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Uncaged Top Reads of 2025

By
Cyrene Olson
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The books in the list are the books that I read in 2025 that stayed with me long after I was done reading them, from Historical to Fantasy, all these books made a lasting impression on me and here I will share what I loved the most. I couldn’t possibly share a top book, so these are in random order. ~Cyrene

  1. The Spinsters Secret Stake
    Collette Cameron
    Historical Romance
    https://amzn.to/49cVpD7

    In this book, Rowena is considered a spinster and has a horrible half brother who has swindled many people, including Shelby, a man Rowena has known for years. The romance grows slowly as they try to get to the bottom of her brother’s treachery. What stood out so well for me is the characters are well flushed out, but there is also a lot of humor, especially the neighbor’s antics. A great blend of romance, suspense, danger and humor.
  2. The Christmas Box
    Toni Blake
    Holiday Contemporary
    https://amzn.to/4pYcOqp

    This was a holiday story I finished in one day, I couldn’t put it down and I will remember this as a favorite holiday love story for a long time. This story brings a whole town together and has all the feels, from feel-good to heart wrenching, the reader will go through a whole string of emotions, but it’s all worth it.
  3. Stone of Lust
    Margaret Izard
    Fantasy Romance
    https://amzn.to/4sj8Z0G

    This is the third book in this series, and I found myself glued to the pages. With a very original storyline and a great cast of characters, the series will keep the reader flying through the pages to find out what happens next. This is a series that is just gaining momentum, and I’m along for the ride.
  4. Cruel is My Court
    L.A. McGinnis
    Fantasy Romance
    https://amzn.to/44Kh1FJ

    Sometimes I wonder how authors keep track of all that’s going on in their books, and this one has to be one of the most complex reads from the year. I actually had to take a couple of days to digest this story once I was finished, before starting a new book. There are so many subplots running, I didn’t dare skip around. This story doesn’t slow down and being the second book in a series, it doesn’t show any signs of a sophomore slump.
  5. Lord Appleby’s Gorgeous Imposter
    Cerise DeLand
    Historical Romance
    https://amzn.to/4pVWmXz

    This story’s suspense actually surprised me, which is not that easy to do. This is a thrilling historical spy romance that keeps the reader guessing. Many many secrets will be revealed, and this is a different type of historical that was very refreshing to read. The characters are easily likeable, and you even symphathize with the horrible half sister near the end.
  6. Broken Ice of Eternity
    T.M. Smith
    Fantasy Romance
    https://amzn.to/4qoCMTM

    In the second book of the series, this story is getting more intense. Even though this book centers on Ely and Fia, the characters and the overall plot that started in book one are here. There is danger, hot romance and a hefty dose of action and danger. I’m a huge fan of fallen angel lore, and this series sates that part of me.
  7. Brushed by Moonlight
    Anna Lowe
    Fantasy Romance
    https://amzn.to/3YNTAb3

    Anna Lowe is the master of shifter romances, and it was actually hard to choose a book of hers that I’ve read that stayed with me the longest this past year, but I decided to go with her newest series and the first book in the group. The character pairing is perfection, an odd group that works so well together. Between the danger, suspense, romance and humor, this is a series that all I ask for is for the author to write a bit faster.
  8. The Passenger
    Joie Lesin
    Paranormal Fantasy
    https://amzn.to/4szGlIX

    This is such a heart-warming and heart-wrenching tale that will hit the reader with so many emotions throughout the story. A story of forgiveness, letting go of the past and keeping an open mind and heart to what lays ahead. This book only has a sprinkling of paranormal, but this one stayed with me for a very long time and it will get you thinking about some things in your own life that you could do better with.
  9. The Rake’s Convenient Bride
    Madeline Martin
    Historical Romance
    https://amzn.to/4q0oqJD

    I love that the heroine in this story is perfectly imperfect. Jasper is the perfect hero and I truly adored the Dowager Darrington. There were so many fun moments in this book that I have trouble naming a favorite, but this has a great cast of characters and I hardly put this book down once I started.
  10. The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight
    Jennifer Ivy Walker
    Medieval Fantasy Romance
    https://amzn.to/4jfN6vb

    Even though all the books in this trilogy belong in my top 10, I chose the final installment. This book wraps up this story so wonderfully that was completely satisfying. The attention to detail shows the commitment from the author to the reader and to honor the story. Steeped in Celtic mythology, the reader will start believing the author’s version over the myth. I can honestly say this is one of my favorite historical fantasy series.

    Hope you all enjoyed the top 10 of 2025, and if the past year has shown anything, I am prepared to be dazzled in 2026.

Uncaged Review – Heirs of Chicagoland Series by Chloe Neill

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Wild Hunger
Chloe Neill
Paranormal Romance

In the first thrilling installment of Chloe Neill’s spinoff to the New York Times bestselling Chicagoland Vampires series, a new vampire will find out just how deep blood ties run.

As the only vampire child ever born, some believed Elisa Sullivan had all the luck. But the magic that helped bring her into the world left her with a dark secret. Shifter Connor Keene, the only son of North American Central Pack Apex Gabriel Keene, is the only one she trusts with it. But she’s a vampire and the daughter of a Master and a Sentinel, and he’s prince of the Pack and its future king.

When the assassination of a diplomat brings old feuds to the fore again, Elisa and Connor must choose between love and family, between honor and obligation, before Chicago disappears forever.

Uncaged Review: Having read the original Chicagoland Vampires series, I took my time diving into this one, the spin-off, but I’m glad I took the time, and glad that I started this one. This is the story of Elisa, the child born of magic between her vampire parents, Merit and Ethan of Cadigan House in Chicago. Both parents are back here, along with a few of the characters from the first series, and also some new characters are introduced, including Connor, Alpha Gabriel’s son, who has been an irritant to Elisa since they were kids. But that may be changing….

Elisa has spent some time in Paris, serving a European House, becoming her own person. When she returns to Chicago for a summit, for vampires around the world to meet and to find a way to peace like Chicago has found, but all hell breaks loose and whether or not Ethan can get them back to the table to talk again, is up in the air. And when a pack member is accused of murder, Elisa knows she needs to find out who’s setting him up – with the help of some friends.

I really like Lulu – she’s the daughter of Mallory from the original series, she’s one of the best things for Elisa. I liked the characters Theo and Yeun and even Connor grew on me quickly. This book has plenty of action and suspense, but the romance is barely there, but working up to it. A reader can jump right into this series without reading the original Chicagoland Vampire series, but reading that series first will only enhance the reading experience for this series. Excellent start. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 stars

Wicked Hour
Chloe Neill
Paranormal Romance

In the second pulse-pounding novel in the USA Today bestselling Heirs of Chicagoland series, vampire Elisa Sullivan gets drawn into the shifting sands of Pack politics.
 
Vampires were made, not born—until Elisa Sullivan came along. As the only vampire child in existence, she grew up with a heavy legacy, and tried to flee her past. Then circumstances drew her back to Chicago, and she stayed to keep it safe. With shifter Connor Keene, the only son of Pack Apex Gabriel Keene, at her side, she faced down a supernatural evil that threatened to destroy Chicago forever.
 
After the dust from the attack has settled, Elisa is surprised when Connor invites her to a usually private Pack event in the north woods of Minnesota, and by the warm welcome she receives from some of Connor’s family, even though she’s a vampire. But the peace doesn’t last. The shifters tell tales of a monster in the woods, and when the celebration is marred by death, Elisa and Connor find themselves in the middle of a struggle for control that forces Elisa to face her true self—fangs and all.

Uncaged Review: Elisa is invited to witness an initiation into a pack with a clan in Minnesota, an event that normally excludes anyone outside the pack. But not all is what it seems with the clan, and when there is a death on the night of the initiation, members are talking about strange beasts that shouldn’t exist. Connor and Elisa will work together along with Alexei, Lulu and Theo to find out what is going on. Elisa will also be coming to terms with the “monster” inside her, and Elisa and Connor will grow closer as they work to find out the secrets of both the clan leadership which is failing, and the beast that is terrorizing the clan.

A lot of action, suspense and surprises erupt in this book. The supporting characters are a perfect foil to the mains, and in this book, we don’t see as much of the characters from the first series, but it’s nice to touch base with them here. I’m beginning to like Elisa more and more, and Connor is an arrogant and alpha shifter with a heart of gold. This is a slow burn romance, but more action/suspense/secrets over the romance in this book, with just enough to keep the reader wanting more. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Shadowed Steel
Chloe Neill
Urban Fantasy

In the third installment in the USA Today bestselling Heirs of Chicagoland series, the vampires in Elisa Sullivan’s world are out for blood.

Elisa Sullivan is the only vampire ever born, and she bears a heavy legacy. After a sojourn with the North American Central Pack of shifters in the wilderness—where she turned a young woman into a vampire to save her life—Elisa returns to Chicago.

But no good deed goes unpunished. The ruling body of vampires, the Assembly of American Masters, is furious that Elisa turned someone without their permission, and they want her punished. When an AAM vampire is found dead, Elisa is the prime suspect. Someone else is stalking Chicago—and Elisa. She’ll need to keep a clear head, and a sharp blade, to survive all the supernatural strife.

Uncaged Review: The third book in this spin-off series has the actions done in the last book come back to haunt Elise and Connor. When the ruling body of vampires wants to bring Elisa in for turning Carlie into a vampire, saying she broke the rules, there will have to be some heavy investigating to get her out of this new crisis. And it will take a lot more than just Elisa and Connor. Theo and the Omsbudman group, the CPD and even a new contact in Jonathan Black will be – whom I figure will pop out more in the coming editions). When the lead Bureau vamp, Clive wants to take her into custody, Elisa declines and sets in motion a huge mess and conspiracy. And when one of the bureau vamps are killed, Elisa is blamed for that, but with the right people behind her, they will find the truth.

This book is heavy on the suspense, it’s light on the romance, but Connor and Elisa do come into this relationship deeper and with more understanding of each other. There was some action, not overly done, but the banter with all the supporting cast is dead on, and it was hard to put this down after I started reading. This is a set that has been sitting on my shelves in my TBR pile for quite a while, and sometimes I need to make a dent and get out of a rut and this has been a great series to do that with. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Devouring Darkness
Chloe Neill
Urban Fantasy

In the newest installment of the USA Today bestselling Heirs of Chicagoland series, vampire Elisa Sullivan unearths an ancient grudge, with potentially devastating consequences.

As the only vampire ever born, and the daughter of two very powerful Chicago vampires, Elisa Sullivan knew her life was going to be…unusual. But she wanted to make her own way in the world, preferably away from her famous family. Then supernatural politics—and perhaps a bit of destiny—intervened, and Elisa had to steady her nerves and sharpen her steel to fight for the city of Chicago. Luckily, Connor Keene, son of the North American Central Pack’s Apex wolf, is right by her side.
 
When Elisa and her Ombudsman colleagues agree to escort a vulnerable supernatural to Chicago, they inadvertently set in motion a scheme of long-awaited magical vengeance. The city may pay an arcane price it can’t afford unless Elisa and her allies rise to the challenge./

Uncaged Review: Elisa and the group will have their hands full, unwittingly releasing a demon into Chicago, one that wants revenge and has been plotting a way back in for a long time. When Cadogan House disappears, Elisa, Lulu, Connor and the Ombuds will need to work together quickly to find a solution before it’s too late.

The action and suspense ramps up in this book, and Lulu will come into her own magic in a very surprising way. Connor must deal with the Pack, as his family, along with Lulu’s parents and Elisa’s parents were all in Cadogan when it disappears. The bond between Connor and Elisa strengthens, even as she questions her immortality against the fact that Connor is mortal. This book sets up nicely for the final book in the series and leaves on a slight cliffhanger, and I’m looking forward to finishing this series and the entire Chicagoland Vampires series, including the original series and this spin-off are highly recommended for urban fantasy lovers. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Cold Curses
Chloe Neill
Urban Fantasy

It’s all magical hands on deck for vampire Elisa Sullivan and her allies as they fight to save the Windy City from a supernatural onslaught, in the newest installment of the USA Today bestselling Heirs of Chicagoland series.

Elisa, the only vampire ever born, is hoping all can remain quiet in the City of Chicago in the wake of a destructive attack by an ancient demon who broke the city’s defensive magic. Still, she and her friends, including shifter Connor Keene, know they need to be ready for anything.
 
Everyone is working as hard as they can to repair the city’s wards, but unwelcome creatures are slipping through and Elisa soon finds herself caught in the middle of a magical turf war with roots that go back generations. She knows she will have to take a stand, but retaliating threatens to reveal her deepest secret…

Uncaged Review: As we finally hit the last book in this series, the action ramps up and stays at high octane, with Elisa and the team fighting off the demons, and trying to find a way to fix the wards that were broken. We will see Mallory, Catcher, Ethan and Merit back in this book, even though they are not the focus, they are a strong supporting cast for the new heroes of Chicago in Elisa, Connor, Lulu and monster. The secrets will all be unveiled, and Elisa will come into her own as will Connor and Lulu.

I enjoyed this series, and it was nice to touch base with the original crew, I can’t say that I like this series better than the originals and it’s hard to replace Merit and Ethan as the main characters, but the feel of the Chicagoland Vampire world is here and it’s a fitting ending to this series. All the questions that have been built up over the five books will be answered, and a few extra ones to sweeten the pot. A great series for any urban fantasy lover, but start at the beginning of the Chicagoland Vampires, and work your way into this set for the best experience. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Overall, this series is a great addition to the Chicagoland Vampires universe. I will miss all the characters, and I hope one day, Ms. Neill will take us back and check in on this group. Even if she doesn’t, it’s been a very fun ride.

Uncaged Review – Once Upon a Christmas Castle by Virginia Barlow

By
Cyrene Olson
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Once Upon a Christmas Castle
Virginia Barlow
Historical Romance

Lady Rosalind Chatham journeys with her family to Weston Castle to wed an ancient earl on Christmas day. Yearning for true love, she falls for the duke, her stepfather’s cousin, while preparing for her nuptials.
Lady Rosalind entrances the Duke of Weston. Concerned for her future with the tempestuous earl, he can’t afford to get involved. The fines and scandal will be too great for a man of his wealth and power.
When the truth comes to light, and he almost loses her forever, he finds he cannot afford to give less than his whole heart.

Uncaged Review: Lady Rosalind and her family are invited to her step-father’s cousin family castle for the holiday season. I felt quite sorry for Lady Rosalind having to marry a ancient Earl. I found him quite unlikable as a character.

I really enjoyed Lady Rosalind story and found myself cheering her on every time she stood up to the horrible ancient Earl. This book was a delightful adventure. With  twists and turns enough to surprise any reader. Reviewed by Jen

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Dangerous Descent by Evie Jacobs

By
Cyrene Olson
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Dangerous Descent
Evie Jacobs
Romantic Suspense

Pilot Elise Hughes left the family business in the Florida Keys and now flies the rich and powerful to and from the Rocky Mountains. When she has to execute a by-the-book emergency landing, it’s no big deal. But being stranded in a small town with her handsome new colleague is something else entirely.

Obsessed with getting justice for his murdered father, undercover FBI agent Eric Erickson believes retribution is finally within reach. Until things get complicated. And dangerous. And he’s forced to face a few too many realities—including Elise’s connection to a well-known crime boss.

After Elise is kidnapped by the same man who took Eric’s father, he has a choice to make—find Elise or exact revenge. Meanwhile she has a choice of her own—trust the dangerous family she never knew she had or the man who’s been lying to her from the start.

Uncaged Review: This is tagged as a romantic suspense, but it’s more of a mafia romance. Elise has been working as a pilot and moved to the Rockies to get some independence from her family business that her brothers run in the Keys. She flies rich people around, not really knowing much about them except that they’re clients. When she gets a new colleague, things start getting strange.

This book moves quickly into some sketchy situations, Elise finding out more about her family than she ever knew, and even her new co-pilot has his secrets. All hell will break loose pretty fast. This is a very well-paced story, and the secrets that are kept from Elise are majorly life changing, and things will heat up pretty fast with her new co-worker, Eric. I had a pretty good feel for Elise and even her brothers, and a few of the other characters in the story, but Eric was harder to grasp for me. He started out as a decent agent, but he got a bit sloppy.

Overall, I think this is a good debut and even though the danger in the book never felt too spine-tingling, it was a good story and a good start. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – The Silver Papyrus by RS Johnson

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

The Silver Papyrus
RS Johnson
Fantasy Romance

Rayne Thomas is accidentally snatched into an alternate realm by the prince of the Flatlands, D’arian Noble, where a battle between him and the Shadow Princes is raging—a feud that puts her in the crosshairs of fighting factions, heroes, and villains.

When Shadow Prince, Nick Reòth, captures her, she isn’t sure which side of the war she should choose: the ruggedly handsome prince of the Flatlands, or the sexy, bad boy of Shard Mountain. As Rayne delves deeper into this world, she discovers a side of herself she never knew existed. She holds the key to a mythical element that sends kingdoms on a race for a legendary dagger that can open doors to other worlds, including her own. The longer she stays in this realm, the harder it becomes to avoid death or imprisonment at the tip of a blade, and the likelihood of her realm being invaded. She must escape vengeful nomads, swamp witches, and deadly creatures while harnessing and developing her newly acquired powers, and guard her heart from the seductive prince if she ever wants to see her home again.

Uncaged Review: In this fantasy tale, it starts off with Prince D’arian Noble, who hands off a severed finger of a Shadow Prince to his advisor. The Shadow Princes were a band of magical villainous brothers that resided in the Shard Mountains. As D’arian attempts to use the finger, he ends up transporting Rayne Thomas, an ordinary human girl, to their realm. When Rayne awakens, she slowly adapts to a new way of life. One night, Rayne meets Shadow Prince Nicholas “Nick” Reoth. Rayne is intrigued and even kisses him. When Nicholas tells her to go with him, Rayne does. Nicholas and Rayne develop an immediate attraction, but Rayne knows that she must return home, but how is she going to get back when both D’arian and Nick hold the key to her getting back to her world? Will Rayne risk everything, including her love, to find her way back home or end up staying there where she doesn’t belong?

I was just excited to read this paranormal romance story with magical Shadow Princes, humans and scary creatures that when I started it I didn’t really want it to end! The book did start off slowly, but after a few chapters the tale moved fluidly and easily. The realm where D’arian and Nick was a little hard to imagine, especially when Nick’s home didn’t have any doors, so I had a hard time seeing that in my mind. Still, it was fun just reading the book and all the mishaps between everyone. The complexity and individual natures of all the Shadow Princes, including all the other characters, were written quite differently that they were all three-dimensional and distinctive. I couldn’t help but also kind of fall for Nick myself to as well. Even the ambiguous ending leaves me hoping for a follow-up soon to the next in the series. This book is definitely a wonderous surprise and well worth the read and I hope to read more stories by Ms. RS Johnson! Reviewed by Roslynn Ernst

4.5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Insurrection by Kathryn Le Veque

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Insurrection
Kathryn Le Veque
Medieval Romance

Another Guard of Six adventure as a powerful knight, with a sword known as Insurrection, faces his own demons.

But will his friends be so forgiving?

Epic Medieval Romance on a grand scale as sworn enemies live and love… with explosive secrets to be revealed!

Kent de Poyer is part of the powerful Norman de Poyer family from Netherworld Castle. He was raised on the Welsh marches, a knight who has been at the forefront of Welsh rebellion against the English. Therefore, it’s little wonder when Henry sends Kent to the Welsh marches because of some trouble between an English family and a local Welsh warlord that threatens to ignite the entire border into a blaze of battle.

Kent and the Guard of Six head to Wales.

Madelaina ferch Bryn is the daughter of the apothecary from the village of Penderyn. The mighty castle known as The Narth anchors her peaceful valley and when the English sack the castle, it’s a valley of apprehension. The Welsh warlord has fled, helped by the villagers, and Kent poses as a Welsh traveler to discover the whereabouts of the warlord, he finds himself in the dark world of a spy game.

One that involved the sweet Madelaina.

He’s intent to use her for his own purposes, but never planned on falling in love with her.

The Welsh marches are building up to an explosive battle between the Welsh and the English, but not for land or money. This one is about revenge and threatens to disrupt everything Kent’s career has stood for. Will his Guard of Six brethren support his stance? Or will Kent be on his own as he battles for Madelaina’s love?

Insurrection means rebellion… but does it represent Kent’s personal rebellion against everything he’s ever known? Or Madelaina’s?

Uncaged Review: Many years ago, in 1240 in the Welsh Marches, young Kent de Poyer had a friendship with the Welsh enemy, Ivor ap Yestin. In 1270, Kent left all that behind is now all grown up and is one of the Guard of Six who guards King Henry. When King Henry asks Kent to go to the Welsh marches because another knight has ransacked a castle there. Henry’s mission for Kent was to send him over there to remove the knight because the Welsh would want it back. Henry tells Kent that Ivor, a Welsh warlord, has been driven out and will cause war if Kent doesn’t return the castle to him. So, Kent goes posing as a Welsh traveler/English spy. When Kent gets there, he happens to meet Madelaina ferch Bryn, daughter of the healer The Bryn. As Kent gets to know Madelaina, he slowly gets her to trust him and is instantly attracted to her. This affection is dangerous, because it could cause a war between England, Wales and her family too.

What an amazingly intense, wonderfully written historical medieval story by Ms. Kathryn Le Veque. I know I seem to say that about all her stories, but I honestly just love her tales of brave, fearless knights that fight for truth, justice and what is right. This book is a little low on the love scale compared to her other novels, but still the story moves effortlessly and there is no shortage of action depicted in the book. As I said, the romance kind of takes a backseat and the relationship between Kent and Madelaina doesn’t feel authentic and a bit rushed. It would have been nice to see more interactions between the two, but what was there was definitely a cute meet and greet. So, if you want more steam than her other books would fit the bill, but if you want the excitement and the non-stop adventure of knights, then this is definitely the book for you. Still Ms. Le Veque is one of my favorite authors, so I eagerly look forward to the next Guard of Six book too! Reviewed by Roslynn Ernst

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – The Crystal Alchemist by Ella Leon

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

The Crystal Alchemist
Ella Leon
Historical Fantasy

She wanted nothing to do with the supernatural… until him.

When her estranged father dies, Hazel Grey returns to Whitestone Manor, an eerie, isolated estate nestled in the mystical Malvern Hills and long home to the secretive Silver Order. Known for their alleged power to see the future, Hazel has always dismissed the society’s claims as dangerous nonsense. But when her father’s estate becomes a battleground, between an old friend offering marriage and a mysterious young man offering a fortune, Hazel begins to question everything she thought she knew.

Theo Pierce has one goal: reclaim his ancestral home. The Greys took Whitestone Manor from his family, and he’ll do whatever it takes to get it back. But when a snowstorm traps him inside the manor with Hazel, a strange and powerful connection sparks between them, one foretold by a chilling vision neither of them can deny.

As passions ignite and the manor reveals its secrets, Hazel must choose: accept her inheritance and the supernatural powers that come with it, or destroy everything the Silver Order stands for… including her growing feelings for Theo.

Uncaged Review: In this book, Hazel Grey has to return to Whitestone, her childhood home, after her father dies. Determined to sell the place because of her feelings about the society her father led, called the Silver Order, not believing in their ways. Marcus Mortibel is her neighbor and wants to get a hold of the estate so he can take over the reins of the Order, and even offers Hazel marriage. When Theo Pierce comes along, Hazel will have to decide who’s story she believes.

There were many twists and turns to this one, and some will surprise you. There are definitely traitors in the midst, and plenty of life-threatening danger and action. The history of the society and the manor are well described, and even with all the potions and visions, it was still realistic. Hazel will finally come to terms with herself and the home. A good gothic romance with enough suspense and twists to keep the reader guessing. Reviewed by Cyrene


4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Deadly Yours by Cyndi L. Stuart

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Deadly Yours
Cyndi L Stuart
Cozy Mystery

A letter, sealed with blood red wax, arrives in a small coastal town. Samantha’s hopes of a new, quiet life are shattered. The killer is back. Like years before, the crime scenes mimic classic mysteries Samantha once taught in her English Lit class—The Art of Detection. Is one murder staged from an Ellery Queen novel? P.D. James? Sherlock Holmes? Maybe more?

Five years ago, strangers died. This time—friends. As the body count climbs, this menace must be found or the killings may never stop. What’s hidden in the tiny details? Why is the killer taunting her? As the killer closes in, does she once again cut and run or stand and fight? What will Sam risk to bring this nightmare to an end?

Uncaged Review: For a cozy mystery, this one is an excellent debut from this author. The twists and turns keep the reader guessing until the end, and it was all done in such a smart, clever way. A serial killer from Samantha’s past seems to have caught up with her again, and is again using scenes from famous mystery/crime books that Samantha has been teaching in her classes. When the serial killer turns up again after five years, Samantha’s new life will be upended, again.

This book has a great cast of supporting characters, and the mystery and suspense in this book is very nicely done. I did guess a couple of things early on, but even someone like me that doesn’t read a lot in the suspense category, was caught up in the detail and cleverness of this story. There is even some humor to lighten the heavy subject of a serial killer. A great beginning for a debut author. Reviewed by Cyrene

4.5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Tempting Mr. Townsend by Anna Campbell

By
Cyrene Olson
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0
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Tempting Mr. Townsend
Anna Campbell
Historical Romance

The beautiful widow and the man somewhere between hero and beast …

Fenella, Lady Deerham, has rejoined society after five years of mourning her beloved husband’s death at Waterloo. Now she’s fêted as a diamond of the first water and London’s perfect lady. But beneath her exquisite exterior, this delicate blond beauty conceals depths of courage and passion nobody has ever suspected. So when her son and his school friend go missing, she vows to find them whatever it takes. Including setting off alone in the middle of the night with high-handed bear of a man, Anthony Townsend …

When Anthony Townsend bursts into Lady Deerham’s fashionable Mayfair mansion demanding the return of his orphaned nephew, the lovely widow’s beauty and spirit turn his world upside down. But surely such a refined and aristocratic creature will scorn a rough, self-made man’s courtship, even if that man is now one of the richest magnates in England. But when Fenella insists on joining the desperate search for the boys, fate offers Anthony a chance to play the hero and change her mind about him. Will reluctant proximity convince Fenella that perhaps Mr. Townsend isn’t so beastly after all? Or will Anthony and Fenella remain forever opposites fighting their attraction?

Uncaged Review: In the second book of the Dashing Widows series, Lady Frenella Deerham was enjoying her embroidery when she was rudely interrupted by a furious Mr. Anthony Townsend demanded to know where his nephew and ward, Carey, had gone to. It seems that Carey ran off with Frenella’s son, Brandon, and has left school. Anthony assumes wrongly that he is at Brandon’s home in Mayfair, but not even Frenella knows where they both are. When Frenella receives a letter from Brandon explaining that they are going to see Carey’s old nurse in Winchester, both her and Anthony are relieved yet still plan to go there anyhow. As Anthony and Frenella travel there, a strong attraction forms between them. When Anthony and Frenella finally reach Winchester, will they be too upset with the boys to ignore how they really feel or end up taking it out on each other instead?

What an exciting cross-country historical Regency romance of two very unlikely people brought together by the unfortunate circumstances of some mischievous boys running off. Now, luckily, you don’t have to read the first book in the series to understand what is going on in this tale because it features a different couple than the first book, but you just might want to understand the strong friendship between the widows. Also, both books aren’t incredibly long, and you can read them very quickly too. Ms. Anna Cambell writes so fluidly and creates such wonderful characters that you can’t help but wish to be in her world just a little longer. I did kind of think that Caroline and Silas were already married, which they aren’t, so there is a little confusion about the timing of when things are happening, yet I still enjoy the story. Anthony does seem a bit frightening, but he’s lovable and might come off as a brute. He is just a massive guy with a true heart of gold, where Frenella might be a petite lady, yet isn’t scared off by him. Do I look forward to the next in the series? Well, of course, I do!
Reviewed by Roslynn Ernst


4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Laird of Smoke by Glynnis Campbell

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Laird of Smoke
Glynnis Campbell
Medieval Romance

From USA Today bestselling author Glynnis Campbell…Adam la Nuit of Rivenloch has always lived in the shadow of his magnificent warrior cousins, so he relies on his gift of invisibility to protect his clan. Whether disguising himself as the king’s right hand man, the emissary of the Pope, a withered milkmaid, or a mercenary spy, his clever ruses enable him to steal boldly through the ranks of friend and foe alike…until he encounters Sister Eve.

Eve is a willful and wayward nun bent on doing what she perceives as God’s work, even when it involves deception, disguises, and danger. Bored at the convent, she travels Scotland as a titled lady, a humble maidservant, or a foreign archer, righting wrongs, spreading good will, and seeking her Greater Purpose…which goes astray when she meets Adam.

When mutual admiration leads to something stronger, and Eve falls in love with Adam, she decides to give up her holy calling. But she can’t let Adam ever know she was once a real nun. And Adam, on a secret mission to stop a war, can’t reveal he’s the king’s man. When they find themselves on opposite sides of a royal battle, and a savage betrayal raises its ugly head, will their love be enough to survive?

Uncaged Review: This is the last book in the Scottish historical romance of The Warrior Lairds of Rivenloch and what an exciting wondrous tale it is! The one thing Sister Eve liked about being a nun is invisibility. When Eve spots an emissary of the Pope, she is struck by how gorgeously handsome he is. The person playing the emissary is Adam la Nuit and his greatest thing about being a Rivenloch is being invisible as well. When Eve and Adam bump into each other, they both realize that they might be unseen to everyone else but not to each other. With each disguise, Adam and Eve realize how similar they are and develop a respect for each other which turns into love. The more costumes Eve wears, she can’t hide who she truly is, a nun. Adam also must tell Eve that he is of the famed Rivenloch clan, but when they both discover who they truly are, will they deny how they truly feel for each other or risk losing each other in the end?

I just enjoy reading all of these magnificent Scottish stories by Ms. Glynnis Campbell! She just weaves a beautifully well-told book that you definitely will not be bored. Her characters are amazingly three-dimensional that you can not only imagine them, but they are real life people that magically come to life! There is just so much passion, heart and emotion that you can’t help but feel along with the novel too. Also, the greatest thing is that this book can also be a standalone without needing to read the other books in the series. Of course, you will want to read the other books because of not only the delightful family of the Rivenloch clan, but even though this is the final book, I surely hope there are more, because I would like additional tales too. So, yes, this book deserves the five-star rating that I am giving it because it was just that amazing, and I was sad to see its ending, so I will be rereading it again!
Reviewed by Roslynn Ernst

5 Stars

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