Book Review: Bad Luck Vampire

Title - Bad Luck Vampire

Author - Lynsay Sands 

Genre - Paranormal Romance 

Format - Kindle Review Copy  

Published - Published September 26th 2023

Buy it on (Amazon) 
Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands returns in this latest chapter of the Argeneau series with an immortal who is having a bit of bad luck while trying to woo his life mate...

Alasdair MacKenzie has never once considered himself unlucky in all the centuries he's been an immortal rogue enforcer. Not until he meets Sophie. Finding the beautiful, smart, and funny woman who is his life mate is great luck, actually. But meeting her at a wedding full of Argeneaus, not to mention his own busybody uncles determined to "help him claim his woman," is bad luck. And the fact that Sophie is someone else's date? Well that's just the next level of unlucky.

From the way her gaze travels over his body like a caress to the electric zing whenever they innocently touch...he has to have her! He'll keep his hands off Sophie until her date is over. After that all bets are off and he'll pull out all the stops to win her for eternity. Great plan--until he gets hit by a car. And then he's poisoned. Is his luck that bad, or is someone out to stop this immortal from claiming Sophie as his life mate?

Review

I received Bad Luck Vampire in return for an honest review from the publisher via Netgalley. 

Sophie hasn't had the best luck when it comes to dating but when set up on a blind date it takes the cake. She can't even get dinner ordered before she's rushing out the door with him hot on her heels. Thankfully her savior just happens to be in the parking lot saves the day and Sophie finds herself a date to a wedding with an attractive man. Little did she know she would meet a man with an electric connection at the wedding. 

I love Sophie she's sweet and just adorable you can't help liking her and I really connected with her. I love the sizzling steamy connection between her and Alasdair even though he is an Argeneaus so of course he has to be swoon worthy. I also really enjoyed the side characters we got to know who are MacKenzie's the uncles are the best characters and I just loved them all. 

I'm a huge fan of the Argeneaus series and have been reading them since they first came out. I may not be current and have skipped around a bunch over the years but they are always some of the best paranormal romance I've ever read. Bad Luck Vampire doesn't disappoint it's another lovely installment in the series. I love the way the author perfectly balances the story with the romance we have just enough mystery to keep me guessing till the very end. 

I've loved all of the characters up to this point but I think Sophie may be my favorite but I feel like that after I read each one. She's just a great character and her story is just beautiful. The author has done a lovely job creating a captivating story that I ended up lost in till the very last page. One of my favorite series and I can't wait to see who is next on the list to find their happy ever after. I really did like the uncles so maybe one of them will be next. 

It's Monday! What are you reading?

 

 Hosted by The Book Date 

New week new books. I'm all over the place with my reading tastes at the moment. I've got a few review books to read as well as some on my Dusty TBR list.

Finished 

Pheromone by C.M. Stunich (Review)

As the Fallen Rise by Sadie Hewitt (Review)

A Hunt so Wild and Cruel by Rebecca F. Kenney (Review)

Blood of Zeus by Meredith Wild & Angel Payne (Review)

Plowed by the Pumpkin King by Juno Delight (Review to come) 

Stolen Kingdom by Sara Snow (Review)

Currently reading list for the week. 

I'm over half way done with Seminal by C.M. Stunich and should be done with it today. 

I'm planning on reading the rest this week. I'm waiting on Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros to arrive a pre-order that I wasn't lucky enough to receive early. 

Bleed for Cupid by Aiden Pierce

Christmas with Krampus by Jessie Knight 

Between Commitment and Betrayal by Shain Rose

Someone Exactly Like Me by Debbie Cromack

What are you reading this week? 

Book Review: Pheromone

Title -  Pheromone 

Author - C.M. Stunich  

Genre - Paranormal Romance  

Format - eBook Kindle Unlimited 

Published - October 23rd 2023

Buy it on (Amazon) 
Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis

Humans … pets, meat, or mates.

That’s the first thing I see when I open my eyes, that damn sign.

Don’t fancy myself being sold for any of the above reasons, so I’m relieved when my buyer is killed by an …

Um.

Hot venom and horns and a violent grin.

What the actual f*ck is that?! Or should I say who the actual f*ck is he?

Because he’s definitely male. Definitely big. Definitely exuding pheromones that turn me into a much less rational human being.

Hi, I’m Eve Wakefield, twenty-five years old, professional caterer, recently abducted by aliens alongside my best friend. I’m also completely and utterly screwed. Lost on a jungle planet. Rooming in a downed spaceship with a dragon dude. Being hunted by a moth man with demon eyes and vampire teeth. Begging for help from a tentacle-tailed fox man who also happens to be … a space cowboy?

Here’s the thing: I desperately want to go back to Earth.

But I am not leaving this place without my bestie, Jane Baker.

And I can’t find her or get us home without the help of three males who just so happen to be ideal romantic matches for yours truly.

Yay.

Three very different men. Three very different lives for me to try out. Three very powerful romances.

And only one thing matters: finding Jane.

Then … then I’ll worry about the messy complications of finding myself perma-mated to aliens.

Yeah, it’s a whole thing.

Review

Eve is abducted by aliens with her best friend and a few other human and taken to an alien planet to be sold. Of course the first being to want them is a vampire moth but he leaves her taking off with another human. Instead Eve is bought and heads off into the jungle where she's saved by a dragon guy who lives in a ship. As if she doesn't have enough to worry about her bestie isn't with her and she needs to find her before it's to late. 

I love Eve so much she is exactly how I would want to be if I was abducted by aliens. The reality is if I was I would be an absolute mess, and wouldn't make it a few days. So let's talk about the men in Eve's life since that's the best part. First up she meets Rurik the moth guy we've only started to learn about their relationship but I like him he's currently my least favorite but that's because he stole her from Abraxas our Dragon guy. Abraxas is more of the strong silent type but the more we get to know him the more I really like him. Last but not least is Hyk the law enforcement nine tailed tentacle guy who we've just started to get to know. 

I haven't read a lot of alien romance as they are still a newer trope for me but gosh I've been missing out because this was amazing. I loved every moment of Pheromone and devoured it over the course of 24 hours. The characters are perfect I felt that I really could connect with Eve and her trio of steamy men. The chemistry between the characters just works so well. I loved Zero to even if I wanted to smash her a few times. 

Pheromone is the first in an exciting new series by the very talented C.M. Stunich and I'm obsessed. She has done a beautiful job creating a captivating story that I couldn't put down and already started the next one. I love that the story balances the steamy moments between the story it's been a whirlwind adventure and I'm addicted. I loved every moment of Eve's story she's quickly becoming one of my favorite characters and I look forward to seeing more of her men. I've been reading C.M. Stunich books since the beginning but this may be my favorite series even though I think I say that with every new series she writes. Highly recommend if you are a fan of alien why choose romance. 

Book Tour Review As The Fallen Rise

We are thrilled to share As the Fallen Rise with you this week! Make sure to follow along and add this beauty to your TBR!

As the Fallen Rise

Publication Date: May 9, 2023

Genre: Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal/ Suspense

💚 Daemons & Magic

💚 Enemies-to-Lovers

💚 Secret Societies

💚 Vampires & Fairies

💚 Found Family

💚 Smart, Independent FMC

It started with iridescent wings… now one woman must face danger and mystery beyond her wildest imagination.

Created by Primordials, daemons were made in the likeness of humans following a devastating betrayal. And for nearly six hundred years, Agnes was the Mage who protected them, kept them alive, and gave them power. Since her death, the seven factions of daemons have been on the brink of war, inching closer and closer to burning the world to the ground.

Anthropologist Greer Myers believes mythical creatures belong in fairy tales. But when she is unexpectedly thrust into the world she thought only existed in the folklore she studied, the source of her unusual magic is whispered amongst the daemons. The plot for her rise, or her fall, begins in the shadow of a secret society established to hunt her ancestral line.

When a strange man appears with a grimoire and claims that he can help her find her birth mother, Greer- smart and independent- decides to take on the mystery by herself. Weaving lies about her identity and going undercover as a journalist, the mission for information seems safe enough at first, but soon Greer learns the hard way just how sinister and otherworldly her mother’s death really is.

Perfect for fans of paranormal suspense like Deborah Harkness’s A Discovery of Witches series– As the Fallen Rise is your best next read!

Add to Goodreads

Available on Amazon and Free for KU

Review

I received As The Fallen Rise in return for an honest review from R&R Book Tours

Greer is an Anthropologist who believes in mythical beings and is always on the hunt for them. She and her mother have always had a strained relationship but when she suddenly starts seeing the being's she's been hoping to find everything changes. Cian is a vampire who shows up with a book that changes everything Greer knew throwing her into the magical world she's been looking for. Will Greer be able to master her magic before it's to late? 

I like Greer she's a strong character who is determined to find out the truth even if it puts her and those she has met in danger. I wasn't sure about Cian but the more we got to know him the more I found myself liking him. I really liked that Greer has a great support system from her friends that's so important because she's been pulled into a world and has put a target on her back. I loved that we Odette stuck it out even though she knew it wasn't the best idea. 

As The Fallen Rise is a fast paced action packed story that kept me on the edge of my seat till the very end. I wanted to know more about Greer and the magical world, as well as her growing relationship with Cian as they all work together. I found the concept for the magical creatures interesting the way they are all kind of connected but how Greer being a mage is so important to everyones existence. 

This is my first book by the author and I'm hooked I love a story that captures my attention right from the start to the last page. The concept is unique filled with mystery, magic, found family, a little romance and a whole lot of action. The author has done a beautiful job creating a complex story that captures the heart as well as the imagination. I enjoyed every moment and look forward to the next one. 

About the Author

Sadie Hewitt is the author of stunning, fantastical mysteries that keep readers on their toes. She is an avid fantasy and thriller reader. Sadie is especially passionate about diverse representation and mental health recovery in fiction, allowing her to create wonderfully vivid and relatable characters who jump off the page.

When she’s not writing or working as a full-time respiratory therapist, she travels the world, spends time with her two dogs and husband, and scarfs pizza like it’s going out of style.

Sadie Hewitt

Book Tour Organized By:

R&R Book Tours

New Release + Book Review: A Hunt So Wild and Cruel

Title -  A Hunt So Wild and Cruel 

Author - Rebecca F. Kenney  

Genre - Spicy fantasy-Romance Retelling of "A Christmas Carol" 

Format - Arc Paperback 

Published - November 2nd 2023

Buy it on (Amazon) 

Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis

She’s been a bad girl...

They’ve been summoned for a reckoning.

Queen Lauriel hoards wealth and persecutes anyone with magic. She even cancels the Midwinter Glee festival, claiming that it wastes the Crown's money. But one cold night, the Wild Hunt rides across the sky, led by three majestic Fae. They've been called to teach the Queen a lesson, and if she can't learn it by their deadline, her throne won't be the only thing she'll lose. For the three riders, visiting the Queen is a welcome reprieve from their existence as bodiless spirits. But if they fail in their task, their place in the Wild Hunt is at risk, and the alternative is a far worse fate.

Three ghost riders...

One chance to change.

This book is a standalone spinoff of the Wicked Darlings series. It's a spicy fantasy-romance retelling of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, with a female main character and three hunky Fae spirits.

Trigger/content warnings will be available in the front matter of the book and on the author's website.

Review

I received A Hunt So Wild and Cruel from the author in return for an honest review. 

Lauriel is forced to take up the crown after her parents are murdered, she knows that as the weak Queen other kingdoms will be coming after her. She's also has a vendetta against all the fae and is determined to remove them all from her land at any cost. Raised without love she has no care for her people only protecting the kingdom at any cost even if that leaves her people jobless and freezing. She even cancels the Midwinter Glee celebration and is just a real Scrooge. Can the three riders of the hunt save her before it's to late? 

I didn't love Lauriel at first but the more time I spent getting to understand her the more I found myself really loving her. She's not perfect but she's real, she has some trauma, she's just a little broken, and she really is doing what's best for her kingdom. I freaking love our riders they are absolutely perfect and each one complements Lauriel. I loved all three each one brings something different to the dynamic Helix, Abraxas, and Paemon are just perfect for Lauriel. 

The characters are engaging, I felt like I was really able to connect with them as the story progresses. I just really loved getting to watch Lauriel grow as a character the more time she spend with her men. I loved each rider but I feel like Brax just spoke to my soul a little more but I couldn't choose just one I need them all just like her.

This is my first "A Christmas Carol" retelling and the author nailed it beautifully. I've always been a huge fan of the wild hunt and I loved that the author used them as the three spirits. This is my first book by the author and I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to read A Hunt So Wild and Cruel because it's incredible. The story is captivating right from the start I had a hard time putting it down because I wanted to know what would happen next. She does a beautiful job of blending the story with just the right amount of spice that it enhances the story. I can't wait to explore her other books as she a wonderful storyteller. A truly perfect way to start the winter season. 

Book Review: Blood of Zeus

Title -  Blood of Zeus 

Author - Meredith Wild & Angel Payne 

Genre - Paranormal Romance  

Format - Paperback 

Published - August 25th 2020

Buy it on (Amazon) 
Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis

An ancient grudge. A forbidden love.

The only thing worse than being a demon is being a Valari. As an undergraduate at Los Angeles’s Alameda University, Kara Valari can sometimes succeed at forgetting she’s both. Lost between the pages of the classics and tucked into the shadows of lecture halls, she can dodge the paparazzi’s lenses as well as her family’s publicized dramas—not to mention their private expectations. She has one more year to feed her true passions. Then she’ll be expected to fulfill a much darker destiny.

Cursed with inexplicable strength and god-like stature, literature professor Maximus Kane knows all about darkness. Every day he’s reminded of the missteps of his childhood and the devastating consequences they’ve had on those dearest to him. To atone, Maximus spends his nights alone and his days submerged in the quiet life of academia. His existence has become a study in control, and he’s become a master at it—until Kara Valari walks into his toughest course.

Viscerally, Kara’s everything he craves. Logically, she’s everything he rejects. She’s a starlet of privilege. She’s also a student. And after one touch, he can’t deny that she’s awakened something in him that may never go dormant. Nothing about her makes sense, but everything about her feels right. Especially in the deepest strands of his DNA, which are still shadows of mystery to him—a mystery Kara seems determined to uncover.

She’s Hollywood royalty. She’s forbidden fruit. And he’s pretty sure she could be the answer to everything.

Review

I received Blood of Zeus in return for an honest review from Page and Vine. 

Kara's life couldn't be more complicated she's Hollywood Royalty but as if that's not enough she's also a demon so her life has been mapped out since she was born. Hoping to avoid her future Kara has her last year to enjoy her passion and live her life before she's forced to accept her future. She never expected to encounter Maximus Kane her professor who throws her plans out the window. Maximus lived a controlled life after a tragic accident, but with Kara in his class all his control goes at the window as he can't stop thinking about her. 

I absolutely love Kara she's just a sweetheart even though she's been forced into a world she doesn't want to be apart. I just loved Maximus right from the start he's a swoon worthy professor who happens to be teaching Dante's Divine Comedy which is one of my favorite stories. They have this sweet undeniable connection that keeps drawing them back together as much as they try to deny it. Kara and Maximus are perfect for each other it almost feels like fate had a hand in throwing them together and I just love them both. 

I devoured Blood of Zeus in just a couple reading session and ended up staying up late to finish because I just had to know what would happen next. I loved every moment the characters are easy to connect with and the story is magical. I'm kind of obsessed with learning more about Maximus as I love mythology so much and can't wait to see what's in store for them. 

This is my first book by the authors and I'm obsessed with their storytelling. They created a beautiful story that sparks the heart as well as the imagination. The concept was so unique and exciting. I couldn't wait to see what is going to happen next. I love the idea of mythology meets demons it was such a refreshing concept. I loved every moment of Blood of Zeus it's one of my top favorite reads of the year. I'm looking forward to finishing the rest of the series and exploring the authors other books.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by  
Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This has always been my favorite weekly because it allows me to seek out new books coming in the future. 

Gosh this weeks cover is just stunning!!! I'm looking forward to this one! It sounds amazing! 

Prince of the Undying: A Dark Fantasy Romance 

by Karen Kincy 

Expected Publication - January 13th 2024

Pre- order your copy  (Here)

Synopsis 

He’s a necromancer. An abomination. And he’s my ruin.

When I hunt down the Prince of the Undying, he’s bleeding out on the battlefield. His forbidden magic violates death itself. With his bare hands, he can revive corpses and command the dead.

After I save his life, he falls to one knee and swears undying loyalty to me.

We should be enemies, but he's mine now.

He should be untouchable, but I can't stop touching him.

Every time I do, the cold fire of his necromancy tingles over my skin. It’s impossible to deny my fascination with him. Maybe there’s more than magic between us.

Heartbreakingly beautiful, he has haunted eyes that betray painful secrets in his past. Once, he was royalty. Now, he has fallen from grace into darkness.

He taunts me, telling me he hasn’t defiled me yet. I refuse to confess the truth: that's exactly what I want from him.

***

Prince of the Undying is a dark fantasy romance with gritty fight scenes and filthy spice.

An earlier version was first published as Shadows of Asphodel, though it has since been completely revised and rewritten with a professional editor. Consider the story risen from the dead.

What's are you waiting on? 

November Hopeful's

 November Hopefuls 

Gosh the year is flying by I can't believe it's already November. I've got a small stack to start of the month. 

My goal is 30 books this month! I also want to read more manga since I didn't read as many in October. 

My starter TBR pile 

I’m finishing up A Hunt So Wild and Cruel this morning! I’m over half way done and loving it. It’s my first book of November and last of October.

Virgin Sacrifice by L.M. Ramirez

Jinxed by Torri Heat

As The Fallen Rise by Sadie Hewitt

Man Hunt by Vanessa Vale

Between Love and Loathing & Between Commitment and Betrayal by Shain Rose

Someone Exactly Like Me by Debbie Cromack

The Thirteenth Month by Elizabeth Hunter

An Immortal Sacrifice by Denise Summers

Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall & Lisa Sterle

Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe

What's on your November TBR list?