ARC REVIEW Destiny Disgraced by Carrie Ann Ryan

Oh My God this book!!!!! Book 6 in the Talen Pack series but it is the start of a new story arc so it is a perfectly acceptable place to start if you want. Okay so this book introduces an new Big Bad and an absolutely jaw dropping surprise! Carrie Ann Ryan as always weaves a story that capture you from the first page with characters that are as real to us fans as our own family and traumatic experiences that help shape who they are and why they became they why they did. There is method to the Moon Goddess' madness you just have to be patient enough to find it.

I don't want to go too much into the story and accidentally reveal a spoiler. Mitchell is the Talon pack beta and even though the pack has healed and moved past the atrocities of the past leaders and the reveal of shifter and witchkind to the public he's not going easy on his pack they need to be prepared for anything. Central pack has been a non-existent pack since the war between the packs, since their former alphas ruined the pack and the Moon Goddess basically unblessed them they have just been surviving the best they could. The ones left were shifter who escaped the pack before it self destructed, now what few children were born after the war are grown up and on the path to getting Goddess blessed again. Dawn just knows her brother will be the new alpha when it happens and as hard as she has work for the pack she is hoping to be Goddess blessed herself and finally as a dominant maternal finally have a place in a real pack.

The Talon pack has been helping the new Central's train and basically how to become a pack again and until now Mitchell has successfully avoid Dawn. The attraction is there but Dawn isn't ready to be mated yet, and Mitchell has reason's of his own, but once they start talking a friendship comes easily and after the friendship, well once they start down that path there is no turning back. But the new Big Bad is out there just waiting for his chance to attack.

Overall, OUTSTANDING! I loved this, Mitchell and Dawn so heartbreaking and just so good.      

ARC REVIEW Destined to Crave by Setta Jay

Destined to Crave is the spin-off/continuation of Setta's Guardian's of the Realm series; it is going to feature the kids of the characters from that series. Have no fear if you have not read through that series it is perfectly okay to start reading this one, there is a nice summary of the events at the beginning of the book. 

Lucy and Ryker are destined mates, they have known this since puberty but Lucy is five years older than Ryker and she doesn't want him to jump into the mating as soon as he is old enough she wants him to wait five years so that he's had some freedom before being tied to her for the rest of their lives. As much as it hurts them both to be apart Ryker reluctantly agrees, but right after something happens and he's not going to claim Lucy until it's dealt with, he doesn't want her tainted with the pain he's been going through. Time passes and the five years have come and gone and Ryker still hasn't come to claim Lucy yet. She's worried and concerned  something is wrong and Ryker is hiding something from her. It's not until that danger threatens Lucy that Ryker finally comes clean with Lucy and the rest of the Guardians about what happened. Ryker still thinks keeping Lucy away from him is the solution but Lucy knows they will be stronger together.

As always Setta compacts a great story, great chemistry, and sex scenes hot enough to burn your burn your fingertips all into a novella length book. I am really looking forward the the rest of the series. there is going to be one over all connecting story arc and it might be best if read in order, we will see. 

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Guardians of the Realms Series: Ecstasy Claimed - Book 2 - FREE 

The free promo is August 28th - September 1st. 

Buy Links: 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ecstasy-Claimed-Guardians-Realms-Book-ebook/dp/B06XG4RYCG/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ecstasy-Claimed-Guardians-Realms-Book-ebook/dp/B06XG4RYCG/

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Ecstasy-Claimed-Guardians-Realms-Book-ebook/dp/B06XG4RYCG/

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B06XG4RYCG/

Author Bio:

Setta Jay is the author of the popular Guardians of the Realms Series. She's garnered attention and rave reviews in the paranormal romance world for writing smart, slightly innocent heroines and intense alpha males. She loves creating stories that incorporate a strong plot with a heavy dose of heat.

An avid reader her entire life, her love of romance started at a far too early age with the bodice rippers she stole from her older sister. Along with reading, she loves animals, brunch dates, coffee that is really more French vanilla creamer, questionable reality television, English murder mysteries, and has dreams of traveling the world.

Born a California girl, she currently resides in Idaho with her incredibly supportive husband.

She loves to hear from readers so feel free to ask her questions on social media or send her an email and she will happily reply.

Subscribe to her newsletter for giveaways, exclusive excerpts and release information:http://www.settajay.com/

Author Links:

Website: http://www.settajay.com/

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7778856.Setta_Jay

ARC REVIEW Ask For The Moon by Rochelle Paige

Ask for the Moon is part of Rochelle Paige's Fated Mate series and also part of Kindle Worlds multi-author series Paranormal Dating Agency. Rochelle Paige has a way with storytelling, because that is exactly what it feels like it feel like someone telling a story which fades into a flashback. I love insta-love and I always (almost always) get that with RP, in this case boy did I get it; that matchmaker is pretty good.

Seth is the head of the council his beta informs him that having his fated mate by his side would be beneficial for his position and send him to a matchmaker. Jane is a lone wolf she ran away from her previous pack for personal reasons, but being lonely has taken it's toll and finally agreed to let her best friend who is also a popular matchmaker in the paranormal community set her up on a date. Jane wasn't expecting a fated mate and Seth wasn't expecting to actually finding his fated mate.

Jane is worried that Seth won't accept her when he finds out why she left her previous pack, but not only does he accepts her he rights a wrong. Overall, this was an exceptional short and naughty novella, I wish there was more to the story but it was pretty darn good as is.  

REVIEW & EXCERPT TOUR Tangled by Rebecca Zanetti

   

We are so excited to bring you the Review & Excerpt Tour for TANGLED by New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti! TANGLED is a novella in her Dark Protectors-Reese Family Series brought to you by 1001 Dark Nights! Grab your copy of this sexy novella today!

   

About TANGLED:

From New York Times bestselling author, Rebecca Zanetti, comes a new Dark Protectors—Reese Family Novella.

Now that her mask has finally slipped…

Ginny O’Toole has spent a lifetime repaying her family’s debt, and she’s finally at the end of her servitude with one last job. Of course, it couldn’t be easy. After stealing the computer files that will free her once and for all, she finds herself on the run from a pissed off vampire who has never fallen for her helpless act. A deadly predator too sexy for his own good. If he doesn’t knock it off, he’s going to see just how powerful she can really be.

He won’t be satisfied until she’s completely bare.

Theo Reese had been more than irritated at the beautiful yet helpless witch he’d known a century ago, thinking she was just useless fluff who enjoyed messing with men’s heads. The second he discovers she’s a ruthless thief determined to bring down his family, his blood burns and his interest peaks, sending his true nature into hunting mode. When he finds her, and he will, she’ll understand the real meaning of helpless.

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I'll admit I was apprehensive I didn't know what to expect with Ginny the manipulative thief, and after not really liking the last one I was cynical but I love Rebecca Zanetti and out of all her 40 plus books I've only read two I didn't care for so with that in mind I jumped back into the Dark Protector-Reese Brother's series and I enjoyed it. As much as I hated Ginny at the end of the last book I didn't think RZ could redeem her but damned if she did it, I actually started to like Ginny toward the end. The story was good, Ginny was forced into a situation she had no control over and did what she had to to survive. Once Theo discovered the severity of the shit she was in he made it his job to fix it for her. Ginny didn't want or need his help but she got it and the full co-operation from the other Reese brothers and kinda sorta the Realm also. 

RZ's writing is as always hot, dirty and exciting. Ginny definitely gives Theo a good chase. To me it had kind of that old heist movie feel to it with everything going on. Overall, it was a good read and I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of the Reese family yet.   

“I’m sick.” She looked down at her ankle. “The planekite has infected me. There’s no going back.” She shrugged, her jaw firming with the stubborn tilt he somehow knew well. “This is my last chance to save my father, and I’m taking it. You have to step down.” 

“I think you’re right about the planekite poisoning,” Theo said, gesturing toward the laptop he’d pushed to the side. “The queen sent me all the research data she has on the mineral, and long-term exposure seems to be fatal. It also explains why you can’t create fire or even heal the bruise on your face.” Every time he looked at the dark mark, he got pissed off. 

She cut him a look. “Don’t sugarcoat it.” 

“Not going to.” He leaned back and clasped his hands behind his neck, stretching his torso. “I said no lying between us, remember?” 

She shoved curls out of her face. “You surely did. So yes. I’m dying. Yay for the truth.”
Wasn’t she cute when she was dramatic? If he told her that, she’d no doubt punch him in the face. So he went for more truth. “So we need to get mated, then.” 

She reared up to argue more, stopping suddenly. Her pink lips opened in an O. She closed them, her mouth moved again, and nothing came out. 

He bit back a grin. So much for the woman leaping into his arms with gratitude. “Gin?”
Her lids half-lowered, and she pressed her hands against her hips. “You are not funny.”
“I am not kidding.” He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted another woman in his long life. He liked her. Hell. He wanted to be with her. It made sense on so many levels. A voice in the back of his head laughed wildly, and he banished it. 

She shook her head in an odd convulsion of denial. “You’ve lost your damn mind, then.”
“Probably,” he agreed. 

She swung her arms out. “We can’t get mated. That’s crazy. We can barely get along.”
“We get along just fine,” he countered. “At least we will after you give me back the information that could destroy my entire family.” 

“I’m a thief,” she snapped, very nice color filling her face. 

He nodded. “I’d very much like for you to find another profession after we mate. Definitely after we procreate.” There were plenty of legal ways to help other people. 

“Procreate?” she asked, her voice trembling. “Theo, you’re an old-fashioned guy.”

Rebecca Zanetti’s TANGLED – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:

May 10^th

Books n Wine – Review & Excerpt

Marie's Tempting Reads – Review & Excerpt

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium – Excerpt

May 11^th

A Fortress of Books – Review

GraveTells – Excerpt

Hannah's Words – Review & Excerpt

May 12^th

Oh My Growing TBR – Review & Excerpt

Maddy's Reading – Review

The Sassy Bookster – Review & Excerpt

May 13^th

Bookalicious Babes blog – Review & Excerpt

Dog-Eared Daydreams – Review & Excerpt

Reading Between the Wines Book Club – Excerpt

May 14th

Abibliophobia anonymous book reviews – Excerpt

Rainy Thursdays – Review & Excerpt

The Reading Cafe – Review & Excerpt

May 15^th

Celtic Dragon Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt

Feel the Book – Review & Excerpt

Obsessive Reading Disorder – Excerpt

May 16^th

Always YA at Heart – Review & Excerpt

Pardon My Blurb – Review & Excerpt

Read-Love-Blog – Excerpt

Stephanie's Book Reports – Review

May 17^th

a small girl, her man and her books – Review & Excerpt

I'm A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore – Review & Excerpt

Reese's Reviews – Review & Excerpt

May 18^th

Angels With Attitude Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt

Magical Pages Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

The BookWhisperer – Review

May 19^th

Caroline Jane Reads – Excerpt

The Escapist Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

Vagabonda Reads – Review

         

    About Rebecca Zanetti: New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over twenty-five dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and contemporary romances. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Her current series are: The Dark Protectors, The Maverick Montana Cowboys, and the Sin Brothers series. Upcoming series are: The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome.

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BLOG TOUR ARC REVIEW Fractured Silence by Carrie Ann Ryan

About FRACTURED SILENCE

The Talon Pack continues with a dark secret that could shatter the future of the Packs, or save them all.

Parker Jamenson is the son of three Packs, the sole mediator between every Pack in the United States and Europe, and…he’s dying. He knows he doesn’t have much left in him and is in desperate need of a mate. But with the new and unyielding changes thanks to the Moon Goddess, he might not have as much time as he thinks.

Brandon Brentwood is the Omega of the Talon Pack and the youngest of his family. He’s not only one of the famed triplets; he’s also the most secretive. There’s a good reason for that, however, and when a shocking revelation meshes the past and present in a very unexpected way, he’ll look to not only Parker but also a disgraced human to save them all.

Avery Montag knows she’s the daughter of a traitor and doesn’t have much to give the wolves in the way of atonement. But she’ll do everything she can to pay for her father’s sins and find a way to end the war between the humans and the wolves.

When the three turn to each other in a time of unrest and for vastly different reasons, temptation burns and seduction beckons. Only, the past, present, and future are never as solid as they seem, and the path the trio thought to travel may just vanish before they’re ready.

Add FRACTURED SILENCE to your Goodreads list here!

I have been waiting patiently for Parker's story. Oh my goodness! While this is the conculsion of the story arc that has been continuing throughout the books so far it is not the ending of the series...YAY! 

Parker has been away from home for far too long he's missed out on so much he's the voice of the shifters and he's been playing mediator with the other packs trying to gain their favor but also because of an ancient curse that was put on his bloodline and is slowly killing him. Now that he is home he wants to avoid spreading the illness to his siblings so he requests to stay with the Talons. Brandon (it always weirds me out when the main character shares a name with one of my siblings) is the Omega of the Talon pack and like all Omega's he needs to find his mate or else risk dying from the overwhelming pressure of the pack. Avery is trying to right the wrongs her father did, she wants to prove to the world that shifters are not the evil creatures her father and several politicians are painting them to be. As a photojournalist she wants to capture the shifters as they are caring and loving people. 

Brandon and Parker end up having to share a house and while they feel an attraction to each other they don't want to waste time one anyone who is not their mate, but the appearance of Avery has kicked their protectiveness into overdrive and just maybe the three of them are a triad. One thing is for sure only together can they figure out what is going one and fix what it is that is broken.  

Overall, Outstanding! I really love this series and the whole shifter universe Carrie Ann Ryan created.

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About Carrie Ann Ryan

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 2.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over fifty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.

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ARC REVIEW The Black Prince by Tigris Eden

OH MY GODS!!! Never expected this... I mean Enri! Daaammmmn Tigris! I wouldn't recommend reading this if you haven't read the previous books, they are kinda important especially when it comes to knowing just how big of an ass Enri really is. Yewa is a new-ish character sister to one of the Shadow Unit. Yewa is special she really is it take someone with a strong heart and strong emotional strength to survive what she did and still be a caring and gentle person. Enri is so not worthy of her of but she sees something in him that noone else does, and she knows exactly what he is capable of and open-hearted enough to forgive him for it all.

The Shadow Unit knows something is coming, something very, very bad, and they think they know how to stop it and they need the help of Enri. They think they can stop it but the truth is nothing can not even Lord Chaos himself can stop what is coming. In Enri's search for the truth he discovers everything... and along with him Yewa, because she has a feeling she needs to be with him. As Enri starts to remember everything he also comes to realize exactly how special Yewa is, but when push comes to shove will he be willing to give up everything to protect her?

Overall, this book really was awesome. I don't want to go to into it I don't want to give too much away but this book is up on the epic scale, prepare for book hangover. Reading the four books before this one sooo worth it I loved them all.

 

ARC REVIEW Eternal Ecstasy by Setta Jay

*This is the finale of the Guardians and the Realms series and is not meant to be read as a standalone title* 

OMG OMG OMG!! Patiently waiting for Sirena's story paid off! Man talk about an intense conclusion. Everything has built up to this point, everything the Guardian's have been preparing for has lead up to this book. It is exciting, intense, hot as hell (I think my glasses just steamed up kind of hot!) and Hroarr turns out to be such a burnt marshmallow. Damn good writing I am so sad to see this series end.

Hroarr, one of the Gods in the other dimension, (think Jason Mamoa) has agreed that stopping the Darkness from destroying Earth would benefit them all, especially since he just found his mate, Sirena, the Guardian and healer, the beautiful siren raised by Aphrodite. Hroarr has a way to defeat the Darkness that is working it's way to Earth but he has demanded that if the Guardian's want his help he get Sirena in payment. Drake and Pothos are beyond furious, Gefn is dumbfounded by her brother's barbaric manner and Sirena and Hades are the only ones really thinking it through. Sirena feels the mating bond even though they have yet to touch. She knows she has to do this for more than just the barter but for herself also. Things are worse than they seem the Darkness is closer than they thought and now they are rushing to get everything done in time.

Overall, I think it was the best book of the series it was a great ending to the series.    

ARC REVIEW Wolf Betrayed by Carrie Ann Ryan

Talon Pack book four and the first menage for this series I believe. These three are stunning! Charlotte, Bram and Shane they deserve each other they need each other. Bram is the strength, Charlotte is the heart and Shane is the glue that sticks them all together. Charlotte believes the Goddess is punishing her for being who she is the daughter of the wolf who nearly destroyed the Redwood Pack. Bram has loved Charlotte for as long as he could remember but the mating bond didn't snap into place like they had hoped, leaving both of them heart broken. Bram will not settle for anyone other than Charlotte. Shane was just a soldier he was doing what he was told until it became clear to him that the man in charge was doing something very wrong and he tried to help but that just ended with him being used as a guinea pig.  

Half dead and smelling like a wolf Gideon did the only thing he could to keep Shane from dying he brought him into the pack. Finn had a feeling that he needed to bring Charlotte with him to the Talon pack. When Charlotte gets there she is shocked to find that the soldier who once worked with General Montag is a potential mate. Bram goes to the Talon pack and just like with Charlotte, Bram is a potential mate with Shane. It's touch and go there for a bit while they all figure things out and with General Montag still on the lose things are still a bit uncertain. With Shane's help the Talon and Redwood packs destroy the facility where Shane was taken and changed into whatever it is that he was changed into and along with it the drug that made him this way. Nothing of the drug remains except what still might be in Shane's blood and that's what Montag wants now. After a rough start Charlotte, Bram, and Shane finally come to terms with what's happening and accept the possibility of happiness between the three of them. Montag however does not give up easily.

Overall, another great story and climactic...big battle. Charlotte and her men, woooo, it's getting hot in here.    

ARC REVIEW The Bear Who Loved Me by Kathy Lyons

My first Kathy Lyons book and will definitely not be my last. I have read her alter ego Jade Lee who writes historical romance, I was very surprised I liked this more than her historicals. The Bear Who Loved Me is the first of her new series Grizzlies Gone Wild, really not as cheesy as it sounds. I love the play on the James Bond movie title. It was a great introduction to the clan. It did jump into it the book kind of weirdly, but it all smooths out and really picks up and all very exciting and erotic.

Carl the Alpha "Max" shifter of the clan, wow! he's dealing with what the clan needs and wants but what they are used to and expect. They are use to domination and violence and what Carl is trying to change is the dominance without the constant threat of violence and death. The clan has short memories they have forgotten how horrible it was before Carl was the Max, they are judging him too harshly. Becca has had it rough but nothing she couldn't handle she started working as soon as she could legally work she worked her way through college and took over her Aunt's bakery. She then took care of her mother as she was dying of cancer and within the same year she lost both her mother and her sister and now she's left raising her teenage nephew. Theo, alone.

Carl keeps an eye on the possible shifters, it's his job as Max; one such possible is Theo. Spring is a busy time it's a time for taking a mate and for the teenagers to go through a transition. Becca is worried when Theo goes missing and when the Owner of the camp Theo goes to every year shows up with some astonishing news about who he is and who Theo is about to become. Carl has had his eye on more that just Theo, Becca has caught his eye and Theo's transition is the right time to bring her into his world. But something goes wrong Theo goes missing and armed men try to kidnap the other young bear going through his transition. Luckily Carl and Becca thwart the attack, Carl feels to blame for not stopping the men he was distracted making out with Becca. Along with the outside threat to the shifter community Carl is facing insubordination in his own clan and Becca comes face to face with how gritty the shifters can be. Becca is quickly falling in love with Carl but she's unsure if this is all because the stress and adrenaline of the situation that is pulling them together or if what they are feeling is real. Carl is worried that Becca has been scared off by the nature of the beast.

Overall, this was a great read. I really enjoyed it I look forward to the rest of the series. Kathy Lyons really hooked me with the underlying conflict with the missing shifters and a mad scientist.      

ARC REVIEW Saving Her Angel by Missy Jane

Book three of Missy Jane's Archangel series. Unfortunately I missed the first two, I did feel like I was missing out on some of the story, recurring bad guy and background on the archangels buuut the story was enough to pull me in and entertain me. I liked the characters well enough Cam was delish but oblivious and Eleanor she was special, especially to Cam. I loved the concept of the story, it was a good story but it just didn't stick with me. I enjoyed some parts more than others, they were more memorable. The ending was really good I liked the action at the end but the build up to it was just so so. Even the romance between Cam and Eleanor was not what I hoped, it wasn't until the end that it really caught my attention.

Eleanor is a wallflower, she just blends in, people easily forget about her even her boss sometimes forgets she's in the office. Which is unfortunate for her because she's been in love with her boss forever. Cam is nearing the end of this life cycle he is about to give up his ties in this town and start a new life elsewhere. Eleanor is let go from her job, and just as it is so close to never seeing each other again Cam finally takes notice.

It's the end of the world, no just kidding it's just a demon from hell trying to gain access into our world through human sacrifice. And one of the key elements is Eleanor. Cam and the other angels have to find away to defeat the demon with no loss of human life. Cam, as I said is oblivious, he doesn't think anything is worth giving up his wings for, not even Eleanor. His brother's just shake their heads it isn't until he almost loses her he realizes his mistake.

Overall, I wish I had read the first two and I wish I could like this book more. But I will probably read more from this series if they came out.    

ARC REVIEW Storm of Ecstasy by Setta Jay

I get my erotica fix! I can always count on Setta Jay to give me romance, hot sex, and a great story. Not to mention finally P gets his. I have been lusting after the black winged Pothos since I started the series. What I really liked about Setta Jay was the summery of what has happened up to this point. Most of her books have been written as stand alones but the last book left off as a bit of a cliffhanger and so the summery she give is a good reminder to those of us who have read all the books and a great in the nutshell for those who have missed it.  

In the last book we finally find out the true origins of Pothos' mother, and Pothos gets pulled in the the blue swirling vortex that transports him to the other world Thule where he meets his mate Gefn. Gefn is a Goddess on her world and when P and her disappear in the middle of a standoff between the Guardians and her brothers they almost start a war. This calms down between the two worlds when Gefn proves she's safe with Pothos and that she will explain all later. Hades and Hrroar make a deal to trade their other sister for Apollo.

You get to see Hades in his annoying overbearing father role. P and Gefn are worried about how they are going to make things work, she needs to be in Thule and P has to protect Earth. With the knowledge that Hrroar and Dagur have of the upcoming disaster that has been foretold for both of their worlds The Guardians are a bit more prepared for it.

Overall, I enjoy this series so much. I can't wait for Sirena's story next.

ARC REVIEW Buried and Shadowed by Alexandra Ivy & Carrie Ann Ryan

A brilliant series by two fantastic storytellers. Buried and Shadowed continues the overall story of the Branded and Unseen shifters after the world epidemic forced to bring the shifters out of hiding and basically into reservation style internment camps. The SAU forcing the cats, the bears and the wolves to live together hoping that they will destroy each other. Instead they join forces to take down the SAU and reveal to the world the truth of the Verona Virus.

Buried is Carrie Ann Ryan's light menage, it's a menage but it doesn't go into graphic erotic detail between the three of them. (If you want that read Ink Enduring, damn!)  Here we have the Ursine Packs Foreseer Oliver, the submissive wolf Mandy and, Gibson the tattoo artist who is on the verge of something massive. Carrie Ann Ryan is brilliant when it comes to building tension, both sexual and conflict. Her narration and dialogue together create a sense of foreboding that ties you up into the story. She emotionally pulls you in so you find yourself holding your breathe or crying out when something happens you totally were not expecting.

Oliver as the foreseer believes he will never be able to claim his mate; his visions take too much out of him, his visions are slowly killing him. Even knowing Gibson and Mandy are both potential mates he tries to keep clear of them. Gibson keeps to himself and because he feels sympathy for his Alpha who takes on the pain of his pack members when he is forced to brand them Gibson feels like he doing his part by tattooing them making the brand their own. As a submissive wolf Mandy never really though her role in the pack was very important, but her ability to soothe and calm comes in handy more than once and once Gibson comes to his true potential he will need her and Oliver more than he ever realized. But the SAU isn't the only threat to them as Oliver's visions lead him to believe something sinister is coming from inside their own walls.

Shadowed is Alexandra Ivy's, my favorite of her's so far. The Unseen are the shifters who managed to escape the round up and containment. Their goal has been to infiltrate and destroy the SAU fromt he inside and reveal all their dirty secrets and lies. Sinclair has managed to do so they are now just waiting on the final piece of the puzzle before they go public. The whole time Sinclair has worked with someone on the inside, someone with the ability to hack into the CDC computers and leak information to the Unseen about the true origins of the Verona Virus. Mira knows Sinclair has been using her from the start, she doesn't have a problem with it she believes in their cause and she is in love with Sinclair. But now so close to the end of it all Mira goes missing and Sinclair won't stop until he finds her. Mira has discovered for more than Sinclair hoped and together they can tear down the SAU and free all the Branded packs.

Overall, this is probably my favorite of the series so far. Shadowed is very intense. Buried is well damn.

ARC REVIEW Dragon's Heat by Crystal L. Shaw

Dragon's Heat is part of Crystal L. Shaw's Shifters of Shadow Falls universe. It is the first of the Dragon story arc following the last three dragon shifters alive finding their mates. The underlining problems with the rebel vampires trying to overthrow The Assembly are not very prevalent in the story the man Protagonist is there and he does play an important part, but was looking forward to finding out more about it and whats going on. Instead I get a dragon shifter who says he's only playing at the Dom role so his brothers won't think he's too attached to the little mortal and not assume she's mate potential; but at every chance he gets even in the privacy of his room he is very very Dom. She calls red to stop the role playing during an argument but he still does it. Make up your mind.

The rebel vampires are trying to win over the remaining dragon shifters to there side. The Arrington Brothers couldn't care less about their politics what piqued their interest was the mention of possible mates that The Assembly is keeping in their possession. Drago is interested his biological clock is ticking and he wants to settle down and have little baby dragons of his own. He's all for raiding The Assembly until the vampires bring in another gift of slaves and one of them is a potential mate. Drago snags her up before his brothers notice and wants to claim her before they can. Kara has known nothing but cruelty her whole life and the attentions of the dragon shifter is a little more than she's prepared for. Deep down in her heart she knows she can trust him but from past experiences her brain is warning her to be cautious. She is willing to play along with his Dom/sub role playing if it will keep his brothers away from her she even likes it bit. Drago has kept his true intentions from her and when she finds out that betrayal of trust can ruin everything for them.

Overall, I look forward to see where this is going with the other brothers especially how it left off, but this one lacked something I think once all three are out it will make for a better story being able to read all three straight through.  

RELEASE BLITZ Finding Snow by Alexa Riley

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 Koda's found his sister, Winnie, and now he's made a life for himself in Gray Ridge, Colorado. As a bear shifter, he's naturally a loner, and with so few females around, he's resigned to never finding his mate. But when he stumbles upon a woman in the woods, his whole world changes.

Snow's been on the run and has made a makeshift family with a band of seven wanderers. While resting in the woods and waiting for them to come back, something big finds her.

When Koda and Snow collide, they realize their stories are woven together more tightly than they could have imagined. Will the truth break their mates bond? Or will it bind them closer together?

Warning: This fairy-tale shifter story is full of alpha sweetness with a side of growly bear. What's not to love?! If you love a classic story with a dirty twist, then get your click on!

Finding Snow is a play on the fairy tale Snow White. (If the title didn't give it away)

It is a steamy hot but sweet romance. It's fine as a standalone I have missed the last three but this one is completely apart from the others even if the other characters do make a quick appearance.

Koda is a bear shifter, he recently found his sister after they were separated and Koda was held captive by a crazy scientist. When Koda finally got out he tracked down his sister to Gray Ridge. Seeing her happy and mated he decided what better place to stay. Even then Koda isolates himself from everyone and has resigned himself to a mate less life.

Snow Denali has seven older brother, well not blood related but brothers of the heart. The majority of them have left when they found their mates and leaving Snow with three. Snow was adopted by the boys when they found her after she ran away from her unhealthy home. The Denali Brother's decided to settle in one place and that the pack in Gray Ridge was laid back enough for them. 

Snow and Koda are meant to be together, the fates saw to it but can they forgive each other for the others pasts?    

Overall, this was another great quick read from Alexa Riley. As much as I love the quick reads I really wish I could get a full length novel out of them. 

 

(A taste)

It’s still dark when I wake up with a jolt, the cold sweat covering my naked body. It takes me a moment, like it always does, to remember where I am and that I’m safe. The seconds tick by, and my breathing evens out. Rubbing my hands against my eyes, I remind myself that I’m not in a cage. 

I give up on sleep and get up from the bed. I make my way to the bathroom, turn on the shower, and get in before the water has a chance to warm up. I’m used to cold showers after being denied the luxury of hot water for so long and then having to bathe in rivers when I escaped. 

I soap up and try not to think about my past, but it always comes flooding back after a nightmare. I can’t seem to stop it, so I just have to ride it out until all the feelings pass. This dream was like so many before, most of it exactly the same, but sometimes my mind likes to add in details that weren’t there, just to fuck with me. 

This time when I was dreaming, I was in the cage again. The one they kept me locked in unless they were running tests. They had a theory that if shifters were kept in small places, they would be less likely, or unable, to shift. 

In this dream, I was in the cage, and I could hear Winnie crying. I know this didn’t happen because Winnie was never captured with me. She got away. I always have to remind myself of that. We were young when we were caught, but she fought and was able to get free. I was too drugged up to know what happened, and all I could remember was waking up in a cell without her. 

I'd learned over the years that we were taken by a company that was doing research on shifters. They kept us as if we were animals in a lab. It was a horrible time in my life, and ever since I broke free, my only goal was finding my sister. When I found her, it was only to see that she had amnesia and was being cared for here in Gray Ridge. Winnie had gotten lucky, and Alpha Stone had taken her into the pack and kept her safe. When I found her, and when her memories came back, I felt like my journey had finally come to an end. 

Only it didn’t. 

I’m a bear shifter, and there aren’t as many of us as there are of other species. Even fewer bear shifter females exist. When Winnie mated with Alpha Stone, I could have left, but I didn’t want to. Bears aren’t normally pack animals, but they are close to their families. I couldn’t move away from Winnie after finally finding her, even though she was mated. 

Thankfully, Alpha Stone welcomed me into the pack and gave me some land. Xavier, one of the wolf shifters, and I built my cabin out here to give me some space away from the pack and also to have a way to stay close to Winnie. 

I’d been in captivity for so long that I was worried I wouldn’t be able to adjust to pack life. But Xavier had gone through some trauma before he met his mate, and he was able to give me some advice to help me cope. 

When we built the house, he helped me put in extra security measures so that I could feel safe again. My nightmares used to be a lot worse, and I think he knew it. So to help, we installed bolted locks both inside and outside the entry points of the house. The locks are in place in a way that no one is going in or out of my home without my permission. The extra security helps me sleep. As long as the nightmares don’t creep in. 

When I’ve finished showering, I make myself breakfast and have coffee. My life is very quiet, and I don’t have many friends—just the Gray Ridge pack people who Winnie makes me hang out with. I look over at the counter and see an invitation to a kid’s birthday party at Xavier and Gwen’s home. I know I should want to go and be around everyone, but I feel myself getting tired and wanting to hibernate. 

I let out a long sigh and try to shake off the dark mood. Internally, I know that I’m safe and everything is okay. I’m just getting used to the world again. Also being around a lot of happy mated couples can start to wear on any single shifter after a while. There’s a longing that comes with wanting to find your mate, and knowing I probably never will sends another wave of sadness over me. 

Closing my eyes, I see dark hair and blue eyes. I try to grab on to the image, but it’s gone like smoke through my fingers. I think of the image every time I think about finding my mate. I don’t even know where the image is from or how I remember it, but something about it is familiar. 

I push away from the table and clean up the kitchen. When I finish, I look outside. The sun has come up and it’s starting to snow a bit. I love this time of year. The cool air and the clean smells of the forest calm my bear. I feel him stir inside me, and I decide he could use a walk in the woods. 

Bears aren’t much for running or spending energy when they don’t have to. Our shifters are usually really big and solidly built. I lost a lot of weight when I was being held captive, but in the time since, I’ve put on a lot of weight. It feels good to have the extra layers of thick muscle and even a little extra around my mid-section. We’re pretty hairy, too, and I definitely meet that type. My long beard and chest hair help keep me warm when it's cold out. So even though it’s snowing, I don’t need much coverage. 

I’ve got on a long-sleeved, cream-colored thermal shirt and jeans. I go over to the door, pull on my boots, and then go about unlocking the door. I walk outside and turn, locking the cabin back up. 

The woods are quiet, and my bear is enjoying the peace. He likes being outside, but a lot of times my fear overrides his need and we stay indoors. This is good for both of us, at least for a little while. 

I walk for a few miles and come through the clearing next to the lake. I don’t usually venture to this side of the protected lands, but I just need a change today. New scenery. Something inside me is telling me this will be best for me and my bear. That we need a new direction and something different to see today. 

Looking off in the distance, I see a dark figure on the ground. My bear is instantly alert, and I widen my stance, preparing for danger. I raise my nose, trying to catch a scent, but the wind is at my back. Slowly and silently, I walk around the edge of the lake, looking for danger from every direction. 

My bear is pacing, trying to get out, but I want to be able to hold my skin. I’m always terrified that someone will try to take me again after getting captured the last time, so I’m being extra cautious. 

I don’t know what possesses me to even want to investigate the dark figure. Normally, I would just turn and run. But something’s pulling me in that direction, and I need to see what it is. 

As I step closer, I see the dark figure take shape. The scent still hasn’t come my way, but I can make out that it’s a person lying in the snow. My steps are tentative and slow, and I move closer and closer. 

When I realize it’s a woman, my heart starts to beat faster and my steps quicken. What if she’s a shifter in trouble? I don’t know everyone in the pack yet, so this could be a member in distress. 

Moving close, I see that her eyes are closed and she’s lying on her back with her arms outstretched. She must not have been here long because not much snow has fallen on her. It’s starting to come down heavier now, and she’s getting a small dusting on her face and body. 

She’s got thick black hair and skin the color of cream. Her lips are blood red, and something inside of me is pulling me towards her. I can’t explain the force that makes me go to her, but something inside me knows that I must help her.

Something inside me needs to kiss her. Taste her… Brand her. 

I kneel down beside her, and the sound wakes her. Her big eyes pop open, and the blue there strikes me right in the chest. Her eyes are the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. I want to get lost in them and let them carry me away. There’s something about them that’s familiar and safe, but also terrifying and confusing. 

A heartbeat passes between us, and for a second I’m pulled back in time to a place I thought I’d left. Fear grips me, but then the woman smiles up at me, and all of that melts away. 

“Hi,” she whispers, and I light up at the word. I start to say something back, but at that moment her scent hits me, and I my throat nearly closes up.

She’s human. 

Rage pulses through me, and I start to stand. I want to get away from this human as fast as I can, but suddenly I’m dizzy with need. I inhale again, and I feel my bear trying to take over. He’s clawing inside me to get out to roar, but I hold him tight, trying to catch my brain up to my body. 

Mate, my bear growls over and over, and I realize that this human is my mate. A human. The one thing in this world that I not only fear but never want to be near again is my mate. 

I growl long and low, but the human doesn’t look surprised. She sits up and pushes back from me, but I reach out, snatching her ankle before she can get away. 

“Mine,” I say through gritted teeth. I didn’t want this, not like this. But my body has no choice. 

“Let me go.” I look into her eyes to see panic there. “Don’t, please. My brothers will worry. I know what you are, please don’t do this.” 

The plea for her family pulls at my heart. How many times had I begged to be let free to find my family? How many times had I begged for news of my sister? I feel sadness for her, but then it’s followed by anger. Her kind are the ones that kept me from Winnie. This human is my mate. I have every right to take her from her human people. 

“You’re mine now,” I say, pulling her off the ground and throwing her over my shoulder. 

“Please let me go. I swear I won’t come back. I’ll never tell anyone.” 

As the snow comes down heavier and heavier, I carry her back to my cabin. Our tracks are covered and no one will be able to find us. I’m taking my mate home, and she will get used to it. 

“You can’t do this. You can’t take me.” There is so much panic in her voice that I nearly stop and go back, not wanting to upset her. 

“I will treat you kindly and no harm will ever come to you as long as I live.” I take a breath and keep walking. “It’s more than your kind ever gave me.”

Alexa Riley is two sassy friends who got together and wrote some dirty books. They are both married moms of two who love football, donuts, and obsessed book heroes.

They specialize in insta-love, over-the-top, sweet, and cheesy love stories that don’t take all year to read. If you want something SAFE, short, and always with a happily ever after, then Alexa Riley is for you!

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