The Wildling by Treva Harte

September 9, 2021 By 1 Comment


The Wildling by Treva Harte
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

In the uncivilized out-country known as Aridzone, Arness is the best at what she does. The wildlings she captures and domesticates worship her. In return she always matches her pets with doting, wealthy mistresses who reward hard work.

Arness loves her job… until the uncontrollable Adan enters her life. He insists he is a man, not a pet. Will Adan fall under her spell, or will Arness learn that submission can work both ways?

Arness is good at her job, and loves doing it too! She captures and tames Wildings, making them love being in captivity. She doesn’t understand that not all wildlings want to be caught! When a friend asks for her help with a capture who doesn’t appear to bending to the will, Arness steps in. She sees something unusual in Adan, but before she has chance to work more closely with him, she takes another capture to a different buyer. She falls foul of trouble and a big rescue attempt is undertaken.

There’s a lot to this story. Lots of sex (obviously – it’s erotica) but also love, romance, torture, the old Wild West that feels like it shouldn’t fit in with the Sci-Fi theme but somehow does, in love with the wrong person, you name it.

I loved the difference in characters and the fact that we have not one, not two, but three couples in this story that are all searching for love, four if you count Secondary. The world-building was clear and, although I didn’t quite get on with Mardeath, he and his gang did help move the story along.

This was a quick, hot read that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , ,

Child of the Sea by Faith Talbot

September 2, 2021 By 1 Comment


Child of the Sea by Faith Talbot
Mara’s Men, book 3
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Mara has a surprise for her men — she’s pregnant! But Aaron doesn’t seem as happy as he should be. In fact, he fears the baby’s life may be in danger depending on which of them is the father: Aaron, who was born to the ocean, or Chris, who was born half human.

Together, they visit the underwater city where Aaron’s people live to find out if his fears might be valid. With few answers, they await the arrival of their new family member, hoping the bond of their love will keep the baby safe as it enters a world above the sea.

Welcome back to the world of magic and hot fun! It’s about to get complicated.

I like this series and was thrilled to see there’s a third. This time, the triad will get a fourth, but it’s not in a romantic sense. They’re having a baby!

I zipped right through this story in no time because the writing was so crisp. This a fun series and there were twists I never saw coming. Mara has decided these men are hers and baby will make four.

I liked seeing the other beings of the sea in this story and the complications for these people. It made them more real to me.

If you’re looking for a quick read that’s satisfying, then this is the book for you.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Must Love Cats by Angela Addams

September 2, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Must Love Cats by Angela Addams
Publisher: Totally Bound
Genre: Erotic Romance, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Four fiercely protective shifters. A curse and a ghost town. A bunch of wily cats and one woman who can save them all.

Lucki Collins has landed the job of a lifetime—Cat Keeper of Lady Clover’s Cat House in Weeping Falls, Alaska.

Lucki discovers early on that Weeping Falls is cursed and that the cats she’s there to care for are the townspeople, who must abide by the cycle of the sun and moon—taking cat form during the day and human form at night. They are magical creatures known as ‘familiars’, who can enhance the powers of a witch considerably, the very thing that puts them in danger.

Lucki meets her protectors—Reuben, a bear shifter, Wren, a wolf shifter, Ben, a hawk shifter, and Julian, a lion shifter—who must not only keep her and the cats safe, but also somehow convince her to bond with them. Their magical bond is the only thing that will give Lucki control over her powers, which are necessary to defeat Angelica, a sorceress who wants to capture all the cats and use them for her evil goals. Lucki hasn’t had the best experience with love, but rather than leave the men hopeless, she offers to help them break the curse by another means.

Things don’t go according to plan, and Lucki is left with the challenge of overcoming her past and setting aside her fears. If she can believe in herself and put her faith in love once again, she might just be able to triumph over evil and save the people she has come to deeply care about in Weeping Falls.

“Crazy Cat Lady, Wanted” When Lucki gets offered the job of her dreams, everything seems as though it might be falling into place for her. But if something seems too good to be true, is it?

If you are looking for a steamy reverse harem, then you’re definitely in the right place. Lucki has escaped from one relationship and isn’t interested in committing to another. Friends with Benefits is all she wants. Unfortunately for her, it seems her life may depend on her bonding with the shifters who are sworn to protect her.

For me, this book focused on the steam to the detriment of the story. I never found out exactly what Lucki’s ex did to wind up in prison. I never really found out about the curse and Angelica, or even Isabel for that matter, as it is usually glossed over during some other event. As for the cats, well, I never got to know them either, so when something happens near the end, the impact isn’t as great as it could have been. The impact WAS there for something else but I won’t say what as I don’t want to give out any spoilers! Let me just say, THAT was a big surprise!!!

This was a good book that didn’t require much, if any, delving into the storyline. If you would like a hot, coffee-break book, then this may be just the thing for you.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , ,

Mara’s Men by Faith Talbot

September 1, 2021 By 1 Comment


Mara’s Men by Faith Talbot
Mara’s Men, Book 2
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQ, Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Paranormal
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

In Cancun, Mara met Chris and Aaron, two mysterious men who spend most of their time under the ocean. They showed her a world she never could have imagined — and she chose to return to her normal life.

Now, months later, Mara returns to the Mexican beaches hoping to find what she left behind. But even if she does reunite with the two men who changed her world, how can she stay with them in their mysterious world under the sea?

This new normal is so hot and fun…under the sea!

I like this series as it’s unique. Mara has her men and she’s ready to come back to them. Is she ready to stay? Time will tell. The writing is crisp and I read this in one sitting. I needed to know more and was glad to see there’s another in the series. This doesn’t have to be read in order, but it helps. If one comes into the series in the middle, though, it’s not bad. I had no trouble keeping things straight.

This is a fun story and good for an afternoon read. If you like beings of the sea and romance, then pick this up!

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Book of the Month Poll Winner ~ Cliff’s Descent by Dianne Duvall (Author), Kirsten Potter (Narrator)

August 31, 2021 By 9 Comments


Cliff’s Descent by Dianne Duvall (Author), Kirsten Potter (Narrator)
Immortal Guardians Series, Book 11
Publisher: Self-published, Audio publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Romance
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Every mortal who works at network headquarters knows that vampires reside below them. They were the first to surrender to the powerful Immortal Guardians who hunt them. And they did so, hoping they can be saved, that the doctors and scientists the Immortal Guardians employ can halt the progressive brain damage that robs all vampires of their sanity. Though curious, Emma never thought she would meet any of the vampires who remain under heavy guard several stories beneath her office. Then mercenaries strike, bombarding the building with heavy artillery. The vampires are freed to join the fray… and Cliff saves her life.

From that moment on, she can’t stop thinking about him regardless of the restrictions placed on interactions with vampires. When Emma discovers a way to speak to Cliff at network headquarters, she becomes even more fascinated by him. He’s smart, charming, and honorable to his core despite the darkness that lies ahead. And he seems to crave her company as much as she does his. Aware of the eyes that watch them, they keep their encounters innocent, limiting them to those of mere acquaintances. Nevertheless, their attraction grows and she soon falls in love with him even as the madness begins to claim him.

Cliff realizes his future is dark. As one vampire friend after another succumbs to insanity, hope that network doctors will be able to find a cure in time to keep him from meeting the same fate begins to dwindle, leaving him little to look forward to… until he meets Emma. Just speaking to her brings him a happiness and contentment he hasn’t experienced since before his transformation. And when they finally find a way to be alone together, everything changes. Emma burrows her way right into his heart and quiets the voices. She sparks dreams of a future with her that strengthen his determination to beat back the madness. But as time passes, the voices grow louder and insanity begins to chip away at him until he fears it will eradicate every part of him she fell in love with.

Will the two of them find a way to defy the odds and find their happily-ever-after? Or will Cliff’s descent consume him?

READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE!

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Musings, Other, Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

She’s the One Who Doesn’t Say Much by S. R. Cronin

August 30, 2021 By 3 Comments


She’s the One Who Doesn’t Say Much by S. R. Cronin
Publisher: Self
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Rose

Olivine, the fourth of seven sisters, has been hiding a secret as she travels to K’ba to meet her artist friends. Others assume she has fallen in love with another artist, and it’s not a match Mother would consider suitable. But it’s much worse that. For on the way to K’ba is the dirt poor nichna of Scrud, a place scorned by all other Ilarians. And in Scrud is the one man who understands her.

However, Bohdan is also is a realist, and a man who recognizes the dangers posed by an impending Mongol invasion. When he learns of Olivine’s unusual visual powers, he convinces her to pick up her bow and arrow and start practicing.

She does, though she’s more concerned with producing enough art to raise the funds to run away from home and live in K’ba, where she can paint all day and see Bohdan as often as she wants. If only her sister Ryalgar hadn’t learned of what she can do and decided Olivine and her fellow long-eyes held one of the keys to defending the realm.

Then, as if life wasn’t complicated enough, Olivine learns the artist community she yearns to be part of has developed a different take on the invasion. They feel certain the only way to survive is to capitulate completely to the Mongols demands. Artists who feel otherwise are no longer welcome.

Where does her future lie? The supposed invasion is coming soon and Olivine doesn’t have much time to decide.

The newest book in the Seven Sisters series is probably my favorite to date. And l loved the other books I’ve read!

This sister, Olivine, is an artist and doesn’t share a lot about her life with her parents and sisters. Her parents assume she wants to stay in K’ba because she has found someone special that she’s afraid they wouldn’t approve of – a starving artist. Her mom, especially, wants all her girls to make good marriages (she really hopes for a royal marriage for them all!). Olivine just wants to be free to create her art. And, it doesn’t hurt that on the way back and forth to K’ba she passes Scrud (the armpit on the face of the earth according to most of the Illarians) and has met someone who really gets her.

Each book in the series gets better and better, and the reader gets a more complete picture of this land, the people, and their interactions. I especially loved how Olivine and Bohdan slowly fall in love as they get to know each other and how they are both willing to put the other’s needs ahead of their own.

It was fascinating to find out more about the far-sight that this sister has and how it was used in the preparations for defending their country as well as how she used it in her artistic life.

I’m really looking forward to meeting in more detail the rest of the sisters and how they fit into the plans. Each book ramps up my interest in finding out how all these plans are going to come together. I can hardly wait.

I really recommend this entire series!

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , ,

Seb and the Sun by Jami Gigot

August 27, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Seb and the Sun by Jami Gigot
Publisher: Ripple Grove Press
Genre: Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Historical
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Seb is determined to find some light for his sleepy coastal town. It is so far north, the sun does not shine in winter and the days are cold, dreary, and dark as night. So Seb embarks on a mission to find the sun. Along with his friend Walrus, he makes a plan, collects supplies, and rows far out to sea. Will Seb be able to find the sun and bring its light and warmth back to his town?

No one is ever too young to make a difference.

There was so much kindness embedded in Seb’s community. Some of my favorite scenes were the ones that showed how nicely everyone looked after each other during the long, cold, dark days of winter in the far north. It was such a safe and close-knit town that a kid could wander around asking for all sorts of things before his journey began without anyone giving it a second thought. I was delighted by the warm and cozy atmosphere this created for me as a reader.

While I definitely wouldn’t expect a fantasy story to answer every single question I had, I would have preferred to see a little more world building here. For example, I kept wondering how Seb knew where to find the sun or what he was planning to do if or when he found it. Including a few more details about this sort of thing would have encouraged me to give this a full five-star rating.

I appreciated how subtle the fantasy elements of the plot were in many places. They could have been interpreted in multiple ways, including ones that didn’t require the use of magic at all. This meant that the darkness that enveloped Seb’s town could also be seen as a metaphor for any number of possibly scary or unsettling things a kid might be dealing with. I always love it when picture books can pull something like that off.

Seb and the Sun was a magical read that I’d recommend to adults and kids alike.

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Fate of Fausto by Oliver Jeffers

August 23, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Fate of Fausto by Oliver Jeffers
Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books
Genre: Middle Grade (8 – 12 y.o.), Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Historical
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

There was once a man who believed he owned everything and set out to survey what was his.

“You are mine,” Fausto said to the flower, the sheep, and the mountain, and they all bowed before him. But they were not enough for Fausto, so he conquered a boat and set out to sea . . .

Combining bold art and powerful prose, and working in traditional lithographic printmaking techniques for the first time, world-renowned talent Oliver Jeffers has created a poignant modern-day fable to touch the hearts of adults and children alike.

Greed tarnishes everything.

Fausto was honestly one of the most unlikeable characters I’ve ever met, but that was a good thing. Fables often need these types of flat protagonists in order to make their points obvious, and he served his purpose well. The fact that he was consistently portrayed in the same way over and over again no matter how many chances he had to change only made me wonder what the narrator was planning to do with him. Surely they had something special up their sleeves!

Figuring out the most appropriate age range for this tale was tricky. Most picture books are written for young children, yet the themes discussed in this one were far too complex and abstract for little ones. Middle grade readers would be the youngest audience I’d expect to connect with the storyline, and even there I noticed some things that would probably be more meaningful for teen or even adult readers. It would have been helpful if the author had been clearer about who they were and weren’t writing this for.

The ending was unusual but perfectly suited for the plot. I loved the fact that Mr. Jeffers took so many risks here. They paid off beautifully and have made me incredibly curious to read more from him. It’s always wonderful to find storytellers who know how to surprise their audiences and push the envelopes of the genre or genres they write in.

I’d recommend The Fate of Fausto to older readers who love fables.

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Dark by Thayer King

August 12, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Dark by Thayer King
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

For Princess Veracity, it was love at first sight. Unfortunately, Dark has never given her any indication that he returns her affection. Even more unfortunately, she’s betrothed to marry a man she’s quickly growing to hate. She doesn’t want to disappoint her parents, but there’s a reason she’s known to be the rebellious daughter. If she gets her way, her wedding day will feature an entirely different groom.

They call him a monster, an abomination. When he smiles, people run. Dark has wanted Veracity since the moment he laid eyes on her, but there are too many reasons why they can’t be together. She deserves better. Because the rumors are true. He is a monster. And he’s only growing stronger.

Veracity has long for Dark for years to no avail. Instead of being with him, she is betrothed to someone more interested in plants than he is with her – and she’s not that bothered either.

This is the third book in the Princesses series but you can read it as a standalone as I have. The couples from the first two books are mentioned but not in a way that makes you feel like you are missing out. More like you now want to read those too!

Dark was a brilliant character, tortured, hard shell, the whole works. Veracity is the one to break down his walls. I was a bit confused, to begin with, because there wasn’t any mention of them knowing about the other one liking them, but then Dark is ‘summoned’ and it’s full steam ahead. Veracity is impetuous and impulsive yet tries to convince everyone she has matured. This leads to out of control situations.

Dark was a great read that whisked me away to planets unknown, full of amazing characters, and plenty of steam. Thayer King is a new-to-me author but one I will be looking at more closely from now on. Absolutely recommended by me.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , ,

Butcher Boy Rebellion by Robert H. Cherny

August 6, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Butcher Boy Rebellion by Robert H. Cherny
Publisher: Club Lighthouse
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Historical
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Standing in the blood of the man who tried to kill him, the boy, almost a man, froze, horrified at what he had done. The head, separated from the body, lay face down in the forest undergrowth. Blood flowed from the open neck onto the mat of decaying leaves. There had been no time. There had been no time to think. No time to plan. Only one would walk away from that confrontation in the woods. The boy had gotten the better of this man who had killed many before him.

When the woman, dressed to blend into the forest, emerged from behind the trees to admire his handiwork pointing her crossbow at him, he thought he might have killed for naught. Little did any of the handful of people standing in the forest that day know the changes that this one death put in motion.

Anyone who wants to survive in this world needs to think and react quickly. There is no time for second guessing here!

The pacing was fast and exciting. I liked the way the author leapt straight into the action in the first scene. It helped me immerse myself in this world immediately. Pertinent details like certain backstories popped up later, but in the beginning all I really needed to know was that the protagonist was a skilled butcher by trade who had excellent fighting skills.

I struggled to keep track of the large cast of characters in this novella. New folks were introduced so rapidly that I didn’t have much time to get to know them before the next batch of people showed up. There also wasn’t a great deal of time spent describing them and their personalities even for the main characters. When combined with the large cast, this made it even harder to remember who was who.

The snappy dialogue kept me coming back for more. This was a heavily plot-based tale, so it made perfect sense for the characters to stick to the facts and spend as little time on long or unnecessary conversations as possible. I appreciated how careful everyone was with their words. That made perfect sense given the setting and rapidly-developing plot.

Butcher Boy Rebellion kept me perched on the edge of my seat from the first scene to the last one. Anyone who enjoys adventurous fantasy novellas should give it a try.

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , ,
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