Rowan and Martin must learn to trust one another if they hope to deliver a phoenix home in time.
Although Rowan Stormbringer was raised Wiccan, he’s never felt a connection to magic. That changes on the eve of Yule, when he encounters a magical creature, a phoenix, that needs his help getting to Stonehenge before the sun sets that day. Hiding a magical creature in the mortal world is tricky at best, but partnering with a good- looking, snarky taxi driver may be just the ticket Rowan needs. As they explore their instant attraction to each other, Rowan and Martin must learn to trust one another if they hope to deliver the phoenix home in time.
Review
OMG I loved this story!
Rowan is the black sheep in his Wiccan family – not quite a believer in all things witchy – but he works for the family biz and is currently in London on a job. He goes to catch a cab when suddenly he sees something fly by and knows he has to find and help it.
Turns out, the flying thing is a Phoenix needing a ride to Stonehenge (of course!). Rowan’s cab driver (Martin) wants the cash up front if he’s going to deliver this dodgy package all the way to Stonehenge but can’t help but be pleased when he finds out Rowan plays for his team.
Rowan and Martin (if you’re as old as me that’s a funny name combination!) must walk the last few feet since the cab can’t make it all the way. Rowan has to divulge just what it is he’s carrying, and now Martin thinks Rowan’s cute and batty. But both Rowan and Martin are amazed at what they sees when they let the Phoenix fly and both lives will be changed as a result.
In the end, the clasp of hands lets us know that there will be more to the romance and having seen true magic, we know both men’s lives are going to change in lots of ways.
**
Again I’m left wishing this were a longer story because it was so dang good! However, the author did a great job of giving us a complete story full of adventure, humor, and magic.
I give this story 5 of 5 hearts and highly recommend it.
Blood runs soul-deep. Cormac hasn’t been the same since the night the High Moon Pack was attacked. With his magic weakened, he’s consumed by a bloodlust he hasn’t felt since he first became a vampire. His need to replenish his power makes him a danger to his last remaining family member, and his hunger makes him careless. And that’s just the beginning of his troubles. Feeding from pack, beta Liam Benson was supposed to slake his appetite, not leave him craving more.
Simon Osborne and Gray Townsend are trying to fight a being history says shouldn’t exist – one with all three types of magic. The pack must use all of their resources to combat the mysterious triad, even turning to the shady Council of Mages for help. While Cormac struggles to reconcile his past failures with his current desires, Simon must attempt the impossible: An alliance between mind, body, and soul.
Review:
In the final installment of the Triad Series (yes, there is a book four but it is unrelated to the original series), we finally get to find out who the bad guy is and what he wants and how to stop him.
Some of the story is about Liam and Cormac as a couple (yippee!). First, we see Liam merely trying to keep Cormac from hurting himself, Simon or anybody else. Then, we see their mutual attraction and need for each other. Finally, their deep devotion.
However, the bulk of this plot is the story-line regarding the evil being (who I won’t name here) who keeps causing trouble for Simon and his pack. It turns out the being knows Cormac and that gives everyone a clue as to how to stop him. But… not before he attempts to steal the children again. The attempted kidnapping forces Simon to do something so horrible that the entire pack wonders whether or not Simon should even be allowed to stay. (It’s very sad – just a warning!)
Fortunately, Simon’s actions are from the heart and they also inadvertently lead them all to the necessary magic needed to defeat the evil being, so he is quickly forgiven.
With some tremendously heart rending speeches to the tune of “If I die I want you to be strong without me” Cormac, Gray and Simon set out to defeat the monster and (I’m not surprising anyone here) emerge victorious!
We also get a really juicy Epilogue (I’m a sucker for the Epilogue!) and the entire series ends neatly tied up – bow not included.
**
I really enjoyed the magical storyline in this series. The subtle moral stories about intolerance and acceptance. The learning and the magic passed down along family lines. The power that is to be had by joining seemingly disparate forces. The entire world we saw built was well thought out and thorough, without constantly banging it over your head with new words or terms.
I also really enjoyed watching the growth and development of Gray and Simon as a couple over all three books. It was nice to see their insta-love being worked on into a strong and devoted (but still lusty!) relationship.
I was disappointed that we didn’t see more from Cade and Rocky (other than they are still together) as I thought they were a great couple with a lot of potential. But… I really enjoyed Cormac’s and Liam’s relationship. And watching Garon and Riley grow was an added bonus!
I’d say the romance was at least equal to the fantasy elements in this series but, all in all, the romance was really nicely laden in this fantasy about wolves, vampires and warlocks. I found myself saddened by the end of this delightful series, as I had really enjoyed Poppy’s world.
Audiobook:
Again, Robert Davis did excellent work narrating book three. I loved his grumbly Liam, his stuffy mage Councilman, the grumbling Were councilman and his little kid voices.
He infused emotion and tension at the right times and did a tremendous job with the dialog.
As I noted with book one, I was still bugged on occasion by his inflections here and there, but mostly I was impressed and entertained.
I really enjoyed reading (and listening) to this series and give both the book, the audiobook and the series a 4.5 of 5 hearts. I am looking forward to seeing where Ms Dennison takes us with book four.
According to legend, King Arthur is supposed to return when Britain needs him most. So why does a man claiming to be the once and future king suddenly appear in Los Angeles?
This charismatic young Arthur creates a new Camelot within the City of Angels to lead a crusade of unwanted kids against an adult society that discards and ignores them. Under his banner of equality, every needy child is welcome, regardless of race, creed, sexual orientation, or gang affiliation.
With the help of his amazing First Knight, homeless fourteen-year-old Lance, Arthur transforms this ragtag band of rejected children and teens into a well-trained army—the Children of the Knight. Through his intervention, they win the hearts and minds of the populace at large, and gain a truer understanding of themselves and their worth to society. But seeking more rights for kids pits Arthur and the children squarely against the rich, the influential, and the self-satisfied politicians who want nothing more than to maintain the status quo.
Can right truly overcome might? Arthur’s hopeful young knights are about to find out, and the City of Angels will never be the same.
Kimi’s thoughts:
Michael Bowler stuns with his depiction of modern disenfranchised youth, disillusioned and jaded adults, political greed and corruption, and the purity of hope. 14 year old Lance is a former foster child who is now a kid on the streets struggling to survive when he comes across the strange sight of a strangely dressed man riding a horse. Local gangs are at each others throats over a tag that’s been appearing all over the city, and the LAPD want the tagger caught before all out war erupts. What no one suspects is that this is no ordinary tag- it’s an announcement of hope. King Arthur, the once and future king himself, has indeed returned as legend foretold, only it’s not to Britain, but modern day LA. With Lance as his First Knight, Arthur looks to establish a new Round Table, to teach chivalry to a new generation, and to right the ills of society.
It might sound fantastical, and this is indeed a fantasy, albeit a gritty one. The ills mentioned in this novel are all too real: one size all education that doesn’t properly meet the needs of students, the rifeness of drugs on the street and the recruitment of children to peddle them and who are in turn cultivated as customers, abandoned children tossed onto the street, political corruption, crumbling neighbourhoods, racism, homophobia, and misogyny to name but a few of the societal ills. It’s not a story that will make a lot of adults feel comfortable, as it challenges some of the things that have been taken for granted and that feed our sense of control. It certainly made me stop and think. The more I thought, the more I realised that this book has something VERY important to say, and that I wanted my own two children to read it immediately.
It’s a story about empowerment- not just for kids, but for adults. Yes, adults. Adults who realise that children are always children, and cannot be adults because they are NOT adults. That they behave the way they are taught, and that each member of society is responsible for the examples a child learns by. It’s also a story that is about female empowerment, filled with strong adult and youth role models. It’s about LGBT youth and straight youth, of every colour, all coming together and using their personal strengths to help each other and those around them to make the world a better place. It’s about finding out who you are and your place in the world. It’s both frightening and inspiring. It’s simply a must read, regardless of your age.
For Lieutenant Fallon Roxbury, Special Police Consultant, reality has taken on a strange shift. Shapeshifters exist and a clan of them live under his protection. One is his lover, Sundown. Protecting the Chal is a full-time job, a task which would be easier if they weren’t so secretive—and scheming. When Fallon’s police force partner suggests a vacation, Fallon jumps at the chance to take Sundown someplace private. A resort near where he grew up seems like the perfect place for a getaway. Ten days filled with sex, sleep and sun is just what they both need, but more than fun lurks in the woods.
The ancient nemesis of the Chal is still out there and could one day return to earth to enslave both Chal and human alike. Secrets of the Chal past come to light when Fallon’s suppressed memories of his early years resurface. The shapeshifters have always had a plan to defeat their enemy, one with Sundown at its core…
Review
This is the last in the Sundown Series (that we know of!). Sundown and Fallon go on a vacation (believe it or not!). They head out to Fallon’s grandfather’s old homestead for some much needed R&R but… of course it can’t be a “normal” vacation.
First, Sundown wants to learn to drive – that in itself is a little bone chilling! Second, unease sits on Sundown’s shoulders from the minute they arrive – there is something familiar about the place and he doesn’t know why it should feel that way when he’s never been there.
When the feeling gets too strong to ignore, Fallon and Sundown take a walk around the lake and Sundown realizes he is sharing the memories of the ancient Chal he harbors within him – only it’s not just his memories – it’s the actual essence of the being himself!
Needless to say there are some repercussions from that knowledge that need to be dealt with, questions and answers to be shared, and a discussion as to what that means and what the future holds. (Without giving everything away, we do find out what the long term plans are for Sundown and Fallon and that their history extends beyond what we thought was their first meeting.)
With a somewhat melancholy ending, Fallon and Sundown are finally left alone to enjoy the rest of their vacation. Upon returning, Fallon and Juny meet up again and delve in to the beginnings of another cold case, so we are left knowing that their work will continue on as before.
**
I was a little disappointed with this book, especially as a final installment in the series. It was great to learn some more about the beginnings of Sundown and learn about his role and his relationship with Fallon.
But — it left me feeling kinda sad, definitely melancholy. I don’t doubt the two really love each other and will end up together as long as possible, but I really (really, really, really) wanted them to have some sort of solution that would give Fallon a chance at being alive as long as Sundown. Even some little suggestion or hint that it might be possible would have gone a long way.
Instead, Fallon is pretty blasé about it – telling Sundown he wants him to find someone else after he’s gone because he doesn’t want Sundown to be alone.
Ugh!
My little ol’ romantic heart wanted them to figure out another way! Don’t make me so attached to them then strip them away there at the end! (No, nobody dies, but we aren’t given much hope either…)
So – though I appreciated the writing and the new information, I have to say this was not my favorite installment in the series.
Sequel to Mind Magic, Triad: Book Two
A pack is only as strong as its weakest member. Rocky Harris knows how the system works. He’s been on the bottom rung his whole life. But when his alpha consigns him to the High Moon Pack to help them improve security, he finds his beliefs not just challenged but outright assaulted.
Cade Montgomery’s confidence took a hit when the pack’s cubs were kidnapped on his watch. He’s prepared to do anything to protect his family, even if it means working with Rocky. Maybe Cade doesn’t trust Rocky, but with the turmoil surrounding pack Alpha Gray’s unpopular decision to break tradition and mate with a mage named Simon, Cade knows more threats are coming.
Then someone declares war on shifters and puts the entire pack in danger. Cade and Rocky will need each other’s strengths to survive the impending battle—and the power of their growing attraction.
Morgan’s Review
This is the sequel to Body Magic and we see a lot of Simon and Gray in this story – maybe even more than Rocky and Cade, the supposed MCs.
Simon and Gray are really hammering out their relationship and it was great to see them and to be able to follow them from their tenuous HFN to a more day to day relationship, watching their mating really solidify. Simon waffles back and forth between wanting to trust his love for Gray but also wanting to be a good and independent wizard, separate from the pack and Gray.
Simon is also preparing for his final mage test with his uncle and this occupies a fair amount of time. His uncle helps also him work through his emotional issues in addition to his magickal issues as they prepare for his test.
The pack rescues an adorable little lion shifter after his family is decimated by the malevolent being from book one and integrating him into the pack proves to be more tricky than anyone thought.
There is discord when it is found that someone has infiltrated the pack – spying on the forbidden mating between shifter and wizard and the integration of a lion shifter into a wolf pack. When war breaks out there are people going to be hurt and loyalties will be tested.
Meanwhile, as almost a side note, Cade lusts after Rocky for a while and then they tentatively begin a relationship just before the pack is invaded. Rocky is a very conflicted character and he needs someone solid, like Cade to help him get over his issues (the pack hates omegas and gays, both of which Rocky is.) The budding relationship is almost lost when Cade realizes that Rocky was sent to the pack as a spy. Cade is shocked at first but with a minimum of fuss the two work out that Rocky is loyal to his new pack (he’s willing to be a double agent for the pack) and the pair take tentative steps forward in their own relationship.
**
Overall, this was a great second book in that we get to see Gray and Simon develop more fully as a couple. I would have loved to see more of Rocky and Cade as they were equally engaging characters (Rocky in particular is very complex) but they didn’t get much page time. Hopefully we will see more of them in future installments.
I’m looking forward to Book Three, since this left us with a sort of cliff hanger!
Audio:
Robert Davis does a really nice job with this narration, as well. Nothing too over the top but very clear and differentiates all the different characters’ voices. I really liked Simon’s Uncle Cormac genteel voice and Rocky’s Southern drawl.
I’m looking forward to his narrations in the upcoming books as well.
I give both the book and the audiobook 4 of 5 hearts
Detective Fallon Roxbury has a big problem. A twenty-year-old cold case turned hot threatens to expose his secret—shapeshifters exist and they’re living in Montgomery Circle under his protection. Between a new witness and a group of fanatical alien watchers, Fallon’s scrambling to uphold the law and keep his promises intact. He already knows no power on earth can keep his shapeshifter lover from stepping into the mix.
Sundown has come into his own with his human lover by his side. Fallon is his compass, and shield, as he seeks to keep his Clan united and teach them most humans can be trusted. A catalyst, Sundown is rare among his kind, a descendant of heroes. The status of his Clan rests on him and he’s determined to see his people prosper on this world owned by humans—without the humans knowing shapeshifters walk among them.
Secrets have a way of being exposed. Fallon’s not the only one who knows about Sundown’s kind. A cop used to right and wrong being black and white, Fallon struggles to learn shades of gray. Their relationship is tested as Fallon and Sundown race against the clock to find a kidnapped shapeshifter before the Clan takes matters into their own hands. Because if they fail, Fallon knows his lover will be forced to stand with his people and act against him.
Review
This series just gets more and more exciting! In book one we basically met our two MCs and they started their affair. In book two the lovers grew much closer and began to work with one another on solving crimes. In book three we find out that the Chal have been holding information back from Fallon and though it kills him to do it, Sundown is allowed to only answer direct questions from Fallon, keeping him in the dark about a lot of things.
The other problem is Juny and Juny’s brother. Both know there is something “other” out there and Juny suspects Sundown is it.
When one of the baby Chal goes missing Juny, his brother, Sundown and the Elders (!) have to work together to bring the baby back.
We are left with a little dangling carrot at the end – the idea that the rescued baby Chal might just play a role in the next installment – and that little guy is gonna be trouble!
**
I really enjoyed watching Sundown and Fallon make promises to one another, deciding that despite the challenges they would be there for the long haul. I was also glad Juny got the information, because he was starting to cause ripples.
I will be sad with this series ends, I’ve really gotten to enjoy Fallon and Sundown’s romance and the world created by KC Kendricks.
Accepting shapeshifter Volyk’s Christmas offer will change Ilya’s life forever.
Ilya, the youngest son of a Moscow oligarch, is so deep in the closet he’d find Narnia if that weren’t a decadent Western story. On Christmas Eve, his brothers lure him into the forest, intending to murder him and erase the shame he inflicts on their family by existing. However, the attempt is interrupted by Volyk, a wolf who carries the blood of the ancient oboroten’ —shapeshifters. Ilya never imagined a Christmas gift like the handsome wolf, but accepting what Volyk offers will have consequences that change both of their lives forever.
Review
In this tremendously sweet shifter story, a gay man of Russian Royalty (Ilya) is tricked by homophobes into going out in the snow to gather wood. They end up attacking him and nearly kill him.
Ilya is saved by a “wolf” with a fascinating story to share and a life of mated perfection to save him forever from those that would call him an abomination.
**
The writing is beautiful and fluid and has a fairytale like quality to it.
I hope/wish there are more stories from this “world” as it was beautifully created and wonderful to read.
Magical species must never mix. According to the rules, Simon Osborne should ignore the children’s cries for help. After all, they’re werewolf cubs, and he’s an apprentice mage. But for once in his life, Simon breaks the rules and rescues the cubs, saving them from a demon intent on draining them of their magic.
Of course, all actions have consequences, and Simon’s bold move earns him the displeasure of his peers and the attention of the cubs’ alpha, a man named Gray Townsend.
The last thing Gray needs is a mage in his life, but Simon did save his son. Since Simon is now a friend of the pack, Gray doesn’t have much choice about it—or the forbidden attraction that goes along with it. Unfortunately for the alpha, he needs Simon’s help to track down the demon behind the kidnappings—before it strikes again. Simon and Gray must join forces to protect the pack, even as they struggle to resist the temptation that threatens to destroy them both.
Morgan’s Review
Simon is a mage, and mages don’t mix with Others (vampires, shifters, demons) but when Simon “hears” some shifter children crying for help, he runs to their rescue despite this “rule”.
Gray is the father of one of the children Simon rescues and he is immediately indebted and attracted to Simon.
Together they work to find the demon who kidnapped the children and also unravel a mystery that involves Simon’s own powers.
Gray reveals that Simon is his Mate and though it should be impossible for two from different “groups” to mate, the chemistry is undeniable and very hot. They fight the attraction for a while, but it turns out to be necessary to save Simon’s life so they both joyfully and somewhat cautiously mate, unsure what the future will hold.
This was a sweet romance, most of the angst was about the “mystery” and the romance was pretty straight -forward. However, their relationship is far from solid and we will see it evolve in future stories as they experience being a couple on a day to day basis.
I liked this book a lot and am happy to keep reading the series.
Poppy’s world building is exceptional and her characters are fun and engaging. I enjoy exploring her world further with book two.
Audiobook:
Robert G Davis narrates the entire series and does a pretty great job. I really love his dialog. He’s good with the unique voices, uses some great accents and does a fantastic job voicing the children.
The sound quality is good and the pacing is excellent.
My only peeve is that while reading straight descriptive text (no dialog or specific action sequence) he tends to lilt his voice in such a way that every sentence ends with a higher inflection, like everything is a question or vaguely exciting.
If you put that out of your mind, the rest far out ways that gripe and it’s a great way to experience this series.
I recommend this book and the audiobook and give both a 4 of 5 hearts
On his way home from a meeting of the North American werewolf council, Armand La Marche is stopped in his limousine by a boy who is hurt by an unknown assailant who murdered his friend. After decades of searching, Armand has found his mate. There is one problem, someone is trying to kill Sean.
Sean Quinn’s friend Leroy was gutted trying to protect him. He runs for help and stops the first car he sees.
Armand LaMarche is head Alpha of the North American werewolf council and was in his limousine on his way home to his Manhattan brownstone. When the wounded boy stops his car, Armand recognizes two things:the boy is part wolf, an Omega with a great gift, and he’s Armand’s mate. Now all Armand has to do is claim his mate and keep him safe from the murderer.
Morgan’s Review
Sean is an art student who comes out to his dad and is thrown out into the streets. He has no money, no job and is about to become a rent boy when he is attacked. He’s “rescued” by Leonard, but his would-be friend/pimp gets killed trying to protect him and Sean gets injured, but is rescued again by Armand.
Both the attacker and Armand are werewolves. It turns out Sean is a werewolf too, only he doesn’t know it. But that isn’t all. Sean is no ordinary werewolf, he has special powers. Armand wants Sean because he is his mate. The attacker wants Sean’s special powers.
Armand nurses Sean back to health, tells him about the supernatural and they “fall in love”.
The rest of the story is preparing Sean to be a special Omega wolf and working on capturing the other werewolf after Sean. Sean comes into his powers at 25, Armand wants to be married before mating him, if Sean is taken before he’s mated his powers can be easily stripped from him, so there is some time pressure, as well.
**
Overall, this was an okay shifter story. Insta-love. Medium-hot sex. Semi-believable conflict. Lots of “I love yous”, “babys” and “honeys”.
If you’re a sucker for a sentimental, traditional “mates” type shifter story (like me) this is a book for you. There is next to nothing about being a wolf in this story other than as a plot device to explain the insta-love.
If you want a story with a more meaty storyline, more “shifting”, more “realism”…you might want to skip this.
I enjoyed it for what it is and give it 3.5 of 5 hearts
A tale of life, love, death, and other mysteries of the universe . . . including the importance of a good wardrobe.
Dead folks are the best friends of Quinn McConnell and Hunter Janz. Dead folks pay the bills for this team of psychic mediums . . . but just barely. To make it into the financial comfort zone, they need to outshine their competition.
Quinn needs even more than that. He’s been infatuated with his partner for the nearly three years they’ve been together, and if he can’t either get over his crush or make something happen with Hunter, they’ll have to split up. Sexual tension and unrequited love can wreak havoc with a psychic’s reception.
Salvation comes hobbling along in the form of a well-dressed but ravaged-looking man who can clearly see and converse with the dearly departed. Why? Because, he claims, he has something in common with them: He’s also been dead. The zombie who calls himself Dustin DeWind needs the psychics’ help in finding the man who made him what he is. In return, he promises to steer them toward the often elusive spirits that are their stock in trade.
But something more goes on when Quinn and Hunter forge an uneasy alliance with Dustin DeWind. It seems he’s also nudging them toward each other .
Review
Quinn and Hunter are psychics who can sense the emotions of people from places and things they’ve touched. They help the cops, do private investigating, and some talk shows. Though they met in an odd way (a one time hook-up at a wedding) they are business partners and friends now, and have been for years.
Quinn is out and proud and secretly pining for Hunter. Hunter is a “straight man” who occasionally finds men attractive. He’s been engaged up until recently and though he seems pretty touchy feely with Quinn, he has never approached Quinn again sexually or even spoken of their first meeting years ago.
The psychic duo are approached after one of their talk-show gigs by a dapper but somehow dilapidated man seeking their expertise on a personal matter. He claims he can speak with the dead, but won’t say how and won’t tell them any more until he feels he can trust them.
To prove himself, the man who calls himself (pun intended) Dustin DeWind, agrees to meet with them at an old asylum Quinn, Hunter and their paranormal group are investigating. Dustin claims he’ll prove he can speak with the dead and help them with their cases in return for their psychic help with his own, personal problem.
At the asylum Dustin communicates with a homophobic ghost and afterward asks the pair to help find Dustin’s ex-lover – the man who turned Dustin into a zombie.
Though they are still not so sure what to make of the guy (zombie and all) they agree Dustin has talent and his sob story is very compelling. So they go on a search for the ex. Meanwhile, Dustin keeps pointing out how the couple seems to be more than just friends and this spurs some interesting and revealing conversations between Quinn and Hunter. Neither man wants to lose their partnership but these feelings between them have to be addressed and it looks like things will need to change – one way or another.
**
What a surprise this book was! I was expecting it to be one thing (kinda spooky, kinda goofy, maybe even a little silly) but instead found it to be a really well written, thought provoking and sweetly sentimental story.
The magic and psychic stuff was fun! (I love it when paranormal authors actually capitalize on that unique feature of their books and do something with their characters’ powers/skills/etc.) Dustin’s part of the story was bitter-sweet but also interesting and moving and added quite a bit to the story.
I really liked how Hunter and Quinn’s romance subtly moved forward along with the “mystery” and that it wasn’t a big or over the top transition from friends to lovers. The pair had known each other for years and I was pleasantly surprised by the “reveal” in its simplicity.
There are only a few smexy times, but it’s pleny hot and felt like just the right amount for the story.
I really enjoyed this book, thought the writing and world-building was excellent, and will gladly look for more from this author.
Blurb
