A Monstrous Light by Cari Z.

I liked the idea behind this novella. I wonder if at a different time I would have felt differently about it. Reading it left me feeling.. sad. I'm not even sure what I feel about the ending as I'm not entirely sure what it means for Beniel and Korran. 

The story is told from Beniel Tallance's POV. He has lost his lover in - a monstrous light - a few months ago in the battle of a lifetime. Korran was gone and yet, and yet he didn't really. He became something else. Something Beniel isn't sure how he's going to find and when he does what he's going to do in order to have him back in his arms. 

This novella is his journey, through unfriendly towns and scary roads to the end of the universe where they fought. Writing these words saddens me. Beniel doesn't have anyone besides his lover. Their relationship was even more complicated with Korran being a prince and Beniel his "Indulgence", let's call him his valet, since a young age. Now after the war is over, the old ruler (Korran's father) dethroned, his brother Ormyr is the ruler and things aren't exactly working in his favor. He needs Beniel's help and he is offering the one thing that matters to him. Beniel accepts.

Spirited (Treasured #4) [Jack & Garrick] by Cari Z.

My thoughts are a bit jumbled. I liked this one but I can't say I loved it. It was action packed which was great, moving the plot and allowing the two MCs to work together and through that work their own issues with one another. The magical part was pretty cool! Each on his own as well as when they finally joined forces near the end.  

Detective Jack Haney is working a case and he isn't getting closer to solving it. There's a new drug on the market and since there's magic involved, it's almost impossible to track. That's where Garrick O'Connel - his former partner and lover comes in. They are assigned together AGAIN to try and catch the sorcerer who is making and distributing the drug. 

Cold Light of Day (TIN, #1.5) [Wolf & Sean] by Charlie Cochet

What a PLEASURE this short novella was! I can't believe I have to wait MORE not only for the next installment but the one after where we get Wolf and Sean's FULL story. ~sigh~ Surprising enough I think this book could be read as a stand alone, maybe it's going to be a way to get into the series, well, at least TIN. 

We've met Wolf - aka Alfie Colbourn (Hudson's brother) enough times in the past. He tortured Dex and though he hasn't exactly redeemed himself he also helped his brother (and others) since then. He used to be a TIN operative before his last mission - 16 years ago - in which he and his best friend and partner were betrayed by one of their own resulting in Tucker's death. Since then he has been a free lance and he is VERY good at his job.

After losing Tucker (real name Benji) he promises his younger brother - Sean - if he ever needed any help to contact him. They hadn't really stayed in touch and Sean doesn't know what his brother TRULY did for a living but there is still a connection between the two. Occasionally Sean would call Wolf and speak with him. Remembering his brother through him.

Dauntless (Luckless, #2) by Cari Z.

I've got say this wasn't my favorite.  In general it felt like an interlude and not a whole story even if in a way we got what I was missing in the previous one "Luckless" (also novella length) - seeing Evan and Lee / Ladon as a formed couple and how they manage life in Forge together with Lee's son Jason. 

In the previous installment we've met Evan Luck, or as he was referred to - Luckless - for losing his dragon. The same dragon his father and grandfather rode. When he came to Forge it was expected he would find a dragon to bond with, but until that happened, he was basically shunned. When he met Lee Caldwell he didn't know half of it.. 

Moon Spell (Fated, #2) [Bellamy & Ashwood] by Christina Lee

This one was different then what I expected. Maybe my feelings towards it has something to do with just how SAD the whole story was. Both guys' life were pretty miserable. Well, Bellamy's life SEEMS happy at "Moon Flower", and yet he still kept a HUGE part of himself wraped in as many layers as he could but he couldn't really hide his true feelings, they were still there, always. While his pain was obvious as our sole POV, Ashwood's feelings were in a way even more evident. Every gesture, every word spoken - his love for Bellamy has no end. 

We've met Bellamy in the previous installment, it was more than hinted he might be a werewolf with a lover someone out there. It's all true but it's far more complicated than either guy at the establishment could have guessed. I'm not going to go into a lot of details about Bellamy's past decisions or what exactly happened between him and Ashwood. I'll just say they were everything to one another when Ashwood betrayed his trust. With everything they shared it broke his heart and ability to fully trust (himself and what he was becoming). Now, 2 years later, they have an oportunity to speak again and put everything that happened on the table. It might not be the best time as Bellamy is dying of the the Violet Fever. The cure Madam Langley found doesn't work for him, it might even make him worse and so Ashwood takes it upon himself to try and heal him. 

Gone But Not Forgotten (TIN, #1) [Dex & Sloane] by Charlie Cochet

This has been GREAT! I missed this series so much! I can't believe it's been TWO YEARS since I last read the last one. Funny thing is, I stared reading in the morning and as soon as Austen Payne - now the guys' handler (!) - explains their mission I stopped reading. I just couldn't. It was too much. I wasn't prepared. After launch I had a talk with myself about how ridiculous I am - went back in and finished it in one sitting. 

We are four years after the last installments. The guys have been training for a year and working the field for another three. In a way nothing changed - them working together, being the beautiful couple that they are, and yet it IS different. Firstly them not being a real part of the Destructive Delta Team (with Ash Keeler being their new leader) and having two new team members - Keane and Rowan (both Therian, like all* TIN operatives) as well as some help from Sebastian "Seb" Hobbs (who was already mixed up with TIN business before) and a little from Ash (as Sloane's best friend and someone who worked with him for years and knowns him like only Dex does).

The job Austen and Sonya Sparks (who stayed their boss with a "slight" change in title) have in mind for Dex and Sloane is not just 'dangerous', with that they can handle, it's also quite personal. There's a new villain in town - Howard Vaughan - attempting to manipulate the (new found) Melanoe virus together with the Eppione.8 vaccine in order to make "improved" humans (without them shifting into a Therian). 

Fall of Night (Midnight Breed #17) [Micah & Phaedra] by Lara Adrian

It's been a while since I've last read this series but coming back to it always feels so welcoming. I read this book almost in one setting, enjoying the ride, and everything that is unfolding towards the final installment. I admit I waited with this one a bit because I wanted it to be closer to the release of the last book and I think it was a good idea as the ending brings even more complexity than I would have thought. Also I really enjoyed getting a bit more of the original couples - Tegan and Elise - as Micah's parents but also a quite surprising part with Jenna and Brock (From "Taken by Midnight"). Truth being told I forgot there were some unfinished business concerning her special ability. 

Micah and Phaedra couldn't be more different. He, the son of Breed Warrior Tegan and his breedmate Elise, worked hard to become a fighter his legendary father can be proud of. Sharing his mother's gift of telepathically hearing the sins of humans has hardened him even more, making him one of the best warriors in the Order, currently in command of covet ops. She, and Atlantean living among humans for centuries dedicating her life to stopping the cycle of violence, running a shelter for women and children in need. They meet for the first time in the deadlands of Siberian taiga for a brief moment before a deadly light kills all Micah's team, and severely wounding him. For Phaedra this was just a bad dream, or so it seems, after a week long of dreaming of walking through those deadlands following a white doe. Micah experienced those same dreams himself which is what made him try and find this place. He didn't expect it would cost him (and his teammates) so much. 

Everything Carries Me to You (Axton & Leander #3) by S.P. Wayne

YES! This book was everything I wanted it to be and more! The best ending for Axton and Leander's story (though I wouldn't object to getting more of them!). If you haven't read the previous two – YOU MUST – but also please don't continue reading. Spoilers ahead (at least for the 1st and 2nd novels). 

While Axton and Leander weren't really a couple at the end of the 1st installment, during the 2nd it was obvious these two are a done deal. Living in LA together might not be exactly what Axton had in mind, but he isn't willing to leave Leander so he stays longer and longer. I’m sure they would have found a way to settle this issue but something FAR worse breaks them apart – Axton's ex – Dana Weiss – is determined to take Axton way from Leander simply for being a Human. 

Dana puts a lot of effort – and pressure – on the guys but until the final escalation when Leander is badly hurt – Axton wouldn't consider the unthinkable – leaving Leander behind. But that's exactly what he does – to keep Leander safe. That's where the previous installment ended. 

For more than half of the book Leander and Axton are separated. Leander dealing with his recovery as well as trying to find Axton (if he wants it or not!). He made a vow to find him and he WILL. Together with Sara as well as his sort of best friend – New York – Not the city – New York consul they work together with everything he has gathered thus far. He wasn't easy to deal with - mentally and physically - but he had good reasons to be upset and frustrated. I had a lot of respect for how determined he was even while dealing with so much difficulty. Yeah he was a douche to Christina as well as Sara, but my heart ached for how much he wanted and needed Axton by his side and the way Axton was torn away from him. 

City Wolf (Axton & Leander #2) by S.P. Wayne

WOW! I don't even know where to start, I don't even know what to say. I just want to delve into the next one. The way this installment ended crashed me to little pieces and I don't know how I'll be able to live my mundane life (meaning finish my pressing to-do-list) and NOT block everything and just sit and read. I sat yesterday till 4 a.m.! Woke up to read a bit more, then on my coffee break and finally finished sitting in my car before I left work. I can't remember when I felt this way about a book or rather series. I feel lost. swimming in a sea of uncertainty waiting for Axton and Leander to find their way to happiness. 

Just in case I wasn't clear - this installment was SUPERB in every sense. It was a bit different in that it had not just Leander and Axton but also friends and family as well as quite a bit of action sprinkled in, then a total EXPLOSSION near the end. I'm not over it. It wasn't a cliffhanger, and yet it was still soul crushing. 

It's impossible to read this installment without the previous one. It will be dishonorable to Wayne and to yourself so if you haven't read the first one, go away - and read it! - then come back :) We end the previous one with Leander offering Axton a flight to LA for a visit. While Axton REALLY wants to spend time with Leander, leaving his sanctuary isn't easy for him, yet once he is reunited with Leander he has  very hard time considering going back (or rather, leaving Leander). He is so happy with Leander even when things aren't easy and familiar. Yet as time goes by he gets used to his surrounding, his life with Leander and his close family and friends. Leander is also extremely happy having Axton to himself but also being able to share him with the people he cares about. He has his own struggles which I appreciated Wayne brought up. Being into women all his life and now finding himself in a relationship with a man - as well as a Werewolf - wasn't always easy for him. He loves Axton, he also has no problem introducing him around (especially to his loved ones) and yet there are times he is unsure and conflicted which to me felt very genuine. 

Winter Wolf (Axton & Leander #1) by S.P. Wayne

OUTSTANDING! I can't believe I waited this long (had it for 5 years!) I'm already holding myself from starting the next one as I have SO MUCH to do today (including all the things I neglected yesterday... Literally didn't put it down until I was finished). What a beautiful ride. Loved EVERY SECDOND of it. This is simply a MUST READ. 

Axton Rhoden is quite content in his life. After being thrown from his pack for being gay, he stumbles around until he finds the land he is currently living on. It's his haven with mountains, forests and streams. His own little paradise. Being on his own, spending his time part time as a Wolf and part time as a Human with all his daily tasks keeps him busy and mostly content. He isn't interested in human company, he had enough of those. When sunny California guy Leander Avilez buys the cabin "next door", Axton is worried. The good natured, friendly neighbor isn't what he needs right now. But it's getting harder and harder to say no to the guy.. 

While Leander doesn't stay in the cabin full time, he comes a few times a year for a bit. With Leander's encouragement they spend quite a lot of time together even if/when Axton sends mixed signals. It's obvious they enjoy being together and with each visit Axton gets more and more attached and finds the days after Leander leaves mournful, waiting for his return. The story is told in a rather strange way, mostly from Axton's POV but it's mixed in with Leander's thoughts (still mostly Axton) and a bit of third person. It was confusing at first, especially with not so few typos but honestly the story was so good, interesting, funny, engaging that I really didn't care about those things. I only wanted more-more-more. 

Moon Flower (Fated, #1) [Galen & Azriel] by Christina Lee

Beautiful, heartfelt and sexy. I'm not sure what I expected this one to be.. Especially with how Christina described it. It's mostly Historical Romance though it does have a little dab of Paranormal - a bit of "magic" sprinkled in. Galen and Azriel haven't been very fortunate growing up, also being gay in the times they were born is dangerous. They might have found a way of earning a living, at least for now, but it's not a real future. Seeing each other, feeling the attraction, the pull towards one another, makes them wish for something more. 

Galen had to leave the small town he grew up in after he was caught stealing. Ashamed of himself, and not wanting to cause any problems to his aunt who raised him he moves to the next town, earning a living (barely) by selling his body. He has a certain gift that helps his make a better decision when guys approach him, but he made a mistake which almost cost him his life. 

When the twins (Wren and Sparrow) came to his rescue he is unsure of the whole situation. They look like two angels. When he arrives at their home he is grateful for sure, but he also doesn't want what the lady of the house - Madam Langley - is offering anyone who stays there. He will pay his debt and go. What he didn't expect is Azriel.

Winter's Knight (L'Ange #3.5) [Tucker & Keir] by Mary Calmes

I've read this series almost exactly 3 years ago (in June 2018). I ADORED the first 3 installments but frankly I remember very few details about the series itself. It's been a LONG time and as I read quite a lot (not exactly this year but the 2 before for sure) I got into this one expecting to enjoy it mostly as it is. Yet the last few books I've read by Mary led me to realize while I've read most of her published work, I've drifted apart from her writing. These days I need something different so it's no wonder this book or rather, novella, was just an okay read for me. 

We've met Tucker Flynn in the previous installments though I don't actually remember the details of what brought him to be severely wounded and stuck in L'Ange where he feels nobody likes him. Well, he barely likes himself so it's no wonder he is so insecure. Living in the cabin in the woods is preferable. But something strange is happening, animals are migrating, running away. From what/who? Since no-one believes him, he goes to check it out on himself. 

Salem's Wish by Charlie Cochet

This novella was simply ADORABLE and SO funny! I don't even know what took me so long to get into it! It was originally published in the "Heart2Heart Vol. 4" Anthology - which is no longer available - lucky for us Charlie has made it a free read through Prolific Works (link bellow). While this is quite short the connection, affection as well as love between Salem and Izzie was obvious in everything they did and said to one another they just needed a reason, a push, or maybe just a hopeful wish..

Salem Havercroft is the younger member of the  most powerful mage family in Florida. Though he is clearly loved by all his family members he can't shake the feeling they basically pity him for being so, well, unlike them, you could say powerless. Well he DOES have one magical power - if you've read the synopsis you might guess (if not, read it and ROFL!) but he can't see how this silly ability can help him in any shape of form... 

Izzie is a dog shifter, his brother's best friend as well as one of his father's trusted bodyguards. All of which make him the LAST one to lust over and from Izzie's POV also a VERY bad idea. But it's obvious they feel for one another and hope for something more especially today, on their way to one of Salem's family reunions. 

Summer's Child (Titania's Court #2) (Dis & Marten #2) by Cari Z.

This novella starts right after the ending of the previous one - The Solstice Gift (the 4th installment in Oberon's Court). Dis is on his way to the Summer Fae's lands to bring Queen Titania the gift from her husband King Oberon. With his protective wolf Ciurlen by his side and a heavy heart for leaving his lover Marten behind he sets on his journey. 

The Summer Fae and their land couldn't be more different than the Winter land he has grown up in. It's warm and sunny. Filled with laughter and celebrations. Most of the Fae are friendly and charming and though they try to convince him he should stay he always denies them. He needs to come home to Marten even if his life there is far from perfect. Titania is nothing like what Dis expected she is honorable and welcoming. So very different than anything he has come to associate with the Fae world. Yet not everything is perfect.. 

The Solstice Gift (Oberon's Court #4) (Dis & Marten #1) by Cari Z.

This short novella was SO interesting. I was glued to it and couldn't put it down but then it ended. SO abruptly. I could see the promise of a better tomorrow if only Dis would survive today which is still something no one can be sure of. 

Dis is a "Changeling" - a human stolen from the human world to become a slave in the world of the Fae. These aren't your friendly faeries, oh no, these ones are mean and cruel and their world is no different, always frozen and cold, so so cold for Dis' human body. 

Dark Around the Edges (Cambion #1-6) by Cari Z.

This book was unavailable for a while now but it was suddenly "revived" so while I was a bit worried it's going to be more on the erotica side (which I haven't been interested in reading lately) I was happily surprised this was a sweet romantic read with a lot of intriguing suspense and action. Our MCs worked great together even though they seem like total opposites (and in a way they are..) but it also what made their relationship so special. 

Devon Harper and Rio Pagani both work for Safeguard Systems. It's a security company though they also deal with discarding demons and the cult they create around them. This time Devon is after Porter Grey a very powerful demon summoner whom the company have been hunting for years. He's finally in the US and it's time to get him. When his plans don't exactly go according to plan and his cover or rather his identity as half human-half incubus is revealed he is rescued by his favorite Safeguard's employee - Rio. Once together - they stay together and do their best to track and capture Porter who seem to be one step ahead of them. 

The Soldati General (Soldati Hearts #3) [Ezra & Segreti] by Charlie Cochet

It's been more than 2  years since I've read the first two installments in this series but I'm SO HAPPY  Charlie decided to gift us with this installment. Charlie DID remind us a bit of what's going on or has been going on so if you're like me, don't worry about it. Also we get to see the two other couples together which more than a reminder was also quite the treat. 

Ezra have been one of Kind Khalon trusted advisors. He is a healer and a voice of the "Soldati Eye" giving him special abilities including seeing into the future. But like all Soldati he IS also a warrior even if he likes his scholar life. He find the relationships his friends around him found quite intriguing but he doesn't see himself in one. Though he can't hold off his fascination of Segreti the Orso (Bear) General. Segreti had a role in the last installment helping not only his own realm but also Raynar (and Toka) and what he asked for in return in to retire in peace from him station as the General of the Orso armies. He has had enough. 

The Tank (The Train #3) by Cari Z.

While this isn't my usual read Cari is! This is the third installment in what I refer to as "The Train" series, as it was the first story of Anton and Camille. Where last we left off it's clear both men wish for more than they have but it doesn't seem like a future together is something they can have at the moment. Camille's post as "a Lumiere" the Emperor's investigator takes him whenever there is trouble and Anton is all invested in his academic studies. Please be advised, if you haven't read the first two installment you MUST start at the beginning but no worries, all three are free reads though Cari's blog.

Now that Anton Seiber has finished his Master training in Thaumaturgy (magic) in the Universitate Zurich he isn't sure what to do with his life. His previous "adventure" with Camille has brought him no more trouble but the association with the man who has tried to kill him has left him with no employment offers. On the eve of his graduation he wishes for a friendly face. He has contacted both his mother and his closest friend from childhood Caroline but both haven't replied to his letters. He would have LOVED for Camille to come but he doesn't even know how to contact him. Camille seems to appear out of the blue and stay for the shortest time. Yet before the evening ends two of the three appear with a promise of adventure, one he isn't really sure about..

Luckless (Luckless, #1) by Cari Z.

Though I liked this novella I can't say that I loved it. Maybe it was the dystopian setting I'm not that fond of, or my greediness wanting MORE of our couple. There is a friendship buildup but I was missing the romantic part. It was under the surface, but I would have liked to have something more substantial. 

Evan's last name is Luck, but everyone calls him Luckless - after he has lost his Dragon. She has been with his father and grandfather Dragon before him. Losing her was the worst experience of his life and he is still not over it. He is broken. His emphatic ability, the one that enabled him to bond with a dragon in the first place has shattered after her death. 

Spectred Isle (Green Men #1) [Randolph & Saul] by K.J Charles

Nope. This one just wasn't for me. I have similar feelings about this one as I did The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal. I'll just say it.. I was bored. There was NOTHING grabbing me in this book. I don't understand the world building or the WORLD really. 26% in (where I stopped) and I basically don't understand anything about who's what and what is the purpose of anything or anyone. I expect to understand more of what's going on in a dual POV novel but while Saul is mostly confused about his "findings", Randolph who's supposed to be "on top of things" reveal very little in his inner dialogue and the ones he has with his partners / close friends leave me with the same questions I had in Simon Feximal's book. I've read most of K.J's books. I actually have only one left on my list and I ADORED so many of them. I enjoy her writing and her characters and relationship buildup but this one (and the previous one) feels TOTALLY different. I wouldn't have EVER guessed they were written by the same person. I just don't get it..