When twelve hours of audio is over in a wink, leaving you spent and craving more, it’s magic. Rogue Darkness by Dianne Duvall is the twelfth Immortal Guardians paranormal romance, and it never gets old. Narrated by Kirsten Potter, you’ll experience humor, swoons, danger and camaraderie as we get Nicole and Sean’s story.

Rogue Darkness
by Dianne Duvall
Series: Immortal Guardians #12
Narrator: Kirsten Potter
Length: 12 hours
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Heat Level:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

mmortal Guardians have hunted and slain psychotic vampires for thousands of years. Now someone is hunting them. Humanity remains oblivious to the existence of immortals, vampires, and gifted ones, so how does this rising nemesis even know who they are and where to find them? Could it be the machinations of an old nemesis—one they thought they defeated? Or is this something new? Because unlike the foes they’ve faced in the past, this one doesn’t just target immortals. He targets those who are near and dear to them.

A gifted one under the Immortal Guardians’ protection, Nicole has worked hard to land her dream job—that of an Immortal Guardian’s Second or mortal guard—and loves working with Sean. He’s smart. He’s funny. And despite the sometimes dark existence he leads, the two of them laugh a lot. Years spent as a special ops soldier prepared Nicole well, enabling her to keep Sean safe despite his tendency to dive headlong into danger. But can it keep her safe? The enemy they face is determined and shrewd. Uncovering his identity may require new methods of engagement and force her to take a few risks.

Sean hasn’t been immortal long, but he knows the rules. And according to the rules, Nicole is off-limits. She’s his Second. His guard. His best friend. The one person who knows him better than anyone else. Though he loves every minute he spends with her, friendship is all they can ever have… isn’t it? Sean soon begins to question that as the two of them engage in a deadly cat-and-mouse game with the enemy, one that will reveal the true depth of their feelings for each other and drive him to abandon the rules altogether.

{
“@context”:”https://schema.org”,
“@type”:”Review”,
“datePublished”: “2023-06-14T05:00:00+00:00”,
“description”: “When twelve hours of audio is over in a wink, leaving you spent and craving more, it’s magic. Rogue Darkness by Dianne Duvall is the twelfth Immortal Guardians paranormal romance, and it never ge”,
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Caffeinated Reviewer” },
“url”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/06/rogue-darkness-by-dianne-duvall.html”,
“itemReviewed”: {
“@type”: “Book”,
“name”: “Rogue Darkness”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Dianne Duvall”,
“sameAs”: “http://www.dianneduvall.com/” },
“isbn”: “” },
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Kimberly”,
“sameAs”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/” },
“reviewRating”: {
“@type”: “Rating”,
“ratingValue”: 5,
“bestRating”: “5”
}
}

Nicole, a gifted one, is Immortal Guardian Sean’s second. Both have been told romance between them is forbidden. The attraction between them is growing, making it awkward when others can read their thoughts..

I liked both Nicole and Sean. Seeing them work together and protect each other was almost as delightful as the banter between them. When the daughter of an Immortal and fellow gifted one finds herself in trouble, Nicole steps in to lend her aid. Something nefarious is going on, and it looks like someone is hunting Immortals. The entire team works together to protect their own.

Rogue Darkness was fantastic from shape-shifting to planes. It was almost impossible to put down and in fact I suffered after staying up until nearly three am to finish this. Was it worth it? Abso-frickin-loutley!

I first began reading the series, but as Duvall brought her books to audio, I switched and never looked back. Each book will work as standalone and feature a case and one couple. I began with book five and then went back. If you are able, I recommend starting from the beginning. I have read or listened to EVERYTHING this author has written. She is an auto-buy and someone I strongly recommend, especially for fans of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and romantic fantasy.

It was so nice catching up with other Immortals and their relationships. Duvall gave plenty of updates, tidbits, history and surprises that fans will be delighted.

Kirsten Potter narrates, and she does so brilliantly. Her male voices are wonderful and her females are strong, kick-ass and confident.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2023 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/06/rogue-darkness-by-dianne-duvall.html

The Location Shoot, penned by Patricia Leavy, is an enlightening exploration of art, philosophy, and life’s profound queries. Set against the backdrop of an intensive three-month film recording by the gifted French filmmaker Jean Mercier, the story unfolds primarily within the confines of a spacious, sunny-hued inn in Sweden, which hosts the entire film crew.

Leavy’s eloquent and evocative descriptions of the setting are deeply enchanting, leaving readers longing to experience these places, should they exist beyond the novel’s pages. The narrative’s charm isn’t solely defined by the romantic entanglement of a central couple but also by its well-sketched ensemble cast – Albie, Charlotte, Michael, and Willow – who each bring a unique and compelling spark to the story.

In the heart of the novel lies the tender romance between Finn Forrester, a renowned actor known for his sea-blue eyes and light-brown locks, and Gabriella – affectionately called Ella – Sinclair, an American philosopher defined by her bohemian spirit and captivating green eyes. Unlike many narratives where external factors pose the primary challenges, this novel excels in introspection, offering a contemplative view of individual responsibility and the healing of personal traumas.

Ella, despite her vibrant exterior, lays bare her vulnerability for readers. This level of candidness gives us insight into her character, leading to an understanding of her actions throughout the novel, albeit occasionally stirring feelings of frustration. Despite such emotions, the story reaches a fulfilling conclusion, brimming with a sense of humanity and personal transformation.

Leavy’s writing is generally light-hearted yet manages to impart a plethora of crucial life lessons. It highlights the fragility and intricacies of human existence and draws poetic analogies, such as equating the taste of blueberries to love. In closing, it’s my sincere wish for prospective readers to find themselves immersed in the pages of The Location Shoot, thereby inspiring them to produce exquisite art and ponder over the profundities of life.

Pages: 224 | ASIN : B0BQBM1BG9

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/14/the-location-shoot-a-novel/

Hector M. Rodriguez’s A Story commences with the enthralling discovery of a time-capsule chamber, delving into the intriguing narrative of hominoids from the Pleistocene epoch. It provides an engaging exploration of the emergence of collective consciousness, emotional evolution, and the grappling with extreme climatic shifts.

This captivating novella chronicles the lives of several key figures: Voltek, a hominoid shaman, alongside Noolan and Caek, members of the Homo Naledi species. It artfully encapsulates their migration from the harsh northern realms to outpace their deteriorating environment. Amidst this mass movement, Caek finds herself detached from her tribe, a minor band of Naledis journeying southward to escape encroaching disasters.

While Caek’s group finds temporary solace amongst Voltek’s people in the volcanic mountains, she encounters Noolan, another strayed member of Voltek’s group. The pair embarks on a precarious quest to return to their newfound haven in the mountains. As they confront brutal climatic changes and the impending threat to hominoid existence, a striking parallel is drawn between the concerns of this prehistoric epoch and those prevalent in contemporary society.

Rodriguez’s deftly woven narrative stirs reader curiosity, effectively balancing the absence of dialogue with insightful, descriptive prose that fosters deep empathy for its characters. The author’s stark portrayal of character demises offers an exploration into the genesis of emotions such as grief and sorrow among the hominoids, contributing to the visceral realism of the narrative.

The narrative is a poignant, vivid, and somewhat melancholic journey into our past. It brilliantly captures the awe experienced when forming ties with the past and future, as well as the wider natural world, enhanced by the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms. The spectacles of massive beasts long extinct and the sheer immensity of our planet, presented in rudimentary cave paintings, are beautifully encapsulated in this compelling novella.

Pages: 189 | ASIN : B0C5KQCGHL

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/14/a-story/

The Fated Ones, an intricately woven tapestry by Kennedi Morgan, masterfully traces the journey of our protagonist, Nessa, through her life as a latent. Ensconced in her direwolvin pack, Nessa’s survival hinges on her constant struggle to secure her rightful place among her peers, even striving to establish herself in her alpha father’s esteem. Embarking on a quest alongside her brother, their adventure descends into turmoil, eventually compelling Nessa to depart her pack. In this challenging time, Nessa’s brother, Aeron, and her steadfast confidant, Marcus, devise a strategy to sustain their unity. Though Nessa harbors reservations, the fear of losing the only two individuals who truly care for her nudges her toward acceptance. Their plan, however, sets the stage for war and unexpected romance, pushing Nessa to make consequential decisions.

Morgan’s storytelling prowess is evident in The Fated Ones. She effortlessly captures readers’ interest right from the outset with a dynamic altercation featuring Nessa. She then skillfully builds up to a climactic conclusion that’s a poignant blend of triumph and despair. Morgan’s narrative is emotionally rich and palpable, with Nessa’s deep-seated bond with her twin and her intriguing relationship with Marcus adding captivating layers to the plot.

The narrative flow is fluid, allowing the story’s multiple events to unfold seamlessly. It’s also complemented by a diverse array of characters who enhance the plot’s dynamism. Alea, the green witch, offers a vibrant supporting role, while Daelin, a fellow direwolvin of pack Fenrin, perfectly embodies the antagonist we love to despise. Eadwulf, the benevolent yet ferocious captain of Lord Primarch’s army, becomes a personal favorite with his balanced characteristics. Furthermore, Skye, the genderfluid dragon fae, brings an intriguing dimension to the storyline. With a complex backstory still under development, Skye leaves readers eagerly anticipating further revelations in the sequel.

Innovative elements such as the inclusion of a content warning and a reading playlist enhance the reading experience. The content warning shows sensitivity towards readers who might find certain scenes uncomfortable, while the reading playlist is a unique touch that provides an immersive backdrop to the narrative.

The Fated Ones is a riveting read that I wholeheartedly recommend. The cliffhanger ending leaves me excitedly awaiting the unfolding destiny of Nessa and the rest of the captivating ensemble in the forthcoming book.

Pages: 282 | ASIN : B0BF3GQ6PY

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/14/the-fated-ones/

Circus Dogs Roscoe and Rolly follow two circus dogs, one old and wise the other young and full of energy, who must work together when a crisis happens to save the show. What was the inspiration for your story?

It might sound strange if I admit that my main inspiration for this story comes from the working life of adults. Most recognize workplace situations where people of different ages and in various professional situations struggle with their particular challenges.

In offices, shops, factories, educational institutions, and hospitals – in all kinds of communities – there are people with various capabilities, ambitions, and possibilities. It would be best if these differences were recognized, and the individuals would receive the support and opportunities they need. This would benefit both the people themselves and the entire working community.

Although crossing one’s limits gives self-confidence at best, it may lead to too much strain and pressure. A young person may worry that he is not yet mature for a demanding task, and an older person may fear that he cannot take it anymore. Continuous learning is a far more significant challenge today than in working life years ago. 

Roscoe and Rolly highlight the difference between older vs younger generations yet show how they complement each other as well. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?

The purpose of my book is to show that a community needs a variety of members. Everyone can find a place that suits them when the right kind of support is available.

I consider it necessary that different people are respected and valued in workplaces. The work environment is not a battle arena but an opportunity for cooperation. The work results are in a completely different category if people do not always have to worry about their position.

The difference between the main characters in this story is mainly related to their ages. One circus dog starts his career, and his fellow is ending it. The friendship between them helps both in demanding situations.

The young circus dog aims to grow to his full extent as a new talent and professional. And the old dog’s depression is heart breaking. It’s not nice to discover that you can no longer do the same things you earlier used to. In that situation, the support of a friend is necessary.

Of course, the story’s suspense element – the child’s disappearance – plays an important role in the book. In a tight situation, the special skills of an old dog are crucial. With this, I also wanted to highlight the theme of caring for children and loving them, which is the old dog Roscoe’s special talent and trait.

In my own life, I have enjoyed the wise support of people more experienced than me. Even a tiny recognition or a friendly word of encouragement can be an essential support. They are like precious pearls that can be gathered into a string during working life. If you have a moment of disbelief, you can take such a pearl in your fingers, spin it a little and feel better… 

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

Above I described some of the most important themes in my story, Circus Dogs Roscoe and Rolly – such as noticing different talents in the workplace, finding suitable tasks, and providing the necessary support. I want to highlight one more theme.

Not all things can be measured in money. In working life, it has often become an ideal to emphasize the efficiency of everything – especially cost efficiency. This kind of thinking seems to be going through the head of the circus director in my book as well. When only the cash register is rattling in the brain, many other valuable things remain unnoticed.

A small memory of real life could be in place to describe this matter. A town I know had several grocery stores. One of the shops belonged to a merchant family, whose owner-lady sat at the cash register and chatted with everyone while taking care of the business. That store was always crowded.

The shop was always packed with customers, and the checkout line was long. But nobody complained. It was precisely because of those relaxed moments of conversation that everyone wanted to do their shopping in that store. – For your information, the shop was also financially successful as long as the old lady continued working there.

Will there be more adventures for Roscoe and Rolly? If so what can you tell us about it and when will it be available?

This book will probably be the only story about circus dogs Roscoe and Rolly. I think I’ll leave the circus dogs’ next steps up to the reader’s imagination. Although on the other hand, never say never… I might still want to write about Roscoe’s retirement days or Rolly’s brilliant career in the circus limelight – maybe even the dog family’s little puppies. Having said that, I feel now slightly excited, though!

The circus theme is delicious, and I have already used it in two of my children’s novels Mr. Cannelloni’s Circus and Circus Cannelloni Invades Britain. I plan to write more adventures in that series.

The colorful life of the circus offers the writer many opportunities to let her imagination run wild. This rich environment includes a lot of cooperation between people and animals, and possibilities for exciting events, too. With the help of fiction, the whole group can be sent on a fantastic adventure in unusual places.

I know readers will be happy to be a part of these journeys with the circus crew and their animal friends! 

Author Links: Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/14/people-of-every-age-have-value/

The Lost Books: Romance and Adventure in Tudor Times follows a squire and his friends who set out to recover stolen books and take down the corrupt taxman. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The idea for this novel began with a “prompt” from one of the writing workshops I attend. The (optional) prompt was to write about a holiday song. This did not interest me and I was prepared to write on another topic.

Wait a minute, I thought; what if I have some fun with a song, turn it on its head? That appealed.

I decided on the song “Twelve Days of Christmas.” I would set my story in Tudor Times. I imagined a love-struck swain, young Henry Truelove, wooing his heart’s desire, Morwenna Goodwin, with cartfuls of partridges, waterfowl and other presents that, as it turns out, are unwanted and burdensome.

Soon, Morwenna’s small farm in Cornwall is awash in bird squawks. Morwenna demands that Henry desist sending the birds, though she is willing to keep the gold coins with which to buy a pig for the small free-hold she runs with her Ma and Da.

Henry is undeterred in his determination to win her. But she is of an independent mind, and he will have to go to great lengths to convince her to marry him – or to marry anybody.

This part of the story was fun to write. Soon I began to fall in love with my characters and imagine what their larger lives might hold. I have always enjoyed reading about Tudor times – but most of these books are about royalty and court life and intrigues. I wondered what else was going on, for the more common folk.

One thing that was going on, egregiously so, was the seizure of the monastery and convent lands and goods by Henry VIII, their subsequent destruction and – this is where my heart became engaged – loss of thousands of precious illustrated manuscripts preserved in these holy houses. Fortunately, not all the books were lost and so have come down to us in present times.

I envisioned the rest of my story as a hunt to find and save the holy books. Morwenna, Henry, old Tom who has been cast out of his monastery; Hilda, uprooted from her convent; a former pirate and a gaggle of milkmaids become the “holy pirates” sworn to save the books.

What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?

I see in my characters courage, determination, and ingenuity – this despite the oppressive laws of the times and, often, terrible events.

Friendships and family sustain them. While royal families are involved in intrigue and murder, these characters love and support their families, and become a kind of found family to each other.

The Tudors were obsessed with religion. While religious issues are being fought about at court, with nobles losing their heads, the holy pirates try to reason out what is best to do in any circumstance. When some of their efforts to protect the holy books stray over the line, such as purloining the ledger of an unscrupulous taxman, they decide to do what tends toward the greatest “good.” They have faith in God, but theirs is a practical, rather than dogmatic or political, religion.

Friendship is another strength of my characters. It is the offer of friendship that wins over the nefarious tax collector Godfrey Blount. He makes friends among the holy pirates. And, he learns to dance.

In a time when one’s given station in life was set in stone – commoners were forbidden to wear fancy clothing, so as not to appear above their station – these holy pirates are equals in their mission. They use their wits, their artistry, friendship and faith in their mission to prevail.

What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?

I have read many popular books about the Tudor era, such as those written by Philippa Gregory, Hilary Mantel and others. I have seen the many Tudor-era films and series.  I also ferreted out more scholarly books about the times, such as The Hidden Life of Tudor Women, by Elizabeth Norton; Black Tudors – An Untold Story, by Miranda Kaufmann; and Tudor Cornwall, Portrait of a Society, by A.L Rouse. Writing in the era of Google makes research so much easier, as well.

My most important and influential resource is a large, beautifully illustrated book, The Smithsonian Book of Books, by Michael Olmert. This is among the most treasured books in my own library. It describes in detail how these early illustrated manuscripts were made and who made them. The book is lavishly illustrated with dazzling photos of pages from the illuminated manuscripts.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

I am working on a sequel to The Lost Books, featuring the same characters and some new ones. The precious books come under additional threat, which marshals the holy pirates once again to their defense.

There is more romance, and more about life in Cornwall in Tudor times.  I cannot seem to let these characters go.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/14/the-12-days-of-christmas-and-a-pirate/

Rebecca Yarros on her new novel “Fourth Wing,” what she calls “romantasy,” and more

Original source: https://www.amazon.com/amazonbookreview/interviews.html%3Ftheme=light?ref_=abr_widget_nav&theme=light

Most anticipated crime fiction landing this summer

Original source: https://www.amazon.com/amazonbookreview/editorspicks.html%3Ftheme=light?ref_=abr_widget_nav&theme=light

Best nonfiction books of June, as chosen by Amazon editors

Original source: https://www.amazon.com/amazonbookreview/editorspicks.html%3Ftheme=light?ref_=abr_widget_nav&theme=light

Our picks of the most thrilling screen adaptations

Original source: https://www.amazon.com/amazonbookreview/editorspicks.html%3Ftheme=light?ref_=abr_widget_nav&theme=light