Book Review: My Viking Vampire by Krystal Shannan (Sanctuary Book 1)

     Since Vampires, werewolves, and other paranormal creatures stepped from the shadows and into the light the world has become a new place. No longer is everyone equal. In fact, women who are not married off at a young age are free game. Because of this Bailey has to keep her guard up and always be on the move. Her ex is a sadistic cop who if he finds her again will enact every pain-filled whim he possesses to take his pound of flesh for her running away. Now, he is closing in but there is a bigger threat looming. A Djinn has caught sight of her and is intent on stealing her away. Will Bailey trust a vampire with her life and possibly more? 

    I got this book on impulse back in 2017 from BookBub and it has been sitting in my TBR for a while now. I hate that it took me so long to read this book because it checks some boxes for me. Believe me when I say that there were A LOT of screenshots of this book sent to my best friend. He dealt with it as he always does when I get wrapped up in a book. But how could I not love it? I mean Vikings...they're just great. In my defense though I wasn't just sending spicy tidbits. That would get awkward considering he is just my friend. He is Norse-Pagan so whenever I read anything viking or norse related I send it to him. 

    I loved this book. Bailey is in a post-apocalyptic world where the US is cut off from every other country. Other countries have basically washed their hands of the US's backwards attitudes on both the paranormal and women's rights. In fact, most others seem to be existing much the same as they were before these species made themselves known. Seems realistic. I'm not even being sarcastic here. I could completely see the US deciding to take away as many rights as possible because something that doesn't fit their box is revealed. 

    Moving on. After literally escaping a very abusive ex the scars on Bailey are more than just emotional. She would rather steer clear of anyone of the opposite sex, but when a djinn begins to follow her she must put her trust in the striking vampire. She won't stay in his sanctuary long, but the protection is welcome. However, this amazing man who keeps calling her 'Kjaere' is finding a way past her every defense. Is it possible to have the things she always wanted? A safe place where she is accepted and....loved?

    I adored the use of Kjaere in this book. While the author intended it in the "beautiful" way it can also mean dear and every time Erik calls Bailey 'min kjaerest' my brain auto-translated it to my dearest instead of my beautifulist (I genuinely don't think that is a word, but we're going to keep it). The "bad guys" in the book were ones you loved to hate, although in the djinn's case you will feel a small amount of sympathy for him in the end. You'll find out why for yourself. I feel no amount of sympathy for the ex boyfriend though, whose name I haven't even bothered to remember. He got what he deserved. 

    I will let you know that this book is the first in a series and ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. The larger issue of Bailey escaping her life has been resolved, but there are bigger forces at play. I am sure I will read more in this series later, although with all of my new review requests I am not sure when I will next be purchasing a book. 

    This book is available on Amazon for FREE by clicking here. 

Book Review: BuyMort: Smart Shopper: How I became the Accidental Warlord of Arizona by Joseph Phelps and Damien Hanson (The Shopocalypse Saga Book 2)

         It has been an adjustment since BuyMort took over. Most of Earth's population is gone, alien races are attacking, and food is a constant battle. But, I have established an alliance with the hippie commune in exchange for food. Our biggest concerns are Mr. Sada and the sleem infestation. Luckily I have an app that gives me pointers and wants the same thing I do: to destroy BuyMort. To do this I need to establish my affiliate and save as many people as possible. Even if that means that some dead weight must be removed. 

    I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was crazy about the first book with the main character's sense of humor and that has not changed. While he is still getting used to stepping up and taking charge from the person he was before BuyMort began he does what needs done. I can't say I was surprised what happened with Mr. Sada and I am glad that they have their operation in place. 

    I am curious about the new development of the elvish people and how Tyson plans to resolve it. We got a bit more insight into Molls in this book and I am happy to say that Phyllis is still a big part of the affiliate. She is still my favorite character and I'm sure the granny will continue out the series as long as old age doesn't take her first. 

    I enjoyed the addition of the new characters Axle, Jada, and Cube. Cube seems like he is going to be a handful, but it will be worth it for what he provides. Also really curious if they finally found a way to deal with the stupid tape. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book in the series. 

    This book will be released on November 10th, so if you haven't already read book one there is still time before book 2 comes out. Both are impossible to put down and every second is enjoyable. 

    This book will be available on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. You can pre-order it. Both books will also be available on Kindle Unlimited. 

Books by these authors: 

Grand Opening BuyMort Book 1

Rise of the Windowpuncher BuyMort Book 3

Book Review: Wolf Hunter Inquisition: The Freeing of Chiropteran by Miller Thomas

     Detective Danny Roberts is on the trail of a serial killer, but when he wakes up from a night at a bar with an unquenchable thirst and strange texts his life becomes much more complicated. Now he is the thrall of a beautiful vampire that calls herself Mistress unlike any other. While most thralls become mindless creatures that are extensions of their masters he can think and act on his own. It has been decided that Danny will join Mistress as a Wolf Hunter, keeping the sheep of humanity safe from the humans that hunt them. However, there is unrest among the living dead from those that feel they should not guard the sheep but should rule over them. Can balance be restored or will an ancient evil be released upon the world?

    I received a copy of this book from a promoter in exchange for an honest review. I finished it at the beginning of the month, but due to the death of my grandfather I needed to take some time off from reviews and reading in general. It has been almost three weeks and this is my first review since, so please bear with me. On to the review. 

    The vampires in this book are different from others I have run across. There are the standard similarities that we see in some or all cases. They drink blood. The strong can shapeshift. Some can levitate and communicate telepathically. Pretty standard. But, instead of the standard bat some turn into werewolf like creatures and the bat is more of a humanoid bat creature. The description reminded me of the man bat from Batman Arkham Knight. Perhaps that is where the author drew inspiration. Other than that another big difference is that if they drink blood freely given (especially virgin blood) or the blood of a 'wolf' they can walk in sunlight with no aversion to holy items. Alternately if they drink the blood of the innocents by force they become the feared creatures of the night. 

    Differences are wonderful and anyone who has been reading my reviews for a while knows that I enjoy all things paranormal and getting to see new takes on classic creatures. There is a lot of banter back and forth between the characters. While there is a 'twist' near the end of the book I can't say I didn't see it coming. The character wasn't trustworthy throughout the story, so when things go I expected it. 

    My favorite character in the book is Scholar. She is bookish and a complete dom with a lot of built up sexual frustration. Girl needs to get laid, and I wish her the best in her endeavors with her current body type. However, since they can change their appearance at a whim I suppose that isn't too big of an issue. 

    I do want to warn you this is the first book in a series and it does end on a cliffhanger. Not a mid-way through a book cliffhanger, just with things that carry over into a new book. That being said this is the only book in the series currently released and I do not know when any more will be coming. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or purchase it on Amazon for $2.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Ghostflowers by Rus Wornom

     Summer hadn't felt like she belonged in her little town in Virginia for a long time. Church was full of hypocrites and everyone seemed as backwards as the backwater town. Even her Ma hated that she wasn't like everyone else. But when a biker comes to town it was like she woke up. No longer content with her small town boyfriend and life Summer wants more. She wants this man with a fake name and everything he could offer. Michel doesn't want to pull her into his life, but some forces are unstoppable. So, why resist? 

    I received a copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. As I was reading this book it quickly became my favorite of my current reads and I found myself looking forward to each chapter that I read. It is hard to put down. That being said I don't really enjoy older books (this one is set in the 70s) because of the blatant racism and sexism they tend to exude. While there are components of both in this book they are largely glossed over, as if the author was being historically accurate while not trying to pay it homage. I liked the way that was handled. There is a lot of down your throat christianity portrayed in multiple scenes. Such as the mom referring to her daughter as a whore because she goes out drinking with her boyfriend and listens to rock music because her favorite TV pastor said that. 

    Still, the book wasn't done in a way that it was condoning the actions or beliefs. Simply putting them on display for the level of unhinged these people both were and are. I'm sorry if you believe that music is the root of all evil and is corrupting young minds. You're probably on the wrong review site because I'm gonna side against you. Moving on. This is a vampire book, but in no way is it a traditional vampire book. Yes, yes. They live forever and they drink blood. But, they can also turn into shadows and great beasts. Not complaining. I am always excited to find new twists on old tropes. There is plenty of blood, death, and love in this book. 

    The main character is rebellious, but isn't a bad person. She is an adult and is trying to figure out who she is. While it is abundantly clear that she isn't the same as the others in her town that doesn't mean she isn't good. She struggles with hurting her long-time boyfriend Rob while understanding that he isn't where she is meant to be. I get that. She does still live at home with her mother, but she is twenty and with how her mom acts throughout the book I'm surprised she didn't leave sooner. Verbally abusive parents are perfect for leaving behind. I can't say I would have done what Summer did for her mom at the end, but I'm a bit more heartless. 

    I am a little confused on Ben though. He is a longtime friend of Michel's who didn't know he was a vampire for sure until he seen him again. But the thing that I am not sure on is how the book wraps up. What happens to Ben? I suppose it isn't overly important in the Summer/Michel love story which seems far from over. Anyways, I am excited to see what more this author has for us in the future, be it with this story or any other. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $7.95 by clicking here. 

Book Review: The Magic Circle by Barry Ryerson

     Each powerhouse (other than America) has secluded themselves since the nuclear strike. However, they all want those that can wield magic. However, Celestials that previously only minorly influenced people's decisions are playing an active role. Those that want to escape and those that want the world to continue as it always have. If the Celestials escape the world will stop spinning, literally. Can one group of people stop the end of the world before it's too late?

    I received a copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. I love fantasy books and while there are "celestials" in this book they are in no way religious. Which I adored. Another interesting concept is not only do only a few people have magical abilities, but those who have magic can only use it in areas where ley lines cross. 

    It was an interesting change from being able to do magic no matter where you are. There is a little bit of everything in this book. Action, adventure, and even some romance (of all types). The combination of languages versus the traditional French was interesting, although it was just discussed versus seeing it. Wouldn't matter if we did see it anyways considering I know very little of Spanish or French. Let alone putting the two together. This book is primarily set in France with some instances in Antarctica, Russia, Africa, and Canada. The weird thing is that other than being mentioned in passing for having a particle collector it is like America ceased to exist 40 years prior. 

    Each of the romances in this book is unique and offers something unexpected. Be it traditional, or something new (at least something I haven't come across before). There is something a bit confusing to me. Zenya was a big part of this story. At the beginning we are told he has the ability to change his appearance, yet he struggles with an aspect of himself. If it bothered him so much why wouldn't he change it? I'm not saying he needed to change himself. I just mean that since it bothered him so much and he had the ability to I don't know why he never considered it. 

    I enjoyed each aspect of this book. From the characters as they learn about their abilities to the battle between good and evil. We even get more details on the background nuclear strike which is great since it starts as a bit of a mystery. Once you hit the halfway point the book really picks up and becomes fast paced. This book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger and based on what I seen on Amazon there are no further books in the series at this time. Hopefully in the future. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $2.99 by clicking here. This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. 

Book Review: Claimed by her Cougar by Felicity Heaton (Cougar Creek Mates Book 1)

     After the loss of his mate Rath was not want to take another, until he meets Ivy. The curvy photographer came onto his land at the worst possible time to look for bears. While he immediately thinks she is a hunter or in league with them their attraction and her website soon has him convinced there are no ulterior motives. Rath has to get the cabins ready for the cougar mating meeting, though, which soon leads to a misunderstanding and Ivy sending pictures of the bears to her sponsor. Things quickly go bad when one of the hidden cabins is visible in the picture. 

    I listened to this audiobook on YouTube and enjoyed every second of it. I have read other Felicity Heaton books before and she never disappoints. This is definitely a romance instead of a smut. Not that I am complaining. 

    When I first started reading it I thought it was a book I read a few years ago (Miss Taken by Milly Taiden) because both start with a female stumbling onto a property owned by a shifter. There are major differences between the two books as you read, though. In Miss Taken she was trying to acquire the land while this is a photographer. Then of course the shifters are different as well. Here we have Cougars while Miss Taken is lions. 

    Rath seems like a brutish pain at the beginning, but as the story goes along and we learn more of his background it makes sense. If that happened to me I wouldn't want anyone else around me either. Then there is Ivy who is described as overly curvy, yet she spends months at a time outside camping and taking pictures of wildlife. But, anything is possible I suppose. They make a cute couple though, and I hope that Rath's brothers are in the next books. 

    I do plan on rereading her Eternal Mates series again since it has been so long since I read them and I never finished them all. I will also rewrite these reviews when that happens because the reviews below are from 2017 and are really bad. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $0.99 by clicking here. While a lot of Heaton's books are available on Kindle Unlimited, this series is not currently one of them. Maybe in the future!

Books by this author: 

Kissed by a Dark Prince (Eternal Mates Book 1)

Claimed by a Demon King (Eternal Mates Book 2)

Tempted by a Rogue Prince (Eternal Mates Book 3)

Hunted by a Jaguar (Eternal Mates Book 4)

Book Review: Crossroads by Nora Edington (Love and Betrayals Book 3)

     Jenny and Ray are finally together, but they haven't reached their happily ever after yet. Her parent's still don't know about him and she can't stand the thought of she and her father ending up estranged. Meanwhile, Leah has decided she wants to keep Gary and has devised a plan to become his wife. They have a lot of growing up to do, but will they grow up or apart?

    I received a copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. As with the first two books I was rooting for Jenny and Ray while not caring/liking Leah. Some bad things happen to her in this book, which she refers to as karma, and I can't say that I got emotional on her behalf. I'm simply not attached to the character and have never really found any positives about her. 

    On to Jenny and Ray. Jenny does a lot of growing up in this book. She is no longer the wide-eyed naïve little girl from book one. Instead she is becoming an independent and wonderful woman. I can't say that I loved their role-playing, but everyone has their own kinks. That being said I am proud of how she stood up for herself and voiced exactly what she wanted at multiple points. It all worked out in the end. 

    I feel like this could be a good stopping place for the series, although I am not sure if it is the last book. I haven't checked, although I'm sure when I go to post it on Amazon later today I will find out. I feel like everything is wrapped up nicely by this point and the reader has a clear idea of what the character's futures will hold. Update: This is the final book in the series. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $3.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this author: 

Beginning (Love and Betrayals Book 1)

Betrayed (Love and Betrayals Book 2)

Book Review: Bloodwalker by L.X. Cain

     Each time the Zorca circus passes through a town on the last night a child disappears. While his lightening scars scare many off Rurik is determined to find out what is happening to these children and keep more from meeting the same end. During a one day truce bloodwalker Sylvie and two other young bloodwalkers come to the circus to be married by Zora, the ringmaster's bloodwalker wife. They are met with scorn, but when Sylvie finds a body their options are limited. She can't tell anyone. It was forbidden. But, as more clues mount with the deaths Rurik and Sylvie may be the only chance at stopping this plight. 

    I received a copy of this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review. I will start with the good. The book is amazing. I don't have a single complaint about the storyline nor the characters. While I could see where the story was heading there was always just enough wiggle room where there was doubt cast upon my main suspect. The author did a great job of attempting to cast around blame. 

    That being said the audiobook left things to be desired. For the most part it was okay and I am not sure if the narrator is new or simply didn't have editing equipment or what the case was. However, there are multiple points in the book where the narrator mispronounces words, seemingly skips sections of storyline, repeats others, and even clears his throat during the recording. If there was a different narrator or if the narration was fixed it would greatly improve the audio experience. 

    That being said that is not the author's fault and I will not be holding that against them. Rurik and Sylvie are constantly filled with self-doubt and a low opinion of themselves while trying their best to make the world around them better. Because of this I love them both, but Rurik was easily my favorite character in the book. I also adored the snippets from the bloodwalkers guide at the beginning of each chapter. Getting a further insight into what it should mean to be a bloodwalker was helpful since their work wasn't the focal point of this story. 

    I fully enjoyed the plot of this book and look forward to more from this author in the future. This book is available on Amazon for $2.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Fiona's Guardians by Dan Klefstad

     With the change of times the need to secrete their existence has become paramount. No longer can they hunt to achieve their needed blood. Instead, guardians are implemented who can retrieve blood from blood banks, or other sources when needed. After all, it takes 10 pints a night to satisfy just one vampire. Be warned. Never use the v word or the s word you may learn later on. Don't even think it. She can hear your thoughts. You will be sacrificing your free time and all other commitments for her, but will be lavishly compensated financially. If your morals are strong seek other employ. Above all else: keep her safe. 

    I received a copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. Those who have been around my blog for a while know that I am no stranger to vampire books, but this one was much different than others I have read. I was a bit skeptical because it is called Fiona's Guardians and I half expected it to be a MMR (Multiple Male Romance), which I do not read. Thankfully it was not. In fact this is not a romance at all. 

    Throughout this book they talk about how words like vampire and striga are taboo as are all versions of it. This isn't something I have seen in other books as there isn't an "acceptable" term to refer to them as. We follow Fiona as she intends to release her long-time guardian from service and allow him to go into retirement. In order for him to retire he must first train another to take on his duties of keeping her safe, financially stable, and well fed. While this is a task in itself a long-dead order of monks has returned with a vengeance. Their one goal is to eradicate all Striga from the world. 

    I mentioned before that this isn't a romance. This is true. While Daniel (Fiona's initial guardian) loves her and at one point wanted more from her than a guardian/ward relationship this never develops. I can understand why. Relationships get sticky when it is a working relationship. Besides, if he was to be turned she would have to find another guardian as he would no longer be able to preform his duties. 

    This book jumps perspectives a lot. We see from Daniel's point of view, Soren's (another vampire), Fiona's, and that of the trainee (Wolf). Because of this we are able to get an in-depth picture of multiple things happening simultaneously without distracting from the other point in the story. Unlike in a lot of other books that has a multi-perspective the reader is still kept in the dark about how events will unfold. Never is too much revealed that we know for certain one chain of events will come to pass, although they seem the most likely. 

    I can't say that I had a favorite character during the book. That being said I took pleasure in the corruptness of the church. Yes, yes. I know. People love religion. Most. We know my opinions on it and they aren't important right now. Just know that in this book there is corruptness and dirty secrets within the catholic church. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here.