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Uncaged Review – Mesmerized by Nevaeh Ryn

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Mesmerized
Nevaeh Ryn
Bisexual Fiction

“I came to bury my grandmother.”

20-year-old Kamika Suzanna LeBlanc’s heart broke when her grandmother passed away at age 78. With a funeral looming over them, Kamika and her mother, Amia, leave their Miami home for Gaville, the small, enigmatic Louisiana town where her mama grew up. Once the apple of her grandmother’s eyes, her inability to accept her granddaughter’s bisexuality destroyed their relationship, though it doesn’t dull Kamika’s grief. As she navigates her anguish and reflects on her complex relationship with her grandmother, she reconnects with her first love, Larissa Harris, only to find that Larissa has changed in unforeseen ways.

“I didn’t expect to uncover a world of secrets.”

Her situation grows more complicated when Kamika encounters 24-year-old Delaney, Larissa’s mesmerizing older cousin, and a mysterious man named Beau, whose allure is as undeniable as it is dangerous. As if mourning wasn’t challenging enough, secrets start to unravel, unveiling hidden truths about Gaville and her family that turn her world as she knew it upside down. The hits keep coming from all directions, overwhelming her with bullsh*t.

In this tale of love, loss, and discovery, Kamika must navigate old flames, buried emotions, and new attractions while coming to terms with a legacy kept hidden from her. Her summer is anything but dull, but will the new realizations break her, or will she learn to adjust to her newfound knowledge?

Uncaged Review: Kamika came back to bury her Grandmother while doing this she bumps into her ex who invites her to her cousin’s birthday party. Sparks fly and it’s up to Kamika on how she decides to approach this subject. While also sorting through her Grandmother’s belongings, she finds a few home secrets and a whole more set of shady characters. This is book one in the series I found Kamika a very interesting character she was quirky fun and spoke her mind for only being 20 year’s old. I thought she carried herself with some maturity of an older person. My favorite part of the book was the shout out to twilight being a classic movie that really made me laugh! I’m hoping to continue the series of this with book two. Reviewed by Jen

4 Stars

Death Among the Daffodils by Aviva Orr

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Death Among the Daffodils
Aviva Orr
Historical Mystery

A popular, young poet is found dead among the daffodils with his heart cut out. Who could have committed such a heinous crime?

Spring has arrived in the Lake District, and Bridget De Lacey is feeling renewed. After a tumultuous year, filled with loss, murder, and madness, her ancestral home on the shores of Lake Windermere is thriving as an exclusive inn for the wealthy, and her relationship with its new owner, Nate Squires, is blossoming.

The future looks bright for Bridget. Until, early one morning, she steps outside to admire the new bed of blooming daffodils in her garden and makes a horrific discovery. The desecrated body of a young poet, beloved by all, is lying among the flowers. Bridget is devastated by the brutal murder of her friend, but things only get worse when the wrong man is blamed, and the people of her town turn against one of their own.

Bridget and Nate must work quickly to save an innocent man and catch a savage killer. However, as their investigation unfolds, they uncover a web of lies that raises more questions than answers. In the normally peaceful Lake District, tensions rise, violence ensues, and the situation becomes increasingly dangerous as buried secrets surface.

Uncaged Review: At Villa De Lacey Bridget finds the body of her friend George Otis, a poet who’s been brutally murdered. It’s up too Bridget and her friend Nate to find out why and who done it. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. What I really liked about this book was it was a classic who-done-it kind of book. You follow Bridget and Nate while they follow the clues of course there’s a few things that happen to send them down the wrong trail. This only leads to the charm of the book. I found Bridget and her detective skills quite the accomplishment to the storyline in general I do hope there’s more to this series as it was a delightful read. Reviewed by Jen

4 Stars#

Uncaged Review – Her Grumpy Protector by Logan Chance

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Her Grumpy Protector
Logan Chance
Alpha Male Romance

Banks Hawthorne doesn’t lose.

Not in boardrooms. Not in backroom deals. And definitely not in Halo City—where money talks, secrets kill, and the underbelly has teeth.

But his brothers’ hunt for their missing father drags Banks straight into a blood-slick maze of power players, dirty cops, and men who smile like friends while they sharpen knives behind their backs.

Then she becomes the target.

She’s the one loose end no one saw coming—too brave, too stubborn, and suddenly standing between Banks and the truth. Protecting her should be simple: lock it down, move her somewhere safe, burn anyone who gets close.

Except she doesn’t want saving… and Banks doesn’t know how to want anyone this much.

Halo City wants her silenced. Banks wants her in his arms.

And the moment he claims her, this stops being business.

Because in a city like this, love is leverage— and Banks Hawthorne is about to turn ruthless.

Uncaged Review: This book is part of a multi-book, multi-author series revolving around Halo City. After reading this one, I’m looking forward mostly to the books that this author puts out as the storyline never really ended with a full arc still running. Since the books in the series don’t continue this storyline, I’m looking forward to this author’s contributions.

Banks is part of a group of ex-military brothers, seven in all, and each having a specific specialty. The main arc that is running, is that their father who seems to have faked his death, there are clues showing up that he’s still alive. And two of the brothers were kidnapped. Banks takes on a security detail job that will get him closer to Halo City and closer to find his brothers and his father. The security job is to protect a whistleblower, Anniston. But Banks finds out Anniston’s digging that has gotten her into trouble, coincides with their own work involving their family. Fighting the developing feelings for her, was not what Banks was counting on.

These brothers are smart and damn good at what they do. Watching it all unfold had me completely absorbed in the book and the story and can’t wait to continue on.
Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Eternal Legacy by L.A. McGinnis

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Eternal Legacy
L.A. McGinnis
Paranormal Romance

I made a deal with the devil, Prince Nikolai Isenberg.

Now I owe this savage vampire my life.

If I’m not careful, he might collect.

All I wanted was to save my beloved clan, not wage war against the oldest, deadliest vampires in existence, but they dragged me into their conflict, now I’m fighting for our survival.

I’ve sacrificed too much already. My friends. My home. My mate.

My world’s been shattered, but the Elders won’t stop until they control me—or leave me completely ruined.
Now my only hope is to trust the dangerous Elder who betrayed me. Nikolai is the only one strong enough to face our enemies, but when distrust blossoms into forbidden attraction, he desires something more.

The vicious vampire wants my heart—and he won’t stop until it’s his.

Uncaged Review: I knew the last book of this series would be intense, but that’s not even a good enough word for this one. Jumping in right where we left off from the book three cliffhanger and preparing for the huge showdown that has to happen to find the peace the clan is wanting and needing. Rowan shows everyone he’s as much of a warrior as he is a King, and Aisling fully comes into her own. Acheron wants to use Aisling and he’ll stop at nothing to get to her, but what he doesn’t expect is Aisling’s stubborn will and complete dedication to her clan and her men. My personal favorite throughout the books, Nicolai, finally comes into his own and proves it over and over in this one.

There are some sad moments, but there is also some very exciting moments and the final battle is one of the best I’ve read from this author. One of my favorite parts has to be the final epilogue. It was a perfect ending to a fantastic series and I will miss this group of characters. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Dark Redemption by L.A. McGinnis

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Dark Redemption
L.A. McGinnis
Paranormal Romance

A secret vampire princess. The ruthless king she rejected. The Elder sent to claim her.

After a bloody battle, the Vampire High Council lies in ruins, and while Aisling and her men are still standing, a new enemy has emerged from the shadows—ruthless, bloodthirsty, too powerful to defeat. Acheron was Caine’s first creation, and he’s set his sights on her.

He plans to make Ash his bride. His weapon. His pawn.

He’s the predator and she’s the prey—

But she has a king who will die for her. A warrior who will fight for her. An assassin who will kill for her.

Ash refuses to bow to a monster. But when Nikolai offers her an impossible choice, will she spend one forbidden night with him to save the men she loves and her clan?

Or face an enemy she can never hope to defeat?

Uncaged Review: Facing off with Acheron almost does Aisling in, but to save everyone, she feels she must go. Her bonds with Finn, Darrow and Rowan have tightened, and even Nicolai (my own favorite) comes through when he’s needed. Readers will also like the relationship developing nicely with Scarlett, who was once thought of as a nemesis.

The action reaches a fever pitch in more than one place and by the time the reader finishes this book, they will be running back to get the final book like I did as it ends on a whammy of a cliffhanger. I laughed, got mad and even needed a tissue a time or two during this book. But the final book is promising to be a huge showdown between Aisling and her group facing off against Acheron and Magnis.

If you like a good paranormal romance with substance along with the sexy scenes, this series is a winner. And I’m off to the final installment. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Death at Villa De Lacey by Aviva Orr

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Death at Villa De Lacey
Aviva Orr
Historical Romance

An idyllic inn on the shores of Lake Windermere turns deadly…

When Bridget De Lacey’s distraught father takes his own life after losing his estate in a card game, Bridget and her aunt are faced with the prospect of being forced out of their beloved home. That is until the clever and sprightly Bridget convinces the new owner to transform Villa De Lacey into an exclusive inn for the wealthy, who have been flocking to the Lake District since the publication of Wordsworth’s sensational guidebook to the lakes.

Nate Squires, the wayward second son of an earl, finds himself banished from London after he refuses to do his brother’s bidding. Arriving in the Lake District, Nate’s only goal is to outwit his brother and return to London. And when he meets the beautiful and bright Bridget De Lacey, she provides him with the perfect solution to his troubles—‘to bring London to the Lake District.’

Together they turn Bridget’s ancestral home, which sits on the shores of Lake Windermere, into an exclusive inn. All goes well until the first guests arrive, and murder and mayhem quickly follow. Secrets and lies abound, and everyone becomes a suspect. If Nate and Bridget want to save their inn, they must turn to sleuthing and solve an impossible puzzle.

Uncaged Review: At Villa De Lacey Bridget finds the body of her friend George Otis. A poet who’s been brutally murdered is up too Bridget and her friend Nate to find out why and who has done it. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. What I really liked about this book was it was a classic who-done-it kind of book. You follow Bridget and Nate while they follow the clues of course there’s a few things that happen to send them down the wrong trail. This only leads to the charm of the book. I found Bridget and her detective skills quite the accomplishment to the storyline in general I do hope there’s more to this series as it was a delightful read. Reviewed by Jen

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Blood & Confession by Jade Christy

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Blood & Confession
Jade Christy
Paranormal Romance

Some vampires seek power. He doesn’t want it.

Luka has spent fifty years hiding from what he is.

The chapel he has hidden in for fifty years will be destroyed and a new life awaits, either in the dark or in the light. And Ravengarde calls.

At Ravengarde, he can’t hide anymore. Ravengarde doesn’t choose lightly—and it chose him. Named heir to an ancient vampire stronghold, he is thrust into a world of power, politics, and deadly expectations. Intrigue, danger and discovery of delights await.

Courageous Claire followed him into darkness once and helped him. Now she stands by his side as they must both survive a new kind of life.

As danger rises and Ravengarde begins to change, Luka must face the truth he has spent a lifetime avoiding:

He was never meant to remain in the shadows.
But stepping into the light to protect his new life, and the Original Blood, may cost him everything.

Uncaged Review: In the second book of the series, Claire and Luka leave the chapel to go to Ravengarde Castle. Of course, Ravengarde is not the safe haven that Luka thinks it is. Luka now must face a lot of challenges. The biggest being that he is named Maximus’ heir and even with that comes many responsibilities. Luka, luckily, has Claire, but bringing a human to a castle filled with vampires where everyone except Luka looks at her as food, is a bit unsettling. Both Luka and Claire must undergo training not only to protect themselves but each other. As Luka finds out more about his surprising legacy, it could be more than what he bargained for and is he really able to keep Claire from harm?

This is the second book in the Vampires of Montenegro series and was a little bit better for me than the first book. So, Claire and Luka have finally left the safety of the chapel and are invited to Ravengarde Castle. Luka is finally getting away from the constant self-loathing and guilt which made me even question whether he could be a strong enough hero or even able to protect Claire, much less a whole castle full of vampires in the first book. Of course, he still has a way to go and no one except maybe Maximus even likes him as his heir. Unfortunately, with this series, you can’t skip around because the story won’t make any sense and even though it has a lot of spacing, making the book have a lot of pages, it is an easy read. This book also ends on a cliffhanger, but the next book is out too. I will read the next book and hope that Luka proves me wrong, becoming a much better hero.
Reviewed by Roslynn Ernst

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – The Bourban Bastard by D.K. Marie

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

The Bourban Bastard
D.K. Marie
Billionaire Romance

Some men are made to ruin everything they touch. He’s spent his whole life proving them right. Until her.

Thorne Blackstone

She was supposed to be one night. No names. No strings. No looking back. Yet I can’t forget her. And the next day when I learn she and my blackmailing half-sister are moving into my home for three months — yeah, I’m screwed. Looks like even on his way to hell, my father found one last way to make my life a living one.

Keeping my distance should be easy. It isn’t. Not when she can break me open and build me back up with a single look. And when I make a choice that could obliterate her career, I don’t just risk my shot at redemption, but the only person who ever made me believe I deserved one.

Ivy West

I know exactly who Thorne Blackstone is. I’ve spent my whole life making smart choices. He isn’t one. But I see who he’s fighting to become. And I’m terrified that by the time he gets there, there’ll be nothing left of me.

In a family built on bourbon, secrets, and sins, can he change before he destroys the only woman who’s ever made him want to try?

Uncaged Review: Thorne Blackstone comes back for his father’s funeral. A funeral that turns up many family secrets and a half sister. Something Thorne didn’t see coming This book had me hooked from the first page I wanted to unearth all of Thorne Blackstone secrets and see what made him tick. Thorne is a character that has you rolling your eyes at the page but that’s all part of his charm. Grumpy but so very strong willed I need more of this author’s books in my life. This book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series. Will I be reading more of these books, heck yes! I think everyone should have a little bit of Thorne Blackstone in their lives Reviewed by Jen
3 Stars

Uncaged Review – Blood & Guilt by Jade Christy

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Blood & Guilt
Jade Christy
Paranormal Romance

SOME VAMPIRES CRAVE BLOOD. HE CRAVES ABSOLUTION.

A guilt-ridden vampire hiding in a Montenegro crypt must choose between the darkness of his shame and the dangerous light of a fearless woman who refuses to let him disappear.

He feeds from a priest and hides in a crypt.
She lost everything — but refuses to lose herself.

In the mountains of Montenegro, Luka has spent fifty years punishing himself for a single, catastrophic mistake. He believes he is beyond redemption.

Then Claire, an American tourist sheltering from a storm while hiking, walks into his chapel, and sees him.

Their connection is slow, intimate, and dangerously real.

But the chapel is going to be sold & demolished, so his carefully constructed penance begins to crack. His sanctuary will fall and he will burn in the sun, or he must decide to leave. Will Claire help him? Can she? There are complicated dangers awaiting him… A mysterious vampire king offers a tantalizing but suspicious promise of absolution. Powerful immortals do not offer gifts without strings — and the price of redemption may cost Luka everything he is only just beginning to want.

Uncaged Review: This is the first book of the Vampire of Montenegro series, where one night Luka Iliev is changed into a vampire and accidentally kills his betrothed. Luka is so upset by this that he takes refuge in a chapel. Where the local priest, Father Petar, shelters, protects and even feeds him. Fifty years go by and Luka still stays in the chapel, but Claire Holloway, an American tourist, is caught in a storm and takes shelter in the chapel. Claire meets the mysterious Luka, and can’t help but be entranced by him. As Claire gets to know him, she can’t help but like him. Luka also feels the same about her. Claire doesn’t know Luka’s biggest secret, though that he is a vampire and desires Claire for more than just her company, he also desires her blood.

This is the start of a brand new Romantasy series by Ms. Jade Christy which I just love her many different vampire stories! The tale flows beautifully even with a few formatting issues which hardly do seem noticeable. The cover is really beautifully done too. I really like the strong independent heroine Claire Holloway. Yes, she’s a bit bossy and pushy, yet I found her easy to associate with. While Luka’s massive guilt complex and self-suffering did get on my nerves. Yes, he’s a vampire but who, what he is or what he has done, is not his fault. I kept wanting to shake him and tell him to get over it and move on. Yes, he made a mistake, but he has done enough atoning for it. I found it really hard to believe that, with everything that he was feeling, he could even feel love. As the story moved along, it did get significantly better and I do look forward to the next book!
Reviewed by Roslynn Ernst

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Hidden Desires by S.E. Law

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Hidden Desires
S.E. Law
Military Romance

I lead a naughty secret life … and my dad’s best friend found out!


Eliza:

When Jack Landry strides into my parents’ yard, I’m done for. He’s older. Dominant. Arresting. My dad’s best friend is a retired Air Force hero with a broad chest and piercing blue eyes that seem to see right through my “good girl” act.

He sees me in my garden. He sees me in my tiniest bikini by the pool. He sees me offering him a drink while my dad is just twenty feet away. But Jack doesn’t realize that the innocent young woman he sees during the day has a much darker side once the sun goes down.


Jack:

I spent twenty years in the military, but nothing prepared me for Eliza Shaw. She’s goddamn tempting with her saucy smile and those lush curves, but I have to keep my hands off my best friend’s daughter.

Except I know her secret. She says she’s a hardworking paralegal, but I’ve seen her on my laptop screen. Performing for an audience of men under the name BunnySnowGirl. I’ve been paying for private sessions just to watch her, but now that I’m back in town, I’m done being a spectator because it’s time for this curvy blonde to perform for an audience of one!


Sparks fly and secrets unravel in this high-heat, age-gap romance. When Eliza finally lets Jack in on her hidden life, the veteran is more than game to play—and he’s bringing his own brand of discipline to the table.

Uncaged Review: Eliza Shaw has a secret. The perennial good girl paralegal who lives with her parents and can do no wrong does “camming” on the side. Eliza does have fun doing it and if anyone knows about that the perfect persona that she portrays in real life would ruin her reputation. Of course, that all goes out the window when Eliza sees Jack Landry, her dad’s best friend, who is an ex-military officer who oozes honor without any faults. Eliza can’t help herself and wants Jack for herself, so she plans to seduce him. Jack is helpless against her charms and falls for her, but knows if Eliza’s dad finds out he will lose everything and if Jack discovers Eliza’s double life, what will he do? Can Eliza continue all her secrets, or will it ultimately destroy her?

I really enjoyed and liked this book better than the other one about secret sex communes. Yes, this is in the same series, but the age gap and secret identity contemporary romance is a bit more of what I enjoy reading. Also, the story might have a lot of explicit sex scenes, but the relationship between Eliza and Jack did have a chance to grow first, so they weren’t immediately jumping into bed either. I did think as many times as they were intimate it was a little shocking that Eliza never got pregnant, which might have helped ease her parents into the relationship though. I really did like Eliza’s “double” life and how she managed to keep the secrecy of it for so long. I really wanted more of Jack’s time in the military and what he did after he retired with his time too. Still, this was an intriguing story. I eagerly look forward to reading more and I am anticipating the next one!
Reviewed by Roslynn Ernst

4.5 Stars

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