Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Give the Devil His Duke by Anna Bradley

By: Anna Bradley

Narrated by: Gabrielle Baker

Series: Drop Dead Dukes, Book 1

Length: 12 hrs and 29 mins

Release date: 07-25-23

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance /to review

Francesca and her mother left London years ago because of a scandal. Now she is back, she needs money and she thinks her uncle should help. But before that, a wallflower season.

Giles is a Duke, he should get married so he has chosen a nice pretty girl. Nothing could go wrong. Then he meets her annoying cousin, Francesca.

Oh these two do not like each other. Giles says some mean things and the ton is looking at the train wreck. But at the same time they fancy the pants of each other.

The second part of the book is them being married, and drama ensues cos lies and secrets. Giles should have told her the truth, idiot.

I liked the side characters we meet. Francescas cousin was really nice and will get her own hea in this book. So no one is stealing a fiance here. Francescas uncle was an ass.

Great narration that kept me hooked. I have listened to her narrations before and they are always top notch.

One should never judge a duke by his cover. As far as London society knows, Giles Drew, the Duke of Basingstoke, is everything a proper aristocrat ought to be. But when a notorious scandal sheet publishes details of Giles’s questionable bedroom antics, only one bride can salvage his reputation.

Prim and penniless, Francesca Stanhope has resigned herself to a season full of the ton’s snickering—until the Duke of Basingstoke’s dizzying courtship transforms her fate. Yet wedded bliss quickly turns into a clash of wills as Franny realizes her handsome duke is a devil in disguise.

But beneath the newlywed’s skirmishes lies scorching heat. And while each attempts to tame the other, the truth is that this unconventional union may be all either could ever desire . . .

Audiobook Review: Storm Front by Jim Butcher

Author: Jim Butcher

Narrator: James Marsters
Title: Storm Front

Series: The Dresden Files #1

Genre: UF, Mystery, Paranormal, Fantasy, SciFi
Published: April 1, 2000
Pages: 355

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

HARRY DRESDEN — WIZARD

Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment.

Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he's the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the "everyday" world is actually full of strange and magical things—and most don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a—well, whatever. There's just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks.

So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name. And that's when things start to get interesting.

Magic - it can get a guy killed.

Review:

Been meaning to backtrack and read book 1 of this series. I read book....5? 7?....a while back. Thank goodness for the book club I am in. This was picked so I finally get to dive into it. 

Harry Dresden is our hero. He is the best at what he does. Well, he is the only one that does what he does. He uses his magic to find lost items, paranormal investigations, and consultations. He sometimes is even called in by the Chicago PD. When he is called this time, he will face a case that could be dangerous, but he could also get a huge payout.

Originally I planned to borrow the audiobook from a friend, but I had a free credit so I decided to just spend it there. I had been holding onto that credit for a hot min so why not? 

I like Harry. He's a good egg but omg does bad luck follow him around like a vengeful spirit. You can't help but feel for the guy. He wants to help people and just live his life. Maybe he should change his career though......he makes some BAD decisions that almost gets him killed at every corner. Maybe he needs a mentor or training or something hahahahaha. 

The story was entertaining and I was curious to learn who/why/how. Again, I also like Harry so I was rooting for him at every corner. My main issue was the side characters (minus Bob)...they were so stereotypical and 2D. I was hoping for more depth, especially in Murphy. She seems like she could be so kickass, but she is your atypical woman detective. Bitter from her divorce and trying to claw her way up the chain of a male-orientated world. OH and of course she kinda sorta likes Harry but she won't admit it to herself. 

And don't get me started on that reporter chick. Screw her. She is only interested in Harry to get a story. How doesn't he see that???? Sighs. Lust man...it is more dangerous than magic.

Hopefully, the little love interests will not pan out. Harry deserves a complex and good girl. I would say Murphy but he doesn't need that bitterness.  

Bob and Harry are the true gems. Hopefully, we get to see more of Bob in the next. We only got a splash of him here. He's fun. 

The narration was pretty good. He fit Harry and all the dudes fine. His women's voices were all the same. Eh. 

Overall, I did enjoy this and I am so happy I went back to the beginning to see Harry at his "start". I do plan on continuing on. Maybe our side characters will blossom more. 3 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):

- #32 for Audiobook challenge

Book Review: Louisiana Saturday Night by AL Vincent

Author: AL Vincent

Title: Louisiana Saturday Night

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella, Short Story, Anthology

Format: ebook

Pages: 94

Published: June 26, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Run away to the Gulf Coast...

Come sit on the front porch with everyone's Aunt Glinda and have a glass of tea or a strong cup of Cajun coffee. Sit and enjoy the views and the company of the locals of Bon Chance and Lafayette. Stop by one of the local shops for lunch or dinner and enjoy the daily special. After, stop by the local watering hole and let the bartender serve you up your favorite drink. Nighttime entertainment? We've got that too. From festivals to live music to a quiet game of pool, we've got you covered. During football season, you can always find a place to watch your favorite team. We have a little something here for everyone, and we can't wait to share it with you.

Come pass a good time with the Boonies of Bon Chance!

"Blue Jeans and Gemstones"

Fiesty business owner, Gemma St. John, spends her days building "Bite Me," her sandwich shop. After a bitter divorce, the last thing she's looking for is a tall, dark Cajun man to complicate her life. However, a few spins on the dance floor with Jasper Leblanc sends her senses reeling. Will Jasper prove to be the man to finally treasure her heart?

"Saving Grace"

Rescued in a New Orleans alley, Furby has been Grace's comfort and constant companion. After he is injured, his fearless personality and determination encourages Grace to let go of the past and embrace the future with Gabriel.

"Saved by the Bell"

As a female football coach, Taylor Campbell has spent her career proving herself with no time for herself or a relationship. Making the state high school playoffs brings her to New Orleans and back to Luke Walker, her college boyfriend. The enchanting Chateau Rouge Hotel has a few plans to make sure these two former lovers have the chance to rekindle that old flame. Will Taylor win the playoffs and the heart of a coach?

Review:

MORE FREEBIES! I had to pick this one up because it is set in Louisiana. I've been missing my New Orleans honeymoon. Sighsss.

- Blue Jeans and Gemstones

I liked Gemma and I did like Jasper. However, I didn't like them together to be frank here. Maybe we need more time with them to see the love. Yes, yes, the lust is there, but I didn't FEEL it. More time is needed for me. 2 stars. 

- Saving Grace

This my absolute favorite one. I loved them and I loved that dog!! Soooo good. I feel like I could read a full length of them, but I am completely satisfied with the short story too. I shall stamp this one with a 5.

- Saved by the Bell

This one was cute. I loved the mix of Football. I also loved the fact that Taylor (the heroine of the story) is the football coach instead of the dude. It was a nice twist! Love it! And omg that hotel reminded me of the one I stayed at. Sighssss this gave me such FOMO. I want to go back! I'll give this one 5 stars too. 

OVERALL

I really enjoyed this short story, short anthology. Honestly...I wish there were more in it! It gave a nice taste of NOLA and Louisiana. I would like to read more by this author and more romances set down there. Such a romantic place! I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

Book Review: At Last by Kimolisa Mings

Author: Kimolisa Mings

Title: At Last

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella, Short Story

Format: ebook

Pages: 45

Published: September 13, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Can mangoes and pineapples cure a broken heart?

That's what Connie hopes to find out when she drags Marcus out of his funk and to the pineapple/mango festival. But the last thing she expected was for them to run into his ex.

After a narrow escape, the two friends spend the rest of the outing on a secluded beach and now they can't escape their true feelings for each other.

In taking a chance, Connie might be the one to make his heart whole, but the last thing she wants to be is Marcus's rebound.

Review:

Another freebie! I am def cleaning up my Amazon shelf from all the freebies I have been grabbing. 

Here we follow Connie and Marcus. The two have been friends for a while and when Marcus finds himself in a funk, Connie has to do something. She decides the answer is taking him out and about. Maybe the Pineapple/Mango Festival is the key! However, the last thing she expects is for them to run into his ex. In an attempt to escape, they find a secluded beach and soon all feelings will be on the table. 

This was a perfect summer short. Fun characters, a fun location, and no real drama. Connie does get worried that she will just be Marcus's rebound, but you can tell he had some feelings so her worry is for naught. 

My only issue for this one is that I wanted more backstory for these two. I would've liked to see them interact more as just friends. I think that would've beefed up the feeling for the reader of "FINALLY!" 

But besides that, this was quick and sweet. You see how much they love each other. A nice poolside read for sure. 

I'll give this 4 stars. I just loved Connie and Marcus so much. Plus I loved that there wasn't too much drama for them. 

Movie Review: Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

Title:

Wreck-It Ralph

Length: 1 hr & 41 m

Released: 2012

Genre:  Animation, Family, Adventure, & Comedy
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: Disney+

SUMMARY:

A video game villain wants to be a hero and sets out to fulfill his dream, but his quest brings havoc to the whole arcade where he lives.

REVIEW:

Been meaning to watch this for 11 years. I just...never did. I can't tell you why but as the years ticked away I just didn't find myself digging for this. 

Ralph is a video game villain, but he has been alone to leave on a trash mountain while the hero is living it up. He is tired of being the bad guy. He wants to be the hero! When he sets out to fulfill this dream, his quest will bring havoc to the whole arcade. 

This was so sweet and adorable. How could you not love Ralph or Vanellope?? Heck even Felix is adorable. 

The whole premise was very sweet and you can't help but route for our mains. I wanted to shake all the heroes in this game!!! Just because these baddies have to ACT bad for the game...that doesn't mean they are bad. 

WHICH the Support group was adorable. I loved all the bad guys coming together. So many fun shout outs and cameos. Loved it.

My only "issue" was the ending. I feel like the resolution with the main baddie was....too quick. Curious to see if a certain character returns. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this and I can def see myself re-watching it. It was so sweet and fun. Loved all the references and cameos. I'll stamp it with 4 stars. 

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: An Impossible Impostor by Deanna Raybourn

Series: Veronica Speedwell (#7)

Format: 325 pages, Hardcover

Published: February 15, 2022 by Berkley

Library

I like this series, there is danger, mystery and murder. Romance, butterflies and secrets. All told with a style that makes it light and so fun to read.

Veronica and Stoker are sent to investigate a missing heir that has shown up. Veronica gets a blast from the past and ack, I just want her and Stoker to finally be happy! Not that Veronica needs all of that. Now she is an independent free spirit, and I adore her for it.

I do not want to say too much, lots of secrets going on here.

Loving this series. It is so much fun

London, 1889. Veronica Speedwell and her natural historian beau Stoker are summoned by Sir Hugo Montgomerie, head of Special Branch. He has a personal request on behalf of his goddaughter, Euphemia Hathaway. After years of traveling the world, her eldest brother, Jonathan, heir to Hathaway Hall, was believed to have been killed in the catastrophic eruption of Krakatoa a few years before.

But now a man matching Jonathan's description and carrying his possessions has arrived at Hathaway Hall with no memory of his identity or where he has been. Could this man truly be Jonathan, back from the dead? Or is he a devious impostor, determined to gain ownership over the family's most valuable possessions--a legendary parure of priceless Rajasthani jewels? It's a delicate situation, and Veronica is Sir Hugo's only hope.

Veronica and Stoker agree to go to Hathaway Hall to covertly investigate the mysterious amnesiac. Veronica is soon shocked to find herself face-to-face with a ghost from her past. To help Sir Hugo discover the truth, she must open doors to her own history that she long believed to be shut for good.

Audiobook Review: Golden Hills by Jennifer Weiner

Author: Jennifer Weiner

Narrator: Courtney Patterson
Title: Golden Hills

Genre: Chick Lit, Novella, Short Stories, Politics
Published: June 1, 2023
Pages: 53

Where I Got It: Amazon

Summary: 

Senatorial favorite Ida Berkowitz is headed for a win. Raised by a hardworking widowed mother, she’s authentic, relatable, and down-to-earth. Voters love her. Polls promise victory. Then her campaign manager utters four awful words: Who is Marissa Schuyler? She had almost managed to forget. Ida’s bunkmate at Camp Golden Hills when they were girls, Marissa was confident, sophisticated, and wealthy. Everything Ida wasn’t. Now the polished wife of a major conservative donor, Marissa’s announced a press conference. About Ida.

Just like that, Ida’s old insecurities come rushing in. So do new feelings of dread. After all these years, she knows what’s on Marissa’s mind. It could undermine everything Ida’s worked for. Because it isn’t very pretty.

Review: 

So I guess this was Amazon Prime First Read’s Pick for the month of May 2023. I had no idea about that when I first downloaded this. I have read previous books by this author so I knew I had to check this out. 

This follows Ida who is a senatorial favorite. She was raised by a hardworking widowed mother. She is authentic, relatable, and down-to-Earth. The voters are eating it up and love her. Everything is looking good until her campaign manager utters four awful words: Who is Marissa Schuyler? All the memories from Camp Golden Hills come rushing back. After all these years, she knows what is on Marissa's mind. It could very well undermine everything Ida has been working for. 

Now, I really really liked this from page 1. It had feeling and Ida really is someone you can't help but love. I'm sure she would get my vote if she was real.

Sadly....the ending and the "big reveal" was super cringe. SUPERRRRR CRINGE! I could not roll my eyes any harder at the ending. Sighs. Disappointing. I was hoping for more there. 

The narrator was good. I would like to listen to more by her. 

Overall....I started off liking this and even loving it. Ida is a great character. The ending and "reveal" was eye-rolling-worthy. 

2 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):

- #31 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: The Footman and I by Valerie Bowman

Author: Valerie Bowman

Narrator: Christine Rendel
Title: The Footman and I

Series: The Footmen's Club #1

Genre: Historical Romance
Published: May 23, 2020
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

Let the games begin . . .

Every fortune-hunting female in London is after the newly titled Earl of Kendall, but he's intent on finding a wife whose heart is true. So, while drunkenly jesting with his friends in a pub one night, he has an idea—what if the ladies of the ton didn't know he was a wealthy earl? All he has to do is pose as a servant at his friend's summer country house party and make sure the guest list is full of beautiful, eligible debutantes. What could possibly go wrong?

Review: 

Meant to listen to this a while back for a reading challenge...but I forgot about it and picked something else. Oops. Oh well. However, I was still curious about this so I decided to give this a go finally. 

Every fortune-hunting female in London wants the new Earl. Lucas wants a wife, but after having his heart broken years ago, he is intent on finding a kind wife with a big heart. How can this be done in the ton? One drunken night with his friends, they decide to pose as servants at his friend's summer country house party! This will show the real heart of these women. What could possibly go wrong? Enter in Frances who is being pushed to marry to save the family. She doesn't want marriage. She just wants to fight for the rights of the poor and employed. 

You know what? I really, really enjoyed this. I expected to like it, sure, but not as much as I ended up doing.

I loved that Frances is such a good egg. I loved that Lucas wanted a good egg. They are perfect for each other. I loved that they became friends first even though he is a lowly "servant". She is just so nice. I loved watching them go from friends to more.

Poor Frances and her poor family. Her dad needs to be locked up!!!! He literally is gambling away everything. Broke my heart. 

I did like the resolution of everything at the end. I was worried Frances, when she finds out (and you know she does) would just roll over and be all "LOVE CONQUERS ALL". I woulda smacked her if she did. I won't spoil WHAT happens, but WHAT happens was fitting. Kuddos to the author for that. The scene at dinner was fantastic. 

The narrator fit well and I liked her voices for the characters. They worked well. 

In the end, I enjoyed this WAY more than I expected to. Honestly....I adored this book. I loved the moral issues it shines a light on. I loved that an Earl and his friends did what they did. I loved Frances. This was all a lot of fun. And the narrator was a nice cherry on top. She was good for everyone. I'm going to stamp this 5 stars. My first 5 stars of the month! 

Challenge(s):

- #30 for Audiobook challenge

Book Review: Bet With A Billionaire by Hope Thorn

Author: Hope Thorn

Title: Bet With A Billionaire

Series: Marriage Of Convenience Book 1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 137

Published: May 30, 2023

Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)

Summary: 

When Ivy is offered a prestigious opportunity to paint murals in the lavish penthouse of billionaire playboy Jasper Frost, little does she know that their encounter will ignite a passionate connection.

Intrigue unfolds as Jasper, faced with a bet among his friends, concocts a plan to maintain his reputation and emerge triumphant. He proposes a fabricated romance, tempting Ivy to enter into a web of lies as his fake fiancée. What begins as a charade quickly becomes a battleground of emotions as Ivy and Jasper find themselves irresistibly drawn to one another amidst the glamorous backdrop of high society.

Torn between the allure of security and the pursuit of genuine affection, Ivy faces an agonizing decision. Will she succumb to the charade and risk a lifetime of emptiness, or will she find the courage to seek a love that transcends falsehood?

Review:

Grabbed this since it was free AND it meets one of my reading challenges. Plus....that cover? Cute!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here we have Ivy. She is offered a great opportunity to paint murals in the penthouse of a billionaire playboy. That playboy is none other than Jasper Frost. Little does Ivy know that their encounter will ignite passion....and a deal. Jasper needs a fabricated romance and marriage. He brings Ivy in on it and they will find themselves battling over faking it and real emotions. 

This had great bones as they say. I really enjoyed the setup and the characters. The execution? Eeeeeeeeee....I'm on the fence about that. 

The lust was FOR SURE THERE *fans self*, however, the love? The friendship? Eeeeeeeee....I didn't feel it. Ivy and Jasper didn't spend any time with each other and their conversations lasted just minutes and then they were off to the races. To be honest I didn't buy their love even by the ending. Is book 2 going to be about them? That could change everything for me. They need more time with each other for love. 

The ending was good! It felt...right. 

All-in-all, I liked our characters and the bones of the story. It had some good characters, lots of smexy bits, a fun trope (I love me some fake love), and the setup was fun. However, we needed more to really fill this out. I am in a good mood and thanks to ending ending how it did...I'll give it a solid 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #21 for Romance Reading Challenge - 'Billionaire' in the title

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Earls Rush In by Jennifer Haymore

 

By: Jennifer Haymore

Narrated by: Sasha Higgins

Series: Earls Rush In Series, Book 1

Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins

Release date: 07-11-23

Publisher: Tantor Audio

To review

Charlotte has no prospects except for one guy so he has to due. Her uncle and aunt will kick her out if she does not marry. Such aholes. And her almost fiance does seem nice, or?

Enter her dead brother´s best friend. Kidnapping. Snowstorm, stranded at a country inn pretending to be married. But seriously Finn! What was your plan? Ruin her chances? Marry her at least you idiot? But then he had no plan, he just did not want her to marry the other guy, cos he is not nice at all.

They grow closer, there is a lot of time spent at the inn getting to know people. And then life must continue. 

Of course they end up happily ever after, but they have some drama to get through first.

Enjoyable.

A good narration. I am not sure if I have  listened to this narrator before, but she had a nice voice that fit the era and story well.

The beloved "sunshine" of the ton, Miss Charlotte Chapman, is trapped in the carriage with an utter madman. There's simply no other explanation for it. Why else would the rough, reclusive Earl of Trevelyan—her deceased brother's most beloved friend—sweep her away during a terrible snowstorm without explanation? All she knows is that his rather boorish behavior somehow involves her pending betrothal . . .

Trevelyan has a reputation for being something of a beast in society's circles, but nothing—nothing—will stop him from rescuing Charlotte from her disastrous engagement. He promised his best friend that she and her sister would be looked after. Of course, the earl can only protect her from the blackguard who's trying to marry her. Protecting her from himself is quite another matter . . .

Now, thanks to their upended carriage, they're stranded at a country inn—which has only one room left. And all it takes is one kiss to unlock the simmering desires they've never admitted . . . and a heartbreaking secret that could shatter Charlotte into a million pieces.

Movie Review: Knives Out (2019)

Title: Knives Out

Length: 2 h & 10 m

Released: 2019

Genre:  Comedy, Drama, Crime
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: DVD

SUMMARY:

A detective investigates the death of the patriarch of an eccentric, combative family.

REVIEW:

Another movie I have wanted to watch but so little time in life. My parents recently watched this and they liked it so much they bought the DVD of it so when we went over there we all watched it together. 

A well-known detective is hired to investigate the death of a patriarch on the night of his birthday. His family is eccentric, combative...and they all have motives. 

This is a slow-paced movie at first. I was getting worried, but I kept on watching because I knew it had to be good. Look at this great cast! Lucky for me things too speed up and get real good, real fast. 

I was only 50% right. I had two main suspects and one of them was right. I still have my suspicions about a certain character. *points at the unnamed character*

The ending was good and Benoit made me chuckle. Of course, he realized something for being this good. 

But yes, slow beginning, but totally worth it. We had a lot of characters to go through. I'll give this 4 stars. 

2-in-1 Reviews: Falling for Her Ex and Cupcakes & Macarons

Author: Chrishaun Lee

Title: Falling for Her Ex

Series: Falling For #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Short Story

Format: ebook

Pages: 48

Published: March 4, 2021

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Lena is a young aspiring writer, but she’s afraid to put her work on the market. When she secretly shares her book with her publishing boss, who can smell a best-seller in his sleep, he tells her it’s no good. Lena has to decide if she should let go of her dreams or go behind his back to see if she has what it takes to become a best-seller. Her ex finds out and he has plans of his own for getting her back.

Review:

Recently I downloaded a bunch of Amazon freebies and this one immediately caught my eye!

Here we follow Lena who is a young aspiring writer. She is afraid to put her work on the market though and that fear is even more prominent when she secretly shares her book with her publishing boss and he tells her it's no good. Lena will have to decide if she should just let her dream go or go behind his back and put it on the market. Her ex finds out about her plans and decides to help her....and win her back. 

This was cute. I adored Emmanuel and Lena's friend. They were fun. I was super annoyed with Lena though. Don't get me wrong I liked her too, but I wanted to shake her!!! When I found out the reason why they broke up I could've kicked her. It was a simple solution and if she had just taken 2 secs to listen and look they didn't need to break up. Emmanuel should have cleared his name and moved on. Make Lena chase him. 

Overall, this was a cute romance if you look past why they broke up, to begin with. I loved watching Emmanuel help her out and win her back. He's a good guy. 3 stars from me.

Author: Bethany Lopez

Title: Cupcakes & Macarons

Series: Delilah Horton #4.25

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Short Story

Format: ebook

Pages: 34

Published: April 7, 2020

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Join Lila and Cade on their European Honeymoon in this short story filled with laughs, sexy times, and the gorgeous backdrop of Europe!

Review:

Sooooo I didn't know this was part of a series. Whoopsies. I didn't even read the summary. The cover...and title.....I just grabbed it. It's a freebie so why the hellz not?

Lila and Cade are heading to Europe for their Honeymoon! Filled with laughs, sexy times, and a beautiful backdrop. 

I enjoyed this even though I soon realized this was part of a series. Eee. It was cute watching this couple just relax and enjoy their honeymoon. It made me miss mine! Sobsssss! 

Even though I missed the previous book I was still able to enjoy this. I'm sure fans of the series squealed and cheered when this came out because this couple deserves all the happiness. 

I'll give this 4 stars. 

Book Review: The Shadow of the Gods by Alyce Caswell

Author: Alyce Caswell

Title: The Shadow of the Gods

Genre: SCIFI, Fantasy

Format: ebook

Pages: 492

Published: December 15, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)

Summary: 

Most beings live their entire lives in the shadow of the gods.

Once you leave that shadow, there’s no going back.

Ami N’uni is a starship captain with too many pirates to chase and too many lives to save. She doesn’t need complications. But she’s a sucker for helping the haunted and Kieran Krendasta definitely qualifies. He's the least powerful agent the Galactic Law Enforcement Agency has to offer — so no one believes him when he says that he’s a danger to everyone around him.

Hoping she won’t regret it, Ami invites Kieran to join her crew. His presence on her ship soon proves to be useful and distracting by equal measure. Her old enemies are beginning to surface — which wouldn’t be so bad if Kieran hadn’t brought new ones along with him.

Ami’s past might be stalking her, but something much worse is stalking Kieran. Something she can’t protect him from.

No mortal is a match for a god.

Review:

Randomly stumbled upon this in Netgalley. The cover and summary had me intrigued. I was nervous, though, because I rarely read SCIFI (I am so picky in that genre for some reason) BUT I decided to take the risk. 

Here we follow Ami and Kieran. Ami is the captain of a starship with far too many pirates to chase down and too many lives to save. However, she is a sucker for helping the haunted and damaged...enter Kieran. He is the least powerful agent the Galactic Law Enforcement Agency has to offer and he has some enemies. Ami invites him to join her crew but his presence soon proves to be useful but distracting. There is something big stalking him. 

There was a sprinkle of romance here, but it didn't overshadow the story and I was fine with that. This was mainly a SCIFI novel for sure. There is too much going on for a full romance. 

I liked Ami and Kieran. They were both good eggs and bless Ami and her big heart....I think I would've left Kieran on the moon or something. No thanks, pal!  Haha. But I did like him tho....it's hard not to. He's like that destructive puppy you want to shake but cuddle all at the same time. 

Now, I will admit, I did struggle in some parts. Some areas were just plain slow and info-dumpy. It slowed down the story that is for sure, but once you got past those blimps it was back to the races and I couldn't stop reading. 

In the end, I did enjoy this more than expected to...if I'm being honest here. I do really struggle with SCIFI. Some slow areas, but getting over those humps was worth it. I enjoyed our characters and the story overall. I'll give this 3 stars.