Book Reviews Reverse Harem, Collaborations

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Wish Granted (The Conduit T... Wish Granted (The Conduit Trilogy #3)

               by    *****REVIEW














Wishful Thinking (The Condu... Wishful Thinking (The Conduit #2)

                       by     *****REVIEW
Arsyn Henley has just found out that she is the Conduit to the first Quad Jinn, Killian, Elijah, Zachary, and Talan in hundreds of years. However, her Quad didn't tell her, they kept it a secret from her. The shock, hurt, betrayal, and anger she felt towards her Jinn caused her to make a terrible mistake. One she may pay for with her life. Her Jinn must do everything in their power to find their girl before Darkness has its way with her. 

Make Me a Wish (The Conduit... Make Me a Wish (The Conduit #1)

                       by , and     *****REVIEW
Make Me a Wish is amazing!


The Arbiter (Divinely Damne... The Arbiter (Divinely Damned #1)

                       by K.B. 


A Kiss Of Madness A Kiss Of Madness

           by ,     ****REVIEW



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Mountain Cure: A Reverse Ha... Mountain Cure:  (Stone Brothers Duet                  Book 2) by 



Mountain Fever: A Reverse H... Mountain Fever:(Stone Brothers Duet                  Book 1) by 


Tempting Offer: A Reverse H... Tempting Offer:  (The Code #6)

               (The Code #6) by 


Perfect Design (The Code, #5) Perfect Design (The Code #5)
               by    *****REVIEW
Emma. Foxy Lady. Beautiful brilliant code designer. The security code she developed was an innovation meant to revolutionize the world and make her financially set for life. A life complete with a yacht and cabana boys for her and her bestie. It hasn't exactly worked out like she planned. Her code led her to the men of Pentabyte. Men she dearly loves. However, her code proved to be more in demand than she could have ever envisioned and led her life into dangerous disarray. She and her loved ones have been damaged financially and threated on every level. Her men of Pentabyte have taken a huge financial hit and are under government investigation. This path of corporate and personal destruction is all because BHC, another company is ruthless and immoral when obtaining what they covet. The time has come, however, for Emma and her men to fight back. They have teamed with the FBI for a sting operation that if successful will put an end to BHC once and for all and allow them to live the life they want.

Risky Business (The Code, #4) Risky Business (The Code #4)

                        by    *****REVIEW
Pandemonium. Stocks crashing. SEC and IRS investigators swarming. Fire alarms blaring. A rushed exit and multiple high-speed car escapes/chases. One ill-advised meeting and possible betrayals. Fights. Uncertainty. Definite heartache. And it all comes back to the code. The code has been a blessing and a curse. It has turned Emma's world on its end. BHC has proven that their ruthlessness has no limits. They want Emma's code and they are prepared to ruin her life and the lives of everyone she cares about to own it. They have her backed into a corner and she's finished fighting. As far as she is concerned they can have the code if they will leave her, her family, her best friend, and Pentabyte alone. But that's not enough for BHC anymore. The men of Pentabyte have a plan. It's a huge risk; dangerous, and failure means certain ruin but Emma is worth it. 
The tension in this book is unbelievable. Overwhelming. I had to actually limit myself while reading to keep from becoming too worked up. I may or may not have called the authors a few choice names at times. My son possibly thinks I'm a bit "off" now after watching my reaction to certain events. I will not begin to deny how invested I am in Emma and the men of Pentabyte. I have crossed every line; these characters are no longer fictional to me, their predicament is impacting me. I am worried, angry, frustrated. This series is so clever, so intelligent, so addictive. This book was action-filled and emotional. The detailing is incredible. It's truly the perfect blend of brilliant minds, sharp, shrewd business characters, beautiful people with an amazing connection, and a tale of corporate espionage and treachery. 
Broken Process (The Code, #3) Broken Process (The Code #3
               by    *****REVIEW
Emma's bank account has been drained, her childhood home ransacked, and now her best friend, Zoey has been taken. BHC has shown that they will stop at nothing to get access to Emma's code. Emma has tried to be strong, to be independent but realizes that she can no longer allow her pride to stand in the way of accepting the guy's help. She had wanted to keep a degree of separation between her and the men of Pentabyte until her decision was made but the realization that she and her loved ones are in actual danger forces her to take action. As she hands over her safety to the guys, she also realizes that she has handed over her heart. Now she has to figure out what comes next; not only with her code but with her relationships. One girl, five guys. That can't work but she can't just walk away. As the guys try to protect her and reassure her that everything will work out, their own lives are caught up in the danger too. 


Vested Interest: A Reverse ... Vested Interest: A Reverse Harem Romance(The    Code #1) by 
Emma Collins is a brilliant programmer struggling to get by while she finishes up her innovative security software. She lives with her best friend, works too many shifts at the hospital to pay the bills, and cooks when particularly stressed trying to work through a computing issue. She has trust issues since her last boyfriend/Jackass Jeremy/now new millionaire stole the idea that they were working on right out from under her. He's also the reason she has not been with a man in way too long! Pentabyte is one of the most successful tech companies in the country. It's run by its board consisting of five close friends, Jax, his twin Jude, Daniel, Trigg, and Gunner. These guys have been through a lot together, weathered some demons, and are closer than brothers. Now they have their eyes are Emma. When Emma receives an invitation to the Selsford Gala, the most prestigious event in her industry it's only the beginning for her. Offers start coming in; job offers, big money, living arrangements. But the tech industry can be cutthroat. Tactics to lure new recruits and to obtain new software are often shady. Needless to say, Emma has more than one marathon cooking session! She wants to be professional, she wants to make the most for her life with her software, opportunities like this are rare, but the offers are overwhelming and then she's distracted by the five gorgeous men she can't seem to stop thinking about.
Truly entertaining! This is a cleverly written book. The storyline is solid with excellent detailing. The characters are fantastic. The bond of brotherhood between the guys based on the past, the mystery surrounding Jax's past, the importance they place on their friendship and tradition. The fact that these successful men take nothing for granted and enjoy the little things and time spent together makes them even more attractive than their gorgeous faces, hot bodies, and bank account. Emma is a great lead female. Her mind, her pride, her confidence with a natural touch of self-doubt, her friendship with Zoey, and her heartbreak over Jeremy's betrayal make her a multi-layered, complex character. The new connection between Emma and the guys is intriguing. Her desire to be seen as a professional warring with her attraction to the guys; their desire for her conflicting with their wish to not scare her off leads to unfulfilled desires. The sexual tension in this book is off the charts. I have never read a book where nothing more than a kiss takes place yet it seems so much steamier. I love this! It makes me desperate for more!






Spite (Witches of Manberry #1) Spite (Witches of Manberry #1)

               by    ****REVIEW

The Wild Interview (The Wil... The Wild Interview (The Wild Boys                      Book 1) by 


Circus Saves Christmas: A C... Circus Saves Christmas: A Circus Save Me Novella by 



Circus Save Me Circus Save Me

             by  ,   ****REVIEW

The Hero Complex The Hero Complex

              by    ****REVIEW
Eden is a failed hero. She tries (sorta) but it seems that something just always goes wrong. The higher-ups have finally decided she needs reclassification. Heroes, villains... It's all so much work. There has to be a better way. A way that doesn't hurt anyone else; a way that's much more fun. And maybe, just maybe there will still be time for donuts. 
This book is in your face ridiculous! In the best possible way of course. Eden is simply absurd. Her random stream of inner consciousness, her inability to stay focused, and her natural ability to find trouble make for one of the more comical female characters ever. The villains are a mostly hapless group but at least they're pretty to look at. 
This book was a perfect escape. An hour full of giggles. I loved this idea of villainy, the fate of the truly evil one, and the bet in progress. For such a quick read there are lots of laughs. And sex. And donuts.






Huntress: Trials of the Gods Huntress: Trials of the Gods
                     by 
Artemis, Daughter of Zeus and Leto, twin sister of Apollo was sent away as a small child, hidden away from the world of gods. She has lived her life in the forest with a group of women. She is an expert hunter and a fierce warrior. Now she has been forced to leave her forest camp and taken to the Academy of the Gods where she will face a new type of threat. Society. Apollo has been killed and Artemis must take his place in the Trials of the Gods, a series of challenges to determine the next Academy leader. It's a volatile time since some want changes; recognition and equality for women while others want the Academy to remain unchanged. Artemis must join Apollo's former team, his friends, Thor, Loki, Dionysus, and Triton in the challenge. They will try to ensure that one of them fulfill Apollo's goal for revolution. Artemis is determined to be the next leader but she also wants to bring those responsible for her brother's death to justice. She must learn to work with and trust the team. It's complicated though. She may be part of the team but her relationship with Apollo's team is quite different than the one he shared with them. They were his best friends, she wants to make them her harem. 




Hell's Burning (Infernal De... Hell's Burning (Infernal Descent #3)

              by    ****REVIEW

Hell's Weeping: A retelling... Hell's Weeping: A retelling of Dante's                    Inferno (Infernal Descent Book 2)   

   ****REVIEW



Hell's Calling Hell's Calling
                by ,   **** REVIEW

Ciera made a deal with the Devil. Lucifer/Luke owns her soul in exchange for the means to keep her sister safe. She does some minor work for him in return for enough money to keep her three-year-old sister Tris housed, fed, and clothed. She's not a good person but she will do whatever it takes to keep Tris safe. But it went wrong and Luke has Tris. He sent someone for Ciera and when she fought back, they took her baby sister instead. Now she will do whatever it takes to get Tris back. A trip to hell is on order. With a tip, Ciera locates someone who can help her get to Hell, a semi-fallen Angel Maro. Once in the 9 circles of hell, they pick up two of his 'friends', a hellhound/man Cerebus and a wolf-man Plutus. Although her brain tells her that she can trust no one, Ciera feels safe with these three. She also feels an undeniable attraction. Even in the depths of hell.

Rule the Dark (Seven Warden... Rule the Dark (Seven Wardens #7)

           by    ****REVIEW

Under the Ice (Seven Warden... Under the Ice (Seven Wardens #6)

           by    ****REVIEW



Above the Waves (Seven Ward... Above the Waves (Seven Wardens Book 5) by 



                                          ****REVIEW
The army has been gathered and is ready to face the evil voice/Mahoun. However, Flint has lost his fire magic and is in bad shape. Macie knows that she must find a way to restore his flame. Not only can she not handle one of her men hurting but instinctually she realizes that it will take all of the wardens to have a chance against Mahoun. She sets off to find the legendary lampads, torch-wielding nymphs in the hope that she can pass their test and secure fire for Flint. On this part of their journey, they encounter Luc, a daimon assigned to be a guide to Macey. He can lead her to the right path and help at times but he can never directly interfere with her test for the lampads or in her fight for the world against Mahoun. 

                                       ****REVIEW
The Staran has been healed, Self-Doubt has been destroyed, but the Warden's job is not even close to complete. The world is not safe yet. Myths are becoming reality. Old fears are becoming embodied to be true threats. There is something wrong with the Earth. Mahoun has taken the form of the devil. So while the Warden's would like some downtime; time to rest, snuggle together, and maybe eat some waffles it's time to get busy and save the world again. 
                     by 

From The Deeps (Seven Warde... From The Deeps (Seven Wardens #1)

                  by 

Beyond the Loch: A Seven Wa... Beyond the Loch: A Seven Wardens                       Prequel (Seven Wardens 0.5) 

                 by 



The Deluge (The Storm Book 3) The Deluge (The Storm Book 3)

        by 

Whitney lost her guys one by one to her brother's control. They say what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. Whitney is about to test that theory. She's had a year. A year to break down completely. A year to rebuild herself. A year to plan. Now it's time. Time to get her men back. Time to free the other Controlled. Time to kill her brother. 

Thunder Rolling (The Storm,... Thunder Rolling (The Storm #2)

            by    ****REVIEW
Whitney brought her guys back to life. Now she is their life. They don't understand everything about their connection just yet but she is their miracle, so when she gets sick John, Isaiah, Nick, Brandon, Dante, and Carson will do whatever it takes to make her better. They are willing to go to any extreme or pay any price for their love.

Lightning Strikes Lightning Strikes: A Reverse Harem                     Paranormal Romance (The Storm Book 1)

                 by     ****REVIEW
The world ended. An infection wiped out much of humanity but they didn't die. Zombies are a real thing and there are only a few safe towns left. Whitney Lake lives under her father's control in one of those towns, Roanoke. She's lost her mother, her older brother, and recently her best friend Brandon, the man she had hoped to spend her life with. It's Brandon's loss that has left her nearly destroyed. So when she gets a letter from Brandon asking her to meet him, she has no choice. She saw his death, she saw him rise a zombie; she knows that the note, that hope is impossible, yet she has no choice! So she places her trust once more in the man she loves and sets off in the middle of the night hoping for the impossible. Whitney's trust opens the door to one impossibility after another until once again the world is changing. A storm is coming. All it takes is a few special people, trust, and love. All is not lost after all. 







Polaris (The Stardust Serie... Polaris (The Stardust #5)

                    by    *****REVIEW
Haley is conflicted. She has it all; she's excelling in the training program, her father is safe, she has a good friend in Kara and she has five wonderful men. But that's the problem. Knox told her that the team doesn't want her to pick one of them but just how can they make this work? Should she even try? What if she can't keep them all happy? What if they meet someone else? Isn't she being selfish wanting them all and ruining their chances at "normal"? What if it does work out? What will the rest of the world think? What will her dad think? It's too much! She loves them all but what if she ends up losing them all in the end? There is no simple answer. As Haley struggles to figure out what is best for her and Team Jaguar, she throws herself into the final portion of her training even as her guys try to keep her from pulling away. Then as her final exam goes terribly awry, everything finally comes into focus. Now her only question is, 'Is it too late'?
Polaris is beyond amazing. Honestly, I am afraid to even write this review because it's going to sound way over the top. I swear it is romantic perfection. It's beautifully crafted. Such care was taken to create this final book and it is a worthy conclusion. Each loving comment from one of the guys, each sweet gesture, every hot encounter is perfect. There's no other way to describe it. Autumn and Julia should apologize to men everywhere. There is NO WAY they will ever be able to live up to the men of Team Jaguar. Women need to accept that we can only dream of ever meeting one guy as sexy, as romantic, as smart, as devoted as one of Haley's five. This is a fantasy of the best kind and I loved every second of it. Birthdays. Holidays. Vacations. Dates. Cooking. Sexy times. This book includes everything every reader who fell in love with Haley and Team Jaguar in Phoenix has ever wanted. Again, PERFECTION!

Vega (The Stardust Series, #4) Vega (The Stardust #4)

                 by  

Vega, book 4 of the Stardust Series is exactly what a reverse harem should be. This is a well written book. The characters have depth. It's sexy, sweet, and entertaining. At no point does it become ridiculous and force the reader to suspend all sense of logic to continue reading. It progresses at a natural speed, especially considering their ages. Autumn Reed and Julia Clarke represent the best of this genre.
After running Haley has spent the last several months in Portland, but now Theo and Knox have come to try to get her to return. She had two reasons for running away. The guys feel that they have handled the first and have a solution for the other. Haley's not sure that their plan will work, but she wants to return home. She's missed the guys as much as they've missed her, so she's willing to try.
I could not have asked for anything more with Haley's return to Santa Cruz. She's taking more control of her life. She has focus and a future using her brains and putting her talents to use. She is now an equal. She has a close girlfriend in Kara. She has 5 incredible guys. She is spending time with all, seeing to their needs, falling in love with each of them. Each guy gets a good amount of time. There is group time, but each guy gets individual dates and alone time. No one is overlooked. She has a singular connection with each guy and each guy holds a special place in her heart (mine too). I feel that we now know each guy so much better. Team Jaguar, Jax, Liam, Knox, Theo, and Chase offer up romance, sweetness, tenderness, and sexy times every opportunity that they get with Haley. I have a new favorite each chapter. Theo's enthusiasm and sense of fun, Chase's vulnerability and sweetness, Liam's charisma and charm, Jax's intelligence and common interests, and Knox's protectiveness and loving. Of course, this had to be a reverse harem. No female could possibly choose! They also share pieces of their past, personal dreams, and their hearts. Haley's happiness is of utmost importance and binds them all together when insecurities surface.
This book was pleasing in every possible way. It elicits every type of emotion. The wait for Vega was well worth it and I am now looking forward to 2018's Polaris!




Chamaeleon (The Stardust Se... Chamaeleon (The Stardust #3.5)  

                 by  

I love these books! Honestly, I would give them a 5 star if they were longer. That's my only complaint; they are just too short and then I have to wait for the next novella to be released. 
I don't give spoilers but I will say Chamaeleon picks up the story right where Pyxis left off. It is written in the POV of all 5 guys and Haley. We get a clear understanding of how each person feels;
This story was more difficult because of the separation but the plot is developing nicely. It was nice to see Haley stand on her own. She proves that she is an intelligent, strong young lady. Her survival skills and her willingness to sacrifice to keep the guys safe shows her merit. The guys and their determination to bring her home was equally wonderful. I can't possibly pick a favorite from the guys. I would want them all too! Ethan has been disappointing, however the other's love for Haley leaves me eager for the reunion with Haley. I can't wait to see what happens next.



Pyxis (The Stardust Series,... Pyxis (The Stardust #3)

            by 
Pyxis is my favorite of the Stardust series so far. The main story thread about Haley's missing father is still the central theme, but she is living her life more and more. She's working, making a few girlfriends, reconnecting with her only former GF, and getting closer to most of the guys. Her life is finally becoming her own and with that, she's encountering a whole new set of emotions; anxiety, confusion, guilt, lust... She's also experiencing those wonderful flutters you get when you're around someone you've starting to fall in love with. She's coming to the realization that she's in love with all but one of her guys on team Jaguar. They are all clearly smitten with her and jealousy pops up here and there creating a bit of tension. 
Although Haley needs to communicate more about her feelings with the guys (although I understand how difficult this would be), I like how she's handling everything. She's getting closer to them in a natural way. She's loving and caring; fun and thoughtful. Each one of the guy's characters has been developed so nicely that my favorite changes page by page. I can't blame Haley for wanting them all if I can't narrow it down myself.
There are several seriously sweet scenes in the book both with Haley and the guys one on one and as a group. Her connections with them and vice versa are portrayed exactly right. It's all made to feel so natural and real. It's not all good though. When encountered by the reigning manwhore of the group Haley shows strength of character. Although she has had feelings for him since the beginning, she calls him out on his behavior and shuts him down. While the consequences have a negative chain reaction, she dealt with the conversation with grace. Danger still exists and a new threat is directed towards Haley. She takes control of her life completely at this point. The results will impact everyone. Pyxis ends in a cliffhanger with major actions by one member of Team Jaguar and by Haley.decision. I can't wait for the next book to find out what happens next with these two and the others!




Draco (The Stardust Series,... Draco (The Stardust #2)

                 by 

Phoenix (The Stardust Serie... Phoenix (The Stardust #1)

                 by 



Marked By Pain (The Marked,... Marked By Pain (The Marked #2)

               by 

Marked By Power (Marked, #1) Marked By Power (Marked #1)

                  by 

And Today I Die And Today I Die

               by   and    ****REVIEW
And Today I Die is a Reverse Harem retelling of the popular Russian fairytale "Vasilisa the Beautiful". This is roughly Cinderella with the addition of the famed Russian witch Baba Yaga and a magical doll. Lissa was given a doll by her mother that is 'alive'. She's Lissa's best friend and the only line of defense she has against her stepmother. Unfortunately, one night her stepmother's temper becomes deadly and doll isn't around to save her. Clinging to life Lissa is saved by a man and taken home with him to Baba Yaga's cottage where the witch strikes a deal with Lissa to save her life. It turns out that Lissa has a history with Baba Yaga and the three men living under the witch's control. Now the witch has Lissa under her control too and her life and very soul are in danger unless she and the men can escape.

The Nine (Foxfire Burning, #1) The Nine (Foxfire Burning #1)

                   by   , Tate James   ****REVIEW
Thea Hunt, professional assassin, youngest kitsune in history to get nine white tails, is a total badass. She's also in a rough spot. She needs her ninth tail bound by the elders but her ex, Fin has put in his rights as her destined mate. The council has bound her magic until she returns to him or finds him a new mate. She needs to do this immediately or her next job as an assassin may be her last. She still loves her ex (exes, Fin and Riot, actually) but she can't live the life the kitsune expect of her. She feels trapped and won't have her life dictated to her. She loves her freedom, power, money, and while she loves her exes, she also has an undeniable attraction and unbreakable ties to several others. She's also promised to help work on a cure for a deadly disease attacking the shifter world. A new drug has taken the shifters ability to shift away leaving them on a path to madness. She really needs her magic for the coming fight. But Thea is not one to back down; she will do whatever it takes to protect her own.

Nine Tails is a paranormal romance/urban fantasy collaboration between CM Stunich and Tate James, two of the most talented writers in the RH genre. This book is creative, highly original, and enthralling. It's very well-written. I am not sure how I feel about it. It's entertaining, capturing your attention from the first page. As an RH, I am conflicted. It hurt me to read at times. I personally like the harem to pretty much worship the lead female. That is not the case in this book. Most of the men either seem to want Thea dead (some by their own hands) or grudgingly want her body. Fin, her destined kitsune mate, and their partner Riot, a jaguar shifter truly love her but she left them. It's unclear what happened; if they smothered her or if she wasn't willing to commit but either way she walked away from the loves of her life. Mikhail, a vampire, the leader of the assassins guild, her boss has more than an employer's interest in her but he's maintained that she is only an employee or a food source for years. Barrett, the local alpha wolf is crazy and torn between wanting to kill her or have sex with her. Nix, the skinwalking coyote, is an enigma. He may want her, he may just need her. All three of these men have bound Thea to them in an inescapable manner yet are cruel and unfeeling except when desiring her. And we can't forget about Revel, the sexy kitsune. I'm not entirely sure what her role is; lover, friend, tool of the goddess. I'm not a fan of a mixed harem. I don't mind F/F at all but it doesn't fit into my idea of the perfect harem. However, since this harem is so dysfunctional, maybe I should just embrace her. Really, I want for the men to all admit how special Thea is and start treating her with respect. She deserves better from Mik, Barrett, and Nix. I want her to fix the mess she created with Fin and Rio, I want her magic restored, I want her to deal with some of her a**hole attraction issues. Then I want her and the guys to fix the shifter world! I want alot!! Thea's choices in friends are much easier to understand than the men she wants; Chris (fabulous), Bex (fierce), Shelbi (sweet), and her adorable familiar, little Ziff. I want one! I loved all of the time spent with these characters. It added a realistic feel to her life. She wasn't all about the men. She has her job, her friends, her trouble with the council and her magic. And she has her men/woman.

I seriously cannot wait for more. Thea has my attention. I want to see her with her full magic. She's fierce on her own but with her magic, she will be a goddess in her own right. I also want natural order restored so that I get to enjoy her with Fin and Riot. PLEASE! This is one of those rare unicorn books that I can't figure out what comes next. That is deliciously delightful!!

Dark Glitter (Wild Hunt Mot... Dark Glitter (Wild Hunt Motorcycle Club #1)

                       by 

Elements of Desire (Hijinks... Elements of Desire (Hijinks Harem #3)

                  by 


Altered By Fire (Undercover... Altered By Fire (Undercover Sinners #1)

           by    ****REVIEW

FORMERLY KNOWN AS:

Pain (Curse of the Gods, #5) Pain (Curse of the Gods #5)

              by    *****REVIEW
Willa Knight. Dweller turned God. Sacred and Mighty Willa the Naked. Sister to Emmy, bonded to the Abcurse brothers. She has fought to survive her entire life. Cursed, blessed, challenged. Now she fights for everyone in Topia and Minatsol; Dwellers, Sols, and Gods alike. Can she, her Abcurses, and their friends balance the worlds or will she end up destroying everything?

Neutral (Curse of the Gods ... Neutral (Curse of the Gods #4.5)

              by    *****REVIEW




Strength (Curse of the Gods... Strength (Curse of the Gods #4)

                      by    *****REVIEW
Willa and her Abcurses return in Strength, the 4th book of the Curse of the Gods series. They are hiding in Topia at Cyrus, the Neutral god's home after he killed Willa (to save her, obviously). They are trying to figure out the mystery that is Willa. Is she alive, dead, reborn? They are also determined to stick close together. Willa's death made it very clear how important she is to the brothers. Unfortunately, their time hiding away from the world is cut short due to Staviti's new plans. Plans that threaten to change the natural order of the worlds and to destroy all but Straviti's favorite creations. All Betas have been summoned to a new school, Champions Peak located on a secluded mountain where they will train the most powerful sols to hone their abilities for the next cycle. Willa follows the Abcurses of course. Now that she has revealed herself, the Abcurses hope to still keep her a secret from Rau and Staviti, keep her in one piece, mostly out of trouble, and dressed in public. 


Image may contain: 3 people, textImage may contain: 15 people, people smiling


Hidden in Smoke (Phoenix Ri... Hidden in Smoke (Phoenix Rising #2)

                       by     ****REVIEW
Dying and rebirth. Nix is overly familiar with both but it's never been like this. She can't get back into her body, she can't help her guys with Michael, she's being consumed by fire from the inside and surrounded by darkness. Nix and her Phoenix fight their way back to her guys. Now as she recovers physically and emotionally from her death and her past abuse, Nix is beginning to really live even with the lingering fear of Michael. She's attending college, she has a best friend, she's learning how to let people touch her, and she is falling for the mythologicals. Ther are also new complications. The Council knows about her and she has been summoned. This world of politics and class status is unfamiliar and unappealing but it's too dangerous to go against the council's requests. As one danger is put to rest, new ones surface. Hopefully, Nix can navigate this new world with the support of her men.

Born of Embers (Phoenix Ris... Born of Embers (Phoenix Rising #1)

                       by 
Annika, Nix, has lived a hellish life. Her mother dies when she was four leaving her at the mercy of a sadistically cruel and violent father and a flawed foster system. Nix is different and this makes her existence even more vulnerable to her father's violence. When she turns 18 she escapes. With her savings and a college scholarship, she flees to Alaska, running as far away as she could get from her childhood. Nix is looking for a new life, a fresh start where she is alone, unnoticed. Instead, she finds herself in the middle of a new overwhelming shifter world. A new world full of magic, politics, rules, classism. She has a new understanding of herself and who she truly is but there is so much to now learn. She has a new friend, her first, Rini and Rini's guys. She has five guys looking for a place in her life, Hiro, Killian, Theo, Damien, and Ryder. She thinks of them as her guys but doesn't really know what that means. And she still has to deal with her own issues; her PTSD, her fear of being touched, her temper, and fears. Not all fears are imagined or remembered, however. There is danger for Nix, even in Alaska. 
Born of Embers is excellent. I was caught up in this paranormal world immediately. The mythological mix with the usual shifter is great. The fact that there are layers of politics surrounding the shifter world gives this story a deeper depth than the average shifter tale. Nix is an exceptional character. So damaged but not broken. Determined, resilient, she is a survivor. She is deeply damaged, however, rightfully so, and I was grateful that her scars didn't simply disappear once she landed in Alaska. Insta-connection worked beautifully in this book. Insta-love would not have. There is sexual tension, plenty of flirting, and some amazing kissing but thankfully Nix remains wary, scared, and unable to simply move on from her past traumas. Rini is the roommate every new girl should be so lucky to have. I love female friendships. The "mythologicals" are fantastically yummy. Hiro with his sweetness hiding a naughty side; Killian with his honest, playful nature; Theo, smart and insensitive at times, yet so thoughtful at others; Damien, so protective and caring; and Ryder with his over-the-top flirting and harmless "perviness". We got to know each guy, understand their closeness with one another, and see their individual connection with Nox but there's still so much to learn about each. It's truly a great cast of characters. 
This book is a great blend of world and character building and actual story. It's captivating. It also has a heck of a cliffhanger that left me screaming for more. I could have easily given this book a five-star rating but I feel that it can get even better. I read it on KU but went on to purchase it for my own library. It was that enjoyable. I am looking forward to the next book. I hope that the author's promise that it will be out soon is a true one!

*Trigger Warning this book contains scenes and references to extreme physical and sexual abuse. This book also contains wonderful m/m action.


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