The Reading Cave

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Review: Of Flame and Fury

Author Cecy Robson

Format e-ARC

Print Length 282 pages

Publisher self

Published March 24, 2020

Taran Wird, the loudmouth mistress of flame and lightning, didn’t want to attend the formal gathering of the supernatural elite. She did so only to help to unite the supreme beings in attendance in one common goal: protecting Taran’s sister, Celia.

Celia is pregnant with alpha werewolf Aric Connor’s child, the same child prophesized to save the world from uprising evil. Evil wants this child dead before he is born and, more importantly, before he can grow strong enough to stop it.

Taran and her werewolf lover, Gemini, put plans in place to protect Celia. Master Vampire Misha Aleksandr and his clan also swear their allegiance to Celia and vow to keep her from harm. The witches even cast protection spells around the manor to curse anyone with malintent who enters. Nothing was supposed to go wrong, except everything did.

Creatures that shouldn’t exist stalk the grounds and invade the premises, and every curse meant to shield the guests turns against them. No one counted on the powerful being who arrived uninvited. But he’s here, manipulating the magic enclosing the estate to work in his favor.

As body counts rise and allies become enemies, chances are Celia won’t survive the night. But evil never counted on how hard Taran Wird would fight, even at the expense of her life.

My Opinion

I have been reading about the Wird sisters (The Weird Girls series) since 2012, every book now is like returning home to see old friends. The Weird Girls series had six books in them, followed by this Flame series a spin off with Taran the loud, vocal, no holds barred sister. This book marks the end of Taran and Gemini’s spin-off. I have been reading about the Wird sisters (The Weird Girls series) since 2012, every book now is like returning home to see old friends. I suggest reading them in order, and since this is the last book in the Flames spin-off there may be spoilers from the previous books.

Celia and Aric cannot catch a break, after all they have been through you would expect at least for them to get their happily ever after and a rocking chair on the front porch. No such luck, their child has been prophesied to bring about peace to the supernatural world and well there are some supes out there that really don’t want that. So there is a supernatural of summit of sorts to find allies to help protect her. Every precaution was taken to protect her, yet evil still attacks the manor. Fate deals them a heavy hand, the creatures they have to fight are well inventive to say the least. Destiny tries to intervene but Fate’s touch may just be the end for them. Will Taran be able to protect the rock of the Wird household or will the sisters fall one by one?

I absolutely love Taran! She was my favorite sister in the original series and so when she got her own spin-off I knew I was along for a fabulous fun filled ride. Throw her spunky, spirited, snarky sailor mouth in and I am there, all day every day. I want her to be one of my best friends and here is why. Over the last nine books you see character development like no other. Not only that, she still retains the elements that made her unique from the beginning. Taran has always been a powerhouse, yet sometimes fear or the opinions of others would prevent her from showing off her kick-butt self. No more! All she needed was her sister to be in danger and the girl comes in with the gloves off, swinging. In this book she is gusty, aggressive and determined to save her sister and her unborn nephew. To top this book sundae off, Gemini, her love interest since the beginning is absolutely the cherry!

Gemini has dealt with Taran’s sweet side, and her nutty side but dang her protective side has not come out like this before now. Instead of holding our girl back, Gemini supports her totally, 100%. Which is well hellva refreshing. Yes, he tells her to be careful then he kisses her and gets back into the fight. The fight last the ENTIRE book! How freaking awesome is that, he doesn’t doubt her once. Not once, which is really hard for an alpha male with his mate. His love, faith and pride in her shines through everything he does. The fact that he understands her and embraces all aspects of her personality makes him the perfect mate for her.

The Wird sisters are squad goals. Seriously, the mixture of personalities, talents and abilities shine through their love for one another. Jealously never ever colors their relationships with each other. Always together, always supporting and fighting for each other. When I say there is a mixture of personalities I mean it. While I love the action, the suspense and the romance: it is the sister’s love for each other that made this entire series for me. That love shines through in all that they do in this book.

OH MY GOODNESS! This one starts off with a bang and the hits just keep on coming all the way to the end. If you want an action-packed roller coaster of a ride, with a little dose of romance and tension mixed in then you need to read this. Adrenaline pumping, nerve wrecking, screaming at the book sprinkled with awe moments sealed the deal, this is still one of my favorite series! Where we will go from here only Cecy Robson knows but I am straight up praying that we find out what is going on between Bren and Emme because something is sure enough going on between them.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “You turn my worse times into my best.”

Other People

Aric- Alpha of Gemini’s pack

Celia- Taran’s oldest sister, shifter

Emme- Taran’s youngest sister, healer

Shayna- Taran’s younger sister, metal manipulator

Bren- shifter, part of Gemini pack

Destiny- supernatural worlds seer

Saturday, June 6, 2020

Book Trailer Saturday (23) The Dark Days Club

Some people believe you can fall in love at first sight. When it comes to books I believe those people. Book trailers are an excellent way to fall in love at first sight. I hope to feature a book trailer here every Saturday to help you fall in love at first sigh...

London, April 1812.

On the eve of eighteen-year-old Lady Helen Wrexhall’s presentation to the queen, one of her family’s housemaids disappears-and Helen is drawn into the shadows of Regency London. There, she meets Lord Carlston, one of the few who can stop the perpetrators: a cabal of demons infiltrating every level of society. Dare she ask for his help, when his reputation is almost as black as his lingering eyes? And will her intelligence and headstrong curiosity wind up leading them into a death trap?

Saturday, May 30, 2020

Book Trailer Saturday (22) HUNTING NOVEMBER

Surviving a few weeks at the world's most lethal boarding school was one thing. But now comes the real test: Can November Adley find her missing father before her enemies find her? Subterfuge is the name of the game in this thrilling sequel to Killing November, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of How to Hang a Witch.

After surviving a crash course in espionage at the mysterious Academy Absconditi, November has only one purpose: finding her missing father. Along with fellow student (and heartthrob) Ash, November follows the clues that her father left, embarking on the deadliest treasure hunt of her life. The first clue is in her hometown, where old friends beckon and unexpected enemies lurk around every corner. The second clue is in Europe, where revelations about her family's history will plunge her into an international web of deception, lies, and intrigue. The third clue is deep in enemy territory, surrounded by the most skilled assassins and master strategists, and where everyone wants her and her father dead. Can one girl with limited training infiltrate a centuries-old organization that is powerful enough to topple empires? November only knows that she'll do whatever it takes to save her father . . . or die trying.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Teaser Tuesday (21) Wrath of the Gods

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

Teaser One

That bastard left me with his ex-wife while his son wanted to rip my head off so he could procure the necklace. Some almost boyfriend he was.

Wrath of the Gods Kindle Location 196

Maybe falling in love with a titan was not the best thing you could have done Maisey. I mean, just saying.

Teaser Two

“She told me that there would be a time in the future that you would love me so much you’d sacrifice yourself for me. She told me to walk away, and to do it in a way that would turn your love to hate. If I didn’t, it would be your downfall.”

Wrath of the Gods Kindle Location 844

And like a dumbie you listened to her. Come one Cronus you know better.

Teaser Three

“Hephaestus told me last week, in no uncertain terms, that he would die and kill the entire world before he helped me again. Hence the reason I have not bothered to ask again. He’s also not one we can force the hand of. His fortress is impenetrable, even for me.”

Wrath of the Gods Kindle Location 1675

If I was Maisey I would be wondering why?

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Book Trailer Saturday (21) THE BETROTHED

When King Jameson declares his love for Lady Hollis Brite, Hollis is shocked—and thrilled. After all, she’s grown up at Keresken Castle, vying for the king’s attention alongside other daughters of the nobility. Capturing his heart is a dream come true.

But Hollis soon realizes that falling in love with a king and being crowned queen may not be the happily ever after she thought it would be. And when she meets a commoner with the mysterious power to see right into her heart, she finds that the future she really wants is one that she never thought to imagine.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Book Trailer Saturday (20) Blood Heir

In the Cyrilian Empire, Affinites are reviled. Their varied gifts to control the world around them are unnatural—dangerous. And Anastacya Mikhailov, the crown princess, has a terrifying secret. Her deadly Affinity to blood is her curse and the reason she has lived her life hidden behind palace walls.

When Ana’s father, the emperor, is murdered, her world is shattered. Framed as his killer, Ana must flee the palace to save her life. And to clear her name, she must find her father’s murderer on her own. But the Cyrilia beyond the palace walls is far different from the one she thought she knew. Corruption rules the land, and a greater conspiracy is at work—one that threatens the very balance of her world. And there is only one person corrupt enough to help Ana get to its core: Ramson Quicktongue.

A cunning crime lord of the Cyrilian underworld, Ramson has sinister plans—though he might have met his match in Ana. Because in this story, the princess might be the most dangerous player of all.

Saturday, May 9, 2020

Book Trailer Saturday (19) The Loop

Life inside The Loop-the futuristic death row for teens under eighteen-is one long repetitive purgatory. But when news of the encroaching chaos in the outside world reaches the inmates and disorder begins to strike, the prison becomes the least of their worries.

It's Luka Kane's sixteenth birthday and he's been inside The Loop for over two years. Every inmate is serving a death sentence with the option to push back their execution date by six months if they opt into "Delays", scientific and medical experiments for the benefit of the elite in the outside world. But rumors of a war on the outside are spreading amongst the inmates, and before they know it, their tortuous routine becomes disrupted. The government issued rain stops falling. Strange things are happening to the guards. And it's not long until the inmates are left alone inside the prison.

Were the chains that shackled Luka to his cell the only instruments left to keep him safe? He must overcome fellow prisoners hell-bent on killing him, the warden losing her mind, the rabid rats in the train tunnels, and a population turned into murderous monsters to try and break out of The Loop, save his family, and discover who is responsible for the chaos that has been inflicted upon the world.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Teaser Tuesday (18) The Zombie Queen

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

Teaser One

Today, I decided to stop running because I needed a break, and in reality, there was nowhere that I would be truly safe. Death lurked everywhere. Eventually, he would find me, and then I would run again.

The Zombie Queen Kindle Location 61

Holy heck! Why is death after her?

Teaser Two

“There is something about you I like. As Boss’s familiar, I can sense danger before it happens, and I sense no danger from you. We can be friends, as long as you don’t stab him in the heart again.”

The Zombie Queen Kindle Location 3581

Roxy's back! Absolutely love her cannot wait to see what she does for Death and Tamara.

Teaser Three

“And you can call me Jo because we’re friends now. What was I talking about? Oh, Death. Dude, he’s so hot, right? I mean, have you ever seen anything more gorg in your life?”

The Zombie Queen Kindle Location 3107

OMG! Jo showed up! Is that a good thing? A bad thing? What the heck is happening with our resident psychic? Love how she tells her that they are friends. Jo always makes life so much more, just more.

Saturday, May 2, 2020

Book Trailer Saturday (18) The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the 10th annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to out charm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.

The odds are against him. He's been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined - every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute... and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.

Saturday, April 25, 2020

Book Trailer Saturday (17) Shadow Flight

Chicago’s Ferraro crime family will do anything to protect one of their own in this thrilling entry in the Shadow Riders series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

Nicoletta Gomez was a terrified teenager when Taviano Ferraro and his brother saved her life. Ever since, she’s been trying to rise above what was done to her, molding herself into a survivor under the protective eyes of the Ferraro family. All the while, she’s been falling hopelessly in love with the man who knows her darkest secrets.…

With one look, Taviano knew that Nicoletta was his, just as he felt their shadows connect. But no matter how much he wanted to claim her, he knew she needed time to become her own woman. When Nicoletta once again finds herself in the sights of dangerous men, a split-second decision has Taviano breaking all of the Ferraro family’s rules to keep her safe. And as far as he’s concerned, the reward is more than worth the risk.

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Teaser Tuesday (15) Of Flame and Fury

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.

Teaser One

"What you're asking of Taran gives me a chance at life. I need to give that same chance to Emme and Bren. The only way is by allowing Shayna and Koda to stay."

Of Flame and Fury Kindle Location 804

Why haven't they learned by now that separating the sisters is not a good idea?

Teaser Two

"I can't scent them, but I recognize the way they run. It sounds like Bren's stride, and he's favoring his hind leg."

Shayna steals a glance at Emme.

"Yeah, I hear it too. He's hurt bad, Em."

Of Flame and Fury Kindle Location 1804

For someone who is just a friend Em sure is concerned about Bren. Just saying.

Teaser Three

"I need you, Taran. Need to feel your scent when my lips graze our neck, need your heat as we fall asleep, need your heart to help me through the darkness."

Of Flame and Fury Kindle Location 3389

Dang it, just like that Gemini turns into the most romantic guy ever! Gemini has always been my favorite in Aric's pack. Everyone and their momma's know how much I love Taran. This moment was perfect.

Monday, April 6, 2020

Review: Darkmore Penitentiary

Author Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti

Format e-ARC

Print Length 563 pages

Publisher self

Published March 29, 2020

“We're going to own you.”

“We're going to break you.”

“When we're through with you, you won’t remember life before you were ours.”

That’s what they whisper as I pass their cells.

Ha. Guess what bastardos? I’m Rosalie Oscura, champion underground cage-fighter and freaking Alpha Werewolf from the infamous Oscura Clan. My family wrote the book on criminal organisations and I’ll be ruling this place by the time the next moon rises.

Papà always said my hot head would land me in here one day. The supernatural prison they call Darkmore Penitentiary. Where they send the cruellest, most dangerous Fae in Solaria. Like me apparently.

I’ve always had a thing for Alpha males, but the ones in here don’t have a thing for me. Especially after what I did to them…

I accidentally insulted a ruthless Lion Shifter and riled up his army of cutthroat followers.

I may have enraged the sinful Incubus who’s been condemned to isolation for committing an unspeakable crime.

Despite my better judgement, I taunted the sinister Vampire guard who has a dark vendetta against me.

And I kinda deceived the black-hearted Werewolf who rules over my sworn enemies. Though I blame fate for that one – bitch never was on my side.

I don’t know why I’m surprised, I always did have a knack for getting into trouble.

Just look at my criminal record:

Driving Under the Influence of the Moon (I’m a Werewolf, I’m always under the influence of the moon, duh)

One count of MIPS - Minor in Possession of Stardust (I’m just glad they never figured out why I was using it)

Bedazzlement (I can’t help it if I dazzle people into giving me their money)

Alpha Wolf Status Abuse (It’s calling being a leader, idiotas)

Hijacking a Pegasus and riding him through a rainbow on private property (Totally his idea)

Coercing two members of law enforcement to dance naked on the top of their vehicle for seven hours (What’s not hilarious about that?)

Bank Robbery (All that gold was getting lonely stuck in that vault)

Murdering a security guard (Alright I regret that one, but it was a total accident)

So maybe I deserve to be in prison, but do you want to know a secret?

I planned to get sent to Darkmore Penitentiary.

I’ve come to break out the most notorious criminal in Solaria.

The trouble is, I need the help of the four Alpha males to get out of here. And they happen to hate each other almost as much as they hate me.

But I always did love a challenge.

How hard could it be to make them accept me as their leader?

This is an RH set in the world of Solaria after the events of Zodiac Academy and Dark Fae and contains some character crossover but can be read as a standalone series without having read the other books.