On Wings of Love by Briar Boleyn

On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 575

Publisher -

Source - Wishlist rak

Blurb from Goodreads

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 337

Publisher -

Source - Wishlist arc

Blurb from Goodreads

I didn't sign up for this.

A half-fae in a school of highblood vampires? That's a recipe for torment.

I'm Medra Pendragon—last of the dragon riders, or so they tell me. Funny thing is, there are no dragons left. Not a single one. But somehow, that hasn't stopped the vampires from deciding I'm worth capturing. Now I'm stuck at Bloodwing Academy, where the highbloods run everything and blightborn like me? We're just blood in their veins, pawns in their games.

But that's not even the worst part. Enter Blake Drakharrow. Cold, arrogant, and way too gorgeous for his own good. He's been tormenting me since the moment we met, and now, thanks to some ancient ritual, we're betrothed. He acts like he owns me, but I'm not going down without a fight.

Bloodwing isn't just a school—it's a battlefield. Highbloods fight for power, and if you're weak? You're dead.

Between deadly competitions, lies that could get me executed, and a dragon-shaped secret looming over my head, all I have to do is survive. Easy, right? Except I'm starting to think the real danger isn't the academy—it's what I'm becoming in this twisted game of power.

And Blake? He might just be the one who pushes me over the edge.

They think they can control me. They think they can use me.

But they have no idea what they've awakened.


My Review

Do NOT come for me lol! There is so much I did enjoy about this book but I also was annoyed and eye rolled a fair few times. Medra comes to and she is in a dangerous position, surrounded by dead decaying bodies and a vampire wants a taste of her blood, She then meets Blake and gets took off to the Academy were her fate is sealed. She will behave, she will toe the line, she will obey, perform and fight for her place in there whether she wants to or not! Before long the attraction between the two is evident but obvs they hate each other, aye sure they do and it is a bit of a dance between them of I hate you but cannot deny to the inner self they actually are attracted to each other.

So! I liked it but I didn't love it and have since checked and it is book one of four book series, the fourth coming later this year. So Medra is human but has dragon rider blood which makes her a hot currency despite there being no dragons but the Highbloods (powerful vamps) don't want to believe they are truly gone. Medra is surrounded by vamps and humans, humans are treated like crap, the vamps are entitled, shady and some worse than others. Medra's blood is elite so she has a bigger target on her back not to mention Blake's love interest really doesn't like her and the vamps can be vicious anyway.

There are games, powers it was very reminiscent of other series with echoes of some of those rolled in. Like it is such a busy book, magic, powers, my fave question I asked over and over was WHERE ARE THE DRAGONS, love interest, enemies, classism, murder, betrayal, friendship, mind control, danger, monsters, some spicey scenes like it has A LOT going on.

I think it was a good foundation book, I am looking forward to seeing where it goes and hoping to see some karma, growth, back bone and DRAGONS PLEASE, 3.5/5 for me on this one.

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Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen

Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - over 3 days

Pages - 608

Publisher - Requited

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Revenge demands sacrifice. Don’t miss this action-packed, jaw-dropping, dark and romantic sequel to Dire Bound.

CROWNED BY DESTINY. CONSUMED BY VENGEANCE.

Against all odds, Meryn Cooper has inherited the crown—and a deadly war. As the Kingdom of Nocturna splinters under the weight of generations of lies, it is up to Meryn, her bonded direwolf Anassa, and their allies to bring the country back from the brink.

But the commoners, the Bonded, and the nobles are distrustful of their new queen and Meryn is caught in a deadly game of politics. Meanwhile, Meryn’s beloved younger sister, Saela, is more at risk than ever.

Confusingly, the one person Meryn can trust is Stark Therion—the dark, dangerous Alpha she thought hated her as much as she loathed him. Yet, his loyalty is unshakeable. His presence is intoxicating. And with his guidance, Meryn can seize an unthinkable level of power.

With enemies closing in and shadows stirring in her dreams, Meryn stands to lose her kingdom—and her heart.

Blood will spill. Bonds will break. Fate will be tested


My Review


This is book two of the Wolves of Ruin, if you haven't read book one I would absolutely recommend doing so. One because spoilers, like even the blurb so yeah stop here and go read book one if you haven't already. So we left book one with Meryn finding out a terrible betrayal and shocking truth, now she has claimed her birthright and has so many hills to climb, obstacles to overcome and dangers headed her way.

Oooft so book one we seen death galore between the "tributes" and even the poor dire wolves. Well this one is no different and you best prepare yourself. Meryn is still reeling from all the revelations in the last book, learning her place, the expected behaviors, hierarchy, war, threats to life ooft.

I feel like the pace of this one is so different from the first and yeah it would be because it is heading on, Meryn is in a new phase and stage. That being said, so much of the issue was about her biggest adversary, the enemy who always seemed ten steps ahead and yet when the crux of it all came it was so fast and like a secondary thought. Now we are focused on "the mission" soz no spoilers here so the book took a really different turn and feel for me, like it could have been a different storyline. And I did really enjoy that offset of the story, there were so many veins of storylines though. The chapters split between Meryn and Stark, again I feel we get a very different Stark in this book and we get to hear directly from him. Their spicy scenes, I don't know it kind of felt so samey to what she went through with Killian, I cringed at them too and don't get me started on Kitten and how Stark's behaviour after it meh.

That seems like so many complaints lol, I did enjoy it and want to see where it went but girl, Meryn did rip my knittin and I get it she has been through so so much but I just feel she was so different from book one Meryn. I suppose that is a reflection of everything she has went through but yeah I was so irked at some of it and also how some people behaved, 4/5.

I did enjoy this one but not as much as book one, I am looking forward to book three.

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Lover Unveiled by J R Ward

Lover Unveiled by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 509

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Meet a powerful MMA fighter with a buried secret that could change the world of Caldwell forever...

Sahvage has been living under the radar for centuries-and he has every intention of staying 'dead and buried.' But when a civilian female sucks him into her dangerous battle with an evil as ancient as time, his protective side overrides his common sense.

Mae has lost everything, and desperation sets her on a collision course with fate. Determined to reverse a tragedy, she goes where mortals should fear to tread- and comes face to face with the Brotherhood's new enemy. She also discovers a love she never expected to find with Sahvage, but there can be no future for them.

Knowing they will part, the two band together to fight against what Mae unknowingly unleashed- as the Brotherhood closes in to reclaim one of their damned, and the evil vows to destroy them all...



My Review

Book nineteen of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, got to be honest it wasn't my fave of them all by far but I am working my way through the series and almost caught up. So this one centres around Sahvage and Mae. Sahvage is a brother but not part of our active clan, it has been ages since I started these books so can't remember how much we knew about him. Essentially he is a self isolated lone ranger type guy, he keeps himself to himself, goes to street fights and makes his coin there. I didn't really get this because he is up against humans so why even bother. As the book goes on we find out the brothers thing him dead (or they always did and I just don't remember) and when they go back to his place of rest and all that follows, I still didn't get his reasons for his choices, the how yes, the why not really. Mae and him cross paths, she has her own issues and is trying to save her brother (both vamps) and in doing so her path is taken down a search for dark horrific magic and Davina is back!

The "love" story between Sahvage and Mae was lack luster for me and a bit meh, I just didn't get the resistance. Normally the love story is huge in the books but this was more of a back story I feel, the search for the book and focus on her family was primary.

Davina is as always evil and shocking, the book needed this so we had something we could be invested in. Sahvage's cousin and throwback stuff I didn't really get, unless we are setting all that up for her having her own story maybe in an upcoming book? I have the next in the series to read, 3/5 for me for this one.

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Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 8 days

Pages - 584

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Picking up from A Discovery of Witches’ cliffhanger ending, Shadow of Night takes Diana and Matthew on a trip through time to Elizabethan London, where they are plunged into a world of spies, magic, and a coterie of Matthew’s old friends, the School of Night. As the search for Ashmole 782 deepens and Diana seeks out a witch to tutor her in magic, the net of Matthew’s past tightens around them, and they embark on a very different—and vastly more dangerous—journey.


My Review

This is book two in the book series "A Discovery of Witches" - I often read books out of sequence or as standalones but I would advise reading book one. This picks up where book one left off, it was a long gap between reading that and this one. Diana and Matthew have fled to the past to try and find the Ashmole 782 which may help solve all their problems. You know, he is a vamp, she is a witch, the two aren't allowed to "fraternise" and these two have fallen in love and causing all manners of threats and death to be brought upon them. Convinced the Ashmole 782 will end all their and their species issues and may finally bring peace.

I would say the majority of the book is set back in the past, we do have wee tiny trips back to the present but to be honest not a whole lot happens in those chapters it is all the stuff set in the past. Jumping from the danger of present day and going back in time to when witches are being hunted, burnt, persecuted, Diana has trouble in abundance. Whilst Diana navigates the very different life and times of the time period they are also trying to find someone who can help Diana with her magic or lack of it. She is experiencing little flutters and sparks but is it just the magic of travelling back in time or could it be her powers are finally starting to come to the fort?

The book looks at the difficulties of their relationship, the fact they haven't consummated, how their relationship is, the dangers just being together has brought and even how dangerous it is being themselves where they have landed.

Meeting Mathews family and friends brings its own trials and tribulations, the time period, the literal witch hunts, love, loss, betrayal, magic - it is a mixed bag, 3.5/5. I did like it and enjoyed seeing more of their story, I also have book three to read but I did find it a wee bit slow in places.

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Blood Communion by Anne Rice

Blood Communion by Anne Rice
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 288

Publisher -

Source - Gift from a friend

Blurb from Goodreads

The Vampire Chronicles continue with a riveting, rich saga--part adventure, part fairy-tale--of Prince Lestat and the story of the Blood Communion as he tells the tale of his coming to rule the vampire world and the eternal struggle to find belonging, a place in the universe for the undead, and how, against his will, he must battle the menacing, seemingly unstoppable force determined to thwart his vision and destroy the entire vampire netherworld.

In this spellbinding novel, Lestat, rebel outlaw, addresses the tribe of vampires, directly, intimately, passionately, and tells the riveting story of the formation of the Blood Communion and how he became Prince of the vampire world, the true ruler of this vast force, and how his vision for all the Children of the Universe to thrive as one, came to be.
The tale spills from Lestat's heart, as he speaks first of his new existence as reigning monarch--and then of his fierce battle of wits and words with the mysterious Rhoshamandes, proud Child of the Millennia, reviled outcast for his senseless slaughter of the legendary ancient vampire Maharet, who brought forth the Great Family of the undead; Rhoshamandes, a force who refuses to live in harmony at the Court of Prince Lestat and threatens all that Lestat has dreamt of.
As the tale unfolds, Lestat takes us from the towers and battlements of his ancestral castle in the snow-covered mountains of France to the verdant wilds of lush Louisiana with its lingering fragrances of magnolias and night jasmine; from the far reaches of the Pacific's untouched islands to the 18th-century city of St. Petersburg and the court of the Empress Catherine . . .




My Review


This is the last book in the vampire series, I think had I not left as long gaps between reading them maybe this one would have been a bit different? Lestat has changed over the years, like actually evolved and if you aren't familiar with his humungous back story you really need to go back and read them.

There are many mythical beings in this one and a lot of animosity, a war threatening due to issues and grudges that happened previously. Lestat has to face ad adversary that threatens all he holds dear and everything they have set up.

Death, murder, threats of violence, vampires obviously, the clones from the previous books, the close circle of those around Lestat and what they have built. I just wanted and expected more I guess, it isn't a bad book at all but going on things that have happened in the previous books I just expected so much more, 3/5 for me.

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A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 338

Publisher - First ink

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Why save the world when you can have tea?

On the streets of White Roaring, Arthie Casimir is a criminal mastermind and collector of secrets. Her prestigious tearoom transforms into an illegal bloodhouse by dark, catering to the vampires feared by society. But when her establishment is threatened, Arthie is forced to strike an unlikely deal with an alluring adversary to save it—and she can’t do the job alone.

Calling on some of the city's most skilled outcasts, Arthie hatches a plan to infiltrate the sinister, glittering vampire society known as the Athereum. But not everyone in her ragtag crew is on her side, and as the truth behind the heist unfolds, Arthie finds herself in the midst of a conspiracy that will threaten the world as she knows it.

From the New York Times—bestselling author of We Hunt the Flame comes the first book in a hotly anticipated fantasy duology teeming with romance and revenge, led by an orphan girl willing to do whatever it takes to save her self-made kingdom. Dark, action-packed, and swoonworthy, this is Hafsah Faizal better than ever.


My Review

I honestly don't know where to start, this is a beautiful copy, mine has sprayed pages which is what drew me to the book, I am a sucker for sprayed pages. So Vampires, tick, romance and revenge it sounded like it had everything I could want. I don't really know what to say, it was very light on the vampire side to be honest to the point I felt they were incidental. Arthie Casimir owns a tearoom that cater to vampires at night, on the sneak. There is a big brutal boss who lords control and power over everything and now Arthie's tearoom is being threatened to be taken from her. With her bestie they embark on a mission with the help of others to do the undoable and take down the bad guy and save the tearoom.

I checked fantasticfiction and it is book one in a series but I feel like I was missing out on so much, Arthie does she have a back story of her own like a whole other book? The romance part again wasn't a huge play at all in the book the only thing that I would say was central and the plot was the revenge and everyone working together.

A mixed bunch of characters, secrets, lies, I would say more flirty and scorn than romance. The coconut thing I will let you read, discover and absorb yourself but that was another thing I was a bit like um ok? The book was ok, I didn't love it but did like some of the characters (Jin - I loved Jin) and interactions which makes it 3/5. Some folk seem to love this book, I think maybe the other series but give me a bit more - I just feel I was missing so much that maybe is why I didn't connect with the characters as much. The book has a map which is stunning, we do love a map.

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Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis by Anne Rice

Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis by Anne Rice
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - In and out over 6 days

Pages - 451

Publisher - Knopf

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

At the novel's center: the vampire Lestat de Lioncourt, hero, leader, inspirer, irresistible force, irrepressible spirit, battling (and ultimately reconciling with) a strange otherworldly form that has somehow taken possession of Lestat's undead body and soul. This ancient and mysterious power and unearthly spirit of vampire lore has all the force, history, and insidious reach of the unknowable Universe.

It is through this spirit, previously considered benign for thousands of vampire years and throughout the Vampire Chronicles, that we come to be told the hypnotic tale of a great sea power of ancient times; a mysterious heaven on earth situated on a boundless continent--and of how and why, and in what manner and with what far-reaching purpose, this force came to build and rule the great legendary empire of centuries ago that thrived in the Atlantic Ocean.

And as we learn of the mighty, far-reaching powers and perfections of this lost kingdom of Atalantaya, the lost realms of Atlantis, we come to understand its secrets, and how and why the vampire Lestat, indeed all the vampires, must reckon so many millennia later with the terrifying force of this ageless, all-powerful Atalantaya spirit.


My Review

I have read the previous books in the series over X amount of years, some I remember more clearly than others and Lestat has certainly been on a journey. This time we see him being the Prince of their people, leader/ruler and he has as an inner spirit hitchhiking in him Amel. When the counsel hear of a vampire being murdered and his brain eaten it brings to attention a new person(s) of interest and a threat to the vampires but they have no idea of just how unique these people are or their purpose!

I really struggled in parts with this one. Some of it was really interesting especially those who can harm vampires, I am purposely being vague here to avoid spoilers. Torture, spirits, higher beings there is a lot in this and a bit of past and present with stories of old being told and beings trying to work out their place amongst each other, both them and the vamps.

Lestat is very different from how I remember him, he is much more chill and wise but he has been through a hundred life times. Louis pops up again not really playing a huge part but then nor are really any of them excluding Amel, Lestat and the others. I almost felt this was a foundation laying book for what is to come, the next book but it was so very long, disjointed a bit and I kept getting pulled out of it. I just don't think it flowed as well as the previous books nor where the characters overly engaging. David popping up did make me think of The Mayfair Witches trilogy and I think I will re read them at some point as I loved them and the Talamasca group - I actually would have loved a book purely on them to be honest. Whilst it is nice to get a few tidbits/updates on previous book characters nothing was overly in depth if you exclude the others and folks from their story. 3/5 from me, of course I will read the next one which I believe is the last in the series but this wasn't my fave by any stretch.

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Claimed by J R Ward

Claimed by J.R. Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 509

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

A heart-pounding new series set in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world, with a scientist fighting to save the timber wolves—and getting caught in a deadly trap herself...

Lydia Susi is passionate about protecting wolves in their natural habitat. When a hotel chain develops a tract of land next to the preserve, Lydia is one of the most vocal opponents of the project—and becomes a target.

One night, a shadowy figure threatens Lydia’s life in the forest, and a new hire at the Wolf Study Project comes from out of nowhere to save her. Daniel Joseph is both mysterious, and someone she intrinsically wants to trust. But is he hiding something?

As the stakes get higher, and one of Lydia’s colleagues is murdered, she must decide how far she will go to protect the wolves. Then a shocking revelation about Daniel challenges Lydia’s reality in ways she could never have predicted. Some fates demand courage, others require even more, with no guarantees. Is she destined to have true love... or will a soul-shattering loss ruin her forever?


My Review

This is book one of a trilogy, Lydia is all about protecting the wolves in their natural environment and a new hotel/chain is putting everything at risk. Daniel, a drifter appears at the perfect time looking for a job. Someone has poisoned a wolf, money at the facility is low and Lydia will do just about anything for the wolves safety. Both Lydia and Daniel are mysterious and or aloof in their own way and it isn't long before sparks fly between the two and their attraction has more pull that what they are hiding.

So the book is from the Lair of the Wolven series and we have snippets of chapters going to the Blackdagger Brotherhood characters, specifically Xhex, dreams and freaking out, then back to Lydia with no seeming reason or cross over, I am hoping with book two we will have more clarity and info (I have book two and three at the ready).

There is murder, intrigue, dodgy behaviour, skulduggery, stalking and wolves of course. I would say it is a slow burner at times but when you get to the end it all comes together and absolutely needs book two to be read asap.

There is some spice, intrigue, wolfy interactions, secrets, danger and all is not what it seems, like even the folk Lydia has worked with and it being a small town there are secrets and reveals to be had. I am very much looking forward to book two and seeing what is next in store, a good foundation book setting up for the rest, 4/5.

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The Sinner by J R Ward

The Sinner by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days (in and out)

Pages - 512

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

A sinner’s only hope is true love in this passionate new novel in J.R. Ward’s #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

Syn has kept his side hustle as a mercenary a secret from the Black Dagger Brotherhood. When he takes another hit job, he not only crosses the path of the vampire race’s new enemy, but also that of a half-breed in danger of dying during her transition. Jo Early has no idea what her true nature is, and when a mysterious man appears out of the darkness, she is torn between their erotic connection and the sense that something is very wrong.

Fate anointed Butch O’Neal as the Dhestroyer, the fulfiller of the prophecy that foresees the end of the Omega. As the war with the Lessening Society comes to a head, Butch gets an unexpected ally in Syn. But can he trust the male—or is the warrior with the bad past a deadly complication?

With time running out, Jo gets swept up in the fighting and must join with Syn and the Brotherhood against true evil. In the end, will love true prevail...or was the prophecy wrong all along?


My Review

I don't really remember Syn too much in previous books but I do remember Jo Early, the reporter who with another co worker where trying to cover the vampires/destruction when the Lessers and vamps battled. Turns out Jo is a half breed and on the cusp on transition and Syn is brought into her life as a job and Syn has no idea what lies ahead for him. So Syn is a bit rogue, whilst him and his fighters have taken oath to the king he is still a bit nomad, a loner, wild, a killer. He has had a horrific past and not the best of relations with the other sex. We hear a bit about his past and know he is a hitman, man, woman it doesn't matter he is happy to take folk out. So when Jo comes into his path he is not ready for the impact she has on him nor what it can mean for him.

We also get an unexpected pop up from Covet, book one in another series by this author, I think I need to read the rest of them for fear of spoilers in the next in this series, plus I did enjoy that one. Butch features a wee bit more and I feel we haven't seen a whole lot of the Lessers nor the Omega in the last few so it was nice to get a bit more of that side from the series.

As usual there is graphic adult scenes of an adult nature so not for the easy to blush or quick to be mortified, this is book 18 so you should know by now what you are getting. The book has a glossary at the start which I think is a fantastic idea to keep up with the terminology, no matter how long you have been reading the series it is good to have them. Murder, love, friendships, a wee bit almost gaslighting, certainly I was a bit annoyed at some of the behaviours of some but from the beginning you know he has a dark/dangerous/aggressive side. Always nice to see progression from the stories and I think with this one Ward has injected a new lease of life into the series and look forward to seeing where it goes, 3.5/5 from me.

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Where Winter Finds You by J R Ward

Where Winter Finds You by J.R. Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages -

Publisher -

Source -

Blurb from Goodreads

When Trez lost his beloved to a tragic death (The Shadows, Black Dagger Brotherhood #13), his soul was crushed and his destiny seemed relegated to suffering. But when he meets a mysterious female, he becomes convinced his true love has been reincarnated. Is he right? Or has his grief created a disastrous delusion?

Therese has come to Caldwell to escape a rift with her bloodline. The revelation that she was adopted and not born into her family shakes the foundations of her identity, and she is determined to make it on her own. Her attraction to Trez is not what she’s looking for, except the sexy Shadow proves to be undeniable.

Has fate provided a grieving widower with a second chance...or is Trez too blinded by the past to see the present for what it really is? In this sensual, arresting book full of the themes of redemption and self-discovery, two lost souls find themselves at a crossroads where the heart is the only compass that can be trusted...but that may require a courage that neither of them possesses.



My Review

If you are a fan of the Trez and Selena story then you will enjoy this book as we follow Trez whilst he is still wallowing in his grief and his meeting of Therese. She looks so much like Selena, they both feel a connection and we go from there. Therese popped up briefly at the end of one of the other books am sure and this is picking up from there. She has her own history and wanting to stand on her own two feet, Trez is a pull that she cannot ignore and it is absolutely mutual. She has no idea of his past and he is doing his best to deal with the attraction and grief.

The book may be a little tough in places if you have lost someone as you can feel the grief part hitting the emotionals. As with Ward's books there is of course erotic scenes of a graphic nature or as someone recently taught me the term after talking about this, gothic porn lmao.

Some of our faves from the Brotherhood appear, just little parts as the whole thing revolves around Trez and Therese, if you like the series you will enjoy this one too, 4/5 for me.

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The Saviour by J R Ward

The Savior by J.R. Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read -

Pages - 479

Publisher - Gallery books

Source - bought

Blurb from Goodreads

In the venerable history of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, only one male has ever been expelled—but Murhder’s insanity gave the Brothers no choice. Haunted by visions of a female he could not save, he nonetheless returns to Caldwell on a mission to right the wrong that ruined him. However, he is not prepared for what he must face in his quest for redemption.

Dr. Sarah Watkins, researcher at a biomedical firm, is struggling with the loss of her fellow scientist fiancé. When the FBI starts asking about his death, she questions what really happened and soon learns the terrible truth: Her firm is conducting inhumane experiments in secret and the man she thought she knew and loved was involved in the torture.

As Murhder and Sarah’s destinies become irrevocably entwined, desire ignites between them. But can they forge a future that spans the divide separating the two species? And as a new foe emerges in the war against the vampires, will Murhder return to his Brothers... or resume his lonely existence forevermore?



My Review

So this is book 17 in the series, you don't have to have read all the previous ones however it does help as there is so much going on and back stories with the characters. We had seen Murhder referred to previously, he is no longer in the brotherhood and had some problems with his mental health but we don't know everything just he has a history with Xhex John's good lady. Introducing Dr. Sarah Watkins, her partner died she flung herself into work and now that work has brought her into the way of danger and the path of the unthinkable........vampires.

This book gives us a lot of what we have come to expect, there is passion, erotica (graphic adult scenes so not for the easily offended), relationships, cross over of the human into the vampire circle. We learn more about Murhder's back story (did I say that I feel like I said that). There is an interesting look at the cruelty of humans, study of vampires and we touched on this previously in another book in the series.

Love story, violence, family, history, vampires still battling the Lessers but from the previous book we know we also now have a new enemy. For this book, whilst I think this one took a wee bit to get into its groove it is a good part of the series and a few more bits filled in.

The way we rounded out I am looking forward to the next book that picks this thread up, sometimes the book brings in a new character to our established ones and hopefully book 18 picks up where we left this one off, 4/5 for me.

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The Chosen by J R Ward

The Chosen by J.R. Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 3 days

Pages - 544

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Xcor, leader of the Band of Bastards, convicted of treason against the Blind King, is facing a brutal interrogation and torturous death at the hands of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Yet after a life marked by cruelty and evil deeds, he accepts his soldier’s fate, his sole regret the loss of a sacred female who was never his: the Chosen Layla.

Layla alone knows the truth that will save Xcor’s life. But revealing his sacrifice and his hidden heritage will expose them both and destroy everything Layla holds dear—even her role of mother to her precious young. Torn between love and loyalty, she must summon the courage to stand up against the only family she has for the only man she will ever love. Yet even if Xcor is somehow granted a reprieve, he and Layla would have to confront a graver challenge: bridging the chasm that divides their worlds without paving the way for a future of even greater war, desolation, and death.

As a dangerous old enemy returns to Caldwell, and the identity of a new deity is revealed, nothing is certain or safe in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, not even true love... or destinies that have long seemed set in stone.



My Review

So I missed this book and read the one after so was going back however the books focus on certain characters and the one I read didn't have any impact from missing this. Book 15, we know Layla and Xcor's history was going to come crashing down at some point, we knew it would be fiery, I don't think anyone appreciated just how implosive it would be.

There is so much history between The Blackdagger Brotherhood & Xcor's band so I don't think anyone could have foreseen where it was headed. Now these books are always adult themed and have erotica with graphic scenes and body fluids galore. However this book actually, I felt, had much more focus on storyline, development of the characters, a lot of things I had been looking for closure or development from previous books/threads came to fruition. There is still romance, erotica and all that jazz but much more action this book round and sometimes I think you need it especially with so many characters. 4/5 for me this time, I have the next few of the series so hoping it won't be long before I get to the next installment.

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The Shadows by J R Ward

The Shadows by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 4 days

Pages - 654

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads


Trez “Latimer” doesn’t really exist. And not just because the identity was created so that a Shadow could function in the underbelly of the human world. Sold by his parents to the Queen of the S’Hsibe as a child, Trez escaped the Territory and has been a pimp and an enforcer in Caldwell, NY for years- all the while on the run from a destiny of sexual servitude. He’s never had anyone he could totally rely on... except for his brother, iAm.

iAm’s sole goal has always been to keep his brother from self-destructing- and he knows he’s failed. It’s not until the Chosen Serena enters Trez’s life that the male begins to turn things around... but by then it’s too late. The pledge to mate the Queen’s daughter comes due and there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no negotiating.

Trapped between his heart and a fate he never volunteered for, Trez must decide whether to endanger himself and others- or forever leave behind the female he’s in love with. But then an unimaginable tragedy strikes and changes everything. Staring out over an emotional abyss, Trez must find a reason to go on or risk losing himself and his soul forever. And iAm, in the name of brotherly love, is faced with making the ultimate sacrifice...



My Review


You can read this as a standalone but as it is book thirteen of a series you do miss a lot of the back story however each book focuses on a particular character or handful of characters. Trez and his brother iAm are an accepted part of the brotherhood, welcomed to their home, firm respected friendships. Trez is on the run from his *legacy* he was promised to the queen, for the Princess, Trez has never wanted that. Now time is running out and the Royal promise/agreement will be fulfilled.

Life is never straight forward in these books, Trez finally finds someone he loves, Selena (we met her before) but of course there is a huge something that stands in the way. Then fate intervenes and they are together but he has to fulfil his duties or die. His brother iAm is the oppose of Trez, he has never been with a woman and he looks out for Trez, will do anything for him. The royals have reached out and both men will feel the effects of the promise their parents made all those years ago.

As with the other books there is graphic sex and a ton of body fluids so not for the easy offended or mortified. We see Layla and her dilemma with Xcor, I get she feels she is doing the right thing but the danger she puts herself and her unborn, I was beyond exasperated with her at times. Rhage, I don't really know what happened to him in this book, even after finishing it, clearly something is coming and I feel this is setting the scene but he wasn't our normal Rhage and I don't know why.

For the books having romance throughout this book was a bit sad. Quinn's brother Luchas we see a bit more of him in this but again not a lot so I am wondering if he might get a book of his own coming?

I didn't love this book, I didn't hate it, I was left feeling a wee bit empty, maybe loss - I don't know. Usually you get a happy sigh in amongst a lot of danger and badness, I just felt this book had flashes of a lot of the characters and storylines but no real meat for any of them. Usually the book focuses on one person/couple and then you get scenes and bits with the others. I don't know/feel like we did with this one. There was a lot going on, 3/5 for me this time. The last quarter of the book picked up more for me but yeah not my fave of the series. I have the rest to read, most on my tbrm and I look forward to where the story goes but rooting for Layla to sort her crap out!

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Angel Falls by Tracey Sinclair

Angel Falls by Tracey Sinclair
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - as able over 2.5 days

Pages - 210

Publisher - Indie

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

It isn't easy to surprise Cassandra Bick. When you run a human-vampire dating agency, your colleague is a witch who is engaged to a shifter and your business partner is one of London's most powerful (and sexiest) vampires, there's no such thing as a normal day at the office.

But when a mysterious Dark Dates client brings a dire warning of a new threat to the city's supernatural community, Cass and her friends realise they are up against their deadliest foe yet – and that this time, the danger is far closer to home than they could ever have imagined.

Sexy, snarky and with more bite than a crypt full of vampires, Angel Falls is the latest in the Dark Dates: Cassandra Bick series.


My Review

If you haven't read the previous two, stop here and go check them out, this can be read as a standalone but I am going to mention something from the previous book so stop.

Okies good, so we left off with Laclos being saved by Cain stepping in and as a result Laclos is "off his nut" super charged on the best blood flowing through his veins. If you haven't read the previous and are still here, Laclos is a vampire, Cain is a warrior angel, Cassie has dating history with them both. Currently with Cain, Laclos is mr inappropriate and always talking in sexual innuendos to both Cassie and Cain- he loves winding Cain up. Anyway Laclos is killing vampire seniors left right and centre, he is out of control, Cain is recovering from the last book. Cassie is trying to sort out her dating business (mortals, vampires - she has a special dating service).

We see some of the players from the previous book(s) and some new faces. The banter, the attitudes, sex, danger, fighting, disasters and Cassie - the human with her gift, a sense that helps her deal with her supernatural clients and the insane scraps she finds herself in.

It is a busy book, unresolved issues from the previous book, storylines picking up from where we left them. Cassandra's love *triangle* if you will, although this isn't nearly as central an issue but ever present, she is a lucky girl.

If you like your books with vampires, angels, witches, shapeshifters and that is just some of the mysticals that feature. Sarcasm, sex, bantz, jealousy, relationships ooft the book, for being just over 200 odd pages, keeps on giving. I read book two three years ago and then hung off because I didn't have another after this. I have the next instalment waiting and it won't be three years (unless I find out it ends on a cliff hanger) lol, 4/5 for me this time.

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Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 756

Publisher - ATOM

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella's side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward's version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.

This unforgettable tale as told through Edward's eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward's past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?



My Review

Guys this is absolutely a marmite book, I have seen such split reviews at very opposite ends of the spectrum. Also, despite being a chonky almost 800 pages this book ONLY covers book ONE from Edwards point of view. Everything we read in book one was from Bella's point of view this is all Edward. We have a lot of his thoughts and feelings around what is happening at any given time which was a bug bear with some but I really liked that.

The book also offers some information into some of the other characters and I genuinely hope if she brings out the other books to match the originals she keeps this vein where we learn more about the other characters. Meyers gives us in Edward what E L James didn't with Christian, he is very focused on her, her safety and of course he loves her.

I loved these books when they first came out and they are about a "teen" couple so there is angst but the original books had that too. I was surprised how little Jacob was mentioned, I think over 200 pages has passed before we hear him mentioned and not much after that. As I said the book is very marmite, I happened to really enjoy it and hope she does the rest of them. If I hadn't been feeling so crap I could have sank this in one sitting, 4/5 for me this time.

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Lover At Last by J R Ward

Lover at Last by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time take to read - 1 day

Pages - 608

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: it seems Qhuinn has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young. It’s hard for Blay to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. And Qhuinn needs to come to terms with some dark things before he can move forward…

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one.


My Review

If you haven't read the previous books I would suggest doing so before reading this as there are so many things relevant to that which has passed you really need the back story. Ward usually focuses on a particular couple or love story in the books which threads to a few other story lines. If you have read the previous you will know the back story with the guys Qhuinn and Blay, unrequited love but really good friends, feeling being denied/ignored/hurt. This book has a huge focus around the two as well as the back nods to XCOR and Layla. Layla and Qhuinn, Trez & IAm and Assail and Marisol (Marisol being a new introduction).

As with the previous books lots of graphic sex scenes, body fluids - a bit more fighting in this book although I noticed a huge absence in some of the characters as we are looking at different stories and characters so not a lot of the main Brotherhood. They are in it of course just not featured much as we focus on the duos mentioned above.

Some sad themes in this one, touching on loss, rejection, pregnancy & personal growth and acceptance as homosexuality features a wee bit more in this one. 3.5 for me this time, I have I think another six or seven on my tbrm and looking forward to seeing what is in store for the brotherhood and extended characters.

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Lover Reborn by J R Ward

Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 4 days

Pages - 572

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Ever since the death of his shellan, Tohrment has been unrecognizable from the vampire leader he once was. Physically emaciated and heartbroken beyond despair, he has been brought back to the Brotherhood by a self-serving fallen angel. Now, fighting once again with ruthless vengeance, he is unprepared to face a new kind of tragedy.

When Tohr begins to see his beloved in his dreams—trapped in a cold, isolated netherworld far from the peace and tranquillity of the Fade—he turns to the angel in hopes of saving the one he has lost. But because Lassiter tells him he must learn to love another to free his former mate, Tohr knows they are all doomed....

Except then a female with a shadowed history begins to get through to him. Against the backdrop of the raging war with the lessers, and with a new clan of vampires vying for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between the buried past and a very hot, passion-filled future…but can his heart let go and set all of them free?



My Review

Guys this is book 10 in the series and whilst I often say you can pick up and read as a standalone I would suggest having read the previous books in this case. The characters have so much back story that whilst some if referred to you will have lost so so much. Lassiter the angel is still hanging around after bringing Tohr back to the brothers. Tohr may be "living" a bit more but he still has a long way to go. We find that Lassiter isn't quite done with Tohr yet and Tohr coming to terms with his grief and moving on affects more than just Tohr. Xhex's mum, Noone is in this book and strikes an unlikely friendship with Tohr which will have bigger impact than either could have forseen.

There is so so much packed into this one, the usurper ?gang - not really sure what to call them, warriors? are getting ready to make their move against the Blackdagger boys. We see more development with John & Xhex, Quinn, Layla, Blay feature and flesh out a bit more in this one (I feel we may see a book on them soon).

If you are no stranger to Ward then you know the books feature violence, fighting (although the Lessers aren't in this one too much) and sex, body fluids and graphicness galore so not for the faint hearted! If you are invested in the series and characters I think you will enjoy this one and look forward to seeing were the story develops next. 3.5/5 for me this time, I have about another 6 of these waiting to be read. Erotica meets warriors, relationships, family, love, friendship, personal growth, same sex attraction, the list goes on. Tis a meaty read that has pretty much a bit of everything in it!

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A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 1 week

Pages - 579

Publisher - Viking Penguin

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.


My Review

I can't believe this is a debut, it is packed with so much and reads like someone who has been writing a long long time. Diana is a witch but has always repressed that side, she comes from a very powerful family but after her parents were murdered when she was a child she has ignored her magic. Now a scholar (with tenure no less) in Oxford, when she pulls up an old manuscript that everyone has been waiting for, witches, daemons and vampires she unwittingly turns her whole life upside down. What starts as a search for her work leads her into an unlikely set of relationships, love, danger and a find that could change the history for all creatures.

Who doesn't love a vampire book, a witch book and some flashes of daemons. Creatures that aren't meant to mingle, stay out of the interest of humans, ignored magic, family secrets and a house that has family ghost that are temperamental and all manners of magic.

There are sciencey bits where one of the vampires looks at genetics/dna. Witches, vampires and daemons at odds with each other and others learning to be friendly. A witch who denied her powers now having to work at undoing years of denial/repression but also another hill to climb to engage with her own power. Folk turning on their own kind for daring to "mix" with others out with their own species. It has so much going on and I thought it was grand, I have books two and three on the tbrm, hopefully not be too long until I get to them, 4/5 for me this time.

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Lover Avenged by J R Ward

Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 527

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Gift from a friend

Blurb from Goodreads

Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the Brotherhood—even though his sister is married to a member, for he harbors a deadly secret that could make him a huge liability in their war against the lessers. As plots within and outside of the Brotherhood threaten to reveal the truth about Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in his darkening world, Ehlena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him—and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.


My review

Book 7 in the series, by now I would advise reading the previous books but you could get away with reading it as a standalone but you miss so much that has passed. Rehvenge is the drug dealing (and allowing other trades to go on) in his nightclub. The club the Blackdagger Brotherhood frequent, Regvenge is a sympath, a sin eater and any and all should be reported and deported due to the threat they carry. Rehvenge's secret isn't known by many but some would seek to use him to further their own cause. Will Rehvenge's sympath side allow for the betrayal and aid the take down that would destroy the vampire society as we know it?

So each book tends to have a character focus, this one is Rehvenge although as with the other books we follow the storylines of some of our favourite and some of out hated characters. Rehvenge finally finds something to interest him than his making money, his club and having to allow his body to be used to keep a secret to protect others.

This book is woven with treachery, good vs bad, as always sex is throughout the book and some of the fall out of that. This book was a bit different from the others are we see the vampires face some of the health issues that humans face which I actually thought they were immune to. Some of our faves are pushed to the limited and have their strengths tested to the limit. I cannot wait to get to book 8 and see what is in store next for our characters and I feel things are set to get a lot darker, 4/5 for me this time. I have set about buying the rest of the series because I need to know.

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Lover Enshrined by J R Ward

Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 560

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Gifted from a friend

Blurb from Goodreads

In this "frighteningly addictive" paranormal romance saga there's a war raging between vampires and their slayers. Here are the stories of a secret band of brothers like no other—six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. And now a dutiful twin must choose between two lives...

Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood's bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is obligated to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive, and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.

As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body, but his heart for herself. She is drawn to the noble responsibility behind the emotionally scarred male. But Phury has never allowed himself to know pleasure or joy. As the war with the Lessening Society grows grim, tragedy looms over the Brotherhood's mansion, and Phury must decide between duty and love....



My Review

So this is book six, by now you know what you are getting, vampires - The brotherhood doing what they need to to keep their legacy alive and fight/kill the evil Lessers. Each book tends to focus on one specific person but all the others still feature, nip in and out and as always there is sex dottered throughout and body fluids. Phury had in the last book stepped up for his brother, he will be the Primale, the one to impregnate the chosen ones, to keep the species going. The Lessers have their own plan, the Omega has a secret weapon that will help sway the war against the vampires in their favour. The war continues, Phury is battling his inner demon, his love of the smoke, trying to do the right thing by himself, his promise, the race, something has to give.

So, I actually think this is my fave of the series so far, yes there is still all the raging physical side, sex, non stop sex drives of the vamps etc however I found this book had so much more story involved. Things that have been in the past books come to a head or are addressed, the story lines developed, shock turns and twists, I gasped out loud a few times and my poor o/h I kept telling him OMG guess what has happened now. Or right I think this is going to happen, oh no I hope this isn't going to cliff hanger, oh where is this going! I love when a book does this to you!

Plenty of developments, character growth and some of the things I didn't love in the previous book have been tackled in this one, fab! Normally when I finish a book from a series I genre switch, I actually am going to pick up book seven, the next in the series. I have had a bit of readers block and even though my mojo is coming back, normally I would read a book I am enjoying in 4-6 hours I am still taking days to get through a book. This has been much easier to sink into so I cannot wait to see what is next in store for these guys! Father Mine is book 6.5 and a novella next in the series, I cannot find it on Amazon (UK) and can't get it delivered from US. So book seven I think next for me. Normally I would say you can pick up just about any book and head in but due to all the things that have passed I would say read the previous ones so you get the jist and feel for all the characters and what has transpired. If sex, graphic sexual content, blood/violence isn't something you read then skip this series because whilst this book doesn't have as much as the previous books it still has quite a bit! 4.5/5 for me this time, also, a character has appeared in this book that I would like to read more about so I need to see her other series and see if it is a crossover or just a new character!

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