Audio Book Review: Shadow's End by Thea Harrison

Shadow's End 
(Elder Races Series, #9)
by Thea Harrison 
Narrated by: Sophie Eastlake

Blurb: 
For Beluviel, consort to the Elven High Lord, and Graydon, gryphon and First Sentinel of the Wyr, even the slightest desire for each other is forbidden. But two hundred years ago, after a desperate play to save Beluviel's stepson left them indebted to the cruel Djinn Malphas, they found their fates inexorably linked together-and the hunger between them growing too strong to ignore . . . Two centuries later, with their debt to Malphas coming due, Beluviel and Graydon realize that, if they are to stand any chance of saving their souls, they must once again work together-this time more closely than ever before. But every moment they spend with each other brings them nearer to losing something even more vital-their hearts.

Available for purchase at 

            

Viviana's Review: 

If I said it before, this series is more of a “let’s reconnect with old friends” type of read.  I did enjoy the story and this looks like it’s the end of this overall arc.  I believe I read on Thea’s website or social media that the next books in the series will focus on the Wry in Europe.

Graydon was also one of my favorites and I’m glad he finally got his HEA and he is able to keep the promise he has made to their love in the process.

While I really enjoyed this installment I must add that something bugged me… there have always been novellas that have been an “addition” to the overall word… however, it seems the novellas have finally collided with the main story/plot specifically those involving Dragos, Pia & Peanut (Liam).  While Thea does a good job of giving the reader a bit of background to those events and I didn’t feel totally lost and I still felt like I missed something.  Oh and a set of characters from a novella do pop up and had to look them up to figure out who they were & from what story but that is just me.

I enjoyed this… there’s action, characters we get to know better and of course the romance.


Narrator’s review: I do love Sophia’s performance and how she provides each character with their own tones and voices.  I swear I forget it’s not a guy narrating Love.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - I REALLY LIKED IT

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Audio Book Review: Midnight's Kiss by Thea Harrison

Midnight's Kiss 
(Elder Races Series, Bk #8)
by Thea Harrison
Narrated By: Sophie Eastlake

Blurb: 
In the latest Novel of the Elder Races, two souls who have long buried their passions are about to be consumed…

Ever since their scorching affair ended years ago, Julian, the Nightkind King, and Melisande, daughter of the Light Fae Queen, have tried to put the past behind them—and distance between them. But when a war breaks out between Julian and Justine, a powerful Vampyre of the Nightkind council, they find themselves thrown together under treacherous circumstances…

Kidnapped as leverage against Julian, Melly is convinced that her former lover won’t be rushing to her rescue. But when Julian gives himself up to save her, they both end up Justine’s captives. Armed only with their wits and their anger, Melly and Julian must work together to escape. But will they be able to ignore their complicated history, or will the fiery passion that once burned them blaze again?

Available for purchase at 

            

Viviana's Review: 

This has become a comfort series for me.  My “go to” series when I want to read a good story. “Midnight Kiss” is just that, a good story that came along right when I just wanted a fun read for me.  

We were introduced to the hero and heroine in the previous book "Night's Honor" and the animosity they had for one another was evident.  You just knew something BIG had occurred and that BOTH, yes both still had feelings for each other regardless of what they said.

The heroine is spunky and completely independent.  She does not falter or play the damsel in distress. The hero, while a complete Alpha Male, is not a total ass.  The reader is given glimpses of their past love and even the obvious current connection and we get the idea of what happened or rather what the hero believes to have happened.  Throughout the majority of the book the heroine does not really know why he broke things off except he believes she was unfaithful and of course she argues to the contrary, and he does not believe her.

When they finally do actually talk about the “why” the relationship ended with details, a plot is discovered, and they realize they have been played.  Okay - here is where I knew from the very beginning what was going on, and I so hoped the author was not going to play the obvious card but she did.  Sigh.  I was disappointed.  Perhaps it was so obvious to me and the “How didn't anyone ever question that at the very beginning?” because I happen to be one (sorry, not saying due to spoilers… read and you’ll know) or what, but yeah it was just so obvious. It's also been done before! Another romance trope! Arg... so very disappointed. 

The story line or ARC from the previous book does continue into this one, you might be able to read it as a stand alone, but I think this would dilute some of the emotion, and you may find yourself a tad bit lost with some of the information and perhaps even players.  I loved the previous book, so I would recommend you read it.

Narrator's Review: Ahh Sophie Eastlake, how do I love thee as a narrator, let me count the ways.... YOU FREAKING ROCK! Sophie continues to bring this series to life! Throughout the book, I forget she's a female narrating male voices. She's THAT GOOD!

Overall, a comfort read that provides the reader with the HEA we want and a good read.

 Rating: 3.5 Stars - I REALLY Liked It

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley Sensation in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Book Review: Night's Honor (Elder Races #7) by Thea Harrison

Night's Honor 
(Elder Races Series, Book #7) 
by Thea Harrison 

Blurb: 
On the run from her former employer, Tess knows that she’s vulnerable on her own amongst the Elder Races. That’s why she decides to audition to become the human attendant of a powerful Vampyre of the Nightkind demesne. But while her position affords her the safety she seeks, her protector turns out to be more than she bargained for.

The right-hand man of the Nightkind King, Xavier del Torro is both terrifying and alluring. While his true nature frightens Tess, she can’t ignore the appeal of his innate sense of integrity and self-restraint. Thrown into Xavier’s world, Tess must quickly learn to navigate the dangers—both to her life and to her heart. But the biggest threat comes from her own past….

Available for purchase at 

      

Viviana's Review: 
Loved "Night's Honor". As with any series that has this many installments, sometimes, you'll have one or two that you're not so much in love with. This series, for me, is one that I read for enjoyment. I love the world Thea has created and the characters are all unique! While I have enjoyed some of the previous stories... I haven't been drawn into them as much as I was with "Night's Honor". I REALLY enjoyed this story and the characters. Xavier was very much an Alpha Male, but had a soft or rather genteel manner about him even though he is notoriously know for his ruthlessness. Tess is feisty which will be interesting considering she's trying to become an attendant.

This book was different in that the characters were getting to know each others as we were getting to know them. The romance is slow building which is nice for a PNR... The majority of the was them getting to know each other and Tess having to come to terms with agreement she made and ensuring her past doesn't come back to hurt her. While some may have issues with the "lack of action", I was okay with it. And we do get that action just later in the book. :)

Oh and we get some interesting insight into Melly and Julian... there is definitely a story there and it looks like its going to be a doozy! Can't wait!

One of my favorite quote: 

“Tell me it’s okay to fall in love with you.” 

“You’d better. I’m not falling in love all by myself.”

Overall, a really good read to a series that continues to grow and expand in characters and realms. Xavier was this romantic, extremely well mannered, old fashion gentleman that just makes you fall for him and Tess is a strong enough heroine that you route for her! 

 Rating: 3.5 Stars - I REALLY Liked it

Disclaimer:

I received a complimentary copy of this book from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Book Review (Audio): Lord's Fall (The Elder Races, #5) by Thea Harrison

Lord's Fall
(The Elder Races, bk #5)
By Thea Harrison

Narrator: Sophie Eastlake

Synopsis: 
Before she met Dragos, half-human half-wyr Pia Giovanni was alone and on the run. Now, she's mated, pregnant and heading south to repair the Wyr's frayed relationship with the Elves. Being separated from Dragos is painful, but for the good of the Wyr demesne they need to figure out how to be partners, in more places than just the bedroom. In New York to preside over the Sentinel Games, Dragos is worried about his mate, but knows that finding two replacement sentinels is essential to show the rest of the Elder Races just how strong and brutal the Wyr demesne can be. But as the games heat up, Pia's negotiations with the Elves take a turn for the dangerous, straining her bond with Dragos and threatening everything they hold dear.

Available for purchase at 

Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review:
I love this series! I have to start by telling you that. I fell in LOVE w/ Dragos (100% Hot, Alpha Male, who wouldn't?) in "Dragon Bound" which also is the first book in the Elder Races series. This series is an auto buy for me. I have 'read' the entire series via audio books and I'll let you know my thoughts on the narrator later. Everyone (those within my book world) always raved about all the books in the series, however, they were not as "enthused' with "Lord's Fall". This made me ponder the reasons. Its book 5 in the series, though it does focus on Dragos and Pia so its almost like a sequal to "Dragon Bound". I liked Pia! When I shared that I had begun to listen to "Lord's Fall", I heard some of the following "stick with it", "it got better after the halfway mark", "Dragos is still Sexy as hell!" ( I did smile at that one!) and again made me wonder...