FREE/BARGAIN — Romance & Discussion

[sufue]

Originally Posted by apesmom

From what I've been able to tell, every single one of the Amazon imprints goes into KU, that includes 47th North, Montlake, Skyscape, Thomas & Mercer, etc. I don't know that I've seen any of those ebooks ever appear in other stores while Amazon still has the rights.

And Amazon will have the rights forever...

However, House Andrews had nothing but good stuff to say on their blog about working with Montlake on Fated Blades.

[apesmom]

A couple of deals and a freebie . . .

Haven't tried this series yet but she's a favorite author and not in KU
Dragan (Stone Warriors #4) by D.B. Reynolds - $0.99

Spoiler:

It was a time when gods walked the earth, when armies fought not for bits of land, but for the very existence of humanity. On such a battlefield, five formidable warriors stood against an evil greater than any the earth had ever seen. But evil is not an honorable foe. Betrayed by someone they trusted, the warriors were cursed, one by one, tossed into the maelstrom of time, imprisoned in stone, their freedom resting on nearly impossible conditions. Until…. Dragan Fiachna, heir to the curse of royal blood, a horror hiding behind a beautiful face…. you shall remain locked in stone until a maiden, untested and pure, shall find grace in your beast and safety in your nightmare.

Dragan Fiachna, born to a life of loneliness, cast into stone by a sorcerer’s curse and imprisoned forever in darkness. He is freed at last, only to discover his enemy still lives and is plotting the death of millions in his quest to rule this new world.

Maeve Collins, brilliant, courageous, and compassionate enough to believe a stone statue can have a soul. Shocked when her beautiful winged man breaks free, horrified at the torment he’s endured, she dedicates herself to reuniting him with the warriors he calls family.

But she never planned on falling in love.

Racing across half the country in search of the only man who can stop their foe from fulfilling his merciless scheme, Dragan and Maeve discover they’ve unwittingly stolen the one artifact that can defeat their enemy. And he wants it back. Pursued by assassins, they fight their way to Dragan’s brothers, only to discover the war for this world has already begun….

Kindle | Kobo | Google

2 price drops from Ilona Andrews. Kobo has not priced matched, I've been seeing that more and more lately.
Sweep with Me (Innkeeper Chronicles #2) - $2.49

Spoiler:

Dina Demille doesn’t run your typical Bed and Breakfast. Her inn defies laws of physics, her fluffy dog is secretly a monster, and the only paying guest is a former Galactic tyrant with a price on her head. But the inn needs guests to thrive, and guests have been scarce, so when an Arbitrator shows up at Dina's door and asks her to host a peace summit between three warring species, she jumps on the chance.

Unfortunately, for Dina, keeping the peace between Space Vampires, the Hope-Crushing Horde, and the devious Merchants of Baha-char is much easier said than done. On top of keeping her guests from murdering each other, she must find a chef, remodel the inn...and risk everything, even her life, to save the man she might fall in love with. But then it's all in the day's work for an Innkeeper…

Sweep of the Blade (Innkeeper Chronicles #4) - $2.49

Spoiler:

Maud Demille is a daughter of Innkeepers—a special group who provide ‘lodging’ to other-planetary visitors—so she knows that a simple life isn't in the cards. But even Maud could never have anticipated what Fate would throw at her.

Once a wife to a powerful vampire knight, Maud and her young daughter, Helen, were exiled with him for his treachery to the desolate, savage planet of Karhari. Karhari killed her husband, and Maud—completely abandoned by his family—has spent over a year avenging his debts. Rescued by her sister Dina, she's sworn off all things vampire.

Except... In helping Dina save the world, she met Arland, the Marshal of House Krahr, one of the most powerful vampire houses. One thing led to another and he asked for her hand in marriage. She declined. Arland is not used to hearing the word ‘no;’ and try as she might, Maud can't just walk away from Arland. It doesn't help that being human is a lot harder for Maud than being a vampire.

To sort it all out, she accepts his invitation to visit his home planet. House Krahr is extremely influential and Maud knows that a woman—a human, with a very questionable past—who's turned down a proposal from its most beloved son won't get a warm reception. Maybe she’s not sure about marrying Arland, but House Krahr isn’t going to decide for her. Maud Demille has never run from a fight, and House Krahr will soon discover that there's a lot more to Maud than they’re expecting.

This freebie was on my KU sample list but it dropped out of KU before I could get to it.
Skyborn (Dragons & Druids #1) by Leia Stone

Spoiler:

Sloane Murphy thought hiking the Grand Canyon alone after graduation would be an awesome adventure. Until she slips and starts to plummet to her death. Then the unthinkable happens.

She transforms into… a dragon.

After flying to safety and trying to convince herself she isn’t having a mental breakdown, the hunters come for her. She runs, somehow managing to stay one step ahead of them. Until her luck runs out. Now the hunters have her and they intend to kill, not capture.

That’s when he comes for her.

Logan Sharp is the last dragon shifter alive. Or so he thinks, until he gets word that the druids are hunting a red headed female. His team takes her in, sheltering her because there is a truth she must learn: if the skyborn die out, then so does humanity.

But Sloane is hiding a dark secret that she doesn’t even know yet. A secret that could change everything.

Kindle | Kobo | Google

[sufue]

Lucky Shot is a free short story in Sarina Bowen's Brooklyn Hockey series. (Very short - Kindle US says it's 26 pages...) It looks to be a perma-freebie, but I haven't seen it posted here before, so here's the info:

Kindle US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CJ6Y8Y3/
Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/lucky-shot-6
Kindle UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08CJ6Y8Y3/

Spoiler:

Nine years ago, a rookie sports agent met the man of her dreams at a business dinner. That was the night they broke all the rules…

Lucky Shot is a free short story. Enjoy it as is, or go on to read the rest of Bess & Tank’s second chance love story in Sure Shot.

[apesmom]

This week's KU reads . . .

• Midnight Smoke (Supernatural London #3/Firebrand #3) by Helen Harper - 4
• Scorched Heart (Supernatural London #4/Firebrand #4) - 4

UF - 2 Wolfbrand books remaining in this world, for now. Very good series, totally recommended, none of the books are super cliffhangery. It's a supernatural detective series with a romantic arc.

• Chaotic (Arcane Mage #1) by T.S. Snow - 3.5
• Hectic (Arcane Mage #2) - 3.5

PNR - I really love the premise of this series that has computer programmed magical devices. The magical world itself has great potential but it's also reverse harem with 5 insta-love interests. 5! ugh. I'm getting annoyed when the author focuses solely on the relationships for large chunks of the books before jumping back into the world. The UF part of the story is strong enough that I will continue the series for another book hoping that it evens out.

• Wolf Marked (Magic Side #1/Wolf Bound #1) by Veronica Douglas - 4

PNR - World can be a bit cartoony at times but good story and characters. Book 2 just released this week.

• Once Bitten (Shadow Guild #1/The Rebel #1) by Linsey Hall - 3.5

PNR - Same world as Wolf Marked, also a bit cartoony. Shorter book but the arc has potential so I'll push on.

• The Girl who Cried Banshee (Valkyrie Bestiary #0.5) by Kim McDougall - 4

UF/PNR/Dystopian - This is a novella that shows a lot promise for the series. Well written, interesting MC and unique premise.

Purchased a couple $0.99 sales

[library addict]

Weekly Report:

Read:

• The Red Dirt Road (Woodlea #3) by Alissa Callen (A-/5 stars)
• The Purple Hills (Woodlea #4) by Alissa Callen (B+/4 stars)
• The Matchmaker’s Mistletoe Mission (Boots and Bouquets #0.5) by Jaci Burton (C/2 stars)
• The Best Man Plan (Boots and Bouquets #1) by Jaci Burton (B+/4 stars)

Purchased:
none

[worktolive]

Originally Posted by apesmom

This week's KU reads . . .

• Midnight Smoke (Supernatural London #3/Firebrand #3) by Helen Harper - 4
• Scorched Heart (Supernatural London #4/Firebrand #4) - 4

UF - 2 Wolfbrand books remaining in this world, for now. Very good series, totally recommended, none of the books are super cliffhangery. It's a supernatural detective series with a romantic arc.

I read and enjoyed the first book, but haven't gotten around to the others. Maybe I should kick this series higher up Mt. TBR.

[apesmom]

Harlequin freebie, from their HQN imprint

Wyoming Tough (Wyoming Men #1) by Diane Palmer

Spoiler:

A cowboy through and through, ranch owner Mallory Kirk knows what it means to put in a full day's work. But does his new cowgirl? He has his doubts that Morie Brannt will be able to pull her own weight, even if the petite young woman does seem to have a lot of spirit.

As they spar over events at the ranch and a past that threatens their hopes for the future, sparks begin to fly, and Mallory can't help but notice Morie in a new light. But is this tough Wyoming man ready to love?

Kindle | Kobo | Google

[apesmom]

Short story freebie

Prequel to Valkyrie Bestiary series. I wish I'd looked around a bit before reading book 1, I kind of felt like the book was referencing some previous events elsewhere. No matter, I'll read this before picking up book 2 to fill in the gaps.

Three Half Goats Gruff (Valkyrie Bestiary 0.6ish, takes place after Banshee and before Dragons) by Kim McDougall.

Spoiler:

Three Satyrs. One helpful cephalopod. One dark stranger. And one toe-curling kiss.

Is he a vampire? A shifter? Something worse? Who is the mysterious Captain of the Guardians?

Kyra Greene, pest controller of fantastic beasts, takes on a rock troll and meets the man who will haunt her dreams for the next three-hundred and twenty-one nights.

Come sing around the campfire with satyrs and discover how Kyra found one little lost cephalopod who will win your heart. Three Half Goats Gruff is a prequel novelette to Dragons Don't Eat Meat.

[Terisa de morgan]

Thank you, as the story is in my TBR, this will help

[apesmom]

Freebie

I really like this author but I've gotten really behind on her backlist. I read this one some time ago and gave it a 4 (very good).

Beauty and the Mustache (Knitting in the City #4) by Penny Reid

Spoiler:

There are three things you need to know about Ashley Winston: 1) She has six brothers and they all have beards, 2) She is a reader, and 3) She knows how to knit.

Former beauty queen, Ashley Winston’s preferred coping strategy is escapism. She escaped her Tennessee small town, loathsome father, and six brothers eight years ago. Now she escapes life daily via her one-click addiction. However, when a family tragedy forces her to return home, Ashley can’t escape the notice of Drew Runous— local Game Warden, bear wrestler, philosopher, and everyone’s favorite guy. Drew’s irksome philosophizing in particular makes Ashley want to run for the skyscrapers, especially since he can’t seem to keep his exasperating opinions— or his soulful poetry, steadfast support, and delightful hands— to himself. Pretty soon the girl who wanted nothing more than the escape of the big city finds she’s lost her heart in small town Tennessee.

Kindle | Kobo | Google

BTW - her Winston brother series was recently added to KU, this freebie is also a prequel to that series.

[apesmom]

This week in KU . . .

• The Last Door to Underhill (Valkyrie Beastiary #0.1) by Kim McDougal - 4
• Three Half Goats Gruff (Valkyrie Beastiary #0.6) - 4
• Dragons Don't Eat Meat (Valkyrie Beastiary #1) - 4

Enjoying this series, thanks for the rec worktolive , I may have missed it otherwise. The prequels are all worth the read as they fill in gaps and flesh out some characters. There's a lot going on in this world, it's hard to catagorize but I've landed on contemporay fantasy/PNR. I like this MC quite a lot, she's tough but empathetic.

• The Noose of a New Moon (Supernatural London #5/Wolfbrand #1) by Helen Harper - 4

New character POV, I suppose it can be read before Firebrand 1-4 but I would not recommend it. Same consistent story telling, it picks up during events of Firebrand 4

• Frentic (Arcane Mage #3) by T.S. Snow - 3

Time to put this series back on the shelf for awhile. Maybe I'll come back to it some day but right now there are too many better choices.

• Raised in Fire (DDVN #2) by K.F. Breene - 4

I finally got a grip on my reading ADD and circled back to pick up this series again. I liked book 2 better than book 1, hoping the trend continues.

Purchased only one

[library addict]

Weekly Report:

Read:

• The Engagement Arrangement (Boots and Bouquets #2) by Jaci Burton (C+/3 stars)
• Lightning Game (GhostWalkers #17) by Christine Feehan (C-/2 stars)
• Star Cruise: Time Loop (Sectors #15.5) by Veronica Scott (B/4 stars)

Purchased:

[sufue]

Now £0.99 at Kindle UK

Kindle UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spanish-Bri...dp/B004OEIDCA/
Kindle UK/Smile: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Spanish-B...dp/B004OEIDCA/

Originally Posted by sufue

Georgette Heyer's The Spanish Bride is on sale in the US, at different prices depending on the retailer. This is a little bit different style than some of her other books, but I liked it a lot. (Like all of her books...)

Kindle US, $2.51: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001P5CM4G
Kobo US, $2.99 (discountable): https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-spanish-bride-2

[sufue]

Amy Corwin's Second Son Inquiry Agency books (Regency period) probably drift over from mystery into romantic suspense, but Corwin also writes some straight-up romance, and her Second Son books aren't that. So I put them in the Mystery thread. But here's a cross-post for the first book in the series, The Vital Principle, which is free right now: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh....php?p=4161770

And if you like the first one, the remaining three are usually pretty reasonably priced, and they are also KU...

[sufue]

Another Amy Corwin freebie, again sitting in the grey area between romance and mystery. This time it's the first in her Archer Family series, The Unwanted Heiress, apa I Bid One American.

In the end, I called it romantic suspense and put it in the Mystery thread, but here's the cross-post link: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh....php?p=4162004