nikkisbooknook's reviews
4331 reviews
Dark Alpha's Fury, by Donna Grant
4.0
A breath-taking conclusion to the Reapers series. We've waited a long time for Xaneth and Aisling HEA. It was hard-won, as all good things should be!
Since he escaped his aunt's torture, Xaneth has felt...different. He can sense evil over great distances and seems to have acquired other talents. He's a one man army against The Others. He could easily have help from the Reapers, if he would only stay in one place long enough for them to render assistance.
Aisling is getting tired of following Xaneth, trying to render assistance. She knows he's hurting and isolating himself because of his new skills. She feels a connection with Xaneth, one that's not just based on their joint need to take down the Others.
Thankfully their teamwork takes down Lena in suitably brave endeavour. Lena really was a egomaniacal piece of work! I loved the trip through the Labyrinth and learning more about Xaneth since his torture. My heart broke as we learned about how Aisling was betrayed. She's a warrior of the heart and body!
I really enjoyed the way Xaneth, the Reapers, Dragon Kings and Druids worked so well together. No one was trying to assert dominance over another faction, even when some are clearly more powerful than others.
I can't wait to see my favourite reapers turn up in further books in the Dark World Universe!
Since he escaped his aunt's torture, Xaneth has felt...different. He can sense evil over great distances and seems to have acquired other talents. He's a one man army against The Others. He could easily have help from the Reapers, if he would only stay in one place long enough for them to render assistance.
Aisling is getting tired of following Xaneth, trying to render assistance. She knows he's hurting and isolating himself because of his new skills. She feels a connection with Xaneth, one that's not just based on their joint need to take down the Others.
Thankfully their teamwork takes down Lena in suitably brave endeavour. Lena really was a egomaniacal piece of work! I loved the trip through the Labyrinth and learning more about Xaneth since his torture. My heart broke as we learned about how Aisling was betrayed. She's a warrior of the heart and body!
I really enjoyed the way Xaneth, the Reapers, Dragon Kings and Druids worked so well together. No one was trying to assert dominance over another faction, even when some are clearly more powerful than others.
I can't wait to see my favourite reapers turn up in further books in the Dark World Universe!
Taken by the Stone Wolves, by Mina Carter
3.0
Shorter then I expected. Not your typical mate romance set up either. However, it was a change up and didn't feel like a cookie cutter shifter romance so I enjoyed it.
Verne and Darrick could have done with being a little less candid about past exploits but I guess Natalya had to know what she was getting into with these two before she could actually break their curse.
Natalya is the null, a larkin with no powers. How can 2 very hot, Alpha shifters love her? Passion and Chemistry definitely guide the story. It was nice to have a larger than average fmc too.
Verne and Darrick could have done with being a little less candid about past exploits but I guess Natalya had to know what she was getting into with these two before she could actually break their curse.
Natalya is the null, a larkin with no powers. How can 2 very hot, Alpha shifters love her? Passion and Chemistry definitely guide the story. It was nice to have a larger than average fmc too.
Caveman Alien's Call , by Calista Skye
4.0
Back to the universes most dangerous planet - X’ren. When the local wildlife isn't trying to eat them, the male inhabitants are trying to *worship* their newly found female neighbours!
Haisley hates Xren with a passion. It's tried to kill her and her friends several times over the last few years. They now have some muscle in the shape of Krank, the caveman husband of one her friends but these plucky Earthlings really want to be self sufficient. Which leads to Haisley getting sucked into the ground - again!
This time she's not alone and her super friendly rescuer is very determined to ensure that every inch of her is unharmed. But as they try to survive this new adventure, they are both determined to return to their respective villages. So feelings are going to get hurt and hearts broken when they both start to wonder what life would be like if they decided to stay together!
Are their liberties taken as to how the girls all know Cavemanese, how to live in the jungle and so on? Yes. Do I care? NO. Just switch of the logical brain and go with the adventure. Haisley and her spotted hunk are sweetly naïve and innocent together. He may know the theory from the Shaman but that man has tricks down his loincloth LOL.
I thought Torant’ar got a bit of a raw deal from his fellow rebellious tribesmen but i get that they weren't expecting him to fall in love!
Haisley hates Xren with a passion. It's tried to kill her and her friends several times over the last few years. They now have some muscle in the shape of Krank, the caveman husband of one her friends but these plucky Earthlings really want to be self sufficient. Which leads to Haisley getting sucked into the ground - again!
This time she's not alone and her super friendly rescuer is very determined to ensure that every inch of her is unharmed. But as they try to survive this new adventure, they are both determined to return to their respective villages. So feelings are going to get hurt and hearts broken when they both start to wonder what life would be like if they decided to stay together!
Are their liberties taken as to how the girls all know Cavemanese, how to live in the jungle and so on? Yes. Do I care? NO. Just switch of the logical brain and go with the adventure. Haisley and her spotted hunk are sweetly naïve and innocent together. He may know the theory from the Shaman but that man has tricks down his loincloth LOL.
I thought Torant’ar got a bit of a raw deal from his fellow rebellious tribesmen but i get that they weren't expecting him to fall in love!
Pastries and Prophecies, by Christine Pope
4.0
Skye and co are back with more magical murders to solve!
Skye's put in the frame to solve another murder when a Fix it show rolls into town. She had a dust up with the arrogant producer. The same one then shows up dead. Thankfully Skye isn't the main suspect this time. But the suspect is close to home!
The cut-throat world of TV has invaded Las Vegas, NM and it's up to Skye, Deanne and the gang to find out who the culprit is. I loved meeting the gang again. The so-slow-boil-potential-romance with Max, a date with a charming TV producer, dealing with learning more about her magic (and her family) is already a lot for one person to deal with.
There were plenty of twists to keep you interested and I really wanted to slap Alicia if I'm honest! I do hope Max and Skye get themselves together soon - Max is moving at a glacial pace for a Hollywood Star (even though he seems to be getting a helping hand from Al!)
Skye's put in the frame to solve another murder when a Fix it show rolls into town. She had a dust up with the arrogant producer. The same one then shows up dead. Thankfully Skye isn't the main suspect this time. But the suspect is close to home!
The cut-throat world of TV has invaded Las Vegas, NM and it's up to Skye, Deanne and the gang to find out who the culprit is. I loved meeting the gang again. The so-slow-boil-potential-romance with Max, a date with a charming TV producer, dealing with learning more about her magic (and her family) is already a lot for one person to deal with.
There were plenty of twists to keep you interested and I really wanted to slap Alicia if I'm honest! I do hope Max and Skye get themselves together soon - Max is moving at a glacial pace for a Hollywood Star (even though he seems to be getting a helping hand from Al!)
Orc's Prize, by Mina Carter
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Gudvar is on a secret mission for King Batak. He's essentially handed himself to the enemy on a platter in order to get close enough to the Elf Queen. He didn't realise that would overlap with the rescue of another Elf female. One who was very familiar to him!
Lady Adharian is unhappily married. Her husband, in turns, abuses and ignores her. But typical with a bully just because he doesn't want her doesn't mean he'll let her be free to love another. Decades ago she loved an Orc and had to give up their child in order to save the baby. She had given up enough of her life to this misery and she vows to try and escape.
I loved the set-up of this story. Orc warrior has to rescue Elf female, who he holds responsible for the death of his friend and abandonment of a fellow warrior. Finding out it was genuine love between Adharian and Braestak was kind of bittersweet. However, the scorching chemistry once these two get out of their own way is incendiary! Who knew that under all that Ladyhood was a passionate female? It was great getting to meet Graal and his mate again. Looking forward to more in the series, including a certain Sorcerer!
Lady Adharian is unhappily married. Her husband, in turns, abuses and ignores her. But typical with a bully just because he doesn't want her doesn't mean he'll let her be free to love another. Decades ago she loved an Orc and had to give up their child in order to save the baby. She had given up enough of her life to this misery and she vows to try and escape.
I loved the set-up of this story. Orc warrior has to rescue Elf female, who he holds responsible for the death of his friend and abandonment of a fellow warrior. Finding out it was genuine love between Adharian and Braestak was kind of bittersweet. However, the scorching chemistry once these two get out of their own way is incendiary! Who knew that under all that Ladyhood was a passionate female? It was great getting to meet Graal and his mate again. Looking forward to more in the series, including a certain Sorcerer!
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
Hot Shadows, by Lynn Raye Harris
4.0
Gem and Everly's attraction was born in the heat of action. They managed to make it work back in the real world - only for Everly to break things off.
Gem is more hurt than he lets on to his buddies after being dumped by Everly but when she's in danger he is the first one she turns too, the only one she trusts. Gem's going to have to put all the hurt aside whilst he tries to keep Everly safe.
Politics, passion and overbearing mothers all mix into a brilliantly paced, breakneck adventure. These MC's are going to have to put all their cards on the table and properly discuss their attraction and where they went wrong. Everly really had to get herself together to face up to her mothers determination to drop her into the maze of politics, willing participant or not.
As usual the characters were engaging, empathetic and the chemistry off the charts. I love getting to meet all the past couples and getting a glimpse into their lives.
Gem is more hurt than he lets on to his buddies after being dumped by Everly but when she's in danger he is the first one she turns too, the only one she trusts. Gem's going to have to put all the hurt aside whilst he tries to keep Everly safe.
Politics, passion and overbearing mothers all mix into a brilliantly paced, breakneck adventure. These MC's are going to have to put all their cards on the table and properly discuss their attraction and where they went wrong. Everly really had to get herself together to face up to her mothers determination to drop her into the maze of politics, willing participant or not.
As usual the characters were engaging, empathetic and the chemistry off the charts. I love getting to meet all the past couples and getting a glimpse into their lives.
A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon, by Sarah Hawley
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Brilliantly engaging, witty and well crafted debut!
Mariel is in the running for worst witch ever. Unless it's to do with nature or Kitchen Magic, her magic goes haywire and she's not exactly living up to the prophecy her mother insists she was given about her being a super powerful witch, Her latest disaster transports a Demon into her kitchen. A demon who seems to defy her stereotypes and somehow helps her magic smooth out.
Oz is supposed to be a ruthless deal maker, bargainer of souls. But since he managed to zap a soul into himself he's been having...feelings! Now saddled with a witch who won't make a bargain he's stuck on the Earth plane until he either gets her to make a deal or his mentor catches wind of his failings and takes matter into his own hands!
Oh poor Mariel! With a mother like hers my magic would be all clogged up too! Her family, with the exception of one ancient warlock, all leave a lot to be desired. Thankfully her wonderfully eclectic collection of friends get her through life. You do not want to mess to Callidia - she takes bada%%ery to a new level!
I loved the messages of environmentalism woven through the story. Oz and Mariel are actually two sides of the same coin. Both failing at what should be easy for them, given their pedigrees. However, they are both more than the sum of their parts. Oz is protective, well meaning and downright gentle. Mariel fails to see her true worth, much in part due to Mommy Dearest.
The witty repartee is on point and I loved all the weird bargains Oz tried to get Mariel to fall for. I loved all the secondary characters too - especially a certain grumpy Werewolf.
Mariel is in the running for worst witch ever. Unless it's to do with nature or Kitchen Magic, her magic goes haywire and she's not exactly living up to the prophecy her mother insists she was given about her being a super powerful witch, Her latest disaster transports a Demon into her kitchen. A demon who seems to defy her stereotypes and somehow helps her magic smooth out.
Oz is supposed to be a ruthless deal maker, bargainer of souls. But since he managed to zap a soul into himself he's been having...feelings! Now saddled with a witch who won't make a bargain he's stuck on the Earth plane until he either gets her to make a deal or his mentor catches wind of his failings and takes matter into his own hands!
Oh poor Mariel! With a mother like hers my magic would be all clogged up too! Her family, with the exception of one ancient warlock, all leave a lot to be desired. Thankfully her wonderfully eclectic collection of friends get her through life. You do not want to mess to Callidia - she takes bada%%ery to a new level!
I loved the messages of environmentalism woven through the story. Oz and Mariel are actually two sides of the same coin. Both failing at what should be easy for them, given their pedigrees. However, they are both more than the sum of their parts. Oz is protective, well meaning and downright gentle. Mariel fails to see her true worth, much in part due to Mommy Dearest.
The witty repartee is on point and I loved all the weird bargains Oz tried to get Mariel to fall for. I loved all the secondary characters too - especially a certain grumpy Werewolf.