Eternity and a Day | Aline Hunter

Dreading the one night per tide he’s forced to travel between the realms, Draigen Eric Locke has only one desire on Samhain – to retrieve the fae transporting daemon relics through the realms and escort her to the Dark Court to face the sidhe king. When he mistakenly recovers the wrong fae, the dragon under his skin responds in a way he never could have predicted, and he discovers he’s found the woman destined to him by the Fates – his Chosen. 

Runa Charon is an anomaly among her kind, the mortal offspring of a human and a fae. Unlike other sidhe, she longs to experience pleasure instead of pain, love instead of lust. Immortally strong but mortally fragile, she’s been sheltered all of her life. When the opportunity to meet a Draigen from the Otherworld arises, she can’t resist the temptation and travels to meet the man who will change her destiny. 

Unlike other netherworld creatures, Draigen mate for life, choosing to follow the path of their beloved mate in this reality or the next. Knowing a future can only span one lifetime, will they settle for less than an eternity? Or will they be grateful for the gift of each day? 

Marked in Flesh | Anne Bishop

For centuries, the Others and humans have lived side by side in uneasy peace. But when humankind oversteps its bounds, the Others will have to decide how much humanity they’re willing to tolerate—both within themselves and within their community...

Since the Others allied themselves with the cassandra sangue, the fragile yet powerful human blood prophets who were being exploited by their own kind, the delicate dynamic between humans and Others changed. Some, like Simon Wolfgard, wolf shifter and leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn, see the new, closer companionship as beneficial—both personally and practically.

But not everyone is convinced. A group of radical humans is seeking to usurp land through a series of violent attacks on the Others. What they don’t realize is that there are older and more dangerous forces than shifters and vampires protecting the land that belongs to the Others—and those forces are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect what is theirs…

“As humans it is our right, our destiny, to claim the world for ourselves.”

Moonstruck | Lauren Dane

In Diablo Lake, Tennessee, a town populated by werewolves, witches and more, magic woven deep into the earth protects the town’s secrets from outsiders. 

Katie Grady left Diablo Lake to get over a humiliating breakup. But her family needs her help, so she’s back, in a sublet right across the hall from the guy she’s lusted after for years. Jace Dooley is hotter than ever, and their friendship picks up along with massive doses of grown-up chemistry.

The very scent of Katie sharpens Jace’s canines, makes the wolf within him stir. There’s nothing more alluring to a Pack Alpha than a sexy female who is so very in charge. She won’t be coddled, but if he plays his hand just right she might be convinced to become his.

Katie presents a challenge to Jace’s wolf nature, whose chief instinct is to protect. Especially now that she’s coming into the magic that is her birthright—and suddenly Jace isn’t the only one who’s interested in Katie or the raw power she’s just learning to use.

Vision in Silver | Anne Bishop

The Others freed the  cassandra sangue  to protect the blood prophets from exploitation, not realizing their actions would have dire consequences. Now the fragile seers are in greater danger than ever before—both from their own weaknesses and from those who seek to control their divinations for wicked purposes. In desperate need of answers, Simon Wolfgard, a shape-shifter leader among the Others, has no choice but to enlist blood prophet Meg Corbyn’s help, regardless of the risks she faces by aiding him.

Meg is still deep in the throes of her addiction to the euphoria she feels when she cuts and speaks prophecy. She knows each slice of her blade tempts death. But Others and humans alike need answers, and her visions may be Simon’s only hope of ending the conflict.

For the shadows of war are deepening across the Atlantik, and the prejudice of a fanatic faction is threatening to bring the battle right to Meg and Simon’s doorstep…

Dragon Souls Series | Penelope Fletcher

 
Wounded, a dragon drops from the sky to crash in front of Marina in an explosion of fire. She does the only reasonable thing a woman can do – she saves his life. Marina knows any moment may be her last, yet she cannot deny the connection between her and the alluring creature. When fierce dragon lords appear, leading a dangerous assassin to their hiding place, the truth about her dragon is unveiled. The consequences of falling for a beast gifts Marina wonders never before seen ... in this world.

Losing Ground | Sasha L. Miller

Carter Bellwood's family has Earth-claimed the Bellwood territory for generations and they've always had an excess of Earth energy to back it up. Until Carter, whose energy is barely a fraction of that his mother has. But he's the only Earth wizard in his generation and set to inherit the territory—if there's anything left of it. The territory is being ravaged by a disease that kills all plant life it comes into contact with. They can't cure it, can barely contain it, can only watch as their territory turns into a barren landscape.

Then a new Earth wizard shows up. Tai is everything Carter is not when it comes to the strength of his magic, and more importantly he knows how to cure the disease. But he's also terrified and clearly on the run from something, and Carter's not sure Tai's help is worth the risk of him trying to stake his own claim on the territory—or the risk that whatever he's running from finds him...

My Soul to Take | Madeline Sheehan

When Trinity escaped a worldwide apocalyptic plague in the arms of Gerik, a Scandinavian Gypsy, she never imagined they would be soul mates . . . or what that even meant. Xan showed Trinity that love could save her from the seemingly unbreakable ties she had to Gerik . . . or so she thought.

After a brutal attack on camp and being abandoned outside of the wards, Trinity, now possessing her own - and very unstable - magical powers, is left to her own devices surrounded by Skin Eaters and all other dangers of the unknown.

Now, Trinity is alone. Having no idea where her husband, her soul mate, or the Popa Clan are, Trinity is forced to discover her powers on her own.

On a journey full of self-discovery, chance encounters, unwelcome news, and enlightenment, Trinity is fighting for survival in a world where the only thing certain is death.

The Soul Mate | Madeline Sheehan

Trinity had an ordinary life. That is, until she barely escaped a worldwide apocalyptic plague that took her loved ones from her and transformed most of humanity into flesh-eating monsters.

Gerik, her savior, a six-foot-four-inch Scandinavian Gypsy, takes her back to his magically protected Gypsy camp where she discovers a whole new way of life that she never knew existed – as well as a whole new set of problems.

Gerik has power over her that she cannot begin to understand, and she is convinced he is using his magic on her. Through her journey of trying to understand her feelings and this new magic-filled life she’s been brought into, she begins an unlikely friendship that grows into having potential to be something more.

While the remaining humans are fighting for their survival, Trinity is fighting a battle of her very own – the right to choose her own destiny.

Is Gerik’s hold on her too strong? Or can new love set her free?

Mindtouch | M.C.A. Hogarth

Seersana University is worlds-renowned for its xenopsychology program, producing the Alliance's finest therapists, psychiatric nurses and alien researchers. When Jahir, one of the rare and reclusive Eldritch espers, arrives on campus, he's unprepared for the challenges of a vast and multicultural society... but fortunately, second-year student Vasiht'h is willing to take him under his wing. Will the two win past their troubles and doubts and see the potential for a once-in-a-lifetime partnership? 

Masters of Blood and Bone | Craig Saunders

Holland's a man who's good with death. Good at death.

When his daughter goes missing, he finds himself pitted in a deadly game against the Gods themselves. Powerful enemies surround him—a changeling, a mage, and a god who wants to destroy the world.

With silver bullets in his gun and death on his mind, Holland aims to set things right...or die trying.

For the captors of Holland’s daughter, death is not only on it’s way, it’s in their very possession as Holland's daughter isn't just a girl...in fact, she's barely mortal at all...

She's Ankou, Death's daughter, and she's not an easy mark.

The battleground has been set, the world’s at stake, and all Hell is about the break loose.

Masters of Blood and Bone is an epic clash between good and evil, life versus death, Gods against mortals, a timeless story of power and corruption and one man’s pursuit to protect what he loves at any cost.

Claimed by Earth | Delwyn Jenkins

Mycah Dunleavy has two goals in life: to protect her friends and to defend the World Below. In order to take her fight to the enemy she must become the most powerful witch she can be. But that power comes at a price.

In fulfulling her first goal, she committed the cardinal sin of using her magic to harm others. And to attain the second, she must combine in a ritual with a Watchtower Knight … despite the fact she can't bear to be touched.

Unphased by Mycah's defensive armor, Sebastian wants to claim her as his own and he intends to woo her long and slow. Then Mycah comes up with a crazy plan to gain more power and he becomes nothing more than a means to an end—a role he has no intention of accepting without a fight.

But there are bigger threats to deal with in the World Between. Mycah's life is threatened, four Witches are kidnapped, and once again the enemy is knocking at the door. Time is running out, and if Sebastian and Mycah don't find a way to work together, both of their worlds could be lost.

Called by Fire | Delwyn Jenkins

Kamryn Vale is a Dahnan witch who wants nothing more than to complete her studies in the World Between and return to her normal life. But when a sister-witch is murdered and another kidnapped, Kamryn discovers a dark magic so terrifying it threatens the safety of both her worlds. Driven by the need to help in the investigation, Kamryn must deal with the complications of working with the mysterious Watchtower Knights.

After two hundred years in exile, the Knights have been invited back to protect the Witches at the Collegium. They can't afford any mistakes, and Alex knows his attraction for the fire witch has trouble written all over it. With one eye on the investigation and the other on Kamryn, Alex must balance his obligation to duty with the needs of his heart.

Entreat Me | Grace Draven

Afflicted by a centuries-old curse, a warlord slowly surrenders his humanity and descends toward madness. Ballard of Ketach Tor holds no hope of escaping his fate until his son returns home one day, accompanied by a woman of incomparable beauty. His family believes her arrival may herald Ballard's salvation.

...until they confront her elder sister.

Determined to rescue her sibling from ruin, Louvaen Duenda pursues her to a decrepit castle and discovers a household imprisoned in time. Dark magic, threatening sorcerers, and a malevolent climbing rose with a thirst for blood won't deter her, but a proud man disfigured by an undying hatred might. Louvaen must decide if loving him will ultimately save him or destroy him.

A tale of vengeance and devotion.

The Scholomance | R. Lee Smith

 For centuries, there has been a legend of a hidden school where magic is taught by the demons who dwell there to anyone who seeks them out, but they ask a terrible price: Anyone who reaches the door of the Scholomance may enter, but the Devil takes every tenth student who tries to leave.

A hidden school. Demonic masters. An inescapable fate for one out of every ten graduates. But Connie would do anything to have the magic her best friend was born with.

And Mara would do anything to get Connie back.

Treasure | Megan Derr

The Lost Gods #1

Publisher: Less Than Three Press
Date Published: January 24, 2012
Pages: 272

LGBQT, fantasy, romance.

Nine gods ruled the world, until the ultimate betrayal resulted in their destruction. Now, the world is dying and only by restoring the Lost Gods can it be saved.

Nine hundred years ago, the Dragons of the Three Storms, gods of chaos, tried to destroy their land of Kundou. Only by rising up and slaying the Dragons and stealing their power was Kundou saved. Now, that power resides in the royal family and grants them the right to rule.

But that power comes at a terrible price, and Prince Nankyokukai is determined that he will be the last to pay it—even if it means surrendering his chance with the man he has waited for his entire life.


As a fan of Megan Derr, I was surprised I had not read this one.

I liked the world building although it seemed incomplete, I'm assuming because the other countries will be detailed in the following books. The unique culture and rituals were impressive. Quite a few plot twists that kept me rooted to the book. About two thirds in, the story was monotonous. Nothing really happened, other than sex that is. Towards the end it picked up once more, and the ending completely caught me off guard. It came out of nowhere to be honest, there was no foreshadowing or impression that it was possible.

I didn't like the multiple POVs. It started off with the story revolving around Kyo and Kin, but somehow Taka and Raiden had larger segments as the book went on and we saw less of Kyo and Kin. Two POVs are more than enough, otherwise it's hard to know who to focus on.

The characters were great. Both Kyo and Kin had strong personalities. Kyo had many self-pity moment and other times he portrayed the spoiled, cold prince. Kin on the other hand was the angry, half merman character who was nonetheless charming. Taka, Kyo's secretary, was cantankerous and rather annoying at times. He was my least favourite character. Finally Raiden was not very memorable. He was cheeky, flippant and liked to get under Taka's skin. His character was truly not important until the end.

Overall I enjoyed this book and will continue to the next.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Amazon  |  The Book Depository  |  Chapters.Indigo

Koibito No Ryu | paws-bells

Koibito No Ryu
By: paws-bells

FictionPress. Unpublished
Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Humor.

Sarea had led a fairly normal life until that arrogant, pompous snake chose to drop in on her. Literally. Then she learns that she is his lifemate and that dragons actually exist. No, they really do. And he just happens to be their crown prince.

Sarea McKinley is a med school student who happened to be walking outside one day when a man fell on top of her. Well, man wouldn't be the correct word. Tentei Ryuhara is a dragon and Sarea is his Life Mate. As she is unwillingly whisked away to another realm, she meets Tentei's family, and other paranormals.

Although the novel needs some editing, I was so engrossed in the story that I only noticed on the second read. It is well written and different from the norm, which made it quite compelling. Definitely a favourite story of mine. The world building is incredible and each character is unique with a developed personality. I love Sarea's character, I need a female to have a strong personality who takes care of herself. The damsel in distress just makes my eyes roll. She was cool headed, logical, and just took everything in stride. Whereas Tentei, was the arrogant alpha male. He was dictatorial, over protective, but at the same time loyal. Both personalities couldn't help but clash and made for some humorous bickering.

If grammar mistakes are not a pet peeve of yours, you might want to check out this free read!

Rating: ★★★★☆

Murder of Crows | Anne Bishop

After winning the trust of the terra indigene residing in the Lakeside Courtyard, Meg Corbyn has had trouble figuring out what it means to live among them. As a human, Meg should be barely tolerated prey, but her abilities as a cassandra sangue make her something more.

The appearance of two addictive drugs has sparked violence between the humans and the Others, resulting in the murder of both species in nearby cities. So when Meg has a dream about blood and black feathers in the snow, Simon Wolfgard - Lakeside’s shape-shifting leader - wonders if their blood prophet dreamed of a past attack or a future threat.

As the urge to speak prophecies strikes Meg more frequently, trouble finds its way inside the Courtyard. Now, the Others and the handful of humans residing there must work together to stop the man bent on reclaiming their blood prophet - and stop the danger that threatens to destroy them all.

Written in Red | Anne Bishop

As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut—a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg’s Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard—a business district operated by the Others. 

Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she’s keeping a secret, and second, she doesn’t smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide if she’s worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.

Burn | T.J. Klune

Elementally Evolved #1

By: T.J. Klune

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Date Published: Feb 5, 2012

Pages 370
ISBN 10: 1613723555

Fantasy, science fiction, LGBT

Book One of the Elementally Evolved series Set in a world that closely resembles our own, Burn is a story of redemption and betrayal, of family and sacrifice, which leads to the greatest question of all: how far would you go to save the ones you love? Fifteen years ago, Felix Paracel killed his mother with fire that shot from his hands. Since then, he has hidden from forces bent on exploiting him and his fire and wind Elemental abilities. But Felix's world is about to change, because he is Findo Unum-the Split One-and his coming has been foretold for generations. Though Felix's arrival brings great joy to the Elemental world, it also heralds a coming darkness. No one knows this better than Seven.-Seven, the mysterious man who rescued Felix from that horrible fire years ago and then disappeared; Seven, who has returned to claim what's rightfully his: Felix's heart. But even as Felix begins to trust Seven and his feelings about his place in the world, the darkness reveals itself, bringing consequences no one could have predicted.

I've had this book on my kindle since last year and I finally got around to it. This was one long book. The first 40% of the book went by pretty quick. I was quite absorbed and stayed up reading as much as I could. The remainder was harder to get through. It was just too long. There was one part where we saw Seven's past. I'm all for getting to know characters better, but in this case it outstretched my patience. I ended up scanning quite a bit of it to get it over with as quick and painlessly as possible.

Felix, the average main character annoyed me with some of the decisions he made, he was petulant, and somewhat selfish. At the same time you couldn't hate him. He tries to make the right decisions, to be the savior everyone was waiting for, but lack of knowledge put him at a disadvantage. Seven, was a definite alpha male and unconditionally devoted to Felix. Seven's role was to be the Findo Unum's protector. He was raised to fulfill this role and was trained since young. The minor character's were great. Each had their own distinct personality and roles within the universe.

There's quite the dilemma of the United States trying to pass a bill, which requires the Elementals to register themselves, since they are a danger and uncontrollable. Essentially this is their scheme to experiment and eventually control the Elementals. This sets the scene nicely for the Normals vs. Elementals. There's also the coming darkness that Felix must overcome.

Overall, there were parts I enjoyed and others that just tried my patience. The concept of it was fascinating, but the narration could use some editing. There was no conclusion as it was only the first book. I would most likely read the rest of the series to satisfy my curiosity of the conclusion. Although book one did seem a little predictable.

Rating: ★★★☆☆