Tag: Scattered Thoughts Highly Recommended

Review: Got Me Going (Vet Shop Boys Book 5) by Casey Cox

Rating: 4.75 🌈

I knew I was in for a wonderful time when I found myself laughing out at a awkward moment just pages in. Hilarious, believable, and totally entertaining. For the readers and other characters watching.

Tyler Morris has a few issues. He loves being a veterinarian, but he can’t cope with losing patients, the heartbreak and grief. He’s also determined to lose his V card. Past trauma has made him feel like no one wants someone like him.

Daly Evans, new owner of the cafe and bakery, is also hiding major issues. Health issues that have effected his body image.

Taking the cafe over from his grandmother , Daly is struggling.

Tyler is a character we’ve met before, but here in Got Me Going, with his background exposed, and his inability to deal with the worst consequences of being a vet, Tyler comes vividly to life. Just as Daly does, as he fights to keep the shop open and his fears for his future in check.

I love this series and each couple has grabbed at my heart, but Daly and Tyler had me laughing, sniffling, and throughly enjoying their journey to HEA.

Cox has written a remarkable romance, full of heart and joy. I’m highly recommending it and the series.

Vet Shop Boys series so far:

✓ Got Me Hoping #1

✓ Got Me Wishing #2

✓ Got Me Looking #3

✓ Got Me Thinking #4

✓ Got Me Going #5

◦ Got Me Merry #6 – Dec 5, 2022

Got Me Going (Vet Shop Boys Book 5)

Synopsis:

Can a veterinarian lose his V-card before turning twenty-five? Oh, one hun p he can!

On the surface, I’m super sassy and just a little bit extra. But underneath, I’m hiding a painful secret from my past and one hugely embarrassing problem in my present—I’m still a…I’m still a…Dammit, I can’t even get it out.

Let’s just say it starts with V and ends in irgin.

Daly’s the new barista, and he takes Thirsty Thursdays to a whole new level. He’s drop-dead gorgeous with a sexy shaved head, ocean-blue eyes, and an insane smile that lights me up whenever he aims it my way. He’s also kind, friendly, and interesting. In other words, the perfect guy to be my first time.

A night of too much coconut tequila leads to us making a drunken pact. Daly will help me with my V-status issue, but he adds a caveat. We have to get to know each other first. Then, and only then, can the physical stuff happen.

It sounds simple enough. But the more I get to know him, the more I realize what we have is more than just a physical attraction. We share a connection. We like the same things. And stupidly, I’ve gone ahead and caught feelings for the guy.

This was never meant to be anything more than just a physical thing, so why has Daly got me going out of my mind the way he does?

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: The Alpha and his King (The Kincaid Pack #1) by Kiki Clark

Rating: 4.5

Another new to me author as well as a new series to read! The Alpha and his King , the first in The Kincaid Pack series, is a hurt/comfort paranormal romance that I really connected with .

Clark has a wonderful premise to begin with, as Alpha Rick Kincaid establishing a pack of mixed shifters, taking in those kicked out or rejected by their own rigid, old fashioned packs. It has a Tiger, bird species, and witches, along with wolf shifters.

So we start with a large foundation of found family, and a Alpha who’s carrying the weight of pulling together the new and old members into a integrated pack.

Clark’s descriptions and scenes make everyone easy to “see” and become invested in the more we learn about themselves and how the pack was established after Rick took over.

But the story really flourishes when it comes to the abused King teenagers and toddlers. From the moment they are rescued all throughout the story where each continues to work through the trauma they have lived through and have not had any help in moving past it or dealing with it.

The little ones are adorable, but the deeply painful, almost entrenched damage is realistic and emotionally painful enough to hold both Kai and Samantha , his sister back from integrating into a new better place and pack.

On top of all this is a mystery and danger to the pack, and new members.

I was absolutely hooked from the beginning and read on until the story was finished. The terrific storytelling and characters kept me engaged and glued to the page until the end.

I’ll be binging the rest of the stories, and so I’m onto the next in the series.

Kincaid Pack series to date:

✓ The Alpha and his King #1

◦ The Second and His Bonded #2

◦ The Deputy and His Enforcer #3

◦ The Hunter and His Mates #4

◦ The Enforcer and His Heart #5

◦ The Witch and His Doctor #6

The Second and His Bonded (Kincaid Pack Book 2)

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Alpha and His King (Kincaid Pack #1) by Kiki Clark – Goodreads

Synopsis:

When Kai flies out of a shed, swinging a rake, Rick’s life flips upside down.

As alpha, Rick’s dedication to his pack has never wavered—until Kai. The pull he feels toward the younger man is more than a simple distraction, but Rick won’t let himself lose focus. Not while a hidden enemy is drawing near.

Moving in with the grumpy alpha who saved him is a big change for Kai, and it isn’t long before he begins to ache for something he can’t have. As a half-human shifter responsible for his three younger siblings, he knows he can never be Rick’s mate.

Pushing aside their doubts and insecurities, they grow closer. But when the pack’s enemies strike, bringing their fears to fruition, Rick and Kai have to decide if they’re willing to risk it all to be together.

The Alpha and His King is the first book in the Kincaid Pack series and features a quick-tempered and possessive alpha; a sweet and feisty alpha-mate; shifters, seers, and witches galore; massive amounts of hurt/comfort; and a happily ever after.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: Rough (Operation Justice Force #2) by Reece Knightley

Rating: 4🌈

I throughly enjoyed Lethal, the first book in this series. It had a sweet twist as far as the main characters, which directly affected their dynamics and relationship.

It was also my introduction to this world of undercover ops, twin semiautonomous agencies, and their operatives who all seem to have a sort of connection between themselves.

The operatives are all ex-professional military personnel, fierce , intelligent and highly effective in their areas of expertise.

Pegasus, the agency here is more undercover and newly established.

That’s the background. Gage and Mason Taylor are our main characters and POVs in Rough. We watched them bicker and circle each other in Lethal, their chemistry obvious. It’s a opposites attract story.

Mason Taylor is old rich money. He’s a known entity and that’s been used as part of his cover in the past. Gage’s past, other than career, isn’t as clear.

This is one of my issues with the series that starts with this story. I’ll table it for now.

Knightley does a excellent job creating interesting, connectable characters, outfitting them with emotionally laden issues, and then pulling it altogether in a fast-paced , suspenseful espionage thriller.

Gage’s family issues are heartbreaking and the character that acts as a bridge to bring them into Mason’s home is everything.

But this is where the suspension of belief sets in. Pegasus is a semiautonomous organization. High security with all that entails. Including high security clearances. Background checks on every operative to ensure they don’t have anything that would make them a security risk. Like a ex with addiction issues, money problems, and an employee with living quarters in risky area because of money flow issues.

Uh no. Red flags. Nope. Not hired.

And this is a narrative problem that carries over into the following stories.

There’s a few other things that’s problematic but that’s such a glaring example of a major issue that I’ll leave that out there.

Does that balance out a hot romance and terrific characters? Along with a fast paced storyline? Well, if this type of book is your jam, probably so.

Opposites attract, Blk Ops adventure, chemistry and hot men, heartwarming romance.

But a little eye roll as well.

I enjoyed it for what it was. And recommending it for that too.

🔹Operation Justice Force series:

✓ Lethal #1

✓ Rough #2

◦ Honor #3

◦ Rebel #4 – Nov 17, 2022

*there’s connecting series that precedes this, Code of Honor Justice Force series as well as Out for Justice Cobalt Security series.

https://www.goodreads.com › showRough (Operation Justice Force #2) by Reese Knightley – Goodreads

Synopsis:

After circling around each other for so long, are they ready to take it to the next level?

Mason can admit that he’s had the hots for rough and gruff Gage Hillcrest for well over a year now. Only Gage is bossy and overbearing as all hell. Not to mention that Gage is a closed book and Mason doesn’t know anything about the man.

Gage has wanted smart mouthed and sexy, Mason Taylor since he first laid eyes on him. But the two of them are like oil and water. Mason is wild. And well, Gage is not. Mason also has a big house and more money than he’d ever need while Gage is drowning in debt.

When Pegasus is asked to help the local police find a missing undercover officer, the unit leaps in with all hands on deck. Lives collide when they roll out on the mission and Mason finds out that Gage needs aid taking care of his family. Of course, Mason jumps in to help.

As the pair grow closer, life gets more complicated when Gage’s son goes missing. With loved ones in jeopardy, Pegasus will do everything in their power to find the little boy and recover the missing undercover cop before it’s too late.

Because in the end, it’s all about family and taking care of those in need.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: So What If I’m Your Chosen One (Not Your Chosen One #2) by Evelyn Benvie

Rating: 4.5 🌈

So What If I’m Your Chosen One (Not Your Chosen One #2) by Evelyn Benvie picks up right after the end of I’m Not Your Chosen One, the first one in the series.

Kell is in a emotional muddle. The stars are pushing him towards his “destiny” as The Chosen One without much guidance. There’s Ansel, patiently waiting for Kell to figure out what their relationship is exactly and let Ansel know . Slow burn it is! But the biggest issue is deciding what sort of Chosen , if any, Kell’s going to be and how he’s to achieve the very high goal of saving Allune.

Even if it’s from the gods themselves.

So What If I Am The Chosen One has a tremendous amount of action, new characters, and revelations.

It also has Kell doing a bit more whinging as my British friends would call it. I had thought Kell had settled some of these issues in the first book, but almost immediately they are raised again here. Kell has enormous questions about his destiny, all the beings that want a say in that (perfectly understandable), and not a lot of belief in himself in getting the job done.

I wish he would communicate more with his small group of friends/found family, as they are equally invested with hearts and bodies in his destiny too.

Still, Benvie’s engaging characters, lively , action packed scenes filled with remarkable , often moving moments keeps me fully connected to Kell and his band of heroes as they navigate their way towards the dark landscape of the Lich King.

As Kell continues to turn enemies into allies, or potential friends, and the revelations show the origin behind the magical catastrophe, Kell’s quest looms ever larger and more necessary then ever .

The author’s plotting is complicated, exciting, emotional, and magical. All the components that make a fantastic story so rewarding. That and these wonderful characters.

As the story ends , they’ve completed one mission, but the ramifications have yet to set in.

That comes next in “It’s Hard Work Being a Chosen One”, no release date given as yet.

I’m absolutely charmed by this story and series. I can’t wait to see the next story hit.

That means I’m absolutely recommending both books and this author to all lovers of fantasy.

And the cover is still everything!

Not Your Chosen One series:

✓ I’m Not Your Chosen One #1

✓ So What If I Am The Chosen One #2

◦ “It’s Hard Work Being a Chosen One #3 – TBA)”

Sales link:

https://www.evelynbenvie.comEvelyn Benvie

Description:

The stars don’t think Kell needs answers. He disagrees.

Having accepted his role as the Chosen, Kell plans to sail to Port Hull and seek answers no one seems willing to give him. Of course, the stars immediately sabotage him. They feel he’s ready to confront the allegedly evil Lich King and toss Kell and company directly into the Lich King’s territory with no way back. Instead of rushing heroically into battle, Kell retaliates by taking multiple detours on the way to his alleged adversary’s palace.

The roundabout route doesn’t end up being an easy one. With a demon tower, child ghosts, confrontations with the goddess and Ansel’s family, and serious talks about his relationship with Ansel, Kell has more than enough on his plate. But he can’t put off the destined battle with the Lich King forever, even though the odds of failure are high. Kell will need to draw on every ounce of non-traditional Chosen-ness or this might be the end of his time in Allune.

Review: Fang’d (Evergreen Council #1) by Vin George

Rating: 4.5🌈

Vin George is another new to me author. Their excellent Fang’d , a paranormal romance, is the first in a new Evergreen Council series and I’m so excited I found it.

George has a somewhat different take on the usual shifter/hybrid vampire romance. Even on the species of vampires and weres themselves.

As a foundation story, Fang’d is such a excellent tale. It peals back the hidden layers of the world Charley Entwhistle and Lucien “Luc” Bradshaw inhabit as they race away from Charley’s hometown and serious wrongful accusations laid against Charley.

Vin George gives their characters and readers a suspenseful, gripping base as a staging point for the story. A dark night, a near crash, a flight into the dark! Then the tale gets oh so better.

Because the driver who, in his kindness in rescuing Charley, is the fascinating Lucien “Luc” Bradshaw .

Luc is so much more than he appears. Luc is also one of two narrators of this remarkable story. The other being Charley, of course..

There’s so much happening to Charley. Much of which he doesn’t understand. His life has been unusual, he’s adopted and had weird physical issues no one has tried to explain. Ones that have escalated since puberty. Now he’s accused of murder, something he knows he didn’t do . He’s hurt, confused, and running.

Charley is such a complicated character that a review can’t portray his real personality. Which is terrific because Charley is at the heart of the story, it’s revelations and astonishing mysteries that move the narrative briskly forward.

Luc is at his side , his equal in depth of character, emotional issues, including historical bigotry between species, homophobia within species, and hidden elements that I’m sure will come out in future stories. Luc is an amazing being.

But Fang’d happens to be packed with them. What a joy. So I’m eagerly anticipating the new release to bring us back into this universe and into these characters lives. There’s still so many mysteries to solve.

Did I also mention the heartwarming moments too? Yes , it has those as well.

Vin George just made it onto my auto buy with this story. It’s beautifully written, the characters are engaging and fully defined, and the story incredibly well plotted with new twists on the paranormal species.

If you’re a lover of the paranormal, then I’m recommending this story and author to you. It’s a fabulous read!

https://www.goodreads.com › showFang’d (Evergreen Council #1) by Vin George – Goodreads

https://www.amazon.com › Fangd-V…Fang’d – Kindle edition by George, Vin. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Synopsis:

Who is the antsy, beautiful guy in my passenger seat? Or rather, what is he?

Wrongly accused of murder and running for his life, Charley took a chance on the hot stranger with a fast car. He didn’t expect the gorgeous Luc to have any insights into Charley’s increasingly strange symptoms. He certainly didn’t expect to learn the fantastical stories he’d heard as a child were true. And he definitely didn’t expect to feel so strongly for someone he only just met.

Luc’s impulsive offer has landed him in charge of a sexy, enticing, not entirely human someone. Charley might have vampire blood. Surely that should make him less attractive and not more? But the mysterious Charley is irresistible, addictive even. Luc is determined to protect him from anyone and anything…mortal or otherwise.

Fang’d is the sexy first book in the Evergreen Council series, featuring a bratty half-vampire on the run, his stubborn wolf-shifter protector, and a fascinating world of supernatural beings hiding in the shadows. HEA. Standalone.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: Lethal (Operation Justice Force #1) by Reece Knightly

Rating: 4.5🌈

The cover and description give the reader a pretty good indication of what Lethal, the first book in Reese Knightly’s new Operation Justice Force , has in store for them.

Dark alley, hot, muscled men, with tattoos (some of them), just a hint of danger. Works perfectly for a undercover operation filled with ex Black ops, ex Marines , ex CIA agents, you name it, this agency has the law enforcement type employed there.

I wasn’t aware there’s connecting series that precedes this, Code of Honor Justice Force series as well as Out for Justice Cobalt Security series. Neither of which I’ve read but some of the characters from those series do make appearances here.

The agency here is a twin operation of one referenced above, only a tad more under the radar. They are run by the same person and under the same government auspices .

Luckily, Knightly puts all that knowledge in place here so the new reader like myself doesn’t feel like they are scrambling too much to pull together the foundational structure.

Lethal is a two person POV, a dynamic format which works tremendously well with this type of story and characters.

It’s a dark explosive opening, and we’re off to a highly suspenseful, intense storyline diving into a mystery that has a murderous cat and mouse game already in progress.

While the transitions between the differing POV may seem abrupt at the beginning, I found it increased the pace of the exposition, heightened the sense of danger to the men involved, and laid a layer of dark rawness over this section of the storyline.

Dalton Weber, 38, second in command of Pegasus, is chasing Sphinx,a ex CIA suspected of being a traitor and stealing a important in-house list of names. That’s the situation we start at. A meeting between Dalton and Sphinx gone wrong.

Adam Campbell, ex CIA, is on the run, unsure of who he can trust, with information he needs to protect. He’s such a interesting character, exhausted, alone, fighting to survive. Who he is and what his connection is with Dalton makes this story. It’s such a great twist.

I won’t spoil the book but it’s a fast paced , highly entertaining, very suspenseful story. It’s got terrific characters, themes , and a fabulous ending.

There’s a few questions about Dalton’s family history, and his background but in general, this is a story that will keep you entertained and invested right until the end.

And it’s one I’m recommending!

The list of the series to date is below. Check them out.

🔹Operation Justice Force series:

✓ Lethal #1

◦ Rough #2

◦ Honor #3

◦ Rebel #4 – Nov 17, 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showLethal (Operation Justice Force, #1) by Reese Knightley – Goodreads

Synopsis:

A traitor with stolen information.
Adam Campbell, 33, blacklisted CIA agent, needs to get covert information into the right hands. Alone and on the run, his world suddenly stops when he discovers the identity of the Pegasus operative who is on his tail. Arranging a meeting just to gaze into the eyes of the man he’s always loved, Adam is set up and almost killed. Out of resources and nowhere to turn, Adam returns to the only home he’s ever known.

An operative who always catches the bad guy.


Dalton Weber, 38, second in command of Pegasus, has a job to do: Stop ex-CIA agent, code name Sphinx, from selling classified information. When Sphinx disappears after Dalton’s botched attempt at contact, Dalton takes a much-needed break. Going home for the holiday, Dalton finds Adam, the man he’d walked away from years ago.

A surprising encounter.
Imagine Adam’s shock when Dalton shows up. Imagine Dalton’s disbelief when he finds out the facts about the man who has always owned his heart. When explosions, secrets, and attempted murder hit close to home, Pegasus opens up a lethal dose of ass kicking. Will that be enough to stop the bad guys and give Adam a chance to come clean?

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: I’m Not Your Chosen One (Not Your Chosen One #1) by Evelyn Benvie

Rating: 5🌈

Evelyn Benvie has,in one story, become a auto read. This author’s new series, Not Your Chosen One, includes the sorts of characters, storylines, and world building I look for in a fantasy novel. Then goes further to make sure there’s humor, depth, growth for relationships and emotional issues that the main characters are dealing with.

Also new areas for the universe to expand and enrich the plot.

That all occurs in I’m Not Your Chosen One, book one in this outstanding series.

It starts off darkly enough, with 26 year old Kell Hồ Sinh Porter desperate and depressed. Once again he’s run from his home life that threatens to pull him under.

Benvie’s vividly described portrait of a young man so despairing that he cries out to the night for help is so real it tugs at you emotionally.

Especially when he’s answered.

Then the journey of self discovery, acceptance , responsibilities, friendship, and romance (what that means if you’re demisexual) , all within the realm of fantasy.

What’s a hero? What’s destiny anyway? Who decides? What if the hero says no? The author’s storylines has so much fantastic elements to it, moments where I was filled with glee , living fully through Kell and the decisions he kept making throughout this journey.

It’s the people he starts to befriend, the ones he astonishes, or frustrates as he learns about himself and others.

I’m so invested in this growing found family of beings, especially Kell. Who have a world to save but don’t know yet exactly what the plan is.

Evelyn Benvie has created an exciting , well written, beautifully realized fantasy world, and filled it with multidimensional characters I’ve come to care about deeply.

I can’t wait to see where this journey is taking them all.

If you’re a lover of fantasy, I’m highly recommending this author and story to you . Pick up I’m Not Your Chosen One (Not Your Chosen One #1) by Evelyn Benvie today!

And the cover is everything!

Not Your Chosen One series:

✓ I’m Not Your Chosen One #1

◦ So What If I Am The Chosen One #2

https://www.evelynbenvie.comEvelyn Benvie

https://www.goodreads.com › showI Am Not Your Chosen One – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Kell Hồ Sinh Porter is twenty-six years old and desperate to leave his unhappy life and his dead-end town.

One night his wish is granted by a mysterious voice—though not in any way he would’ve imagined—and he finds himself in the semi-magical land of Allune where everyone thinks he’s the “Chosen One.” Kell politely disagrees, and absconds from his duties. On the search for an adventure that doesn’t come with world-saving responsibility attached, he’s joined by companions. Every adventurer needs them, but his turn out to be Ansel, a sheltered fallen angel, and Fre, a half-orlk who wants to be a hero.

Destiny, bad luck, and the gods conspire against him. The Dawn Goddess wants him to take up his Chosen One mantle, which Kell is sure means becoming cannon fodder in an ancient divine war. The Lich King’s demonic minions carry out sporadic attacks in an attempt to kill him and prove he is not the Chosen One. Temperamental elves, talking stars that aren’t all that helpful, image-conscious demons, maddening pieces of prophecy that everyone thinks Kell should already know, and his growing feelings for Ansel all mix in a frustrating stew as Kell tries to juggle his feelings, his duties, and all the things trying to kill him. No one asked him if he wanted to be anyone’s Chosen One, and he can’t begin to understand why he was chosen.

Kell needs to figure out who to trust and how to forge his own path before it’s too late for Allune and for him.

Review: How I Stole The Princess’s White Knight and Turned Him To Villainy: Miracle 1. By A.J. Sherwood

Rating: 4.5🌈

How I Stole The Princess’s White Knight and Turned Him To Villainy: Miracle 1. By A.J. Sherwood is a new wonderfully entertaining fantasy story. It’s free at the moment but soon it will be pulled, and made part of a series Sherwood’s writing about a white knight and the black sorcerer who’s falling for him.

It’s got Sherwood’s tell tale humor, magical characters, snarky dialogue, action, and remarkable heart added to this enemies to lovers romance.

Honestly, the bad guy’s not so bad, well, really, the princess isn’t very nice, and the White Knight? He’s caught trying to do the right thing, and falling in love with the wrong person.

I couldn’t put this rollicking fabulous tale down . And when it was time for the Knight’s next mission? I found I needed that story that hasn’t been finished yet.

Oh the anticipation. Luckily, when the books come, they will be released, one after another.

So grab this up. Read it and enjoy.

Then wait with me for the announcement of the books to arrive!

I’m highly recommending it.

https://www.smashwords.com › viewHow I Stole the Princess’s White Knight and Turned Him to Villainy: Miracle 1

Synopsis:

What’s a white knight to do when his princess wants to sacrifice a town to barbarians? Go to the famous Black Sorcerer of Grimslock for help, apparently. What’s a black sorcerer to do when the white knight comes to him for help? Keep him, naturally. Devan does not approve of this payment plan. Tan does. Less

What’s a white knight to do when his princess wants to sacrifice a town to barbarians? Go to the famous Black Sorcerer of Grimslock for help, apparently.

What’s a black sorcerer to do when the white knight comes to him for help? Keep him, naturally.

Review: Department Rivals (A Valor and Doyle Prequel) by Nicky James

Rating: 4.5🌈

Prequels are tricky things, they are stories that set the stage and briefly introduce characters for a series to come.

I’m always fascinated how each author’s treatment of a prequel storyline differs,their take on formatting as well as what the approach will be.

James makes Department Rivals happen within the span of one day. Two interdepartmental law enforcement bitter rivals, Homicide and MPU (Missing Persons Unit), are forced by each other’s department heads to attend a team building day to start to break down the long established antagonism.

Teams made up of a Officer from each department will work together to solve a “crime puzzle” laid out throughout the city and win a prize.

This is our first time to meet the detectives, Quaid Valor (MPU) and Aslan Doyle (Homicide) as well as their partners .

James does an excellent job of creating strong characters in a short amount of space. Valor’s behavior in just the sounds of his phone chiming with texts from his ex is beyond expressive, telegraphing a history and pain that’s so complex.

As is Aslan’s reaction to Valor, a man his department has made mockery of, including derogatory names. He now starts to see a person with frailties behind the need for adherence to the minutiae of the law he’s known for.

As James puts Aslan and Valor through the game and investigation, and us with them, it becomes a revelation of character and personality.

I won’t spoil the ending. But if you’ve read the first book, you know this is the situation that they both refer to, and think of often. It’s an important day for them both.

I love Department Rivals (A Valor and Doyle Prequel) by Nicky James. It’s a concisely written, beautifully constructed prequel. Great format and wonderful characterization.

It has a job and boy, it got it done and then some.

I’m highly recommending it and the series that follows.

Valor and Doyle Mysteries:

✓ Department Rivals #0.5

✓ Temporary Partner #1

✓ Elusive Relations #2

◦ Unstable Connections #3 – October 17, 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showDepartment Rivals A Valor and Doyle Prequel by Nicky James

Synopsis:

The hostility between homicide and missing persons division is high.
Something has to give.


When forced to participate in the department’s first annual team-building day, rival detectives, Quaid Valor and Aslan Doyle, need to learn to work together to win the prize.
Can they put their animosity aside?
Will their mutual attraction to each other get in the way?

**Department Rivals is a short, fun little prequel to the Valor and Doyle Mystery series**

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: Oathbreaker (Fallen Messenger #4) Ann Marie Salinger

Rating: 4.5🌈

Due to the complexity of Salinger’s world building and expanding cast of characters, I always need a bit of a review before diving back into this series. But it’s so worthwhile because the author has created a grand tale of war between good and evil beings, one that has been fought before, and now 500 years later is exploding on earth as mortals, Demi gods, mythological beings and creatures from all realms are gathering for one final chapter.

In the last novel, Edge Lines, the Fallen have started to remember their past lives before the First War, when they fell to Earth. The consequences of that recovery of a original self, means the reintegration of memory and powers. And just as much pain and guilt. For Cassius and Morgan , and for Victor.

Because the returning memories and selves brings deep deceptions and painful history to light.

All this while continuing current storylines with the characters, and investigations that carried over looking for the man/being who’s causing the chaos.

A main factor here is Theophile Serrano’s past, and his future part in the ongoing war. It is an amazing journey that really invigorated the story for me in some respects.

Just when I was thinking the story was getting a little dense in bringing in more characters and exposition, Theo’s part began and I was even more delighted with the twists that came next. It was incredibly emotional, full of action, and the ramifications from his section for the next storylines are huge.

These aren’t books you can read as standalones. They must be read in the order they are written and in the series sequence. They contain a huge amount of material that moves the arc and relationships forward in each story.

Fallen Messengers is a highly imaginative, complicated series. Oathbreaker is a wonderful installment, one I couldn’t put down until I was finished.

I’m absolutely recommending it!

Fallen Messenger series:

◦ Unbound #0.5

✓ Fractured Souls #1

✓ Spellbound #2

✓ Edge Lines #3

✓ Oathbreaker #4

◦ Harbringer #5 – TBD

https://www.goodreads.com › showOathbreaker (Fallen Messengers #4) by Ava Marie Salinger – Goodreads

Synopsis:

When the past comes calling, Cassius and Morgan have no option but to face the dire consequences of the choices they made before the Fall.

With Cassius Black’s secret operations to save the world in the last five-hundred years finally revealed by the agencies that govern the otherworldly, his status as the most vilified Fallen on Earth changes almost overnight. Unused to his newfound fame, Cassius tries to keep a low profile, but Morgan King’s reckless actions soon have them in the news again.

Forced to take a sabbatical, the pair heads to London to meet with Victor Sloan, who’s been incommunicado since his identity as the demigod who betrayed Cassius and Morgan during the War in the Nether came to light in the Spirit Realm.

Meanwhile, Theophile Serrano’s attempts to adapt to his new job as P.A. to Sion CEO Hugo Frost are derailed by the strange things that keep happening to him. Things that soon convince him that he is losing his mind.

Destinies collide when a catastrophe engendered by the dark God Elios strikes London. As past and present meet, Cassius finally comes face to face with the Guardians who were left behind in the Nether.

Will unlocking the secrets of Cassius and Theo’s past be the key to the city’s salvation? Or will the truth tear them all apart and give Elios the victory he seeks?

Oathbreaker is the fourth novel in the gay urban fantasy romance series Fallen Messengers. If you like your paranormal adventures full of action, magic, snark, and a host of steamy angels and demons, then you’re not going to want to miss this gripping, angst-filled adrenaline ride!

Content note: this book contains sensitive content that may be upsetting to some readers. Please refer to the blurb page of the eBook and the copyright page of the paperback and hardback for more information.

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.