Rein, a Vampire mixed breed, plunged into the abyss of bludfrenzy. With icy resolve, he crawled out to become a Firebrand. He doesn’t make rash decisions. Until… Braelyn takes a shortcut through an alley musing about what she can’t have. A new job. Adventure. A cancer-free brain. Instead, she writes for a paranormal tabloid. No, she doesn’t believe such nonsense, but she’s heading to Cleveland on assignment. Oh, and her tumor is back. Then… Rein kidnaps her and takes her to his realm, igniting a fiery romance. Meanwhile… An ancient threat hunts for descendants of the Blood Coven who divided the world into three realms fifteen hundred years ago to protect humans from savage Aeternals. Then, they scattered across Earth, marrying, raising children, dying, burying their secrets in time. Generations grew, unaware of their legacy. But… Braelyn is squarely in the hunter’s sights, and Rein is her best chance to survive.
Uncaged Review: In 452 A.D. six witches and six warlocks created the Karmic Schism. The realms of Scath, Darque and Earth were kept separate from each other. Mortals and Aeternals would not mix nor did they know anything about each other either. Fast forward to present day Seattle Washington as Braelyn was taking a short cut by cutting through an alley she spies Rein, a Scion Firebrand who is a mixed breed of vampire, warlock and incubus; becomes confused from jumping from realm to realm attempting to fight off the Kalli. Rein attempts to stun Braelyn but it has no effect on her. Rein has no choice to take Braelyn back to his realm. As Braelyn gets to know Rein she can’t help the strong attraction she has for him. Rein can’t figure out why he couldn’t stun Braelyn but as her mysterious past is revealed, Rein must unravel who she truly is without falling for her too.
What a truly exciting paranormal romance blending witches, warlocks, incubus, elves, vampires and shape-shifters together seamlessly! The world building is fantastically created and easily imagined! Yes, there might be some realm jumping that at first is a bit confusing, does manage to even out as the tale progresses. The story flows wonderfully with non-stop action and a breath-taking romance between two very strong protagonists that I couldn’t help but love and the cover is just beautiful! Braelyn might be a bit of a paradoxical enigma for some reason is easily relatable and likable. While Rein also is conundrum himself yet despite his mixed sensibilities is hard not to fall for too. The rest of the cast of magical characters are truly a delight as well! Ms. T.M. Smith has written a mesmerizing first book to definitely catch not only my interest but I will enjoy her world that much more the more I read! I eagerly anticipate the next book in the series. Reviewed by Roslynn Ernst
Welcome to Uncaged! Knight of Darkness, the first book in a series called The Knights of the Anarchy will release on February 8. What can you tell us about this book and the series?
Thank you for having me today. The idea of my Knights of the Anarchy series was sitting inside my head for years before I finally took the time to get the first story onto my computer. Knight of Darkness features the first of three brothers, Wymar Norwood, who is determined to see Empress Matilda placed on England’s throne. He hopes that in return for his service to the Empress, that she will restore his lands and title that was taken from him during a siege by King Stephen. My heroine, Lady Ceridwen Ward of Norwich, has her own plans to prove herself worthy to defend her own lands and the Empress. She’ll plunge herself and the guardsmen who followed her from Norwich into the Battle of Lincoln where she’ll meet Wymar.
What are you working on next that you can tell us about?
I have two books I am currently working on. The first is Knight of Havoc, Book Three in The Knights of the Anarchy series. It continues the story with the youngest brother, Reynard, while he continues his quest to see Empress Matilda on England’s throne. The second is another story for Dragonblade Publishing in their Lyon’s Den Connected World. I’m really enjoying writing in this world with secondary characters I had from some of my other Regency era stories.
What is the most difficult scene for you to write? What is the easiest?
The most difficult scene for me to write is usually the opening paragraph of any book. Any author wants to grab the reader’s attention with that very first line and sometimes it takes me several tries before something finally clicks. After that, I let my characters drive the story. The easiest scene for me usually happens with my time travels. There’s something about having my modern-day women travel back in time to my Knights of Berwyck. They each have their own individual way they slip back and find themselves in a difficult position of fitting into a medieval world.
How do you come up with names for your characters?
When I first starting writing my very first manuscript back in 2008, I asked my daughter for names of characters. Over the years, she’s become the Queen of Names and I go to her often for her input. It’s been a thing between us ever since and I like to think gives her some buy in for my stories.
Do you read reviews? What do you take away from them?
I do read my reviews. I feel that if a reader has taken the time to write a review on one of my books, the least I can do is read what they thought about it. I take into account that I can’t please everyone but even a bad review will usually have something I can take away from it and possibly improve my next book. I appreciate my readers and am thankful when they reach out to me to tell me how much they enjoy my writing. Their praise is what drives me to write another page!
Read the rest of this interview in the issue below
Sherry Ewing picked up her first historical romance when she was a teenager and has been hooked ever since. An award-winning and bestselling author, she writes historical & time travel romances to awaken the soul one heart at a time. Always wanting to write a novel but busy raising her children, she finally took the plunge in 2008 and wrote her first Regency. Sherry is currently working on her next novel and when not writing, she can be found in the San Francisco area at her day job as an Information Technology Specialist. You can learn more about Sherry and her books on her website where a new adventure awaits you on every page at
Sometimes finding love can become our biggest weakness…
Wymar Norwood understands responsibility. His two brothers have been in his care since his parent’s death. With his title and lands stripped from him by the usurper Stephen, he aligns himself with the Empress Matilda, the rightful Queen of England. If he can win her favor and become her champion knight, he prays all will be returned to him.
Lady Ceridwen Ward of Norwich is out to prove not only to herself but the Empress that she is more than capable of protecting those she loves. She hides herself in the guise of a knight and follows along with her men to Lincoln to raise her sword for the Empress’s cause. But life can become complicated, especially after your identity is revealed.
But Wymar and Ceridwen have a common enemy who is bent on revenge. They will need to search their souls and overcome grief in order for their love to survive life’s greatest test.
Excerpt
Finally arriving on the outskirts of Lincoln, the lights of a distant inn flickered in the dusk of night. ’Twas and were like a beacon calling him to enter its warmth for a mug or two of ale. He was unsure ’twas a good idea to tarry and yet he had a mighty thirst to quench after hours in the saddle. Rain dripped from his hair and clouded his vision leaving him no doubt as to his decision for a brief respite from the weather. Between the rain and those who had arrived before them, they would be hard pressed to find a place to pitch their tents for the upcoming battle.
He pulled on the reins of his horse causing Aries to whinny. “Theobald! Reynard!” he bellowed above the sound of the storm. Wymar pointed to the inn before covering his face when clumps of mud were flung in his direction after his brothers took off in a full gallop. ’Twas as if they were only awaiting word they could seek their comfort for a few hours of the night and they would apparently not take the chance that Wymar would change his mind.
“I highly doubt the inn will have any available rooms at this hour. Your brothers care only for their immediate desires and think not of what must needs still be accomplished before they rest their weary heads,” Richard Grancourt said, coming abreast of Wymar.
“Aye, but can you blame them?” Wymar replied with a toss of his head as rivulets of water streamed down his brown hair. Wiping the water from his eyes, he turned in his saddle to take in the condition of the rest of the half dozen men who followed him.
Wymar had known Richard for most of his life and did not question his loyalty. Wymar also recognized some of the men who continued to follow him after attending one tourney or another together. He could not claim the same with the others he had met on the open road. He only was aware that they, too, went to fight for the Empress. Their number continued to grow the further down the road they went. Wymar often wondered during their travels exactly how loyal, in truth, they were. Most mercenaries of his acquaintance would change sides faster than Theobald could down a mug of mead if this meant more coins for their purse or a bit of land to call home.
Mayhap one day he would learn for himself if they could be trusted and until then he would continue to be on his guard. He did not relish the idea of seeing one of them coming at him with blade in hand in an attempt to gain authority of their group… not that Wymar ever claimed to be their leader. The men just assumed he was the one to look to for their orders. After years of battles or tournaments to earn more monies, they would not be the first to attempt to kill him. Wymar was certain they would not be the last and only time itself would prove their worth.
Some of the knights who followed him knew the strength of Wymar’s sword and had labeled him the Knight of Darkness after witnessing him fight on several occasions. He could not say he was particularly fond of such a nickname, yet he would not complain if his reputation became elevated because of it. Mayhap even the Empress would learn he would fight to the death for her cause.
“I shall see to finding a place to pitch our tents,” Richard stated, interrupting Wymar’s musings. “I assume you have no further need of me this night and your brothers will be capable of watching your back?”
Wymar nodded. “I shall be grateful, Richard, for your assistance in seeing to the camp. At this stage of the war, let us hope we can find a spot far enough away from the battlefield to ease our comfort when we are able.”
Naasir is the most feral of the powerful group of vampires and angels known as the Seven, his loyalty pledged to the Archangel Raphael. When rumors surface of a plot to murder the former Archangel of Persia, now lost in the Sleep of the Ancients, Naasir is dispatched to find him. For only he possesses the tracking skills required – those more common to predatory animals than to man.
Enlisted to accompany Naasir, Andromeda, a young angelic scholar with dangerous secrets is fascinated by his nature – at once playful and brilliant, sensual and brutal. As they race to find the Sleeping archangel before it’s too late, Naasir will force her to question all she knows…and tempt her to walk into the magnificent, feral darkness of his world. But first they must survive an enemy vicious enough to shatter the greatest taboo of the angelic race and plunge the world into a screaming nightmare…
Uncaged Review: It’s been awhile since I’ve ventured into the Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh, and this book is book 8 in the series. Although this book is a must read in this series, the main focus is on Naasir and Andromeda. Naasir is other, not quite human, not quite vampire. Wild, loyal and dangerous. But what Naasir has is honor and loyalty, to his family, and the Seven of Raphael is his family. You will find out the secrets of Naasir, but I’m not divulging them.
Andromeda is a scholar, been studying in the Refuge, when they learn that the dangerous archangel monster Lijuan is planning an act so horrifying that Naasir is directed by Raphael to take Andromeda and try to find the sleeping ancient, Alexander. A lot will go wrong on this quest, even before they get off of the Refuge territory. And Andromeda holds her own secrets… This is great addition to the series, and it’s a non-stop read. I’ve always liked Naasir in the books previous, but now I fell in love with him. Andromeda is a fierce warrior under the scholar exterior, but she shines in both roles. A fitting book that has earned a “keeper” status on my shelves. Reviewed by Cyrene
Welcome to Uncaged! In September, you released the 3rd book in The Clan Donald Saga, The Strongest Heart. Can you tell readers more about this series? I have noticed that book four is in the works. How many books are you planning for the series?
The series is set in medieval Scotland and Ireland and spans the 12th to the 15th centuries. It tells the stories of the Clan Donald chieftains, the great sea lords who plied the waters of the Hebrides and the Irish Sea in their galleys, and the women they loved. The chiefs ruled the western Highlands and Isles for four hundred years and were men of great deeds. It’s my first venture into historical fiction where almost all the characters are real historical figures. I began with Somerled in Summer Warrior, and then Angus Og Macdonald, the friend of Robert the Bruce, in Bound by Honor, and my latest release, The Strongest Heart, tells the story of Donald Macdonald of Harlaw. As for how many books will be in the series, I would say at least four. The fourth is Born to Trouble and that’s the one I am writing now.
The Clan Donald Series connects to your own true ancestors. Can you tell us more about that?
Like most Americans, my ancestry draws from many countries but at least a third of mine is Scottish, in particular Clan Donald and the Isle of Islay. I first became interested in Somerled, the Norse-Gael who forged the Kingdom of the Isles. His parentage was noble, of the Kings of Dublin, the royal house of Argyll and the great Ard Ri, the High Kings of Ireland. His story and his love for a Norse king’s daughter are told in Summer Warrior. From there, I set out to tell about the chiefs who descended from him.
What is the most difficult scene for you to write? What is the easiest?
The most difficult is always the battle scene. Medieval battles were brutal and while I want to be realistic, I don’t want my readers to be put off. It’s a delicate balance at times. The easiest scenes are the ones where the characters reflect on their families, their times and the things they can’t change but want to. In the story I’m writing now, Born to Trouble, Alexander, the Lord of the Isles, has three women in his life as love interests and that will require some delicacy to get it right.
Read the rest of the interview in the issue of Uncaged Book Reviews below
Regan Walker is an award-winning, #1 Amazon bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval novels that are historically authentic.
Among the awards she has won are the Gold Medal in the Readers Choice Book Awards, the Gold Medal in the Illumination Awards, 1st place in the Chaucer Awards, the International Book Award for Romance Fiction, the San Diego Book Award for Best Historical Romance, the President’s Book Awards of The Florida Authors & Publishers Association, the RONE Award for Best Medieval Novel (twice) and the Kindle Book Award.
You can sign up for her newsletter on her website and get the “Reader Extras” there, too. Regan loves to hear from her readers.
In the late 14th century, the Kingdom of the Isles was under assault from the ambitious Albany Stewarts, who were taking advantage of Scotland’s empty throne to increase their power. Jealous of the Macdonald lordship to the west, the ruthless Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, thwarted Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles, at every turn.
A man of keen intelligence, strategy and faith, educated at Oxford and a frequent guest of England’s kings, Donald did not intend to allow a traitorous royal thug to rob him of his legacy. The Earldom of Ross was the buffer he needed to keep the Isles safe. Not unmindful of all that was at stake, he took as his bride Mariota, heiress to the Earldom of Ross.
What he could not achieve through diplomacy or marriage, Donald was prepared to claim by right of the sword. In the greatest battle Scotland has ever seen, he would demonstrate the power of the Isles to become the Hero of Harlaw.
Excerpt
MARIOTA HAD NOT missed Lord Donald’s eyes upon her. She would be his right arm if she could, speaking her mind to give him advice and encouragement when there was opportunity, for the burden he carried was great.
Turning his eyes from her, he asked his brother, “Is the feast well in hand?”
“Aye, the hunt yesterday brought some large bucks. This morning, the men will fish and tonight…well, there is hope for the geese.”
“The barnacle geese?” asked Mariota.
“The very ones,” said Lord Alexander. “Their arrival is a sight that astounds no matter how many times you witness it.” When they had finished eating, Lord Donald offered her his hand. She took it, relishing the warmth of his skin against hers. His hand was strong and browned from the sun, a hand she thought to hold for the rest of her life.
He announced to the others, “I am taking my betrothed on a tour of the festivities.”
“Alone?” asked Lord Alexander with feigned incredulity.
“Alone!” said Lord Donald.
“The chief demands his way,” said Lachlan Maclean with a smirk as he nudged his son, Hector.
“Enough!” said Lord Donald. “We will see you at the feast.”
“Will you be engaging in any of the games of skill?” asked John. “I might want to watch.”
“We will see,” said Lord Donald as he guided her to the door.
“He is very good at archery!” shouted Lord Alexander when they were nearly there. “But not as good as me!”
Laughter sounded behind them as they left the great hall.
“Would you allow me to call you Mariota?”
She met his blue-eyed gaze. “Yes, and will you be just ‘Donald’ then to me?”
“I would like that, and you may call me Donnie, if you like. Many in my family do.”
With that, he swept her away to a halcyon day she would always remember. They strolled along the shore of the large island, greeting everyone they met with smiles that spoke of their contentment in their own company. He greeted the people by name, receiving in turn their many greetings.
“Will you always hold my hand like this?” she asked.
“Always,” he said, squeezing her hand.
Minstrels played their instruments of lute, harp, pipe and tabor, the music wafting through the air. In one corner, a bard recited verses, drawing a crowd. One clever clansman was telling a group of children a story using a poppin-show, the cloth figures with funny faces and odd-fitting clothing making the children laugh. She thought of the children she and Donald would one day have, imagining them sitting here before the storyteller.
Farther on, they crossed over the causeway to the banks of the loch, past the tents, kennels, stables and guardhouse to where three large archery targets had been set up in a row. “We will return here to see Alex display his skills.”
“And you?”
“Perhaps. Then, too, your Welshman, Gwyn, might compete.”
She had not mentioned the two men from Ross she had sent earlier to learn of him. Now it seemed right to do so. “You did not mind that I dispatched two of my own to the Isles to observe my betrothed?” His mouth quirked up on one side. “I thought you very clever to do so. Did they give a good report?” “A very good report. I told my mother that she had lost them to your service, so enthralled were they with the new Lord of the Isles.” “If you and Sir Thomas agree,” he said, “I would make him the head of your guard. As the Lady of the Isles, you will need one. With your permission, I would keep Gwyn in my service as his bow has proved needful.”
“That was the second time in my life death lied to me. I wanted it to lie to me just once more.”
Neviah has seen the Other Side since she was a child, a dark world trapped somewhere between past and present where shadowy creatures ominously keep watch. Though she uses her connection with the supernatural to build a thriving counseling practice, she is racked with guilt over a professional decision that landed a former client, Martha, into protective custody almost ten years ago. When a little boy arrives alone at her clinic with a letter identifying himself as Martha’s son, Neviah has a chance to redeem herself. Having suffered enough loss for one lifetime, Neviah must locate the boy’s mother before time runs out and she loses the chance to right her wrongs once and for all—and before the shadowy creatures that have plagued her since childhood do more damage to her loved ones than they already have.
Birds in the Black Water is dark, paranormal drama at its best. Van Dusen isn’t afraid to cross genre lines as she explores the intersection of mental health, maternal instinct, and grief.
Uncaged Review: First of all, this isn’t a traditional paranormal book in the sense of what is flooding the market these days. This is more of a psychological thriller with paranormal elements. The writing is superb and keeps the story going at a solid pace. People need to be warned that there are triggers for mental health, suicide, nightmares and loss within the pages. There are only a handful of characters in the book, and that’s all it needs. Each character is well developed, and you get a feel for them easily. Neviah has had a lot of traumas in her life, so are the Koels something of a different dimension or is it something in her own mind? That was never crystal clear to me.
When a small boy goes missing, and Neviah feels like she had a hand in the boy’s mother’s problems as a teenager, Neviah feels like she has to make things right because of the guilt she has carried with her. This is a darker book, and full of emotions and the ending was underwhelming for me. I didn’t feel like I got the closure I was looking for. This thriller is a good book to pick up if you are looking for fantastic writing and a very original story. Reviewed by Cyrene
Josie Donovan left her home in Kansas under a cloud. Now settled into her work as a nurse in Hollywood, California, in 1959, she finds the producer of her favorite television program is in her hospital ward and offering her an audition. Actor Robert Coolidge hates his role on Gunslingers but needs the job to support his son. When Josie joins the cast, the loneliness plaguing him lifts, until a goodnight kiss somehow goes wrong. Yet Josie is there with her nursing skills when Robert falls ill on set, and the pair are at a crossroads. Robert, who never talks about himself, will have to open up, and Josie must have courage, if either of them is to have a second chance at love.
Uncaged Review: Set in 1959, we follow a woman named Josie, who moved to California to get away from Kansas and a bad marriage. As a nurse, she gets a job in a hospital and when one of the patients is a TV producer, he wants her to come audition for a part on a popular western TV show called the Gunslingers. Her best friend Cassie convinces her to at least audition, and Josie gets the part. This follows the relationships she builds with the cast, and one in particular, one of the show’s stars, Robert, and how the relationship builds. But both of them will have to overcome some past trauma to find a second chance.
This book is nicely written, and the romance is believable. The friendships and secondary characters are all characters that are entertaining and fit in well with the story arc. The movie sets felt like the reader is right there sitting and watching it being filmed. The author did her due diligence with the research and the pacing kept me interested. Reviewed by Cyrene
Welcome to Uncaged! Your newest release, Bride Swap is a romantic comedy that released in September and is part of a new series. Can you tell readers more about this book? What is the approximate release date of book two that you are aiming for?
Thank you for interviewing me. I’m honored.
BRIDE SWAP is the first book I’ve written since completing my six-book Coconuts series, so I was both excited and nervous about delving into a new world with entirely different characters. I enjoy writing about the unbreakable bonds of friendship with a side of romance and humor, so I always incorporate all three in my writing. In my newest release, there are two unlikely best friends, Paige and Emma, who set out to plan Paige’s secret wedding to a rival TV anchor. Paige is a popular television anchor who is assigned to cover sports, a daunting task that she knows nothing about. She’s far too busy learning about all-things sports (gag, according to her!) and planning a wedding would push her right over the edge. She enlists her best friend, Emma, to help but Emma is an overworked single mom who has a thriving Etsy business and an adorable five-year-old daughter, Lucy. However, Lucy’s hot kindergarten teacher makes Emma forget all about planning Paige’s wedding (Paige who?) A British bridal store owner comes to her rescue, but after chaos ensues, the two best friends aren’t sure if the right bride is getting married. One is falling out of love while the other is likely falling in love. I’d love to release the sequel by July or August 2024. I have notes all over the kitchen table (sorry to my husband!) and have many ideas for mayhem in my not-yet-named novel.
You have two unique abilities when writing. A real knack for writing about strong women friendships and very witty dialog. Where do you get your sense of humor?
Wow. Thank you. That’s a tough question to answer! I’ve never been asked this before. At first, I thought, I’m not funny. But I thought about it and realized my husband tells me nearly every morning that I am, as do many friends. I’m not stand-up comedienne funny, but I do love telling party jokes. I actually think I’m funnier on paper. I really didn’t realize I was that funny until readers kept saying my books were hilarious, which was a delightful surprise.
I enjoy putting my characters in almost-impossible, prickly situations—sort of akin to painting yourself in a corner. Therefore, they have to either laugh or cry to prevail. Of course, sometimes tears are an important part of the process, but I much prefer writing humor. Life is challenging and stressful enough. I fully believe we need to laugh more often.
As far as writing strong female friendships, I realized in my mid-twenties that relationships often come and go, but true friendship(s) last forever. I value the friends I’ve had throughout school and still have close friends from elementary school through college. I think it’s important to maintain friendships to be a well-rounded person. I plan to include best friends in my writing often, especially if they’re opposites.
Read the rest of the interview below in the issue of Uncaged Book Reviews
Formerly a bank VP and hospital marketer, Beth Carter reinvented herself at mid-life to pen novels and children’s picture books. She doesn’t miss the 8 o’clock meetings whatsoever and much prefers yoga pants to corporate suits. Carter is a multi-award-winning author of the popular six-book Coconuts series, as well as standalone novels: BRIDE SWAP, SLEEPING WITH ELVIS and MIRACLE ON AISLE TWO. She also penned THE QUARANTINE COOKBOOK (a pandemic project for charity), four children’s picture books, and a nonfiction book on writing, publishing, and marketing: I WROTE A BOOK. NOW WHAT?
The author splits her time between Missouri and Florida. Fueled by coffee, nature, stories from being a single mom, plus her wild imagination, Carter pens hilarious, heartwarming novels. She loves board games, reading, boating, dancing, shopping, chardonnay, and the beach. Connect with Beth Carter on social media or via her website at www.bethcarter.com. Join the author’s fun readers’ group, Beth’s Book Babes, for cover reveals, contests, giveaways, and all things books and reading!
Paige, a popular hard-charging television anchor, is handed a dismal new assignment to improve the station’s ratings. Her new job involves, of all things, sports. Gag. She hates sports, plus being on the road may put her career and her secret engagement to a rival news anchor in peril. Never mind that her fiancé constantly flirts with his so-called fans or the fact that her new male coworker may be after her job. What about the wedding? Hello? How can Paige possibly plan nuptials while constantly traveling to, ugh, games?
Emma, an overwhelmed single mother, is asked by her best friend to plan her wedding. Problem is, Emma has a thriving Etsy business making promotional items for authors, plus her energetic five-year-old daughter is beginning kindergarten. And little Lucy happens to have the hottest teacher on the planet. With a teenage-like crush, Emma can’t stop volunteering for every school activity imaginable. Always loyal, Emma agrees to help her BFF. Except her crazy schedule causes memory issues. Big ones. Will Emma realize her mammoth blunder and race against time to create an unforgettable wedding for Paige, or is it too late? What if the wrong bride is getting married? Should they swap or forget the whole thing? Guilt is a powerful drug.
Excerpt
After closing out the evening news, Paige smiled into the camera. “Thanks for allowing us into your homes, everyone. See you tomorrow night. Right here at the news desk.” After the camera operator held up three fingers, then two, then one, Paige pushed away from the anchor desk and headed to her cubicle. She had already decided to stop and buy veggie egg rolls for a late-night snack with a much-needed glass of chardonnay. As she reached for her purse, a yellow sticky note caught her eye. It was stuck in the middle of her computer screen, making it impossible to miss.
Paige furrowed her brows as she deciphered the obviously hastily written note:
Please come to my office at 8 o’clock sharp tomorrow morning. ~Mr. Hales
After a fitful night’s sleep, Paige arrived at Appledale TV by seven-thirty in the morning, a real sacrifice since she was a night owl. She decided to grab a cup of dreadful station coffee before facing her boss about this—whatever it was—mystery meeting, making sure to use one of the station’s mugs with the ATV 10 logo inside a red apple to show her team spirt. The morning show anchors were already on the set. She passed the meteorologist in the hallway, said a quick hello, and kept moving. As always, the station was frigid. Paige shivered—from both the chilly temperature and nerves—and stepped toward her boss’s office.
Before she could knock, Mr. Hales, the station manager, opened his door. “Morning, Paige. Have a seat.” He gestured toward one of two striped chairs across from his desk. Station colors: red, white, and gray, naturally.
Paige chose the chair closest to his desk—and to the door, just in case she was getting canned. Her boss hadn’t been acting like himself lately. She couldn’t put her finger on it but knew something was up. She knew ratings were holding in the evening time slot, fans adored her, and she got along with her colleagues. Continuing her internal peptalk, she knew she didn’t stumble while reading the news and always checked and doublechecked her sources. So, what is this about? Paige shifted uncomfortably in the chair, crossed her legs, careful not to spill her coffee.
“I should have brought paper and a pen. Is that necessary, Mr. Hales? If so, I’ll be right back—” Mr. Hales waved his hand dismissively.
“No need for that, Paige. Besides, I have paper and pens galore.” He forced a laugh which made her even more nervous.
When self-professed hermit Theodora Edwards is attacked by a dark fae and infected with his magic, she finds herself thrust into the supernatural spotlight as the first possible changeling in centuries. As if surviving the transition isn’t hard enough, Theo has to deal with an attempted abduction by her newly turned vampire ex-husband, unwanted courting offers from salacious fae suitors, and her growing attraction to the guardian of the gate to Fairie. Caught in a cruel tug of war between the queen of the fae and a surly law-enforcement agent, Theo must find a way to free herself before she loses her hard-earned independence for good.
Uncaged Review: This story started a tad slow for me, and it was confusing at first. Theo is self made hermit writer, and after her husband goes missing, she finally gives up the search and moves to a cabin a very rural area. She gets tossed into the supernatural world after she’s attacked by a creature she can’t explain. The story really picks up after the attack, and she will find out that Fae, vampires and shifters are very real. Because she could be infected by the creature that attacks her, a guardian fae has the duty to watch over her.
There are a few good twists to this, and even though there are still a lot of questions, this is only the first book in the series. I liked Theo’s spunk and humor, and even though I like her guardian, Farranen, I was more intrigued by Lief. A good start to a new series. Reviewed by Cyrene
They handed him a title, but she was the offer he couldn’t refuse.
Boston businessman, Nathaniel Lawrence doesn’t have a dime he didn’t earn himself. So when he finds out that he’s the long-lost heir to a penniless dukedom in England, it’s easy for him to dismiss the undeserving fortune. Why pour money into a crumbling castle and meaningless title when his eye is set on the future in America? But when the current duke throws his lovely daughter’s hand in to sweeten the offer, Nathaniel rethinks his rash decision. He knows a good business deal when he sees one, and marriage to Lady Charlotte, the jewel of the ton, is the very best.
With a squandered dowry, Lady Charlotte only has one option that will keep her—and her father—living in the custom befitting their station. Marrying her father’s heir would make her a future duchess and allow her to retain control of her family’s ancestral home. A bargain is set. Nathaniel will accept the title and all the connections that come along with it, living the majority (or all) of his time in America, while Charlotte gets to raise their future son on their estate where he can learn to be a true English duke, cementing the family line for another generation. On paper, the agreement is brilliant and convenient, but in person, it’s something that neither of them expected.
Because the more Charlotte spends time with her new, brash husband, the more his enterprising and entrepreneurial American spirit rubs off on her. Soon, she begins to realize that maybe she didn’t need a knight in shining armor to come and rescue her family from bloodthirsty creditors and a title in abeyance.
Uncaged Review: After American Nate’s father passes away and leaves him only the textile business he created – Nate is surprised by a letter from the Duke of Wembley who writes and asks him to come to England, as he is his long lost heir to the Dukedom. Of course, Nate believes it’s a con, but when the Duke’s daughter, Lady Charlotte becomes part of a deal, Nate decides that the alpacas that the Duke owns and Lady Charlotte are worth a try, even though he never believes he’s an heir, even when he finds out that the Duke is broke.
A well thought out and original story, with a romance that builds from friendship. There is a good suspense woven into this story and the characters are different and entertaining, even the half crazy Duke. Both Lady Charlotte and Nate are easy to like, and the story moves along seamlessly. This is part of a series, but I had not read any of the others before this one, and this reads well as a standalone book. Reviewed by Cyrene
Four couples, four stories: Darien Francis and Richard Li meet during a bank robbery, but she’s afraid to love again. Shane Kenniston and Beth Parker are reacquainted years after she had a crush on him, but she is a recent widow, and Shane’s life was upended by a false accusation. David Early and Kate Howard meet in the laundromat, but her life is consumed by the needs of her disabled child, and David isn’t ready for the responsibility. Realtor Frank Ellison meets Kayla Barnes at an open house, but a mistaken first impression derails any chance of romance. Can they all overcome the obstacles to love?
Uncaged Review: This book has 4 short stories, all different couples who are “reluctant” to be in a relationship, but somehow loves finds them. None of the stories intertwine at all but they all carry the same thing. My favorite was the first book, where we go straight into a bank heist. I liked both Darien and Richard and their slow but steady pace to love. The stories are a nice interlude, but each one of them cut off abruptly. As soon as I started getting invested in how things would ultimately end, it ended. Especially the second story about Shane and Beth.
These are easy reads, and the author does a great job packing the four stories into one. Anyone who wants a nice clean romance, and doesn’t have a lot of time, this book will work out perfect. Reviewed by Cyrene
