Bunny's Reviews: Smoke Review Spotlight

It's finally launch week and we are so excited for Sarah Jaeger and the release of her debut novel, Smoke! Read on for more info!

Smoke is a paranormal romance novel by Sarah Jaeger and if you love paranormal romance novels with shifters, drama, and tons of tension then you're not going to want to miss out on this novel! It's the first in a series, so prepare yourself for more to come! Try to contain your drooling. You got this. LOL!

This book starts out with a prologue that will absolutely intrigue you and keep you coming back for more when you have to put this book down. The prologue sets the stage by taking you into the past eleven years, but then once you get into the meat of the story it hits present day and hits the ground running.

This book gives you alternating POV throughout the story. What makes it really nice is that every other chapter shifts to the opposite character. So you start out with Cade and then shift to Thalia. It keeps you engaged because as you leave one chapter, you're left wondering - "okay. What is going to happen next?" The author entices you to keep going to figure out - how exactly are they going to deal with the situations that they find themselves in?

Since this is a paranormal romance novel, the romance gradually develops and builds between them. But, what's romance without some tension, drama, and of course, anger? LOL! Gotta have those ingredients to really build up the steam and have you hanging on their every word and action. It's really well done. You'd hardly believe that this is this author's FIRST novel!

As stated in the blurb below, this book will give you an HEA, don't despair though! The storyline will continue with new characters, some familiar faces from this book and I know that if it's as good as this book, that I'll be back to devour that one as well.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author in the future.

I'm rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to the author, Sarah Jaeger, and R&R Book Tours, for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Smoke (The Ardelean Bloodlines)

Publication Date: March 23rd, 2023

Genre: Shifter Romance/ Paranormal Romance

Thalia

Apparently ignoring my parents’ politics wasn’t the right move. Shifters were outed to the public, and months later, I’m still unsure what the big deal is about.

Now my life is in danger and the only one who can protect me is the true king of the wolves.

Cade is nothing like what my mom and the press show shifters to be. He’s thoughtful, reserved… and have you seen his butt in those jeans?

Cade

Having abdicated the throne, I’ve vowed to stay out of shifter politics.

Now, my sole responsibility, for the next six weeks, is to make sure no idiots can completely derail the deal I’ve cut with the one woman holding all the cards.

The problem is… the threats against Thalia Clark are nothing compared to the danger of my wolf, now that he’s claimed this human as his.

I’ll kill to protect my mate, but is keeping up my end of the deal enough to save her?

Smoke is the first book in the Ardelean Bloodline series. While this story does contain an HEA for Cade and Thalia, there is an ongoing plot connecting each book in the series. Each book will need to be read in order. There are open door, explicit scenes as well as colorful language not intended for young readers.

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Excerpt

What is she thinking about? Is it what we talked about with Ansel or something more? I step closer, testing her guarded nature. “Country life is dull. I don’t exactly work here, which means I’m pretty much stuck to whatever chores Ansel’s left around the house, and you’re left to whatever sanity-keeping activities you can find. I guess if you’re feeling adventurous . . .” I shrug. “Have you ever been to Arches?”

“No, I’ve heard it’s beautiful, but this is my first time in Utah.”

Thalia’s eyes light up, and I know the answer.

“Would you like to go today?” I ask slowly.

Thalia starts nodding. I smile, seeing her excitement. “Ansel’s right, it’s been too long since I’ve given The Leviathan a little bit of time to run. Plus, I think it would be beneficial for you to meet a wolf, in a positive environment, with someone who’s in control before someone else can further taint the experience. I know Sherman was a little upsetting for you. I can ask Ansel or Ezra, but their wolves are pretty scary looking if you’re not used to looking at wolves.” I pause and give her a smirk licking my bottom lip before sighing. “They’re also not really fucking fluffy.”

“Did you just ask me to take your wolf on a walk?” she returns with a sly smile, raising an eyebrow.

Her comment catches me off guard, and my face heats. There are so many different ways I could answer. But she started it. Thalia was comfortable enough with me to crack a joke. I shrug and release my bottom lip from between my teeth.

Tell our mate. The Leviathan encourages with the image of a ceremonial collar wrapping around Thalia’s neck. I feel him brush and know my eyes just went gold.

My version is dirtier. “Not quite. I’m not following any of the leash laws. And if anyone will be doing any collaring, it’ll be me clasping one around your neck. If there’s going to be any tying, it’ll be you to the bed, while I show you all the ways I can make you scream my name.”

A chill rips through Thalia’s body, and she shudders, her whole body standing taller. I step into her personal space. Thalia wobbles, looking up at me. I watch her wet her bottom lip with her tongue. Drawing a deep breath, I catch the scent of her arousal.

The Leviathan paces. Give mate wolf, we run together.

“Easy, Draga Mea.” I kiss her forehead. When I step back, I see her trying to figure out the cute nickname The Leviathan’s given her. Only having the briefest memory of Romanian spoken in the home growing up, even I had to look it up. My Darling. I could tell her, but I’m not sure she’s ready.

A backpack, snacks, water, and a trip to the restroom later, I walk Thalia out of the house and to the garage. The classic pickup truck Ansel loves so much is right where it always is. Thalia seems impressed when the old Ford roars to life. I just smile. Ansel’s love for this truck runs deep, and I’d be surprised if it didn’t turn over.

We’re somewhere farther onto Ansel’s property and close to the border with the national park. It’s a gamble that we may come across someone. It’s not common for tourists to make it out this far, but we’ll have to be in the national park to see some cool rock formations. It’s selfish and maybe a bit cocky to risk bringing her into public like this, but I want her to have a positive experience. I know The Leviathan is set on wanting to give her a wolf, but not so badly that he would sabotage all the progress we’re making in having her accept wolves and what this life looks like.

We find Ansel’s secret entrance to Arches National Park. It’s denoted by an old wooden trunk tucked off the side of the gravel trail behind some scrub brush.

Putting the old Ford in park, I turn in my seat to look at her. “Two rules.”

Thalia’s eyes go wide, and there’s the smallest hint of fear.

“Okay . . .” She draws out the last syllable.

“Don’t run. The Leviathan will chase. I’m worried he’ll push you down and you’ll get hurt. Humans are breakable compared to wolves, and even a friendly little shove could hurt you,” I caution.

Thalia nods. “The second one?”

“Breathe.” I lock eyes with her. “Enjoy this and know I’m here.”

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About the Author

Apparently, to be an author one must have a bio. Well, I'm human despite the fact that I wish to be a shifter. I have an issue with the way some words are shaped. And that means sometimes, they must be spelled incorrectly to be right. This is something I'm passionate about. So, we'll get along fine! Oh, yeah: Midwest USA, married, all fur babies.

The Ardelean Bloodline is Sarah Jaeger’s debut series

Sarah Jaeger

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