Quickie Reviews are what it says, a short one paragraph review for those books that didn’t get a full page review.
It’s not easy serving the Chernobog, the God of Destruction, Darkness and Death, especially during the holidays. Roman would like nothing more than to be left alone, but when a wounded boy stumbles into his yard and begs for sanctuary, Roman takes him in and protects him against the elite mercenaries, combat mages, and strange priests that are all after the boy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Roman has always been an interesting character ever since we first met him in the Kate Daniels series. It was fascinating to learn more about him personally, his powers, and his relationship to Chernobog. I loved his grumpy attitude that hid a very soft heart. The world created here of these gods and their servants were very well done and engaging. We were entertained with all kinds of new and spellbinding magic as well. I was hooked right from the start. It’s not necessary to have read the Kate Daniels series first, you can jump into this one directly.
Genre: Fantasy
Published: July 30, 2024
Sensuality Rating: None
Series: Book 1 of Roman’s Chronicles
Auden Scott is not the child her Psy parents wanted or expected, even before her brain injury. The only thing she knows for certain is that she must protect her unborn baby, a baby she has no recollection of conceiving and who draws an abnormal intensity of notice from her dead mother’s closest associates. Leopard alpha Remi Denier is a man driven by the primal instinct to protect his pack, his allies, and now the mysterious woman who has become a most unlikely neighbor.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Another excellent addition to this series that just further underscored the absolute evilness of Shoshanna Scott. It was truly mindboggling the lengths this woman went to to manipulate Auden. Remi and Auden didn’t have the same explosive, immediate chemistry like some of the other couples, but I loved Remi’s devotion and his determination to protect Auden’s unborn child. It was also great to see this series expand to include even more groups of shifters and I also enjoyed the parts where they were working to fix the PsyNet. I think it’s best to read these books in order, as there are story arcs that develop over several books.
Genre: Paranormal
Published: July 23, 2024
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Series: Book 8 of Psy-Changeling Trinity
A teen girl seeking retribution against her backstabbing former best friend finds her plans slightly derailed once she catches the eye of a familiar, handsome marquess.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ I liked that the author presented the racial diversity as just the way things are, without needing any explanations for how a person of colour came to be in the position they’re in, considering the time period. This is just the way this world works. All the teenage angst and drama made this a very entertaining read. I also liked that Keston was the same age as Ela and not a lot older as you would usually find in historical romances. It did feel like they were a bit young for this level of intrigue and manipulation, but maybe that’s just me. Keston was cowed by his father at 16, but suddenly at 19 he was strong enough to stand up to him? That’s not a lot of time to mature that much, especially if you consider that these kids grew up fairly sheltered and spoilt, even if it was without a lot of unconditional love. But I’ll quit my nitpicking now, and despite these reservations, I enjoyed the romance, the obvious attraction between Kes and Ela, and all the Machiavellian scheming.
Genre: Historical Romance
Published: April 4, 2023
Sensuality Rating: Subtle
Bond Street Bachelor by Annabelle Anders
A streetwise hero clashes with a refined lady resulting in an unforgettable opposites attract Regency Romance.
⭐⭐⭐ Clearly Amelia was in desperate need of some kind of adventure to break the monotony of her life. She just went along with everything that Leopold said, not even a token resistance to be had. I suppose that just illustrated how well entrenched she was in society’s expectations of her. Leopold had crushed on her for quite a while now and he was very solicitous towards her during the entire ordeal, despite his rough looks, upbringing, and current occupation. The majority of the story was the two of them interacting at his estate, with Leopold in contact with his friends to get updates on their case, and Amelia trying to figure out what she wants.
Overall, I liked this story just fine, I just wasn’t that invested in them as a couple. The investigation into the duke was intriguing. This book is part of a series, but stands well on its own. I haven’t read any of the previous books and this didn’t bother me at all.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Genre: Historical Romance
Published: August 8, 2024
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Series: Book 5 of The Rakes of Rotten Row
Hope you enjoyed these quickie reviews. Have you read any of these books yet?
Nice reviews! I read both the first books you mentioned. I loved Roman’s book and would love the authors to write more with him as the MC.
I think there will be more, I certainly hope so too.
I loved Sanctuary and Primal Mirror, too! Roman was such a fun cinnamon roll disguised as a grump! Shoshanna was so awful! Thank goodness that witch is dead!
Sanctuary looks appealing as does Primal Mirror, but I would have to start that series.
I would say that series by Nalini Singh is well worth it, but you will have to start at the beginning to get the full experience.
Ah, Queen Bee has been on my TBR since it came out — so happy to see you enjoyed it!