Merely Mortal by Michelle Pillow

All I want is a simple, normal life.

Unfortunately, normalcy is a luxury I can’t afford as a lowly human born into a powerful supernatural family embroiled in magic. They’ve always been quick to remind me that I have an expiration date. Imagine everyone’s surprise when it’s me standing above their graves, not the other way around.

The fire that took their lives wasn’t my fault, yet everyone is blaming me, especially the vampires. Now I have a target on my back and a bounty on my head. Without the protection of my family, I’m caught up in a tangled web of supernatural dynasties and arcane power struggles.

So when a handsome stranger and his young daughter take pity on me and offer me a ride, I don’t say no. It’s a mistake. One I hope doesn’t cost us all our lives.

Sometimes, being merely mortal really sucks.

https://www.bookbub.com/books/merely-mortal-by-michelle-m-pillow

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/merely-mortal-michelle-m-pillow/1145668885

https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/merely-mortal

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Michelle_M_Pillow_Merely_Mortal?id=l9oKEQAAQBAJ&gl=GB

Tamara has been implicated in the fire that took the lives of her family.  They may not have been the closest or warmest of families but they were hers.  Now with only her adopted brother Conrad to support and protect her, Tamara is sent across town and then country- always mere steps from the jaws of danger.

Paul and his daughter Diana were only visiting the grave of his late wife when they came upon Tamara.  Diana opened up to the stranger and Paul felt he should at least offer the woman a life. He had no idea this would turn into a cross country adventure and see a baptism of fire into the world of magic, vampires and shifters!

There are some twists along the way, with Tamara learning more about herself and her history and Paul that sometimes it’s ok to take a leap of faith for a stranger.  I loved that Tamara was well aware of her aimlessness and was determined to find her place in the world on her own terms.  Paul is a great single dad figure – authoritative and playful by turns.  Diana is a precocious little darling and I’m glad she finally found Plop!

That ending though…I did let out a bit of a WTAF Michelle!  It’s certainly a novel approach on how to get “everything to reset” if you will.  I’m secretly rather pleased that from the outset I guessed the “baddie” and they really were a complete waste of skin that I thoroughly enjoyed having a reason to hate!

Healing Magic and Playboys (Casual Magic #3) by Lauren Connolly

Ava Bellerose may use men to charge up her healing magic, but that doesn’t mean she wants to date one. She’s fine living life as a single witch working a day job as a college librarian and spending nights as the masked performer Pearl at The Jewelry Box. Every routine on the stage means more magic power in the bank, courtesy of the customers craving her body. One man in particular can’t seem to get enough. Ava finds perverse pleasure in ignoring his money and denying him anything more than a distant dance with zero eye contact. His admiration is intoxicating and the magical boost is all she needs from him. But the guy becomes impossible to ignore when he shows up outside of her apartment.

Their meeting must be fate…

Sammy Reyes can’t believe his luck. While visiting a new build site for work, he spots a heart-shaped behind and a pouty set of lips he’d recognize anywhere. Unfortunately, Pearl–or Ava–seems less than enthused to have her secret identity revealed, even if he promises to take her secret to a watery grave. From her hostile greeting, the gorgeous witch might be the one to bury him at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. But Sammy has spent his whole life charming people, and he’s determined to prove himself as more than a faceless fuel tank of lust. Especially when Ava makes it abundantly clear his money has no sway on her affections.

To woo the librarian, the water elemental will have to dive deeper than his normal surface-level charisma. But just as Sammy starts to show the vulnerable heart behind his confident mask, Ava’s two lives collide in the worst way. Can she risk stepping out from behind her own protective walls, or will she leave him wanting?

Buy Links

Author Website: https://www.laurenconnollyromance.com/

Publisher website: https://www.cityowlpress.com

Rising Sun by Donna Grant

A ruthless, jaded elf and a bewitching human hiding a powerful secret—unlikely soulmates whose passion will test the boundaries of life and death.

Nothing could make Yasmin return to Shaldorn, the place of nightmares. But when she’s caught stealing, she’s given an ultimatum: take Ravi over the Dangerous Peaks to the stronghold or face imprisonment.

She has no choice but to agree, though she intends to escape the elf as soon as she reaches the mountains. Yet, as they battle nature itself, the two enemies find common ground—and an all- consuming passion.

Can they prevail in their dangerous heist, or be torn apart by betrayal?

BUY LINKS:
✦SIGNED PRINT→ https://dgrant.co/3upXfAq
✦Amazon→ https://amzn.to/3wcdTUS
✦BN→ https://dgrant.co/3Ulc1kG
✦Kindle→ https://amzn.to/3EZH2Uj
✦Nook→ https://dgrant.co/3EVaUB6
✦Apple→ https://dgrant.co/3Pxjb3a
✦Kobo→ https://dgrant.co/3PC89JW
✦Google→ https://dgrant.co/3RJmWn9
✦Audible→ https://dgrant.co/3TZyS6r
✦Tantor→ https://dgrant.co/49jGoxz
✦Audiobooks→ https://dgrant.co/3vocD0M
✦Nook Audio→ https://dgrant.co/3vrhBKa
✦Apple Audio→
✦Kobo Audio → https://dgrant.co/3VFX7be

Yasmin, is a grifter, a thief, a survivor. She is also surrogate big sister to a group of rag-tag abandoned and abused human children. When she picks the wrong pocket she finds herself facing prison and she knows neither she or the children will survive her captivity. When the Elf in charge offers her a way out she reluctantly goes along with her plan. But returning to Shaldorn could be the end of her…she escaped once, she may have used up all of her luck.

Ravi detests humans about as much as Yasmin hates Elves. But on the journey to Shaldorn he cannot help being impressed by this resilient and determined woman. She drip-feeds him parts of her story and he finally understands just what she went through behind those imposing walls. And he can’t seem to help himself wanting her!

The intricate differences between types of Elves, their powers and politics all make for a super interesting backstory. High fantasy, romance and action blend well together. Yasmin is prickly, plucky and a true survivor. Ravi begins as this aloof and arrogant elf but Yasmin chips off some of those edges and by the end he’s kind of a big-hearted softie!

The world building is fabulous and descriptive enough to suck you in but not enough to bog you down. Great start to a new offshoot series in the Dragon Kings Universe!

An Intrigue of Witches (Secret Society Mystery #1) by Esme Addison

Thirty-year-old Black woman Sidney Taylor is a talented early American history professor, working in fast-paced Washington DC, with her eyes on promotion. She’s also currently persona non grata. Who knew that making an inconvenient historical discovery would see her stuck at her desk, shuffling paper?

So when she receives an anonymous and very cryptic invitation to visit historic small-town Robbinsville, North Carolina and hunt for a missing archaeological treasure – with a million-dollar pay out at stake – it’s one she can’t refuse. Besides, her beloved grandmother lives in Robbinsville, and it’s been too long since she’s paid her a visit.

Soon, Sidney’s on an exciting treasure hunt, following two-hundred-year-old clues that lead her ever closer to the artefact she’s searching for. But what is the artefact? And why is Sidney starting to feel like she’s at the heart of a terrifying conspiracy she doesn’t understand?

The answer blows Sidney’s world apart, plunging her into a dark, glittering world of secret societies, ancient bloodlines, witches and magic, linked to an ages-old conspiracy that could destroy the very principles upon which America was founded.

https://www.bookbub.com/books/an-intrigue-of-witches-a-secret-society-mystery-book-1-by-esme-addison

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-intrigue-of-witches-esme-addison/1144329551

https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/an-intrigue-of-witches

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Esme_Addison_An_Intrigue_of_Witches?id=fo3hEAAAQBAJ&gl=GB

Sidney is an academic, a Historian, she deals in facts and certainties. So how will she react when she is introduced to the world of magic, secret societies and conspiracy theories?

Being a red-headed Black historian Sidney used to being seen as minority but when she is essentially ousted from her job, she is left to lick her wounds until a visit to her Grandma’s gives her a new opportunity and the possibility of earning a million bucks!

This is a slow burner of a book, there are no big action scenes but there are episodes of peril where Sidney and other are in danger. I felt that she handled herself with aplomb even though she had zero training. She is a great FMC in spite of being a rich girl. She doesn’t have access to her mum and dad’s fortunes, she made her own way in life after college. I felt her frustration when instead of a raise or promotion, she gets “furloughed”.

There was plenty of politics, history and conspiracy theories to chomp on, some I knew and others I didn’t. I loved learning more about black history and even history about my own country (Scotland) and where they intersected.

There are the faint glimmerings of a romance but that is very much on the side-lines, the main themes of the story is definitely the magical mystery and secret societies.

I would very happily read book 2!

Kindred: The Fated Trilogy by Donna Grant

New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant returns to her beloved Kindred world with an all-new, captivating fantasy romance trilogy sure to capture hearts.

RAGE

When a mysterious illness befalls his clan, taking many lives, Rob Mackenzie finally goes to check on the person squatting in the cottage on his family’s land. He hopes to find help. He doesn’t expect the most enchanting and enigmatic woman he’s ever seen or the way she makes him feel—the passions she rouses. But it’s clear she has secrets, and earning her trust may be the toughest battle of his life.

RUIN

Banished by his father and laird, Rory Sutherland does what he swore he’d never do—return to Scotland. But a dangerous threat has risen, and it’s turned its gaze to his beloved home. He risks everything to find the witch who can stop the growing menace. Asa’s power and beauty excites him. Her allure seduces him. She’s his match in every way. And nothing will ever be the same after being touched by her magic.

REIGN

As a warrior and the Lady’s right hand, Armir will not stop searching for Malene. When he does, she’s not the woman he remembers. Driven by an undying love that transcends the boundaries of time and space, Armir risks everything for her. But enemies lurk in the shadows, waiting to strike. Will he and Malene overcome their pasts to find a future together?

BUY LINKS:

✦SIGNED PRINT→ https://dgrant.co/3HszmuJ

✦Amazon→ https://amzn.to/49CARDe

✦BN→ https://dgrant.co/43jaos9

✦Kindle→ https://amzn.to/41ZTH3X

✦Nook→ https://dgrant.co/41ZN9lV

✦Apple→ https://dgrant.co/48X28PZ

✦Kobo→ https://dgrant.co/3tOTZyd

✦Google→ https://dgrant.co/49bkHAf

✦Audible→ https://dgrant.co/49CH8i7

✦Tantor→ https://dgrant.co/3Pbh2ur

✦Audiobooks→ https://dgrant.co/48GylKI

✦BN Audio→ https://dgrant.co/48AJ8pL

✦Kobo Audio → https://dgrant.co/434wzCf

✦Google Audio → https://dgrant.co/3vkqBRj

✦Apple Audio → https://dgrant.co/43Akt3O

My Review:

Rage:

Highland Warriors, Clan Politics, Witches, all have a place in this new Fantasy series.

In the Highlands here in Scotland, during what could be the medieval period, we find Elin on the run. She turned against her allies to save her sister and friends and then was promptly betrayed by her sister. She has been avoiding contact with anyone as much as possible since then. She’s now settled in an abandoned cottage but just as she feels a measure of safety the neighbouring Laird’s brother finds her.

This is the beginning of a furtive friendship. Rob is clearly aware that Elin has something to hide but doesn’t push to find out what. When a curse takes over the keep and ravages the population, Elin feels the need to help. But that’s got the townfolk talking – is Elin a Witch?

Falling in love was never in the plan for either of them but they can’t help but fall. But Elin’s past and magical nature may be coming back to haunt her!

Empathetic MCs, magic, fantasy, and a great overarching plot set the scene for this new series. I loved Elin – she was selfless in the face of her own magical outing. Rob is protective, patient, and unfailing in his belief in Elin. He may be the brawny and brave warrior but he’s also a canny strategist. He recognises when someone has the best skills needed.

Ruin:

Asa is on the run from a Norse warrior who has decided she is his witch. She needs to find safety and find her sister but before she finds a safe haven she is alerted to impending danger by a Highlander.

Rory left Scotland behind a long time ago. His father was a bully and held you in regard only by what lands and power you could give him. But a need to protect a witch has led him back home. He feels a pull to Asa but will they ever be safe enough for them to explore this mutual attraction?

Asa is a powerhouse of magic but she still doubts herself occasionally, especially over her decision to leave her sister behind when she went on the run. I loved her superpower, I’d love to be able to talk to animals.

Rory is a warrior through and through and honourable to his core. His family leaves much to be desired but they also helped shape him into the protector and honourable man he is.

Rapid read, no cliffhanger, only a few smexy times and battles. Engaging characters and beautiful setting with plenty of twists in the story.

Reign:

Set in the dark ages/medieval like times, when magic and mythology blended into one, The Varroki depend on their Lady to keep them and their hidden city safe. But their Lady is missing, feared dead. Only one has not given up on finding her.

Malene, Lady of the Varroki, has become Dagny, now of the Vikings. She washed up mysteriously on the shores of Norway and has quickly risen in the ranks due to the power she is happy to wield for them. But when Armir finally finds Malene/Dagny he refuses to allow her to cause harm to their people. So he knocks her out and imprisons them in a cave!

Now that he has them secluded he has to chip through her new “armour”, the new personality and values that she seems to have embraced since she was lost to the Varroki during a battle. He refuses to give up on her and she is determined not to lose the new found power that she has. Only one of them can win.

Armir has been everything to Malene at one time or another. He was her abductor, instructor, protector, friend and advisor. He also loved her. Their positions may have meant that they could not act upon that joint attraction but I enjoyed learning more about their pasts. Malene was changing things for the Varroki – digging them out of the customs that saw their population falling and almost erasing themselves.

I must admit that Malene/Dagny was not my favourite of the FMC’s in this series. That in part may be due to the amnesia leading to the personality split but she did rub me the wrong way occasionally. Armir imprisoned them both, knowing that Malene would be appalled to know that she had planned to harm the Varroki. Whilst they may not have been her people originally she did come to care for them. Armir is a great example of the strong, powerful, protective MMC who will search the world for his love but isn’t above realising that she could also become his biggest enemy and he is willing to sacrifice them both to protect their people.

Satisfying conclusion to this historical fantasy laden romance.