Witches Be Burned by Stacey Kennedy- Magic & Mayhem #2

In Stacey Kennedy's steamy paranormal romance novel, a rookie guardian sworn to combat the undead risks life and love in a world of violence, witchcraft, and seduction.

Nexi Jones has lost her family, she's been stripped of her guardian duties, and she's still learning the ins and outs of white magic. At least she has Kyden, the smoldering hot elite guardian who's been there for her every step of the way. But just as Nexi completes her training, tragedy strikes the Otherworld when a fellow guardian is murdered by a group of rogue vampires. Ready or not, she and Kyden trek into the Earthworld to hunt down a killer—and Nexi alone will be put to the ultimate test.

Although Kyden knows that Nexi must fight her own battles, his guardian instincts are raging as he struggles to keep her close. The ruthlessness of these vampires is like nothing he's ever seen. And at their helm is the Black Witch Astoria, a demon with one burning desire: to shed Nexi's blood in the name of vengeance. What troubles Kyden even more, though, is the warlock who covets Nexi's heart. Let the devil do his worst . . . all Kyden can do is love and protect Nexi until his last breath.

Second books in the Magic & Mayhem series by Stacey Kennedy.

A very nice book to read, although frankly I would rather read the first book in the series, where Nexi and Kyden met, whereas here I have found them already as a couple, and I'd liked to know more about them. A new pair, who still must put in place some things for the balance of their relationship, as both as guardians are forced to work together, putting their lives at risk, and this is something that Kyden didn't like at all, due he has already risked losing Nexi.  So kyden will put all his "weight" as guardian tryng to leave Nexi safe out from the missions, a  little bit caveman, but he's pushed from his feelings for her. Though Nexi is not a that is silent and submissive kind of girl, who responds "Yes master", buisterica sharp tongue is one of her biggest problems, as she still has not fully adapted to the world of the immortals and the importance of their hierarchies.

Ms. Kennedy has created a complex world, full of supernatural creatures, magic and parallel worlds. Fascinating. I loved the Nexi and Kyden's story, so full of action and moments of searing passion, but also a lot of fun for as the two confronted each other and above all thanks to the "familiar", a creature that has been bonded with Nexi and made me do a lot of laughts.

Good plot, compelling and full of mystery, while the two protagonists find themselves immersed in a well-orchestrated plan to reach the ultimate goal of those who are pulling the strings behind the deaths of the other guardians fellow.

The story has its own conclusion, but some questions remain outstanding, for the future of this couple who doesn't seem to have a moment of peace.

What I'm curious about is why the two have not spoken of the ceremony to cement their bond. Why? I think for this I will have to wait.

Thanks to Netgalley and the Random House Publishing Group-Loveswept for the book.

Rating: 3 stars and 1/2

TITLE: Witches Be Burned

AUTHOR: Stacey Kennedy

SERIES: Magic & Mayhem # 2

PUBLISHER: Loveswept

Secondo libro della serie Magic & Mayhem.

Libro molto carino da leggere, anche se sinceramente avrei preferito leggere anche il primo libro della serie, dove Nexi e Kyden si sono conosciuti, mentre qui me li sono ritrovati già come coppia, e avrei voluto conoscere di più su di loro. È una coppia formata da poco, che ancora deve mettere a posto qualcosina per l'equilibrio del loro rapporto, visto che entrambi che come guardiani sono costretti a lavorare insieme, mettendo a rischi la loro vita, cosa che non va molto giù a Kyden, che ha già rischiato di perdere in precedenza Nexi. E il caro ragazzo mette in gioco tutto il suo peso per tentare di ostacolare Nexi e non farla partecipare attivamente nelle missioni, un po' da cavernicolo, ma spinto dalle migliori attenzioni. Comunque Nexi non è una che sta zitta e muta e risponde "sí padrone", anzi tenere a freno la lingua è uno dei suoi maggiori problemi, visto che ancora non si è completamente adattata al mondo degli immortali e alla importanza delle loro gerarchie.

Ms Kennedy ha creato un mondo complesso, piene di creature soprannaturali, magia e realtà parallele. Molto affascinante, così come ho amato la storia di Nexi e Kyden, in cui non mancano momenti d'azione e momenti di passione bruciante, ma anche tanto divertimento per come i due si confrontano tra di loro e soprattutto con il "familiar" una creatura che si è legata a Nexi e mi ha fatto fare veramente un sacco di risate.

Buona la trama, coinvolgente e ricca di mistero, mentre i due protagonisti si ritrovano immersi in un piano ben orchestrato per giungere allo scopo finale di chi tira le fila dietro alle morti degli altri guardiani compagni di Nexi e Kyden.

La storia ha una sua conclusione, ma alcune domande rimangono in sospeso, per il futuro di questa coppia che sembra non avere un attimo di respiro e pace.

Quello che più mi incuriosisce è il motivo per cui i due non hanno ancora parlato della cerimonia per cementare il loro legame. Perché? Credo che per questo dovrò aspettare.

Ringrazio Netgalley e la Random House Publishing Group- Loveswept per il libro.

VOTO: 3 stelle e 1/2

Stripped Bear by Kate Baxter

Get lost in the powerful, sexy novella by Kate Baxter where one alpha shifter will do whatever it takes to claim the woman he can *bearly* resist...

Caden Mitchell is the ultimate alpha. Known to most as a smoldering hot billionaire, his secret weapon- the ability to shapeshift into a strong and deadly bear- allows him to be the most ruthless enforcer of the Sotari, a paranormal organization tasked with keeping the course of Fate on the right track. But when the ailing health of his grandmother leads him back home, the luscious curves of his childhood nemesis will be too much to resist...

Leah Ridgeway never expected Caden to give her the time of day. With his abs cut from stone and powerful, strong arms, she knows there's no chance he's interested in her handful of curves. But Caden is tormented by thoughts of her beautiful body. And when evil threatens Leah's very life, Caden will stop at nothing to keep her safe...and claim her as his mate...

Awesome  short-novel, just the kind of story that I love when it comes to shapeshifters and mating-bond.

Caden and Leah are an amazing and very hot couple. He's a bear shapeshifter and Leah is a normal girl. Their attraction, the dominant character of him and his ways a bit caveman style, who doesn't want to allow anything and nothing to get between him and his mate and the stubbornness of her, with her sharp tongue, are the strength of this story.

Leah is human but subconsciously, since she was only a teenager, she fell in love with Caden, but because of their age difference he rejected her badly, hurting her feelings, but fate, and his " sweet Granny"  remedying the damage done by him, although Leah is anything but condescending.

I'm sorry only for its brevity, it would have deserved a real novel, giving them more space, I really like how this author writes.

I'm very curious about Sotari, the organization Caden works for and I absolutely want to read the story of the last vampire that Sotari wants to kill at all costs.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the kind preview.

Rating: 4 stars

TITLE : Stripped Bear

AUTHOR: Kate Baxter

PUBLISHER : St. Martin's Press

Fantastica short-novel, proprio il tipo di racconto che adoro quando si tratta di shapeshifters e mating-bond.

Caden e Leah sono una coppia veramente stupenda e hot. Lui un orso shapeshifter e lei una normale ragazza. La loro attrazione, il carattere dominante di lui e i suoi modi un po' da cavernicolo, che non vuole permettere a niente e nulla di mettersi tra lui e la sua mate e la testardaggine di lei, con le sue risposte sempre pronte, sono la forza di questo racconto.

Leah è umana ma inconsciamente, sin da quando era solo un'adolescente, si sentiva spinta verso Caden, ma lui visto la differenza di età l'aveva allontanata in malo modo, ferendo profondamente i suoi sentimenti, ma il destino, e la cara "nonnina" di Caden rimediano al danno fatto da lui, anche se Leah è tutt'altro che condiscendente.

Mi è solo dispiaciuto per la sua brevità, avrebbero meritato una vera novella in modo da potergli dedicare più spazio, mi piace molto come scrive questa autrice.

Mi incuriosisce molto anche la Sotari, l'organizzazione per cui lavora Caden e voglio leggere la storia dell'ultimo vampiro che la Sotari vuole eliminare a tutti i costi.

Ringrazio Netgalley e la St. Martin's Press per la gentile anteprima.

Voto: 4 stelle

TITOLO: Stripped Bear

AUTHOR: Kate Baxter

PUBLISHER: St. Martin's Press

Wild Nights with a Lone Wolf by Elisabeth Staab- Lone Wolf #1

Agent Sherri Walker needs a change of scenery. Her former lover nearly tanked her career, forcing her to take a leave of absence. A few drinks and a one-night stand with a sinfully hot stranger look like a great way to take her mind off her troubles, until that stranger’s past lands her in a new world of danger.

Asher Hughes left his outlaw pack but couldn’t ditch the bad blood. A lone wolf who’s always refused to bond, Ash is left wanting more after one night with a beautiful, spirited human. Worse, it puts Sherri in the crosshairs of an old pack enemy, and the only way to save her is to claim her as his own.

I really enjoyed Sherry and Asher' s story, in some ways a little different from the books that I usually read about shapeshifters.

Sherry and Asher are so different, between them is the classic attraction that can strike when opposites attract, but unlike the usual it started as an adventure, a one night-stand a really hot one, but " thanks" to Asher's half-brother they met again and everything is going to happen certainly is not for his brotherly love, indeed ...

I found the plot quite original and the story well-written, very smooth and compelling while I was reading it.

 For sure Asher had all his reasons for walking away from his pack and family; what keeps the pack together isn't the bond you used to read between wolves, everything is linked to power and dealing with outlaws activities, and loyalty is far from being one of the more i portant things.

Sherry is a great female character, strong, intelligent, sensual, but very unfortunate with her boyfriend choice.

Asher seems to be the classic dark and handsome guy, hot and above the rules, but in fact he has his principles and his rules. 

What I liked the most in their story it's they're not soul mates, eternal love professed from the start, they share passion, a bond of trust that begin in a short time, but as it is written, the author leave space for them to know one another and see how it can go between them.

I was very intrigued with Asher's brother, Jett, and I hope it will be space to him and his story in the future, because he deserves it.

Thanks to Netgalley and Elisabeth Staab for the book.

RATING: 3 1/2 stars

TITLE: Wild Nights with a Lone Wolf

AUTHOR: Elizabeth Staab

SERIES: Lone Wolf # 1

Mi è piaciuta veramente molto leggere la storia di Sherry e Asher, sotto alcuni aspetti un po' diversa dai libri che di solito leggo sui mutaforma.

Tra loro, così diversi, nasce la classica attrazione che può scoccare quando gli opposti si attraggono, ma a differenza del solito era partita come un'avventura di una notte e tale sarebbe rimasta se il buon fratellastro di Asher non ci avesse messo lo zampino nel farli reincontrare, e non lo fa di certo per il suo amore fraterno, anzi...

La trama l'ho trovata abbastanza originale, e il racconto ben scritto, scorrevole e avvincente durante la lettura.

Di certo Asher aveva tutte le sue buone ragioni per allontanarsi dal suo branco e dalla famiglia; quello che tiene unito il branco non è di certo il legame di cui si è soliti leggere tra i lupi, tutto è legato invece al potere e agli affari poco leciti di cui si occupano, e la lealtà ben lungi dall'essere uno dei valori più considerati.

Sherry è un ottimo personaggio femminile, forte, intelligente, sensuale, ma decisamente sfortunata nella scelta dei suoi compagni di vita.

Asher sembra essere il classico bel tenebroso, tremendamente sexy e al di sopra delle regole, ma in realtà ha dei suoi principi  e delle sue regole. 

Quello che mi è piaciuto di più è che la loro storia non nasce come il classico colpo di fulmine, amore eterno confessato Sin dal primo istante, ma un rapporto e un legame di fiducia che nasce, sì, in breve tempo, ma per come è stato scritto, lascia loro dello spazio per conoscersi e vedere come può andare.

Mi ha intrigato molto il fratello di Asher, Jett, e spero che sia dato spazio a lui e alla sua storia in futuro, perché merita proprio.

Ringrazio Netgalley e Elisabeth Staab per il libro.

VOTO: 3 stelle 1/2

TITLE: Wild Nights with a Lone Wolf

AUTHOR: Elizabeth Staab

SERIES: Lone Wolf #1

Cursed by Ice by Jacquelyn Frank- Immortal Brothers #2

As punishment for plotting with his brothers to steal immortality, Garreth is suffering a freezing torment until the end of time. Again and again, his fierce fighter’s physique is frozen into a chiseled ice sculpture, his heart hardening like a diamond in his chest—only to thaw and resume the chilling torture. Until, like his older brother Dethan, he is offered a reprieve from a goddess—in exchange for his allegiance in a celestial civil war.

Garreth lives to fight and fights to live. But while laying siege to an embattled city, he finds another reason to go on—a beautiful warrior woman named Sarielle, who commands a mythic beast through a mysterious and powerful bond. Terrified of her strength, the city rulers have kept her captive, and now she refuses to submit to a new master. As Garreth seeks to unleash her passion and melt the icy resistance of her heart, will he become her ultimate salvation—or lead them both to greater destruction? 


Mea culpa ... I had forgotten how Jacquelyn Frank sometimes likes to "surprise" her readers, not always in a positive way. I admit I had lowered my guard.
In fact I just finished to decant the praises on Dethan, in the previous book review and here he falls from the pedestal, but let's go with order.
"Cursed by Ice" is the book on Garreth, Dethan's little brother, while the female protagonist is Sarielle, a woman who has an extraordinary power: she's a wrena, a woman tied up body and soul to a wyvern, a dragon.

I liked the book enough, although it doesn't convinced me in everything.
Garreth is a great fighter, but also an idealist and this often makes him wrong while he approaches towards the reality of things and different cultures. I really liked the way he tries to earn the trust of Sarielle, his protective instinct toward her, but also to her dragon. His honesty and lack of ulterior motive in wanting to help, unfortunately sometimes his way of thinking and some choices that are a bit tortuous.
Sarielle and her dragon are the characters in the book that fascinated me the most, their bond and their story, a unique relationship almost "mother-child", even for the way she has managed to create the bond with this creature, stealing an egg, and then waiting for the birth of the little one and becoming its only reference as a real mother. A scary Dragon, which is actually still a big baby who needs pampering, but it becomes extremely dangerous and  protective with Sarielle.
She chose this life to be precious and indispensable and so protect her sisters, although it proved to be a double-edged sword, since the girls then become the easiest way to put her under blackmail and make her a slave to those who govern the city until the arrival of Garreth.
Garreth must pass several tests to win Sarielle's trust and love, almost always exceeds these tests, sometimes not, thanks to the "help" of his brother and a female figure and a bit disturbing, Davine, who to maintain her privileges does everything to lure away Garreth from Sarielle. And here are the painful note between me and this book: Dethan and his totally unacceptable behavior, and he's even a little coward, leaving all the dirty work to Davine. Maybe the distance from his wife made him really bad ... but where is the brave warrior, who speaks his mind freely that had so fascinated me in "Cursed by Fire"? I'm perplexed to say the least.
Apart from this little, very personal problem with Dethan character, I still think it's an interesting series to follow, full of magic, passion, intrigue and action, with a touch of unpredictability, because of the intervention of the gods in the lives of these four brothers, their mood and changes to plans that they will reserve them in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for the book.

RATING: 3 stars

TITLE: Cursed by Ice
AUTHOR: Jacquelyn Frank
SERIES: Immortal Brothers #2
PUBLISHER: Ballantine Books

Anteprima: Wicked Ride by Rebecca Zanetti- Realm Enforcers #1

Alexandra Monzelle is a hard-fighting, heat-packing Seattle vice cop, and she’s not much interested in being protected. Her short skirt and sex-kitten heels are tools to lure her suspects into talking about the deadly new drug hitting the streets. She can take care of herself and then some. Unfortunately, she can’t seem to get that through to Kellach Dunne.

Kellach is a fresh import from Dublin, and he’s landed at the heart of a vicious motorcycle club that deals in guns, narcotics, and mayhem. He’s all male, all rough power—and all interference in her damn investigation. Maybe he’s one of the good guys. Maybe not. Lex knows an affair with an immortal like him would risk everything. No matter how delicious he looks…

New series by Rebecca Zanetti, although to tell you the truth the Realm Enforcers is a spin-off from the popular paranormal romance series "Dark" Protectors ".

The protagonists in this case are "witches"term that suggests women when you read it, but I assure you that Kellan and his brothers are "very" males. They haven't nothing to envy with the vampires and shapeshifters we've learned about among the immortals of the Dark Protectors, guided and ruled by Dage Kayrs.

In fact, the magic of Dunne brothers and all their kind is related to quantum physics, their ability to manipulate things and use them as a weapon for their defense or attack depending on the situations, no potions, abracadabra and so on. Because of their powers the Dunne Brothers  are guardians and they protect the Coven of Nine, the powerful and feared congregation leader of all witches, and in case of danger they have carte blanche to dictate the rules for everything related to the components of the Coven.

Something that definitely they didn't regret, given the tendency of male characters of Ms Zanetti to be absolutely dominant.

The great thing though is to see them compared with their mates, who are never  sweet girls who are at home to make the sock.

In this case then, with Alexandra, Kellach has a tough one. He feels a strong attraction for her from the start and he has no problems to make obvious the thing, even if he doesn't  immediately recognize her as his predestined mate.

He is working undercover, infiltrating a motorcycle gang notorious for smuggling drugs and weapons into the city and he cannot reveal her his real identity and especially being an immortal

His spoken Irish and his ways slightly outside the rules make him irresistible, to say the least and even Alexandra's attitude and the fact that she is a COP don't stop him.

Alexandra cannot help but to be struck by Kellach, but she is a woman very attached to her principles and rules, a policewoman whose father was a bigwig of the drug trafficking in his hometown and that caused victims even among her friends. She is used to cope with the feelings she feels and rationalise all to avoid suffering, as has happened in the past and with Kellach things are no different, as he is a suspect, a dangerous criminal and to read while Alexandra, more than once, stop and got arrested he and his brothers was really amazing and funny.

I love Rebecca Zanetti's characters, with their contradictions and features. They're so dominant, but the bond that binds them to their companions and the members of their family is really intense and they would do anything for them. Another thing that I like about this writer is like she put in the story secondary characters that are unique. In this case the King Dage Kayrs, entrusts Kellach with two "boys" (a demon and a vampire) to keep them engaged on the battlefield, and out of trouble. A particular interpretation of the concept of security, but to read these two "teenagers" immortals, blushing in front of a woman or tremble at the thought of being therefrom by her mother, and then when they're in action are two war machines, well it's one of those things that have made this one of my favorite author.

The plot is excellent, well written, full of action and hot scenes between Lex and Kellach, not to mention the sparks and the verbal battles, which always come when they're together.

I reccomend it to anyone who loves the books of this genre; Personally I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this SERIES, because when one of the brothers Dunne says something like: my wife will be gentle, submissive and she will wait at home for me, well then I think is going to be big big trouble for him, knowing Rebecca Zanetti, and for us is a lot of fun.

Thanks to Netgalley and Lyrical Press Kensington Books for the kind preview.

Rating: 4 stars

TITLE: Wicked Ride

AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti

SERIES: Realm Enforcers #1

PUBLISHER:Lyrical Press

Alphas on the Prowl (Shifters Romance Boxed Set)

Alpha shifters are on the prowl, and they're used to getting what they want. But there's more to claiming a destined mate than raw power, and they'll have to prove themselves worthy – in more ways than one.

Alphas on the Prowl offers page after page of passion and pleasure in this box set featuring eleven NEW tantalizing shapeshifter tales from NY Times and USA Today best selling authors.

I received an ARC of Alphas on the Prowl in exchange of my honest review.

First thing I must say I really enjoy this box set about shifters and their mate. I think reading this short stories it's one of the best way to discover new authors. Write a short-story it's more difficult than write a complete novel, you have only a few pages to tell a good story, it's not so easy.

Now I'm going to review the box set.

“Wolf Fever by Catherine Vale

Curvy Isabella is about to discover exactly why she can't stop crushing on the gorgeous, and mysterious Marshall Reede. Can the plus size beauty handle the explosive passion of a sexy and edgy wolf?

Hot story and funny to read thanks to Isabella POV. The story is all about the "mating heat" between Isabella and her neighbor. Short but I enjoyed reading about their encounter during a mascarade.

RATING: 3 stars

A Shot At Lover by Gina Kincade

Micah mistakenly walks away from the man he loves. He watches from afar, suffering jealousy at the first sign of another man in his lover’s house. Will he convince Jason they belong together?

I really loved this story by Gina Kincade, sweet and so full of feelings, Micah's longing for Jason, the jealousy he feels, his desire to win back his ex-lover. One of my favourite story 

 RATING: 4.5 stars

Dragon’s Dream Dancer by Jami Brumfield

Trey is on the hunt for a dangerous dream assassin and runs into a woman that shatters his reality. One problem, she's the sister of the woman he is duty bound to turn over to the authorities.

This was a surprise. I really liked the world created by Jami Brumfield, intriguing, and a story well written with a good plot, action and amazing characters. 

RATING: 4 stars

Hers to Protect by Amy Lee Burgess

Hailey Green is the girl who got away. Ryan Campbell needs to prove he’s worth a second chance, but first he must accept the wolf as well as the woman.

Really nice story. Ryan did his worst in the past with Haley breaking her heart, because the truth about her, being a wolf, scared him. But now he wants to make it up to her, and he finds out he is still in love with her. I loved their story, it's beautiful and I really enjoyed reading it.

RATING: 4 stars

The Talented Mr. MacGregor by Tasha Black

Mild-mannered alpha JD MacGregor is every schoolgirl’s crush. Passions ignite when he ends up looking for clues (and his pants) at a dinner party where the guests are far from innocent.

I read it, but I wasn't very impressed with the story and its characters. I found it a little boring. I'm sorry.

RATING: 2 stars

Exiled: A Lunar Falls Novella by Lashell Collins

Exiled from his pack for conspiracy to commit treason against his Alpha, fate – and a beautiful woman from home – brings Zach Mason face-to-face with the one man who has vowed to kill him on sight.

I loved this one. Zach is everything Sarah doesn't need and want in her life, but he's her mate. A beautiful story, well written and I really liked them as a couple, their bond, their love for each other, but also their need to return home. 

RATING: 4 stars

The Wolf In The Neighborhood by Phoenix Johnson

What do you do when your past comes back to haunt you?

Could a dark secret revealed by a new lover be something you could overlook just to have him?

Nice story. Krissy met her new neighbor Derek and from the beginning the attraction is mutual, but Derek is hot, but also a very good guy, and werewolf. But Krissy's ex fiancè is not so good, and the troubles start for them. The end seems to me a little bit cliffhanger.

RATING: 3 Stars

Scent of a Scandal by Annie Nicholas

Awe and Isnay have been secretly flirting, but they can’t be together since neither “of their packs will bless the union. Is desire to follow pack law stronger than their desire for each other?”

So sweet and amazing this story written by Annie Nicholas. I loved it and I want to read more more about them. 

RATING: 5 stars

“Desert Wolf 2 by Anna Lower

Nothing has ever scared this big, bad alpha as much as his mate’s pregnancy, especially when their quiet weekend getaway doesn't go according to plan. A whimsical tale of hope, fear, and undying love.

This is the kind of story why I'm in love so much with shapeshifters stories. Hot and sweet, and a mate so strong and dominant, but Who cares so much for his mate and their baby. I really enjoyed Desert Wolf.

RATING: 5 stars

Captive Moonlight by Sarah Mäkelä

When her betrothed, Joe, is taken captive by a group of men looking for werewolf laborers, it’s up to Charlotte to track him down and win him back—even if that means putting her own life on the line.”

I really liked the setting of the story and the two characters. Charlotte is very brave, she loves Joe and she's going to do everything she can to rescue him. A story a little dark, but I liked it very much.

RATING: 4 stars