BuckeyeAngel's Book Reviews, Travels and Other Interests

The Rogue of Islay Isle by Heather McCollum My rating: 5 of 5 stars Cullen Duffie, the new MacDonald is determined to prove he’s not like his father and that his grandfather didn’t make a mistake in picking him over his uncles in being the next chief. He’s determined to protect his clan against the English that want to overrun them. One morning, after a terrible storm, he finds a woman has washed ashore. When she comes to, she has no memory of who she is and what she’s running from. Cullen must decide if she’s worth going against his clan to save her or if he should just give her up and turn her over. This book captured me right from the beginning. The story really pulled me in. I loved both Cullen and “Rose”. I loved how Rose’s identity slowly unraveled but none of it mattered to Cullen. The interactions between him and his cousins, Errol and Broc where hilarious. They had me laughing out loud as I read them. I can’t wait to read more from this auth...

Tradition Be Damned by Rebecca Royce My rating: 4 of 5 stars Anne has been part of a mystic Sisterhood since she was taken from her family as a baby. Unfortunately she’s always been a bit different from the other sisters. There are ways a sister is supposed to act that Anne just can’t do. When she finds out her five guards, Bryant, Mason, Garrett, Kieran and Milo, might not hold her in as much disdain as she thinks, she decides to go on a journey for them. She doesn’t know that his journey is going to change her destiny. Another great book by one of my favorite authors, this is a new series and definitely a bit different from her other books. Yet it holds certain elements that are found in her other books that I just love. I really loved watching Anne slowly figure things out about herself, particularly when her true purpose finally comes to light. The author did a good job with making each guard a bit different from the other. My only problem was th...

King's Captive by Amber A. Bardan My rating: 5 of 5 stars Sarah Mercedes has been trapped on a private island for three years by Julius King. She’s got less than one month before she’s trapped with him forever. The problem is that he’s slowly managing to slither his way into her heart. When I read the description of this book, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read it, but since I’d just read a story from this author in an anthology that blew me away, I knew I had to try it. All I can say is WOW. This was a story I couldn’t stop reading once I started. I read it late into the night because I couldn’t sleep without knowing how it ended. I was so in tune with everything Sarah was going through, I didn’t want it to end but I wanted it to hurry so I knew how it ended. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I highly recommend. **I voluntarily read and reviewed this book View all my reviews

Fragility Unearthed by Rebecca Royce My rating: 5 of 5 stars Malcolm is missing. Levi is taken. And all the light from the world has gone with them. This is the third book in this series and I absolutely loved it. I was so drawn in, that I couldn’t put it away to even go to sleep, making it to work on just 4 hours of sleep. With the first two books, Kendall met Malcolm and learned about what he meant to her and how important she is to the scheme of things. In this one, we watch her struggle as the end comes closer and, not only is she without Malcolm, but she is unfortunately basically helpless. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait for the next one. I highly recommend it. **I voluntarily read and reviewed this book View all my reviews

The Reluctant Cowboy by Kate Pearce My rating: 4 of 5 stars Chase Morgan has avoided the Morgan ranch for years. When his grandmother calls him home though, he can’t turn her down and takes a much needed break from his job, while trying to convince his grandmother to sell the place. January Mitchell is staying at Morgan ranch, helping with the chores while researching it’s history. She and Chase butt heads while she’s determined to help his grandmother turn the ranch around and he just wants to get rid of it. This was a pretty straight-forward story about a former cowboy-turned business workaholic coming home and dealing with his ghosts. There were some pretty hot scenes between Chase and January. There wasn’t a whole lot of drama, except for trying to change Chase’s stubborn mind. Pretty good read. I recommend. **I voluntarily read and reviewed this book View all my reviews

Eternal Ecstasy by Setta Jay My rating: 5 of 5 stars Hroarr, the ruling God of Thule, is preparing for the upcoming battle against the Destroyer of Worlds. Because of his power, he’s at the point where not much affects him emotionally anymore. Then he senses Sirena, the last of the Guardians to not have found her mate. When Sirena figures out that Thule is her mate, she’s not exactly happy, considering he’s half barbarian. However, when she’s forced to stay with him, she starts to see the good in him, as well as what he has to deal with to save his own planet. Hopefully, between them and the others, they will be able to put an end to the Destroyer of Worlds. First off, I need to start by saying I’ve really enjoyed this entire series and I’m sad to see it end. It’s another one where the overall theme is steeped in Greek mythology, but the author does such a great job that I can just really enjoy it. In this book, not only do we see the final Guardian ...

Wolf Moon by Lisa Kessler My rating: 5 of 5 stars Luke Reynolds is trying to find a place for himself now that he’s the last member of his pack without a mate. While out on a drive, he stops at a broken down van where he finds Raven, a fellow wolf in need. Raven left her cruel pack in search of help for her and her sister with the closest pack. After her van breaks down, a man pulls up to help her. When Raven senses he’s also a wolf, she’s not sure if she should trust him after everything she’s been through. I’ve read a couple of the books in this series, so I’m already pretty familiar with this world. This one was just as good as the others. It’s obvious from the beginning that Raven and Luke are meant for eachother, especially when he puts his life in danger to protect her until the end. I really loved watching Raven through the whole thing as she basically goes from victim to a survivor who finds happiness. It’s another great book by a great autho...

Firestorm by Donna Grant My rating: 5 of 5 stars Dmitri, King of the White Dragons is being sent back to his old home on Fair Island. An archeologist, Dr. Faith Reynolds, has uncovered dragon bones, proof that the dragons exist. This is something that can’t be let out into the public. When Dmitri gets there, he finds that for the first time ever, he’s found a human he can’t resist. I’ve read most of this series, so i was excited to get approved for this book. When I started reading it, much of the build up was like the others, making it a little slow. However, at about 50% into the book, the author gives a bigger look into Con, the King of Kings, as well as an update on Rhi, my absolute favorite character of the series. From then it moves pretty steady with some pretty good twists, continuing my absolute love of this series and this author. I really can’t wait for Rhi and Con to each get their own books. I highly recommend. **I voluntarily read and r...

The Unyielding by Shelly Laurenston My rating: 5 of 5 stars Stieg Engstrom, one of Odin’s Ravens, has begrudgingly agreed to help Erin Amsel, one of Skuld’s Crows, in a task that she’s keeping from her Crow sisters. Erin is the Crow that drives everyone absolutely nuts. Her ADHD is enough drive anyone insane. So why is she tasked with preventing Ragnarok? This book was great! I’m typically one of those that holds mythology as sacrilege and tend to not like many of the stories where authors use the characters, but this author writes characters with such personalities that the mythological side kind of takes a back seat and doesn’t bother me. I’ve liked Erin’s character in the other books of this series, so I was happy to be reading her story. I really liked everything about her. I also liked watching Stieg as he deals with her craziness as the story progresses. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend. **I voluntarily read and reviewed this book ...

Stormchaser by Cherry Adair My rating: 5 of 5 stars Jonah Cutter is just getting to know his half-brothers and feels he has to prove himself. When he is scouting for a lost ship, he’s positive he’s found the ultimate treasure: Atlantis. He’s even secured the ultimate non-believer, Dr. Calista West, to verify it. He just didn’t expect everything that makes up Callie. I’m not too much into contemporaries and I’ve only ever read a novella by this author before, so I really didn’t have much expectations on this book. However, I very much enjoyed it. Callie is independent, a loner and very much driven in her task.I loved watching her character change around as the story progressed. There really wasn’t anything not to love about Jonah. He was smart, sexy, and determined to come out on top. As for the plot, I really wasn’t sure what twists the author would stick in there, but I really loved how she ended it. After reading this book, I so want to go treasure...

Fire Wolf by J.K. Harper My rating: 4 of 5 stars Tanner Canagan and Jordyn Lowe have both known heartbreak. Because of this, neither of them lets anyone too close because of this, even if it causes them to deny their own mate.Tanner never stays in one place for very long and refuses to access that Jordyn is his mate before he runs again. This was a quick read about two people that don’t think they have the right to be mates. Jordyn is stubborn enough to just accept what Tanner offers and not fight for her mate. While this is irritating without knowing the details for her being so shutoff, it is understanding. For Tanner, it takes a bit more before his stubbornness will finally accept his destiny. I highly recommend. **I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book View all my reviews

Mountain Bear's Baby: Silvertip Shifters by J.K. Harper My rating: 5 of 5 stars Jessie McMillan and her baby have just moved to the town of her best friend, enjoying a fresh start where her son will safely be around other shifters. She didn’t count on her baby’s father and the enigma of a 3-day fling to also live there. This is a short and sweet story about two lost souls finding happiness, even when one of them unconsciously denies that he can have a soul mate. Perfect for the holidays and anyone that likes shifter stories. *I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book View all my reviews

The Second Stage of Grief by Katherine Hayton My rating: 4 of 5 stars Ngaire Blakes is an ex-cop trying to get her life together after battling PTSD. When she’s dragged into a murder investigation that points back to her, she prepares to stop the killer. This was the first time I read this author. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book in this genre so it was a good change of pace. The book is set in New Zealand and the author was very good in the familiarity of the surrounding and customs, so that was a bit different for me, but not in a bad way. Being a strong, independent woman, I really enjoy books where the lead female is the same. I really enjoyed reading as everything unraveled. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I highly recommend. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. View all my reviews

A Taste of Seduction by Bronwen Evans My rating: 4 of 5 stars Five years ago, Lady Evangeline Stuart and Lord Hadley Fullerton were so in love, they were going to defy their families and run off to be married. Yet, instead of his bride, Hadley received a note from her saying she’d rather marry for money. Now she’s back in London a widow and wants to meet him again. Hadley would rather marry a wallflower than put up with any of her lies. The plot sounded a little like a book I read not too long ago so I really didn’t think I was going to like it. However, I’m glad I gave it a chance because I really enjoyed the characters and plot. I’m glad it wasn’t predictable and had a number of twists I didn’t really see coming. Now I want to find other books in the series! I can’t wait for the next book. I highly recommend. **I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review View all my reviews

Storm of Ecstasy by Setta Jay My rating: 4 of 5 stars Pothos, the son of Hades and one of the Guardians, just found out that his mother wasn’t from his world. Shortly thereafter, he finds himself in another world and finds his mate, then gets sucked back into his world. Gefn has no idea why her protective cats have led her to a lake where a mysterious man is. He gives her a kiss like no other and then disappears. Now she’s going to have to explain this to her brother and hope it’ll help them find their missing sister. This is a continuation of the Guardians of the Realm series and it doesn’t disappoint. It was a quick read, very steamy and makes you want more. Pothos is just as hot as the others. I really loved the book. I can’t wait for the next one. I highly recommend. **I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review View all my reviews

Her Rogue Alpha by Paige Tyler My rating: 5 of 5 stars Jayson Harmon was severly injured during a mission a while ago. Since then he’s felt less than a man. He also doesn’t understand why Layla Halliwell wants anything to do with him. When an opportunity to make him complete comes along, he jumps at the chance, regardless the risks. My heart broke for Jayson when he was introduced in a previous book, so I was excited to see he got his own book and it didn’t disappoint. His determination to be the the man he feels Layla deserves at all costs made me love him even more. I thought Layla complimented him perfectly. She loves him for the man he is, scars and all and is willing to do anything to stay with him through everything. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend. **I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review View all my reviews

Bitter Bite by Jennifer Estep My rating: 0 of 5 stars Gin Blanco is back. This time she isn’t fighting bitter enemies. This time she’s trying to not lose her brother Finn when his mother mysteriously re-appears from the grave. After reading a number of books about the same character, I tend to lose interest, but not with Gin Blanco. This is the third book I’ve read from the series (alas I didn’t start with book 1), but even though the series is well established I love reading about everything Gin goes through. This one was incredibly personal for her as she tries to protect Finn the only way she knows how and yet still be there in the way he wants her to. I loved the book. I highly recommend the series. **I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review View all my reviews

Merry Cowboy Christmas by Carolyn Brown My rating: 5 of 5 stars Fiona Logan comes home on Thanksgiving. This time, however, it’s to start her life over after a horrible divorce that forced her to leave her job. Almost to her family home, she loses control of her vehicle and meets Jud Dawson, who comes to her aid. I’m not huge on contemporaries (movies or books), but for some reason I will binge-watch Christmas movies and find some Christmas stories to read. I just love the holiday spirit. This book encompassed everything I love about those movies. Fiona is a strong woman trying to start all over but hating having to come home and admit everything she’s been through. Jud is a hawt knight in shining armor who just wants her to love him. The author does a great job of giving you that small-town feel, inflicted with a lot of faith. I really loved the book and highly recommend. **I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review ...

Moonbound Series Boxed Set by Krystal Shannan My rating: 5 of 5 stars Seducing a Wolf - 4 Stars Alejandro “Alex” Sureda’s task is to find the evil wolf’s daughter, get her to her suite and find her tablet. However, once he gets near her in the club, his magic pulls him right to her, only, she’s human when she definitely shouldn’t be. Julianna Rossi is Adrian Rossi’s daughter. Only, she doesn’t know his dark secrets. She only knows to clean up his messes and gets opportunities to relax only when he’s gone. When she meets Alex, she has know idea why she has such a pull to him, she only knows she doesn’t want it to end. This was another great piece to the overall story that I loved, until the very end. I felt that Alex was deservedly given payback for the way he had treated Rain and Nora. I liked getting to know Julianna also. The only thing I had a small problem with was how quick she forgave him. I know it’s a novella, so they’re quick, and there’s a ...

Moonbound Series Boxed Set by Camryn Rhys My rating: 5 of 5 stars The Werewolf Cowboy - 5 Stars Of all the VonBrondt’s in Somewhere, TX, Allan is the most human-like. He embraces his role as sheriff and protector of humans. He doesn’t believe in the idea of pre-destined mates and even plans on eventually marrying a human. When there are packs from other states in his town, Allan is very leary, especially when he’s called to the bar over a disturbance. Reyna DuBois is the daughter of the alpha from Louisiana and she embodies everything Allan hates about wolves. When she feels the mate magic after scenting Allan, she pulls out all of the stops to rope the cowboy, even as he runs in the other direction. I was really happy to see Allan finally get his own book. I loved watching the back and forth between him and Reyna as he fought his destiny. It was quick, but full of story. I loved it and highly recommend. The Werewolf Bodyguard - 5 Stars Marco DiSanti...