By FDASuarez

A Class of Conjuring

by Evie Wilde

Enchanted Academy #1

Reverse Harem | Fantasy | Dystopian | Academy

They say I’m a promising witch, but my magic is a disaster… I wish I could keep my sorcery skills from running wild. Braeden and I are on a mission to take down a pack of demons, when one of my spells misfires and destroys the town’s defense against the very monsters we were sent to protect them from. That’s when the fed-up guild banishes me to the Enchanted Academy. One last chance to salvage what’s left of my career as a witch by honing my craft. The coursework is challenging, but I can’t help but be distracted by a brainy mage and a mysterious shifter. Not to mention the bad boy who’s set his sights on me, or the fact that my relationship with my best friend is heating up. But beyond the gated grounds, a power-hungry wizard is drawing near, intent on stealing magic. As the passion between me and my men grows, so do my powers. Soon my friends and I will be the enemy’s prime target, and the five of us will have to unite to defeat the rising evil.

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Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

A Class of Conjuring is the first book in the Enchanted Academy series. The book follows  Cassandra Clarke a witch that can get the title worst witch. In this world people know about magic, there are magical creatures everywhere, and when a city/town/village has a supernatural problem they call upon witch, warlocks, and wizards to help out. Cass is part of a guild meant to help humans with their supernatural problems but Cass is a walking disaster. With her best friend Braedon, she tries to help but her spells create more problems than the town started with and has earned her the title disaster witch. After one incident too many she is sent to the Academy to either improve or fail, it's a sink or swim situation and Cass is about to meet a whole new set of problems.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Cass is a screw-up, but what I like about her is that she tries her hardest to improve, to help people and when others say negative things about her she tries to ignore it and still soldier on all the while staying positive and continuing being a nice person. Which is really amazing considering her difficult childhood and her current pressures.

One of the things I love in a reverse harem is when the story is told from multiple perspectives. There are four guys and each has a couple of chapters, I loved hearing from them, seeing from their perspective. They guys kinda started off on a bad foot with me, and one kinda stayed there for a while but none of them really stood out to me, no favorites, each was okay and the group seems to fit together.

Okay so here is the thing, I had problems with this book. There were some plot-holes in the storyline, some of the character's actions didn't make sense and some of the dialogue was a little off, characters reiterating the same things or things being said that didn't need to be. That being said overall I liked the story, oddly enough the book held my interest. I was totally immersed in the story and I was interested in what happened to the characters. A Class of Conjuring was a decent start to the series and with a little more editing the story could be really good. So while the story wasn't perfect, it was good and I would be interested in finding out what happens next.

Overall 3 stars

Escaping Monsters

by Rita Stradling and Alexa B. James

Grayhaven #1

Reverse Harem | Urban Fantasy | Paranormal

First comes love… Then comes marriage… …and then comes my con-artist husband selling me to werewolves on our honeymoon.

On the run from my cruel captors, I stumble into Grayhaven. This secret supernatural settlement is packed with biker demons, fae royals, and witches dealing in death-magic. Their small town could be my salvation... or doom.

But when the Grayhaven werewolf pack tracks me down, I feel the noose of impending capture tightening around my throat. I’m an omega, the least dominant werewolf in the supernatural world. If I’m given an order—any order—I’m powerless to refuse.

The five dominant werewolves could enslave me with a word. Instead, they take me in, protect me, and call me their mate. I want to believe that they are mine... that I’m safe.

Yet, there is a malevolent darkness hunting me and it won’t stop until it’s claimed me once more, body and soul.

If you love sexy-as-hell alpha werewolves, feisty heroines, fated mates, and dominant shifters who would do anything to protect their mate, get ready to devour this medium/fast burn reverse harem romance!

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Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

OMG, this book was just so damn good, it was freaking amazing. If you like your paranormal reverse harem a little dark, a lot funny and full of steam then this is for you.

The book is co-authored by Rita Stradling and Alexa B. James and they have done a fantastic job. The story is set in a fictional town and told from Teagan's perspective.

Teagan is a rare omega wolf, she is at the mercy of a cruel and vicious pack and has to endure a lot. This is my first time coming across the omega lure, with dominating and submissive wolves and I find it interesting and problematic because in this story omegas have to follow any command which essentially makes omegas possible victims of any dominate wolf they come across. That is just crazy and seems to make relationships kinda impossible, to be so easily forced to do things even by accident, to have your will so easily taken is a hard way to live.

Teagan is a great character, we see her before the supernatural invaded her life, and after she lives through some of her darkest times. I love how Teagan fights for her will not to be taken from her, she doesn't give in she runs, fights, and accepts help when she can. Still, after everything she been through, after the walls that she built, she still manages to have light-hearted moments, laughing with people, flirting, and being snarky as heck. Teagan is funny and manages to find joy after everything.

I love the guys, every single one of them has a place in my heart. Rita and Alex have just barely skimmed the surface of the guys past and I am really interested in knowing more about them. Lucas is caring, Jasper protective, Declan is funny, Chad who brings a piece of the past, and Ace who has the best nickname, sexy-nerdy, is smart. All the guys are adorable and caring, they give Teagan a balance and peace she didn't have before.

My absolute favorite thing about this story is the town of Grayhaven. This magical town where things are crazy, confusing, and don't make any type of sense, even to those who have been there for a while. The town is like a mini supernatural world, that has so much detail about the things that go on and all the different supernaturals that live there. Grayhaven adds a little something special to the story and I wanna know more about all its little quirks.

The story overall just went so smoothly, there was just enough action, steam, horrifying past tragedies, and funny scenes. I was highly entertained through the entire book and I love that I laughed out loud and often with this book. It just gave me that feeling you get when you read a book that seems like it was specifically made to be something you would love and I am so happy that I stumble upon it.

Escaping Monsters is the first book in the Grayhaven series and I am ready for more. More fights, more supernaturals, more of this crazy magical town, and more of Teagan and her guys. Things are just getting good and I am ready for what's next.

Overall 5 Stars

Up In Smoke

by Storm Song

Burning Bounty Hunter #1

Reverse Harem | Urban Fantasy | Paranormal

My name is Cassandra Creed, and up until two years ago I was a cop. Scratch that, I was the best damn magical detective in all of Mystic City- the youngest too. But everything changed when I picked up the case of an underground magical drug being filtered through the city by a gang of vampires. I started turning over stones that were better left alone and it ended up costing my little sister her life. Since then I've walked away from the law and worked as a freelance bounty hunter turned magical vigilante. After years of using my elemental magic above the law to stop mystical muggings and petty crimes I thought I was past the hurt and pain of my sister's death. But when the vampire gang responsible for my sister's death moves back into the city it's clear that I have unfinished ends to tie together. I work alone, always have. But when the weight get's too heavy I have no choice but to enlist the help of a rogue vampire detective, the witch that runs the biggest crime ring in town, and a werewolf with a drinking problem. I didn't want to let myself get distracted by their charm, but as they crawl into my bed I realize in life you don't always get what you want. Even then, one thing is certain- I will get the head of my sister's killer on a silver platter. Even if I have to burn the city to a crisp to get it.

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Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

Up in Smoke is the first book in Storm Song's new reverse harem series, it's a little different from other books that she has written, a lot more snark and more dead bodies but it's an interesting start to the series.

Cassandra Creed is an interesting main character, she has dealt with so much trauma in her life that she covers up by making questionable choices. She is a foul-mouthed (which I love) loner that has a pension for violence. She is a morally gray character, she does hurt people, kill people but overall want to protect people even if she doesn't go about the best way to do it but in a city full of the corrupt where even the cops are criminals it's kinda, do what you gotta. Even with all of her many flaws or because of them, I like Cass and after everything that has happened to her, I hope she gets the justice she deserves.

Crazy draws crazy right? This is a reverse harem so let's talk love interests. There are three one of them being a female drug lord, another is a vampire that's a cop and the third is a surprise. Can't really say too much about them, don't really know how I feel about the guys but I have so much to say about the female. Crazy draws crazy right? While Cass is a little crazy Frankie, is full-on crazy and terrifies me to no end. Frankie is cool and as a friend would be a little dangerous but as a lover, watch your back on the best of days. There is something about the crazy characters that I like and Frankie is crazy, crazy. She is full of personality, life, love, drama, and violence, she loves fashion, is wicked smart, and is a (crime) boss in her own right. Frankie is quite unique and I enjoyed her character because I don't see many of them.

The story has so much promise, something was a little off to me that why the lower rating, I couldn't get fully immersed in the story and the relationships felt a little iffy to me but the idea of a magical city with a magical drug floating about, different supernatural factions facing off, and corrupt police all sounds amazingly good. I do want to continue the story, I always read the second book if the story has promise because things could improve, and because I am interested in what happens next. In this one things went Up in Smoke, next they're gonna go Down in Flames.

Overall 3 stars

Slumber

by Stella Price, Dagmar Avery, and K. Margaret

The Sleeping Court #1

Reverse Harem, Paranormal | Fantasy | Steamy

Once upon a time a princess was betrayed, and her kingdom was stolen from her. She hid her most precious object in the human world, a princess of the blood, in the hopes that the Sleeping Court would get a chance to take their rightful place as high court in the realm Faerie. Now, a new generation has come of age, and the crown must be passed. The reigning Queen’s daughter will claim the throne uncontested unless those that remember, and waited to awaken the wayward princess can ally with her. But as with all tales of Faerie, it is not without peril, danger and intrigues. For our sleeping princess must awaken, choose her guard wisely, one that will help her save all her allies and avenge her family. Or history will repeat itself.

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Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

I've been obsessing about reverse harems for a while now and I don't know how I never came across this book. Slumber is dirty sexy goodness, a reverse harem and full of fae, what's not to love. Slumber is the first book in the Sleeping Court series and the story follows Verity as she learns who she truly is, as she finds those will stand by her and play a deadly political game.

Characters

Verity is the main female character, she is an open and curious person who thinks of others and I like that in a character. She also isn't afraid to be herself or say how she's feeling and she has some great lines in this. She is the type of person I would love to have as a friend.

As for the harem, I love them and I love fated mates stories. They shower Verity with affection and they help her understand not only her past but the world that she gets pulled into. The group also has a close bond without Verity because they all knew each other before they met Verity. They have a good comradery that I haven't come across in other reverse harems and I enjoyed their closeness. This is my first book with F/F and it was different for me because it's from a viewpoint I have never seen before but I am interested in seeing how Verity's relationship grows with her as well as how the group grows together as a whole.

The Story

I was highly entertained throughout this book. The authors did a wonderful job world-building, things were very descriptive, the story was clear and moved quickly but didn't feel lacking. It was a great first book in the series, laying down a foundation for a bigger story and while there are steamy scenes there is also a bigger story being spun.

This was my first ever reverse harem audiobook, gods, and I listened to it while at the gym. The thing is this book is very sensual and sexual and there are a lot of steamy scenes plus the narrator, Joshua Macrae, his voice, gods I couldn't take it. I was laughing, blushing and who knows what, all while working out... in public. Josh did such an amazing job on this audio, I loved hearing his voice and it seems to match the mood of the story perfectly.

Slumber was excellent, I truly enjoyed it. Between the sexy fae that enters Verity's life, the descriptive magic, and learning fae politics and how things work this book kept my interest. I am very excited to read the next book in the series.

Overall 5 stars

Alice the Dagger

by Ashley McLeo

Once Upon a Fairytale Night World

Retelling | Fantasy | Paranormal

They call me the dagger. I’m an indentured assassin, a lone wolf with capabilities that make me desirable on the black market. Given my reputation, you can imagine that a fluffy white rabbit throwing my world upside-down was the shock of my life. Especially when he told me I was the fae heir to Wonderland. The only surviving heir because the Red Queen had brutally murdered the family that I’d one day hoped to find. While that was devastating, I could have handled it—eventually—as long as I got revenge. What I can’t handle is Hatter. He’s a gorgeous and strange artist who is also working to end the Red Queen. He makes my heart stop. He infuriates me. He touches my soul in ways no one else ever has. He sings songs in the street like an idiot. I want to throttle him as much as I want to kiss him. But first, I want revenge against the Red Queen. And of course, Hatter insists on sticking by my side despite my claims that I work alone. One thing’s for sure, assassinating the Red Queen will be unlike any other job I’ve ever taken.

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Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

Alice the Dagger is an amazing Alice in Wonderland retelling except the fae are involved and Alice is a deadly assassin known as the Dagger. If you've read or know of the Alice in Wonderland story then you will recognize the Wonderland quarks that are throughout the story and will enjoy. I, for one, didn't like the Alice in Wonderland book, I tried but failed to enjoy it however I learned that I like the retellings. So far this is my third or fourth retelling and I find that I really enjoy them so fans of Alice and not will enjoy this crazy, wonderful, creative, story.

Alice is a teenager living in the human world, hiding her fae heritage while working in the supernatural shadows as an assassin. I know it sounds amazing already. Alice was raised by a vampire and has been trained as an assassin ever since she was young this has created a by-product of Alice always being alone, working alone and cut off from her feelings. Her personality is very understandable and I liked her before but her adventures in Wonderland causes Alice to grow so much, Ashley managed the growth so smoothly, so naturally that even I as a reader couldn't pinpoint when she change just that she did. I loved Alice's personality, she didn't take crap but still cared, she determined and sharp and still thought of others.

All the usually wonderland characters were present but with Ashley's take on them. They were present but totally different such as the famous Wonderland twins Tweddle Dee and Tweddle Dum are turned into a pair of sassy twin pixies Dee and Dum. However true to the characters they brought some comedy but not over the top. This is just a prime example of the slight tweaks that Ashley has given the story. Things feel very familiar giving me the feeling of something know while being its own thing.

I enjoyed everything about this story. I was entertained throughout the story and loved every single second of it, I have no complaints. While the story did conclude well, I was surprised to realize that Alice the Dagger is just the first book in the series. I am excited to read the next book because I have a few questions that I want answered and I have no idea what's gonna happen next in this crazy story.

Overall 4.5 stars

The Lost Eden

by Storm Song

Elemental Eden #1

Paranormal | Reverse Harem | Urban Fantasy

In a world ruled by elemental magic where everyone holds the ability to manipulate one element I, Eden Montgomery, was a misfit. My entire life I thought I was a magical dud, thrown into an orphanage by my parents as a baby, and forced to work a dead-end job at a magical coffee shop just to get by. In a place where everyone was extraordinary, I had come to terms with being ordinary. Until my twentieth birthday when a handsome young stranger walked into the shop and my life changed forever. But what he said couldn't possibly be true- that I was the lost eden, a mage with the ability to control all four elements. But when my best friend is captured by a fire-wielding king hell-bent on enslaving all the other mages I have no choice but to listen and try my hardest to tap into the power everyone thinks I have. Only an eden can unite all of the magical sectors to rise up against the king. I was prepared to master the four elements, but I wasn't prepared to fall for the four hot elemental princes who were tasked with helping me save the world. Can I actually master the ancient arts in time to save the world?

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Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

The Lost Eden is the first book in Storm Song's new series, Elemental Eden is a paranormal reverse harem that is full of elemental magic. In a world full of magic Eden feels like a dud, she is the only one without magical powers but when strange things start to happen and a mysterious water elemental approaches her out of the blue Eden starts to think that maybe she has a little magic after all.

Elemental Eden is the third series that I have read by Storm and this one feels a little different than the others. This time things feel a little more chaotic than before and the characters are different. The main character has a disorder and some of the guys are questionable morally.

The Girl

Eden is the main female character and she has severe anxiety. It stops her from doing things, from feeling comfortable with the world around her and makes her an easy target for the cruel people in her life. I have anxiety, thankfully it has gotten somewhat better but it was interesting seeing a character go through something like that. I will admit that being in Eden's mind was a little chaotic and things were pretty bad because it wasn't just situationally Eden had anxiety all the time and because of the anxiety no kind of self-confidence. It could be a lot for readers to take in and understand, especially if the reader doesn't have anxiety. However, I loved seeing her grow through this book, realize patterns, and discover the root of her discomfort, while it doesn't happen this quickly it's nice seeing someone overcome their anxiety.

The Guys

As in any reverse harem, the guys are all different. Two of the guys I really like, the third has a bad attitude and is too passive-aggressive for me but hopefully, that will change, and as for the fourth... there are no words you just have to read to find out. This is an instalove story but not. While they are fated mates, not everyone falls in love at first sight and even the ones that do are growing to like the other by getting to know the other so that's an interesting factor. I personally don't mind instalove especially when it comes to mates, that is one of the things that I love about mates, that instant connection to the one (or in reverse harems, ones) that is just for you.

The Story

I love elemental magic, and in this world, people are blessed with either water, air, earth, or fire, everyone except edens who have all four. The background history of this story is interesting and the caste system could apply to today's world. The story was a quick read and very interesting but there were moments when I was confused, it might have been because I was tired when I read it but I think things could have been a lot clear, however, things did clear up for me towards the end. Other than that I find the story interesting and I finished it in one day.

Overall

The Lost Eden is an entertaining new story with elemental magic that was a quick and enjoyable read. It had magic, adventure, steam, and mystery. I enjoyed reading the story and I'm ready for the next book after the cliffhanger this one landed on.

Overall 3.75 stars

Awakening

by Leigh Walker

The Equinox Pact #1

Young Adult | Paranormal Romance | Urban Fantasy

HE’S VOWED TO PROTECT HER…EVEN FROM HIMSELF. ALL SHE WANTED WAS TO SURVIVE SENIOR YEAR. The island of Dawnhaven has a population of 100 and it’s in the middle of nowhere, i.e., off the coast of Northern Maine. If Taylor can just make it through senior year and survive living with her wicked stepmother, she’ll be free, once and for all… BUT THEN SHE MEETS THIS GUY. James Champlain is tall and strapping, with a square jaw. Taylor’s thrilled to discover that in addition to his looks, James is charming, funny and kind. She’s increasingly drawn to him, but… WHAT’S WITH ALL THE RUMORS? People say strange things about James—that he takes his boat out on secretive missions at all hours of the night, that the steady stream of visitors to his estate are disciples of some sort of pagan “institute.” Although Taylor doesn’t believe it, James does claim he can read peoples’ auras. But does that make him a cult leader? And does he want to date her, or just recruit her? AND WHAT’S THAT THING IN THE WOODS? There’s something dark in the island woods, something dangerous. When Taylor encounters it, she learns that not only James is not what he appears, nothing is.

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Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

It's been a while since I've read a ya book, I've been on an ebook, adult, paranormal reverse harem binge. However when I came across Awakening by Leigh Walker I was captivated, then it kept crossing my path and finally, I was presented with an opportunity to read it and I loved it.

Taylor Hale has had a rough life, the summer before her senior year in high school she moves to a little fishing island off the coast of main. There she reconnects with her father and gets to know the locals when she meets James. After Taylor is introduced to James' world things start to look up as their romance gets sweeter. However strange things are happening and Taylor is in the center of it, what happens when the world you thought you knew begins to change? Well, Taylor is about to find out.

I really enjoyed Awakening and I want to give a good review but I don't want to spoil it for anyone and I think this is the type of book that can easily be spoiled, I think readers need to go in blind or assuming to get the full effect of the story.

The background is a small Maine coastal fishing Island and I loved it. Leigh was so atmospheric when describing the quaint little island and the surrounding island communities, it really sets the stage for something unusual happening while giving the readers a beautiful setting for a mysterious story. There is something about a fishing town that sets up a story for a good mystery.

The Characters

As in true storytelling fashion, Taylor Hale has an evil stepmother that is hell-bent on her destruction. Taylor is really sweet but she kinda just takes the verbal abuse from her stepmother and half-sister. The two a vapid and only look at material things, so Taylor who didn't have much is looked down upon. When I say that Taylor's stepmother Becky (yes she is a Becky, haha) is evil, I mean the nasty things that Becky says to Taylor really shouldn't be said to anyone let alone a child and the fact that she teaches her fourteen-year-old daughter, Taylor's half-sister, to say similar things is horrible. As for Kyle, who's Taylor's dad, seems like a good guy but how can he be when he has allowed things to happen.

Eden is one of Taylor's closest friend on the island and I loved their friendship, they are really close, they share things, are supportive and give each other advice. Eden is one of the very people that Taylor has a healthy relationship with and it was good to see her have good moments. James was another good thing in Taylor's life, I liked the two together, he was mature and seemed to understand her in a lot of ways and take into account her feelings at all times. What I didn't like was that he kept things from her or when he said he would explain he just talked in circles and not really explain anything.

The story itself was amazing, with the setting, and the supernatural. There was a variety of supernaturals and the mythology behind some was different than I was use to and I enjoyed that. The biggest plot twist was something that kinda stretched to the end but you didn't realize it until the plot twist popped up in the last fourth of the book. I was truly shocked and loved. During the last fourth of the book, a lot of things happen and the story ends on a cliffhanger that made my jaw drop. Gawd I really need the second book because I got so bad feelings and I need to know what happens, not want to know, I need to know.

Awakening is the first book in the Equinox Pact series and things are just getting started. This first book was filled with mystery, mythology, the supernatural, romance, heartache, family drama and so much more. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and I am hoping I get more of the same.

Overall 4 stars

SumMon Her

by Atlas Rose

Descended from a Witch #4

Fantasy | Reverse Harem | Paranormal

King Vavilion has fallen…and a new monster has taken his place. Kamoril is a King like no other. Cruel. Hateful. Controlling. He likes to play mind games. He likes to think I’m weak. But I’m not weak, nor am I alone. Three Hexers have guarded my door since I was young. Three who watch me, who shadow me...who do their best to protect me from Kamoril’s wrath…and in return I stay out of their heads. Our alliance has served me well…until my sister, Ever, came to Elysium. Now I don’t have just Kamoril to contend with…I have Vavilion waiting in the wings. He wants justice. He wants retribution. And if he can’t find my sister…he’ll take me instead. But Kings can corrupt other Kings, and when both my predators grow tired of waiting, not even my connection with the Hexers will be enough to keep me safe. In the darkest of nights the Kings come for me and my Hexers must make a choice. Freedom...or love.

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          Note: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

SumMon Her is the fourth book in the Descended From A Witch series and in this one readers follow Ever's sister, Rythe, who is being held by another cruel king and guarded by her own hexers. If you thought things were crazy in Ever's story wait until you start Rythe's.

I can't believe I am going to say this but I think I might like Rythe's story better than Ever's. I know, I know, I really liked Ever's story and I liked Ever even better. From the brief introduction I got to Rythe in MesMerize Her I didn't think I would like Rythe's story as much because she was a little shady and I still think she kinda looks down her nose at Ever because Ever has trouble with the power but her story was fantastic.

Where Ever whose emotions are connected to her elemental powers was more brute force, physical, kinda girl, Rythe has mind powers and this whole story was a mind game. Playing with the mind, emotions, and making power moves but nothing really physical. Rythe had to play the long game her entire life, King Kamoril makes a move, then Rythe has to make a move, to either counter his or protect herself, and they go back and forth through the entire book, trying to get power over each other and because of some event in the past Rythe and Kamoril are connected.

Rythe as a character is a little frustrating. I know she grew up in cruelness and had to fight (mentally) to survive but she was really down on herself, she didn't even believe the hexers when they told her how they felt, she doubted everything including herself. Her personality was back and forth, she was either raging about to destroy them all or thinking she didn't have the power to do anything. It was a little weird and frustrating but other than that I didn't any other problems with the book.

SumMon Her was sort of a slow burn reverse harem and I can't wait to see more of Rythe with her hexers and I have so many questions about Rythe's past, will she see Ever again, and will she find what she is looking for. I have no idea what's gonna happen in the next book but after the events in SumMon Her I am really looking forward to EnChant Her.

Overall 4 stars

Captive of Dreams

by Evelyn Avery

Into the Labyrinth #2

Fantasy | Reverse Harem | Paranormal Romance

I thought I understood the difference between dreams and nightmares.

Now I’m trapped in a place that feels like both, with no hope of ever waking up. The Erlking wants to hurt me, punish me for the sins of the past, even though I can’t remember committing them. I can also see the passion for me burning in his gaze. Rage and desire have become two sides of the same coin.

Except this time I’m not at his mercy alone. Puck and Tamlin have sworn to protect me from the worst of his urges, the ones that even the Erlking can’t control.

But an even greater threat looms in the darkness and it’s coming for all of us.

I thought the Erlking was my worst nightmare, but now we’re trapped together in a twisted dreamscape that is more dangerous than anything I’ve ever imagined. As much as I fear him, he might be the only thing standing between me and a much greater evil.

We can stand against it together, or be torn apart.

Goodreads  

                         Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

When I discovered Stolen by Shadows, I didn't know what to expect but after reading it, I fell in love with the story. It reminded me so much of the movie the Labyrinth, which is one of my favorite childhood movies but it was all grown up and it's own thing while also giving me that same feeling I got from the movie. Evelyn did an amazing job and I didn't know if she could continue that feeling in the second book but she did. Captive of Dreams has the same whimsical feeling that the first book did but is a new and amazingly interesting story.

Izzy is in the Underground and the more time she spends there and with the guys she starts to figure things out. Izzy is smart and through the events that take place she starts to piece together things about the Underground, princess Lim and things about the guys past. The more she knows the closer she gets to the guys, Puck with his deflection, Tamlin keeping her at bay and even Killian with his cruelty, all have reasons behind it. I love how things grow and develop between them but they guys keep things from her and it is driving me crazy and there is this scene with Puck that makes me think Lim's past with Puck is more complicated than what we know.

Izzy isn't a pushover, plus she is very stubborn which puts her in situations that are kinda dramatic while also putting her in a place where she doesn't really have any power but she is starting to get some of that power back. She's starting to think through her reactions before letting loose.

The story is very interesting with mystery, history of the fae, politics, magic, and steam. Just like in Stolen by Shadows, there are chapters told from Vaughn's pov and those are quite interesting. To see him and Chole after their experience in the Underground, knowing that Izzy is stuck there and having to deal with the aftermath. I had a couple of theories about the story and one was revealed to be true but I wonder if any of my other theories will be revealed to be correct in the next book.

I loved Captive of Dreams so much, it was such an enjoyable read that was dark and full of great world-building and interesting characters. The storyline was amazing, infusing the story with similarities to something I loved while being a totally new story. Evelyn killed me with the ending though, not only did my heartache a little but it ended on a cliffhanger and now I am left waiting for the final book, Forged in Darkness. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Overall 5 stars

The Darkening

by Storm Song

The Vampire Trials #2

Reverse Harem | Urban Fantasy | Paranormal

I thought my hell was going to end after the trials, either by death or by freedom. Boy was I wrong. I've fought my way through the sick and twisted games just to be thrown into another one, and this time it's my mother's life that hangs in the balance. The Governors are losing footing and they're losing it fast. Their only choice is to enlist the help of Invicta, the most notorious vampire gang in the city, to try to take me out and restore order. They underestimate two things- my will to survive and the four sexy supernaturals who would die for me if they were given the chance. This has become so much bigger than my freedom alone, now it's about the liberation of the entire human race. No pressure.

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                 Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

Storm is a genius. The Darkening is the second book in the Vampire Trials series and I loved it even more than the first. It's dark, snarky, funny and has a lot of hot guys what's not to like.

Scarlett has grown more confident in her role as the face of the rebellion, she has gone through training, learning new things, and even goes on missions. However she is still quite the mess, Scarlett is nowhere near a perfect person and she had to go through a lot of dark things during the trials and that has changed her in ways she hasn't even begun to figure out. Scarlett has become a morally gray character and I have to admit that in her situation and after what happened to her in the first book, her character really couldn't go in any other direction. I love that Scarlett owns her messed-up point of view and she recognizes the darkness that is growing in her plus her snarky attitude makes Scarlett a character that it's easy to empathize with.

Things with the rebellion are looking good until Scarlett and the boys realize the governors aren't done yet, they have something major up their sleeves and it looks up to Scarlett and her guys to stop him. However weird things start to happen and Scarlett starts to have questions about her past. The plot moved along smoothly and I was highly interested the entire time, I finished the book in one day and loved every single second of it.

I only have a couple of issues with the book, when a certain event happened it kinda seemed like it was overlooked and one character had a drastic personality change which kinda makes me sad because I like him before, this new version... I don't know, I guess I will have to see what I feel about it in time.

It looks like things are just getting started in the Darkening. I finally have the answer to some of the questions I had in the first book but now I have so many more. Plus this book ended on a cliffhanger that destroyed me, it has to be fixed in the next book or I will pretty much lose my shit. I love this series, it's full of good world-building, interesting characters, steamy, great commentary, and has an interesting plot. I can't wait for the next book in the series until then I will entertain myself with the other books Storm has or soon to be published books.

Overall 4.5 stars

Away with the Faeries

by Sam Hall

Get Your Rocks Off #1

Urban Fantasy | Paranormal Romance | Reverse Harem

Everyone sees from their own perspective, they say. But I’ve always seen things that aren’t there. As a child I called them fairies.

I didn’t know how right I was.

My parents tried to cure me by giving me a new lens through which to see the world: a camera.

My nan thinks she has the answer with herbal concoctions and effigy’s to ward off evil.

The doctor calls it mental illness and tells me to eat right and take my meds.

But none of them work.

The world jumps and shifts and changes, showing me things no one else sees.

I think I’m mad, until the day I photograph a friend’s lavish party - where rules and inhibitions are tossed aside along with clothes. Nothing had prepared me for these sights or for them: the Changelings.

A group of bad boys who glimmer in my messed up vision. I’m irresistibly drawn into their web. Into their musical world of debauched sensuality where I am called to document their band's tour.

Nan’s warnings of the fair folk don’t even cross my mind. Swept up in their fairy ring my crazy vision finally makes sense, and I’m not sure I ever want to leave. Or should I want to leave?

Author note: This is an RH tale so one woman, multiple love interests. 18+ only for adult content.

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Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

Dude!!! I don't even know if I have the words to express my deep undying love for this book. The writing is amazing, the storyline is epic and the characters are delicious, how could I not love this book.

Away with the Faeries is the first book the Get Your Rocks Off series by Sam Hall. This is a paranormal reverse harem that is full of gorgeous fashion, amazing art, sexy rockstars, and best of all, the fae. Kira is the main female character who is about to get a crash course into the supernatural world. When a job at her best friend's estate gets a little too wild Kira starts to believe that maybe her crazy nan was right, that the fae are all around us.

Kira is so close to my heart. She is an introvert who lives on her family's property in a small town in Australia. Kira is shy and with her illness likes to not cause too many problems for the people in her life. One of my favorite things about her is that she is a photographer. She takes amazing pictures and the way her brain works is fascinating. Kira examines everything with an artist's eye, the way she sees a scene in front of her the way she breaks down people into composites is different than anything I have come across.

After Kira is exposed to the supernatural world she tries to figure out her place in this new world, who she is, and what she truly wants. She is experiencing things for the first time and she is doing it basically on her own which is gives her confidence that she didn't have before and she is doing it with wit, sassy and a whole lot of something and I loved it.

The only downside to this book was that I wish I had scenes from the guys pov and I wished Sam delved more into Kira's relationship with her best friend. Jennifer Rutherglen, who is a rich daddy's girl but loves Kira with her whole heart, the two get along so well so I would have loved to see more scenes with these to but the story didn't necessarily call for it. It's just that Jen is a bit of a mystery, she is more than a pretty face and seems like it would have been an interesting addition to the story.

Let's talk boys. I don't want to give to much away but there are two guys that I am in total gaga with, and one of them was quite the surprise but reminds me of another character in another book that I absolutely love and at this point, I'm starting to think I have a type. He makes an appearance kinda late but damn, what an appearance. As for the band, I'm not sure what I feel about the boys. They have a lot to make up for and of course, there is the one guy who wants to fight destiny. We haven't even gotten to his crap yet but it's gonna be interesting seeing how Kira handles the guys and vice versa.

Away with the Faeries is such an interesting story with a unique twist to the fae lore. It's filled with fae politics, sex, faery deals, fae laws and so much more. Sam has a very descriptive way of writing without overdoing it but making things seem more. The story flowed so smoothly and the fae are everything I could have wanted them to be, sexy, dangerous, glamorous, that through lavish and outrageous parties that you kinda just wish you were invited to, even me and I'm an introvert. I loved every second of this book and it ends on a cliffhanger which kills me, I'm already dying for the next and I might be willing to make a faery deal to get my hands on it.

Overall 5 stars

Reaper's Pack

by Rhea Watson

All the Queen's Men #1

Paranormal | Reverse Harem | Urban Fantasy

One grim reaper. Three hellhounds who refuse to bow down to her. A monster hunting them in the shadows… Ten years ago, I was judged worthy of life after death and returned to the mortal realm as a grim reaper. Scythe in hand, I guide souls to deliverance—and it’s time for a promotion. My new territory is triple the size of any I’ve worked before. High death rates mean one busy reaper, and the only way to keep up is with a pack of hellhounds. Faithful. Strong. Merciless. Hellhound shifters are a reaper’s right hand in the field, shepherding and guarding souls until they can be reaped. We get our pick of the litter from the best breeders in Hell, but for some reason, I’m drawn to the pack no one wants. An alpha who refuses to yield. A beta who doesn’t take me seriously. A runt who flinches at every command. I want them—even if they don’t want me. Because the hunger in their eyes tells a different story. But the fact that they can’t decide whether to love me or hate me, fight me or screw me, is making our situation way too complicated. Still, I refuse to give up. If this infuriatingly handsome trio can’t be trained, if we don’t pass the trials, they go back to a cage and a cruel demon master. Yeah. Not happening. Reapers and hellhounds are natural allies, and the sooner we secure our bond, the better, because as it turns out… All our lives depend on it. Reaper’s Pack is a standalone why-choose paranormal romance and is part of the ALL THE QUEEN’S MEN series. Each book in the series is a full-length standalone featuring layered heroes and a headstrong heroine who never has to settle for just one happily-ever-after. The books can be read in any order and are part of the same supernatural universe.

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Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

Reaper's Pack was a really good read. The book was longer than expected but it opened me up to supernaturals that I'm not so familiar with and the story was really good. While I have read a few books with the grim reaper as a character, he was never the main character, I loved getting more of the reaper myth than I have in other books, coming across something new with great world-building made the book that more enjoyable.

Hazel is a reaper, she is a celestial being who is neutral in the good or evil side of things. She works for death to guide souls to purgatory to await judgment, to see if the soul will go to Heaven or to Hell. Hazel is a rare character for me, she is very career-focused. She loves her job as a reaper, she takes it very seriously and cares a lot about the souls in her care. She believes in duty and doing a job right and with care. However reapers don't work alone, they have hellhound packs. These hounds are the product of the true wild beasts of hell and shifters so not only do they have a hound form the shift into incredibly gorgeous guys.

Rhea doesn't go easy with this story, all of the characters are a little broken, especially the hounds. Knox, Gunnar, and Declan are misfit hounds that no one wanted so you can imagine being raised in Hell was not the best thing, they have been abused physically and emotionally and because of this they have walls and don't want to let Hazel in. Not gonna lie with the exception of Declan it took me a while to warm up to the other two. This wasn't an insta-love story, the romanced built up and it took a lot to break down not only the hound's walls but Hazel's as well.

The story and world-building were really good, I loved how Rhea made Hazel's job a very important part of the story, with the descriptions of her part with heaven and hell, with how souls get ferried from one existence to another. The only thing I wished was for other supernaturals to come into play or more magic but overall everything was good.

Reaper's Pack is a multiple-point-of-view standalone reverse harem that kept me entertained through the entire story. The story had everything, mystery, steam, action, adventure, and magic. Reaper's Pack maybe a standalone but it is the first book in the series, the rest of the series I believe will also be standalone but takes place in the same world. Up next is Caged Kitten which is a paranormal prison reverse harem that is centered on a witch that I am excited to read.

Overall 4 stars

Gilded Ruins

by Chantal Gadoury

Blinding Night #2

Retelling | Mythology | Romance

The Story Continues. . . Summer and Darce are summoned by the order of Zeus himself to travel to the home of the Gods: Mount Olympus, where they're to face even more ancient Gods and Goddesses. Summer braces to confront her mother again, illuminating secrets about the truth of her tragic pasts, while also persuading Zeus to allow her to stay with the God of the Underworld, her true love - Darce. Aboard Poseidon's luxury yacht, Summer meets her mythological family, while also uncovering what exactly happened to her past lives - and the true roles her mother and Darce played. When Darce and Summer suddenly find themselves separated, Summer must find her inner power and unite them together, before her mortal time runs out.

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Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

Mythology is one of my favorite subjects. Ever since I was a kid I found the stories about all-powerful beings so interesting, the stories captivated me. Things didn't change as I grew into an adult, I loved the stories, the flawed characters, and the drama. No matter what kind of mythology, be it Greek, Norse, Egyptian or etc. I love it. I love the classic myth but I really do adore it when I find a modern retelling and one of my absolute favorite retellings is of the Hades and Persephone myth.

The Hades and Persophone retelling that started in Blinding Night about when a college student named Summer meets Hades, the God of the Underworld and finds out that she is the reincarnation of Persephone, finally concludes in Gilded Ruins.

I liked Blinding Night but I loved Gilded Ruins. In the second book in the duology, I finally get answers to the questions that I had in the first book. I finally learned what actually happened to the original Persephone, what the goddess Demeter's involvement was in what happened to her daughter. This time around the book offers a lot of answers through a dual-timeline and a few multiple perspectives which I  really enjoyed.

Gilded Ruins is an amazing story with an exciting backdrop and very complex characters. We meet more gods in this book and figure out their interactions with Persphone and see how they deal with all to mortal Summer. As for the gods introduced, Poseidon, Hera, and Zeus pretty much lived up to their reputations while Aphrodite and Eros was a pleasant surprise, I really don't know what to make of Ares because there were moments that had me wondering about him and Summer.

Summer doesn't have it easy, I love her relationship with Darce (a.k.a Hades) but I also love her relationship with Morphous. They are both precious to her and I like her with both and I like both of them as well, truth be told I read to much reverse harem and wish she could have both because to have one and not the other is kinda heartbreaking.

Anyway, so much has gone on and Summer is just one of those characters that I like. She proves that you can be strong while also being vulnerable, to not give up, and demand the answers that you need without letting someone manipulate you. Summer had a hard time fitting into the world of the gods, she didn't feel like the chosen one and she most definitely wanted to stay herself which is quite a contrast when compared to some other popular stories.

Overall, I loved Gilded Ruin, it was a good conclusion to the story and I feel good about the ending. The story was interesting and full of family drama that I couldn't help but gobble-up. I'm pretty sure that this is the end of the story but I'm kinda wishing for a couple of follow-up novellas to see what happens further down the line but other than that I really enjoyed this Hades and Persephone retelling.

Overall 4.5 stars

Queen of Darkness

by Devyn Sinclair

War of Heavenly Fire #1

Fantasy | Paranormal | Reverse Harem

I am what they made me. Lethal. Savage. Royal. Now I've been unleashed. When I'm sent to kill the angels leading heaven’s army, I didn't realize death would be the least of my worries. Now my heart is at risk. Four angels stand between me and the throne that I've earned. A deadly warrior gifted with silver fire. The spirit of silence, stealth, and smoke. Heaven's prince and radiant star. And the fallen angel who's branded my soul. I have two choices: end the war and their lives, or turn my back on everything I've ever known. Infernal blaze, or heavenly fire. But each choice has a cost. In order to embrace one light, I must become the Queen of Darkness. Queen of Darkness is the first book in a steamy, medium-burn reverse harem fantasy paranormal trilogy. No choosing, no cheating. This book contains dark themes—mature readers only. Beware of cliff-hangers!

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Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

OMG! This book... It was dark, gruesome, and unlike anything, I have ever read. Devyn has taken the angel mythology and turned it on its head. Queen of Darkness shocked the heck out of me and I am still not recovered.

Just a warning this book has triggers, things are very dark with talks of slavery, physical abuse talks of murder and so much more. This book was so interesting but mostly I was dying the entire time. I was on the edge of my seat wait for something horrible to happen, I just knew it was, how could it not. My nerves are shot, it took me longer to read this book because I kept looking for the other shoe to drop through the last half of the book. It could have happened at any moment and it killed me because I like Arielle a lot and I didn't look forward to seeing the disaster that was heading her way.

Arielle is strong, fierce, confident, powerful she is the heir to Hell's throne. She has survived a lot, this isn't some fluffy version of Hell, the demons and Arielle's father Arad (the king of hell) are brutal, horrible creatures that use Arielle anyway they see fit. Arielle survives by doing what she must, to become an assassin and seductress for Hell, to be a warrior and to never undermind her father and she did it all as a human. She rose to the occasion, excepted her fate became the keeper of Hell's flame until one assignment changes it all.

Heaven and Hell are always at war, the Arcangel Trinty is Heaven's most powerful angels have to fall for Hell to finally win the war. Arielle is sent to seduce and kill the trio. The guys were pretty easy to like right away. I loved Kai with his laid back kindness right from the start, while Atlas the book nerd speaks to my nerdy heart and Sol with all his walls, all of them fit Arielle so well. I loved them together they brought out a different side in Arielle and she, in turn, gave each of them some kind of happiness. The steam was of the fast-burn persuasion but it worked for me.

Cassian is another important character who is apart of Arielle's life in Hell. They are close and have a special relationship, she is closer to him than anyone else but their relationship is kinda difficult and I don't really know what to feel about it but confusion. I am highly curious about Cassian's past and I am really curious about his future.

Queen of Darkness is kinda harsh but I still enjoyed the story, the only complaint I have is that I wish it was told from multiple points of view and I really hope that in the next book the guys get their own chapters. I have so many questions and I am wondering about so many things that were hinted at. This book ended on a wicked cliffhanger and once again I am on edge but now I have to wait for the next book which is gonna be torture but I am so curious about what's gonna happen in the next book.

Overall 4 stars

MesMerize Her

by Atlas Rose

Descended From A Witch #3

Reverse Harem | Fantasy | Paranormal

King Vavilion wanted to use me. King Kamoril wanted to own me. But that was nothing compared to the lies my Hexers kept from me. Lies that changed my world. My heart might be breaking, but I now have hope. I am not alone. I’m one of three. Three sisters, descendants of the most dangerous Witch who ever lived. Three with Black Viper blood in our veins and power in our minds. Only I can’t live without my three Hexers, I can’t survive without them by my side. I need to understand why they kept this from me. I need to find my way back to the love we had. I need to find forgiveness…

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Note: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

MesMerize Her is the third book in the Descended From a Witch series, it's Ever's third book and it was crazy. So much happened, Ever learned about her past, the hexers finally started to figure out the things they were doing wrong when it came to Ever all the while people and evil kings are gonna do what they are gonna do.

The story picked up right where RaVish Her left off, with Ever and the Hexers fighting for their lives, things don't go well and nothing will ever be the same for anyone again. The story was fast-paced a lot of things happened really quickly and while some things were starting to connect, other things left bigger gaps and questions.

Pro:

Quick Read - I mean I flew right through this, the fast pace helped a lot with that.

It was Interesting - the magic, the world, and the mystery surrounding Ever and her sisters is what kept the story going.

The steam - the relationship dynamic between Ever and the hexers is confusing and interesting and at times so very messy but I enjoyed it.

Con:

Confusing - At times the plot got really complicated, things seem to have gotten a little mixed up and then was weirdly repeated and it made things a little difficult to follow

Overall I did enjoy MesMerize Her. Ever's part of the story is over, for now, it's her sister Rythe's turn. It's gonna be interesting seeing things from her point of view but I also don't quite know how I feel about Rylne. She comes off one minute as someone nice then in another she is different, I don't know how she really feels about Ever but I interested in seeing if she does any better in her books. Up next is Rythe's story, SumMon Her.

Overall 4 stars

Academy of the Forsaken

by Eva Chase

Cursed Studies #2

Urban Fantasy | Reverse Harem | Paranormal

When I arrived at Roseborne College searching for my foster brother, I had no idea what I was in for. In the past few weeks, I've endured torments both physical and emotional. I've looked death in the face. And I've made an unnerving discovery that's left me scrambling to pick up the pieces of the quest I started out on. But the supernatural beings who run this school haven't conquered me yet. I'll turn the tables on them with my newfound knowledge—and maybe with the help of three temptingly screwed-up guys I never expected to count on. At least, that's the plan. Everyone in this place is keeping secrets: me, the guys I might be falling for, and my brother. Secrets big enough to bring us together... or to tear us completely apart. How will I find the strength to continue the fight if it turns out I can't trust anyone—not even myself? *Academy of the Forsaken is the second book in a gothic paranormal trilogy with shades of Beauty and the Beast. If you love snarky heroines, damaged heroes, dark secrets galore, and reverse harem romance with no choosing required, look no further! Just beware: Once you enter Roseborne College, there may be no coming back...*

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Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

Academy of the Forsaken has absolutely shocked me. Eva is one of my favorite rh authors and I have read quite a few of her series so I generally know what to expect but this series for some reason has caught me by surprise.

Let's talk characters. While I do like Trix and the guys they weren't the best of people, they all have problems that they need to work on, I mean that's the entire reason the school picked them in the first place. But it's hard for me to know if I really like them or not because this evil as F college has put everything in a weird frame and it's hard to get a read on them. The college influences so much it's hard to say but I what I see so far I like them but I'm not swooning over them like I have with the guys in Eva's previous books. I like Trix, she is tough and hard on herself but she tries to make things better, she owns the crap she's done and tries to better in the future.

The story turned darker than I expected. Cade has a lot more scenes and the more he and Trix interact the more of the relationship dynamic is revealed and let's just say it's unsettling in the least. It revealed a big part of Trix's past and personality and makes me see her in a different light.

As for the story, it really got interesting this time, in this book, more of the past is brought to light. We learn more about each of the main characters, we finally find out exactly what each main character did to windup in Roseborne College. The reveal of their past is making things add up in the present why Roseborne effects them in certain ways and why the would navigate towards Trix and why their feelings for her are so strong.

The mystery started in Academy of the Forgotten, in Academy of the Forsaken, the mystery just keeps getting bigger. So many questions, who really runs the college, what happened in the school's past and why does Trix seem to be the exception to the rule when it comes to the school. This story ends on a crazy cliffhanger and I'm looking forward to getting answers to at least one of those questions.

Overall 4 stars