Heart Thief by Taylor Dean

Synopsis:

I was warned about him. I should've listened. But I didn't.

Of course, I also thought Ryker Martel was about to propose.

He didn't.

I was ready to say yes.

He was ready to wait a little longer.

Now he's out of the country on an extended business trip and I'm staying in his penthouse apartment with seeds of disillusionment taking over my soul.

Ryker reminded me that his estranged brother might show up out of the blue at his penthouse. He told me to let him know right away if he did. He'd take care of it.

His brother is bad news. The rebel, the black sheep of the family.

"Don't trust him," Ryker said. "Stay as far away from him as possible. He's a thief, a snake."

Warning duly noted.

And ignored.

I considered myself equipped to handle whatever was thrown my way. I was wrong.

Nothing prepared me for Zane and the havoc he would wreak in my life--and in my heart. He turned me upside down and knocked me sideways.

Falling for the other brother is never a good idea. Keeping it a secret, even worse.

Especially when he proves to be the thief he was purported to be.

My heart will never be mine again and I want it back.

But it has been stolen and I'll never be the same.

Never.

My Review: 5+ Stars

You guys! Can I just tell you how much I loved this book?! Once I started it, I had the hardest time putting it down. I kept telling myself: "Just one more chapter. Just one more chapter". Well, that "one more chapter" turned into me staying up way past my bedtime and finishing the book. I just had to see what happened next! Haha.

I absolutely adored Mila and Zane! I found myself rooting for them from the moment they laid eyes on each other. I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop and found myself letting out little dreamy sighs throughout the book. The feels were most definitely real my friends!

I just have to say that Heart Thief is one of the best books I have read all year. There are some sensitive topics that are discussed in the book, but Ms. Dean does an exceptional job handling them. It's one of the many reasons I love her books. She's not afraid to tackle those difficult topics and does it in a way that keeps the reader engaged and helps them to gain a better understanding of said topics.

I suffer from depression myself and let me tell you... it sucks! There are days where I have to force myself out of bed. I know that if I give in just a little bit, I'm going to have an even harder time pulling myself out. When it comes to my depression, one of my saving graces has been reading. I don't want to even imagine where I would be right now had I not discovered my love for books.

Y'all I highly recommend that you grab this book! It's amazing! I already want to read it again. Hehe. I can't wait to see what Ms. Dean has in store for us next!

And can we take a minute to just admire these two?! I absolutely LOVE them! What do you think?!

Fated by K. M. Shea

 

Synopsis:

I thought I hated not fitting in. Turns out I hate having a target on my back even more.

Someone wants me taken out. To accomplish that, they leaked the secret of my magic to all the Packs in the Midwest. Now, almost every Alpha in the region has traveled to my hometown in hopes of convincing me to join their Pack.

And some of them don’t seem to think I should have a choice.

Greyson won’t stand for that—something he makes deadly clear to the other Alphas. What they don’t know is that I’m his long missing mate. But wolves and hunters are enemies, and my hunter magic blocks me from accepting the bond…even though I’m starting to wish I could.

Our incomplete mate bond is a constant drain on Greyson. Its existence puts him in danger—something he stubbornly ignores.

But as risky as our bond is, I have to stay focused on the biggest threat at the moment.

Whoever shared the secret of my powers wants to destroy our Pack. And we’re about to find out how far they’ll go to make that happen.

My Review: 3 Stars

Confession. I am probably going to be in the minority for this one but y'all. I struggled with getting through this book. I really, really wanted to love this book but I just ended up liking it. 

I hate to say it, but Pip went right back to being the annoying, frustrating heroine that she was through the majority the first book. However, just like in the first book, towards the end of this one, she started to redeem herself. But it felt like too little, too late for me. I had a hard time getting behind her when she was playing the "woe is me" character. It was depressing and wasn't a good look for her. 

And just like in the first book, Greyson is the only thing that kept me reading until the very end. There may or may not have been a few times that I was begging him to break the bond with Pip and move on. But alas. The heart wants what the heart wants. All I can say is the man is a freaking saint.

Other than Pip, there were a few reasons I struggled with this book. The first being, I called who the "bad guy" was before I even finished reading book 2. That whole storyline was a bit weak and kinda came out of nowhere. The second reason I struggled is because of all the repetitiveness throughout the entire series. I got so frustrated reading the same thing over and over and over again. It kinda felt like I was being beat over the head with the various aspects of the story. And finally the romance, or lack there of. Since this was the final book in the series, I was really hoping the romance would be there for the majority of the book. But nope. I feel gypped again. 

Like I said, I really wanted to love this book and love this series, but it just fell flat for me. And I know it's just my personal preferences. There's a reason Ms. Shea is so popular and successful. I would recommend her to all my bookish friends who love G rated romances. 

I am still loving these two for Pip and Greyson... *dreamy sigh*

Magic Unleashed by K.M. Shea

Synopsis:

Ever had ex-housemates you can’t get rid of?

When Killian and the rest of the Drake vampires kicked me out of their mansion without any explanation, I felt beyond betrayed…

I was livid!

But I refused to waste my energy thinking about them. Thanks to all the free training I got while living with vampires, I had the skills I needed to finally free my family. I even got my house back! Best yet, I can pass on the magic techniques and fighting skills I’ve learned to all the wizards in our group.

As long as I ignore the rotating vampires standing watch on the corner across the street, life is normal again…until the fae risk injuring hundreds of supernaturals just to stage a surprise attack on Killian.

There’s no way I’m going to let the fae get away with this. I may be furious with Killian, but I hate bullies even more.

But, big surprise, my good deed won’t go unpunished. I knew I’d face a fallout for saving the most feared and lethal vampire in the Midwest—I just never imaged the lengths Killian would go through to protect me and win me back…

Magic Unleashed is the final book in the Hall of Blood and Mercy trilogy, which features vampires, wizards, fae, and werewolves. It's packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a vertically challenged wizard and the deadliest vampire in town.

My Review: 4 Stars

It's no secret that I've been devouring this series. It has kept my attention from beginning to end, which is saying something since I don't do trilogies. I couldn't wait to dive into the final installment.

Hazel and Killian were amazing. I really enjoyed getting to know them even better and watching their relationship develop. With Hazel being a wizard and Killian being a vampire, these two shouldn't work. But they do and they're actually pretty perfect together.

Another fast-paced, action-packed book. A great ending to a fun series. I'm not going to lie, I figured out what was going to happen pretty early on in the book. But that didn't stop me from enjoying the book.   

While I really, really wanted to love this book, but I just ended up liking it. The series definitely gave me the break from reality I love but it was lacking when it came to the romance. Yes, there were some swoony moments and a few kisses throughout the series but for me? There just wasn't enough. I kinda feel a little gypped. Lol.

This is the second series of Ms. Shea's that I have read and I have another one on my TBR list. I'm looking forward to reading more books by her. 

As for my casting... I still really love these two! What do you think?

Magic Redeemed by K.M. Shea

 

Synopsis:

I thought life would be easier after I unsealed my magic.
Spoiler: it’s not.

I want to free my family from my traitorous cousin, but with all the allies he’s got guarding his back, even my new powers won’t be enough to beat him. My best bet is to use my parents’ signet ring to prove my claim of leadership.

There’s just one problem…

I can’t find it!

Things aren’t looking so good for my vampire housemates, either. As Killian Drake’s conflicts with the fae get worse, it's clear that war will break out soon if something doesn’t change.

Plus, Killian has gotten really weird about smelling me and invading my personal space. Every time he comes near my heart almost pops out of my chest, but I’m sure that’s just terror caused by being so close to the most feared vampire in the region.

At least that’s what I keep telling myself.

So, I’m a wizard searching for a ring while trying to survive living with a bunch of vampires and their deadly and suddenly touchy-feely leader. Yeah, life is definitely not easier.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

Y'all. What. The. Crap. Just. Happened?! Like for reals! What just happened?! I don't even know where to start with my review because I do not want to give anything away! 

Hazel is still freaking fantastic! I love a heroine who is not afraid to hold her own. Her sass and snark are in full swing in this one and I loved every minute of it! She's quickly becoming one of my favorite heroines. 

As for Killian. *le sigh* You remember me saying that I don't want to give anything away? Well. I can't really tell you what I think of Killian right now. All I can say is... that man. 

This is another fast-paced and action-packed book that I had an extremely hard time putting down. I may or may not have missed church while reading this book. Oops!

Ms. Shea did another phenomenal job sucking me in from the very beginning and not letting me go until the very end. Although, she still hasn't let me go because I really don't want to be writing this review right now. I just have to dive right back in to see how the series end! 

So before I go... I gotta throw in my casting. I still love these two! What do you think?!

Magic Forged by K.M. Shea

 

Synopsis:

I'm one scrappy wizard. As someone with barely a flicker of magic, I've spent my life being mocked and surviving fights with bullies. But when my parents die in an accident, and I find myself responsible for our whole wizard house and family, I know my usual tactics aren't going to cut it.

The situation veers from bad to catastrophic when my backstabbing cousin stages a coup and takes my family hostage. I barely manage to flee, but the only supernatural willing to help me is Killian Drake - the most feared vampire in the region, and a far more deadly villain than the jerk threatening my family.

Is Killian sexy and charismatic? Heck yeah.

He's also so powerful that my flight or fight instincts kick in every time our eyes meet. And he's definitely using me as his personal magic detector in his feud against the local fae.

But Killian is also the first person to believe I might have more than just a scrap of magic. And if I can convince him to train me, I might get strong enough to free my family and get my house back.

I'm not sure what happens when a scrappy wizard is taught how to fight by a hall of deadly vampires, but I'm about to find out.

My Review: 4 Stars

Confession. My readers soul has been so deprived of urban fantasy books that it's not ready to stop reading them! Although I am definitely missing the romance in these books! Lol.

From the moment I picked up this book, I had a hard time putting it down. I was quickly transported to Drake Hall where I was immersed into the mystery that was dogging the heels of the Drake Family.

Y'all. Hazel is fantastic! I love that she was full of sass and snark and could definitely hold her own against Killian. She's definitely an underdog and has been thrown some cheap shots her entire life, but that doesn't stop her from being a straight up good person who will always do what she feels is right. 

Killian isn't quite sure what to think of Hazel but she definitely intrigues him. She brings out a side in him that no one has seen in a long time, if ever. I will admit that I had a hard time connecting to Killian at first, but the more Hazel wormed her way into his life, the more I started to like him. These two definitely make a unique pair, but they work. 

It's been an extremely crazy and stressful week so immersing myself into the phenomenal world K.M. Shea has created is just what the doctor ordered. She definitely has me hooked. I can't wait to dive into book 2 in this series.

And of course we can't forget my casting, what do you think?

United by K.M. Shea

Synopsis:

A wolf is attacking the humans of Timber Ridge and changing them into werewolves—against their will.

The change process is extremely dangerous and involves bloodshed. It isn’t something that happens by accident, which can only mean one thing.

Someone is doing this on purpose.

I’m going to find the rampaging sicko responsible for this outbreak, even if it means I have to master my new magic to stop them.

Thankfully, Greyson—the Pack Alpha and the most powerful wolf in the Midwest—is always down for a hunt. The only problem is that I’m starting to find him attractive—which is the worst thing I could do. He’s got an incomplete mate bond, and since I’m a hunter, I could never be a wolf’s mate.

That’s okay. I’m used to being alone. I'm a werewolf hunter, not part of the Pack. But that’s an awfully dangerous place to be when there is a rogue wolf on the loose.

My Review: 4 Stars

Y'all. I wish this would've been my first introduction to Pip. In the first book, I barely tolerated her and the only thing that kept me reading was Greyson. My opinion of her did a complete 180° in this book.

Pip was awesome. I loved seeing her find her place and realizing who she is to the Pack. Granted, there were times she was a bit annoying and acted like a teenager instead of a 24 year old, but I definitely see me being Team Pip by the end of this series.

Once again, Greyson was fantastic! He's definitely one of my favorite Alphas. I loved all his interactions with Pip. You can see these two making the best team for the Pack once they finally get their acts together. I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow more in this book.

While there still wasn't as much romance as I like in the books I read, it had a little more than the first. I'm really, really hoping the romance amps up in book three! After all this waiting we deserve lots and lots of swoony kisses dang it! 😂

PSA for all those who do not like cliffhangers. Do NOT read this series until the final book is released. You'll find yourself extremely frustrated that you can't just grab the next book and dive right in. Trust me on this one. I wish I would've waited. 😝

I've only read a few books by K.M. Shea, but I plan on reading more by her. Some of my bookish friends have convinced to read the other two series set in this world. While both are slow burn, and I really dislike that kind of romance, I'm still looking forward to giving them a try.

And of course the casting is the same. I still love these two!  

Hunted by K.M. Shea

 

Synopsis:

Ever feel like you don’t belong?

Try being a hunter living with werewolves. I’m the definition of “doesn’t fit in”. I’m not Pack, but I’m not the enemy, either.

I struggle to survive among werewolves who are stronger and faster than me, and are competitive enough to break a bone or two for the sake of “fun.”

Greyson, their alpha, is the worst of them all.

Blatantly relentless and twice as deadly, Greyson rules the Pack and expands its territory even though it’s already the largest in the region. I just wish he’d stop interfering with my life. He’s got enough trouble of his own with his incomplete mate bond, but he’s made it his hobby to tease and test me at every opportunity.

Doesn’t my life sound fun?

When wolves from surrounding packs start mindlessly attacking the innocent humans in our city, Timber Ridge, everything changes.

Werewolves don’t turn feral without reason. Which means someone is making this happen, and they’re targeting our Pack.

I don’t like where this is going, but how am I supposed to stop a feral wolf outbreak when I’m just one hunter? Can Greyson and I set aside our differences to see the Pack through this?

My Review: 3.5 Stars

Confession. I absolutely love werewolf books! Like LOVE them! Sadly it's so hard to find good clean ones and that frustrates me. So much so, that I may or may not have asked authors in the past if they would ever consider writing one because I need werewolf books! 😂

I have a bookish friend who loves them just as much as I do! So when she reached out telling that I had to read a certain werewolf book, it was a no brainer! I had to read it!

Pip is a Hunter who was orphaned at the age of 12. When none of the other Hunter families would take her in, she was adopted into the Northern Lakes Pack. As she grew older, she didn't feel like she belonged. Not that the Pack wasn't welcoming, because they were. She just couldn't find her place.

It's no secret that Pip doesn't like Greyson. She's a bit bitter when he was brought in to replace the original Alpha who welcomed her into their Pack. While she doesn't go out of her way to be rude and disrespectful to Greyson, she has no qualms in needling him whenever she can. It was kinda funny at times. 

I’m not going to lie, I struggled getting into the book. I had the hardest time connecting to Pip. While she did grow on me, I wasn't her biggest fan. Greyson, on the other hand, I loved from the beginning. It was clear he didn't feel the same way about her that she did about him. He was always there whenever she, or any of the Pack, needed him. He was the best!

PSA for all of those who are all about the romance. I honestly wouldn't consider this a romance. Some readers may disagree with me but there was like zero romance. I may or may not be a bit bitter that we didn't get any kissing. Y'all know how much I love me some swoony kisses! I don't have any hope that there will be kisses in book 2 but I'm still going to read it anyway. Lol.

As for my casting, I'm loving these two! What do you think?