ARC Review - Slow Burn (Phoenix Fury #2) by Cynthia Eden!

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**SLOW BURN is a re-release. It was originally published in 2014 as ONCE BITTEN, TWICE BURNED.**

The king of the vampires is in hell…and he will do anything to get his freedom.

Ryder Duncan has been a prisoner at the Genesis facility for far too long. Trapped, starved, tortured—he is ready to do anything necessary in order to escape. If Genesis wants a monster, he will show his captors just how deadly he can be…

Then an angel is tossed into his cage. A beautiful angel who burns hell-hot and wrecks his world.

With one taste of Sabine Acadia’s blood, Ryder is hooked. Her taste is like no other and the flood of power he gets from her is a supernatural rush. He knows what she is—even before he is forced to watch the flames consume her. Beautiful, magical, more than a myth…Sabine is a phoenix, and when she rises, he vows that she will be his.

Thrown together in an alliance born of blood and passion, they have to trust each other.

Escape is their goal. Freedom their dream. Ryder vows to make their captors pay—in blood—even as he plans to keep Sabine at his side. He’s roamed this earth for centuries, and he’s always searched for his perfect mate. He just never expected his desire for her to burn so hot.

But that’s the thing about fire…even a slow burn will eventually consume you.

Author’s Note: The phoenix shifters are back and hotter than ever. SLOW BURN was originally released by Kensington Publishing back in 2014 (the original title was ONCE BITTEN, TWICE BURNED), and I am so thrilled to have the chance to bring this story back to readers. If you love fierce, possessive, and ever-so-dangerous heroes, then you do not want to miss the king of all vampires. Because Ryder will truly walk through fire in order to claim the woman who is destined to be his…

MY REVIEW:

I was so happy to do a reread of Slow Burn, the updated version and rerelease of Once Bitten, Twice Burned! It still is a thrill ride of suspense, danger, sizzling romance and an epic story that I once again loved with my whole heart! 

Cynthia Eden's Phoenix Fury series is one of my absolute favorite series! I have reread this whole series at least 3 times and I think, with this one being updated is even better than I remember. Ryder and Sabine are so sexy and perfect and wonderful. Their romance story is what I dream about in a PNR. Ryder is a strong alpha vampire and Sabine is a rare creature she didn't know she was...a beautiful phoenix. They are a great match and so sweet together. The trials and escape and danger they are in make this story enchanting and edge of your seat amazing. I can't say enough about how much I loved this book! 

Slow Burn gets a SUPER HOT FIVE DANGEROUS STARS! 

 

ARC Review - Ranse (Blades of Arris Book Three) by Starla Night!

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I am a lesser? From a servant world? A nobody?
What a joke.
The man who discounts me is the one who loses.
Because me? I know royalty when I see it.
They call me the Kingmaker.
And I am never wrong.

Even on an alien world, he will do anything to possess me.
The Prince of Blades.
His world is in shambles.
His conquerors have turned against him.
All because of a few pesky lessers like me.

I can make him into an emperor.
I can fix his fractured world and bring his generals into line.
But he might not like who he has to become to win.
Us lessers aren't exactly who they thought we were, ha ha.
And me?
Well, I have a few secrets of my own.
And I'll only reveal those to a true king.

Devour the next book in the enthralling, highly-acclaimed Blades of Arris universe. One woman from Earth takes on the king of the conquerors and the universe is never the same!

MY REVIEW:

The next Blades of Arris story is hotter, more yummy and full of surprises than ever before! Ranse and Allie are just too freaking AMAZING together! I loved how they met and I loved the tension that sprung up between them the moment Ranse finds Allie in her escape pod. The plot gets deliciously more thrilling as the story goes on and I found myself drawn in with these unique and awesome characters the more I read!

Starla Night's worlds has always fascinated me but I think this sci-fi series is more creative and sexy then her previous series. And the world is very cool and so different. I love it! Ranse and Allie are so sexy and sweet together and the push and pull is divine! 

Ranse gets a SEXY FIVE EXPLOSIVE STARS! 

 

ARC Review - Gut Deep (Torn Worlds, #1) by Donna Augustine!

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Penelope

They steal our world, destroy our lives and view us as worthless chattel. I never thought I’d be desperate enough to ask one of them for help, and worse, one of their leaders. But with a vampire stalking me, a werewolf might be my only salvation. I’m still not sure which is worse, him or death.

Donovan

She’s nothing to me but an inconvenience, a burden, another complaining human singing the song of the wronged. She strolls into danger as if she’s begging for death, taking risk after risk. I should let the monsters she tempts have her. I would if I didn’t want her for myself.

 

MY REVIEW:

This book was surprisingly unique and a bit dark and dangerous and rather interesting. I found myself rather enraptured with this story. Its much different than what I usually read but in a good way. 

Penelope and Donovan had a almost awkward kind of chemistry at first but as the story progressed it changed to a smoldering kind of thing that made it hard to ignore. It had a really cool vibe in a apocalyptic paranormal world which really topped the story off nicely. The world itself is fascinating and a bit scary but very interesting. I actually really got into it and just started on book 2 and am excited to see where this author takes me next. 

Gut Deep gets a UNIQUE FOUR MIGHTY STARS! Its dark, sexy intriguing fun and I most certainly recommend giving it a go!

ARC Review - Cross My Heart (Wilde Ways Book #14) by Cynthia Eden!

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There are some cases you never forget.

Former FBI agent Elijah Cross tried to put the past behind him. For years, he spent his days and his nights tracking some of the most brutal killers in the US. Now? He protects the rich and famous while working at Wilde. Less danger, more glamour…and a whole lot more cash. His latest gig has taken him to the sandy beaches of Florida’s Gulf Coast, and it’s on one of those gorgeous beaches where he comes face to face with the woman who haunts his dreams.

There are some people you can’t leave behind.

She was the last victim he saved at the Bureau. Penelope Kostas. The woman who survived a nightmare. He’d carried her out of hell in his arms, and Elijah had sworn to always protect her. But that promise had been given before his job at the Bureau had imploded. Before he’d broken every rule that mattered…for her. Only to have Penelope run from him.

There are some promises you must keep.

The serial killer who targeted Penelope was never apprehended, and Penelope fears that he could be hunting her once more. But this time, she will not be his victim. She wants Elijah to help her hunt him. To help her stop the killer before he can strike again. And she will pay any price for Elijah’s help. He’s the only man she trusts…and, once upon a time, Elijah had offered to do anything for her…even kill to keep her safe.

There are some desires that can’t be controlled.

Elijah still wants her just as badly. Penelope still needs him just as much. Lust, obsession—they always twisted together for them, and the longer that they are together, the more that dark and consuming need just grows and grows. Elijah will do whatever it takes to protect Penelope. She’s not the same woman he knew before. Not lost, not afraid. She’s determined to fight, and he will be at her side every step of the way. The killer won’t escape again. And Elijah will not lose the woman who owns his heart.

Author’s Note: Once upon a time, Elijah saved Penelope, and, though she didn’t realize it, she saved him, too. She stopped him from giving into the darkness that wanted to consume him, and now, he is ready for his second chance with her. Danger, desire—sure, they’re part of the deal, but Elijah can handle any threat that comes their way. He will handle the threats because there is no way that he will ever lose Penelope again. Prepare for action, twists, and a love that will not be denied. Things are going to be Wilde, and that is just Elijah’s style… 

MY REVIEW:

Another award winning, sizzling and suspense worthy novel by Cynthia Eden! Cross My Heart is the 14th book in the Wilde Ways series and had even more heart racing action and mind-boggling danger than ever before! Not to mention the addicting sensual romance that made this story so incredible, I wish it went on and on.

Elijah and Penelope have a past that is both rough and touching. Their attraction is still as hot as it was after Elijah first rescued Penelope. Maybe even more so because of how things first ended for them in the past. I really don't believe there are a lot of authors that can pull a reader in like Cynthia Eden does. And there certainly aren't many great romantic suspense authors out there like Miss Eden either. I am ALWAYS excited when I know a new book from Cynthia Eden is coming out because all her books are amazing and addicting and so sexy, I can barely think straight! Cross My Heart had incredible, jaw dropping and hide under the blankets danger that kept me on the EDGE of my seat the whole time I was reading. It was wonderful! 

Cross My Heart gets a SINFULLY EXHILARATING FIVE SUSPENSEFUL STARS! 

 

ARC Review of The Ugly Daughter by Donna Augustine in Once Upon A Bite!

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Fifteen tales tinged with darkness, where vampires and werewolves roam and familiar fairytales take on overtones of blood and vengeance. (Note: Some of these stories are not suitable for sensitive readers.)

The Blue Fairy Hunters Guild - Phaedra Weldon
Joining the Blue Fairy Hunters Guild is just the first step in finding the Nightshade who made him a Puppet all those centuries ago. Revenge is the goal, but lies and truths revealed show his past has a very different tale.

Silvereyes and the Three Wolves - Nikki Jefford
Werewolf reporter Justin Slinger covers the dramatic court trial of Kingdom v. Silvereyes. Will the vampire Ada Silvereyes be found guilty of first-degree burglary and property damage?

River Daughter - Annie Bellet
The tale of a woman who is the last in a long line of magical women, and the lengths a mother will go to not only to protect her child, but also her legacy.

The Girl Who Cried Vamp - Christine Pope
Hedgewitch Selena Marx is usually ready to believe six impossible things before breakfast. But even her credulity is strained when the new kid in town is full of strange stories, each one wilder than the next.

The Ugly Daughter - Donna Augustine
The Ugly Daughter follows a scarred and ridiculed girl named Winni. All she dreams of is a future where she’s accepted, but her true destiny is more than she could’ve imagined.

Spider to the Fly - Kate Danley
"'Will you walk into my parlour?' said the Spider to the Fly." The famous poem by Mary Howett gets a lush retelling by USA Today bestselling author Kate Danley. Except there's vampires.

Princess of Salt - Anthea Sharp
A daughter is cast out, but can she win her way back to forgiveness through the simple art of cooking?

The Huntress - Sara C. Roethle
When an old woman is killed, a vampire hunter is sent to find the killer. Only she isn’t hunting vampires. No, the lone vampire around wants a lot more from her than blood.

Yelf Reviews for Jaqueline’s Beanstalk Cafe - Kay McSpadden
Everyone’s a critic, especially on social media, and especially in Fairy Tale Land. Even Jacqueline’s Beanstalk Cafe lives for good Yelf reviews!

Marusia and the Monster - Jamie Ferguson
Kara never stays too long in any one place, and never allows anyone to get too close to her. It’s just too risky—she never knows ahead of time what the monster inside of her might make her do. But Kara didn’t expect to fall in love…

Twisted Cinderella - Julia Crane
Cinderella has had it with being pushed around. Instead of taking the high road, Cinderella embraces the darkness in this twisted tale.

Faefrost - Jenna Elizabeth Johnson
When her best friend is taken by a woman the wild animals call the Frost Witch, Tegan of Eile will stop at nothing to get him back.

Cat in Combat Boots - C. Gockel
Tenryu has two big problems. The solution is very small.

Blood and Water - Alethea Kontis
A faithful retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” only she’s a vampire. And there are pirates.

Breadcrumbs - Sarra Cannon
Despite trying to create a new life for herself after the disappearance of her brother, Gretel is pulled back into the dark world of vampire hunting when she catches sight of the man who first lured them into the woods as children.

Read more fabulous fairytale retellings from these authors - available in print and digital at all online retailers!

ONCE UPON A CURSE - 17 Dark Faerie Tales

ONCE UPON A KISS - 17 Romantic Faerie Tales

ONCE UPON A QUEST - 15 Tales of Adventure

ONCE UPON A STAR - 14 SF-Inspired Faerie Tales

ONCE UPON A GHOST - 20 Eerie Faerie Tales

ONCE UPON A WISH - 17 Dreamy Faerie Tales 

MY REVIEW:

I got this cool anthology and read The Ugly Daughter by Donna Augustine and absolutely LOVED this short story! Such a unique and way better take on The Ugly Duckling. It was a really quick read that was impossible to put down! 

My heart went out all the way for Winni. The way everyone treated her because of her scars made me sad for her but I also was pretty amazed with the way she held her head high through all the meanness. And then when we learn what she is and finally gets to be around those that appreciate and understand her it was pretty fantastic and I was extremely happy for her. My only complaint is I wish it was a full length novel because it was 100% amazing! 

I give The Ugly Daughter a IT WAS SO GOOD I WISH THERE WAS MORE FIVE SATSIFYING STARS! 

 

ARC Review - Matched To The Monsters, Too! : Mail Order Brides by Rena Marks!

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Two choices. Alien monster or human monster?

Unfortunately, I don’t get a choice.
When I’m sold to the planet Pimeon by my fiancé, the President of Earth, it’s with the duty of uncovering their secrets and weaknesses. It’s to infiltrate the familial relationship of the leader and cause a rift.
Only then will I be allowed to return home.

The Match Program put together by the Britonian race announces me as the first candidate after my brother’s successful match. Unfortunately, the human female it picks is the one cast off by my new sister’s father, the one who lost her title of First Lady. Can I win her over? Or is she too far gone?
But neither of us have a choice when she turns up on our planet pregnant.

Disclaimer: This story contains sensitive issues of abuse, though not with explicit detail, that may be offensive to some. Please be advised that is fiction and romance and if you do decide to keep reading, you’ll find the characters will receive personal growth and their happy-ever-after ending.

MY REVIEW:

Matched To The Monster Too was OUTSTANDING! More angst, sexy tentacled heroes and a heroine who isn't at all as bad as we originally presumed from the first book. This story was so easy to dive into and love!

These sexy monster heroes are AMAZING and Stratek really made my heart melt and sigh. I loved his passionate and playful side as well as his protective and caring one too. Tessa is a strong heroine who has a strong will and is amazingly resilient. I was thrilled to see her get with a good guy, especially since she had to deal with such a horrible person as the President is. Stratek treats her nice and the way their romance blossomed really got to me right in the heart. I am honestly addicted to these sexy aliens and I really hope to see more of them get their own stories. These are some really great reads! 

I give this book a SENSATIONAL FIVE MUST READ STARS!! This alien world with its unique beauty and even better heroes should NOT be missed!

 

ARC Review - Hot Enough To Burn (Phoenix Fury #1) by Cynthia Eden!

 

BLURB:

Prepare to burn up the pages in this hot paranormal romance by New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden.

Do you believe in monsters? You should, they walk among humans every single day. Reporter Eve Bradley has known the truth about paranormals for a while, and her latest story has taken her inside the mysterious Genesis facility. It’s at Genesis that Eve first meets Subject Thirteen, Cain O’Connor. Big, gorgeous, and truly, truly HOT.

Cain is a phoenix shifter. Every time that he dies, he rises from the ashes…stronger, deadlier, and another step closer to losing his control. And what happens when a phoenix loses control? Welcome to hell on Earth.

Cain feels an instant connection with Eve, a woman who swears she wants to help him. The attraction between them burns hotter than his flames, and soon, Eve is the only link to sanity that Cain has as the world turns to fire around him.

Eve isn’t human, despite the cover she’s used for years, and she is more than capable of withstanding a little heat. But as their enemies plot to trap them, Eve and Cain will be forced to trust each other completely. Be forced to surrender to a desire that cannot be controlled, and soon, if they are not careful, it’s a desire that might just have the power to destroy them both.

If you want something too badly, if you want someone too much…you will never even see the fire coming, not until it’s too late. Be careful. You don’t want to get burned…

Author’s Note: Welcome to the world of my phoenixes! HOT ENOUGH TO BURN is a romance steamy enough to singe your fingers, but what else should you expect from a fierce shifter hero? HOT ENOUGH TO BURN was originally published by Kensington back in 2014, and back then, it had the title of BURN FOR ME. I’m super excited to bring this tale to readers once again! It’s a full-length story (90k), with a guaranteed happy ending. 

MY REVIEW:

I read this title originally when it was published by Kensington but I couldn't resist reading it again with the updated title and cover. Now the story remains the same amazing, super hot and thrilling story it was with just a few minor tweaks to freshen things up with it being 2022. And I am STILL in love with this book now as I was a few years ago when I read it for the first time. 

Hot Enough To Burn is the kind of paranormal romance that will blow your mind! Its full of all sorts of supernatural creatures and steamy romance and a SUUUUUUPER HOT hero that will leave a reader weak in the knees! Eve and Cain still have my heart years later. I adore their story so much and really wish there were more Pheonix stories because I tell you, they are ADDICTING! 

Hot Enough To Burn STILL gets a MIGHTY FIVE.....MAKE THAT TEN HOT AND SPICY STARS!!