Tag: Books

A Prince of Smoke and Mirrors (Billionaire Sanctuary: The Heir Book 1) by Blair Babylon

5 Stars

Another amazing start to a series!

Blair Babylon writes intricate and interconnected series; not just a story but a saga that once you start reading you will not want to stop. And so, with this first book in the Billionaire Sanctuary series we are introduced to Lexi Byrne, a young woman who thought she was getting married.  But as she approaches the altar, she finds out her fiancé is not who he’s been pretending he is.  Now ditched by him, his family, and all her supposed friends she is alone in Las Vegas.  Wearing her wedding dress since she has nothing but the clothes she has on, she starts busking for a few dollars as a statue in front of a hotel like building. 

Nicolai Romanov, who is related to the deposed and murdered Tsar of Russia – though he wants no part of Russia and its politics, is traveling with Harry and Megan (!) to a mutual friend’s bachelor party being held at the Las Vegas Billionaire Sanctuary.  As they and their security detail are moving toward the entrance, Nico sees a woman in white, who catches his attention.  This is the start of a compelling, exciting, and interesting set up for book 1 of this series.  Blair writes contemporary adventure romances which always have a believable plot and intertwine current political and social events into it.  None of her main series are short so there are always several books that end with a development that hooks you into the next book.  I find that I learn a lot of new things when reading Blair’s books, and her research is always spot on.  She likes to write about billionaires, which I find a bit fascinating since I, and probably most other readers, fall far below that level of income.  But I love reading about them, and this first book in the series is no different- giving us a look into the lives of the rich and famous.  Cannot wait for book 2! 

I received an ARC of the book from the author through BookFunnel and this is my honest opinion. 

After Midnight (Skye Druids #7) by Donna Grant

She was always my weakness. Now she’s my only hope.

She was my salvation once—wild magic in her blood, fire in her kiss, and a body I still dream about. I touched heaven with her.

Then dragged us both to hell.

Now she looks at me like I’m the enemy. But I see the way she trembles when I get too close. Feel her power pulse when I say her name.

She hasn’t forgotten.

And I’ll make damn sure she remembers.

An ancient evil is rising beneath Skye—older than our magic, and twice as ruthless.

Only she and I can stop it. We’re bound by fate, fueled by everything we never stopped wanting.

She doesn’t trust me. Doesn’t want to want me.

Too bad. Because I’ll fight for her. Claim her.

Ruin her all over again—if that’s what it takes to keep her safe.

This isn’t just about saving the world. It’s about us.

What I destroyed.

What I’ll never let go again.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant returns to the Skye Druids, where destiny awakens, secrets unravel, and a love long denied refuses to fade.

Buy Links:

After Midnight: https://dgrant.co/40uILwe

✦ DG SIGNED PB → https://dgrant.co/3FCtjGw

✦ DG Store ebook → https://dgrant.co/3FCtjGw

✦ Amazon → https://amzn.to/40fKTXu

✦ Kindle → https://amzn.to/40fKTXu

✦ Audible → https://dgrant.co/3TNx67z

✦ BN → https://dgrant.co/3WiQI53

✦ Nook → https://dgrant.co/3WiQI53

✦ Nook Audio → https://dgrant.co/4nyumJ5

✦ Apple → https://apple.co/3DR8NRz

✦ Kobo → https://dgrant.co/3ZVsP5C

✦ Kobo audio → https://dgrant.co/4nhUE1U

✦ Google → https://dgrant.co/4fYoJyD

✦ Google Audio → https://dgrant.co/42cl39s

✦ Audiobooks → https://dgrant.co/40iQqxp

✦ Tantor → https://dgrant.co/4nrsH7O

Shadow Agents: Covert Affections (Psi-Ops/Shadow Agents #5) by Mandy M. Roth

5 Stars

More excitement for the Agents!

This book features Jesse Culbertson as an employee of The Corporation (the Evil guys) and Lindy Delgado, former test subject of said Evil.  Written in both characters voices, the story covers over 30 years.  If you haven’t read the previous books in this series, at least go back to the one just prior to this one (Ground Training – Immortal Outcasts Series Book 5) or you won’t get parts of the story you’ll need to understand what is happening. 

Both of our two main characters are shifters, and both have memory loss due to their pasts.  There is interaction with other characters from other parts of Mandy M. Roth’s extensive Universe of shifters, fae, demons, and other paranormal creations, so some prior reading will be helpful.  This book is much longer than prior books but well written with a lot of information presented in the story.  If you enjoy paranormal storylines, this is the book -and series – for you!  Cannot wait for the next book in whatever part of her numerous series Ms. Roth decides to take us.  Every book I have read of her many and varied series has been excellent, with some short quick reads and others more detailed.  Almost all have a past/present telling which helps if you start a book that is later in her overall timeline.  All are compelling stories that are enjoyable to read.  Also, the books are interconnected, and while some think they end in a cliffhanger, they really are just setting up for the next book which will have 2 or more “new” main characters. 

I was given an ARC of this book by the Author and BookSprout and this is my honest opinion. 

Storm Wood (Elven Kingdoms #3) by Donna Grant

Releases 13 May 2025

Deepest loyalty. Fiercest defiance.

I never wanted to fall in love. My sister’s disappearance damaged me for such things. I’ve devoted my life finding her—no matter where that leads me.

I could never have imagined it would bring me to him. A human with haunting celadon eyes and a determination that rivals my own. He’s strong, brash, and gorgeous.

Maybe that’s why I was caught off guard when he acknowledged that I was a covert agent. It’s a secret few know, and if word gets out, I’m as good as dead.

Too much rides on my identity remaining hidden. I have no choice but to help him navigate the perilous depths of the Below—and all who reside there.

But the lines that were once so vivid between us slowly begin to blur. We have only each other to survive and trusting him with my life is one thing. With my heart…that’s something I can’t even consider.

Yet, I can’t stop wondering what his lips would feel like against mine. I can’t help the ache I feel to be near him. And I can lie to him, but not myself. I crave his hard body next to me.

I never wanted to fall in love…but he stole my heart before I had a chance to safeguard it.

Now fate is pulling us apart, but I intend to fight for him. For us.

Even if it means my death.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant weaves a captivating story of daring choices, unlikely alliances, and the enduring strength of hope in the thrilling third installment of her acclaimed Elven Kingdoms series.

BUY LINKS:

✦ DG SIGNED PB → https://dgrant.co/4jh4jUD

✦ DG Store ebook → https://dgrant.co/4jh4jUD

✦ Amazon → https://amzn.to/4ildQbw

✦ Kindle → https://amzn.to/3ztgFH8

✦ Audible → https://dgrant.co/3RAMWBj

✦ BN → https://dgrant.co/4jAvadv

✦ Nook → https://dgrant.co/3XztZlf

✦ Nook Audio → https://dgrant.co/4ij8jlX

✦ Apple → https://apple.co/3MUJSh0

✦ Kobo → https://dgrant.co/3XWS5YF

The Bastard King (The Bastard Duology #1) by Donna Grant

5 Stars

An amazing story….

This is book 1 of a duology, but it’s really a part of a much bigger set of books that are all a part of Donna Grant’s Dark Universe.  This particular book features Derek, a Dragon who is not a part of Donna’s regular Dragons.  This separation is what makes this story so different from the others.  We know nothing about him, except his thoughts and memories.  Our second main character is Kora who isn’t human but tries to appear so.  They are on the planet, or realm as they call it, Zora where there are Dragons, Humans, Fae, and Star People.  If you haven’t read any of the other books in this series, you will have questions.  Donna Grant is an exceptional writer, and it would be worth your time to read the other books, at least in this part of her Universe first.  But this book!  It is an intricate weaving of so many bits and pieces and interwoven characters that I didn’t want to stop reading.  Our two main characters are not what a dedicated reader would expect, but this gives us so many new and interesting plot points that I can’t wait for the 2nd book to be released.  As always, Donna’s writing is masterful, with grammar and storyline well done.  Her characterizations are always fresh and insightful.  Take the time to read the series of books, and this one will be a favorite.  I would say that this book is on par with Darkest Flame, Hot Blooded, Fire Rising, and Torched.  This book is escapism at its best.

I received an ARC of the book from the Author and BookFunnel, and this is my honest opinion.

Dragon Frost: A Dragon Kings Novella (Dragon Kings #6.5) by Donna Grant

5 Stars

The Fae Realm

This short novella from Donna Grant revisits Constantine and Rhiannon.  They are still on Zora, and on Earth, Winter is approaching.  Rhiannon is a Fae and feels her emotions deeply.  She missis Earth and the turning of the seasons.  Constantine knows this, and this is the story of how he shows his love and appreciation of her.

This is a well written novella, which showcases two of the main characters of Donna Grant’s Dark Universe.  The characters are true to their written personalities which makes this an enjoyable read. 

I was given an ARC of the novella by Donna Grant through BookFunnel and this is my honest opinion.