*** Book Review- The Kinsmen Universe by Ilona Andrews

 

 This is an anthology edition of the Kinsmen Universe, which includes SILENT BLADE, SILVER SHARK, plus a new short story, and three original illustrations. Family is everything. Talent is power. And revenge is sweet. In a distant, future world Kinsmen-small powerful groups of genetically and technologically advanced families-control vast financial empires. They are their own country, their own rulers, and their only limits are other Kinsmen. The struggle for power is a bloody, full-contact sport: in business, on the battlefield...and sometimes in the bedroom.

Silent Blade - Old hatreds die hard. Old love dies harder. On the planet Rada, Meli Galdes' family is of minor rank, and were relying on her marriage to Celino, the razor-smart, ruthless leader of the powerful Carvanna empire. When he abruptly breaks their engagement, he ruins her family and guarantees that Meli will never marry, as no suitor will oppose the rich and influential Carvannas. But Meli has a rare, secret, lethal-and valuable-talent. As a melder of energy, she's capable of severing anything in her path. So she 'leaves' her family and trains to become one of the best and most lethal of assassins, all the while covertly guarding her family's interests. Now she's ready to quit; but she has one more assignment. To kill the man who ruined her life.

Silver Shark - Claire Shannon is a killer...and her weapon is her mind. Born on a planet torn by war for over 300 years, Claire is a soldier: a psycher, with the ability to read, control, and destroy the minds of enemy psychers and to infiltrate the biological network where they battle to death. When Claire's faction loses the war, she barely escapes extermination from both sides, as her talent brands her as too dangerous to society. By so-deeply burying her ability that she avoids detection, Claire is instead deported to Rada as a refugee, where she must find work to remain. She finds a job as personal assistant to Venturo Escana, a premiere kinsman; one of Rada's most wealthy entrepreneurs-and most powerful psychers. She thought she had left war behind, but now she must hide her skills and her growing feelings from Venturo...and this battle might just cost her everything...

A Mere Formality - The leader of the fierce Reigh people expires during an intergalactic summit, putting 30 million colonists' lives and livelihoods in jeopardy. When the new heir to the Reigh throne, Lord Nagrad, demands restitution, the phrase "a life for a life" turns the intergalactic calamity into an arranged marriage contract between Lord Nagrad and sharply intelligent diplomatic analyst Deirdre Lebed... and the negotiation of terms becomes anything but formal...

AMAZON LINK

4.5 STARS 

SILENT BLADE thoughts-

  This was a shorter story but it was pretty full.  And I did enjoy it.  It's also the first time that I have read any of the Kinsmen stories.

I really liked gutsy Meli even though she had become a assassin.   The information about her skills and how she operates was different but good. 

Celino just wants to be free and he is but he never counted the cost for Meli.  Brilliant guy but at times clueless.  Yes, he was ruthless too and entitled.  He wants something he goes after it no matter what.

The continuing question throughout the story of course is, "Is she really going to kill him?"

I did like how the story ended.  A longer story I wouldn't have minded at all though.

SILVER SHARK thoughts-

Wow, the world building in this one is off the charts fantastic !!!

The beginning of the story showed the grimness of a long drawn out war.  Other than to say that in each story there were some kick-butt women  That was shown from Claire's point of view and it also shows a lot of lack and hardships.  Claire comes from a very gray, colorless world.  It's bland in every way.  The world that she is deported to is completely opposite. Colorful, prosperous but still savage in some of it's ways. 

 Venturo makes for an interesting, powerful person and Claire has quite the time of hide and seek going on with him.  

While I really enjoyed all of them, I think this one had to be my favorite of the three.  And the drama towards the end made for a good ending. 

A MERE FORMALITY thoughts-  this one was quite the surprise.  Not even sure how to explain it without giving too much away.

Other than to say that in each story there were some kick-butt women matched against some tough, skilled men who never saw them coming!  Loved that !

 On a final note the drawings in the each of the books are outstanding and add so much.  Truly beautiful!

I read this book through HOOPLA. 

** Book Review- Her Child to Protect (Mercy Ridge Lawmen Book 1) by Delores Fossen

Nothing can stop her

…from saving two lives.

When she arrives at a murder scene, Deputy Della Howell is not pleased to find her recent ex already on the job. She’ll work the case with Sheriff Barrett Logan but will keep the secret she’s certain Barrett isn’t ready for—she’s pregnant with his child. But as the dueling cops investigate, familiar sparks reignite between them…just as they fall prey to a very tenacious killer.  AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

This story had it all.  Starting with Della and Barrett being at loggerheads while still fighting their wild attraction.  Then add in the assaults, attacks and murders and that keeps things hopping.  I liked both of the main characters and the emotions that Barrett was fighting.  He was also fighting even more emotions when it comes to his mother. Alice has caused all kinds of pain and dysfunction for Barrett and his brothers. 

Della has her own emotions to deal with and it adds up when she needs to tell Barrett that she's pregnant.

The mysteries thicken as more people could be suspects in the investigations but there are quite a few twists and turns when it comes to that. 

The final surprises and I do mean surprises come towards the end.  

It was an enjoyable book with a well deserved H.E.A. 

 

I read this story through the LIBBY (Library) Program. 
 

*Book Review- Wilde Child (The Wildes of Lindow Castle #6) by Eloisa James

 Eloisa James returns to the Wildes of Lindow Castle series with the next Wilde child who runs and joins a theatre troupe -- and the duke who tries to save her reputation.


He wants a prim and proper duchess, not the Wildest of the Wildes!

Already notorious for the golden hair that proves her mother’s infidelity, Lady Joan can’t seem to avoid scandals, but her latest escapade may finally ruin her: she’s determined to perform the title role of a prince—in breeches, naturally.

She has the perfect model for an aristocratic male in mind: Thaddeus Erskine Shaw, Viscount Greywick, a man who scorned the very idea of marrying her.

Not that Joan would want such a dubious honor, of course.

For years, Thaddeus has avoided the one Wilde who shakes his composure, but he’s horrified when he grasps the danger Joan’s putting herself in. Staring into her defiant eyes, he makes the grim vow that he’ll keep her safe.

He strikes a bargain: after one performance, the lady must return to her father’s castle and marry one of three gentlemen whom he deems acceptable.

Not including him, of course.   AMAZON LINK

3.5 STARS

 I've wanted to read this story for a while.  Although it's a well written book with interesting main characters I find myself a bit disappointed. I find it's not really my cup of tea.  For me, probably too much focus on Shakespeare. There were some good moments with some cute and even some smile-worthy times.  Just not enough for me.  

I did enjoy Otis and Aunt Knowe though. And it does have a H.E.A. so there is that. 

I read this book through Libby (Library)

Book Review- JANE: My family business by Samantha Smith

  

My father had chosen to involve my brother in the family’s business and exclude me from it. I knew it had to do with the fact that I was a woman, but I was determined to find out the full truth about my family.

Jane, a young woman, daughter of Paul Romano, the don of one of the most powerful mob families in the coastal region of the United States, didn’t like that her father had chosen to involve her brother in the family’s business and exclude her from it. 

She wanted to be an active player in her father’s organization, so she hid behind a tree to watch something that changed her life forever, her father’s men tortured and killed a man, a few meters away from where she was.

The killed man was the son of one of the most powerful mafia lords in the world, the Russian Kuznestov.

Paul the father of Jane is worried and awaits the retaliation that will come soon…

 

Although what there was of the story was fairly good..it also was NOT a complete book.  

Added to that is the fact that there is no Amazon or Goodreads link to this book.  Also I couldn't find anything about this author.  

The only information I found was on a email about the signup for her newsletter.  It mentioned  Guatemala City, Guatemala was where it was sent from.  So I feel hesitant to recommend this book.

 

 

**Book Review-Highlander's Bride (Called by a Highlander Book 7) by Mariah Stone

  

 Highlander’s Bride is the seventh book in Mariah Stone’s epic Called by a Highlander time-travel romance series. If you like dramatic historical romances, marriages of convenience, and dark alpha heroes, you’ll swoon over this fated-for-love romance!

 Modern medicine keeps her alive, but a medieval Highlander makes her soul sing. Will a diabetic trapped in the past risk her life for a love to span the ages?

Scotland, 2021. Light-headed, diabetic Bryanna Fitzpatrick stumbles through Eilean Donan Castle, searching for a place to test her blood. But when she wanders into an underground cavern, a Highland faerie sends her back in time to the Middle Ages.

Scotland, 1310. Four years ago, Highlander Raghnall Mackenzie swore to raise his dying betrothed’s son. Now he must marry another to reclaim his lands and fulfill his promise. Until his would-be bride leaves him standing at the altar.

Thinking she’s in a pleasant dream, Bryanna agrees to marry gorgeous warrior Raghnall Mackenzie. When she realizes the medieval world is real, she tries to escape—but there’s no chance Raghnall will let his beautiful new wife run off. Though Bryanna resents his manhandling, his tortured soul and beautiful music speak to her. With only a few doses of insulin left, she’s out of options. Her life depends on returning to her own time. But can she leave the husband who’s captured her heart…even if staying costs her life?   AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

 I have to admit when I read the book information it got my attention right away.  This was something a bit different just like it promised.  And I enjoyed it.  The world building was so good, with beautifully described times and places in medieval Scotland.  And the emotions were often raw and often painful.  But it wasn't depressing, there were good times too.

Byranna and Raghnall sure had their share of battles and challenges ahead of them.  And that's not even counting the fierce warfare battle heading the clans way. 

There is a chart with the  meaning of some of the Scottish words but for me it wasn't needed.  I felt easy to follow without it. Of course,  have read a lot of Scottish stories. 

Loved the ending and the Epilogue.  A good story all the way around.  

I see that David (another time traveler) will be getting his own story too.  Sounds good to me.  

 

 I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review- The Hit (Team Zulu ) by Julie Weaver

   

When hitman Elias “Shep” Shepherd accepts a Mafia contract, he doesn’t expect his mark to be a woman—or the sexiest thing in grease-stained overalls he’s ever laid eyes on. She stirs something inside the Special Forces veteran’s battle-hardened heart. Despite the risks, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it means hauling her to his remote mountain cabin and breaking his no visitors rule.

Auto mechanic Cameron McKenzie only needs one look at the towering wall of muscle who’s abducted her to know he’s a killing machine. Too bad for him, she’s not going down without a fight. Hidden away in his isolated cabin, Cameron is reluctant to admit Shep might not be the heartless beast she thought he was. And as their mutual trust builds, so too does an intense desire for her unlikely savior.

If the Mafia discovers Cameron is still alive, Shep will need every one of his elite skills to keep them both safe. Although he’s no longer sure which is more dangerous—the enemy’s demand for merciless retribution, or the woman who makes him wish he was worthy of her love.  AMAZON LINK

 5 STARS

What a great start!  And as things went on I kept wondering, "How in the world will things ever work out?"  It definitely kept me reading to find out.  

It also helped that both of the main characters were interesting and had their own challenges to face.  And boy, was Shep someone who had quite a bit of depth to him.  Cameron was no slouch either.  But not only is her focus to stay alive but to protect her brother too, if there's any way she can.   

I just have to say that this story had plenty of action, emotions, surprises and was totally unpredictable.  It was a story totally worth reading and I enjoyed it a lot !  I fell in love with both Shep and Cameron (Cam) and wanted the best for them.  

I like it when a story has an Epilogue and this one did. I was surprised by how much I liked this story.  All, I can say is what an awesome ride and I want me some more Team Zulu stories please.

 

 I voluntarily read and am reviewing an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

*** Book Review- Falling Stars: A Sci Fi Alien Romance by Kimberly Dean

 

 When representatives from the planets of the troubled Akasha solar system meet to sign a peace accord, talks go awry. Tempers flare, and a battle erupts. Cut off from their own spacecraft, the landing parties commandeer an alien starship to escape.

Trapped onboard the Storm Chaser together, Commander Rhodie Menodora doesn’t trust the sultry Sciroccon Spears who protect their planet’s female president. He’s just not prepared for the pretty little Sciroccon doctor who’s snuck into their midst. When he’s hit by phaser fire protecting his king, though, he’s at her mercy.

Breeze Caelestis took a vow to heal those who are hurting, even if it’s the hard-nosed leader of the King’s Guard from the patriarchal planet of Terrene. Rhodie’s a difficult patient to treat—but they need to learn to work together if they’re going to survive. Living on the run from avenging space military forces, Breeze and Rhodie soon move beyond acceptance to desire. And alien enemies turn to lovers. Yet their starship romance may be short lived for Breeze is on a secret mission, and Rhodie may have the intel she needs to prevent a war between the planets. 

AMAZON LINK 

5+ STARS

What a great story with unpredictable, non-stop action !  And the people of the different races were so well developed as was their culture.  Their physical descriptions and abilities were off the charts good.   

It was really easy to be pulled into the personalities of both Rhodie and Breeze.  And wanting the two of them to overcome all as their romance advanced.  They were bucking big odds to  become lovers.  I enjoyed the way the author wrote their love scenes. It might have been intense but it was also tender and caring.  

Breeze has a sister, Skye  who is also onboard the escaping Storm Chaser.  Skye was the leader of the  Sciroccon people and she wasn't there originally by choice.  But I liked how she was also a part of the story and was just one of several secondary people who added so much.  There are three different groups of people so different but they had to learn how to work together or die.  And I enjoyed their progress and times of friction.

This is one of those stories that kept me on the edge of my seat.  With a ending that made me smile.

I wouldn't mind one bit finding more space romance stories by this author.  Especially if they follow any of the secondary people in this book.  Yes, they were that good. 

 

   " I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book,  and this is my honest opinion about it."