Saturday, April 19, 2025
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Uncaged Review – Beneath Deception by A.L. Long

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Beneath Deception
A.L. Long
Romantic Suspense

Everyone has a story and for Xavier London, he preferred to keep his hidden. As ruthless as he was, he still had morals and those morals included betraying the one man who saved his life. He never thought that meeting one woman could change everything. 

Tessa Sands never knew the truth about her life, nor did she ever question it. The only life she knew was the one she was taught, disciplined by the man who raised and groomed her to be only his. But, when another man entered her life, she slowly begins to discover that she had been deceived from the start.

Can she find true love or will his secrets get in the way?

Their love for each other will be tested. Only they can determine if love will win. 

Uncaged Review: In this book, we have the ultimate playboy Xavier – whom I didn’t really like at all. The way he treated women was stereo-typical bad boy, love ‘em and leave ‘em, lucky if he remembers their name. He somewhat redeems himself in this book after he meets Tessa, who is being brutalized and abused by a powerful man who is also Xavier’s “boss.”

There was a lot of twists and turns, and the chemistry between Xavier and Tessa was the glue that held this together. There was a bit of a disconnect for me with the book, as there seemed to be too many things that weren’t explained, or left me with even more questions. There were also some lost opportunities with the abuse of Tessa that wasn’t all that realistic. But at the end of the book, I did enjoy the story and would definitely recommend this book to romantic suspense lovers. Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – The Lost and the Chosen by Ivy Asher

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

The Lost and the Chosen
Ivy Asher
Paranormal Romance

My name is Vinna, and I’ve been keeping a lot of secrets.

You would too if you’d experienced some of the weird shit I have: red-eyed monsters chasing me, markings on my body appearing out of nowhere, a strange power that crackles colorfully over my skin from time to time, and don’t get me started on the weapons I can conjure up almost out of nowhere.

Lucky for me, I have yet to meet someone whose ass I couldn’t kick, inside the ring or out. I put that to the test when I run headfirst into a fight that brings all my secrets, and reality as I know it, crashing down around me.

Now, I’m looking for answers and trying to piece together what the hell is going on. Paranormal is my new way of life. It’s not going to be easy, and I’m not exactly welcome.

That is, until I meet the boys, and trust me, they are anything but boyish.

I’m up against elders who think I’m too powerful, a family who views me as a threat, and something lurking in the shadows that’s been coming for me my whole life.

There’s not a chance in hell I’m going down without a fight. I’m not lost anymore, and I’m about to show this world exactly what I can do.

Uncaged Review: This book is touted as a reverse harem, so I was wondering what I was getting myself into, but I was pleasantly surprised. The series could be leading up to being a “more sexy” series, but it’s not overwhelming at all – but you can start to see the build up in this book with the Chosen.

I was hooked. From Vinna to the boys, it’s a good supporting cast – and each character definitely has their own voice – so it’s hard to decide which you like better. The action is non-stop, it does end at a minor cliffhanger – nothing heartwrenching, but there are already three books out in the series. The world building is excellent. The mystery of Vinna and the answers are surprising – specially the reveal at the end – but also left a lot of questions which I look forward to reading. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Oracle by Carissa Andrews

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Oracle
Carissa Andrews
Fantasy

Even the most powerful psychic in the world has her blind spots. 

For the past two-thousand and some odd years, Diana Hawthorne has always been able to see the past, present, and future with near perfect accuracy. Her only blind spot has been herself. The first twenty years of her existence is a complete blank and she doesn’t know why. 

Then she met Blake Wilson. 

Not only is he another blind spot—he’s also a Private Investigator hired to disprove her abilities in order to protect some missing girls they were both tasked with finding. With her psychic gifts on the fritz whenever Blake’s around, everything Diana’s fighting for starts to unravel. 

And worst of all, it’s leading her to the one thing she’s always wanted: the key to her past. 

Can Diana get over her deficiencies and show Blake how gifted she really is? Or will she let the callings of her ancient past cloud her judgment and derail her mission?  

Either way, lives hang in the balance. 

Uncaged Review: This book grabbed a hold of me right away – it’s original, suspenseful and fun. Diana is immortal and can see the past, present and future. She has never met a person that she couldn’t “read” until a private investigator comes along looking for her help. For some reason, Diana finds Blake as her blind spot. This book clicks along well, and the supporting cast is just as fun, the characters all interact very well with some great laugh out loud moments. The author does a great job bringing unique voices to each character.

When Diana and Blake try to break up a child trafficking ring which will lead them to Italy – and Diana and Blake may find out more than they ever thought. The only part that I thought was too perfect was the ending and how everything snapped into place so easily. But it’s easy to root for these characters and I’m looking forward to the next book. Reviewed by Cyrene

4.5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Wylde by S.C. Mitchell

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Wylde
S.C. Mitchell
SciFi

Forced to undergo experimental procedures that grafted wolf DNA into his own and then given super healing powers, Jonathan Wylde wants nothing to do with civilization, preferring instead to run with his wolf pack. A reluctant member of the Xi Force super team, he keeps to himself unless his talents are needed.

Dove Locklear returns home after spending exciting and adventurous weeks with the Xi Force super team, and reconnecting with her childhood friend, John Wylde. But danger lurks in her father’s genetics lab. An agent of Red Guard, with nefarious plans, whisks her away at gunpoint to a secret Russian facility.

When his closest friend, Dove Locklear, is kidnapped, Wylde needs to learn to work with his team if he wants to save her. He knows where they took her, and the danger she’s in. He’ll do whatever it takes to rescue to her, even if that means confronting the man who created him: his father.

Uncaged Review: Third book in the XI Force series but can be read as a standalone. I was hoping this character got his own book. As I found him interesting before when he was briefly mentioned in a previous book. Without spoiling a lot of the story, Wylde is half human with wolf DNA who also has superpowers. Just like a comic or superhero movie. Minding his own business and trying to live his life off the grid. He gets caught up in a whole lot of trouble when some old friends turn up. I really like the author’s use of comics and such in this book and the mention of the superheroes. I’m hoping this won’t be the end of this series or I will be very sad. Reviewed by Jennifer

5 Stars

Uncaged Review – Ginger Storm by J.P. Rice

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Ginger Storm
J.P. Rice
Urban Fantasy

A monster lurks inside me. I can barely control the beast.

I was born without innate magical ability. One fateful day, the Morrigan showed me how to steal pure and black magic through blood rituals. Now that I’m filled with deadly magic, I struggle to deal with the darkness.

My powers also make me a prime target for jealous Gods and the stupid magic councils.

But when an enchanted relic that has haunted me for most of my life goes missing in my old stomping grounds, I shove fear aside and return to the city where everyone wants me dead.

To find Lugh’s Spear, I’ll need to team up with former enemies and figure out which one of my allies is lying to me.

With several powerful enemies closing in on me, I could leave town and take the easy way out.

Unfortunately for them, I never take the easy way out. I plan to find Lugh’s Spear and return it to the Celtic Gods.

One big problem. My black magic blood can turn me into a violent maniac at the drop of a hat. If I can control my inner darkness, I know I can solve the mystery.

Uncaged Review: This is a good urban fantasy, but it took me awhile to get really invested in it. I didn’t connect with Junipher right away – but she’s a strong lead and this is a beginning to a series that I believe will get better and better. There is a lot going on, so you need to stay alert. What I thought was pretty cool is that all the pantheons are represented in this series. Celtic, Greek and Norse Gods are in attendance. Although I’m not a huge fan of first person narratives, the author does a pretty good job with this one, and I never felt I was missing a whole lot.

I think this is a book that readers need to push past the beginning and keep going, it does pick up speed and become a good page turner.
Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Playing Jasper by Ginger Ring

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Playing Jasper
Ginger Ring
Mafia Romance

I love to play the game.

Love them and leave them.

Then I met my match, Jackie Smith, and everything changed.

She’s a reporter, and I’m a made man. It’s a disaster waiting to happen. It doesn’t matter that she could shatter my life and all I’ve worked for…I want her.

Underneath her sweet, caring exterior, she’s hiding pain from her past, and yearning for revenge. I can leverage this to my advantage. I can demand her loyalty, her unconditional love.

It’s the same game, with a bit of a twist.

The only problem is…she might be playing me.

Uncaged Review: This is a book I was truly looking forward to reading, especially after meeting Jasper in Destroying Dominic. Jasper is a smooth ladies man, love ‘em and leave ‘em kind of guy. But don’t be fooled by his great looks – he’s just as dangerous as the rest of them, maybe even more so. Enter Jackie, an ex-reporter looking to find the people that killed her parents, so as you read, you never know if she’s just setting up the family – at times you think she is – or if the family is using her. Nothing goes on in Roman’s town that he doesn’t know about, I learned that fast in these books, so I doubt Jackie is as secretive as she thinks or as innocent.

But Jasper is smitten, and the book is romantic and dangerous at the same time. There several twists that happen that I didn’t expect – and the mafia part of the book is back and deadly, even more so than in the last book.
How do you reconcile loving characters that part of a mob? Even though it’s dangerous, these guys and ladies have hearts of gold, and nothing is safer than being in the “family.”

And as I personally live very close to the city in which this book is based in, there have always been talks and rumors about the mafia in this area. So even though this is fiction, it’s not out of the scope of realism for the real world. The author also integrates real life places, such as a historic winery that is close by. A highly recommended series. Reviewed by Cyrene

5 Stars

Uncaged Review- The Hitman’s Mistake by Sally Brandle

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

The Hitman’s Mistake
Sally Brandle
Romantic Suspense

After Miranda Whitley stops crooked cops from assassinating a prominent Seattle judge, she’s next on the hit list, and her survival depends on the buff FBI Agent she’s had one awkward encounter with. But can she find him in time?

The last person Grant Morley expects to discover on his annual supply run to a Montana mountain hermit is alluring Miranda Whitley, nearly dead from a bullet wound in her side. An accidental witness or the cold-blooded accomplice to would-be assassins?

Miranda must convince Grant of her innocence, evade the killers intent on preventing her testimony, and fight her unwanted attraction for the agent…an attraction which seems to be mutual. Fortunately, love thrives in Emma Springs. If you love sizzling chemistry, Montana’s mountain landscape, and fast-paced action, then you’ll love Sally Brandle’s galloping thriller, The Hitman’s Mistake.

Uncaged Review: After Miranda witnesses her friend and judge’s attempted murder, she has to disappear as her life is in danger. Miranda barely gets out of town in time, and goes to a dude ranch in Montana to hide out. When out for a trail ride with the guests, she falls behind and is shot at – they’ve already found her. A FBI agent she had met before, saves her and slowly she opens up to him.

This is a nicely paced suspense, with enough danger to keep you turning the pages with a sweet, clean romance that builds slowly. Secondary characters are well thought out, including my favorite, the mule, Red. He’s a hero in this book and Ms. Brandle can bring him over to my farm any day.
Reviewed by Cyrene

4 Stars

Uncaged Review – Chasing the Cheetah by Bella Shaw

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Chasing the Cheetah
Bella Shaw
Shifter Romance

The mate call only comes once in a shifter’s life, if ever. Will Sarai be able to overcome her past in order to answer?

Cheetah shapeshifter Sarai Hartell just wants to escape the aftermath of an abusive relationship by letting her claws out in the heart of Africa. But while abroad, the trip is soon cut short by her own questionable actions. When Sarai’s home is set on fire- with her inside- fate may have finally come to back to bite her.

Conclave Enforcer and lion shifter Ari Easton is in Katonah Valley on a tracking mission when he stumbles upon an unconscious she-cat outside of a burning house. His inner feline is quick to notice the delectable female, but the presence of his lion sends her into a panic. Though his nose tells him she’s heard the mate call, too, he knows this quarry won’t be caught until she’s ready. Thankfully, Ari is a patient hunter.

**This is a stand alone novella within the Primal Mates universe. HEA and no cliffhangers guaranteed! This series contains explicit sexual content, so reader beware.**

Uncaged Review: What a fantastic novella, a little on the longer side of novellas at around 120 pages, but this book is a fast moving story, that ensnare readers within the first few pages. What I really liked about this story is that the author keeps her shifters in character very well. Even when in human form, the shifters have a deep connection to their inner beast and are truly two halves of a whole, they are not mainly human with the ability to shift, they are both beast and human, equally.

Since this is a shorter book, I won’t get into the plot here, but both main characters and the supporting cast are easy to like, and I’m looking forward to reading more in this series. Reviewed by Cyrene

4.5 Stars

Review Bloggers Call

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

Would you like a space in Uncaged Book Reviews each month for more exposure for your book review blog? Uncaged is opening 2 slots for new review blogs. The only requirement is that you submit 4 books per month from your blog for your space in the magazine. A great way to get more exposure for your reviews and authors! Uncaged Book Reviews receives 30,000-50,000 views per month and the issue remains uploaded and readable for up to 2 years!

Bloggers also will receive a small footer rotating ad under “Friends of Uncaged.” The website consistently hits 40K views per month and that number doubles in the summer with the Raven Awards.

Email me at [email protected] for more information.

Uncaged Review – The Smuggler’s Escape by Barbara Monajem

By
Cyrene Olson
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0

The Smuggler’s Escape
Barbara Monajem
Historical Regency

After escaping the guillotine in her native France, aristocrat Noelle de Vallon takes refuge with her aunt in Sussex. Feisty, resourceful, and determined to make her own way, she takes over the local smuggling operations, doubling their profits. But when their plans are betrayed, a man from her past steps out of the shadows to save her. Too bad he’s the last man on earth she ever wanted to see again.

Years ago, Richard, Lord Boltwood’s, plan to marry Noelle was foiled when his ruthless father shipped him to the Continent to work in espionage. But with the old man at death’s door, Richard returns to England with one final mission: to catch a spy. And Noelle is the prime suspect.

Noelle is determined to finish the smuggling run and escape back to France. She needs Richard’s help to do it, but how can she ever trust the man who abandoned her? And how can Richard catch the real culprit while protecting the woman who stole his heart and won’t forgive him for breaking hers?

Uncaged Review: Smugglers, spies, action, humor, love…what else do you need in a book? I liked this story, it hooked me in pretty quickly – Noelle is a stubborn, passionate, feisty heroine that grew on me, although there are a few moments in the book I wanted to shake some sense into her. As for Richard, I liked him immediately. This book has plenty of action and danger that will keep a reader turning the pages. My biggest gripe if I really have one, is the book is a bit longer and it drags out a bit in spots, but it does recover from those slow spots fast enough and go where it needs to go.

Readers will fall in love with Richard’s snark and Noelle’s enterprising independence. This author has a great way of spinning a very original tale. Recommended Reviewed by Cyrene

4.5 Stars

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