Unkinked by MC Roth

March 6, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Unkinked by MC Roth
It’s a Kink Thing series, book 2
Publisher: Pride Publishing, Totally Entwined
Genre: LGBTQ, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Two broken men. One secret addiction. No turning back.

When Derreck stumbles upon Maddy, who is sitting in his car and nearly sweating to death under the summer’s sun, he is at his breaking point.

But Maddy is just as lost, searching for a Dom he only knows by name and waiting in his car outside the club Unkinked on the tiny chance that the Dom might find him. When it is revealed that Derreck is the man Maddy has been searching for from the very beginning, it seems fate couldn’t get any sweeter.

Derreck invites Maddy into Unkinked as his guest, with the promise of the pain that Maddy so desperately craves. A scene that should have been simple opens Maddy’s mind to a new world and community that aren’t riddled with guilt or judgment.
Derreck knows he can’t let his sub slip away, but Maddy is keeping secrets from his new Dom—secrets that could change their relationship forever.

Tenderness that’s not always visible in some kink books.

I’ve read the others in this series and this one is my favorite so far. The buildup is great and the characters even better. MC Roth writes kink well and this book showcases that. I couldn’t get through this story fast enough.

Derreck understands Maddy in a way that few others do, and I liked the way they meshed. Maddy needs pain in his play and Derreck can give it in the way Maddy needs but also with respect. I liked that these two are hurt but find a way to work together to heal each other. The story gave me hope and I liked that.

The story took a while to unfold, but it was worth the wait.

If you’re looking for something hot and totally worth getting invested in, then this is the one for you. Check it out.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Ghost Fields by Elly Griffiths

March 3, 2023 By Leave a Comment


The Ghost Fields by Elly Griffiths
Publisher: Quercus Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

The chilling discovery of a downed World War II plane with a body inside leads Ruth and DCI Nelson to uncover a wealthy family’s secrets in this Ruth Galloway mystery.

It’s a blazing hot summer in Norfolk when a construction crew unearths a downed American fighter plane from World War II with a body inside. Forensic archeologist Ruth Galloway determines that the skeleton couldn’t possibly be the pilot, and DNA tests identify the man as Fred Blackstock, a local aristocrat long presumed dead—news that seems to frighten his descendants. Events are further complicated by a TV company that wants to make a film about Norfolk’s deserted air force bases, the so-called ghost fields, which the Blackstocks have converted into a pig farm. As production begins, Ruth notices a mysterious man loitering at Fred Blackstock’s memorial service. Then human bones are found on the family’s pig farm and the weather quickly turns. Can the team outrace a looming flood to find the killer?

When a large field – previously used by planes in World War 2 – is dug up in preparation for a bunch of new apartments to be built an American WW2 aircraft is found, with a dead pilot inside. Nelson calls in Ruth to examine the site and the body and to see if this is a purely historical site or if something more sinister is going on. What secrets is the ghost field harboring?

I have been enjoying this series and really feel the author and characters are beginning to come into a strong place. Ruth and Nelson still have a lot of stuff to work out, but they’re finding a balance between Nelson’s wife and other children and where Ruth and Kate fit in amongst all that, and Ruth in particular to my mind seems to be hitting her stride when it comes to being both a mother and her career in archaeology. There are still ups and downs and plenty going on – but I really enjoyed this book and the feel that things were starting to get a rhythm and hit their stride.

I also really enjoyed how the author did a commendable job in my opinion on balancing the past and the present. There were no flashbacks (which I tend to find jarring and annoying more often than not) but the story clearly wove between what happened in the second world war and how it was relevant and still guiding the families and characters in the present day. Throw in a tv show, plenty of housing development money and ordinary greed/secrets into the various motives and this was a really strongly plotted and interesting murder mystery.

The plot is very well contained to just this story. Many of the secondary characters have quite a bit of history and while I don’t feel this weighs the book down or would be too annoying for readers who come to this story fresh, I really do feel that at least some of the previous books should have been read for the full enjoyment to be experienced. This is a great series so I feel it would be worthwhile to go and start at the beginning but admit this book totally can be picked up and enjoyed by itself.

Strongly plotted with interesting characters this book is an excellent blend of archaeology and present-day murder mystery and I really enjoyed it.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Let It Simmer by Margot Johnson

March 2, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Let It Simmer by Margot Johnson
Merilee Tours, Book 3
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

A sensible, mature widow like Susan doesn’t belong on a tour bus seated next to her high school crush. Thirty years later, Phil is as charming and handsome as ever, but she doesn’t need a new partner, especially not a love-’em-and-leave-’em guy.

Happily single, Phil tags along to celebrate his matchmaking mom’s eightieth birthday. She’s embarrassingly persistent, but maybe she’s right he should, finally, settle down with the right woman.

Susan only wants a little family time with her two cousins and a scenic vacation to Northern Saskatchewan…so why does she feel like a fluttery teenage girl? Can Phil spark even more excitement than games, scenery, and wildlife?

Everyone deserves a second chance at love.

The thought of going on a tour bus vacation with dozens of strangers, some of whom seemed quite talkative and gregarious, overwhelms me a little bit as an introvert. I wasn’t expecting the author to acknowledge how someone who needs quiet time alone to recharge their social battery might respond to such an environment, so it was a thrill to see that pop up later on in the timeline. The fact that Ms. Johnson thinks to include little details like this in her work to flesh out her characters is one of the many reasons why I’m always excited to see what she’s come up with next.

Much of the conflict stemmed from miscommunications between various characters, especially the two protagonists. This was such a repetitive issue that it became distracting at times for me as a reader. It was hard to understand why they kept making assumptions about each other instead of speaking openly about their feelings and sorting out what everyone actually meant to say. I’m saying this as someone who has truly enjoyed getting to know the characters in this universe so far and would have eagerly given this story a higher rating if other reasons for conflict were included.

With that being said, I adored the slow and thoughtful trajectory of the budding romance. Susan and Phil both had logical reasons to be wary of diving back into the dating pool. When combined with the fact that they already knew each other, they both needed the chance to reflect on how they felt about each other and decide if this was something they actually wanted to pursue. It was nice to see them getting that opportunity, and I hope to hear more about their lives if any sequels are written.

This is the third instalment in the Merilee Tours series. It can easily be understood as a standalone work, but there were several fun references to the first two books included for long-term fans as well.

Let It Simmer was a heartwarming read.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Coat by Séverine Vidal

March 1, 2023 By Leave a Comment


The Coat by Séverine Vidal
Publisher: Flyaway Books
Genre: Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Ah, the coat. So warm, so beautiful, so red. It’s all Elise has really wanted, and she’s been waiting forever. When will the coat be hers?

Then, a chance encounter changes everything, revealing that the pleasure that comes from belongings (even the perfect ones!) is no match for the joy of helping others.

At turns lighthearted and poignant, The Coat offers a glimpse at the hardships confronting those who are experiencing homelessness, inspiring us to treat them with compassion and respect.

Kindness is essential.

Elise was adorable. She was so excited to someday be old enough to wear her sister’s old red coat. I enjoy reading stories about characters who are thrifty and pass down items from one family member to another as their children grow. It was delightful to see how excited Elise was for her hand-me-down coat, and I hoped it would be everything she wanted it to be.

This picture book presented a problem but then veered away to a different subject when the time came for Elise to start thinking of different ways to solve the issue of the little girl she saw who didn’t have a coat. I was surprised and confused by this turn of events. It didn’t match the tone of the earlier scenes and was the reason for my choosing the rating I did.

With that being said, I did appreciate the message in this tale about caring for others and doing what one can to help them without any expectation of being rewarded. That’s the sort of lesson that can appeal to readers of all ages, especially when it’s promoted in such a heartwarming way. I will be keeping an eye out for what the author comes up with next.

The Coat was an interesting read.

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

In Harm’s Way by Viveca Sten

March 1, 2023 By Leave a Comment


In Harm’s Way by Viveca Sten
Publisher: Amazon Crossing
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

The body of world-famous journalist Jeanette Thiels is discovered the day after Christmas, frozen in a snow-covered garden just steps from her hotel on Sandhamn Island. Detective Thomas Andreasson finds it highly unlikely that it was some bizarre accident. After all, the relentless war-zone correspondent was no stranger to conflict and controversy—both professional and, of late, very personal. Who would want to see her dead is another story.

Enlisting the help of attorney Nora Linde, his longtime friend on holiday, Thomas is anxious for the answers. But he and Nora don’t have to look far. The clues are leading them closer to home than they imagined. Jeanette may have made a career out of exposing corruption at the highest levels of world power, but she was also a woman with secrets of her own, and they’re coming to light on Sandhamn. For Thomas and Nora, unearthing the deeply rooted deceptions behind Jeanette’s death could now put those closest to her in harm’s way, too.

When a famous Swedish journalist’s body is found just a short distance outside her hotel room, frozen in the Christmas snow, Detective Thomas Andreasson’s own festive season is suddenly cut short. As they investigate the work and private life surrounding the journalist a number of different theories quickly show the woman lived a brave – almost reckless – life. Can they work out who wanted this journalist dead enough to do something about it so callously?

This is an excellent addition to the series, and I found myself really enjoying this book. While it’s a number of stories into the series I strongly feel this book can stand very well alone on its own and readers new to this author shouldn’t be shy about picking it up. I thought the author did an excellent job very briefly explaining the relationships and various situations surrounding the main characters and how they all interact. I really enjoyed how that didn’t bog down the story or flow of the plot.

I could understand if some readers feel like the main thrust of the plot started off a little slow – but personally I enjoyed that we got to see a bit of the journalist and her character and circumstances before she was killed. I felt this added quite a bit to the atmosphere and actually kept me guessing as to what, exactly, had happened in the lead up to her death. I thought seeing things from her perspective (and not the killer’s) meant while the reader was witness to much of the main death, I found it kept a lot of the secrets and mystery intact and helped with the vibe of the whole situation.

Readers looking for a heavily action orientated story might find this book is somewhat lacking – this is more of a police procedural style of story and uncovering all the secrets and the various character’s motives bit by bit and not in a rush. I also enjoyed that the plotline surrounding Nora – Thomas’ long-term friend and the other main character – was very well handled and meshed well to my mind with the main murder mystery.

I feel this is a very well-paced and well written murder mystery with an interesting set of characters and a solid plot. I enjoyed the police procedural aspect to the story and loved all the Scandinavian details. A good book, and a series I am enjoying.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Blood Trail by David J. Gatward

February 28, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Blood Trail by David J. Gatward
Publisher: Weirdstone Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

A gruesome tradition, a blood-spattered crime scene, and a killer hiding in plain sight.

Detective Harry Grimm is a worried man. When a group of vigilante locals start patrolling the Dales in response to a recent spate of crimes, he is forced to warn them off. Things only get more complicated when he is called out to multiple crime scenes – each with plenty of blood but no bodies.

Very soon, though, body parts start turning up. Delivered in a way that echoes a local poem and an old-but-grisly village ceremony. Faced with the bloody evidence in front of him, Grimm soon realises that his worst fears have come true: someone has already taken the law into their own hands.

With an ancient tradition being used to commit modern-day murder, can this battle-scarred detective stop the lanes of the Dales running red with blood?

A group of locals from the Dales have formed a group, patrolling their farms and streets, determined to eke out their own brand of justice after a string of local petty crimes. DCI Harry Grimm is very worried, not just because of the increase in crime, but he’s seen how very quickly – and violently – such well-meaning assistance can spiral out of hand. Soon, a few crimes scenes are drenched in blood – but where are the bodies? When pieces begin to turn up, Harry knows that he needs to solve this and fast.

I’ve been really enjoying this series and found this book to be an excellent addition. Well into the Harry Grimm series I feel readers will get a fuller understanding if they have read at least a few of the previous books – but that’s not strictly necessary as the main characters and certainly the plot and mystery are very well explained and well contained within this story. Much of the links and camaraderie between particularly Harry’s team and the forensic technicians, however, come from the previous cases and the characters all working together and sharing so much history.

One of the things I really like with this series is just how relatable and “normal” the crimes and plotlines are. This isn’t some organized crime or street gang style deeply convoluted mystery plot. It’s a bunch of local – fairly normal – people being somewhat hot headed and misled. I felt this was a very relatable plot and something most readers should be able to associate with. Equally, I liked how none of the main characters are perfect, Matt is over-tired from being a new father, Harry has a bit of a temper, Rebecca is going stir-crazy on sick leave and jumps the gun getting back to work – they are not picture-perfect characters who never put a foot wrong. I feel this really helps not only keep my interest, but also lets me feel like the characters are more human.

Readers looking for a thoroughly enjoyable police procedural style of murder mystery set in the Dales countryside should find this (and all the other books in this series) a strong and lovely read.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

A Minute To Midnight by David Baldacci

February 27, 2023 By Leave a Comment


A Minute To Midnight by David Baldacci
Publisher: Pan Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

FBI Agent Atlee Pine’s life was never the same after her twin sister Mercy was kidnapped — and likely killed — thirty years ago. After a lifetime of torturous uncertainty, Atlee’s unresolved anger finally gets the better of her on the job, and she finds she has to deal with the demons of her past if she wants to remain with the FBI.

Atlee and her assistant Carol Blum head back to Atlee’s rural hometown in Georgia to see what they can uncover about the traumatic night Mercy was taken and Pine was almost killed. But soon after Atlee begins her investigation, a local woman is found ritualistically murdered, her face covered with a wedding veil — and the first killing is quickly followed by a second bizarre murder.

Atlee is determined to continue her search for answers, but now she must also set her sights on finding a potential serial killer before another victim is claimed. But in a small town full of secrets — some of which could answer the questions that have plagued Atlee her entire life — and digging deeper into the past could be more dangerous than she realizes . . .

Special Agent Atlee Pine is forced into taking some downtime after she loses control rescuing a small girl from her kidnapper. With her friend and assistant, Pine decides to use this time to return to the small town where everything began for her – the place where her twin sister Mercy was kidnapped and probably murdered. Pine and Blum start to ask questions and many of the folk in the town still recall Atlee from her youth. Only then murders begin to happen in this small, sleepy little town with virtually no crime. Can they get to the bottom of what’s really happening?

This is the second book featuring Agent Atlee Pine and I thought it was a good addition to the series. The main plot arc through this series definitely appears to be Atlee Pine discovering what happened to her twin sister that day many years ago and while the story is absolutely convoluted, I feel there definitely was some progress to it. The many threads to this plot, however, does tend to make the story as a whole feel slower paced and more meandering than I’m used to in action/thrillers and most mystery books – particularly since it spans over a number of books and obviously can’t be resolved within just the one story. While I can understand the appeal of this, I also can see why some readers might feel this slows the pace a bit more than they’d like.

I thought the author had a good balance between giving a significant amount of time to the plot of Mercy and what happened all those year ago, but equally the investigation into the recent murder and the plot of the newer killer. This is quite a large book and so I thought while the plots were both pretty large, they both added significantly to the story. I also thought the newer murders helped the book not feel too bogged down in the past. The history tended to make the story feel slower and I definitely thought the fresher murders helped inject some action and quicker pace into the story as a whole.

Readers looking for a fast paced, action type of thriller might not find this story suits quite what they’re after. I also feel that while this story can be read as a standalone enough headway was made in Atlee investigating her sister’s kidnapping this book will be critical for those wanting to move forward with the rest of the series. Readers who enjoy a convoluted plot and multiple strong storylines all running concurrently likely will feel this is a solid mystery and well worth their time.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

The Hunt God’s Hound by AT Lander

February 24, 2023 By Leave a Comment


The Hunt God’s Hound by AT Lander
Book three in the Of Gods and Men series
Publisher: Totally Entwined, Pride Publishing
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, LGBTQ, Erotic Romance
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Heroes aren’t real, and neither is love…right?

Conall, a snarky and cynical Irish goatherd, just wants a boring life—no quests, no heroes, and definitely no curses. That all falls apart when a chance encounter with a Fomori sorcerer leaves him trapped in the body of a female wolfhound.

Arlen, a kind and noble hunter of the Tuatha de Danann, is tracking his most dangerous target yet, but his skills are not enough. To track this magical monster, he needs someone touched by its power…someone like Conall.

They strike a deal—to hunt their mutual enemy while Arlen bends the curse as much as he can. Now a hound by day and a human by night, Conall’s heart and instincts draw him to his handsome rescuer. When he goes into heat, it starts a tempest of passion and emotion that will either bring them together or tear them apart.

Can these two unlikely companions overcome an ancient evil, or will their story end in tragedy?

An unlikely pair in an unlikely situation that’s quite fascinating.

This is the story to get engrossed in. The writing is fantastical and flows well. It buoyed along and made me want to know what would happen next. I felt immersed in the story and could almost feel the details. That’s something.

Arlen is a hunter and he’s trying to conquer the Tuatha de Danann. As he does this, he encounters Conall, a man at night and a female wolfhound during the day. Conall is not used to being treated with dignity and thinks he’s not worthy of much of anything. I liked his interactions with Arlen and the way they worked together. It’s sweet, but it’s also hot. They’re a good pair and it was great to watch them through this story.

It’s a good, immersive story and has some seriously heated moments. If you’re looking for something that’s out of the ordinary, memorable and hot, then this is the book for you.

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

The Star God’s Slave by AT Lander

February 24, 2023 By Leave a Comment


The Star God’s Slave by AT Lander
Book two in the Of Gods and Men series
Publisher: Pride Publishing, Totally Entwined
Genre: LGBTQ, Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Twin gods, one man, and a secret desire…

Lucius, a handsome and bookish Roman sailor, knows his fate is sealed when he’s captured by pirates and sold as a slave. Yet his new master is far more than he seems and brings Lucius into a world unlike any he could’ve imagined.

The Gemini twins—the roguish Castor and the kindly Pollux—might seem as different as night and day, but they’re a match in gorgeous looks and dominant mastery. Kept apart by fate, the brothers both find their attention drawn to a single, mortal man—Lucius.

Free of his chains and the shackles of custom, Lucius can finally submit to his desire and embrace true love. Yet there are secrets in the star gods’ realm, an ancient darkness with the power to tear them all apart.

Can Lucius save his rescuers from a thousand-year-old nightmare or will three hearts be left broken forever?

Great chemistry and a huge problem to be solved, but along the way, it’s so hot.

I came into this series here at book two, but I don’t feel like I’ve missed anything. The author has penned a hot story with dimension, and I needed to know more. The writing pulled me along well.

Lucian is a sailor, and he ends up in a slave auction. There’s fear, there’s tension and he’s not happy. But this story isn’t so much about him being put up this way, but rather what happens after. He’s bought by Castor and Pollux, the Gemini twins that can’t be together and he falls for both. I liked the complication of him not being able to be with both men in the same spot at the same time. That’s the beauty and tragedy of Castor and Pollux. That said, that’s what I liked about the story. They figured out how to make things work. I liked going on the journey with them and seeing how this all unfolded. The romance is hot and the chemistry palpable. Lucian, Castor and Pollux are a great triad.

If you’re looking for a space opera and want a threesome that’s unconventional, then this is so the book for you. I can’t wait for book three.

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

Finding Happiness by Susan Warner

February 21, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Finding Happiness by Susan Warner
Hidden Treasures Book 4
Publisher: EG Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

A treasure worth having is a treasure worth facing your past for.

When Olivia came to Markarava she found a place that gave her a voice and she didn’t’ have to hide herself or her ideas behind another person. Her insecurities shrunk but her loneliness grew. Growing up in a traditional family she was always told family or work. When she went to work her family didn’t understand why an attractive woman would turn away from the men who wanted to take care of her. As the town gets ready to celebrate the resilience of towns and families she tries to leave only to find she’s been volunteered because she’s so good at organizer the whole event.

Jeremy Collins can’t believe he’s working on the families are strong event. If it wasn’t for the fact that he needs the money to pay for a father in a home he wouldn’t’ even consider it. Jeremy knows he’s not good at relationships or families. Then when he’s teamed up with Livia from a nearby project he’s sure he’ll be stuck with Ms. Bubbles. Instead he finds a kindred soul.

As they organize the event, hear the stories that started the event they find the past doesn’t look bleak and maybe they can do the family and relationship thing, if they have the right person. Will they have the courage to trust and open their hearts to one another?

If a reader likes stories set in small towns, where the communities watch out for their own and like to play matchmakers, then this book might appeal. Both Olivia and Jeremy have friends in town who are trying to watch their backs for them, but at the same time believe they’re good for one another and try to guide Olivia and Jeremy towards their own happy-ever-after. Easier said than done.

Both the hero and heroine have noble traits in their personalities – they both believe in keeping promises, fulfilling obligations and won’t quit until there’s no option. That means stubbornness is a strong component in the story. Jeremy wants to take care of his aging father, and Olivia is searching for her missing baby sister. For some reason, one main character thinks they can work it out and be together, and the other believes those kinds of commitments preclude having a healthy long-term relationship. Those are some serious hurdles they both have to overcome and are one of the major plot points.

The dialogue was good, the sense of community was strong, the sub-romance between Caroline and Mark was appealing but it wrapped up in a quick disjointed manner. But I’m coming from not having read any of the previous books in the series. Perhaps it’ll be clearer for fans since they know the backstory. Parts of Finding Happiness were confusing at times but not enough to pull me out of the story. It was nice to have a solid HEA though because Finding Happiness has more of a ‘happy for now’ tone to it for the main characters. Perhaps I need to read book 5 in the series for the full effect. I’m pretty sure that’s the case because there’s a dangling plot thread that belongs to Olivia that has to be tied up. It’s mentioned in this story and progress is made, but for Olivia to be 100% happy, she needs closure. It makes sense that the last book in the series will dot all the I’s and cross all the T’s.

This was a good read, fine for passing the time in at a doctor’s appointment, or getting your oil changed. It’s a story about personal conflicts that need to be overcome before Olivia and Jeremy can move on towards their future together. It was engrossing and entertaining, and I enjoyed reading the book. It’s obvious to me that I’m going to have to read the final book in the series. Nothing like a little closure to make my day.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »