Thursday, March 28, 2024
Home Blog Page 36

Uncaged Review: Securing Sidney by Susan Stoker

0

Securing Sidney
Susan Stoker
Romantic Suspense

For Sidney Hale, rescuing dogs is more than a hobby. It’s a calling. A deep-seated need. An unstoppable compulsion. For reasons so unsettling, she shares them with no one…until she meets Decker. After coming to her rescue while Sidney battled to save a dog—literally—the gorgeous SEAL proves he can be trusted with her secrets, her safety…maybe even her heart.

Saving an abused pit bull from a suspected dog fighter brings Decker “Gumby” Kincade not only the dog he’s always wanted, but the first woman in ages to catch his interest. Sidney’s reason for rescuing Hannah, and animals like her, is shocking…but it makes Gumby want her even more. Her harrowing past has made her the strong, brave, compassionate woman she is today. She could be The One…if Gumby can help curb her habit of putting herself squarely in danger’s path.

But he may be too late. Hannah’s previous owner is enraged over her loss…and looking for revenge.

Uncaged Review: Sidney Hale has an unstoppable, deeply ingrained compulsion to rescue dogs, even if it means placing herself in danger’s way. A recent hand to hand confrontation with a suspected dogfighter to save a Pitbull brings her face to face with Decker “Gumby” Kincade, Navy SEAL and fellow dog lover. Decker, who had a close call in Bahrain while on a mission, has had a change of plans for his life. Literally running into Sidney is an eye-opening and heart -opening experience. This book is a standalone in the series, with no cliffhanger and provides its own HEA. However, other characters and situations from book 1 are featured predominately and the reader would have a better understanding if they read book 1 first.

Sidney is no shrinking violet. A rough childhood turned her into a fearless, compassionate, and independent woman who goes after what she believes in, sometimes to her own detriment. Decker is a Navy SEAL and has a protective streak at least a mile long. He is the kind of tough and tender, patient and understanding man every woman secretly wants—and deserves. Their fast connection is organic. These are two imperfect, emotionally damaged people coming together at the right time in their lives. Readers will not be able to help but root for them.

This story is edgy, gritty, suspenseful, with page-turning anticipation. Profanity does flow liberally, but it is in context to the character’s dialogue. The first—and only—sex scene does not happen until three-fourths through, but it is very explicit. Sometimes the dialogue between characters or internal monologues seem repetitive. The conclusion was expected and lacked originality but did give a satisfying HEA and a nice lead-in to the next book in the series.

Caution, this book does look at the harsh reality of dog fighting and other abusive crimes. Some scenes and descriptions may be upsetting to certain readers. Reviewed by Ryan Jo

4 Stars

#romanticsuspense #militaryromance

Uncaged Review: Queen of Swords by L.A. McGinnis

0

Queen of Swords
L.A. McGinnis
Fantasy Romance

Monsters killed my family, so I came back for revenge.

Chicago was supposed to be a fun vacation—and it was—until my family was slaughtered by demons. Now I’m caught in a war between immortals tasked to save our planet, and a dark primordial god intent on destroying it.

I may be mortal, and I might be in over my head, but that’s never stopped me before.

I’ll show these demons who to fear on the streets of Chicago. Blood will flow, and I’ll only be satisfied once they’ve been sent back to hell.

Except that’s kind of the problem.

Turns out, the Queen of the Dead’s been hunting me for years.

And she’s finally found me.

Uncaged Review: So the reason I picked up this book, is that I got the fourth book in the series as part of a larger author promotion and review request, and I’m one of those people that really hate reading out of order on a series. So I went back to start at book one as it sounded pretty interesting to me. And I’m so glad I did. All the Norse gods are here, and this book is focusing on Loki. The gods have been banished to Earth, fighting off the demons that plague the planet every night that humans can’t see. Well, except one human – Morgane. Morgane lost her parents and her sister, and can see the monsters – so she trains and goes out hunting the creatures that took her family. When one particular night goes bad, Loki is there and is drawn to her and takes her back to Mir – for healing. And this is when the book hits yet another gear.

They will need to go back to the Underworld, to face Hel, Loki’s evil daughter – and it’s non-stop. There is romance, humor and the age old fight of good vs. evil. Hard to put down once you get going. Looking forward to book two. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

#fantasyromance #norsegods #loki #action

Uncaged Review: Demon Curse by Linsey Hall

0

Demon Curse
Linsey Hall
Urban Fantasy

Life has gotten a bit dicey, lately. Which is a major understatement. My normal gig as a demon slayer turns extra deadly when a group of them attacks my home. I manage to take them out, but not before it’s too late. My sister and I are hit by the deadly fire veins curse. We have only days to find a cure, so we’ve got to split up to cover more ground.

I’m lucky to have access to Declan, one of the most powerful fallen angels in the world. Not to mention, one of the hottest. One that I’m falling for faster than I like. But he’s the guy with the skill to help me find the cure, and I need all the help I can get.

As we hunt for the cure to the curse that’s killing me, we uncover that threat is far greater than I’d even realized. There’s a mystery here, one that could tear my whole world apart. I just need to figure out what it is.

Uncaged Review: This is a fast paced story – and this time, Aeri and Mari are hit with a curse – and it will kill them in days if they don’t get the antidote in time. Problem is, as they are searching for clues, Mari is kidnapped. And not just by anyone, by one of the oldest and most powerful of the Fallen Angels, one who is pure evil and very powerful. Aeri will need all the help she can drum up to save herself and her sister.

This story doesn’t let up on the gas, and it’s full steam ahead. Declan and Aeri are getting closer, even with the nullifying curse inside Aeri. This is a fantastic series that keeps ramping up, and the 4th and final book is out and I am looking forward to reading it, although a bit sad that it will be over.
Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

#urbanfantasy #fantasy #paranormal #romance

Uncaged Review – Earl of Scarborough by Collette Cameron

0

Earl of Scarborough
Collette Cameron
Historical Regency

‘Tis the season to be wicked…
When a woman desperate for a job saves the life of an earl…
… both of their plans for the future are thwarted.

He’s eccentric and society-shy…
There’s no polite way to describe Ansley, Earl of Scarborough’s obsession with schedules and inflexible routines. Unfortunately, he’s also in need of a wife, which forces him squarely in the midst of the society he can scarcely function within. If only he dared to ignore the haut ton’s censure and claim the lovely, wholly unsuitable Willow as his own.

She seeks a governess post…
Up from the country, Willow Harwood must quickly secure a governess position and save enough money to return to America. Only, her plans are foiled when she rushes to the rescue of a devastatingly handsome earl in the process of being robbed. Though he’s far above her station, she can’t fight the irrepressible attraction she feels toward him.

Neither is prepared for the upheaval to their lives when she reluctantly accepts his offer of employment…as his housekeeper. Nor can either predict the mayhem that follows when a lord who disdains society and a country miss with no experience plan a haut ton Christmastide gathering.

Uncaged Review: “Her tread lightened somewhat, the furious tramping giving away to normal footfall. Ah good. He was making headway, then.”

This was one of the many lines in this book that made me either smile broadly, or laugh out loud. The characters are very endearing, especially Ansley with his need of schedules and routines to keep his life relatively calm. Although he is an Earl, he’s also kind, fair and completely thrown for a loop when he meets Willow.

Willow is a commoner, half English, half American, with an excellent education, but society is prejudiced against her, and it’s been difficult to find a job as a teacher after her grandfather passes away. When she is hired by Ansley, she knows her station as a commoner and there can’t be anything between her and the Earl. Or can there? What about the haut ton?

This is a type of Cinderella story, and I was completely charmed. The author gave us an imperfect hero – which in turn, made him perfect. And the cover? I know exactly where that takes place in the book. Cheers. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: Red Snowflakes by Kristal Dawn Harris

0

Red Snowflakes
Kristal Dawn Harris
Paranormal Romance

Forensic photographer, Dena Williams, has spent her life trained to see what others cannot. Vampire, Dimitri Kovac, has waited every Christmas for a miracle that does not come. In the Oregon wilderness, during a snowstorm, these two destined souls collide. Dena’s only hope of survival rests in a vampire with the heart of a poet. Dimitri only has five days to win a skeptical woman’s heart. As the Christmas tree lights burn brightly and the snow continues to fall, will Dena succumb to a vampire’s charms? With so little time, can Dimitri win her love?

Uncaged Review: A Christmas themed book with a fairy tale aspect which reminds me of Beauty and the Beast. I really enjoyed reading this book in places I was giggling like a love struck teenager. It’s not weird to want to be bitten by a vampire right? Highly recommended for some pre-Christmas vampire fun. Reviewed by Jennifer

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Keeper of the Flame by Elizabeth Rose

0

Keeper of the Flame
Elizabeth Rose
Medieval Historical Fantasy

Immortality isn’t always a blessing . . . sometimes it’s a curse!

An old sorcerer is how everyone knows him, but Orrick Pendragon has only chosen to shapeshift into the image an old man because of his painful past. When he stole the Eternal Flame over a hundred years ago, he had no idea of the consequences of his action. Being immortal and also married, he had to watch as his loving wife grew old and died while he stayed young and continued to live forever. Heartbroken, he swore, he would never fall in love again. But when Lady Hope appears at his tower door seeking his assistance to find the Eternal Flame, he’s intrigued and strangely attracted to her. Against his better judgment, he finds himself shapeshifting back into his young and handsome form of Sir Rick.

Lady Hope Threston arrives at Blake Castle as Lord Corbett’s ward. However, it is only a ploy on her part to get what she wants. She’s been betrothed to Lord Irwin, a blackhearted, greedy man. In order to convince him to break the betrothal, she agrees to help him find the Eternal Flame. However, she needs the assistance of the old sorcerer to do it. Lord Irwin wants to be powerful, invincible, and immortal, but all she wants is to be free. Then she meets the handsome Sir Rick and magically, everything changes.

Can an immortal man who is destined to live forever, find love again with a mortal woman who is bound to die?

Uncaged Review: This is the fifth book in a series, and I hadn’t read the others, but I’m definitely planning on going back and reading them – I really enjoyed Orrick’s story. The medieval time period is where this author excels.

After his wife died, Orrick is an old sorcerer, or at least that’s what he shows the world, as he keeps up the old man look. But when Hope arrives, he begins to feel for the first time since he lost his wife and the real Orrick comes through. I wasn’t a huge fan of Hope in the beginning, but I grew to like her as the story progressed. This book brings, suspense, romance and even a bit of humor. Well worth picking up. Reviewed by Cyrene

4.5 Stars

Uncaged Review: Wildfire and Roses by Hope Malory

0

Wildfire and Roses
Hope Malory
Contemporary Romance

Sparks fly when tenacious mountain climber and hiker Beasley McLemore meets hot smokejumper Will Gregor on a search and rescue mission in Yosemite. Getting together, however, isn’t easy. Strong-willed Beasley is bent on building a thriving landscaping business back home in the foothills of the majestic Smoky Mountains. Busy working 24/7, she has no time or energy for a man in her life…she thinks.

Scorched by love in his past, Will is content to live near awe-inspiring Lake Tahoe where he saves lives and forests as a remote wildland firefighter. He doesn’t need a committed relationship complicating his dangerous lifestyle…he thinks.

Through life-changing events and a family mystery, each must question long held beliefs about work, love, and life. Looming over their blossoming love affair is the 2,400 miles separating their homes and livelihoods. Will love keep them together or distance tear them apart?

Uncaged Review: This is a nice contemporary that will draw a reader in pretty fast with a good lead-in in how Beasley and Will meet – with a little boy missing on a trail and both of them being on the team that volunteers in the search. Will is a firefighter/smokejumper and is not thrilled to have a thin woman on the team, but Beasley proves herself pretty quickly.

This is a good debut novel, and the backstories of the characters, even the secondary characters, are very well developed and interesting – my only wish was there just a bit fewer characters overall to read about. The long distance romance between Will and Beasley plays out and this book covers about a year’s time, so the reader has a lot to cover. But it’s done beautifully and paced well, and for those who like a bit of suspense in their novels, the mystery in Beasley’s family is woven seamlessly into the story. An author to watch in the future. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: Wicked in Winter by Scarlett Scott

0

Wicked in Winter
Scarlett Scott
Historical Regency

Devereaux Winter is one of the wealthiest men in England, but he hails from a notorious family. The Wicked Winters are as reviled as they are renowned. He is desperate to find a wife of good breeding so he can begin the Herculean task of seeing his siblings settled. Fortunately for him, the duke next door’s wits are addled. Even more fortunate? The duke’s only daughter is a beautiful spinster.

Lady Emilia King has sworn off love and vowed to remain unwed. When the brutish Mr. Winter wins her ailing father’s unentailed assets in a game of chance, she is aghast. Upon hearing his requirement for forgiving her father’s debt, she is outraged. She has no intention of marrying the villain and sponsoring his wild sisters in their seasons.

But Dev always gets what he wants, and Lady Emilia is about to discover what he wants more than anything is her. Far more astonishing, she just may want him too…

Uncaged Review: I have discovered, that I love Scarlett Scott’s books. This one took me a little longer to like, because I hated Lady Emilia in the beginning. She was arrogant, spoiled and cruel – and she vowed never to go below her station, but she did that, over and over with her cruel words. As for Dev, I liked him and his sisters almost immediately. Don’t worry, Emilia does redeem herself….eventually. But it was unfortunate, as I did grow to like her well enough, but I never loved her as the beginning chapters set the tone for her. I did understand her outrage at being “sold off” to settle her father’s debts, I know that would never fly in this day and age, but the author went a bit over the top with her.

Even with that said, this is a good love story at the bottom of it. Emilia and Dev are a good pairing and I’m looking forward to more of this series, and I hope we see the two in future books as supporting characters. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: Ascending by Meg Pechenick

0

Ascending
Meg Pechenick
SciFi

Twenty-five years ago the Vardeshi came to Earth. Then they vanished without a trace. Graduate student Avery Alcott always knew they would return. When they do, she’s the only one who can speak their language. She’s quickly recruited to join the crew of an 11-man starship on a one-year mission into the depths of space. Avery leaps at the chance to leave behind everything she’s ever known. Wearing a Vardeshi uniform, adapting to their culture, following their orders, she’s as close to being one of them as she’ll ever be. But there’s more to interstellar diplomacy than knowing the right words to say. And shedding her identity turns out to be harder than she expected. When her ship, its crew, and the fragile human-Vardeshi alliance are threatened, Avery’s humanity—the very thing putting her at risk—just might be the one thing that can save her.

Uncaged Review: I can be a hard sell on scifi. I love the genre – when it’s done right. And this book is one of those. Is it a hard-core scifi? No, but it’s not meant to be. This is not Timothy Zahn or Arthur C. Clark, but this is a debut novel, and this author is one to watch in this genre. A lot of this is setting up and world/character building – and some of it gets a bit drawn out, but it has good pacing and it didn’t take long to draw me in. There is even a bit of suspense and danger – that threatens the alliance, and it has good twist to it. The book did not leave off on a cliffhanger, but it did set up nicely for book two. Is it going to set up as a romance down the line? Maybe….but that’s not in this book. I’m definitely moving on to book two. Reviewed by Cyrene

4.5 Stars

Uncaged Review: The Innocent Wife by CiCi Cordelia

0

The Innocent Wife
CiCi Cordelia
Historical Western

JOSHUA . . .
As the Sheriff of Little Creede, Joshua Lang has had his hands full more than once. Protecting his town from a criminal bent on destructive revenge. Keeping the peace when Little Creede grows too fast for its own good during the height of the silver mining boom. Trying to remember a certain beautiful, shy, and sheltered young woman is off-limits because she’s the baby sister of his two best friends.

VIVIAN . . .
For Vivian Carter, it’s not easy being the younger sister of the Carter brothers, two of the strongest, most honorable men she has ever known. But she’s a grown woman now, ready for a life—and love—of her own. In trying to assert her independence and claim her womanhood, she finds herself stymied by not only her brothers’ overbearing opinions, but the maddening habit Joshua Lang has, of pushing her away just as things between them start to get “interesting.”

THE SHERIFF AND THE VIRGIN . . .
Everyone seems to be finding love in Little Creede, marrying and building their families. As Colorado grows larger and richer, will Vivian and Joshua find their way to each other?

Uncaged Review: This is the third book in The Brides of Little Creede series, and I am hoping that this series continues as the stories continue to get better and better, and I’m learning to love this growing town and even all the misfit residents. This time out, young Vivian Carter, the teacher of the town and Joshua, the sheriff are forced into a quick “shotgun” wedding after being found making out by Vivian’s brothers. Even though this was a forced marriage, both Joshua and Vivian have loved each other for years.
As with all of the books so far in this group, the danger arises from a small boy that has abandoned by his tramp of a mother – and has won the hearts of many in the town, especially Vivian who spends extra time teaching him as he’s a brilliant student soaking up the lessons. But when the whore mother returns and wants Nate back for all the wrong reasons, this book gets really moving. Danger and attempts on Vivian’s life have Joshua and Vivian’s brothers scrambling.

This is a fantastic addition to this series, the danger keeps you turning the pages, and the characters almost leap from the pages. It’s not too often that I can see a story playing out in my mind as I read along as this did. Highly recommended. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars