Nine Goblins - Book Review

 

Nine Goblins

by T. Kingfisher

What is it about:

When a party of goblin warriors find themselves trapped behind enemy lines, it'll take more than whining (and a bemused Elven veterinarian) to get them home again.

Nine Goblins is a novella of low...very low...fantasy.

What did I think of it:

When the reissue of Nine Goblins was announced I remembered I bought the ebook a long time ago, started it, got distracted, and never finished it.

So I picked it up again and this time read it in one sitting.

And it's such a fun read!

It's silly, funny, and touching all in one.

The story switches viewpoints between the goblins and Sings-to-Trees, an Elven veterinarian. I loved the goblins and their view of the world, but I will confess I loved Sings-to-Trees even more. He's on the receiving end of a lot of trouble, still he keeps going and stays helpful.

The goblins get themselves in hot water as well, but they're tough and resourceful in a unique goblin way.

All in all this was a delight to read, and I'm absolutely getting my trotters on the hardcover when it releases next year!

Why should you read it:

It's a super fun Fantasy read!

 

*new cover*

releasing January 20, 2026

Wolf Games - Book Review by Voodoo Bride (repost + reread)

 

Wolf Games (Granite Lake Wolves #3)

by Vivian Arend

What is it about:

After seven years of total denial, Maggie Raynor s body and her inner wolf are in full revolt. Weak and shaky, she literally falls into the very large and capable arms of the Granite Lake Beta, Erik Costanov. The last thing she wants is a mate, particularly when just looking at another wolf scares her to death. And one as big and sexy as Erik? Really bad idea, no matter what her libido says.

Erik expected to meet Maggie in Whitehorse to escort her to the home of her sister, his pack s Omega. Sheer chance puts him in the right place at the right time to catch her, but the realization that hits him with the force of a full body shot is no accident. She s his mate. An even bigger shock? She wants no part of him not until she resolves her issues.

She ll have to work fast, because they re both selected to represent the pack during the premier sporting event for wolves in the north. Not only will she have to work as a team with Erik, she ll have to face down her fear of wolves. Let the Games begin."

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:

This is the third story in the Granite Lake Wolves series and so far my favourite! It's got all the thing that I liked in the first two stories and more. Where in the first two stories the romance won out over the action storyline, here it's a perfect balance and the characters are even more defined than in the earlier stories. There's also more interaction with other characters and that makes the world that Arend build even more lifelike. All in all I can't wait for the last story in this series.

Thoughts on rereading:

I still love this story the most out of the Granite Lake Wolf series. There's just something about big, strong, but gentle men that I can't resist. And I really like learning about the bigger world that's painted in this story. I'd also forgotten about TJ, who is a really fun character, and gets his own romance in book 4. Time to dig up my print version of book 3 & 4, as the ebook version of book 4 is probably on my old ereader.

Why should you read it:

Romance, action and one big, hunky werewolf!

Nil Remembered - Book Review

Nil Remembered (Nil 0.5)
by Lynne Matson

What is it about:
My name is Scott Bracken, and this is my journal.

Scott Bracken has been home for 28 days, but nothing is the same. A month ago, he escaped from Nil, an island of wonder, beauty, and incredible danger. Now, back in his old life, no one believes Scott's story. To deal with his present, Scott must relive his past—whether he wants to or not.

Introduced to readers in Nil Unlocked, here, for the first time, is Scott's journal in its entirety. Delve deeper into the world of Nil—before Charley and Thad, before Skye and Rives—and discover the truth. Nil Remembered expands the action of Lynne Matson's astonishing Nil Trilogy.

What did I think of it:
This free novella was a nice way to say goodbye to NIL after finishing the trilogy.

Some of the journal entries already appeared in NIL Unlocked, but others were new. Drawings were added and gave a nice extra touch.

A short, enjoyable read for everyone who loved the trilogy.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun little extra to the NIL trilogy.


Get it on Amazon

Zombies vs The Living Dead - Book Review

Zombies vs The Living Dead (Surviving The Evacuation 0.5)
by Frank Tayell

What is it about:
The outbreak began in New York. Within days the world descended into chaos as the infection spread to every corner of the globe. Across Britain, millions of people are told to leave the less defensible villages, towns and cities for the safety of one of the enclaves being established around the coast.

For George Tull and the other residents of the Waverly-Price Retirement Home, evacuation is not an option. Finding the staff have left, George has to choose between trying to save those he loathes, or abandoning the woman he loves to an uncertain fate.

What did I think of it:
This is a nice short read with zombies.

George Tull is a character I could sympathize with and I cheered him on as he's trying to find out where all the staff is gone when a zombie invasion is imminent. He's resourceful and can kick zombie ass better than many younger guys could.

For a short story there's a really decent story line and the suspense and action build up nicely towards the ending.

All in all an entertaining read.

Why should you read it:
It's an enjoyable zombie read.


buy from Amazon

Seeded By The Alien Tentacle King - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Seeded By The Alien Tentacle King
by Maci Bright

What is it about:
Amanda is fed up with her life and decides to take a break from it all.

A king in need of someone like her has been waiting. Will Amanda be able to give the king and his two bodyguards what they need....

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
After the disappointing lack of tentacle action in Tentacle Lord I went in search of something better. After two tries that went wrong (first was ridiculous, second was disturbing) I stumbled across this title.

And if you're looking for creative tentacle action this is a fun quick read. No romance build up, just a small bit of actual story, lots of tentacles.

It's a short read, so there's not much more than I already mentioned. If anyone knows of a book that combines a great story with some tentacle or other alien action, let me know.

Why should you read it:
Tentacles!


Buy from Amazon

Tentacle Lord - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Tentacle Lord (Tentacle Lord #1/#5)
by M. La Mer

What is it about:
Stranded on a decaying 19th century lighthouse out at sea, a beautiful and wealthy socialite wants nothing more than to return to the comforts she knows. Yet when a mysterious, intimidating stranger living within the lighthouse makes himself known, her desire to return to an unfulfilling life on the mainland is put on indefinite hold.

Unable to resist his multiple arms and fiery passion, Margaret finds she is desperate to get close to the tormented man/creature who has opened her up to discover and explore her own dark desires before the outside world threatens to intervene.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I ran into this title and was too curious to resist. The story is divided into 5 separate novellas, and I decided that if I was going to indulge in something called Tentacle Lord anyway I might as well get the boxed set that contained them all.

While reading this series of adventures I was torn between two thoughts: "WTF am I reading" and "I expected more tentacles".

This series is described as an ongoing romantic adventure story. Well, there is indeed adventure. The first novella is about how Margaret gets involved with the Tentacle Lord, Corwin. (I must say even after finishing the series I'm not sure where the Lord part comes from except that it sounds cool.) It involves murderous husbands, crashing helicopters, and instalove.

In the next four books Margaret and Corwin have all kinds of outrageous adventures, including a sort of The Island of Dr. Moreau, a SciFi, and a straight up kidnapping. Luckily for the both of them there's time for a little sensual tentacle action along the way.

And there's where this series is lacking in my opinion. With a story called Tentacle Lord, with such outlandish adventures, and warnings of mature content, I would have expected both more tentacle action and creative tentacle action. Alas...

All in all this is a wildly unbelievable and erratic series, but if you're looking for a 'WTF is happening' read that's not too daring on the tentacle action, this is an entertaining series.

Now to find a tentacle read that's a bit more heavy on the tentacles.

Why should you read it:
It's a highly entertaining read.


Buy from Amazon

The Dragon's Playlist - Release Day Book Review

The Dragon's Playlist
by Laura Bickle

What is it about:
From the author of THE HALLOWED ONES and NINE OF STARS comes a new novel blending the magical and the real…

“This is war,” the dragon said. And she believed him.

Di fled rural West Virginia to study music and pursue a bright future as a violinist. But when a mining accident nearly kills her father, she is summoned back home to support her family. Old ghosts and an old flame emerge from the past. When Di gets a job as a bookkeeper at the same mine where her father worked, she is drawn into a conflict pitting neighbor against neighbor as the mine plans an expansion to an untouched mountain.

If the mining company’s operation goes forward, there will be more at stake than livelihoods or the pollution of the land: Di has discovered a dragon lives deep within Sawtooth Mountain, and he is not happy with this encroachment upon his lair. When catastrophe strikes, Di must choose between her family’s best interests and protecting the dragon – the last surviving bit of magic in Di’s shrinking world.

In every fight, sides are chosen. And there can be no yearning for what has been left behind.

What did I think of it:
I already pre-ordered this book when I was offered an early copy for review, and I was eager enough to read this as soon as possible that I immediately accepted.

And this is such a beautiful read!

Laura Bickle has yet to write something that I do not love.

This story takes you on a magical and emotional ride. It's filled with sadness, hope, and longing. I connected with Di from the start and could understand why she longs for magic and freedom. Her attempts to find the strange creature living in the mountain had me cheering her on.

This is not just a story about a dragon, it's a bitter sweet tale about family and roots - the ties that bind - about letting go or holding on, and what price you are wiling (and able) to pay for either choice.

I was gripped and drawn in, and couldn't put this book down until I finished it. You bet I'll be rereading this. and I'm hoping it will become available in print, so I can add it to my shelf of favorites.

Why should you read it:
It's a magical, beautiful Modern Fantasy read.


Find buy links here

With a Prince - Release Day Book Review by Voodoo Bride

With a Prince (Missed Connections #2)
by Jeffe Kennedy

What is it about:
The guy on the train is just Marcia’s type. A face like an angel, a scent like raw honey, treats her like he has a white horse and suit of armor stowed in his messenger bag. Perfect.

Too perfect. No guy like that would be interested in prim, awkward Marcia, notorious goody-goody and a twentysomething still clutching her v-card. She’s been following rules her whole life—but somewhere, the game changed. And left her behind.

So when she meets Damien, with his rumbling motorbike, gleaming piercings, and wicked imagination, she doesn’t care that he’s the exact opposite of “her type.” Her type would never dare her into such shocking, fiendishly inventive adventures—and she can’t wait to say yes.

Yes to whiskey in the middle of a workday. Yes to letting her hands roam over his body from the back of his bike. Yes to a fling full of wild abandon and absolutely no long-term potential. Except Damien’s not just the straightforward bad boy she imagined. And as they burn through Chicago’s nights, Marcia can’t shake the fear that this happiness is just another fairy tale…

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I will confess I seriously disliked Marcia in Last Dance. She did something there that made me so angry.

Imagine my surprise when Marcia actually started to grow on me in this story.

Liking Marcia came slowly. but when it happened I was hooked. Marcia starts out as someone I didn't have much connection with: she's soft and too lost in her perfect plans to see the real world. But then she meets Damien and she is starting to open her eyes. I loved seeing Marcia's personal growth.

And Damien!
*dreamy sigh*

There are just not enough Alternative/Goth heroes who are more than the bad boy who needs a good woman to settle down. Luckily Damien is one of those yummy few. I loved how he and Marcia were together. Their romance is hot, sexy and sweet.

Of course Marcia and Damien encounter some obstacles on their way to a happy end, but you can trust Jeffe to make those obstacles interesting, while you never have to fear they won't be overcome.

All in all a delightful Contemporary Romance that I already have read several times and will reread again for sure.

Why should you read it:
It's a hot, sexy and sweet Contemporary Romance.


Buy from Amazon
*Free with Kindle Unlimited*

Erotic Fairy Tales - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Erotic Fairy Tales Volumes 1-5
by Leila Bryce Sin

What is it about:
A collection of Leila Bryce Sin's Erotic Fairy Tales, including the first five fairy tale retellings! Follow Little Red, Snow White, Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin and The Mermaid on their lust filled adventures!

Included:
Little Red and the Wolf
Snow White and the Huntsman
Rapunzel
The Mermaid
Rumpelstiltskin

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This is a collection of 5 short erotic fairy tale retellings.

The women in these stories get to explore and enjoy their sexuality and if one of them ends up with someone else than Prince Charming it's by her own choice.

These are quick, satisfying reads. The only one that wasn't really for me was The Mermaid, which had a f/f scene, but otherwise these stories were fun, sexy and hot.

I will certainly give Bryce Sin's longer stories a try. I can recommend this to anyone who's looking for a steamy fairy tale read.

Why should you read it:
It's a sexy and hot collection of fairy tale retellings.


Buy from Amazon

The Emperor's Arrow - Book Review

The Emperor's Arrow
by Lauren D.M. Smith

What is it about:
The bride candidates have been summoned. Their numbers are many, yet only one is an Amazzi warrior. Only one would give her life to protect him.

Evony of Aureline, warrior of her people, has no intention of becoming a hideous old man's bride. Though her people have sworn their loyalty to the legendary emperor Galen, Evony knows little of courts and intrigue. It's simply not her world.

Yet it's on the palace training grounds where Evony's archery skills gain her the respect of soldiers and legates alike. The emperor himself takes notice of the beautiful, ruthless warrior. In turn, the young, steely eyed Galen is nothing at all what Evony expected.

This man could very well conquer her heart. But does he feel the same?

As the rivalry among the remaining bride candidates intensifies and the plot for the throne unfolds, Evony must make a grave choice: fulfill her destiny and protect her people or follow her heart and pursue true love.

Either way, the honor of the Amazzi people and the future of the empire now rests with Evony of Aureline. For she is the Emperor's Arrow.

What did I think of it:
I will confess: I fell in love with the cover of this book.

The story sounded cool as well though, so I got my grabby trotters on it even though it wasn't available in print.

And this is a very entertaining read.

I must say the set up reminded me of both Miss Congeniality and The Selection, but that certainly wasn't a bad thing.

The bride selection process wasn't used to its full potential I think, I would have loved to read more about that part of the story, but the events that the story did focus on made up for it.

I liked Evony and loved her interactions with Galen and the other people at the palace. The romance developed at a pleasant pace, although the romance conflict was handled a bit too easily I think. I wanted a bit more fire to that. Still, the romance was very satisfying.

As for the overall story I will confess I was suspecting all the wrong people of all the wrong things. This had probably more to do with how I think than with the writing though. My suspicions aside I had lots of fun with this book, and would most certainly read more by this author if the story appeals to me.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun Fantasy read.


Find buy links here

Enemy Mine - Book Review by Voodoo Bride (repost)

Enemy Mine (Enemy #2.5)
by Marcella Burnard
ebook

What is it about:
It was a priority-two alert for beautiful Commander Cashel Khaleize: a contract put out on the life of Xiao Zhong. Professionally, Xiao was the Captain she reported to. Personally, he was man she desired. But as female Guild Assassin Mekise Tollenga closes in, Xiao wonders if even Cashel can be trusted with his safety. And with a tenuous bond between them, Cashel wonders how far she’s willing to go to earn that trust.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This is a delightfully hot story.

Cashel and Xiao are great characters and I enjoyed the developing romance between them. For a novella the character development and the romance were very well worked out and believable. I sometimes felt neither of them took the treat of the assassin serious though, but with the sizzling hot sexual tension between them I couldn't blame them too much.

There's a slight BDSM element to this story that I very much enjoyed, but that's light enough to not scare away readers who are not into BDSM.

I do wish this story had been a little longer. I finished it much too soon and wouldn't have minded if the tension between Xiao and Cashel had been drawn out a bit longer. But I feel that way about every good story, so don't mind me ;-)

Why should you read it:
It's a hot paranormal romance


Buy it here

Surrender to the Chase - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Surrender to the Chase (Under Realm Assassins #2)
by Amanda J. Greene

What is it about:
A year after the tragic death of his close friend and fellow assassin, Ethan Halstead is ready to take up his sniper rifle once more. But his first assignment is nothing he ever expected. Ethan must hunt and retrieve a beautiful, spirited, alluring werewolf.

Knowing no other way to escape an arranged marriage, Fraya flees from her pack. As she contemplates slipping across the border and heading to South America, she is captured by a dangerously seductive vampire who plans on escorting her back to her family. Even as Fraya vows to make Ethan’s mission as difficult as possible, she can’t resist the riotous desire he sparks within her.

But Ethan isn’t the only predator that peruses Fraya. A powerful rival pack’s alpha wants to make her his mate. Will Ethan be able to keep Fraya safe and return her to her pack? Or will he surrender to temptation and claim Fraya as his own?

~ Novella ~

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I really liked the first book in this series, so jumped at the chance to read and review the second book as well.

And this book is even better than the first, in my opinion.

The tension between Fraya and Ethan was well written and had me longing for the moment they'd give in to temptation. The building attraction and the resulting hot scenes were a delight to read.

The romance is the focus of the story of course, and I never worried about the outcome, but the story around the romance was really good as well. I could really understand why Fraya ran away, and why she resists her attraction to Ethan.

All in all this is a more than enjoyable Paranormal Romance, and I'll keep an eye out for more.

Why should you read it:
It's a hot PNR novella


Buy from Amazon

Under His Touch - Book review by Voodoo Bride (repost)

To celebrate the release of Under Contract earlier this week, today a repost of the review of Under His Touch, book two in the Falling Under series.


Under His Touch (Falling Under #2)
by Jeffe Kennedy

What is it about:
Amber Dolors knows better than to get involved with her boss. Devastatingly handsome in his sharp suits and sexy beyond belief, he possesses an air of command that fuels her darkest fantasies. But she's worked too hard to get this job, and keeping it will lead to a brilliant future. She won't cross that line—even if his way of giving orders and demanding her best performance gives her delicious warm shivers.

Alexander Knight prides himself on his integrity and self-discipline. After all, he hasn't risen to the position he enjoys by indulging his whims over ambition. He also isn't blind. He's certainly noticed his sharp, young assistant is hot as hell. His self-imposed sexual hermitage doesn't stop him from watching her. And endlessly fantasizing.

The day Alec's cool reserve cracks and Amber catches a glimpse of something simmering beneath his apparent indifference is the day everything between them changes. Alec gives her what she's been looking for sexually—as masterful in the bedroom as he is in the boardroom. He finds himself in the grip of an affair that tests even his boundaries, while Amber's new role as willing student pushes them both past any consideration other than mutual longing.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
Jeffe delivered yet another delicious read!

This book has so much goodness to offer its readers.

There's steaming hot scenes, emotional scenes, and a very compelling romance.

I liked how it is Amber who is the stronger of the two, even though she's younger and the submissive. She knows herself and what she wants, something that Alec still has to figure out for himself. Their interaction is full of tension, both sexual and emotional. I very much enjoyed reading how they explore their feelings and wants together.

Something else I really enjoyed is how Jeffe used one of my favorite comic book characters (Dream from the Sandman series by Neil Gaiman) as a comparison to Alec and his growth throughout the book. I know as a big fan of this comic book series it will probably have an extra layer for me, but for those not familiar with the comic it is written in a way you won't feel lost.

All in all this is a delightful, and awesome BDSM romance that I will most certainly reread in the future. I'll be getting my hands on the last book in this series once it releases for sure.

Why should you read it:
It's a deliciously hot and intense BDSM read


Find buy links here

Going Under - Book Review by Voodoo Bride (repost)

To celebrate the release of Under Contract earlier this week, a repost of Voodoo Bride's review of Going Under, the first book in the Falling Under series.


Going Under (Falling Under #1)
by Jeffe Kennedy

What is it about:
Knowing all too well the damage online trolls can inflict, game designer Emily Bartwell takes privacy seriously. Living in solitude and working remotely under a male alias gives her a sense of security. The sexy writer renting the house next door ignites desires she’d forgotten she had, and when he invites her to play games of a very different sort, Em is ready and willing. Even if it means breaking all her own rules to abide by his.

Undercover tech reporter Fox Mullins is so close to the biggest scoop of his career: finding the elusive programmer Phoenix. An increasingly erotic adventure with his reserved but passionate new neighbor is the ideal way to heat up the chilly Pacific Northwest nights as he tracks the brilliant gamer.

At first Fox is happy to help Em explore her newly awakened kinky side, no holds barred, no strings attached. But as they push the limits of intimacy, both physical and emotional, Fox discovers he’s not the only one keeping secrets. And revealing hers may mean betraying the one woman who embodies everything he desires.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
This is a delicious read.

Being a female gamer myself lots of the things in this story were recognizable, although luckily I've never encountered the kind of trolls Emily encountered. The references to online games, and other geek culture things (Cthulhu lamp!) made me smile and feel like I wanted to be friends with Emily. I liked her from the start and wanted her to be happy.

And then there's Fox. Yum!

I loved the interaction between Emily and Fox. Emily is wary at first, but when she decides to indulge herself, things get steamy and deliciously kinky. Jeffe Kennedy is a master at writing empowering BDSM stories, showing that submitting isn't a weakness, but instead can be about strength. Going Under is no different in that than her other stories, and it's why I love reading Jeffe's work.

The secrets between Emily and Fox do lead to some tense situations, and I will confess I was concerned about the outcome. But Jeffe doesn't disappoint there either and I was very satisfied with the ending.

All in all this is another winner, and I'm already looking forward to Jeffe's next book.

Why should you read it:
It's a steaming hot BDSM read.


Buy from Carina Press

Under Contract - Release Day Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Under Contract (Falling Under #3)
by Jeffe Kennedy

What is it about:
Ryan Black has admired Celestina Sala from afar for years, her lush body and sensual nature calling to the dominant in him. For just as many years, Celestina was off-limits—married, proud and self-sufficient. But all that has changed, and now Celestina is in debt and in need…and available. Ryan proposes a contract: he'll pay off her debt if she gives herself to him in bed, yielding control in exchange for the pain and pleasure he'll bring them both.

There are words for women who take money for sex, and none of them are nice ones. Celestina never thought she'd have to sink this low, but giving up control sounds more enticing than ever before. And suddenly it's not about having to give in to Ryan. It's about wanting to.

But when Ryan's dark past comes to light, they may both be in over their heads. The terms of his contract say her body is his…but her heart may be another story.

One thing is for sure—now that Ryan has Celestina, he can never let her go.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
I should read more BDSM romance, because I really love the good ones that I read, but it's tricky. So often there's suddenly a menage, or other complications I do not want in my romance.

So every time Jeffe Kennedy has a new BDSM book out I rejoice, because her books have never disappointed me, or taken me into (for me) shady territory.

Under Contract is yet another wonderful BDSM romance that stole my heart.

Some readers might be uncomfortable at first about the deal Ryan and Celestina make, but I really liked how it was handled, and loved the edge it gave the romance.

Celestina is a wonderful heroine. She is in a difficult situation, but never does she become a victim. She has hidden strength. I also loved Ryan: both sophisticated and rough-edged, a delightful mix.

I will say that I was a bit apprehensive when I learned that Celestina takes care of her two nieces (children in romances can be really off-putting imo), but this part of the story was also really well done. The nieces were annoying and selfish at times, but never to a point where I wanted them gone. They added to the story in a believable way.

The romance is hot, intense, and with some delicious BDSM scenes. I was totally drawn into the story and couldn't put the book down until I finished it.

I will most certainly reread this whole series, and will be hoping Jeffe writes lots more BDSM romances.

Why should you read it:
It's a deliciously hot BDSM read.


Buy from:
Amazon - B&N - Kobo

Under His Touch - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Under His Touch (Falling Under #2)
by Jeffe Kennedy

What is it about:
Amber Dolors knows better than to get involved with her boss. Devastatingly handsome in his sharp suits and sexy beyond belief, he possesses an air of command that fuels her darkest fantasies. But she's worked too hard to get this job, and keeping it will lead to a brilliant future. She won't cross that line—even if his way of giving orders and demanding her best performance gives her delicious warm shivers.

Alexander Knight prides himself on his integrity and self-discipline. After all, he hasn't risen to the position he enjoys by indulging his whims over ambition. He also isn't blind. He's certainly noticed his sharp, young assistant is hot as hell. His self-imposed sexual hermitage doesn't stop him from watching her. And endlessly fantasizing.

The day Alec's cool reserve cracks and Amber catches a glimpse of something simmering beneath his apparent indifference is the day everything between them changes. Alec gives her what she's been looking for sexually—as masterful in the bedroom as he is in the boardroom. He finds himself in the grip of an affair that tests even his boundaries, while Amber's new role as willing student pushes them both past any consideration other than mutual longing.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
Jeffe delivered yet another delicious read!

This book has so much goodness to offer its readers.

There's steaming hot scenes, emotional scenes, and a very compelling romance.

I liked how it is Amber who is the stronger of the two, even though she's younger and the submissive. She knows herself and what she wants, something that Alec still has to figure out for himself. Their interaction is full of tension, both sexual and emotional. I very much enjoyed reading how they explore their feelings and wants together.

Something else I really enjoyed is how Jeffe used one of my favorite comic book characters (Dream from the Sandman series by Neil Gaiman) as a comparison to Alec and his growth throughout the book. I know as a big fan of this comic book series it will probably have an extra layer for me, but for those not familiar with the comic it is written in a way you won't feel lost.

All in all this is a delightful, and awesome BDSM romance that I will most certainly reread in the future. I'll be getting my hands on the last book in this series once it releases for sure.

Why should you read it:
It's a deliciously hot and intense BDSM read


Find buy links here

The Stark Affair Book One: Heat - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

The Stark Affair Book One: Heat
by Skylar Cross

What is it about:
Book 1 of the 4-book series THE STARK AFFAIR by Skylar Cross
Colton Stark is filthy rich. A billionaire playboy who drives fast and plays hard, he enjoys an endless stream of party girls... at his mansion, on his yacht, and in his private jet.
He's also top of Miami-Dade Police Department's list of suspected narcotics traffickers.
Tough girl cop Sofia grew up on the mean streets of Miami, unafraid to kick anyone's ass. When asked to investigate Colton, she doesn't even consider it a challenge.
Until she comes face-to-face with Colton Stark's penetrating blue eyes.
After a steamy meeting at his South Beach club, Sofia finds herself playing a dangerous but sexy game with her own principles. As evidence mounts of Colton Stark's dirty
dealings, together they spark a bonfire of passionate heat.

Mature content. 18+ only.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:
Warning: slightly spoilerish

I don't read a lot of contemporary erotic romance, but when I got the opportunity to get a review copy of this book I decided to give it a try.

Even though I knew this is the first book in a 4-book series I was surprised by how it was cut off. It's more a serial-story than a series I must warn. There's no logical ending to this book, but a rather abrupt stop to the building story line. Not that this is potentially a bad thing, but people who don't like being left in suspense, should make sure to get all four parts at once.

As for the story that does get set up in this part of the serial:
It has potential.

I will confess I didn't like the two 'erotic' scenes in this book. One where Sofia is intimate with her girlfriend while fantasizing about being with a guy, the other is Colton not having the best of times with his latest hook-up. In my opinion it wasn't sexy, felt unnecessary, and didn't warm me up to the two main characters.

That aside this story does seem to set itself up for lots of steamy scenes between Colton and Sofia, a bit of action, and some suspense and drama. Apart from the aforementioned scenes where Sofia and Colton made me dislike them, I did enjoy the developing story and was curious to see where it might lead to. I think that this serial will be very enjoyable for people who like contemporary erotic romance and billionaire bad boys.

I myself might give the second part of this serial a try, to see if Cross manages to get me to like Sofia and Colton after all.

Why should you read it:
It's a nice Contemporary Erotic Romance serial


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Clovenhoof - Book Review

Clovenhoof
by Heide Goody & Iain Grant
ebook

What is it about:
Charged with gross incompetence, Satan is fired from his job as Prince of Hell and exiled to that most terrible of places: English suburbia. Forced to live as a human under the name of Jeremy Clovenhoof, the dark lord not only has to contend with the fact that no one recognises him or gives him the credit he deserves but also has to put up with the bookish wargamer next door and the voracious man-eater upstairs.

Heaven, Hell and the city of Birmingham collide in a story that features murder, heavy metal, cannibalism, armed robbers, devious old ladies, Satanists who live with their mums, gentlemen of limited stature, dead vicars, petty archangels, flamethrowers, sex dolls, a blood-soaked school assembly and way too much alcohol.

What did I think of it:
This is a really fun read.

The idea of Satan having to live as a human intrigued me, and I must say Goody and Grant did a great job in showing the world as seen through the eyes of Satan. Simple things like shopping, Christmas songs, and going out for a drink were painted in a whole new (and funny) light.

The things Satan/Clovenhoof does were both funny and a little frustrating. You can see things going wrong, and at times I both had to laugh and cringe at his antics and his views on the world. But however outrageous his actions were, I couldn't help rooting for him and hoping he would either win back Hell, or manage to fit in on earth. Because even though some things he does were insensitive and catastrophic: Clovenhoof is a likeable character.

Next to Clovenhoof trying to fit in on earth (and not doing to brilliantly at that) there's some other things going on as well, and I had to keep reading to see where this story would lead. The ending was satisfying, but also leaves room for a very promising sequel.

All in all this is a fun and very enjoyable read. I might pick up more books by Goody and Grant in the future.

Why should you read it:
It's a very funny and entertaining read.


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Rogue Hunter: Dark Space - Book Review

Rogue Hunter: Dark Space (Rogue Hunter #2)
by Kevis Hendrickson
ebook

What is it about:
TRAPPED AND HUNTED!

Shortly after her trial on New Venus, Zyra Zanr is captured by a team of rival bounty hunters and brought aboard their ship, the Lilith. They intend to take her to the planet Sojo, home of a powerful crime boss who nurses a grievance against her. Zyra fears for her life, knowing death awaits her at the end of the journey. Her captors' seething hatred of her leads to Zyra's horrifying torture.

Drugged, beaten, and near death, Zyra escapes her cell and is pursued. The enemy will stop at nothing to recapture her. Enraged by the abuse she has suffered, Zyra decides to turn the table on the Lilith's crew and show them why she is the most feared bounty hunter in the galaxy.

What did I think of it:
This is a cool read.

The previous book in this series was an enjoyable read, but had some awkward writing from time to time. Rogue Hunter: Dark Space doesn't have that problem. It's pleasantly written, and the story flows from action to dialogue and back without any hiccups.

The story itself is full of action and suspense. Zyra is trapped on a space ship, and is being hunted, or is she the one hunting? The tables get turned on both Zyra and her captors from time to time, keeping you guessing who will come out the victor.

I liked you got to know the crew of the Lilith, so you can relate to both them and to Zyra, making it hard to know who to root for at times. I must say it reminded me of the Alien movies a bit. The way death could lurk at every corner. I think this story would work very well as a movie itself as well.

The story ends with another cliffhanger, and I must say i'm very curious what will be next. All in all this is a very entertaining SciFi adventure and I'm keeping an eye out for what else Hendrickson will write in this series.

Why should you read it:
It's an enjoyable and cool SciFi read.


Buy this ebook here

Persephone - Book Review

Persephone (Daughters of Zeus #1)
by Kaitlin Bevis
ebook

What is it about:
There are worse things than death, worse people too

The “talk” was bad enough, but how many teens get told that they’re a goddess? When her mom tells her, Persephone is sure her mother has lost her mind. It isn’t until Boreas, the god of winter, tries to abduct her that she realizes her mother was telling the truth. Hades rescues her, and in order to safely bring Persephone to the Underworld he marks her as his bride. But Boreas will stop at nothing to get Persephone. Despite her growing feelings for Hades, Persephone wants to return to the living realm. Persephone must find a way to defeat Boreas and reclaim her life.

What did I think of it:
You might know by now I love a good retelling of myths and fairytales, so when I was offered a review copy of Persephone I jumped at the chance.

And this is a very nice read.

I was a bit thrown at the start of the story. Some situations and characters were introduced that I expected to be important for the rest of the story, but then Persephone is attacked by Boreas, rescued by Hades and wisked away to the Underworld and a whole new set of characters was introduced.

Once I got over my confusion though I got into the story and started to enjoy it. I really liked Hades and Charon and some of the other characters Persephone gets introduced to in the Underworld. The way Bevis sets up the Underworld and the powers of the Gods felt believable and I enjoyed exploring the Underworld together with Persephone.

There was some suspense and action, but overall this story was sweet and focused on Persephone finding her place in the Underworld and discovering her hidden powers. All in all this is an enjoyable story. I might give the second book in this series a try to see what happens next for Persephone.

Why should you read it:
It's a nice YA retelling of the Persephone myth.


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