2-stars – Talk Nerdy Book Blog

September 26, 2020

9 Min read

E

Series: Standalone

Release Date: July 7, 2020

Synopsis:

A tragic mystery blending sleuthing and spirituality

An exploration in grief, suicide, spiritualism, and Inuit culture, Winter of the Wolf follows Bean, an empathic and spiritually evolved fifteen-year-old, who is determined to unravel the mystery of her brother Sam’s death. Though all evidence points to a suicide, her heart and intuition compel her to dig deeper. With help from her friend Julie, they retrace Sam’s steps, delve into his Inuit beliefs, and reconnect with their spiritual beliefs to uncover clues beyond material understanding.

Both tragic and heartwarming, this twisting novel draws you into Bean’s world as she struggles with grief, navigates high school dramas, and learns to open her heart in order to see the true nature of the people around her. Winter of the Wolf is about seeking the truth—no matter how painful—in order to see the full picture.

In this novel, environmentalist and award-winning author, Martha Handler, brings together two important pieces of her life—the death of her best friend’s son and her work as president of the Wolf Conservation Center—to tell an empathetic and powerful story with undeniable messages.

Ending:

HFN

Representation

No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia

Possible Triggers: Yes

• Suicide
• Accidental death by auto asphyxiation

Mature Themes

• Underage drinking
• Underage drug use (marijuana)
• Discussion of auto asphyxiation
• Discussion of teenage sex and masturbation
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Format: eARC

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Trigger Warning: This review discusses topics that can be triggering for some. Please read the ‘Possible Triggers’ tab above for details.

Note: I received Winter of the Wolf through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to FSB Association for the opportunity.

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Of Ashes and Sin by Ariana Hawkes and K.N. Knight

By Sarah

In 2-stars, Book Review

November 10, 2018

8 Min read

O

Series: Fire Trails

Release Date: July 10, 2018

Synopsis

A world without fire. Three sizzling shifters. One flame-haired hustler. And the elemental bond that could bring fire back to the world, or be the end of them…

The last Phoenix has perished in a huge blaze of flames, extinguishing fire from the earth. Ranger Mason is a nineteen-year-old shifter whose spirit animal has not yet been fixed. An orphan, hustler and part-time exorcist, she scrapes a living in a dangerous, burned-out world, with no idea of the unique power she holds. That is, until a sexy tiger, bear and eagle shifter trio bursts into her life, convinced she’s the key to recreating fire.

What none of them realizes is that she’s no fire elemental, but something even more rare and special…something that will create the strongest possible bond between them, but also threaten to destroy her. Ranger is the only one capable of uniting a dragon with the three water, earth and air elementals, but as the love bond between the four of them ignites, the guys are unwilling to risk her safety—even if it means restoring balance to the world.

But Rael, Zain and Oran are not the only ones who have discovered Ranger’s gifts, and suddenly the decision is torn from their hands. Will she be able to create peace between her three mates, who have vowed to do anything to protect her, and a dragon intent on keeping her in his cave as his personal, flame-haired treasure?

OF ASHES AND SIN is a full-length reverse harem paranormal romance novel of 67,000 words, where the heroine doesn’t have to choose between her love interests. It includes action, drama and intrigue; as well as fully-realized sex scenes and graphic language. It’s intended for mature, 18+ audiences.

Ending

 HFN

Representation

No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia

Possible Triggers: Yes

• Abduction
• Threat of rape
• Abuse (The heroes beat the heroine in hopes her animal will show itself.)

Safety Rating: Safe

• No cheating
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does Not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Format: Kindle

Rating: 2/5 stars

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The Raw Touch by Serena Akeroyd

By Sarah

In 2-stars, Book Review

May 3, 2018

5 Min read

T

Series: Standalone

Release Date: January 23rd, 2018

Synopsis:

Touch.

The simplest form of communication.
For some, the most complex.

Undercover cop, Lucia has more secrets than a rat’s nest. She works the beat, works it well, until she infiltrates a gang where she finally finds her place. Jungle justice suits her down to a tee, but the day comes when she has to return to her real life, and brothers in arms suddenly become enemies, as she flounders to find her place in the world once more.

Martinez, a gang boss, one of the most powerful men in the city, has had his eyes on Lucia from the start. His instincts told him she was the rat in his midst, but other, baser, parts of him swayed his judgment. When his brother is sent down thanks to Lucia’s testimony, he can think only of revenge.

When a woman who can’t stand to be touched has to fight for her life in the bed of a man who can kill her in the blink of an eye, everything, even reality, unravels.

On the run, her past as a cop and footsoldier chasing at her heels, Lucia’s safety lies in the hands of the one man who can and will hurt her the most.

Through his raw touch, she has to find a haven where all around her, there is nothing but hell. Can she allow him into the ashes of her life, if it means her survival is at risk?

Find out in The Raw Touch.

Reader Advisory: this full-length novel contains scenes of dubious consent, as well as information that readers might find upsetting.

Ending

 HFN

Representation

• BIPOC main and supporting characters

Possible Triggers

• BDSM
• Sexual abuse
• Abduction
• Dubious consent – Although, I hate the term. Either consent is given, or it is not given. However, the author warns of a ‘dubious consent’ scene in the synopsis, so I’ve included it here.

Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions

• No cheating
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 2/5 stars

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Keystone (Crossbreed, #1) by Dannika Dark

By Sarah

In 2-stars, Book Review

December 14, 2017

9 Min read

K

Series: Crossbreed

Release Date: January 15th, 2017

Synopsis:

Raven Black hunts evildoers for fun, but her vigilante justice isn’t the only reason she’s hiding from the law. Half Vampire, half Mage, she’s spent years living as a rogue to stay alive. When a Russian Shifter offers her a job in his covert organization hunting outlaws, dignity and a respectable career are finally within her grasp. The catch? Her new partner is Christian Poe – a smug, handsome Vampire whom she’d rather stake than go on a stakeout with.

They’re hot on the trail of a human killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. One misstep during her probationary period could jeopardize Raven’s chance at redemption, and her partner would love nothing more than to see her fail. Will Raven find the courage to succeed, or will she give in to her dark nature?

Dark secrets, unexpected twists, and a blurred line between good and evil will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Ending

 HFN

Representation

• BIPOC side characters

Possible Triggers

• Violence
• Murder

Safety Rating: Not Safe

• No cheating
• Does have OM drama
– The one guy the Heroine is sexually interested in, the Hero scares him away (double-standard)
• Does have descriptive sex scene with OW
– Heroine walks in on the Hero and an OW having sex. The Hero asks her “do you like to watch.” The Heroine just stands there watching. and the Hero keeps going.
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 2/5 stars

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Feather’s That Bind (Harper’s Destiny, #1) by L.A. Kirk

By Sarah

In 2-stars, Book Review

October 19, 2017

4 Min read

F

Series: Harper’s Destiny

Release Date: July 11th, 2017

Synopsis:

The neighbouring kingdom of Greenwood is threatening war if Princess Harper doesn’t marry their Prince Landon, a childhood friend.

After years apart, the prince is not the man she remembers. His cold demeanour quickly drives a wedge between them. But when a legend comes to life and offers three sacred feathers for three destined husbands, Princess Harper’s future is thrown into chaos.

With the threat of war on the horizon and a traitor within the Greenwood royal family, Harper will have to overcome the schemes standing in her path and forge new bonds with three men destined to be hers.

Ending

  Cliffhanger

Representation

No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia

Possible Triggers

• No OTT sad parts
• No abuse

Safety Rating: Safe

• No cheating
• No OW/OM drama
• Does have one of the Heroes and Heroine pushing away
• Does not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 2/5 stars

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Moonlit Harem: Part 1 by N.M. Howell

By Sarah

In 2-stars, Book Review

October 12, 2017

4 Min read

M

Series: Moonlit Harem Serial Series

Release Date: July 21st, 2017

Synopsis:

People say you can’t escape destiny. But I’m sure as hell going to try.
I’m a vampire. A blood-sucking creature of the night who needs to feed on human blood to keep me sustained.

The only problem is, I find the whole lifestyle repulsive and refuse to feed on humans. It’s been hard, but I’ve managed so far.

But as my 21st birthday nears, it is my time to complete the required ritual to take a human life and join my fellow vampires as a true member of coven.
I refuse. And I run.

But when my escape leads me into a den of angry werewolves, I find myself with an entirely new set of problems to deal with.

Moonlit Harem is a paranormal romance reverse harem serial. Each episode is approximately 20k words. All episodes will be released as an omnibus when complete.

Ending

  Cliffhanger

Representation

No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia

Possible Triggers

• Murder
• Death
• No OTT sad parts

Safety Rating: Safe

• No cheating
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Heroine pushing away
• Does have a separation between the Heroine and one of the (possible) Heroes
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

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Taming Alex (West, #2) by Jill Sanders

By Sarah

In 2-stars, Book Review

December 1, 2014

3 Min read

T

Series: West*

Release Date: April 14th, 2014

Synopsis:

Alexis has always been the wild child. She’s the girl everyone always gossips about behind her back. Now that she’s engaged to the town’s bad boy, Travis, she finally thinks she’s heading in the right direction. Then life throws a tall, dark, and good man her way and causes her whole world to shake.

Grant’s back in town. Helping his father with his legal practice had never been in his plan, but after trying to live in the city and decided it wasn’t for him, he wants nothing more to settle down back in his hometown. He even buys a small farm to prove to himself that he’s back to stay. Then, after stepping in and helping the town’s bad girl out one night, he starts to see below Alexis’ act. Now all he needs to do is convince her that choosing a good guy is not always a bad thing.

Ending

  HEA

Representation

No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia

Possible Triggers

• Heroine’s fiancé cheats on her
• Death
• Grief

Safety Rating: Safe

• No cheating
• Does have OM drama
– The Heroine was still engaged to the OM when she started her romance with the Hero
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Heroine pushing away
• Does not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

*Each book in the series is standalone

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Magnolia (Magnolia Branch, #1) by Kristi Cook

By Sarah

In 2-stars, Book Review

October 20, 2014

5 Min read

M

Series: Magnolia Branch

Release Date: August 5th, 2014

Synopsis:

In Magnolia Branch, Mississippi, the Cafferty and Marsden families are southern royalty. Neighbors since the Civil War, the families have shared vacations, holidays, backyard barbecues, and the overwhelming desire to unite their two clans by marriage. So when a baby boy and girl were born to the families at the same time, the perfect opportunity seemed to have finally arrived.

Jemma Cafferty and Ryder Marsden have no intention of giving in to their parents’ wishes. They’re only seventeen, for goodness’ sake, not to mention that one little problem: They hate each other! Jemma can’t stand Ryder’s nauseating golden-boy persona, and Ryder would like nothing better than to pretend stubborn Jemma doesn’t exist.

But when a violent storm ravages Magnolia Branch, it unearths Jemma’s and Ryder’s true feelings for each other as the two discover that the line between love and hate may be thin enough to risk crossing over.

Ending

 HFN

Representation

• Black side characters

Possible Triggers

• Hurricane storm
• Death
• Cancer

Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions

• No cheating
• Does have OM drama
– The Heroine kisses and goes on dates with OM (before the Hero and her get close)
• Does have OW drama
– There’s a rumour that the Hero hooked up with the Heroine’s cousin (we never find out if it’s true)
– Hero leads on OW–Heroine heard the Hero and the OW made out but there’s no clarification if that happened or not
– The Hero was trying to make the Heroine jealous
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• No separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

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Blue Lines (Assassins, #5) by Toni Aleo

By Sarah

In 2-stars, Book Review

March 24, 2014

7 Min read

B

Series: Assassins*

Release Date: December 9th, 2013

Synopsis:

Opposites do more than just attract in Toni Aleo’s latest Nashville Assassins novel about a very bad boy and the good girl he can’t resist.

The instant Piper Allen sees Erik Titov, she wants him—wants his rock-hard body, sure, but the strength and mystery that lies behind that superstar hockey jock demeanor, too. So when he sidles up to her at a bar and slinks his arm around her waist, she’s lost. What follows is the wildest night of her life . . . followed by inevitable heartbreak the next morning. And then, a few weeks later, a very big surprise: two blue lines on a pregnancy test.

Only a check to the head could make Erik fall for a nice girl like Piper. But since their crazy-sexy night together, he’s been trying to forget about her alluring body by falling into bed with every woman in Nashville, and it’s not working. So when Piper shows up at his house with a baby-bomb to drop, it doesn’t take much for Erik to suggest the nuclear option: marriage. While it’s supposed to be all for show, the second they say “I do,” the ice between them starts to melt into sizzling steam.

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: Taking Shots, Trying to Score, and Empty Net.

Ending

 HEA

Representation

No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia

Possible Triggers

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Objectification of women
• No OTT sad parts

Safety Rating: Not Safe

• No cheating
• Does have OW/OM drama
– The Hero wanted to sleep with the Heroine’s (horrible) twin in past books
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
– The Hero was not celibate during his separation from the Heroine; they met up again 6+ months later.
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

*Each novel in the series is Standalone

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