Books #67-77
Oct. 2nd, 2022 10:02 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lavendersparkI have been FLYING through books this year. I may hit 100 by the end of the year at this rate.
Dating in the Dark
Who says turning 30 has to be a bad thing?
Tinley Scott is in a rut. Or so her best friend and sister tell her. She can't fall in love sitting on her couch watching Friends and drinking a bottle of wine. Their answer?
Speed dating in the dark.
Dating in today's world is hard enough as it is. Why go adding a new challenge to the mix? By date number three, she's ready to throw in the towel and return to her safe haven.
Until her final date sets her panties ablaze. His deep voice, his practiced words...everything about him lights Tinley's fire.
Too quickly their 15-minute date is over and done with. Or so she thought. Their easy banter continues through a slew of text messages until the inevitable happens.
Meeting face to face.
Falling in love wasn't on Tinley's radar, but then she wasn't counting on mystery date number four. This was a fun read.
Avalon Every woman dreams of meeting the legendary men from Arthurian legend...
My unreliable best friend ghosted me after I flew 4,700 miles for a trip to Glastonbury, England that she insisted on. Determined to have fun for the first time in years, I decided one quick tour of the St. Michael’s Tower wouldn’t hurt.
If that wasn’t bad enough, an ancient witch shoved me through the barrier into Avalon, reigniting a 2,000 year war that basically erased Camelot from history.
Merlin, the charming and flirty wizard, made a mistake while casting a spell. Not only did he magically lock the door between our world and the mythical Avalon, but he’s determined that I’m the only key.
Next up, Sir Lancelot, the protective and loyal black cat, who shifted into the deadliest man I’ve ever met. With his crazy notion that I’m his fated mate, he insisted using my new found magic to save us is too dangerous.
And finally, Arthur… brooding and dangerous, I can’t keep my distance, even after he warned me to stay away. But when he touched me, I wanted to tempt fate by teasing the beast.
Except I’m tired of being the pawn, and the ancient witch bitch made a mistake when she tried to kill me. I won’t stand by as they fight a war that might destroy everything I know. But I’ve held a deep, dark secret. Merlin awoke more than just a long, dormant powerful magic. He’s unleashed a need in me, one that demands I make all three of them mine.I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be finding the rest of the series. King Aurthur Reverse Harem is all I needed to know.
Beckoned Sexy vampires with attitudes, a strong female hunter who holds the key to their demise, and a vampire race who knows her very existence is a threat. Things would be easier if she didn't love them.
By day, I’m an emergency room nurse. By night, I’m a hunter, stalking serial killers that the police can’t catch…until one of my hunts goes bad, and the only thing standing between me and certain death is a handsome stranger who just happens to come with fangs.
But it seems saving my life isn’t enough—he says I’m coming home with him.
It turns out my quarry was a vamp too, and vampires aren’t supposed to kill their own, especially not over a human. Oops. It won’t be long until the dead vampire’s clan catches up with us.
And though my new friend’s hive of alpha warriors each have their merits, not all four are friendly—some would rather throw me to our enemies than help. It makes them especially nervous that their powers don’t work when I’m nearby. But it soon becomes clear that we’ll need each other to get out of this alive.
What alpha vampires want, alpha vampires get.
And what they want is me.
Why choose just one? This was better than I expected it to be. The story was actually interesting and the characters were fleshed out well.
Cruel Prince Of course I want to be like them. They're beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.
And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.
Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.
To win a place at the Court, she must defy him--and face the consequences.
In doing so, she becomes embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, discovering her own capacity for bloodshed. But as civil war threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself. This was a good read, if a bit predictable. I do feel they wasted the elder sister a bit, but maybe she comes back more later in the series.
The Lost Boys Series by Nikki St Crowe (Peter Pan Reverse Harem)
Never King The stories were all wrong — Hook was never the villain.
For two centuries, all of the Darling women have disappeared on their 18th birthday. Sometimes they’re gone for only a day, some a week or a month. But they always return broken.
Now, on the afternoon of my 18th birthday, my mother is running around the house making sure all the windows are barred and the doors locked.
But it’s pointless.
Because when night falls, he comes for me. And this time, the Never King and the Lost Boys aren’t willing to let me go. This is a little more abusive than I tend to enjoy, but I loved the overall idea of it, so I read all three books.
I spent most of my life feeling dead inside -- until I met Peter Pan and the Lost Boys.
It wasn't until Pan and Neverland that I finally felt alive.
But things are not all full of magic and sunlight on the island. There's something darker and more sinister haunting the forest.
And worse, the fae queen and Captain Hook are ready to fight for control of Neverland and they will stop at nothing to get what they want. Including using the one thing Pan never thought he wanted or needed -- me. I'm a descendant of the Darling family and now I belong to him and the Lost Boys.
War is brewing -- can the Never King get his shadow back and assume his rightful throne? And if he does, where will I fit?
Or will all of Neverland be in jeopardy right along with my dark, twisted heart?
The Dark One has finally accepted me…just in time for everything to change. Because Vane’s brother, The Crocodile, has just arrived on Neverland soil and he’s not alone. He’s brought with him members of the royal Darkland family and they want Vane’s Death Shadow back at any cost.
Of course, Peter Pan, Vane, Kas and Bash, they’re all familiar with war. But war isn’t easy when love is on the line.
I know those vicious Lost Boys would do anything to protect me. But what if I’m not the one that needs saving?
As power shifts on the island and shadows are claimed, all five of us have to let go of who we were, if we have any chance of becoming who we are destined to be. This is probably my favorite of the three. Winnie gets some strength and agency here and it changes so many things. This book also feels like it opens the door to another series and I wouldn't mind reading it if it goes in the direction I'm thinking.
Hickeys That’s the ultimatum Belle Harrison, vampire slayer, just received from a demon. Belle has only one response: To hell with him.
Turns out it’s not that easy, though—apparently the devil doesn’t know the meaning of the word no.
Lucky for Belle, three panty-melting vampires come to her aid. Three hot vampires she can’t resist. Hey, we all have our vices. Hers just happen to have fangs.
And she’s going to need these three to help her thwart the devil’s marriage proposal and defeat the terrifying dark force that wants her dead. This was a re-read, but I got book 2, so I wanted a refresher. Still as enjoyable the second time
Cuddling Betraying him might save her life…but at risk of losing him forever.
Belle Harrison, vampire slayer, would give anything for a simple night of patrolling on her own damn terms. But the graveyard is crawling with creeps with hidden agendas. Not to mention the dark unknown that wants to take her out.
And we’re not talking dates here, people.
Good thing Belle has three panty-melting vampires to help her.
Except one of her guys has a past that’s catching up with him. Violently. Belle’s fairly certain she can save him. But if she betrays him, she’ll gain a wealth of knowledge that could help her survive the dark unknown.
A lot is at stake, including everything that makes her the slayer she is, and it just plain sucks. This was a bit of a let down. Nothing from book 1 was resolved, just added to. Then a new "bad guy" was introduced raising random questions that were never really fully resolved. The whole thing just felt very all over the place.
Broken Chains Shy librarian Catena likes her quiet life…until a huge naked man muscles his way into her house, insisting he's been woken from his centuries-long sleep to be her personal protector. Catena's life is turned upside down when she's saved by a creature she's only heard about in books. If only her hero's rock-hard abs weren't actually made out of stone. This was better than I thought it would be, though confusing at times. I enjoyed it over all.
And finally, I've been reading a book by a local author that I bought from a festival that was here in town a few weeks ago.
Vessel Nora is an average woman in an average job with an average life. She senses that she is destined for more. Nora has no idea how right she is.
A group of rogue Chinese vampires target Nora who, according to a centuries old myth, is the embodiment of the collective energies of all the souls that have ever or will ever exist. For the vampire who can possess her life force that is infinite power. For Nora? Death. For the world? Oblivion.
Nora is forced to trust another sect of these vampires in order to stop the evil that will destroy all life as we know it. I'm about halfway through and enjoying it. I love the main character, we could definitely be friends. Also, the author not only writes well, but is really nice. We chatted for a bit at her booth.
Dating in the Dark
Who says turning 30 has to be a bad thing?
Tinley Scott is in a rut. Or so her best friend and sister tell her. She can't fall in love sitting on her couch watching Friends and drinking a bottle of wine. Their answer?
Speed dating in the dark.
Dating in today's world is hard enough as it is. Why go adding a new challenge to the mix? By date number three, she's ready to throw in the towel and return to her safe haven.
Until her final date sets her panties ablaze. His deep voice, his practiced words...everything about him lights Tinley's fire.
Too quickly their 15-minute date is over and done with. Or so she thought. Their easy banter continues through a slew of text messages until the inevitable happens.
Meeting face to face.
Falling in love wasn't on Tinley's radar, but then she wasn't counting on mystery date number four. This was a fun read.
Avalon Every woman dreams of meeting the legendary men from Arthurian legend...
My unreliable best friend ghosted me after I flew 4,700 miles for a trip to Glastonbury, England that she insisted on. Determined to have fun for the first time in years, I decided one quick tour of the St. Michael’s Tower wouldn’t hurt.
If that wasn’t bad enough, an ancient witch shoved me through the barrier into Avalon, reigniting a 2,000 year war that basically erased Camelot from history.
Merlin, the charming and flirty wizard, made a mistake while casting a spell. Not only did he magically lock the door between our world and the mythical Avalon, but he’s determined that I’m the only key.
Next up, Sir Lancelot, the protective and loyal black cat, who shifted into the deadliest man I’ve ever met. With his crazy notion that I’m his fated mate, he insisted using my new found magic to save us is too dangerous.
And finally, Arthur… brooding and dangerous, I can’t keep my distance, even after he warned me to stay away. But when he touched me, I wanted to tempt fate by teasing the beast.
Except I’m tired of being the pawn, and the ancient witch bitch made a mistake when she tried to kill me. I won’t stand by as they fight a war that might destroy everything I know. But I’ve held a deep, dark secret. Merlin awoke more than just a long, dormant powerful magic. He’s unleashed a need in me, one that demands I make all three of them mine.I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be finding the rest of the series. King Aurthur Reverse Harem is all I needed to know.
Beckoned Sexy vampires with attitudes, a strong female hunter who holds the key to their demise, and a vampire race who knows her very existence is a threat. Things would be easier if she didn't love them.
By day, I’m an emergency room nurse. By night, I’m a hunter, stalking serial killers that the police can’t catch…until one of my hunts goes bad, and the only thing standing between me and certain death is a handsome stranger who just happens to come with fangs.
But it seems saving my life isn’t enough—he says I’m coming home with him.
It turns out my quarry was a vamp too, and vampires aren’t supposed to kill their own, especially not over a human. Oops. It won’t be long until the dead vampire’s clan catches up with us.
And though my new friend’s hive of alpha warriors each have their merits, not all four are friendly—some would rather throw me to our enemies than help. It makes them especially nervous that their powers don’t work when I’m nearby. But it soon becomes clear that we’ll need each other to get out of this alive.
What alpha vampires want, alpha vampires get.
And what they want is me.
Why choose just one? This was better than I expected it to be. The story was actually interesting and the characters were fleshed out well.
Cruel Prince Of course I want to be like them. They're beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.
And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.
Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.
To win a place at the Court, she must defy him--and face the consequences.
In doing so, she becomes embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, discovering her own capacity for bloodshed. But as civil war threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself. This was a good read, if a bit predictable. I do feel they wasted the elder sister a bit, but maybe she comes back more later in the series.
The Lost Boys Series by Nikki St Crowe (Peter Pan Reverse Harem)
Never King The stories were all wrong — Hook was never the villain.
For two centuries, all of the Darling women have disappeared on their 18th birthday. Sometimes they’re gone for only a day, some a week or a month. But they always return broken.
Now, on the afternoon of my 18th birthday, my mother is running around the house making sure all the windows are barred and the doors locked.
But it’s pointless.
Because when night falls, he comes for me. And this time, the Never King and the Lost Boys aren’t willing to let me go. This is a little more abusive than I tend to enjoy, but I loved the overall idea of it, so I read all three books.
I spent most of my life feeling dead inside -- until I met Peter Pan and the Lost Boys.
It wasn't until Pan and Neverland that I finally felt alive.
But things are not all full of magic and sunlight on the island. There's something darker and more sinister haunting the forest.
And worse, the fae queen and Captain Hook are ready to fight for control of Neverland and they will stop at nothing to get what they want. Including using the one thing Pan never thought he wanted or needed -- me. I'm a descendant of the Darling family and now I belong to him and the Lost Boys.
War is brewing -- can the Never King get his shadow back and assume his rightful throne? And if he does, where will I fit?
Or will all of Neverland be in jeopardy right along with my dark, twisted heart?
The Dark One has finally accepted me…just in time for everything to change. Because Vane’s brother, The Crocodile, has just arrived on Neverland soil and he’s not alone. He’s brought with him members of the royal Darkland family and they want Vane’s Death Shadow back at any cost.
Of course, Peter Pan, Vane, Kas and Bash, they’re all familiar with war. But war isn’t easy when love is on the line.
I know those vicious Lost Boys would do anything to protect me. But what if I’m not the one that needs saving?
As power shifts on the island and shadows are claimed, all five of us have to let go of who we were, if we have any chance of becoming who we are destined to be. This is probably my favorite of the three. Winnie gets some strength and agency here and it changes so many things. This book also feels like it opens the door to another series and I wouldn't mind reading it if it goes in the direction I'm thinking.
Hickeys That’s the ultimatum Belle Harrison, vampire slayer, just received from a demon. Belle has only one response: To hell with him.
Turns out it’s not that easy, though—apparently the devil doesn’t know the meaning of the word no.
Lucky for Belle, three panty-melting vampires come to her aid. Three hot vampires she can’t resist. Hey, we all have our vices. Hers just happen to have fangs.
And she’s going to need these three to help her thwart the devil’s marriage proposal and defeat the terrifying dark force that wants her dead. This was a re-read, but I got book 2, so I wanted a refresher. Still as enjoyable the second time
Cuddling Betraying him might save her life…but at risk of losing him forever.
Belle Harrison, vampire slayer, would give anything for a simple night of patrolling on her own damn terms. But the graveyard is crawling with creeps with hidden agendas. Not to mention the dark unknown that wants to take her out.
And we’re not talking dates here, people.
Good thing Belle has three panty-melting vampires to help her.
Except one of her guys has a past that’s catching up with him. Violently. Belle’s fairly certain she can save him. But if she betrays him, she’ll gain a wealth of knowledge that could help her survive the dark unknown.
A lot is at stake, including everything that makes her the slayer she is, and it just plain sucks. This was a bit of a let down. Nothing from book 1 was resolved, just added to. Then a new "bad guy" was introduced raising random questions that were never really fully resolved. The whole thing just felt very all over the place.
Broken Chains Shy librarian Catena likes her quiet life…until a huge naked man muscles his way into her house, insisting he's been woken from his centuries-long sleep to be her personal protector. Catena's life is turned upside down when she's saved by a creature she's only heard about in books. If only her hero's rock-hard abs weren't actually made out of stone. This was better than I thought it would be, though confusing at times. I enjoyed it over all.
And finally, I've been reading a book by a local author that I bought from a festival that was here in town a few weeks ago.
Vessel Nora is an average woman in an average job with an average life. She senses that she is destined for more. Nora has no idea how right she is.
A group of rogue Chinese vampires target Nora who, according to a centuries old myth, is the embodiment of the collective energies of all the souls that have ever or will ever exist. For the vampire who can possess her life force that is infinite power. For Nora? Death. For the world? Oblivion.
Nora is forced to trust another sect of these vampires in order to stop the evil that will destroy all life as we know it. I'm about halfway through and enjoying it. I love the main character, we could definitely be friends. Also, the author not only writes well, but is really nice. We chatted for a bit at her booth.
