Book Shelf: Assassin's Menace (Assassin's Magic #2.5) by Everly Frost

Never step between an assassin and his prey...

Nobody would suspect curvy, blonde bookworm Grace Kennedy of being a cold-blooded killer. She just wants to keep her head down and escape the violent secrets of her past.

But when Grace unwittingly gets between an assassin and his target, she becomes prey to Boston's most ferocious legion of killers.

If finding a way out of the life-threatening mess she created isn't hard enough, her unexpected encounters with Cain Carter prove even more unsettling.

Ruthless millionaire on the outside, sexy as hell in private, Cain is determined to make sure Grace survives her own secret power, as well as his.

When the Legion closes in and the power inside Grace threatens to tear her apart, Cain will have to sacrifice what he loves the most if he wants Grace to survive.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Assassin’s Menace is the third instalment in the Assassin’s Magic series by Everly Frost and introduces readers to a new voice and heroine in this kick-ass and riveting adventure full of action, romance and edge of your seat moments.

Bookworm Grace Kennedy isn’t who she appears, and she’s spent a lot of time and effort ensuring this is the case. No one would suspect that she’s actually a killer and she intends to keep it that way--- hoping to escape her violent past as much as possible. Then Grace unwittingly gets between an assassin and his target, becoming prey to Boston’s most vicious legion of killers. Help comes in the unexpected form of Cain Carter, ruthless millionaire and someone who is much more than he seems. Cain is determined to keep Grace alive even if it means going against his brother assassins, but for a girl who has never known kindness, Grace is sure Cain’s help comes with strings. Sexy as hell, Cain could become Grace’s weakness if she lets him, but with unforeseen powers simmering inside her, trusting Cain my be Grace’s only choice….if only she can trust him with her heart too.

Can I just say; Everly Frost is the bomb! Seriously this woman knows how to get my blood pumping and the adrenaline running with her edge-of-your-seat stories and exhilarating endings. Assassin’s Menace is the third instalment (book number 2.5 if you want to be specific) in Frost’s sensational Assassin’s Magic series and takes place between Assassin’s Mask and the upcoming final novel, Assassin’s Maze.

Stepping away from normal protagonist Hunter for the first time, Assassin’s Menace introduces readers to Grace Kennedy, an equally awesome and kick-ass heroine who quickly captured my heart with her determination, strength and capability. I’ll try not to give away spoilers where I can, but Grace is vital to Frost’s overall series, something that was fairly obvious to me heading into the novel. Readers of the series should catch on pretty quickly why and this will make it all super exciting as you discover Grace and what she can do.

It was fabulous to finally see Cain Carter meet his match in Assassin’s Menace and I couldn’t be happier that he was paired with Grace. Theirs is a romance that builds beautifully, and their chemistry is electric and driven. You knew where it was heading but that didn’t make seeing them fall for one another any less satisfying.

Everything really comes together with Assassin’s Menace. Everly Frost ties previous storyline arc’s together and allows the readers to discover where she was heading with certain hints and titbits that were suggested in the previous novels. I loved the inclusion of Cain’s sister Parker who is a real sweetie—and someone I’m hoping will be paired with Lutz Logan—and thought her inclusion to the story was really adorable.

Thrilling and so very good, Assassin’s Menace was another brilliant read in a series I genuinely adore. I can’t wait to see what Everly Frost has planned for the fourth and final instalment—I have no doubt it will be spectacular!

Rating:
Source: Read via Kindle Unlimited
Publisher: Ever Realm Books
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: June 20th 2019
Buy: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Final Thoughts: Another fabulous installment--I can't wait to see how it will all come to and end!

Book Shelf: Assassin's Mask (Assassin's Magic #2) by Everly Frost

Is love worth fighting for?
When Hunter Cassidy revealed her true power to Slade Baines during a fight for their lives, everything she wanted was ripped away from her.

Now, with her heart in pieces, Hunter is left only with her determination to find and destroy the deadly weapon that led her to infiltrate the Assassin's Legion in the first place.

But Hunter's quest proves more complicated than she expected, leaving her with no choice but to make a deal with one of the Legion's most formidable assassins—a deal that catapults her right back into Slade's life.

Now the Master Assassin, Slade's power grows by the day and so does his determination to fight the bond he formed with Hunter and the powerful attraction that keeps drawing them together. No matter what, he will protect her from the enemies she makes at every turn, including the new leader of the underground whose mission is to destroy them both.

When tragedy strikes, Hunter discovers that the weapon she sought is nothing like she expected. She and Slade will need to work together to defeat the rising power behind the underground. But can they fight together when their hearts are torn apart? 

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Assassin’s Mask is the second novel in the Assassin’s Magic series by Everly Frost is a fantastic sequel and continuation in the saga that is full of danger, exhilarating romance and edge of your seat excitement.

When Hunter Cassidy revealed the truth of what she is to Slade Baines during a battle for their lives, everything she treasured was ripped away. Now with a broken heart, Hunter is left with only her mission to locate and destroy the weapon that led her to infiltrate the Assassin’s Legion to begin with. This is easier said than done and Hunter will have to make deals with fellow assassins if she wants to succeed; something that will put her straight back into Slade’s path. Now Master Assassin, Slade’s power grows day by day, as does his resolve to fight the bond he formed with Hunter---if only for her own good. Then a new enemy surfaces and Hunter and Slade have no choice but to work together if they want to survive. Will their fears keep them apart or will they discover that their greatest strength lies in each other?

I’m seriously in love with this series! After two novels I am very much besotted with the characters and story and am invested in their journey. Well written and paced, Assassin’s Mark continues to explore this rich world of assassins, magic and monsters that Everly Frost has created. With elements of mythology and plenty of solid fight sequences, battles and action, this series has plenty to offer and continues to develop. It’s enchanting and enthralling with a fantastic main character and a great cast of supporting characters whose dynamics I’m loving; Cain, Vlad, Tansy, William, Briar, Dean---they’re all fabulous!

Everly Frost writes our protagonist Hunter as someone so very likable that I’m hopelessly addicted to her story. Hunter is kind, genuine, honourable and so very kick-ass. She’s not perfect and she’s not infallible, but she tries her hardest to do the right thing and not hurt anyone in the process. Hunter is just a fantastic character that is perfect within the story and in her role.

Oh, and she certainly has a perfect match in Slade Baines who faces a lot of his own struggles in Assassin’s Mask. Everly Frost is a writer after my own heart with absolutely NO love triangle in sight with this series. Hunter and Slade are committed to one another only and regardless of the difficulties they are facing there is no denying their chemistry and feelings for one another.

As Assassin’s Mask ends with some shocks, and some losses, I cannot wait to see what happens to Hunter, Slade and all their friends next and will be diving straight into the next book to find out!

Rating:
Source: Read via Kindle Unlimited
Publisher: Ever Realm Books
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: March 10th 2019
Buy: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: This book was as fabulous as the first---love this series!

Book Shelf: Assassin's Magic (Assassin's Magic #1) by Everly Frost

Is love worth the danger?

When Hunter Cassidy plans to infiltrate the Assassin's Legion, posing as an assassin-in-training, she is prepared to encounter danger every step of the way. What she doesn't expect is the ruggedly handsome and relentlessly fierce trainee, Slade Baines.

It's hard enough that Hunter is the first female to be accepted to train with the Master Assassin himself. Even when she beats the other candidates, the Master ranks her lowest of all. In the male-dominated Legion, the other trainees see her as a weak link to be driven out of their ranks.

When they try to force Hunter out, Slade gets in their way, becoming an unexpected ally. Despite her best intentions, Hunter finds herself lowering her guard around him, which only makes carrying out her secret mission more difficult and puts her in danger of falling for him.

But there's more at stake than Hunter's heart. The Master Assassin possesses the key to locate a weapon that Hunter must ensure remains hidden at all costs. In her quest to stop this deadly power from falling into the wrong hands, she must make a choice between following her heart... or fulfilling her destiny. 

More info on Goodreads...... 


Review: 

Assassin’s Magic is the first novel in Everly Frost’s series of the same name and is a fast paced and deeply addictive urban fantasy full of magic, action, danger and romance!

Having seen her mother die, Hunter Cassidy plans to infiltrate the Assassin’s Legion in order to avenge her death and recover the relic her mother died trying to protect. Pretending to be an assassin-in-training, Hunter thought she was prepared for danger, but she certainly wasn’t prepared for Slade Baines, a fellow candidate and someone who treats Hunter with respect and kindness. In the male dominated Legion, Hunter is the first female to train with the Master Assassin and seen as weak by the other candidates. All except for Slade who quickly becomes an ally. As Hunter attempts to fulfil her secret mission, getting close to Slade can only be a mistake, yet he makes her lower her guard despite her best intentions. As the Master Assassin closes in on a weapon of immense power, getting her hands on it first is the only way Hunter can ensure he can’t use it but with her growing feelings for Slade weighing on her mind and clouding her vision, will Hunter be able to make difficult choices or will the Master Assassin find a way to destroy her first?

As the first novel by Everly Frost I have ever read, I have to say I was very impressed by Assassin’s Magic. Heading into the story I don’t think I was as prepared to like the characters and the story as much as I did, but I will say one thing…..I’m seriously hooked! Perfectly paced, Assassin’s Magic introduces readers to an intriguing world of magic and monsters where certain individuals train to become assassins and hunters of things that go bump in the night.

Assassin’s Magic unfolds through the perspective of Hunter Cassidy, a young woman with secrets. I genuinely loved Hunter and thought she was intelligent, capable and kick-ass. Her voice is distinct and easy to follow with author Everly Frost writing Hunter as someone you can’t help but like. I felt she was honourable and mission orientated even as it becomes clear that she has many secrets and isn’t what people think she is.

Everly Frost implores some really interesting mythology within her novel and I’m really keen to see more of her take on Keres and Valkyries. Greek myth is some of my favourite and I always enjoy seeing something a little different which I think Frost manages to succeed with in Assassin’s Magic. I appreciated the way Frost slowly revealed certain parts of Hunter’s past and heritage and allowed readers to come to their own conclusion about what is happening while also making sure you needed to know more.

There’s so much about Assassin’s Magic to love—the mythology, the action, the mystery and most definitely the romance. Hunter and Slade’s romance has that slow burn feeling that develops over time from the initial attraction to slithers of friendship with an undeniable chemistry. I really liked seeing Hunter let Slade in. Slade was sexy and capable while also being kind and respectful and he clearly cared about Hunter. They have plenty of obstacles in the way of their relationship, the biggest of which the truth about what Hunter is, but I for one am cheering for them and can’t wait to see them find their way to each other again.

Thrilling and very enjoyable, Assassin’s Magic felt like The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare meets Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder and is something I can’t wait to continue with. I’ll be starting the next novel straight away to see what Everly Frost has in store for Hunter next!

Rating:
Source: Read via Kindle Unlimited
Publisher: Ever Realm Books
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: December 26th 2018
Buy: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Final Thoughts: I loved this novel and can't wait to continue with the rest of the series!

Book Shelf: Decker (Hunting Her #2) by Eden Summers

He protected me from danger and became my biggest threat.

He’s my defender. My savior.
A brutally determined man with a cocky smirk and an equally cocky attitude.

Broad. Strong. Focused.
He seduces me with his flirtation.
Warms me with his care.

But he’s hiding something.
There are ulterior motives beyond his concern for my security.
A thirst for more than my safe keeping.

I can’t fall for him. Can’t be tempted by his touch.

Not when he can’t be trusted.

But questioning my protector means I’ve now become his target

More info on Goodreads.....  


Review:

Decker is another heart wrenching and raw standalone novel from Eden Summers that draws readers into a thrilling world of criminal activity, danger and passionate romance.

Tech genius Decker has always been known more for his brains than his brawn, but since finding himself imbrued with the Torian crime family Decker has been found he’s been put in situations where he must rely on brute force and put his body on the line. And that includes being tasked with protecting Keira, the youngest daughter in the family. Keira rouses all of Decker’s protective instincts and even though it goes against everything he knows, all he wants to do is save her from the life and family she is a part of. Yet Deckers secrets could destroy any relationship he hopes to build with Keira; that is if they don’t get him killed first that is…..

Eden Summers is back with another explosive novel, this time featuring Decker who was previously introduced to readers in Hunter and who comes to life in this companion novel that can be read as a standalone or alongside its predecessor. Fast paced, mysterious and with plenty of twists and turns, Decker is a gritty and suspenseful novel that brings to life a dangerous world of criminal activity, violence and danger.

Decker expands more on the Torian family and their activities, something that has me very intrigued as I’m keen to see if Cole is the devil everyone thinks he is. There are heavy themes explored in this novel which may be a trigger for some people but Eden Summers does also include plenty of romance and humorous dialogue between male leads Hunter and Decker that will keep you smiling and entertained.

Keira is Decker’s female counterpart in this story and is a member of the Torain family we have not previously met. As Cole’s younger sister, Keira is no stranger to her family’s inner workings, but is also somewhat innocent to their most heinous transgressions; having been protected from the truth as much as possible. In Decker, Keira has her eyes opened and must face some harsh truths as she finds herself falling for Decker and attempting to reconcile the dangerous secrets he has kept and the position they put her family in with the brutality and cruelty her family have been responsible for.

I liked both Keira and Decker. Like Sarah and Hunter before them, they were well suited to one another and had chemistry that made their romance steamy. Decker was so much more than the sarcastic individual we previously met and I enjoyed seeing different sides to him—even if his motivations were sad to learn about.

Overall, this darkly gritty world of hitmen, violence and criminal activity is enthralling. I’m keen to see what Eden Summers has in store for the next novel Torain that is set to feature Cole Torain and  Special Agent Anissa Fox. Paring Cole with the FBI ice-cold agent is sure to be an explosive combination. Can’t wait to see for myself!

Rating:
Source: Read via Kindle Unlimited (I also own a signed paperback copy)
Publisher: Published by Eden Summers
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: December 25th 2018
Buy: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble 
Final Thoughts: I enjoyed this novel and can't to read the next one!

Book Shelf: Hunter (Hunting Her #1) by Eden Summers

I wasn't looking for his kind of trouble.
It found me anyway.

Tall. Dark. Addictive.
He unravels me with his kisses.
Melts me with his touch.

But he has secrets.
A hidden agenda, beyond his craving for me.

A desire for more than tangled silk sheets and our sweat-slicked skin.

I need to run. From him. From the lies.

But running from the hunter means I've now become the prey.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:  

Hunter by Eden Summers is a dark and gritty contemporary novel that is part romance, part thriller and will keep you hooked from beginning to end with its fast pace and mystery.

Delving into Hunter by Eden Summer, I was super excited. I always enjoy her novels and couldn’t wait to read her latest release. The beauty of Hunter is that heading into the novel, both the description and the first few chapter’s don’t really give much away. Hunter is a gritty and suspenseful novel, heavy in mystery. The motivations and intentions of the main characters are things the reader will only discover over time and the drive to know more will urge the reader along.

Introducing readers to a driven and determined woman in search of vengeance and then man who stirs her desire but holds his own secrets, Hunter unfolds through the varying perspectives of both main characters Steph and Hunter. Both are twisted, conflicted and dark individuals with their own haunted pasts and secrets. Their relationship isn’t always altogether healthy but they find comfort and solace in each other and their attraction burns up the pages.

Personally I quite liked both Hunter and Steph and felt they fulfilled their respective roles within the story beautifully. Eden Summers writes some scorching sex scenes between them as well as a lot of sharp dialogue. I also found myself intrigued by Decker and Torian and can't wait to learn more about them down the track.

Raw and thrilling, Hunter was a deeply mysterious but driven story and hooked me from beginning to end. Can't wait to see what Eden Summers has in store next!

Rating:
Source: Read via Kindle Unlimited (I also own a signed paperback copy)
Publisher: Published by Eden Summers
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: February 6th 2018
Buy: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble 
Final Thoughts: A thoroughly enjoyable read, I'm ready to begin Dexter's tale next!

Book Shelf: Pain (Curse of the Gods #5) by Jane Washington & Jaymin Eve

Willa Knight: The saviour of both worlds, or the destruction of everything?

Sometimes history lies, and the tales of Minatsol and Topia are no different. Since the birth of Topia, Staviti has woven a web of deceit around the truth of Creation, striving only to maintain his power while destroying anything that gets in his way. Now, Willa and the Abcurses are determined to strip back the layers, to uncover the truth, and to understand the true nature of the two worlds before it's too late. 

The only problem? 

Any wrong step in their quest to restore balance might have terrible repercussions. Every single being—living or dead—might have to pay the price. 

More info on Goodreads......


Review: 

Pain is the fifth and final novel in the Curse of the Gods series by Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington and brings the series to a close in spectacular fashion with action, romance and the answers to questions readers have been eagerly awaiting to discover.

Willa Knight is a god and after so long feeling out of place amongst dwellers and sol’s she is finally beginning to realise who she is. And for the lands of Topia and Minastol, Willa will either be their salvation or their destruction. As Creator, Staviti has always had complete control over the worlds he has been responsible for, but now Minastol is dying and is won’t be long before Topia follows as Staviti’s greed begins to destroy the lands he lords over. As Willa and her friends begin to discover the truth behind his lies, they’ll need to understand the true nature of both worlds in order to save them, but restoring balance could come at a terrible cost….

After five full length novels and a novella, the Curse of the Gods series finally comes to a close. Drawing their readers back into the hearts of Topia and Minastol, Aussie authors Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington finally offer answers to the questions we have long wondered and weaves romance, action and family into this final instalment.

Pain is as always filled with the character bonds, humour and action I’ve come to expect with this series as well as sizzling sex scenes and surprises. I’ve enjoyed following Willa and the Abcurses (Rome forever!) as well as the characters we have met along the way including Emmy and Cyrus. This series isn’t perfect—sometimes I feel like the storyline gets away and doesn’t have a lot of purpose, but I do enjoy the characters and the world they exist in.

Pain focuses a lot more around the gods than any of the previous novels. We learn more about who they are as well as Staviti’s true heritage which brings everything together with a bit more clarity. I put Willa’s own heritage together quite quickly once certain details are revealed, but it was still enjoyable seeing her discover the truth for herself.

Curse of the Gods has been an enjoyable series to read and I have definitely appreciated seeing Jane Washington and Jaymin Eve develop and unfold this saga. I’m sorry to say goodbye to Willa and the Abcurses, but was very happy with the hopeful and promising end to their story and will keep my eyes out to see what these talented authors release next!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me via Kindle Unlimited (I also own a signed paperback copy)
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Format: Kindle copy
Release Date: November 14th 2018
Buy: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Final Thoughts: A solid ending I was happy with.

Book Shelf: Neutral (Curse of the Gods #4.5) by Jane Washington & Jaymin Eve

Sometimes, the end is only the beginning.

Emmy was born a dweller and she expected to die as a dweller ... until Willa changed everything. Now she has no idea of her path, and she certainly wasn't prepared for what would happen after her death. Caught in the middle of a war that threatened to prove much more significant than anyone had ever expected, there is only one person who can help her ... but his terms are steep.

Cyrus was born out of necessity: a being of light, brought to life with a singular purpose. Time has changed him and the recent events have unsettled him … but a certain transformed dweller is about to do much worse than that. She is about to turn his existence upside down.

Topia is giving them no choice: they survive together, or the war is lost. 

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

Neutral is the highly anticipated novella in Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington’s Curse of the Gods series that features characters Emmy and Cyrus in their own story with sizzling and highly enjoyable results.

Born a Dweller, Emmy was expecting to live and die as a Dweller, but when her best friend brought her back from the dead, everything changes. Waking up in Topia, Emmy is now a god and only time will tell what her new abilities and nature will be. Until then, she will need the help of the last person she wants help from in order to survive; an infuriating and egotistical god who riles her up like no one other. Born centuries before, Cyrus’s purpose is to be the balance between nature and the gods, but ever since Emmy came into his life he has been struggling to stay neutral---the very purpose of his being. The stubborn but beautiful dweller knows how to push all his buttons but with her now in a vulnerable and unknown position, Cyrus finds he’ll do anything to protect her. Different but the same, Emmy and Cyrus can’t deny the fire that simmers between them but with Staviti still an unknown factor, they’ll need to work alongside their friends if they want to stay alive long enough to discover if the desire between them could potentially be love.

Neutral is the book I have been waiting for. With every Curse of the Gods novel, Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington have been building and teasing Emmy and Cyrus’s relationship and in this novella we finally have the opportunity to see them come together with spectacular results! Told through their dual back and forth perspective, Neutral was a really good read—quite possibly my favourite of the series!

Emmy and Cyrus have a vivid, electric chemistry between them and the sexual tension is through the roof. I like them both individually, but put them together and it’s something else entirely. The back and forth banter, the push and pull as they fought what was undeniable between them—I just ate it up. These two have a fantastic dynamic that I have very much enjoyed having the opportunity to experience firsthand in this novella.

It was nice seeing Willa and the Abcurse brothers briefly through Emmy’s eyes. Seeing her and Cyrus give into the pull between them was wonderful and I for one could not have asked for anything more. Can’t wait to see what Jane Washington and Jaymin Eve have in store for the last novel; I’m sure it’s going to be brilliant!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me via Kindle Unlimited (I also own a signed paperback copy)
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Format: Kindle copy
Release Date: September 30th 2018
Buy: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Final Thoughts: My favourite installment in the series without a doubt, I'm keen to see how the series comes to an end.

Book Shelf: Strength (Curse of the Gods #4) by Jane Washington & Jaymin Eve

Willa Knight: Dead? Alive? Damned to a state of eternal bad luck?

Willa and the Abcurse brothers are back, and more determined than ever to stick by each other. Unfortunately, Staviti has other plans, plans that threaten to change the natural order of the worlds—though nobody really understands why. His agenda may very well affect all beings on Minatsol, even those that thought themselves safe in Topia. Even Willa-invincible-Knight. 

Unsure with her new place in the worlds, Willa must follow the Abcurses to their new post: Champions Peak, a secluded mountain far from civilization, where the most powerful sols have been summoned to hone their abilities through direct contact with the gods. 

There is a chance that she might survive her time on the mountain, but it seems like staying alive amidst the powerful occupants of the Peak is the least of her concerns. 

Her real problem is staying on the mountain at all. 

More info on Goodreads......


Review: 

Strength is the fourth novel in Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington's Curse of the Gods series and is another fast paced, enjoyable installment with romance, action and a shocking ending. 

Willa Knight is now a god....she thinks....maybe. After coming back from the dead, Willa's abilities have been getting stronger and stronger and no one quite knows exactly what she is. Determined to find out, her plans are derailed when Staviti summons the strongest of sols to Champions Peak, a secluded mountain where they are to be trained by the most powerful of Beta gods with the same gift. This means the Abcurses will be expected to attend and where her guys go, Willa goes. Surviving Champions Peak will be a difficult endeavour, but with Staviti's intentions in question, Willa will need all her tenacity to stay ahead of the Creator if she hopes to find out what he wants, before she winds up dead......

Quick reading with entertaining storylines and likeable characters, the Curse of the Gods is a highly addictive series. As book number four, Strength sees our beloved characters travel to a secluded mountain to participate in a competition ordered by Staviti. I enjoyed the change of scenery in this installment and seeing Willa and her guys investigate Staviti's heritage in Strength.

I also highly enjoyed seeing Cyrus feature in this novel so strongly as well as his undeniable chemistry with Emmy. It's so entertaining to see how Emmy riles him up and gets under his skin. Something that goes both ways. Emmy and Atti were sweet but the fire she has with Cyrus is so much more and I'm dying to read the next installment in the series, a novella featuring the two of them.

Strength features a throughly shocking ending and offers readers a glimpse into who Willa might possibly be. I have my own thoughts and inklings as to her heritage and I'm looking forward to seeing Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington reveal all soon. 

Rating: 
Source: Purchased by me via Kindle Unlimited (I also own a signed paperback copy)
Publisher: Published independently by the authors
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: July 20th 2018
Buy: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Final Thoughts: Another great read; ready for the next one--bring on Emmy and Cyrus!

Book Shelf: Seduction (Curse of the Gods #3) by Jaymin Eve & Jane Washington

Willa Knight: Dweller? Sol? Accidental evolutionary hiccup?

Willa has never been a particularly useful dweller: she isn’t very good at chores, she isn’t very good at worshipping, she isn’t very good at not having opinions, and she isn’t very good with rules—but none of that matters anymore.
The rules are changing.
The dwellers are trying to make their own way in the world, and Willa can’t seem to help getting tangled up in their plans.
Luckily, she has the Abcurse brothers to help her out—until she doesn’t, and suddenly she’s alone again in a world on the brink of chaos. With the Abcurses gone, she’ll have to rely on her wits, and her sister Emmy, to stay under the radar and survive.
Because someone wants her dead.

But, really, what else is new? 

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Seduction is the third novel in the Curse of the Gods series by Aussie authors Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington and is an enjoyable fantasy romance that continues a delectable series.

Willa Knight is still trying to figure out exactly what she is. She’s definitely not a god or a sol, but she’s also far from a normal dweller. Especially with her growing abilities and her recent penchant for setting things on fire. Her soul-link to the Abcurse brothers remains her saving grace but as her connection to the five gods continues to grow, Willa fears what will happen if they take the next step in their complex relationship. God of Chaos Rau has plans in store for Willa and her guys and they will need to come up with a plan if they want to save her first…..

After the previous novel seemed to be somewhat of a filler novel in my eyes, I found Seduction to be much more eventful than its predecessor. Not only does Seduction mark the first act of physically intimacy between Willa and her guys (yay!) it also featured a lot of situations that were exciting and action packed. These moments drove the story forward and had important consequences to the characters—some with shocking results.

After three books, Willa’s overall brand of clumsy and crazy is something I have gotten used to but there are times when her constant tripping, falling, slipping, banging, hitting gets to be a bit too much. And this is coming from someone who is innately clumsy herself; I’m used to clumsy. Willa just seems to take it to the next level and after a while it can seem like it’s being overly focused and highlighted. I’d rather focus on different aspects of Willa’s personality.

The Abcurse brothers continue to be swoon worthy and delectable love interests with Willa finally beginning a sexual relationship with them in Seduction. Five guys and one girl is sure to lead to a lot of sex but I’m appreciating Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington building to things slowly, even if I was honestly dying for them to take things to the next level and passed scorching kisses by this third book.

I like all the characters in the series, but Rome is by far my favourite Abcurse with Cyrus and Emmy both of high interest to me. I know they’re going to feature in their own tale soon, so I’ve been watching them closely and eating up all the chemistry apparent between them.

A turning novel in the series, Seduction features developments that will surprise and shock readers but clearly have important ramifications on the overall storyline. Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington left me ready to dive straight into the next novel—which I plan to do shortly—after the cliffhanger ending of Seduction and I can’t wait to see what happens to the characters next!

Rating:
Source: Purchased via Kindle Unlimited (I also own a signed paperback copy)
Publisher: Published independently by authors
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: November 30th 2017
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
Final Thoughts: Ready to dive straight into the next one.

Book Shelf: Persuasion (Curse of the Gods #2) by Jaymin Eve & Jane Washington

Willa Knight: Dweller? Bad-ass? Notorious pet to five magical beings?

In Blesswood, there are rules, and someone is trying to teach her how to follow them. The only problem is Willa. Which shouldn’t be anything new, since she has been a problem since birth—something her pseudo-sister Emmy would agree on.

So it definitely shouldn’t be new … but it is.

Because things are starting to happen that have never happened before.

Things are starting to get …chaotic. 

More info on Goodreads..... 


Review: 

Persuasion is the second novel in the Curse of the Gods series by Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington and continues to draw readers into a developing and changing world of magic, fantasy and sizzling sexual tension.

Willa Knight’s life was forever altered when she found herself tied to the five Abcurse brothers. Now she needs to discover what this bond means for her and why she is suddenly experiencing strangle abilities at the most inconvenience of times. Willa’s position as a dweller means she should be low on the totem pole, but as the Abcurses continue to hold her in high esteem, the other dwellers begin to act out, putting in motion the start of a rebellion that could change everything…..

In Persuasion, Willa is back alongside her five Abcurse brothers and continuing to shake up the world she lives in. A mere lowly dweller, Willa’s connection two five powerful “sols” is an enigma in their world where dwellers serve sols and do not associate with them on an equal level. Authors Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington continue to focus heavily around the close bond between Willa and her guys as the gods continue to play with their lives.

I’m at a bit of a mixed mind where a certain aspect of the novel is concerned and this is the is storyline; as in I didn’t really feel like there was much of one in this novel. Unlike the first novel which set up a lot of the world within the series, Persuasion didn’t seem to feature that much of a storyline arc. There wasn’t really a lot going on other than Willa continuing to spend time with the Abcurses and being in jeopardy—again. Perhaps this novel is more of a filler/set up to events to come, but it was mostly just little things that happened and not enough to really change the shape of the series.

That being said, I still enjoyed this novel. I generally like Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington’s novels and there was plenty of moments of hilarity and romantic tension within Persuasion. I’m enjoying seeing Willa connect with individual brothers and am intrigued by Cyrus, the Neutral God who will feature down the track in his own novel (with a certain dweller I might add) and will definitely be continuing the series.

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me via Kindle Unlimited
Publisher: Independently published by authors
Format: Kindle ebook via Kindle Unlimited (I also own a signed paperback)
Release Date: May 30th 2017
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Final Thoughts: This novel wasn't as exciting as the first, but I will be definitely be reading more.

Book Shelf: Trickery (Curse of the Gods #1) by Jaymin Eve & Jane Washington

Willa Knight: Dweller. Slave. Non-magical being.

In Minatsol, being a dweller means that you are literally no better than dirt. In fact, dirt might actually be more useful than Willa. Her life will be one of servitude to the sols, the magic-blessed beings who could one day be chosen to become gods.

At least her outer village is far removed from the cities of the sols, and she won’t ever be forced to present herself to them... Until one small mistake changes everything, and Willa is awarded a position to serve at Blesswood, the top sol academy in the world—a position that she definitely did not earn.

Under the sudden, watchful eye of the gods, she will be tasked to serve the Abcurse brothers, five sols built of arrogance, perfection and power. They are almost gods themselves, and under their service she is either going to end up sentenced to death, or else they are going to ruin her so badly that she will wish for it.

Either way, she is in trouble. 

More info on Goodreads..... 


Review: 

Trickery is the first novel in the Curse of the Gods series by authors Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington and is an exhilarating and entertaining reverse harem fantasy introducing readers to a determined heroine and five men who are about to change her world…..

Willa Knight is a dweller; a slave and one of the lowest class of person in the land of Minastol. As a dweller her whole purpose in life is to serve magical infused beings known as sols who could one day be chosen to become gods. Willa expects to live out her clumsy and disaster filled life in her simple dweller village until a mistake sees her chosen to be sent to Blesswood; an academy catering to the most powerful sols. Alongside her best friend, Willa travels to Blesswood, but when she finds herself caught up with the five gorgeous, but infuriating and egotistical Abcurse brothers—who are potentially the strongest sols in existence—Willa’s simple life soon becomes a thing of the past. Wanting to survive, Willa quickly discovers that being connected to the Abcurse’s will not only change her status but her entire destiny forever.

Personally, I don’t read a lot of reverse harem. I’ve only recently began to find my feet where they are concerned but if ever there were two authors who would manage to capture my attention from start to end, I should have known it would be Jane Washinton and Jaymin Eve! These gals are authors who always capture my imagination with their world building and characters and Trickery is no exception!

Kicking off their Curse of the Gods series, Trickery is a promising start to what looks like an intriguing and adventure filled series. Eve and Washington set the building blocks of the series, introducing readers to a fantasy world of slavery, magic and beings with god-like abilities whilst still promising more. There’s a lot I still want to know about the characters and the world they inhabit, especially as the authors give tidbits of information over time.

Readers will be forgiven if they find themselves somewhat confused by the various Abcurse brothers in the beginning of the novel—I know I was. Five brothers with various gifts; Yael (Persuasion), Aros (Seduction), Rome (Strength), Coen (Pain) and Siret (Trickery) are the love interests of our clumsy and hilariously vocal but still likable heroine Willa. Personally I found I liked the brothers the further the novel progressed. In the beginning they do come off as real uncaring jerks, but as their relationship will Willa grows their actions and attitudes become more likable.

Honestly, Willa really does seem like she is spoiled for men with the Abcurse brothers. They’re all so different with distinct personalities but it’s clear they all desire Willa even if she remains ignorant to what is right in front of her. As a reverse harem novel I’m keen to see how these romances develop as the authors continue the series. With five men I’m expecting a lot of physicality and sex even if Trickery only included small moments of romance and tension. I’m hoping for a gradual build and will keep my fingers crossed that Jaymin Eve and Jane Washington continue to keep the pace they have already set.

Featuring hilarious and admittedly sometimes rambling inner dialogue from the protagonist as well as five swoon worthy love interests, Trickery was a novel I definitely enjoyed and I look forward seeing what Jane Washington and Jaymin Eve do with the rest of the series!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me via Kindle Unlimited
Publisher: Published independently by authors
Format: Kindle ebook via Kindle Unlimited (I also own a signed paperback)
Release Date: February 28th 2017
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Final Thoughts: This was an enjoyable novel and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Book Shelf: Imposter (The Royal Trials #1) by Tate James

Three trials. Three weeks. Three Royal Princes.

It should have been an easy task, for a skilled mercenary like Rybet Waise. Simply break into the royal palace, and rescue her friend from the executioner's block. But when Rybet accidentally qualifies for the Trials, she finds herself with little choice but to see them through.

A thin veil of etiquette, elegance and glamour hides the true nature of the Trials. Behind closed doors, they are brutal and bloody, and to fail means to forfeit her life.

Thrust into the limelight and forced to compete with the Kingdom's elite sweethearts, unlikely allies emerge and bonds are formed. But someone will stop at nothing to see her fail.

After all, she's nothing but a dirty pond-dweller.

Rybet will do whatever it takes to survive until the Golden Ball, Princes be damned.

More info on Goodreads......


Review:

Imposter is the first novel in the Royal Trials series by Tate James and is an entrancing reverse harem fantasy with a kick-ass heroine, plenty of excitement and sizzling romantic chemistry.

Rybet Waise is a pond-dweller, surviving in the water infested slums of the Kingdom of Teich. A mercenary working for a crime lord, everything goes to hell when Rybet’s friend is caught by palace guards during a heist and scheduled to face the executioners block. Determined to save her friend, Rybet breaks into the palace but the rescue attempt goes wrong, with Rybet accidentally qualifying for the Trials. A series of tests, the Trials sees a small group of select young women compete to potentially win the hand of one of the three royal princes. Rybet wants nothing to do with the young men whose hearts she should want to win, but when it becomes clear the Trials are far from the tests of etiquette and elegance they are promoted to be, Rybet will need to find a way to outlast the bloody and brutal testing if she hopes to survive.

Here’s the thing about me; I like fidelity. I like mahogany. I don’t like romantic confliction and I HATE love triangles. So reverse harems are not normally my thing. I don’t like seeing my heroines involved with multiple men at the same time nor do I enjoy seeing the struggle being involved with multiple men has one her feelings and desires. I like things straightforward; one guy, one girl committed to each other. BUT boy did I ever love Imposter!

Tate James has been given the honour of writing the first reverse harem that I not only finished but absolutely adored. Introducing readers to a mysterious world that has a lot of potential and possibility, Tate James creates a storyline of court politics and deception where not everything is as it seems and one capable and tenacious heroine must manage to survive when the only options are death and becoming a prince’s bride; all while she attempts to navigate her developing and equally as strong as each other desires for three enigmatic and delectable men.

Imposter is told through the eyes of eighteen year old Rybet, someone who I really did like. Despite being in an imaginable position, Rybet adjusts really well, all things considered. Not having lived a life of luxury like the other competitors, Rybet has an edge that coupled with her intelligence and determination made her a force to be reckoned with. There was obviously areas where she struggled, but she still tried, in her own way, even if her mouth tended to get the better of her where authorities were concerned.

I think the reason I enjoyed this novel so much despite the reverse harem aspect not normally being up my alley was that Tate James really paces the relationships between Rybet and her three strapping men. The physicality of each relationships builds slowly and isn’t too sexually charged; just the perfect amount of attraction and desires sizzling between them all. All three men in question are so different but oh, so appealing. I was eager to devour each of the interactions they had with Rybet as they were sharp, biting exchanges with fantastic dialogue and sexual tension. I personally don’t think I could choose between them myself and am actually glad in this instance that Rybet doesn’t plan, or have, to.

In the heart of The Selection with a slightly sexier twist, Imposter was a great kick-start to the Royal Trials series. Tate James had me hooked from beginning to end and as she concludes Imposter on a cliffhanger, I for one am absolutely dying for the second novel, Seeker to come out so that I can read the next chapter of Rybet’s journey straight away!

Rating:
Source: Read via Kindle Unlimited
Publisher: After Glows Publishing
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: September 24th 2018
Buy: Amazon
Final Thoughts: A reverse harem that is defintely worth a read--I can't wait for more!

Book Shelf: Magical Compass (Supernatural Prison Story #2) by Jaymin Eve

Tyson Compass, as one of the famed Compass quads, is not a wizard used to living with regrets. Except for one: Grace Carter.

Grace is a healer witch he rejected many years ago. After completely disappearing from his life, she has returned, and turned his world upside down. The attraction between them flares strongly, but she has not forgotten or forgiven his callous rebuff when they were teens.

Tyson does everything he can to prove he will never hurt her again, and just when he thinks there might be a chance for them, she has to leave again. She makes him promise not to follow her - a promise he honors for as long as he can. But after almost two months with no word, he’s done waiting. He’s going to find his girl.

With a little help from his brothers, he tracks her down, only to find Grace betrayed by her family ... tortured ... hurt. His rage knows no bounds. He will do everything he can to bring her family to justice, to find out why they turned on her.

By unlocking these secrets, though, he will discover that Grace is so much more than just a healer witch. She holds a secret that could save the world of Faerie. Or destroy it. 

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Jaymin Eve is back with another engrossing instalment in her Supernatural Prison Story series with Magical Compass. Magical Compass is a romantic, action and adventure driven tale full of humour, danger and exciting bonds of family.

Tyson Compass isn’t a wizard used to living with regrets. As one of the infamous Compass Quads, Tyson has spent most of his life making tough decisions and there’s nothing he wishes he could do different….except where Grace Carter is concerned. As a teenager, Tyson rejected the healer witch and now years later, she has come back into his life and turned his world upside down. The attraction and desire Tyson feels for Grace is nothing he has experienced before and everything inside him tells him to claim her. But Grace was hurt by Tyson once before, so when she asks him for space, he reluctantly agrees. Time apart is hard and when Grace’s absence stretches, Tyson goes in search of his witch. Grace spent years trying to let go of the feelings she had for Tyson, but one moment in his presence was enough to drag up those feelings once again. Space seemed like the best plan but having been taking hostage by her own family, Grace yearns for Tyson to find her. With the help of his brothers, Tyson is excited to be closing in on Grace but the fury he experiences when he finds her, hurt and tortured, at the hands of people who should love her, knows no bounds. He vows to protect her but as he begins to unlock the truth about what Grace really is, Tyson and his witch will soon learn Grace holds the power to save the world of Faerie. Or destroy it……

Magical Compass is the latest novel in the Supernatural Prison world deftly created by Jaymin Eve and this time brings to life the romance between Compass brother Tyson and the witch Grace who has been the object of his interest for a number of novels. Personally I found Magical Compass to be another solid read. Eve once more packs a lot of adventure and excitement into the story while weaving Tyson and Grace’s romance together. Much of Magical Compass is spent seeing Tyson try to find Grace and then to help her find her missing mother while also trying to unravel the mystery of who—and what—she really is.

As always I loved seeing the previous characters all return with the growing pack as focal as ever. Jessa and Braxton and Mischa and Maximus once again return alongside their adorable babies who are so darn sweet. On the whole, I’ve really come to enjoy the closeness of these characters. I wasn’t won over in the beginning but as time as progressed I’ve come to enjoy seeing them stand alongside each other more and more with each novel.

Given that Tyson and Grace’s relationship has been a bit push and pull for a number of novels, I was pleased to see they were very much “all in” in Magical Compass. Jaymin Eve makes it clear very early on that Tyson has decided that Grace is the one for him, while Grace has always known Tyson was meant for her. I liked it. It meant there was no back and forth between them and we could instead focus on more pressing storyline arcs without all that unnecessary angst.

I was surprised by the inclusion of the four Faerie princesses to the series although I’d be lying if I didn’t admit it opens up a lot of storyline possibilities. I’m most excited for Louis’s story next, but I’m already pairing he and Jacob off. I really want to see Louis with Lizzie and Jacob with Justice---and their names go together so surely they’re meant to be!

Fun and enjoyable, Magical Compass is a well told and enjoyable supernatural read. I can’t wait to see what Jaymin Eve does next with this series and will be looking to get my hands on the next novel featuring Louis as soon as it becomes available!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me via Kindle Unlimited
Publisher: Published by author
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: November 17th 2017
Buy: Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Final Thoughts: Another enjoyable read--I can't wait until Louis's story next!

Book Shelf: Broken Compass (Supernatural Prison Story #1) by Jaymin Eve

Maximus Compass is a vampire without direction. Without heart. And without soul. He lost his true mate in the great battle against the dragon king, and now must face life alone.

And yet … something is happening to his agony. It’s fading away, leaving him with barely a memory of the female he believed to be his one and only.
As his mind clears he starts to wonder if the mate bond had been nothing more than a manufactured ploy? This suspicion explodes within him right around the time he runs back into a certain wolf shifter.

Mischa Lebron is a complication he doesn’t need in his life. He can’t erase her from his mind though, and while memories of his supposed true mate continue to fade into mere shadows, his one night with Mischa is blazingly strong. But they’re not of the same supernatural race, so there’s no way for a a true bond to exist between them.

Right?

When an old threat rips apart their pack, Maximus will come to realize that he would do anything to save Mischa. That the mate he thought was perfect and precious was nothing on the shifter he walked away from. Now Maximus truly has everything to lose.

More info on Goodreads....


Review: 

Broken Compass is the first novel in the Supernatural Prison spin-off series by Jaymin Eve that features Compass brother Maximus and wolf-shifter Mischa. Kicking off a new series of stories that will feature all remaining unmated Compass brothers (and Louis!) on their roads to happily ever after, Broken Compass is a fast paced, easily devourable read that fans of the original novels are sure to adore.

Vampire Maximus Compass was left broken after his mate was killed in the recent battle against the dragon king. Unable to cope with his loss Max chose to leave his home and those he loves to loose himself amongst his grief. Yet the more time passes the more his connection to his late mate seems to dissipate, leaving Max to wonder if the true mate connection he felt was even real at all. Wolf shifter Mischa Lebron has been through a lot recently and she has a lot of regrets where her actions were concerned, but the one thing she can’t regret is her one night with Max, even if he then went on to find his mate and turned away from her. Expecting his child certainly wasn’t the plan either, but with the birth looming closer, Mischa knows that sooner or later she will have to tell Max about the child she carries. Max’s guilt over the thoughts he has about Mischa consumes him; he’s struggling to recall his mate, but his time with Mischa blazes within his memory. They’re of different races and therefore  can’t be true mates but as their attraction burns stronger than ever, will Max and Mischa discover that they’re meant to be together after all?

Having enjoyed the initial series Supernatural Prison—after getting off to a shaky start—I was very excited about beginning Broken Compass. I honestly feel these books have just gotten better with each instalment and having followed Jessa for three tales, I was looking forward to following Mischa and Maximus for a little bit. And I was very satisfied with the results.

Set in the same world and told in the dual POV of both Mischa and Maximus, Broken Compass had a fresh feel but also included all the elements I enjoyed about the previous series as well as the characters I loved in the past. Unfolding in both main characters back and forth perspectives allowed for a well-rounded tale that gave me the chance to get to know both main characters in a way I really enjoyed. This wasn't the case in Supernatural Prison as we only followed Jessa and I do definitely prefer dual prospective where romance is concerned so Broken Compass appealed to me in this respect.

I found that I liked Mischa and Maximus more in Broken Compass than I have previously in any of the other books. Perhaps it’s that so much of their actions and attitudes were finally explained. They also both seem to have attitude adjustments and their ideas of what is important have changed. This made them much more likable characters in my eyes. Their relationship has grown and I very much enjoyed their connection.

Exciting and adorable at times, Broken Compass was a great read and concludes Mischa and Maximus's story beautifully. I can't wait to begin Tyson and Grace's story next and will be diving straight in and well as awaiting the day when I can get my hands on Louis and Jacob's stories too!

Rating: 
Source: Read via Kindle Unlimited (I also own a signed paperback copy)
Publisher: Published by author
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: August 21st 2016
Purchase: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble 
Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this tale and will be keen to read the next one.