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Uncaged Review – Duke of Decadence by Tammy Andresen

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Duke of Decadence
Tammy Andresen
Historical Regency

The Duke of Decadence has a secret…

Well, to be honest, Bash has several. His father, the Demon Duke, might have been the cruelest man in all of England. Bash hates his own title, the very one he inherited and all the trappings that come with it. And most secret of all, he hopes never to marry and carry on that family legacy. Which is downright scandalous for a duke to even think.

Miss Isabella Carrington is trying not to be seen…

When a young lady of a certain age sneaks into a gaming hell, dressed as a man, she doesn’t wish to be discovered. While her and her sisters need the money, and she could win with her ability to count cards, it would be best if no one discovered she was there. With no male protector and no financial means, this high-stakes game of cards was their last hope.

But of course, the shrewd Duke of Decadence learns all of it in the course of a single evening. And when he comes to her with a proposition…work at the Den of Sins in exchange for his protection and her sisters’ launch into society, she isn’t certain how she can refuse. But Isabella doesn’t want to accept either. The man is everything she hates with his lavish life and decadent ways.

And worse still, he manages to steal her breath each and every time they meet…


Uncaged Review: The ninth book in this series
brings us the story of Bash and Isabella. This book
has Isabella trying to disguise herself to be able to
gamble at a gaming hell, to get money for her and her
sisters, but Bash sees through her charade and offers
her a job at the gaming hell, Den of Sins in exchange
for his protection. Isabella can’t see a way out of it,
but Bash is everything she despises, so theirs is more
of a hate-to-love romance.

This is a great addition to this series and Bash and Isabella’s
story is sometimes intriguing and sometimes
humorous with likeable characters. Even characters
that you can see will be featured in a future addition
to the series, and some from the past are making
their appearances. A good story and a heartwarming
epilogue. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – The Somewhere I See You Again by Nancy Thorne

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

The Somewhere I See You Again
Nancy Thorne
YA Historical Fiction

Hannah will resort to anything to save her mother’s life. Including blackmail. Even if the target is the former boyfriend of her goody-goody best friend, Stacy.

Except, he just moved to the West Coast, and now it’s up to Hannah to convince Stacy to hitchhike with her cross-country to confront him.

It’s 1971. Change is happening. And Hannah’s understanding of the world is about to be tested by those she encounters along the way, including a gorgeous draft dodger.

Someone is about to face a deathly experience. But it’s not Hannah’s mother.

Uncaged Review: This book is set in the early 70s,
and around the time of the Vietnam war. This story
is an intricately woven coming of age story that will
capture the crazy and over the top emotions of young
women as they hitchhike across the country. The
adventures and the people that they meet along the
way keeps this book a true page turner, and the author
magically transports you into the story.

This is a story that’s hard to put down, and will have
you thinking about it long after you set it down. As a
child of the 70’s myself, it was easy for me to picture
the world as I saw it within the pages. Even though
this is a fictional story, it very well could have been
an experience in a real life. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Crimson at Cape May by Randy Overbeck

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Crimson at Cape May
Randy Overbeck
Paranormal Mystery

No matter how far you run, you can never really escape a haunted past.

Darrell Henshaw—teacher, coach and paranormal sensitive—learned this lesson the hard way. Now, with his job gone and few options, he heads for Cape May to coach a summer football camp. The resort town, with gorgeous beaches, rich history and famous Victorian mansions, might be just the getaway he needs.

Only, no one told him Cape May is the most haunted seaport on the East Coast.

When a resident ghost, the Haunted Bride, stalks Darrell, begging for help, he can’t refuse and joins forces with Cassie, another sensitive. As Darrell and the street-wise teen investigate the bride’s death, they uncover something far more sinister than a murder.

Can Darrell and Cassie expose those behind the crimes before they end up becoming the next victims?

Uncaged Review: This is the second book that we
meet up with Darrell Henshaw, but in my opinion, a
reader could jump in to this book without reading the
first one and not be lost. Reading the first one would
enhance this book because of all that happened and the
characters, but it’s not required to enjoy this one.
This is not the genre I normally read in, but the author
did a great job yanking me into the story and I always
love a paranormal twist, in this case – ghosts that
need help. This time around, they could be digging
their own grave in finding the answers and the criminals.

This book has a great pace along with the great
dialog. There isn’t a lot of fat in this book or anything
that will throw you out of the story. With some good
twists, this book kept surprising me. Mystery lovers
who are looking for something just a bit different, will
enjoy this book. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 1/2 Stars

Uncaged Review – Storm & Shelter by Various

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Storm and Shelter
Various
Regency Anthology

When a storm blows off the North Sea and slams into the village of Fenwick on Sea, the villagers prepare for the inevitable: shipwreck, flood, land slips, and stranded travelers. The Queen’s Barque Inn quickly fills with the injured, the devious, and the lonely—lords, ladies, and simple folk; spies, pirates, and smugglers all trapped together. Intrigue crackles through the village, and passion lights up the hotel.

One storm, eight authors, eight heartwarming novellas.

Uncaged Review: This is a really nice anthology
for those that like the regency era, and it’s a very
original idea and writing compared to anthologies
I’ve read in the past. Normally there is a theme,
and the authors write their own independent story
as their contribution. Although this is also true
here, this one also centers around one storm with
the stranded travelers in one Inn, and the intrigue
and matchmaking that follows.

I’ve read booksfrom several of the authors and there was a couple
that were new to me also, all of the books flowed
seamlessly with their plot and there was not any
gaping holes in the plots from author to author.
Each one’s descriptions just built on the others.
I enjoyed all the stories in this group and it was
surprising to see characters from one story make a
brief appearance in another.

The authors did a great job pulling me into this
story, and if this Inn wasn’t fictional, I’d be in line
to visit. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Angel’s Roar by Shayne Silvers

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Angel’s Roar
Shayne Silvers
Urban Fantasy

Callie Penrose – a wizard with a splash of Angel’s blood flowing through her veins—kind of broke the Vatican and their band of Holy-warrior, wizard-priests, the Shepherds. Officially, the report stated Callie forgot to turn the other cheek, and things escalated…

She returns home to Kansas City to find new gangs of supernaturals roving the streets, preying on the innocent while the local factions do nothing. Although not unified, everyone seems to agree on one point…

Callie Penrose must die.

And she’s still hearing those strange Whispers in her mind—much more frequently than before, and not nearly as…forgiving.

But when an epic betrayal blindsides her and she discovers the truth of her birth—why Heaven and Hell have been so interested in her—Callie’s world begins to crumble, and she must decide whether she wants to be a good girl…

Or if it’s time to be a little naughty.

No matter how hard you try, you can’t make an Angel cry…

They just roar.

Uncaged Review:

The more books I read in this series, I feel that Shayne Silvers is getting a good handle on the character of Callie, and in this book, we find out more about Callie’s past and parentage, and see her coming into her power. Nate does show up in a minor supporting role, but it’s always fun to see these two series intertwine. I’ve stuck to reading these in order, but I am skipping the Phantom Queen Diaries, within the Templeverse, I gave them a try, but they just didn’t click with me.

The Feather and Fire series with Callie has a much stronger religious undertones than the Nate Temple books. In this book, finding and stopping the new gangs of bad supernaturals on the streets, mixed with the Templars, Fallen Angels and Angels – mix in a polar bear, witch and a sphinx, and in Silver’s worlds, it’s a hot mess. But you’ll definitely want to pay attention to this one, lots of truths revealed under an intricately written plot with action and humor. Get ready to stay up late.

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Surviving Crazy by Frank Crimi

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Surviving Crazy
Frank Crimi
Apocalyptic Humor

After a gigantic solar storm plunges the world into the dark ages, a cast of borderline crazy characters find themselves stranded at a remote mountain diner. Cut off from the rest of the electricity-deprived world, the group, whose grip on sanity is tenuous, and whose coping skills leave much to be desired, are forced to rely on each other with laughingly absurd results. As their situation rapidly deteriorates, the distant town of Jericho becomes their only hope for survival. Only the road to Jericho is fraught with peril that only the bravest of them may survive. Worse, Jericho may not be the safe haven they desperately seek. How will they survive this new bizarre and frightening world where everyone’s a nut in a place that’s getting nuttier by the day is anyone’s guess.

Uncaged Review:

This is one of those books that can go a couple ways, people are going to absolutely think it’s hilarious or the book will get on their nerves. Personally, I sit in the middle of those two scenerios. On one hand, there were times that I laughed out loud at some of the antics and characters. Other times I was wondering what the heck is going on in this author’s mind. Granted, this is the first time I’ve read anything this funny for a dystopian book, and it was a fun relief although small sub plots or stories sort of threw me out of the story a bit, and felt a bit disjointed. The humor style will not be to everyone’s liking.

All in all, this is a fun book, and if you want something to read that is a bit lighter and give you a break from heavier fare, this may be a good choice.

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Shimmer by Sharon Ashwood

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Shimmer
Sharon Ashwood
Fantasy Romance

Three wishes, two warriors, one chance at redemption

Fae martial artist Alana Beech demands justice when her teammate dies during a rigged fight, but no one cares. Injured and alone, Alana is forced to accept a last-chance job at a curiosity shop. There she finds a magic lamp—and a spark of hope—in a box of abandoned junk.

Ronan is a dragon prince imprisoned during the destruction of the fae homeland. He’s the genie bound to the lamp and forced to grant three wishes to every comer. As handsome as he is hazardous, Ronan joins Alana’s search for answers.

While their alliance turns passionate, Alana’s quest reveals a mystery that goes far beyond murder. The lamp is a lethal weapon, and Ronan’s enemies are on the hunt. Alana will do anything to guard her lover’s back, but sometimes a warrior’s courage—like the genie’s wishes—carries an unexpected price.

Uncaged Review: This is a fun premise for a
book, and the characters are likeable. Alana is a
cage fighter, trying to make a living and just barely
squeaking by. When her partner/teammate is killed
in a rigged fight, Alana is alone and forced to take
a crap job to pay the bills as the injuries she has
prevents her from fighting and she doesn’t have a
lot of magical blood. But she comes across a lamp
only to find a real genie inside ready to grant her
three wishes.

Ronan is a dragon prince, who was imprisoned in
the lamp, and has spent centuries granting wishes
and corrupting the people that use them. When he
comes across Alana, she gives him hope for breaking
the curse.

I would have liked better world building, but the
character development was good and the there
were a couple of good twists at the end. I wanted
to tell Alana a few tips at times, but she got there
in the end.

4 Stars

Feature Author – Ken Harris

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

As seen in the January/February issue of Uncaged Book Reviews

Welcome to Uncaged! Could you tell readers more about The Pine Barrens Stratagem that releases in January?

I think an early review I received said it best: “A contemporary crime thriller that works on every level, from the smoldering investigation to the whipsaw banter between characters you’re bound to love.”

This book is my tribute to the 1970’s private eye, investigative television shows I grew up watching with my father. I rediscovered my love of The Rockford Files by binging the show shortly after I retired. A few episodes in, I knew my three-year battle with writer’s block was over and I could craft a humorous, fast-paced entertaining PI novel with a hard-nosed sarcastic protagonist, but set in current times. And what is more current than the pandemic? If you read this book, you’ll come for the engaging story but stay for the dialogue and relatable characters.

You are retired FBI, did your experience help with writing this crime thriller?

My 32 years with the FBI provided me with a background and knowledge of proper procedurals, if that makes sense, to write a griping crime thriller. The FBI, itself, plays a very minor role in The Pine Barrens Stratagem. I find it more enjoyable to write about a small two-person detective agency than a large bureaucratic machine. Its more personable and compelling. People have asked why I don’t write an FBI-thriller and that’s an easy answer. There are way too many people writing about the FBI and I don’t need to add to it. I’ve got other, more entertaining stories to tell. Besides, what fun is it, if you know everything about the subject matter?

Read the rest of the interview in the issue of Uncaged Book Reviews below

Ken Harris retired from the FBI, after thirty-two years, as a cybersecurity executive. With over three decades writing intelligence products for senior Government officials, Ken provides unique perspectives on the conventional fast-paced crime thriller. While this is his first traditionally published novel, he previously self-published two novellas and two novels. He spends days with his wife Nicolita, and two Labradors, Shady and Chalupa Batman. Evenings are spent cheering on Philadelphia sports. Ken firmly believes Pink Floyd, Irish whiskey and a Montecristo cigar are the only muses necessary. He is a native of New Jersey and currently resides in Northern Virginia.
“THE PINE BARRENS STRATAGEM: From the Case Files of Steve Rockfish” publishes on January 27, 2022
“SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY: From the Case Files of Steve Rockfish 2” publishes on July 14, 2022

kenharrisfiction.com

The Pine Barrens Stratagem
Ken Harris
Crime/Thriller
Releases Jan. 27

Private Investigator Steve Rockfish needs cash, like yesterday. The bad news is that yesterday, a global pandemic raged, and Maryland was headed toward a lockdown that would ultimately lead to cheating spouses no longer “working late,” and hence a lack of new clients.

Rockfish’s luck changes when a Hollywood producer reaches out, but the job is two states away and involves digging up information on a child trafficking ring from the 1940s. What he uncovers will be used to support the launch of a true crime docuseries. He grabs a mask, hand sanitizer and heads for South Jersey.

On-site, Rockfish meets Jawnie McGee, the great granddaughter of a local policeman gone missing while investigating the original crimes. As the duo uncover more clues, they learn the same criminal alliance has reformed to use the pandemic as a conduit to defraud the Federal Government of that sweet, sweet, stimulus money.

It’s not long before the investigation turns up some key intel on a myriad of illicit activity over the last eighty years and Rockfish rockets toward a showdown with the mafia, local archdiocese and dirty cops. COVID-19 isn’t the only threat to his health.

Excerpt

Rockfish sat in the Scion’s passenger seat while Jawnie drove. He wasn’t thrilled with the decision, but she was adamant that some of the dirt roads, deep within the Pine Barrens, were no place for a Dodge Challenger. Plus, she didn’t feel like playing navigator. In the end, Rockfish decided not to put up much of a fight, considering Jawnie was more than a little familiar with where they were headed, although he had second thoughts with the four cases of whiplash he had suffered before even reaching the highway.
“Do you drive with two feet,” he asked. “Because my head can’t keep jerking forward and slamming back much more. Unless you’re running an insurance scam, and if so, what would be my take?”

“Enough with the backseat driving, and can you put your visor back up? That late afternoon glare off the mirror is killing me.”

“Make a deal with you. You drive how you want. I’ll keep an eye on our surroundings the way I want. Speaking of which, can you move this right-side passenger mirror a little more to the right, all I’m seeing is the rear fender.”

Read the rest of the excerpt in the link below

Uncaged Review – Phoenix’s Refrain by Ella Summers

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Phoenix’s Refrain
Ella Summers
Dark Fantasy

There are forces greater than gods or demons at work here.

Leda Pandora, the Angel of Chaos, isn’t like other angels. She fights dirty, in ways totally unbecoming of a soldier in the Legion of Angels. She cracks jokes at the other angels, even when she should really keep her mouth shut. And she stubbornly insists on doing the right thing, even if it’s totally against the rules.

Leda’s chaotic ways have helped her win many battles, but she’s going to need more than a healthy dose of chaos this time. Powerful forces have their eyes trained on her unborn child, a magical miracle who might just become the most powerful weapon ever conceived.

To secure her daughter’s future, Leda will need to unravel schemes and unlock secrets buried deep in the past. Because ignorance is not bliss when deities play the game.

Uncaged Review: Leda and Nero’s child is on the
way, and targeted by not only by Leda’s parents,
Grace and Faris for a weapon, but also the Guardians
who have been kidnapping supernaturals to use for
power. In this book we learn more about the past lives
of Grace and her sisters, and of Tessa, Gin and Zane,
Leda’s family and how they all became the adoptive
children of Callie. This world is so intricate and well
thought out down to the last detail that you may want
to read this book (or parts of it) twice to get to all
the details. The plot comes together nicely and even
though the main arc in the story is ongoing, the books
will not leave the reader on a cliffhanger.

Leda and Nero are stronger than ever, and the secondary
characters are back in force. The humor adds
levity and the action sequences had me on the edge
of my seat. Highly recommended series. Reviewed by
Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Loved by a Dangerous Duke by Collette Cameron

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Loved by a Dangerous Duke
Collette Cameron
Historical Regency

Is she desperate enough to marry a man she loathes? Sadly, yes…

He always has his way…
Stanford is aware of his nickname, The Dangerous Duke—and it suits him just fine. Inheriting a bankrupt dukedom and rebuilding it taught him just how useless niceties were. Except now, he’s ready to choose a duchess, and the only one he deems suitable (and enticing) enough despises him. Perhaps he should reconsider the value of niceties…

She’s a most reluctant bride…
Ophelia Breckensole knows what she wants, and it is not Stanford. But fate plays into his hand when she finds herself unwittingly compromised. Now, she must wed or face ruination—and Stanford is only too pleased to help. So, she’ll marry him, but she won’t love him. Or so she keeps telling herself…

But Stanford and Ophelia have much more to overcome on their path to happily ever after than his austere nature and her vow to never love her husband. Stanford’s enemies are determined to make him pay for his past, and they’re willing to use Ophelia to do it. Can this fragile union survive such an onslaught?

Uncaged Review: This is a sweet romance that is a
nice addition to this series. Ophelia has turned down
the Duke of Ashford’s proposal for marriage and he
deserved it. Used to getting what he wants, Stanford
will have to change his game to win over Ophelia.
Ophelia is stubborn and sassy, he’s got his work cut
out for him. But he’s going to find out that marrying
her was not yet a mark in the win column. The gypsy
caravan coming into town was a great touch.

I really enjoyed this romance, although I saw a couple
similarities to a different book, like the alphabetical
names, how the staff was lined up on the stairs when
the Duke arrived home – but one thing I did learn is
about these balls in the regency era, and how they
start later in the evening and go until the wee hours
of the morning, sometimes ending in breakfast. It
always fun to learn new tidbits. Overall, I liked the
story, I think the personalities shifted a little quickly
for both main characters, and I never really saw how
Stanford got his moniker of the “Dangerous Duke,”
but it’s a nice and easy feel-good read for an afternoon
and we sure can use that these days.Reviewed by
Cyrene

4 Stars

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