Tag: romance
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Review: The Spare by Miranda Dubner
As an author who regularly breaks genre rules herself, it came as no surprise to me that this book was self-published. It is absolutely a love story and romance. But it centers on more than the two heroes, includes a healthy dose of family drama, and has the audacity to…
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Review: Hexbreaker (Hexworld #1) by Jordan L. Hawk
In other reviews, I’ve raved about the ways Hawk includes diversity in his fiction. For this series, I’ve found something else to adore — the effortless way that the reader is absorbed in the worldbuilding with no awkward breaks for exposition or the dreaded info-dump. Could there be a bit…
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Review: Bringer of Night (SPECTR #3.2) by Jordan L. Hawk
After all the shenanigans that have occurred over the course of this series, a run-of-the-mill murder mystery and case of mistaken identity are almost too boring for our heroes. Except nothing about this string of murders is normal, and John, Caleb, and Gray have friends (both old and new) along…
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Review: Stalker of Shadows (SPECTR #3.1) by Jordan L. Hawk
The first installment of the next SPECTR epic brings us something completely different — and all the best parts of exactly the same. John is now the character who must wait patiently while Caleb and Gray get to do what they do best (eat demons). They’re in a new setting,…
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Review: SPECTR: The Complete Second Series by Jordan L. Hawk
Includes the titles: Mocker of Ravens Dancer of Death Drinker of Blood Breaker of Chains Shaker of Earth I read this collection even faster than I did the first one. It’s too bad I can’t give it an even higher rating than 5 stars. John, Caleb, and Gray are back…
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Review: SPECTR: The Complete First Series by Jordan L. Hawk
Includes the titles: Hunter of Demons Master of Ghouls Reaper of Souls Eater of Lives Destroyer of Worlds Summoner of Storms Honestly, my review can be boiled down like this: I purchased the series as a full set, but the books were so good that I didn’t want to pause…
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Review: Not Quite Beast (Not Quite #2) by Kaye Draper
This is a solid continuation to Sam’s story, action-packed and filled with answers to some questions while teasing even more questions that need answers. Draper also expands upon her world-building and introduces an intriguing political element to the plot line. I look forward to seeing how Sam and their “guild”…
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Review: Not Quite Human (Not Quite #1) by Kaye Draper
Kaye Draper’s latest urban fantasy/romance series is going to be another hit for me, I think. This author includes a note in her book blurbs about being tired of tropes, and she puts her money where her mouth is — once again, the characters in this story were unique, fascinating,…
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Review: Fates, Fins, and Fangs (Gods & Demons #1) by Kaye Draper
I tore through the Gesa’s Menagerie series while home sick a few months ago, so it seems appropriate that I would start this next series while working full-time from home during a pandemic. This novella was a wonderful afternoon of escape, full of intriguing characters and excitement. The author states…
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Review: The Chef's Cutie (River Hill #5) by Rebecca Norinne & Jamaila Brinkley
Disclaimer: I am friends with the authors; I received an advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review. This was a satisfying conclusion to the series of love stories in the town of River Hill! Max certainly waited long enough for his happily ever after as he fed all of…
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Review: Resort to Love (Paradise Key #3) by Priscilla Oliveras
Disclaimer: I am acquaintances with the author; however, I purchased the hardcopy of this book for full price. It was so easy to fall into Sofia’s life and connect with her story. Oliveras has an obvious talent for crafting a well-rounded character that is more than just her love life.…
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Review: Silver Shark (Kinsmen #2) by Ilona Andrews
I enjoyed this Kinsmen tale much more than the first. While this book is a romance, it certainly doesn’t start out feeling that way. I’d even argue that this is a solid science-fiction story that just happens to include romantic elements as part of the plot. The world-building regarding Claire’s…
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Review: Honor Reclaimed (HORNET #2) by Tonya Burrows
Disclaimer: I am acquaintances with the author; however, I purchased this ebook for full price. With so many characters introduced in the first HORNET book, I was a bit bummed to realize that the hero of the second installment of this fun series was a brand-new teammate. However, Seth is…
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Review: Sapphire (Jewels Cafe #2) by Eva Delaney
I think this series is definitely less on the serious side and more on the absurdly ridiculous spectrum of the fantasy genre. Once again, this “reverse harem” actually means over-the-top and unbelievable wish fulfillment rather than real relationships. I honestly would have enjoyed this more without the sex, if it…
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Review: Amber (Jewels Cafe #1) by Mia Harlan
I checked out this series because I saw it recommended in another author’s mailing list. I’ve previously enjoyed other reverse harem series, so why not? It turns out I enjoy the conflict and drama that can accompany polyamorous relationships rather than the wish-fulfillment/escapism of one girl with a handful of…
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Review: A Delicate Deception (Regency Impostors #3) by Cat Sebastian
As an author who experiences chronic anxiety, I identified perhaps too well with the character of Amelia in this Regency romance story. In her place, I’d happily retreat to the countryside and abandon all my triggers, but I also sympathized with her desire to stay part of her loved ones’…
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Review: Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night (Immortals After Dark #4) by Kresley Cole
I keep really enjoying these books and then knocking a star off my rating because the heroes REALLY need to learn about consent and boundaries. Coming to this paranormal romance series as a “modern” romance reader definitely makes certain scenes more cringe-worthy than sexy, but Cole continues to suck me…
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Review: SEAL of Honor (HORNET #1) by Tonya Burrows
Disclaimer: I am acquaintances with the author; however, I purchased this ebook for full price. As a military spouse, I never really saw the appeal of romance fiction featuring a military (or former military) hero. I know too much about the realities of military life to have any desire to…
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Review: Thieves’ Honor (Wizards of London #1) by Jamaila Brinkley
Disclaimer: I am friends with the author; however, I purchased this ebook for full price. I devoured this book so quickly, and with such enjoyment, that I forgot to take any notes for my review! Brinkley’s debut novel features romance, magic, and mystery set in historical London. She weaves together…
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Review: Wolfromance (Reluctant Necromancer #3) by Kaye Draper
I understand that authors are always warned not to “info-dump” to their readers, that they should include the information the reader needs to know naturally through the story. But there’s a downside to that, when so many things are going on that everyone EXCEPT the main character knows about. At…