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Uncaged Review – Throwing Shade by Deborah Wilde

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Throwing Shade
Deborah Wilde
Humorous Fantasy

Middle-aged. Divorced. Hormonally imbalanced. Then she got magic.
Underestimate her. That’ll be fun.

It’s official. Miriam Feldman is killing it in the midlife crisis department. She’s mastered boredom, aced invisibility, and graduated Summa Cum Laude in smiling and playing nice in her post-divorce life.

Then her best friend gets tangled up with some vamps and goes missing. If that’s not scary enough, Miri snaps, and in a cold dark rage, unleashes a rare and powerful shadow magic.

Now, with only a mouthy golem and a grumpy-yet-sexy French wolf shifter to help her navigate this world of hidden magic, she’s in a race against time to rescue her friend and keep her loved ones safe from the skeletons in her past.

Sure, she’s caught in a spiderweb of supernatural power plays, but she’s a librarian, she’s over forty, and she’s definitely done with being sidelined in her own life.

She’s turning her invisibility into strength; they’ll never see her coming.

Uncaged Review: This is a book written as I expect from this author, having read the Nava Katz series, so I was completely prepared for the sense of humor and quite a few grinning moments in this one as well. I did not get as deeply involved with the book as quickly as I did the prior series, but by a bit after the midway point, it was beginning to be a really fun read and hard to put down. I personally like a bit more romance, but I guess it is steering that way, sort of.

Since Miri is just beginning to understand her powers, and is still learning, I’m sure that this series is going to take off in the future installments and I wished I’d started them sooner. But luck will have it, the series is complete, so I won’t have to wait between books. A lot of action, a lot of originality, and some good supporting characters, and a main character who is not in her 20s. Win win. Reviewed by Cyrene


4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Oranges for Miranda by Annette Bower

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Oranges for Miranda
Annette Bower
Contemporary Romance

Miranda Porter, an award-winning businesswoman, leaves home to transition into retirement. Always in control, this is her time to have fun without plans and responsibilities. Enter Renato Monteiro, a considerate Portuguese tour guide with secrets. Miranda isn’t looking for a long-term relationship. Could her senses be finding love in this unlikely place? Can a vacation romance survive the distance?

Renato Monteiro has decisions to make. Stay in his birth country where his female relatives want him to marry a young woman who can give him children. Or does he return to his second home, where he has a purpose and has built a life without children? The day Miranda and he bumped heads changes his perspective and his pursuit. Now he must decide which is most important: the family he was born into or the family he chooses.

Uncaged Review: This is a story that starts a bit slowly, the author pulls the reader in slowly and before long, it becomes a book that has the reader’s full attention without realizing when it happened. I like the idea that both of our main characters are not in their 20s, but a middle aged couple that have to navigate both a cultural difference and their families. Miranda handing over the reins of the business to her very capable adult kids and vacationing in Portugal brings more than Miranda ever hoped for.

This isn’t the first book I’ve read from this author, and she’s able to describe the places and people so well, that you feel like you’re actually there. I wouldn’t be surprised if one day someone talked about Portugal and I would know what they were talking about! I have a habit of looking at images from different countries and areas described in books that I’m reading for better being able to picture it as I go along, and with this author, it was spot on. A nice, sweet romance that will warm your soul and the title is perfect, except I’m not telling. Reviewed by Cyrene


5 Stars

Uncaged Review: Unbranded by Linda Bradley

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Unbranded
Linda Bradley
Western Romance

Threatened by the unexpected, a devoted rancher refuses to compromise her ambition or her legacy.

CHLOE MCINTYRE is determined to become the co-CEO of her grandfather’s Montana ranch, but her father isn’t ready to become partners—yet.

Jaded memories of her parents’ shotgun wedding gone wrong cloud her attraction for best friend Matt Cooper when she discovers she’s pregnant—with his baby. Chloe believes raising a child isn’t in her genes, and she doesn’t expect a marriage proposal. She keeps her condition a secret to hold her position on the ranch and continue what she does best: wrangling strays and working alongside hired hands.

After her father announces his first choice for co-CEO, a wild ride jeopardizes the pregnancy, and Chloe questions life choices. Will the cowgirl grit she has inherited from her grandmother be enough to rein in her disappointment, or will she walk away from everything that could flourish into love?

Uncaged Review: This book is the start of a spinoff
series from the Montana Bound series and picks
up with Chloe now an adult and an integral part of
the ranch working as ranch hand right alongside the
wranglers. The first chapter throws a curve ball right
away when Chloe finds out she’s pregnant. Trying to
keep it a secret long enough to get the coveted role of
co-CEO to her father for the ranch.

There were a lot of times that I didn’t like Chloe
much. She was a bit overly independent and wants
a say in everything, is quite bossy and at times a bit
rude. She was very immature and stubborn, and not
always in a good way. I did see growth from her by
the end, and she finally was someone I enjoyed reading
about. As a lifetime horse owner and rider, there
was one thing that was a bit off for me, like being in
a saddle and wrapping her hand in the mane before
going faster, something that I have never done unless
riding bareback and even then very seldom. Riding a
horse is primarily moving with balance and legs.

This ended on a good note, but I can also tell it’s not
the end of Chloe’s story, and it will be fun to read
more of her journey. You can start out reading this
book without reading the previous series, but if you
want to get the full experience of these characters,
start with Maggie’s Way. Reviewed by Cyrene

4.5 Stars

Uncaged Review: Her Undercover Cowboy by Kathleen Lawless

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Her Undercover Cowboy
Kathleen Lawless
Western Romance

Mixing business and pleasure never felt so good.

As long as Montana doesn’t find out why Steele is really at her ranch, and who hired him to be there, he can make himself indispensable to the beautiful widow and her expansion plans. 

Montana’s ambitions for her property don’t include letting her new know-it-all foreman, Steele, take the reins, even though he looks mighty capable of showing her how blissful it can be to surrender control—in and out of the bedroom. 

When her investment is threatened, Montana stands to lose everything she’s worked for, leading to the truth about why Steele is really there.  

How can he convince her he’s truly on her side and that the heat between them is more than a diversion?

Uncaged Review: This western romance jumps
pretty quickly into some steamy sex scenes, and I
know that is not in the blurb, so be warned if that’s
not your thing.

Montana is ambitious, in that she wants to get her
Black Creek Resort and Spa to be up and running
alongside the Black Creek Ranch. Montana’s ex
mother-in-law fires the latest ranch manager, and
hires Steele Hardt, unknown to Montana, he is working
undercover for the investors as Montana is already
over budget on her extravagant spa. But the
two’s chemistry is off the charts and they will have to
navigate all the hidden truths to make anything work
between them and get the resort up and running.

I thought this was a good read, with enough intrigue
to keep it moving along and I definitely would enjoy
more from this author. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: Chocolate Raspberry Magic by Tena Stetler

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Chocolate Raspberry Magic
Tena Stetler
Fantasy Short Romance

Prim and proper Trinity Shilo is the assistant manager for Salem’s Wildlife Sanctuary. She hasn’t had much luck in the boyfriend department, but the new employee Paul is different. Deep and brooding she sees something special hidden below the surface. Besides she has secrets of her own. Paul Thorp is a wounded Special Forces veteran now working in security and computer support. He’s fought hard to keep his demons in check and for the first time feels he is ready for a real relationship. When a fire breaks out at Puffin Cove Rescue they are called in to help with the recovery and ice cream social fundraiser. Sometimes things are not what they seem, and neither are people. When magic is unleashed will what they learn bring them closer together or push them apart?

Uncaged Review: Very seldom do I find a shorter
novella style story to be such a complete and fun
story. This story centers around the animal rescue
of Puffin Cove where they reach out after a disastrous
fire breaks out and Salem and Lobster Cove
answer the call to help. After securing the animals
and assessing the damage, the ladies whom we
have met in previous books, Hidden Gypsy Magic
and A Witch’s Journey, decide that a fundraiser
is due. And if animal rescue isn’t enough, there
is a wonderful romance brewing between Trinity
and Paul. Paul is a veteran, who has episodes of
PTSD, but is making great progress at the Salem
Rescue. When they are all called out to help, they
find a way to pick up the pieces, and help out
while finding their love for each other.

Personally, I am a volunteer member of a rescue,
and when you toss in the magic of the cabin, and
the people with the animals, with a nice love
story, I’m all in. The magic in this book is subtle
and although not the focus and overbearing, but
nicely tied in to make it believable and it was fun
to come back to the characters (and the cabin)
from previous books. It felt like a warm familiar
blanket on a cold day. And let’s not forget Misfit,
Ashes and Licorice. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: A Duke for Miss Townbridge by Sophie Barnes

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

A Duke for Miss Townbridge
Sophie Barnes
Historical Romance

She threatens to conquer his heart…

When Matthew Donovan, Duke of Brunswick, proposes to Sarah Townsbridge, she’s shocked. After all, she’s never met him before. One thing is clear though – he obviously needs help. So after turning him down, she decides to get to know him better, and finds out she’s right. But fixing a broken man is not the same as adopting a puppy. Least of all when the man in question has no desire to be saved.

Matthew has his mind set on Sarah. Kind and energetic, she’ll make an excellent mother. Best of all, her reclusiveness is sure to make her accept the sort of marriage he has in mind – one where they live apart. The only problem is, to convince her, they must spend time together. And the more they do, the more he risks falling prey to the one emotion he knows he must avoid at all cost: love.

Uncaged Review: A very nicely written romance
with Sarah and Matthew. I liked Sarah a lot more
than Matthew, but I think I would have understood
Matthew better had I more of his background and
the reasons that made him who he was. Matthew
is intent on never falling in love, and is not all that
likable in the majority of the book. I did come to
like him, but I never loved him.

This story is a nice original in the market of historical
romances. This was a bit of fun to watch these
two battle their way to their HEA, but they manage
to get there, even with a few fun moments. I would
have liked to see the character of Matthew flushed
out a bit more, but overall, this was a nice romance
and I look forward to more. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: Seduced by a Prince by Tanya Anne Crosby

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Seduced by a Prince
Tanya Anne Crosby
Historical Romance

Merrick Welbourne never anticipated discovering a long-lost twin—particularly one who’d rob him and leave him for dead on the road. Now living his brother’s aristocratic life, he has new trials, tribulations… and temptations, not the least being Chloe Simon, a woman of rare mettle, proud heart, and unprecedented beauty. But she’s no easy mark for a perceived highwayman.

Chloe Simon knew Lord Lindale was definitely not himself. After encountering the masked highwayman Hawk left for dead, he seemed… somehow different. Maybe more approachable? Infinitely more… desirable. Entirely too irresistible. In a stolen moment of startling intimacy, he makes her feel like titled nobility. But she was only ever a doctor’s daughter, with every reason to steer clear of his very kissable lips.

Uncaged Review: This is the first book I’ve read
from this author (how is that possible?) and I’m sure
it won’t be the last. This is a charming story that reminded
me a bit of the Man in the Iron Mask, where
twin brothers are separated as infants, not for the
same reasons, but each not knowing that they have a
brother. The opening scene will give you a good look
into how Fiona had to choose, but not the why. In the
next chapter, the boys are now men and it goes from
there. This is the story of one of the twins, Merrick.
Ian’s book is the second in the series.

There is a danger, romance, and some heartwarming
moments and there is a few heated sex scenes. But
this is story of love and forgiveness and truly finding
out who your true self is. Nicely written and looking
forward to more by this author. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

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

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