Aurelia Ryder Book 1: Blood Heir by Ilona Andrews

Aurelia Ryder Book 1

From Ilona Andrews, an all-new novel set in the Kate Daniels World and featuring Julie Lennart-Olsen, Kate and Curran's ward.

Atlanta was always a dangerous city. Now, as waves of magic and technology compete for supremacy, it’s a place caught in a slow apocalypse, where monsters spawn among the crumbling skyscrapers and supernatural factions struggle for power and survival.

Eight years ago, Julie Lennart left Atlanta to find out who she was. Now she’s back with a new face, a new magic, and a new name—Aurelia Ryder—drawn by the urgent need to protect the family she left behind. An ancient power is stalking her adopted mother, Kate Daniels, an enemy unlike any other, and a string of horrifying murders is its opening gambit.

If Aurelia’s true identity is discovered, those closest to her will die. So her plan is simple: get in, solve the murders, prevent the prophecy from being fulfilled, and get out without being recognized. She expected danger, but she never anticipated that the only man she'd ever loved could threaten everything.

One small misstep could lead to disaster. But for Aurelia, facing disaster is easy; it’s relationships that are hard.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52891880-blood-heir

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

So nice to be back in the world of Kate Daniels. I believe about 9 years have passed since Magic Triumphs and many things have changed in Atlanta. First off, Julie left 8 years earlier. And now she is back with a new face and name, Aurelia Ryder. After training so long with Erra and even Roland, Julie returns home to change a prophecy where her adopted mother, Kate dies at the hands of Moloch. Coming home means she can't let anyone know who she is, especially Kate. Because the moment Kate knows and the moment Moloch ends up on Kate's radar, Kate is dead. There is just no changing that fate. But after speaking with the Oracle, Julie knows that she is the wildcard. The one thing that can change her mom's fate. It starts with the murder of a pastor and from there everything literally just blows up. I loved diving back into this world. The main reason is that we get a glimpse of so many beloved characters from the Kate Daniels series. I loved seeing how they all were doing and where in their lives they are. I also loved having a book in Julie's point of view after she has grown up and for the most part has found herself. And where there is Julie there is Derek. His return is a shock to Julie's system because the man she knew has changed in many ways. But they both have, so maybe things can change between them? Well, we won't know just yet. Because that ending certainly didn't wrap everything up in a nice bow. All I have to say is that there better be more books after this. This world is such a good one and there are so many threads and great characters to follow. And with Julie leading the story, it was even better. Can't wait for more from this series!

Roommate by Sarina Bowen is now available!

Wanted: One roommate to share a 3-bedroom house, split the rent, and ideally not be the guy I can’t stop thinking about.  

I’m a man with too many secrets, so the last thing I need is a new roommate with a sexy smile and blue eyes that see right through me. Eight years ago, Roderick left town after high school. We’re not friends. I owe him nothing. But back then, I let one of my secrets slip, and he’s the only one who noticed. 

Part of me knows I should run far, far away. But the other part wants him to come upstairs and spend the night. But if I let him in, I could lose everything.

Seeking: a room to rent in town. I’m tidy, have no pets, and I will feed you homemade bread. 

I should probably add: Gay AF, and has no filter. It’s no wonder my new landlord is so wary of me. 

A smarter man would ignore those hot glances from Kieran Shipley. The broody lumberjack wants more from me than another fresh-baked pretzel. But if I push my luck, I’ll end up back on the street.

Too bad I’ve never been smart with my heart… 

PURCHASE LINKS

All Links in one spot: https://shor.by/roommate (Great for sharing!)

Audible: https://geni.us/Audible-RM

Amazon: https://geni.us/Amazon-roommate 

Apple: https://geni.us/Apple-roommate

Kobo: https://geni.us/Kobo-roommate  

Nook: https://geni.us/Nook-roommate

 

Roommate by Sarina Bowen is out today!

 

ROOMMATE BY SARINA BOWEN

JANUARY 12, 2021

WANTED: ONE ROOMMATE TO SHARE A 3-BEDROOM HOUSE, SPLIT THE RENT, AND IDEALLY NOT BE THE GUY I CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT.  

I’m a man with too many secrets, so the last thing I need is a new roommate with a sexy smile and blue eyes that see right through me. Eight years ago, Roderick left town after high school. We’re not friends. I owe him nothing. But back then, I let one of my secrets slip, and he’s the only one who noticed. 

Part of me knows I should run far, far away. But the other part wants him to come upstairs and spend the night. But if I let him in, I could lose everything.

Seeking: a room to rent in town. I’m tidy, have no pets, and I will feed you homemade bread. 

I should probably add: Gay AF, and has no filter. It’s no wonder my new landlord is so wary of me. 

A smarter man would ignore those hot glances from Kieran Shipley. The broody lumberjack wants more from me than another fresh-baked pretzel. But if I push my luck, I’ll end up back on the street.

Too bad I’ve never been smart with my heart… 

RELEASE WEEK EXCERPT:

Back at home, I do all the chores and then some. 

First I put the cows in the north pasture. Moving cows is easy enough in good weather. It only requires me to move the portable fence and wave them through the opening. “Go on, enjoy,” I say as they file past me eagerly. Our herd is grass fed, and they don’t need to be asked twice. The long, seedy grass and corn stalks I’m offering are like a recently freshened, all-you-can-eat buffet.

Let’s face it—the cows are easier to handle than any of my family members. They go where they’re needed, no questions asked. But my dog—Rexie—gives the cows a nice loud woof just to pretend he’s working hard. 

After the cow parade, I close up the fence and turn the electricity on. After that, I spend forty-five minutes raking cow shit out of the lower farmyard in the dark. 

It’s boring drudge work, and my mind starts to wander. And, fuck, it wanders right to Roderick Waites—the guy who climbed out of a blue Volkswagen and right back into my brain.

I wish I could say I haven’t thought about him since high school, but that would be a lie. And if I were a more spiritual person, I’d probably interpret Roderick’s reappearance in town as a sign. A wakeup call.

Nobody knows all the tangled things in my brain, but for a split second when I was a teenager, Roderick came close to learning one of my biggest secrets. 

The first time I saw him on his knees in front of another guy, it was an accident. 

It was autumn then, too. I’d been at a high school football game. It was chilly that night and, last second before leaving for the game, I’d grabbed my dad’s jacket from the hook by the door. After shoving my hands into the pockets while standing on the windy sidelines, I’d found a flask of whiskey. My father must have last worn the jacket when he was sitting out in the deer blind with his pals. Bonus. 

But, of course, I’d had to sneak around to find a place to take a taste. 

Leaving the crowd and the game, I ducked inside the door to the school’s gym. Under the cover of the bleachers, I drew out my dad’s flask, and unscrewed the top. Just as I raised it to my lips, I froze at the sound of whispered voices. Whoever was speaking had entered the gym at the other end of the bleachers. 

Their shadowy figures weren’t easily visible. But I guessed it was a couple looking for a little privacy for a make-out session. And since a couple sneaking off together wasn’t a threat to me, I stood my ground. 

I took a swallow of my father’s hooch. My first sip wasn’t life-changing—it burned going down and made my eyes water—it’s what happened next that changed everything. 

After screwing the lid on the flask and pocketing it, I ducked out of the gym and into the hallway. Feeling nosy, I walked toward the gym’s other entrance, noiseless in my Nikes. When I reached the door, I eased into a position that allowed me to spy on the couple I’d heard whispering to each other. They were silent now, and I wanted to know why. 

When I saw who it was, I swear my heart almost stopped. A varsity soccer player—Jared Harvey—stood beneath the bleachers, bracing his hands on a tread overhead. Roderick Waites knelt in front of him, unzipping Jared’s jeans. 

You can bet I didn’t even blink for the next five minutes…

PURCHASE LINKS

All Links in one spot: https://shor.by/roommate (Great for sharing!)

Audible: https://geni.us/Audible-RM 

Amazon: https://geni.us/Amazon-roommate 

Apple: https://geni.us/Apple-roommate 

Kobo: https://geni.us/Kobo-roommate  

Nook: https://geni.us/Nook-roommate

Prey is out today!

Blackwater Pack Book 2

That was then…

After escaping her birth pack, being kidnapped, and nearly dying on the mountain, Skye has found a home in Blackwater. Surrounded by friends and family, and her mate, she's ready for her final semester at Granite Peak Academy to be a lot quieter, and a lot more uneventful, than last year.

…this is now

When shifters from the academy are taken, Skye and her pack are forced to return to Blackwater. With the Spring Summit looming, Skye will finally have to face the demons of her past if she wants to have a life with Remy.

Things aren’t what they seem

Skye is done running and ready to fight for her future. She'll do whatever it takes to protect the ones she loves ... even if the threat is from someone she trusts.

PREY is the second book in the Blackwater Pack series, and should be read in order:

#1: SANCTUM

#1.5: BROKEN

*It contains scenes and themes not suitable for younger readers, including bullying, abuse, and sexual themes/scenes. Recommended age: 17+

PREY Links: 

eBook (Amazon): https://amzn.to/2XaVl28

Paperback (Amazon): https://amzn.to/2KQ3DKz

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55141157-prey

Other Blackwater Pack Books:

SANCTUM (Book 1): eBook | Paperback | Goodreads

BROKEN (Book 1.5; Novella): eBook | Paperback | Goodreads

Blackwater Pack Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/845855699272471

Meet the Author!

Hannah McBride has been many things in her life - a manager, a clinical research coordinator, a dreamer, a makeup brand ambassador, an event coordinator, a blogger, and more. But at heart, she's always been a writer, and in 2020 she decided to make it official with her first release, SANCTUM.

Author Links:

Facebook | Amazon | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Check out these teasers!

Teaser #1:

Strong hands slid around my waist, pulling me against a hard chest. The body behind me fell into step with my body as I danced, fitting us together like two pieces of a puzzle.

Remy.

I inhaled deeply, relaxing against him. His steady heartbeat thumped against my back as his large hands settled low on my hips.

“Having fun?” I could feel the words rumble from his chest, hear the smile in his voice.

“More fun now,” I admitted truthfully, lifting an arm and looping it around his neck, keeping his mouth close to my ear.

His lips grazed the side of my throat. A full body shiver rippled through me as I pulled him closer.

“When can we leave?” he asked, his voice definitely huskier. He rocked his hips into mine, and it was all I could do not to grab his hand and drag him out of the room now.

“Soon,” I managed to get out. His hips rolled against my ass again. I swallowed audibly. “Definitely soon.”

Remy spun me around in his arms so fast I almost lost my footing. He steadied me with sure hands, his full mouth lifting into a soft smile that almost made my knees buckle again. The white of his thin henley was a vivid contrast to his tanned skin.

I wound my arms around his neck, pressing my chest to his, arching into his touch. His hands slid down my hips slowly, his eyes on mine the whole time, gauging me for any reaction.

My eyes slid shut as his hands slid into the back pockets of my jeans, and he pulled me closer by sliding a thigh between mine. His hands squeezed my ass through the denim. 

Holy shit.

“This okay?” he asked softly.

My eyes snapped open, and I nodded so fast I probably looked like a bobble head doll.

His eyes glittered. “Good.” 

I tilted my head up, not giving a damn that Katy was still dancing near us or that we were in the middle of a group of people.

I wanted his mouth on mine now. 

Teaser #2: 

Mom pushed the door open a little more and glanced down at her watch. “Want me to call Zoe and see if she can cover me?”

Mom was supposed to open the cafe at six, and it was after five now. Calling Zoe meant things definitely wouldn’t open on time, plus Zoe was pregnant and needed her rest.

“No, don’t do that. I’m fine.”

“I’ll be home by dinner,” she offered with a smile. “If you’re bored, you can always come hang out at the cafe.”

I smiled at that. “Thanks. I think I’ll call Larkin when it’s not the buttcrack of dawn. I’ll hang out with her and Katy.”

Mom nodded, her ponytail bobbing. “Sounds good, honey. Call me and let me know if you’re going out, though, okay?”

“I will,” I promised.

She started to close the door. “And try to get some sleep.”

I couldn’t suppress my yawn. “I’ll try.”

She closed my door, and I listened to her footsteps fade as the walked down the hall. A few minutes later the front door opened and closed.

With a groan, I rolled onto my side, my back to the door.

God, I wanted to sleep. I wanted to escape into that nothingness void where time flew by.

I pulled the collar of my shirt up over my nose and inhaled deeply, letting the scent of Remy calm me. 

I had grabbed his shirt on a whim when I packed and pulled it on last night before I climbed into bed. If I couldn’t sleep with him, at least I could keep his scent with me.

My wolf sighed a rumble of approval, both of our frayed nerves calmed by the familiar scent of pine and earth. 

I forced my eyes to close, blanking out my mind to try and find sleep yet again. I pulled the flannel sheets and comforter around my shoulders, burrowing into the little cocoon I created in my bed.

My bedroom door opened behind me.

“What did you forget?” I asked Mom, not bothering to roll over now that I found a comfortable position.

Maybe I would actually fall asleep.

The bed dipped as she sat down next to me.

I rolled over. “Mom, seriously, I’m fi-” 

The words died, my eyes going wide as my jaw dropped.

Remy arched his brows down at me, a teasing smile on his lips.

“Definitely not your mom, babe,” he told me with a smirk as he reached out and traced the bridge of my nose with a calloused finger.

 

DC Icons Book 5: Black Canary: Breaking Silence by Alexandra Monir

DC Icons Book 5

THE HANDMAID’S TALE meets the DC universe in this breathtaking, thrilling origin story of Black Canary. Her voice is her weapon, and in a near future world where women have no rights, she won’t hesitate to use everything she has to fight back.

Dinah Lance was seven years old when she overheard the impossible: the sound of a girl singing. It was something she was never meant to hear—not in her lifetime, and not in Gotham City, taken over by the Court of Owls. The sinister organization rules Gotham as a patriarchal dictatorship, all the while spreading their influence like a virus across the globe.

Now seventeen, Dinah can’t forget that haunting sound, and she’s beginning to discover that her own voice is just as powerful. But singing is forbidden—a one-way stop to a certain death sentence. Can she balance her father’s desire to keep her safe, a blossoming romance with mysterious new student Oliver Queen, and her own desire to help other women and girls rise up and finally be heard? And will her voice be powerful enough to destroy the Court of Owls once and for all? 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52239859-black-canary

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

I've been loving the DC Icon series. Each book and each author bring a new story to some fantastic DC heroes. And this book has brought to life some of my absolute favorite DC heroes. This story follows Dinah Lance aka the Black Canary. And she isn't alone. For where there is a Black Canary there is a Green Arrow. Dinah and Oliver are brought together when Gotham City is at one of its worst points. To set the scene, Batman who was the original guardian at Gotham is gone from old age before Gotham falls down one of its darkest paths. But the Gotham Dinah is growing up in is one where the Court of Owls has taken over. The Court rose to power and the age of superheroes was taken down as well. One of the cruelest things done was to the women of the city. Their voices were silenced in every way. A gas was released that physically took their voices away and any rights women had gone. It's a patriarchal dictatorship, but things are changing. Years ago, Dinah heard the impossible: a girl singing. Her obsession with music grew as the years passed. Her wish to sing, stronger than anything. And change starts when Dinah and her friends get caught by the Talons, the assassins of the Court of Owls, when they enter a place that is forbidden for all. Dinah has to keep her head low after her father, a police officer, makes a deal with the court to leave Dinah alone. And when new student, Oliver Queen, transfers to her school things really change. 

What I loved about this book was the twist that came to Dinah's story. We learn that her mother was of course the original Black Canary and she worked closely with two other women heroes before she died. Which I won't say who! But they are definitely great ones. We even get some other great surprises of heroes that are mentioned and seen. We get a new origin story for Dinah and Oliver. Dinah, finding her voice and abilities and stepping into her mother's footsteps. Oliver's journey into how he becomes the Green Arrow. Dinah and Oliver's relationship of course. The twist that is the Court of Owls. I also loved that this was set in a later way. It's like the generation after the original heroes, yet we know that other DC works that sometimes these characters were the same age as others. I loved every moment of this book. It had the action and strong female character that was Dinah. And women standing up for their rights in every way. The heroes and plot twists of some great story lines. This story doesn't disappoint. It's another great addition to the DC Icons series. 

VINO AND VERITAS #1-3: COVER REVEALS!

Vino and Veritas Book 1

FEATHERBED BY ANNABETH ALBERT

Release Date: March 15, 2021

Pre-Order here: https://geni.us/AmazonFeatherbed

Add to Goodreads here: https://bit.ly/3mKWKXJ

Share this page: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/vino-and-veritas/

Cover Design: Christine Coffey

Blurb:

When a bookworm on borrowed time meets a younger, free-spirited chicken farmer, sparks and feathers fly…

Harrison Phillip Fletcher, III isn’t supposed to be here. Not in Burlington, Vermont, not running Vino & Veritas, a quaint inclusive bookstore and wine bar, and definitely not still alive, at forty-two. Also not supposed to be here? An unexpected delivery of chickens.

Finn Barnes knows chickens. The burly organic farmer knows all about rare breed poultry, but dealing with a hot, older bookseller is an entirely different matter. City slicker types like Harrison never end up staying in Vermont for the long-term.

They should steer clear of each other. But the flare of attraction is mutual. And somehow amid book discussions and farm tours, they discover plenty in common. Now they’re stealing kisses in Finn’s barn, sneaking out like teens, and burning up the sheets.

What starts as a fling brings very real feelings for two lonely souls, but a future together seems as unlikely as chickens in a bookstore. Feathers may be flying, but learning to trust takes time neither may have. Can they take a leap of faith together before it’s too late?

Featherbed is a stand-alone novel in Sarina Bowen’s World of True North. This opposites-attract, age-gap romance features a low-angst, fluffy—and feathery—romp as a fish out of water discovers the home he never thought he’d find.

Vino and Veritas Book 2

HEARTSCAPE BY GARRETT LEIGH

Release Date: March 22, 2021

Pre-Order here: https://geni.us/AmazonHeartscape

Add to Goodreads here: https://bit.ly/3roFo6y

Share this page: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/vino-and-veritas/

Cover Design: Christine Coffey

Blurb:

From award-winning author Garrett Leigh comes a gorgeous new romance in the True North world! Think: great food, burly men and good times. Beards are optional but encouraged.

I’m not the obvious choice to run Burlington’s coolest wine bar—quiet, brooding, clueless about tannin content, and always one wrong turn away from another downward spiral.

But no one seems to mind that I'm a wreck. Besides me. I just focus on getting through each shift until the night a beautiful stranger appears, looking as lost and damaged as I feel.

When a mutual friend calls in a favor, the sexy newcomer winds up crashing on my couch. I don't know if it's his melodic Cornish accent, or his ocean blue eyes, or the rock-hard body with the mysterious scars, but I get the feeling whatever happened to him runs far deeper than those wounds. 

Having Jax in my home makes my chest warm. Makes me shiver. Makes me want more. But I've got a pile of baggage and I don't want to be a burden on anyone let alone a man who seems to have enough demons of his own. 

Our chemistry is off the charts. His arms feel like home. The last thing I want is to screw this up. Is it wrong to hope we can heal each other? Or will one of us die trying?

HEARTSCAPE is a heartfelt MM friends-to-lovers romance in the True North world, with a brooding bartender, a rugged outdoorsman, sweet angst and lots of Shipley cider. Triggers: contains mentions of depression, suicidal ideation and PTSD recovery.

Vino and Veritas Book 3

HEADSTRONG BY EDEN FINLEY

Release Date: March 22, 2021

Pre-Order here: https://geni.us/AmazonHeadstrong

Add to Goodreads here: https://bit.ly/34H76l7

Share this page: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/vino-and-veritas/

Cover Design: Christine Coffey

Blurb:

A straight guy gives gay hookup tips to a virgin. What could go wrong? 

When I first met Whit, I couldn’t get away from him fast enough. He’s a hockey player, and I hate everything to do with the sport that broke my heart.

But I can’t help feeling sorry for the guy. He’s newly out and desperate to meet someone, but his eagerness seems to scare potential hook-ups away.

Agreeing to be his wingman should’ve been simple. Watching him flirt with other guys made things complicated.

Whit challenges me in every aspect of my life, from my hatred of hockey to the new questions I’m asking myself. Like why a straight man suddenly can’t stop thinking about kissing another guy.

I think the answer lies somewhere on Whit’s lips...

 

Blackwater Pack Book 2: Prey by Hannah McBride

Blackwater Pack Book 2

That was then…

After escaping her birth pack, being kidnapped, and nearly dying on the mountain, Skye has found a home in Blackwater. Surrounded by friends and family, and her mate, she's ready for her final semester at Granite Peak Academy to be a lot quieter, and a lot more uneventful, than last year.

…this is now

When shifters from the academy are taken, Skye and her pack are forced to return to Blackwater. With the Spring Summit looming, Skye will finally have to face the demons of her past if she wants to have a life with Remy.

Things aren’t what they seem

Skye is done running and ready to fight for her future. She'll do whatever it takes to protect the ones she loves ... even if the threat is from someone she trusts.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55141157-prey

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My Review: 5/5 Stars 

Did I receive an ARC and finish the book in a day? Yes, yes I did. I could not put this book down! I fell in love with series as soon as I read Sanctum. Then my love grew for it with the novella Broken and here I am with book two, Prey and ahh! I need the next book asap. When I say I devoured this book, I mean I picked it up and didn't put it down until I was done. It was that good. So this story picks up shortly after the previous books. Skye and Remy and their friends are back at Granite Peak Academy for their final semester. Skye hopes for some sense of normalcy but unfortunately for her that does not happen. When more female shifters are taken, including a close friend of theirs, the packs are forced to return home. And then if that wasn't bad enough, Long Mesa finally makes their move on Skye and her family. Skye then finds herself joining Remy and a few others on their trip Spring Summit where the Alphas of the wolf clans gather. Skye is going to face one of her hardest challenges yet. Facing a past she rather leave behind. But to protect those she loves, she knows she has to find the strength to speak up. Seriously such a great story. And let me tell you lots of twists and turns and revelations in this book. And when I wasn't mind-blown at these moments, I was laughing because some of these characters are just so great and of course I was cheering for Remy and Skye because if anyone deserve happiness it is those two. And that ending! Ahh!!! I hate cliffhangers but I have to admit this was a good one. And I need some answers pronto! I need book three right now! I cannot wait for the next one. And for those who have read the series so far, let me tell you this one will have you hooked from page one. Loved, loved, loved it! Can't wait for more.  

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.