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Uncaged Review – Murder Under Redwood Moon by Sherri L. Dodd

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Murder Under Redwood Moon
Sherri L. Dodd
Occult Mystery

At the age of eight, Arista Kelly was frantically swept up by her parents and whisked off to an isolated town in the California redwoods. Two days later, her parents were gone.

Now at the age of twenty-three, she has settled quite nicely into an eclectic lifestyle, much like her great aunt, and guardian since childhood, Bethie. She enjoys the use of herbs and crystals to help her commune with the energy and nature around her and finds pleasure in the company of her beloved pet, Royal. Usually quite satisfied with her mundane life high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, life becomes unsettling when a new recurring vision of an ominous tattoo as well as increased activity from the ghostly presence within her own cottage invade her once-harmonious existence.

But life in this mountain sanctuary takes an even darker turn when the body of Arista’s former classmate is found in the nearby river. As other young women fall prey to a suspected serial killer, Arista realizes that the terror is coming to her.

Uncaged Review: This is good cozy mystery dealing with witches, both the witches that practice “no harm to others” and the ones that are practicing dark magic. Arista is living a quiet life working with her herbs and crystals, happy with being close to nature. As she starts having a recurring vision, things start to go a bit dangerous. When young women are turning up dead, Arista feels the danger may be coming after her.

This is a good suspense, and you will see Arista coming into her own in this book and she will learn the secrets about herself and her life as we go. The suspense is very twisted and hard to pin down if you’re like me and try to guess, and the blending of the mystery with the supernatural is well done. There is a nice glossary in the back to help with any of the witch lingo you may not get right away. A bit slow to start, but it does get moving when you get halfway in.
Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Her Wicked Rogue by Scarlett Scott

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Her Wicked Rogue
Scarlett Scott
Historical Regency

Archer Tierney has devoted his life to becoming one of the most powerful men in London. He’s cutthroat and merciless to anyone who crosses him and ruthless in his determination to always maintain the upper hand over friends and foes alike. There’s no situation he can’t control, no battle he can’t win. Until one fierce woman enters his carefully guarded world, leaving danger and desire in her wake, and bringing Archer to his knees.

Princess Anastasia St. George has lived beneath the tyrannical influence of her villainous uncle for ten long years. Her quest to find her exiled brother, the rightful heir to the throne, leads her directly to Archer Tierney. He’s cold, he’s calculating, he’s handsome as the devil. And there’s something about him she just can’t resist.

When the desperate princess offers him priceless crown jewels in exchange for his help to find her long-lost brother, Archer accepts. It’s her second, far-more-sinful proposition and its infinitely appealing reward, however, that tempts him most. But Anastasia is about to enter an arranged marriage, and a future between a wicked rogue and a royal princess is impossible. Even if Archer’s foolishly stubborn heart tells him otherwise…

Uncaged Review: . I hadn’t read any other book in this series, and I didn’t have a problem with following along. I may have been better attached to Archer if I had, but I grew to like him well enough. As for Stasia, I thought she was a little too high-brow for Archer in the first part of the book. It took awhile for me to warm up to her and only after reading her sacrifices, but she never really got over her “stiffness” to me.. This is a very original storyline, and in this book, there is sizzling romance, danger, deception and secrecy. Stasia will sacrifice almost everything for her people, including an arranged marriage and risking her life to find her exiled brother.

During this book, I felt both characters grew and the reader can feel the love they had for each other. I did feel that the ending was a bit rushed, and it could have been a bit more fleshed out, but overall, this was a nice read. I’m very interested in the secondary characters, so I’ll be hunting down a couple more of this series.
Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – A Deal with a Duke by Tammy Andresen

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

A Deal with a Duke
Tammy Andresen
Historical Regency

He’s a surly duke.
She’s a sensitive artist.

The two should never mix except he’s also…her brother’s best friend.

Which is the ONLY reason the Duke of Upton agrees to take Anna Smith away from London to protect the fragile beauty. If she had any idea the darkness he holds in his cold black heart, she’d surely run screaming from his country estate.

And that can’t happen because he’s not the biggest bad in the North of England. When the very villain who forced her to flee London finds her, Rath, beast of a man that he is, is the only one who can protect her.

To truly keep her safe, he has to keep her close. And soon it’s not fear that has her trembling in his arms, and his need to protect her has nothing to do with duty.

But his past is as much a danger as hers and soon he realizes that she isn’t just his
greatest temptation and his most important job.

She’s also….

His one weakness.

Uncaged Review: When we first meet these characters, they couldn’t be more opposite than they are. Rath is very unlikeable, and Anna is a creative artist, but very meek. When her brother wants Rath to take her out to his country estate, because of the danger of some mob-like people trying to get to the family because of their gaming hells, Anna and Rath are not happy about it.

What I really loved about this book, is we watch the transformation of not just Rath, but also of Anna. The anger and pain of Rath’s past will begin to lighten, and Anna will finally come into her own as we watch the love slowly blossom between these two. Anna shows Rath there is hope in the future and Rath shows Anna how to be braver and bolder. There is danger, romance and laughter along the way, and this easily sits high on my list of loved books from this author.
Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Memories Made at Midnight by Collette Cameron

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Memories Made at Midnight
Collette Cameron
Historical Regency

A perilous journey ignites passion between an artist and an heiress
Cassius Westbrook, the youngest twin son of a duke, has no desire to bask in the societal privileges his birth affords him. Choosing the arduous path of an artist in Brighton over the complications of love and marriage, he dedicates his enthusiasm to his artwork instead of romance. However, his steadfast resolve falters when he is hired to paint a miniature for the enchanting Beatrice Fairfax. Her guardian uncle intends to use this portrait to secure a wealthy suitor for the orphaned heiress, a notion that Cassius finds detestable, yet he agrees to the commission.

Beatrice Fairfax, heiress to a modest fortune, is resolute in her decision never to marry. Scarred by her mother’s scandalous affair and her own disheartening encounters with men, she dedicates herself to an independent yet solitary future, expanding her animal rescue sanctuary and traveling the world. But her uncle harbors sinister designs on her fortune, determined to bend her to his will by any means necessary, including forcing her into an arranged marriage. His machinations lead Beatrice to seek Cassius’s aid, igniting a desperate flight from Brighton to London.

As these two people from opposite worlds journey together, their forced proximity fans the flames of an unexpected attraction, challenging both to navigate their feelings and reconsider their futures. Will they seize this chance, or will the shadows of their pasts and the dangers of the present keep them apart? Dive into their tumultuous tale and discover if love can indeed conquer all.

Uncaged Review: A great read by Collette Cameron, who never ceases to entertain. I was attached to the characters almost at once, with Beatrice living under the rule of her awful Uncle, waiting on the time she can get her inheritance. But her Uncle is scheming, and hires Cassius to paint a miniature so he can find her a husband. Cassius sees how Beatrice is treated, and during one of their sessions, she confides in Cassius about her inheritance. Cassius’ family has ties to the solicitors that Beatrice’s family uses, so he asks his family to look into it. That’s when the book takes a dangerous turn, when Cassius tells Beatrice the truth about her inheritance and Uncle.

There is plenty of danger, and two people who vowed not to love, find that they can’t stop their hearts. All Beatrice wants is to take care of her pets, and Cassius vows not to love again after being dumped in the past. But through all the danger, they find that love won’t stop, and they will need to fight their way to a HEA. And the epilogue is a great touch. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – A Time of End by Kathryn Le Veque

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

A Time of End
Kathryn Le Veque
Medieval Romance

Alexander de Sherrington, the man affectionately referred to as ‘Sherry’ by his friends, is off on the greatest adventure of his life… and his target is Lady Christin de Lohr.

Lovely and vivacious, Christin is as head-strong as her mother but born with her father’s innate sense of politics. She fostered in the finest homes and proved herself to be smart, intuitive, and calm under pressure. Unbeknownst to her father, William Marshal recruited Christin into his network of spies and even as she serves a de Lohr ally, the House of de Winter, as a lady in waiting for Lady de Winter, she completes missions at the Marshal’s directive.

Enter Alexander de Sherrington.

Uncaged Review: Kathryn Le Veque is a master at medieval romance and even though you can read these books as standalones, I tend to read series in order because of my attachment to the characters. As I get to know the main characters in each book, I’m also getting to know some of the secondary characters that will get their own story and the ones from previous books that come back as a supporting cast. This is something that attracts me to a series and keeps me coming back for more. This book centers on Sherry, one of the executioner knights that likes to work alone but could be one of the deadliest of the group and Christin, the eldest daughter of Christopher de Lohr. Unknown to Christopher, his daughter has been an agent for William Marshal for 2 years, and she is known as The Ghost.

This is probably one of the funniest books I’ve read from this author and there were a couple times I laughed out loud and I actually stayed up way past normal, having to get to the end. Action, danger and a corrupt King round out this group, along with the returning characters and Alexander de Sherrington and Christin will have to battle their way to their HEA in more ways than one, and it’s a great time getting there. This book deserves more than 5 Stars. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – The Rapper’s Groupie by T.M. Smith

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

The Rapper’s Groupie
T.M. Smith
Paranormal Romance

The Rapper
D Monz is a rap icon on two realms—Earth and Scath. When threatening hate mail pours in, the Firebrands send aid.

The Groupie
Celie isn’t really a groupie. She’s a witch warrior who gets off on the wrong foot with the rapper when she’s sent to protect him.

The Romance
Because of D’s family genetics, he requires more sex than most of his demon breed. The problem is simple. With the threats, outside help for his situation could be dangerous. So, if Celie wants to protect the rapper, she has a decision to make.

Uncaged Review: In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, front-man rapper extraordinaire and animus demon, D Monz would play to screaming crowds that loved his music. As D Monz went backstage to relax. D Monz used to enjoy the panty tossing and females wanting to sleep with him. No more D Monz couldn’t care less and is pretty tired of all that. When Firebrand witch, Celie Myers, becomes D Monz’s bodyguard, she loves his music but is not really star-struck by his glamorous music persona. D Monz might be living a charmed life, yet someone also wants him dead. D Monz keeps getting threatening letters to end his life. D Monz isn’t the least bit scared, but others in the band and even Celie are worried about him. Despite being a demon, someone could really end up hurting him. Celie’s goal and plan is to protect D Monz without falling for him by sleeping with him or die trying.

Book four in the Bood Coven Series and, of course, I am fully invested in the series after reading the first three. Out of all of them, this one is another one I just really can’t resist! This book could even have been a full-length story without any problems because of the mystery and suspense elements, but it works well as a short story too. Maybe if it was turned into a movie, it would not only be totally watchable but engaging enough to extend it if needed. The book still isn’t lacking for a rapid adventure and some dirty, sexy shenanigans that definitely made me smile. D Monz is your typical musician yet still manages to have a heart and Celie, the tougher than nails witch, is still likable too. Ms. T.M. Smith just knows how to make an interesting tale that will definitely keep me reading her stories no matter what they may be! Reviewed by Roslynn Ernst

4.5 Stars

Uncaged Review – The Holy Man’s Sinner by T.M. Smith

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

The Holy Man’s Sinner
T.M. Smith
Paranormal Romance

The Sinner
Elisabeta is a vampire party girl. But when the revolving-door males, the dangerous craving for blood, and the indiscriminate sexual encounters no longer make her happy, she looks for something more in life. What she finds is surprising.

The Holy Man
While in a sacred shrine, Elisabeta contemplates her future. She meets Nelo, the spiritual leader of the vampire breed, but he’s nothing like an Earther holy man. He likes his blood fresh and his sex hot.

They are an unlikely match.
From the moment Nelo sees Elisabeta, he is struck by her beauty and sympathetic with her desire to change her life.

But
Do opposites really attract?

Uncaged Review: In modern day Scath, female party-girl vampire, Elisabeta, was tired of her life. Elisabeta used to enjoy dancing in bars from Covenkirk to Stake House. Nothing would bring her happiness. So Elisabeta portals herself to Strigodierna Shrine. While Elisabeta sits there contemplating her messy life, she meets Nelo, a vampire Cruor monk. Nelo’s answer to Elisabeta’s woebegone state is hard work. So even though Elisabeta attempts to seduce Nelo, he tasks her with taking care of orphans. Nelo isn’t immune to Elisabeta’s charm either and passionately hungers for her as well. As Elisabeta slowly heals from her self-destructive behavior, she becomes closer to Nelo, but their love is not something that should have even taken place, especially when there is something that wants to come between them.

I just absolutely adore these quick, hotter than hot, steamy paranormal romances! Okay, yes, there isn’t much to them because they are so short. At least there is a charming little tale told exceptionally well in there, despite it being a novella! These stories are quick, dirty and fast but still leave you feeling wonderfully naughty, but in a good way! Will you need to read the other books in the series to understand what is going on? There is enough background though to understand what is going on. Just do not expect a lot of characterizations. It still is a complete book that will leave you remarkably satisfied. I think there is a lot more to both Elisabeta and Nelo, but it really doesn’t say. Do I miss a longer story? No, not really, because this had everything I love! An exceptional little story told quite well with incredibly flawed characters and panty-melting sex that is a bit forbidden yet oh so satisfying. I look forward to any book, whether it be a novel or a novella by Ms. T.M. Smith! Reviewed by Roslynn Ernst

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Starless by Kathryn Le Veque

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Starless
Kathryn Le Veque
Medieval Historical Romance

These Executioner Knights are in for a world of trouble…

Achilles de Dere is a stubborn knight prone to fighting – anywhere, anytime. If there is a punch to be thrown, it’s usually from Achilles. When he first met Susanna de Tiegh, the sparks flew – and not in a good way. Susanna, an accomplished warrior in her own right and an agent for William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, refused to take Achilles’ bullying behavior. Friends feared they would kill one another.

But an abject hatred of each other soon turned into something else.

Now, Susanna is all Achilles can think of, even as he goes about his duties for William Marshal. When Susanna discovers that her own brother is involved in a plot against the king, Achilles is sent to help her get to the bottom of the plot. Before he can get to the woman he calls “Sparks”, however, Susanna’s brother realizes she is on to him and sells her off to one of the crown’s greatest enemies to silence her.

Achilles is determined to help the woman warrior who started off as a thorn in his side, but has now become the very air he breathes. It’s a race against time to not only save Susanna, but to stop the plot that threatens to destroy the very fabric of England herself. As Achilles once said to Susanna, without her in his life, his days are wrought with misery and his nights are Starless…

Uncaged Review: This book focuses on the third of the Unholy Trinity, Achilles along with the warrior woman we met in Mountain Dark, Susanna. Susanna is a warrior herself, trained at the prestigious Blackchurch and also an agent for William Marshal, and when they first met, there was a lot of animosity between them, even to the point of them physically fighting. But after Susanna is wounded in a skirmish, Achilles dotes on her and takes care of her…and we see the tides changing in how he feels about her. This is not a drawn out love affair, within the first ¼ of the book, they are together. But Achilles and Alexander leave Susanna with her brother Samuel at his keep to heal and promises to return for her. But Susanna learns the dire truth of what has happened in the time she’s been away, and it’s not good.

This book is full of action, a great romance for the ages, and the danger that threatens not only Achilles and Susanna, but Samuel and Alexander as well. The meaning of the title is perfect for this book and the epilogue wraps it up beautifully.
Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Cruel Lessons by Randy Overbeck

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Cruel Lessons
Randy Overbeck
Mystery/Suspense

On a school camping trip, fifth graders experiment with a dangerous new hallucinogen and die in a horrific accident, their deaths shattering the quiet town. Assistant Superintendent Ken Parks, hoping to redeem a fatal mistake from his past, grasps the opportunity to conduct the district investigation of how students are getting the drugs. Almost before he begins, the cops make a stunning arrest. But Parks battles on, convinced the real pusher is still out there, poisoning more kids until he receives an anonymous threat: if he continues, those close to him will pay. Is Parks willing to risk those he loves for a chance at redemption?

Uncaged Review: This book starts out with the death of four middle grade students due to a hallucinogenic drug that comes in the form of a temporary tattoo on a sticker. Ken Parks is an assistant superintendent of the school district and is tasked to get to the bottom of the deaths to keep the school from taking a major hit.

This book is well written with many layers to this suspense and the author does a good job keeping the reader swaying one way, only to have that opinion thrown out later on with the unexpected plot twists. The story was a tad slow for me in spots but with enough suspects to keep me guessing, and at times I was way off in my guessing, which is unusual for me in a mystery. If you like good mysteries, this one will be worth a look. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Riptide by Antonia Church

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Riptide
Antonia Church
Contemporary Romance

Nevada Noble has left behind a boring boyfriend and a suffocating family in the midwest to start a new life in Florida. Trading snow boots for sunglasses and socks for flip-flops, Neve instantly falls in love with the surf and the sand.

Her promise to stay faithful to only her love affair with the beach is soon in jeopardy as the prodigal son of the seaside town returns. He’s sexy, smart, and single—with a hint of mystery surrounding his sudden return.

Neve realizes the vow of chastity she made along the shores isn’t strong enough to withstand the tidal pull of attraction. Her heart gets caught in a riptide.

Uncaged Review: This book would rival any soap opera or reality housewives show. Nevada moves from boring Iowa to a rich seaside town in Florida. This town has a few core families that are always at each other’s throats, but they also have a lot of secrets. Think of the old show Dynasty meets Knot’s Landing meets The Young and the Restless. And if a family member is shamed, they are sent to live in Old Mat, the slum side of town.

A lot of secrets are revealed, but a lot of new questions leave the reader at the end. This is a good summer romance read, with all the twists and turns this town and its people take, it will keep you guessing where everything is going. Neve seems to be in a bit of a pickle at the end of this, and does leave on a bit of a cliffhanger.
Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

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