Starla’s December 2021 Reviews

Calming His Wildfire (Spirit Hunters #2)
By Temperance Dawn

Book Links:

Genre: Paranormal romance
POV: 3rd person with alternating perspectives, past tense
Heat Gauge: 🔥 🔥 🔥 (3/5)

The Spirit Hunters series continues with Trey and Lexi’s story. Trey is part of Liam’s team of paranormal investigators, and he fell for Lexi when they first met in Book 1. Lexi feels drawn to Trey; unable to deny the chemistry they have but unwilling to lower her guard after her last disastrous relationship. When she takes a walk in the woods surrounding her workplace, she discovers a strange necklace and unwittingly brings the cursed pendant back with her. Weird things start to happen as a vengeful spirit makes its presence known. Lexi must learn to trust again, to let Trey get close if she has any hope of surviving the ordeal that follows.

This was an interesting story with some great characters, although I feel it could have used a little more editing. I do struggle with lots of word repetition, something this book suffers from. The ghostly encounters were not as spooky in this book as they were in the first, but they were still fascinating to read about. There were more bedroom scenes too, but they fit well with the characters, both of whom were more experienced in that department.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance with a paranormal twist.

Jessica’s King
(King Brother
Investigation Series, #1)

By Clarice Jayne

Book Links:

Genre: Romantic suspense, mystery
POV: 1st person alternating dual perspective, past tense
Heat Gauge: 🔥🔥 (2/5)

Jessica grew up in the English countryside, and she never wanted to leave. Enjoying the simple life, she set up her own café and moved into the flat upstairs. She knew she wanted to find love eventually, although she never expected to find it with the owner of King Brothers Investigation Services. After breaking it off with his cheating fiancé, Mason King left the city and settled into the quiet life. As quiet as it can get for a private investigator anyway. He thought he was done with love and romance, but when Jessica comes to him with a problem, he quickly rethinks his stance on the matter.

This was an interesting mystery and the romance that blossomed between the characters was sweet. The author focussed a little too much on the mundane, slowing the pace, so I needed to skim past some bits. I’m curious to see how the rest of the series turns out.

I recommend this book to lovers of mystery and sweet romance.

Hooked (Never After #1)
By Emily McIntire

Book Links:

Genre: Dark contemporary romance
Content Warnings: Violence, dark themes, coarse language
POV: 1st person alternating dual perspective, past tense
Heat Gauge: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (4/5)

This titillating tale takes the Peter Pan fairy tale and twists it into a dark, contemporary romance. It is not a retelling or an origin story, but a new take on the characters and motifs. Hook is cast as the broken anti-hero, a man who lost his parents and suffered abuse at the hands of Croc, his uncle. While seeking vengeance against Peter, the man who killed his parents, Hook meets the heroine of the story. Wendy is Peter’s beloved daughter, his little shadow. Consumed by lust, Hook changes his plans, deciding it will be more fun to use Wendy against Peter. Problem is, he never expected his criminal empire to crumble from within.

I could not put this book down! It is full of edge-of-your-seat action and page-turning intrigue. The characters are well-developed, and I loved seeing the relationship between Hook and Wendy grow. And the plot twists are so delicious. McIntire kept me guessing right to the end. I am keen to see what she does with the next book in this series.

I highly recommend this book to all lovers of dark romance.

Leave a Comment