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Uncaged Review: Deadly Pretenses by Angelique Snowden

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Deadly Pretenses
Angelique Snowden
YA Paranormal

Genesis Long and Sebastian Campbell are childhood sweethearts that meet their untimely end in a tragic car accident that occurs on the night of their Senior Prom. But one year later, their spirits continue to haunt their beloved town of Savannah, desperate to be reunited in the afterlife. But is a happy ending all they seek, or does their unfinished business have much deeper, darker roots?

Colette Vaughn is the new girl in town, a Chicago transfer who moves into Genesis’ old house and is thrust into this ghostly universe. Haunted by the undead lovers, she is desperate to unbury the secrets surrounding their deaths, all while trying to prevent herself from falling for Abel Campbell, Sebastian’s mysterious and handsome younger brother.

As the truths are revealed, Colette also discovers an unknown ability that threatens to disrupt both the living…and the dead.

Uncaged Review: There are some really good parts to this book, but some lacking areas also. This is the start of a series, so maybe the plan was not to bog the reader down with too many details, but that’s also a problem with the book – is the back story of this world and the characters is very lax, and at times a bit disjointed. It feels like parts of other ideas/shows etc where all mashed together and this is what we got, and the other bad part, is the ending. Cliffhangers are not good for books, I don’t know why authors think that tossing in a bad cliffhanger will get people to read the next one, but to me, I don’t mind them so much if they wrap up that book’s storyline and let the main arc of the whole series continue on, but when it’s a blatant attempt to make you get the next book, it’s a major turn off to me.

With all that said, this is an interesting premise and even if it’s not knocking my socks off with originality, it’s still a good page turner. I will probably read the next one to see where the author is going, but I’m not going to be biting my fingernails waiting for it. A little more back story about these characters and this world, and I’ll be more apt to be all in. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: The Interludes by JK Duval

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

The Interludes
JK Duval
Erotica

The Interludes, A Sexual Odyssey, is the fun sexy erotic novel for mature audiences. Seven different characters will take you along for almost every conceivable match-up in some seriously sexy locales. From a beach-side cottage along the warm moonlit waters of Jamaica to a shower stall in London’s famed Claridge’s Hotel, across the hills of Tuscany to a magnificent 18 room oceanfront shingle style home on the western shores of Martha’s Vineyard, these are just a few of the places that will spread out before you on this journey of erotic discovery. You may wish to share what’s behind this cover with someone you love and create your own sexual odyssey.

Uncaged Review: Erotica can go different ways for me. It’s either just plain smut with zero character development and not a plot that you can even see – just like a porn movie in a book. This book didn’t do that. There was nice character development – and you wouldn’t think so because each interlude is a short story, but the characters stories continue on in further chapters, so you can read this book two ways. You can stay with the one main character and at the end of the chapter, it will tell you what chapter to forward to if you want to continue with that character. Or you can read it straight through, but all the main characters do come back around.

This is a sexy, fun book and it does have some characters that you can like and get behind. There are what I call, small plots within the story, but this book can be a nice turn on to some people, but if you don’t like the hard hitting sex scenes, than this isn’t for you. But if you do like erotica, and want something a bit different, than this is a nice choice. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: Starlight Seized by China Dennigton

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Starlight Seized
China Dennington
YA SciFi

Two storytellers separated by decades

Could the story of the past be the key to saving the future?

Maris Hall’s name isn’t spoken. Her writings were burned. Her images erased because of the horrendous thing she did. As a third-generation inhabitant of the red desert planet Erimost, Tessa Hall ironically knows precious little about her own family history, despite being the city historian.

When she discovers the journal of her grandmother, the first historian, she slowly comes to realize that the secrets of the past might be the key to saving the present.

It speaks of aliens who feed on stories and devastating famines. Are the contents true or simply the ramblings of a madwoman?

Mysteriously cut off from communication with the home planet decades prior and with a limited supply of the medicine that helps them tolerate the harsh environment, the people of Erimost are in a precarious position. In a race to understand herself and the planet she’s always despised, what secrets will Tessa uncover?

Uncaged Review: As a new colonization on a new planet is threatened by conflict, it could be up to Tessa to discover the secrets that can help save her people and the planet. Being the historian, she begins to unravel the past that has been erased from the books. But is what she’s reading true?

When I read scifi, I have a pretty high bar, and with the science part, this book falls a bit short. But it almost makes up for the lack of scientific knowledge/inventions and details by the characters. The characters are well flushed out and is told through multi-generations of women. I would have liked to know more about the past, and this author has an almost poetic way of writing that is very captivating.
Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: Parish the Thought by H. Max Hiller

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Parish the Thought
H. Max Hiller
Crime/Mystery

Revenge may be a dish best served cold, but this is Louisiana, where everything gets a splash of hot sauce.

Detective Cadillac Holland is called upon to locate Senator Chester Donovan’s missing daughter-in-law. A pool of blood in the trunk of her Mercedes exposes unexplained deaths in a town once described as being a place “where there are more alligators than people, and the alligators are friendlier.” The solution to this mystery lies buried in the town’s sordid history, a story that changes with each telling. Detective Holland must find what is driving an innovative and vengeful killer before he becomes their next victim.

Uncaged Review: Normally I’m not a huge mystery fan, but this book pulls off a twist I never saw coming and it was one of those “what the hell just happened” moments. I’ve never read a book by this author and even though this book is the fifth book in a series, I never felt lost. Holland is a detective that is complex, smart and thinks outside the box. When a missing person case turns into a much more riveting case and Holland must peel back the layers to find the truth before the killer finds him.

This book kept me turning the pages and although it wasn’t the book that made me haul it around all over the place waiting for a chance to read a couple more pages, it kept me coming back and rethinking my suspense genre aversion. A good read with some good twists. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: Her Virtuous Viscount by Scarlett Scott

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Her Virtuous Viscount
Scarlett Scott
Scottish Historical

Jilted by the woman he loved, Tom, Viscount Sidmouth, has decided he will happily remain a bachelor for the rest of his life. He wants nothing to do with affairs of the heart. And he most certainly wants nothing to do with the wild widow next door.

After spending years trapped in a loveless marriage, Hyacinth has returned to London on a mission to experience everything she missed. Balls, parties, flirtations, and assignations—she wants it all. She isn’t about to allow her disapproving neighbor to spoil her fun. She’s living her life one raucous celebration at a time.

Until she inadvertently winds up in the viscount’s garden late one night and he kisses her senseless. There’s something about the handsome, forbidding lord that makes her want to abandon her rules.

And Tom? He’s beginning to think that perhaps the only way to forget about his broken heart is to lose himself in a fling. Why not with the wicked woman who drives him to distraction? It’s not as if he is going to fall in love…

Uncaged Review: This author is fast becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors. All of her books that I’ve read of hers to this point are original, fun and I easily get completely absorbed in the book. This story is one of second chances, and the healing of broken hearts. Tom has always tried to do right by his family and ends up being left by a woman he believed he loved. No more marriage for him.

Hyacinth, now a widow after spending many years in a loveless marriage is not keen to move onto another man. Instead she wants to have the fun she never had a chance to do.

Watching the two of these people heal each other and find their way to love is completely inspiring and engrossing. And now, this is one of my favorite books by this author. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: The Targeted Pawn by Sally Brandle

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

The Targeted Pawn
Sally Brandle
Romantic Suspense

Threats forced her to flee Seattle. Honor binds him to Montana. A second chance at love tethers them together.

Elon Hardy’s romance skills are rusty after a loveless marriage ends, but upon meeting hunky rancher, Rane Calderon, sparks blaze hotter than her welding torch. To support her collegiate sons, she’s determined to acquiesce to the bullheaded, female-phobic boss until her divorce finalizes from her deceitful husband.

A woman Rane trusted ruined his life, and at forty, he won’t be fooled again. Blisteringly mad he’s hired a female bearing a man’s name, he fights attraction for the curvy, determined brunette while thwarting efforts to build a private prison atop his Blackfeet ancestors’ burial ground.

Can Elon and Rane realize love doesn’t have a “best used before date”? If you enjoy smoldering romance, mercenary villains, and rescued animals, you’ll love escaping again to Emma Springs, Montana.

Uncaged Review: This is the third book in the Love Thrives in Emma Springs series, and this is my favorite so far. One thing in common with these books, is that I feel like I’ve been to Montana myself (I have not) because of the beautiful way this author describes the area. In this book, Elon is a divorced woman with an evil ex-husband and kids in college. To keep paying for those hefty college tuitions, she takes a job in Emma Springs as a welder. But when the sparks fly when she meets her boss – Rane, (and not from the welding), they will each have baggage to get through to find their way to each other.

This is a great suspense, full of Blackfoot history, a clean romance and villians you will truly despise. Toss in some rescue animals and I’m all in. This is a series I plan to reread back-to-back when I get some free reading time. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Highland Legend by Kathryn Le Veque

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Highland Legend
Kathryn Le Veque
Medieval Romance
Releases July 27

Victory. Honor. Redemption.

Magnus Stewart, aka “The Eagle” is the bastard son of a duke, and his royal blood has never been anything but a curse. Among the mystique and riches of the legendary fight club Ludus Caledonia, Magnus battles his way to the top.

Lady Diantha de Mora in desperation seeks his help. When Magnus reluctantly comes to her aid, his fate is changed forever in one night. With enemies at every turn, it’ll take muscle and a miracle for them to make it to the Highlands alive. There Magnus can reclaim his destiny, as Diantha reclaims his heart.

Uncaged Review: Magnus is an elite fighter in a legendary fight club, making his way up the ranks after being held a hostage for years as revenge on his father. As the bastard son of a duke, Magnus has been led to believe his father wanted nothing to do with him, and he makes a name for himself.

Diantha, also a hostage of betrayal against her father from the same place, sees Magnus and remembers him. Escaping long enough to find Magnus and beg for his help to get back home to her family. Although, Diantha will not accept any help, she wants to earn her way. Magnus goes against anything he’s ever done before and hires her to take care of his cottage.

This story has many layers, romance, suspense, brutal fights and engrossing characters. How the relationship develops between an experienced alpha male and a very smart but naïve Diantha, and the way all the layers will peel away keep the reader flipping pages. I had not read the first two books in this series, but was never lost or felt like I missed anything. Great addition to this author’s catalog. This author just doesn’t miss. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: Magnar by Mary Morgan

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Magnar
Mary Morgan
Historical Fantasy

Known as the Barbarian, Magnar MacAlpin is a fierce ruler for those under his command. As leader of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland, his loyalty and obedience lies with Scotland. However, the king’s last demand is not something Magnar will tolerate.

After Elspeth Gunn’s brother the Chieftain of Castle Steinn is murdered, she flees with her nephew, and finds safety amongst a band of men who are rumored to be part wolf. When the king forces her to wed a heathen Northman, she fears losing her heart and soul not only to the man, but the beast as well.

In order to restore peace to a shattered clan, Magnar and Elspeth travel a treacherous path that challenges their beliefs. When evil seeks to destroy ancient traditions, will Magnar be compelled to restrain his wolf or allow him free to protect those he loves?

Uncaged Review: Ms. Morgan continues her exceptional writing with this brand new series. I have to admit, I wasn’t really on “team Magnar” in the beginning of this. Or even in the middle. I liked Elspeth from the beginning, but I would have liked to see more conflict in her feelings for Magnar, maybe taking longer to admit to her feelings. By the halfway point, I began to like this couple more and more and how Elspeth challenged Magnar.

If you like action, steamy romance and characters you won’t forget, this is a good book to start. If you’ve never read this author before, she may become one of your favorites. She creates a world that you can imagine as you read, and this book is no different. This is one of those books that grabs a hold of you and before you know it, you are nearing the end, wanting more. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: The Crimson Legacies by De Graff and Glidewell

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

The Crimson Legacies
De Graff & Glidewell
YA Fantasy

On the eve of the blood moon, Eden will fall.

When the King and Queen don’t believe the plea for help from a young boy, Princess Sabina is forced to take action on her own. Venturing into the wastelands, she discovers a vast army unnaturally approaching the fortress.

Lead by the Pale Rider, the wicked creatures of death advance upon the Kingdom of Eden.

Seeing through the eyes of a dying seer, Edwin Frasier is forced to accept his bloodline. The son of the Alpha ranked member in the Royal Guard, he must find a way to work with his blood aversions. It is up to him to save Princess Sabina once Eden has fallen.

Uncaged Review: I liked the start of this series, it’s got a good premise and the prophecy that is told could put an end to their world. Edwin, is a wolf shifter who has controlled his shifting tendencies – and also blood makes him ill. He will need to come to terms with being a shifter and helping Princess Sabina.

This book had some really really good moments, there was also some moments that were a bit drawn out, but that seems to be a tightrope that authors have to walk in the beginning of a series, enough information to keep understanding, or too much/too little. My biggest issue with this book is the cliffhanger. I don’t appreciate cliffhangers, I don’t mind continuation of the series, but wrapping up a book itself and carrying over a main arc is fine, but not when it’s cut off in a bad spot. Other than that, this is a young adult that has a very encouraging beginning. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: I, Angel by JC Andrijeski

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

I, Angel
JC Andrijeski
Fantasy Romance

Some angels don’t get harps. We hunt demons.

I never asked to be an angel. Truthfully, being an angel kinda sucks.

This gig didn’t come with an instruction manual. No one told me about the mess of powers I’d inherit, with no idea how to control. Or that I’d black out when I fly, waking up naked in random places. Or that I could only sleep in windowless rooms.

Or that every time I pick up a weapon, there’s a good chance someone dies.

Oh, and I can’t drink alcohol anymore, since I randomly start fires.

Pretty hard to maintain a social life, given that––much less date.

But I, Dags Jourdain, do good. Sort of. I mean, I try.

When I’m not hunting demons, I work as a P.I. in Hollywood, California.

One night, I get in a demon fight in an alley, and accidentally save the life of a movie star, and everything changes. Meanwhile, someone opened a hell portal under the Hollywood sign, a dead guy left me his dog, and a homicide detective who hates me from high school is trying to decide if I’m a serial killer.

Did I mention being an angel kinda sucks?

Uncaged Review: This is a good start to a series, but it was a bit confusing until the end, where it started to come together, but there was still just as many questions in my mind at the end, as there were in the beginning, just different ones. The world building still needs some attention but I think the author deliberately left us readers in the dark and learned along with Dags. This book does some nice twisting and turning and will throw you off a bit when it doesn’t end up exactly how you think it will. There is a beginning of a romance with Dags and Phoenix, apparently they are fated to be together, but I’ll let the readers find out more about that themselves.

This is a good urban fantasy, and it’s a refreshing change from the vampire/shifter worlds. I did like the way that the characters were introduced and how that came together and adding Steve McQueen was a nice touch, definitely moving on to book two.

4 Stars

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