by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 15, 2023 | Book Reviews
The Fae’s Gamble by Ferrell Dawson combines three things I love … mythology/supernatural tales, pop culture references, and fated mates! Growing up I have always been fascinated by stories about the supernatural. I would read any story that spoke of gods and goddesses, different types of fae, characters from different folklore, etc.
I started to read this book because it tells the story of what supposedly happened to the magic and magical creatures of Scotland. Many of the names of their magical creatures I can’t even pronounce without looking them up first, lol! Our female lead went to Scotland for her doctorate degree, not knowing that a) she has witch blood and b) she was invited to complete her degree there because she is a direct descendant of the witch that bound the magic and could possibly break the curse.
Dr. Calum Welsh is a fae prince. For centuries he has been researching ways to break the curse. In doing so he established the Office of Highland Magic where faculties members are actually different magical creatures in disguise. He invited Fern to Scotland to join his faculty and earn her degree knowing of her lineage but not realizing that she is his mate.
Both of them try hard to resist the pull of the bond. Together with a wulver and a baobhan sith our hapless mates travel and desperately seek ways to help Fern break the curse.
The Fae’s Gamble by Ferrell Dawson is a romance, sure. But the adventure/fantasy aspect is so much more interesting! It is definitely worth the $3.99 on Amazon. If you have a Kindle Unlimited account, though, it’s free.
FYI, pop culture references made include Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, to name but a few.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 14, 2023 | Book Reviews
Just in time for Valentine’s Day! Candy Cane Craving by Colbie Dunbar was a surprise for me for the genre because this is probably the first time I’ve encountered a male omega who is more witty, confident, and outgoing than the Alpha. It is already a stereotype that Alphas are supposed to be strong, fearless, yada yada and Omegas are supposed to be soft and gentle. So to have an Omega aggressive and who know what he wants right off the bat was a wonderful surprise for me. Gage had me smiling from the get-go.
In Colbie Dunbar’s world “Alpha” is not necessarily some powerful leader. Conan is an accountant working a regular job, has a boss, and makes enough money to be able to afford his own apartment. In contrast, Gage is an Omega who has made enough money to not have to work for more than a year (so far), has a large property he is currently renovating, and can afford to take his time and not do anything for some time to come.
Seemingly it would actually appear as though Gage is the Alpha and Conan, the Omega, but I will trust in Colbie Dunbar’s process. In a nutshell, it seems that the only real distinction I can tell is that it is the Omegas who get pregnant. I love the fact, though, that this book explores the idea of the Omega being top and the Alpha, bottom.
If you are curious about Candy Cane Craving by Colbie Dunbar you can find it on Amazon for $3.99 or free with Kindle Unlimited.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 10, 2023 | Book Reviews
Accidental Vegas Daddy by Ruby Emhart was fun to read. I confess I was mostly smiling as I was reading it. From start to finish Mason and Kenzie (Lynn) are humping like bunnies just about every time they are within a few feet of each other. It is like there is a magnet pulling them together each time.
I couldn’t help but laugh at how much of a thrill they got from making out in semi-public places. That fear of getting caught upped the heat by a thousand!
But, of course, the story can’t be an uncomplicated HEA. Enter Mason’s sister who happens to be Kenzie’s best friend with whom she made a pact in college never to get involved with exes or family members. Also enter Rebecca, Mason’s “betrothed” from an arranged marriage planned by his father. Add to that Mason’s reputation for being a playboy. All that didn’t make life easy for these two lovebirds.
A few are left unanswered, though.
- What is so special about Marin Digital, Kenzie’s small publishing firm, that so many big companies would offer to buy her company, including Mr. Media, Mason’s company?
- What is Alice’s damage that upon finding out about Mason and Kenzie, she ends up alienating both of them by roping in Rebecca? I thought she was smart.
- Since when did Conrad become “dad”? After Mason and he had that long overdue talk how long did it take for them both to reach that point?
If you are looking for something not too heavy, check out Accidental Vegas Daddy by Ruby Emhart on Amazon for only $0.99 or free with Kindle Unlimited.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 8, 2023 | Book Reviews
I hesitated to read The Bogeyman’s Woman by Sam Crescent only because I don’t usually like mafia romances … mostly as it feels wrong to romanticize something bad but Ruin is mafia adjacent. I rationalize so that my mind will accept it. It helps that in the story we don’t really see too many instances of Ruin doing this job, although it does happen, and his targets are bad people so I see Ruin as an executioner simply meting out justice.
The story, though, is not about his job, not really. It is about how Ruin falls for his target, Callie, from the moment he sees her picture. This leads him to investigate why there is a hit on her while falling even more hopelessly in love.
Callie is a simple girl living a simple life. There is nothing about her that stands out unless you count her penchant for knitting. She has no social life and generally keeps to herself so how is it even possible that she caught the attention of a capo?
The Bogeyman’s Woman by Sam Crescent is a story of their courtship. Reading their courtship and romance develop was quite thrilling. This story is available on Amazon for 3.99 if you’d like to read it, too.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 3, 2023 | Book Reviews
I added And Then There Were Four by Lillith Carrie to my library on Goodnovel probably a week ago but didn’t really start reading it until yesterday. I’m glad I did because it is pretty good. This author does have a bit of a problem with homonyms (like to and too) and synonyms here and there, but forgivable for an e-book as I am assuming it will get fixed before it goes to print.
And then I discovered that the paperback version (and its sequels) are on Amazon and Barnes and Noble for $24.99 on both. The sexy cover is the paperback version. I kid you not, I am very worried that it went into print without copy editing. I contemplated buying the paperback (as I would save a bundle if I did) but a very big part of me is also worried that I will end up whipping out my blue pen and editing as I read. Que horror! shudder
Copy-editing issues aside, I think you will enjoy this story. It technically falls under reverse harem because early on it is revealed that Ivy is mated to all four brothers – Damian, Hale, Talon, and James. However, 40% into the book and she has yet to be with more than one brother at a time. I guess I will find out as I read along if she ever gets with more than one.
In her universe, having four mates is not usual. Add to that the fact that she is human, unlike the men who are all werewolves. While, yes, the major conflict appears to be about the brothers accepting her as their mate, there are many things brewing in the background that make this story more interesting. Check it out on Goodnovel and other reading apps or you can purchase the paperback version on Amazon or B&N.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day! Candy Cane Craving by Colbie Dunbar was a surprise for me for the genre because this is probably the first time I’ve encountered a male omega who is more witty, confident, and outgoing than the Alpha. It is already a stereotype that Alphas are supposed to be strong, fearless, yada yada and Omegas are supposed to be soft and gentle. So to have an Omega aggressive and who know what he wants right off the bat was a wonderful surprise for me. Gage had me smiling from the get-go.
Accidental Vegas Daddy by Ruby Emhart was fun to read. I confess I was mostly smiling as I was reading it. From start to finish Mason and Kenzie (Lynn) are humping like bunnies just about every time they are within a few feet of each other. It is like there is a magnet pulling them together each time.
I hesitated to read The Bogeyman’s Woman by Sam Crescent only because I don’t usually like mafia romances … mostly as it feels wrong to romanticize something bad but Ruin is mafia adjacent. I rationalize so that my mind will accept it. It helps that in the story we don’t really see too many instances of Ruin doing this job, although it does happen, and his targets are bad people so I see Ruin as an executioner simply meting out justice.
I added And Then There Were Four by Lillith Carrie to my library on 
You must be logged in to post a comment.