Monday, November 18, 2024
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Uncaged Review: Shadows & Surrender by Deborah Wilde

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Shadows & Surrender
Deborah Wilde
Urban Fantasy

Ash wanted a career filled with challenging mysteries.

She should have specified she didn’t mean her family.

When a murder scene reveals a connection to Ash’s father who abandoned her when she was thirteen, she’s stunned. He may be the key to stopping Chariot from achieving immortality.

The catch? He could be hiding anywhere in the world.

To make matters worse, Levi, Ash’s romantic entanglement and brand-new boss, has his first official case for her: helping his ex-girlfriend, a.k.a. Ash’s childhood tormentor.

No one ever said adulting was easy.

As secrets multiply and alliances get deadlier, Ash’s investigation takes her back into Hedon and into her own past. Cracking this case could reunite her family… or cost her everyone she holds dear.

Actual ghosts have nothing on the ghosts of her past.

Uncaged Review: The third book in this series is definitely ramping up the storyline with some twists and turns that I did not expect. I think this is the best book in the series so far, but for the ending. I won’t give anything away, but the ending was uncool, and out of character. The world is coming into more clarity and the characters in this series are more and more defined in who they are. Levi and Ash are navigating their relationship while still finding their way professionally.

This series should not be read as standalones as the reader wouldn’t get the full series arc and would probably be a bit lost. I would recommend starting at the beginning. If this book’s ending had been better, it would have been my favorite of the series so far. The action is non-stop and the snark and witty remarks is a lot of fun. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: Death & Desire by Deborah Wilde

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Death & Desire
Deborah Wilde
Urban Fantasy

Angel of Death.

Black market magic.

When you’re Ashira Cohen, smart is the new kickass.

When Ash is hired to solve her first murder, it seems like a perfectly normal, open-and-shut case of family feuds and bad blood. Until Ash discovers an evil magical artifact and her lead suspect is of the winged, white-robed, celestial variety. As if that weren’t bad enough, if she can’t find the perpetrator quickly, fourteen vials of lethal, ghostly magic will be sold to the highest bidder.

Her quest to figure out her Jezebel powers and find the shadowy organization responsible for stripping teens of their magic isn’t going any smoother, either. Can’t a girl just pursue her dream career without getting caught up in a mysterious destiny or playing a dangerous Sherlock-Moriarty game with her annoyingly hot nemesis?

But when Ash accidentally crosses the cunning and deadly Queen of Hearts, ruler of the magic black market, all those cases may go unresolved.

Permanently.

With the clock ticking, it’ll take all of Ash’s intelligence to survive with her moral center–and her head–intact. The game is afoot and failure is not an option.

Uncaged Review: Ash is coming to terms with her Jezebel magic, and to being the Private Investigator she’s always dreamed of. When she gets a hold of a magical artifact during a case, it’s siren song is hard to resist. On top of all of that, her deal with the Queen of Hedon to get the vials of smudge back is becoming more and more twisted.

This book has this story coming along nicely, and the romance between Ash and Levi continues to slowly climb in intensity. This author is known for her snarky bad-ass characters and Ashira is no shrinking violet, but the author doesn’t make the character over the top and hard to like, Ash is definitely a character that grabs hold of the reader. Along with the mish mash of a supporting cast, this series is one to cozy up to and be ready for a fun ride. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: The Summoning by Linda Nightingale

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

The Summoning
Linda Nightingale
Fantasy Romance

Heather Morique is a witch–problem is she doesn’t know it. Her husband Jahill was a refugee from an obscure branch of the Arawak Indians. After his death, mysterious whispers lure her to his home in Jamaica. Soon, she finds herself in a web of secrets, lies and illusions.
Jahill’s people worship Eyrael, the God of Wind and Sea, and his brother Sofiel, the God of Fire and Earth. The new Shaman has pitted brother against brother, and these two powerful spirits are at war to become the tribe’s ruling deity.
When Heather unwittingly summons Eyrael, she is embroiled in this dangerous game.
The irresistible chemistry between these two unlikely soul mates is more disturbing than the long-buried secrets.

Uncaged Review: Heather is distraught from losing her son and her husband in an accident. Also having learned that her husband was not the man she thought he was – she goes to the ocean, trying to find a way to end the whispers in her mind and the constant pain of grief. In her agony, she summons a god, Eyrael – who then saves her from drowning. The scenes in this book are epic, the author takes you right to Jamaica, and the characters are well developed.

This is a shorter book, about novella length, and the author does a great job in the space. There is so much more to this story and I can’t give it away, but if you like books with witches, gods, demons and shifters with a soul mate destined romance, then you will enjoy this book. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: Second Chance Marquess by Jessica Jefferson

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Second Chance Marquess
Jessica Jefferson
Historical Regency

A beautifully told Regency tale about second chances for love….

When Wilhelmina Turner’s younger sister runs off with a young Lothario, she has no choice but to turn to the notorious rake who broke his promise and her heart, for assistance. George Bartlett, the Marquess of Chesterton, hasn’t forgotten the woman who hurt him so many years ago, but can’t deny her request, knowing that his brother’s reputation and fortune is at risk. A series of misfortunes leave the straight-laced widow and committed bachelor stranded, sharing both close quarters and old secrets. But when morning comes, will this unlikely pair find a second chance at love?

Uncaged Review: This is a nice second chance at love story that was nicely entertaining. Research could have been better – for instance, when they are going to have to ride one of the horses back to an inn after a carriage accident, Willie remarks on how large the horse is – thinking it had to be at least 14 hands – a very LARGE beast. Well, 14 hands is a pony. Horse’s height begin at 14.2 and would definitely not warrant 2 people riding it back to an inn. But I let that go. I did like the characters, when they go after their siblings who are running off together, Willie and George both are doing the same thing that happened to them years ago, so I would have thought they would have recognized the same controlling nature in themselves, but it took a long time for them to awaken to that issue.

All in all, it’s a nice regency with a touch of humor, but it seemed like it wrapped up pretty rushed at the end, but all in all, it was a fun interlude. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: Undercover Magic by Linsey Hall

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Undercover Magic
Linsey Hall
Urban Fantasy

I’ve got two choices. Join the Undercover Protectorate. Or die.

In a world of controlled magic, I’m an Unknown. Deadly power, little control. I’m only alive because I pay a Blood Sorcerer to keep me hidden. But when he comes to collect on the debt I can’t pay, one of his goons slams me with a deadly curse. Suddenly, I’m out of options and out of time.

When I’m given a rare chance to join the elite Undercover Protectorate and train at their academy to become an investigator, I have a way to hunt the cure for the curse. They have resources I don’t. Easy, since I’m broke.

Seems like a good plan, right? At least, until they tell me Cade will be joining me on my hunt for the Blood Sorcerer. He’s an actual Celtic war god–and the hottest guy I’ve ever seen. The catch? I can’t let him know that I’m an Unknown, or I’m out on my ass and deader than Hades.

Uncaged Review: This author is a prolific author, and follows a formula for most of her books, and it works. Again, we are seeing a spin-off series from The Dragon’s Gift World and Magic Bend is back here also, although it’s not the primary focus here. This series follows two sisters, Bree and Ana whose magic is considered “Unknown,” but I have an inkling what it may be – I’ll see if I’m right as we go. Bree’s love interest here is Cade, a very powerful earth walking god. The slices of mythology is woven into this book and the character development is off to a good beginning. As with most of this author’s works, each book you will peel back layers of the characters and learn more and more. I saw the growth in the sisters as the book went on and am looking forward to more. This book is full of action, strong characters with a bit of sass and some fun magic that kept me up reading a bit too late. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: Magnolia Mystic by Lisa Kessler

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Magnolia Mystic
Lisa Kessler
Fantasy

Skye Olson is a psychic like her mother, and her grandmother before her, but a bad break up with the man she thought was her soulmate has left her confidence in her abilities shaken. While she’s in crisis, a real estate tycoon from Atlanta swoops in with his eyes on her shop.

Colton Hayes spent his mortal life plundering royal ships with his pirate crew, but one holy relic changed everything. Now he and the rest of the crew protect the port of Savannah from their captain who traded his cutlass for a fountain pen.

When Colton discovers the captain wants to build a hotel in the heart of historic Savannah, he sets out to stop him, but nothing could prepare him for the sexy smile and violet eyes of the Magnolia Mystic.

Uncaged Review: This novella is such a fun book. I have a soft spot for anything with pirates, and this one takes it on a little different than most, and it was a nice read. I don’t know why this is sitting in the sub-genre of Occult/Horror – it’s a big misrepresentation of the book, and may be deterring readers. But this is a good introduction and starter to a series. Colton is part of the immortal crew of pirates that drank from the Holy Grail cup. Now faced with immortality until recently when an old tale from a witch came true and Colton met Skye, the lady with the violet eyes. Now it seems the immortality is wearing off and someone has stolen the cup.

The characters are well thought out, even in this shorter book. This book focuses on Colton and Skye as the beginning, and I’m sure we will learn more about the rest of the group as this series progresses, although each book is marketed as a standalone. I’m ready to run up the rat lines myself. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: Sexy Scott by Cecelia Mecca & Julie Johnstone

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Sexy Scot
Mecca & Johnstone
Time Travel/Historical

A modern man, a medieval woman. Fate brought them together, but will history tear them apart?

When his older brother disappears before his eyes, Greyson McCaim is determined to find him—even if he has to travel back in time. Because it turns out their “crazy” father was right: their mother didn’t leave them willingly. She’s a time traveler, and someone pulled her back to her original home in medieval Scotland. Now Rhys is there too while the other McCaim brothers are stuck in modern-day New Orleans. They keep reciting the chant that sent Rhys back, and it finally works—but only for Greyson. Miserably unprepared for medieval life, he is saved by fate’s choice to dump him at the feet of the uncle he never knew he had. The two set off to learn what happened to Greyson’s mother and brother, but their mission is derailed when they encounter an earl’s daughter in need of help.



Marian is sent from the only home she’s ever known to marry a stranger—a Scottish noble with a poor reputation. But her fear of the unknown is soon replaced by a completely different terror when her traveling party is viciously attacked by reivers. The Scot who saves her is unlike anyone she’s ever met—his accent is strange, his words stranger, and he’s completely oblivious to etiquette. And yet this man awakens something in her, as does her newfound freedom from her father. 



Greyson’s secret opens a whole new world for Marian, and her love makes him a stronger man. But Greyson’s family is at the center of a conspiracy that promises to change Scotland forever, and from the perspective of history, he knows it doesn’t turn out well. Can Greyson and Marian possibly find a happy ending?

Uncaged Review: We start out in modern times, with 3 brothers trying to find out if their older brother Rhys, and their mother actually time traveled to ancient Scotland. As they try to figure out the chant and the wording, Greyson suddenly chants it exactly as his brother Rhys did and poof – he’s gone. Which leaves the other 2 brothers scampering to find out what happened. Then our story stays in Scotland.

This is a fun time travel book, and I didn’t read the first one in the series, but this stands well on its own and catches you up easily. Fate would have it that he would land right in the path of his Uncle Ross. And when his uncle agrees to help him find his brother and his mother who disappeared 5 years ago, they happen upon a group attacked by reivers – or ancient time bandits. And Grey meets Marian…
I won’t give any clues, but the characters are well developed and it’s funny to hear Grey try to talk in an old brogue way, and fail miserably. What I really like about this, is that the writing team is so cohesive, I have no idea where one ended and the other begins. There is drama, some action, romance and a nicely developed plot and world. I’m planning on going back and reading the first book to learn the story of Rhys. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: Death at Peony House by Krista Walsh

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Death at Peony House
Krista Walsh
Paranormal Suspense

Sorceress and journalist Daphne Heartstone heads to Peony House, the city’s abandoned hospital, in search of a headline, but what she discovers is a dead body and a clue to a hundred-and-fifty-year-old cold case. Detective Hunter Avery, the man Daphne loved and lost, warns her away from the case, but the ghosts of Peony House have demanded her help, and her job is on the line if she doesn’t have a story on her editor’s desk for Saturday’s edition. Daphne has worked hard to escape her past of dark magic and blind ambition, but as she walks the balance between light and dark, she’ll learn how many promises she’s willing to break to protect the people she loves.

Uncaged Review: This is the first in a series and in the wide arc, it’s about 6 people of different magical abilities, that pooled together and escaped a magical sealed room alive. This first book starts us out with sorceress Daphne, and we learn of her descent into a dark world, and clawing her way out to change her life to the better. As a journalist, she discovers a murder of a young man, a runaway that lives on the streets trying to find a place to rest in the old Peony House, a house that was a hospital and is now abandoned – or so people think. When Daphne realizes the place is swarming with ghosts in anguish, she tries to find a way to help them – without managing to go into the dark side again and to try not to get in the way of the police, especially Hunter Avery, her former flame.

This book has just about everything I like in a book. The suspense, the twists and turns, the action, and even a smidgeon of romance, this book hits all the marks for me. The odd cast of characters are spot on and well developed and the originality is on cue. This book borders on paranormal, occult and horror – but not severely in any direction – and it’s a great page turner. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review: Lost and Found by Maggie Clare

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Lost and Found
Maggie Clare
Romantic Suspense

Dr. Lissa Morgan has had a crush on her best friend’s older brother since they were kids, but handsome, brooding Cam Taylor has never given her a second glance. When Cam unexpectedly shows up on Lissa’s doorstep bleeding and bruised, his personal life in shambles, things between them take a steamy turn.

After an incredible weekend with the sweet, sexy doctor, Cam realizes what he’s been missing. But he’s run from intimacy his whole life, sure he doesn’t deserve a woman like Lissa. He’s doing her a favor by walking away – or so he tells himself.

Frustrated and hurt by Cam’s distance, Lissa has no choice but to rely on his private security firm when an annoying admirer turns threatening. The more time Cam spends with Lissa, the faster his defenses crumble. When the disturbed stalker finally makes his move, Cam will do whatever it takes to save the woman who’s helped heal his wounded soul.

Uncaged Review: This is the third book in a series, and I hadn’t read the first two, but I really didn’t need to. These work well as a standalone, although I did notice characters that were featured in the first two books that make an appearance here, and I will definitely go back and pick up the other two. I’m not a huge suspense reader, but this book hit all the sweet spots. Lissa lost her parents at a young age and was taken in by Dani and Cam’s family. Cam was older, and already off to college when Lissa moved in, and although they knew each other, they didn’t hang out together much, but Dani was Lissa’s sister in every way except blood.

When this book throws the two of them back together, Cam will see Lissa as an accomplished adult, a doctor in an ER that works brutal hours. This book is packed with action, danger, violence, suspense with a few twists I didn’t see coming, romance and love and loyalty from Cam’s amazing team. Romantic suspense lovers will enjoy this one. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review: Hollywood Heartbreaker by Alexa Aston

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Hollywood Heartbreaker
Alexa Aston
Romantic Comedy

From internationally bestselling romance author Alexa Aston comes a stunning new Contemporary Romance series. Book One in the exciting Hollywood Name Game series has arrived. Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Being late to an interview lands her the biggest job opportunity of her life.

He may be rich and successful—but he’s just this side of miserable.

Can a wannabe be The One for the biggest star in Hollywood?

Cassie Carroll came to Hollywood with big dreams that never materialized. Acting isn’t even on the back burner anymore—it’s completely off the stove. Working for a third-rate agent, Cassie hopes to land a new job that will give her credibility, as well as help pay the rent. Late to her interview, she swerves to avoid hitting a dog—and totals the car of Hollywood’s leading action superstar. Surprisingly, she walks away from their encounter with a job—as the sexiest man alive’s personal assistant.

Rhett Corrigan is bored with the movies he makes and the drop-dead gorgeous model he’s dating. He’s afraid that Hollywood has typecast him—and that he’ll never be able to break out of his action mold and try new acting challenges.
When Cassie Carroll literally slams into his life, she brings a breath of fresh air and common sense to his world. She pushes him to be a better actor and a better man.

Can these friends become lovers—and can their love survive—in a tabloid-happy town that thrives on rumors and backstabbing?

Uncaged Review: I love a good romantic comedy, it’s the one contemporary sub-genre that I can really get into. I read this book in one day. It was impossible to put down. I knew this author as a historical romance author, but she really hit it out of the part with this Cinderella story. I laughed, cried and cheered the main characters on throughout this story and I’m glad I read this during the day as this would have kept me up way too late. She gives us Hollywood stars that are down to Earth and likeable. There is some action, some grief, some maddening moments, some laughter and romance. It’s a great formula and the author makes you feel a part of the story. This is the first book I’ve read from this author, but I’m definitely on board with the author and this series. Great read. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars


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