Review: Final Shadows

Review: Final ShadowsFinal Shadows (Bishop Files #3) by Kay Hooper
Published by Berkley on December 31, 2018
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 336
Goodreads
two-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: By the middle of this book, I was reading it only for the story of the characters. The plotline of this book and the entire series has become muddled and bizarre. But I still love the characters; I just wish we could have stayed in the realm of the psychic mysteries and avoided the weird E.T. stuff.

THE STORY: First, the blurb for this book isn’t really related to the story. Tasha and Brodie are in the book, but the book’s narrative really seems more centered around Bishop and Miranda. There isn’t much romance at all, but rather the various couples met in the series are investigating a series of missing psychics and latent psychics. Someone seems to abducting them and then disposing of them. There are various narrative characters who make appearances in the story.

OPINION: This book just makes me sad. I love the characters and in fact, I re-read portions of the characters dialogue and interactions, but the plot is just bad. The whole story undermines the SCU series and takes this to crazy places that I wish it hadn’t gone.

I absolutely love Bishop and Miranda and I continued with this book just because the two are so present in this book. I also enjoyed seeing the other couples and thankfully, we do get to see Tasha and Brodie’s relationship develop more.

I also really enjoyed the meetings between Murphy and Duran. In fact, I thought their relationship — such as it is — was the best developed in the book. There is something sinister and uneasy about their interactions which are interesting and by the end of the book, I wanted to read more about them.

The last few books in this and the SCU series make me really sad. Re-reading the early books in the series gives a real sense of character and menace and mystery. This book seems like an unbelievable explanation for a plot that is too complex.

WORTH MENTIONING: With the talking cat, this series moved away from a series grounded in any type of reality for me.

CONNECTED BOOKS: FINAL SHADOWS is the final book in the Bishop Files trilogy and is also connected with the Bishop/Special Crimes Unit series. I don’t think this can be read as a standalone. I’ve read all the books in both series multiple times and frankly, I couldn’t follow much of the story at this point. Too many references to characters and events without any recap.

STAR RATING: I give this book 2.5 stars.

two-half-stars

Review: A Shifter Christmas Carol

Review: A Shifter Christmas CarolA Shifter Christmas Carol (Shifters Unbound, #11.75) by Jennifer Ashley
Series: Shifters Unbound #11.75
Published by JA / AG Publishing on December 11th 2018
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 62
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: A reworking of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, this novella takes the familiar story into new directions to good effect. I especially enjoyed seeing so many of the beloved characters from the series, getting background and updates.D

THE STORY: Dylan Morrissey forgoes the traditional and family oriented Shifter Yule celebrations to continue his work to eventually free the Shifters. When Dylan comes to New Orleans and the haunted house, he is treated to a vision of the past, present and future which challenges his priorities.

OPINION: I really enjoyed the twist on the Christmas Carol story. Instead of being a scrooge who needs love and compassion in his heart, this Christmas Carol is about Dylan moving on from the past to see that he cannot do everything alone. The guides on his journey, Ben, Zander and Tiger, are all funny and perfect for their roles. I especially liked that Dylan is compensating for his own feelings of being a failure and trying to “fix” his mistakes. But, of course, Dylan ends up making so many more mistakes.

The best part of this novella is getting to see so many of the characters from the series and getting updates on what is going on in their lives. This is a very nice Christmas novella that works especially well for fans of the series who will enjoy seeing what is going on with the characters.

WORTH MENTIONING: I always appreciate that the novellas move the overarching story forward and are not just asides. Here, there will clearly be long term consequences of Dylan’s recognition that he cannot save the Shifters himself.

CONNECTED BOOKS: A SHIFTER CHRISTMAS CAROL is book 11.75 in the Shifters Unbound series. The story here is self-contained, but it much more rich if a reader is familiar with all the characters from the Shifters Unbound series who make appearances throughout the story.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

four-stars

Review: Enter the Duke

Review: Enter the DukeEnter the Duke (Game of Dukes, #2) by Grace Callaway
Series: Game of Dukes #2
Published by Grace Callaway Books on December 6, 2018
Genres: Historical
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: I loved Rhys as the redeemed rake. A man of mistakes and flaws and hidden pain who comes to see his own worth through the love of a kind and generous woman. Plus, this book has a treasure hunt.

THE STORY: Rhys Cavendish, Duke of Ranelagh and Somerville, known as Ransom, is running from moneylenders. The death of his uncle gives him an opportunity to pay off his creditors, but he requires help to navigate the treasure hunt his uncle set up. Rhys turns to a local fossil hunter to help with his search. But the woman he wants to hire ends up being the woman he knew as Maggie Goode, who he had a passionate one night encounter years ago. Now a respectable widow with a child, Maggie desperately needs money to save her family business, but she wants to keep her distance from her ex-lover, especially because she has a secret about her daughter to keep.

OPINION: I really loved the couple in this one. Rhys, is a favorite because he truly changes in the course of this book. He begins as a man who keeps everyone at a distance because of his own past, his feelings of inadequacy, and his shame. He is man who has made big mistakes in his life and this book is partly about him coming to terms with his mistakes and learning from them. He also begins to see clearly things that are not his mistakes to claim and realize that he can move beyond his past. I really liked that Rhys has made serious mistakes and this book doesn’t wash those away. Rhys has to accept and move beyond those mistakes. As an example, Rhys inherited a dukedom in trouble, but he made it much worse. Often heroes are seen as beyond such mistakes, but not Rhys. He was selfish and stupid, immature and self destructive for much of his adult life. This book is him truly growing up, and I really enjoyed his flaws.

Maggie is such a cheerful and devoted person that I also really liked her character. Her optimism and devoted nature helps heal Rhys. I also liked that Rhys’s protective nature helps Maggie with those who would take advantage of her. But Maggie definitely is resourceful on her own. She is integral to the treasure hunt and her intelligence and cleverness allow the two to pursue the treasure and navigate the people and adventures needed.

The relationship between Maggie and Rhys doesn’t follow what is normal for romance novels. Much of their connection is resolved earlier than I expected, but there are still challenges to their HEA. The treasure hunt and threats to the couple makes this book a combination of a romance and a mystery/adventure. I really liked the combination.

WORTH MENTIONING: Readers of the prior book in the series, THE DUKE IDENTITY, will remember Ransom as somewhat an antagonist in that story. This book redeems him nicely.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ENTER THE DUKE is the second book in the Game of Dukes series. It can be read as a standalone although there are overlapping characters from prior books by this author.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

four-stars

Review: Ensorcelled

Review: EnsorcelledEnsorcelled: In the Wizard's Lair (The Erotic Adventures of Jane in the Jungle Book 9) by Colette Gale
Published by Avid Press on December 27. 2018
Genres: Erotica, Historical
Pages: 72
Goodreads
three-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: These books get zanier with every installment. Just when I think the books can’t get any more outrageous, they do. This one isn’t as compelling as others in the series, but it sure is crazy-sauce fun.

THE STORY: Jane, who (she believes) has been rejected by her husband Zaren is in the hands of Lord Akenov who intends to have her memories and love for Zaren eliminated so that she will belong to Akenov alone. To do this, Akenov takes Jane to a sorcerer Belmar.

OPINION: I continue to read this series for the sheer fun and craziness of the story. There is also a romance in here, but honestly, I’m often more interested as to what crazy situation Jane will find herself in. This one was even more crazy than I expected. I think as the end of the series approaches, the strange sexual exploits increase. That being said, I continue to enjoy this serial.

I don’t want to spoil the weird events here, but I have to say that just when I say “the only thing missing is…” this book supplied the missing sexual exploit. This book is pure entertainment and doesn’t have a deeper meaning or significant character development. But it is like cotton candy, I just can’t get enough.

WORTH MENTIONING: The next book in the series apparently will be the last so this book previews the resolution.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ENSORCELLED is the ninth book in the Erotic Adventures of Jane in the Jungle series. This is a serialized story where each book tells part of the adventure and ends on a cliffhanger. Therefore, the series is meant to be read in order.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3.5 stars.

three-half-stars

Review: Enchanted

Review: EnchantedEnchanted: A New Love (The Erotic Adventures of Jane in the Jungle Book 8) by Colette Gale
Published by Avid Press on April 26, 2018
Genres: Erotica, Historical
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: An enjoyable entry in the series. This one has Jane and Zaren separated and engaged in their own activities. Another crazy set of circumstances, but the cliffhanger always leaves me wanting to read the next installment.

THE STORY: Jane has been renounced by her beloved Zaren and has now been taken by Lord Akenov who wants more than her body. He wants her to love only him. At the same time, Zaren is himself a captive as he wants to get back to his beloved wife who he was forced to pretend to renounce.

OPINION: In this entry in the series, things get even crazier for Jane and Zaren as the two are separated on go on their own erotic adventures. Jane finds herself with a man who is determined that she will give all of herself to him — even her heart. Zaren finds himself the slave of a woman who challenges his ideas of fidelity.

This entry feels likes a transition and while enjoyable as Jane and Zaren separately work out their love for one another, I kept waiting for something to happen and the cliffhanger brings things to a head.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book has non-consensual sex. Readers who are disturbed by this should stay away from this series.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ENCHANTED is the eighth book in the Erotic Adventures of Jane in the Jungle series. This is a serialized story and thus each book ends on a cliffhanger and is connected to the prior books in the series. It is meant to be read in order.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

four-stars

Review: Enraptured

Review: EnrapturedEnraptured: The Renouncement (The Erotic Adventures of Jane in the Jungle Book 7) by Colette Gale
Published by Avid Press on January 30, 2017
Genres: Erotica, Historical
Goodreads
four-half-stars

ENRAPTURED: THE RENOUNCEMENT is the seventh novella in the Erotic Adventures of Jane in the Jungle series. Each novella is a short episode in a continuing serial of the story. I began reading the novellas. They are at times silly and over the top, but I find them fascinating in an odd way. Jane has a lot of sex with a lot of people (while being in love with the Tarzan of the series). She is alternatively abused, forced and coerced into her sexual encounters which she enjoys. The series is definitely erotica and while there isn’t any deep story or character development, I really enjoy reading these novellas.

In this novella, Jane has been taken captive by the Amazon queen who has made Jane her sexual slave. As this novella starts, Jane’s love has located her and readers get to find out what happens (hint — the title itself is a spoiler).

This novella begins immediately after the previous novella’s end and ends on a cliffhanger. I recommend that readers begin with the first novella of the series.

four-half-stars

Review: Enslaved

Review: EnslavedEnslaved: Prisoner of the Amazon Queen (The Erotic Adventures of Jane in the Jungle, #6) by Colette Gale
Published by Avid Press on April 15, 2015
Genres: Erotica, Historical
Goodreads
three-stars

FINAL DECISION: Not one of my favorites in the series, after a short happy interlude, Jane is taken captive by an Amazon queen. The best thing is that it sets off the new arch in the story.

THE STORY: At the end of the prior installment, Jane and Zaren were reunited and things seem to be going well for them. This book picks up with the two going on their Honeymoon but someone is determined that they will not have a happy ending. Jane ends up being the concubine to an Amazon queen.

OPINION: Jane begins a new set of adventures as she is again separated from her love Zaren. Every time I think these books can’t get any crazier, they do. As I have mentioned before, these books are pure entertainment and not to be taken seriously. Indeed, I believe each books tries to be more outrageous than the last. But I enjoy Jane’s erotic adventures. This one is not as exciting as others in the series, but it sets up the next part of the series.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book as with all the others in the series ends on a cliffhanger. The books are meant to be read together. Also there is nonconsensual sex that Jane find enjoyable even as she doesn’t want to engage in it.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ENSLAVED is the sixth book in the Erotic Adventures of Jane in the Jungle series. This a serialized story and thus each book is connected to the prior books in the series and should be read in order.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.

three-stars

Review: Enamored

Review: EnamoredEnamored: The Submissive Mistress (The Erotic Adventures of Jane in the Jungle #5) by Colette Gale
Published by Avid Press on May 16, 2014
Genres: Erotica, Historical
Pages: 160
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: My favorite of the series. This one is dark and double the length of the other books so we get development in the the whacked relationship between Jane and Kellan which began in the first book in the series. This book moves the story forward besides being filled with many and various sexual escapades.

THE STORY: Jane has returned to London with Kellan Darkdale who has the evidence to clear her father from murder. Kellan requires that Jane consent to be his submissive mistress in order to gain his cooperation.  Parted from her beloved Zaren, Jane hopes to find a way to free herself from Kellan’s clutches and return to Zaren.

OPINION: This is a crazy series. This is my favorite of the series because its expanded length allows the development of Jane’s crazy relationship with Kellan, Zaren’s development as a real character and some resolution to the threads of the series so far. This book, like the others, does end on a cliffhanger, but this book feels like the end of part one of the series.

This series is not for everyone. There is non-consensual sex and Jane enjoys those encounters.

This book is one of the darkest in the series and the most developed as Kellan and Jane have a relationship that has spanned several books in the series. Unlike the other encounters, this one feels more developed. I don’t expect great storylines and characters from this series but rather this is pure entertainment and erotic adventures.

WORTH MENTIONING: This series contains various sex acts, both consensual and non-consensual, with multiple people both men and women. Each book ends on a cliffhanger and therefore the series is meant to be read together.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ENAMORED is the fifth book in the Erotic Adventures of Jane in the Jungle series. These are a series of serialized stories so they are meant to be read together and in order.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

five-stars

Review: Enticed

Review: EnticedEnticed: An Erotic Sacrifice (The Erotic Adventures of Jane in the Jungle, #4) by Colette Gale
Published by Avid Press on May 16, 2014
Genres: Erotica, Historical
Pages: 70
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: This one is a bit repetitive of the previous book in the series, but I liked how Jane and Zaren begin to acknowledge their feelings for one another. This is pure entertainment and escapism and shouldn’t be taken seriously as it is just crazy stuff.

THE STORY: After an attempted escape, Jane and her wild jungle man Zaren are captured by the native villagers. Jane agrees to submit to the desires of the villagers in exchange for them helping the injured Zaren.

OPINION: In this book, Jane is used as a sex toy by various couples in the village. This is my least favorite in the series, but I did like the development of Jane and Zaren’s relationship. Jane is willing to sacrifice herself for Zaren and he will do the same for her.

Once again, these stories are really crazy sauce and can’t be examined in a serious fashion. If you are not willing to suspend disbelief, then this story will not work for you. It’s all crazy erotic sex with a romance story between Jane and Zaren — but lots of sex with other people, in various combinations, along the way.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book contains both consensual and non-consensual sex with both men and women. The story, like all in this series, ends on a cliffhanger.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ENTICED is the fourth book in the Erotic Adventures of Jane in the Jungle. This is a serialized story so the books should be read in order.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

four-stars

Review: Enthralled

Review: EnthralledEnthralled: The Sex Goddess (The Erotic Adventures of Jane in the Jungle, #3) by Colette Gale
Published by Avid Press on September 27, 2013
Genres: Erotica, Historical
Pages: 62
Goodreads
four-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: The sexcapades are increased here when Jane is taken hostage by a villages who sees her as a fertility goddess. Once again, this story contains consensual and non-consensual erotic encounters. I find Jane’s adventures entertaining and this one has more relationship building with Zaren.

THE STORY: Jane and her fiance are taken hostage by a native village who believe that Jane is a fertility goddess who can solve their reproduction problems. Her sexual prowess must be on public display. Zaren tries to find out what happened to Jane and to rescue her.

OPINION: Jane’s adventures continue in this book where she encounters an entire village of people who want to explore her sexuality. She has encounters here with men and women. This story is purely entertainment and is not really intended to be taken seriously. I mean she ends up having sex instead of escaping when given the opportunity! I find these stories entertaining and escapism. The entirety of the story is told tongue in cheek with crazier and more unrealistic episodes each time.

This one is notable because we get to see more of Zaren and get to see his commitment to Jane. Despite all Jane’s sexual exploits, there remains a connection between Zaren and Jane. Don’t read these books if you are going to examine them closely, you will be disappointed.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book contains non-consensual sexual encounters where Jane enjoys the experiences even as she does not consent to them. Each book in this series is short (60-70 pages) and ends on a cliffhanger as the story is told in serialized form.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ENTHRALLED is the third book in the Erotic Adventures of Jane in the Jungle series. This is a serialized story where every novella is connected and telling one story. Each book ends on a cliffhanger. The books are meant to be read together.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

four-half-stars