Review: Darkling

Darkling by Brooklyn Ray

Published January 8, 2018 by NineStar Press

Reviewed by Jen

5 MYSTICAL STARS!

Synopsis:

Port Lewis, a coastal town perched on the Washington cliffs, is surrounded by dense woods, and is home to quaint coffee shops, a movie theater, a few bars, two churches, the local college, and witches, of course.

Ryder is a witch with two secrets—one about his blood and the other about his heart. Keeping the secrets hasn’t been a problem, until a tarot reading with his best friend, Liam Montgomery, who happens to be one of his secrets, starts a chain of events that can’t be undone.

Dark magic runs through Ryder’s veins. The cards have prophesized a magical catastrophe that could shake the foundation of Ryder’s life, and a vicious partnership with the one person he doesn’t want to risk.

Magic and secrets both come at a cost, and Ryder must figure out what he’s willing to pay to become who he truly is.

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Blood-letting (consumption of blood)
Explicit Sexual Content
Death and Resurrection of an MC
Mild Gore (very mild)

Darkling by Brooklyn Ray

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. As a Wiccan, anything to do with magic catches my eye. Thankfully it did because I really enjoyed the read!

The writing was great. The only thing I had a hard time with was pronoun usage. But it becomes a bit clearer toward the end. More about gender identification. Once I wrapped my head around that, I was good!

Reviewed by Jen of the GothicMoms Review Team

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Review: Return of the Lycan King Trilogy

Return of the Lycan King by Candace Blackburn

Nicholas and Kristen Book 1

RePublished January 16, 2018

Reviewed by Sarah

5 HOWLING MOONS!!!

Synopsis-

One life, one mate. Nicholas Konstantine has been waiting over a thousand years for his mate. But when he finds her, she's completely unaware of her Lycan biology, and she's battling her own personal demons. 

Kristen O'Connor is a recovering addict, with some major trust issues. By not letting anyone get close, she won't get hurt. Yet after one meeting with Nicholas, her walls are crumbling, and she wants more with this man. 

But Nicholas reveals his Lycan side, and hers as well. In addition, ghosts from both of their pasts come back to haunt them. Will they face everything together, or will Kristen's fears be stronger than her love?

Return of the Lycan King: Nicholas and Kristen by Candace Blackburn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a first read of this author for me and I absolutely LOVED IT! I cannot wait for the next book but it looks like it might be a while since this was published in 2015. The chemistry between Nicolas and Kristen was hot. I loved how real Kristen's character was with the flaws she was dealing with mainly in her mind as she had overcome her issues. For me I love when books such of this nature still have very real human characteristics and then those with some of the harder to relate to make it just more believable in my opinion. As normal with mates it is instant attraction, but with Kristen being raised human she doesn't quite understand it which I think is a universal thing when it comes to the "perfect man" showing interest in you. The side characters were perfect and I love the twists throughout the book and they were done just right. Yes there is a cliffhanger but it wasn't the worst one I've read but it will definitely leave the mind reeling.

Reviewed by Sarah of the GothicMoms Review Team

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Review: Heat

Heat by Donna Grant

Dark Kings Book 12

Publication Date January 30, 2018 by St. Martin's Press

Reviewed by Janet

5 Firebreathing Stars!

Synopsis:

Nikolai is a dragon shapeshifter who knows well the meaning of loss. Orphaned and raised to be a Dragon King, he never accepts defeat. Now, Nikolai prefers his solitude . . .until a beautiful, irresistible woman calls upon him for help—and Nikola’s whole word goes up in flames.

Ever since MI5 agent Esther woke to discover her mind taken over with magic, she feels like stranger to herself. She looks to a notorious dragon, one who has the power to help her find her memory. But as she and Nikolai come closer to discovering what really happened to her, a dangerous passion ignites between them. Can this lone Dragon King help the woman he’s grown to love to uncover the truth about her past—or will a deep and fiery danger tear them both apart?

Heat by Donna Grant

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whew! Fanning self at the moment. The title of this book is aptly named. Nikolai and Esther have unbelievable chemistry that fills the pages. They are made for one another. I absolutely love this series. The Dragon shifters are smokin' hot, pun intended. There's no need to start at the beginning of this series because each book is perfect as a standalone. However, after reading one, you may want to go back and plow through the others. Nikolai's story is fantastic! There are other paranormals in this book that you will notice throughout the series. You may need to check and see if your favorite has a story out already.

This author always does a splendid job when it comes to creating her characters and their back story. While there are hurdles to overcome, as with most paranormal romances, readers are guaranteed awesomeness in this book along with a happily ever after. And yes, I'm still waiting for Rhi's book.

Reviewed by Janet of the GothicMoms Review Team

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