DIAMOND FIRE (HIDDEN LEGACY #3.5)

Nevada Frida Baylor and Connor Ander Rogan cordially invite you to join their wedding celebration. Summoning, weather manipulation, and other magical activities strictly forbidden.

Catalina Baylor is looking forward to wearing her maid of honor dress and watching her older sister walk down the aisle. Then the wedding planner gets escorted off the premises, the bride’s priceless tiara disappears, and Rogan's extensive family overruns his mother’s home. Someone is cheating, someone is lying, and someone is plotting murder.

To make this wedding happen, Catalina will have to do the thing she fears most: use her magic. But she’s a Baylor and there’s nothing she wouldn't do for her sister's happiness. Nevada will have her fairy tale wedding, even if Catalina has to tear the mansion apart brick by brick to get it done.

Release Date: November 6, 2018

Avon Impulse

Hidden Legacy #3.5

Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Review copy provided by publisher/Edelweiss

Liza's Review:

Diamond Fire is a novella set in the Hidden Legacy world. I was super excited to get Nevada and Rogan's wedding story, and really enjoyed getting to learn more about Nevada's sister Catalina. I will say I wish we had gotten a little bit more from Nevada's point of view, but did love her sharing how she first met Rogan's mother at the start of the book.

Catalina and her sister Arabella are forced to become the wedding planners/coordinators when Nevada pretty much can't work with anyone else. When a Rogan family heirloom goes missing, Catalina makes it her main job to find it before the wedding. While Catalina had been a part of the Hidden Legacy series, she was more a supporting character and I felt like she just is starting to come into her own in Diamond Fire. I enjoyed seeing Catalina's style of investigating, and seeing her explore her magic powers and how they could work to get the answers she needs. I felt like Nevada was more a fly by the seat of her pants investigator; Catalina tends to be methodical in her investigating. 

I really enjoyed Diamond Fire and seeing Nevada and Rogan get their happily ever after. I also really loved getting to know Catalina more. I'm excited to read future Hidden Legacy novels from Catalina's point of view and see her grow even more in her magic and as a character.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (B+)

MAGIC TRIUMPHS

Mercenary Kate Daniels must risk all to protect everything she holds dear in this epic, can't-miss entry in the thrilling #1 New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series.

Kate has come a long way from her origins as a loner taking care of paranormal problems in post-Shift Atlanta. She's made friends and enemies. She's found love and started a family with Curran Lennart, the former Beast Lord. But her magic is too strong for the power players of the world to let her be.

Kate and her father, Roland, currently have an uneasy truce, but when he starts testing her defenses again, she knows that sooner or later, a confrontation is inevitable. The Witch Oracle has begun seeing visions of blood, fire, and human bones. And when a mysterious box is delivered to Kate's doorstep, a threat of war from the ancient enemy who nearly destroyed her family, she knows their time is up.

Kate Daniels sees no other choice but to combine forces with the unlikeliest of allies. She knows betrayal is inevitable. She knows she may not survive the coming battle. But she has to try.

For her child.

For Atlanta.

For the world.

Release Date: August 28, 2018

Ace

Kate Daniels #10

Urban Fantasy

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza's Review:

I thought I was prepared for the end of the Kate Daniels series.  I knew it was coming for such a long time, yet as I was reading the final book, all I wanted to do was savor each and every page as to make it last just a little bit longer. Magic Triumphs is filled with everything fans of this series have come to expect and love. We have much action, humor, and love in this story, which wrapped up the series perfectly.

I loved every single moment of Magic Triumphs. I honestly found myself laughing way more as I read this book than I ever expected to with it being the final book in the series. Yes there has always been humor in the books in this series, but I think I was so prepared for the battle at the end, I didn't think about everything Kate, Curran and crew would have to go through to get to that point of the story. I adored Kate and Curran's son Conlan so much. OMG he was about the cutest toddler ever to hit the pages of a book. I loved the dynamic the addition of Conlan added to this family.

I loved we got to see so many friend and even a few enemies along the way. Hugh and Elara showing up didn't really surprise me too much, but how they arrived totally and completely threw me for a loop for some reason. I was glad to see Hugh and Elara again following Iron & Magic, and while you don't have to read it before reading Magic Triumphs, there are some events that directly impact some of the actions in Magic Triumphs.

The entire series has been leading up to an epic battle between Kate and her father Roland. I have to say it was everything I was expecting and more. I have to say I loved while we had been building up for the battle over the entire course of the series, it really only was a small portion of this final book. The relationships between all the characters were at the front and center of the story and it just gave me all the feels to spend time with so many favorite characters along the way. I gave me the chance to also see the growth of all the characters over the course of the series.

I feel like Ilona Andrews gave the readers the best possible ending to the Kate Daniels series of books. While in my heart of hearts I'm hoping for many spin-off series beyond the Iron Covenant series, I was completely satisfied with the ending of Magic Triumphs. The Kate Daniels series of books will be one I will continue to read and listen to over and over again. I highly recommend this series of books to anyone who loves books in the Urban Fantasy genre.

Rating: 5 Stars (A)

IRON AND MAGIC (THE IRON COVENANT #1)

No day is ordinary in a world where Technology and Magic compete for supremacy…But no matter which force is winning, in the apocalypse, a sword will always work.

Hugh d’Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Warlord of the Builder of Towers, served only one man. Now his immortal, nearly omnipotent master has cast him aside. Hugh is a shadow of the warrior he was, but when he learns that the Iron Dogs, soldiers who would follow him anywhere, are being hunted down and murdered, he must make a choice: to fade away or to be the leader he was born to be. Hugh knows he must carve a new place for himself and his people, but they have no money, no shelter, and no food, and the necromancers are coming. Fast.

Elara Harper is a creature who should not exist. Her enemies call her Abomination; her people call her White Lady. Tasked with their protection, she's trapped between the magical heavyweights about to collide and plunge the state of Kentucky into a war that humans have no power to stop. Desperate to shield her people and their simple way of life, she would accept help from the devil himself—and Hugh d’Ambray might qualify.

Hugh needs a base, Elara needs soldiers. Both are infamous for betraying their allies, so how can they create a believable alliance to meet the challenge of their enemies?

As the prophet says: “It is better to marry than to burn.”

Hugh and Elara may do both. 

Release Date: June 26, 2018

The Iron Covenant #1, Kate Daniels #9.5

Nancy Yost Literary Agency, LLC

Urban Fantasy

Review copy provided by publisher 

Liza's Review:

Iron and Magic is the first book in the Iron Covenant series that is a spin-off of the Kate Daniels series. While a reader could pick up this series and start it, I feel they would be missing out on some much of the world building to this point if they didn't read the Kate Daniels books first.

Hugh d'Ambray is no longer aligned with his master/foster father Roland. Hugh really doesn't know what to do with himself initially and seems to drown his feelings in alcohol to get through each day. I felt like had Hugh's Iron Dogs not been in trouble, he probably would have continued on doing nothing. However, the loyal men and women who have always followed him needing his help finally woke him up. I have to say Hugh having concern for anyone other than himself was almost a bit of a surprise, as I've never really felt like he cared about anything but himself and Roland from what we've seen of him so far in the Kate Daniels series. He needs food and shelter for his people and has discovered just the person to help.

Elara Harper is called the White Lady by her people. She has the shelter Hugh and the Iron Dogs needs and he can provide the protection her people need. This unlikely pair and their marriage of convenience could have been the biggest cluster with two individuals who are both used to being in charge. I have to say the banter between them made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion.

I thought Iron and Magic was a good start to this spinoff series. There was much world building to be established, so the book did start out a bit slow. However, once I really was pulled into the story, I was totally hooked. I like seeing a side of Hugh I don't feel like we have ever seen before. I also loved the Elara really kept him on his toes. They really did seem absolutely perfect for one another as they each wanted to protect their people at any cost. 

Elara and Hugh fought well together for a common goal, and I have to say I enjoyed learning more about Hugh in Iron and Magic, but have to say I didn't learn nearly enough about Elara. I am absolutely intrigued by her. She is such a strong woman, yet I feel some vulnerability from her as well. I only know I want to know more about her than what we saw in Iron and Magic and can't wait to see who and what she really is.

Iron and Magic left me wanting more, which I feel is a good thing for books in a series. I also wonder what parts Hugh and Elara will play in the final Kate Daniels book coming out later this month. I feel like their involvement will give more insight into future books.

Rating: 4 Stars (B)

MAGIC BINDS (KATE DANIELS #9)

Mercenary Kate Daniels knows all too well that magic in post-Shift Atlanta is a dangerous business. But nothing she’s faced could have prepared her for this…

Kate and the former Beast Lord Curran Lennart are finally making their relationship official. But there are some steep obstacles standing in the way of their walk to the altar…

Kate’s father, Roland, has kidnapped the demigod Saiman and is slowly bleeding him dry in his never-ending bid for power. A Witch Oracle has predicted that if Kate marries the man she loves, Atlanta will burn and she will lose him forever. And the only person Kate can ask for help is long dead.

The odds are impossible. The future is grim. But Kate Daniels has never been one to play by the rules…

Release Date: September 20, 2015

ACE 

Kate Daniels #9

Urban Fantasy

Review copy provided by publisher

Liza’s Review:

The Kate Daniels series is like book crack to me. As soon as I start the book, I don't want to put it down until I’m finished, and then I have to wait and entire year for my next fix. One would think I'd learn from my annual wait, but no I haven't since I got caught up on the series last year. Yep, I read the first 8 books in one year and now must wait each year like everyone else for my next fix.

I really liked Magic Binds. We were given all the action and adventure I've come to love from the series, with lots of time for Kate and Curran, and we even learned more about Roland. Curran and Kate are probably one of my most favorite couples in any Urban Fantasy series I read. Even in the crazy magic-filled world they live in, they seem to have some of the same problems as other couples. They have to get their wedding planned, their kid isn't really following any of the rules they set, and oh yea, they have to protect Atlanta from Kate's father...again. I absolutely love that Kate really just wants to exchange vows with Curran and not worry about anyone being there for the ceremony. I loved that Julie is really starting to show more of the person she wants to be. Yes, she is very much like Kate in many things, but she is her own person too, and I feel like we saw more of who she will become in Magic Binds. Roland pushed Kate more in Magic Binds than he had in previous books. I have to say; I loved seeing Kate show even more fight than usual in Magic Binds. I think part of the reason I love the Kate Daniels series so much is because in addition to action, adventure, and romance, we get so much humor in every single book. Some of the humor is pretty dry, but it makes me laugh every single time. 

Overall I felt like Magic Binds was a very strong story in the Kate Daniels series. I liked the changes to Kate, and could see much growth in her character. I loved that we got to spend time with some of my favorite members of the pack, and found myself even liking some characters I'd not liked in the past. I will say I felt like part of the storyline just ended rather abruptly, and I would have liked more of a resolution to it. Not to give any spoilers away, but I have to say Kate and Curran's wedding was everything I had hoped for and I felt it was absolutely perfect for them.

Fans of the Kate Daniels series will be completely in their happy place while they read Magic Binds. I highly recommend reading the entire Kate Daniels series to anyone who is a fan of the Urban Fantasy genre. I will say you really do need to read the series in order to understand the history of the characters and the dynamics of the world and everything going on currently. I caught up on the entire series last year in audiobook, and can highly recommend them to anyone who wants to give this series a try.

Rating: 4 Stars (B+)

MAGIC SHIFTS (KATE DANIELS #8)

In the latest Kate Daniels novel from #1 New York Timesbestselling author Ilona Andrews, magic is coming and going in waves in post-Shift Atlanta—and each crest leaves danger in its wake…

After breaking from life with the Pack, mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate—former Beast Lord Curran Lennart—are adjusting to a very different pace. While they’re thrilled to escape all the infighting, Curran misses the constant challenges of leading the shapeshifters.

So when the Pack offers him its stake in the Mercenary Guild, Curran seizes the opportunity—too bad the Guild wants nothing to do with him and Kate. Luckily, as a veteran merc, Kate can take over any of the Guild’s unfinished jobs in order to bring in money and build their reputation. But what Kate and Curran don’t realize is that the odd jobs they’ve been working are all connected.

An ancient enemy has arisen, and Kate and Curran are the only ones who can stop it—before it takes their city apart piece by piece…

Release Date: August 4, 2015

Kate Daniels Book #8

Ace Penguin Publishing Group

Review copy provided by publisher

I am so glad I finally listened to my friend Jen last year and started reading/listening to the Kate Daniels series. It is one of my favorite Urban Fantasy series out and I devour the books as soon as I get them in my hands. Magic Shifts was no different.

I absolutely loved where Ilona Andrews took the series in Magic Shifts. I knew things would change with Curran, Kate and Julie leaving the Keep, and loved they now have their very own home. While they have to stay away from the Keep for 30 days to let the transistion for the new Beast Lord happen with the pack, I loved we still got to spend time with so many favorite characters. 

Since Kate has claimed Atlanta, she and Curran are spending lots of time protecting the city. Luckily they have several members and friends from the pack that have decided to leave with them and are always there to help. I loved getting to see how Kate and Curran worked in their new roles and also loved they really are still the exact same people they have always been.

The interactions with Kate's dad Roland were so much fun. Honestly I didn't know what to expect and yet found myself really loving the family time between Kate and Roland. Kate actually was able to find out more about her mother thanks to family time. While I still don't really trust Roland, I know that Kate and Curran can battle anything that comes their way.

Magic Shifts was a wonderful addition to the series and I love that the series continues to stay fresh and completely original 8 books into the series. Each and every book is filled with emotion, action and adventure. I can't wait for my next fix in the Kate Daniels series.

Best of 2014

I’ve read over 150 books this year. I had thought I’d get my favorite book list below 20, but realized that was pretty impossible with the amazing books I’ve read this year. I still know I left off some amazing books, but had to cut off the list at some point.  

I’m cheating right off the bat by picking a series of books as part of my favorite reads. Thanks to my friend Jen (That’s What I’m TalkingAbout), I finally started the Kate Daniels books by Ilona Andrews.  I read all the books currently available and absolutely loved each and every book. I actually listened to each of the books thanks to my Audible membership and it only made me fall in love with audio books even more.

Broken Blade by J. C. Daniels is the 3^rd book in the Colbana Files series. This story completely ripped me apart and I loved every single minute of the book. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Beyond Jealously by Kit Rocha is the 4^th book in the Beyond series. We finally got Rachel, Cruz, and Ace’s book and it was so worth the wait! I love each and every book and visit with the O’Kanes.

Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh is the 13^th book in the Psy-Changeling series. I have to admit I didn’t know what to think when I saw it was Vasic’s book, but ended up loving this book and Vasic more than ever!

It Happened One Wedding by Julie James is Agent Vaughn’s book. Only a heroine as strong as Sidney Sinclair is strong enough for Vaughn Roberts. I felt so many emotions while reading this book and can’t wait for the next book from Julie James.

Deeper Than Need by Shiloh Walker is the 1^st book in the Secrets and Shadows series.  Honestly I loved this entire series. The romance was well done even when some of the subject matter was tough to read.

Cheating once again, as Carly Phillips had 3 books come out this year in her Dare to Love series. Dare to Desire, Dare to Surrender, and Dare to Submit were all amazing and I’m so glad Carly now self-pubs her books so I can get more books each year.

Then Came You by Jill Shalvis is the 5^th book in the Animal Magnetism series. As with every book from Jill Shalvis, Then Came You was a sexy romance that made me laugh out loud at times.

One in a Million by Jill Shalvis is the 12^th book in her Lucky Harbor series, and also the last full-length book in the series. I loved Tanner and Callie’s book for the same reason I loved the other books in this series. The romance is the heart of every story and Jill always makes me laugh. Luckily, we were given a Christmas gift from Ms. Shalvis as she released Merry Christmas, Baby, where we see Chloe and Sawyer become parents. Bonus we get to see pretty much everyone that has ever been in a Lucky Harbor story.

We said good-bye to the Lucky Harbor series from Jill Shalvis this year and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the hours of enjoyment I’ve gotten from that series.

Falling for Max by Shannon Stacey is the 9^th and final book in the Kowalskis series. I’ve loved each book in this series, but have to say Max might just be my favorite hero in the series to date. He is so adorable!

Play by Kylie Scott is the 2^nd book in the Stage Dive series and my favorite to date. I knew Mal needed a strong woman to make a relationship work and he found it in Anne.

Barefoot in Lace by Roxanne St. Claire is the 2^nd book in the Barefoot Bay Brides series and literally made me feel every possible emotion while reading. I would laugh one minute and cry the next. Gussie’s book is one of the best books I’ve ever read from Rocki!

Where there’s a Will by Stacy Gail is the 4^th book in the Bitterhorn, Texas series. I’ve read this series out of order, which is highly unusual for me. I’ve loved both books I’ve read in this series, but I wanted Coe’s story and even when I wanted to smack him, I loved every minute of this book.

Rock Courtship by Nalini Singh is book 1.5 in her new Rock Kiss series. I absolutely loved David and Thea’s book and also love this series.

Worth the Fall by Claudia Connor is the 1^st book in her McKinney Brothers series. I loved Matt and Abby’s story so much. I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I started reading and saw Abby came with a ready-made family. I usually don’t read lots of books with kids, but have to say Ms. Connor did an amazing job making the kids a part of the story. I’ve suggested this book to everyone I know who is looking for an amazing contemporary romance this year.

Maybe This Christmas by Sarah Morgan is the 3^rd and final book in the O’Neil Brothers series. I’ve loved each and every book in this series, but to say Tyler and Brenna’s story is my absolute favorite. I love the friends-to-lovers story line and Ms. Morgan gave her readers the perfect story. Yet another book that pulled every emotion out of me while reading.

A Very Merry Hockey Holiday by Toni Aleo is book 6.5 in the Assassins series. Readers of this series were given the perfect holiday gift from Ms. Aleo with this book. You get to spend time with all of the couples you have come to love.

All For You by Jessica Scott is the 4^th book in her Coming Home series. We finally got Reza’s book and it was even more of an emotional roller coaster than I was expecting. I loved every minute of it even as I was cursing and crying while I read.

Only by HelenKay Dimon is the 2^nd book in her Holton Woods series. I have to say I also love Mercy, book 1, but love Bast and Kyra’s story even more.

Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare is the 1^st book in her Castles Ever After series. I have so much love for this story. Izzy and Ransom are absolutely perfect for one another. I’ve always enjoyed the humor and romance in Tessa Dare’s stories, but have to say Romancing the Duke is my absolute favorite one to date.

Burn for You by Marquita Valentine is the 5^th book in her Boys of the South series. I’ve wanted Beau’s book forever and have to say it is was more than worth the wait. This book is another one filled with emotions, and is my favorite book from the Boys of the South series.

Southern Fried Blues by Jamie Farrell is the 1^st book in the Officers’ Ex-Wives Club and was a book I found thanks to judging a contest.  This was my first book by Jamie Farrell, but I loved her voice and look forward to reading more books from her in the future.

Designed For Love by Kelsey Browning is the 4^th book in her Texas Nights series. As this book was Ashton’s I really didn’t know what to expect. Her character has grown on me over the course of the series and I have to say I absolutely loved this book. Designed For Love was yet another book this year where I felt so many emotions reading.

Poison Promise by Jennifer Estep is the 11^th book in her Elemental Assassin series. Gin Blanco is hands-down one of my favorite characters ever. She is the heart of this series and we learned more about her with this book. Add in Finnegan Lane to the mix, and this series is awesome.

Broken Open by Lauren Dane is the 2^nd book in the Hurley Boys series. This book was super emotional and is my favorite book in the series. I absolutely loved Ezra and Tuesday as a couple and have to say the Hurley Boys is one of my favorite series from Lauren Dane.

My list would not be complete without mentioning at least one book by Tiffany Reisz. However, cheating once again, as she had so many wonderful books come out in 2014. I’ll limit my picks this year to The Saint and The King. The Saint would have been my favorite read of the year, even as I wanted to kill Tiffany for part of the book, and then I read The King. Both books are so full of awesome and I wanted to re-read them both as soon as I finished reading them the first time. The Saint is the 1^st book in the White Years of the Original Sinners books and The King is the 2^nd book in the White Years. However, since the White Years are prequels to the Red Years, if you miss some of your favorite characters, Tiffany gave her readers a Christmas present on her website, Christmas in Suite 37A.