REVIEW - REALM BOOK 2 - Further fantastical fun

Realm - Ruler of the People, God of Death (book 2)

Date read: 30th August 2021

My rating: 4.5*
Genre I reckon: YA Fantasy with a centaur

Buy link: Amazon 

Find the book 1 review here.

This book continues Lily's travels in Realm. And things haven't gotten any easier!

You'd think rescuing her long-lost dad would be it, but no. That was just the beginning of their problems because now the evil king has his sights set on the entire group. And he's not the only dangerous being in Realm! 

There's danger, death and drama galore. And a large dose of mixed feelings - well, when Lily is going through stuff, it's hard to sort through her warm fuzzies.

Oh, and there's a magic carpet - eep! And did I mention the monsters? And the centaur who's still yummy. 

Each chapter is titled with the person's POV we're viewing the story through. There's a whole host of characters and it was interesting to see the plot unfold through different eyes. 

All the characters have a history and depth. The scenes are described beautifully, including an Indian-influenced town. And I really felt like I was on this adventure with them, willing them to win the day. 

I might just let book 3 jump my TBR queue! 

If you love fantasy, you really need to read this series.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - Rise of the Sparrows - raises the hairs on your arms!

Rise of the Sparrows by Sarina Langer

Date read: 25th August 2021

My rating: 4.5*
Genre I reckon: Dark Magickal Suspense

Buy link: Amazon 

Phewee, this book is not an easy read - as in, it tackles tough topics such as homeless orphans fighting to stay safe, and suicide. However, it is totally worth it if these aren't triggers for you. 

The story slowly builds from Rachael's challenging life on the streets through to learning whom to trust. Once it reaches its peak, the pace picks up to a thrilling level. A rollercoaster through a fantasy world.

Like all good books of this genre, there is a prophecy, goodies, baddies, magick and peril aplenty. 

How on Earth is this prophecy ever to come to fruition? The odds are stacked against them and success seems highly unlikely. Especially with a reluctant heroine.

There are some terrific, rounded characters in this well-written book. I stuck with them every step of the way, and may even have held my breath in places. Set in a medieval-feely land, we are treated to sights and smells which enhance this tale. There is definitely depth here.

If you love fantasy, you will want to read this!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - Immortal Matchmakers Inc - Sign me up!!

Immortal Matchmakers Inc by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Date read: 3rd August 2021

My rating: 4.5*
Genre I reckon: Paranormal Romance; Deity

Buy link: Amazon 

This is by one of my few one-click authors. I love how she mixes raw sexiness with crazy laughs. 

I read the Accidentally series years ago. To be fair, this hopped onto my Kindle years ago too, but thanks to my TBR being what it is, and my scatterbrain, I've only just read it. 

Oh, Andrus!! His manners and morals belong a few centuries back. But he's so hot that one can't help but forgive him. Especially as his injured self sidles to one side enough to let us see his sweet nature, y'know, for an assassin.

So, yeah, this is a very good book. And comes with a warning that goes something along the lines of if you don't like f-bombs, leather pants, unciorns and large penises then this book is likely not for you. But, baby, I'm here for all those things - LOL 

And it certainly delivered!! 

I'm already downloading the next in this series of deity, who the fudge is good or evil action. 

Always in love and light,

TL

(leather pants in this photo are my biker trousers!)

REVIEW - Incubus Seduction - one taste leaves you wanting more!

Incubus Seduction by Emma Jaye

Date read: 25th July 2021

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: m/m Paranormal Romance

Buy link: Amazon 

Confession; this book has been on my Kindle, awaiting my attention for YEARS - oops! Big oops!! It fell into a black hole, but I'm so glad I found it, lurking in the depths of my TBR.

This is a really quick, addictive read. 

Poor, sweet, innocent Finn didn't stand a chance! A student trying to pay his way through uni with, quite frankly, a git of a rich boyfriend. Yet he still has his v card.

Enter Ezra, the incubus. And he needs Finn more than even he knows. There's more to this young man than meets the eye. 👿🔥

This book, as the title suggests, focuses on the seduction. And boy, is it worth it!! 

Ezra may be a sex demon, but I'm happy to say there are elements of consent, even if it is tainted with some persuasion. And he's incapable of being a selfish lover - hello!! 😍

I've not read about an incubus before - I don't think it'll be my last.

Great characters, nice plot, sexy af - I want, no, need more! Oh look, book 2 is on my Kindle now! 😉

UPDATE 

Book 2 - read 25th July 2021 - 4*

OMG this series is ramping up and I'm hooked!! Maybe Ezra is using his mojo on me?? Not even sure I'd mind - LOL

I may have started book 3 already 😉

Book 3 - 26th July 2021 - 4.5*

Ahem. So, I might've just read book 3 already.

Just OMG!!! Grabbing book 4 - I NEED to know.

Ezraaaaaa!!!

Book 4 - 26th July 2021 - ungraded

Um...gotta be honest; could have done without this one. It's a really gruelling read. 

It's basically cover to cover details of the abuse Ezra suffered at the hands of Silas and his clan. 

If you have triggers, this is probably not the series for you anyway, but this book in particular.

The verdict of the trial doesn't appear until the beginning of book 5 btw.

Book 5 - 27th July 2021 - 4*

SO satisfying!! 

I'm a sucker for a hero in need of medical attention.

I just love Ezra and Finn!!

And...

I'm gonna finish here. I've loved this series but it ends on a good note with book 5. I've read the blurbs.

Book 6 is a prequel - tbh I'm not bothered. 

Book 7 - the blurb has Finn questioning Ezra's love and I feel he should probably know that by now. 

So yeah, ending on a good bit. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - The Alpha Awakens - stirring stuff!

The Alpha Awakens by Anna Fury

Date read: 21st July 2021

My rating: 3.5*
Genre I reckon: Dystopian shifter

Buy link: Amazon 

So, this book just about gets onto my blog with a 3.5* (rounding up to 4 on review sites). Let me explain...

Firstly, I did really enjoy this book. It's a very different take on the shifter genre. 

It calls itself omegaverse, but the pack are called Alphas - so by definition, there's no betas.

THE Alpha Awakens is maybe not the correct title? 

There's a virus which 'awakens' male humans. This is a vicious process, and many have died as a result. The remaining human population are living in fear, especially the women.

There's a feisty heroine, Mal, who I really like. Once she gets past her fear, she's pretty gutsy. 

And Orion is a gorgeous male - strong, dominating yet caring. I actually really like this balance in him. 

But getting back to the title, Orion lives in a pack of Alphas - every one of them. This is a new concept to me, and I'd expect that many 'top dogs' to be involved in regular fierce challenges/battles for pack leadership. 

The guys are all pretty balanced in their roles and behaviours though. Don't get me wrong; I liked this. It's just not what I expected. Alpha to me is a "there can only be one" type scenario. 

Given what happens, I thought maybe 'The' Alpha of the title would turn out to be someone else. But the alpha-est alpha remains. So many questions about this by the end!

Maybe 'The Alphas Awaken' would be better? This book delves into the initial setup of the Alphas as they transition. Or maybe change the 'Alpha' word?

All that aside, what is fab...

The banter between Orion and pretty much everyone he meets. 

A host of characters I was invested in. 

Some great steamy moments. 

Exciting action.

The developing relationship between the MCs is raw, intense and honest.

A unique story.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - Watch and Learn - Gimme more!

Watch and Learn by KC Wells

Date read: 12th July 2021

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: M/M Erotica

Buy link: Amazon 

Oh my! 😵 This book is hot hot hot!

It's gay positive with kink.

So, there's on guy who's 22 (Zac) and another who's 42 (Chris) but their chemistry makes the age gap inconsequential.

tbh this book had me at, “I don’t want to know what makes your engine tick—I wanna know what makes it purr.”

Zac's thing is to watch. Sound dull? Oh hell no! The things he watches are varied and sexy af as Chris takes him to parties (not the cocktail kind!). 

But there is an endearing relationship between these two men - a caring and generosity which touches the heart (as well as other places). 

What's extra good is that Zac doesn't like anal - too many m/m romances treat this as the be all and end all. There is so much more and these two explore a lot of options. 

It's a super quick read. I definitely wanted more! 

This is the first book I've read by this author - I suspect her other books will find their way onto my TBR pile. 

Sexy, fun and endearing!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - Trafficked - go get 'em!

Trafficked by Wendy Hewlett

Date read: 11th July 2021

My rating: 4.5*
Genre I reckon: Sex Crimes Detectives with Romance

Buy link: Amazon 

Have I told you yet how much I love this series? I think I have. It's a lot!

Review of book 1, Saving Grace is in this link here.

Trafficked is book 4. 

Based in Toronto, abuse survivor, Taylor Sinclair is on the case again. Along with DS Chris Cain and a host of other characters, the reader is put through their paces. 

As the title suggests, human trafficking is the main focus of this book - and it is a hard read in that respect but an important one. It shows the horrors of the illegal trade in humans. 

However, we're also given beautiful insights into Taylor and Cail's relationship as they rebuild their trust. 

Chris also develops her relationship with Kate. And challenges her abusive father as he runs for office.

And Gray makes welcome appearances too.

There's even a non-binary character in this book. 

I love how the LGBTQ+ characters slot into the story without ceremony - all characters get their fair share of the story.

I am fully invested in all the characters by now. And as I've come to expect from this author, it's brilliantly written. The plot drives on at a relentless pace without being rushed. 

A real quest for justice and a must read!

Always in love and light,

TL