Search
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Jackal Prince ( Wild Rites Saga book 2) in Books
Mar 23, 2022
52 of 230
Kindle
The Jackal Prince ( Wild Rites Saga book 2)
By Anna McIlwraith
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book two of The Wild Rites Saga takes you to a hidden stronghold in the heart of Egypt - a kingdom on the edge of ruin, ruled by fear and forgotten magic.
Sounds like a great place for a vacation, right? Emma Chase isn't exactly thrilled by the idea, but the jackals will do anything to get their claws on her, for she is the Caller of the Blood, a human woman destined to command the magic of all shapechanging races - which is a teensy bit more complicated than it sounds. And while Emma and her weird assortment of friends, allies and protectors are safe on an enchanted farm in the California Mountains, the Jackal Prince's invitation is too dangerous to refuse. Problem is, accepting it could be just as deadly, especially since Emma's going to need the help of a powerful ancient with an unbreakable - and totally unfair - grudge against her.
Emma's got a few tricks up her sleeve, but she's human, and she can be broken. Somehow she'll have to get her friends out of the jackal kingdom alive before the jackals kill her first — or worse, find a way to claim her power for their own.
So I wasn’t expecting much from this book due to how much I struggled with book 1 but this really surprised me. I really enjoyed it, the Egyptian links were so good and it all just made so much more sense. I’m absolutely in love with Fern I think he’s just brilliant. The thing with this series it has or mentions shifters we don’t normally come across, like tarantulas and crocodiles were mentioned. I love something different. Push through book 1 and I’m sure like me you won’t be disappointed with book 2!
Kindle
The Jackal Prince ( Wild Rites Saga book 2)
By Anna McIlwraith
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book two of The Wild Rites Saga takes you to a hidden stronghold in the heart of Egypt - a kingdom on the edge of ruin, ruled by fear and forgotten magic.
Sounds like a great place for a vacation, right? Emma Chase isn't exactly thrilled by the idea, but the jackals will do anything to get their claws on her, for she is the Caller of the Blood, a human woman destined to command the magic of all shapechanging races - which is a teensy bit more complicated than it sounds. And while Emma and her weird assortment of friends, allies and protectors are safe on an enchanted farm in the California Mountains, the Jackal Prince's invitation is too dangerous to refuse. Problem is, accepting it could be just as deadly, especially since Emma's going to need the help of a powerful ancient with an unbreakable - and totally unfair - grudge against her.
Emma's got a few tricks up her sleeve, but she's human, and she can be broken. Somehow she'll have to get her friends out of the jackal kingdom alive before the jackals kill her first — or worse, find a way to claim her power for their own.
So I wasn’t expecting much from this book due to how much I struggled with book 1 but this really surprised me. I really enjoyed it, the Egyptian links were so good and it all just made so much more sense. I’m absolutely in love with Fern I think he’s just brilliant. The thing with this series it has or mentions shifters we don’t normally come across, like tarantulas and crocodiles were mentioned. I love something different. Push through book 1 and I’m sure like me you won’t be disappointed with book 2!
Gage (Angelbound Offspring #8) by Christina Bauer
Book
Gage runs the L’Griffe, AKA the dragon shifter mafia on Earth. Since the human realm has no...
Young Adult Fantasy Series
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Valkyrie’s Bond ( Half - Blood Rising book 1) in Books
Jul 22, 2022
125 of 230
Kindle
The Valkyrie’s Bond ( Half-Blood Rising book 1)
By Lucy Roy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As a rare halfblood among a race of witches and shifters, Freya has enjoyed living a quiet life away from the royal court of Lindoroth and among those who know little about her. She’s had the freedom to make her own choices, and fighting alongside the local marshals is just an added bonus.
When obligation arrives on her doorstep to remind her of promises made long ago, her quiet life comes to an end. With hardly time to say goodbye, Freya is whisked off to the capital city of Iladel to attend a prestigious royal academy with her peers, where appearances can be deceiving and connections are everything. While there, she’ll be reunited with her childhood friend, Prince Aerelius, and begin to experience life at the royal court in ways she never did as a girl.
As Freya and the prince dive into old routines and explore new feelings, they uncover the secrets and schemes that lurk below the court’s surface. When a secret is unveiled that changes everything, they must do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety of their kingdom. If they fail, long-held alliances will shatter and war will come to the shores of their land, threatening all they hold dear.
I adore this author and this didn’t disappoint. I love the world and character builds and the story came to so well. I love the idea of the Valkyries they are fascinating. If I had one thing that maybe stopped it being a 5⭐️ was that it waited till the last 4 chapters before the action kicked in. Although the build up was still enough to make me want more.
Kindle
The Valkyrie’s Bond ( Half-Blood Rising book 1)
By Lucy Roy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As a rare halfblood among a race of witches and shifters, Freya has enjoyed living a quiet life away from the royal court of Lindoroth and among those who know little about her. She’s had the freedom to make her own choices, and fighting alongside the local marshals is just an added bonus.
When obligation arrives on her doorstep to remind her of promises made long ago, her quiet life comes to an end. With hardly time to say goodbye, Freya is whisked off to the capital city of Iladel to attend a prestigious royal academy with her peers, where appearances can be deceiving and connections are everything. While there, she’ll be reunited with her childhood friend, Prince Aerelius, and begin to experience life at the royal court in ways she never did as a girl.
As Freya and the prince dive into old routines and explore new feelings, they uncover the secrets and schemes that lurk below the court’s surface. When a secret is unveiled that changes everything, they must do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety of their kingdom. If they fail, long-held alliances will shatter and war will come to the shores of their land, threatening all they hold dear.
I adore this author and this didn’t disappoint. I love the world and character builds and the story came to so well. I love the idea of the Valkyries they are fascinating. If I had one thing that maybe stopped it being a 5⭐️ was that it waited till the last 4 chapters before the action kicked in. Although the build up was still enough to make me want more.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Alpha Champion ( Wolf Protectors book 1) in Books
Aug 31, 2022
157 of 230
Kindle
Alpha Champion ( Wolf Protectors book 1)
By Terry Bolryder
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Lily Mason is tired of her father's machinations. Seven years ago he tore her away from the love of her life because he was only half alpha. Now he's holding a tournament where full blooded alphas will fight to claim her. She doesn't want any part of it, but if she runs, her little sister takes her place. Lily's ready to give up on her own happiness, until a familiar face appears amongst the contestants fighting to win her.
Lucas Vale doesn't care that the tournament is for full-alphas only. He's determined to use his brother's name and invitation to make sure that no other male gets close to his mate. He's been looking for Lily for years, ever since her father separated them as teens. But Lucas isn't a lovesick teen anymore. He's a world champion fighter who is ready to kick some alpha trash if it means rescuing the woman he loves.
But he'll have to be careful not to be caught, which is difficult when sparks fly from the moment he sees Lily and her beautiful curves again. Now he'll have to fight his way through full blooded alphas with powerful advantages. But Lucas isn't worried.
He may be half alpha, but he's 100% sure he can do anything for the woman he loves.
I haven’t read a Terry Bolryder for a while and I have missed her books. They do exactly what they promise short but sweet hot shifter stories. These happen to be hot shifter MMA fighters what’s not to love? So you get a short bit enjoyable book about all kinds of shifters!
Kindle
Alpha Champion ( Wolf Protectors book 1)
By Terry Bolryder
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Lily Mason is tired of her father's machinations. Seven years ago he tore her away from the love of her life because he was only half alpha. Now he's holding a tournament where full blooded alphas will fight to claim her. She doesn't want any part of it, but if she runs, her little sister takes her place. Lily's ready to give up on her own happiness, until a familiar face appears amongst the contestants fighting to win her.
Lucas Vale doesn't care that the tournament is for full-alphas only. He's determined to use his brother's name and invitation to make sure that no other male gets close to his mate. He's been looking for Lily for years, ever since her father separated them as teens. But Lucas isn't a lovesick teen anymore. He's a world champion fighter who is ready to kick some alpha trash if it means rescuing the woman he loves.
But he'll have to be careful not to be caught, which is difficult when sparks fly from the moment he sees Lily and her beautiful curves again. Now he'll have to fight his way through full blooded alphas with powerful advantages. But Lucas isn't worried.
He may be half alpha, but he's 100% sure he can do anything for the woman he loves.
I haven’t read a Terry Bolryder for a while and I have missed her books. They do exactly what they promise short but sweet hot shifter stories. These happen to be hot shifter MMA fighters what’s not to love? So you get a short bit enjoyable book about all kinds of shifters!
Deceived by Desire (Roaring Rogues #2)
8.0
Rate It
Book
Changing into a lion is all fun and growls—until it isn’t. Meet a Shakespeare-quoting...
Historical Paranormal Romance Shifters
Merissa (11689 KP) rated Feral Hearts (Feral Hearts #1) in Books
Aug 26, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
FERAL HEARTS is the first book in a trilogy of the same name. The story will conclude in the third book so don't expect even a HFN at the end of book one.
Welcome to the world of miasma and soul battles; where the shifters who live here are unlike those you've read about before. It is a raw, sometimes brutal, world where hierarchy and tradition still rule. Alex is the Alpha's son, an alpha in his own right, but he doesn't fit the usual mould. He is sweet and caring, and more likely to try to help, rather than throw his weight around. He is gay and in love with his best friend, Talon. Everyone thinks Talon is an omega, but he has a secret to hide, something not even Alex knows. Talon is also straight, but not as much as he might think.
This is an interesting world that seems both horrible and fascinating. My heart broke for Alex. He is really struggling with his soul battle, but it had just become VERY interesting toward the end, so I can't wait to see what happens next! And Talon, bless him. There is more to this wolf than people see. I can't wait for the reactions when word gets out that he isn't an omega. Those poor omegas!
I was thoroughly engrossed by this story, so completely different from any other. I really did not want the story to end. I will have to (im)patiently wait for books two and three. I want more!
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!
Aug 26, 2021
Welcome to the world of miasma and soul battles; where the shifters who live here are unlike those you've read about before. It is a raw, sometimes brutal, world where hierarchy and tradition still rule. Alex is the Alpha's son, an alpha in his own right, but he doesn't fit the usual mould. He is sweet and caring, and more likely to try to help, rather than throw his weight around. He is gay and in love with his best friend, Talon. Everyone thinks Talon is an omega, but he has a secret to hide, something not even Alex knows. Talon is also straight, but not as much as he might think.
This is an interesting world that seems both horrible and fascinating. My heart broke for Alex. He is really struggling with his soul battle, but it had just become VERY interesting toward the end, so I can't wait to see what happens next! And Talon, bless him. There is more to this wolf than people see. I can't wait for the reactions when word gets out that he isn't an omega. Those poor omegas!
I was thoroughly engrossed by this story, so completely different from any other. I really did not want the story to end. I will have to (im)patiently wait for books two and three. I want more!
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!
Aug 26, 2021
Debbiereadsbook (1084 KP) rated Duron (Assassin's To Order #3) in Books
Jul 25, 2023
Duron instinctively knew that Beaumont needed his strength at that point!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Assassins To Order series, but of the three, I think this can be read as stand alone the most. Sure there is some reference to previous books and what's happened before, but this book goes off on a tangent to that.
Duron is one of the council's assassins. Beaumont is the council's new leader. Duron wants to be free of the council, but meeting Beaumont, his mate, wasn't a factor he planned. Beaumont is looking for answers to his family's deaths. Together, they can get what they both want.
I liked this well enough. It does go off on that tangent, and away from the main plot that is running through these books, but that plot is still there, just more a subplot rather than the main plot.
I loved that Beaumont and Duron are both very powerful shifters, with big animals, Duron more than a few and I loved the way these two soothed each other. Great big men, with that much power under the skin, were never going to be gentle lovers, and breaking a bit of furniture was always going to happen! (Well, all the furniture, but who cares!) Duron instinctively knew that Beaumont needed his strength at that point, rather than his love, you know?
I'm still not entirely sure about The Devil and who that really is, even if the clues are there, I think that they will pop back up again at some point.
I have to say, my least favourite of these collaborations, but still a good read.
3 stars (I'm sorry!)
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Assassins To Order series, but of the three, I think this can be read as stand alone the most. Sure there is some reference to previous books and what's happened before, but this book goes off on a tangent to that.
Duron is one of the council's assassins. Beaumont is the council's new leader. Duron wants to be free of the council, but meeting Beaumont, his mate, wasn't a factor he planned. Beaumont is looking for answers to his family's deaths. Together, they can get what they both want.
I liked this well enough. It does go off on that tangent, and away from the main plot that is running through these books, but that plot is still there, just more a subplot rather than the main plot.
I loved that Beaumont and Duron are both very powerful shifters, with big animals, Duron more than a few and I loved the way these two soothed each other. Great big men, with that much power under the skin, were never going to be gentle lovers, and breaking a bit of furniture was always going to happen! (Well, all the furniture, but who cares!) Duron instinctively knew that Beaumont needed his strength at that point, rather than his love, you know?
I'm still not entirely sure about The Devil and who that really is, even if the clues are there, I think that they will pop back up again at some point.
I have to say, my least favourite of these collaborations, but still a good read.
3 stars (I'm sorry!)
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (11689 KP) rated Unashamedly Us (Offbeat Shifters #4) in Books
Apr 14, 2021 (Updated Jul 27, 2023)
UNASHAMEDLY US is the fourth and final book in the Offbeat Shifters series and concludes both Austin and Charlie's story, plus the series so far. I say so far because I really hope to return to this world in the future!
Three months doesn't sound that long, not until you realise you're not going to see the one you love during that time. This hits both Charlie and Austin at the same time. They've spoken about their future, and it's all good until that separation rears its ugly head.
Oh, this book made me so happy and so mad!!! I hated that record label, I really did! Their attitudes sucked and I really felt for Charlie. I think the way this story was finished, giving everyone their HEA, was simply perfect. Charlie and Austin deserve each other, just as Jesse and Isaac do.
I could ramble on and on, going into way too much detail about this or that happening, but instead, so I don't spoil it for anyone, I will just say this book is the Star of the Crown for this series. Everything I could ask for, and more!
The pacing is perfect, the overall story arc is finished, we get glimpses into Jesse and Isaac's life, plus Charlie and Austin get their HEA. This book brought tears to my eyes in such a good way. There is nothing about this book that I would change!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND both this book and the series. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go and get my grubby little mitts on some more Colette Davison books.
* 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!
Apr 14, 2021
Three months doesn't sound that long, not until you realise you're not going to see the one you love during that time. This hits both Charlie and Austin at the same time. They've spoken about their future, and it's all good until that separation rears its ugly head.
Oh, this book made me so happy and so mad!!! I hated that record label, I really did! Their attitudes sucked and I really felt for Charlie. I think the way this story was finished, giving everyone their HEA, was simply perfect. Charlie and Austin deserve each other, just as Jesse and Isaac do.
I could ramble on and on, going into way too much detail about this or that happening, but instead, so I don't spoil it for anyone, I will just say this book is the Star of the Crown for this series. Everything I could ask for, and more!
The pacing is perfect, the overall story arc is finished, we get glimpses into Jesse and Isaac's life, plus Charlie and Austin get their HEA. This book brought tears to my eyes in such a good way. There is nothing about this book that I would change!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND both this book and the series. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go and get my grubby little mitts on some more Colette Davison books.
* 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!
Apr 14, 2021
Merissa (11689 KP) rated The Crimson and the Black (Hidden Empire #2) in Books
Mar 25, 2022 (Updated Jun 30, 2023)
THE CRIMSON AND THE BLACK is the second book in the Hidden Empire series, which starts with Shadow of the Swan, which originally was a standalone novel set in Victorian England. I can't tell you how happy I was to see the author had turned this into a series.
Still set in the same timeline, this time we find out more at Henry's Maker, Fyodora. She has a long and, sometimes tragic, backstory that we learn as we go along. Nearing one thousand years old, she finds herself getting bored easily so readily agrees to help with a nasty kidnapping and sex slave/wife ring. On the hunt for his lost cousin, Callum is one of the few dragon shifters left. When they meet, sparks fly with an instant attraction that is not acted upon due to circumstances. Delayed gratification, anyone?
As always, this was a brilliant story that held my attention from beginning to end. I loved how Fee and Callum worked together. They were honest and communicated well - even going so far as to apologise when they were in the wrong! *gasps with shock!*
Whilst hot in places, this is more about the connection between the two of them, and the lost selkies. There are a multitude of characters I want to know more about, so I'm hoping for many more books in this series.
A fantastic addition to the series that I have no hesitation in recommending. Just one question though - why was Callum black, not red?!
Read it!
** 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!
Mar 23, 2022
Still set in the same timeline, this time we find out more at Henry's Maker, Fyodora. She has a long and, sometimes tragic, backstory that we learn as we go along. Nearing one thousand years old, she finds herself getting bored easily so readily agrees to help with a nasty kidnapping and sex slave/wife ring. On the hunt for his lost cousin, Callum is one of the few dragon shifters left. When they meet, sparks fly with an instant attraction that is not acted upon due to circumstances. Delayed gratification, anyone?
As always, this was a brilliant story that held my attention from beginning to end. I loved how Fee and Callum worked together. They were honest and communicated well - even going so far as to apologise when they were in the wrong! *gasps with shock!*
Whilst hot in places, this is more about the connection between the two of them, and the lost selkies. There are a multitude of characters I want to know more about, so I'm hoping for many more books in this series.
A fantastic addition to the series that I have no hesitation in recommending. Just one question though - why was Callum black, not red?!
Read it!
** 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!
Mar 23, 2022
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Portents and Oddities ( Sophie Feegle 2) in Books
May 13, 2024
95 of 220
Kindle
Portents and Oddities ( Sophie Feegle 2)
By Gwen DeMarco
⭐️⭐️⭐️
After defeating a Fae fanatic set on closing the portal between earth and the magic realm, things are looking up for Sophie Feegle. She can finally relax, drink whiskey at her favorite ogre pub, and get back to the autopsy assistant job she loves. Maybe she’ll even go on a romantic date with a certain sexy fox shifter.
Yeah, right. Things never seem to work out quite the way Sophie wants.
When Sophie recognizes the body on her autopsy table from a dream, her world is shaken again. As more bodies end up in the morgue, Sophie realizes a serial killer is hunting San Francisco’s Mythicals. But why? And why does Sophie see the victims in her dreams?
Hot on the trail of the killer, Sophie and her crew encounter Mythicals with strange powers. But as they wade through these dangerous waters, the question becomes: are Sophie and her friends the hunters, or are they the ones being hunted?
Welcome back to Sophie’s San Francisco, where being in a serial killer’s sights may be new but being odd is still the norm.
There are a few things I really like about this series. First the main character Sophie is brilliant she is sassy and funny, second the different shifters and creatures is so varied I just love finding more with each book and the last thing is the writing it’s so easy so when you want a break from the hard stuff this is some relief. Although I enjoyed this book I didn’t like it as much as book one and it seemed a little rushed towards the end. But if you love a good fantasy book this is a good one.
Kindle
Portents and Oddities ( Sophie Feegle 2)
By Gwen DeMarco
⭐️⭐️⭐️
After defeating a Fae fanatic set on closing the portal between earth and the magic realm, things are looking up for Sophie Feegle. She can finally relax, drink whiskey at her favorite ogre pub, and get back to the autopsy assistant job she loves. Maybe she’ll even go on a romantic date with a certain sexy fox shifter.
Yeah, right. Things never seem to work out quite the way Sophie wants.
When Sophie recognizes the body on her autopsy table from a dream, her world is shaken again. As more bodies end up in the morgue, Sophie realizes a serial killer is hunting San Francisco’s Mythicals. But why? And why does Sophie see the victims in her dreams?
Hot on the trail of the killer, Sophie and her crew encounter Mythicals with strange powers. But as they wade through these dangerous waters, the question becomes: are Sophie and her friends the hunters, or are they the ones being hunted?
Welcome back to Sophie’s San Francisco, where being in a serial killer’s sights may be new but being odd is still the norm.
There are a few things I really like about this series. First the main character Sophie is brilliant she is sassy and funny, second the different shifters and creatures is so varied I just love finding more with each book and the last thing is the writing it’s so easy so when you want a break from the hard stuff this is some relief. Although I enjoyed this book I didn’t like it as much as book one and it seemed a little rushed towards the end. But if you love a good fantasy book this is a good one.