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Uncaged Review – Unchained by Shayne Silvers

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Unchained
Shayne Silvers
Urban Fantasy

Meet Callie Penrose. Is she Heaven’s Devil, or Hell’s Angel?

Callie is a middle-class, Midwest American girl. And a wizard in training. She works for Roland, a member of the Vatican Shepherds – an elite group of twelve warrior priests who travel the world smiting whatever offends them or their Good Lord.

One problem. Callie isn’t a huge fan of churches. Not even a minor fan, really.

She trains with Roland only to learn how to use those strange magical powers inside her. And because Roland had once saved her and her friend from monsters in a dark alley.

But when a Heavenly spear enters an auction in Kansas City and Roland is gravely wounded, Callie finds herself forced to step up as an interim Shepherd, and her first night on the job puts her in a bidding war against the infamous Nate Temple—the billionaire wizard from St. Louis. And when demons, shifter bears, vampires, and Nephilim attack the auction for the spear, Nate and Callie are forced to join teams, and one-time foes become hesitant allies.

Callie must learn where she stands as a wizard. Will she hide behind a man, or light Kansas City afire with a name of her own? And will she finally come to appreciate God? Or will the demons and monsters in the shadows take her for themselves?

Because Callie soon learns she isn’t just a wizard, and it was never just about the spear. Monsters have evidently been hunting Callie her entire life, and now, they’ve finally found her…

Uncaged Review: 73% of the reviews for this book is 5 Stars. I’m not there…..yet. But it’s a hell of a start. Since this is the introductory book for this character and even though this is still within the fantastic Nate Temple world and he’s even featured in this book to help spin-off this series, we still have to learn about Callie and her city of Kansas City, and the supporting cast.
In this book we don’t really get full answers as to what Callie is or what she’s capable of, it looks like we will learn along with her. There is plenty of action and violence, humor and plenty of Nate, and the first time I’ve read about Nate with him being as the second narrative as this is in Callie’s narrative. I’m still on the fence on that one.
This book starts this series with a bang, I think that Callie will become one of those characters that I love now that the “getting to know her” part is done. I will also see if Callie can hold her own without Nate, time will tell, but I’m along for the ride. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Bullets & Blades by Orlando A. Sanchez

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Bullets & Blades
Orlando A. Sanchez
Urban Fantasy

Sometimes magic doesn’t get the point across. Sometimes the point of a blade is required.
After unleashing the power of the neutralizer, Tristan finds himself without the ability to cast magic. Assured this is a temporary condition, Tristan and Simon decide it’s the perfect opportunity to take some much needed time off.
That is until a group of dark mages enters the city looking for Master Yat. Now the Montague & Strong Detective Agency must face and eliminate the threat. There’s only one problem. William Montague—Tristan’s lost brother is leading the mages.
Without magic, Tristan must face mages intent on killing his friend and teacher, find a way to restore his powers, and stop his brother from bringing a greater darkness to the city, dooming them all.

Sometimes the best answer isn’t a spell. Some situations can only be resolved with bullets and blades.

Uncaged Review: Mr. Sanchez is a master storyteller. This time out, Simon needs to rescue Monty from The Pit, and he comes into some of his own in this book – and it shows how strong the bond between Simon, Monty and Peaches is becoming. I was all in – and Mr. Sanchez didn’t let me down. The great world building that continues on in each book, building upon what is already there, and the author promises us that we will learn more and more about these characters in every book and even though it seems Simon is going to get in trouble with his wise-ass ways, this book shows us that he’s so much more and stronger than you think. And Peaches? One of the greatest sidekicks ever. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Book Reviews – January 2020 Now Available

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Happy New Year! May 2020 be the best for everyone!

January 2020 – Issue 42

Feature Authors: Sophie Barnes, Nesa Miller, Jewelz Baxtor, Catherine Kean, Mark Hewitt, Sherry A. Burton, Maggie Dallen and Scott M. Baker

Catch Up with Danelle Harmon and Tessa McFionn

Showcases by Kathryn Le Veque and Mary Morgan

Reviews

Uncaged Review – Rogue’s Holiday by Regan Walker

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Rogue’s Holiday
Regan Walker
Historical Regency

Robert Powell’s work as a spy saves the Cabinet ministers from a gruesome death and wins him accolades from George IV. As a reward, the king grants him a baronetcy and a much-deserved holiday at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton where he thinks to indulge in brandy, cards, good horseflesh and women.

But when Muriel, Dowager Countess of Claremont, learns of Sir Robert’s intended destination, she begs a favor…to watch over an “errant child” who is the grandniece of her good friend living in the resort town. Little does Robbie know that Miss Chastity Reynolds is no child but a beautiful hoyden who is seemingly immune to his charms.

Chastity lives in the shadow of her mother and sisters, dark-haired beauties men admire. Her first Season was a failure but, as she will soon come into a family legacy, she has no need to wed. When she first encounters Sir Robert, she dubs him The Rogue, certain he indulges in a profligate lifestyle she wants no part in.

In Brighton, Robbie discovers he is being followed by friends of the conspirators who had planned to murder the Cabinet. Worse, they know the location of Chastity’s residence.

Uncaged Review: The final book in the Agents of the Crown series, but don’t be alarmed, you can easily read these as standalones. Having the background of the family from the beginning just enhances the books. I’ve come to rely on this author to always be a good read, and she doesn’t disappoint here. This book is not just a romance, it’s a thrilling regency, with suspense and danger. There were times I laughed out loud and other times I was reading as fast I could to see what happened next. With real history facts woven thru out the story, you will unknowingly learn as you are entertained with this clean historical.

No spoilers from me, but any reader that loves a good historical romance, won’t go wrong with this book, or this series. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – A Witch in Time by Kean & Daniels

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

A Witch in Time
Kean & Daniels
Time Travel Paranormal Romance

Welcome to Cat’s Paw Cove, Florida—an enchanting seaside town and favorite tourist destination. But there’s something unusual about the locals, both human and feline. The popular Shipwreck Museum might just take you back in time, and the historic Sherwood House holds secrets, old and new.

Adopt a furever friend at the Cove Cat Café, treat yourself to a psychic reading at Eye of Newt metaphysical shop, pick up a special trinket from Black Cat Antiquities. And don’t be surprised if you find your heart in the magic of Cat’s Paw Cove.

In a violent storm in 1645, Colin Wilshire’s Barbados-bound ship is swept off course. He’s sure he and his pregnant bride are fated to drown when he’s tossed into the sea. He wakes in a strange land and is saved by a blue-haired angel.

Twenty-first-century witch and cat rescuer Luna Halpern has fallen for more than her share of unsuitable guys—including one with a long-distance fiancé, and another who was more interested in other dudes than in Luna. Finally, a safe, drama-free guy is interested in her, and she’s confident that she’ll muster up an attraction to him. When she stumbles upon a handsome, mysterious man who speaks oddly, seems not to know where he is, or even what century it is, her first instinct is to help him.

Certain he’s either stuck in a crazy dream or in limbo between life and death, Colin stays close to Luna. As his feelings for her grow, he’s forced to choose between his obligations in the past and his hopes for the future.

Uncaged Review: Normally, I am not a huge fan of time travel novels, especially romances – because somewhere along the line, one of the people will have to give something up to keep love, or walk away, and you don’t get to know how it would have been to the ones they leave behind. Not so on this book. This is a charming, shorter read that was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed the characters, the mystery and their world. A few laughs, a pinch of danger. With Colin and Luna, they will have to figure out, should Colin go back in time, or should he stay with Luna?

This is one of those rare time travel books that had the right ending with a fun epilogue that ties it all together. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Book Reviews, December 2019

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Now available!

Lady It’s Cold Outside – Meet the authors behind this great holiday box set.

Feature authors: Craig DiLouie, Elyzabeth M. VaLey, Reina Torres, Barbra Campbell, Linda Bradley, Ellen Mint & Rue Volley.

Short Holiday Story by Amanda Mariel

Reviews

Uncaged Review -Sinners’ Opera by Linda Nightingale

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Sinners’ Opera
Linda Nightingale
Paranormal Romance

Morgan D’Arcy is an English lord, a classical pianist, and a vampire. He has everything except what he desires most—Isabeau. As the Angel Gabriel he’s steered her life and career choice, preparing her to become Lady D’Arcy.

Many forces oppose Morgan’s daring plan—not the least of which is Vampyre law.

Isabeau Gervase is a brilliant geneticist. Though she no longer believes in angels, she sees a ticket to a Nobel Prize in Gabriel’s secrets—secrets that have led her to a startling conclusion. Gabriel isn’t human, and she fully intends to identify the species she named the Angel Genome. Morgan is ready to come back into Isabeau’s life, but this time as a man not an angel. Will he outsmart his enemies, protect his beloved and escape death himself? For the first time in eternity, the clock is ticking.

Uncaged Review: Sophisticated, arrogant, beautiful, darkness, love. Many things can describe Morgan D’Arcy, these are just a few that came to me right at this moment. He’s as dangerous as he is beautiful, he can be a vampire that is the thing of nightmares, or the passionate lover that everyone wishes for. Morgan is a being of the past, and it still shows even in the modern times. This is a love story, but it’s also a tragic love story and will haunt you long after you finish reading it. This all-consuming love story of Morgan and Isabeau will enthrall the reader as they try to overcome the many obstacles in their path to happiness.

There are enough twists and turns in the story to keep you spinning in a different direction and will pull at emotions you didn’t think you’d have for a vampire story, and I can only hope that Morgan will grace us with further stories. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Feature Author – David Nora

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Uncaged: Can you tell us more about your book, Slasher Crasher? Is this your debut novel?

Yes, this is my debut novel and I’m beyond ecstatic. SLASHER CRASHER is a love letter to my high school friends and eighties slashers. A mix of MEAN GIRLS and HALLOWEEN, it is a dark comedic take on horror films and the “final girl” character. Carol J. Clover in the feminist film theory novel, Men, Women, and Chain Saws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film, coined the term the “final girl.” She described “final girls” as sweet, virginal characters in horror films and novels who transform into testosterone-fueled warriors that must take down the killers or monsters who have been stalking them. Typically these “final girls” kill the killers/monsters and the story ends. However, I thought: What would happen if the “final girl” wasn’t so nice? What if she kind of had a thing for the killer/monster? SLASHER CRASHER was born.

Uncaged: What inspired you to write in the horror genre?

I received a film education–specifically a horror one– at a young age from my father. By the time I was nine years old I’d seen most of the classics: THE EXORCIST, ROSEMARY’S BABY, JAWS. Although I was terrified of these films in the beginning, I slowly fell in love with the genre venturing out to the world of horror literature. I was so enthralled by the GOOSEBUMPS and SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK series that I thought, ‘Hey. Maybe I could try this whole writing thing.’

Uncaged: What are you working on now that you can tell us about?

I’m starting my next novel and I felt like switching things up. A total 180. Instead of horror I wanted to try something more soft, sweet. I also wanted to try my hand at alternative stories in existing fictional universes like WICKED. I don’t want to give it away but I hope it’ll be extra sweet.

Read the rest of this interview in Uncaged Book Reviews, October 2019 issue – link below.

Born in Syracuse, NY, David Nora was a normal child until he saw THE EXORCIST at the age of seven. Sleeping with an actual vile of holy water, he finally recovered with his first viewing of the meta-slasher comedy, SCREAM. Since then he has been devouring everything horror related— except the CHILD’S PLAY movies. He wants nothing to do with that devil doll. Currently, he lives in New York City working as a teacher of the visually impaired and blind.

Slasher Crasher
David Nora
Horror/Humor

It’s Halloween. Nick Roesch, a towering figure of evil and stupidity, escapes from the upstate New York mental hospital he’s been committed to for the past five years. Planning to return to his childhood home, where he brutally murdered his babysitter’s boyfriend, his plans are halted when he crosses paths with an even more terrifying beast—two high school friends with some serious beef. Caught in a battle of loyalty that has been brewing for ten years of their friendship, the two girls, Kathleen Strife and Betsy Coleman, force the feud into a savage showdown, pitting the escaped monster against each other. Who will survive this epic deathmatch, and is it totally wrong to fall in love with the murderous lunatic who just tried to kill your ex-best friend with a machete?

Excerpt

Nick Roesch, 5:00 a.m.

It started like an ‘80s slasher film. Not John Carpenter’s Halloween, the classic of suburban horror, but the countless, mostly Canadian copycats that emulated its simple-but-effective formula of the escaped mental patient who [choose one: had been burnt in a high school prank, buried in your runof-the-mill mining accident, and/or mentally abused by Santa Claus] and picks off a sexy group of no-good teenagers on [a beloved American holiday].

In this crude rip-off, it was Halloween, and Nick Roesch, a massive, pineapple-shaped teen wearing an oversized gray sweater and blue scrubs, was running through the vast wooded area surrounding Summer Hill House, the psychiatric hospital in Hannibal, New York, where he’d spent the last five years. After a window dive from the hospital’s second floor, he was following the early-morning light that trickled through the pines, hoping it would lead him to a house or road.

Read the rest of the excerpt from the issue below:

Uncaged Review – Spellbound Captive by Tamara Hughes

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Spellbound Captive
Tamara Hughes
Paranormal Romance

She’s enchanted by a beast. He’s enchanted by her.

Freed from possession, Kade Rennick is obsessed with ridding the world of dragon spirits—especially the one that infected him with its spawn. But first he must get past the beautiful yet confused witch who is protecting the beast.

Enthralled by the monster that has control of her childhood friend, Faith Edwards doesn’t always understand why she makes the choices she does, but one thing is for certain. She will stop at nothing to save her friend and free herself from the nightmare she’s been living in for the last twelve years.

Despite Kade’s insistence that her mission is a lost cause, their attraction for each other intensifies. When Faith crafts a powerful spell that will open a portal to the dragon spirit realm, Kade must stop her, no matter what it takes. Humanity hangs in the balance.

Uncaged Review: This is the follow up to Bewitching the Beast, the first in the series, and although the characters from book one are here in a supporting cast, this book holds up well as a standalone. This book reminded me a lot of the Goa’uld from the Stargate world and their symbiotic hold over its host. Here it’s a dragon spirit that possesses people and needs to syphon energy from others to stay alive. Faith’s friend, Vance, has been possessed for years, and she believes she can save him, being a witch. But when she runs into Kade, she begins to learn the truth.

Some good suspense, and if you are in the mood for a book that is not your everyday paranormal, this is a good book to give a chance to. It was a tad slow for me to get started, but after about the 25% mark, it really took off and became an excellent page turner.
Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Dragon Burning Bright by Michelle Fox

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Dragon Burning Bright
Michelle Fox
Paranormal Romance

He leaned close, his mouth by my ear, his breath tickling my neck. “When we’re done with the next kiss, you won’t even remember your name.” 

I moved back and arched an eyebrow. “Oh really?” 

“It only gets hotter from here.” 

I swallowed. 

“And the kiss after that, you’ll be begging me, Adara.” 

“For what?” I whispered the question. 

“For what only I can give you.” Endre came close again, and I tried to back away, but found the cave at my back. He crowded me, forcing me into the jagged rock wall. “After this, I don’t think we’ll be able to stop at just kissing, do you?” 

“We can’t just fall into bed together. That’s crazy.” 

“No. Not crazy. It’s the magic of fate and fire. I’ll play by your rules for now, but keeping me at a distance doesn’t change anything. I’m yours and you’re mine. Our flames will rise as one someday.” 
~*~ USA Today and NY Times bestselling author Michelle Fox makes spontaneous human combustion sexy in a steamy new romance! ~*~

Adara Brenton thinks she’s an average girl: single and dreaming of romance. Also? In need of a job. As it turns out, horking up fireballs at work is the fast track to unemployment.

Yes. Fireballs.

See, in her family, spontaneous human combustion is genetic…like red hair, only, you know, fatal, and now it’s her turn to burn.

Endre Felman has lived deep inside a mountain for centuries, adding to his hoard and looking for his mate. Meeting Adara before she goes up in smoke gives him hope, but convincing her dragons are real, that he’s the dragon of her heart, and keeping her alive through what’s to come proves to be more difficult than he ever imagined.

In the end, they may both burn to ash because no dragon lives forever without love.

No cliffhanger. HEA ending.

Uncaged Review: This is a short read and quite an original take on the dragon shifter world. Adara is starting to burp up fireballs, and believes that it won’t be long and she will follow in her past relatives shoes and burn to death with spontaneous human combustion, but the problem is getting worse…lucky for her, Endre finds her – but she will need to believe before he can save them both.

Even in the relatively short amount of space this story takes place in, the reader gets a good feel for the characters and their world. The epilogue in the back sealed the story up nicely. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

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