Release Day Review: Veiled Enchantments by Deborah Blake

Veiled Enchantments by Deborah Blake

Veiled Magic #3

Still reeling from her unwitting involvement in murder and subsequent break up with a half-Dragon art forger, Witch-cop Donata Santori is grateful for the distraction when her ex-lover requests her help. Not only are Magnus's beloved dead suddenly haunting the Ulfhednar shapechangers in his tiny rural hometown in Maine, their patron god Odin has turned his back on them, and the members of their once tight-knit enclave are at each other's throats. Literally.

Magnus is relying on Donata's experience in dealing with the gods, along with her magical ability to summon the dead, to help him unravel this mystery in time to save his clan. Donata only hopes to survive the ordeal so she can return home to the city and her quiet job at the precinct.

But first, she must discover who or what is behind the terrible attacks on the Ulfhednar. And the clock is ticking, in more ways than one...

This series truly gets better with each book. I feel like I've really settled into the world and the characters this time around. I love Donata's character. She's come an incredibly long way from the witch we first met in book one. She's fierce and determined to do the right thing always, even when it could cost her greatly and I love her for it. She has to step up yet again in this book, and despite some pretty big opposition, she never once wavers. It made for an entertaining read to say the least.

In the previous books in the series, one of my biggest frustrations was with the romance. Over all they just weren't working for me, but I'm happy to say that the romance woes are in the rearview mirror now. Things settled greatly in VEILED ENCHANTMENTS and there wasn't any of that previous wishy washy stuff from before. That's not to say everything is sappy and perfect in Donata's love life, quite the opposite actually. It just felt more settled and building towards something rather than the tennis match back and forth of the previous books. Romance lovers should appreciate this new direction.

All in all, VEILED ENCHANTMENTS was an enjoyable installment in a series that I hope will have many more releases to come. I love Donata and the gang, and can't wait to see where things lead next.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     Tome Tender

Previous Books:
     1. Veiled Magic
     2. Veiled Menace

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Review: Dangerously Divine by Deborah Blake

Dangerously Divine by Deborah Blake

Broken Riders #2

The Riders: Three immortal brothers who kept the Baba Yagas safe, now stripped of their summons to protect. But fate is not finished with them—and their new callings are even more powerful...

Though his physical wounds have healed, Gregori Sun, the eldest of the Riders, remains in spiritual turmoil. His search for his mother, the one person able to heal his soul and save his life, is failing—until he crosses paths with a beautiful and fascinating librarian who might be the key to his salvation...

Ciera Evans’s bookish ways are just a guise. The product of a difficult past, she has dedicated her life to saving lost teens—by any means necessary. She works alone, but when a dark, brooding stranger proposes they team up to solve both their problems, she is tempted—in more ways than one...

After Ciera and Sun’s plans are derailed by dangerous enemies, they find themselves entangled in an ungodly affair—one that will force them to either find new strength together or be forever haunted by their pasts alone.

DANGEROUSLY DIVINE was a very enjoyable and sweet story. While there was some spice, this one definitely ranked on the sweeter side of the scale. There was just something about Gregori's zen that wouldn't allow it to step into over-sexy drive. And while I enjoy a good smexy story just as much as the next gal, I found this one to be a refreshing change of pace. There was just something so enjoyable about seeing these two broken yet so strong people come together. I think the biggest thing I enjoy about this spin off series is the overall theme of healing. There's just something so satisfying about seeing both the hero and the heroine overcome such terrible but different paths. They are exactly the feel good reads I need!

Not only did this book feature all the character healing and feel good parts, but it also expanded the world behind both series a great deal. There was significant and interesting progression in the Rider's backstory that added a whole new depth to the series. That in itself is very impressive, the ability to add such depth into a world despite being so many books in. Very impressive.

All in all this was a very enjoyable installment in the Broken Riders series that only served to enrich this fascinating world even more. Fans of the series should be very pleased with Gregori's installment.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     Tome Tender
     Mixed Book Bag
     Open Book Society

Previous Books:
     1. Dangerously Charming

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Review: Wickedly Spirited by Deborah Blake

Wickedly Spirited by Deborah Blake

Baba Yaga #3.5

Jazz, the powerfully magical teen first introduced in Wickedly Powerful, is now being trained as a Baba Yaga—and she’s determined to free the Broken Riders herself.

Jazz had a rough life before meeting her guardian, and she knows she’s lucky that Bella is training her to be a Baba Yaga. But the gifted young witch is frustrated by the slow pace of her lessons. Jazz knows she’s capable of even greater magic, and she wants nothing more than to find a spell that will give the Riders back the immortality they lost.

With the reluctant assistance of Bella’s dragon-turned-cat Koshka, Jazz travels to the Otherworld to get the necessary ingredients to perform the spell. A willful young witch, dangerous magic, and one powerful wish—what could possibly go wrong?

WICKEDLY SPIRITED was a very short, but super fun novella that I really enjoyed. If you are a fan of both the Baba and the Riders series, this novella feels like a fun little bridge between the two series. Jazz is front in center this one as well as Koshka, and while their intentions are honorable the two probably shouldn't have been left unsupervised together due to the shenanigans they get up to. It was a really enjoyable read and I won't spoil things but the outcome felt very much of a set up for Jazz taking a MUCH bigger role in things, and I can't wait to see how it turns out. 

All in all if you are a fan of these two series, this novella is a great edition that you won't want to miss. 

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     Harlequin Junkie
     Delighted Reader
     Tome Tender

Previous Books:
     1. Wickedly Dangerous
     2. Wickedly Wonderful
     1.5. Wickedly Ever After
     3. Wickedly Powerful
    

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Review: Veiled Menace by Deborah Blake

Veiled Menance by Deborah Blake

Veiled Magic #2

Since Witches came out of the broom-closet in the early 21st century, they have worked alongside humans as police officers, healers, stock traders, and more. But they aren’t the only paranormal entities in our world...

Witch and police officer Donata Santori is no stranger to magical mayhem, but lately her life has been unexpectedly charmed. Her job as a Ghost Yanker now includes the occasional paranormal investigation, and she’s advancing her magical abilities with the help of an ancestor’s treasured spell book. And while both of her former love interests—reclusive half-Dragon art forger Peter Casaventi and disgraced Shapechanger Magnus Torvald—are nowhere to be found, she’s not averse to being wined and dined by wealthy businessman Anton Eastman.

But Eastman isn’t what he seems, and what he wants from Donata is far more than she’s willing to give. When a mysterious relic, the Pentacle Pentimento, resurfaces, along with Peter’s Dragon father and a shocking Santori family secret, Donata must fight to save herself, her friends, and just maybe the fate of the world from a magic as old as it is dangerous…

VEILED MENACE was an enjoyable followup to the first book in the series. I admit I had a little bit of a struggle at first to remember what happened in the previous book, but the author did a good job at easing readers back into this world. I really enjoy how rich the entire world is and how the author masterfully crafts her reveals with all the twists and turns in-between. The characters, Donata in particular, are utterly fabulous as well.

I have to admit that the romance in this series is one place where things just aren't quite up to par. At least not in comparison to Deborah's Baba Yaga series. There's just something about the romance arcs in this one that aren't working for me. First off there's two potential love interests, which in itself isn't the problem as I don't mind a love triangle when it's handled well. It's that there's too much back and forth of will they or won't they. Too many misconceptions and misunderstandings. And then when the tide seemed to fully turn to one of the men, immediately after a ridiculous fight happens and things are back to will they won't they status. I guess it was just too much of a tennis match for this romance lover's heart.

All in all this was an enjoyable installment in a series that I hope to see plenty more books from. I feel like we've only scratched the surface, and I want to see more. 

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     Urban Fantasy Investigations
     Delighted Reader

Previous Books:
     1. Veiled Magic

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Early Review: Dangerously Charming by Deborah Blake

Dangerously Charming by Deborah Blake

Broken Riders #1

From the author of the Baba Yaga novels, a brand new series set in the same “addicting”* world, filled with wild magic, enchanting damsels, and the irresistibly daring men who serve the Baba Yagas...

The Riders are three immortal brothers who protect the mythical Baba Yagas. But their time serving the witches has ended—and their new destinies are just beginning...

Ever since a near-fatal mistake stripped Mikhail Day and his brothers of their calling to be Riders, Day has hidden from his shame and his new, mortal life in a remote cabin in the Adirondack mountains. But when a desperate young woman appears on his doorstep, he cannot resist helping her—and cannot deny how strongly he’s drawn to her...

For generations, women in Jenna Quinlan’s family have been cursed to give up their first born child to the vengeful fairy Zilya. When Jenna finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, she is determined to break her family’s curse and keep her baby, even if it means teaming up with a mysterious and charismatic man with demons of his own...

To unravel the curse, Jenna and Day will have to travel deep into the Otherworld. But the biggest challenge of the journey might not be solving an ancient puzzle but learning to heal their own broken hearts...

I greatly enjoyed Deborah Blake's Baba Yaga series, so when I heard she was writing a spin off series about the Riders I was incredibly excited. After the game changing events from the Baba series, I couldn't wait to see how things turned out for the riders. They were dealt one heck of a massive blow and their lives were turned upside down, so I knew their story would be one heck of a ride. And boy was I right. The riders, or at least or at least Day's story so far more than delivered. 

Day is incredibly wounded, damaged, gruff, and more than a little gun shy about women, and yet despite him not wanting too, more than a little of his weakness to damsels in distress has lingered over. It's funny, when Jenna was dropped into his lap, she was the absolute last thing he wanted. And yet, she wound up being exactly what he needed to start to turn the tide for him. Jenna comes with her own issues and baggage, but her determination and fire really drew me to her character and I felt she couldn't be any more perfect for Day. Oh of course, it's not instantly better and their ride and obstacles together are more than a little bumpy, but the journey between the two of them was more than enjoyable. 

Perfect for fans of the Baba Yaga series who are looking to see the much loved Riders get their own stories, DANGEROUSLY CHARMING is a great afternoon read, guaranteed to leave a smile on your face. 

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Review: Veiled Magic by Deborah Blake

Veiled Magic by Deborah Blake

Since Witches came out of the broom-closet in the early 21st century, they have worked alongside humans as police officers, healers, stock traders, and more. But they aren’t the only paranormal entities in our world…

Police officer and Witch Donata Santori spends her days interrogating dead witnesses by summoning their spectral forms. Normally the job is little more than taking statements and filing reports. But when she’s called in on the case of a murdered art restorer, she finds herself suddenly in possession of a mystical portrait that both the human and paranormal communities would kill to get their hands on.

Unable to take on the forces hunting her alone, Donata seeks help from two unlikely and attractive allies: a reluctant shape-changer and a half-dragon art forger. But as the three of them hurry to uncover the truth about the powerful painting, Donata realizes that she’s caught in the middle of not one but two wars—one for possession of the painting’s secrets and one for possession of her heart…

VEILED MAGIC was an interesting start to what I hope will be a new series. The premise was very intriguing and while the plot moved along a bit slowly, that's to be expected at the introduction to a new paranormal world due to all the world building. And let me say that it was a very interesting world. There's a plethora of various supernatural characters, factions, and magical angles and when you add that into the rather unique plot, I was pretty hooked and intrigued from the start. I found it particularly interesting how only some of the supernaturals were public knowledge, yet everyone else was still in hiding. And it's not a recent "outting" either. So it was entertaining if not slightly baffling that the rest of the secrets were so well kept.

Not only the main character, Donata, but the entire cast of supporting characters were full of depth as well, or at least at the beginning. Unfortunately while I was impressed early on with the characters, they didn't seem to progress much further in development past where they started. I would have hoped for more growth especially if this isn't a series starter but a stand alone. As far as the romance, I do wish it had of been ramped up just a bit rather than being overly toned down as it was, especially when you consider it seems to almost be a triangle. But again if this is to be a series, that makes a bit more sense. Both men have their merits, but I think by the end there was a clear path/choice for Donata.

Overall this was a decent start to hopefully a new series. There's just so much room for growth and potential that it would be a shame to end it with just this book. So here's to hoping it continues.
 
(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     Paranormal Haven
     La Crimson Femme
     Urban Fantasy Investigations

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Review: Wickedly Powerful by Deborah Blake

Wickedly Powerful by Deborah Blake

Baba Yaga #3

Known as the wicked witch of Russian fairy tales, Baba Yaga is not one woman, but rather a title carried by a chosen few. They keep the balance of nature and guard the borders of our world, but don’t make the mistake of crossing one of them…

The only thing more fiery than Bella Young’s red hair is her temper. She knows that a Baba Yaga’s power without strict control can leave the people she cares about burned, so to protect her heart—and everyone around her—the only company she keeps is her dragon-turned-Norwegian-Forest-cat, Koshka.

But when Bella is tasked with discovering who’s setting magical fires throughout Wyoming’s Black Hills, she finds herself working closely with former hotshots firefighter Sam Corbett—and falling hard for his quiet strength and charm.

Sam may bear the scars of his past, but Bella can see beyond them and would do anything to help him heal. Only before she can rescue her Prince Charming, she’ll have to overcome the mysterious foe setting the forest fires—a truly wicked witch who wields as much power and even more anger than Bella…

I really enjoyed Bella's character in this book, and how she was very different than her other two Baba sisters. In fact that's one of the things I appreciate the most about this series. Each Baba has their own very unique voice and personality despite all their similarities. In Bella's case, she's more middle of the road between the two others. She's not as aggressive as Barbara, and not as easy going as Beka. I found her to be a good balance to the other two. That of course doesn't mean she doesn't have her own baggage. Far from it. In fact I think she had more baggage than the other two and that's saying something. However, that baggage made for an interesting character development as she learned to trust herself again. In fact, the theme of this book seemed to be emotional/scarred pasts and baggage. And while that may sound like it would make the book gloomy, it did the exact opposite. It made the book a journey of healing for all involved, and I really enjoyed every moment of it. 

As far as the romance, unfortunately unlike each of the Babas being unique, I didn't find the main conflict between Bella and Sam to be so. Sure, when it boils down to it, Sam and Liam were very different, and Sam especially came with a scarred past like I mentioned. But the one thing that got me was that in both books the conflict that separates the pairs is the hero's need to follow the letter of the law rather than the spirit. Perhaps I shouldn't be quite so picky as the rest of the book was more than enjoyable. I just wanted a new "black moment" for the thing that drove them apart. 

Getting back to the good stuff, not only did I really enjoy Bella's character, but the plot had me hooked as well. The ladies have faced some nasty troubles in the past, but I have to say this one takes the cake. Not only did it make this book rather intense, but there are a lot of far reaching implications that will be kicking off the next part of the series featuring the Riders. So all in all, WICKEDLY POWERFUL is a very enjoyable installment, and I can't wait to see where this series goes next.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     Herding Cats Burning Soup
     Badass Book Reviews

Previous Books:
     1. Wickedly Dangerous
     2. Wickedly Wonderful
     1.5. Wickedly Ever After
   

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Early Review: Wickedly Ever After by Deborah Blake

Wickedly Wonderful by Deborah Blake

Baba Yaga #2.5

Known as the wicked witch of Russian fairy tales, Baba Yaga is not one woman, but rather a title carried by a chosen few. They keep the balance of nature and guard the borders of our world, but don’t make the mistake of crossing one…

Having triumphed over a powerful enemy and ended up with both a wonderful guy—Sheriff Liam McClellan—and an adorable adopted daughter to raise as a Baba Yaga, Barbara Yager is ready to welcome her happily ever after.

But first she must bring Liam to the Otherworld and get the Queen’s permission to marry him. The Queen, however, is not so easily persuaded. She gives them three impossible tasks to complete in two weeks’ time—and if they fail Barbara will have to watch Liam slowly age and die like all humans, and kiss her happily ever after good-bye forever.

This was a quick and fun read bringing the story back to Liam and Baba. I always love follow up novellas like this as they give glimpses into the couple's lives after the original happily ever after. There's just something so satisfying at seeing where characters you loved are now, and that really was the case here. I enjoyed seeing Liam, Baba, and little Babs interact and navigate their new lives as a family all the while juggling three impossible tasks from the Queen. Even better, the rest of the Baba Yagas play a role as well making this novella tie everything together even more.

Overall, a fun treat of a read in an enjoyable series that keeps me coming back for more.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     Cat Among the Pigeons

Previous Books:
     1. Wickedly Dangerous
     2. Wickedly Wonderful

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Early Review: Wickedly Wonderful by Deborah Blake

Wickedly Wonderful by Deborah Blake

Baba Yaga #2

Known as the wicked witch of Russian fairy tales, Baba Yaga is not one woman, but rather a title carried by a chosen few. They keep the balance of nature and guard the borders of our world, but don’t make the mistake of crossing one of them…

Though she looks like a typical California surfer girl, Beka Yancy is in fact a powerful yet inexperienced witch who’s struggling with her duties as a Baba Yaga. Luckily she has her faithful dragon-turned-dog for moral support, especially when faced with her biggest job yet…

A mysterious toxin is driving the Selkie and Mer from their homes deep in the trenches of Monterey Bay. To investigate, Beka buys her way onto the boat of Marcus Dermott, a battle-scarred former U.S. Marine, and his ailing fisherman father.

While diving for clues, Beka drives Marcus crazy with her flaky New Age ideas and dazzling blue eyes. She thinks he’s rigid and cranky (and way too attractive). Meanwhile, a charming Selkie prince has plans that include Beka. Only by trusting her powers can Beka save the underwater races, pick the right man, and choose the path she’ll follow for the rest of her life…

When it comes to paranormal romance, the most important thing by far in my book is the characters and their chemistry. And boy, let me tell you, Beka and Marcus had that in spades. I absolutely loved the antagonism between the two of them. Of course, it does help that enemies to lovers is my favorite trope, all that yummy tension really makes the book for me, and trust me these two had it. I absolutely loved seeing these two dance around each other and throw their barbs back and forth, all the while getting closer to one another. Trust me, it was perfect.

Moving along to the plot, it was pretty enjoyable as well. I like how these books mix mundane problems in with supernatural issues. I think it just makes things a bit more interesting to mix it up and raises the stakes a bit. Of course that the normal humans have no idea that their issue is also affecting the hidden supernaturals only makes it more interesting as some of their eyes get "opened." I also enjoyed how this plot set things up for the next book, making me really want to get my hands on it, and keeping me hooked.

This was another fun romp, and just the thing I needed. It's no secret that my first love is Urban Fantasy. I just love the recurring main characters and the fantasy/paranormal aspects. However, they can be a bit frustrating in the romance department as that takes several books. So books like WICKEDLY WONDERFUL serve as the perfect and fun palate cleanser for me, this one particularly so. I really enjoy the world Deborah Blake has set up, especially in that it's not the same old tried and true paranormal characters but a great mix and Baba Yagas that aren't old crones to boot! I really had a blast reading this book, and I think it's perfect for any paranormal romance fan who is looking to escape for a couple of hours.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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     1. Wickedly Dangerous

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Review: Wickedly Dangerous by Deborah Blake

Wickedly Dangerous by Deborah Blake

Baba Yaga #1

Known as the wicked witch of Russian fairy tales, Baba Yaga is not one woman, but rather a title carried by a chosen few. They keep the balance of nature and guard the borders of our world, but don’t make the mistake of crossing one of them…

Older than she looks and powerful beyond measure, Barbara Yager no longer has much in common with the mortal life she left behind long ago. Posing as an herbalist and researcher, she travels the country with her faithful (mostly) dragon-turned-dog in an enchanted Airstream, fulfilling her duties as a Baba Yaga and avoiding any possibility of human attachment.

But when she is summoned to find a missing child, Barbara suddenly finds herself caught up in a web of deceit and an unexpected attraction to the charming but frustrating Sheriff Liam McClellan.

Now, as Barbara fights both human enemies and Otherworld creatures to save the lives of three innocent children, she discovers that her most difficult battle may be with her own heart…

When I read the blurb for WICKEDLY DANGEROUS, I knew right away that I'd have to read this one. I mean come on, a story about Baba Yaga? And she's not an old hag? How awesome is that?!? Of course this means I went into the book with very high expectations, but I'm happy to report that those expectations were warranted. It's such a fun, sassy, and sexy book. I really enjoyed the blending of the worlds between the human realm and Otherworld, with Baba straddling both of them. It definitely made things more than a little interesting. 

Baba is such a fun character. She's definitely a fish out of water, and despite being pretty old (ages very slowly) she doesn't know anything about relationships or really how to deal with attraction and romance. So it was pretty amusing to see her stumbling all over herself for Liam, despite her hard act and exterior. It has that first love and new experiences feel to it, without seeming too young and naive. Liam is the perfect match for her as while he's a strong right side of the law kind of man, he has his priorities in order and didn't stubbornly hold onto the law. They are a bit of opposites so it was amusing at times to see them clash, but overall they really worked together for me. The romance in general left a smile on my face, and that's all I ask for. 

I will say that after finishing this one and reading the blurb for the next one, I was a bit bummed to see that things wouldn't be continuing on with this Baba, but onto another one. I just felt like there could have been so much more added onto this story. But regardless, I'm still eagerly anticipating the next story if this one is any indication of how much I'll enjoy it. So if you are looking for a fun and sexy paranormal story that's a different change of pace, WICKEDLY DANGEROUS is worth a look. Or two.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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     Badass Book Reviews
     Urban Fantasy Investigations
     The Reader Girls

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