P. James

Perfectly delightful

Revisado: 12-17-22

I am delighted to say that I am delighted by this book. It was perfect with everything going on leading up to the winter holidays. There's no urgency to turn the page (or listen to the next bit) but at the same time, I found myself <i>wanting</i> to get finished with tasks so I could listen in once again. Nathan Lowell is a new-to-me author though it appears from various reviews that he has a loyal following. Tom Taylorson narrated the book and he's also new-to-me but could easily become a favorite. This book popped up on an Audible sale. The blurb intrigued me so I listened to the sample and about half-way through, clicked it into my cart. I don't regret it one bit.

Joseph Shackleford is a wizard. And rich. And old. His gold-digging neice has a plan to get him declared incompetent so she can warehouse him in assisted living so she can take over his finances and the massive, historic house he owns. She hires Roger Mulligan, former combat medic/civilian EMT, to be his new butler. Roger takes the job--and discoveres being "in service" to the house suits him just fine. There is magic involved. And pixies like a touch of whiskey once in a while. There's no chilling plot here, and there is a bit of a mystery so onto my cozy mystery shelf it goes. Along with fantasy because...wizards and magic. And paranormal for the same reason. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and while I saw part of the climax coming, I did NOT see all of it. I can only hope the next book drops sooner than later. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a break from the mundane and wants to just sit back with a good cup of coffee (or tea) and enjoy a good tale. 5 delighted stars

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Been There, Did That

Revisado: 06-23-21

Everyone should read or listen to the introduction of this book. No matter which side they stand on. And intelligent people should read or listen to the whole book. Lt. Larkin's 25-year careet with the Tulsa Police Department is something he is rightly proud of. He served with honor and integrity with a sense of duty to ALL the people in his community. I'm glad he decided to narrate his own book. Yeah, I'm a fan of his from LIVE PD and LIVE PD PRESENTS: BODY CAM, and his voice is perfect for narrating his own story and the stories of the other officers falsely accused. His words resonate and should make people stop and think. He has a lot of truth to share, if only one is open to hear it.

Sticks, I'd be proud to buy you a beer some day!

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The saga continues...

Revisado: 12-02-18

I received a print copy of this book from the publisher. While that was exciting, I find it easier to listen to books these days--blasted eyesight. After a re-listen to Billie Fulford-Brown's superb narration of the first book in this series, I happily spent an Audible credit to get the audio verision of this book. This tale begins shortly after the events portrayed in the first story. Aliza and Alistair have married and are enjoying their honeymoon when a variety of things occur--a mysterious wedding present and the arrival of an exhausted young man on their doorstep with a contract for Alistair and his dragon, Akarra. Among other things. Aliza insists on going to the far--and frigid--northlands with him. The adventure continues as they battle shadows, evil, get some things right, have some sad events, and discover.... Ah, no. That would be revealing the end and this is a fantasy series so... Grab the first book if you haven't already. Read it. Then read and enjoy this one.

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Finally!

Revisado: 11-21-18

This book and the two others in the trilogy were predecessors to the author's Harmony series. While not set on the same planet, the premise was the beginning of what grew into Harmony and touches on her entire Arcane Society multiverse. I'm a big fan, leaning more to the futuristic part of the AS-verse. I started with the books in the Ghost Hunters/Harmony series, then discovered that this book, and two more were out there, and predated the series I'd come to love. I'm thrilled that Jayne Castle (Jayne Ann Krentz) has released this early dip into SciFi Romance in audio and I hope it won't be long before the two additional books will also release. Narrator Tanya Eby does a good job voicing the characters.

Note: The original book released back in 1995 so be aware that it has touches of "old skool" romance. It helps to be a connoisseur of the romance genre of that era.

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Liked but not loved

Revisado: 11-19-18

Well. Alrighty then. Like most fans of the series, I've been waiting for Ian's story. He's such an unrepetent bad boy but there's always been an almost invisible streak of honor buried inside him. I was truly looking forward to this book. Sadly, in the beginning, I wasn't all that invested in Ian and Veritas. Thankfully, as their backstories emerged, as the reason for their partnership, and their growing feelings for each other came to light, I liked the book better. Not my favorite in this author's list, but entertaining enough. Tavia Gilbert always does narration well and her talent helped save this book for me.

To avoid spoilers, let me say that the ending was a disappointment. This type of ending is becoming routine and having to wait almost a year before the next installment? Not sure who thinks this is a good idea. I may or may not stick around for the results. I liked this book but didn't love it. I'm sad because I really-REALLY wanted to love this book. #ParanormalRomance #TorturedHero #Dark #Vampires #OppositesAttract #Tagsgiving #Sweepstakes

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Moving on...

Revisado: 11-17-18

Short, fun, but like so many, I missed really touching base with Navada and Rogan. Renee Raudman narrated the beginning of this book, the prologue that belonged to Nevada. Emily Rankin took over when the POV switched to Catalina Baylor, Nevada's younger sister, and the main protagonist in this story. This is a transition book, closing out--mostly--the story arc that was Nevada and Rogan's and moving onto the younger members of the Baylor family, most notably Catalina, who is a siren. Watching her coming into, at least partially, her own was a pleasure. There's bad relatives, a theft, secrets, and a bit of wedding mayhem to keep the action going. There's hints of future romance for Catalina, though not enough to actually label this book as a romance, and perhaps a a clue about the secret identity of an evil mastermind wh0 was hinted at at the end of WILDFIRE. I'm going to miss Renee's narration, though Emily did a decent job. I'm looking forward to new installments. #UrbanFantasy #MagicAndMayhem #FemaleProtagonist #ComingOfAge #ParanormalSuspense #Tagsgiving #Sweepstakes

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Maximum enjoyment

Revisado: 11-16-18

Please, please, PLEASE tell me there will be more Hidden Legacy books! I'm a total Mad Rogan fangirl and Nevada Baylor kicks some serious magical butt in this third book of the series. There's so much to gush over but how to do so without spoilers? Just go listen to it. Indulge in listening to the first two books first. Trust me, you'll be glad because these books are fantastic. I don't need to preach to the fan base, we all know the awesomeness that is this series. For those of you looking for something new and quirky in magic-based urban fantasy with strong women characters and an Alpha male who knows and appreciates the strengths of the woman he's fallen for, yeah, this one is for you! Renee Raudman does her usual amazing job of narration.

This book is on my perennieal re-listen list. I always go back to listen to all the books when the new installment comes out. This title finishes up my re-listen. On to the next installment, which closes out the original trilogy and sets up the world for the next group of books in the Hidden Legacy series. #StrongFemaleProtagonist #UrbanFantasy #AlphaMale #MagicAndMayhem #Romance #Tagsgiving #Sweepstakes

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Worth waiting for...

Revisado: 11-15-18

I had to wait over two years for this book. It. Was. Worth. The. Wait! Connor "Mad" Rogan is definitely on my list of Top Book Boyfriends. Nevada Baylor is on my list of heroines I most want to do a Girl's Night Out with. Just sayin'. This is just as true now, on a relisten to the book.

The world-building continues to create a perfect backdrop and the authors are masters when it comes to the rules of magic. All of the characters are nuanced, layered, and have a reason for popping up on the page. The sexual chemistry between Rogan and Nevada is incendiary. The action is packed. The plot perfectly paced.

Renee Raudman is on my list of Top Ten Narrators as well.

Oh, and I totally want to be adopted by Nevada's family. Any grandmother who names a tank Romeo (and knows not only how to drive but fire him) is my kind of relative! #UrbanFantasy #Romance #FemaleProtagonist #MagicAndMayhem #BookBoyfriendHero #Tagsgiving #Sweepstakes

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Always a favorite

Revisado: 11-14-18

I'm a big fan of the writing team known as Ilona Andrews. Their Kate Daniels world is amazing so when they announced the new Hidden Legacy series, I was happy dancing. This book did not disappoint. It remains a perennial favorite. Renee Raudman also remains a favorite narrator. The authors have created a modern world that works in conjunction with magic. Powerful families rule, but under the auspices of local, state, and federal governments. Nevada Baylor just wants to run her family's PI firm with honorable ethics. Due to health issues with her father, the company has fallen under the purview of a powerful PI/Security firm run by one of the magical families. Things get complicated in a hurry and the divides between the magical haves and have nots is detailed. Enter Connor "Mad" Rogan--military hero, family prime, and--if Nevada is to be believed--a total bad-ass psychopath. Too bad she's drawn to him like a hummingbird to sugar water. The worldbuilding is terrific, the characters deep and intersting, the action crazy, and the narration perfect. #ParanormalRomance #FemaleProtagonist #MagicAndMayhem #Snark #StrongHero #Tagsgiving #Sweepstakes

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Cliffhanger...

Revisado: 11-13-18

AAARRRGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That sound is me expressing my frustration. Have I mentioned how much I hate cliffhangers that force a reader to wait a year to find out the resolution? I can only hope that Nalini Singh and her publisher will put fans of the series out of our collective misery by releasing the next book early next year. GAH!

Okay, my reasons for marking Overall and Story at a 4 when they should be 5s.

1) Like others who've left reviews, the recapping became almost obsessive. Maybe I only noticed it because I'd just finished a complete series re-listen. Way too much backstory not only referenced but explained. Over and over.

2) That freaking cliffhanger!!!! And knowing it will be a year before any resolution. Totally hacks me off.

Now, the reasons this book SHOULD be straight 5s, without getting into spoilers.

1) Holy cannoli! There's so much going on, so many threads, so much action and the emotional tugs between Raphael and Elena is...it's...I'm scrambling for words. Parts of this book hurt my heart. Parts of it make me long for a love so deep and real. Parts of it made me angry. In other words, this is Nalini doing some of her best wordsmithing.

2) There's so much going on. Yes, I've said that. There's the whole end-of-the-world arc going on but there are things closer to home, on several levels. The threads on the lower levels get tied up--mostly, and they are very closely aligned to that whole over-reaching series plot arc. This is a transition book. All the chaos is necessary and a good thing.

3) There are some crazy twists in this book. I mean totally cray-cray but that's part of the awesome.

4) Justine Eyre's narration. She is amazing and captures every nuance and character perfectly.

So, all I can do now is find other books and series to read and wait not-so-patiently for the next installment. I worry for Bluebell and Sparkle. I worry for Elena and Raphael. What will Cassandra do next? And what's up with the Legion? All answers that will have to wait. Damn it! #paranormalromance #fate #femaleprotagonist #magical #cliffhanger #Tagsgiving #Sweepstakes

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