How to Catch a Queen

 Book Review of  How To Catch A Queen (Runaway Royals Series)

Title:  How To Catch A Queen

Series: Runaway Royals Series

Author: Alyssa Cole

Date Published:    December 1st 2020

Date Read:  Dec 9,  2020

The Blurb: 

When Shanti Mohapi weds the king of Njaza, her dream of becoming a queen finally comes true. But it’s nothing like she imagined. Shanti and her husband may share an immediate and powerful attraction, but her subjects see her as an outsider, and everything she was taught about being the perfect wife goes disastrously wrong.

A king must rule with an iron fist, and newly crowned King Sanyu was born perfectly fitted for the gauntlet, even if he wishes he weren’t. He agrees to take a wife as is required of him, though he doesn’t expect to actually fall in love. Even more vexing? His beguiling new queen seems to have the answers to his country’s problems—except no one will listen to her.

By day, they lead separate lives. By night, she wears the crown, and he bows to her demands in matters of politics and passion. When turmoil erupts in their kingdom and their marriage, Shanti goes on the run, and Sanyu must learn whether he has what it takes both to lead his people and to catch his queen.

My Review

2.5 Meh stars

I really wanted to love this book. The cover is beautiful and the synopsis sounded so good. Unfortunately I never felt the love between Sanyu and Shanti. Their relationship wasn't just a slow burn it was nonexistent. They never spent time together. Instead I found myself drowning in boring over the top details of royal life, and the politics of being the queen and king. I did like that Shanti wanted to make a difference. She wanted to make things better. That she stood for what she believed in and wanted to be a good queen. Sanyu on the other hand I didn't like that much. I felt he didn't have much of a backbone and let his advisor do all his thinking. It also bothered me how little he cared for or thought about Shanti. She could have been a chair for all he took notice.

By the time I warmed up a bit to Sanyu it was too little, too late. The advisor drove me crazy. I hated him so bad. I wanted him to get some real comeuppances for the crap he did but nope. The ended felt rushed, and the advisor issues got glossed over. While there were parts of the book I liked, overall it was just an okay and at times boring read for me. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I felt the love between the main couple or the advisor would have got what was coming to him. This is my first time reading Alyssa Cole and I would try her again but not this series.

Once Upon a Mail Order Bride

 Book Review of  Once Upon a Mail Order Bride (Outlaw mail order brides Series)

Title:  Once Upon a Mail Order Bride

Series: Outlaw mail order brides Series

Author: Linda Broday

Date Published:    November 24th 2020

Date Read:  Dec 6,  2020

The Blurb: Accused of crimes he didn't commit, ex-preacher Ridge Steele is forced to give up everything he knew and make his home with outlaws. Desperate for someone to confide in, he strikes up correspondence with mail-order bride Adeline Jancy, finding in her the open heart he's been searching for. Upon her arrival, Ridge discovers Addie only communicates through the written word, but he knows a little of what trauma can do to a person and vows to stand by her side.

Addie is eager to start a new life with the kind ex-preacher and the little boy she's stolen away from her father--a zealot priest of a terrorized flock. As her small family settles into life at Hope's Crossing, she even begins to find the voice, and confidence, she'd lost so long ago.

But danger is not far behind, and her father will not be denied. While Addie desperately fights the man who destroyed her childhood, a determined Ridge races to the rescue. The star-crossed lovers will need more than prayers to survive this final challenge...and find their way back to each other again.

My Review

4 finding faith again stars

 

So I'm a little late reading Once upon a Mail order bride and getting my review up thanks to getting Covid and having it kick my butt. Better late than never. I have been a fan of this series since Clay's book. I love reading about mail order brides and life back in the wild west and this series has both those. Ridge Steele has been my favorite since book 1, so finally getting his story was great. It was nice to take a step back from the stress of life and enjoy his love story.

Ridge was everything I wanted and more. I really enjoyed his back story and getting to know what made him the way he was. He had such a good heart and was easy to fall in love with. Addie was amazing and perfect for Ridge. Not only was she smart and pretty but brave and loyal too. She did what was right no matter the cost to her. They made a really cute couple.

The plot was really good, but I did take one star off because there was so much danger coming at the couple from both sides and I felt like it was a bit too much. With so much going on in the world it would have been nice to have a little bit more calm to the story. Still I loved reading it. Getting to see all the other couples and the kids. I think this was the last book in the series and that's sad because I would love to see the kids get married. If you are looking for a good read with a wild west flavor this is the book for you. Also I recommend you read the whole series because they are all good.

Defend Me

 Book Review of  Defend Me (Free Series)

Title:  Defend Me

Series: Free Series

Author: Grahame Claire

Date Published:    October 20th 2020

Date Read:  Nov. 5,  2020

The Blurb: 

I've done something stupid.

And I'm not even all that mad about it.
I've got a crush on my best friend's sister.
No, we're not five.
Though with the way we argue, it's debatable.
Half the time I don't like her.
She always says the wrong thing.
But I've got a soft spot for her and her little boy.
Yeah, me. One of the toughest defense attorneys in the city.
I never lose.
This might be a first.
Because I can't compete with a dead man.

My Review

4 Patrick Stars

As much as I love Grahame Claire's books, this one was a bit hard for me to rate. See I loved everything about this book, but the heroine. Even with my dislike of Marlow this book was still a good 4 star read for me. The plot was so good, the past couples and the Dixon family were amazing, and I was head over heels in love with the hero Patrick. He made the whole book for me.

I liked Patrick from book 1 as Andrew's lawyer friend who was so charming. I was really excited to get his story. He was everything I wanted and more. Sexy, loyal, smart, protective and caring. He accepted Marlow just as she was. He saw the good and the bad in her, but loved her, and never did he try to change her. He was so yummy. I also knew from past books that Marlow was blunt to the point of rude and had a painful past suffering the loss of her husband. I didn't much like her in the first two books in the series, and I really didn't like her in this book. I didn't hate her, just didn't like her. I may have never warmed up to her but I did understand were she was coming from. I felt her pain, and I understood her guilt and why she lashed out.

Patrick and Marlow made a good couple. They had a playful bickering kind of way to them that was funny and cute. Blake was so adorable. I loved that the few words he spoke were cuss words as a mom of 2 I laughed hard because it reminded me of my own kids learning and saying bad words. There was some exciting twist in this book that I really didn't see coming. Then the ending was so sweet. Overall it was a really good read and I can't wait to find out what's going on with Cricket.........

Xavier

 Book Review of Xavier (Vampires in America Series)

Title:  Xavier

Series: Vampires in America Series

Author: D.B. Reynolds

Date Published:    September 30th 2020

Date Read:  October 15th 2020

The Blurb: 

Barcelona—exquisite architecture, masterful artists, and just down the coast, an ancient fortress where an old and powerful vampire lives…and rules all of Spain.

Tall, dark, and deadly, vampire Xavier Prospero Flores waded through blood to destroy his enemies and reach the pinnacle of vampire society--Vampire Lord. He has only one regret in his long life, and that’s the day he rejected the advances of Layla Casales. She’d been too innocent, too naïve, and far too young. But she’d also been his.

Layla Casales was only nineteen when she left Spain, brokenhearted and humiliated by Xavier’s rejection. But now, ten years later, the ties of family are pulling her back, not only to Spain, but to Xavier’s fortress. Her father, the vampire lord’s military commander, is critically ill. Layla has spent years fighting on battlefields around the world, so when her father asks her to come home, she can’t say no.

Though Xavier’s rule began on the ashes of his enemies, it’s not vampires trying to kill him now--it’s humans. He needs to eliminate his enemy before more of his people die. Layla arrives just in time to help, but while she came for her father, the minute she and Xavier see each other, desire burns as hotly as if they’d never been apart. Xavier isn’t going to let her go this time. But before they can rediscover the love they walked away from, they must first keep each other alive. 

My Review

4 I missed Raphael Stars

 Xavier, the 14th book in the Vampires in America series was a good and enjoyable read, but I really missed Raphael and Cyn in this book. I enjoyed the fact that the heroine was bad-ass like Cyn. As much as I enjoyed this book I felt like something was missing. I'm not sure what, but it was a bit off for me. Maybe it was because it didn't tie into the other American vampire lords working on a world alliance plot that has been going on for many books now or maybe it was that I didn't totally love Xavier. Whatever it was it made this book a good read but not a 5 star one.

Xavier was a hard one for me to warm up to. He was powerful, and loyal to those he cared for, but he was a bit too cocky for me. He came off pompous at times. I did like him and I liked how good he was to Layla, her family, and the little community he created but his arrogance was a turn off.

Layla was great. She was smart, tough, and was a no nonsense kind of woman. I like that she could not only take care of herself but Xavier as well. They made a cute couple I just wished they would of had a bit more time together for relationship building.

This book had all new characters. Which is good and bad. It's good that it can be read as a standalone. But it's bad because it feels out of sync with the series. I would have liked at least a phone call to Raphael to tie it into the series. I did really like Brian and Kerry from Layla's team. I liked that Brian loved Layla, but wasn't in love with her. He didn't step over the line and disrespect Xavier and Layla's relationship at all, and he was brave. I liked Chuy and Layla's parents too. I wish we would have got to see Layla's parents finding out that Layla and Xavier got mated. I was dying to know how her dad would have taken the news. The bad guy in this book was a bit of a wimp. The plot moved nicely and I was never bored. Overall a good book in the series but not one of my favorites.

Guardian's Grace

 

Book Review of Guardian's Grace (Dark Protectors Series)

Title:  Guardian's Grace

Series: Dark Protectors Series

Author: Rebecca Zanetti

Date Published:    October 13th 2020

Date Read:  October 4th 2020

The Blurb: 

Duty—or desire?

Vampire soldier Adare O’Cearbhaill’s default setting is cranky. Or irritated. Or down-right hostile. Still, as a Highlander of honor and duty he stepped up to save an enhanced and special human female by mating her—with merely a bite and a brand. The last person he wants in his life is a fragile human, yet he can’t get her out of his mind as she regains her strength before taking off for parts unknown. And when he discovers she is in danger, nothing can stop him from hunting her down—whether she likes it or not.

There’s only one way to find out . . .

Photographer Grace Cooper has had it with vampires, demons, and the rest of an immortal world she was happier not knowing about. She also doesn’t believe she’s destined for some great battle because of an old birthmark. Forget the fact that her mate is the sexiest thing on two stubborn feet, or that her brand is fading along with her health. She’ll handle things on her own—until an old enemy reappears and she learns the only way to stay alive is to actually mate, wild sex and all, with that ripped and dangerous Adare—a powerful, captivating Highlander who demands nothing less than everything 

My Review

5 A Picture is worth a thousand words Stars

May have mild spoilers

Rebecca Zanetti never lets me down. Guardian's Grace the 12th book in the dark protectors series was so damn good. I have been looking forward to Adare and Grace's book for a while now. They semi-mated five years ago, but never consummated the mating. It was clear from the book Vampire's Faith that Adare and Grace had feelings for each other but like any good tortured hero Adare had issues. I had very high expectations going into this read and it met and exceeded them all.

Adare was so sexy. A Highlander of ole he had a dark past filled with pain, loss and duty. The pain of loss so great, the guilt crushing that he turned his emotions off. He didn't want to let anyone in to hurt him again. A loyal and honorable warrior he protected his people and tries to save as many enhanced females as he can. I loved watching his hard shell crack. Grace was a great heroine. She was smart, honest, caring, and a little bit sassy. A gifted photographer Grace had a way of looking deep into a person's soul through her camera. I loved that she was so down to earth and relatable. They made a really hot couple. I loved everything about them.

I really enjoyed the ongoing plot of the series. This book started a few years after the last book ended. Hope, Pax , Drake, and Libby are teens now. I keep trying to decide which boy I want for Hope but right now I can go either way. I really enjoyed seeing past favorite characters. Although I was a bit upset with the way the Shifter nation and Jordan Pride acted during the drama with the Realm. I was sad that I didn't get to see some Kayrs children. I want to see Jase and Brenna's kid, Conn and Moira, I want to see if Amber and Kane had kids I want to see if the King and Queen have more kids, And of course I need to know if Talen and Cara have more kids. I need more time with the past couples and the Kayrs family. Maybe a Christmas book or something, but I feel like we really need a family reunion like book. Anyways..... Benny OMG Benny. This book gave us readers a peek of Benny's mate and I just can't wait to get my hands on Benny's book. Really though I can't wait to get my hands on anything Rebecca Zanetti writes, because she is the best. I recommend this series to anyone that likes paranormal romance.

Omens

Book Review of Omens (Dark in You Series)

 Title:  Omens

Series: Dark in you Series

Author: Suzanne Wright

Date Published:    July 28th 2020

Date Read:  July 16th 2020

The Blurb:

She’s the one thing he can’t control . . .

Since Keenan’s traumatic childhood he’s made sure he’s always in control. Of himself, and of the world around him. But Khloe drives him crazy. She’s an imp, so getting under people’s skin is basically her job description, but Khloe makes him – and his body – respond in ways he’s never known.

Keenan is the mistake Khloe knows she shouldn’t make. As an incubus, he’s got an inside track into everything that makes her tick, and even though she’s immune to his supernatural sex appeal, that doesn’t stop her body – and her demon – craving him.

After a bet escalates the simmering tension between them it’s finally game on . . . and then the game turns deadly serious. When a danger appears that could threaten the whole lair, Keenan’s desperate to protect Khloe any way he can – but will she accept his claim, and can he accept the power she has over him? 

My Review

5 Keenan’s Crazy Imp Stars

Suzanne Wright did it again. She is such an amazing author. Some how she turns out great book after great book. She has 5 different series now that I just love. Omens was so good. Keenan and Khloe have had this slow burn sexual build up for 5 books now and I don't know about anyone else, but I have been dying to get my hands on their book. Of course I loved it. It gave me everything I have been waiting for. Keenan was so sexy and protective. I loved that he also had this deeper side, a dark temper, past scars, and a playful side. As an Incubus it makes me just think sex but he was so much more. Although there is a lot going on in the sex department too.

Khloe made the book for me. She was so funny and crazy. I can't tell you how many times I laughed reading this book. Khloe was also loyal, smart, and kicked ass.

Khloe and Keenan were so great together. The bad guy and his army omg gross. I loved that there was never a dull moment in this book. Keenan and Knox had a bit of an issue of sorts and I wish we would have got more on that. Instead it was just kinda glossed over. I loved the girl nights. Most of all I really wanted more of Raini and Maddox. Maddox was so intriguing. I need more of him and soon. Asher omfg Asher was the cutest little man ever I need a lot more Asher. Maybe we could get another book with Knox, Asher and Harper so we could get a bit more Asher. HINT HINT. I recommend this book and series to anyone that loves Paranormal romances. I also recommend her other series The Phoenix Pack Series, Deep In Your Veins Series, The Mercury Pack Series, and The Olympus Pride Series which are equally amazing.

Dark Magic

Book Review of Dark Magic (Carpathian Series)

Title:  Dark Magic

Series: Carpathian Series

Author: Christine Feehan

Date Published:   July 1st 2000

Date Read: June 23rd  2012

The Blurb:

They were masters of the darkness, searching through eternity for a mistress of the light...

Would she find magic--or madness--in his dark embrace?

Young Savannah Dubrinsky was a mistress of illusion, a world-famous magician capable of mesmerizing millions. But there was one--Gregori, the Dark One--who held her in terrifying thrall. Whose cold silver eyes and heated sensuality sent shivers of danger, of desire, down her slender spine.

With a dark magic all his own, Gregori--the implacable hunter, the legendary healer, the most powerful of Carpathian males--whispered in Savannah's mind that he was her destiny. That she had been born to save his immortal soul. And now, here in New Orleans, the hour had finally come to claim her. To make her completely his. In a ritual as old as time...and as inescapable as eternity.

My Review

5 Her dark one Stars

"The five years I allotted you your freedom have been hell for me and dangerous to anyone I came into contact with. I am very close to turning, and it is too late for me to seek the dawn. It was necessary for the safety of all concerned that I come for you now." -Gregori

First read June 2012 reread January 14 2016
Reread January 23 2017

*Spoilers*

"And just for the record, your mind needs to be washed out with soap! Half the things you think we're going to do are never going to happen. I could never look at you again."-Savannah

Dark Magic the 4th book in the Dark Series by Christine Feehan is my favorite book of the whole series, by far!! I am totally in love with this book. In books there are some couples you like, some you hate, and some you love. Some that feel like just a story, some that make you excited, and then there are the couples that feel so real and tangible that they come to life for you. They are like a friend, they live inside you. Burnt in your memories for all times. They have so much chemistry that you feel it as deep as they do, and they make you long for that kind of love. That is this couple for me!! Damn even after 4 times of reading this book I still find it amazing. I still get all giddy with butterflies and try to savor every moment of the read.

"You are part of me. I cannot hurt you. Touch my mind with yours. I want you more than I have ever wanted anything in my entire existence." -Gregori

"I was being childish, Gregori, when I made such an accusation," she said softly, her eyes meeting his squarely. "I wanted my own life, with no one to answer to. It was thoughtless and wrong of me. And I was afraid. But I'm not now, and I ask your forgiveness - "-Savannah

You will show some respect, Gregori ordered. Savannah burst out laughing, then reached up to caress his shadowed jaw. "Keep hoping, my love, and perhaps someday someone will obey you." Aidan's mouth twitched, the golden eyes sliding over Gregori in amusement. "She inherited something besides her mother's good looks, did she not?" Gregori sighed heavily. "She is impossible."-Gregori, Savannah, and Aidan

Savannah started off in this book running for her freedom. She was naive and didn't understand how her actions effected Gregori. She was scared of him because he was so powerful. He brought out such deep feelings, that she was afraid that he would take over her life. But Savannah grows up quickly when she almost loses Gregori to the darkness. She realizes how selfish she was and she becomes a truly wonderful lifemate to Gregori. Loving, supportive and giving. She brought out a much softer side of Gregori. She got him to let go and live. Made him smile, laugh, and she loved and accepts him unconditionally. Savannah had a very mischievous playful personality. What I loved most about Savannah was she knew what an amazing man her lifemate was. She wanted to learn how to be a partner to Gregori, she wanted to help this great man of power, take some of his burden, and be a team. She wanted to be worthy of such a great lifemate. And she was!

"When an old geezer marries a young chick, he has to learn to get back into the swing of things. Party time. Night life. Does it ring a bell, or has it been too long?" she teased. Gregori bunched her hair in his hand and tugged. "Show some respect, bebe, or I might have to turn you over my knee." "Kinky." One delicate shoulder rose and fell in a sexy little shrug. "I'm willing to try anything once."-Savannah and Gregori

"Savannah? Were you trying to hit me?" "I did hit you - twice, you scum. You didn't even notice the first time." She sounded very irritated with him. For some reason it made him want to smile. "I apologize, mon amour. Next time, I promise I will notice when you strike me." The hard edge to his mouth softened into a semblance of a smile. "I will even go so far as to pretend that it hurts, if you wish it."-Gregori and Savannah

Oh my Gregori. My yummy, sexy, bossy, dark Gregori, how I love you! Gregori was perfect, amazing, and I fucking loved him! Just sayin'. Gregori has been alone a long time. Shunned by the very people that depend on him for protection and healing. He is the boogie man of the Carpathian people. Gregori feels he is dark, a monster. Killing countless vampires some who were close friends and family has taken it's toll on his soul. Gregori is so close to turning because he gave Savannah five years of freedom that he was almost lost to the darkness when he claimed Savannah. Gregori was super protective. He battled with giving Savannah the freedom she wanted and keeping her safe. He was very old fashion when it came to his views of a woman's role in a relationship, listen to her lifemate and stay safe. But Savannah shows him quickly that women today don't play that game! Gregori truly wanted Savannah to be happy, so he did soften and learned to compromise with Savannah for the most part, but he was still Gregori, and he never changed when it came to her safety. Gregori was perfect! I would change nothing about him.

Look at your hero now. See what I really am. I kill without thought. Without effort. Without remorse. Without mercy. I am the monster you named me, and I am without equal. Someday I will pay the ultimate price. Savannah's soft laughter whispered over his skin. It was a gentle, cleansing breeze drifting through his mind. And who is stronger than my lifemate? No one can kill you. -Gregori and Savannah

"I love you, Gregori," she whispered softly against his throat. "I really love you. The real you. Do you understand?"-Savannah

Everything about this couple cried out to me. I felt extremely connected to them. Their love was explosive, wild, deep and very moving. I can't give words to how much I love Savannah and Gregori. Gregori in all his kickass glory, and Savannah given him all kinds of hell. I loved watching Gregori eat his words about how to handle women, it was too funny. And the way Savannah wrapped Gregori around her finger was so cute. It was great seeing their love grow to something unbreakable and beautiful. It was fun getting to see Aidan again. And to make a perfect book even more unforgettable we meet Gary Jansen in this book. God I love me some sweet, nerdy , Gary Jansen! I truly loved this book from start to finish, and never wanted it to end! This book is awesome and amazing and if you like paranormal and have not read this book you should try it.

"You are my world, ma petite, my very existence. You are what makes living bearable. You are my light, the very air I breathe." His mouth brushed her pulse, her earlobe. "You are not meant to walk in death. You never were." "If you walk in death, Gregori, then that is where you will find me. Right beside you. I belong where you are. I am your lifemate. There is no other. I am your lifemate." -Gregori and Savannah