The Adversary by Thea Harrison (Spotlight and review)

 

The Adversary

The Chronicles of Rhyacia

 

ADULT title

by

Thea Harrison

 

 

From NYT bestselling author Thea Harrison comes the explosive conclusion to The Unseen!


Blurb:

When Dragos and Pia move to the Other land of Rhyacia, they hope starting a new life will bring safety and freedom to their family, especially their young baby, Niall. And at first their new home seems perfect… but looks are deceiving.



Beneath Rhyacia’s idyllic façade an ancient, malevolent force lurks, waiting for the right opportunity to break free of its cage. When that opportunity comes, it strikes with devastating accuracy.



While Dragos has never backed down from a fight, he’s also never encountered an enemy like this one before. How can he fight a foe who doesn’t have a body? A foe who can invade and turn his own mind against him?



How can Dragos protect his family, when at any moment one of them may become the enemy?



As Dragos and Pia race against time to fight this unseen menace, they must also acknowledge a terrifying truth—when anyone can become the enemy, no one can be trusted.



An adversary who can trap the dragon poses a threat to everyone in Rhyacia, and that means no one is safe…



***This book does NOT end on a cliffhanger***
 

 

 

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My review:

 

4.25 out of 5 stars

 

 

The Adversary by Thea Harrison is the second book in ‘Chronicles of Rhyacia’ series that features the Other land that Dragos and Pia and their associates are colonizing. The story begins immediately after the events in “The Unseen” as the desperate struggle to evict the being that has taken over Dragos’s body continues.

 

This story underscores the ruthlessness of the Wyr, and the cunning and intelligence that accompanies their athleticism and arcane powers. The heartbreaking elements shake their world to its foundation, and I suspect the repercussions will be ongoing, despite the temporary bandage that’s been applied.

 

Great cameos by multiple beings who have populated the various series in this universe. Not only did this story prompt me to go back and reread the prequel, “The Unseen,” but I am tempted to renew my acquaintance with many of the other stories set in this well-built universe. As always, the characters are both charismatic and memorable, and have unexpected depths and facets that continue to intrigue. I definitely hope that there are still many stories to come featuring some of my favorite characters of all time.

 

 

A copy was provided for review

 

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 Previous book in the series:

 

My review:

4.25 stars

 

 

The Unseen by Thea Harrison is the first in the quartet of novellas (edit: this is now a 2-book series) that continues the saga of Dragos and Pia and their growing family. It starts after the events depicted in “Planet Dragos” as Dragos and Pia relocate their home base to the Other land Dragos has named Rhyacia. All of the challenges of establishing an eco-friendly existence with none of the anticipated peace and quiet, as feverish construction efforts run into quite a few snags…some of which reveal significant peril.

 

This delightful addition to the Elder Races stories highlights what I enjoy most about these paranormal romance tales—deliciously fantastical characters, snarky dialogue, romance, danger, and great world-building. Pay attention to the warnings…this DOES end in a cliffhanger. Of course, it made me realize I had missed a story in Pia and Dragos’ life before this, and reminded me how much I loved the little novellas that popped up with new characters, particularly “Natural Evil,” which is one of my favorites. The wonderful cameos by most of the significant cast in the ‘Elder Races’ series was a delightful surprise.

 

Pia has definitely developed a feisty personality and this story reflects the adage, “that which does not kill us makes us stronger.” Her new baby, Niall, is definitely keeping everyone busy, and the rescue of a dog provides great comic relief as Dragos comes to terms with adding a “rejected snack” to his dependents. The eerie events that lead to the breathtaking climax are vividly depicted, and, impatient person that I am, made me search for and reread several of the connecting novellas while I strive to patiently await the next episode in the adventures of the Cuelebre family. Those new to these stories should definitely read some of the preceding stories in order to better appreciate the nuances and those who are fans already will enjoy re-immersing themselves in this wonderfully creative universe.

 

 

A copy of this story was provided for review

 

 

 

American Witch by Thea Harrison (spotlight and review) ADULT title

American Witch

by

Thea Harrison

ADULT title

Power can change a person…

For months Molly Sullivan endures the inexplicable: electrical surges, car breakdowns, visions. She even wonders if she might be the cause… and wonders if she might be crazy. Then she discovers her husband has cheated on her. Again. Now Molly realizes she is a newly awakening witch and a woman pushed over the edge.

Revenge can shape a person…

Josiah Mason is a Powerful witch and the leader of a secret coven with a shared goal: to destroy an ancient enemy who has ruined many lives. Josiah lost years to this man, and his sole focus is revenge. He’s prepared for every contingency—except encountering a beautiful new witch who understands nothing of the immense Power building within her or the attraction she wields over him.

Danger can bring them together…

When divorcing her husband, Molly uncovers a dangerous secret he’s willing to kill to protect. She turns to Josiah for help, and they discover a connection between Molly’s husband and Josiah’s enemy.

As they work together, a spark ignites between them that threatens to become an inferno. But Molly is done compromising herself for any man, and Josiah’s mission is his top priority. And the enemy is cunning, cruel, and drawing ever closer.

As the danger escalates, so does the tension between them. Is a lasting relationship possible? Will either of them live long enough to try?






 
Buy links:

Amazon link
Apple Books
Barnes & Noble
Google Play
Kobo




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My review:

3.75 stars

American Witch by Thea Harrison is the introductory volume in this new trilogy and features newly minted witch, Molly Sullivan, whose powers start manifesting as her personal life is imploding. Josiah Mason, Atlanta DA, has been single-minded in his quest for vengeance and has gathered a coven to help him achieve his goals. Interacting with the nascent witch threatens to change his focus, but is she an opportunity to capitalize on or will she teach him that there is more to life than pursuing someone’s death?

This paranormal romance sets the stage for a new series within the broader world that the Elder Races share with humans. It has the author’s trademark feisty characters and intensely emotional situations, but it isn’t quite as enthralling to me as some of the other stories. Although it is easy to sympathize with the main characters and the horrendous experiences they have overcome, their hot-and-cold interactions are a little forced, especially because Josiah is such an overbearing and opinionated male at first. I love that Molly’s experiences leave her bowed but unbroken and that she finds a way to remain true to herself. Those with triggers should be warned that there are a couple of difficult scenes and a bit of violence throughout the story.

There are multiple levels of relationships that are explored, and I struggled with a couple of developments, especially those that involved betrayal, but I enjoyed seeing Molly grow both emotionally and in her powers. The revelation of the target for Josiah’s wrath was an intriguing twist that I am looking forward to learning more about, and as always, there are delicious word portraits that enrich this world. There hasn’t been a lot of focus on humans with magical powers and I was delighted to discover a new offshoot to the complex world peopled by the Elder Races. Understandably, it is more ponderous to establish the parameters in the first book in a series and I have no doubt that the series will continue to grow on me as it continues. The dangling threads include several secondary characters who I hope get time in the spotlight, and I look forward to learning more about the powers that these folks can manifest.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review

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Amid the Winter Snow: A Holiday Anthology by Thea Harrison, Grace Draven, Elizabeth Hunter, and Jeffe Kennedy (spotlight and partial review)

Amid the Winter Snow: A Holiday Anthology

by

Thea Harrison, Grace Draven, Elizabeth Hunter, and Jeffe Kennedy

Blurb:

As the snows fall and hearths burn, four stories of Midwinter beginnings prove that love can fight its way through the chillest night…

THE DARKEST MIDNIGHT, by Grace Draven
The mark Jahna Ulfrida was born with has made her a target of the cruel and idle all her life. During the long, crowded festivities of Deyalda, there’s nowhere to escape. Until a handsome stranger promises to teach her to save herself…

THE CHOSEN, by Thea Harrison
In her visions, Lily sees two men fighting for her tiny country’s allegiance: the wolf and the tiger, each deadly, each cunning. One will bring Ys chaos and death, one a gentler path—but she’s destined to love whichever she chooses. The midwinter Masque is upon them, and the wolf is at her door…

THE STORM, by Elizabeth Hunter
When her soul mate died in a massacre of the half-angelic Irin people, Renata thought she’d never feel happiness again. She’s retreated to the snowy Dolomites to remember her hurts—until determined, irrepressible Maxim arrives to insist on joy, too. And before she can throw him out, they discover a secret the Irin have to know…

THE SNOWS OF WINDROVEN, by Jeffe Kennedy
As a blizzard threatens their mountain keep, the new Queen Amelia of the Twelve Kingdoms and her unofficial consort Ash face their own storm. Ash knows a scarred, jumpy ex-convict isn’t the companion his queen needs. But when a surprise attack confines them together in their isolated sanctuary, the feast of midwinter might tempt even Ash into childlike hope…

There is a special preorder price right now (please check prices before ordering)

Amazon link



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My review:

Thus far, I have only read two of the four stories, but I enjoyed them both!

4.5 out of 5 stars

The Chosen by Thea Harrison is a fantasy novella featuring the Chosen of Camael, goddess of the Hearth, and the Wolf of Braugne, as they jockey with each other in a delicate dance that will affect the balance of power in the land of Ys. The Chosen has had multiple visions that show her choice between the two men vying for control is pivotal, now she has to figure out which is the monster...the Wolf she has met, or the Tiger who has only interacted with her through correspondence. The wrong choice could result in the death and destruction of all she holds dear.

I am always fascinated by the way this author integrates stories of vastly different beings into her well-built universe and balances familiar aspects with new situations. The goddess featured has been mentioned in other stories but I don’t remember reading about any of her devotees, so I was intrigued by her presence in this story.

Despite the unseasonably warm weather I was enjoying, I was tempted to shiver when immersed in the tale, especially given the treacherous journeys the main characters seemed determine to undertake. I love the twists and turns that provide texture and orient one with respect to the environs of other stories, even as the mystery of the Wolf’s true character is explored and the Chosen’s powers are gradually revealed. This story serves as an introduction to a power struggle that will undoubtedly provide fodder for other tales, and ends with a happy for now resolution that whets one’s appetite for further adventures featuring these charismatic folks.

4.25 out of 5 stars

In the Darkest Midnight by Grace Draven follows Jahna Ulfrida, whose birthmark has shaped her personality and made her the target of unkind assailants. When her brother’s renowned fighting instructor, Radimar Velus, becomes part of their household, she begins to absorb lessons that will change her life and shape her future.

This fantasy novella gives insight into the machinations of the upper echelons of a society that values social status and fighting prowess. I was entertained by the story but am unfamiliar with the lands that are briefly described and would have liked to know more about the bigger picture since tantalizing glimpses were provided through the stories Jahna recorded or the information relayed by others. This is a new author for me, so I don’t know whether this story connects to an established series or if groundwork is being laid, but it would be nice to have more background. I enjoyed getting to know these main characters in a story that is reminiscent of a historical romance but it would be nice to get a closer look at the fantasy elements that are evidently part of this world. I definitely will be on the lookout for other works by this author and hope to see other stories featuring these characters.

I was provided a copy of this anthology for review

Moonshadow by Thea Harrison (review) ADULT title

Moonshadow
by Thea Harrison

ADULT title

Blurb: 

From bestselling author Thea Harrison comes the first in an explosive new trilogy set in the Elder Races world….

Her past is a blank, her future uncertain….

Recovering from a shooting, LAPD witch consultant Sophie Ross leaves her job and travels to the U.K. to search for answers about her childhood. When she encounters a Daoine Sidhe knight of the Dark Court, she becomes entangled in an ancient hatred between two arcane forces.

He has given his body and soul to fight for his people….

Barred from his homeland along with his surviving brother knights, Nikolas Sevigny is embroiled in a conflict that threatens everything he holds dear. Only by uniting his people’s resources can they hope to prevail against Isabeau, the deadly Queen of the Light Court. He will do anything and use anyone to return home to Lyonesse.

When Nikolas encounters Sophie, he sees a tool to be used. The insouciant witch might be the key to unlocking every passageway that has been barred to the knights of the Dark Court, even as a fascination for her takes root in what’s left of his soul.

Sophie has no intention of becoming anyone’s pawn, yet the fierce Nikolas is so compelling, she can’t deny the temptation that endangers her guarded heart.

As magic threatens Lyonesse, Queen Isabeau unleashes her merciless Hounds, and Nikolas and Sophie become embroiled in a race for survival. Meanwhile, the passion that ignites between them burns too hot to be denied and quickly turns into obsession.

Thank goodness they both know better than to fall in love…


Amazon link


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My review:

5 out of 5 stars!

Moonshadow by Thea Harrison is the first book in her new series of the same name. It is set in the Elder Races universe but the action in this book is primarily in the U.K., where witch Sophie Ross has gone to attempt to win the biggest prize in her life while she regroups after a tragedy that has wounded her body and soul. Becoming ensnared in the Dark Court’s struggle for survival was never her intention, but between the odd stray she finds and the mesmerizing but immensely irritating Nikolas Sevigny, she can’t help but become invested in their lives. The question is whether she will wind up forfeiting her own.

This paranormal romance embodies the elements I find so fascinating about this genre, fantastical events with people who have extraordinary powers, engaged in a life that…almost…seems like it could be true, while finding that amazing person who completes them. I love this author’s works because her characters are so realistic, snarky and arrogant and charismatic, with quirks and failings that I can relate to. The seesaw between the main characters as she becomes more and more frustrated with his didactic pronouncements was very relevant and I was VERY entertained to read about using gifs to deliver one’s message. The intriguing facets of Puck as well as the hints about Morgan were wonderful elements to the story and I found myself rereading certain passages over and over again, becoming caught up in the drama every single time. I love this introduction to a new compelling series and I am very anxious to read more about these fascinating folks.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review (happy dance), a version of which was submitted to Night Owl Reviews 

I'm a very big Thea Harrison fan and have adored her Elder Races series ever since meeting Dragos and Pia in Dragon Bound. I think it's the combination of tradition-bound hardheaded dominant and protective male plus crafty yet determined female who manages to not only stand against him but makes him learn there's another point of view (even if it takes the application of blunt force, lol) that appeals to me. This is another such couple that I hope to see much more of!

Falling Light by Thea Harrison review (and Happy Birthday to my best friend!)

                                         


Falling Light by Thea Harrison is part of the ‘Game of Shadows’ series and is the exciting sequel to Rising Darkness. Michael has finally reunited with Mary after waiting centuries for her to be reborn in a form who can remember their bond and access her powers. Their struggle against the Deceiver continues as they try to join forces with the remaining being who accompanied them and guides their fight, the elderly Astra who has been known by so many names since she came from another world to defend humanity. Mary is appalled by the violence surrounding them and sorely conflicted by the need to act contrary to her instincts as a healer. The three of them have fought for so long against their ruthless enemy and are reaching the end of their strength but they have made their own allies to help them combat the many minions of evil who attack them and those they care for. The question is whether it will be enough.

This rousing paranormal story combines a life and death struggle between good and evil with wonderfully creative elements that give a nice twist to the story. The poignant tragedies that accompany the fight against the inimical forces continue but it was wonderful to watch Mary recover some of her equilibrium and grow into her powers and touching to see how her bond with Michael continued to deepen as their shared memories continue to surface. It was interesting to see the typical adjustment in male versus female reactions to events which were somewhat complicated by their powers and their alien background. I was particularly intrigued by the contributions of Lake Michigan even as I cringed at some of the continued developments surrounding the charismatic Nicholas’ family. I was a little startled to realize that this was the conclusion to the series but enjoyed some of the revelations and I hope that there will be a way to visit this world again sometime.
 © Night Owl Reviews

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.



 

First in the series is Rising Darkness
 
My Night Owl Review of this title is at this link.


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And...a very Happy Birthday (feliz cumpleaños a ti) to the poor woman who has known me since high school and is still willing to admit it!
de la velas las luces
ellos quieren decir
que tu tengas mi amiga
cumpleaños feliz
y...muchos mas
 

Dragos Takes a Holiday (review), contests, freebies and other items of interest

                                            


“Dragos Takes a Holiday” by Thea Harrison is an ADULT paranormal romance novella that continues the story of Dragos Cuelebre and his family.  A little finagling has the welcome result of Dragos taking his family with him for a much-needed retreat.  His mate Pia's judicious display of books on treasure hunting gives incentive for searching the waters around the Bermuda triangle for a particular sunken ship, much to the dismay of treasure hunters who have decided to claim the spoils themselves.  Dragos’ offspring, affectionately known as Peanut, continues to grow rapidly both physically and magically, but he is little match for the determined predators he runs afoul of.  Fortunately, Dragos has not lost any of his protective instincts nor his propensity for ensuring that the world runs according to his personal dictates.




This fun glimpse of one the leading Elder races family gives a touching picture of the way the dynamics have changed now that Dragos and Pia are parents, yet the flame of attraction still burns hotly between them.  The delightful anomalies involved with their respective powers add to the allure of this tale which is an entertaining quick read. I suspect that those who are new to the series might be a bit confused as there is not much exposition on the various characters and their respective backgrounds yet there is plenty of magical action to enthrall and enough spice to keep the reader warm on a cold winter’s night.  I loved the juxtaposition between Dragos' role as the doting papa and the ruthless leader of his people and look forward to many more tales of this fascinating family.

© Night Owl Reviews
I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.

Dragos Takes A Holiday (Amazon link)

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If you need a laugh during all of the hectic events of this season, take some time to watch the video at this link.  (and think about those 'alpha' definitions)


 The talented Lily Harlem has an ADULT title available for free on Amazon for a limited time.




Hired: 1 (Hot Ice)



Night Owl Reviews has the Winter Wonderland scavenger hunt at this link and other contests at this link

Romance Books 4 Us has a Dancing Santa contest at this link

Fresh Fiction has tons of contests at this link

The Thankfully Naughty bloghop has a stop at Tara Lain's blog at this link

Christmas Paws bloghop at this link

Always Faithful (a request and a reminder about a contest)

Always Faithful        


by Julie Miller is a romantic suspense tale that features Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Ramsey who is engaged in a terrible struggle with a man known only as the Chameleon.  Their disappearance results in a mystery that still has not been solved five years later, an ongoing source of pain for Ramsey's wife, Emma, who has never given up hope that her husband will somehow return home.  Their daughter has found a sometimes disturbing coping mechanism in that she seems to have a companion named Faith who guides her through the turmoil of everyday life.  The simple trust of a child contrasted with the complex decisions that her mother must make when her heart and her mind are in opposition add a lovely poignancy to the tale.  The story is occasionally a bit predictable but still a very entertaining read and I would definitely be interested in reading more about the very capable women who have bonded and formed a very successful company.  My Amazon review is at this link.


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Randi Alexander has written a spicy short story that she wants to share with her readers.  She would like to get it offered for free on Amazon but somehow they are dragging their feet.  It would be great if interested readers would do the following:

1. Go to the book (A Gentleman and a Cowboy):  http://amzn.to/11H8MGB

 

2. Scroll down to Product Details, there’s a line “Would you like to give feedback on images or tell us about a lower price?” Click on ‘tell us about a lower price’

3. Choose Website

Enter this URL in the box:   https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/299739

Price ($): 0

Shipping cost ($): 0

4. Then click Submit feedback.

Thank you so much! If you know anyone else who would be willing to do this for me, please pass on this message.

Don't forget there are several contests going on, including the one at The Romance Reviews which is celebrating their anniversary. You can find it at this link and while you are there, perhaps you will join in and vote for their 'best books of 2012'.  I didn't vote in every category but I was delighted to vote for Laura Griffin in the Action-Adventure/Romantic suspense category and Lisa Renee Jones in the Erotic Romance Action-Adventure/Romantic suspense category as well as Thea Harrison and Jennifer Estep.  I refrained from voting in the categories where I was unfamiliar with the authors and I regret that I didn't notice when the nominations were open because several of my favorite titles didn't even make it to voting.  Please vote at this link.

Lord's Fall

Lord's Fall   

by Thea Harrison is a wonderful addition to a fantastic series.  I devour these titles whenever I find a new one, no matter what else is due on my plate, these books get moved up to the top of the TBR stack.  (and yes, I have several TBR stacks with various degrees of priority--those for Night Owl Reviews, those sent directly from publishers and authors, and those from the library)  Thea Harrison's books tend to bypass any others because I love the combination of romance and imagination in her tales.  I am an unashamed animal lover and her ability to transfer certain instinctual animal behavior into a human paradigm and tell a great story always entertains me.  Some of my favorite quotes have been from her books...including this one from Devil's Gate

  “I don’t want you to curb yourself, deny yourself, cover up your face or head or any part of your body.  I don’t want you to lose or gain weight, or watch what you say, or deny how you feel, or try to be anything but who you are, because who you are is the most beautiful person in the world to me’.

Thea Harrison, “Devil’s Gate” 2012

Sigh...who could resist a declaration like that?  And isn't that what we all want?  Someone who loves us just the way we are?

I love the characters in this story, they were introduced in Dragon Bound and I was so impressed by the way the author epitomized the stereotypical dragon (covetous, hoarding, arrogant, top of the food chain) in an alpha male that was swoon-worthy yet found a match for him who was deceptively mild, self-effacing and cunning.  It just tickled me that a single unassuming penny could be the cause of such upheaval and I enjoyed the repartee between the characters.  This book allowed us to see them a little further along in their relationship even as it shows many of the other factors in their respective lives.  My Amazon review for Lord's Fall is at this link.  All of the stories in the 'Elder Race' series have been extremely entertaining to me and it is my hope that there will be many more to delight this talented author's fans.  Ms Harrison deservedly won a RITA at the RWA in 2012 and I highly recommend both the novels and the interspersed novellas to paranormal fans who love romance and intrigue.  These books are ones for my keepers shelf, I only hope that the novellas will be released in a single volume one of these days since I am definitely an old-fashioned person who loves her books in print!

The novels:
     

The novellas:
     
I had the pleasure of reviewing many of these titles for Night Owl Reviews at this link and I was delighted to meet the awesomely talented author herself at RWA this past summer.

RWA here I come!

I am so very tickled to be going to the RWA (Romance Writers of America) conference in Anaheim this week.  My very favorite historical romance writer, Stephanie Laurens, is the keynote speaker and I am thrilled that she has come all of the way from Australia to our side of the continent!  I have been reading her works since I first discovered the Cynster family and have enjoyed the various Bastion Club, Black Cobra titles as well as the many anthologies she has contributed to (yes, her books take up a couple of shelves on my bookshelf).  I am also delighted and hope to glimpse from afar some of my other favorites including Jayne Anne Krentz/Jayne Castle/Amanda Quick, Nora Roberts (I figure I'll know where she is because of the hordes of people around her) and Suzanne Brockmann.  I am amazed to have been reading works from all of these lovely ladies since most of them wrote in the series romance categories and I fell in love with their styles then.
 
   

I am ecstatic to realize that I may also get a chance to meet some of my newer favorite authors such as Maya Banks, Sylvia Day, Nalini Singh, Jennifer Estep, Thea Harrison, Jaci Burton, Cheryl Brooks, Tamara Hogan, Lauren Dane, Karen Erickson, Lori Handeland, Elisabeth Naughton, Brenda Novak, and Terry Spear to name just a few.  Just looking at the map of the room makes me tired so who knows if I will get the opportunity to make it all the way around to meeting all of them.
                 


I am looking forward to attending the "Christmas" party that Sabrina Jeffries is giving for her fans and I have had the very wonderful experience of being invited to the Kensington reception so it will be a fantastic week!


Then there will the wonderful and whirlwind experience of seeing Kim (that dynamo from the SOS Aloha blog) and her young men.  It is always breathless hanging with Kim since she seems to know practically everyone and she just brightens the room whenever she appears!  So....I will be a little quiet for the rest of the week but I will be definitely immersed in the world of BOOKS!