This feature is for short reviews, reviews of books in a series where it might feel repetitive, or (as Michelle suggested) books I was too lazy to write a “real” review for. Today’s books kick off the Prisoners of Nightstone series.
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Potions and Punishments by Helen Scott, May Dawson Narrator: Stephanie Rose, Troy Duran
Series: Prisoners of Nightstone #1
Published by Tantor Audio on February 23, 2021
Genres: Reverse Harem, Paranormal, Romance
Length: 5 hours 50 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Three strikes and you’re out? If only.
In my world, it’s more of a one and done situation, even if you get that one strike trying to do something good.
I’ve been on the run for years, never staying anywhere too long, never getting attached to anything or anyone because he will always find me.
Bane.
He’s the best bounty hunter in existence, and I’m the one that got away, well, keeps getting away. If he wasn’t so sexy I would hate him for it.
When the cat and mouse game turns more serious, I’m the one that ends up screwed, and not in the fun way.
I won’t survive in prison-not because I’m too delicate-but because my magic has always been tightly under control. Prison, though? When I'm surrounded by sexy shifters and drool-worthy vampires? That’s where it will all get unleashed.
Something drew me to this book, despite it being a reverse harem – something I’ve read a few times but never truly loved. I have to say, I’m pleasantly surprised so far.
I think the reason this is better than the other reverse harems I’ve read is that, while there’s definitely the relationships going on, there’s a magical world that’s really fascinating and a plot line that compels. I wish I better understood this magical world, now that I’ve finished book 1 I feel like I should have a fuller sense of it. But, what I do understand I really like. Magical people/creatures are recently out to humans (past couple decades?), but they have very strict laws that govern them in the US and it’s very easy to compile strikes and end up in prison.
The heroine, Nasima, has complied enough strikes to be a wanted criminal and Bane, a bounty hunter, is after her – – but they have a flirtatious (and more) game of cat and mouse going.
It’s very interesting and the more I see of the world the more I’m pulled in. So I’m really hoping to see more plot development in the next book. The sex works well enough and there were some particularly good steamy moments. But for the most part, it’s what you’d expect.
The narration is quite good – May Dawson and Troy Duran complement each other well. And Troy Duran has a very deep, seductive voice that plays well for the male characters and somehow still does a good female voice.
Looking forward to seeing where the series goes.
Incantations and Inmates by Helen Scott, May Dawson Narrator: Stephanie Rose, Troy Duran
Series: Prisoners of Nightstone #2
Published by Tantor Audio on March 23, 2021
Genres: Reverse Harem, Paranormal, Romance
Length: 5 hours 11 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
A girl on the run should never fall in love with her bounty hunter. A witch should never fall in love, period.
But I did, and now I’m paying for my sins in Nightstone. I’m also committing all-new sins with a sexy alpha wolf and one delectable alpha vampire.
It’s unheard of: two alphas from two different factions, falling in love with one woman. Our relationship has brought new peace when everyone expected a turf war.
Except...someone needs that war between my two alpha males. Bodies are turning up in Nightstone. The vamps and the shifters crave vengeance from each other, and if their alphas won’t give it to them, they’ll wash Nightstone with blood anyway.
On top of that, that sexy jerk of a bounty hunter just swaggered into Nightstone, and everyone wants to kill him. Including me. Most of the time. His gaze still sets my blood on fire, and sometimes, I want the man to live long enough to grovel.
Can I find a way to keep peace between the factions--and between these two alpha males in my bed--and to save my bounty hunter’s life?
Like the first book in this series, I enjoyed this DESPITE the reverse harem. I’m not a big RH reader, but I do enjoy some erotica and so if the rest of the plot and characters are good enough a RH works for me. So far, this series is living up to those requirements.
I think it’s the paranormal world that’s really working for me. This book answered some lingering questions I had about the world and filled in more of the picture. Personally, I’d love to see some stories set in this world without the RH taking up so much space, because it’s fascinating! I really like Nas – she’s coming into her abilities more and that’s making her into an actual threat to be reckoned with. Before she was clever and crafty, now she’s a bit of a bad ass.
As for the guys… meh. They’re your standard alphas… A shifter Alpha, A vampire alpha (that’s a new one for me), and then you’re standard Alpha human male. They’re protective and controlling, but also sensitive and gentle. Ya know, imaginary lol! I like them much more when thinking about their roles in the plot than in their relationship with Nas. That said, some of the sexy times got fairly steamy and if you’re a RH fan, you will probably really enjoy them!
I like the narrators for this series. They complement each other well. My one complaint would be that Troy Duran doesn’t do much (if anything) to differentiate the voices of the men and since the story is told from each of their perspectives at different times, that could get confusing. If I paused mid-chapter I had to to think to know who’s POV I was listening to when I would resume. Otherwise, though, they have appropriately deep and sexy voices 🙂
I appreciate that you have the first two books here so I can get a better sense of the series! Thanks for the review!