In Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs, Mercy and Adam travel to Montana when Mercy’s brother Gary is in trouble. I had a blast reading Winter Lost from the gods to their quest. This series is favorite, and while I love this genre in audio, I began reading it and hear the voices as I created them, so I continue to read them.

Winter Lost
by Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercy Thompson #14
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:

Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, must stop a disaster of world-shattering proportions in this exhilarating entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

In the supernatural realms, there are creatures who belong to winter. I am not one of them. But like the coyote I can become at will, I am adaptable.

My name is Mercy Thompson Hauptman, and my mate, Adam, is the werewolf who leads the Columbia Basin Pack, the pack charged with keeping the people who live and work in the Tri-Cities of Washington State safe. It’s a hard job, and it doesn’t leave much room for side quests. Which is why when I needed to travel to Montana to help my brother, I intended to go by myself.

But I’m not alone anymore.

Together, Adam and I find ourselves trapped with strangers in a lodge in the heart of the wilderness, in the teeth of a storm of legendary power, only to discover my brother’s issues are a tiny part of a problem much bigger than we could have imagined. Arcane and ancient magics are at work that could, unless we are very careful, bring about the end of the world. .

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Winter Lost is the fourteenth novel in the Mercy Thompson series and one I look forward to each year. Briggs has created a rich world with flawed, strong and loveable characters that have become like family. Like most urban fantasy series, I recommend reading this series in the order of their release despite the wonderful job the author does of acclimating new readers to each book.

Mercy is still not right after the events of Soul Taken, but when her half-brother Gary shows up on her doorstep unable to communicate, they call in a favor and learn that he is under a spell. All of this leads them to Montana during the snowstorm of all snowstorms. Their quest has them spending time at the Looking Glass Hot Springs lodge, where a wedding party is trapped and something taken must be returned.

Briggs gives us Mercy’s perspective, but also those of Adam and others. While the pack was missing for most of the story, we get brief interludes with familiar characters. The major story, involving Gary, Mercy’s magic issues and the end of days, was well done and kept me reading into the wee hours.

Fans will appreciate the closure, the meddling from Coyote, and the mythology. I am always sad when the story ends and cannot wait for the next book. An addictive tale in this action-packed, character driven series with my favorite pack.

Amazon | Audible

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/06/winter-lost-by-patricia-briggs.html

Doctor Lucifer by Anthony Lee is a compelling blend of medical drama and cyber warfare, delving into the sinister potential of our digital age. The story follows Dr. Mark Lin, a skilled yet skeptical internist at Ivory Memorial Hospital, who becomes ensnared in a deadly game with a malevolent hacker known as Doctor Lucifer. As medication errors orchestrated by the hacker lead to the deaths of three patients, Mark finds himself wrongly accused and must team up with the hospital’s IT team to unmask the real perpetrator. The stakes are high as he battles to clear his name and avert further tragedies.

Anthony Lee’s narrative shines in its portrayal of the complex intersection between modern technology and medicine. Themes such as technological vulnerability, professional integrity, and the personal toll of cybercrime are explored with depth and nuance. The novel’s strength lies in its ability to weave suspense with a dramatic portrayal of contemporary challenges in the medical field. The diverse supporting cast, particularly the hospital’s IT team and staff, enriches the story, creating a multifaceted world that adds layers to the main plot. The abundance of technical jargon related to cybersecurity may present a learning opportunity for readers new to these concepts. A more balanced integration of technical details could enhance the story’s accessibility, inviting a broader audience to appreciate its depth. Dr. Lin’s internal conflicts and introspections, essential for his character development, are richly portrayed; however, a more varied and succinct expression of his thoughts could refine the narrative’s pace, making it even more engaging.

Doctor Lucifer is a thought-provoking and exhilarating read that revitalizes the medical thriller genre. It promises a thrilling journey for fans of the Dr. Mark Lin Medical Thrillers series and leaves readers eager for more adventures.

Pages: 315 | ASIN : B0D1YTHPG1

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/17/doctor-lucifer/

Dream Lover, by Louise Glass, takes readers on an emotional journey with three best friends, Ali, Suzanne, and Lizzie, as they navigate love, tragedy, and significant life changes. Each woman experiences a whirlwind romance leading to a happy ending while facing unique challenges. Ali discovers her clairvoyant and empathic abilities, Suzanne grapples with loneliness that leads to a major tragedy, and Lizzie’s insecurities complicate her love life. Through it all, their unbreakable friendship helps them endure and thrive.

The novel stands out for its distinct narrative style with alternating perspectives among the three friends and even the men in their lives. While this approach adds depth, I feel it can occasionally be somewhat confusing, but the clear character voices help readers quickly adjust. Glass excels in crafting relatable, multidimensional characters. Ali, Suzanne, and Lizzie each possess unique insecurities and envies, reflecting the complexities of real female friendships. Their individual styles and quirks, including their beloved pets, add charm to the story. Ali’s cockatoo, Fred, is particularly delightful, bringing humor and warmth, while Suzanne’s cat, Precious, provides amusing moments with her dog-like behavior.

Glass’s plot is engaging, with each character’s storyline contributing to a cohesive whole. I believe Ali’s rapid acceptance of her newfound abilities felt a bit rushed and feel a deeper exploration of her initial skepticism would have added realism. The balance of humor and steamy romance keeps the narrative lively. A standout moment is when Fred bites Ali’s partner, Steve, on his bare butt cheek, showcasing Glass’s knack for blending comedy with romance. Dream Lover offers a touch of the paranormal and leaves the storyline open to the potential for more in future installments. Readers are left curious about Suzanne’s sister and eager for further exploration of the supernatural elements.

Dream Lover is an enjoyable read, capturing the essence of female friendship and personal growth. With its memorable characters and engaging plot, it leaves readers looking forward to what comes next in the lives of Ali, Suzanne, and Lizzie.

Pages: 325 | ASIN : B0C9FBPXKY

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/17/dream-lover/

To Seek for Eldorado, by Sam Holloway, is a compelling exploration of love, resilience, and the human connection to nature. Set against the vast and varied landscapes of Canada, the novel follows Lazlo, a young farm boy, whose world is turned upside down when a tragic incident separates him from the preacher’s daughter he loves. His journey across the Canadian wilderness becomes a path to self-discovery, where he gains profound insights into both nature and human relationships.

Holloway crafts a narrative rich with adventure and introspection. Lazlo’s odyssey through forests, mountains, and small towns is not just a physical quest but a metaphorical one, leading him to greater wisdom and emotional depth. His unyielding determination in the face of numerous challenges showcases a spirit that is both inspiring and relatable, capturing the essence of an enduring search for love and purpose. The novel’s strength lies in Holloway’s remarkable writing style. His vivid descriptions of the Canadian landscape paint a picture so detailed and immersive that readers can almost feel the chill of the northern winds and the serenity of untouched forests.

The dynamic use of tone and dialogue breathes life into each scene, effectively conveying the emotional spectrum of Lazlo’s experiences. Themes of heartbreak, romance, suspense, and action are intricately woven throughout the narrative, creating a multifaceted story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The novel’s setting not only serves as a backdrop but also plays a crucial role in shaping the characters and their journeys. Through Lazlo’s eyes, readers experience the majestic beauty of Canada, enhancing the novel’s appeal and depth. The diverse cast of characters, each with their unique backgrounds and development arcs, adds richness to the story. Lazlo, in particular, stands out as a beacon of unwavering dedication to his quest for true love, making him a compelling and inspirational protagonist.

The plot of To Seek for Eldorado is a roller coaster of emotions, filled with unexpected twists that keep the reader enthralled. Holloway’s ability to blend action with deep, meaningful themes results in a storyline that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. This book is a masterful blend of adventure, emotion, and philosophical exploration. Its captivating plot, well-developed characters, and evocative settings make it a standout read that resonates long after the final page is turned.

Pages: 200 | ASIN : B0CZL1Z6HD

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/17/to-seek-for-eldorado/

Cherry Blossoms in Winter, authored by Michael J. Summers, weaves a compelling narrative centered around Dane, a journalist on a mission to Manila to interview Filipino war veterans from World War II. During his assignment, Dane encounters Jack Pierce, a man with an enthralling and complex history. Through a series of card games and months of growing familiarity, Jack slowly reveals his tumultuous life story to Dane. His tale encompasses military service in Japan, romantic entanglements, and harrowing experiences during the Korean War. As Dane delves deeper into Jack’s past, he embarks on a personal quest to address Jack’s losses and confront his own fear of commitment to his girlfriend. The question remains: will Dane succeed in his endeavors?

Summers skillfully explores the duality of human nature through Jack, portraying a man torn between the brutality of war and the tenderness of love. This juxtaposition of violence and compassion underscores the complexity of human emotions and experiences, highlighting how individuals can embody both destruction and affection simultaneously. The author adeptly conveys the profound impacts of war on both personal and societal levels without relying on gratuitous violence. Instead, he emphasizes the subtle yet pervasive ways war affects soldiers and civilians alike, even when their country isn’t depicted as the traditional “good guys.” The narrative is thoroughly researched and authentic, with rich descriptions of the settings and a keen adherence to the conventions and social standards of the historical period, effectively transporting readers to a different era.

Cherry Blossoms in Winter, by Michael J. Summers, is a captivating blend of romance and historical events. While it contains strong language and adult themes, making it best suited for mature readers, it offers a deeply engaging experience for adults who will appreciate its nuanced storytelling and historical depth.

Pages: 293 | ASIN : B0D4NZ6HTX

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/17/cherry-blossoms-in-winter/

Stone of Fear follows a woman working on a mosaic floor who is abducted by a fanatical priest who thinks she has the ability to produce magic and is taken back in time. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I introduce Marie and John in Book 1, Stone of Love. Since that storyline focuses on Bree and Colin, the reader doesn’t know what happens in the future while Colin and Bree travel to the eighteenth century. Marie and John are left in the future with nothing to do but spend time together. So they fell in love. Book 2 explores their story and John’s hereditary duty to find a magic Iona stone at the request of the Fae.

I enjoyed the romantic relationship between John and Marie and how it grew despite her being swept back in time. How did their relationship develop while you were writing it? Did you have an idea of where you wanted to take it, or was it organic?

I faced a challenge when I started drafting Stone of Fear, the second book I wrote. I had to start where book 1, Stone of Love ended, yet in my mind, Marie and John fell for each other during the first book while Bree and Colin traveled back in time, but I didn’t tell their story. It also became a writing challenge for me, as I had to progress in the storyline of the magic Iona stones and tell a tale seamlessly via flashbacks.

I start the book with “happily ever after,” which is after John has asked Marie to marry him. Naturally, in all tragic love stories, if I start at the end, I must tear the “happily ever after” apart so the reader experiences how the characters rebuild their relationship.

I show the character’s connections through flashbacks as the two love birds become separated by Marie’s kidnapping at the hands of a fanatical priest who thinks her talents as a historical religious building’s expert hold magic. Through John’s pursuit and Marie’s confinement, we see their love story develop via their history. From the first glance, the first touch, and yes, that first kiss, their love story is more than a kiss. It’s how they connect on a human level.

How did you balance magic and its use throughout the story to keep it believable?

I treat magic almost as if it were a character in itself. The magic occurs either at the hands of a Fae, the hands of a human, or by the will of the magic. Each magic act has a purpose. It shows something, acts upon something, or initiates something, moving the story forward. What makes it believable is the characters believe it. Even when the characters question it, the magic still proves to be a force existing within the human realm.

Can you tell us where the book goes and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?

Stone of Fear travels to Dunstaffnage Castle in the thirteenth century. Marie’s abductor forces her to search historic crosses for a magic Iona Stone as he believes the Book of Kells, he holds tells him where to look. After witnessing Marie’s abduction and travel through the Chapel portal, her love, John, follows, chasing her across the Scottish Western Isles in the thirteenth century.

What’s coming next, and where do they go?
Stones of Iona Series is a seven-book series with three Christmas companion books.

Coming next is…

Stone of Lust, book 3 in the series, will be released October 21^st. This book features Colin’s sister, Ainslie, a special ed teacher obsessed with the Viking times who gets pulled back in time while trying to save her sister-in-law, Bree, from an abduction by her ex, which an evil Fae possesses. Landing in the twelfth century, Viking times, Ainslie enlists the help of her ancestor’s lead warrior, Rannick, to rescue her sister-in-law.

The first Christmas companion book, Thistle in the Mistletoe, will be released November 4^th. It features a favored couple from the eighteenth century, Mary and Roderick, whom we met in Book 1, Stone of Love. The enemies-to-lovers holiday tale occurs before Colin and Bree travel back and tell Mary and Roderick’s courtship tale. While there’s no time travel, there is a little Fae magic.

Author Links: Linktree | GoodReads

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/17/it-started-with-happily-ever-after/