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A Tale of Two Kingdoms (Knights of Black Swan #6)
10.0
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Book
Duff Torquil is heir to Scotia, the kingdom of Fae, who have been at war with the Elves for two...
Paranormal Romance Series
Solomon's Sieve (Knights of Black Swan #7)
8.0
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Book
When Sovereign Solomon Nemamiah lay dying on a beach under an overturned vehicle with his fiancée...
Paranormal Romance
Seduced (Blood Rose Tales #3)
8.0
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Charlotte Vail finds herself irresistibly drawn to one of Grochaire Realm’s top agents for the RIU...
Adult Paranormal Romance Novella
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Cruel Elites (Nocturnal Academy book 2) in Books
Dec 5, 2021
203 of 250
Kindle
Cruel Elites ( Nocturnal Academy book 2)
By Margo Ryerkerk and Holly Hook
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
I refuse to end up as a vampire's slave.
There's no escape out of Nocturnal Academy's prison school. Being here means I've lost my mother, my best friend, and my freedom.
Now, Nocturnal Academy plans to make me into a courtesan for the vampires. My only hope out is topping the Placement Tests and becoming the 1 out of 100 fae who gets to shape her own fate.
But between a mysterious vampire guard confusing my feelings, my nemesis circling in on me like a viper, and a teacher who hates my guts, all my plans are falling apart. If I'm not careful, I won't even end up as a courtesan, but as dead meat.
This is the second book and definitely a star more than I rated book 1. This was more settled and the story is picking up and getting interesting. It’s definitely a tough concept that these Young mainly female fae really have limited outcomes on their lives and can be a bit tough to read in places, but I’m finding it well written! Looking forward to reading the next one.
Kindle
Cruel Elites ( Nocturnal Academy book 2)
By Margo Ryerkerk and Holly Hook
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
I refuse to end up as a vampire's slave.
There's no escape out of Nocturnal Academy's prison school. Being here means I've lost my mother, my best friend, and my freedom.
Now, Nocturnal Academy plans to make me into a courtesan for the vampires. My only hope out is topping the Placement Tests and becoming the 1 out of 100 fae who gets to shape her own fate.
But between a mysterious vampire guard confusing my feelings, my nemesis circling in on me like a viper, and a teacher who hates my guts, all my plans are falling apart. If I'm not careful, I won't even end up as a courtesan, but as dead meat.
This is the second book and definitely a star more than I rated book 1. This was more settled and the story is picking up and getting interesting. It’s definitely a tough concept that these Young mainly female fae really have limited outcomes on their lives and can be a bit tough to read in places, but I’m finding it well written! Looking forward to reading the next one.
ClareR (5991 KP) rated This Charming Man in Books
Jan 31, 2023
Are you feeling despondent? Need a little pick-me-up? Nothing too heavy? We all need (in this case) a book to make us feel happier and give us something to laugh at, and for me, that’s C. K. McDonnell’s job. I love these books. I really do laugh out loud.
The team at The Stranger Times have probably lost the will to laugh at their editor anymore. I mean, they see him every day, but his general bad attitude and shockingly bad work relations are hilarious.
Assistant Editor Hannah is back at work after her messy divorce, and Manchester is faced with what appears to be a bit of a vampire problem. But, you see, Vampires don’t exist. And everyone agrees on this.
Even when this book was being serious, it made me laugh. Banecroft’s interesting swearing system is workplace goals (although I work in Early Years, so still a no for me!), there’s a man on a canal boat who can’t lie and lives with a talking pug, the new journalist who lives in his van and lives on a diet of ice cream (and has terrible wind) - well. It’s just all delightfully wonky, funny and frankly genius!
I can’t wait for the next one!
The team at The Stranger Times have probably lost the will to laugh at their editor anymore. I mean, they see him every day, but his general bad attitude and shockingly bad work relations are hilarious.
Assistant Editor Hannah is back at work after her messy divorce, and Manchester is faced with what appears to be a bit of a vampire problem. But, you see, Vampires don’t exist. And everyone agrees on this.
Even when this book was being serious, it made me laugh. Banecroft’s interesting swearing system is workplace goals (although I work in Early Years, so still a no for me!), there’s a man on a canal boat who can’t lie and lives with a talking pug, the new journalist who lives in his van and lives on a diet of ice cream (and has terrible wind) - well. It’s just all delightfully wonky, funny and frankly genius!
I can’t wait for the next one!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Isobel ( Dark Warrior Alliance book 9) in Books
Oct 5, 2022
182 of 230
Kindle
Isobel ( Dark Warrior Alliance book 9)
By Brenda Trim and Tami Julka
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Elsie has everything she could ever want - mated to the Vampire King, working at her dream job, surrounded by family and friends and expecting her first child. Her bliss quickly turns into a nightmare of epic proportions when her newborn daughter becomes the primary target of the nefarious archdemon. Seeking guidance from the Goddess, Elsie and Zander discover the only way to protect their fragile baby is to summon a Guardian Angel. When the enticing guardian appears, Elsie and Zander face far more challenges than merely keeping their daughter safe. As feelings ignite, jealousy threatens to tear them apart and for the first time, being Fated may not guarantee an eternity together.
I just loved this! We have been waiting so long for this baby and in one short book she makes her appearance and boy does she come into the world with a bang! Elsie has to deal with a hell of a lot In this book especially with Ramis showing up and knocking the wind from her, but she’s just such an inspiring female character she handles it well Zander not so much 😂. This series is just so much fun to read.
Kindle
Isobel ( Dark Warrior Alliance book 9)
By Brenda Trim and Tami Julka
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Elsie has everything she could ever want - mated to the Vampire King, working at her dream job, surrounded by family and friends and expecting her first child. Her bliss quickly turns into a nightmare of epic proportions when her newborn daughter becomes the primary target of the nefarious archdemon. Seeking guidance from the Goddess, Elsie and Zander discover the only way to protect their fragile baby is to summon a Guardian Angel. When the enticing guardian appears, Elsie and Zander face far more challenges than merely keeping their daughter safe. As feelings ignite, jealousy threatens to tear them apart and for the first time, being Fated may not guarantee an eternity together.
I just loved this! We have been waiting so long for this baby and in one short book she makes her appearance and boy does she come into the world with a bang! Elsie has to deal with a hell of a lot In this book especially with Ramis showing up and knocking the wind from her, but she’s just such an inspiring female character she handles it well Zander not so much 😂. This series is just so much fun to read.
Veil of Shadows (Seven Deadly Veils #1)
8.0
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Book
Lord Valadon, CEO of ValCorp and leader of New York’s vampires, has become fascinated with Miranda...
Urban Fantasy Romance
Merissa (13353 KP) rated Blood King (Heart Stones #1) in Books
Mar 18, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
BLOOD KING is the first in the Heart Stones series and we start the story with Aion and Shiesha. One is heir to the Vampire King's throne, and one has no memory prior to two weeks ago. But fated mates they are, and you know what that means... instant heat, sexual tension, and lots of banter/sniping.
There is so much to this book. It was a delight to read. Nothing is straightforward, and I take my hat off to Ms Sayle for being so goddamned cryptic with those monks! Absolutely brilliant.
Fast but perfectly paced, we see the story through both our main characters' eyes, giving a nicely-rounded view of what's going on. Just don't expect too many answers. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've got more questions than ever now, but I was warned so fair enough.
This was a great start and I'm really looking forward to getting some answers and seeing where Ms Sayle takes me next!
** 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 10, 2022
There is so much to this book. It was a delight to read. Nothing is straightforward, and I take my hat off to Ms Sayle for being so goddamned cryptic with those monks! Absolutely brilliant.
Fast but perfectly paced, we see the story through both our main characters' eyes, giving a nicely-rounded view of what's going on. Just don't expect too many answers. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've got more questions than ever now, but I was warned so fair enough.
This was a great start and I'm really looking forward to getting some answers and seeing where Ms Sayle takes me next!
** 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 10, 2022
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Savage Monarchs ( Nocturnal Academy 4) in Books
May 3, 2024
82 of 220
Kindle
Savage Monarchs ( Nocturnal Academy 4)
By Margo Ryerkerk and Holli Hook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Escaping the academy was just the beginning.
I've made it out of Nocturnal Academy.
No longer do I exist to please the vamps. Now, as a member of the Winter Court, my job is to execute them. But maybe my new standing is no better than being a courtesan. Now I am to become an assassin for the King of the Winter Court. The rules of the game might've changed, but I'm still a pawn.
If the King of the Winter Court thinks that I'm going to turn into a mindless soldier after everything I've been through, he's in for a rude awakening. I'm going to do this on my terms while keeping a wall around my heart at all times.
I will not be vulnerable again.
Life, however, has other ideas. Like throwing in a friend from my past and worse, Thorsten, a handsome jerk of a vampire who has messed with my mind and feelings one too many times.
I might've left Nocturnal Academy, but I'm far from safe.
Best one yet I think. Onyx finally has some answers and revenge on her mind. Looking forward to what she does now.
Kindle
Savage Monarchs ( Nocturnal Academy 4)
By Margo Ryerkerk and Holli Hook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Escaping the academy was just the beginning.
I've made it out of Nocturnal Academy.
No longer do I exist to please the vamps. Now, as a member of the Winter Court, my job is to execute them. But maybe my new standing is no better than being a courtesan. Now I am to become an assassin for the King of the Winter Court. The rules of the game might've changed, but I'm still a pawn.
If the King of the Winter Court thinks that I'm going to turn into a mindless soldier after everything I've been through, he's in for a rude awakening. I'm going to do this on my terms while keeping a wall around my heart at all times.
I will not be vulnerable again.
Life, however, has other ideas. Like throwing in a friend from my past and worse, Thorsten, a handsome jerk of a vampire who has messed with my mind and feelings one too many times.
I might've left Nocturnal Academy, but I'm far from safe.
Best one yet I think. Onyx finally has some answers and revenge on her mind. Looking forward to what she does now.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated A Blood Seduction (Vamp City, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Marketed as a paranormal romance, <i>A Blood Seduction</i> is much closer to the genre of urban fantasy with strong romantic/lusty elements (there is only one instance of "doing the deed" and that is very close to the end of the book). Quinn Lennox is the lead, and while she might not be the usual kick-ass heroine usually drawn upon in this field, she is far from the weakling I've seen others refer to her as. Face it, she was in way over her head, there's no way in hell she could ever be a contender against these vampires, at least not in this particular book. Heck, I bet the indomitable Buffy would have had trouble. She could be smart and she made the occasional dumb move, who hasn't? I like the fact that she isn't perfect. Okay, she has to be saved, <b>a lot</b>, and she doesn't have the most memorable personality, but this is only the beginning of the series and there is plenty of time for her to grow and come into her own. I rooted for her all through the book. I <i>wanted</i> Quinn to save her brother Zack and his friend/potential girlfriend, Lily, I wanted her to be able to use her magic, and I just wanted her to succeed and become even stronger as a person.
The world is well drawn, mostly on account of it being a magical copy of Washington, D.C. circa 1860, but with some modern conveniences thrown in as well. Okay, so I did groan at the name Washington, V.C. (Vampire City), it is a bit cheesy, but luckily it was usually called either Vamp City or V.C., which both fit the atmosphere of the book much better. Parts of the city are abandoned and decaying, others a thriving compound for the different vampire families, called a kovena. The vampires themselves are killer, quite literally. Gone are the pantywaists of recent ilk, we're going back to basics (mostly) here. Not only do they feed on blood, but some also have to feed on either fear or pain as well. They go from zero to sixty in about a second, have super strength, mind control, slaves who adore them (called slavas), and boy, are they are mean. But hey, it's just in their nature, they can't help who they are, except maybe for the love interest and possible future heroes depending on how the series goes. For those who are fainthearted, this ain't the book for you. There are numerous disturbing scenes that depict torture or gore, I can handle it, but not everyone can. Ye have been warned.
Speaking of the love interest, Arturo "Vampire" Mazzo, he was, well, certainly mysterious. Due to his unswerving allegiance to his master, Cristoff (who I pictured as <spoiler>a 25 year old Lucius Malfoy played by Jason Isaacs, with a black goatee:
<img src="http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj183/piscesrain/goodreads/luciusmalfoy.jpg"></spoiler>;),
Arturo would turn his back on Quinn, yet the further on the harder it was for him to do so. His loyalty was being tested because of his feelings for her. Just to make things clear, this is a messed up relationship, some may not like that, but I thought it added a dose of reality and interest to the circumstances. Sure I felt like Quinn was an idiot at times to be attracted to this untrustworthy vampire, especially the very first scene that just didn't work for me in context, but overall the relationship works for the book. My absolute favorite relationship is the sibling one between Quinn and Zack. I thought the author did an awesome job conveying just how much Zack means to her. Basically he is everything to her and all she has. Her father may be alive but he was never there for her, he always sided with her stepmonster (Zack's mother) instead of his firstborn. Creep. Anyway, despite her stepwitch's hatred of Quinn, Zack adored her from the time of his birth, and vice versa, he's always been there for her, even when she was being punished, and after high school he even moved to D.C. to be closer to her. It's really a sweet and respectful relationship. She'd do anything to save him and she tries like hell all throughout the book, which doesn't always work out so well. To me that shows Quinn is strong. It's not weakness to keep fighting in adverse situations, it's strength of character to keep going even when losing is more likely.
This is definitely the start to a series, and while there is an end to the book, there is still much to be told. In the fates of Vamp City, Quinn's sorcery, the relationship between her and Arturo, plus much more I don't want to give away. I'd recommend that if you're looking for a romance to go elsewhere, but if you're a fan of evil vampires, darkness, don't mind abnormal relationships, and just want to have a bloody good time, then what are you waiting for?!
Originally Reviewed: September 20, 2012
Received: Amazon Vine
The world is well drawn, mostly on account of it being a magical copy of Washington, D.C. circa 1860, but with some modern conveniences thrown in as well. Okay, so I did groan at the name Washington, V.C. (Vampire City), it is a bit cheesy, but luckily it was usually called either Vamp City or V.C., which both fit the atmosphere of the book much better. Parts of the city are abandoned and decaying, others a thriving compound for the different vampire families, called a kovena. The vampires themselves are killer, quite literally. Gone are the pantywaists of recent ilk, we're going back to basics (mostly) here. Not only do they feed on blood, but some also have to feed on either fear or pain as well. They go from zero to sixty in about a second, have super strength, mind control, slaves who adore them (called slavas), and boy, are they are mean. But hey, it's just in their nature, they can't help who they are, except maybe for the love interest and possible future heroes depending on how the series goes. For those who are fainthearted, this ain't the book for you. There are numerous disturbing scenes that depict torture or gore, I can handle it, but not everyone can. Ye have been warned.
Speaking of the love interest, Arturo "Vampire" Mazzo, he was, well, certainly mysterious. Due to his unswerving allegiance to his master, Cristoff (who I pictured as <spoiler>a 25 year old Lucius Malfoy played by Jason Isaacs, with a black goatee:
<img src="http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj183/piscesrain/goodreads/luciusmalfoy.jpg"></spoiler>;),
Arturo would turn his back on Quinn, yet the further on the harder it was for him to do so. His loyalty was being tested because of his feelings for her. Just to make things clear, this is a messed up relationship, some may not like that, but I thought it added a dose of reality and interest to the circumstances. Sure I felt like Quinn was an idiot at times to be attracted to this untrustworthy vampire, especially the very first scene that just didn't work for me in context, but overall the relationship works for the book. My absolute favorite relationship is the sibling one between Quinn and Zack. I thought the author did an awesome job conveying just how much Zack means to her. Basically he is everything to her and all she has. Her father may be alive but he was never there for her, he always sided with her stepmonster (Zack's mother) instead of his firstborn. Creep. Anyway, despite her stepwitch's hatred of Quinn, Zack adored her from the time of his birth, and vice versa, he's always been there for her, even when she was being punished, and after high school he even moved to D.C. to be closer to her. It's really a sweet and respectful relationship. She'd do anything to save him and she tries like hell all throughout the book, which doesn't always work out so well. To me that shows Quinn is strong. It's not weakness to keep fighting in adverse situations, it's strength of character to keep going even when losing is more likely.
This is definitely the start to a series, and while there is an end to the book, there is still much to be told. In the fates of Vamp City, Quinn's sorcery, the relationship between her and Arturo, plus much more I don't want to give away. I'd recommend that if you're looking for a romance to go elsewhere, but if you're a fan of evil vampires, darkness, don't mind abnormal relationships, and just want to have a bloody good time, then what are you waiting for?!
Originally Reviewed: September 20, 2012
Received: Amazon Vine