Waves of Fiction

Friday, January 17, 2025

Review: Dark Hope by Christine Feehan

Dark Hope (Dark #34) by Christine Feehan

Publication Date: January 7th 2025 by Berkley

Pages: 432

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★

My Thoughts:

Silke is a demon slayer tasked with protecting her village, something she’s very skilled at, but it’s been predicted that a greater danger is coming. Fortunately, Silke knows that several Carpathian warriors are coming as well, one likely her lifemate. A man she hasn’t met, but one she’s bonded to.

Benedek is one of the ancient Carpathian warriors who would be on the path of turning vampire and evil if it weren’t for his lifemate. Once he bonds with her his soul will be complete and he’ll be out of danger of turning, but he has a hard time trusting since a vicious betrayal years ago. He’s trying to get to Silke’s village quickly as he knows of the coming danger, but Lilith has her minions lay a dangerous trap that isn’t easily shaken off.

In Dark Hope Lilith has targeted Silke’s village and is intent on taking the demon slayer out but doesn’t know her identity so she sends in some of her agents undercover to find her and lay other traps. Dealing with these evil entities took some cunning on Silke’s part and it was entertaining to see how she handled it. I also really enjoyed all the epic battles, both Silke and Benedek were skilled and clever, but they were up against some dangerous foes!

The Dark series is a long-running one and I started reading late in the game, but I’ve enjoyed the stories even so. Each story has a separate romance and conflict that is resolved by the end. Fated/bonded mates, vampires, shapeshifters, and all sorts of other magical creatures are incorporated into the stories. Then there’s the evil underworld, ruled by Lilith, always trying to take over. To be honest, I have no idea why anyone serves Lilith as she’s always torturing her servants and turning against them.

4 Stars

Book Description:

Immortal passions rage as evil grows in this gripping novel in Christine Feehan’s #1 New York Times bestselling Carpathian series.

Silke Vriese Reinders knows a war is coming. The demon slayer has seen it over and over again in the cards—and the battle won’t just be for the survival of her remote village, but for all mankind. Silke knows the only way to win will be with the help of the Carpathians. A fact that fills her with trepidation, as she is fated to be the lifemate to one of the ancient supernatural warriors—bound to a complete stranger and responsible for his soul.

One of the oldest, most dangerous Carpathians, Benedek Kovak is more beast than man. Locked away for centuries, the only thing that has stopped him from becoming one of the monsters he’s sworn to defeat is the thought of his lifemate. When Benedek senses the impending danger, he sets out to find her before it’s too late. But their enemy has laid a trap that pushes him closer to turning than ever before.

For so long Benedek has felt nothing. Now, some dark art is compelling him to indulge in cravings he thought long buried. He has no hope that anyone can restore what’s left of his tainted soul, but Silke is nothing like he imagined. Perhaps she’s strong enough to fight back the darkness. Perhaps together they can defeat an adversary hell bent on destroying them all....

Photo credit: Michael Greene

About the Author

Christine Feehan is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the Carpathian series, the GhostWalker series, the Leopard series, the Torpedo Ink series, the Shadow Riders series, and stand-alone romantic suspense novels. Learn more online at www.christinefeehan.com.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Audiobook Review: Shooting the Moon by Brenda Novak

Shooting the Moon by Brenda Novak

Publication Date: January 14th 2025 by Harlequin Audio

Pages: 304

Audio Length: 9hrs 36min

Narrator: Alana Marie Cheuvront

My Thoughts:

Harley Nelson is back in Oregon to see his son Brandon after hearing about the death of his old flame, Audra, Brandon’s mother. Audra was a troubled soul, always getting into trouble, acting out to rile her strict father. Harley left soon after Audra gave birth, being run off by her father and didn’t feel worthy to come back until he made something of himself.

Lauren, Audra’s younger sister, was the one who took care of Brandon for the most part. She was the studious, serious and responsible sister and it fell to her to take care of Brandon when Audra was off being wild.

Lauren has always loved Brandon like a son, and she believed the stories her father told of Harley and his history with Audra. Now that he’s back in town and wants a relationship with his son she’s on guard. She doesn’t want to risk Brandon’s stability or mental health. However, his behavior doesn’t match what she’s heard of him, prompting Lauren to delve deeper into the past and find out what actually happened. As she gets to know Harley, seeing the way he cares for Brandon, she can’t help but fall for him.

Lauren’s parents were out of the country for much of the story and I worried what was going to happen once they got back. I was happy with the way Lauren and Harley handled the situation.

I love how Brenda Novak somehow makes a messy situation that seems like it would be cringe-worthy (like falling for your dead sister’s beau) feel natural! The story hooked me right in! I enjoyed the romance and seeing Harley and Brandon so happy to finally find each other and bond!

I listened to the audio version and enjoyed Alana Marie Cheuvront’s pleasant and smooth voice!

4 Stars

Book Description:

He's a man from the past -- and a man with a past...

When Harley Nelson got on his motorcycle and drove out of Portland, Oregon, 10 years ago, he left behind a bad reputation -- and a baby. Audra Worthington was the reason for both. Well, the baby, anyway. The reputation he already had. It's why rich girl Audra fell for him in the first place.

Now Audra's dead. His son, Brandon, is being raised by her family -- good girl Lauren, the perfect daughter, and her uncompromising parents. But Harley's a self-made success down in California and he's ready to take responsibility for his son.

She's a woman who knows trouble when she sees it...

She's a woman who knows trouble when she sees it.... And Harley Nelson's trouble. He's shown up at her door, saying he wants to get to know his son -- 10 years too late, in Lauren's opinion. Too bad he didn't stick by her sister, Audra, when he got her pregnant. (At least, that's the story Lauren's always heard.) And too bad he still looks so good in that black leather jacket....

Monday, January 13, 2025

Review: The Lost House by Melissa Larsen

The Lost House by Melissa Larsen

Publication Date: January 14th 2025 by Minotaur Books & Macmillan Audio

Pages: 352

Audio Book Length: 9hrs 59min

Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★½

My Thoughts:

Agnes has traveled from California to Iceland to meet with a true crime podcaster covering the unsolved murder of her grandmother and aunt, forty years earlier. Her stoic grandfather was convicted by public opinion, but he fled with Agnes’ father to the US before anything could come of it.

Agnes loved her grandfather, closer to him than her father, and is still grieving his loss. She can’t imagine he’d kill his wife and baby daughter, so she hopes to clear his name with the investigation. However, as the details of her grandfather and grandmother’s life emerge Agnes starts to realize how little she knew of them.

Then there’s a new case of a missing girl that is somehow tangled up in all of it.

Agnes was a complicated character dealing with issues besides the mystery of her grandmother’s murder. Still healing from an accident she barely survived and reliant on painkillers. I felt that she took a lot of unnecessary risks trapsing about in the cold countryside when she still had so much trouble walking. Also, not letting anyone know where she was going half the time or having a properly working phone, but I guess that fit with where she was in her life mentally.

Iceland was described vividly, cold, stark and beautiful, almost a character on its own!

The Lost House was an atmospheric and compelling mystery. Engrossing but slow going at first. I feel like things didn’t really take off in pace until after the 50% mark.

I alternately read and listened to The Lost House narrated by the talented Saskia Maarleveld. I’ve enjoyed her performances immensely and she did a wonderful job with both male and female voices and giving a subtle Icelandic accent where appropriate. I recommend either version!

3.5 Stars

Book Description:

In Melissa Larsen's The Lost House comes the mesmerizing story of a young woman with a haunting past who returns to her ancestral home in Iceland to investigate a gruesome murder in her family.

Forty years ago, a young woman and her infant daughter were found buried in the cold Icelandic snow, lying together as peacefully as though sleeping. Except the mother’s throat had been slashed and the infant drowned. The case was never solved. There were no arrests, no conviction. Just a suspicion turned into a the husband did it. When he took his son and fled halfway across the world to California, it was proof enough of his guilt.

Now, nearly half a century later and a year after his death, his granddaughter, Agnes, is ready to clear her grandfather’s name once and for all. Still recovering from his death and a devastating injury, Agnes wants nothing more than an excuse to escape the shambles of her once-stable life—which is why she so readily accepts true crime expert Nora Carver’s invitation to be interviewed for her popular podcast. Agnes packs a bag and hops on a last-minute flight to the remote town of Bifröst, Iceland, where Nora is staying, where Agnes’s father grew up, and where, supposedly, her grandfather slaughtered his wife and infant daughter.

Is it merely coincidence that a local girl goes missing the very same weekend Agnes arrives? Suddenly, Agnes and Nora’s investigation is turned upside down, and everyone in the small Icelandic town is once again a suspect. Seeking to unearth old and new truths alike, Agnes finds herself drawn into a web of secrets that threaten the redemption she is hell-bent on delivering, and even her life—discovering how far a person will go to protect their family, their safety, and their secrets.

Set against an unforgiving Icelandic winter landscape, The Lost House is a chilling and razor-sharp thriller packed with jaw-dropping twists that will leave you breathless.

Saturday, January 11, 2025

Sunday Post #279

The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated reviewer book blog, and is a post to recap my bookish and non-bookish things from the last week. I'm also linking up to The Sunday Salon hosted by Deb Nance @Readerbuzz.

My heart goes out to the Southern Californians affected by the fires! I can't believe the devastation I've been seeing! I've lived in California all my life and don't remember having these massive fires we now experience on a regular basis. Climate change has amplified environmental threats to unimaginable levels. Scary times!

My husband traveled down to Southern California (north of the fires) to help our son and DIL move. I sent my Popcorn Balls (similar to Rice Krispy treats but with M&Ms and popcorn) and Rice Krispy Treats. My son loves Popcorn Balls and so I make them for him most times we meet up even though I'm not crazy about making them.

Popcorn balls & the butter you have to coat your hands in so they don't stick!

The weather is still on the warm side with highs in the upper 50s, but it felt colder because of some wind.

Out and about in the neighborhood: pond with some geese.

I sat down today (Saturday) and figured out my garden seeds: vegetable and flower. Seeds to start indoors and outdoors and the dates to get them going. I have several zinnia varieties. They did so well last year, but I ordered a few more varieties Queeny Lemon Peach and Queeny Red Lime because they look so pretty! I also ordered Cosmos, Scabiosa and several varieties of Sunflowers. I'm going for a more varied cutting garden.

Starla having a quick nap

Read:

(Click on cover for Goodreads link)

Remember When (Ravenswood #4) by Mary Balogh

Shattering Dawn (The Lost Night Files #3) by Jayne Ann Krentz

Shooting the Moon by Brenda Novak-4 Stars

Remember When (Ravenswood #4) by Mary Balogh-4.5 Stars

Shattering Dawn (The Lost Night Files #3) by Jayne Ann Krentz-4.5 Stars

Shooting the Moon was an older Brenda Novak romance that, as far as I can tell, they're re-releasing by audio. It was good, but I could tell it was written a few years back. Remember When was a wonderful mature romance, low on angst. Shattering Dawn is the last of The Lost Night Files and my favorite installment.

Received:

Thank you to Dreamscape Media!

I've been seeing All the Missing Pieces everywhere so I grabbed up the audio copy. Earl Crush has a lot of high ratings and is by a new-to-me author.

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How was your week?

Review: Shattering Dawn by Jayne Ann Krentz

Shattering Dawn (The Lost Night Files #3) by Jayne Ann Krentz

Publication Date: January 7th 2025 by Berkley

Pages: 336

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★½

My Thoughts:

The Lost Night Files series has been centered on three friends, Amelia, Talia and Pallas, trying to find out what happened seven months earlier when they went to Lucent Springs Hotel, thinking they were being interviewed for a job and ended up waking up the next day with no memory of what happened. Each had minor psychic talents that were enhanced and strengthened after that “lost” night. Since then, they’ve been searching for answers, starting a Podcast to shine light on the event and get answers.

The story opens with Amelia being stalked by someone unknown. With the danger they’ve each faced amplified by their public investigations into that “lost night” Amelia feels it wise to hire a detective/bodyguard to get to the bottom of it. On the surface Gideon Sweetwater sounds skeptical, but he’s got his own talents he’s not eager to share. Then Ameila and Gideon discover an unexpected connection that puts them both in danger.

Shattering Dawn was an action-packed, page-turning mystery! A blend of romantic suspense with paranormal elements and my favorite installment to date! I really enjoyed all the twists and turns and all the answers we got here, wrapping up into a satisfying conclusion of the series!

4.5 Stars

About the Book:

An unsettling investigation teaches two deeply suspicious people how to trust in the next thrilling novel of the Lost Night Files trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz.

Amelia Rivers, a member of the Lost Night Files podcast team, hires private investigator Gideon Sweetwater to catch the stalker who has been watching her. Amelia suspects the stalker may be connected to the shadowy organization responsible for the night that she and her two friends lost to amnesia—a night that upended their lives and left them with paranormal talents.

Gideon suspects that Amelia is either paranoid or an outright con artist, but he can’t resist the chemistry between them. He takes the case despite his skepticism. For her part, Amelia has second thoughts about the wisdom of employing the mysterious Mr. Sweetwater. She is wary of the powerful attraction between them, and deeply uneasy about the nightmarish paintings on the walls of his home. She senses they were inspired by his own dreamscapes.

Amelia knows she doesn’t have time to find another investigator, and Gideon is forced to reckon with the truth when he disrupts what was intended to be Amelia’s kidnapping. Now the pair is on the run, with no choice but to return to the haunting ruins of the old hotel where Amelia’s lost night occurred. They are desperate to stop a killer and the people who are conducting illegal experiments with a dangerous drug that is designed to enhance psychic abilities. If they are to survive, they will have to trust each other and the passion that bonds them.

Photo Credit: Marc von Borstel

About the Author
Jayne Ann Krentz is the author of more than fifty New York Times bestsellers. She has written contemporary romantic suspense novels under that name and futuristic and historical romance novels under the pseudonyms Jayne Castle and Amanda Quick, respectively. Learn more online at www.jayneannkrentz.com.

Friday, January 10, 2025

Review: Remember When by Mary Balogh

Remember When (Ravenswood #4) by Mary Balogh

Publication Date: January 7th 2025 by Berkley

Pages: 368

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★½

My Thoughts:

Clarissa, the Dowager Countess, is at a pivotal time in her life. Her children are grown and mostly settled, and her daughter-in-law has taken over the countess responsibilities. After a season in London, Clarissa returns home to Ravenswood and looks forward to the quiet and tranquility of being alone to reflect who she is as a person and what she wants in this next chapter of her life. There’s another thing Clarissa plans to do: renew her childhood friendship with Matthew Taylor.

Matthew Taylor lives a contented life as the village’s carpenter even though he was raised as a gentleman. His younger years were filled with strife railing against strict parents that didn’t understand him. The only one who listened and gave him comfort was Clarissa. He was half in love with her by the time they were teenagers, but things didn’t work out and they married others. Matthew was widowed soon after. He spent many years coming to peace with his past and has led a quiet, contented life until Clarissa comes back to town.

Loved the way Matthew and Clarissa just picked up again after so many years. They just got each other so well. Of course, their friendship was noted right away and there was talk since their societal positions were so different, but I’m happy with how it was all handled. They both had wonderful family and friends to support them!

Remember When was low angst and heartwarming! The characters and the situations they faced felt real-to-life and relatable. Neither Clarissa nor Matthew led a problem-free life, but each were mature and okay on their own. Finding romance was an unexpected joy for them and their story filled my heart with happiness!

4.5 Stars

Book Description:

Discover the beauty of second chances at love and life in this heartfelt new novel from New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh.

The Dowager Countess of Stratton, Clarissa Ware, née Greenfield, has just presented her younger daughter to the ton, and the rest of her life belongs only to herself. She returns to Ravenswood, intending to spend the summer alone there. But the summer has other plans for her.

Born a gentleman, Matthew Taylor has chosen to spend his life as the village carpenter. Growing up, he and Clarissa were close—dangerously so, considering his family’s modest fortune. As a young man, he never would have been a suitable match for the daughter of the wealthy Greenfields. Clarissa married Caleb Ware, the Earl of Stratton, so Matthew married another, though he was widowed soon after.

Now everything is different—Clarissa has already lived the life expected of her by society. And Matthew is as attractive and intriguing as he was when they were young. As their summer friendship deepens into romance, they stand together on the precipice of change—essentially the same man and woman they remember being back then, but with renewed passion and the potential to take their lives in an entirely new direction.

About the Author

Mary Balogh grew up in Wales and now lives with her husband, Robert, in Saskatchewan, Canada. She has written more than one hundred historical novels and novellas, more than forty of which have been New York Times bestsellers. They include the Bedwyn saga, the Simply quartet, the Huxtable quintet, the seven-part Survivors’ Club series, and the Westcott series.