BRANDED BY FIRE
Nalini Singh
Psy-Changeling #6
Format: Kindle
It’s always fun to return to the Psy-Changeling series. In
Branded by Fire, DarkRiver sentinel Mercy pairs off against SnowDancer
lieutenant Riley in a battle of wills. Both dominant forces in their respective
packs, neither was willing to bend to the other. That made for some fantastic
banter and some off-the-charts chemistry. I grew frustrated over time with
Mercy’s resistance to Riley and her refusal to admit her feelings for him, but
even so, there were plenty of sweet moments that went a long way in showing her
true feelings. For once the main conflict did not come from the Psy, but rather
from the Human Alliance. There were so many scenes between the various pack
members that were touching and emotional and it proved just how talented Singh
is at creating sympathetic characters and a strong family dynamic. Events in
this one had me more excited than ever for Hawke and Sienna’s story (and
pulling my hair out because there are still three books in between). I become
more and more invested with each book and can’t wait to see more of the story
unfold. 4 STARS
FAKING IT WITH #41
Piper Rayne
Hockey Hotties #3
Format: Audio
Hockey
star Ford Jacobs unexpectedly found himself a single father when a previous
hook-up left their infant daughter in his care and disappeared. His father,
determined to rehabilitate Ford’s image, insisted on a fake relationship with
Lena, the wealthy family’s publicist. Although Ford and Lena had long butted
heads, they both had their reasons for agreeing to the arrangement. I’m not
usually a fan of the fake dating/fake relationship trope, but I am a fan of
Piper Rayne and their hockey series, so I was pretty sure they would make it
work for me. Mission accomplished because I was so on board and lapped up every
page as their relationship morphed from fake to the real thing. They both had
some baggage and Lena, in particular, had to make peace with her past. My heart
was bursting seeing the change in Ford from previous playboy to doting dad. Watching
as Ford, Lena, and Annabelle formed a family – even when they didn’t realize
that’s what they were doing – was so heartwarming. The drama when Annabelle’s
mother returned was handled well (I was practically cheering for Ford) and
wasn’t over the top. The friendship and camaraderie of the team continues to be
a big highlight for me. 4 STARS
Format: Kindle
Brothers Jake and Jarret, siblings Conor and Lorne – all
share a close friendship. For Jake and Conor it goes beyond friendship and even
though they are young, their love is one that will last. One horrific night changed
the lives of all four friends forever.
I wasn’t sure what to expect since Knotted was my first
by Godwin, but there’s a reason she’s known for dark romance. The events at the
beginning were brutal and the aftermath was heartbreaking. I was riveted from
the very start. This story grabbed me and didn’t let go. There were twists that
I guessed and others that floored me. A couple aspects strained belief, but I
was so taken with these characters and the overall narrative that I was more
than willing to just go with it. The relationship between Jake and Conor was
layered and complicated. I loved his patience and the way he made sure she had
a safe space with him. Knotted won’t be for everyone - Godwin doesn’t shy away
from graphic content – but I was 100% hooked. This is one that I couldn’t stop thinking
about long after I finished it. 4.5 STARS
HAVE YOU READ ANY OF THESE BOOKS?
