Member Reviews
This have been archived for review because the release day was in 2018. We hope the pick this book up again once we are caught up with more current reviews.
I'm sad that I wasn't able to read this book, because it was too much at the same time. I guess that his book was amazing and I would love to try and read it.
Now i will have to buy one!
The blurb that was sent to us with the review request really got my attention. At the time, I had not read the other books in the series but I was told that it could be read as a stand alone book. The author gifted me the other books so that I could read them. I admit, I have not gotten to all of them yet but I did read the first to give me an introduction to the world before diving into this book.
I'm going to touch on a few things that I liked before going to what impressed the hell out of me. I liked Trahern and Lissa's relationship. The author took some time evolving it. I loved the way Trahern had to learn to relate to a child like Fox. I could have personally done with a little more description in the sexy scenes but they were well written. (It is just a personal preference.) I LOVE LOVE LOVE Ranyon. He is an ellyll who is introduced in the first book and he is hysterical. The way he is described all I picture is Groot, except he talks.
Now to what impressed me the most. Fox. As many of you may know, I am the mother of a high functioning autistic little boy. The author either has a child with autism in her life or did A LOT of research. Reading about Fox was almost like reading about Liam. Somethings were just spot on; the meltdowns (our longest was 20 minutes), the needing "time outs", the fixation on certain things, the sensory issues, the eating issues and most of all the "helpful" people who suggest that your kid just "needs a spanking to straighten him out". Yes that has happened to us. Someone has actually told me that I can spank the autism out of my child. It was these reasons that I was really able to relate to Lissa as a character. Especially she described how she had to mourn her expectations of parenthood after her son's diagnosis. It really hit home. Ms. Harper really hit it out of the ballpark with this part and I am most thankful that she didn't "fix" Fox with magic.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to future books in the series. I hope she gives Lurien his own book. The Lord of the Wild Hunt is hot and in need of a HEA. I am heading back to my kindle now to read books 2 & 3. I will be buying some physical copies of this series for my library.
3.5/5
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I need to start off by saying that despite this being book 4 in Dani Harper's Grim series, when they describe it as a stand-alone novel, it is really a standalone novel.
Of course, there was a little bit of fall back with some information from previous books (particularly with the relationships prior) which made some of the beginning confusing, but after finishing the full book, I think that it was a good thing that there wasn't a lot of repetitive retelling of the first 3 books – it was the one thing that I believe made the book a successful standalone.
There wasn't a lot of discord within characters, which wasn't really my thing but I understood that all that had probably been addressed in previous books and that the main arc of this storyline was not about the inner turmoil of adjusting to the fact magic existed, as much as it was the romance and relationships. The whole storyline just continued as most of the main characters already knew about magic, so it was a very fluid thing (again, fluid from the first three books of the series).
Fox. This cutie, I loved him so much – he loves his animals and the way he sees the world was incredible, I kind of want to see more of what he sees. Harper did an incredible job when writing him; it didn't seem forced, or sugar-coated and that was refreshing.
Trahern – the brooding male lead of this book was all that. I loved him too; he was raised in a survival mode in a cruel circumstance of birth, but he has a heart of gold and I have a weakness for men with hearts of gold.
Lissy, our main character, was a good perspective to read from for majority of the book (of course, we also got to see things from Trahern's point of view as well), but at some points, I did find her a little bit too placid with everything that was happening to her. This is that "not a lot of discord within characters" thing coming back around – I feel like it would have benefited for her to have a bit more depth in her struggle to accept the facts that her family was becoming the centre of something much bigger than her.
Overall, the pace of this book was pretty average – it picked up about halfway through for me and from there each chapter spurred on into the next one. The storyline itself was an enjoyable read and I can see myself reading the rest of the series, particularly as I did enjoy Harper's writing style.
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I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Loved this book. It's a great pnr series. If you love pnr with a solid plot this book is for you.
Love, love this exciting series! A great read and highly recommended!
To prepare to read Storm Crossed, book #4 in The Grim Series, written by Dani Harper and published under the Montlake Romance brand. I streamed the audiobook version of Storm Warrior and totally enjoyed the book. Since the audio version isn’t available for download unless I wanted to pay for a subscription to Audible. I had to read Storm Crossed. It took me several starts and stops to finally get through the story. Nonetheless, I can finally say that I finished. I didn’t enjoy this title as much as I did the Storm Warrior, but that might have been because I listened to the first story instead of reading. Now if this title would ever become available as a free audiobook companion with my Kindle Unlimited subscription, I would give this title a second try. Even though the story had a slow pace, I am enjoying the world that Dani Harper has created.
I have to say from the start, this series has been one adventurous ride with highs and lows, twist and turns, and most of all intriguing romances between unlikely pairs. This fourth installments have proved to be the best one of them all, at least for me. I love PNR/Urban Fantasy. I find release and freedom with each new world that I find and can have spectacular journey through.
Trahern finds that as the heir to a noble house he had great responsibilities. He also finds that his bond with his brother (twin) leads him in a different direction. Finding his brother now a grim, he takes part in the hunt. During this hunt he comes face-to-face with something he never thought would be part of his life. Fae and human contact was not forbidden but the depths of what Trahern was traveling was way more than he should have committed to.
Lissy had her moments of pure foolery. She took too many chances. She was the sole caregiver for her son (Fox). She needed to take a step or two back at times and evaluate what she was doing, but at the same time she was a mother that would do whatever it took for her child. Fox was just too adorable. He was capable of far more than he was given credit for.
Ranyon follows through the books and I find that I like him more with each passing book. He was one of those supposed background creatures that makes you fall in love. The romance was there but it took time. The bonding was subtle but strong. The development of the story gave me much to vision. I look forward to the new additions to this series. I have a series here that can be read over and over again. I loved that the stories have a cohesion but are not the same copy of each other.
Drawback was that Lissy seemed to be off in some places like she may have been on just another level of consciences or just confused. I felt I could have used a bit more of Braith, but who’s to say that I wont see more of him in the future.
I've been enjoying this series and I'm looking forward to more. While it's more urban fantasy than PNR, the romances have been sweet and Lissy and Trahern's was no exception. She was a match for him, standing up to him and holding her ground when it mattered to her but able to back off when necessary. He was fae arrogant at first, admiring her yet also sure that he was right and knew best, and yet he was able to admit when he was wrong and was willing to consider other perspectives. I love that this series incorporates fae and Welsh mythology. Those are not common in urban fantasy and since I love mythology, I've enjoyed seeing Harper's take on them.
Unlike Steph, I did read the prior books, courtesy of the author. While this would probably work as a stand alone, I enjoyed it more having read the stories of all of the characters who appear. The couples from earlier books make appearances as do some of the fae characters. I love Ranyon; he's so kind, sweet, smart-assy, practical, and hilarious. He's got a cool head on his shoulders and I really want him to get his ow HEA. I also think Lurien needs an HEA. Lord of the Wild Hunt, he's a key figure in the series and a good man. He has a strong moral code, a quick mind, and amazing patience. Okay, I confess; I have a thing for him. Maybe the next book will be his? Pleeeeeeaaase?
But back to "Storm Crossed". :) As I mentioned, Lissy and Trahern make a great couple. Their relationship wasn't rushed but developed slowly. Trahern had to adjust himself to the human way of thinking and Lissy had to learn about the fae way of thinking. Dealing with her son Fox, who has Aspergers and is also magical, teaches Trahern that he has a lot to learn. Harper handled the autism sensitively and with care. Her portrayal of Fox was both realistic and respectful and he wasn't cured or fixed. He's accepted and appreciated for who he is. Lissy's family and circle of friends are his too and they are awesome. Harper writes wonderful characters; they're flawed, caring, smart, funny, strong, and capable. Add in humor, romance, action, fae politics, mythology, and it all adds up to a delightful story.
Another hit by a great author. Really like this series, as the stories just keep improving all the time. This one has the romance of the fae Trahern and the mortal Lissy, who has a young son named Brandon, who has Asperger Syndrome. When a huge grim shows up and stays with her son, Lissy is not happy. Neither when a cranky fae, although gorgeous, shows up demanding to her to step up and get her son away from his brother (in grim form). A lot of characters from previous stories, although I do not think you will have too much problem understanding and following the story line. Highly recommend this story, author and series. If you like paranormal romances you will like this one.
Heir to a noble fae house, Trahern is forced to watch helplessly as his twin brother is cruelly changed into a grim—a death dog—as punishment for falling in love with the wrong person. Trahern doesn’t believe love exists, but he will do anything to keep his brother alive—even join the Wild Hunt and ride the night skies of the human world.
Lissy Santiago-Callahan believes in love but has no time for it. She’s busy juggling her career as an academic and her home life as a single mom to a young son with Asperger’s. Her hectic life in sleepy eastern Washington is made even more chaotic with the sudden arrival of a demanding fae and his unusual “dog.”
Mortal and immortal have nothing in common, and the attraction between Lissy and Trahern surprises them both. But when their desire places Lissy and her child in the path of a deadly faery feud, will the connection last, or will their separate worlds prove too great a divide?
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First off, this is the forth book in the Grim Series and I came into this series without reading the first books. This book stands very well on its own. I am wanting to pick up the first three now but do not stress if you haven't read them yet.
I very much enjoyed STORM CROSSED. It is the first fantasy that has an autistic child and actually addresses some of their issues along with the solutions being put into place to address them. I have some very good friends that have autistic children who would find it amusing to see a realistic portrayal in a fantasy book.
As you can tell, I just loved the characters. The author should also get kudos for how well she did in her world building. I grew up around Walla Walla and I was able to recognize it from the descriptions.
If you are looking for an enjoyable urban fantasy then be sure to pick up STORM CROSSED! I highly recommend it to my readers.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
I have to be honest and tell you that while I have been intrigued by this series for some time, various life events have intruded upon my time and I kept getting distracted from reading it. I am very sorry to have done so, because after finally reading one, I can’t believe what a great world I have been missing.
There are plenty of fae books out there and each and every author puts there unique touches to their worlds and Dani Harper has done the Grim or Black Dog legends proud. She brought her world to life by painting very vivid images of it and giving readers some strong, compelling characters that reach out and grab reader’s attention.
Trahern and Lissy are two of those characters and I have to tell you that they have some strong chemistry that practically leaps off the pages during their romance. Both pull readers in and refuse to let go as their story is full of emotional turmoil as well as heated passion and their personalities are realistically human and fae sounding which makes for a really great romance to get caught up in. Lissy’s son and Trahern’s brother also play an integral part of this romance which adds depth and also adds to the realness of the story as well as tugging on heart strings.
Add in the Wild Hunt, an unbalanced power hungry fae queen, well-meaning friends and some other intriguing characters and you have a well-rounded story full of suspense and thrills that keep readers glued to the pages and that’s not to mention the adrenaline pumping magical battles that the author brings to vivid life.
Well, I have to be going now because I am off to read the first three books in this series since I am such a goof that I missed them, oh and I want to point out that I had no trouble reading this one out of order and I can’t wait to find out what this author has in store for me not only that I have missed but what she writes in the future.
I was excited to read this book I've lived the previous 3 and have recommended them to many others and this one was just as good and will read it again and again. If you are looking for a new good read I recommend reading this one especially if you've read any of Dani Harper 's other books and enjoyed them you'll definitely want to read this one
I really enjoyed this book! I love that the lead love interest was a Fae letting us learn more about them. The story had me gripped from start to finish, I only wish we'd seen a resolution for Braith as Lord Lurien had hinted to Trahern that he may find how to help Braith while teaching Fox. Can't wait for the next book!
What a terrific read. I have loved this series and was so excited for this addition. It didn’t disappoint at all. It picked up,with all the beloved characters and we got to meet new ones!
The characters as always had great depth and made a journey throughout the story. They grew and became even better by the end. The writing is outstanding and you can’t put the book down until it is finished!
Lissy was so strong and you could relate to her on so many levels. She was outstanding in trying to understand her child and do all she could to help him, but also letting him be a child too! She touched my heart! Trahern was very interesting and made me laugh out loud with him trying to abide by human customs. His learning that he had love in him and it made him stronger and not weaker was touching.
I loved it! I would hope that there is another story for Trahern’s brother. He needs a HEA! So does the Master of the Hunt! He makes my heart ache for him!
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley. Thank you!
I found Storm Crossed to be well-written with an exciting plot. Good overall character development. Enjoyed
Ok I haven't read any other books in this series but found I really didn't need to in order to understand the plot. It's obvious that Lissy comes from a line of humans with a little something special, call it foresight, call it intuition but she's pretty relieved that she doesn't have any obvious abilities. What's really got the protective Lissy rattled though are the signs that Fox her young son does seem to be more like her mum. Fox is bright and yet due to his Aspergers struggles with touch, sensations and the outside world in general but Lissy is determined he will have as normal a life as possible. Problem is normal goes out the window when a giant dog follows him home one night!
Trahern and his brother Braith are at the not so tender mercies of their thoroughly selfish, power hungry mother. She tricked Trahern into trapping his brother in a magical form but Trahern found a way out of her court and now all he wants is to save Braith. What he doesn't need is an angry human woman shouting at him and generally making him feel he in the wrong. What kind of magic is this? Yet the more he sees Lissy the more he admires her but his mothers spies are everywhere and danger is closer than they think.
I really liked Lissy as she's protective and yet not suffocating when it comes to Fox. What let this story down for me was Trahern. He's this big bad sorcerer and yet came across as quite tame. Honestly I'd have much rather seen Lissy on the cover as she dominated every scene she was in. That being said I do understand that Trahern struggles with emotions and in particular love but relished seeing him get the sharp end of the hysterical Ranyons tongue but to discover more you really will need to read the book yourself.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I absolutely loved this book. I can't decide what I love more the far realm or Trahern and his brother. The love that Trahern and Lissie share is so genuine. I will definitely be finding more of Dani Harper's work soon.
I received a copy of Storm Crossed by Dani Harper from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was intrigued by the summary and found this novel to be decent. Yes, the plot was a little predictable and the lead characters made me want to throw my hands up at times, but it was a fun read - and a quick read. A decent romance to unwind with.
Book Info
Paperback, 380 pages
Expected publication: January 9th 2018 by Montlake Romance
ISBN 1503948943 (ISBN13: 9781503948945)
Series Grim #4
Other Editions (3)
Source:Netgalley EARC
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BOOK BLURB
The latest stand-alone novel in Dani Harper’s Grim Series will delight old and new fans alike, transporting them to the ancient fae realm beneath the modern human world, where magic rules and menace abounds…
Heir to a noble fae house, Trahern is forced to watch helplessly as his twin brother is cruelly changed into a grim—a death dog—as punishment for falling in love with the wrong person. Trahern doesn’t believe love exists, but he will do anything to keep his brother alive—even join the Wild Hunt and ride the night skies of the human world.
Lissy Santiago-Callahan believes in love but has no time for it. She’s busy juggling her career as an academic and her home life as a single mom to a young son with Asperger’s. Her hectic life in sleepy eastern Washington is made even more chaotic with the sudden arrival of a demanding fae and his unusual “dog.”
Mortal and immortal have nothing in common, and the attraction between Lissy and Trahern surprises them both. But when their desire places Lissy and her child in the path of a deadly faery feud, will the connection last, or will their separate worlds prove too great a divide?
My Thoughts
When the opportunity came available, thank you Montlake Publishing, downloaded a Netgalley ARC copy of the book to read because it was billed as a stand-alone in the Grim
series. Although this is the 4th book it really does stand on it's own with just the right amount of scenes with characters from the previous books that give readers a little taste to whet their curiosity about the first three tales.
What made me give into my desire to read this particular book was a fondness for all things involving fae/human romances, the elements promising scenes with the Wild Hunt and a few other things that caught my interest immediately. Not least of those was the fact have read and enjoyed works penned by author Dani Harper already.
As knew I would totally regret not reading the previous three books. Not because felt this 4th book needed back story from them but because missed out on what I suspect were wonderful reading experiences just like this was.
The transitions from fae world to the human world were seamlessly integrated and beautifully detailed so there was no doubt which was which.
For me the book was a perfect blend of fantasy and reality, love and hate, joy and sorrow and all the other elements melded together that make a story work from beginning to end smoothly and effortlessly for readers.
[EArc from Netgalley]
On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.