The Winter King: A Faeted Mates Omnibus Audiobook by Ariel Hunter Narrated by Amber Lee Connors and Kieran Flitton

Book Summary

A bounty hunter down on her luck. A fae king looking for a reason to live. A mate bond neither can deny.

Mara Wylde is a small-time bounty hunter who just can’t seem to catch a break, no matter how hard she tries. Her rent’s two months overdue. Her antiques shop is failing. She’s eaten ramen five nights in a row now, and is desperate for a way out of debt.

When Mara’s offered a hundred grand to nab a high fae right out of Faerie, she knows she can’t turn down the job, no matter the risks. Even if it means catching the eye of the elusive Winter King.

Tortured by his past and not wanting to rule anymore, Vareck Blackthorne is ready to cede his crown and journey to the nether to escape his torment. Minutes from delivering this news to all of Faerie, he sees her - a fae woman with hair like the dawn and eyes that remind him of summer. A summer that has been gone for centuries.

After 600 years of suffering, he’s finally found her - his fated mate.

The only problem?

She has no idea.

The Winter King is the first Faeted Mates omnibus that includes the entirety of Mara and Vareck’s story. It was initially released in three installments, titled: Hunted by the Winter King, Taken from the Winter King, and Taming the Winter King. This is a fast-paced, hot paranormal romance series with dominant fae males and their sassy, spitfire women.

Warning: Beware of cursing and steamy scenes. This is an adult series.

My Thoughts:

This was an intriguing book from the start.  Mara needs rent money and a slimy leprechaun comes to her with a job she can't pass up.  I liked Mara.  She is strong, determined, and relentless.  There are things about her past that are slowly revealed that make things so much clearer as the story progressed.  None of it was a surprise, but it was well written.

Vareck is a tyrant.  I wasn't certain if I would like him or not at the start of the book.  He is determined to hand over his kingdom until he sees Mara.  Then everything changes and she becomes his obsession.  The way everything unfolds, I was rooting for Mara and the king's best friend (she is also a kick butt warrior).  There are quite a few unanswered questions and the last book ends setting up the prince and Mara's sister for a book all their own.  I'm intrigued to see where that goes.

Overall, it was a fun, solid story.  4/5.  

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Things That Should Stay Buried Cover Reveal

Title: Things That Should Stay Buried

Author: Casey L. Bond

Genre: YA Epic Fantasy/Mythology

Editor: Stacy Sanford/ The Girl with the Red Pen

Cover & Trailer Designer: Melissa Stevens/ The Illustrated Author Design Services

Publication Date: August 28^th, 2020

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Blurb:  Some destinies are written in the stars. Others must be bought with blood…

The Zodia are real. Clawing their way from a long-forgotten tomb, they emerge, ravenous to claim everyone born under their star signs. Plotting to resurrect kingdoms no human knew existed, they are driven by a hunger for vengeance against the one who buried them: Aries.

Larken is a natural born sprinter, but even she can’t outrun the darkness closing in. A shelter-in-place order has been issued, causing widespread panic. Some brush the alarm off as a drill, until people begin to disappear... vanishing without a trace. Left with only one option, Larken’s brother does what he must to save her life... and calls forth Aries.

Considered a traitor by his own kind, only Aries has the power to stand against the Zodia. But he can’t do it alone. Mystically bonded to Larken, the pair must band together for the fight to come if either hope to make it out alive. Neither anticipated the passion that would ignite between them. Yet, in a world suddenly thrust into chaos, it may be the key to their survival.

The Zodia are out for blood with their attentions inexplicably focused on Larken. When long buried truths finally come to light, will their love be their salvation or their curse?

“A mesmerizing and haunting twist on a familiar tale you don’t want to miss. “ - Cameo Renae, USA Today bestselling author of the Hidden Wings Series

“Casey L. Bond reaches for the stars to bring us Things That Should Stay Buried. The Zodia are beautiful, dangerous and to die for.”- New York Times Bestselling Author Chanda Hahn

Casey Bond lives in West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. She likes goats and yoga, but hasn't tried goat yoga because the family goat is so big he might break her back. Seriously, he's the size of a pony. Her favorite books are the ones that contain magical worlds and flawed characters she would want to hang out with. Most days of the week, she writes young adult fantasy books, letting her imaginary friends spill onto the blank page.

Casey is the award-winning author of When Wishes Bleed, the Frenzy series, and fairy tale retellings such as Riches to Rags, Savage Beauty, Unlocked and Brutal Curse. Learn more about her work at www.authorcaseybond.com.

Author Links: 

Website: www.authorcaseybond.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorcaseybond Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorcaseybond Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7212486.Casey_L_Bond Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/caseyb007 Amazon: http://amzn.to/1PmE0pg Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/casey-l-bond Bond-Tourage: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1032678336804562/ Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gcAu9v

The Killing Tide by Dani Pettrey

About the Book

Book:  The Killing Tide
Author: Dani Pettrey
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Release Date: August 2019

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer’s boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

When investigative reporter–and Finn’s boss’s sister–Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she’s back, the tug on Finn’s heart is strong, but with the risks she’s taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can’t ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

My Thoughts:
This was a pretty good book.  Gabby is completely dedicated to her job as an investigative reporter and it consistently puts her in harm's way.  Finn is also dedicated to his job and adds on the job of trying to keep Gabby alive.  There was action galore though the book.
Finn and Gabby have a history but her safety is important and may reignite their chemistry.  I really think Finn was my favorite character just because of how he is portrayed.  He is a strong, tough man.  The author introduced a lot of characters and set up the next book really well.  I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
It was a 3/5 for me.  I am looking forward to the next book. 

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy via Celebrate Lit.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance.
Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).
She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland. For more information visit www.danipettrey.com

 

 

More from Dani

Pettrey kicks off her new Coastal Guardians series with an intense blend of suspense, love, and faith. The Killing Tide features romance that’s as thrilling as the action, and faithful characters integrated seamlessly into a complex web of crime.
— Kate Campos BookList

The Killing Tide is the first book in my Coastal Guardian series. My husband was Navy, so why am I writing about the Coast Guard? Because I think their mission to keep our waters and our country safe should be highlighted more. Before I started writing The Killing Tide, I’ll admit I knew little about the Coast Guard. I had a friend in high school who joined the Guard right after graduation, but that’s about the depth of my experience with them. Then, my husband and I watched a movie called The Finest Hour.

If you haven’t seen it, I highly urge you to. It’s the true story of one of the most dangerous and daring rescue attempts in Coast Guard history. Boatswain’s Mate First Class Bernie Webber takes a small team to rescue the crew of the Pendleton T2 oil tanker, which split in half off the coast of Cape Cod during a brutal nor’easter in 1952. I won’t ruin the ending for you, but let’s just say it’s a wonderful testament to courage in adversity. After watching it, I knew I had to write a series about the Coast Guard. I began researching and came across the Coast Guard Investigative Service and my interest was highly peaked. After talking with Coast Guardsmen, both newly in the service and those long retired, I began to see the story weaving together like a movie in my mind. I hope you enjoy reading the CGIS Wilmington teams’ adventures, cases and…of course, romances.

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, June 17

Back Porch Reads, June 17

Losing the Busyness, June 17

Older & Smarter?, June 18

Genesis 5020, June 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 19

Worthy2Read, June 19

For Him and My Family, June 20

deb’s Book Review, June 20

Inklings and notions, June 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 21

Texas Book-aholic, June 21

Pause for Tales, June 21

Betti Mace, June 22

Read Review Rejoice, June 22

Spoken from the Heart, June 22

KarenSueHadley, June 23

Ashley’s Bookshelf, June 23

The Christian Fiction Girl, June 24

Life of Literature, June 24

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, June 24

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 25

Blossoms and Blessings, June 25

A Good Book and cup of Tea, June 25

Emily Yager, June 26

Splashes of Joy, June 26

Just the Write Escape, June 27

Blogging With Carol, June 27

Moments, June 27

Stories By Gina, June 28

Cathe Swanson, June 28

Daysong Reflections, June 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 29

Mary Hake, June 29

Lights in a Dark World, June 29

With a Joyful Noise, June 30

Inside the Wong Mind, June 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dani is giving away the grand prize package of a Kindle, $20 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of The Crushing Depths!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/fcce/the-killing-tide-celebration-tour-giveaway

Forever Music by Hope Toler Dougherty

About the Book

Book:  Forever Music

Author: Hope Toler Dougherty
Genre:  Sweet, inspirational romance
Release Date: May 19, 2020

College history instructor, Josie Daniels is good at mothering her three brothers, volunteering in her community, and getting over broken hearts, but meeting aloof, hot-shot attorney Ches Windham challenges her nurturing, positive-thinking spirit.

Josie longs to help Ches find his true purpose, but, as his hidden talents and true personality emerge, will she be able to withstand potent his charms or will she lose her heart in the process?
Rising star in his law firm, Ches Windham is good at keeping secrets.

He’s always been the good son, following his father’s will to become an attorney and playing the game for a fast track to partnering with a law firm. Lately, though, his life’s path has lost what luster it ever had—all because of his unlikely, and unacceptable, friendship with Josie. He struggles between the life he’s prepared for and the one calling to him now. Opposing his father has never been an option, and spending time with Josie can’t be an option. The more he’s with her, however, the more he wants to be.

When a crisis tarnishes his golden future and secrets are revealed, Ches is forced to reexamine the trajectory of his life. Will he choose the path his father hammered out for him or the path that speaks to his heart?

My Thoughts:
This was a great story.  It's focused on two drastically different people who may just be perfect for each other.  Josie is close to her family and has always known love.  Ches is aloof and cold, but yet not.  He hasn't felt love from the ones he needed to and that does something to people.
The author did a great job of making the characters relatable and enjoyable.  I loved watching the changes and realizations occur.  Ches probably had the best stroke of luck when he met Josie.  Family is so so important, they help shape how we see ourselves and the world.  I liked how things were done in God's time and Josie was careful. 
It was a 4/5 for me.  I truly enjoyed it. 

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Hope holds a Master’s degree in English and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College. Forever Music is her fourth novel. Residing in North Carolina, she and her husband enjoy visits with their daughters and twin sons.

More from Hope

We love holidays at our house. A couple of months beforehand, my grown children begin asking, “So who’ve you asked? Who’s coming?” Never mind that with our six, my brother’s seven, my parents, a few aunts, uncles, and cousins, we have at least twenty to begin with. They want a crowd—friends, neighbors, and even strangers.
The bigger the better.
For Thanksgiving 2015, people started rolling in on Tuesday night, including a British friend who’d never experienced an American Thanksgiving. I already had some dishes prepared, but when old high school friends began arriving to visit my home-from-college children, I kicked into high gear.
I felt like I cooked pretty much round the clock from Tuesday through Sunday morning.
And I loved it.
I remember just repeating, “Thank You, God! Thank You, God,” like a mantra as I retrieved another casserole from our oven or stirred another dish. The house vibrated with laughter and conversation and love.
It’s one of my all-time favorite weeks.
Forever Music shares the love story of Josie and Ches, but it’s also a nod to close-knit families. Josie and her three brothers portray a teasing, rollicking, loving family. Whether it’s a full-blown holiday or just a weekend supper, they enjoy time together, sharing jokes and jabs over food, games, or projects.
I am blessed beyond measure with my nuclear and extended family and was grateful to model this fictional family on my real one. I hope readers will love the Daniels family as much as I do!

Blog Stops

Batya’s Bits, June 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 11

Genesis 5020, June 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 12

Emily Yager, June 13

Texas Book-aholic, June 14

For Him and My Family, June 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 16

Older & Smarter?, June 17

deb’s Book Review, June 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 19

Writing from the Heart Land, June 19

Pause for Tales, June 20

reviewingbooksplusmore, June 20

Inklings and notions, June 21

Ashley’s Bookshelf, June 22

Artistic Nobody, June 23 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Hope is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card & a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/fc70/forever-music-celebration-tour-giveaway

Dragon School Episodes 6-10 by Sarah K. L. Wilson Narrated by Jigisha Patel

Book Description:

Epic dragon battles. Heartwarming friendship.
From USA Today bestselling author, Sarah K. L. Wilson, comes an epic tale of a disabled teen and her beloved dragon. Perfect for lovers of dragon-riding fiction and anyone with a heart for adventure.

This omnibus edition contains episodes 6-10 of the popular novella series:
Dragon School: Dusk Covenant Evil lurks everywhere. And it wants to destroy Amel and Everything she loves.
Dragon School: First Message Truth lies beneath the surface.
Dragon School: Warring Promises Promises are great - until you have to choose which ones to honor.
Dragon School: Prince of Dragons Will the last light fade from the Dominion?
Dragon School: Dark Night It's always blackest before the dawn.

Read the series reviewers are calling "Best Dragon Series on the Market" when you one-click today!

My Thoughts:
Oh my word, Sarah K.L. Wilson, you're killing me!  I love these books and so do my kids.  We finished this set and have started the next.  The cliffhangers drag you from one book to the next because you are so invested in the characters that you have to know what will happen to them.  Amel is still awesome and Raolken (sp?) is fabulous.  I love their bond.
There is so much that happens in this set and the characters grow and change.  I love some of the new characters that we meet and dislike/distrust others.  The fights are epic.  The friendships grow stronger.  The Dominar has me intrigued and I cannot wait to see what happens to the characters I've grown to love (I'm worried about some of them!).It was a 5/5 for us!
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

The Story Hunter by Lindsay A. Franklin

About the Book

Book:  The Story Hunter

Author: Lindsay A. Franklin

Genre:  Christian Fantasy, Action & Adventure

Release Date: May 19, 2020

Redeeming the past is a fatal quest.

In the wake of a deadly coup, the capital city of Urian has descended into chaos. Heartbreak and bloodshed await Tanwen and her friends as they discover the unlikeliest leader now rules Tir.

If they want to save the realm, Tannie and the Corsyth weavers must rescue Queen Braith and unmask the Master, ending the strife once and for all. But the success of their hunt depends upon an ally no one trusts.

The Master has a new target in sight: fragile, trauma-scarred Digwyn, whose unique weaving ability could turn the tide of any war. When the desire for vengeance proves too powerful for Digwyn to resist, Tanwen must face a terrifying truth: the fate of Tir rests in the hands of a volatile, shattered girl.

 My  Thoughts:

I had not read the previous books in this series, but quickly realized that it was a necessity so I stopped reading and got the previous two books (you have to do this to understand everything).  The author did a wonderful job in this conclusion.  The characters grew and changed so much over the trilogy and became friends that I grew to love.

I truly couldn't put this down and some of the twists were wonderful (and some heartbreaking).  Friends can become family and loyalty thicker than blood.  I know I'm going to have my 12 year old read the books soon and recommend it to some of his friends.  There are some hard topics but they are handed wonderfully.  Overall, it was a great series.

This was a 4/5 for me.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via CelebrateLit).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Click here to get your copy!

 

 

About the Author

Lindsay A. Franklin is a Carol Award–winning author, freelance editor, and homeschooling mom of three. She would wear pajama pants all the time if it were socially acceptable. Lindsay lives in her native San Diego with her scruffy-looking nerf-herder husband, their precious geeklings, three demanding thunder pillows (a.k.a. cats), and a stuffed marsupial named Wombatman.

 

More from Lindsay

Someone asked me recently where my story ideas come from. In fact, that’s one of the author questions I get asked most often. Honestly, the answer is different for every single project I’ve worked on, every single thing I’ve written. I’ve gotten ideas from news headlines, from dreams, from random musings while washing dishes. I even got an idea for a novel from a throwaway remark made by an editor teaching a workshop (that’s how The Story Peddler started).

The idea for The Story Hunter started with a title that turned into a girl.

After The Weaver Trilogy was acquired, my publisher and I brainstormed a list of titles for books two and three in the series. My editor loved the title The Story Peddler and wanted to keep that format for subsequent books. On his brainstorming list was the title The Story Thief. Obviously, this title did not make it all the way to publication. The middle-grade best-selling series Story Thieves wasn’t on our radar at the time, and once it was, I knew we would have to work with a different title (and I absolutely love the title The Story Hunter, so there’s no lingering sadness over here). But the moment I saw that phrase, The Story Thief, a new character popped into my head. It was one of those rare instances when a complete person arrives in my imagination all at once. I knew who she was, what she wanted, and what her unique gift would be. She was Diggy, my story thief, and I knew book three would belong to her.

There were many things I loved about writing this final installment of The Weaver Trilogy but none more than getting to write my story thief’s journey. That’s her hand on the cover of the book, stealing lightning and battling her inner monsters. Though I knew who Diggy was the moment I imagined her, I wasn’t sure how her story was going to end until I wrote it. I can recall saying to my best friend during Hunter’s writing process, “I don’t know if Diggy is going to be okay.” Her backstory is very difficult and deeply personal to me. When we’re facing the kind of odds Diggy is facing, sometimes we don’t win. And even if we do, rarely do we come out unscathed. So I built the book around that question: is Diggy going to be okay? And I didn’t know the answer until I scribbled it down on my outline.

When readers reach The End for the final time in this series, I hope they will feel I’ve done Diggy’s story—and the stories of all my beloved Weaver characters— justice.

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, May 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 30

Fiction Aficionado, May 30

Through the Fire Blogs, May 31

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 1

Mia Reads, June 1

Texas Book-aholic, June 2

For the Love of Literature, June 3

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 3

Inklings and notions, June 4

For Him and My Family, June 5

deb’s Book Review, June 5

Ashley’s Bookshelf, June 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 7

Blogging With Carol, June 7

Kathleen Denly, June 8

Hallie Reads, June 9

Remembrancy, June 9

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 10

Worthy2Read, June 11

Pause for Tales, June 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lindsay is giving away the grand prize package of a signed set of The Weaver Trilogy paperbacks, set of four character cards with art by Laura Hollingsworth, set of three Weaver-themed Novelly Yours candles (The Corsyth, The Cethorelle, and The Craigyl), an “I Ship It Mor” enamel pin designed by Dust & Pages, Custom tea tins from Adagio Tea (Braith’s Blend and Diggy’s Spikefruit), and an assortment of bookmarks, stickers, and art prints!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/fab3/the-story-hunter-celebration-tour-giveaway

Dragon School: Episodes 1-5 by Sarah K. L. Wilson and Narrated by Jigisha Patel

Book Description:

A disabled teen, an empathetic dragon, and a bond that will save the world.

Sixteen-year-old Amel arrived at Dragon School just like everyone else - with a dream to ride dragons and join the Dominion Dragon Riders.

But Amel has a crippled leg, and Dragon School training is grueling. Before she can even become an initiate, she must complete her first flight on a dragon.

Can Amel survive First Flight and become a Dragon School initiate, or will her dreams dash on the rocks below?

This audiobook contains episodes 1-5 of Dragon School:

1. Dragon School: First Flight
2. Dragon School: Initiate
3. Dragon School: The Dark Prince
4. Dragon School: The Ruby Isles
5. Dragon School: Sworn

My Thoughts:

I've been listening to this set of books in my car along with my kids.  We love them.  They need to be listened to in order because the stories build on each other and if you try to start in the middle of the series, you will wi be lost.  Amel is a cripple and is determined to become a dragon rider.  Her determination and strength is amazing.  I love Reolkin (sorry if I misspell names, I'm listening to the audiobooks).  Her dragon is absolutely amazing.  Their minds connect unlike any of the others in her class and it is magical.

Unfortunately for her, Dragon School has to go through a significant change in a short amount of time and she is tossed into the deep end before she's ready.  There is so much that happens in these first five books that I couldn't say too much without giving things away.  I will say the author has surprised me with Amel's ailment and not magically fixing it immediately, which is what I expected.  Rather it is an integral part of the story and how she has to overcome it is amazing.  If at some point, the ailment is fixed, great but I think the author has done a great job with not taking the easy way out from the start.

I do love the romantic spark the author has put in here.  There is always a mystery or a question of loyalty and I love that Amel is determined to do right and not let others sway her concept of right and wrong.  She wants to understand things and not just be lead around like a child.  She grew and changed a lot in these first stories and we've already started the second set so I cannot wait to see where the author takes all of the characters I've grown to love!

It's a 5/5 for me.  My children (ages 5, 10, and 11) ask for the book to be turned on immediately when we get into the car and I love sharing these stories with them.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.