Shadow's Edge -- The Kyn Kronicles -- Book 1 by Jami Gray

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Black Opal Books
Paranormal Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Everyone fears what hunts in the shadows…especially the monsters.

It takes a monster to hunt one, and for Raine McCord, forged in the maelstrom of magic and science, she’s the one for the job. In a world where the supernatural live in a shadowy existence with the mundane, a series of disappearances and deaths threatens the secrecy of her kind and indicates someone knows the monsters are alive and kicking. Partnering up with the sexy and tantalizing Gavin Durand proves to be a challenge as dangerous as the prey she hunts. When the trail points back to the foundation which warped Raine’s magic as a child, her torturous past raises its ugly head. Gavin and Raine sift through a maze of lies, murder and betrayal to discover not only each other, but the emerging threat to them and the entire magical community.

Review: "Oh Yeah. Let's go hunting"......Raine McCord.

And hunt, she does. Raine McCord is a true heroine. She's smart, determined, conflicted and feisty. Add to that, years of betrayal, anger and her own untapped magic and you're in for the ride of your life. This book will have you on the edge of your seat cheering, yelling and wanting to fight alongside Raine, Gavin and the other Taliesin members.

Heart stopping drama, paranormals, magic and the human side of corruption and destruction are only a few of Raine's dilemma's. Once you step into the world of this kick ass Wraith, there's no going back. Buckle up!

Blood Fest: Cursing Fate by Pepper O'Neal

Story: 9
Presentation: 9
Total: 18
Publisher: Black Opal Books
Paranormal Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: She has some deadly secrets…

Tabitha Norkus wants only one thing in life—freedom from slavery for herself and the others held captive at the Lithuanian weretiger compound. When she gets the chance to escape, she grabs it. Taking three other Weres with her, she bolts for England, hoping to find sanctuary with her cousin in the British weretiger pride. But Tabbi’s fierce attraction to Drake Gatos, the English pride leader terrifies her, compounding her inability to trust him. She has no doubt he’s strong enough to protect her from her old pride leader. But will he? Her mind tells her, Drake’s the real deal. But her heart fears that once he discovers the truth, he’ll send her packing.

He can’t afford to let her keep them…

Drake catches Tabbi and her three young charges hiding in a barn. Realizing they’re on the run and terrified, he takes them into his home and offers them protection. He knows Tabbi is trouble, but she’s also in trouble, and his sense of honor won’t let him turn her away. His instincts warn him the woman’s deep, dark secrets may endanger his whole pride. So why does he find her so irresistible? Can he gain her trust in time to get the answers he needs in order to protect her from the danger that’s stalking her—or will he die trying to save her?


Review:   Although some of the content in this book was heartbreaking to read, the story itself was a great read.

Ms. O’Neal’s heroes and heroines are likeable and feel real. I found myself quickly turning the pages as I followed them on their journey to happiness and safety.

The author’s villains are so vile, you find yourself plotting along with the good guys and wishing you could have a hand in their demise. I for one, plan to buy the first book in the series, Blood Fest – Chasing Destiny and am eager for the next one be released.

This book is not for the faint of heart. The abusive situations referred to involve children and although each one is handled with sensitivity and all are inferred, the content is disturbing. Without giving too much away, let me just say the book concludes with a HEA or at least a HFN ending.

5 Stages of Grief by Bethany Ramos

Story: 7
Presentation: 8
Total: 15
Publisher: Black Opal Books
Chick Lit
To Purchase

Blurb: Danielle thinks the worst is behind her, but she couldn’t have been more wrong…

As a beauty editor of Denver's hot new High Life magazine, Danielle Starkey didn’t have becoming a widow on her to-do list. Then nine months after her husband’s death, she discovers he booked a vacation with another woman. Suddenly, Danielle sees Adam’s death in a whole new light and has to get over it - for the second time.

Hit with the truth when she least expects it, Danielle brings a fresh, funny, and honest approach to the grieving process as she struggles through online dating, stalking her dead husband’s mistress, and, hopefully, finding the man of her dreams. With her stubborn and sassy best friend April by her side, Danielle refuses to let sleeping dogs lie. Will she finally face the truth about herself and her marriage? Or will she succumb to one of the five stages of grief?

Review: Danielle's husband of 3 years, died 9 months ago.  Just as she seems to be getting her life back together, she finds out he was cheating on her before he died. So, she does what any self respecting widow would do. She gets plastered, tattooed , buys and extremely expensive puppy and stalks her dead husband's mistress. And all of this happens before she can even get to the third stage of grief! Heaven forbid, if I ever found myself in her fabulous stiletto's--I hope I'd be able to handle it even half as well as she has.

Once you pick this book up, you won't want to put it down. So, grab a copy, put on your favorite hoodie, cook up some Top Ramen, open your favorite bottle of wine and settle in for this unique twist on the life of a young widow. Join Danielle on her journey through the 5 stages Of Grief that lead her to bad dates, career jeopardy, her ex sister in law's wedding and even to the hot beaches of Antigua. Who knows, you might just make a new best friend.