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Uncaged Review – Emperor’s Throne by Shannon Mayer

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Emperor’s Throne
Shannon Mayer
Urban Fantasy

Three against one is not the best odds in any fight.

But does she dare gamble on making an enemy into an ally?

The sixth installment in the USAT and WSJ bestselling Desert Cursed series blends epic and urban fantasy in a way that does not disappoint.

There might be no rest for the wicked, but there’s no rest for the exhausted either. We’ve barely survived one fight, and we have another blade at our throats-strike that, three blades.

I can see only one possible chance at surviving the three evils we face, no matter how much I might hate it.

I have to make my peace with one of them and pray that they will help me take down the other two before we turn on each other.

The only question is…who do I trust not only my life but with the life of my family? Because I have all those I love the best at my side.

Maks.

Lila.

Bryce.

Or do I leave them, and take the danger with me to face it all on my own?

One thing is for sure…even if I go down, it’ll be swinging with everything I have.

Uncaged Review: The last main book in this
series wraps up the ongoing storyline quite well.
The overall arc between Ishtar and the Emperor
comes to a standoff, and the truth will surprise
some readers, as the author did a great job twisting
it around. Whether everyone survives, well,
that’s for the reader to find out.

This is a great urban fantasy series, with a lot of
action, surprises and good character and world
building. This is a very hard series to put down.
The next three books are books that will tie up
loose ends with the remaining characters. I hate to
see this series end, it’s been a fun ride and when I
didn’t feel like reading – a few pages of this series
pulled me back. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Wyvern’s Lair by Shannon Mayer

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Wyvern’s Lair
Shannon Mayer
Urban Fantasy

The odds are stacked against her as she faces her greatest challenge yet…

But that’s nothing new in her world.

The fifth in the plot twisting, heart pounding, magic-riddled, USA Today bestselling Desert Cursed series.

I thought I had the next steps in my journey plotted out. I thought I knew where I was going and who I was going with—the usual crew of Lila the smart-mouthed tiny dragon, Ford the man who would be my mate if I let him, and Balder, the horse who has carried me through more danger than I can count.

Crap on a camel, I could not have been more wrong. My world is turned upside down when my crew somehow gains two people who would as soon kill me, as see me succeed.

Even with this new twist, I must get to the crossroads before the golden moon rises if we have any chance of dethroning the Emperor and bringing my brother back from the dead.

Along the way I find myself in treacherous waters facing new dangers, new enemies and a choice that no one should ever have to make.

Maks’s life is in my hands, and in the end, will love be enough to save him, or will I have to say goodbye to him once and for all?

Uncaged Review: With this being the 5th book
in this series, it’s to the point where I’m going to
have to read the last three pretty quickly now. This
is a nine book series and this one does not let off
the gas pedal. These characters truly need some
major downtime.

Everything is full speed ahead, and I don’t know
how Zamira actually pulls off some of the things
that happen to her, but their group changes with
the addition and subtraction of others.
I’m not giving away anything with these books. If
you like a good action-packed urban fantasy, then
this series is a good one to pick up. This author has
managed to pull me into this world and it’s been a
crazy fun ride. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Love in the Forest by Janina Grey

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Love in the Forest
Janina Grey
Contemporary Romance

Step into the mystical and magical forests of Upstate New York, where Earth and Sky camp photographer Brooke Meadows has taken refuge from the demons of her past as she uses her ability to communicate with the dead to heal loved ones left behind.

Unable to cope with the loss of his wife and daughters three years prior, Josh Quinn, CEO of the number one dating site Quirkyflirt.com, is ordered by his board president to take a break from his Big Apple Headquarters. He finds himself at Earth and Sky Retreats, where confronting his grief has led him to experience a life-altering transformation and re-evaluation of reality.

Will Josh leave behind his fast-paced, high-society life in the concrete mountains of New York City, for the magical, bewitching world Brooke reveals to him in the foothills of the Adirondacks?

Will Brooke acknowledge and accept her own journey of transformation and healing as she and Josh explore the winding paths and summits that lead them to find love in the forest?

Uncaged Review: From the first chapter I was drawn
in by the wonderful area and scenery that has me
wishing for a vacation in New York. When Josh takes
a leave to the Earth and Sky Retreats he never would
have known what an impact the area and one woman
would have on him. Both Brooke and Josh will transform
in the pages of the book, and find their way out
of their pasts.

These are characters that are easy to like and are real
enough that they could be your own friends, and the
author draws you in and makes you feel like you are
part of the story. This contemporary romance has a
slight twist, that only makes it more compelling.
Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Zorak by Cyndi Friberg

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Zorak
Cyndi Friberg
SciFi Romance

He was created in a lab. She has no choice but to trust him. Together they just might save the world.

When Cat’s father is kidnapped by her alien boss she turns to Zorak, one of the mysterious lunar raiders “cultivated” by the aliens to protect Earth. Cat isn’t sure she can trust Zorak, but she has nowhere else to turn. Lunar raiders are ruthless hybrids created for war, so why does Zorak make her feel safe? She has never been so intensely attracted to anyone before and has a hard time believing her feelings are real. They’re surrounded by conflict and deceit, and Cat’s father isn’t the only one in danger. If they can’t learn the truth about the aliens, the entire human race could be enslaved.

Uncaged Review: When the aliens landed on Earth,
seeking asylum from their world being nearly destroyed,
they created the raiders supposedly to protect
Earth from their enemies. But the aliens lied and
seeking to enslave the entire planet. Lucky for the
humans, the raiders have blasted away their programming
and go against the aliens that created them.
Zorak, is one of the leaders of the raiders and when
Cat asks for help to free her father, Zorak knows immediately
that Cat is his fated mate.

This is a good scifi with nice world building and even
people who haven’t read a lot of scifi can keep up
with the language. This is a good start to a series and
I plan to continue on as I’m now invested in the characters
and this world. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Sapphire Promise by Sally Brandle

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Sapphire Promise
Sally Brandle
20th Century Historical

Loyalty to family. Trusting instincts. The will to survive. These virtues are deeply embedded in a mature Dutch teenager, Annika Wolter. Her attributes prove useful as she navigates typical coming-of-age insecurities and a blossoming romance with a handsome lieutenant in 1939 Batavia, Java.

Nothing prepares her for the distress of Hitler’s attacks on European countries followed by Japan’s bombing of Pearl Harbor, toppling her idyllic life in the Dutch East Indies colonial society and separating her from the man she loves. Uplifting events from a true story showcase how determination, nursing basics, and language skills keep a young woman and her mother alive in the worst Japanese internment camp in the Pacific. If you admire clever women and unfailing love in a tropical wartime setting, you will be captivated by Sapphire Promise.

Uncaged Review: I’ve actually had this book read
for a bit, but I think it took a while for me to digest
this book well enough to write a review. This
book is not like anything I’ve read, and mind you,
I don’t read biographies or even war era books
often and I know this is all based on a true story.
The amount of research to tell this story correctly
is mind blowing to me, but this author has done
her due diligence and has told a story so engrossing
that once you start reading, you won’t put it
down. The story of Annika is not only heartbreaking
at times, it’s also heartwarming. The love she
has for the lieutenant and her mother is unwavering
and inspiring.

The author is able to take us back in time, with
her beautiful descriptions that enhance the reading.
There isn’t too many books that I can compare
this too and what is great about these type
of books, is that I learn when I read since it’s all
based on true events and people. Highly recommended.
Too bad 5 stars is the limit.
Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – The Formidable Earl by Sophie Barnes

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

The Formidable Earl
Sophie Barnes
Historical Romance

He’s breaking the rules for one woman, and coming dangerously close to falling in love…

Simon Nugent, Earl of Fielding, knows he’s flawed. He’s arrogant, possessive, and haunted by a terrible choice he made long ago. So when a former friend’s daughter gives him the chance to do a good deed, he grabs it. Except he’d like to grab her as well and teach her a thing or two about kissing. If only she weren’t so damn stubborn.

Ida Strong wants one thing – justice on behalf of her father. She has no room for anything else, in spite of her growing and (at times) inexplicable attraction toward a certain earl. But for a woman who knows what betrayal tastes like, placing her trust in others is hard. Risking her heart, would be downright foolish. Until it’s the only thing that seems to make sense.

Uncaged Review: Simon’s life has predictable
and boring after the war. A man who saved his life
in the war, was unjustly hung for treason, and his
daughter Ida, ran away and disappeared to live
with an aunt. When Simon stumbles onto Ida, he
feels he needs to right a wrong, and sees Ida as a
chance to do just that. But it won’t be easy, Ida
is hell bent on getting justice for her father and
doesn’t trust easily.

Simon will learn to be less rigid in society and
wanting their approval, to not caring what others
think, only the woman he falls in love with. This
is a very engrossing book that kept me hooked and
turning the pages and it was over before I realized.
Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Why a Marauding Marquess is Best by Tammy Andresen

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Why a Marauding Marquess is Best
Tammy Andresen
Historical Romance

He’s no woman’s fool…

The Marquess of Hartwell will not be taken in by the Moorish clan and especially not the ridiculous Juliet Moorish. She’s got her head in the clouds which makes her a danger to everyone around her as she sets about hatching little schemes. So what if her auburn hair is so lush and lovely, and he’s begun daydreaming about running his fingers thought the locks? And the pretty pink of her lips, that’s not making his heart beat any faster. No. He’ll ignore her charms and focus on keeping her from destroying his cousin’s life. The only problem, her sweet kisses might just ruin his own.

She’ll not let one annoying marquess get in her way…

Juliet has plans. The first is getting her eldest sister, Ophelia, to the alter with a duke. Which shouldn’t be difficult, the two are madly in love. The second is to find her own Prince Charming. She’s picked out the prefect candidate, a viscount no less. Now if she can just keep one meddling Marquess from ruining all her plans, she’ll be set. The only issue is that said marquess keeps popping up at the most unwelcome times. Just when she’s about to tell him how absolutely dreadful he is, he kisses her. And well… it’s quite delightful really. And wrong. She’s already in love…isn’t she?

Does she hate him or love him? Is he all wrong or perfectly right? Because this comedy of romantic errors, it’s enough to make a girl scream in frustration. Or sigh in satisfaction. Perhaps she’ll need to kiss him again to know for certain…

Uncaged Review: This is a faster read, and it kept
me hooked from the first pages, and is a lighthearted
romp. I haven’t read the others in this series, but I
had no issues picking this one up. Juliet is quite the
schemer and planner, and ruins her plans of chasing
another, who really doesn’t have much interest in her.
With the Marquess, Dane, showing up and messing
up her plans.

This is more of the fun side from this author, and it
had me smiling often at the different escapades that
Juliet would go to. For a lighter historical romance,
this one fits the bill. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 1/2 Stars

Uncaged Review – Captured by the Pirate Laird by Amy Jarecki

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Captured by the Pirate Laird
Amy Jarecki
Medieval Historical Romance

Wed by proxy to a baron old enough to be her grandfather, Lady Anne trudges up the gangway of a galleon that will deliver her into the arms of a tyrant. Crestfallen, she believes her disastrous life cannot get worse—until she awakes to the blasts of cannon fire.

Facing certain death, Anne trembles in her stateroom while swords clash and the chilling screams of battle rage on the deck above. When a rugged Highlander kicks in her door, she prays for a swift end.

But Laird Calum MacLeod has a reason for plundering the ship—and it’s not a stunning English lass. With no other choice, he takes Anne to his crumbling keep on the isle of Raasay and sends a letter of ransom to her husband. In time, Anne grows to understand MacLeod’s plight and finds it increasingly difficult to resist Calum’s unsettling charm—until the baron sends a reply agreeing to terms.

Ripped from passion that will be forever seared into their souls, will Anne and Calum risk everything for love?

Uncaged Review: I’m always on board for a good pirate
tale, and this is a good one. Anne is wed by proxy
to a tyrant whom she’s never met, but is shipped off
on a ship to him. The ship is overrun by pirates and
she’s taken hostage by a Scottish Laird, who is a type
of Robin Hood to his starving people, by stealing
from the rich to keep his people fed. Taking on the
ship, Laird Calum had no idea he’d be raiding a ship
that held Anne.

Slowly Anne sees the plight of his people, and her
feelings for him grow slowly. This is a nice romance
to watch, as Calum is determined to be honorable, but
the more he gets to know Anne, and knowing the man
she’s been wed to, the more he wants to keep her safe
from him.

This story has a couple good turns and is a good read
that’s hard to put down. It’s been awhile since I’ve
read a book from this author, and hope it won’t be so
long for the next. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 1/2 Stars

Uncaged Review – Dragon Trial by Debbie Cassidy

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Dragon Trial
Debbie Cassidy
Dark Fantasy


The stories say that the dragons saved humanity, but all they left were ashes, cinder, and a new breed of human. Welcome to the Outlands, where nobody cares if you scream.

Rogue, Fighter, survivor. I have many roles, but my only purpose is to protect my loved ones and make a better life for them. It’ll take one more job to make my dream a reality.

But fate, the uncooperative bitch, stands ready to twist the knife.

Taken by Dragon bloods, the better-looking result of human and dragon unions, I’m caged and forced to fight in the arena for their amusement.

They want me to bleed, but I’ll be damned if I’ll kiss the sand for them

But there is more to the Arena’s purpose than meets the eye, and I’m beginning to believe that all the stories I’ve been told may be nothing more than fiction. With the help of a man with eyes like flame, and his arrogant, incorrigible brother, I may just survive to find out the truth.

The Bloods are close to executing an awful plan, and the only way to stop them is to escape. My family wait for me. My dream awaits, and freedom will be mine.

Uncaged Review: This book really surprised me. I
liked the originality of this world, and am looking
forward to learning more. The author doesn’t
slow the book down with a lot of back lore, but
gives bits and pieces as you go along. I ended up
having a lot more questions at the end, but the
cliffhanger that this landed on was not too horrible,
considering 3 of the 4 books this series is, are
already released.

The action sequences and the characters are well
thought out, and I can see this turning into a reverse
harem in the future, but this is a slow build.
I’m definitely moving on to the second book as
I have a lot more questions. The book kept my
attention and I liked the different supernatural beings.
Nice start to a series. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Be the One by Nina Levine

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Be the One
Nina Levine
Rock Star Romance

A standalone rockstar novel from USA Today Bestselling author Nina Levine

This cocky bad boy rocker has met his match. He wants her heart, but she only wants his body.

Presley

I don’t care that he’s a smooth talker. He can sweet-talk me all he likes, so long as he backs it up with an orgasm or two. But I’m not looking for a relationship. God, no. Not with a rockstar.

Jett

I don’t care that she argues with me and throws up walls like she’s building a fucking house. Presley Hart will be mine. I’ll make sure of it.

Uncaged Review: There wasn’t a building of
romance in this book, more of a building of love.
This book jumps pretty fast into some hard hitting
sex scenes, but the love between Jett and Presley
is slow building, and the reader will feel many
different emotions when reading, from joy to the
ultimate sadness, from anger to joy, it’s all here.
The story is mesmerizing and very hard to put
down after the halfway mark. Presley has sworn
off falling for rock stars after her past marriage.
But the connection with Jett is not something she
was prepared for.

There will be times you love the characters and
times when you hate them, and you will feel it all
as they fight their way to their HEA. This is a standalone
book, and that’s too bad, I would have liked
to read more about the secondary characters in this
book. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 1/2 Stars

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