Otterly in Love by Lorelei M. Hart and Aria Grace

Title: Otterly in Love

Author: Lorelei M. Hart and Aria Grace

Series: #3 in The River's Edge Shifters series

Genre: M/M Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Surrendered Press (November 21, 2020)

Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating: ☕☕☕

Synopsis: An M/M MPreg Shifter Romance

Sometimes the past holds your future...

Omega otter shifter Doc loved his adopted son and wanted to protect him from his past. But when the boy's past flings itself at him in the form of a series of letters, Doce is faced with the heart wrenching decision of either ripping open old wounds or keeping unforgivable secrets from the child.

Rabbit shifter Levi hates his life as Alpha of his Colony. Put there by birthright and held there by his past, he has no choice: If he leaves, they will kill his one true mate. Rabbits were brutal like that.

When the colony is all abuzz with word of a stranger in town, Levi doesn't expect an otter and he certainly doesn't expect the man to be the bearer of both the worst and the best news of his life: His mate was gone and he had a son. And he most definitely doesn't expect to have his rabbit announcing the man as his mate. 

Otterly In Love is a sweet with knotty heat M/M shifter mpreg romance featuring an otter shifter looking out for his son, a rabbit shifter who fears he isn't strong enough to fix the wrongs of his path, an evil sheriff who won't stay gone, a boy who in some ways has more to teach him, true fated love, and an adorable little baby. This is the third book in the River's Edge Shifters series brought to you by the co-writing team of Lorelei M. Hart and Aria Grace and can be read as a stand-alone.

(Synopsis courtesy of GoodReads)

My Thoughts: I was really looking forward to getting to know Doc more and although this was his story it left me wanting more.

The Good, The Bad, and Everything Else: So, about the synopsis.... for the most part it is exactly what this book is about, but that last paragraph isn't quite accurate. The evil sheriff is taken care of in book 2 and although it's been 4 days since I finished this book, I'm pretty sure I am remembering this book correctly. Also, the "adorable little baby"...not sure which baby this is in reference to. I believe August and Jase's baby is in the book and she is adorable, but she isn't in a lot of the scenes as at least half the book takes place at the rabbit Colony and not in River's Edge. There is another baby, but I believe doesn't make an appearance until the very end. One more complaint about the last paragraph of the synopsis and then I'll move on....it says it is the 3rd book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. I'm terrible about reading things in order and my GR friends could attest to this. I often pick something up based on what I get approved at NetGalley. I'll pick something up based on what my library has available at the time. I'll even pick something up based on the shiny cover. However, I really think in order for Doc's story (and Xander's as well) to be fully appreciated the first book in the series should be read before this one, at the very least. Book 2 is almost an independent book within the series as the characters in that story don't make an appearance in book 3 but more about that later.

While I did enjoy this book, I was sad that Leo and Ron (from Feline the Love) weren't in this book. I really liked those characters. Also, I know Doc was older, but I don't recall how much older (I'm actually thinkin it never said) and for some reason this bugged me. I like an age gap romance but like to know what ages I'm working with LOL. 

With the background story of Xander being heartbreaking and intense from the first book I was disappointed that part of that story was concluded off page, happening sometime after book 1 ended and book 3 started (but not mentioned in book 2 at all.) I know that is quite vague, but I don't want to include any spoilers for anyone who may want to read the series.

As far as Levi and Doc go, I really wanted more from their story. On one hand it was a really good story, but I think the page count limited the development of a believable love story. As with most fated mate tropes the "I Love You's" happened quickly and in shifter romances sex usually means love. Too bad I'm not a shifter and can't appreciate this type of relationship. Hello insta-love. <insert should shrug here>. 

In a Nutshell: I am definitely moving on to book 4 although I'm not sure who will find their true love as there weren't any new shifters introduced except 3 bunny adults (new adult age so not viable for relationship status in my mind), a handful of rabbit Colony asshats (only good for evil mastermind status), and Mama (a widowed lion shifter who played a major role in helping Levi leave the Colony....loved her by the way.) I guess I'll have to wait until I can pick up book #4, Canine Love You after I finish up my current reads.

Feline the Love by Lorelei M. Hart and Aria Grace

Title: Feline the Love

Author: Lorelei M. Hart and Aria Grace

Series: #2 in the River's Edge Shifters series

Genre: M/M Paranormal Romance

Publisher:  Surrendered Press (August 6, 2020)

Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating: ☕☕☕☕

Synopsis: An M/M MPreg Shifter Romance

Sometimes love arrives with a purr...

Omega cat shifter Leo needs to get out of city life. He’s sick of people trying to rescue him when he shifts. He’s no domesticated animal—he’s a cat shifter descended from lions for goodness sakes. If only he hadn’t been saddled with a recessive gene that made him the least fierce of his clan...and sent him running to the big city.

A city he now loathed.

It seemed that a move to the country was in order.

Alpha human Ron loves his job as the Deputy of Riverview Township, even with his annoying boss, but he needs more out of life than just his career. If only he had figured that out sooner, back when he still turned a few heads. Now he was just The Deputy and no one looked at him as a potential anything.

Ron’s life is turned completely upside down when Leo moves to town, taking over a fixer upper that was barely standing. There’s just something about Leo that has him wanting to both protect and help him.

Feline the Love is a sweet with knotty heat M/M shifter mpreg romance featuring a cat who finds more in Riverview Township than just a new home, a human who discovers there is an entire world he never knew about, a real estate bargain that very much isn’t one, two men who finally find their place in the world, true fated love, and an adorable little baby. This is the second book in the River’s Edge Shifters series brought to you by the co-writing team of Lorelei M. Hart and Aria Grace and can be read as a stand-alone.

My Thoughts: I very much enjoyed this book and both heroes so much.

The Good, The Bad, and Everything Else: Another instance of me not doing great on doing my reviews this year so I never did one on book 1 in this series. In this series we have short paranormal books with unconventional shifters set in the Omegaverse. In the first book there was a bunny shifter. In this book we have tabby cat. 

Leo is one of our heroes. A tabby cat shifter who purchased a rundown property in the small town of River's Edge. I adored Ron (not a fan of the names of the heroes in this book especially after the first book's heroes Jase and August.) He's an adorable deputy who loves his job. The romance was really good. Although the series really relies on more of a fated mate trope, we did get to see them fall in love by them spending time together a little while before they fell into bed. The sexy times were spicy but not overly so. The humor of the story made me laugh. Multiple times someone suggested the tabby should be neutered. As the tabby was Leo, it made me laugh quite a bit.

In a Nutshell: A short book but well written. I liked this one as much, if not a little more, than the first. I'll definitely read the next book in the series.

Baby from Frost by Ashe Moon

 

Title: Baby from Frost

Author: Ashe Moon

Series: #3 in the Dragon Firefighters Series

Genre: M/M Historical Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Ashe Moon (September 14, 2021)

Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating: ☕☕☕☕

Synopsis: Fleeing from his dangerous dragon family, half-human omega Raka finds himself unable to control his desires for Delos, the winsome ice dragon alpha he hired to escort him across the frozen sea. But falling in love was never part of the escape plan. To protect them both, Raka vanishes from the flaming wreckage of their ship, leaving Delos behind with a broken heart—not knowing he's carrying the alpha's child.

After seven years, Delos’s icy heart shows no sign of thawing. On an away mission for his dragon flight brothers, he unexpectedly finds the omega he can’t forget. His resentment is matched only by his enduring need for Raka, but the omega is in hiding, unable to leave his library sanctuary. It’s clear they can’t have a second chance together—but then there’s Raka’s son, the boisterous little boy who looks so much like Delos. The child needs an alpha to teach him how to be an ice dragon—can Delos open his heart and become the daddy he was meant to be?


Baby From Frost is the third book in the Dragon Firefighters mpreg series. It expands on characters and the story introduced in the previous books, and while it can be enjoyed as a standalone it’s recommended you read the others first. This book features ice dragons, second chances, a secret child, an industrial fantasy setting, pregnancy and dragon eggs, toddlers, family moments, friendship and loyalty, love in a library (shhh!), light drama, and, as always, a happily ever after.

My Thoughts: Another good installation to the Dragon Firefighter series.

The Good, The Bad, and Everything Else: I've been remiss in my review writing, so I haven't reviewed books 1 and 2 in this series so here's a bit of thought about the series in general. It's written is if they are historical romances but there are very little clues as to the timeframe. There are no modern vehicles (cars, planes, etc.), the fighting of the fires is very primitive (buckets being hauled), and dragons are common. The series is set firmly in the Omegaverse and to my knowledge thus far in the series, dragons are the only shifters in this world. The dragons have classifications based on their elemental affinity. Altair and Rainor (from books 1 and 2 respectively) are both Fire Dragons. Delos is an Ice Dragon.

With that said I've really enjoyed this world Ashe Moon has created. I like the idea of a hodgepodge of dragons creating a family (called a dragon flight.) They, of course, are more openminded than most and have expanded their circle to include human mates and they don't feel Omegas are less of a person than someone else. This theme of Omegas being lesser than, let's say, an Alpha is a common occurrence within the Omegaverse no matter who is writing the book (at least in my experiences with the sub-genre.)

As far as this book goes, I've wondered what Delos's deal was. Brooding, self-isolated, more interested in Alchemy than personal interactions are what makes up Delos. Now we find out why. Raka was the deal. I like a brooding hero for sure and Delos fit the bill. I wish there was a more substantial reason Raka was in hiding. Unless the conflict is carried over from this book to the next the entire reason Raka couldn't be with Delos to begin with was a moot point. Nothing happened with that storyline. The romance was sweet, and the sex was spicy (library sex anyone?) I wish the relationship had more oomph though. As I mentioned since the entire reason Raka and Delos couldn't be together was not substantiated within this book there was no conflict or added intensity other than what was in Raka's head making me a bit miffed because Delos suffered alone for 7 years for no reason.

I really like Shen (a Thunder Dragon) and am glad he was introduced as now all 3 dragons in the flight are mated. I wasn't ready for the series to end. 

In a Nutshell: I'm hooked. I cannot wait to read the next book to see where the series goes.

An Omega Bear for Kit by Lorelei M. Hart and Colbie Dunbar

Title: An Omega Bear for Kit

Author: Lorelei M. Hart and Colbie Dunbar

Series: #2 in the Bruin Ridge Bear-Ginnings series

Genre: M/M Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Surrendered Press (May 22, 2022)

Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating: ☕☕☕

Synopsis: Grant didn't know an omega could become Beta of his Bear Den, but that's exactly what just happened.

Omega bear shifter Grant loves all of the positive changes that his den has seen since their new Alpha arrived. Now that he has food in his bellym, a comfortable place to live, and a taste of the human world, he yearns to take another step and do what no one from his den has attempted--get a college education. If only he was brave enough to ask.

Alpha mountain lion shifter Kit enjoys his life in the city. Great food, fun nightlife, andf best of all... no pack politics. That's until his pack's Alpha sends word he's needed at home. Kit has no choice but to agree and decides to take a detour to the Bruin Ridge shifters to visit his old roommate, their new Alpha. Anything to delay the inevitable.

Kit's short trip is complicated when he scents his true mate and doubly complicated when Grant, his fated, is name den Beta.

An Omega Bear of Kit is the seond book in the Bruin Ridge Bear-ginning series, a sweet with knotty heat M/M Mpreg Shifter Romance by the popular writing team of Colbie Dunbar and Lorelei M. Hart. It features an alpha mountin lion thrown into a role he is woefully unprepared for, an omega bear trying to find his place, a den beginning to thrive, an unexpected position, true lovem, fatedf mates, and of course, an adorable baby. If you love your shifters hawt, your omegas strong, and your mpreg with heart, download your copy of An Omega Bear for Kit today.

My Thoughts: While I didn't like this book nearly as much as the first it held my interest from the first page to the last.

The Good, The Bad, and Everything Else: So, I honestly don't know why I didn't connect to Grant and Kit as much as I did Aspen and Lucian other than Lucian's plight caught me in my feels and both Grant and Kit were just, well, there. Not saying their tumultuous relationship wasn't worth reading about because it certainly was. I just found it to be more angsty than anything else. They are not necessarily star-crossed lovers but each of the separate lives dictated they were on different paths. It was Kit's situation that made for them not being able to be together and I while I did feel for them, I just didn't like the situation. We had a healthy dose of tyrannical Alphas from the former Bruin Ride Bear Alpha in the first book, so, having yet another one in Kit's pride was a bit too much for me. 

I thought Grant was an exceptional character though and his battle with his bear was captivating. Although Grant was an Omega, I'd venture to say his bear was a little bit alpha with how strong he was. 

The love story between Kit and Grant was lovely and although this was a short novel (as they all are) I felt it was well balanced between the spicy sex, the angsty plot, the fated mate trope, the character development (even though Grant was more fleshed out than Kit), and the insta-love I love you's.

In a Nutshell: I'm still hooked on this series and I'm looking forward to the 3rd book a lot.

An Alpha Bear for Lucian by Lorelei M. Hart and Colbie Dunbar

Title: An Alpha Bear for Lucian

Author: Lorelei M. Hart and Colbie Dunbar

Series: #1 in The Bruin Ridge Bear-Ginnings

Genre: M/M Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Surrendered Press (February 27, 2022)

Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating: ☕☕☕☕

Synopsis: Aspen didn't know you could accidentally become Alpha of Den, but that's exactly what he just did.

Apha bear shifter Aspen was ready to begin his new life in the big city. He has a job lined up, a lease signed, and his truck packed. All he has left is to get there. Too bad that's easier said than done because his truck picked the middle of nowhere to break down--alongside a bear den's land of all places. When Aspen seeks permission to spend the night, he plans to keep his head down and just mind his own business and he does, until he hears the scream that changes everything.

Omega bear shifter Lucian hated his den. No, that wasn't fair. It wasn't the den he hated as much as it was the leadership. Wehen the Alpha he had most of his life died, he crossed his fingers the new one would bring their den into this century. He didn't--the alpha was not only old-school, but also cruel. When rumors of an alpha bear seeking refuge until his truck is repaired reach him, Lucian forms a plan. If he can convince the shifter to take him when he leaves, he can escape this horrible life. 

Sneaking out to find the new bear sounded like a great idea, until Lucian gets caught. His den Alpha is a strike first kind of guy, and strike he does. Lucien knows better than to scream, it only makes the punishment worse, but scream he does, the pain too much to hold inside. A flurry of furm, teeth, a dead Alpha, and the scenting of his fated mate leaves the visiting shifter a their new Alpha.

So much for best laid plans.

An Alpha Bear for Lucian is the first book in the anticipated Bruin Ridge Bear-Ginning series, a sweet with knotty hear M/M Mpreg Shifter Romance by the popular writing team of Colbie Dunbar and Lorelei M. Hart. It features an alpha bear thrown into a role he is woefully unprepared for, an omega whose plans for the future very much did not include being his den's Alpha Omega, a pack on the verge of collapse, the challenge that changes everything, true love, fated mates, and of course an adorable baby. If you love your shifters hawt, your omegas strong, and your mpreg with heart, download your copy of An Alpha Bear for Lucian today.

(synopsis courtesy of GoodReads)

My Thoughts: This was a darn good book with a great balance of love and conflict.

The Good, The Bad, and Everything Else: It's been a while since I finished this book (3 weeks ago) so I don't necessarily remember every little detail, but I do remember how I adored these characters. I'm so character driven that if I can connect with the characters, I'm sure to love the book even if the plot is weak. In this instance I don't think the plot was weak either, but I was so wrapped up in Aspen and Lucian I might not have noticed. Grant also gets special consideration from me as well. He's a great friend to Lucian. 

The whole dynamics of the Den was very interesting when Aspen took over after the death of the previous alpha. There was some set-in tradition and refused to accept the new path Aspen was taking the Den and the ones who were happy about the changes were mostly Omegas who were considered less than in the hierarchy of the Den. Aspen never planned on being the leader of a Den, ever, but he ends up being great at it. 

In a Nutshell: I'm certainly invested in the future of the Bruin Ridge Bear Den and the shifters living there. I am really looking forward to reading more about them.

Sweeping Ashley by Eve Langlais

Title: Sweeping Ashley

Author: Eve Langlais

Narrator: Troy Duran

Series: #2 in the Grim Dating series

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Eve Langlais (February 10, 2021)

Source: Hoopla Library Find

Rating: ☕☕☕

Synopsis: Sometimes love is messy.

In exchange for some witchy powers, Ashley promised the Devil her firstborn, but when the time comes to pay her due, she has nothing to give.

With Lucifer insisting that she fulfill the terms of her contract, Ashley turns to Grim Dating for help. There’s only one problem—they’re having a hard time finding her perfect match.

Which is where Derrick comes in.

He’s the company’s problem solver; however, even he has no idea how to get a prim and proper witch to let loose. Frustration leads to him kissing her, but he never meant to seduce her.

…or fall in love.

However, his witch isn’t interested in more than a one-night stand. And when an angel gets involved, the reaper realizes he’d best do a better job of sweeping Ashley off her feet.

Or risk losing her forever.

My Thoughts: While I didn't love this as much as I did the first book in the series it was an OK addition to the series.

The Good, The Bad, and Everything Else: I really don't feel this book was nearly as good as the first in the series. I loved the first one despite some things others may have disliked. Unfortunately, this one was lacking the intensity I thought the first did. The connection Ashley and Derrick had wasn't really there for me as the couple from the first book was. They definitely had heat though and I liked they got their HEA. As with the first book in the series my very favorite thing was the narration of Troy Duran. His vocals elevated the experience so much but unfortunately it elevated to an average book.

Honestly, I'm living for Lucifer's interference and wish there was more. I still love the idea the "good guys" are Lucifer and his 9th favorite Grim Reaper and 2nd most wicked witch and the "bad guys" are angels. I'm hoping to see more of the "good guys" and more Luc. I love him. 

In a Nutshell: I'll continue on with the series and only on audio based purely on Troy Duran's narration. I don't think if I'd read this book myself I would have liked it nearly as well and continuing on with the series may have not been an option. 

Mountain Lion by Terry Bolryder

 

Title: Mountain Lion

Author: Terry Bolryder

Series: #4 in the Bear Haven series

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Terry Bolryder (October 12, 2015)

Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating: ☕☕☕☕

Synopsis: This sexy shifter is never giving up...

Mountain lion shifter Wyatt Reynolds has finally found something to fight for. Life has been a bit lonely for the tall, sexy cowboy on his upscale Montana ranch, but he never found the right woman to settle down with. Until a small, mysterious person walks into his office one day, hidden under bulky men's clothing and needing his help.

Valerie knows not to trust men. After being raised in the remote Montana mountains with a terrible father that sold her to the highest bidder because of her rare blood, she has written men off forever. When she comes to Wyatt looking for a job, all she wants is a place that's safe, quiet, and will allow her the freedom to finally live a life of her own. But what she doesn't realize is that a tall, ripped cougar shifter might be enough man to give a woman ideas.

Though they start as friends, Valerie is starting to get sexy thoughts about Wyatt that she never intended, and Wyatt seems to feel exactly the same way. But even as friends become lovers, Valerie's dark past remains a constant threat. The men who want her aren't giving up, but neither is Wyatt. Anyone who threatens this mountain lion's mate is going to see his claws.

Book 4 of the Bear Haven series or can be read alone as a satisfying standalone!

My Thoughts: What a great conclusion to a good series!

The Good, The Bad, and Everything Else: While I thought this series had some ups and downs it truly ended on a good note. Wyatt was an incredible hero. He was patient and kind when Valerie needed someone to show her not all people or shifters are bad. Val came to Wyatt's ranch bruised and abused. Over the following weeks she healed and became more confident. Their relationship was a sweet progress of friends becoming more. When they became lovers those scenes were spicy and well written. 

The length of the book (and all of the books I've read by Terry Bolryder really) is just too short to get deep into character history/development or to get a full on amazing romance that a 300+ page book would allow. They often rely on insta-love and use a fated mate trope to accommodate the quick I Love You's. I always mention insta-love in my reviews because I don't really like it and prefer slow burns where I can actually see them falling in love rather then having them "BOOM" in love. In most cases insta-love would be a negative but with Terry's work I just take it as it is and enjoy the books for what they are. So, with that said, this book was a little different. The book was a bit longer than the rest of the books in the series with 50 pages more than the first two and 30 more than book 3. It made a difference. We ended up with a longer courtship and a bit more background information. Another 150 pages would have given us even more but for the length of 165 pages this was a really good book. Wyatt and Val had some great moments together and the suspense was pretty good as well. I wish the tension would have played out a little longer though, as it was wrapped up pretty quickly. 

At the end of this series we're left with a feeling of completion with all 3 McAllister brothers and their neighbor, Wyatt, finding their mates but the author opened up a new hero for us with Jace, a rare weretiger, and an interesting shifter policing "organization" led by dragons I'm looking forward to reading more of. 

In a Nutshell: I'm honestly so thrilled with this book and I'm really happy I discovered Terry's work and I'm totally binging in her books. I can't get enough!

Wild Bear by Terry Bolryder

Title: Wild Bear

Author: Terry Bolryder

Series: #3 in the Bear Haven series

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Terry Bolryder ( September 27,  2015)

Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating: ☕☕☕☕

Synopsis: Book 3 in the Bear Haven Series! 

Maverick McAllister is as wild as they come. Born in the wilderness and closely attuned to his bear, nothing has made him happier than the untamed land surrounding Bear Haven ranch. That is, until a curvy, sassy woman shows up to tempt him. And all too soon, the rugged bear knows exactly what he wants-- his mate.

Harmony has tried to make it as a musician in the Big Apple, but despite her best efforts, nothing has worked out. And though she's happy for her two friends that are now happily mated to larger-than-life McAllister cowboys, she can't help but hope that there's something good waiting for her as well. And maybe that something good is in the sexy, dominant Maverick.

The chemistry between Mav and Harmony is undeniable, and every time they are together the room heats up like a firestorm. But as sexy as Maverick may be, he might be too wild to tame. And no matter how badly Maverick wants to keep Harmony forever, he'll have to show her that he's ready to love, even if it means bringing out the man inside of him that's been hidden a long time.

My Thoughts: What an improvement over book 2. I loved it.

The Good, The Bad, and Everything Else: Maverick's book was so good. He was more animal than human and preferred to live in his bear form out in the woods rather than as a man with clothing restraints. His background explains why this is and his character is actually deeper than every other character I've read by Terry Bolryder thus far. He's really pretty charming in his own way and even though he doesn't try to be funny he is. His entire thought process is innocent as an animal's would be without the devious intentions that unfortunately are found in many humans. As a matter of fact he often refers to others as human and doesn't consider himself even part human. Harmony is his complete opposite and I liked how she appreciated him for who he was and didn't expect him to change. He did a lot of growing up in this book and I absolutely loved him. 

The romance felt quick but when you factor in the H and h met months ago it wasn't as insta-lovey as the first two books in this series. Although it did wrap itself in an almost fated mate type of situation I wasn't unhappy with it. Mav was a bear. He thought as a bear. In his mind he gave himself to Harmony as her mate and she was his. The End. As an animal it was simple. Humans make things more complicated and he honestly didn't know if he was capable of being human enough to actually love Harmony as a human loves their partner. 

There was conflict, a bit of suspense, epiphanies, and a big bear of a man who finally figured out humans sometimes need the help of other humans.

In a Nutshell: My very favorite book by Terry Bolryder so far. I loved this book.

Rancher Bear by Terry Bolryder

Title: Rancher Bear

Author: Terry Bolryder

Series: #2 in the Bear Haven series

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Terry Bolryder (September 20, 2015)

Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating: ☕☕1/2

Synopsis: Jesse is used to being the calm one of the three overprotective, overbearing Mcallister brothers. But ever since the beautiful, redheaded Bonnie came into town with her two friends, the big bear has been on the hunt for one thing only- her heart.

Bonnie can’t deny that the tall, unfathomably sexy Jesse Mcallister is the hottest thing she’s ever seen on two legs, and that the attraction they feel for each other is undeniable. The only problem? She’s been engaged to a man that doesn’t love her and that Bonnie’s friends believe is all wrong for her. So when things with the ill-fitting finance finally break off, Bonnie sees this at her first, and maybe only chance for true love.

The second the two are together, fireworks go off and Bonnie knows she’ll never be able to get enough of the incredible Jesse. But Bonnie’s ex isn't going down without a fight, and there’s a secret that Bonnie and Jesse share that may endanger their relationship and change everything they ever believed in.

My Thoughts: I really wanted to like this book but both the MCs bugged me to distraction. 

The Good, The Bad, and Everything Else: Honestly what you have here is a short, fated mate, insta-love, shifter story. That's it. Nothing more. I did give this less than my typical rating for these type of books but only because as a character driven reader I just didn't like or connect with Jesse or Bonnie. With only 118 pages there just isn't enough background on them even though both were introduced in the first book in this series, Mountain Bear. There is even less on world building required for me to fully understand the Lynx shifter part and why other shifters can't sense cat shifters like they can all other shifters. Apparently, cat shifters can sense other cat shifters but a bear shifter can't sense a cat shifter or even if they are shifters at all. Jesse's lineage is mentioned and then not brought back up until the epilogue but only as side note to the story and not something that I, for one, find rather important especially since the McAllister men are actively seeking out mates that aren't bear shifters.

I also think Bonnie's ex, Seth, is a wasted character. He was written to be one we wouldn't like yet his story had the potential to be quite tragic as it appears LGBTQIA+ shifters either don't exist (in a Don't Ask Don't Tell kind of way as long as they still do their duty to their family and breed the next generation anyway) or the author only writes a queer character to be a throw away. I think Seth had more depth than Jesse and was really underplayed within the book. I keep hoping I'll run across an M/M shifter romance by this author featuring Seth. It wouldn't be the first time an author could take a character not written as hero material and flip it to be an amazing story and a worthy hero. 

In a Nutshell: Even though I really didn't care for this book I will absolutely read the rest of the series and the author's other series as well.

Pushing Up Posies by Eve Langlais

Title: Pushing Up Posies

Author: Eve Langlais

Narrator: Troy Duran

Series: #1 in the Grim Dating series

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Eve Langlais (January 7, 2021) Audio published by Eve Langlais (January 11, 2021) 

Source: Hoopla

Rating: ☕☕☕1/2

Synopsis: Netflix and Chill takes on a whole new meaning when Posie starts dating the Reaper.

Poor Brody. As reaper leader for the Canadian guild, he and his crew don’t get as much work as other countries until the Dark Lord gives them a new mandate: Establish a dating service on Earth that will facilitate the meeting between citizens of Hell and humans with the end goal being babies.

In other words, become a pimp.

It’s a cruel demotion for a reaper who just wanted to guide souls to their final destination. He is dying to return to Hell, until he meets the stubborn woman living across the hall.

The Devil wants Posie mated, but she is resisting all attempts. What will it take to make her see the light?

And how will she react when she finally discovers that death has been knocking at her door?

My Thoughts: When I finished this audio book, I was adamant in my OMG I loved this book so much! 4 Stars! Totally 4 stars...maybe even 4.5! Once my finished book satisfaction (i.e.: frenzy) wore off a bit I recognized this short book wasn't maybe as fantastic as I initially thought. Sigh.

The Good, The Bad, and Everything Else: So typically, I discuss the plot (although briefly) and the characters before spending a line or two about the narration but Imma strike that, reverse it, and state upfront...I think Troy Duran's narration stroked all my buttons and boosted my book euphoria into "This is the best book I've ever read!" proportions. So, our black robe shrouded Grim, Brody Reaper, has a deep voice. Thanks to Troy Duran, Brody has a melt your panties off voice. Of course, that probably is just Duran's natural voice and, in that case, the next 3 books in this series are going to have male protagonists who are sure to create panty puddles as well. I'll keep this in mind when I read them and won't fall for the book euphoria that each one will surely create. Am I done talking about the narration yet? Nope, but here is my last thought on the subject. I might even go so far as to say I would seek out a book just because Troy Duran is narrating. Of course, it better be a spicy romance because if it's a thriller him narrating a series killer's thoughts might just ruin things for me.

Now for the regular part of my review.... Character wise. Neither Brody nor Posie are very fleshed out. Posie is Canadian who apparently has agoraphobia maybe anthropophobia (fear of people for those who don't want to stop reading this long enough to open up another window to google) and potentially a fear of not being able to apologize enough but then that might just be a Canadian thing (according to the book anyway)(oh and Eve Langlais is Canadian so I'm thinking she should know)(Can my Canadian friends please let me know if this is true...are y'all predisposition to apologize for everything?) Other than those things we know about Posie we don't know much more. We do learn why she is the way she is but other than that Posie might have just been plopped down in somewhere Canada a fully formed if not mildly cracked human being (with only one facet of her past life being told to us because I'm assuming this one factor is the only thing, we need to know about Posie's past.) Brody is as much a mystery as well. We only get one part of his past life and that was the part that led him to his death and his subsequent life of a Reaper. So why did I like this book so much with characters not even fully dimensional characters? Troy Duran. No! Didn't mean to mention him again. Maybe it was the way the book was plotted out? Maybe.

The Plot or the premise of the story if you will. Lucifer is pissy because the number of his ranks are getting smaller. He blames the humans and their medical science with birth control and the Plan B pill being at the top. He needs higher numbers, so he decides to start a pimp service. Not really. it's a dating service where he matches humans up with his current ranks (reapers, demons, minotaurs, whomever happens to have a penis and is team Hell) to make evil little babies to join him on his quest for chaos and evil fun. What I found I liked about this book as a whole was Hell wasn't all bad, Lucifer wasn't all evil, and angels were kind of assholes. 

There were a couple spicy scenes and a couple really fun scenes where Posie got a backbone and told off a couple of angels.... well, an angel and an Archangel, Raphael, to be precise. The ending, although quick, was good as well leading to my end of book euphoria belief this was an epically great book. It's not but it's fun, short, and spicy (especially if you listen to it!)

In a Nutshell: See all the above. If you're still not sure if I'll be reading more...um listening to more of these books maybe reread the first paragraph in my The Good, The Bad, and Everything Else section.

Awaken the Darkness by Dianne Duvall

 Title: Awaken the Darkness

Author: Dianne Duvall

Series: #8 in the Immortal Guardian series

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Dianne Duvall (July 10, 2018) Audio published by Tantor Audio (July 10, 2018)

Source: Library find via Hoopla

Rating: ☕☕☕☕

Synopsis: He awakens encapsulated in dirt with no knowledge of how he came to be there. Riddled with injuries, he can remember neither his past nor who he is. Nor can he remember what he is. But surely no mortal man could survive being buried deep beneath the earth. All he knows with certainty is that the soothing voice and presence of the woman moving around above enables him to endure the agony of his wounds. And he will do whatever it takes to be with her. When Susan first sees the old two-story house for sale, such warmth and longing fill her that--against all reason--she makes an offer. It will take years of hard work and money she frankly doesn't have to fix up the place. So she can't explain why she bought it. She also can't explain what compels her to spend hours one night, digging in the basement until she unearths a man. A man who still lives and breathes despite having been buried alive. A man whose intense brown eyes glow amber with pain, declaring him far more than ordinary. Susan knows she should keep her distance. He has no memory and possesses gifts that would make most fear him. But as the two work together to unravel the mystery of his past, she finds herself drawn in by his teasing nature and tender touch . . . Contains mature themes. 

My Thoughts:  I just love this series. This one heavily relies on past books in the series so although the premise is fully explained the full impact of what the characters have gone through (specifically Stanislav and Yuri not to mention Seth) it is best to read this series in order with the short novellas as well.

With this one we really hadn't had much time to jump on the Stanislav bandwagon as both he and Yuri were introduced only mid series, but I liked the way his book was handled. The continuing story arch connecting the last 2 books is all but paused while Stan's story played out, but I was ok with this.

The romance part of this book was pretty typical of this series. Both Immortal Guardian and their love interest are thrown together with a whole lot of action and turbulence and the I love you's are quick but satisfying. There were some minor battles within the book but not as many (or as epic as the ones that occur in previous books) but because this book is about Stan and his amnesia this too is ok.

Once again Kirsten Potter does an amazing job narrating. With Immortals from all over the world I fully believe all of her accents and will always listen to these books providing I can get them all easily from my library system.

In a Nutshell: Yep, I'm hooked. I've been binge reading these books. If you know me, you know this isn't how I operate. I get bored easily and will fall off of a particular series fairly quickly. 8 books and counting it hasn't happened yet and I'm not sure if it will anytime time soon. 

Onyx Dragon by Terry Bolryder

Title: Onyx Dragon

Author: Terry Bolryder

Series: #1 in the Awakend Dragons series

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Terry Boryder (July 25, 2015) 

Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating: ☕☕☕

Synopsis: The dragons are back, and they're our last chance...

 Isaac Morningstar III, or Zach to the few who know him, has hit rock bottom. Once an immortal, nearly-invincible dragon, he's been awakened only to have his powers and his treasure locked away until he can prove himself to be a trustworthy protector of humans. Since Zach has never liked humans, he's pretty sure he's going to end up back on ice. That is, until he meets sweet, curvy Erin, a human hairdresser who might just turn his world upside down.

Erin has a pretty routine life, but that ends when a tall, gorgeous man appears out of nowhere, claiming to be an ancient dragon with immeasurable power who wants her as his mate. She doesn't know whether to laugh or run for the hills. But when the mysterious stranger saves her life and needs her help she can't just turn away.  Still, the closer she gets to Zach, the more she realizes there may just be something truly magical about him.

But as the forces around them close in, Zach is quickly realizing that the darkness lurking inside him may be greater than he anticipated. And the beast within may not be the only thing they have need to fear. 

Warning: contains ferocious dragons, fearsome fights, fiery love scenes and a fiercely cute three-legged kitten that will steal your heart. The first in a brand-new series with dragons unlike anything Terry has written!

My Thoughts:  Although I found this book to be an average read it did manage to make me want to move right into book 2. To me this is a sign of a good book. It wasn't without some issues. No background on Erin. The setting could have been anywhere, the romance was completely reliant on the fated mate trope with no major epiphany moments,

and it glossed over where Zach's treasure has been kept while he slept or even how much or what it was (other than he mentioned there were jewels) . His ring is a major factor in the story, but I felt its significance was also glossed over.

Despite all these things the book was interesting, had funny moments, some spicy sex, and introduced an interesting M/F/M relationship that appears to be the focal of another series where 2 dragon shifters mate with one woman.

In a Nutshell: So yes 100% I'll read more in this series. It's also offered on KU... if you already pay for this service, you have nothing but a little bit of time to lose.