Firestorm by Shannon Mayer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
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This time, Lark takes us into the fiery world of the Pit and all the intrigue it holds. Ordered by her father to face the charges levied against her by the Fire Elementals for having killed several of their Enders, Lark has no choice but to travel to the Pit along with Ash. When she seeks guidance from the Mother Goddess she is also charged with saving those who cannot save themselves while n the Pit.

The characters in this series are so developed you can't help but empathize with them as they battle their way through another sticky situation.

Another fast-paced, fun read in another highly-imaginative, well-crafted world by Shannon Mayer! I can't wait to read Windburn!



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On the Hunt by Alexandra Ivy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

**I was given an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
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Four of today’s most intriguing paranormal authors entice readers deep into the shadows, where vampires, immortals, and other supernatural creatures heat up the night...
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I requested this book because of Alexandra Ivy. I've read the majority of her work, and love it. To be honest I didn't even realize there were 4 stories in this I thought it was just 2 until after I finished the first story and was curious as to why my kindle said I was only 26% finished! lol

On the Hunt did not disappoint. A strong (stubborn) hero paired with an equally strong (stubborn) heroine leads to an explosive adventure during which they both realize they had some growing up to do before they could approach the life they had hoped to have with understanding.

Scorpius Rising pairs another dynamic duo who have "alpha" issues in a race against nature & time. Each has their own desired outcome for the research that is being done. Can they work out their differences?

It took me a few pages to figure out what was going on in Phantom Embrace, but once I did the read was well worth it. Yuri & Cat have a relationship unlike any I'd read about before which kept me going through the whole of their story.

Stake Out was a quick, fun read with a mysterious twist - no romance here, but a great read just the same. It proves that jealousy doesn't end with death. ;)

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The Skeleton in the Closet by Angie Fox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
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Verity can't seem to catch a break. Verity's ex-fiance seems to think he can win her back - despite her having left him at the alter for a VERY food reason. Her new boyfriend (her ex-fiance's brother) is putting his job on the line to assist with her ghostly investigations. Lucy, her pet skunk, seems to be feeling a bit neglected. And, Frankie, her ghostly guide, is becoming more petulant about his having been accidentally grounded in her rosebush. No matter how strongly she tries to avoid ghosts they seem to keep dragging her into their world - this time to catch a killer.

This is a fun read with a surprise ending - the murderer isn't an obvious choice.

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Twilight Vendetta by Maggie Shayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

**I was given an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.**
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Maggie's expert crafting has created another terrific chapter in the world of her vampires. Eva & Devlin's story started long before the writing of this bok, and comes to a satisfying conclusion with this telling. Eva's stubborn tenacity and hopeful heart create the perfect foil for Devlin's curmudgeon tendencies.

I love the home they've built on the island, and am hoping more stories involve it. I would love the opportunity to explore it myself if it truly existed! The detailed descriptions included in this storyline make you feel like you are right there with the characters discovering the potential. Can't wait for the next installment!

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Spider's Trap by Jennifer Estep
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
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Keep your friends close but your enemies within stabbing distance. ~ Gin Blanco
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Gin doesn't have time for pity parties... if someone isn't trying to kill her, then there's someone out to get a friend or family member. In this case, a connection from so long ago she hadn't made the connection until her dreams pull it to the front of her mind.

This is another action-packed chapter to The Spider's story that pulls you in and drags you along for the ride. For those familiar with the series, it is no surprise to know there are close calls with death, violence, sex, and great loyalty to friends and family in this book. For those who aren't familiar with the series,... run to grab the first book, and don't stop reading 'til you hit the end of this one!

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Red Hot Candy (22 All-New Delicious Romance Books by Best-Selling Authors about Alpha Males, Billionaires, Cowboys, and More for Your Summer Reading) by Jo Raven
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

**I received ONLY an e-ARC of Braving Love in exchange for an honest review. I have not read the rest of the anthology.**
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Braving Love by S.j Mayer ~ A scarred and broken stuntman looking for redemption . . . can he find it in the arms of a soft-spoken southern girl?
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Luke & Soleil's story is short, sweet, and romantic. As always, Shannon's writing is detailed enough to let you slip into the world of her characters, and forget your cares - if only for a few minutes or hours.


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Stolen and Forgiven by Alexandra Ivy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**I received an e-copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
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Alphas never have it easy, and the trials of the River and Golden Eye Pack Alphas is no different. In a post-apocalyptic world where shifters have had to reveal themselves in an attempt to save the humans from the Verona Virus, they instead find themselves the subject of animosity. Subjected to wearing metal collars and brands that indicate their shifter status they have been rounded up into compounds - unable to leave the gated & fenced areas without explicit permission from the government.

Stolen -
Holden, the River Pack Alpha, has given up hope of ever finding his true mate when she is suddenly thrust into his life. He has decisions to make, and their results could endanger the lives of every shifter in his care... or, make the Pack even stronger.

Forgiven -
Soren, the River Pack Beta, has put the needs of his pack before his own in the past and has the ghosts to prove it. When the Golden Eye Pack is forced to move into the same compound as the River Pack it comes back to slap him in the face. Can he and his true mate overcome those ghosts to ensure the continuation of their Packs, or will their choices bring the danger even closer?

I have enjoyed MANY of Alexandra's series, and jumped at the chance to read the beginning of a new one - co-authored or not. Much like the Bayou series co-authored with Laura Wright my only complaint is they always seem to be over too soon!

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Creepy Hollow: Violet's Story by Rachel Morgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

wow... I may need a day or two before I can emotionally invest in a new storyline...

**I received a copy of this e-trilogy from Free E-books for Honest Reviews in exchange for an honest review.**
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Kick-butt faerie Violet Fairdale is about to graduate as the top guardian trainee of her class, but when an assignment goes wrong and the human guy she’s meant to be protecting follows her back into the fae realm, a dangerous plot is set in motion.
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Detailed, imaginative, fast-paced paranormal fantasy set in a parallel world full of magic and mayhem. These are the first stories I've ever read by Rachel as far as I remember, and they will definitely have me coming back for more!

Violet, Oryn, Tora, Zinnia, Estelle, and so many more all star characters to tug at your heart strings and fill your imagination. I love books that suck me in, and transport me to another place!

Hoping to read book 4 soon!

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Breakwater by Shannon Mayer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My name is Larkspur, and I am an Elemental.

As an Ender, one of my father’s Elite guards, it’s my job to do as I’m told. When my older sister is sent as an ambassador to the realm of the water elementals--the Deep--I have no choice but to accompany her as her bodyguard.

But the secrets within the Deep are far darker than any of us realized.

Welcome . . . welcome to the Deep.
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Wow! What a ride! Lark and her friends - new and old - will take you on another high-action adventure in the imaginative world of the Elementals. I had a hard time putting this down for work or sleep, and think Olive may be my favorite new character.

Cannot wait for book 3!

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Delano in Hollyhook by Cameron Glenn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

**I received an ARC of this book from LibraryThing Member Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.**
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Delano Farnsworth is one of the few ‘lucky unfortunates’ chosen to receive an invitation to the magical Camp Hollyhook. After he arrives, however, he quickly discovers that not is all as it seems. With his new camp friends the ‘quirky’ Jackie, the ‘dour’ Lenore and the ‘lonely’ Wheeze, Delano seeks to uncover the sinister true purpose of the camp, as well as learn about his missing parents who abandoned him when he was three, his kidnapped uncle as well as his own self and destiny.
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A lot of imagination went into this story. The book is fairly detail-rich with well-developed characters and plenty of action. I enjoyed the book, and would recommend it to my kids (10 & 12 years) without hesitation.

Overall it seemed a little rushed - as if this one book could have easily been broken into 4 smaller stories which would be more "digestable". Each sub-story would then have been able to delve more fully into the different regions of this fantastical world, and give the reader more details and enjoyment. I give it 3 stars because I enjoyed the storyline and characters, but felt it needed a little more development to be truly polished.

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