Tag: Review

Review

How to Date a Fury (Syn City Shifters Book 1) by Luna Joya – My Review

theliteraryvixenLeave a comment


Title: How to Date a Fury (Syn City Shifters Book 1)

Author: Luna Joya

Release Date: September 22nd 2022

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

Who knew dying would be the easy part of my day?

It all started the night Chase, my mountain lion shifter ex, reappeared. We’d had a whole good girl/bad boy romance going until he abandoned me a decade ago. I’d gone to Syn City for a little fun before being trapped in my hometown forever.

Then I was murdered by a maniac and my night really fell apart.

But somehow, Chase managed to strike a deal on a blood oath and bring me back as a Fury. He wants a second chance at romance, claiming we’re fated mates.

Now, I have to deal with the guy I thought I’d never see again, find and punish my murderer, and participate in a giant supernatural roller derby (long story)—all while trying to earn my wings.

And if I fail? I’ll end up dead. Again…only this time, it’ll be permanent.

All I can say is that it’s a good thing hell hath no fury like, well, an actual Fury.

How to Date a Fury, the first book in the Syn City Shifters Series, is a dark, sexy, paranormal romance featuring a reluctant Fury and the shifter who broke her heart but wants a shot at mending it. Happily ever after (and plenty of snarky fun) guaranteed. Perfect for fans of Linsey Hall, Jaymin Eve, and Amelia Hutchins.

Luna Joya is coming in hot with a brand new series!

How to Date a Fury exceeded all my expectations! A fantastic engaging story with some pretty unique characters. What’s a Luna Joya story without some heat? She definitely brought that and more!

A wonderful start to a series. I look forward to reading more! If you like fantasy romance with some heat, look no further. Go ahead and binge read this book! You deserve it. I give this 5 stars.

Review

Dissent: A Charity Romance Anthology (Dissent Collections Book 1) – My Review

theliteraryvixenLeave a comment


Title: Dissent: A Charity Romance Anthology (Dissent Collections Book 1)

Author: Various Authors (Review for Sarah M. Cradit’s story)

Release Date: September 6th 2022

Genre: Romance, Anthologies

NOW A USA TODAY BESTSELLING ANTHOLOGY!

For National Read a Book day, DISSENT is available for a limited time in eBook and three paperback volumes!

DISSENT is a charity romance anthology with NEW, never before published content from 150 authors of all romance genres. All proceeds from the eBook and paperbacks will be donated to organizations benefiting reproductive rights in the United States, particularly in areas where people need them more than ever.

Dissent will only be available for a very limited time, so grab your copy today!

**We are not affiliated nor endorsed by any of these charities. We are simply a community bound by a single cause: protecting the basic human right of body autonomy.**

AUTHORS INCLUDE: Brighton Walsh, Nicole French, Kennedy Fox, A.M. Roark, A.R. Hall, Aarti V Raman, Aidy Award, Alexis Anne, Amanda Richardson, Amelia Wilde, Amie Knight, Amy Quinton, Anna Michael, Aria Wyatt, Ashley Lane, Autumn Jones Lake, B. Celeste, B.L. Olson, Blair Babylon, Brenda St John Brown, Brenna Aubrey, Bri Blackwood, Cara Dee, Carmen Jenner, C.L. Matthews, Cassie Graham, Celia Kyle, Charity Ferrell, Claire Wilder, Crystal Kaswell, Dakota Willink, Dani René, Daniela Romero, Dee Garcia, Dee Lagasse, Deidre-Ann Anderson, Donna Grant, Echo Grayce, Elena Aitken, Elle Thorpe, Ellis Leigh, Emily Colin, Emily Goodwin, Erica Alexander, Erin Parisien, Eva Charles, Eva Moore, Evelyn Adams, Glenna Maynard, H.D. Carlton, Haley Jenner, Heidi McLaughlin, Holly Mortimer, Hope Jones, Ines Johnson, Iris Morland, J. Saman, J. Sterling, J.H. Croix, J.L. Beck & C. Hallman, J.M. Walker, Jane Blythe, Janet Berry, Jasmin Miller, JD Hollyfield, Jen Stevens, Jenika Snow, Jenna Hartley, Jenna Lynn, Jennifer Sucevic, Jessica Florence, Jillian Liota, Julia Kent, Kait Nolan, Kat Latham, Kat Savage, Kate Canterbary, Kate King and Jessa Wilder, Kate Meader, Kathy Coopmans, K.B. Cinder, K.D. Proctor, Kelly Maher, Kim Loraine, Kym Grosso, Lainey Davis, Laramie Briscoe, Laura Hall, Laura Lee, Lauren Stewart, Lea Coll, Len Webster, Lili Valente, Linnea May, Lisa Shelby, Lissanne Jones, Lucy Lennox, Mary Ann Marlowe, Max Henry, Megan Ryder, Melissa Andrea, Melissa Marino, Melonie Johnson, Mia Sands, Mignon Mykel, Molly O’Hare, Morgan Jane Mitchell, Natasha Raulerson, Nicole Blanchard, Nina Levine, Pamela DuMond, Patricia D. Eddy, Persephone Autumn, R.L. Kenderson, Rachel Brookes, Raven James, Rebecca Paula, Rebecca Yarros, Regina Kyle, R. Castro, Roxie Noir, S. Cinders, Sade Rena, Saffron A. Kent, Samantha Lind, Sarah M. Cradit, Scarlett Cole, S.E. Rose, Shaw Hart, Sydney St. James, S.J. Sylvis, Skye Alder, Stephanie Anne, Suzanne Baltsar, Sylvie Stewart, T.K. Leigh, Tabatha Vargo, Tamara Lush, Taryn Quinn, Tawna Fenske, T. Gephart, Toni Aleo, Tracy Krimmer, Tricia Lynne, Trish Milburn, V.F. Mason, Vanessa Booke, Vivian Wood, Zoe Ashwood, and Zoe York.

This review is for An Ocean Away by Sarah M. Cradit. This enjoyable short read will have you wanting more. More story! More characters! This world is one of favorites to escape to and this little tease got me excited all over again! Highly recommend! I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

New Release · Review

Wicked Crown (The Wicked Book 1) by Luna Joya – My Review

theliteraryvixenLeave a comment


Title: Wicked Crown (The Wicked Book 1)

Author: Luna Joya

Release Date: July 5th 2022

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy


She’s not who-or what-she appears to be. Neither is he.

Supermodel Vori would be happy to stay in the human world, blissfully ignoring her true nature. But no. The blood vow she once made requires her to return to the Goblin Court. And since going alone would mean consenting to an arranged marriage, she needs a fake husband. Someone no one would miss if there was an unfortunate…accident. Vori knows the perfect villain for the job.

Witch Perry used to be a hotshot lawyer. But that was before he made all the wrong choices, wound up in league with a demon, and was left to rot in prison. Now, he has a second chance. He can finally earn his redemption. Too bad his last hope is the woman he ghosted two years ago.

It’s not long before Vori and Perry realize they aren’t as different as they thought-and that the line between enemies and lovers can be razor thin. But if they want their happily ever after, they’ll first have to stop a supernatural killer and survive a royal smackdown. Should be easy for a goblin princess and her dashing antihero, right?

If only.

Wicked Crown is a fierce alluring read that will leave you wanting more!

Ever since I was introduced to Vori, I wanted to know more about her. She intrigued me from that first intro and I was thrilled she got her very own book! Can we take a moment to admire that fire cover?

Right away, I was pulled into the book. This story was everything I wanted. Action, intrigue, steam, and most of all, Vori’s story. I was already invested because I’m a huge fan and follower of The Legacy Series. Vori is much more that what she portrays herself to be.

I can’t recommend this book enough! If you love paranormal romance with steam and action, this book is for you. Skip adding this to your TBR and one click it today! I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Review

Sinkhole by Davida Breier – My Review

theliteraryvixenLeave a comment


Title: Sinkhole

Author: Davida Breier

Release Date: May 26th 2022

Genre: Thriller, Coming of Age


Humidity, lovebugs, and murder.

Lies from the past and a dangerous present collide when, after fifteen years in exile, Michelle Miller returns to her tiny hometown of Lorida, Florida. With her mother in the hospital, she’s forced to reckon with the broken relationships she left behind: with her family, with friends, and with herself.

As a teenager, Michelle felt isolated and invisible until she met Sissy, a dynamic and wealthy classmate. Their sudden, intense friendship was all-consuming. Punk rocker Morrison later joins their clique, and they become an inseparable trio. They were the perfect high school friends, bound by dysfunction, bad TV, and boredom―until one of them ends up dead.

Forced to confront the life she turned her back on fifteen years ago, she begins questioning what was truth and what were lies. Now at a distance, Michelle begins to see how dangerous Sissy truly was.

An ingenious debut from editor and publisher Davida Breier, Sinkhole is a mesmerizing, darkly comic coming-of-age novel immersed in 1980s central Florida. A disturbing and skillful exploration of home, friendship, selfhood, and grief set amidst golf courses, mobile homes, and alligators.

A brilliantly dark read!

I read the synopsis and saw the story would be taking place in the 1980’s. Done! I love anything 80’s. The story has a dark vibe to it and I was there for it. Growing up and trying to fit in is hard. We’ve all been there. Michelle wants a friend and meets Sissy.

The characters are all very well written. I found myself relating and connecting to some of them and what they were going through. High school is rough. Fitting in is rough. There were times I shouted out loud because I saw the signs. Those red flags. I wanted to warn them. I was fully invested in the book! I found it hard to put the book down but I needed to know how it ended! The twist was a really good one and the ending felt like the sun rising on a new day.

I highly enjoyed this book. It is very well written and the author’s storytelling is fantastic. I can’t wait to see more from this author. If you’re a fan of thrillers and mystery, give this book a try! You won’t be disappointed. I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Review

The Prisoner of Paradise: A Dual-Timeline Thriller Set in Venice (Painted Souls Book 1) – My Review

theliteraryvixenLeave a comment


Title: The Prisoner of Paradise: A Dual-Timeline Thriller Set in Venice (Painted Souls Book 1)

Author: Rob Samborn

Release Date: November 30th 2022

Genre: Historical, Thriller

A trip of a lifetime.
A 433-year-old murder.
An ancient order that will kill to silence the truth.

AMERICAN WRITING AWARDS FINALIST (THRILLERS/ADVENTURES)
Nick and Julia O’Connor’s dream trip to Venice collapses when a haunting voice reaches out to Nick from Tintoretto’s Paradise, the world’s largest oil painting.

Though Julia worries her husband suffers from a delusion, Nick is adamant the voice belongs to a woman from the 16th century—his soul mate from a previous life. He discovers a religious order that has developed a method of extracting people’s souls, which they imprison in Paradise. Over the centuries, they’ve judged thousands of souls and sentenced them to eternal purgatory.

As infatuation with the past clouds his commitment to his present-day wife, Nick must right an age-old wrong—destroy the painting and liberate his soul mate. But freeing her would allow all the souls to be reborn.

The order will never let that happen.

A riveting thriller ignites with a time-spanning love story. Perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Diana Gabaldon, Neil Gaiman or David Mitchell.

This book was quite the adventure! Secret society and the past and future colliding makes for an interesting read. The beginning was a little slow for me. I struggled a bit to keep reading. I knew characters and plot were being set up so I kept going. I did find the switching of views between the characters a bit confusing at times. I wasn’t sure who’s point of view I was reading because it had switched. I found myself enjoying the chapters that featured the past. From the way they spoke to the events, I found those chapters most enjoyable. I didn’t connect with any of the characters. They all seemed like pretty awful people but I feel it was intentional. None of these issues affected the story for me too much. I kept reading and found myself immersed in a different world. There are twists and turns and I had to know what would happen next!

All that being said, this was a good read. I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone with this book and I’m so glad I did. If you’re a fan of historical time travel thrillers, this book is right up your alley! I give this 3 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Review

Rowan: The Lochlann Feuds Complete Series – My Review

theliteraryvixenLeave a comment


Title: Rowan: The Lochlann Feuds Complete Series

Author: Robin D. Mahle & Elle Madison

Release Date: June 9th 2022

Genre: Historical Romance

A Reckless Princess. An Enemy Kingdom. And a mistake that could cost her everything.

Rowan never wanted the kind of love you go to war for — the kind of love that could break you.

But when a harmless adventure lands her in the dungeons of her enemy, she’ll realize that’s just one of many things that’s beyond her control. Between Socairan politics, blood debts, and arseling lords with perilously gray morality, Rowan is forced to learn more than she ever wanted to about herself, about the kinds of choices she is capable of making.

And about how much she’s willing to risk for a love she never wanted to begin with.

**The Lochlann Feuds takes place after the events of The Lochlann Treaty Series, but it can be devoured and enjoyed all on its own.**

A fantastic and exciting series!

From beginning to end, these stories will captivate you and then leave you wanting more! It was great to read and watch Rowan change from that very first page to the end. Nothing went like I thought it would and it was glorious! The characters were a fun bunch and very well written. Well, some weren’t as fun. You’ll see what I mean once you dive in. I had my favorites for sure. Secrets, lies, and revenge made for some really great reading. Was I irrationally angry when I had to put the book down? Yes but in my defense I REALLY wanted to stay in this world!

If you love adventure, witty characters, and more, this collection is for you! I’m a fan of this writing duo and will highly recommend their books to anyone who will listen. I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

New Release · Review

Bad Girls Drink Blood (Blood Fae Druid Book 1) by S.L. Choi – My Review

theliteraryvixenLeave a comment


Title: Bad Girls Drink Blood (Blood Fae Druid Book 1)

Author: S.L. Choi

Release Date: May 17th 2022

Genre: Paranormal Suspense, Fantasy

Part sun fae, part blood fae, all abomination.

After a life spent dodging slurs, threats, and assassination attempts, Lane Callaghan gave her past the one finger salute and ditched her former fae home for good.

The detective agency she and her sisters run on the edge of Las Vegas continues to limp along, with Lane doing more debt collecting and intimidating than investigating, but anything to pay the bills. Between working for low-lifes to bring down even lower-lifes, eating cheesy poofs by the bucket, and flirting with the criminally attractive bartender where she conducts business, life is good.

That ends when a routine job goes sideways leaving Lane with a sack full of stolen sun shards—the source of sun fae power. Without the shards, the sun fae face giving up their magic completely, or risk death if they use their power.

As far as Lane’s concerned, good riddance, considering they would rather see her dead—except her father and adopted sister are sun fae. Lane must choose to return home to save the fae bastards that almost killed her…or let them burn.

“With tantalizing hints of a wolfy blood tryst, a heavy dose of sisterly love, and plot twists to make the ride a surprise, S.L. Choi’s, Bad Girls Drink Blood is too much fun. If you like the Hollows, you will love this.” — Kim Harrison, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Hollows series

Bad Girls Drink Blood has the heroine we didn’t know we needed and may not deserve! Lane is one tough cookie. She doesn’t back down from a fight and she always gets the job done. 

What an entertaining ride this book was! You get a front seat into the adventures and shenanigans that Lane seems to find herself in. Her humor is on point, which had me laughing. Action and humor. A great combo! Teddy is dreamy! New book boyfriend? I think so! The banter between the characters was great. It made this a fun read. Oh there were plenty of moments that got you right in your feels too. That ending left me longing for the next book. I needs it!! 

A fantastic debut for S.L. Choi! The book is well written and the world building is impressive. This witty, action packed paranormal goodness will have you on one crazy ride. A ride that you won’t want to get off any time soon! I give this 5 stars. 

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

New Release · Review

The Shadow’s Heir (The Cursed Queens Book 2) by E.E. Hornburg – My Review

theliteraryvixenLeave a comment


Title: The Shadow’s Heir (The Cursed Queens Book 2)

Author: E.E. Hornburg

Release Date: May 17th 2022

Genre: Fantasy, Retellings

Myra has spent years hiding—in servitude of the now imprisoned Queen Amelia, and from a lineage she never wanted.

Now that she is freed from Amelia’s clutches, Myra is ready for a new start, but the echoes of the past, and the truth of who she is—a direct descendant of Stula, the goddess of death—will only disrupt the peace she wants to find in the kingdom of Oxare.

The kingdom is beautiful, as is the handsome prince Alvis and though his offer to join him at the Golden Palace is tempting, Myra is determined to make her own way.

But when a life on her own becomes too difficult, Myra is forced to accept Alvis’ offer and lands in the thick of a plot to free Queen Amelia. To keep the entire realm and her people safe, Myra and Alvis must find out who among the Golden Palace court is the betrayer before Amelia escapes.

But with each passing day Myra feels her connection to Alvis growing stronger, and her past continues to haunt her. Can they protect the kingdom and each other, before Amelia takes her revenge and Alvis finds out the truth?

Fans of Sarah J Maas, Hannah Whitten, and Emma Hamm will love this magical Cinderella retelling and follow up to The Night’s Chosen!

Fantastic world building! Mystery and deception. People are more than what they seem.

I could not put this book down! I was totally captivated right from the start. I knew that Myra and Alvis’ story was going to be truly special and I was not disappointed! The characters added color and flavor to the story. Unique in their own way. Loved how witty most of them were. The playful banter put a smile on my face. Can we befriend fictional characters? That’s truly how I felt with some of them. With the magical word weaving from Miss Hornburg, I was able to easily imagine the sounds and sights of another world. I loved the connection between Alvis and Myra. A slow burn kind of dance. That ending has me wanting more! I need book three ASAP!

This is a series I highly recommend and has fast become a favorite of mine. Enjoy retellings with a twist? These books are for you. Take a chance. You won’t be disappointed! I give this 5 stars. 

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

New Release · Review

Spellbound (From the Magic & Malice Anthology) by A.D. Luna – My Review

theliteraryvixenLeave a comment


Title: Spellbound (From the Magic & Malice Anthology)

Author: A.D. Luna

Release Date: May 15th 2022

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy

Shayna
All my life I’ve been different. For starters, my family are vampires, and I am a human who can see and talk to the dead. I also have a natural ability for witchcraft. An ability that’s landed me at the most prestigious wizarding academy around.
But when I set foot on the ground of Aldridge Academy in the middle of the night after being whisked away, I know there’s more to the story, and I intend to figure it out.
Eli
My life has always been about the end game. A fourth-generation wizard with gifts like mine means I’m on a path not many will follow. It also means I’m an outsider, especially among the students at Aldridge. I’m used to being alone, with only my magic and mountains of paperwork to keep my company.
At least I thought I was. Until Aldridge gets a new student.

Magic & Malice is a magical collection of stories from some pretty awesome authors!

Spellbound by A.D. Luna is one of my faves! From the first couple of words, I was hooked. From the story to the characters, everything is very well written. I was digging the mysterious and slightly danger vibes the story was giving off. That ending! I can’t wait to see what comes next from A.D. Luna. A new author to watch and follow! I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

New Release · Review

Forsaking the Dragon (Flames of Kalleen Book 3) by K.L. Bone – My Review

theliteraryvixenLeave a comment


Title: Forsaking the Dragon (Flames of Kalleen Book 3)

Author: K.L. Bone

Release Date: May 24th 2022

Genre: Fantasy

7,000 years ago a lie was born to hide a destructive truth—a Kalleen Princess defended her Amethystine love to her dying breath.

***

For millennia, Amethystine dragons have been banished from the Kalleen Kingdom, their very existence erased from the annals of history. But some claim, in the icy wastelands to which they were exiled, the Amethystines survived and wait for an opportunity to reclaim their land and birthright.

To protect her kingdom from the wicked and powerful temples that challenge her rule, Dragon Queen Amelia ventures into the ice-swept mountains in search of legends. The path proves treacherous, and the dragons she seeks may be the greatest threat she has yet faced.

Accompanying Amelia on this journey, Conner will stop at nothing to protect her, hoping his devotion and loyalty will be enough to overcome the secrets and family legacy he has kept hidden from the woman he loves.

As Amelia delves deeper into Amethystine lands, she must contend with the ancestral hatred from those her kingdom wronged centuries before, while finding a way to convince the Amethystines that if they fail to stand together both kingdoms will fall. To forge such an alliance, the Amethystine council demands a shocking price, one Amelia may not be willing to pay.

Return to the Kingdom of Kalleen…

Includes character and dragon illustrations by Raven Quinn, Vii Morte, and Barn-Swallow Art.

K.L. Bone knocked the third book in her Flames of Kallen Series out of the park! This book tied the remaining portion of the second book with much success. You get introduced to new characters and the world continues to build and build, leaving you wanting more. This enchanting series will both captivate and fascinate you. I highly recommend it! I give this 5 stars!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*