Review: A Queen of Ruin - K.F. Breene

The final book in the Wall Street Journal bestselling series!

I thought once we released the curse, I'd only have one enemy to contend with.

Wrong.

The queen lives. Not only that, but she knowingly hid herself from me and the rest of this kingdom until the moment the curse was broken. Now she is back, and her desires aren't clear. Neither are her motives.

Will she try to take the throne for herself?

We can stop her…unless she had a hand in that curse. In which case, will we need to battle her and the demon king before we can finally live in peace? Or has this all been for naught?

Regardless, we have very little time before the demon king returns to wipe us out.

Deliciously Dark Fairytales Series:

A Ruin of Roses

A Throne of Ruin

A Kingdom of Ruin

A Queen of Ruin

Visit K.F. Breene's website for more information

Review:

A Queen of Ruin is the fourth and final book in K.F. Breene's Beauty and the Beast inspired dark fairytale series so I'm going to assume if you're reading this review you've already read the first two books. I'm going to keep the review deliberately vague to avoid spoilers for this book but events from previous books may be referenced. 

I've been totally hooked on this series since book one was published and have eagerly waited for each instalment since then so I was both excited and a bit nervous for this final book. I wanted it to be amazing but at the same time I didn't want it to end. I'm happy to say A Queen of Ruin is everything I hoped for and then some, it's a long book and so much happens but I really don't want to go into much detail because I'd hate to accidentally spoiler anyone. 

What I will say is that I was excited to get to spend some time exploring other kingdoms and meeting some of the other rulers, I loved getting to know the new characters from the last book even better and I was thrilled with the way Finley and Nyfain's relationship has developed over the course of the series. This final book was an emotional rollercoaster and there was one moment that shocked me to my core and had me so emotional I had to put it down and walk away for a bit before I could carry on reading but I still loved every minute of it.

I'm sad the series has come to an end but I love the way everything has wrapped up and I think we got a really fitting end to the series. That said I have really high hopes for a spin off or two, not because things have been left unfinished but because some of the side characters are so fantastic I want to spend more time with them. I can't say who because *spoiler* BUT one in particular is part of a HUGE revelation that I'm desperate to know more about. I'm sure anyone who has read the book will know exactly what I'm talking about.

K.F. Breene has long been an auto-buy author for me and this series has only cemented her place on my favourite authors list.

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Review: A Kingdom of Ruin - K.F. Breene

Never sell your soul to the Demon King.

Too late.

In an effort to save all that I love, I have to finish the job Nyfain started… and ruin myself.

I've made a trade with the most cunning creature alive.

Me for them.

The dungeons will be my new home. Dolion's destruction will be my new goal.

I just have to get out of here and back to my golden dragon. Preferably alive.

Deliciously Dark Fairytales Series:

A Ruin of Roses

A Throne of Ruin

A Kingdom of Ruin

A Queen of Ruin

Visit K.F. Breene's website for more information

Review:

A Kingdom of Ruin is the third book in K.F. Breene's Beauty and the Beast inspired dark fairytale series so I'm going to assume if you're reading this review you've already read the first two books. I'm going to keep the review deliberately vague to avoid spoilers for this book but events from previous books may be referenced. 

I have loved this series from the first book but it just keeps getting better and better with every instalment. After the cliffhanger ending of book 2 I knew Finley was going to be in for a bumpy ride in this book but there was so much I didn't expect from this story, especially the fun new allies she met along the way. Trapped in the demon realm thanks to the bargain she made to protect Nyfain Finley is now Dolion's prisoner and has a newfound home in his dungeon. Her bond to Nyfain protects her from some things but it doesn't stop physical torture from her guards so her life is now mostly pain and anguish as she tries to figure out a way to escape.

I really admire Finely's attitude and the way she is so determined to fight for and protect the people she cares about no matter what it costs her personally. She has earned a lot of respect from friends she made in Nyfain's court and her selfless attitude is starting to rub off on some of them which leads to some interesting developments. I love that we got some of the story from Hadriel's point of view here, his character is just so funny and gave some much needed light relief in places.

I don't want to say much about the new characters that we are introduced to but there are some I absolutely loved and can't wait to see more of in the future. There were some great revelations in this book and things are only going to get more interesting in the next book thanks to the way things ended. Luckily this didn't finish on such a cliffhanger as A Throne of Ruin but it's still left me wanting the next book ASAP.

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Review: A Throne of Ruin - K.F. Breene

The only thing protecting me from the demons…is the beast. 

Nyfain, the golden dragon prince, tried to set me free. But there is no freedom in this kingdom. Not for anyone. 

The demons have sought me out. They want to trap me. To use me against Nyfain.

It's only a matter of time before they call in the demon king.

Nyfain thinks I should save myself. That I should barter with the demon king to escape this place.

But can I give myself to the creature responsible for torturing the people I love?

In order to save them, though, I might not have a choice. 

 ______________________ 

This is a dark and spicy Beauty and the Beast retelling featuring an anti-hero, a strong heroine, and a humorous supporting cast. This is an enemies-to-lovers and possible fated mates story suitable for 18+. It's the second of four books, ending on a cliffhanger.

Deliciously Dark Fairytales Series:

A Ruin of Roses

A Throne of Ruin

A Kingdom of Ruin

A Queen of Ruin

Visit K.F. Breene's website for more information

Review:

I'm going to come straight out and say I'm loving K.F. Breene's take on the Beauty and the Beast fairytale and I'm so happy we still have two more books to come in this series. A Throne of Ruin takes everything I loved about A Ruin of Roses and builds on it. More of the snarky humour, more of Finley's protective instincts to protect the people around her, a few more layers peeled back from the mysterious and sexy Nyfain not to mention plenty of kink.

I love that the romance isn't being rushed in this series but that we're seeing a very natural progression with the bond between Finley and Nyfain. As their feelings increase so does the danger surrounding them and I think they have a lot more to deal with before they'll be able to enjoy a HEA but I know I can trust this author to give them the ending they deserve.

I'm really enjoying spending time in this world but I'm going to warn you now the cliffhanger at the end is a doozy. It was a natural stopping point for the story but it has left me desperate to get my hands on the next instalment. I can't wait to see how Finley deals with the latest developments! This really is turning out to be a fantastic retelling and I can't recommend it highly enough to Beauty and the Beast fans.

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Review: A Ruin of Roses - K.F. Breene

Worldwide bestselling author K.F. Breene comes at you with a brand new spicy fantasy series! Perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Jennifer L Armentrout, and Scarlett St. Clair. 

I could save him, but he would ruin me. 

The beast.

The creature who stalks the forbidden wood.

The dragon prince.

He has suffered a fate worse than death. We all have. A curse put upon us by the mad king.

We are a kingdom locked in time. Shifters unable to feel our animals. Stuck here by a deal between the late king and a demon who seeks our destruction.

The only one keeping this kingdom alive is Nyfain, the golden prince to a stolen throne. The last dragon shifter. 

He’s our hope.

He’s my nightmare.

When he catches me trespassing in the forbidden wood, he doesn’t punish me with death as he’s entitled.

He takes me, instead. Forces me back to the castle as his prisoner. Seeks to use me.

Apparently I can save him. I can save the whole forgotten kingdom, locked away by the demon king’s power.

But it would mean taming the monster beneath his skin. It would mean giving myself to him.

It would mean my ruin.

_ _ _ _ _ _

This is a dark and sexy Beauty and the Beast retelling featuring a strong heroine, a dangerous anti-hero, and a humorous supporting cast. It is a full length novel at 80k words and suitable for 18+. This is the beginning of a trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. Buckle up. The author was let off her leash.

Deliciously Dark Fairytales Series:

A Ruin of Roses

A Throne of Ruin

A Kingdom of Ruin

A Queen of Ruin

Visit K.F. Breene's website for more information

Review:

I'm a huge lover of all fairytale retellings but Beauty and the Beast ones have always been my favourites so when I found out K.F. Breene was writing one I couldn't get hold of a copy fast enough and A Ruin of Roses was a book I absolutely devoured. It has all the main requirements for a retelling so the story has a familiar feel to it but at the same time the author has put in enough of her own world building to also make it feel fresh and exciting.

I loved the main character Finley, she's no weak wallflower even though she's not the most powerful character physically. She has a strength of will and determination to protect her family at all costs and she also has a brilliantly snarky sense of humour that helps her see the funny side even when the odds are against her. 

Nyfain is harder to get a read on because he's so secretive and mysterious but I love a hero with layers and I'm sure there is so much more to uncover about him as the series continues. At the moment the curse is presumably making it difficult for him to talk about certain things so it'll be interesting to see how that resolves itself in the next book.

I think there's great potential for romance between Finley and Nyfain but I'm glad that it's not being rushed considering the circumstances of their meeting. They have chemistry already though and I can't wait to see it progress.

I'm already all in on this series, its dark but funny, full of action and will take you for a walk on the wild side. Bring on the rest of the trilogy!

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Seduced by a Demon King - Felicity Heaton

Saddled with a crown he never wanted, King Tegan of the Second Realm of demons is a warrior born for war stuck ruling in a time of peace, bound by the pact that cost his brother his life. Chafed by the ties that have held him shackled to his throne for the last thousand years, Tegan plans an escape from his prison—one stolen night meant to give him a taste of freedom, but one that will lead him to the greatest battle of his life.

A fight to claim the heart of a bewitching fae female who might be his fated mate.

According to many in her clan, and the idiotic incubi who infest the fae town where she lives, Suki puts the suck in succubus. Down on her luck, and in danger of being kicked out of the family she loves, she’s determined to prove her worth by bagging and tagging a powerful male. When she sets eyes on a mysterious, panty-melting demon warrior in a nightclub, things finally seem to be going her way, but his shadowed aura and guardedness warns he won’t be an easy mark.

Seducing him is going to be the fight of her life.

When the battle is done, will the victor have the forever they want, or will this war cost them both everything?

Eternal Mates Series:
(This series is set in the same world as the Vampire Erotic Theatre series but can be read completely separately)
Kissed by a Dark Prince
Claimed by a Demon King
Tempted by a Rogue Prince
Hunted by a Jaguar
Craved by an Alpha
Bitten by a Hellcat
Taken by a Dragon
Marked by an Assassin
Possessed by a Dark Warrior
Awakened by a Demoness
Haunted by the King of Death
Tuned by a Tiger
Tamed by a Tiger
Treasured by a Tiger
Unchained by a Forbidden Love
Avenged by an Angel
Seduced by a Demon King

Vampire Erotic Theatre Series:
Covet
Crave
Seduce
Enslave
Bewitch
Unleash

Cougar Creek Mates Series:
(Set in the same world as Vampire Erotic Theatre & Eternal Mates series but can be read completely separately)
Claimed by her Cougar
Captured by her Cougar
Courted by her Cougar
Craved by her Cougar

Black Ridge Bears Series:

(Set in the same world as Vampire Erotic Theatre, Eternal Mates & Cougar Creek Mates series but can be read completely separately)

Stolen by Her Bear

Visit Felicity Heaton's website for more information

Review:
Tegan never wanted to be king of the Second Realm but when his brother was murdered just after negotiating a peace treaty he was next in line for the throne. Tegan wanted nothing more than to go to war with the demons who arranged for his brother's death but he also wanted to honour the treaty that his brother was so proud of. The crown has been a heavy burden for the last thousand years and he just wants a little freedom from his duty when he sneaks into the human world for a few hours of fun.

Suki may be a succubus but she's never felt fully a part of her clan. Her powers aren't as reliable as they should be and she's not very good at seduction so she would have starved long before now if her sisters hadn't shared their power with her. Suki feels she has one last chance to prove herself to the rest of the clan and she's worried that if she fails she will be kicked out and left to fend for herself. Determined to seduce a man powerful enough to give energy to the whole clan she targets Tegan in a bar but the more time she spends with him the less she wants to use him for a quick hit of energy.

Seduced by a Demon King is the 17th book in Felicity Heaton's Eternal Mates series and was probably my favourite of the most recent stories. Considering it's a book about a succubus and a demon I wasn't expecting the slow build romance that we got here and I loved how sweet and almost innocent the beginning of Suki and Tegan's courtship was. Don't get me wrong there was still plenty of chemistry between them but they didn't rush headlong into a sexual relationship because Suki was afraid of hurting Tegan. At the same time Tegan was pretty sure that Suki was his eternal mate and he didn't want to scare her off by coming on too strong so they spent time getting to know each other.

These two were just really cute together, especially with Tegan being so naive of human customs and technology as he's not been in our realm for such a long time. He's quite a geek though and loved learning about new things that he could take back to his own realm to make life better for his people, Tegan is definitely a king who cares for his people. Suki had very little confidence in herself or her own abilities so it was nice to see her realise that she was far more capable than anyone gave her credit for. This was a really enjoyable romance that has helped rekindle my excitement for this series.

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Hawkyn - Larissa Ione

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Larissa Ione comes a new story in her Demonica Underworld series…

As a special class of earthbound guardian angel called Memitim, Hawkyn is charged with protecting those whose lives are woven into the fabric of the future. His success is legendary, so when he's given a serial killer to watch over, he sees no reason for that to change. But Hawkyn's own future is jeopardized after he breaks the rules and rescues a beautiful woman from the killer's clutches, setting off an explosive, demonic game of cat and mouse that pits brother against brother and that won't end until someone dies.

Aurora Mercer is the half-wytch lone survivor of a psychopath who gets off on the sadistic torture of his victims. A psychopath whose obsessive psyche won't let him move on until he kills her. Now she's marked for death, her fate tied to that of a murderer…and to a sexy angel who makes her blood burn with desire…

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it's an introduction to an author's world. And for fans, it's a bonus book in the author's series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

The Demonica Series:
Pleasure Unbound
Desire Unchained
Passion Unleashed
Eternity Embraced (Novella)
Ecstasy Unveiled
Sin Undone
Eternal Rider (Lords of Deliverance book 1)
Vampire Fight Club (Novella in the Supernatural anthology or as a separate ebook)
Immortal Rider (Lords of Deliverance book 2)
Lethal Rider (Lords of Deliverance book 3)
Rogue Rider (Lords of Deliverance book 4)
Reaver
Azagoth (Novella) (Demonica Underworld book 1)
Revenant
Hades (Novella) (Demonica Underworld book 2)
Base Instincts (Novella)
Z (Novella) (Demonica Underworld book 3)
Razr (Novella) (Demonica Underworld book 4)
Hawkyn (Novella) (Demonica Underworld book 5) (March 2018)
Her Guardian Angel (Novella) (Demonica Underworld book 6, also part of the Masters and Mercenaries Crossover Collection)
Dining with Angels: Bits & Bites from the Demonica Universe (Short Story Collection & Recipe Book, Demonica Underworld book 7)
Cipher (Demonica Underworld book 8)
Reaper (Demonica Underworld book 9)

For more information visit Larissa Ione's website

Review:
Hawkyn is a memitim, a special kind of guardian angel who was raised by humans and whose sole purpose in life is to help protect primori, humans who have an important role to play in heaven's plans for humanity. His main goal in life is to do enough to earn his place in heaven so that he can have a role in improving the lives of his fellow memitim siblings and if that means protecting a serial killer until he can complete his destiny then no matter how distasteful he finds his duty he will do it to the best of his ability. That is until the day his charge targets Aurora and Hawkyn finds himself compelled to step in and save her. Now Aurora has a target on her back and Hawkyn is torn between duty and desire and forced to make an impossible choice.

I've been a huge fan of Larissa Ione's Demonica series for years now and although you don't have to read the entire series to enjoy the Demonica Underworld books I'd highly recommend them all. No-one creates demons quite like Larissa does and I love the way she blurs the lines so her demons aren't always quite as bad as you'd think they should be and the good guys aren't perfect either. She has a knack for building a great connection, both emotionally and physically, between her characters in a short space of time too so even with her novellas I never find her relationships are rushed or unbelievable.

Hawkyn and Aurora are a great match, he is driven by duty and wants to make life better for his memitim siblings but at the same time he is fighting an overwhelming need to keep Aurora safe. Aurora is a wytch - kind of like a cross between a witch and a succubus - and quite a powerful one at that. She's spent her life trying to be independent from her family and forge her own path but she never expected to attract the attention of a serial killer. She's a fighter though and no matter what life throws at her she does her best to roll with the punches and protect herself. Aurora and Hawkyn fit together really well and I enjoyed getting to know them both. We also get to spend some time in Azagoth's realm and see just how certain changes have been affecting Azagoth and Liliana since their book which I found really interesting. This series is one I'll never tire of, I love diving back into a familiar world, meeting exciting new character but also catching glimpses of old favourites and I'm already looking forward to Her Guardian Angel which luckily releases next month!

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Sin City Collectors Boxed Set: Aces Wild, Ante Up, All in - Amanda Carlson

Welcome to Vegas. Home of the Sin City Collectors. The job description is easy: Bring the offending supernatural in to the Boss and don't ask any questions.

*The characters in these 3 installments interact on the page to make for one fun novel!*

ACES WILD, Vol. 1
Nevada Hamilton has learned a few things since becoming a Sin City Collector, and staying away from vampires is one of them. After botching her first Collection, she hasn't been assigned to another one since. But when she receives her next playing card, she's in for a surprise. Not only is a vampire her next target, but they've paired her up to make sure she gets the job done right.

Being a hellhound isn't enough to protect Jake Troubadour from Nevada Hamilton, no matter how thick his skin is. Finding out he has to work with the beautiful dhampir, after not seeing her for three years, is a low blow--but Jake is a professional. He takes his Collections as seriously as he does running his bar. He'll do whatever it takes to get the job done.

ANTE UP, Vol. 2
Diesel Jones is a shifter with moon issues. His dream of becoming a Sin City Collector has lingered in the shadows because of his inability to control himself. But when Louie Fiore decides to test his merit, Diesel jumps at the chance. When he finds he has to come up against an incubus, painful issues from the past resurface and he only has one thing on his mind--kill.

Sofia Cabrera is the new witch in town, and she's more than anyone bargained for. She finds herself drawn to Diesel, the sexy shifter, the first moment she lays eyes on him. When she finds herself the target of an organization of incubi, Diesel comes to her aid unexpectedly and they end up fighting the threat together.

ALL IN, Vol. 3
Ginger Elliot is a succubus on the run. She's in danger of being Collected, but her first priority is to find her brother. Even though she operates the biggest spy network in the supernatural world, it may not be enough to free her from the crimes she's been accused of committing. But keeping her deteriorating condition from the sexy shifter who's accompanying her is getting trickier by the hour.

Luke Jones is on a mission to save the succubus he's fallen for--not only from her brother--but from herself. The two have been on the incubus's trail for weeks and finally have him backed into a corner. Luke knows Ginger is in trouble, but he has no idea how to save her.

What's Collected in Vegas, stays in Vegas...

Sin City Collectors Series:
Box Set 1: Aces Wild, Ante Up & All In - Amanda Carlson
Box Set 2: Queen of Hearts, Dead Man's Hand & Double or Nothing - Kristen Painter

For more information about any of these authors you can visit their websites by clicking the links below:
Amanda Carlson
Kristen Painter

Review:
The Sin City Collectors series is a collaboration between Amanda Carlson and Kristen Painter, each author has written 3 stories set in the same world that are available either as stand alone novellas or in one of two collections. This first volume contains all of Amanda Carlson's contributions: Aces Wild, Ante Up and All In, the three stories all follow on very closely from one another so although each novella features a different couple there is a story arc that goes across all three. I'm not sure if there is any crossover of characters into Kristen Painter's novellas as I've not read those yet but I believe they have a similar story arc and would also be best read in order.

Each of these stories features characters who are members of the Sin City Collectors, an elite team who are tasked with tracking down supernaturals that have broken the law and they will do whatever it takes to bring their target to justice.

I'll give you a quick overview of the stories but I don't want to go into too much detail because it would be easy to give you spoilers:

Aces Wild
Dhampir Collector Nevada has only one rule, she does not bring in vampires. Ever. So she's not best pleased about her latest job, especially since the boss has paired her up with the sexy hellhound Jake to make sure she gets the job done. Nevada and Jake have history and although their last meeting might have been the hottest night of her life it didn't end well so she has no intention of going back for more. Jake has never forgotten the night they shared though and he's not about to let Nevada walk away for a second time without putting up a fight.

Ante Up
Diesel is a shapeshifter who has been trying to get a job with the Sin City Collectors for a long time but his issues with control around the full moon have always made him too much of a wild card. Now he is finally being given the chance of a lifetime and if he can bring in a rogue incubus he'll land his dream job. The incubus has set his sights on a powerful local witch Sofia and Diesel will do whatever it takes to protect the woman who has slowly been stealing his heart.

All In
Ginger is a succubus who has spent years searching for her brother and trying to rescue him from the clutches of a criminal organisation but all her efforts have earned her is a target on her back thanks to the way that the Sumerians have set her up to take the fall for their own activities. Shapeshifter Luke has been tasked with bringing in both Ginger and her brother but he is determined to help her gather enough evidence to prove her innocence before he does. He also has every intention of keeping her safe from her brother, no matter what he has to do to succeed.

The Sin City Collectors Boxed Set is an enjoyable anthology of short but hot reads and I really liked the world the author has created. I actually listened to the audiobook version and I thought that narrator Emma Wilder did a great job reading it. My only complaint was that I didn't really like the voice she used for Sofia's character but that was definitely a personal taste thing rather than a problem with the story or narrator. I'm hoping that Amanda Carlson might decide to write more stories in this world (if nothing else I'd definitely love to read more about Raoul!) but I'm looking forward to picking up Kristen Painter's collection in the meantime.

Source: Received from the author in exchange for a honest review

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Kindle:

Review: Base Instincts - Larissa Ione

As a Seminus demon, Raze’s life literally depends on having sex with females. The problem is that he doesn’t desire females, and it’s physically impossible for him to be with males. Thankfully, he and his best friend, Fayle, have an arrangement that keeps him alive . . . if lonely. He finds some solace in his work as a medic at Thirst, a vampire club known for its rough clientele. But his carefully structured world turns upside down when he meets a mysterious male who makes him want what he can never have.

Slake is an assassin used to getting what he wants, and what he wants is Raze. But he also wants to earn back the soul he sold when he was a much different demon. All he has to do is capture a runaway succubus named Fayle and hand her over to her family. What he doesn’t count on is being caught himself by a web of lies—and his attraction to Raze.

Raze and Slake must navigate a dangerous world to be together. But as Fayle’s jealousy of their relationship turns deadly, they find themselves embroiled in a battle not only for their love, but their lives and souls.

The Demonica Series:
Pleasure Unbound
Desire Unchained
Passion Unleashed
Eternity Embraced (Novella)
Ecstasy Unveiled
Sin Undone
Eternal Rider (Lords of Deliverance book 1)
Vampire Fight Club (Novella in the Supernatural anthology or as a separate ebook)
Immortal Rider (Lords of Deliverance book 2)
Lethal Rider (Lords of Deliverance book 3)
Rogue Rider (Lords of Deliverance book 4)
Reaver
Azagoth (Novella) (Demonica Underworld book 1)
Revenant
Hades (Novella) (Demonica Underworld book 2)
Base Instincts (Novella)
Z (Novella) (Demonica Underworld book 3)
Razr (Novella) (Demonica Underworld book 4)
Hawkyn (Novella) (Demonica Underworld book 5)
Her Guardian Angel (Novella) (Demonica Underworld book 6, also part of the Masters and Mercenaries Crossover Collection)
Dining with Angels: Bits & Bites from the Demonica Universe (Short Story Collection & Recipe Book, Demonica Underworld book 7)
Cipher (Demonica Underworld book 8)
Reaper (Demonica Underworld book 9)

For more information visit Larissa Ione's website

Review:
Raze is a seminus demon who literally has to have sex with women just to survive so even though he's only really attracted to men he can never have an exclusive relationship with a guy. He likes the healing abilities that his seminus side gives him and loves his job working as a paramedic but he has come to accept that he will never be happy in his personal life. Rather than constantly having to find random women to hook up with, like most Seminus demons do before they're mated, Raze has come to an arrangement with his friend Fayle who is a succubus so also has feed off of sex to survive. They have a strong friendship but neither of them are looking for more than that so their relationship has always worked for them both, even though Fayle's possessiveness has become more than a little awkward.

Slake bartered with his soul for protection from his family, agreeing to work as an assassin and finder for a demon owned law firm for a limited contract and forfeiting his soul if he fails. If he can complete just one more job for them he will earn back his freedom and all he has to do is capture Fayle and bring her back to her family. Unfortunately for him the job is a lot more complicated because of his attraction to Raze, especially when he realises how important Fayle is for Raze's survival.

I've been a fan of this series from the beginning so of course I jumped at the chance of reading Base Instincts. I love that Larissa Ione has included an MM story in the series and I was rooting for Raze and Slake from the beginning. I thought I had a pretty good idea of how things would play out when I picked this up but it wasn't at all what I expected and the resolution to Raze's problem was a really creative one. I'm not going to say more because I don't want to give spoilers but it just goes to prove that there is someone out there for everyone no matter what issues you may have!

Even though this isn't a full length novel Larissa Ione did a great job of making me care about the characters involved, Raze and Slake have both been through a lot in their pasts and there were some nice messages in here about being yourself and not letting other people put you down because they don't agree with your choices. There was perhaps a little less tension than in some of the other books in the series but I didn't have a problem with that and I loved the little cameo appearances from some of the previous characters. Reading Base Instincts reminded me how much I love the seminus siblings and really made me want to go back and start rereading the series from the beginning which to me is the sign of a very good story.

Source: Initially received from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Bewitch - Felicity Heaton

A vampire with a past stained with blood and a soul tainted with darkness, he is perfect in his self-control, never surrendering to his darkest desires. Now a beautiful witch in the shadowy fae underworld threatens to reawaken long denied hungers and tempts him with carnal pleasure.

Payne despises the incubus side of his mixed genes and refuses to give it free rein, but when the wickedly sexy Elissa offers him a possible way to help a friend, he finds it difficult to resist paying the price, even if it will be his undoing—one night of passion at her command.

Elissa is a witch down on her luck until Payne comes crashing into her life. The dangerously handsome male is the key to fulfilling a promise she made, but he is also forbidden, and surrendering to the wildfire passion he stirs within her means risking ruin and death.

When one incredible night of fulfilling their deepest fantasies leads to more than just a pathway to keeping a promise and saving a friend, will they be able to overcome the barriers that stand between them and forever?

Vampire Erotic Theatre Series:
Covet
Crave
Seduce
Enslave
Bewitch
Unleash

Eternal Mates Series:
(This series is set in the same world as the Vampire Erotic Theatre series but can be read completely separately)
Kissed by a Dark Prince
Claimed by a Demon King
Tempted by a Rogue Prince
Hunted by a Jaguar
Craved by an Alpha
Bitten by a Hellcat
Taken by a Dragon
Marked by an Assassin
Possessed by a Dark Warrior
Awakened by a Demoness
Haunted by the King of Death
Tuned by a Tiger
Tamed by a Tiger
Treasured by a Tiger
Unchained by a Forbidden Love
Avenged by an Angel
Seduced by a Demon King

Cougar Creek Mates Series:
(Set in the same world as Vampire Erotic Theatre & Eternal Mates series but can be read completely separately)
Claimed by her Cougar
Captured by her Cougar
Courted by her Cougar
Craved by her Cougar

Black Ridge Bears Series:

(Set in the same world as Vampire Erotic Theatre, Eternal Mates & Cougar Creek Mates series but can be read completely separately)

Stolen by Her Bear

Visit Felicity Heaton's website for more information

Review:
Bewitch is the fifth story in Felicity Heaton's Vampire Erotic Theatre series and the first full length novel. Although I've enjoyed the previous novellas it was great to have a longer story to really get my teeth into and I think Bewitch is my favourite in the series so far. Each of these stories does work as a stand alone but I would recommend reading all of the books in order, they are great steamy reads and I've thoroughly enjoyed them all.

Payne has promised his friend Andreu that he will help find a solution to the curse that was placed on Varya but he seems to be running out of options. Everything he has tried so far has failed and his last chance is to find someone from the fae realm who can help him get his hands on a very rare artefact that might break the spell. Unfortunately it isn't easy to get any of the fae to trust someone who is half vampire and half incubus. That is where the witch Elissa comes in, she has her own reasons for helping Payne but only if he will return the favour. She will help him find the artefact but only if he helps her recover something precious that was stolen from her and has been hidden in the same location.

I already knew that I was going to love Payne's story and I'm so glad that he lived up to my expectations. We get to know him so much better here and we finally understand why he hates his incubus side so much. He has a dark past, one that broke my heart to read about, so I really was pleased to see him get a happy ending. Payne gives new meaning to tortured heroes, his vampire and incubus sides are constantly at war with each other and he has spent so long being afraid of his incubus side that he has lost the ability to control his powers. It makes him terrified of making a mistake and hurting Elissa but she is determined to break through his tough shell and act on the chemistry between them. If you've read any of the previous stories in the series you'll be expecting a hot read but trust me this was the most scorching one yet and I'm surprised that Payne and Elissa didn't melt my kindle!

Both of these characters have very good reasons not to trust each other and they are both wary of getting hurt again so one of the things I really appreciated was how naturally their relationship develops. They slowly grow to trust each other as they spend more time together. One of the things I loved the most about Elissa was the fact that she saw the whole of Payne, even the parts he tries so hard to keep hidden. It is thanks to her help that Payne finally starts to accept who he is and feels like he can put his past behind him and look towards the future.

If you're looking for a hot, spicy read with elements of kink and a real emotional connection between the characters then Bewitch is just want you need. Another fantastic instalment to a wonderful series and I'm dying to get my hands on the next book to finally have the chance to read Snow's story!

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Succubus Lost - Tiffany Allee

Someone is kidnapping and incinerating otherworlders beyond recognition, and detective Marisol Whitman, a succubus, races to find the murderer before he claims another victim. But her pursuit is derailed when her responsible younger sister vanishes. Marisol suspects foul play and enlists support from an unlikely source: an agent from the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency, Valerio Costa.

When the trail pointing to everyone from vampires to witches dries up, Agent Costa admits to knowing more than he’s shared. Marisol’s sister’s kidnapper harnesses more magic than she can imagine—and they’re running out of time. To find her sister before her powers are drained and twisted beyond recognition, Marisol must connect the dots between cases and put her trust in Costa, a salamander who may burn her before she can solve either case.

From the Files of the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency:
Banshee Charmer
Succubus Lost
Further titles & release dates TBC

Visit Tiffany Allee's website for more information

Review:
I really enjoyed the first book in this series so I was looking forward to catching up with the characters and revisiting the world in Succubus Lost. I was actually a little bit disappointed when I realised that the story doesn't continue from previous heroine Mac's point of view and that this is actually Marisol's book. I really liked both Mac and Aidan from the first book and although Marisol and Valerio were OK I found them harder to connect to and didn't really find their relationship as believable.

If you've already read Banshee Charmer then you will probably remember Marisol as Mac's colleague from the freak squad. She has been asked to work alongside Valerio, who is an agent from Otherworlder Enforcement Agency, while he investigates a spate of succubus disappearances across the country but the case becomes a lot more personal when her sister becomes one of the missing women. Marisol is determined to do whatever it takes to find her sister, hopefully before she can be murdered, but the closer they get to uncovering the truth the more dangerous things become.

Marisol has always hated the way men look at her as just a beautiful face, as a succubus she knows her beauty is just nature's way of helping her attract men to feed on. For once she wants someone to see past her looks to the intelligent woman underneath and appreciate the fact that she has brains as well as beauty. Valerio doesn't trust Marisol or the feelings she brings out in him, he is wary that she might be using her succubus abilities to influence him. He has been hurt in the past and has no intention of letting anyone close enough to break his heart again. As they work against the clock to solve the case they become more connected but can they break through the misunderstandings between them to see if there is a chance of building a relationship?

Although I didn't enjoy Succubus Lost as much as I liked Banshee Charmer it was still a fun read and I liked spending more time in the world that Tiffany Allee has created. It is nice to come across such a wide range of different paranormal creatures and I'll be interested to see who will get their turn in the spotlight next. I did feel that the mystery was a bit too easy to resolve this time around which was a shame because it made the story much more predictable. I would also have liked to have seen more time spent developing the relationship between Marisol and Valerio, things between them happened far too quickly and it just felt like they were forced together in order to provide a happy ending to the book. In spite of these problems I will still keep an eye out for the next book in the series and am hopeful that it will be as good as the first story was.

Source: Received from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

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Kindle:

Review: Enslave - Felicity Heaton

His determination to succeed in business has left no room in his life for love. Now, a beautiful and deadly succubus has teleported into his dark, decadent world and is in danger of enslaving his heart.

Andreu’s future entails opening an erotic theatre like Vampirerotique, gaining wealth, women and power, not shackling himself to a single female, but he cannot deny the dangerously seductive succubus who stirs his anger and passion, and tempts him like no other—he will have her.

The moment their eyes meet, Varya knows she cannot have the exotic dark vampire who sets her pulse racing. His shadowed aura marks him as forbidden, but the hungers he awakens in her are too intense to resist—she must have a taste.

When an erotically-charged kiss ignites their soul-searing passion and reveals something dangerous about Andreu, will Varya leave forever or will she dare to risk all in pursuit of something she thought was beyond her reach?

Vampire Erotic Theatre Series:
Covet
Crave
Seduce
Enslave
Bewitch
Unleash

Eternal Mates Series:
(This series is set in the same world as the Vampire Erotic Theatre series but can be read completely separately)
Kissed by a Dark Prince
Claimed by a Demon King
Tempted by a Rogue Prince
Hunted by a Jaguar
Craved by an Alpha
Bitten by a Hellcat
Taken by a Dragon
Marked by an Assassin
Possessed by a Dark Warrior
Awakened by a Demoness
Haunted by the King of Death
Tuned by a Tiger
Tamed by a Tiger
Treasured by a Tiger
Unchained by a Forbidden Love
Avenged by an Angel
Seduced by a Demon King

Cougar Creek Mates Series:
(Set in the same world as Vampire Erotic Theatre & Eternal Mates series but can be read completely separately)
Claimed by her Cougar
Captured by her Cougar
Courted by her Cougar
Craved by her Cougar

Black Ridge Bears Series:

(Set in the same world as Vampire Erotic Theatre, Eternal Mates & Cougar Creek Mates series but can be read completely separately)

Stolen by Her Bear

Visit Felicity Heaton's website for more information

Review:
Enslave is the fourth story in Felicity Heaton's Vampire Erotic Theatre series and although it works as a standalone romance I'd recommend reading the series in order. This is an incredibly steamy series of novellas and one that I've been thoroughly enjoying so I would definitely recommend checking them out if you haven't already.

We were briefly introduced to Andreu in the last book but we didn't know much about him so I was looking forward to discovering more. He is Javier's brother and has come to the theatre to cover for him so he can go on his honeymoon. Andreu also wants to learn more about how the theatre is run so that he can open his own version when he returns to Spain. Andreu plans to take a much less hands on approach to running his own theatre than his brother though, employing others to do the work and leaving himself free to make the most of the profits. As much as he admires Javier's business he finds it harder to understand his brother's relationship choices - the last thing he is looking for is a long term relationship! Andreu likes his freedom too much and won't let anything or anyone take that away from him.

We have come across vampires and werewolves in the series so far but this time we are introduced to succubus Varya. Varya has wandered into the theatre looking for an easy meal but she had forgotten how easily older vampires are able to sense her kind. She is drawn to Andreu from the moment she sees him but it is forbidden for her kind to feed from vampires. No matter how much she knows she shouldn't Varya can't help but keep coming back hoping to get a taste of him. She soon finds herself in over her head when the owners of Vampirerotique catch her intruding and take steps to prevent her from leaving.

As with the previous stories in the series the chemistry between Andreu and Varya is off the charts. Neither of them is shy in going after what they want and they both have plenty of experience at spicing things up a bit. Varya's need to feed on sexual energy adds an extra element and they make the most of the shows put on in the theatre! What I love most about this series is that Felicity doesn't just focus on the physical side of the couple's relationship so we also get to see them build a real emotional connection. Andreu and Varya both have issues that they need to work through but they come out stronger on the other side.

My only disappointment with this series is that I'm going to have to wait for the next two stories but I'm very curious to find out more about Payne and I'm dying to get my hands on Snow's story!

Source: Received free from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Kindle:

Review: Banshee Charmer - Tiffany Allee

When she's sent to a crime scene and finds her second dead woman in as many weeks, half-banshee detective Kiera "Mac" McLoughlin is convinced a serial killer is on the loose. Incubi are extinct, her boss insists. But what else can kill a woman in the throes of pleasure? When her partner is murdered after using witchcraft to locate the killer and Mac is thrown off the case, her frustration turns to desperation.

Certain the killer is an incubus, Mac works behind her department's back to chase down slim, sometimes perilous leads. While the killer eludes her, she does discover handsome Aidan Byrne, an investigative counterpart from the enigmatic Otherworlder Enforcement Agency. Mac typically runs her investigations fast and hard, but with Aidan at her side, she's running this one "hot" as well. But Aidan knows more than he's letting on-something that could shatter their blazing romance and add Mac to the killer's growing body count...

From the Files of the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency:
Banshee Charmer
Succubus Lost
Further titles & release dates TBC

Visit Tiffany Allee's website for more information

Review:
Mac is a detective who works for the Paranormal Division of the Chicago Police Department - otherwise known as the freak squad - and is currently investigating a series of brutal murders that appear to have been committed by an extinct supernatural species. When her partner is killed on the job it makes Mac even more determined to track down the murderer but her boss has taken her off the case believing it has become too personal. Luckily Aidan, an agent for the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency (the equivalent of the paranormal FBI) who is also working on the case asks for her help tracking down the killer. Mac is drawn to Aidan but it appears that he is keeping secrets from her, is he really who he says he is and should she trust him?

Banshee Charmer was a great start to a new series and has left me keen for the next installment. The story is fast paced, has a strong plot and introduces us to some great characters. Mac is a half banshee which immediately makes her stand out as I don't think I've come across a banshee in an adult series before.  We don't actually learn much about her abilities in this first story but I'm hoping we find out more as the series continues. I loved the chemistry between her and Aidan, that definitely made the book for me and I'm looking forward to seeing more of them together in future books. It is obvious from early on that he is hiding something but even though I wasn't sure if he could be trusted I could easily understand Mac's attraction to him.

For a novella Tiffany Allee manages to pack quite a lot into the story, the world building is interesting without being overwhelming and I liked the fact that there are so many different supernatural species in the story. Banshee Charmer has it all - mystery, action and sizzling romance - and I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next. If you're looking for a fun and light hearted read you can't go wrong with this one.

Source: Received from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

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Kindle:

Review: Smoulder - Brenna Yovanoff

Daphne is the half-demon, half-fallen angel daughter of Lucifer and Lilith.  Life for her is an endless expanse of time - until her brother Obie is kidnapped, and Daphne realises she may be partly responsible.  Determined to find him, Daphne travels from her home in Pandemonium to the vast streets of Earth, where everything is colder and more terrifying.

With the help of the human boy she believes was the last person to see her brother alive, Daphne glimpses into his dreams, discovering clues to Obie's whereabouts.  As she delves deeper into her demonic powers, she must navigate the jealousies and alliances of the violent archangels who stand in her way.  But she also discovers, unexpectedly, what it means to love and be human in a world where human is the hardest thing to be . . .

Smoulder was released in the US with the title The Space Between

Visit Brenna Yovanoff's website for more information

Review:
As the daughter of Lucifer and Lilith Daphne has spent an eternity living in Pandemonium (Hell).  Although her sisters all spend time on Earth luring unsuspecting men into their traps Daphne has never been tempted to leave her home.  Until her brother Obie is kidnapped.  Determined to find her brother and ensure his safety Daphne goes in search of the last person who saw him before he disappeared.  Truman is a messed up human that Obie helped a long time ago but can he help Daphne find him?

Smoulder (released in the US with the title The Space Between) is a dark urban fantasy story that has some fantastically creepy moments in it.  Even though I finished reading it days ago I'm still having trouble summing up my feelings for the book but I think the word that probably describes it best is bizarre.  Brenna Yovnoff has put her own unique twists on demon and angel mythology that most of us are already familiar with and she has created some really interesting characters.  I really liked the fact that nothing was black and white, some of the "evil" demons do good things and equally the angels don't always seem to have everyone's best interests at heart.  The world is full of shades of grey so I appreciate it when authors include that in their fictional characters too.  I found it quite ironic that demon Daphne always told the truth but you had to take anything Trueman had to say with a pinch of salt because he often lied.

I did find it a little confusing switching from Daphne's first person account of events to the third person point of view that focused on Trueman's side of the tale.  I can see why the author did that because Trueman is a seriously messed up character and I don't think anyone would want to spend time inside his head but the switch between styles confused me every time. Every time I started a new chapter I had to read the first few paragraphs several times to get used to the change.  Daphne's voice definitely captured her "otherness" and showed that she wasn't a normal human girl which I think takes skill and wouldn't have worked if her side of the story had been told in third person.

I think my favourite character had to be Raymie but she was also the character that freaked me out the most.  On one hand I wanted to pick her up and give her a hug but on the other I wanted to run away screaming!  You'll have to read the story to find out why but trust me she is one seriously creepy girl!  I really would have liked to have seen more of Lucifer, Lilith and Beelzebub because I thought they could have been fascinating characters if they were fleshed out more.  The thing that disappointed me the most was the ending, I can't say much without giving spoilers so I'll just tell you that I thought Daphne's actions were extremely selfish and I didn't really see how it could have worked like it did.  I think you'll see what I mean if you read the story for yourself.

Although I wasn't keen on the ending I did still enjoy the story and think it will go down well with anyone looking for a darker read.  Unusually for an urban fantasy story it touches on real issues like grief and how it can lead you on a very destructive path into alcoholism and self harm.  I have Brenna's debut novel The Replacement sitting on my to read pile so I can't compare the two stories but I'm definitely looking forward to picking that one up soon.

Source: Received from Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Succubus Revealed - Richelle Mead

Georgina Kincaid has had an eternity to figure out the opposite sex, but sometimes they still surprise her.

Take Seth Mortensen.  The man has risked his soul to become Georgina's boyfriend.  But with Lucifer for a boss, Georgina can't just hang up her killer heels and settle down to domestic bliss.  In fact, she's being forced to transfer operations . . . to Las Vegas.

The City of Sin is a dream gig for a succubus, but Georgina's allies are suspicious.  Why are the powers-that-be so eager to get her away from Seattle - and from Seth?  Georgina is one of Hell's most valuable assets, but if there's any way out of the succubus business she plans to take it - no matter how much roadkill she leaves behind.

She just hopes the casualties won't include the one man she's risking everything for . . .

Georgina Kincaid Series:
Succubus Blues
Succubus Nights (Called Succubus on Top in the US)
Succubus Dreams
Succubus Heat
Succubus Shadows
Succubus Revealed

Visit Richelle Mead's website for more information

Review:
Finally Georgina and Seth are back together, everything should be going really well for them but for some reason Hell seems determined to keep them apart.  Georgina is being transferred to Las Vegas, she will be working with some of her favourite colleagues and have her dream day job.  Sounds perfect doesn't it?  But with Seth having to remain in Seattle to help his family Georgina and her friends have their suspicions that the transfer is too good to be true.  Just what is Hell up to?

As much as I was looking forward to reading Succubus Revealed I was also disappointed to have reached the end of the series.  I've really loved Georgina and her crazy group of friends so am sad to say goodbye to them all.  I have to say that it is nice to see a series end on a high note though and Richelle Mead has certainly achieved that with Succubus Revealed.

Before I even picked up the book I had a good idea of where the story was heading, well where I wanted it to go anyway, and I have to say I was extremely satisfied with how things turned out.  Even though I had guessed the main ending there were actually a couple of things that surprised me along the way (particularly a revelation about Seth and Roman's actions towards the end but I can't say more than that without spoilers).  The last book in the series is an emotional roller coaster ride and one I thoroughly enjoyed, I know this is a series I'll end up coming back to in the future and it's one I would highly recommend to urban fantasy fans.  I'm looking forward to seeing what Richelle Mead comes up with next (please let it be a spin off featuring some of the characters from this series - I'd love to see more of Roman and the gang!)

Source: Library

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