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Uncaged Review: A Highlander to Have and to Hold by Tammy Andresen

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

A Highlander to Have and to Hold
Tammy Andresen
Scottish Historical

She’s desperate for help…

Rose Morningstar has sunk as deep as any woman could without selling her body and her soul. After the death of her father, she’s been tossed out of her home and barely surviving with her sisters in a cheap Dockland’s inn. When a sea captain finally agrees to transport them to Scotland, she doesn’t know quite how to thank him. Never mind, he’s irritated by her very presence. She’s determined to let him know just how much she appreciates his help. Unfortunately, her tongue ties every and her heartbeat quickens every time the man even steps near her. If only they’d met under different circumstances.

He’s no one’s knight in shining armor…

Colin MacFarland doesn’t need the adoration of a fallen English miss. He’s got a business to run and a life to live out and he’s learned the hard way that sea captains don’t mix with marriage. Not successfully, anyhow. Which is why he attempts to stay far away from Rose. She’s too tempting by half. But a boat is a difficult place to put distance between two people. And those English rose lips are so very enticing.

One kiss changes both their minds…

Though feelings explode between them, the moment their lips touch, the circumstance haven’t. Is there any chance for them to find a future?

Uncaged Review: We begin the story with Rose and her two sisters, Lily and Daisy, staying at a seedy hotel, having secured a passage by ship to Scotland, to their Aunt’s home. After their father died, and a horrible cousin far removed, took over the inheritance, he tossed them out to fend for themselves. With the help of her friend Fiona, they hurry to leave England behind. What they weren’t prepared for was the Captain of the ship, Colin, who has his own past heartaches to attend with. As they both contend with their pasts and their growing attraction, Colin isn’t sure he’s what is best for Rose. But don’t underestimate Rose.

This is a fun story, and I love the spunk and determination of Rose and the sisters are fun characters and I look forward to reading their stories in this series. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: Destiny of a Warrior by Mary Morgan

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Destiny of a Warrior
Mary Morgan
Fantasy Romance

As leader of the Fenian Warriors, Aidan Kerrigan’s accolades are many and his loyalty to the Fae unwavering. When an unexpected mission sends him to the human world and a chance encounter with Rose MacLaren, he’s tempted for the first time in his existence to discard duty and claim what is forbidden.

Rose MacLaren, a Society of the Thistle member, yearns to expand her botanical knowledge with her love of history. After her rescue by a handsome stranger, she is compelled to look beyond what her rational mind comprehends and unravel the secret of the standing stones, as well as the man who captivates her.

In a mystical world ruled by ancient laws and edicts, can a fierce warrior choose a path destined for love? And will a woman honoring the ways of the land believe in a myth only spoken of in legends? If they do, will their love be enough to defy death’s punishment?

Uncaged Review: It’s been a while since I’ve read about the Fenian Warriors and it was nice to return to their world. The author gives us Aidan and Rose’s story, and to do it, she takes us back in time when Aidan was still leader of the warriors. Aidan’s story is as intense as the man himself, and his love story is one for the ages. Aidan’s story could easily be read before the others – as things that happen in this book affect the other warriors, so even though it’s the 4th book in the series, it could easily be the first. Rose MacLaren is a strong, smart and beautiful heroine, well matched to Aidan.

The author writes an intricate world, full of detail and you feel like you are standing in the Fae realm as she pulls you into this story along with her characters. It’s hard to forget these warriors, and if you haven’t read any of this series, then I really believe you are missing out. Highly recommended. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: Blood Born by Rayanne Haines

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Blood Born
Rayanne Haines
Paranormal Romance

The week before Olivia Dawson died, everything changed. Her little publishing house that could started pumping out best-sellers. A mysterious uncle passed away, leaving her a penthouse loft looking over Central Park. And her experimental cancer treatments finally seemed to be working. Who could’ve known that after her death life would literally suck.

She could do without craving her sexy new sire’s blood and the fact that her death had been rather brutal, thank you very much. Now, the shadows that go bump in the night were calling her the Vessel, bowing at her feet, expecting her to fulfill a prophecy. And wasn’t that a lot to live up to. Still, Olivia had a bad feeling that if she didn’t take them up on the offer, she’d soon find herself deader than dead.

Rhys Callas has ambitions. He’d been raised to rule. Had plans to free his people from living in the shadows. He wasn’t called the King of New York because he played nice. Now with the help of the guardians and the vessel he’d soon be the leader of the North American vampires. All he had to do was find an assassin, keep the other vampire factions at bay, keep the guardian Domhall Taleisin out of his hair, and keep Miss Olivia Dawson undead long enough to woo her. Best laid plans, right?

Soon enough Rhys and Olivia find out fighting for her undead life could mean the difference between a real future or oblivion for the entire vampire race.

Uncaged Review: Book 4 of the Guardian series gives us the story of Rhys and Olivia. Olivia is prophesized to be the Queen of the Vampires, by being a Vessel and born as half human, half vampire – and Rhys is the one who is protecting her. Owning a publishing company with her sister, Olivia has cancer and is trying her hardest to get her affairs in order for her younger sister, and little does she know, the trial that she’s in really has her being infused with synthetic blood and Rhys blood. It won’t cure the cancer, but it will help her stay alive a bit longer in her human life and mask her from other vampires. But all doesn’t go well, and she attacked by rogue vampires and left to die. Rhys gets to her and takes her home to watch over her while she turns to full vampire upon her human death.

This is a fantastic addition to this series and we see a few of the characters from the past return, and honestly, it took me awhile to really like Olivia. I thought she was overly brash, but when she finally came to accept who and what she was, she became the strong leader she was meant to be. Betrayal, romance and some very fun dialog keeps this a true page turner. I had actually been a bit sad when this book ended, as I love this series. Keep writing Ms. Haines. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: How to Wake an Undead City by Hailey Edwards

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

How to Wake an Undead City
Hailey Edwards
Urban Fantasy

Savannah has fallen to the vampires, and it’s up to Grier to take out their leader, Gaspard Lacroix, and restore peace. Lacroix might be more powerful and immune to her magic, but she’s got a plan. Too bad it’s got holes big enough for a new threat to waltz through while the city is on her knees.

Now Grier must risk her very soul if she hopes to slay her enemies and prevent her world from going up in flames. But salvation comes at a steep price, and she’s not the only one who will pay. The cost just might break her, and the man who owns her heart.

Uncaged Review: The main arc of this series finally comes together with this addition, and many holes and mysteries are filled in, and some may have been guessed, and some definitely not. With Savannah on fire, and the vampires taking over, to restore peace, Grier, Linus and their group will need to take out Lacroix, an ancient vampire and Grier’s grandfather. But he is immune to Grier’s magic from a charm he wears. So they all come up with a dangerous plan.

Most of the things are wrapped up nicely in this final book in the series. The friendship with Lethe and Hood, how Grier and Linus are going to work their romance when Linus is still tied to Atlanta, the culmination of the friendship journey that Grier has with Amelie and Boaz comes full circle. The author does a great job satisfying most of the plot – but there were a few loose ends (minor) that will be tied up in the novellas that have been released. I am happy with the ending, and look forward to the novellas for more with Linus and Grier. This is an addicting series and well worth the time. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: How to Live an Undead Lie by Hailey Edwards

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

How to Live an Undead Lie
Hailey Edwards
Urban Fantasy

When a fledgling vampire arrives at Woolworth House searching for his maker, Grier is forced to relive her time in Atramentous. Most of those years are as dark and empty in her memory as she was in her cell. She can’t remember her progeny, or the night she resuscitated him, but she can protect him from the Society. As long as she’s willing to barter with her grandfather to do it.

But Lacroix has plans of his own. He envisions the city—her city—under his rule, and Grier under his thumb. Now all he needs is the right leverage to force her cooperation, and he has just the person in mind. Grier is ready to trade her freedom until a grim truth is revealed that splits her heart in two. Yet another person she loves has betrayed her, and Grier is left agonizing over how much of their relationship was real and how much is a lie.

Uncaged Review: Wow, the lies and deceit that comes out in this addition to the series is intense, and who would have thought in the grand scheme of everything that the Grand Dame would come out of this on top? And really, it’s great Grier has actually chosen her family, because the family she was born into really are horrible. Except Woolly. And Linus. And Keets. There is some coming to terms with her relationship with Boaz and Amelie, and Boaz wins back a couple brownie points for me in this book, but he’s not completely out of the dog house.

The relationship of Grier and Linus moves up a notch and the author is able to weave in healthy amounts of romance into the danger, action and angst of the book, without tearing apart her main characters – something I’ve seen too many times. She makes them stronger, together. Huh, go figure. More twists and turns and the suspense and action keep this a page turner, and I’m losing sleep this week. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: How to Dance an Undead Waltz by Hailey Edwards

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

How to Dance an Undead Waltz
Hailey Edwards
New Adult Fantasy

Grier is nursing a broken heart after Boaz announced his engagement to another woman, but life goes on. Or it would if vampire assassins would stop taking pot shots at her every time she leaves Woolworth House. Seriously, who sends archers to deliver murdergrams these days?

To protect herself, Grier must pull out all the stops, even if it means revealing her darkest secret. All eyes are on her, and—for the first time—she begins to understand why Linus wears so many masks. But the target isn’t Grier, and when the archers single him out, it feels like one of their arrows might have struck what remains of her heart.

Uncaged Review: This series is just so addicting, it’s hard to put it down. We can unpack this edition here first with the title. Grier is going to host her first Society Ball, and it will be in the Grand Dame’s ballroom. From the invitations, to inviting the master vampire without a name, to inviting family that could be enemies, every single detail has a reason. The author leaves nothing amiss. We find out more secrets, some that are make or break moments for Grier and Linus, and we see Grier coming into her own and begin to free and heal her broken heart. The growth in Grier is very visible, and the relationship between Linus and Grier really begins to develop. Boaz who?

This series has plenty of action, suspense, danger and romance. The loyalty of the team surrounding Grier is finally settling in, and we finally get into that dang basement. There were a few “Oh wow, really?” moments along with a couple of “Oh damn” moments too. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: How to Break and Undead Heart by Hailey Edwards

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

How to Break an Undead Heart
Hailey Edwards
New Adult Fantasy

Grier finally has the one thing she’s always wanted: Boaz Pritchard. Too bad her dream boyfriend is keeping her up nights, just not in a sweaty or fun way. Boaz has dialed down the Southern charm and stopped returning her calls. His job forces him to keep secrets, but his radio silence is cranking up her suspicions. He’s a shameless flirt, but he’s her shameless flirt…right?

Soon an attack on Woolworth House leaves her with bigger problems than he loves me, he loves me not. Vampires are on the prowl, and they aren’t the only predators circling. A new threat has emerged, one with blood rights to Grier. With enemies closing in on all sides, she must choose her allies, and the decision could make or break her…and her heart.

Uncaged Review: After the first book in this series, I thought it had a lot of potential, so I was going to continue on with the series and see where it went. I’m not sure if that was a good decision or bad, depends on your outlook, but I am so ensnared in this series, that I am going to have to finish it before I get any peace.

The third book is full of betrayal, secrets, and danger. We learn more about Grier and Linus, and the vampires have really upped their ante about kidnapping Grier. When Linus and Grier go to Atlanta, Grier is excited to see the university she hoped to one day attend, but of course nothing goes as planned in her life. There are a few new characters, and some of my favorites were back. Grier and Linus’ lives will be on the line more than once, and I’m hoping that Grier will come out stronger from the betrayals and secrets this book reveals. Hang on tight, this series is a fast paced addiction. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: How to Claim an Undead Soul by Hailey Edwards

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

How to Claim an Undead Soul
Hailey Edwards
New Adult Fantasy

Life was simpler for Grier when she was flat broke and a social pariah. Now she’s carrying the baggage that goes along with the title of Dame Woolworth, and shouldering that weight is giving her a serious crick in the neck. Her work as a Haint is the one thing that makes her feel normal, but even that’s more paranormal than usual.

Spirits are vanishing from well-known hot spots on the ghost tour circuit, and vampires are turning up as shriveled husks. Grier takes it upon herself to uncover what’s preying on Savannah’s supernatural community, and what she uncovers is bigger than a few flickering lampposts gone dark. It’s a deadly threat unleashed by one of their own, and saving her city just might kill her.

Uncaged Review: The second book in the series picks up not too long after the first one ends, and this one improved on the last book by leaps. The world building is better, but still needs tightening up. As for the characters, we learn more about Linus, and Amelie and Boaz, but I still really don’t care that much about either one of them. I’m not enthused about a romance between Boaz and Grier, they completely lack chemistry, but now Linus….here’s hoping.

We get to learn more about Linus and a bit more background on Grier, but there are some twists in this one that may surprise you. The story arc tied up well, and the main series arc continues on. Grier keeps adding more characters to her group, and this time Oscar joins her, and another favorite of mine is now Cletus. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 1/2 Stars

Uncaged Review: Song of Wishrock Harbor by Krista Walsh

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Song of Wishrock Harbor
Krista Walsh
Fantasy

Gabriel Mulligan is a hard-nosed P.I. with a smirk on his face and ice in his veins.

Or at least that’s what he tells himself.

Until a crimson-eyed woman walks into his life with a killer case and challenges everything he believes to be true.

Six men have been found naked and frozen on the docks of Wishrock Harbor, and a dark shadow lurks in the river ready for its next meal.

As the details of the case keep changing, the line between good and evil start to blur.

With the help of his best friend and some unlikely allies, Gabe will need to sift through the lies to determine who the true monsters are — even if one of those monsters is himself.

Step into the Invisible Entente series and lose yourself in a supernatural mystery of friendship, longing, and revenge.

Uncaged Review: The second book of this series focuses on Gabriel, half fae and half gorgon. Each book in the series focuses on one of the members that escaped a magical room together. They don’t come back as a whole per say, except for a couple, but as this series progresses they may come together at the end, it seems that way anyhow. Being part gorgon (yes, the Medusa type) has kept Gabriel as a loner most of his life, having to wear sunglasses all the time to keep from turning people to stone. I would have thought he could have gotten an eye patch – would have made more sense, since it was only one eye that was the problem. Working as pretty broke P.I., a fire elemental comes in to hire him to find out how her husband was murdered, since the police are getting anywhere.

This is a pretty good book, although it slowed down too much in places, but it did stay interesting enough. I enjoyed this book, but I honestly think I liked book one better. The author does a good job twisting the story just enough that you have to rethink who you think the “bad guy” is from your original guesses. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: It Came from the Multiplex Anthology

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

It Came From the Multiplex
Various
Horror Anthology

Welcome to tonight’s feature presentation, brought to you by an unholy alliance of our spellcasters at Hex Publishers and movie-mages at the Colorado Festival of Horror. Please be advised that all emergency exits have been locked for this special nostalgia-curdled premiere of death. From crinkling celluloid to ferocious flesh—from the silver screen to your hammering heart—behold as a swarm of werewolves, serial killers, Satanists, Elder Gods, aliens, ghosts, and unclassifiable monsters are loosed upon your auditorium. Relax, and allow our ushers to help with your buckets of popcorn—and blood; your ticket stubs—and severed limbs; your comfort candy—and body bags. Kick back and scream as you settle into a fate worse than Hell. Tonight’s director’s cut is guaranteed to slash you apart.

Uncaged Review: Pop up the corn, and kick back with this fun anthology that takes a swing (and maybe inspired?) at the campy 80’s horror movies. This selection of short stories all center around the movies, and even though I’m not a big fan of horror books, these were a lot of fun and creepy! A couple standouts are the first two stories, Alien Parasites from Outer Space and the 2nd story Return of the Alien Parasites from Outer Space which just continues the first story. An outdoor movie theater centered in a meteor crater, what could go wrong? And the very talented Kevin J. Anderson came in with Special Makeup. There were a couple that I wasn’t feeling, Negative Creep wasn’t really scary, just kind of gross, but Helluloid was a good haunt. So if you are a fan of the old midnight movies from the 80’s like Creature Features or Shock Theater with the low budget horror films we all stayed up late at night watching, then you will enjoy this set as it brings back that same feeling, and even if you weren’t a part of that strange time, if you like the campy horror flicks, you’ll enjoy this selection of stories. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars
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