Category: Vampires

Review: A Crown of Iron & Silver ((Soulbound #3) by Hailey Turner

Rating: 5🌈

With A Crown of Iron & Silver, author Hailey Turner continues our journey into the old gods and nigh forgotten pantheons around the world.

It’s an extremely fascinating and often terrifying ride, as these gods are, depending on who they are, turn out to be rage filled, scheming, desperate to hold onto their power and followers. And it’s a weird meshing of countries and Gods that I find I’m absolutely increasingly focused on. Aztec god brothers to ancient Celtic Gods to the more familiar ones of the Greek and Egyptian pantheons to those of Norse and Mexican origin. It’s just incredible the way each is brought vividly to life. And I’m only halfway through.

There’s also werecreatures, vampires, succubus, mages, witches, and of course the Fae.

The last figures largely here as the case that pulls Patrick and therefore Jono away from a quiet Christmas at home is that of a stolen human child and a changeling. The human child that was stolen belongs to a high ranking witch family and that means Patrick is involved.

There is no way to even begin to explain the complicated and many storylines that follow. One plot after another, layering over and through each other until it starts to resemble a painting where the artist has used so much paint that you’re not sure whether to stand back or move closer because you can’t see a subject anymore.

The relationship between Jono and Patrick is moving forward, gaining strength from the very traumatizing events of the last story. Jono’s status a alpha and godhead of his pack is spreading. As is Patrick’s role as co Leader.

As the gods raise their demands on Patrick’s soul and the Dominion Sect as well as Ethan, Patrick’s father continues their drive for godlike power, loyalty, love, and truth seems to be tested at every turn.

Turner does give us humor, usually via Wade, our teenage dragon fledgling. Ever eating, still recovering from the trauma of his abduction and brutal abuse at the hands of a now dead vampire, the safer he feels the younger he feels safer to be. He’s funny, adorable, and for a huge flaming being, very poignant at times. You just want to hug him then turn him loose in a grocery store….on someone else’s credit card of course.

What else surprised me? The great take on the Fae from the Court of the Queen of Air and Darkness. So very imaginative and yes, scary. Love it. I adore it when an author can see the Fae, brings that have been described so many ways in so many media, in a new aspect. Great job.

This story is full of great, relatable characters that you will care about! They have wonderful relationships and storylines within the main book and arc that it’s impossible not to be invested in them and their future.

At the end, we are set up for the next book and job the gods, different ones this time, want Patrick to set out on. That it runs along side one that he’s already pursuing? An occurrence that doesn’t surprise him or Jono.

Everything and everyone is moving closer to a collision.

This series just gets better and more addicting. I recommend them highly. Start at the beginning and work your way through.

Synopsis:

New York City is decked out for the holidays, and Special Agent Patrick Collins is looking forward to a reunion with his old team when he gets assigned a new case. A human child is missing, and the changeling left in her place causes a prominent witch family to demand justice from the fae.

Meanwhile, continued harassment from the New York City god pack forces Jonothon de Vere to formally establish his own with Patrick. Doing so will mean a civil war within the werecreature community—a war they risk losing from the start without alliances. Making bargains with the fae is never wise, but Patrick and Jono have nothing to lose when a fae lord comes asking for their help.

The Summer Lady has been kidnapped from the Seelie Court, and if they can find her, Patrick and Jono will cement an alliance with the fae. But the clues to her disappearance are found in Tír na nÓg, and the Otherworld has never been kind to mortals.

Venturing past the veil, Patrick and Jono risk losing territory, time, and their very lives while searching for answers. Because the Queen of Air and Darkness knows they are coming—and the ruler of the Unseelie Court has an offer for them they can’t possibly refuse.

https://www.goodreads.com › showA Crown of Iron & Silver (Soulbound, #3) by Hailey Turner – Goodreads

Soulbound series:

✓ A Ferry of Bones & Gold #1

✓ All Souls Near & Nigh #2

✓ A Crown of Iron & Silver #3

◦ A Vigil in the Mourning #4

◦ On the Wings of War #5

◦ An Echo in the Sorrow #6

◦ A Veiled & Hallowed Eve #7

Review: A Ferry of Bones & Gold (Soulbound #1) by Hailey Turner

Rating: 5🌈

I absolutely love it when I stumble across a book by a new author and become a fan of the writer as well as a reader highly invested in a series and characters after only finishing book one.

That’s what occurred after Hailey Turner’s A Ferry of Bones & Gold got it’s narrative hooks into me. Once I found myself absolutely engaged with the lives of Patrick Collins, Jono, and all the rest of the beings fighting against the Dominion Sect , I was full on part of that universe and fight as well.

Turner has a terrific way with dialogue and descriptions that makes these people. beings, crackle with life, energy, vibrancy or in the case of the vampire s, chilling magnetic power, that flies off the pages.

And the sense of urgency, and suspense is incredible when it comes to the battles and chases. Whether it’s mundane or magical. From great fight scenes to the devastation left behind, the author brings a sense of authenticity to her writing that makes us believe!

The plots here are many and varied. Also as convoluted as the famous Labyrinth of Crete, which is perfect because on top of werecreatures, vampires, elves, dragons and such, the story’s man elements include the gods of various mythologies. Albeit vary much alive.

The first book deals primarily with Greek although the Egyptian Ra and Norse gods are mentioned.

Here they are quite the meddling group, and the layers (as well as god pantheon politics) flow through the story.

That’s a lot to pack into a story and this book holds that weight easily. Along side a beginning relationship with Patrick with a were, and a small group of beings as he starts to find himself a unofficial “team” and circle of friends.

However, the author also allows a continual thread of loss, death, isolation, to run faintly through. It’s in Patrick’s history, and the reader is aware is most likely in the fighting still to come.

A sobering awareness that never leaves, giving this story a severity and somber note you hear over the laughter.

I appreciate that and wonder how this extremely complicated relationship and many layered arc storylines will play out.

I can’t wait to read on and find out.

What an amazing start.

Highly recommend this story and author.

Soulbound series:

✓ A Ferry of Bones & Gold #1

◦ All Souls Near & Nigh #2

◦ A Crown of Iron & Silver #3

◦ A Vigil in the Mourning #4

◦ On the Wings of War #5

◦ An Echo in the Sorrow #6

◦ A Veiled & Hallowed Eve #7

Synopsis:

When the gods come calling, you don’t get to say no.

Patrick Collins is three years into a career as a special agent for the Supernatural Operations Agency when the gods come calling to collect a soul debt he owes them. An immortal has gone missing in New York City and bodies are showing up in the wake of demon-led ritual killings that Patrick recognizes all too easily from his nightmares.

Unable to walk away, Patrick finds himself once again facing off against mercenary magic users belonging to the Dominion Sect. Standing his ground alone has never been a winning option in Patrick’s experience, but it’s been years since he’s had a partner he could trust.

Looking for allies in all the wrong places, Patrick discovers the Dominion Sect’s next target is the same werewolf the Fates themselves have thrown into his path. Patrick has been inexplicably attracted to the man from their first meeting, but desire has no place in war. That doesn’t stop Patrick from wanting what he shouldn’t have. Jonothon de Vere is gorgeous, dangerous, and nothing but trouble—to the case, to the fight against every hell, and ultimately, to Patrick’s heart and soul.

In the end, all debts must be paid, and Patrick can only do what he does best—cheat death.

A Ferry of Bones & Gold is a 115k word m/m urban fantasy with a gay romantic subplot and a HFN ending

https://www.goodreads.com › showA Ferry of Bones & Gold (Soulbound, #1) by Hailey Turner – Goodreads

Review: Thack’s Angel: Midnight Rodeo #12 by BA Tortuga

Rating:4🌈

It’s a great concept, a hell’s rodeo full of supernatural beings that tours like a regular rodeo around the US, only the bulls are really demons doing hell time for their bad deeds and the rodeo staff and bull riders are a very interesting mixture of supernatural beings of various species.

The books, 12 including this one, follow the members of the rodeo along a usually rocky path to romance as we also learn about their histories.

A found family of sorts each character is a reappearing member in every story. So it’s nice to continually reconnect with them book to book.

Thack is the demon is charge of the Darque and Knight supernatural rodeo. As we start the story , one central torment is the loss of his angelic mate years ago without a trace or explanation. Who unexpectedly now reappears out of nowhere.

Years lost, with no memory of who he is and where he belongs, Uri is drawn to the strange rodeo in the town he’s passing through. A rodeo who’s staff remember who he is and more importantly a rodeo that may change contain the being most centrist to regaining his past and his heart.

This is a strange, sexy, poignant second chance at love, lovers reunited story. A two person narrative that works perfectly to bring out the pain , anger, and pathos of years of lost love. Also the mystery and anguish of Uri’s journey back to his mate and found family is explored from many sides as the revelations come.

It helps to have read the other books to be familiar with the peripheral characters but not totally necessary as their dynamics are also somewhat laid out here.

I adored the Thack/Uri reunion and that of the fam but found that of the villain reveal a bit rushed. For me, it needed a little more foundation for it to have felt satisfying. Also fire demon/ice demon? Did I miss something there?

At any rate, that element kept me from rating it higher.

This is a terrific series and a fascinating concept. Love the characters and couples. Not familiar with it and them? Check it out! I’m recommending it!

Thack’s Angel (Midnight Rodeo, #12)

💀Midnight Rodeo series:

Welcome to the Pack #1

Oklahoma Rain #2

Big Bear, Little Bear #3

Light a Rocket #4

Freaked Out #5

Tails and Whiskers #6

Above the Fold #7

Vampire Protection #8

Shifting Responsibility #9

Brownie’s Sway #10

The Dragon’s Dilemma #11 by Julia Talbot

Thack’s Angel #12

Synopsis:Demon Thackery has been running the actual rodeo show at the Midnight Rodeo since anyone can remember. He has a damn good life on earth: he loves his job, he has good friends, and he has a personal assistant who understands that a good horn rub has nothing to do with sex. Only one thing is missing. His angel Uri, who disappeared years ago without even a goodbye.

When Uri rides into the Midnight Rodeo on his Harley, he has the sense that he’s been there before. And when the regulars see him, they know that the proverbial stuff is about to hit the fan. Thack is going to lose it when he sees Uri. Except that Uri can’t remember anything about his past, and he has no idea why he left.

Uri knows one thing for sure when he sees Thack; that he big demon is his mate. Period. Even if someone wants to keep them apart, now that Uri is back, there will be no separating them. Or at least that’s the plan. Can they get Uri’s memory back and keep everything else together?

A Barb the Zany Old Lady: Howling on Hold by EJ Russell

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

I admit, I was attracted to this story by the cover and the blurb—and the fact that it was a standalone since I haven’t read any of the author’s other stories and I don’t like starting in the middle of a series. But I was disappointed in that there were multiple characters from previous books who played a strong secondary role in this story. There were also references to situations and past events that those who’ve read the other books would likely recognize. 

Apparently, though, when it comes to werewolves, this is the first time they’ve been explored. Those other books were about the Fae, and vampires, and other shifters and more, whereas this one focused on werewolf packs, their hierarchy, and the training of “juniors,” those who have passed certain criteria and now enter a three-year Howling school where they learn how to suppress the things that make them wolves so they can pass unnoticed in the human world. This book is about Tanner, a young wolf howling student who turns 21 and is worried that his uncle will call him back early so he can take over his legacy as pack alpha, his dad having died years before. And it’s about his RA in “the Doghouse,” Chase Denney, a guy with high moral standards who refuses to act on his attraction to Tanner. 

After a series of misunderstandings and a possible threat on his life, Tanner goes into hiding for three months. Chase isn’t aware he’s gone, due to his own series of misadventures that bans him from going back to the Doghouse, and when he returns, he immediately sets out to find Tanner and tell him how he really feels. Even when the two find each other, there’s still threats from otherworldly creatures to contend with, intercessions and assistance by the (apparently important) characters from previous books, and a dirty, underhanded plot from one of Tanner’s family members.

To be honest, the story felt way too busy with information overload. Perhaps it hit me that way because the author was trying to fill in all the past issues for those new to the book, or perhaps that’s the author’s writing style, but there was a lot of narrative, and in proportion, very little dialogue. Facts, facts, and more facts had my head spinning with information I did not find interesting so I had a difficult time following many parts of the story. I enjoyed the sweet and simple romance between the two young men, but that took up very little page time. A few less characters, both new and past, and a few less plot twists would have gone a long way toward making this a better book. More face-to-face time with more dialogue, less about the antics of the other wolves in the house (which didn’t seem to go anywhere or have a point to them), and a note linking this to the other books in this paranormal world would definitely have made the story more enjoyable.

The cover by L C Chase is really attractive and shows, in cartoon style, a wolf standing on a cliff edge, howling at the sky, with a cartoon bubble filled with hearts coming out of his mouth, instead of the traditional howl. Very cute and it’s what sold me on reading this story.

Sales Links:  Riptide Publishing | Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 237 pages
Published January 13th 2020 by Riptide Publishing
ASINB081H7NLR6
Edition Language English

So Squirrels. This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

So… Squirrels

 

So as I counted down the days until Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words went on hiatus, I had things to do and wanted everything to go in a tidy, organized manner.  So of course, everything rapidly descended into chaos.  The dishwasher broke down, I had to deal with family RL issues, and then there were squirrels.  Well, a squirrel.  In the house.  For an extended stay.

Looks around.

I think he or she is finally gone.  Of course, with this one, you just don’t know.

Had squirrels in the house before.  Some brought in via the many animals, furkids who have lived here over the years.  Moles, voles, shrews, chipmunks, and the occasional field mouse have all made it in as the unfortunate “living gifts or toys” from various cats and dogs over the years.  Most actually made it back outside.  Then there are the visitors down through the chimney., that wonderful artificial “tree hollow” that has seen so many over the decades (my father built this house).

Most of the squirrels and I have come to a tried and true method when they arrive into the family room that way.  I open the back doors into the yard and boom, out they go.  No drama, all very  neat and quick.  I had assumed we, the squirrel community and I had an agreement on this. All very civilized of course.

But it seems in every small group there exists a rebel.  One who goes left, when all the others go right.  That is the squirrel who came down the chimney several days ago.

They did not go right out the door into the yard.  Nooooooo.  They went  left.  Dashing madly up the stairs into the living room where my tubby little dog awaited!  With glee!  They then proceeded to zoom around many levels of house, levels of rooms, well the squirrel did, tubby didn’t.  Then it happened.  I lost track of the squirrel.  And it went stealth.  No chattering, nothing.

And its scent was everywhere so said dog couldn’t find him.  Although to be fair my sausage with a head gave it his all.  All day and all night tracking the now quiet and unmoving squirrel. I had looked with my trusty flashlight.  The next day, we had a sighting!  And then it went quickly hiding until located once more. I mean is this squirrel a secret Russian operative?

Found!  Unbelievably in the closet full of Christmas Nutcrackers (honestly who writes these things) in the library, up behind all those boxes.  Couldn’t get to it and that squirrel wasn’t coming out.  So new tactic.  Call Animal Control with the nets to come and get it to release.  Right? Nope. I should have remembered.  Unless it’s actually in a trap, nope.  Back to square one. My own method.  While I was pondering what to do, Rambo squirrel made a move, busted out of the louvered door closet and out of the library for another round of madcap chasing.  Door propped up, and again I didn’t see it go out.

Sigh.

Tubby is investigating my desk in the library and the closet as I write this.  No idea if the squirrel is out or in.  Time will tell.

Good news, my little dog has had more exercise than if he’d had a zillion Peloton workouts.  Yay squirrel.

Honestly, I think its out, don’t you? 😬

In the meantime, I am thinking the hiatus will be more like me making intermittent reviews and ramblings until we are back fulltime in June 2020.  Too many books to talk about and apparently things to say.

So stay tuned, more on this later on.

 

 

 

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

 

 

Sunday, January 26:

  • So Squirrels. This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, January 27:

  • Review Tour – Garrett Leigh – The Edge Of The World
  • A MelanieM Review: The Edge of the World by Garrett Leigh
  • A MelanieM Review: Ted of the d’Urbervilles by Rob Rosen

Tuesday, January 28:

  • Book Blast – Earnest Ink by Alex Hall
  • AUDIOBOOK TOUR – Love’s Trials by Janice Jarrell
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady:Howling on Hold by EJ Russell
  • A Free Dreamer Review: Loose Ends (Badlands Book 4) by Morgan Brice

Wednesday, January 29:

  • REòEASE BLITZ Bound to Liberty by Kai Tyler
  • Release Blitz – Hold Me Up by Colette Davison
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Stay Lucky by Leta Blake
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review Asylum by Julian Burnes

Thursday, January 30:

  • BLITZ Better Than Beginnings by Lane Hayes
  • Tour: BL Dayhoff on The Right Move
  • A MelanieM Review: Loose Ends (Badlands Book 4) by Morgan Brice
  • A Free Dreamer Review Out of Time (Out of Time #5) by C.B. Lewis
  • A MelanieM Review:Howling on Hold by EJ Russell

Friday, January 31:

  • Blog Tour – Loose Ends (Badlands Book 4) by Morgan Brice
  • Release Blitz – Say It (Fascination Series Book 1) by Sky McCoy
  • Release Blitz with ARC Reviews – Fight For This by Suki Fleet
  • A MelanieM Review: Head in the Game by Jeff Adams
  • A MelanieM Audio Review:All I Want Is You by DJ Jamison and Wyatt Baker (Narrator)

Saturday, February 1:

  • So What Happens Next?

An Alisa Review: Forbidden Bond by Lee Colgin

Rating:  4 stars out of 5

Vampires and werewolves are historical enemies. When the Peace Accord that imposes an uncomfortable armistice between the species is threatened, the entire supernatural community must respond.

Young vampire heir Sinclair Davis successfully petitions the council for permission to attend a werewolf dominated university. Surrounded by a pack of unwelcoming wolves, Sinclair’s first meeting with their alpha doesn’t go well. The handsome wolf hates him.

Alpha wolf Mitchel Edgehill is furious when the university sends a vampire to be housed among his pack, even if he is cute. But there’s nothing he can do since the paperwork has been signed. They’ll have to find a way to coexist.

As tension rises within supernatural society and violence escalates between vampires and werewolves, an uneasy truce develops between Sinclair and Mitchel. The pair attend a peace conference in hopes of preventing war, but when a rogue group of humans attacks, Sinclair is kidnapped and held for ransom. Can the alpha wolf work with vampires to save Sinclair, or will war break out after all?

Man, everyone in this society has biases against the others.  I was so glad to see that Sinclair was different and he helped Mitchel and his pack also see that vampires aren’t so bad, even if it didn’t start out so well.  I liked this world and how far it all went in the end for peace among everyone, not just the paranormals.

I liked Sinclair and Mitchel’s slow burn romance but once they decided they wanted to really make a go at it they jumped right into it.  I was glad they stood their ground when others opposed their relationship and quickly showed the others how they could work together.  I will be looking forward to reading more books by this author.

Cover art by Natasha Snow is great and I really like the background of the school where most of the book takes place.

Sales Links: Nine Star Press | Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

ebook, 54,100 words

Published: December 23, 2019 by Nine Star Press

ISBN: 978-1-951880-06-4

Edition Language: English

Series: They Bite #1

And Still More 2019 Best Of Lists and This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

And Still More 2019 Best Of Lists

Here we are mid January and the cold is upon us. After mid temperatures, it is finally feeling like winter here.  Our look at last year’s wonderful stories continues this week with our reviewer Alisa’s choices for her Best of 2019.  Check them out below:

From Our Reviewer Alisa:

 

2019 Best ebooks

Blood Wine by Aimer Boyz

Kept in the Dark by Charlie Cochet

The Hands We’re Given by O.E. Tearmann

Surviving the Shadows by Miranda Turner

Mason’s Run by Mellanie Rourke

All or Nothing by Riina Y.T.

The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Andi James and Lila Wilde

The Sweetest Thing by E.M. Denning

At Home by Carly Marie

His Two Alphas by Anna Wineheart

Best audiobooks

Untamed by Carly Marie, narrator Bolton Hill

Homeward Bound by HJ Welch, narrator Nick Russo

Mr. Frosty Pants by Leta Blake, narrator John Solo

Nothing Special V by AE Via, narrator Aiden Snow

The Swap by Annabella Michaels, narrator Michael Pauley

Best Series

Finding Home by Carly Marie

Davey’s Rules by Susi Hawke

My Truth by Ann Grech

Brotherhood of Ormarr by Jacki James, Michelle Frost, Steph Marie, Bobbie Rayne, Michele Notaro and Sammi Cee

Bid Bad Wolves by Queenie Wise

 

—

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, January 19:

  • And Still More 2019 Best Of Lists and This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday,January 20:

  • Cover Reveal Loose Ends (Badlands Book 4) by Morgan Brice
  • Review Tour – Served with a Twist by Jet Lupin
  • BLITZ Out of Time by C.B. Lewis
  • An Alisa Review Forbidden Bond by Lee Colgin
  • A Free Dreamer Review: Time Turns (Out of Time #4) by C.B. Lewis

Tuesday, January 21:

  • Release blitz Adam Bomb by Kilby Blades
  • BLITZ Winter Masquerade by Kevin Klehr
  • An Alisa Review Don’t Ask Don’t Tell by Miski Harris
  • A MelanieM Review The Edge of the World by Garrett Leigh

Wednesday. January 22:

  • Release Blitz – Fade In (A Tales of Bryant Romance) – V.L. Locey
  • Release Blitz – Loose Ends (Badlands Book 4) by Morgan Brice
  • A Melanie Review Consorts of the Red King by Eden Winters
  • A Melanie Review Fade In (Tales of Bryant #3) by V.L. Locey

Thursday, January 23:

  • Release Festivities for Powder & Pavlova by Jay Hogan
  • AUDIOBOOK TOUR – Love’s Trials by Janice Jarrell
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Rescuing Kyle Special Forces: Operation Alpha by Lynn Michaels
  • An Alisa Audio Review:All the Way to Shore (Stories from the Shore #1) by CJane Elliott, Tim McKiernan (Narrator)

Friday, January 24:

  • Release Blitz Ted of the d’Urbervilles by Rob Rosen
  • Blog Tour – Hathornatum (Pleletus #1) by Taylin Clavelli
  • A Stella Review: Powder and Pavlova (Southern Lights #1) by Jay Hogan
  • A Free Dreamer Review: Hathornatum (Pleletus #1) by Taylin Clavelli

Saturday, January 25:

  • A MelanieM Audio Review:All I Want Is You by DJ Jamison and Wyatt Baker (Narrator)

More Best of 2019 and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

More best of 2019 Lists

 

We are continuing on this week with more best of lists.  This time from our reviewer Chaos Moondrawn!  Let’s check out her Best of 2019!

 

Chaos Moondrawn Best Of 2019

The Best Of The Best

This year I read approximately 200 stories/books, although I didn’t review them all. If you have been reading my reviews, both here and on my own blog, you’ll know I like quirky–books that do things a little differently than the status quo. They still have to make sense, connect with me emotionally, and tell a good story.  I gave 5 Stars, without rounding up, to these books that were published this year:

Digging Deep, Digging Deep 1, by Jay Hogan

This book gave a realistic depiction of being in a relationship with a chronically ill person with humor, honesty, and dignity whilst still managing to be a romance. The author didn’t cover over the gross or inconvenient things about illness the way most books do.

The Ghosts Between Us, The West Hills 1, by Brigham Vaughn

People handle grief differently and sometimes they fall in love at completely the wrong time with someone others might deem inappropriate. Oh well, that’s their problem.

The Story Of Us by Logan Meredith

Literally, no one agreed with me about this book featuring an older prudish, judgmental man falling in love with a young student and porn star. With breaking the fourth wall and only one point of view, some people didn’t dig it.

Best Covers

The Witchstone Amulet cover by Tiferet Designs, Healing Glass cover by Jackie Keswick,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The King’s Dragon cover by Natasha Snow, Taji from Beyond the Rings by R. Cooper cover by Lyn Forester, Anhaga  by Lisa Henry cover by Tiferet Designs, Hell and Gone by Tal Bauer cover by Danonza, Clean Break by Erin McLellan cover by Natasha Snow, Ramen Assassin by Rhys Ford cover by Reece Notley, Earth Fathers Are Weird  by Lyn Gala cover by Lyn Gala.

The Best Of The Rest

Best Contemporary

Arctic Sun, Frozen Hearts 1, by Annabeth Albert

Best Behavior by Matthew J. Metzger

Heated Rivalry, Game Changers 2, by Rachel Reid

Ramen Assassin by Rhys Ford

The Other Book, Those Other Books 1, by Roe Horvat

We Still Live by Sara Dobie Bauer

Best Fantasy/Paranormal/Science Fiction

Anhaga by Lisa Henry

Dead Man Stalking by T.A. Moore

Empire of Light, Voyance 1, by Alex Harrow

Healing Glass, Gifted Guilds 1, by Jackie Keswick

Space Train by David Bridger

The Shoreless Sea, Liminal Sky 3, by J. Scott Coatsworth

Best Holiday

A Faerie Story by Barbara Elsborg

Best Dark Themed/Taboo

Sick And Tragic Bastard by Rowan Massey

Please read the tags and get ready for a big, fat, ugly-crying meltdown if you have a soul. Then, read or watch the fluffiest, sweetest stories you can find for a week after.

Best Rerelease

Release, Davlova 1 and Return, Davlova 2, by Marie Sexton

This dark romance duology (pay attention to the tags) was originally released under the name A.M. Sexton. I don’t think there are any substantial changes. Expect rich, bleak, dystopian world-building.

Honorable Mention

The King’s Dragon, Fire And Valor 1, by W.M. Fawkes and Sam Burns

The Stone Amulet by Mason Thomas

I read so much fantasy this year. These two books stayed with me even though I rated them lower than the others. Why? Maybe I didn’t have enough coffee.

Dec 31, 2019

 

 

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, January 12:

  • More Best of 2019 and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, January 13:

  • Blog Tour Rules to Obey by Susan Hawke
  • BLITZ Breaking the Surface by Rebecca Langham
  • Review Tour – Con Riley – Saving Sean
  • A Stella Review : Saving Sean (Seattle Stories #2) by Con Riley
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Tough Guy (Game Changers #3) by Rachel Reid

Tuesday, January 14:

  • Release Blitz His Fake Prison Daddy by Thursday Euclid and Clancy Nacht
  • BLITZ Unraveling by Rick R. Reed
  • An Alisa Review: Rules to Obey (Davey’s Rules #5) by Susan Hawke
  • A Free Dreamer Review: Wren and Oak (The Rowan Harbor Cycle #9) by Sam Burns

Wednesday, January 15:

  • Cover Reveal – Hold Me Up by Colette Davison
  • Book Blast – Damaged Hearts by Jan St. Marcus
  • Vlog Tour for Unexpected by KM Neuhold
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Rebound (Overtime #1) by V.L. Locey

Thursday, January 16:

  • TOUR Howling on Hold by EJ Russell
  • Release Blitz – Dravyn’s Garden (D’Vaire, Book 15) by Jessamyn Kingley
  • Release Blitz Garrett Leigh – The Edge Of The World
  • An Ashlez Review: Star and Fire by R Parr

Friday, January 17:

  • Cover Reveal – A Summer of Smoke and Sin by TJ Nichols
  • BLOG TOUR International Banker, Beach Boy by Mia Terry
  • A MelanieM Review: Head in the Game by Jeff Adams
  • A MelanieM Review: Consorts of the Red King by Eden Winters

Saturday, January 18:

  • A MelanieM Review: The Hunt for Red Fluffy (Brimstone #6) by Angel Martinez

A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Forbidden Bond by Lee Colgin

Rating: 3.25 stars out of 5

Historically enemies, there is now a peace treaty between vampires and shifters. As vampires push to announce their existence to humans in the face of technological advances in order to control the PR, many shifters disagree, threatening the peace. The real problem is that it’s just an armistice: there is no integration or friendship. Sinclair, a living vampire, has been accepted at a shifter college for graduate study, which is an historic opportunity. His father, who presides over the Vampire Council, is worried about his safety. He might be right as Sinclair is met with hostility and suspicion. The POV then switches to Mitchel, the Alpha on campus, whose uncle Marcus runs the Werewolf Council. Mitchel’s parents where killed by vampires, so he has no love of their kind. As Sinclair and Mitchel actually get to know each other, they become friends while they try to help maintain peace between their species. Others struggle to accept a world where vampire and werewolf date and humans know of their existence.

Each chapter is started by a news report updating the reader about the issues and fears in the supernatural community. I thought it was a little gimmicky. This is firmly in the new adult genre even though Mitchel is older. It has an enemies to lovers, slow burn vibe–fun, flirty, a little juvenile–at the beginning. Then, all of the sudden, their relationship is serious with sexy times and a violent, action packed plotline. The vampires are ruthless and bloodthirsty when threatened, while the wolves come off as more squeamish and less prepared for violence. Other supernatural species are mentioned in passing, but not focused on so they have no face. It was great to see Erika as a strong female Alpha wolf who takes charge in the crisis, yet none of the secondary characters are very detailed. This story is enjoyable even though it doesn’t break any new ground in this subgenre.

The cover art by Natasha Snow works well with the titles to convey much of the story.

Sales Links:  NineStar Press |   Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Book Details:

ebook
Published December 23rd 2019 by NineStar Press
ISBN13 9781951880064

Announcements and This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Announcements and Less Than Scattered Thoughts

Announcement 1:

 

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is Going on Hiatus as of February 1, 2020.  We intend on  returning June 1, 2020.

 

Real life has been complicated and incredibly time consuming of late.  The effects of aging is often not kind, and it’s hard to see it’s impact upon one’s parents.  And then have to deal with it.

Sometimes the change is gradual, and then, without notice, like some out of control vehicle, the changes speedup rapidly, veering off in directions you least expected, leaving you scrambling for time, plans, and someone to provide assistance for you and them.

And it all takes time.

I have tried handling  this, my life, and the blog.  And it hasn’t been going well.  So for now, Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words will go on hiatus February 1 until June.  Our intention is to return then, restored and recovered.

I hope you will return as well.  Trust me, this was a very difficult decision as I love this blog, our reviewers, authors, and readers so.  We make no money off of STRW and do it solely out of love.

We hope you will stay with us all through January and return to us in the summer.

 

Announcement 2:

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Does Not and Will Not Support Dreamspinner Press Through Tours or ARCs, now or in the future.

 

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue  Words has not worked or accepted tours or ARCS since October 2019,  and will not,  (even if they manage to pull off some sort of restructuring deal and avoid bankruptcy) from Dreamspinner Press, its owner Elizabeth North, and any of its associated presses.  Like other bloggers, readers, and tour owners, we too had hoped originally that DSP would turn things around.  Then began the long parade of authors out of Dreamspinner, the lengthy tweets and tales of unpaid royalties (still unpaid royalties and unreturned emails), the impact DSP”s action’s have had on these author’s lives, the immeasurable pain and stress that’s been caused, and, their latest maneuver, makes any support impossible.

I am sorry for those authors still remaining at that firm for whatever reason.  If any of you have ARCs that are self published or published with another press, we will be happy to help you promote those upon our return in the Summer and this January.

On a hilarious side note, when contacted by a certain author for Dreamspinner, asking if we wanted to continue with their tours/ARCS, we politely said not at this time.  And were then informed we were put on their blacklist. lol    A company that acts in such a (insert word of choice here)  manner, imo,  and acts towards to many authors but has a blacklist?  That’s irony. #payyourauthors

A last note on this  subject here.

We also fully throw our support towards those blogs, authors, and readers who have been so brave and vocal in supporting the LGBTQIA+ authors who left Dreamspinners and have been outspoken about the reasons why and the impact on their lives and writing.  This includes Jay of Joyfully Jay, RJ Scoot, Avon Gale, TJ Klune, BA Tortuga, Jodi Payne, Julia Talbot, Sean Kennedy, Sean Michael, Anna Zabo, among others. There are over 80 ex DSP authors, all with the same story.  They need our support.  We  will be here to help them through January and again in the summer when we return.

Plus I will be reading all through my blog’s hiatus so I will have a backlog of books to review come return time!  None of which will be DSP!

 

Now on a more positive note.

Here is Lila’s Short Best of 2019 List:

From Lila:

Best Cover – I Was a Gay Teenage Zombie by Alison Cybe

Best Novel – Not Dead Yet by Jenn Burke

Best Audiobook – Salt Magic, Skin Magic by Lee Welch: narrated by Joel Leslie

Overall Best – Bishop by A.E. Via

Now onto this week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, January 5:

  • Announcements and This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, January 6:

  • BLITZ Love on the Spectrum by Alec Nortan
  • BLITZ Life Minus Me by Sara Codair
  • Blog Tour – Inheritance (Deadly Curiosities #4) by Gail Z. Martin
  • A Melanie Review Inheritance (Deadly Curiosities #4) by Gail Z. Martin

Tuesday, January 7:

  • Cover Reveal Signal – Fade In (A Tales of Bryant Romance) – V.L. Locey
  • Reveal Blitz Shots on Goal (Stick Side #3) by Amy Aislin
  • BLITZ Lord of Thundertown by O.F. Cieri
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Devil’s Hour by Aimee Nicole Walker

Wednesday, January 8:

  • BLITZ Boiling Over by Thea McAlistair
  • AUDIO BLITZ All the Way to Shore by CJane Elliott
  • REVIEW TOUR – A.E. VIA – PROMISES: PART 1 (BOUNTY HUNTERS #1)
  • An Alisa Audio Review A.E. VIA – PROMISES: PART 1 (BOUNTY HUNTERS #1)

Thursday, January 9:

  • BLOG TOUR Devil’s Hour by Aimee Nicole Walker
  • A MelanieM Review: The Hunt for Red Fluffy (Brimstone #6) by Angel Martinez

Friday, January 10:

  • Release Blitz – Biker Daddy (The Grimm Tales of Smoky Vale Book 1) by Gianni Holmes
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Forbidden Bond by Lee Colgin

Saturday, January 11:

  • A MelanieM Review: Head in the Game by Jeff Adams