Audio Book Review: Merged With Him by Kylie Kent

Merged With Him by Kylie Kent
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is out of my normal wheelhouse of reads. It was recommended for a book challenge. So nothing Fantasy or magical about this book. :)

It's set in the real world. I feel the focus of this story is the romance. It is a little...okay a lot steamier than what I normally read.

There's a plot that comes through as the story gets going and the characters get to know each other. You don't see it at the beginning as much, but it will be there. I recommend this book for those who like their romance and steamy moments before plot. Very character driven book.

It didn't feel like it was really deep into things, so a little fluff to enjoy the character connection.

I was curious as Alyssa doesn't know all that Zach is connected to or what he does. So I'm curious how that will come out as they are together longer. Is she going to be okay with it all as the series goes?

There's a "Mine" trope to the story. And get the feel of a mafia trope, without the full mafia.

Going in with an open mind and it was okay for me. I do like thicker plots but okay for a quick listen.

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Book Review: Dragon's Heart by S.M. Shadow

Dragon's Heart by S.M. Shadow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm in love with this series. I love that the female characters are strong in that they carry on. They move forward and get things done.

Beryl is my favorite female lead so far in this series. Oh I've loved them all, but she pulls no punches and this is what I love. She knows she's rough and she's excellent with being this way.

She's a dragon, for goodness sakes. And you wouldn't have a dragon any other way.

We see another side of the Elysium world, the Faerie realm. Things are complicated here with how they treat their woman and how Faerie feels about it. And the person to rule... is male. This is a whole story of it's own in this book.

Then we learn pieces to go with the over all arc of what's happening in Elysium with Darkness, along with the closed off sections now.

Then we have the romance story for Beryl. There's a history with her and Mavrien. And it's not as pretty as one would like to think. She did scar him. But! There's a reason for it! And I found this reason interesting as it adds to the world and magic of dragons. I love that there's a connection to them to have a foundation for the romance.

There's a lot to juggle in this series, and it's extremely well done to balance out the books. I love the overall arc and the shorter stories in each book for each part of Elysium and the couples that come together.

The world is what's driving the reason these characters are going through what they are. The women are strong, and I do love strong women, who make changes in the world.

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Audio Book Review: Rain of Shadows and Endings by Melissa K. Roehrich

Rain of Shadows and Endings by Melissa K. Roehrich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The gods say they'll not interfere. But...Do they really? Sometimes a seed is planted and let to grow on it's own.

This book has a magnificent and complex structure to the world. It's of a current type setting with cities and technology. But the people who liver here are so much more. Legacy, Fae, and mortals. There's a hierarchy to them and a reason for them to exist. The Legacy are of a demi god blood line. Fae are created and here to serve as a source to the Legacy for power. And then there are mortals.

The world has different kingdoms based on different god bloodline. And as you can suspect, things are complicated between them all.

This story starts off reminding me of Crescent City (at this time I've only read the first book). It is one I would recommend to those who enjoy that book. From the way the world starts to Tessa as a character. Even the trama that Tessa goes through. The feel of the book resinates for me with the Crescent City world.

There's sexual tension in the book but I wouldn't say it's full on romance. There's a lot happening around Tessa. She's learning things she was never told about. But she's determined to be her own person as well. Tessa breaks and keeps breaking. She's damaged by the testing the fae go through to learn their power element and the lonely life she lived. She's head strong even though she's breaken and breaking more. Tessa is smart and crafty. She's bold and defiant. Just a little chaotic and wild that can't be controlled.

I will say after the first 5 hours, I was feeling like I was ready for more. I was tired of hearing about the pain and hints at some grand scheme. I wanted more and it felt like I wasn't getting to move forward. Then the book did take a turn and I got into the world and events unfolding. Trying to figure out Tessa's power, knowing by the hints she was more. And trying to figure out what Theon, Axel, and Luka are up to. I had a little inkling of what it could be, and I'm still not 100% sure where they are going.

In the end, I found I liked how Tessa has now found what she's fighting for. And she is going to play the games to learn all she can.

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Book Review: Faerie's Heart by S.M. Shadow

Faerie's Heart by S.M. Shadow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brialyn was one of six girls sent away from their home in Elysium when only 12 years old. Brialyn was willing to leave to escape what happens to the faerie females. Especially one of the power she has. But she misses her home.

Brialyn has been running from many things through her life. So when Devryn shows up and offers to bring her home and protect her with a partnership, she is tempted. But she wants to protect herself from what Faerie do to their females too. Brialyn grows through this book. She has her doubts and desires, but she also knows she should protect the females she left behind. However, she realizes she's been running from things her life and is determined not to run again. So where will she make her stay to be her home?

Devryn was a character we met in the previous book. He was one that caught my eye as he was different from the other Hunters. In this book we see he is different, and he cares. As they return to Hunter Territory in Elysium, we see he wants to do more. And he is glad to have Brialyn by his side, but he just has to get Hunters to accept a Faerie as his mate and leader. But she can be so much more.

I really like the connection Devryn and Brialyn have. There was a moment that meant a lot to them both as they both felt seen in a moment when they were at a low.

I love how the characters are straight forward with each other from the beginning. They both internally want more, but they know it's too soon to think there could be more. They have their heads about them, but it leads to doubt too with emotions. When their heads clear, they do think clearly and do talk.

We learn more about the Darkness in this book. Brialyn and Devryn see a different side to the Darkness. I'm intrigued by the Darkness and come to a few thoughts I've had on it and the Light. In the end, I love what I've seen of the Darkness and the thoughts that go with it. I want to know more and see how things progress with the other territories.

This book is a romance story with a great plot arc for a series with the Darkness and Elysium. So there are steamy scenes. I do like how these characters build their relationship and how the world brings them together. Great writing in bringing it all together.

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Audio Book Review: Beta's Heart by S.M. Shadow

Beta's Heart by S.M. Shadow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm going to be honest. Going into the book, I wasn't really a fan of Kiera's after the previous book. We hadn't meet her much. But I did love Gareth. So I was curious about how this novella was going to go.

In the end, I absolutely loved Kiera! And still loved Gareth.

This story is one from hints of attraction from Gareth and his wolf for Kiera. It takes things we learned of Kiera's father, who is beta in Hunter's Heart. We know he's not an honorable man, or at least suspect. And what we learn of the man here... wow, so much worse than I had expected.

And with Kiera's father, we see Kiera is a stronger person than I gave her credit for. People are working through tough things in ways they think will work.

These characters are upfront with their feelings and they respect each other for them. They also have a connection in the past that gives them something to build on. Thankfully. They once again work through their personal doubts along with struggles together. Learning what they want and how to let friends help and others in closer.

I love how S.M. Shadow takes a character I'm not sure about and has me love her in such a short story! Well written to draw me to the characters with their life circumstances.

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Audio Book Review: Hunter's Heart by S.M. Shadow

Hunter's Heart by S.M. Shadow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Six girls were exiled from Elysium when they were twelve years old, all because the Oracle said it would help with the Darkness. Separated and sent to the human realm to live. Twelve years later it's time they come home to save Elysium from the growing danger of the Darkness.

This book is the one where Luca is sent to bring Ashlynn home.

Ashlynn is a strong independent woman. She has taken the initiative to try to find the other girls, with no avail. She knows who she is and even though she doesn't fit in with the human world, she's living her life.

I love when we meet Ashlynn as she's tending bar. Perfect for her personality.

Luca is a wolf who's had a strong history with Ashlynn. They were thick as thieves, until the day she was exiled. So there's hard feelings there.

I'm a fan of story being the focus with romance that fits with the story. This book gives me exactly that.

There's more going on in Elysium with the Darkness. People are getting sick and not making it. The center hexagon star is shot through with black veins. The oracle is vague, so is it really true or just a con to protect his own skin?

Ashlynn faces the darkness along with her feelings with her family and old friend. This all fits together to tell of what is happening in Elysium. We start to see what's happening. In the end we learn a few things and have a few questions.

This is a story with a steamy romance element to it. I'm a fan of when couples have a connection that can be a base and grown. Luca and Ashlynn have that in spades. They have personal struggles to get over. I love that they are smart characters. They take the cues and even though they have self doubts, they figure things out past their person feelings. Well created and written characters.

We get to see who the next is to be brought home from the six. And who's to find her.

I was taken with what we learned of the Darkness and how it acts. I want to continue with the series to see how it comes together and what happens with the Darkness.

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Wings Once Cursed & Bound by Piper J. Drake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a nice read. This book has roots to Thailand with the supernatural. I love reading a book with ties to other cultures.

Punch is such a pleasant character. Sometimes I struggle when characters are so nice, but this book flowed smoothly with the external complications to stumble over.

The book has a Librarian or Warehouse 13 feel with the Consortium. We don't search for a lot of items in this book but there is one they are focused on, which brings us Punch. We meet a great group of people at the Consortium. This grows into a new friendship and possibly found family. There's a few different cultures here and seeing them com alive together is wonderful.

Punch is the main character and, not realizing it, is on a path to discover her true self. How things happen bring her to face who she is and what she wants. It could free her in more ways than one.

There's vampires, a werewolf, and more.

There is a blooming romance in the book as well. There's more happening around the romance.

The book is such a sweet read. I'm glad I picked up the second book too. I'm looking forward to returning to the world.

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Audio Book Review: The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall

The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an audio book listen I did with the book club.

This book was a quick, easy listen. The story was of Aria and Callan, both having times that are their point of view. They met when younger, Aria was just under age. Aria is asked to return to her home town to compete for the special garden, her family feels she'd be perfect for winning it when Lionel Sparrow retires. This could also save Aria's family magic shop.

Aria doesn't have magic like others. But can still compete. She just doesn't know if she'll win with Callan competing too.

Aria and Callan are a slow growing romance through the book. They learn to like and trust each other. Even help each other. And the secrets that each have.

The narrator felt slow so I had the audio book on double time. Early on I felt like the author was working too hard to create a moment. Too many words to describe where feelings would be enough.

If you enjoy a book that has neat challenges in a magical way with a cute romance growing, this might be a book for you to try.

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Audio Book Review: A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake

A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this fantasy set story with a vampire twist. Samara lives in a prison, helping the guards, for what she did years ago. There's a new prisoner brought in, with copper manacles instead of the usual iron used on witches.

Samara has a choice to make... help him escape and go with or leave him here.

As we set out on the escape across land to a country that will keep Samara and Raphael, Samara gets to experience new things. We start to see experiences from when she was young and her bad experience with a vampire.

The story starts and mostly is narrow to two people, Samara and Raphael, in Samara's point of view. There's good reasons to stay together, for Samara. I think there's more to Raphael's reasons though and that has me curious.

Then Raphael offers a mission to keep Samara near. One that she could help him with. It's an interesting mission and they grow closer as they go. Samara is helpful in deciphering things. But she likes staying near him too.

There's more to Samara. Raphael is holding a few secrets back. These have me curious about what the details are. There is a slow burn romance between the characters.

There's magic in the world. I liked the magic cards those with money could afford them. They are neat.

The ending has me wanting more! There's a nice twist to things and I can't wait to read what happens in the following books.

I listened to this as an audiobook and really enjoyed the audio version.

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Audio Book Review: Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal by Meghan Quinn

Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal by Meghan Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness. This book is even better than the first! I laughed out loud at work while listening to Atlas (Max) with some of the events and conversations.

Max is historically known to be a little dramatic in his....well, in life. When he meets a beautiful woman on the sidewalk, they have a fun interaction. Not your usual meeting, which sets the tone for the book. But, he so learns that someone is building a tree farm that will rival his family's farm, which he's to inherit. And he's determined to not let it happen while his parents are out of town.

Max makes a few bad choices that lead to a humorous outcome, which may be embarrassing for him.

All to meet Betty who's new in town with her heart broken over having to close her Christmas shop where she's from. Her Uncle wants to hire her to create something amazing.

Max comes up with a terrible idea, with map and all, and Storee is in to help him. However, Storee has her own plan as she sees a spark in Max when talks about Betty.

Oh heavens. Talk about the awkward conversations between two awkward people who don't know what to say and start rambling. LOL! I laughed so hard are these two together. They are like similar minds and there's a deep hole they go down. And I absolutely loved it!

We have more to the story than the humor and building romance. There's unease with another in town from events when younger. We also get to see Storee and Cole with kids and the other family and friends.

I love the feel of this town. It's so cozy.

The narrators all returned for this book. Such a great crew. They were perfect with the voices.

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Audio Book Review: How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn

How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun listen. I enjoyed the humor with the romance in this story. I thought the writing was well done with the Christmas competition in Kringletown. The Christmas events were fun to live through. I'd love to see this as a movie. I think the humor would be great on screen too.

There's dry humor in Storee's thoughts. Off the bat, I like her humorous thoughts and kind of exasperated tone and feel. Cole is a grumpy one on the outside, but doesn't feel as such when you're in his head.

Storee and Cole knew each other when they were younger, but had a bad winter individually one year and they lost contact. So they know things about each other and they've lived through things that help with the other one. I like how they start out competition but things turn and they become amicable then friends and help each other all the way to more.

It's fun getting the story from both of their view points. And I love the who cast of friends and family around them. It's a hoot.

Be prepared for romance to come into the story. And have fun with the characters.

I listened to the audio and loved the cast of narrators! They had a great sound and blend together.

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Audio Book Review: Hex Around and Find Out by Molly Harper

Hex Around and Find Out by Molly Harper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The books set on this island are a treat for me. They are fun and I know how things are going to go with the characters, but it's the supernatural that's around them that makes for great scenes and wonder in their lives. I'm enjoying these so much.

This is Cora's and Iggy's story. They seem like complete opposites on the outside, and with the way they doing things. But they are a perfect pair to help each other. They both have their quarks that make them who they are. I love seeing these.

Iggy has come across as a little flakey in the first series. As this book evolves, we see Iggy deeper and why he's the way he is. And even a little bit of becoming his true him too, making decisions he wasn't ready to make before.

Cora is becoming herself too. For so long she only had her sisters, and the ghosts around their home, but now she's expanding her friendships. And to see her magic grow too! Wow. Cool.

Oh and that egg we knew about in the first book... Yeah, it's a whole big thing here. I love it!

I feel like this book is more in depth with having read the first trilogy and then this one. Lots of past events to lead to here with the characters and actions. I love it!

I can't wait for the next book. I think we've been leading up to it. :)

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Audio Book Review: Hunted in Holly by Leann Belle

Hunted in Holly by Leann Belle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Do you like steamy reads? And holiday fantasy? This one would be for you.

This is how Nicolas met his wife, Caroline. King of the North and now Queen of the South.

Caroline has recently lost her family and all in her home from an attack that she believes Nicolas was behind. She's going to make him pay.

Breaking into Nicolas's home, Caroline is caught. So if she can evade him for three days out in the land, he'll let her go. But, there's an attraction there. Between them both. And there's steamy moments as Caroline fights and is determined.

In the end, we learn the answers to our questions. It's a really short book that's steamy fun for the holiday.

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Audio Book Review: The Songbird & the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent

The Songbird & the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you like vampires and magic with romance weaved in, this series is one that you should read. I give Carissa Broadbent a huge congrats at knowing how to write these stories with intriguing actions to keep me interested and building a slow burn romance in the background as the characters take on the world.

This series's main books has a theme of places with layers. The first book had the house for the tournament. The second was breaking through layers. This book is the layers of the dead, through Hell.

Mische knew the day she killed her creator they'd come for her. She was able to run for a while, but they found her. What she didn't expect was to be claimed by the bastard son as needed by him to go on his mission for the vampire god, Nyaxia.

Asar needs Mische for her connection to the sun god, but given a chance to live she's not going to tell him that Atroxus doesn't answer her prayers anymore. She's lost his favor. But, there maybe something she can do to gain it back.

This journey is dangerous. The different levels have different obstacles that can kill them. They stumble and fall, even lose their way. But the more that Mische and Asar are together and Mische asks questions and talks, it seems they can help each other in other ways too. A connection starts to form.

We learn more about Mische's past. And Mische faces her past. She has to face what she's done and did when she turned. Mische has her past that's not as nice as she is. She chooses to remain as she is on the outside, kind and friendly. Asar has his scars to bare as well.

I was really drawn into the story to see what the characters would decide in that moment they were here for.

As we come through that height of a moment, we are left with wanting the next book to see how things will continue on after this ending.

We do finish through the goal of this book, why they are working through the levels. But with the events there, we will want to keep reading for the next book. Which I'll be picking up soon.

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Audio Book Review: Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book felt very heavy in character and character relationship building, with weaved in fantasy elements.

I found the first half or more of the book to be very slow building for me. We're learning the world with Odessa as she tries to get to know her new husband and people.

There were a few things I figured early on, about the Guardian and things. Though, the problem with the Guardian and what we see happening with the animals, this is what I wanted to learn more about. As does Odessa when she finally learns of it too.

If you like books that are character driven and building relationships and love, this is a story for you.

Now the ending. Wow. I really liked the things we find out. And I'm left curious as to what it means...All we've learned of the world and what's happening to the animals... Then who's that person? Why are the Crux here early?

I have my suspicions and look forward to seeing how it's connected.

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Audio Book Review: Big Witch Energy by Molly Harper

Big Witch Energy by Molly Harper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We have an over all arch of the Ghost Locks in the house and finding haunted items to tend to the ghosts. But this is Caroline's story, her life and actions.

I really like Caroline. She's head strong and sassy. She was one I really loved hearing speak up in the first book. She says the things that others whisper or think about. She's one to do what needs to be done for her family. She also doesn't do a steady relationship. And we get her reason for it in her book.

Her family has a curse...They can't leave the island, or at 24 hours they have a terrible accident.

This curse has dictated what Caroline will do. She's stayed home and working the family bar. Even when her high school love left to become a doctor and live his life. He never believed in the curse, thinking it was her way to stay at home and try to help her family that seem to take advantage of her kindness.

Ben has returned to the island with his two teenage children. This is going to be a tough conversion for them all. He still has feeling for his high school love, after all these years.

Seeing Caroline and Ben reconnect is fun. Also with the kids. The kids are smart and witty. I loved meeting Mina and Josh. And they have great ideas, advice, and add spontaneity to the story. They also are more than we know. Love this little connection that is created.

We do get to see ghosts. There's one that needs help and one that's causing big trouble, especially for the Wilton family. Caroline is determined this could very well be connected to the curse of her family.

I enjoyed this. And diving into the third book ASAP. These are fun and light stories I needed right now.

The narrators are the same as the first book, which is nice because they have voiced all the characters and know their personalities. We have a female narrator for Caroline's POV and a male narrator for Ben's POV. I like this dynamic, really gives the feel from two different minds.



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Between Ink and Shadows by Melissa Wright

Between Ink and Shadows by Melissa Wright
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

We start right into the story. This sounded like a story that would be one I'd really enjoy. With the plot and the world. But... I didn't feel an attachment to Nim. I'm not for or against what she does. I was just listening.

The story idea is a great one. One that I'd love, and do love. But the writing doesn't feel my style.

It felt that the big moments and reveals were mentioned quick and then moved on from. I would have liked more feelings from Nim, physical descriptions with them and drawing the world more with them.

There's a romance, that I think could work. An enemies to lovers, but it fell short for me. I know Nim's attracted to magic but there wasn't much in way of getting to know each other to bring them together.

Overall, this felt like a well written draft that could be fleshed out a little more.

I'm sorry to say the story fell flat for me.

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Audio Book Review: Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent

Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I came into this a little nervous. This book is a novella and it's romance which can be a let down with shorter story length to hit what is needed to feel true and not rushed. So I had questions and worries...how will this work out? Quick and under fleshed out?

I am thrilled to share that I'm pleasantly pleased with this book from the story to the romance.

I liked Lilith from the beginning. She has a focus and a reason. I love that she's a scientist and has a few quirks too. She knows who she is and accepts herself. There's a sickness in her people, and she's determined to cure it. A strong responsibility to cure it as her father brought it on from their god.

I've listened to books 1 & 2 in this series and listening to this after book 2. So I've briefly met these characters in book 2. But I wanted to know their story. I liked coming back to meet them afterwards, getting a more intimate look at who they are.

The pairing connection builds in this novella beautifully and naturally. There's something that attracts the two together, and they build on it.

Something I loved with this novella is that there's other relationships that grow in this story, creating a well rounded world, characters, and story. It's more than a one dimensional move in the world, focusing on more than just love of one couple.

I love, love, love the sister moment we get. So heartfelt!

Well done. I really loved this creation.

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Audio Book Review: The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent

The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Now that we have the answers to Oraya that I needed, this story is what I wanted. There's fighting for their lives, scheming, betrayal, connection, and love. A nice blend of it all.

Oraya really tortures Raihn, holding him responsible for what he did at the end of the previous book. But, his actions...seems to me were for the good. Oraya's just not seeing it as her heart's broken. The heart is a strong emotion. These two have ideas that are similar about what needs done with the citizens, they just aren't at the same page yet. And they don't know what the other's thinking or doing because there's something going on with the different fractions. Are either one even save in the castle?

I loved the way we got insight on Vincent's past and thoughts on Oraya. This was a nice touch with magics. And on her mother too. This fills in gaps for Oraya and for us too.

Will Oraya and Raihn find their way back to each other, alive? Or will the other vampire houses destroy them both? There's a lot mentally to work through for them both. We see passing of time as they do with the book broken in parts and the moon phases.

This feels to be nicely written for me. The blend of internal torment and heartache along with external dangers. There are many pieces moving and changing and different people with their own agendas. It all works together nicely for the characters to find friendships, loyalty, betrayal, and love.

I know this is Oraya and Raihn's stories, but I have questions about other characters. I'm looking forward to continuing the series and getting those stories through their eyes.

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Audio Book Review: The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a vampires meets gladiators blend of a book with a growing attraction and romance.

The beginning was a slow start for me. The first hour of the audio book had me wondering if I wanted to continue. But I did and I enjoyed the ending for it. Once we get into the competition. I'm held here wondering how Oraya, a lone little human, will fair in this competition and how she even thinks she'll make it against vampires that are stronger, faster, and have magical powers.

The main female character says repeatedly that she's human. But this brought up questions for me. How? Why? How did she get there and do that? We do get the answers in the end.

Then there's Raihn. Wow. He's much more than we would have thought. After a while I suspected but didn't know how the the author was going to connect it to make it happen. He's got so so much control for a vampire in this world.

I'm curious about the world. Is it really as Oraya has been told by Vincent, her father. There are others that have control and aren't tempted to have her blood. But she's worried and trained to not trust any vampire. Though there are a few vampires that aren't anything like Oraya expects or is told about.

Oraya learns a lot while in this competition. About herself. About vampires. And her father along with what she can do.

There was lots of fighting, blood, fighting, sexy, and romance.

Yes, I'll be picking up book two with the same characters.

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