🧐 A Peek at Our Week 📚 Reviews and Recommendations

💖 WHAT WE PICKED THIS WEEK 💖
📚  03/17/2019 📚 

🐺 Blood Moon Magic by Isobelle Carmichael

😍 The Other One by Isobel Hart

🔥 From Ashes and Embers by Claire Marta

💝 Buried Hearts by C.E. Johnson

⚖️ Master of Sin by Sienna Snow

🍷 Dark Wine at Midnight by Jenna Barwin

GOODREADS  AMAZON   BOOKBUB

Blood Moon Magic by Isobelle Carmichael

🐺 and 🐲 and 🧙‍♀️ Oh My!
This is a reverse harem romantic suspense
I can't think of anything that doesn't happen within these pages
Betrayal and Envy - Kidnapping and Torture
Lust (lots of lust) and Love - Greed and Manipulation - Power struggles and let us not forget all the secondary story lines taking place.
Carmichael has crafted quite the inventive universe with Blood Moon Magic. It has shifters and witches and magic and the mundane. Her characters were well crafted - each was given a vibrant personality that not only complimented the story line but also appeals to the reader.
Definitely entertains and engages.
This is a first in series and Carmichael doesn't hold back - she just throws her readers in the deep end and occasionally tosses you a preserver only to rip it away a chapter later - I'm serious -
This starts out a bit slow but IMO it is a bit necessary. There are a lot of details and background information that the reader needs to be able to immerse themselves in the multitude of plot lines as well as to connect to the various characters and personalities that make up the cast. It isn't just Abby and her men, though they hold the spotlight, who take starring roles in this series. With the setting up of breadcrumb trails for future plot lines, it is a bit of information to put in one book - it works - I would rate this as an easy read because it is easy to follow what is happening even with all the "No" and "WTH" moments
I did have a bit of problem with some of the characters regarding their maturity level, they are in their late 20's early 30's but at times they act like teenagers. There are a couple of scenes that IMO needed a bit more enlightenment- Scenes where past experiences and traumas were brought to light, The why of the Elders? Pack law which seemed one-sided (You have to read I do not want to risk spoilers). To me these are important details that molded the character into who he/she was.I also have questions about the "darkness" Why? How? Origination?
I am looking forward to book two to see what direction the author takes us
Amazon


The Other One by Isobel Hart

😍 Nine months ago Jess lost her college sweetheart and fiance to cancer. Lost and angry she drowns her pain at a local pub fighting to keep a promise she wishes she never made.
Daniel is riding the high of another successful show when he stops in for a pint at the hotel bar only to find himself enamored by a smart mouth little rabbit.
Two very different people
Two very different lifestyles
One very powerful attraction

I really enjoyed this couple. The emotional and physical chemistry between them was explosive. They shared a common pain between them that allowed them to connect on a deeper level.
I admit that they both had some growing up to do which was part of the allure of them as a couple. Life is about the journey.
Jess' antics had me laughing - she was a little spitfire for the most part. She had an inherent kindness to her that was reflected in just about everything she did.
Daniel was a bit back and forth - he seemed ever the petulant child. It was fun to watch him remove his foot from his mouth on numerous occasions
The storyline flows smoothly and is pretty straightforward. There are a couple of gray areas that I personally would have liked a bit more detail on - such as the ex-fiances mom, his twin. I feel a bit more background would have been nice considering the importance of that time period. The end is a bit rushed IMO, though that could just be me greedy for more of this couple.
The main and top supporting characters are well crafted and relating to them was easy.
I will be looking for more from this author
#Theotherone #NetGalley
Amazon  

From Ashes and Embers by Claire Marta

"Sugar and spice and all things nice, that's how you taste"
Hell's fire I love Raz!
Mavi and Lucifer are having a bit of trouble with keeping a nanny on staff - don't have to wonder why 😳
Enter Jane the highly recommend, happy go lucky, cupcake baking, rainbow-haired elf. The complete opposite of everything in hell - let us not forget to mention she is the fire singing Raz's every last nerve ending.
"By all that's unholy, don't you ever shut up?"

Marta delivered again with Ashes and Embers. All of our beloved favorites are back plus some exciting new characters. The plot has only seemed to darken as Lucifer once again moves his pieces on the board - placing some of our favorites in the very dangerous position of checkmate. Deception and betrayal are commonplace revealing plot twists and underhanded quests that forced me a couple of times to set down my kindle to take a moment and catch my breath (and maybe dry my eyes). if you are looking for mercy you will find none within the frozen depths of hell - yes they are still working on the seals.
This ends on a cliffhanger- one that I would never have seen coming
Mavi I still love you girl! You are my idol!
And Lucifer you are just an arse!
Amazon


Buried Hearts by C.E. Johnson

Beautiful second chance romance
I am going to have to go back to the beginning of this series
I want more
More of the characters, more of that special magic that was prevalent in the bonds they all shared - More of their adventures -More of everything
This was a new author for me and will definitely be added to my must-read list

Paul has lost so much trying to do the right thing - his failure to protect those he loves still haunts him, he feels responsible what happened even if it truly was out of his hands. I absolutely adored his character. He was smart, reserved, handsome with that Alpha aura, but he was never arrogant about it.
Jo - what can I say my heart bled for her - talk about getting shafted no matter which choice you make - It seems she has finally found her breaking point. Her life had been carefully constructed to please her parents and put on an airs of accomplishment and a false picture of perfection to her families peers - That was until a combination of betrayal and tragedy has her reevaluating what she truly wants in HER life.
This was, for me, an almost perfect second chance romance. It had all the twists and suspenseful moments, laughter, friendship and the sweetest romance surrounded with a cast that just leaves you wanting to spend more time with them
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Amazon


Master of Sin by Sienna Snow

Starlight is a take no prisoners, one surprise after another leading lady! She is witty, intelligent and passionate about her work and her family. Having dedicated her life to caring for her brother and pursuing her love of botany and science - not to mention the full-time job of thwarting her step mother's claws, life (maybe with a little help from her stepmom) suddenly presents her with an opportunity to let go and live for once. As much as she enjoys control the idea of temporarily pursuing her fantasy has its draws.
Hagen is a roasted marshmallow when it comes to Starlight. He is the enforcer the right hand that does what is necessary. The world sees his darkness, fears him. But for his Starlight? That is stripped away and he is nothing but sweet melty goo 💝.

These two are nuclear together!
They grew up together and like magnets, there has always been a strong attraction between them but it was something they could not pursue. After close to a decade of sexual tension that has quietly smoldered between them they finally take the leap, even if it is just to get a taste of the forbidden.

This was an entertaining and romantic read that has all those feel-good moments
The characters are easy to connect with and have a charisma that draws in the reader
The story line flows smoothly and entertains. A lot of romance touched with tidbits of suspense and the occasional glimpse of future 'OMG' moments kept me engaged from the opening to the closing.
I am excited to see where the author takes us next
Amazon   Nook   Kobo   Google


Dark Wine at Midnight by Jenna Barwin
NO spoilers
Barwin had crafted a very unique and complex world that puts a new spin on vampire culture as well as angelic origins.
This is a first in series and does end on a bit of a cliff hanger so don't throw your readers 😉

Dark Wine at Midnight blends mystery and suspense with a sweet slow build romance. 
This is a somewhat detailed read being the first in series. We are introduced to the different factions as well as various characters as well as given some background details to better understand them.

The driving force behind the factions, as well as the tension between some of the characters,  seems to be the idea of change. As with any society, rules eventually become outdated and change is necessary  - though many fear to leave the comfort of the known - it works why mess with it?  I found it interesting that one of the factions set itself up as judge and jury - I am sure you can guess who. Dark Wine has a few secondary plot lines that are interwoven within the story to create a very engaging and entertaining read.

I enjoyed that the female leads were 'mostly' (you will see) intelligent and independent.  It seemed that some of the older male members still have that archaic mindset, which at times, I found quite amusing. (Awww the love of a good woman - this was a touch I enjoyed)
The characters are diverse and vibrant each bringing a different perspective to the story line and easily complementing one another.

I know I say this a lot but being a first in series the author provides a lot of brickwork with regards to the series foundation and for some this can feel like a lull within the story, it is a necessary evil for a solid series.  I do suggest watching the little things - I promise they make a big impact when put in their proper place in the bigger picture. 

There are so many directions this series can go and I am truly excited to see what happens next. Definitely, recommend for those who enjoy a more complex paranormal series.
Amazon  Nook 


#folklore #dragons #paranormal #contemporary #romanticsuspense
#romance #demons #suspense #secondchance #witches #shifters
#BloodMoonMagic #TheOtherOne #FromAshesandEmbers
#BuriedHearts #MasterofSin #DarkWineatMidnight
#IsobelleCarmichael #IsobelHart #ClaireMarta
#CEJohnson #SiennaSnow #JennaBarwin
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#kindleunlimited #toberead #intheseries #netgalley