Take a photo of a barcode or cover
nikkisbooknook's reviews
4991 reviews
Dragon Marked by Donna Grant
4.0
Merrill & Katla are both looking for redemption in this story. They've both been lied to, manipulated and now is the time for them to get some payback.
Add in protecting some children with abilities to the adventure and these two are going to have to work for that HEA. Attraction is the least of their problems.
Katla never shirks the blame for her misdeeds but she does lay the responsibility for the manipulation at the feet of Villette. Merrill is done hiding from his problems and is ready to return to the Kings but will they be as happy to see him?
Another great instalment in the ever expanding Dark Kings Universe!
Add in protecting some children with abilities to the adventure and these two are going to have to work for that HEA. Attraction is the least of their problems.
Katla never shirks the blame for her misdeeds but she does lay the responsibility for the manipulation at the feet of Villette. Merrill is done hiding from his problems and is ready to return to the Kings but will they be as happy to see him?
Another great instalment in the ever expanding Dark Kings Universe!
The Training Grounds: Mystery of the Immortals by Jason Clark
4.0
A farm boy with anger issues, his cerebral best friend, a young blacksmith, an aristocratic archer and a mysterious magic wielder all converge as the new intake at a magical academy. One with a penchant for not all of its students making it through the year alive!
You'll probably get "vibes" from several YA series that you've either read/watched before but the author manages to keep things fresh (and blood thirsty). There are epic quests, enigmatic teachers, backstabbing fellow students and an intricate plot, full of twists. I loved the world building and there never seemed to be huge information dumps.
I really enjoyed watching this ragtag group of friends bond together but still hide secrets from each other. Learning more about the Dean and his friends really was an eye opener!
Darius and co are great illustrations of friends becoming family. Don't think that just because this book is aimed at YA that there are no big themes covered.
Please be aware that some themes may be unsuitable for all YA and there is mention of S/A of a characters mother.
You'll probably get "vibes" from several YA series that you've either read/watched before but the author manages to keep things fresh (and blood thirsty). There are epic quests, enigmatic teachers, backstabbing fellow students and an intricate plot, full of twists. I loved the world building and there never seemed to be huge information dumps.
I really enjoyed watching this ragtag group of friends bond together but still hide secrets from each other. Learning more about the Dean and his friends really was an eye opener!
Darius and co are great illustrations of friends becoming family. Don't think that just because this book is aimed at YA that there are no big themes covered.
Please be aware that some themes may be unsuitable for all YA and there is mention of S/A of a characters mother.
Speak of the Devil by Christine Pope
4.0
Caleb Lockwood has snuck out of hell (see the Project Demon Hunters Series for more info). His mother isn't exactly warm and fuzzy but gives him seed money to start a new life, far away from her. Las Vegas calls to Caleb and he passes his time annoying the casino owners with his lucky streak.
Delia works hard in her real estate business. She runs into Caleb and at first these two are very much enemies but they come to an agreement. They actually become friendly and there is a spark of attraction there. However, before they can even attempt to explore that problem they have to deal with another demon causing mayhem in LV!
Who knew house flipping could be so dangerous. With Delia sensing spirits and Caleb's teleporting talents, they have an edge on the demons but that edge can't last forever! I enjoy a redemption arc and Caleb is off to a good start. Delia is no shy retiring violet and she is quite happy to put Caleb in his place, even if he is demon!
Great start to a new series.
Delia works hard in her real estate business. She runs into Caleb and at first these two are very much enemies but they come to an agreement. They actually become friendly and there is a spark of attraction there. However, before they can even attempt to explore that problem they have to deal with another demon causing mayhem in LV!
Who knew house flipping could be so dangerous. With Delia sensing spirits and Caleb's teleporting talents, they have an edge on the demons but that edge can't last forever! I enjoy a redemption arc and Caleb is off to a good start. Delia is no shy retiring violet and she is quite happy to put Caleb in his place, even if he is demon!
Great start to a new series.
The Lost Company by Michael Maguire
4.0
Military Fantasy romance is my new jam! As a mythology and ancient history buff this so gave me Ancient Rome v Celts vibes. The "baddies" were Roman and the lost company had a miscellany of British accents, lol.
The pacing was really good and I didn't think it slowed too badly. The characters were funny, war-weary, flawed and complicated. They really leaped off the page for me and I could pretty much relate each character to any multitude of military or police officer I know!
Tuggs and Captain Roma are complete opposites but they both know how to get the job done, just in different styles. Did I love the fact that the Captain was a no nonsense woman? You betcha. The entire company is mixed and whilst there is more than a little "fraternisation" it mostly takes place off page and is only referred to on page. There is still a bit of misogyny to be faced by the women, can't escape it even in a fantasy world sadly.
Mane has a real development through the book and Danza remains the dependable second, but even she makes a few revelations along their journey.
Solid debut novel and I'd happily read more books set in this world!
The pacing was really good and I didn't think it slowed too badly. The characters were funny, war-weary, flawed and complicated. They really leaped off the page for me and I could pretty much relate each character to any multitude of military or police officer I know!
Tuggs and Captain Roma are complete opposites but they both know how to get the job done, just in different styles. Did I love the fact that the Captain was a no nonsense woman? You betcha. The entire company is mixed and whilst there is more than a little "fraternisation" it mostly takes place off page and is only referred to on page. There is still a bit of misogyny to be faced by the women, can't escape it even in a fantasy world sadly.
Mane has a real development through the book and Danza remains the dependable second, but even she makes a few revelations along their journey.
Solid debut novel and I'd happily read more books set in this world!
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Grief, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail
Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto
4.0
Vera Wong has returned and inveigled herself into another mystery!
Not only does Vera play on the stereotype of elderly Chinese female, she collects lost & lonely people, thinks food solves every problem and wants grandbabies stat! She has a frenemyship with her baker neighbour and with her son now dating Selena, she has an in at the local precinct!
Now she's got a murder, identity theft, human trafficking, scamming syndicates and matchmaking to solve - all at the same time. The twists and turns are brilliant and red herrings are plentiful. I so enjoy Vera and her "I'm just a doddery old lady" routine. She has a belief in herself that verges on egotistical but she tempers it with being kind-hearted and genuinely wanting to help people.
Vera is the perfect amateur sleuth - she can fly under the radar by utilising all those stereotypes and then she hits you with some off the wall plan and everything becomes clear.
There are multiple POV, with Vera being the focal point. The characters all have a job in this story and everyone is all tied together with the theme of loneliness, greed, perceived perfection and they are so diverse in background, ethnicity and age but Vera has moulded her motley crew of friends into a wonderfully non-PC, but loving, family.
Not only does Vera play on the stereotype of elderly Chinese female, she collects lost & lonely people, thinks food solves every problem and wants grandbabies stat! She has a frenemyship with her baker neighbour and with her son now dating Selena, she has an in at the local precinct!
Now she's got a murder, identity theft, human trafficking, scamming syndicates and matchmaking to solve - all at the same time. The twists and turns are brilliant and red herrings are plentiful. I so enjoy Vera and her "I'm just a doddery old lady" routine. She has a belief in herself that verges on egotistical but she tempers it with being kind-hearted and genuinely wanting to help people.
Vera is the perfect amateur sleuth - she can fly under the radar by utilising all those stereotypes and then she hits you with some off the wall plan and everything becomes clear.
There are multiple POV, with Vera being the focal point. The characters all have a job in this story and everyone is all tied together with the theme of loneliness, greed, perceived perfection and they are so diverse in background, ethnicity and age but Vera has moulded her motley crew of friends into a wonderfully non-PC, but loving, family.
I can't wait to see if Vera and her new travel buddy actually make it to Europe before they're pulled into another mystery!
The Rose in the Shadows by Arcadia Rayne
4.0
An unknown woman arrives in Athenia amidst a magical maelstrom. Once conscious she cannot remember anything about herself, where she comes from or the magical powers she seems to have acquired and that she struggles to control. Crown Prince Clayton (Clay), heir to the King, can transform into a dragon, and makes it his mission to find out all he can about this fascinating and powerful female.
It's uncovered that Thea is a Descendant and a powerful one. A descendent from a line of god's long thought extinct. As the sole occupant of the House Hyrax, the God of the Underworld, Thea needs to prove her mastery of her powers, whilst learning all she can about this land and dodging the grasp of slimy power hungry figures.
This is mainly a single POV story with the first and last chapters told from the perspective of her new friends/allies. There is a great mix of action, adventure and fantasy and romance. The pantheon of gods are well depicted and I felt there was more than enough information for me to flesh out their backgrounds and politics.
The world building was crafted really well and there were plenty of themes which resonate with real world politics. There was certainly something very POTUS like with Vyncent! There is a romance strand to the story but it doesn't take over or get in the way of the fantasy side of the book. Clay is very much a man who loves women and is a great balance of confidence and taking charge without being oppressive.
There were a few great scenes throughout the book and my brain still flips to a certain balcony scene!
The Pantheon follows along with the ancient Greek Pantheon so it made it quite easy to follow and as I'm a big mythology fan I felt at home really quickly in this world.
The characters are well depicted and had enough backstory that they didn't feel flat. Iris especially was a great secondary character. I did have a tear or two throughout this book as some of my fave characters didn't make it to the end. The big bad was kind of obvious from the start and I did identify them quite early on but I did wobble a bit after some revelations but I claim victory anyway!
It's uncovered that Thea is a Descendant and a powerful one. A descendent from a line of god's long thought extinct. As the sole occupant of the House Hyrax, the God of the Underworld, Thea needs to prove her mastery of her powers, whilst learning all she can about this land and dodging the grasp of slimy power hungry figures.
This is mainly a single POV story with the first and last chapters told from the perspective of her new friends/allies. There is a great mix of action, adventure and fantasy and romance. The pantheon of gods are well depicted and I felt there was more than enough information for me to flesh out their backgrounds and politics.
The world building was crafted really well and there were plenty of themes which resonate with real world politics. There was certainly something very POTUS like with Vyncent! There is a romance strand to the story but it doesn't take over or get in the way of the fantasy side of the book. Clay is very much a man who loves women and is a great balance of confidence and taking charge without being oppressive.
There were a few great scenes throughout the book and my brain still flips to a certain balcony scene!
The Pantheon follows along with the ancient Greek Pantheon so it made it quite easy to follow and as I'm a big mythology fan I felt at home really quickly in this world.
The characters are well depicted and had enough backstory that they didn't feel flat. Iris especially was a great secondary character. I did have a tear or two throughout this book as some of my fave characters didn't make it to the end. The big bad was kind of obvious from the start and I did identify them quite early on but I did wobble a bit after some revelations but I claim victory anyway!
Firebird by Juliette Cross
dark
emotional
reflective
4.0
Tropes: Dragon shifters, Empathic powered FMC, Touch Her and Die, Fated Mates, Alternative ancient history timeline
Malina has endured trauma after trauma at the hands of the Roman Empire. She lost her family, then her adopted Celtic clan. But when she is saved by the one person she has ever felt a connection to - she grasps onto that little light of hope.
Julianus may be the feared conqueror but he is nothing like his image. He's strong, determined and a feared warrior. But he takes no enjoyment from his job, he does not enjoy killing or seizing lands from the so-called enemies of her uncle, the Emperor. He is well aware of the evil his uncle is spreading and is determined to somehow rid the empire of him. He is slowly amassing allies but his plans almost unravel when he comes upon Malina fighting off the advances of some of his men. Men who he had directly ordered NOT to injure, assault or otherwise harm the survivors.
His dragon sends a clear message and whisks Malina off to safety.
There is no glossing over of the politics in this book, it paints the Roman Empire, even one with dragons, as the corrupt society it was. That even those who tried to do good were also guilty of some other "sin" themselves.
This is not your average Romantasy. It is darker in tone and even though it has a power imbalance between the two MC's (something I usually loathe) due to the setting of the storyline, there could really only ever be an imbalance unless it was two MC's from the same strata of society. But there is no time when Julianus uses his "superiority" as a weapon against Malina, in fact he only uses his elevated status as a way to save people. Does he work within a corrupt and evil-tainted system, yes. Does he have to do bad things to protect his proto-rebellion? Also yes. But as an actual ancient historian, I can vouch for the fact that as with any "empire" through history, just because you work within the system, does not mean you blindly obey the system. For a modern illustration - look no further than the current politics of the world!
So even though there are some elements of the book that might make you squirm or feel uncomfortable, they are there for that very reason. To make sure you know how privileged you are to be able to dissent, pick at, and hold accountable those very systems. There are many scenes, especially with the Emperor and Cipranis, that are uncomfortable and downright hard to read, especially as a SA survivor myself. But they are also cathartic as I raged, swore and plotted their ends in my head.
I'm now awaiting book 2 to see how Trajan furthers their rebellion.
Malina has endured trauma after trauma at the hands of the Roman Empire. She lost her family, then her adopted Celtic clan. But when she is saved by the one person she has ever felt a connection to - she grasps onto that little light of hope.
Julianus may be the feared conqueror but he is nothing like his image. He's strong, determined and a feared warrior. But he takes no enjoyment from his job, he does not enjoy killing or seizing lands from the so-called enemies of her uncle, the Emperor. He is well aware of the evil his uncle is spreading and is determined to somehow rid the empire of him. He is slowly amassing allies but his plans almost unravel when he comes upon Malina fighting off the advances of some of his men. Men who he had directly ordered NOT to injure, assault or otherwise harm the survivors.
His dragon sends a clear message and whisks Malina off to safety.
There is no glossing over of the politics in this book, it paints the Roman Empire, even one with dragons, as the corrupt society it was. That even those who tried to do good were also guilty of some other "sin" themselves.
This is not your average Romantasy. It is darker in tone and even though it has a power imbalance between the two MC's (something I usually loathe) due to the setting of the storyline, there could really only ever be an imbalance unless it was two MC's from the same strata of society. But there is no time when Julianus uses his "superiority" as a weapon against Malina, in fact he only uses his elevated status as a way to save people. Does he work within a corrupt and evil-tainted system, yes. Does he have to do bad things to protect his proto-rebellion? Also yes. But as an actual ancient historian, I can vouch for the fact that as with any "empire" through history, just because you work within the system, does not mean you blindly obey the system. For a modern illustration - look no further than the current politics of the world!
So even though there are some elements of the book that might make you squirm or feel uncomfortable, they are there for that very reason. To make sure you know how privileged you are to be able to dissent, pick at, and hold accountable those very systems. There are many scenes, especially with the Emperor and Cipranis, that are uncomfortable and downright hard to read, especially as a SA survivor myself. But they are also cathartic as I raged, swore and plotted their ends in my head.
I'm now awaiting book 2 to see how Trajan furthers their rebellion.
Content Warnings
Minor: Confinement, Genocide, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Death of parent, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
The Stolen Bride by Gena Showalter, Jill Monroe
4.0
Clover is the nicest girl in the world but she is no pushover. When she finds herself sucked into another realm - one inhabited with Berserkers, she soon finds that the huge male who is protecting her might also be the biggest threat!
Victor and Clover have a brilliantly witty repartee and bring something extra to the grumpy-sunshine trope. To be a berserkers firebrand is to be their weakness and their calming centre. Learning about the links between Clover and the new found members of her family was sweet but also galling cos one particular family member does nothing but bring chaos and misery.
Looking forward to the next berserker meeting his firebrand!
Victor and Clover have a brilliantly witty repartee and bring something extra to the grumpy-sunshine trope. To be a berserkers firebrand is to be their weakness and their calming centre. Learning about the links between Clover and the new found members of her family was sweet but also galling cos one particular family member does nothing but bring chaos and misery.
Looking forward to the next berserker meeting his firebrand!
Prince with a Chance of Darkness by Mandy M. Roth
4.0
Vlad (aka Dracula) and Mina finally get to have their HEA. He's the old as dirt vampire, who's been made out to be far worse than he is. She's the natural born slayer who had to become a vampire to save her life. Neither one thought they'd be other than a ONS - fate said "hold my beer"!
Betrayal, miscommunication, instafamily, fated mates and a huge dysfunctional found family - all the hallmarks of a fabulously funny romp in Grimm Cove. With Burgess causing mayhem, Marcy being very Marcy and a teenager finally finding out who her dad is.
I loved seeing the action from previous books from this fresh perspective, seeing how all the timelines converge and overlap. Vlad is the nicest "bad guy" in history and Mina is no Buffy - she's a lot more lethal! I really love this series and I'm here for as many books as possible in this tine, supernatural friendly town.
Betrayal, miscommunication, instafamily, fated mates and a huge dysfunctional found family - all the hallmarks of a fabulously funny romp in Grimm Cove. With Burgess causing mayhem, Marcy being very Marcy and a teenager finally finding out who her dad is.
I loved seeing the action from previous books from this fresh perspective, seeing how all the timelines converge and overlap. Vlad is the nicest "bad guy" in history and Mina is no Buffy - she's a lot more lethal! I really love this series and I'm here for as many books as possible in this tine, supernatural friendly town.
Fighting for Mari by Katie Reus
4.0
Mari and Colin have known each other forever. He's her brothers best friend, her mother loves and dotes on him, he's a great pilot with a flourishing business. And Mari hates the air he breathes! What was a youthful indiscretion and off the cuff remark for him, made Mari feel like a laughing stock and Mari, well she can hold a grudge! Like worse than I can and I thought I was queen of the grudges!
Mari has really enjoyed getting to know the RHS folk and of course she and Marigold are besties but now it looks like trouble is coming for Mari and the man least likely to save her is going to be her knight in shining aeroplane! Colin can admit he made a stupid mistake but he never thought that Mari had overheard him, never mind still hate him for it!
Colin and Mari finally have to share the same space whilst on the run from whoever has it in for Mari and they realise that all that animosity is really just a smokescreen for some intense chemistry. I did enjoy learning about their past history and just why Mari seemed to hate everyone's "go to guy" - now we know! I totally called the bad guy so I'm a completely happy camper.
Bradford dropped a bit of a bombshell on us and not I'm left gasping "WTF????" That is going to be a doozy of a story.
Mari has really enjoyed getting to know the RHS folk and of course she and Marigold are besties but now it looks like trouble is coming for Mari and the man least likely to save her is going to be her knight in shining aeroplane! Colin can admit he made a stupid mistake but he never thought that Mari had overheard him, never mind still hate him for it!
Colin and Mari finally have to share the same space whilst on the run from whoever has it in for Mari and they realise that all that animosity is really just a smokescreen for some intense chemistry. I did enjoy learning about their past history and just why Mari seemed to hate everyone's "go to guy" - now we know! I totally called the bad guy so I'm a completely happy camper.
Bradford dropped a bit of a bombshell on us and not I'm left gasping "WTF????" That is going to be a doozy of a story.