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Uncaged Review – The Crystal Alchemist by Ella Leon

By
Cyrene Olson
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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
Version 1.0.0

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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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

Uncaged Review – The Age of Larkspur by Aleighsha Parke

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

The Age of Larkspur
Aleighsha Parke
YA Fantasy

Flora has spent her entire life hiding in the trees and ignoring the cursed, poisonous larkspur growing from her ankle and eating away at her life. She lets her anxiety and fear control her, but fate forces her hand when her adopted mother is kidnapped by a cruel witch. The only way to save her is to find the magic shards of her family’s amulet scattered throughout her land.


With no time to waste, Flora sets out with her best friend, and along the way they meet a darkly intriguing stranger. But Flora is running out of time and can’t succumb to distractions. If she trusts the wrong person or lets her anxiety win, Flora risks losing more than just her mother …

Uncaged Review: This is a good debut from a new author, and although this started a tad slow for me, it pulled me in when Flora began her quest, and I then read straight through. Flora has been in hiding all her life, with a tattoo on her ankle that is actually a curse, and is slowly sapping her life away from her. When she turns 18, she finds out that she needs to find all the shards of a family amulet to not only save her life, but also fix the devastated lands and claim her own powers. But the shards are spread out, and it will be a dangerous journey. Many people want to find her as her birth mother is the one that destroyed the lands with her corrupt magic. Her best friend (and sometimes annoying) best friend Anise sets out with her and along the way they meet Kaanan, a young man that has secrets of his own, and whether he’s trustworthy or not, well, I won’t tell.

There were a couple surprises and a couple things I guessed, but this is a good start for this author. The world building is easy to picture as the reader goes along, and the characters are well flushed out. This book started off a bit confusing, but it does come together nicely. I think my favorite character was Kaanan, because you don’t know for most of the book if he’s good or bad or has an agenda with the people hunting Flora. The ending kept this as a standalone book, but I actually could see this book moving into a series easily. It’s a good book that will work for older teens and up. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – It Happened on Route 66 by Micki Miller

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

It Happened on Route 66
Micki Miller
Humorous Contemporary Romance

When Joel Tyler drove away from the factory to pick up the load of his rejected creation, the last thing he expected to see was a hitchhiking bride. He didn’t have time for this. Besides, he had enough troubles of his own without picking up more. But he couldn’t leave her on the side of the road.

Maddy Hayden was exhausted. She’d run away from a terrible situation without a plan or a destination. Hitchhiking was a bad idea. Worse was getting in a truck with a man traveling alone. He was probably a serial killer. Whatever. It was a suitable end to this day.

When two people who are having the worst day of their lives meet, they can either crash and burn, or save each other.

Uncaged Review: Maddy has led a predictable, boring life. After her mother died, she took care of her sister and father, did all the cleaning and cooking and still held down a job. But that was about all she did. She’s set to marry Owen, a man that seems like the perfect catch, but is he? On the day of the wedding, Maddy runs from the church, in her wedding attire and ends up hitchhiking a ride on Route 66. The man who stops is Joel, who is on his way to pick up some dolls that he created for the family business and are not selling, they are a flop. When he sees a woman in a wedding dress, he has to stop.

If you think that’s crazy, then you should just keep reading. It gets hilarious at times, and with her fiancé she left at the alter, he’s following with a tracking app he put on her phone, and then the fiancé is getting traced by a bug under his seat by Maddy’s best friend and grandmother. And the grandmother, Sophia, is a hoot. Until the end, I wanted to slap Maddy’s sister a couple of times just to shake some sense into the girl. This is a fun book, with two people thinking each other are serial killers when they meet, and it ends up that they were exactly what the other one needed. My only complaint, and it’s not a big one, is that between some of the conversations there would be two or three or more paragraphs of explanations, which broke up the banter a bit, but it was easy enough to get through.
Reviewed by Cyrene

4.5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Safe Passage by Karen Menezes

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Safe Passage
Karen Menezes
Magical Realism

The old-growth forest and the borderlands of Capherayna are a mystery. So are its people, the Xaeltik community. They live in a pre-industrial time warp, unable to defend themselves from the dark forces of the modern world. In the heart of the forest, a vortex of death is rumoured to swallow the living, chew on them and spit out the pieces. The Lightbender stumbles into Xaeltik territory after days of wandering the forest. He is welcomed by a macabre sight that changes the course of his destiny. To save lives, he must risk his own.

Uncaged Review: This book follows the travels of the Lightbender, who is supposedly human, but has been trained since infancy in science and metaphysical studies. He is able to heal, and bend the light to create, so a human with magic is how I read. On the borders of the city known as Capherayna, people live a simpler life and have for centuries, without the interference of the city, in somewhat of a time warp. But with the new monarch, who wants their lands for himself and the resources, he sends out troops to the borderlands when the people refuse to move. Killing children is the order given, as the monarch feels this will cause enough distress for the people to move. When the Lightbender and others of his kind show up, they attempt to help the borderland people and the Lightbender will risk everything in his attempt to save them.

I had a couple issues with the book, although I understand some of it. The slower pace due to building the world was expected, but the chapters are very broken up into small slices, sometimes interrupting the flow of the story. The story is very original and the world building does help the reader have a better understanding of the story, it was just paced a bit slow. Overall, this is a good story with a good message. Reviewed by Cyrene


4 Stars

Uncaged Review – The Immortal’s Lie by Jade Christy

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

The Immortal’s Lie
Jade Christy
Fantasy Romance

Dating in New Orleans is my nightmare. I’ve had so many bad dates I’ve lost count. Then I meet a guy who’s gorgeous, charming, and kind of turns me on. He actually knows how to hold a conversation and is as sarcastic as I am.

After three great dates and a spectacular night in bed, I catch him drinking someone in a dark alley.

Yeah. He was too good to be true. It’s a nightmare.

Julian Deveraux is a vampire. Of course he is. I didn’t even believe vampires existed until now. And apparently, I’m not just any woman—my blood activated due to him, and it’s rare, addictive, and dangerously powerful. Suddenly I’m the main course on every vampire’s menu, and Julian’s trying to protect me… while hiding a few blood-soaked secrets of his own.

There’s some nasty vampires and witches, a secret experiment, and a whole underground world of creatures who’d rather see me caged than kissed. And then there’s the fae.

But I’ve got sarcasm, stilettos, and a survival instinct sharper than a vampire’s fangs. And maybe I have Julian.

Uncaged Review: The start of an exciting new Romantasy series starts off with Ava Winters, who is tired of the dating scene and being set up with strange men. When Julian Deveraux sends a text that he wants a date with her. Ava almost declines but goes along anyway because it really couldn’t get any worse. When Ava meets Julian, he seems almost too perfect. He’s a gentleman and loves Ava’s witty sarcasm. Also, Julian just understands her too. As Ava spends more and more time with Julian, she instantly falls for him, and he is with her. Ava knows that Julian holds secrets, but she yet goes out with him and, as she gets closer to him, she wants to be with him forever, but Julian holds a deep, dark secret that he’s a vampire. Julian not only craves Ava physically, but her blood drives him crazy. Will Ava discover the truth about Julian and the secret of who she really is as well?

So, since I finished one series of Ms. Jade Christy about vampires. I really couldn’t stop and wanted to begin this one. This book is a little different from the Blackthorn Manor series because there are fae in it which, out of all the supernatural’s I love the fae the best! Now this book has some confusing bits because the fae aren’t really described very clearly, even though she drew up Ava quite well. Another minor character’s name changed from Alden to Arden, which I kind of overlooked, but still, as you were getting caught up in the story, it was a little discombobulating. Also, he’s a shape-shifter, so maybe with the name changing that is just part of his character too? Julian was a bit faultless, but when his senses started to wake up, I wondered if his craving for food and drink became more noticeable? So, I wanted a bit more explanation as to why it did it in the first place. Still, since this is part of a series, it ends abruptly, so, of course, I will read the next book just to see what happens and if the fae are defined a little better. Reviewed by Roslynn Ernst

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Jewel of the Ball by Tamara Gill

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Jewel of the Ball
Tamara Gill
Historical Regency

He was meant for the Church. She was never meant to tempt him.

Lady Angelica Ravensmere never expected to fall for the wounded gentleman she helped recover—nor that he would be bound for holy orders. Devoted, principled, and determined to turn from the world, Lord Benedict Deverell is everything she should avoid… and everything her heart yearns for.

With Benedict summoned back to London to recover, old temptations resurface. Angelica is preparing for her Season, determined to find a husband and forget the man who broke her heart. But fate—and desire—throw them together once more.

Torn between the path he vowed to follow and the woman he cannot forget, Benedict must face the truth: walking away may have been his greatest sin… and winning her back may demand the ultimate sacrifice.

Uncaged Review: This is the third book in the Heiress series and one that I was eagerly looking forward to! When Lord Benedict Deverell was heading to Wiltshire to see his brother, he was suddenly attacked by highwaymen. Unfortunately, the thieves learn that Benedict is actually in training to be a Catholic priest and has no money. Still, Benedict is shot in the thigh. Luckily, Benedict’s driver spots the Duke of Ravensmere’s home and takes him there. Lady Angelica Ravensmere nurses Benedict and when he sees her he is instantly captivated. As Benedict gets to know Angelica, he can’t help but fall for her. Benedict can’t deny his feelings and desire for Angelica and that he can’t stop wanting her. Angelica also can’t help what she feels and seduces Benedict too. Benedict realizes that in order to be free he must be willing to give up his vocation. Will he be able to before it’s too late?

Just as I think book two is better than I read this book, and it immediately became my favorite. Maybe it’s the slight bit of forbidden taboo element of the main male character’s profession that holds me spellbound and intrigued? Even the extra spicy bits that are sprinkled throughout heighten the danger of getting caught in flagrante delicto, especially since both Benedict and Angelica are intimate in very public places, even with them trying to hide it. Also, do you have to read them in order to be able to understand the story? No, not really, even though you might just want to because of the family. I actually did fall for Benedict’s persona. He wanted to be a morally good person, even though he was tempted and just finally gave in. Angelica was a feisty, fun heroine, but even with the one miscommunication which almost drove them apart, it wasn’t all bad. Do I look forward to the next in the series? Well, of course, I do, but while I wait, I will reread this one again! Reviewed by Roslynn Ernst

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – The Fixer by Ginger Ring

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

The Fixer
Ginger Ring
Mafia Romance

Best-selling mafia romance author Vanessa Stone moved to Deadwood hoping it would provide rest, relaxation, and improve her word count. So far, it’s been anything but. Her long-time stalker has followed her there, and the handsome next-door neighbor might not be as kind and innocent as he appears. Her heroines may fall for bad men with good hearts, but Vanessa has never wanted to live out the storyline of her books.

Tony Rossi left his mafia family and big city life to start a business in a historic town in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Having a gorgeous woman as a neighbor is an added bonus. This new start is supposed to free him from the dangers of his past, but does one ever really leave the mafia?

In the past, Tony could fix any problem his organized crime job required, but he soon learns he can’t fix everything, including the loss of trust and the broken heart of the woman he loves.

Uncaged Review: Vanessa moved to Deadwood to get some peace and quiet while working on her novels. Vanessa has a stalker, that seems to have followed her to Deadwood. Her next door neighbor, Tony, hears her screaming one night and bashes the door open to get in. Tony was known as a “fixer” with the DeSalvo mob in Chicago, and he’s left the mob for a more peaceful and lawful existence in Deadwood. Vanessa and Tony begin a friendship, but Vanessa is still be stalked and Tony will do his best to protect her. But will Tony ever be free of the mob?

There is suspense, danger, behind-the-doors romance, betrayal, friendship, love and two people that will need to overcome their pasts to find their HEA. The time jumping in the book was a bit confusing at times, and I actually thought this was a little tame to be a mafia romance, but I’m looking forward to how this series progresses as this author is so good at the mafia romances.
Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

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