The Lion Kings (A Complete Novel) by Renee George

4 out of 5 stars

A very different paranormal story, Renee George has done a masterful job of mixing elements of the paranormal world. She has blended the world of shifters with that of a psychic. Her use of flash-back dreams was beautifully done.

The story is about Madeline, a very different girl, tormented and teased by her home town. She thinks her psychic dreams are just that, dreams. But for the last 6 months she’s been having dreams about two men, very hot sweaty dreams. And wanderlust has hit her so off on a road trip she goes. Not stopping till she runs into a circus show. And there she finds the two men of her dreams, Adam and Cage. She is instantly drawn to them as they are to her. But they’ve just lost the love of their lives, is there room for Madeline?

I loved the secondary cast of characters. How much fun can you have writing the bearded lady and the strong man? And when they are shifters as well, lots! The cast of characters were wary yet welcoming of Madeline and caring of Adam and Cage.

I’m glad I read this as a complete novel rather than in the serial installments. I would have never been able to wait for the next part. Now while I enjoyed this story immensely I do feel that there could have been more depth to the story. Incidences from all of the character’s pasts were mentioned but not in great detail. This was a fast read for me, done in one read. I did wish that there had been a bit more to the story. Even so, I did enjoy the story and was glad I got the chance to read it.

I would like to thank the author for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  

http://www.amazon.com/The-Lion-Kings-Complete-Novel-ebook/dp/B00T5H6QOI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Sight and Sinners (Men of London, book 2) by Susan Mac Nicol

This is the next amazing read from Susan Mac Nicol, who is one of my automatic buys. She can take you on an amazing emotional rollercoaster ride along side the guys in this story. This story is at times, sad, angst-y, volatile, funny and happy with a bit of snark thrown in. And there’s lots of hot sex. But the sex isn’t what drives the story. And caution, keep a hankie or tissue close by.  

I loved watching the relationship build between the two main characters. Taylor, who we meet in Love You Senseless (Men of London, book one) and Draven Samuels, a work driven man with a load of sadness in his past. Their journey to love isn’t always easy, not when there is tragedy all along the path. But tragedy can make a relationship strong and it does in this case. I wasn’t sure that Draven and Taylor would get there but they did. And I wasn’t sure I really liked Taylor at the start; he seemed a bit of a man whore, nothing but causal hookups. Then when you learn of his special ability, you can understand the why. And you can feel for him and what he has to cope with. Draven has his own issues; the tragedy from his past takes his focus. So between that and work, there’s no time for a relationship.

The beauty of this book was watching the emotional growth between the two of them. I loved that Draven was there for Taylor when his special ability leaves him weak and vulnerable and scared that it would be too much for Draven. Also seeing Taylor help Draven with emotional support, being there for him, while Draven makes one of the hardest decisions you can ever make in life. And Draven finally letting him.  

This is book 2 in the series, but could be read as a stand alone. But I think that reading book 1 would give you a better understanding of the secondary characters. The secondary characters add a depth to this book, from Leslie’s swish to Eddie’s fierceness. Leslie, Eddie and Gideon are all introduced there. And after reading this book, I want Leslie’s story as well as Clay’s. So I’m crossing my fingers for both.

5 out of 5 stars

Some Like It Hopeless (A Temporary Engagement #4) 

By Megan Bryce

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Different, quirky, sweet and bittersweet, not always happy and yet it was so much more. There was just something about this book that I wanted to hate and to love all at the same time. The cast of characters were all over the place, not completely fleshed out but still real enough to make you see them as people who surround you in real life.

And while there were times I wanted to smack Cassandra and her selfishness, yet I found her attitude was just right at other times in the story. I'm still not sure even now that I finished the book that I like her. Brady is a sad but forceful character. He is thought provoking, making you wonder how you would deal with what fate threw at him. Shane is lovable. Christian is the character I loved the most.

This is a story that not everyone is going to like or be able to read to the end. For me, I did finish and I'm glad I did read it.