Book Review: Neon Nights by Anna Mocikat (Neon Nights Book 1)

     Detective Siro Ferreira-Nunes has transferred from Olympias 1 to 3, which was always his goal. However, when he arrives he quickly discovers that his first assignment may be his hardest, and most gruesome, yet. In the heart of Oldtown with a new partner with a giant spider on her head, Detective Spader, the duo must uncover the culprits behind a mass grave and a murdered celebrity. The brass want answers and The Dragon has given them a week to solve it. 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have said it before and I will say it again. I love Anna Mocikat books. No, I am not just saying that because after having done reviews for her for years she has become someone I consider a friend and that I talk to regularly. I love each of the worlds that she builds and the descriptors used. Each time you read one of her books, no matter how long it has been since you last read one, you are instantly transported right back to where you were before. 

    That being, while this series is set in the Behind Blue Eyes universe and features two of the characters from said series it is not in line with book 4 of BBE, which was the last one of that series I had read before jumping into this one. Book 4 of BBE technically takes place after Neon Nights 1 since Neon Nights starts on Siro's first day in Olympias 1. I will say that when I started reading Neon Nights the scene was so similar to the scene where Siro and Spader find the mutilated Angel I messaged Anna and asked if it was the same scene. She told me that it was intentionally set up like this and to keep reading. Was glad I did as the scene turned somehow even more macabre than the mutilation. 

    Like I mentioned, the author does an amazing job of transporting the reader to the scene. It is easy to see the characters in the book as well as the things they are having to bear witness to. You meet some new characters that are not mentioned in the BBE series as well as mentions of ones we know well. I really enjoyed getting to see more into Siro and Kate as I loved them in the BBE series. Them getting their own spotlight with their more interesting cases is going to be fun. 

    While this book is book one in a series it seems that this series will be set up more to be one book resolutions just containing the same characters unlike in some of the other series. I will go into a bit more detail on that in my review for book 2, which I have already read. There are only currently two books in this series, but I am sure that there will be more adventures with this duo in the future both in this series and, of course, in BBE. If you haven't already read BBE you CAN read this book in the series without spoilers. 

    That being said, all of these Sci-Fi adventure books are on Kindle Unlimited. They are well-written, exciting, and full of action. And cyborgs.     

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

Books by this author: 

Shadow City (Shadow City Book 1)

Dark City (Shadow City Book 2) 

Level One (Cyber Squad Book 1)

Level Two (Cyber Squad Book 2)

Level Three (Cyber Squad Book 3)

Nephilim Volume 1 (Nephilim a BBE Origin Book 1)

Nephilim Volume 2 (Nephilim a BBD Origin Book 2)

Nephilim Volume 3 ( Nephilim a BBE Origin Book 3)

Behind Blue Eyes (Behind Blue Eyes Book 1)

Fallen Angel (Behind Blue Eyes Book 2)

War Games (Behind Blue Eyes Book 3)

Last Stand (Behind Blue Eyes Book 4)

Space Punks (Space Punks Book 1)

Nightingale's Song (Space Punks Book 2)

Book Review: The Light Within by T. Emiller (In Shadows Lie Book 2)

     Liana is once more in her home realm, but all those she previously held dear are gone. Well, almost everyone. Two people still remain. One is a traitor and the other in hiding. In order to not only survive, but help her kingdom, Liana will need to chose trusting her enemy if she has any hope of saving her kingdom. However, there is every possibility that she could lose herself in the process. 

    I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is book two in a series and cannot be read as a stand-alone. You must read book one before starting this one, or you will have no idea what is going on. If you haven't already read book one feel free to click the link at the bottom of the page to read my review for it. 

    This is a fantasy adventure that is also a slow burn romance. Normally I am completely for the morally grey villain, but in this case I think I will stay with the golden retriever. They have their own charms, though and the villain was a bit too self-centered for me to be rooting for him. And violent towards the female main character. The story is well-written and engaging. 

    Our main character from book one has regained her memories and with it the decisions she made that sealed her fate previously. Liana is trying to gain a better control of her magic, although she has to trust those who have betrayed her in the past to do so. For a bit she looses herself, just trying to stay alive and not get the brunt of her captor's anger. 

    Just like in book one this book also ends on a cliff-hanger. The main point of this book was completed, along with some character's story lines. Other characters fates were better outlined so that they can either continue into book three or end there permanently. I am trying to be vague, because I don't like giving spoilers. I enjoyed this story and look forward for more from this author in the future. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $9.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this author:

In Shadows Lie (In Shadows Lie Book 1)

Book Review: True Courage by Kathryn Barrett

     Adam never intended to run for President, but when the movie about his "heroics" while in the military was released it was felt that the best way for him to make use of that time in the spotlight was to run the country. However, being President of the United States as a single parent of a teenage daughter is a task no one prepared him for. Luckily, his new Secret Service agent, Ellie, assigned to his daughter, Katie, is willing to put in a little extra time. 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I typically stay very very very far away from all things politics. This book was one I accepted when I had accepted about 200 others and by the time I agreed to this book I wasn't even reading the blurbs anymore. Still, the book wasn't terrible. 

    In fact, the story was engaging and the romantic aspects were cute. While this is a romance book it is not a smut by any stretch. Ellie battles with herself just as much as she does with the outside threats that Katie has to experience. Meanwhile Adam is facing threats from those in other countries as well as the threat of someone from his past. One wrong decision can mean so much more than a moody teenager when you are President of the free world. 

    There is a lot of politics in this book, but since I didn't bother to read the blurb before agreeing to it I can't hold that against it. So, let's stick to the things that I enjoyed. The setting was described in a way that you could easily picture where the characters were at most times. There wasn't many typing issues or things that would pull you out of the story. The events that happened were believable and realistic. The characters were well-rounded and faced a variety of issues that were on theme. All in all it was a good read. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $3.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Nightingale's Song by Anna Mocikat (Space Punks Book 2)

     Nightingale is dying. If his CINE is not replaced there is nothing even Bonesaw can do for him. Hel vows that she will do everything in her power to save him, even if it means going up against the Legion. Meanwhile, David will have to choose where his allegiances lie as his new memories have surfaced along with the truth of what he is. 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have read all of the books in the Space Punks series as well as most, if not all, of Mocikat's other books. I have enjoyed every one and they continue to be engaging to me no matter how far down the story rabbit holes I get. 

    This is book two in a series and absolutely cannot be read as a stand-alone. That being said, this book picks up right where book one leaves off, so I highly suggest grabbing book one and then jumping straight into book two. We get most of the same characters in book two as we had in book one. We are still on-board the Nephilim, although there is some planetary action as well on Mars this time. As before the perspectives in this book jumps between all of our main characters to better display all of the action that is continuously going on. 

    Whether we are following Hel as she has a meeting with the Legionnaires to try to get the replacement CINE part or shadowing David as he uncovers his true mission, what he is capable of, and where his allegiances lie. He may have found this new family, but he was literally programmed for one objective. As we have come to expect with any Mocikat book there is rarely any time in the book that isn't packed with action. This action may be fire fights or some ill advised sex. 

    That being said, just because there is sex in these books Space Punks is a far cry from smut. It is a natural progression item, not anything that supersedes the plot. I fully enjoyed this book and I would say I look forward to the next in the series, but I have already finished book three as well. I am looking forward to book four, though. 

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

Books By This Author: 

Shadow City (Shadow City Book 1)

Dark City (Shadow City Book 2)

Behind Blue Eyes (Behind Blue Eyes Book 1) 

Fallen Angels (Behind Blue Eyes Book 2)

War Games (Behind Blue Eyes Book 3)

The Last Stand (Behind Blue Eyes Book 4)

Level One (Cyber Squad Book 1)

Level Two (Cyber Squad Book 2) 

Level Three (Cyber Squad Book 3)

Nephilim Volume 1 (A Behind Blue Eyes Origin Volume 1)

Nephilim Volume 2 (A Behind Blue Eyes Origin Volume 2)

Nephilim Volume 3 (A Behind Blue Eyes Origin Volume 3)

Space Punks (Space Punks Book 1)

Neon Nights (Neon Nights Book 1)

Book Review: A Highland Ghost for Christmas by Jo-Ann Carson

     After finding her fiancée cheating Maddy is in a funk. As an early Christmas present her best friend pays for her to go to a tea reading, where she is told she will find love. Highlander Cullen was playing a game of ghost poker in the next room and happened upon the beautiful Maddy. She couldn't see him, but he was intrigued and followed her home. It isn't long before Cullen falls for her and decides to woo her. 

    I am a sucker for highlander and Viking pretty much anything. I was really rooting for Cullen finding a way in this one, but am not at all mad about how it turned out. Cullen gets up to plenty of mischief, but is just what this lonely librarian needed to get over her cheating ex. 

    I have never read anything by this author, but I absolutely would read more in the future. The book was well written, engaging, and gives the main character the choice between two love interests. This is a closed door romance. It isn't steamy and is just sappy and cute. There is some kissing, though. 

    I love that Cullen has a therapist, of sorts, that basically just pops up and coaches him on how to be a better person in order to achieve his goals. It is probably my favorite thing about this book. That and the fact that he actually takes that advice into consideration, implementing it for a positive outcome.

This book is available for FREE by clicking here. 

Book Review: Mind Machines by Dima Zales and Anna Zaires (Human ++ Book 1)

    Millions suffer from a deteriorating mind. Be that Altzheimers or simply dementia. It is painful to watch your love one suffer as they forget everything they once knew and cared about. With  Brainocytes these issues may become a problem of the past. Mike didn't always care to pursue this miracle "cure". In fact, he was completely happy to live his life as a venture capitalist until his mother go into a car wreck which destroyed her memory. But, Brainocytes could be used for more than just good. Something they learn the hard way when all of their test patients are stolen. 

    Sometimes a Sci-Fi is a nice change of pace and this one didn't disappoint. The potentials with these nanites is boundless and it was definitely going to draw some attention. There is a twist in the book, but it is a little bit obvious. We got too much information on Mike and his mother's background for there not to have been something there. 

    That being said the story is exciting and filled with fast-paced action. We get a bit of mystery in the who-done-it and some mafia vibes. You will see what I mean. There is a small romance aspect, but no sex. More like a budding relationship. The book ties up all of the loose ends while still leaving enough unanswered that you want to continue on to the next book. 

    I have not read anything by these authors before, but am open to it in the future. I really liked the characters and especially the technological advances. 

This book is available for FREE by clicking here. 

Book Review: Taken: Alien Commander's Captive by Hattie Jacks (Haalux Empire Book 1)

    As far as Jayne is concerned it is official. Aliens suck. Even insanely sexy ones like Rexitor with his intriguing markings. They are convinced that she killed someone. Even has a video showing her guilt, but they are going to have her stand trial when they reach the Haalux empire. With a bit of luck this entire issue will be sorted and she can go home. 

    Jayne wakes up on board yet another alien ship. She was so very done with aliens. At least these ones weren't keeping her drugged and out of it all of the time. In fact, the doctor in the med bay has been surprisingly kind to her. If only Commander Rexitor could see that she was not guilty of the murder they say she committed maybe he would take her home. 

    This book jumps perspectives from Jayne to Rex so that we can see the story unfolding in different ways. We can see how people treat Jayne and Rex separately and together. This is definitively an open door and there is a pregnancy in the book as well. I know that is an immediate turn off for some, so I wanted to give that disclosure. For those of us that enjoy the spicy scenes, this book has plenty to offer. 

    While this is book one in a series this definitely seems like a series that will have to be read in order. We get to know the Haalux background and history in this book and without that and Rex's story anything that comes next may prove difficult. I am definitely not against reading more by this author in the future. 

This book is available for FREE by clicking here. 

Book Review: The Billionaire's Princess by Ava Ryan (Fairy Tale Billionaires Book 1)

    Neither Carly or Damon had any illusions about what this was. A pickup in a bar that that lead to a one night stand. Except they can't get each other out of their heads, even if she left him without so much as a phone number the morning after. Damon then discovers that his ice princess is an actual princess and even though he has money there is no way to measure up. Still, he isn't quite ready to let her go just yet. 

    This is a fast paced read that will keep you in the feels. It is my first Ava Ryan read, but I am sure that it won't be my last. The characters are real and relatable, even though one is a billionaire and the other is literally royalty. This is one of those books where the man is convinced he isn't good enough for her, but he doesn't care because she is his. Meanwhile, Carly is stand-offish to most but sweet once you get to know her. 

    There is a bit of a twist in the book with Carly, but I don't want to go into too much detail and give it away. I will say that it puts her in a rough position, although she handles it well. This book is the first in a series, and although I haven't read any more by this author yet I feel like we will get to know Damon's friends more as the series progresses. I could be wrong. 

    This is a contemporary romance that is very much so open door. No complaints here, as always, but I know some aren't a fan. It was well-written and didn't have me wanting to skip scenes to get back to the plot, which happens sometimes when it's not engaging.

This book is available for FREE by clicking here. 

Book Review: His Wicked Games by Ember Casey (The Cunningham Family Book 1)

     Lily would do anything to save the Center for the Arts. When Calder sends notice that he is withdrawing his father's pledged funds she stomps her way out to his extravagant estate to give him a piece of her mind and convince him to reconsider. Instead, the brooding man entices her into a game of winner take all. He gets her or she gets the money. 

    This is a free series starter that introduces a family to us. While it is book 1 in a series you don't feel like you are missing out on anything as you read. It is absolutely able to be read as a stand-alone and to just enjoy Calder and Lily's story. You don't feel like you are missing out on anything by just reading the one book. 

    That being said. Lily has a smart mouth and Calder is as handsome as he is devious. The more we learn about the characters the easier they are to love. His big secret was a bit obvious, but it didn't take anything away from the story already guessing about why the funds were removed. I loved each of these characters and Lily's father. I would absolutely read more by this author or even in this series in the future. The setting and descriptions in the book is amazing. You can absolutely picture their games as well as the courtyard and maze. 

    Here is your disclaimer, if you struggle with it, that this is an open door. As always, there is no complaints from me about smut. A lot of what I read falls in that category and I am not even a little ashamed to admit it. 

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

Book Review: Rough by Renee Rose (Wolf Ranch Book 1)

     The good doctor is just trying to patch me up. Hell anyone else could have easily died with the hit I took from that bull. But, I just couldn't keep my eyes off her. Especially not when my friend put his hands on her. In his defense, he didn't know she was mine. I didn't even know until now. But, I am going to keep her safe. 

    I love shifter books and this one did not disappoint. We get a fun mix of cowboy and wolf shifter with a dash of the rodeo thrown in for good measure. We start out with the doc not having been in town long, but taking on a shift at the rodeo. Basically just patch up the guys when they inevitably get hurt on one of those mounts. Bright side is those males are such fun to watch. Especially the champ.

    There is a good bit of the normal tropes we find in most shifter books. Don't tell humans shifters exist. This one in particular belongs to whatever alpha male is in the book. Something happens to show his true nature. Still, the joy is always in the journey. We see how he messes things up and attempts to fix them. We see other people vying for her attention and the feelings as they develop. 

    This book is decidedly open door...and sometimes open barn. I am not in the slightest bit complaining about this, but I know some prefer the closed doors versus the smut that fills my devices most of the time. I will say this is one of those books where we don't start the series with the alpha of the pack. He is an alpha male, but his brother is the actual alpha. Although the alpha isn't the next book in the series. The set-up lead me to believe it will actually be the youngest brother who had been away from home for a while. We shall see. 

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

Book Review: Snow So White by C. Gockel (Urban Magic and Folklore Book 1)

     In the tiny village of Somer the paranormal and normal live side by side in harmony. There is none of the chaos that reigns in the war far away. Still, when Cherie's grandmother dies things begin to change. Cherie's long-time crush is a ghost in a mirror, but he can do little more than warn the residents. The Queen's men are coming and they will take the most magically inclined to fight in the war. Intent on getting away Cherie begins her travels out of town, trailing her friends who left before her, only to stumble upon a vampire. With Grandmother's help can she and Jack Frost strike a bargain that will keep her village safe? 

    This book was one of my impulse purchases and I loved it. I got this book shortly after finishing Tasting Red, which I did the review on not too long ago. I was in my feels about twisted fairy tales and found this gem. A fun mix of snow white and Jack Frost in a contemporary setting. It is very much so post-apocalyptic, mind you. This book is set in the future after the Queen successfully toppled the United States. 

    We begin by meeting Cherie and discovering that her grandmother has just died and how she is handling this loss. We then meet Jack Frost, the "ghost" trapped in mirrors and discover that while Cherie has some magic it isn't very much. You can see the magic around people, and hers was never overly present. Still, the Queen's men are interested in her and their town. She has to save her people. No matter the consequences. But, the world outside of her town is a very different place. No matter the deal she must strike she will make it to the heart of Chicago and free the only warrior that can help them. 

    I loved every step of the journey as well as discovering more about Cherie's magic. Everything from the Fae to the demons is amazing. I would love to see how this plays out as the series continues. The story-line is engaging, the characters are well rounded and there is just enough of a hanger at the end that you can't wait to find out what happens next. There are some romance aspects to the book, but it is very much so a slow burn. 

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