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Uncaged Review: Heart’s Insanity by Ellie Masters

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Heart’s Insanity
Ellie Masters
Rock Star Romance

Ash “Blaze” Dean has it all: fame, fortune, and the adoration of screaming fans, but the constant parties and endless string of one-night stands are taking their toll. He wants something real and someone to hold on to. He believes in fate and true love, so when sparks ignite between him and the intelligent and sassy Dr. Summers, Ash is intrigued.

When Skye Summers has no idea who he is, he’s fascinated. When she runs following a little innocent flirting, he’s in full pursuit, because something tells him this woman is worth the chase. He’ll stop at nothing to win the sexy doctor’s heart, even if he has to tell a tiny white lie. But Skye might be too much for even the legendary lead singer of the mega-rock band, Angel Fire, to handle.

Dr. Skye Summers is a survivor. When life knocks her down, she gets right back up. She endured life as a foster-child and now dedicates herself to helping others in need. She faces her challenges head-on but remains haunted by the demons of her past. One thing she knows for certain; she doesn’t believe in love. She’s finished being betrayed and deceived by the men in her life. After years of pain and disappointment, even the irresistible and charming Ash Dean isn’t going to change her mind.

Can Ash get Skye to open her heart, or will he crash and burn in a “Blaze” of glory?

Uncaged Review: Every once in a while, I need a
good rock star romance to rattle the brain fog from
reading a lot. And this one, I’m happy I picked up.
This story is not just a rock star romance, but it’s a
layered, emotional but not so overly emotional that it
keeps the book in a dark place, the author masterfully
weaves a story of the healing power of love. Keep the
tissue boxes close, as you will cry along with Skye
and Forest, and you might want to smack a couple
people around yourself. But beneath it all is a love
story, as fate would have it, as Ash would say.

Jump in, but there are some trigger warnings of
sexual abuse in the pages. The author manages to
bring the light and dark into a good balance for the
book, but you may laugh, cry and cheer on these two
as they navigate their way to their HEA. Reviewed by
Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: Seventeen Wishes by Erica Alexander

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Seventeen Wishes
Erica Alexander
Coming of Age Short

If knowing the truth could leave you more broken than believing the lies, would you still want to know it?

We’ve been friends out entire lives, Lilly and me.
But I have not always being truthful.

There are lies we tell ourselves so we can hold on to hope.
And lies we tell those we love to save them the pain.

There are truths that are too big and too final.
And truths that give us a reason to keep going.

This is where I live. Between the lies and the truths.
Between hope and finality.

This is the place I’ve created for us.
For Lilly and me.

A place without expiration dates.
A place where I can be me and where the promise of tomorrow exists, even if it’s a lie I tell myself.

Our time is limited, so I’ll make the most of it and hope she’ll forgive me for the lies I told us both.

Uncaged Review: This novella captures a ton of
the feels, with two best friends becoming lovers.
But Zac has a secret, his life expectancy is
18 without a donor heart, and he’s 17 and a half.
Lilly has been his one true friend and love all his
life, but exerting himself in any way, can stop his
damaged heart.

This book told a nice story of a few months in
these two people’s lives with an epilogue that
added a bit to the ending. This is an emotional
read and you get a good idea on how much Lilly
means to Zac and how living his life with her and
taking chances, is better than a life without her.
Sweet read. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: A Pirate’s Treasure by Brenna Ash

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

A Pirate’s Treasure
Brenna Ash
Medieval Historical

What happens when a mercenary gets more than he bargains for?

Pirate mercenary Lochlan MacLean loves his life on the sea, yet yearns for lands of his own to call home. He chooses his missions wisely, taking care they don’t go against his strict moral code. But when a deceitful father hires him for a challenging task – kidnapping a woman – he questions himself and his ethics. The spoils in both land and coin will fulfill his dream, and he can’t resist the job or the beautiful lass.

Strong-willed Lady Isobel Willys has always been promised her future is hers to choose until her father betrays her by promising her to a widowed Scottish laird under the guise of a peace treaty between their borderland families. While journeying to visit family, her travel party is set upon by a handsome highlander who she believes is her betrothed too impatient to wait. Soon she finds out everything she’s ever known is a lie and her family’s future is uncertain.

Isobel’s fierce attraction to Lochlan threatens the promised peace for her family. She must make a choice: go against her family’s wishes to live the life she chooses, or lose the man she might be in love with. Lochlan’s desire for Isobel could cost him lands and coin. Can he give up the one thing he’s always wanted for the one thing he never knew he needed?

Uncaged Review: As a mercenary, Lochlan has
only known life as a pirate, although he’s always
longed for a home on land, something that was
not in his future within his poor family. When he’s
promised land and pay for kidnapping a young
lass, he takes the job. But he didn’t count on Isobel.
Isobel is trapped, and forced to be betrothed to a
Scottish laird, since her father is cruel and gambled
away all his fortune, including Isobel’s dowry.
Since she is being defiant, her father arranges the
kidnapping by Lochlan.

I love pirate stories, it’s my favorite sub-genre
under the historical category and this one doesn’t
disappoint. From a storm at sea, to the romance
brewing between Isobel and Lochlan, there wasn’t
too many slow spots in this quick read. Enjoyable
and fun in one sitting. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: Oracle’s Haunt by Shannon Mayer

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Oracle’s Haunt
Shannon Mayer
Urban Fantasy

Hope is a four letter word. Yet, I can’t help but hope that the Oracle will be the answer to what I seek.

But getting to the Oracle is no small thing as she resides in the center of the Blasted lands—toxic waste, lava, and monsters. And as the alpha of our Pride, it’s up to me to act responsibly and not get my people all killed.

Driving us from behind comes the desert goddess whose rage is centered on me, and with her is a new ally, who still holds my heart in his hands. One whose voice calls to me still.

Eyes on the prize, I will push forward, even though hope feels weak and pointless. Along the way, maybe my heart will heal, maybe I’ll bring my brother back from the dead, maybe this will turn out okay after all.

Or maybe I will lose everything, and everyone I hold dear and discover I’m not meant to save anyone.

Hope might spring eternal, but she’s a right bitch as far as I can see.

Uncaged Review: The fourth book in this series is
one jam packed action novel. Zamira needs to get
to the Oracle to get the answers she needs to save
her brother, Maks and end the terror of the Emperor
getting free. During this book, she will gain new
members to her journey, and lose more too. On top of
all that, Zam’s pride breaks apart because of Steve,
and Maks goes into deep sleep so that his body that
Marsum has taken over will not be able to sway Zam.
Zam still holds out the hope that she can find a way to
bring Maks back.

This is a wild ride, and you will need to hang on as
Zam gets herself into some very dangerous situations
and she learns more about the magic within her. This
storyline is so intricately woven that it would be easy
to miss stuff, but it’s a magical and well written story.
I think there are too many “bad guys” in this and too
many are after Zam and very little down time for her
and her group. So block off some time, because once
you start reading this, it’s hard to put it down. Reviewed
by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: Fastening the Grave by L.A. McBride

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Fastening the Grave
L.A. McBride
Paranormal Suspense

Two things are impossible to walk away from: death and vintage clothing. Trust me. I’ve tried.Moving across the country and opening a costume shop was supposed to be my chance for a normal life. What I wanted was a fresh start, one where the biggest danger would be a carelessly wielded sewing needle.

What I got was the ghost of a murdered reporter demanding justice, a power I can’t control, and a new goat shifter BFF hell-bent on trouble.

Now, my hunt for the killer threatens to expose a supernatural community determined to safeguard its secrecy at any cost. My only chance to survive is to embrace the legacy I’ve spent my life running from.

Uncaged Review: This was a decent start to a series,
but it did take a bit to get going. It didn’t grab me
right away, but I kept going and it got a bit better. I
think that our MC, Kali is a bit immature and does a
lot of leaping without a lot of planning. If you keep
going, the book does pick up speed and turns into a
really decent suspense.

Kali can see ghosts ever since her sister was killed in
an accident as a kid. Running away to Kansas City to
be a costume designer was her thinking she could get
away from the past. But when Kali sees a new ghost,
and he wants her to solve his murder, Kali decides the
only way to get rid of him is to solve the case. But
during her investigation, Kali digs up a supernatural
world and finds out that she’s actually a part of it, and
instead of learning more about this world and herself,
she stupidly dives into and keeps digging and ignores
the warnings.

So although this book was a slow starter, and the
main character has some issues, the supporting cast
is strong and the suspense is good once it gets going.
I will go on to the next book to see if we have some
growth from Kali. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: Fire Maidens – Ireland by Anna Lowe

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Fire Maiden – Ireland
Anna Lowe
Fantasy Romance

Inheriting a cottage in Ireland seems like a stroke of pure luck to Grace Connolly — as is a chance meeting with her mysterious (and hot) new neighbor. Soon, Boston’s most up-and-coming harpist finds herself mixing business with pleasure and getting to know Finn Hurley — intimately.

But all is not as it seems with the alluring man from next door, nor in the seaside village of Ballyfianna. Magic, shapeshifters, and legendary pots of gold? The surprises don’t end there — not when Grace’s family secrets come to light. Before she knows it, her mini-adventure — and sizzling romance — become a fight between good and evil. Ruthless enemies are muscling in on Finn’s home turf, and Grace will need more than the luck of the Irish to survive. Does she dare unleash the hidden power within her — a force she’s been warned never to use?

After a decade of military service, dragon shifter Finn Hurley is finally free to track down the elusive beauty he’s secretly loved for years. When he discovers her in his hometown, it seems like destiny is smiling on him. He should have known nothing in life comes easy — especially love.

Because Ballyfianna is no longer the peaceful, sleepy place it once was, and Grace has unwittingly become involved in its troubles. Bitter enemies from beyond its borders are plotting to seize power, while traitors are conspiring within. But they are all mere puppets to an even more treacherous enemy lurking in the background. Can this battle-weary warrior defeat evil and finally find his happy ending?

Uncaged Review: This is a great addition to this
series. I really enjoyed the chemistry between
Finn and Grace, and one of the reasons I love this
series besides the couples, are the way that the
author describes the characters when they are in
their shapeshifter forms. In this book, Grace and
Finn had met as kids, when Finn saved her from
falling off a cliff. Now she’s back in Ireland, inheriting
a small cottage and not knowing exactly
what she’s going to do with the cottage, specially
after meeting a lot of the local people.

There are more layers to this story than meets the
eye, and it’s a got the right amount of action, romance,
danger and suspense all tied together. You
just can’t go wrong with this series. If you like
shifters and romance, then this series is recommended.
Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: The Other Half of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

The Other Half of the Grave
Jeaniene Frost
Paranormal Romance

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Night Huntress series comes a thrilling new look at the iconic origin story of Cat and Bones, as experienced by Bones…from the other half of the grave.

There are two sides to every story–and the sizzling British alpha vampire, Bones, has a lot to say…

Ever wondered what Bones was thinking and feeling when he and half-vampire Cat Crawfield first met? Or how their story might differ if he were the one telling it? Now, relive the beginning of Cat and Bones’ bestselling love story through Bones’ point of view, which reveals a darker, sexier take on their early days, as well as a deeper dive into Bones’ past, the vampire world, and other things that Cat didn’t see when their story was told only through her eyes in Halfway to the Grave.

Cat had her say. Now, it’s Bones’ turn.

Uncaged Review: Like everyone else in the paranormal
romance world, we’ve all read the Night
Huntress novels and when the author announced
this book, it immediately went up on preorder.
Most of this series is from Cat’s point of view
(except for the offshoots), and the author gives us
a treat with this re-write of the first book, Halfway
to the Grave, this time in Bone’s point of view.
And she gives us more background on Bones, and
much more insight into his mind that we never had
before. Even though it’s the same plot as the first
book, it’s also a brand new book.

I think I liked this one better, and I’ll explain. The
original series, just got better and better with each
book. This one already has that accomplished and
then some. If you’re a fan of this series, you will
experience Bones so much more, and will make
you fall in love with him all over again. I would
definitely love to experience more of this world
from Bone’s POV. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: Viscount of Vanity by Tammy Andresen

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Viscount of Vanity
Tammy Andresen
Historical Romance

She’s a woman in need of a dashing rescue…

Miss Gabriella Winston finds herself on the auction block, about to be sold into marriage. That is until a stunning stranger swoops in and saves her. He’s kind and handsome and her relief would be complete if he didn’t propose rules along with marriage…

He’ll need one heir and then they’ll go their separate ways.

It’s a tempting offer but no one in her life has ever really loved her. If she accepts, she’s giving up any hope of ever having her own happily ever after.

He’s broken inside…

The Viscount of Vanity has a secret. He spent his youth fighting a disease he was certain would consume him. Only by the most disciplined of behavior has he overcome his childhood illness, but not the heartache that came with it. No matter how tempting her beauty, he can’t allow his control to slip and fall in love with Gabriella. Losing his heart could mean risking his life. But when she is threatened by the very family that should love her, he can’t help but rush to her rescue. And the discipline that’s always kept his life in order, it’s slowly slipping away.

Uncaged Review: This is another classic from this
series from this author. I have enjoyed this series and
always look forward to reading more. This time out,
Gabriella is being auctioned off to the highest bidder
for marriage by an abusive father. The Viscount, Austin,
pays a good sum and offers Gabriella a safe home
and taken care of, all he requires is an heir.

Gabriella and Austin begin their journey, but Austin’s
sickness as a child has him at a disadvantage, anything
strenuous could make his breathing difficult and
even cause his death.

This is a good story, with both love and danger – and
found myself rooting for this couple. Austin is a
stronger man than he realizes and he will realize that
with the help of the love a woman like Gabriella.
Reviewed by Cyrene

4.5 Stars

Uncaged Review: Mated to the Monster by Sarah Spade

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Mated to the Monster
Sarah Spade
Occult Magic

I really should’ve known better than to play around with that old book of spells…

How was I supposed to know that the incantations scrawled inside of it worked? That the first one I read would open a portal into a demon plane — or that the next one was an unbreakable vow to the seven foot tall shadow monster I unwittingly summoned into my bedroom?

He says his name is Malphas, that he’s something called a Sombra demon, and I’m his mate.

Monster, demon… whatever he is, his muscles are bigger than my head, and that club between his legs… I don’t know if mate means the same thing to him as it does me, but he’s gotta be kidding.

Spoiler alert: he’s not.

Mal has been waiting for more than a thousand years for the one woman meant for him. He’s convinced that’s me, and he’s willing to do anything to prove it. And maybe there’s something really wrong with me because, before long, I find myself eager to let him try…

* Mated to the Monster (~55,000 words) is the first in a monster romance series about the Sombra demons, a race of shadow-based monsters who will do anything to claim their females. Mal and Shannon might come from different worlds, but when it comes to fate, lust, and forever… they might just be a perfect match.

Uncaged Review: Shannon casts a spell from an old
book, and ends up summoning her demon soul mate,
much to her dismay. The author does a good job describing
Malphas, and even getting the reader to believe
he’s pretty hot. This is at times a fun book, and
at times it isn’t. What’s good, is the original concept
of a shadow demon, known as a Sombra, and the way
he can move and become just shadows and become
corporal. What’s not great is the main character of
Shannon. I didn’t like her much until near the end of
the book. She comes off as a snotty spoiled brat in the
first part of the book, and only improves a little by the
end. This does have some erotic scenes, so be aware
that this is an adult only book, but it’s not as hard
hitting as others I’ve read. Overall, the storyline was
good and it was entertaining. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Better Off Dead in Deadwood by Ann Charles

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Better Off Dead in Deadwood
Ann Charles
Ghost Mysteries

One dead body. One century-old haunted opera house. One zombie
musical. One pissed-off detective.

Will Violet “Spooky” Parker keep her tail out of trouble or will she
end up as one of Deadwood’s walking dead?

Uncaged Review: This is a fun series and the
fourth book in the series is as fun as the first
three. There is an overall arc running throughout
the series so far, and it will continue on, but this
wasn’t a book with a cliffhanger, at least not the
typical tear your hair out kind of cliffhangers.
Violet is still trying to get Cornelius to finalize the
hotel sale, she’s still hanging with Doc, she’s getting
in trouble with Cooper, her new boss wants
to use her in an ad campaign, she is still encountering
creepy things and ghosts and she’s still on
the outs with Natalie.

A lot of things are answered in this book, and a
lot more questions are popping up. The humor
and snark is back in force, and it’s a fun way to
spend some time. This book didn’t slow down
and the action scene at the end was creepy and
nail biting. Easily recommended series. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

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