Series Review: Dragon Fire Academy

Dragon Fire Academy
by Rachel Jonas
Series Rating: 5 of 5 stars

1. First Term by Rachel Jonas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Synopsis:
Noelle is a descendant of all three supernatural lineages. This has made her life difficult to say the least. She is accepted to attend school at the Dragon Fire Academy, which has always been her dream. Things are not quite as normal as she wanted her school experience to be. First, her mentors, four hot dragon warriors follow her everywhere. She has no idea what destiny has in store for her but it is not being a normal student or becoming a guard like she always wanted.

My Thoughts:
I love when an author takes the time to build the world and characters in their books. This author did exactly that. She didn't rely on sex to hold the book together but instead developed the relationships and made the world come alive for the reader. This land that the school is on seems wild, beautiful, peaceful but yet dangerous all at the same time.

I found the school ceremonies interesting. Of course, they might have to wait before doing another pinning ceremony...LOL. As far as schools go, it seems like your everyday paranormal school.

The island and the firekeepers are what has me most curious. What are the firekeepers protecting the students from? The firekeepers themselves are intriguing and each with their own unique personality. Their symbols are talked about but not as much detail given as everything else in the book. I am sure there is a reason for it and I can't wait to learn what the symbols mean and how their "hive" goes forward. I do think Kai might be my favorite firekeeper at this point but I have a feeling that might change as the series goes on.

Noelle herself is an interesting heroine. She seems determined to follow the path she set for herself. However, she is worried about her first shift and how it will go. I love that she is smart enough to plan ahead for any unexpected issues. She is concerned more about everyone else than herself which makes like her even more. She has me curious as well. Now that she has completed her first shift, what changes will she undergo? Also, how does she feel about her new role in the "hive"? I have so many questions left and can't wait to see where this series leads.



2. Second Term by Rachel Jonas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:
First term is over. She finally had her first transformation, found her four cocky mates and been marked by ancient evil. Can second term actually be a bigger challenge than the first? With a lot to lose, Noelle is willing to fight for everything she believes in and loves.

My Thoughts:
Book 1 was good but this one was better. There is so much going on that I don't even know if I can wrap my head around it. This author really draws the reader into the world and the characters. You can't help but be fully immersed into this book.

I love that Noelle and Blythe have resolved their differences. She has proven herself to be a true friend. I think Noelle is gonna needs all her friends to get through this. Her friends are awesome and I really like these characters.

I really like the guys even more than before. Kai was my favorite in book one but I thin Ori takes it this time. He has really opened up and I believe he has a big heart.

The chief is the only character that I think we have only scratched the surface of. I don't feel he is trustworthy. I think there is more than meets the eye with him. The dark witches he is using is only the beginning. I am anxious to find out what he is really up to you.

3. Third Term by Rachel Jonas

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Noelle has been through hell in the first 2 terms but that is nothing compared to what she is about to experience. She can't give up the fight and neither can her mates or her friends. They call her family for backup as they fight the darkness. Will good triumph over evil?

My Thoughts:

This book seemed really short but it may just be because I was totally absorbed in the story. I love how her hive and her family came together to fight for her. Even after her dad got a little surprise that he didn't enjoy at all. It really was the perfect ending to the series. There is a bonus epilogue that you can request after reading the series. It was nice to have that extra little piece showing the aftermath of all that happened. I enjoyed this book and the bonus epilogue as well. I will be looking for more by this author. 

Overall:

I loved this series. I just couldn't put these books down. They just seemed to pull me into the story and wouldn't let go until I finished them all. This is definitely a new favorite author for me. 

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Review: Fire in Frost

Fire in Frost by Alicia Rades
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:
Crystal Frost thinks she is going crazy. She is seeing ghosts and dreams of things before they actually happen. She is afraid to tell anyone but things are starting to get weird.

My Thoughts:
This was a great start to this series. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. I like that the Crystal isn't instantly able to use her new skills. She has to practice and learn them. She is also willing to help someone who isn't one of her friends. She is a sweet and friendly heroine that I enjoy reading about. She may be a bit naive but I think maybe that is the point. She is just learning about her abilities and will probably have issues in future books because of her naivety. This book does touch on the subject of abuse. Overall a good read and I think this series has the potential to be really good.


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Review: Valkyrie's Harem

Valkyrie's Harem by Angel Lawson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Synopsis:
The gods demand that the Guardians fight in a new battle. The Guardians, however, are hesitant to leave Morgan. The Legion of Immortals volunteer to go in their place and Hildi is sent to lead them because they are feral and not trusted to think clearly.


My Thoughts:
Where do I start? For a book called Valkyrie's Harem, where is her harem? Harems usually require a decision to have a relationship with more than one person at a time. She can't decide which of the guys she wants or if she wants any at all. She hasn't decided to have a relationship with anyone. One guy she decided she isn't going to even have sex with any more and another was only used to get the venom out of her system. Neither of these non-relationships equals a harem.

They are sent to start the crusades and end up at an academy. Why? What is the point? No real action other than a couple quickies and going to class. Then at the very end of the book there is a little bit of action but it is quickly resolved. No build up or failures along the way as they stumble to figure things out. Then they get to decide who is in charge... again and it ends. Seriously? So what now? Does her non existent harem shrink a little? Do they fight amongst themselves like idiots? I am not sure that I am interested any more. I can't even say I care enough about the characters to want to see what happens next.

This is what I like to call a jumbled mess. I think the concept was there but details and setting are important. You need character building and world building. Just saying a character is feral doesn't make it so. You need to show that character being feral. Details, details, details. This was a fail for me.


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Review: Have Teeth, Will Bite

Have Teeth, Will Bite by L.D. Marr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Synopsis:
It's the 1890s and things are rough for Roz. Some jealous woman reported her to a witch hunter just for talking to her cat. So she heads out west to start a new life. Throw in a murder, a vampire and a talking cat and things get interesting real quick.

My Thoughts:
This was a fun little cozy mystery complete with vampires. The cat was my absolute favorite character. The characters are fun and the story interesting. I can't say too much more without giving the plot away. I think I would definitely read more by this author.


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Review: Royal Fae Bodyguard

Royal Fae Bodyguard by Chloé Vincent
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Synopsis:
Cara is about to graduate from the Brunswick Academy for Gifted Girls. She just has to complete her mission and find her mate. She doesn't want a mate and plans to ditch his butt at the first chance she gets. However, she is excited to complete her mission.

My Thoughts:
This book was a slow start for me. However, it did pick up eventually. I like the idea of an academy to train gifted warriors to protect and serve. I do wish the characters had a bit more depth to them. They seem very one-dimensional. Some more character and world building could go a long way for this book. Will I read book 2? Maybe but I don't have that "I have to read it" feeling about this series.


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Series Review: The Elite Seven

The Elite Seven
Written By:
Ker Dukey
J.D. Hollyfield
Claire C. Riley
M.N. Forgy
K. Webster
Giana Darling

Series Rating: 4 of 5 stars


1. Lust by Ker Dukey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

After suffering a heartbreaking loss, Rhett Masters is on a path of self-destruction. Then he finds a new goal in life: to become one of the Elite 7. His initiation task might just be more than he is willing to sacrifice.

My Thoughts:

This was an interesting start to the series. I am still curious about the Elite. The author doesn't give a lot of insight into the group. Only the seven are really seen in this book and they are all initiates. I found Rhett to be a walking contradiction. He plays it so tough but inside he is hurting. His story is so sad that the reader has to feel something for the poor guy. I am curious how being one of the Elite Seven is going to affect his budding relationship. I will probably read the others to see where they go. The fact that each book is written by a different author is interesting as well. I am curious how their different writing styles translates for each of the sins.




2. Pride by J.D. Hollyfield
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Having lost his parents at a young age, Mason Blackwell and his sister Evie grew up in the foster care system. Suddenly they are separated by lies and threats. One sent to prison to be tortured while the other is sent to her own private hell. Now they are reunited at college at the whim of others, being controlled by power and corruption. Mason is pride and he leads the Elite 7.

My Thoughts:
This book started off a little slow but I think it was intended for it to be so. You got to see how dreary and horrible Mason's life was. The reader gets more insight into what the Elite have control over. It makes you wonder if they can really ever get free from the Elite. Is anyone safe from them? I love that Mason, Megan, Evie and his friends try to fight back instead of just taking what is forced onto them. I am curious as to how it all goes and what horrible tasks the other guys have to do.



3. Wrath by Claire C. Riley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:
Samuel Gunner and his twin sister Sabella were born as their mother took her last breath. Their father hated them from that day on. Their caretakers were cruel and they only had each other to rely on. Fueled by pain and hatred, Samuel takes the chance to join the Elite 7. Can he complete his initiation and keep those he loves safe?


My Thoughts:
These books make you want to cry for these guys. The suffering they go thru just comes off the pages. It is life at its darkest and deepest level. Wrath is suffering just like his fellow brothers. He finds relief with Patience but will it last? I love how sweet Patience is in contrast to how dark and dangerous Samuel is. I really disliked his father but he had some kind of change of heart that I didn't understand. All of a sudden, he seemed to give a damn. A bit late in the game but I find myself wondering why he changed. I am also curious about Sebastian and what he had to do. Obviously, he feels a lot of guilt over it. I am not usually a fan of dark stories like these. Somehow, I just can't seem to stop reading the series. The stories make me sad but maybe that is what I need today. A little bit of the harsh realities of life in the form of the Elite Seven.

4. Envy by M.N. Forgy

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Sebastian Westbrook has looks, money and privilege but that isn't enough for him. In his quest to find a woman who will love him, he will do anything. How far will he go to get what he wants? Will he make it as one of the Elite? 

My Thoughts:

Ok, this one I was not as much of a fan of. Sebastian is kinda creepy and very stalkerish. However, I am not sure why the Elite have an issue with him. It seems to me that they allow all kinds of crazy perverted things to happen and they just help them cover it up. Sebastian was treated differently in this. They seem to be trying to distance him from the Elites. I am curious if the the other 6 guys know what he has really done. This seems like something that could tear the brotherhood apart and not help them escape the people now controlling them. This is my least favorite book of all of them so far. I am hoping the rest are better. 

5. Gluttony by K.  Webster

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Baxter Samuel Goddard V (AKA God) has everything money can buy. Even an exclusive invitation to the Elite 7. His initiation has an unexpected side effect and guilt is tearing him apart. Can he fix this and will the Elite allow him to?

My Thoughts:

This may be my favorite book of the series. God may be a spoiled rich boy but he knows that something is wrong with the Elite. He refuses to allow them to hurt those that he loves. I was surprised about his condition. I wasn't expecting it.

Lillian will not be missed but that was totally not how I expected them to deal with her. She did a lot of damage and seemed to be out of control.

I am still thinking that the Elite is not done with these guys. There is still more coming their way. Despite their handling of Lillian, the Elite aren't gonna let go of their control of things. There are also two of the seven that I need to read about. I am curious about their stories and if they can really get out from under the Elite's control for good.

6. Sloth by Giana Darling

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Rush Dempsey has nothing left in life to care about. Even his father thinks he is lazy. However, joining the Elite and getting his initiation task has lit a fire in him. Maybe he can rise above the title of Sloth...

My Thoughts:

One thing I really like about this series is that the books all take place during overlapping timelines. So each book builds on what the previous books set up. Things are finally wrapping up and the guys are seriously taking out members of the Elite... one by one. I like Rush because he is totally the opposite of his title. Sloth is supposed to be lazy but Rush is seriously motivated and the laziness seems to be on vacation in this book. Isabelle isn't quite what I expected her to be. I expected her to put up more of a fight when her father and the Elite reveal their plans for her. She just follows Rush and his plan with no real spunk of her own. She does attempt to grow a backbone later in the book but still seems to be a follower. Sabella's reappearance is quite the dramatic moment. I was happy to see that she got to have her say. Sebastian's punishment was a bit extreme but then again so were his actions. I am really not used to books that are so dark and full of evil like this. However, I am drawn to this series and I intend to finish it up. 

7. Greed by Ker Dukey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Micah Dixon is on a mission. Well maybe more than one. He has joined the Elite 7 but he has discovered corruption all around him. He is loyal to a fault and he is gonna protect those he cares about. He is Greed and he wants it all. 

My Thoughts:

Greed might be the sweetest of the guys and I totally didn't expect it. He had a lot of secrets but they were for all the right reasons so you can't help but love the guy. The series is now wrapped up nicely with all the lose ends taken care of. I was glad to see an ending that these guys deserved. Even Sabella was given a nice ending. The only person I felt didn't get the ending they deserved was Evie. Overall, this series was a never ending roller coaster of emotions. It was dark and gritty and showed all the evil in the world but it also showed love, friendship and loyalty. 

Overall:

Overall, I really enjoyed this dark series. There is a lot of corruption, lies and the darker side of humanity that is best unseen. I wrote the individual reviews after I finished each book so my reviews would be focused solely on the individual books and not as much the series. As you can probably tell, Greed & Gluttony were my favorite of the guys. Envy was my least favorite for obvious reasons. This series was very unique in they way it was done. Different authors and the stories run concurrently so the timelines overlap. It was a style that I really haven't seen done before and I enjoyed it. 

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Review: Death Warmed Over

Death Warmed Over by Kent Holloway
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Death discovers a body. One whose death is unsanctioned. He presents himself to the cops as a consultant and works to help solve the mystery. Becca is the cop heading the investigation. She thinks he is crazy until she sees things that he can do. Together they work to solve the murder.

My Thoughts:

This book had a unique story line that I liked. Death was an interesting character. Full of quirky fun. He was the most interesting character. The story itself didn't hold my interest as much despite the fact that Death had a starring role in it. It had some good moments but in between I had to push through. Overall, it was ok but Death was what held it together.


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Review: The Mermaid's Escape

The Mermaid's Escape by Kellie McAllen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Synopsis:

Not happy with the life planned for her by her father, Coral runs away from her wedding. She finds herself on an island with legs. Learning how to use her new limbs, she sees a shipwreck and saves the four humans. She is fascinated by all of them and now must choose where she wants her life to go.


My Thoughts:

I love the story line of a mermaid princess that wants to choose her own life meeting 4 humans that are stranded. The author added a little twist on mermaids that I haven't seen in other books so I enjoyed that. The characters were fun and I enjoyed the little jokes included, especially the Dungeons & Dragons one. My husband plays that every week so I had to use the joke on him. LOL! Overall a fun story that felt fresh and unique. I would love to read more of this series.


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Review: Paranormalcy

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Synopsis:
Evie works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency.  She can see through glamours and uses that skill to find paranormal creatures and make it so they can't harm humans. She meets a very unique paranormal creature that she doesn't understand. Unfortunately, this also opens her eyes to things in her agency. Things are not quite what they seem. Despite all the injustices she is starting to see, there is a more important threat to all paranormal creatures and a prophecy that she wants nothing to do with. 


My Review:
Anyone who knows me would not be surprised that I snapped this book up. Anything with paranormal creatures of any type seem to draw my attention. I especially love when an author takes something as simple as vampires and mermaids and put their own little twist on things. This author gave herself license to do so with these characters. So the mermaid is translated by computer and the vampires have glamours that hide their decaying bodies, etc. The Empty Ones were a nice touch and one I haven't seen before. With the addition of these little twists, the author takes the reader on a truly unique journey. Learning about Evie and her just as unique boyfriend, Lend, is a reading adventure you won't forget. Will I read book 2? Most definitely. I am very curious as to where this series is gonna go.


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Review: The Good, the Bad, and the Undead

The Good, the Bad, and the Undead by Kim Harrison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Synopsis:

The MC, Rachel Morgan, is a bounty hunter and witch in downtown Cincinnati. She deals with criminals of the paranormal variety. She lives with a vampire and a pixie. Her boyfriend is a human that dabbles with magic and demons. 

She is hired to find a serial killer. The FIB has a suspect but she has a different suspect. She is determined to prove his guilt to the point of becoming a stalker. Dealing with the paranormal is never easy and she will be lucky to escape with her soul and her very life. 

My Review:

I am glad that I finally got around to reading this book. I enjoy the chaos that is Rachel and her life. She makes a LOT of bad decisions but she eventually gets to where she wants to be. Trent is an interesting contradiction. I can't decide if I like him or not. In book 1, he was obviously the bad guy but now it is hard to tell. The lines have been blurred. The demon has also made things interesting. Rachel's decision regarding him can't have good results. I am curious to see where this leads her. I am intrigued by this series and can't wait to read more.


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Series Review: Halloween Helpers Cozy mysteries

Series: Halloween Helpers Cozy Mysteries
Author: Linnea West
Overall Series Rating: 4 of 5 stars


1. Title: Potion Problem
My Rating:3 of 5 stars

Synopsis: 
Can a non-magical witch and her witch-in-training niece solve a murder at a coven?

It’s October 1st, Vinnie Daggerwood’s first day on the job as a Halloween Helper. Along with her twin sister Lavender and niece Diggy, their job is to help the paranormal world with problems, big and small.

But their first case isn’t small. The leader of a coven has been murdered and it is up to them to solve it.

Just as they are easing into the case, Lavender is kidnapped and Vinnie and Diggy are left to solve the case on their own. The only problem is that Vinnie is a non-magical witch and Diggy is only part way through witch training.

Will they be able to solve the case and look for Lavender at the same time?

Read Potion Problem, the first book in the four book Halloween Helper’s Cozy Mystery series as Vinnie and Diggy work to get Lavender back while helping the paranormal world.



2. Title: Skull Screw Up
My Rating:4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

First a coven of witches, now a household of vampires?

In the second book of the Halloween Helper’s Cozy Mystery Series, the story continues with non-magical witch Vinnie Daggerwood and her witch-in-training niece Diggy back to solve their next case. After bumbling through their first investigation, Vinnie is relieved to find that her second case is not so high stakes. A pack of vampires have somehow misplaced their ceremonial skull and it is up to Vinnie and Diggy to find it.

But during their search, something goes terribly wrong and the head vampire turns up dead in the ceremony room. Now the Halloween Helpers are faced with solving a murder and finding the skull.

Then their boss Norhand shows up with the second puzzle for them to solve to get Vinnie’s sister back. Vinnie is convinced he is setting them up to fail, but she isn’t sure why. Diggy manages to solve the clue fairly easily, but when the answer to the puzzle isn’t where it is supposed to be, Vinnie has to add one more thing to her to-do list.

Can Vinnie and Diggy find the killer, the skull, and the answer to the puzzle?

Make sure to read Potion Problem first before continuing the story in Skull Screw Up.

3. Title: VooDoo Vexation
My Rating:4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Zombies and werewolves are going head to head in a turf war and it’s up to the Halloween Helpers to settle it.

In the third book of the Halloween Helper’s Cozy Mystery series, non-magical Vinnie and her witch-in-training niece Diggy Daggerwood have been called to Louisiana where they are tasked with settling a turf war between a group of zombies and a pack of werewolves. Neither group wants to cooperate, but at least there isn’t a murder involved.

That is, until they stumble across a murder scene and everything starts to unravel more. Facing a bayou war, Vinnie and Diggy rush to figure out who is killing both zombies and werewolves. Complicating matters more, a swamp fairy named Delphine insists sticking her nose into everything.

Add in the fact that Vinnie and Diggy are working on solving the third clue that Norhand has given them and it seems that Norhand is becoming sneakier and sneakier in his quest to keep Lavender all to himself.

Can Vinnie and Diggy figure out which group can stay in the bayou and stop Norhand’s underhanded tricks all at the same time?

Find out in Book 3: VooDoo Vexation

4. Title: Talisman Trouble
My Rating:4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Time is running out. Can Vinnie and Diggy figure out how to rescue Lavender?

In the fourth book of the Halloween Helper’s Cozy Mystery series, non-magical Vinnie and her witch-in-training niece Diggy Daggerwood are given another case just three days before their Halloween deadline. A paranormal family has a dispute with their resident ghost, but both feel like they have a rightful claim to the house.

Vinnie doesn’t really care because for once, they actually have an easy case to solve. It should take hardly any time at all while they wait for the last clue to solve before they get Lavender back.

But the case isn’t as easy as it looked to be on the surface. And every time they figure out a plan to get Lavender, things get more complicated. At last, Norhand sends the last clue to solve and this one might actually help the witches.

Can Vinnie and Diggy solve the case and the clue to find Lavender before Halloween is over?

Read the end of the saga in Book 4: Talisman Trouble.

My Review:

I recently discovered this series and decided to try it. I found it intriguing and fun. The characters are fun and quirky. I loved that the Halloween Helpers are like a mix of detectives and problem solvers. The gadgets they use to solve the mysteries were fun and unique. Each investigation included new paranormals to help. Norhand's clues for the witches are very cheeky and easy to solve but fit perfectly with the quirkiness of the books.

I was disappointed that Lavender get to be involved much in the series. The reader gets to know her sister, Vinnie, and daughter, Diggy, but don't really get to know her too well. They are all three supposed to be running Halloween Helpers but only two of them get spotlighted in the book. Yeah, Lavender is part of a story line stretched over all four books but it seems that this is the end of the series. It just seems to me that a series about Halloween Helpers should include all the Halloween Helpers and center on how they help various paranormals. However, it seems that the kidnapping was the main focus of this series despite the series name. It just seems a bit short-sighted to me.

Overall, it was a fun series. I do think it could have been developed into a longer series. However, I did enjoy it and give the series a solid 4 stars.

Review: Sky Ghosts: Initiation

Sky Ghosts: Initiation by Alexandra Engellmann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Synopsis:
For centuries, Sky Ghosts have been hiding their differences from humans, living among them in secret. For every one of them who uses their power for the good of mankind, there are ten who prey on the weak and try to avoid justice. They're called Sky Beasts, and the war between them and the New York Sky Ghosts Headquarters has reached a fever pitch.

Patricia aka Pain is known as a “kill first, ask questions later” kind of girl. An urban legend at twenty-one, she helps save the city in her own way — by slaughtering Beasts in between working bodyguard jobs.

Until they show up. The two civilian guys who turn the life at headquarters upside down. The key to destroying their oldest enemy. And it's Pain and her sister Jane who are assigned to protect the annoying humans.

If the Beasts don't kill them, she might just do it herself.

Previously published as Sky Ghosts: All for One. This is a revised, updated edition with 4 new chapters.

*Warning: strong language, graphic violence, and mild sexual content.

My Review:
I read the original version of this book in 2015 and it was one of those books that just stuck with me. I have been checking back looking for future books and then I was contacted by the author with the chance to read this updated version with extra chapters. I was excited to go back into this world of Sky Ghosts & Beasts.

It was every bit as good as I remembered. I still loved these characters. I love the sisters and how they relate to each other and everyone around them. Pain is sassy & snarky and I love it. This is easily one of my favorite books (both old & new versions). I can't wait to see what book 2 has to bring when it comes out in the near future.


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