is that?! All feminist angles aside, who cuts up someone else's food unless: A, it's for a small child, two, their arms and hands are broken, or D, they're handicapped in some way that prevents them from feeding themselves? W.T.F.? Frankly, I think it's just odd. And then she gets misty-eyed (Myst is all misty, how cute. *gag*) when he asks her to help name the baby he kidnapped. I've already doubted her sanity before but now it's gone to even more ridiculous heights by this point.

The magical Rohypnol I mentioned before creeped me the heck out. So when a dragon guy needs his energy fix, he picks out a woman, roofies her, feeds off her energy, sleeps with her, and then wipes her memory! Say what? That's too close to rape for my liking. This wasn't just the bad guys doing this, but the next book's "hero" did that to a woman in a hospital (note: she wasn't a patient, I think she was a researcher or something, I don't remember). How sweet.

The excessive swearing needed edited down. Normally I don't mind a little cursing here and there, but so much of it didn't need to be added to the dialogue or characters and showed a lack of creativity.

The "dragons" are really shape-shifting vampires. They have to feed off women, only it's energy instead of blood, they can't be out in the sun, they heal quickly, live a long time, are super-strong, amongst other attributes. If you're going to have shape-shifting dragons, don't make them so similar to other paranormal species. Differentiate them so they're unique, not a near-clone.

I didn't like the whole reading of minds thing. If it was something that happened when mated, fine, but I don't like the thought of someone just arbitrarily getting into someone else's brain whenever they want. It's a violation. Bastian did this to Myst way too often.

The characters sound a lot like each other. They don't all have individual voices so there isn't much beyond a name separating one from the other.

<b>THE GOOD</b>

The first fight scene was actually quite well-done, although it was very early on in the book so it might not hold up on a second reading. The next fight scene wasn't too bad, maybe a little confusing at times.

The other characters in the Dragonfury series have the potential to be more interesting if they can be given some individuality, but since I didn't connect with the author's writing style and don't like most of the ideas, I won't be looking for any sequels to this oh-so-romantic series. I wouldn't recommend this book, but hey, if it sounds right up your alley or you have masochistic tendencies, by all means try it out for yourself.

As a final note, I just wanted to thank <a href="http://homealone.wikia.com/wiki/Buzz_McCallister"; target="_blank">Buzz McCallister</a> for his mad counting/alphabetizing skillz in writing this review. I couldn't have done it without you, buddy.
<img src="http://kindbooksandcoronets.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/buzzmccallister1.jpg">;
  
Smith&#039;s Corner: Layla &amp; Levi (The Heartwood Series #2)
Smith's Corner: Layla & Levi (The Heartwood Series #2)
Jayne Paton | 2021 | Contemporary, Romance
9
9.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Layla's history is dark, and painful reading and I cried for Layla
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 2 in the Heartwood Series. I would STRONGLY recommend you read book one, Delilah & Dallas, before this one. THAT book sets this one up nicely.

I also said in my review for that book, that I made put the clues together, and made a picture, but that I was fairly certain it was going to be worse than I thought.

And I wasn't wrong.

Layla has had to be strong, for Delilah and Cora but both girls are growing up now, and moving on with their lives. Levi is one of Dallas' older brother, and is quite literally, smitten with Layla. He knows she has secrets (Dallas knows some​ of them but wont tell Levi) but Levi also knows Layla is his, and he won't let her go.

I loved that Cora plays a bigger part here than Delilah, that Cora approves of Levi, and that Cora actively helps Levi win Layla over. And he does that beautifully!

When Layla eventually tells Levi all, he does exactly as Dallas does, all Alpha-Male-Protect-whats-Mine, but he tempers his reaction, he holds it all in til he is not in Layla's presence, and I loved him for that.

Layla's history is dark, and painful reading and I cried for Layla. Layla the child, but also Layla the adult. She has a huge support network now, but she didn't always, and she still struggles with letting people in. That Levi takes his time with Layla, getting to know her and letting her set the entire pace of their relationship was probably the only way he could have gotten in.

When Layla's past comes back to cause problems, I loved that ALL the brothers came to stand with her, beside her, to see that the past stays there. And that all solves itself so differently to what I was expecting!

And we are set up nicely for Ash and Alora, who are next. Ash has a tale to tell, and I can't wait to read it!

This book contains triggers: please be mindful of those reading this book.

Creeping up from 4 stars to 4.5 stars but rounded up for the blog.

same worded review will appear elsewhere​
  
The Vampire Will See You Now (Psy-Vamp #4)
The Vampire Will See You Now (Psy-Vamp #4)
Cassandra Lawson | 2014 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
FINALLY, we have Justin and Caitlin's story. Now, for those of you that haven't read any of the Psy-Vamp series, you don't really have to get the story but it does make more sense if you have. Personally, I would get all of them and settle down for a Psy-Vamp session if you haven't already but that's just me!

Justin and Caitlin are mentioned in all three previous books and I have been waiting for their story to come out. We finally get it with Caitlin and Justin suffering after an event that happened in the previous book (like I said, not necessary but it does help!). Justin decides that the best thing for Caitlin is for him to leave but Caitlin decides to take things into her own hands.

This book has had me in stitches as Caitlin's supposed "quiet time" for her ultimatum to Justin becomes one of the busiest the house has seen. We have characters old and new who pop up which was a great way to catch up on how they're all getting along. One thing I have to add is that I loved the differences between Justin and Caitlin's mothers - absolutely brilliant.

Like all previous books, in this series and the other books by Cassandra Lawson, the wit is in full flow. The women are strong and the men are Alpha. Another jewel in the crown of the Psy-Vamp series. Loved it!
 
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
September 8, 2016
  
Bewitched (Breakers Hockey #5)
Bewitched (Breakers Hockey #5)
Elise Faber | 2022 | Contemporary, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Everyone has a mask. Some are just more difficult to see.
BEWITCHED is the fifth book in the Breakers Hockey series and we reunited with Raph and Beth. He is still backing away from relationships and Beth is busy being surrogate for Pru and Marcel. How will these two ever get together?

By Beth feeling the effects of being pregnant, and with twins too! Raph is an alpha male who does run roughshod over Beth at times. She needs someone to stand up to her and show her that he cares, but I did find it slightly annoying in places. Another thing that grated was Beth's constant musings about castles, dungeons, and demons. I got it. I didn't need bashing over the head with it repeatedly.

If you ignore those two things, then I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Raph and Beth have rocky ground to cover but they manage it. They have help from their friends, which also allows you to play catch up with the other couples too.

Elise Faber isn't afraid of delving deep into hurtful and abusive backgrounds and always does it with respect and tact.

It is Cas' story next and, yet again, the taster at the end has left me wanting it immediately. Still no idea if Brandon gets a story, but I'm nothing if not hopeful!

A great addition to the series and definitely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
The Walking Dead - Season 9
The Walking Dead - Season 9
2018 |
Contains spoilers, click to show
After watching from the start I jumped ship from 'The Walking Dead' a few episodes into season 8 disillusioned and bored. The show had become a relentlessly pessimistic slog that had no idea where it was going with endless filler episodes and the increasingly tedious Negan storyline.

I had heard good things about season 9 and the good things new showrunner Angela Kang had done so decided to give it another shot and I am seriously glad I did as it turned out to be one of the best seasons and I binged it in a week.

The writing has a new sense of urgency (not to mention a touch of humour and optimism) and has been reinvigorated by the six year time jump and the departure of Rick Grimes. It seems they thought they had to up their game after losing their leading man and I have liked the new characters (particularly the older Judith) they've introduced and seeing a much bigger role for Darryl.

I was surprised to see Negan still around but he was actually put to good use with some interesting unexpected scenes.

This season also showed the show can still be scary and shocking ending in devastating fashion following a confrontation with the new big baddie the psychotic Alpha and her whisperer.

Here's hoping the resurrection continues for season 10 as I am starting that next!
  
White Roses : A Fairytale Retold
White Roses : A Fairytale Retold
Alodia Thaliel | 2023 | Erotica, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
WHITE ROSES is a fairytale retelling set in a fantasy omegaverse. Briar is the omega, cursed to sleep for 5,000 years. Landon is the alpha who wakes her. Briar finds the world has changed just a little in the time she's been asleep.

I really wanted to enjoy this book. I love omegaverse stories and fantasy, so combining the two sounded perfect. In reality, I can't say as I did. Let me explain...

I found both characters to be rather bland, apart from Landon's alphahole qualities, which were there in abundance. If this is how mates are treated in this world, I'd sooner stay in mine. Prepare yourself for whiplash as the two of them go back and forth between s3x and not talking. I found the writing style to be quite disjointed and chunky, making my reading experience jarring. The best character in here was Elias, an 800-year-old fae, but he's only a supporting character. While the curse, the witch, and the dragons were all easily sorted.

The thought of putting Sleeping Beauty in a fantasy omegaverse is a good one, but for this book to shine, I think a lot more work needs to go into character development.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oct 16, 2025
  
Alice in Zombieland - White Rabbit Chronicles
Alice in Zombieland - White Rabbit Chronicles
Gena Showalter | 2012 | Fiction & Poetry
1
7.0 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
Everything no seriously it was so bad I couldn't finish it. (0 more)
This was bad. read in 2013
Contains spoilers, click to show
I have to say this is one of the most misleading titles I have ever seen. I was really excited to read this book it sounded interesting and I've been a fan of both Alice in Wonderland and Zombies since I was just a kid so this seemed right up my alley..too bad that's not what I got at all. I read a little less than half the book and I just couldn't make myself finish it it was causing me actual pain.

One of the things that really got to me that actually had nothing to do with the plot was that it was so damn preachy and that was only in the first chapter, I don't mind books that talk about religion or a charter having a set religion but please do not make me feel like I'm being tricked in to going to church with out warning.

The only thing that this book had to do with Alice in Wonderland was a cloud that looked like a white rabbit, the name Alice and a few very small things.

Also, it was like the author looked up every cliche for a YA book and every teenage cliche from books and movies,(the perfect popular girl, the stunningly pretty but I'm so average protagonist, and the dark bad boy and slut shaming.)threw them in a blender and came out this.

Alice or Ali could have been a strong female lead but she came off as a mean, selfish, and a whiny person that I did not connect with at all, actually the only character I kind of like was her little sister Emma..and that didn't last long.

Cole was absolutely horrid, please stop making these alpha male asshole characters in YA books it's not clever or cute or romantic it down right unhealthy.

The writing was about average and since I know nothing about this author it doesn't really make me want to give any of her other works even a chance if this is what I'm in for.

The only thing I liked about this book was the title which wasn't even original and the cover art.

So all in all if you're looking for:
A take on Alice in Wonderland
Zombies and everything that comes with them
A teen girl kicking ass and killing the undead
Actual zombies at all
A good book

Then move along and don't waste your money because you'll get none of that here.
  
Fallen Angel
Fallen Angel
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Genre: Contemporary Adult

Average Goodreads Rating: 4.27

My Rating: 2.5

“What do you see when you look into my eyes?” I asked breathlessly and not entirely sure where the question had come from.

“All there is to know,” was his reply. “What do you see when you look into my eyes, Brooke?” he whispered, there was a slight anger to his voice.

I trembled. “An abyss and danger,” was all I could say.


I found Fallen Angel when I was looking for angel/mortal romance novels. Even though Fallen Angel was listed as a mafia romance and not not the supernatural romance I was looking for, I picked it up anyway. And at first it was great.

It immediately started out with a strong love story. Brooke is in the midst of an existential crisis after breaking up with her long-time boyfriend. When she visits her best friend Sam in New York, she ends up meeting billionaire Robert Stone, a handsome CEO who doesn’t know how to take no for an answer. To the point of being a jerk about it. But at least he’s self aware about that.

“I’m worried that I might hurt you. I have a knack of doing that when people get too close to me, a defense mechanism, I guess.”

No one pretends Robert is a great boyfriend, which I love. There are too many alpha billionaires out there that are disturbingly abusive while everyone pretends it’s a normal relationship. Not here. Robert’s actually one of the first to admit that he’s not a good boyfriend and he’s never had a real relationship. Which is great. I love flawed heroes. And when Robert does get better at communicating his feelings, it’s worth it.

“I love you, Brooke. You’ll never know just how much because there are no words.”

 

And Brooke is strong enough to handle him. She stands up to Robert when he disses Sam for being gay (which, by the way, I hated a lot. You can be a flawed badass without being a homophobe. Ugh. Major turn-off for me) and when he makes a big deal about her wearing a revealing dress.

“I wore it for you and not for anyone else. If people can see my body, so what? You’re the only one touching it,” I told him.

Brooke’s even a trained kick boxer. She’s incredibly strong and perfect to help Robert get over his past.

Then the story falls flat.

tired-and-bored-boy-sleep-014

After their second fight and make up, the story gets monotonous real fast. A lot of sex scenes– which, to be fair, were actually hot and well-written– and a lot of the mundane stuff. Brooke hanging out with Sam and Scott, Brooke working, Brooke attending one event or another with Robert. The story just dragged. And with the actual story dragging, the amount of comma splices and run-on sentences became more noticeable to me and book was practically unreadable. I had to make myself finish because I had already invested so much time into it.

It’s not like there wasn’t potential for more plot. There’s a jealous ex girlfriend out to steal Robert back and Brooke’s ex boyfriend can’t accept their break up. Brooke takes a troubled teen under her wing and isn’t this supposed to be a mafia romance?

And yet the majority of the middle of the book is sex, clothes, work days, and how great Brooke is for Robert. On top of that, Brooke loses a lot of the strength and independence I saw earlier in the book. In fact, she turned into a love sick teen.

Our souls, so entwined, were part of each other, true soul mates. Not even death would separate us.

marrypoppinsareyouill

To make matters worse, Robert’s criminal background isn’t revealed until three quarters of the way through the story! And since he got out of illegal activities years before he met Brooke, it’s really anticlimactic. Brooke makes a huge deal out of it and almost leaves him because of his past, which makes me dislike her even more. The criminal element actually seems more like an after thought to this so-called mafia romance. I’m really surprised it has such a high rating on Goodreads because I found it pretty disappointing. My rating is 2.5 stars because of the strong beginning, but I definitely won’t be reading any more of the Fallen Angel series.