Lake Emerald Chronicles: A Winter Tale by Melissa Adams

Clary is back home from Summer Camp: she is missing her boyfriends like crazy and she’s back under her parents strict supervision.
But some new exciting things happen: during Labour Day Weekend, some sexy new neighbours move in next door to make things interesting. Especially when her parents are so strict.

Her only ally is her cool grandma Mel.
But her mom’s career takes an unexpected turn with a big win and the sudden opportunity at a political career that takes her parents away from home. It gives Clary and her younger brother Billy unexpected freedom.
Join Clary and her boys for a school year full of romance and mystery as things heat up with the boys and at school.
You’ll get to meet some of their families and some new friends. Austin makes some decisions that leave everyone shocked.
Go to a Halloween party, a wedding in the Napa Valley and a swanky soirée in Bel Air.
What happens when a dangerous, ironic and a good friend when needed is added to the mix?
Will Clary and her harem survive the Winter and manage to stay together?
Will they figure out what’s happening at school? Find out in the next installment of The Lake Emerald Chronicles.

WARNING: this book has explicit sexual content and some of the characters are under eighteen, so please don’t download it if this bothers you and the content is definitely advised for a 18+ audience.
Also be aware that this book’s spelling and punctuation use British English and some things might look different that what you are used to.

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I knew I wasn’t going to be disappointed picking this next book up. Each book doesn’t end with a cliffhanger, but it’s the captivating characters that keeps you wanting more. It’s like watching a really addictive TV show you can’t get enough of. It has everything! Drama, comedy, some heart stopping adventure/ mystery and steamy romance that’s so well written you won’t be able to put the book down. The next book can’t come out soon enough.

I’m sad about Austin. I liked him on the first book and I thought his actions in the beginning was justified, but this second broke my heart. I do like the addition of Preston though. I do hope that progresses to something else. The first fight between the others was so heart breaking. I wanted to reach out and hug Clary and cry with her.

Not sure I’m a fan of Clary and Preston’s mothers at this point, with all the secrecy and heartbreak. I on the other hand definitely gives credit to Clary’s father and grandma for being the parental figure she needed. Even if they do not agree with things, they are willing to understand and guide Clary to the best they can and not dictate what she should be doing instead.

Discovering Melissa Adams’ books have been the best surprise ever. I can’t get enough and will definitely read whatever she publishes.

Lake Emerald Chronicles: The First Summer by Melissa Adams

NEW UPDATED RE-EDITED VERSION : please be aware that this book uses British English spelling and punctuation, so it might look slightly different than what you are used to.
Clary is 16 and she’s never been kissed.
Every summer she goes to Summer Camp at Lake Emerald where she reunites with her BFFs Brie and Hazel.
Camp gets her away from her super strict parents in LA and she can’t wait to see her epic crush Joel.
Joel doesn’t even know her name and she has been adoring him from afar for two summers.
But this year, Clary has legit boobs and she’s all grown up, so will Joel finally notice her?
She also meets annoying but hot Xander, who is Joel’s best friend and loves embarrassing Clary with snide remarks and his unwavering sarcasm.
Logan is an old friend who is also all grown up and this year wants more than being just friends.
So Clary finds herself involved with two boys and things are heating up, from a first kiss to a first orgasm.
And if you add to the mix Xander’s older, sexy cousin Austin? Things are sure to get complicated.
Clary knows she has to make a choice and agonises about it, while going from one heated exchange to another with her boys.
But what if the boys knew and she didn’t have to make a choice? What if it was possible to love three or even four boys at once and they agreed to share?
What if someone else had noticed and started sending Clary malicious, threatening notes with photos of her romantic encounters?
Add some random attacks in the woods surrounding camp and the suspicions start: who is doing this?
The resident mean girls Lucy, Hayley and Leah?
The bad boys Rob and Justin?
Joel’s girlfriend mad southern belle Jemma?
This will be a summer of love, sex, discovery, fun and danger for Clary, her boys and her friends.

***Trigger warning: the story contains underage sex and drinking and a mild description of rape (as a recount), so if any of this bothers you, don’t download it. Definitely advised for 18+ only

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I knew I was going to be hooked on this series right from the very beginning. “Mom would…Locked me in a convent until I am 85” was my mantra in my earlier years. This book would definitely make you shriek like a teen with a huge crush. I love the dynamics and changes of each characters as the story goes on. So easy to get lost in their world and time. Nostalgic and definitely well written. I can’t wait to grab the next book already.

Clary is definitely a strong minded character and I love how she stands by what she believes is right, but admits when she’s in the wrong. She’s fierce and loyal and she’ll go the mile to do right by the people she cares and loves.

Logan is just the sweetest of them all.  They all have their moment, but he’s the biggest teddy bear viking ever. You can’t help but love him from the very beginning. He’s very attentive, protective, caring and loving.

Xander, I love the humor he brings to the group. He started out not being very likable, but in the end you definitely understand him a lot more. The cool exterior definitely does not give away the depth of his personality.

Joel, after first coming across him, I didn’t know how Clary could like him. I get the pretty face, but with Clary’s character seems more in depth than to fall for that type, but there’s more to Joel than meets the bad boy’s eyes. His character is probably the deepest out of all of them.

The mean girls and boys, Lucy, Leah, Hayley, Jemma, Rob and Justin, in general the girls seems just like the typical girl issues fighting over a boy until it got violent. The boys on the other hand are a piece of work. These characters are so well written, you really feel the dislike for each of them in varying levels.

Mark of Truth (Wicked Kingdoms Book 1) by Graceley Knox

“Amanda Hocking meets Sarah J. Maas!” – USA Today Bestselling Author Olivia Wildenstein

Ever Leath, leader of the deadliest crew within the Magical Enforcement and Containment Agency’s ranks, has always known she’s a half-breed—until a visit from her estranged mother changes everything. She’s determined to marry Ever off for political gain, no matter the consequences—even if it means Ever’s life.

Searching for the truth leads to disturbing doubts about Ever’s heritage, and just as answers appear, so does Dare Fitzpatrick. Captain of the Royal Goblin Guards and son to the current Goblin King, he claims he knows who Ever’s real father is and that she could be in danger. Ever doubts Dare, until he helps her escape the clutches of her would-be suitor and grants her shelter within the Goblin Kingdom.

Staying in Goblin, which has previously been off-limits to half-breeds, is a risk Ever has to take to keep everyone she loves safe. Neither of them planned on the fiery heat between them, but Dare won’t take no for an answer. Ever knows she can’t risk losing her heart to the cocky goblin, despite her attraction to him. At least that’s the plan.

Until it all falls apart.

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If you can’t beat them at their game, sarcasm and snark is the way to go. Great introduction to the series. The main characters were all given enough intro to get through and not hinder the story line. Ev and her team have great camaraderie. Functioning more as a well oiled family than just another squad team. The chemistry between Dare and Ev sizzle throughout and it’s a painful denial on Ever’s part. The story itself flowed smoothly transitioning from one event to the next though.

While I really enjoyed reading this and can’t wait to grab the next one as soon as I can, thinking back on it, I might have to reread it again.  I don’t think there was any resolutions as to what her markings meant.  Sure there were some resolutions in other topics, but I thought there would be more progress when it came to the markings as is the title.

All the questions this book opened up will definitely keep you hooked and reaching for the next book.  I do hope there’s some resolutions to some of them. I guess we’ll see how the next one pans out then.

Court of Lies: A Why Choose Fantasy Romance (Forbidden Queen Book 3) by Dyan Chick

Queen’s Trial begins, and the competition turns deadly fast. There’s danger behind every turn, and it’s not just the competition that wants Cassia dead.

To make matters worse, Tristan, the Winter Prince, has a plan of his own. He takes Cassia to the Winter Court where she’ll have to compete without the Princes she’s come to depend on. Will things stay ice-cold in the Winter Court or will she succumb to the steamy bad boy Prince with his own agenda?

Things aren’t always what they seem, though. Cassia might have the magic to become Queen, and the love of her Princes. But with that target on her back, will she survive to get the chance?

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I’m a little hungover from reading the very ending. This book is so good, it left me speechless at the end. It’s definitely a great series that keeps getting better and better.

This next installment picks up right where the last one left off. At first, I thought there were too much going on at once. So many events that wants to pull your attention from the main thing. The ending ties everything so nicely and definitely opens up for what’s to come next. It will keep you guessing as so many people are against Cassia and her consorts.

It’s definitely great to see the progress with Cassia and Tristan. He was true to his character and didn’t compromise with his ways unless it’s regarding Cassia and her safety. He’s caring, but calculating at the same time. So misunderstood, but easy to fall for.

Cormac the unbreakable finally gave us more of his inner emotions and let out the L word with Cassia. Dane made some progress too and I can’t wait to read more of his story next. We were given glimpses of his life and lifestyle, but not enough to give the full picture. The next book can’t come soon enough for sure.

Shake The Earth (Her Elemental Dragons Book 3) by Elizabeth Briggs

The fate of the world rests on the shoulders of four sexy dragon shifters and the woman they’re sworn to serve…

It’s time for me to embrace my destiny as the next Black Dragon, the one who can control all five elements and bring balance to the realms.

I’ve bonded with two of my mates, Jasin and Auric, and now we continue our journey so I can become intimate with Slade and Reven. It’s a race against the Dragons we’re meant to overthrow, who will do anything to stop us from fulfilling our destiny.

We’re going to need allies if we want to defeat the Dragons, even if that means confronting the dark secrets of our pasts. But death and destruction follow us at every turn, and unlocking the hearts of my last two mates seems nearly impossible.

When all seems lost, will love be enough to save us?
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Talk about sizzling. Didn’t see that threesome turn to a foursome. Auric and Jasin are both getting along great together, but from what the gods told them, they’ll all have to get close to get stronger. Seems like an impossible feat for Kira as Reven seems very determined to push her away. Slade finally gave in after he got closure from Faya and he turned out to be the biggest teddy bear ever. Can’t help but fall for the big guy.

Now that Kira’s true lineage has been revealed along with other new developments, their final battle just seemed that much more impossible. Will they come out unscathed or will Reven’s denials be their doom? On to the final book I go.

Kiss The Sky (Her Elemental Dragons Book 2) by Elizabeth Briggs

To unlock her powers she must mate with four sexy dragon shifters. One down, three to go…

I’m done hiding. I’ve stopped running. And I’ve finally accepted my destiny—to take four dragon shifters as my mates so I can become the next Black Dragon, the wielder of all the elements.

I’ve already bonded with Jasin, my smoldering soldier, and soon I’ll be getting intimate with Auric, my lofty prince, Slade, my grounded blacksmith, and Reven, my frosty assassin. Only then can we become powerful enough to stop the current Dragons, the overlords of our world.

But as we continue our journey, secrets are uncovered about my mates that make me question everything, even as things heat up between us. Yet the greatest secret of all lies in my own past—and it might destroy us completely.

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Auric seemed to have the life everyone dreams about, but I guess to each their own.  This book is such a breeze to read. No pun intended. This next install follows Kira and their adventures to each realms. New friends and alliances have been made and some mysteries revealed.

While I said this book was definitely a fast read, I wish there were more emotions put in to it.  I understand where Auric is coming from feeling “inconsequential” being the 5th in line to inherit the throne, but his life is no hardship compared to the life he chosen. I also understand being chosen by the god of air and the bond that comes with it, but again I wish there were more emotions involved with his decision.  Him being quiet about his past came across as more childish and inexperienced.  Jasin had it more difficult with his parents wanting to control everything.

Regardless of the lack of emotions in this next installment, the premise and the bigger picture is still captivating enough for me to continue on.  I can’t wait to find out how the rest of the guys fair out.

Stroke The Flame (Her Elemental Dragons Book 1) by Elizabeth Briggs

Four sexy dragon shifters. A huntress with a dark past. A bond that could save the world.

I’ve spent my entire life running from my past and staying out of trouble. That’s how I’ve kept alive ever since my parents were killed by the Black Dragon, who’s ruled the world under her oppressive talons for as long as anyone can remember.

But it’s hard to keep a low profile when four handsome strangers turn up in your village claiming you’re destined to save the world. According to them, they’ve been chosen by the gods to become elemental dragons—and I’m their mate.

Which means one day I’ll be the most powerful dragon of all, able to control all four elements. Assuming I can unlock my powers first…by getting intimate with each of my sexy mates.

Auric, the clever prince. Jasin, the cocky soldier. Slade, the protective blacksmith. Reven, the mysterious assassin. And me. We’re the only ones who can bring balance to the world and overthrow the Black Dragon—if she doesn’t tear us to shreds first.

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A very interesting take on dragon and elemental tales. The story is fast paced and moved along fluidly. Some might say too fast, but it moved along enough to get the story going. Sure there are some hesitations on everyone’s part, but I’m glad the story didn’t linger or dwell too much on that. The focus was more on the bigger picture and entirety of the story. Each revelation gives you more of each and every character’s background. Some were fully revealed, but some remains a mystery while the others are finally coming around. I can’t wait to read their next adventures.

Destined Fire (Nephilim’s Destiny Book 3) by Tessa Cole

One reckless move could cost her everything…

It used to be easy to pass as human beat cop Essie Shaw. Lay low, don’t draw too much attention. Now I’m hiding in plain sight, working for the JP, praying my teammates won’t notice my non-human magical quirks and figure out I’m a nephilim.

As the magic clawing within me threatens to reveal me, my complicated emotional bond with the team grows: Gideon, whose cold, professional distance cuts me; Jacob, whose mixed messages confuse me; Kol, whose friendship warms me; and Marcus, whose wolf could turn on me.

Thanks to the messy public disasters we’ve barely survived, the Head Office sends in the big guns: Cassius, who’d love nothing more than to rip his brother Gideon’s mating brand from my arm and kick me off the team.

So, no pressure in cracking a ring of vicious magical drug smugglers. But when things go sideways, my magic threatens to expose my secret and cost me the only place where I’ve ever belonged. With the men my very bones tell me are mine.

Destined Fire is the third book in the Nephilim’s Destiny series, an action-packed full-length paranormal romance with four irresistible guys and a kick-ass heroine who doesn’t have to choose.

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So suspenseful and action packed. I can’t get enough of this series. Totally captures you and hard to put down. You can feel the desperation, the love and the fierce protectiveness Essie has for the team. Even though her relationship with Kol is still unknown.

Great progress with Marcus, Jacob and Gideon. Cassius is an added complication. What will happen to the team that he’s in town reviewing them. He has the power to disband team. While Essie and Kol’s friendship grows stronger, not sure how he’ll react to her true nature. That ending is definitely the most hold your breath cliffhanger ever.

Destined Blood (Nephilim’s Destiny Book 2) by Tessa Cole

Like it or not, she’s part of the team… come hell or fiery demon.

Barely a week after a searing wraith battle left me with amped-up supernatural abilities, I’m back to my cover as Essie Shaw, “normal” beat cop. My frostbite-inducing empathic gift and enhanced hearing, I can work with. My combat spell — weak at best — still comes in handy. But it’s the 24/7 glowy eye thing that’s toughest to hide.

When an encounter with a feral vampire nearly kills my partner (déjà vu, anyone?), the chief of police gives me a make-or-break assignment — join the JP team. Yeah, good luck bridging the aching gulf that’s divided us since that near-fatal fight with the wraith. There’s Gideon, who electrifies my soul; Jacob, who commands it; and Kol, who tempts it. Then there’s Marcus with his ferocious, pulse-pounding energy, who left without even a goodbye.

Amid lingering tensions, we investigate who’s creating an army of twisted, insatiable feral vampires. The truth will extract a terrible price from us all — body, magic, and soul.

Destined Blood is the second book in the Nephilim’s Destiny series, an action-packed full-length paranormal romance with four irresistible guys and a kick-ass heroine who doesn’t have to choose.

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I’m going through this book like it’s the last thing I’ll ever do and time is running out. Can’t help it. This second installment reels you in from the very beginning up till the very end. The action keeps coming that will leave you holding your breath and some relationships have progressed in between.

I get that it’s complicated, but glad to see Marcus and Essie finally come together in this. I’m still a little unsure at how Jacob fits in for now, but hopefully will be clearer in the next one. Now that Kol’s kind of in on it now too after he saved Essie? Still unsure of that one as well. Gideon is going to be the toughest one and the one full of heartache. Their complicated mating bonds makes me want to cry.

Some questions have risen up in this book and I can’t wait to see if the next book gives us some answers.

Destined Darkness (Nephilim’s Destiny Book 1) by Tessa Cole

They’ll do anything to protect her… as long as they never learn her secret.

I’m Officer Essie Shaw, and I shouldn’t exist. If anyone finds out their friendly neighborhood beat cop is a nephilim — public enemy number one — I’ll be imprisoned. Or worse, dissected. I survive by keeping my head down and my barely-there magic under wraps.

But when I lose a fight with a strange, smoke-like wraith, I’m confronted with my worst nightmare. A Joined Parliament Team of Agents — supernatural monster hunters who’d arrest me in a heartbeat if they knew the truth — a no-nonsense angel whose mere gaze captures my soul, a vampire with a breathtaking bite, an incubus with enticing hellfire in his eyes, and, worst of all, my smoldering-hot ex-partner, turned werewolf thanks to my rookie mistake.

This wraith has been picking off veterans of the recently won war against the archangel Michael, and the bodies are piling up. My unwanted connection to it, along with the team’s skills, could be the key to trapping it in magical stasis. Question is, am I strong enough to serve as bait, while keeping the secret that could brand me their enemy?

Destined Darkness is the first book in the Nephilim’s Destiny series, an action-packed full-length paranormal romance with four irresistible guys and a kick-ass heroine who doesn’t have to choose.

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This book is anything but light.  It is full of drama, heartache, action and romance. It is a great read that takes you on a very smooth roller coaster ride with emotions going up and down throughout the entire book. It will also have you sitting at the edge of your seat waiting for the outcome or what will happen next.

At first, I was a bit annoyed at how helpless and almost too much of a damsel in distress Essie was, but after everything was said and done, it made sense on how she reacted. Even the strongest have their limits.  She was thrown in to obstacles left, right and center with barely any time to breath in between. Then add all the other ‘events’ that happened in between would make anyone crack at the simplest pressure added.

I’m really itching to know what happens next with Essie and the rest of the team. I can’t wait to find out what happens with Marcus and Gideon and the rest of the guys when they find out about Essie’s true nature.