Alright, at this point you should know the drill. Because I have already read so much this year I have decided to break my favorite annual post (my reading list) into a monthly series. You can also keep up with Hunkiedorië this year as I release more book content than I have in the past. Let me know what you think. Do you have any suggestions on what I should read next?
After reading wrapping up July with more upsettingly dark romances, I dove back into more of the YA genre, hoping for a little relief. Much to my disappointment Leigh Bardugo was NOT the way to go. I so badly want to love her books but she always has to break my heart as soon as I think I may forgive her for her last murder. I really struggle with the feeling that many others feel obligated to kill off characters. And maybe this is me being simple and unsophisticated in my reading, but I have read many books with little conflict and NO death and I go back to them again and again (Ruby Dixon, my all-time fave, is a great example of this). But on the up side, I did discover author G.A. Aiken (aka Shelly Laurenston) and let me tell you, this writer kept me turning pages with speed and laughing all the way!
You can find my full 2022 reading list on my Amazon storefront by clicking here!
Disclaimer: there may be a few spoilers; if you read on you have been warned.
What I’ve read so far:
And now…may I present…
My August 2022 Reading List
Six of Crows (Six of Crows #1)
by Leigh Bardugo
Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price―and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone. . . .
A convict with a thirst for revenge.
A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager.
A runaway with a privileged past.
A spy known as the Wraith.
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.
Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction―if they don’t kill each other first.
Hunkiedorië Review: The show was better
Click here to buy Six of Crows on Amazon
Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows #2)
by Leigh Bardugo
When you can’t beat the odds, change the game.
Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn’t think they’d survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they’re right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz’s cunning and test the team’s fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city’s dark and twisting streets—a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world.
Hunkiedorië Review: I HATE when authors think killing off cinnamon role characters is a necessity. I’ll stick to my simple HAE thank you very much.
Click here to buy Crooked Kingdom on Amazon
King of Scars (King of Scars #1)
by Leigh Bardugo
Face your demons…or feed them. The dashing young king, Nikolai Lantsov, has always had a gift for the impossible. No one knows what he endured in his country’s bloody civil war—and he intends to keep it that way. Now, as enemies gather at his weakened borders, Nikolai must find a way to refill Ravka’s coffers, forge new alliances, and stop a rising threat to the once-great Grisha Army.
Yet with every day a dark magic within him grows stronger, threatening to destroy all he has built. With the help of a young monk and a legendary Grisha general, Nikolai will journey to the places in Ravka where the deepest magic survives to vanquish the terrible legacy inside him. He will risk everything to save his country and himself. But some secrets aren’t meant to stay buried—and some wounds aren’t meant to heal.
Hunkiedorië Review: It was fine I guess…but again killing off characters unnecessarily.
Click here to buy King of Scars on Amazon
Rule of Wolves (King of Scars #2)
by Leigh Bardugo
The Demon King. As Fjerda’s massive army prepares to invade, Nikolai Lantsov will summon every bit of his ingenuity and charm—and even the monster within—to win this fight. But a dark threat looms that cannot be defeated by a young king’s gift for the impossible.
The Stormwitch. Zoya Nazyalensky has lost too much to war. She saw her mentor die and her worst enemy resurrected, and she refuses to bury another friend. Now duty demands she embrace her powers to become the weapon her country needs. No matter the cost.
The Queen of Mourning. Deep undercover, Nina Zenik risks discovery and death as she wages war on Fjerda from inside its capital. But her desire for revenge may cost her country its chance at freedom and Nina the chance to heal her grieving heart.
King. General. Spy. Together they must find a way to forge a future in the darkness. Or watch a nation fall.
Hunkiedorië Review: Guess what she did it again…do you like a character? Too bad Leigh is killing them just for giggles.
Click here to buy Rule of Wolves on Amazon
The Unseelie Prince (Maze of Shadows, #1)
by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
The throne is Valroy’s for the taking…but first, he needs a queen.
As the son of the Morrigan and heir to the vacant Unseelie throne, Valroy itches to shed the mantle of prince and take his place as King. To his great regret one ancient tradition stands in his way, demanding he first take a bride. With all the members of the Unseelie court proving to be insufferable, what is a prince to do?
Steal a human, of course.
Abigail often wonders if the townsfolk aren’t right in calling her cursed. Abandoned by her husband and with no family to call her own, everything in her life hangs by a thread. Never did she expect her downfall would come by taking pity on an old hermit. Abducted into the dangerous world of Tir n’Aill, Abigail is thrust into a terrifying Maze that defies all logic. There, she finds herself at the mercy of an Unseelie prince with a strange offer—solve his Maze and he’ll grant her deepest wish…
If she can live that long.
Hunkiedorië Review: Bought this because of the cover art, it was pretty okay.
Click here to buy The Unseelie Prince on Amazon
The Unseelie Crown (Maze of Shadows, #2)
by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
The gods brought her back. But was it to stop Valroy, or to become his queen?
Valroy will let nothing block his path to the Unseelie Crown. And he is willing to stop at nothing to see both Tir n’Aill and Earth as his dominion…and crushing the self-righteous Seelie beneath his bootheels.
He had wished for Abigail to stand beside him as his queen, but that went terribly wrong when she chose death over becoming his bride. It was a setback, certainly, but not one he could not overcome.
Yet despite being wrenched from the song of life, Abigail returns to Tir n’Aill, only to be hunted by both Seelie and Unseelie alike. She does not know why she was returned or for what purpose, but it was clear that two paths lay before her.
Is she to become Valroy’s enemy, or to allow him to make her his queen in chains?
Hunkiedorië Review: Love the world building that takes place in this series but I am not sure I really understand Valroy’s problem.
Click here to buy The Unseelie Crown https://amzn.to/3XdoM0Kon Amazon
The Unseelie Throne (Maze of Shadows #3)
by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
When the prize is death, some games are better lost than won.
If she loses, she becomes his queen, and he unleashes war across Earth and Tir n’Aill alike. If she wins, he dies. The answer seems clear. But then why can’t she bring herself to want victory?
The longer Abigail wanders through his Maze of Shadows, the less sure she becomes of anything—allies, enemies, wrong, right, evil, good, hate…and love. With every twist and turn, her heart is more fully trapped in his snare.
Facing the choice of whether to win—and kill the Bloody Prince—or lose and become his queen, Abigail can’t decide which is worse. In fact, she is starting to think that she might no longer want to win at all.
No matter the cost.
Hunkiedorië Review: Again, Valroy is too complicated, you don’t have to be bad…he clearly doesn’t really want to be, but feels that is a requirement of his existence?
Click here to buy The Unseelie Throne on Amazon
The Unseelie King (Maze of Shadows #4)
by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
One king is dead, and the other is in chains.
Tir n’Aill perches on the edge of a knife in the wake of a series of betrayals that has shaken the fae to the core.
Abigail finds herself questioning who is friend and who is foe. When she is forced to make her decision between mercy and love, she finds her choice is one that might tear the very world apart.
Forces gather to wage war and decide the fate of Tir n’Aill. And in the center of it all, Abigail is nearly torn in two, caught between her desire to protect her new people and her love for Valroy.
For he is now the Unseelie King. The world is his to burn.
And only she can stop him.
Hunkiedorië Review: ugh whatever at this point lets just be done…not sure I really get the ending solution they landed on?
Click here to buy The Unseelie King on Amazon
Beauty in Autumn (Beauty, #3)
by Ruby Dixon
Inspired by the story of Beauty and the Beast, a short and sexy interpretation of the classic fairy tale…
For years untold, there has always been a beast in the cursed forest. Every year at the Harvest Festival, a new bride is sent to him…never to return. But when Willow is chosen to be the newest bride, she seeks out the help of the local wise woman.
Willow might be able to break the curse, but to do so, she must refrain from looking at the beast entirely. It sounds easy enough, but as things get heated between them, can she keep her promise? Or will she need to see who – and what – she’s bedding first?
Hunkiedorië Review: Probably my least favorite Ruby book
Click here to buy Beauty in Autumn on Amazon
The Alien Assassin’s Convenient Wife
by Ruby Dixon
One half of an intergalactic assassin team, Jadzion heads to New Mexico for his target while his brother Heriot heads to California. They’ve traveled millions of miles and through star systems to find their targets, who are gun-runners on a galactic scale. Now, though, Jadzion has a problem. He’s waited until the last minute to go planet-side, and his target’s at a couples retreat.
Jadzion is solo.
The solution is obvious – Jadzion needs a wife. Just for the weekend, of course.
Using a thing called a ‘dating app’ he finds a woman named Jenna. He tells her he needs to marry her, right away. Jenna, naturally, is confused. But the longer she’s around Jadzion, the more she thinks he’s not from around here…and that he just might be the one for her.
Hunkiedorië Review: Funny and different from Ruby’s normal books, which seems to be the case when she partners with other authors.
Click here to buy The Alien Assassin’s Convenient Wife on Amazon
The Alien Assassin’s Stolen Bride
by Ruby Dixon
Hannah’s having a bad day. Her friends have ditched her, and she’s stuck going on a tour of Hearst Castle. And she ends up seated next to a muscle-bound, dangerous-looking man dressed all in black, with pearly-white skin and silver eyes.
Heriot is an assassin known for his one hundred percent kill rate…and his grim disposition. He’s all work and no fun, according to his brother and partner, Jadzion. And he’s all business as he tracks down his latest target on some filthy backwater planet called Earth. He’s got two diurnal cycles to take out his target, so there’s not a lot of time for shenanigans.
He didn’t expect to find his true mate during the middle of this hit. He didn’t expect her to be a stunning human female who could gentle his stern demands. And he didn’t expect to be reduced to a raging, rutting beast on this mission. Can he convince his innocent mate to return with him to his home planet before his time is up, or will he be forced to steal her?
Hunkiedorië Review: I liked Ruby Dixon’s book in this series so much I was curious about the brother assassin. LOVED it, I will have to explore Michelle Mill’s writing in the future.
Click here to buy The Alien Assassin’s Stolen Bride on Amazon
The Ex Hex (The Ex Hex, #1)
by Erin Sterling
Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “orchard hayride” scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.
That is until Rhys Penhallow, descendent of the town’s ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and make an appearance at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless after all.
Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous wind-up toys, a pissed off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off the charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late.
Hunkiedorië Review: OH MY GOSH! I have seen this book on shelves for a while now and I could kick myself for waiting to read this.
Click here to buy The Ex Hex on Amazon
Dragon Actually (Dragon Kin, #1)
by G.A. Aiken
It’s not always easy being a female warrior with a nickname like Annwyl the Bloody. Men tend to either cower in fear—a lot—or else salute. It’s true that Annwyl has a knack for decapitating legions of her ruthless brother’s soldiers without pausing for breath. But just once it would be nice to be able to really talk to a man, the way she can talk to Fearghus the Destroyer.
Too bad that Fearghus is a dragon, of the large, scaly, and deadly type. With him, Annwyl feels safe—a far cry from the feelings aroused by the hard-bodied, arrogant knight Fearghus has arranged to help train her for battle. With her days spent fighting a man who fills her with fierce, heady desire, and her nights spent in the company of a magical creature who could smite a village just by exhaling, Annwyl is sure life couldn’t get any stranger.
She’s wrong . . .
And just wait until you meet the rest of the family . . .
Hunkiedorië Review: This is around the time of my reading journey that I discovered the term Paranormal Romance or PNR. Once I realized this was the term for the genre that I have been loving it made searching for books really easy. After reading Ruby Dixon’s Fireblood Dragon series I wanted to find more dragon romances and holy cow I loved this series. I haven’t heard of anyone else reading these which is a real missed opportunity because they are great!
Click here to buy Dragon Actually on Amazon
Chains & Flames (Dragon Kin, #0.3)
by G.A. Aiken
Bercelack and Rhiannon’s story as a bonus book at the end of Dragon Actually
Hunkiedorië Review: Fun little bonus novella at the end of book one that looks back at the dragon queens origin story.
Click here to buy Dragon Actually on Amazon
About a Dragon (Dragon Kin, #2)
by G.A. Aiken
For Nolwenn witch Talaith, a bad day begins with being dragged from bed by an angry mob intent on her crispy end and culminates in rescue by—wait for it—a silver-maned dragon. Existence as a hated outcast is nothing new for a woman with such powerful secrets. The dragon, though? A tad unusual. This one has a human form to die for—and knows it. According to dragon law, Talaith is now his property, for pleasure . . . or otherwise. But if Lord Arrogance thinks she’s the kind of damsel to acquiesce without a word, he’s in for a surprise . . .
Is the woman never silent? Briec the Mighty knew the moment he laid eyes on Talaith that she would be his, but he’d counted on tongue-lashings of an altogether different sort. It’s embarrassing, really, that it isn’t this outspoken female’s magicks that have the realm’s greatest dragon in her thrall. No, Briec has been spellbound by something altogether different—and if he doesn’t tread carefully, what he doesn’t know about human women could well be the undoing of his entire race . . .
Hunkiedorië Review: Sassy and fun, I love this series and it keeps getting better and better.
Click here to buy About a Dragon on Amazon
What a Dragon Should Know (Dragon Kin, #3)
by G.A. Aiken
Only for those I love would I traipse into the merciless Northlands to risk life, limb, and my exquisite beauty. But do they appreciate it? Do they say, “Gwenvael the Handsome, you are the best among us—the most loved of all dragons?” No! For centuries my family has refused to acknowledge my magnificence as well as my innate humility. Yet for them, and because I am so chivalrous, I will brave the worst this land has to offer.
So here I stand, waiting to broker an alliance with the one the Northlanders call The Beast. A being so fearful, the greatest warriors will only whisper its name. Yet I, Gwenvael, will courageously face down this terrifying . . . woman? It turns out the Beast, a.k.a. Dagmar Reinholdt, is a woman—one with steel-gray eyes and a shocking disregard for my good looks. Beneath her plain robes and prim spectacles lies a sensual creature waiting to be unleashed. Who better than a dragon to thaw out that icy demeanor?
And who better than a beast to finally tame a mighty dragon’s heart?
Hunkiedorië Review: I also got my mom hooked on this series and we have more fun nicknaming this characters because neither of us can keep the right pronunciation straight. So in this book we fell in love with “Gwennie Gold”, I also learned what the term slag means. Great book, unlikely pairing, fun read.
Click here to buy What a Dragon Should Know on Amazon
Last Dragon Standing (Dragon Kin, #4)
by G.A. Aiken
I know what they see when they look at me. The charming, soft-spoken dragoness bred from the most powerful of royal bloodlines. A disguise stronger than any battle shield that allows me to keep all suitors at tail’s length. A technique that’s worked until him. Until Ragnar the Cunning, handsome barbarian warlord and warrior mage from the desolate Northlands. Unlike those who’ve come before him, he does not simply submit to my astounding charm and devastating smile. Instead, he dismisses me as vapid, useless and, to my great annoyance, rather stupid!
Yet I’ll allow no male to dismiss me. Soon he’ll learn my worth, my many skills, and the strength of my will. For this one challenges me enough to make me want to ruthlessly taunt him, tease him and, finally, when the trap is set, bring him to his knees.
Hunkiedorië Review: Probably my least favorite of this series, but just because Keita is my least favorite character. Ragnar is great and I enjoyed this book because I got to experience other characters that I loved. Ren was introduced in this book and I would love love love more of him, I wish he would get his own book.
Click here to buy Last Dragon Standing on Amazon
The Dragon Who Loved Me (Dragon Kin, #5)
by G.A. Aiken
I was raised for battle. And as the first daughter of a warrior family, I’ve earned my reputation the hard way. Yet now I fight alongside uncivilized male Northland dragons who think a female is only good for breeding and waiting back home in the cave. But it’s the foolish and foolhardy who would try to stop me, Rhona the Fearless, from doing what I do best—destroying the enemies of my kind.
So the smartest thing wily barbarian Vigholf the Abhorrent can do for me is stay out of my way as we risk all on a deadly mission in enemy territory. I don’t care if he’s fascinated by me, even though he is as attractive as he is resourceful. He’s having far too much fun putting me in difficult situations and testing my sense of duty to the limit. And I’m going to enjoy challenging his insufferable confidence, outwitting his schemes, and making him surrender in the wildest ways.
Hunkiedorië Review: So cute, each of these books get better and better.
Click here to buy The Dragon Who Loved Me on Amazon
How to Drive a Dragon Crazy (Dragon Kin, #6)
by G.A. Aiken
Some things never go away, like vile enemies, bad ale, and annoying kin. But I thought I was finished with the one dragon I’d have done anything for: Éibhear the Blue, a big, gorgeous, blue-haired beast who thinks the world belongs to him. The world and, apparently, me.
So if Éibhear wants to play the caring hero and travel into the most forsaken of Gods forsaken lands to protect the one woman who doesn’t need it—namely me—I’ll let him. Because while I’m trying to fulfill a ridiculous quest for a pushy god, I’m going to draw this overconfident warlord much too close, rekindle his fires, and enjoy every minute of his delicious defeat.
Hunkiedorië Review: I hate that “Baby Blue” as my mother and I call him had to have such a major attitude adjustment. I loved how sweet he was. I wish he could’ve become a giant sexy brute but stayed soft and kind….but still loved this book. Both Baby Blue and Izzie are my favorite characters. This fun adventure into the desert was so different from the other books and I want to explore that dragon culture more.
Click here to buy How to Drive a Dragon Crazy on Amazon
Light My Fire (Dragon Kin, #7)
by G.A. Aiken
The trouble with humans is that they’re far too sensitive. Forget you put a woman in the local jail for a few months—and she takes it so personally! And yet she is the one trying to assassinate the queen. And now I’m trapped with Elina Shestakova of the Black Bear Riders of the Midnight . . . gods! That endless name!
But what am I to do? I am Celyn the Charming with direct orders from my queen to protect this unforgiving female.
Even more shocking, this unforgiving female is completely unimpressed by me. How is that even possible? But I know what I want and, for the moment, I want her. And I’m sure that she, like all females, will learn to adore me. How could she not when I am just so damn charming?
Hunkiedorië Review: CUTE, and loving the women of the incredibly long names. These fun new characters could use a whole series of their own.
Click here to buy Light My Fire on Amazon
Feel the Burn (Dragon Kin, #8)
by G.A. Aiken
I, Gaius Domitus, one-eyed rebel dragon king of the Provinces, know better than most that sacrifices must be made, since I have to fight off half my ungrateful family on a regular basis to keep law and order here in my lands. But I never expected to have to consort with a barbarian human woman.
Kachka is beautiful, if you like them fierce—and of course I do. But she keeps complaining about how spoiled and decadent I am, and how a feared Daughter of the Steppes has no time for foolish dragons. I think she likes my eye patch, though. It is quite dashing. With death always at our tails, we take our passion like we take our allies. As they say, love the barbarian you’re with . . .
Hunkiedorië Review: Again, love this books, they get better with each addition to the series. Gaius is a fun character as is Kachka…but lets face it Zoya made this book!
Click here to buy Feel the Burn on Amazon
Bring The Heat (Dragon Kin, #9)
by G.A. Aiken
HE SAYS . . .
I, Aidan the Divine, am, well divine. My name was given to me by the Dragon Queen herself! I’m a delight! Cheerful. Charming. And a mighty warrior who is extremely handsome with a very large and well-hidden hoard of gold. I am also royal born, despite the fact that most in my family are horrendous beings that don’t deserve to live. And yet, Branwen the Awful—a low-born, no less—either tells me to shut up or, worse, ignores me completely.
SHE SAYS . . .
I’ll admit, I ignore Aidan the Divine because it annoys him. A lot. But, we have so much to do right now, I can’t worry about why he keeps looking at me like he’s thinking about kissing me. We have our nations to save and no time for such bloody foolishness . . . no matter how good Aidan looks or how long his spiked tail is. Because before this war destroys everything we love, we’ll have to face our enemies together. But if we make it out alive, who knows what the future will hold . . .
Hunkiedorië Review: This was hands down my favorite book of this series…I wish it never ended! Puddles was the greatest bonus character that never existed. And I wish Anwyl taking over hell was its own book because it was just too good.
Click here to buy Dragon Actually on Amazon
Can’t Get Enough (Dragon Kin, #0.1)
by G.A. Aiken
Renowned for his fighting prowess, Ailean the Wicked has a new conquest in mind—the gorgeous dragoness Shalin the Innocent. While he’s saving her from her enemies, he plans to prove that even in human form a bad-boy dragon can show a girl a good time that’s truly off the scale . . .
Hunkiedorië Review: Cute little prequel book that just melted my heart.
Click here to buy Can’t Get Enough on Amazon
A Tale of Two Dragons (Dragon Kin, #0.2)
by G.A. Aiken
Braith of the Darkness likes going through life unnoticed. Not an easy task for a She-dragon of royal descent. But the evil plots of her father are turning her quiet, boring life upside down, and she has now become the enemy of the most vicious queen her kind has ever known. But for once, Braith won’t have to fight alone. Not when the warrior dragon of her dreams is willing to risk everything to save her neck.
Addolgar the Cheerful wishes he could say he’s helping the pretty royal strictly for honorable reasons—but he’d be lying. It’s not his fault, though! He didn’t tell Braith of the Darkness to have the most delicious tail he’s ever seen! Yet before Addolgar can get his very strong claws on that tail, heads are going to roll. Just hopefully not theirs . . .
Hunkiedorië Review: It was fine, cute but I didn’t feel the strong ties that I did in the other books.
Click here to buy A Tale of Two Dragons on Amazon
Dragon on Top (Dragon Kin, #0.4)
by G.A. Aiken
I am Ghleanna the Decimator. I am a warrior. A soldier. I know no fear. No pain. No mercy. I do, however, know acute embarrassment! How could I not after getting dumped by a bastard dragon in front of my own troops? So I tuck tail and return to my cave, drowning my sorrows in ale—as is my family’s way. But instead of leaving me to my misery, I’ve been summoned to the Dragon Queen’s court.
As if my life wasn’t pathetic enough, Her Majesty now has me escorting the highborn Bram the Merciful through dangerous territories—not exactly the best use of my military training. And just so he can negotiate with enemy dragons instead of battling them? Honestly, what has my world come to? Then again . . . Bram is quite easy on the eyes. And the perfect distraction for what ails me. Perhaps I’m looking at all this the wrong way. Maybe there is a place for a little “mercy” in my life . . .
Hunkiedorië Review: I would expect nothing less from Brannie’s parents. As wonderful of a character as Brannie was her parents are just as good. Her dad a total sweetie and her mom sassy AF and a total boss! Loved it.
Click here to buy Dragon on Top on Amazon
The Mane Event (Pride, #1)
by Shelly Laurenston
Mace Llewellyn. Brendon Shaw. Two tall, gorgeous, sexy alpha heroes who are 100% male—with a little something extra. Lion-shifters, to be exact, who can unleash every woman’s animal side and still look good—make that spectacular—in a suit. And even better out of it…
NYPD cop Desiree “Dez” MacDermot knows she’s changed a lot since she palled around with her childhood buddy, Mace. But it’s fair to say that Mace has changed even more. It isn’t just those too-sexy gold eyes, or the six-four, built-like-a-Navy Seal body. It’s something in the way he sniffs her neck and purrs, making her entire body tingle…
Meanwhile, for Tennessean Ronnie Lee Reed, New York City is the place where any girl—even one who runs with a Pack—can redefine herself. First order of business: find a mate, settle down, and stop using men for sex. Even big, gorgeous, lion-shifter men like Brendon Shaw. But she needn’t worry, because now that Brendon’s set his sights on her, the predator in him is ready to pounce and never let go…
Hunkiedorië Review: After reading G.A. Aiken’s Dragon Kin series I found that this author also goes by Shelly Laurenston, I dove into this series without hesitation. Although this book was good I fell more in love with the series around book three or four.
Click here to buy The Mane Event on Amazon
The Beast in Him (Pride, #2)
by Shelly Laurenston
Some things are worth waiting for. Like the moment when Jessica Ward “accidentally” bumps into hunky high school alpha male Bobby Ray Smith and shows him the woman she’s become. A wolf-shifter with a Southern drawl, Smitty used to turn Jess to jelly any time he got close. And while that hasn’t changed, Jess is now the Alpha of her own Pack—and ready to enjoy a no-strings romp with a big, bad wolf.
Smitty is surprised when he meets Jess again. The sexy wild dog-shifter and CEO who hires his security firm is a million miles from the lovable geek he used to know. But her kiss is every bit as hot as he imagined. Jess was never the kind to ask for help, but when someone starts targeting her Pack, Smitty’s not about to turn tail and run. Not before proving that their sheet-scorching animal lust is only the start of something even wilder.
Hunkiedorië Review: Smitty and Jess are hilarious, love this story and the addition of the Smith Pack to the series.
Click here to buy The Beast in Him on Amazon
The Mane Attraction (Pride, #3)
by Shelly Laurenston
Weddings have the strangest effect on people. Exhibit 1: Sissy Mae waking up in Mitch Shaw’s bed the morning after her brother Bobby Ray’s nuptials. Exhibit 2: the gunmen trying to kill Mitch. Exhibit 3: Sissy Mae escorting a bleeding yet sexy lion shifter to her Tennessee Pack’s turf for safekeeping. It doesn’t help that Mitch’s appraising gaze makes her feel like the most desirable creature on earth…
Mitch is an undercover cop about to testify against some dangerous ex-associates. Even more worrisome, he’s harboring hot, X-rated fantasies about one fast-talking little canine–and he has to deal with every male in Sissy Mae’s Pack sniffing around her in a way that makes his hackles rise. Mitch has his pride, and he intends to show Sissy Mae that when a lion sets out to make you his mate, the only thing to do is purr, roll over, and enjoy one hell of a ride…
Hunkiedorië Review: More Smith Pack antics and loving every minute of it.
Click here to buy The Mane Attraction on Amazon
The Mane Squeeze (Pride, #4)
by Shelly Laurenston
Growing up on the tough Philly streets, Gwen O’Neill knows how to fend for herself. But what is she supposed to do with a nice suburban Jersey boy who has a tendency to turn into a massive Grizzly? Despite his menacing growl and four-inch claws, Gwen finds Lachlan “Lock” MacRyrie cute and really sweet. He actually watches out for her, and unlike the rest of her out-of-control family, manages not to morbidly embarrass her. Too bad cats don’t believe in forever.
At nearly seven feet tall, Lock is used to people responding to him in two ways: screaming or running away. Gwen–half lioness, half tigress, all kick-ass–does neither. She’s sexy beyond belief and smart as hell, but she’s so busy protecting her family and friends that she’s forgetting about her own safety. Lock probably shouldn’t get involved, but he can’t simply walk away. Not when Gwen means absolutely everything to him.
Hunkiedorië Review: I love all the Tiger Mix stories the most out of this series. Gwen is the first but not the last! And the fact that we now have hockey story lines I’m done for…I can’t imagine it getting better.
Click here to buy The Mane Squeeze on Amazon
Beast Behaving Badly (Pride, #5)
by Shelly Laurenston
Some men just have more to offer. Like hard-muscled, shape-shifting Bo Novikov–part polar bear, part lion, pure alpha…
Ten years after Blayne Thorpe first encountered Bo Novikov, she still can’t get the smooth-talking shifter out of her head. Now he’s shadowing her in New York–all seven-plus feet of him–determined to protect her from stalkers who want to use her in shifter dogfights. Even if he has to drag her off to an isolated Maine town where the only neighbors are other bears almost as crazy as he is.
Let sleeping dogs lie. Bo knows it’s good advice, but he can’t leave Blayne be. Blame it on her sweet sexiness–or his hunch that there’s more to this little wolfdog than meets the eye. Blayne has depths he hasn’t yet begun to fathom–much as he’d like to. She may insist Bo’s nothing but a pain in her delectable behind, but polar bears have patience in spades. Soon she’ll realize how good they can be together. And when she does, animal instinct tells him it’ll be worth the wait…
Hunkiedorië Review: Another Tiger Mix hockey story…LOVED IT.
Click here to buy Beast Behaving Badly on Amazon
Big Bad Beast (Pride, #6)
by Shelly Laurenston
Ric Van Holtz is more than he seems, nothing you expect–and everything you want. . .
When it comes to following her instincts, former Marine Dee-Ann Smith never holds back. And this deadly member of a shifter protection group will do anything to prove one of her own kind is having hybrids captured for dogfights. Trouble is, her too-cute, rich-boy boss Ric Van Holtz is making it real hard for Dee to keep her heart safe. He’s wanted the fiercely independent she-wolf from day one, but he never expected their teamwork to be so explosive. Now is his last chance to show Dee what she needs isn’t some in-your-face Alpha male–but a wily, resourceful wolf who’ll always have her back in a fight. . .and between the sheets.
Hunkiedorië Review: This book was okey…I didn’t really see Dee-Ann as someone who would have their own romantic story line but I loved the Sweet Home Alabama childhood moment at the beginning of the book.
Click here to buy Big Bad Beast on Amazon
Bear Meets Girl (Pride, #7)
by Shelly Laurenston
He’s big, burly, and way smarter than your average shapeshifting bear. He’s also about to get trapped by his own game. . .
Lou Crushek is a reasonable, mellow, easygoing kind of guy. But once someone starts killing the scumbags he works so hard to bust, that really gets under his fur. Especially when that someone is a curvy she-tiger with a skill set that’s turning Crush’s lone-bear world upside down–and bringing his passion out of hibernation. . .
As a member of an elite feline protection unit, Marcella Malone has no problem body-dropping anyone who hunts her kind. But Crush is proving one major pain in her gorgeous tail. The only reason she’s joined forces with him is to track down the wealthy human who’s got her entire species in his ruthless sights. It sure isn’t because Crush’s stubborn and contrary attitude is rubbing Cella in all the right ways. . .
Hunkiedorië Review: I think this one was my favorite, Marcella had me rolling with every chapter.
Click here to buy Bear Meets Girl on Amazon
Wolf with Benefits (Pride, #8)
by Shelly Laurenston
Sure, Toni Jean-Louis Parker has to be the responsible oldest sister to a crazy-brilliant clan of jackal siblings. But now she’s cutting loose for some hot, sweaty, no-commitments fun—and the sexy, slow-talking, swift-moving predator assigned to keep her family safe is just the right thing to shapeshift her love life into overdrive. Trouble is, he’s starting to get all obsessive wolf on her every time he looks in her direction…
Getting serious about anyone isn’t in Ricky Lee Reed’s plans. Hell, even now he doesn’t really have a plan—outside of catching whoever is threatening this dangerously brilliant family. But the more he sees of Toni, the more he’s howling for her. And whatever it takes to convince her that what they have is everything, well, this wily wolf is down for the sizzling chase…
Hunkiedorië Review: Fun, Ricky Lee Reed is such a dreamboat. I love his calm go with the flow demeanor to balance out Toni Jean-Louis Parker’s extreme problem solving abilities. They make such a great team. I especially loved seeing a FMC find a way to bring her skills that she took for granted and turn them into a kick-ass career.
Click here to buy Wolf with Benefits on Amazon
Bite Me (Pride, #9)
by Shelly Laurenston
Livy Kowalski has no time for idiots. When you shapeshift into a honey badger, getting through life’s irritants is a finely honed skill. Until she gets stuck housing her nutso cousin and dealing with her dad’s untimely and unexplained demise.
That’s where Vic Barinov comes in–or his house does. Vic can’t step outside without coming back to find Livy devouring his honey stash and getting the TV remote sticky. It gets his animal instincts all riled up. But he’ll have to woo her at high speed: all hell is breaking loose, and Livy is leading the charge…
Hunkiedorië Review: This was okay, Livy wasn’t my favorite…until she took up jousting. This book was so bizarre and fun.
Click here to buy Bite Me on Amazon
Like a Wolf with a Bone (Pride, #0.5)
by Shelly Laurenston
Quiet little Darla Lewis doesn’t know what to think when the most-feared member of the South’s rowdiest wolf pack kidnaps her. Does he want to protect her or kill her? It could be either! Everyone knows about Egbert Ray Smith and how dangerous he is. Every pack avoids him, and the U.S. military uses him as their own killing machine. And Darla is just a nice girl who likes to bake and occasionally follow the Grateful Dead around. She doesn’t have time for this sort of foolishness. And yet . . . there is something about Eggie Ray. He just doesn’t seem as bad as everyone says. In fact, the more she gets to know him, the cuddlier he seems.
Something her overprotective family is not going to be happy to hear
Hunkiedorië Review: A prequel story. It was okay.
Click here to buy Like a Wolf with a Bone on Amazon
I have absolutely loved all that BookTok is throwing my way and I can not wait to share my monthly reading list with you all as we move through 2022. If you have any suggestions please let me know!
My Top 5 Reads of 2022 (thus far)-Counting series as one because it is getting too hard to choose just one (or five) book(s)
- Corsair/Corsair Brothers/Risdacverse (series)
- Ice Planet Barbarians/Ice Home (series)
- The Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac (series)
- Bonds That Tie (series)
- Dragon Kin (series)
My Top 5 Reads of 2021
- The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter (Theodoa Goss)
- The Viscount Who Loved Me (Julia Quinn)
- The Toll (Neal Shusterman)
- The Midnight Library (Matt Haig)
- The Immortals (Jordanna Max Brodsky)
My Top 5 Reads of 2020
- Mr. Dickens and His Carol (Samantha Silva)
- Scythe (Neal Shusterman)
- Thunderhead (Neal Shusterman)
- The Vine Witch (Luanne G. Smith)
- Ready Player One (Ernest Cline)
My Top 5 Reads of 2019
- The Graveyard Book (Neil Gaiman)
- Strange Practice (Vivian Shaw)
- Dreadful Company (Vivian Shaw)
- Grave Importance (Vivian Shaw)
- Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
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My 2022 Reading List: September – Hunkiedorië
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