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Broken Riders #2
Dangerously Divine
The author of the “wonderful” (Tamora Pierce) Baba Yaga novels and Dangerously Charming is back with a magically mesmerizing new tale about the dashing and daring Broken Riders...
The Riders: Three immortal brothers who kept the Baba Yagas safe, now stripped of their summons to protect. But fate is not finished with them—and their new callings are even more powerful...
Though his physical wounds have healed, Gregori Sun, the eldest of the Riders, remains in spiritual turmoil. His search for his mother, the one person able to heal his soul and save his life, is failing—until he crosses paths with a beautiful and fascinating librarian who might be the key to his salvation...
Ciera Evans’s bookish ways are just a guise. The product of a difficult past, she has dedicated her life to saving lost teens—by any means necessary. She works alone, but when a dark, brooding stranger proposes they team up to solve both their problems, she is tempted—in more ways than one...
After Ciera and Sun’s plans are derailed by dangerous enemies, they find themselves entangled in an ungodly affair—one that will force them to either find new strength together or be forever haunted by their pasts alone.
The Riders: Three immortal brothers who kept the Baba Yagas safe, now stripped of their summons to protect. But fate is not finished with them—and their new callings are even more powerful...
Though his physical wounds have healed, Gregori Sun, the eldest of the Riders, remains in spiritual turmoil. His search for his mother, the one person able to heal his soul and save his life, is failing—until he crosses paths with a beautiful and fascinating librarian who might be the key to his salvation...
Ciera Evans’s bookish ways are just a guise. The product of a difficult past, she has dedicated her life to saving lost teens—by any means necessary. She works alone, but when a dark, brooding stranger proposes they team up to solve both their problems, she is tempted—in more ways than one...
After Ciera and Sun’s plans are derailed by dangerous enemies, they find themselves entangled in an ungodly affair—one that will force them to either find new strength together or be forever haunted by their pasts alone.
Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2017
32 people are currently reading
620 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Blake
80 books1,788 followersDeborah is the author of over a dozen non-fiction books on modern witchcraft and a tarot and oracle decks from Llewellyn. Her fiction includes the Baba Yaga series, The Broken Rider series, and the Veiled Magic series, and her cozy mysteries The Catskill Pet Rescue series (mostly from Berkley) as well as a few stand-alone novels.
Deborah lives in a 130 year old farmhouse in upstate NY with multiple cats. She believes in magic, laughter, chocolate, and wine. The order may change depending on the day.
Deborah lives in a 130 year old farmhouse in upstate NY with multiple cats. She believes in magic, laughter, chocolate, and wine. The order may change depending on the day.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
December 5, 2017
I've loved all of Deborah's Baba Yaga books and am equally enjoying this series as well. This book is stronger than Dangerously Charming - I think the plot was more complex and I think Deborah's hitting her stride with these characters. I'm saddened to know that her publisher Berkley Sensation has decided not to publisher #3 :( but I'm hoping she'll either find a new publisher or do it on her own as I really want to read about the last rider Alexei!
November 22, 2017
I really enjoyed being back in this world full of magic, the fae and of course the Baba Yagas . What makes this book so special though is the previously unflappable Gregori Sun. Gregori has always seemed the one most in tune with the universe and his place within it but recent events have left him in inner turmoil. No longer immortal, no longer a Rider and now discovering latent powers that he has no idea how to control! Ok time to take action and Gregori feels his place is in meditation readying himself for life as a Monk but it turns out that perhaps the universe has other ideas !
Ciera has reinvented herself. No longer a runaway, no longer dependent on drugs but now a model citizen working as a librarian and helping those less fortunate. Oh who am I kidding? It would be a boring story if nothing untoward was happening and the truth is Ciera has a secret of her own ! Their initial meeting might be coincidental but there's a connection between them that confuses Gregori. Still he hasn't time for romance and really needs help discovering his roots but not everyone wants Gregori to retrace his past !
Most paranormal stories have good versus evil but this book offers us more than one villain and it's really a twisting tale that had me gripped. These Riders are so very different to each other and I would definitely recommend starting with the Baba Yaga books but right now it's all about Gregori getting his mojo back and he manages that with some very unexpected intervention! What can I say? With families you never quite know what to expect!
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Ciera has reinvented herself. No longer a runaway, no longer dependent on drugs but now a model citizen working as a librarian and helping those less fortunate. Oh who am I kidding? It would be a boring story if nothing untoward was happening and the truth is Ciera has a secret of her own ! Their initial meeting might be coincidental but there's a connection between them that confuses Gregori. Still he hasn't time for romance and really needs help discovering his roots but not everyone wants Gregori to retrace his past !
Most paranormal stories have good versus evil but this book offers us more than one villain and it's really a twisting tale that had me gripped. These Riders are so very different to each other and I would definitely recommend starting with the Baba Yaga books but right now it's all about Gregori getting his mojo back and he manages that with some very unexpected intervention! What can I say? With families you never quite know what to expect!
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
November 17, 2025
What an amazing ride Deborah Blake has taken us on! The three immortal brothers, protectors of the Baba Yagas, have lost their immortality to a power hungry individual and now the always confident, Gregori, is struggling to find his way. Dangerously Divine is Gregori’s story.
Gregori has decided to become a monk, following a spiritual path that his mother had instilled in him since an early age. As he goes down the path toward monkhood, he also wishes to discover whether his mother is still alive. Gregori goes where anyone would go to do research, to the library, where he meets a librarian he just can’t get out of his mind, Ciera Evans.
Ciera is on the run from someone in her past and is weary of anyone new. When Gregori turns up at the library she doesn’t think much of it but then he also keeps showing up in other places in her life she suspects him of being an agent of her ex, the one she is running from.
Gregori’s explorations into the elusive spiritual group that his mother started kicks off a goddess’ wrath, endangering Ciera, Gregori and everyone living the city. Together they must protect those they've come to care for and work together before its too late.
Dangerously Divine was a gripping and completely riveting paranormal romance. I have loved the Baba Yaga series from the first installment I read and am now devouring Blake’s storytelling with the Broken Riders series. What else could a fan ask for…crossover characters, same Baba Yaga world, an explosive, action intense plot AND a swoon worth romance!
I received this ARC copy of Dangerously Divine from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. This book is set for publication November 28, 2017.
Gregori has decided to become a monk, following a spiritual path that his mother had instilled in him since an early age. As he goes down the path toward monkhood, he also wishes to discover whether his mother is still alive. Gregori goes where anyone would go to do research, to the library, where he meets a librarian he just can’t get out of his mind, Ciera Evans.
Ciera is on the run from someone in her past and is weary of anyone new. When Gregori turns up at the library she doesn’t think much of it but then he also keeps showing up in other places in her life she suspects him of being an agent of her ex, the one she is running from.
Gregori’s explorations into the elusive spiritual group that his mother started kicks off a goddess’ wrath, endangering Ciera, Gregori and everyone living the city. Together they must protect those they've come to care for and work together before its too late.
Dangerously Divine was a gripping and completely riveting paranormal romance. I have loved the Baba Yaga series from the first installment I read and am now devouring Blake’s storytelling with the Broken Riders series. What else could a fan ask for…crossover characters, same Baba Yaga world, an explosive, action intense plot AND a swoon worth romance!
I received this ARC copy of Dangerously Divine from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. This book is set for publication November 28, 2017.
December 3, 2017
An ingeniously amazing installment Deborah's Broken Riders series!
“A witch, a Rider, a dragon, and a god walk into a monastery…”
Dangerously Divine by Deborah Blake is the second ingeniously amazing installment in Deborah’s Broken Riders series. This series is a spin-off from and set in the same world as the author’s Baba Yaga series, a highly imaginative fractured retelling of the Russian Baba Yaga folk tales. This tale features Gregori Sun, the eldest Rider, who is struggling to control new powers gained when he lost his immortality. Fans of Deborah’s Baba Yaga series will be delighted to find characters from that series appear and play strong supporting roles in her Broken Riders series. Sharing the spotlight with Gregori in this story is a new character, Ciera Evans, a university librarian by day and a vigilante by night.
While you could enjoy Dangerously Divine as a stand alone, my recommendation is to start at the beginning with the Baba Yaga series and then the Riders. They work best that way and, truly, you won’t want to miss one spellbinding moment!
Gregori’s always been the unflappable Rider, but since losing his immortality, he’s lost his way. He used to be able to effortlessly connect to the universe’s energy with a single thought. Now, he’s beset by disturbing visions, precognition that he doesn’t trust nor know what to do with, and a healing gift that he can’t control. Seeking elusive inner peace, he enters a Buddhist monastery to pursue becoming a monk while using his free time to search for his mother, a female Mongolian shaman, who may be able to help him. With limited options, he doggedly continues his search for her even though his mother has probably been dead for hundreds of years. Still, driven to follow every possibility, he enlists the aid of Ciera, the librarian at the university to assist his research as to where his mother may be found. Ciera is curious as to why this sexy monk-in-training is interested in a Mongolian shamaness, but Ciera holds close her own secrets. She is not who she appears to be - intent on a clandestine mission of her own.
I loved both of these characters! My heart went out to both of them as they’d both suffered such terrible trauma and sorrow. Would they ever learn to trust and follow their hearts? Their story kept me riveted from the first to the last…
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Dangerously Divine:
The taxi driver dropped them off back at the Wabasha Street Caves and drove off clutching a huge tip and muttering under his breath about dog drool on his upholstery. In return, Chudo-Yudo muttered something about taxi drivers tasting good with ketchup.
---
Only one kiss. That was what he had intended. But Ciera’s lips were sweet like the juice of a pomegranate, and her skin under his hands felt like velvet. When she put her arms around him, he deepened the kiss, pulling the pins out of her hair until it cascaded over her shoulders. The tiny jingle of the bits of metal falling to the floor was almost lost in the moan she let out when he moved his lips down her neck, and then he was lost too.
---
“I also juggle,” he said in a grave tone, “and am quite adept with a deck of cards.”
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every Baba Yaga book and the first Rider book, but Dangerously Divine is my favorite of them all with wonderful characters, steamy times, action and danger galore, laugh-out loud moments and unexpected twists at every turn. I can’t wait to return to Barbara’s Baba Yaga/Rider world with Alexei’s story. It will be Deborah’s final Rider book. I fervently hope that that it won’t be the final book written in Deborah’s Baba Yagas' universe!
My full review is published at Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Please check it out there!
“A witch, a Rider, a dragon, and a god walk into a monastery…”
Dangerously Divine by Deborah Blake is the second ingeniously amazing installment in Deborah’s Broken Riders series. This series is a spin-off from and set in the same world as the author’s Baba Yaga series, a highly imaginative fractured retelling of the Russian Baba Yaga folk tales. This tale features Gregori Sun, the eldest Rider, who is struggling to control new powers gained when he lost his immortality. Fans of Deborah’s Baba Yaga series will be delighted to find characters from that series appear and play strong supporting roles in her Broken Riders series. Sharing the spotlight with Gregori in this story is a new character, Ciera Evans, a university librarian by day and a vigilante by night.
While you could enjoy Dangerously Divine as a stand alone, my recommendation is to start at the beginning with the Baba Yaga series and then the Riders. They work best that way and, truly, you won’t want to miss one spellbinding moment!
Gregori’s always been the unflappable Rider, but since losing his immortality, he’s lost his way. He used to be able to effortlessly connect to the universe’s energy with a single thought. Now, he’s beset by disturbing visions, precognition that he doesn’t trust nor know what to do with, and a healing gift that he can’t control. Seeking elusive inner peace, he enters a Buddhist monastery to pursue becoming a monk while using his free time to search for his mother, a female Mongolian shaman, who may be able to help him. With limited options, he doggedly continues his search for her even though his mother has probably been dead for hundreds of years. Still, driven to follow every possibility, he enlists the aid of Ciera, the librarian at the university to assist his research as to where his mother may be found. Ciera is curious as to why this sexy monk-in-training is interested in a Mongolian shamaness, but Ciera holds close her own secrets. She is not who she appears to be - intent on a clandestine mission of her own.
I loved both of these characters! My heart went out to both of them as they’d both suffered such terrible trauma and sorrow. Would they ever learn to trust and follow their hearts? Their story kept me riveted from the first to the last…
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Dangerously Divine:
The taxi driver dropped them off back at the Wabasha Street Caves and drove off clutching a huge tip and muttering under his breath about dog drool on his upholstery. In return, Chudo-Yudo muttered something about taxi drivers tasting good with ketchup.
---
Only one kiss. That was what he had intended. But Ciera’s lips were sweet like the juice of a pomegranate, and her skin under his hands felt like velvet. When she put her arms around him, he deepened the kiss, pulling the pins out of her hair until it cascaded over her shoulders. The tiny jingle of the bits of metal falling to the floor was almost lost in the moan she let out when he moved his lips down her neck, and then he was lost too.
---
“I also juggle,” he said in a grave tone, “and am quite adept with a deck of cards.”
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every Baba Yaga book and the first Rider book, but Dangerously Divine is my favorite of them all with wonderful characters, steamy times, action and danger galore, laugh-out loud moments and unexpected twists at every turn. I can’t wait to return to Barbara’s Baba Yaga/Rider world with Alexei’s story. It will be Deborah’s final Rider book. I fervently hope that that it won’t be the final book written in Deborah’s Baba Yagas' universe!
My full review is published at Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Please check it out there!
November 17, 2017
The second of the three former Riders gets his story. Gregori Sun, the calm, logical, and oldest of the three brothers is unraveling at the seams. I wanted to bundle up each of these guys and heal them with a hug. But no... they have to make their own way back. Gregori's story and his extra special lady was captivating and emotional from the beginning.
There was something extra special about this story that took it up several notches even from the first book, Mikhail's story. I suspect it was the themes of broken people, broken families, abuse, surviving and thriving, and paying it forward.
Gregori and Ciera both are hanging by threads when they encounter one another. Ciera is in a better place from her past, but she is stirring up things in the dark she won't be able to handle when she puts herself on the radar of a drug cartel leader while Gregori is literally going to pieces and must find a way to control the supernatural gifts that are emerging since he was tortured and lost his immortality.
Both have a hard row to hoe, but I loved how the author made this a romance story of two survivors finding each other and helping each other finish finding their strengths and that they can reach out to others in trust and have a chance at love.
Things are pretty exciting and come at the pair from a few different angles. Both have enemies they aren't even aware of that are after them and both are on separate quests. It was neat and got in some great action moments along with a few Baba Yaga Bella and cat-dragon and Rider scenes which made me grin.
Oh the feels I got from this book. There were bits of humor slipped in to make me chuckle, sweet ahhhs, passionate ohhhs, suspenseful page-turner scenes, and heartwarming triumphs.
And now we're down to the last Rider, the big larger than life bear of man, Alexei. Can't wait to see what and who is in store for him.
Dangerously Divine is probably my favorite book between both the Baba Yaga and Broken Riders series. Incidentally, my recommendations is to read them in order from the first Baba Yaga and on through in order because they work best that way. Those who enjoyed action, suspense, a bit of witchery, humor, and slow-burn passion in their paranormals should definitely pick these up.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
There was something extra special about this story that took it up several notches even from the first book, Mikhail's story. I suspect it was the themes of broken people, broken families, abuse, surviving and thriving, and paying it forward.
Gregori and Ciera both are hanging by threads when they encounter one another. Ciera is in a better place from her past, but she is stirring up things in the dark she won't be able to handle when she puts herself on the radar of a drug cartel leader while Gregori is literally going to pieces and must find a way to control the supernatural gifts that are emerging since he was tortured and lost his immortality.
Both have a hard row to hoe, but I loved how the author made this a romance story of two survivors finding each other and helping each other finish finding their strengths and that they can reach out to others in trust and have a chance at love.
Things are pretty exciting and come at the pair from a few different angles. Both have enemies they aren't even aware of that are after them and both are on separate quests. It was neat and got in some great action moments along with a few Baba Yaga Bella and cat-dragon and Rider scenes which made me grin.
Oh the feels I got from this book. There were bits of humor slipped in to make me chuckle, sweet ahhhs, passionate ohhhs, suspenseful page-turner scenes, and heartwarming triumphs.
And now we're down to the last Rider, the big larger than life bear of man, Alexei. Can't wait to see what and who is in store for him.
Dangerously Divine is probably my favorite book between both the Baba Yaga and Broken Riders series. Incidentally, my recommendations is to read them in order from the first Baba Yaga and on through in order because they work best that way. Those who enjoyed action, suspense, a bit of witchery, humor, and slow-burn passion in their paranormals should definitely pick these up.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2020
This is part of one of my favourite paranormal series'. I love Deborah Blake's writing. This wasn't my favourite of all her books, but I definitely enjoyed it!
I love the way Blake combines magic and magical people with ordinary situations and people. It is very creative, and it works, even though it is bringing together people and things that shouldn't really work. It's entertaining and well-done.
This book had some difficult situations in it, but they were handled sensitively, and the characters, especially the female characters, are, as in all Blake's books, strong, intelligent and determined. I love that about her books, and Ciera was a protagonist who was very easy to like and root for.
Gregori, as one of the Broken Riders, was zen and prickly in equal measure, and watching him slowly come back into the world was fun.
These books are fast, fun easy reads, and I look forward to each new Deborah Blake book knowing I will be entertained, allowed to peek into a magical world, and left with a feel good ending every time!
I love the way Blake combines magic and magical people with ordinary situations and people. It is very creative, and it works, even though it is bringing together people and things that shouldn't really work. It's entertaining and well-done.
This book had some difficult situations in it, but they were handled sensitively, and the characters, especially the female characters, are, as in all Blake's books, strong, intelligent and determined. I love that about her books, and Ciera was a protagonist who was very easy to like and root for.
Gregori, as one of the Broken Riders, was zen and prickly in equal measure, and watching him slowly come back into the world was fun.
These books are fast, fun easy reads, and I look forward to each new Deborah Blake book knowing I will be entertained, allowed to peek into a magical world, and left with a feel good ending every time!
November 28, 2017
This is book two in the Broken Riders series. That series is a spin off from the Baba Yaga series. I have not read any of the previous books and at times I did feel like I was missing some background. Even so I had no trouble keep up with the characters and the story line. I liked the two main characters. Gregory Sun is the ultimate strong and silent type. In his case that is not a strength. Ciera Evans has a very big secret in her past and she keeps to herself to protect that secret. The two keep trying to protect themselves by keeping apart. Does not work that well. I enjoyed the world building, backstory and plot. A very interesting romance mixed with a lot of danger and tension.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
November 3, 2017
Oh, this was a really fantastic book! These two were really fantastic, and they both had something going on, him with his powers and his search for his mom, and her, her past and her present and the secrets in both! So great! Can't wait for the 3rd book and the 3rd brother finding love!
December 14, 2017
I really need to read the Baba Yaga series! They have quite the presents in this book that has me very curious on what the riders were like before they were attacked, especially Gregori. Why would he want to become a monk? Is it because he can’t control his new powers and where do those powers come from? He thinks his mother may have the answers so he set out to see if he could find her starting with research at the library.
Ciera may seem like a mild mannered librarian, but underneath that plain exterior is a warrior. She had a troubled, sad childhood that involved abuse and drugs, and now determined to save other lost teens. When she is not working at a shelter, she secretly patrols the streets to help others. A chance encounter on the street brings them together, his research at the library makes sure there is no getting away from each other. When Gregori purposes they work together to solve each other’s problems, she reluctantly agrees. And then things start to get interesting!
Dangerously Divine was Fun! Fun! Fun! It’s loaded with action, curious twists and secrets begging to be discovered. The chemistry between Gregori and Ciera was fantastic. Because of their backgrounds, honestly I don’t know who I loved more - Ciera and how she overcame her past or Gregori and his parents. Speaking of which, I loved all the extra characters! A cat-dragon…heck yeah! And then throw in that there is more than one bad guy to battle. Between the humor, the heat, and the non-stop action, I couldn’t put this book down and found myself racing to the end just to see what would happen next. This is definitely a book worth recommending. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the final Rider brother.
I received this book from The JeepDiva with the express purpose of an honest review. The opinions, contents, and rating of this review are solely mine
Stars - 4, Flames - 3
Ciera may seem like a mild mannered librarian, but underneath that plain exterior is a warrior. She had a troubled, sad childhood that involved abuse and drugs, and now determined to save other lost teens. When she is not working at a shelter, she secretly patrols the streets to help others. A chance encounter on the street brings them together, his research at the library makes sure there is no getting away from each other. When Gregori purposes they work together to solve each other’s problems, she reluctantly agrees. And then things start to get interesting!
Dangerously Divine was Fun! Fun! Fun! It’s loaded with action, curious twists and secrets begging to be discovered. The chemistry between Gregori and Ciera was fantastic. Because of their backgrounds, honestly I don’t know who I loved more - Ciera and how she overcame her past or Gregori and his parents. Speaking of which, I loved all the extra characters! A cat-dragon…heck yeah! And then throw in that there is more than one bad guy to battle. Between the humor, the heat, and the non-stop action, I couldn’t put this book down and found myself racing to the end just to see what would happen next. This is definitely a book worth recommending. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the final Rider brother.
I received this book from The JeepDiva with the express purpose of an honest review. The opinions, contents, and rating of this review are solely mine
Stars - 4, Flames - 3
September 26, 2017
Wow. Love the concept and the characters are strong and well developed. love that the characters weren't looking for a partner, but found they couldn't resist...I will be looking for the first book and getting it shortly. Looking forward to the third in the series.
November 30, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/da...
Dangerously Divine
Broken Riders, Book #2
By Deborah Blake
ISBN: 978-1101987186
Author’s Website: deborahblakeauthor(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Omar
Summary
The author of the “wonderful” (Tamora Pierce) Baba Yaga novels and Dangerously Charming is back with a magically mesmerizing new tale about the dashing and daring Broken Riders…
The Riders: Three immortal brothers who kept the Baba Yagas safe, now stripped of their summons to protect. But fate is not finished with them—and their new callings are even more powerful…
Though his physical wounds have healed, Gregori Sun, the eldest of the Riders, remains in spiritual turmoil. His search for his mother, the one person able to heal his soul and save his life, is failing—until he crosses paths with a beautiful and fascinating librarian who might be the key to his salvation…
Ciera Evans’s bookish ways are just a guise. The product of a difficult past, she has dedicated her life to saving lost teens—by any means necessary. She works alone, but when a dark, brooding stranger proposes they team up to solve both their problems, she is tempted—in more ways than one…
After Ciera and Sun’s plans are derailed by dangerous enemies, they find themselves entangled in an ungodly affair—one that will force them to either find new strength together or be forever haunted by their pasts alone.
Review
In Dangerously Divine, we meet Gregori Sun after the events that took place in Dangerously Charming and he helped his brother Mikhail with his new-found abilities. Now is the case of Gregori, who, after being tortured by a crazy Baba Yaga and lost his immortality, has started to manifest strange abilities himself, abilities that resemble things that his mother was able to do. In hope of understanding his new abilities, Gregori has decided to look into his mother Iduyan, a mystical shaman, that was able to extend her life and of her followers’ through meditation and understanding of the universe energy. Given that he hasn’t seen his mother in a couple of centuries, he doesn’t know where she is or how to locate her, and his father the god Jarilo has been gone or asleep for some time to ask for help. The only thing that he can think of doing, is to join a Buddhist temple and research her mother’s history, while trying to find peace of mind again.
As Gregori starts his path with the Buddhists and his research to find his mother, he meets the librarian Ciera Evans, who works at the University of Minnesota and helps him when he asks for odd or weird information. On the outside Ciera looks like any other boring librarian, but at night she goes out and does her best to clean up the streets of dealers and pimps on the bad streets of Minneapolis. She has a dark past that is the fire that ignites her revenge and need to be a vigilante.
As the two of them start to spend more time together, a different fire ignites in both of them that makes them rethink their life choices and how it would change their lives, but there are different people who would like to see them disappear to keep their own plans a secret.
I really liked Dangerously Divine, at the beginning I felt it was somewhat slow to tell us the problem of the story, but once you started to get a hang of the characters and what they wanted it became more entertaining.
On this Broken Riders series, we get to learn more about the red rider, Gregori Sun. Gregori met a cameo the first book of the series, Dangerously Charming, to help his brother Mikhail. Gregori is very different to Mikhail and that was something that I liked in this series. It often is that in a series that has brothers as protagonist, that they tend to have the same personality and way of doing things. This wasn’t the case, and Gregori was a fresh breath to this fantasy world.
I liked the personality of both Gregori and Ciera. Both of them are different to the other, but still have similarities past that makes them come to a same choice or decision. They respect each other choices and accepted that they can become more is they help one another.
The story presents a variety of characters that add a different flavor to the story. We get to see previous characters from the Baba Yaga series, but at the same time we meet new ones. One that I liked was a the Jarilo, Gregori’s father, who was fun to read. For some reason I also liked a friend and volunteer from the Soup kitchen that Ciera and Gregori volunteer.
I keep liking the supernatural world that this series takes place and I like the interaction between the Otherworld and the humans.
If you are a fan of Deborah Blake or her work in the Baba Yaga series, then I recommend you, Dangerously Divine. In this story, we meet a man that after an awful betrayal, who has lost so many things, now just wants peace, and a woman that is looking for the murder of her mentor and savior; once they meet they start to reevaluate where their lives are going and how they can stay together.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Dangerously Divine
Broken Riders, Book #2
By Deborah Blake
ISBN: 978-1101987186
Author’s Website: deborahblakeauthor(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Omar
Summary
The author of the “wonderful” (Tamora Pierce) Baba Yaga novels and Dangerously Charming is back with a magically mesmerizing new tale about the dashing and daring Broken Riders…
The Riders: Three immortal brothers who kept the Baba Yagas safe, now stripped of their summons to protect. But fate is not finished with them—and their new callings are even more powerful…
Though his physical wounds have healed, Gregori Sun, the eldest of the Riders, remains in spiritual turmoil. His search for his mother, the one person able to heal his soul and save his life, is failing—until he crosses paths with a beautiful and fascinating librarian who might be the key to his salvation…
Ciera Evans’s bookish ways are just a guise. The product of a difficult past, she has dedicated her life to saving lost teens—by any means necessary. She works alone, but when a dark, brooding stranger proposes they team up to solve both their problems, she is tempted—in more ways than one…
After Ciera and Sun’s plans are derailed by dangerous enemies, they find themselves entangled in an ungodly affair—one that will force them to either find new strength together or be forever haunted by their pasts alone.
Review
In Dangerously Divine, we meet Gregori Sun after the events that took place in Dangerously Charming and he helped his brother Mikhail with his new-found abilities. Now is the case of Gregori, who, after being tortured by a crazy Baba Yaga and lost his immortality, has started to manifest strange abilities himself, abilities that resemble things that his mother was able to do. In hope of understanding his new abilities, Gregori has decided to look into his mother Iduyan, a mystical shaman, that was able to extend her life and of her followers’ through meditation and understanding of the universe energy. Given that he hasn’t seen his mother in a couple of centuries, he doesn’t know where she is or how to locate her, and his father the god Jarilo has been gone or asleep for some time to ask for help. The only thing that he can think of doing, is to join a Buddhist temple and research her mother’s history, while trying to find peace of mind again.
As Gregori starts his path with the Buddhists and his research to find his mother, he meets the librarian Ciera Evans, who works at the University of Minnesota and helps him when he asks for odd or weird information. On the outside Ciera looks like any other boring librarian, but at night she goes out and does her best to clean up the streets of dealers and pimps on the bad streets of Minneapolis. She has a dark past that is the fire that ignites her revenge and need to be a vigilante.
As the two of them start to spend more time together, a different fire ignites in both of them that makes them rethink their life choices and how it would change their lives, but there are different people who would like to see them disappear to keep their own plans a secret.
I really liked Dangerously Divine, at the beginning I felt it was somewhat slow to tell us the problem of the story, but once you started to get a hang of the characters and what they wanted it became more entertaining.
On this Broken Riders series, we get to learn more about the red rider, Gregori Sun. Gregori met a cameo the first book of the series, Dangerously Charming, to help his brother Mikhail. Gregori is very different to Mikhail and that was something that I liked in this series. It often is that in a series that has brothers as protagonist, that they tend to have the same personality and way of doing things. This wasn’t the case, and Gregori was a fresh breath to this fantasy world.
I liked the personality of both Gregori and Ciera. Both of them are different to the other, but still have similarities past that makes them come to a same choice or decision. They respect each other choices and accepted that they can become more is they help one another.
The story presents a variety of characters that add a different flavor to the story. We get to see previous characters from the Baba Yaga series, but at the same time we meet new ones. One that I liked was a the Jarilo, Gregori’s father, who was fun to read. For some reason I also liked a friend and volunteer from the Soup kitchen that Ciera and Gregori volunteer.
I keep liking the supernatural world that this series takes place and I like the interaction between the Otherworld and the humans.
If you are a fan of Deborah Blake or her work in the Baba Yaga series, then I recommend you, Dangerously Divine. In this story, we meet a man that after an awful betrayal, who has lost so many things, now just wants peace, and a woman that is looking for the murder of her mentor and savior; once they meet they start to reevaluate where their lives are going and how they can stay together.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
December 2, 2017
Wow The Riders are mostly grown up
This was a delight. I loved this more than any other tale in the series and I dearly love them all. The insight and heart in this tale had me at the first sentence and held me to the last.
This was a delight. I loved this more than any other tale in the series and I dearly love them all. The insight and heart in this tale had me at the first sentence and held me to the last.
May 10, 2021
Second book in this series features Gregori Sun who is one of the three immortal brothers who are no longer immortal. I loved this book because of Gregori and his parents. Ms. Blake takes a serious situation and gives it a sense of humour with a bit of danger. This book can be read as a standalone. Reading the first book in this series will help a little.
When a person is invulnerable and can never die, life is less precious. When Gregori becomes mortal, he learns a lot of his powers which he took for granted are no longer easy to obtain. This self re-discovery journey could be dry - filled with meditation and disciplined training. Fortunately, Ms. Blake does not torture the readers in this manner. Instead, she tortures us with twists and turns that keeps the book lively if a bit frustrating. Gregori meets Ciera. She is a bit of a mystery to him. When he learns more about her and her secret witchy ways, he helps her as she helps him.
From a character perspective, I liked them all. Down to Gregori's obvious and absent father. Whilst Gregori is becoming something different, there is a jealous force trying to eradicate him. Tying in Gregori's history with his mother gives a richness to his character. Instead of just a super hero who rides in on a motorcycle, Gregori becomes more relatable and human. This story does a nice job of showing how children can grow apart and lose contact with their parents. However, this does not mean that they can not reconnect. And that good parents, when a child is in trouble, no matter the age, will still rush to their side to help them. I think this is the part that really made me feel good. Seeing how Gregori may have been all alone, but he really isn't. He has family and they all want to help him become this different person. The love interest definite helps bring him back to life. Recommended to paranormal romance readers who like self discovery themes.
*provided by Berkley Publishing via NetGalley
When a person is invulnerable and can never die, life is less precious. When Gregori becomes mortal, he learns a lot of his powers which he took for granted are no longer easy to obtain. This self re-discovery journey could be dry - filled with meditation and disciplined training. Fortunately, Ms. Blake does not torture the readers in this manner. Instead, she tortures us with twists and turns that keeps the book lively if a bit frustrating. Gregori meets Ciera. She is a bit of a mystery to him. When he learns more about her and her secret witchy ways, he helps her as she helps him.
From a character perspective, I liked them all. Down to Gregori's obvious and absent father. Whilst Gregori is becoming something different, there is a jealous force trying to eradicate him. Tying in Gregori's history with his mother gives a richness to his character. Instead of just a super hero who rides in on a motorcycle, Gregori becomes more relatable and human. This story does a nice job of showing how children can grow apart and lose contact with their parents. However, this does not mean that they can not reconnect. And that good parents, when a child is in trouble, no matter the age, will still rush to their side to help them. I think this is the part that really made me feel good. Seeing how Gregori may have been all alone, but he really isn't. He has family and they all want to help him become this different person. The love interest definite helps bring him back to life. Recommended to paranormal romance readers who like self discovery themes.
*provided by Berkley Publishing via NetGalley
November 20, 2017
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
Dangerously Divine had everything I love about Deborah Blake’s work. It featured a loyal hero and a strong heroine who had incredible chemistry together, and of course it was full of magic and supernatural elements that added depth to the story.
‘Avoid all violence, Gregori heard his teacher from the monastery say in his head. And then he ran toward trouble, just as he always had.’
I had a lot of fun with Gregori and Ciera’s romance, but then again, I always have fun with Deborah Blake’s stories. Now the books in this series can be read as standalones, but if you’ve read book one or even the Baba Yaga series then you’re probably as curious about the former Riders as I have been. And Gregori certainly was the noble, honorable man I thought he was. I love that his struggles (as well as Ciera’s) were cast in a realistic light, not shying away from his flaws or mistakes. Read More
Dangerously Divine had everything I love about Deborah Blake’s work. It featured a loyal hero and a strong heroine who had incredible chemistry together, and of course it was full of magic and supernatural elements that added depth to the story.
‘Avoid all violence, Gregori heard his teacher from the monastery say in his head. And then he ran toward trouble, just as he always had.’
I had a lot of fun with Gregori and Ciera’s romance, but then again, I always have fun with Deborah Blake’s stories. Now the books in this series can be read as standalones, but if you’ve read book one or even the Baba Yaga series then you’re probably as curious about the former Riders as I have been. And Gregori certainly was the noble, honorable man I thought he was. I love that his struggles (as well as Ciera’s) were cast in a realistic light, not shying away from his flaws or mistakes. Read More
July 6, 2017
Love this series! I really like the Riders, and Sun's story was great.
November 29, 2017
Dangerously Divine by Deborah Blake is the 2nd book in her Broken Riders spinoff (Baba Yaga) series. Having enjoyed the first book in this series (Dangerously Charming), I looked forward to reading this book, and I am happy to say I enjoyed it as much or even better.
Gregori Sun, our hero, is a broken rider, who due his torture by the hands of insane Baba Yaga witch, has lost his immortality. Gregori feels lost, unable to feel his spirit, and enters a monastery, where he feels he is now best suited to be. Gregori, at the same time, spends his spare time at the local library, trying to research clues to finding his spiritual mother, who can help heal him; and teach him how to use his new found healing powers.
Ciera Evans, our heroine, is the librarian, who helps Gregori find the books he needs. Ciera, leads a secret life outside of the library. She is hiding from Victor, a dangerous man who imprisoned her and had her on drugs. She was saved by a friend, who was murdered, and now Ciera is a vigilante, helping abused teens, fighting the dangerous men who hurt them, and revenging the man who murdered her friend.
Gregori is intrigued by Ciera, who he keeps running into, whether at the library, soup kitchen (where she works), or on the streets. He finds himself becoming attracted to her, as she is to him. But both know there can be no future. When Gregori starts getting closer to finding his mother, someone is out to stop him and a god of winter brings down havoc of ice and snow that threatens the town. Bella (one of the Baba Yaga’s) and her dragon/cat Koshki , come to help Gregori. Together they will ask Gregori’s father (God of Spring ) to help stop the horrific storm
At the same time, Ciera finds herself in terrible danger, as the person she has been hunting has found her, and now she is at his mercy. Will Gregori be able to find her and save her? What follows is an exciting adventure, which kept us glued to the book during the last half. I loved Gregori and Ciera together, as they were different, but similar in both being effected by tragedies; but I rooted for them to find their way to each other.
To tell too much more would be spoilers, which I do not want to give, as you need to read both books in this series. Dangerously Divine was an enjoyable read that was exciting, intense, a sweet romance, great couple, and fun spending time with a Baba Yaga and Koshki (very funny) . Dangerously Divine was another fun story. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Gregori Sun, our hero, is a broken rider, who due his torture by the hands of insane Baba Yaga witch, has lost his immortality. Gregori feels lost, unable to feel his spirit, and enters a monastery, where he feels he is now best suited to be. Gregori, at the same time, spends his spare time at the local library, trying to research clues to finding his spiritual mother, who can help heal him; and teach him how to use his new found healing powers.
Ciera Evans, our heroine, is the librarian, who helps Gregori find the books he needs. Ciera, leads a secret life outside of the library. She is hiding from Victor, a dangerous man who imprisoned her and had her on drugs. She was saved by a friend, who was murdered, and now Ciera is a vigilante, helping abused teens, fighting the dangerous men who hurt them, and revenging the man who murdered her friend.
Gregori is intrigued by Ciera, who he keeps running into, whether at the library, soup kitchen (where she works), or on the streets. He finds himself becoming attracted to her, as she is to him. But both know there can be no future. When Gregori starts getting closer to finding his mother, someone is out to stop him and a god of winter brings down havoc of ice and snow that threatens the town. Bella (one of the Baba Yaga’s) and her dragon/cat Koshki , come to help Gregori. Together they will ask Gregori’s father (God of Spring ) to help stop the horrific storm
At the same time, Ciera finds herself in terrible danger, as the person she has been hunting has found her, and now she is at his mercy. Will Gregori be able to find her and save her? What follows is an exciting adventure, which kept us glued to the book during the last half. I loved Gregori and Ciera together, as they were different, but similar in both being effected by tragedies; but I rooted for them to find their way to each other.
To tell too much more would be spoilers, which I do not want to give, as you need to read both books in this series. Dangerously Divine was an enjoyable read that was exciting, intense, a sweet romance, great couple, and fun spending time with a Baba Yaga and Koshki (very funny) . Dangerously Divine was another fun story. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
January 18, 2018
This is the second book in the Broken Riders series, which follows the adventure of each of the three brothers after their loss of their immortality. Gregori Sun is having issues beyond the loss of his immortality as visions of impending wintry doom seem to almost overwhelm him. Being unable to find his calming center, he seeks to change his life by joining a monastery and pursuing his remaining time in calm meditation and reflection. He also is looking to find information on his mother's whereabouts, because she may be able to help him with his visions, but this quest leads him to a unique librarian, Ciera, who not only works in the library but also at the local soup kitchen working with the homeless. As his path crosses with Ciera more than once, Gregori cannot help but admire her strength and daring, and wonders what it is about her that draws him to her. As with the other stories in this and the Baba Yaga series, the story is filled with sometimes complex characters, as well as action, romance and magic. I can't wait to finish this series with Alexei's story in volume #3.
December 5, 2017
A ninja librarian who volunteers for a soup kitchen by day and saves young girls from the streets by night!
I love Ciera! She is not a witch. Not an immortal. But her empowerment steals the show! The growth of this character, from her racially diverse background to the streets, leading to where she is now is an inspiring story.
A bookworm who beats up bad guys is my ultimate hero.
Sure, golden-hearted Sun is total hottie on a Ducati. Nothing broken about him. I enjoyed discovering the myth of his parentage, and the journey taken in a family sense.
For me, the characters made the book awesome.
This author writes the best animals! I loved the familiar in Veiled Magic, and I love Koshka in this one--the talking forest cat-dragon is sarcastically hilarious.
Looking forward to more magical books from Deborah Blake!
I love Ciera! She is not a witch. Not an immortal. But her empowerment steals the show! The growth of this character, from her racially diverse background to the streets, leading to where she is now is an inspiring story.
A bookworm who beats up bad guys is my ultimate hero.
Sure, golden-hearted Sun is total hottie on a Ducati. Nothing broken about him. I enjoyed discovering the myth of his parentage, and the journey taken in a family sense.
For me, the characters made the book awesome.
This author writes the best animals! I loved the familiar in Veiled Magic, and I love Koshka in this one--the talking forest cat-dragon is sarcastically hilarious.
Looking forward to more magical books from Deborah Blake!
December 11, 2017
Loved it
Such as exciting adventure. So much happening in one life trying to find yourself. The people you meet along the way that make an impression. Sometimes not the right one.
Such as exciting adventure. So much happening in one life trying to find yourself. The people you meet along the way that make an impression. Sometimes not the right one.
December 11, 2017
Gregori is my favorite hero of the Baba Yaga trilogy and the Rider books. That he rides my fav moto is a bonus. The magic, the humor that make Blake's books such entertaining reads are quieter/dry/sharper in this installment, befitting such introspective hero and heroine as it explores what do you do next when you've been irrevocably broken? How do you heal? What do you take forward into a new, never anticipated life? The flavor of this book is more Netflix Marvel than Princess Bride, and spot-on for the genre and tone...as a life long Marvel fan this is high praise.
Also love how magic contributed to wild storms.
This is a Keeper Shelf book, along with the rest of the series.
Also love how magic contributed to wild storms.
This is a Keeper Shelf book, along with the rest of the series.
July 17, 2017
I received this ARC copy of Dangerously Divine from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I've read Blake's Baba Yaga series and totally enjoyed, so leaped at the opportunity to read Dangerously Divine. This story focused on "retired" Rider Gregori Sun. He's joining a Buddhist Monastery to reclaim his serenity. He meets Ciera Evans, a university librarian, when he goes to her library to do research to find his mother, whom he has not seen in centuries. Gregori and Ciera meet again at a soup kitchen for teens, where they both volunteer.
Ciera, is secretly a vigilante, helping teens that are being abused or drug addicted to get free. Gregori and Ciera are drawn together by chemistry and circumstance.
It was good to see the appearances of the Baba Yagas that made the original series so fun. I found this book to be very enjoyable, though the relationship between Gregori and Ciera seemed to move more quickly than seemed plausible.
All in all, I found the book satisfying for the most part in resolving the many issues of our protagonists.
I've read Blake's Baba Yaga series and totally enjoyed, so leaped at the opportunity to read Dangerously Divine. This story focused on "retired" Rider Gregori Sun. He's joining a Buddhist Monastery to reclaim his serenity. He meets Ciera Evans, a university librarian, when he goes to her library to do research to find his mother, whom he has not seen in centuries. Gregori and Ciera meet again at a soup kitchen for teens, where they both volunteer.
Ciera, is secretly a vigilante, helping teens that are being abused or drug addicted to get free. Gregori and Ciera are drawn together by chemistry and circumstance.
It was good to see the appearances of the Baba Yagas that made the original series so fun. I found this book to be very enjoyable, though the relationship between Gregori and Ciera seemed to move more quickly than seemed plausible.
All in all, I found the book satisfying for the most part in resolving the many issues of our protagonists.
November 5, 2017
I am addicted to this series and the Baba Yaga series that this was spun off of and I wonder what is going to happen after the next book when the last Rider is finished.
Gregori and Ciera made a great pair in this story since neither were looking for a relationship and actively worked to avoid one but fate has other plans it seems.
There is of course a bad guy and he is pretty evil but human BUT there is yet another bad guy and HE is a lot more trouble and the plot around him is a bit more complicated. It was a great reading and I loved it but I did scan a few pages here and there so 4 Stars for that but this is a 5 Star story you will love BUT if you have not read the Baba Yaga trilogy and the rider book that preceded this one I would not start here.
Gregori and Ciera made a great pair in this story since neither were looking for a relationship and actively worked to avoid one but fate has other plans it seems.
There is of course a bad guy and he is pretty evil but human BUT there is yet another bad guy and HE is a lot more trouble and the plot around him is a bit more complicated. It was a great reading and I loved it but I did scan a few pages here and there so 4 Stars for that but this is a 5 Star story you will love BUT if you have not read the Baba Yaga trilogy and the rider book that preceded this one I would not start here.
October 16, 2017
This is the first book in this series that I have read. There is clearly more backstory that is alluded to, but nothing that makes you feel lost or that this cannot be read as a stand alone. Admittedly, I do want to read the other books now. So I suppose it makes me curious rather than out of the loop.
I liked both Gregori and Ciera for the most part. They meet while Gregori is at a bit of a crossroads in life and Ciera is living a double life. Both are haunted by their pasts and I appreciated the journey and growth they showed. The main portion of the book takes place over a few months (I think, its a bit hard to tell really) so their friendship/relationship and personal growth didn't feel too rushed.
I liked the secondary characters in the book a lot. All of them added to the story and it was nice to see how they added to the main character's lives. Especially, when Ciera/Gregori didn't realize how much they need/mean to other people. The secondaries added a lot of depth to the book and I don't think I would have liked it nearly as much without them.
Frankly, I liked the story overall, but the characters were a bit muddled, and it was a very hard read for me. It sounds strange but I was very confused and quickly frustrated by the continuous fluidity of how Gregori was referred to in the book, ie first name or last name.
Sometimes he was referred to as Gregori and sometimes as Sun. I found this very confusing at the beginning of the book when it wasn't quite clear his name full name was Gregori Sun, and he is at one point referred to as Gregori Day!?!?! Sometimes every other paragraph would alternate and it felt like two people were being introduced in a confusing mish-mash. In fact it took me several weeks to actually decide whether to delve into the book or DNR it because I couldn't figure out who it was about, and who the heck all these characters were. Once I figured out it was indeed two people (Ciera of the double life, and Gregori of the two identities) it got a bit better. But the inability to stick with one name continued throughout the book. And frankly it continued to irritate me throughout the book. This didn't just happen during dialog or with some people referencing him one way or the other, which is common/understandable. It was continuous, almost like the author really likes both names and didn't want to just pick one like she did with Ciera.
I think the book would have been a much faster/easier read if someone had just picked one name and stuck with it throughout. Though if this wasn't so muddled and confusing in the intro chapters it might have annoyed me less throughout the book.
As an aside at one point a Jeep Cherokee turns into a Toyota...so yeah that was kind of funny. But I was reading an ARC so maybe they will decide on a single SUV before final publishing.
*I received this book through the goodreads firstreads program under no obligation to write a review. All opinions above are mine alone.
I liked both Gregori and Ciera for the most part. They meet while Gregori is at a bit of a crossroads in life and Ciera is living a double life. Both are haunted by their pasts and I appreciated the journey and growth they showed. The main portion of the book takes place over a few months (I think, its a bit hard to tell really) so their friendship/relationship and personal growth didn't feel too rushed.
I liked the secondary characters in the book a lot. All of them added to the story and it was nice to see how they added to the main character's lives. Especially, when Ciera/Gregori didn't realize how much they need/mean to other people. The secondaries added a lot of depth to the book and I don't think I would have liked it nearly as much without them.
Frankly, I liked the story overall, but the characters were a bit muddled, and it was a very hard read for me. It sounds strange but I was very confused and quickly frustrated by the continuous fluidity of how Gregori was referred to in the book, ie first name or last name.
Sometimes he was referred to as Gregori and sometimes as Sun. I found this very confusing at the beginning of the book when it wasn't quite clear his name full name was Gregori Sun, and he is at one point referred to as Gregori Day!?!?! Sometimes every other paragraph would alternate and it felt like two people were being introduced in a confusing mish-mash. In fact it took me several weeks to actually decide whether to delve into the book or DNR it because I couldn't figure out who it was about, and who the heck all these characters were. Once I figured out it was indeed two people (Ciera of the double life, and Gregori of the two identities) it got a bit better. But the inability to stick with one name continued throughout the book. And frankly it continued to irritate me throughout the book. This didn't just happen during dialog or with some people referencing him one way or the other, which is common/understandable. It was continuous, almost like the author really likes both names and didn't want to just pick one like she did with Ciera.
I think the book would have been a much faster/easier read if someone had just picked one name and stuck with it throughout. Though if this wasn't so muddled and confusing in the intro chapters it might have annoyed me less throughout the book.
As an aside at one point a Jeep Cherokee turns into a Toyota...so yeah that was kind of funny. But I was reading an ARC so maybe they will decide on a single SUV before final publishing.
*I received this book through the goodreads firstreads program under no obligation to write a review. All opinions above are mine alone.
January 28, 2018
All of the Baba Yaga and Broken Riders books are excellent, however, Dangerously Divine far exceeded my expectations!
In the previous books by Blake, Gregori has always seemed to calm and serene. When we first see him in this book, though, he's lost his connection to the universe and is struggling to find inner peace. As well, he's developed some new "gift" after dealing with Brenna and drinking so much of the Water of Life and Death. So, he's decided to become a monk while searching for this mother (who may have information on how to solve his new-found abilities). At the library where he's doing research, he stumbles upon Ciera, a librarian who also happens to help out at the soup kitchen where he is assigned to do his community service by the monastery. Together they search for clues about Gregori's Mom (Ciera doesn't really know the details of it all) and the help keep the homeless youth at the kitchen out of trouble. Ciera and Gregori are both keeping secrets, though, and as they begin to explore their new-found feelings for one another danger lurks out in the street for both of them.
My favorite part of this book was the built-in obstacle for Ciera and Gregori. Since Gregori is planning to become a monk, there really is very little either of them can do to act on their relationship. Instead, they develop a professional relationship and a friendship first. Of course, they are always attracted to each other, but very little can happen unless Gregori decides to go on a different path, which he doesn't intend for most of the book. The result is a really sweet slow burn romance that focuses on compatibility. And Ciera and Gregori are nothing if 100% compatible.
In this book, we also get to see two of the Baba Yagas! Barbara continues to be a guiding force in the reunification of the riders, but we also see Bella help Gregori right in the thick of things. It's been fun throughout the Broken Riders books seeing the men come to their senses in terms of their relationships with the Baba Yagas and really build a family with them. I hope Beka makes a return in the next Riders book.
Of all the heroes in the Baba Yaga and Broken Riders series, Gregori has been my favorite. He's uber attentive to Ciera without losing a sense of purpose. He gives of himself and his talents willingly and readily admits when he is wrong.
I loved reading this book so, so much. Although I read an ebook version, I plan on buying a paperback and keeping this one on my "keeper" shelf. 5 stars for Dangerously Divine.
In the previous books by Blake, Gregori has always seemed to calm and serene. When we first see him in this book, though, he's lost his connection to the universe and is struggling to find inner peace. As well, he's developed some new "gift" after dealing with Brenna and drinking so much of the Water of Life and Death. So, he's decided to become a monk while searching for this mother (who may have information on how to solve his new-found abilities). At the library where he's doing research, he stumbles upon Ciera, a librarian who also happens to help out at the soup kitchen where he is assigned to do his community service by the monastery. Together they search for clues about Gregori's Mom (Ciera doesn't really know the details of it all) and the help keep the homeless youth at the kitchen out of trouble. Ciera and Gregori are both keeping secrets, though, and as they begin to explore their new-found feelings for one another danger lurks out in the street for both of them.
My favorite part of this book was the built-in obstacle for Ciera and Gregori. Since Gregori is planning to become a monk, there really is very little either of them can do to act on their relationship. Instead, they develop a professional relationship and a friendship first. Of course, they are always attracted to each other, but very little can happen unless Gregori decides to go on a different path, which he doesn't intend for most of the book. The result is a really sweet slow burn romance that focuses on compatibility. And Ciera and Gregori are nothing if 100% compatible.
In this book, we also get to see two of the Baba Yagas! Barbara continues to be a guiding force in the reunification of the riders, but we also see Bella help Gregori right in the thick of things. It's been fun throughout the Broken Riders books seeing the men come to their senses in terms of their relationships with the Baba Yagas and really build a family with them. I hope Beka makes a return in the next Riders book.
Of all the heroes in the Baba Yaga and Broken Riders series, Gregori has been my favorite. He's uber attentive to Ciera without losing a sense of purpose. He gives of himself and his talents willingly and readily admits when he is wrong.
I loved reading this book so, so much. Although I read an ebook version, I plan on buying a paperback and keeping this one on my "keeper" shelf. 5 stars for Dangerously Divine.
August 11, 2017
Review Courtesy of Romance Junkies
Gregori Sun is a former rider, a supernatural being born from a Russian god and a Mongolian shamaness. He is known to the Baba Yagas and the Otherworld as the mystical and the cool-headed Red Rider. Now mortal, Gregori searches for a way to reconnect with the universal energies and reclaim his natural equilibrium. He joins a Buddhist Monastery in Minnesota to control the sudden manifestation of new abilities. Fate keeps throwing an intriguing librarian into Gregori’s path during his search for his spiritual mother. Will Gregori find his mother before it is too late? Can Gregori discover a way to regain his inner balance before his new talents consume him?
Ciera Evans works as a university librarian. She volunteers at a local soup kitchen in her free time. Ciera secretly stalks the wintry streets in search of the person responsible for her late mentor’s death. She meets the peculiar yet gorgeous Gregori Sun at the library, and she aids him in his odd research. Ciera grows alarmed when he appears at the same soup kitchen she works at. The dark past she tries desperately to bury re-emerges and threatens her new existence. Can Ciera exorcise her inner demons enough to let Gregori in? Will Ciera succeed in finding her late mentor’s killer?
I have always liked Gregori from his appearances in both WICKEDLY POWERFUL and DANGEROUSLY CHARMING. His level-headedness and inherent spirituality rounds out his brothers Mikhail’s charm and Alexei’s robust exuberance. I like how for a former immortal, Gregori is susceptible to the same weaknesses as mortals. He tries to push past the trauma caused by a power-mad, former Baba Yaga and reclaim his innate balance. I adore how Gregori assures both Barbara and Bella that he does not hold them responsible for his and his brothers’ new circumstances.
I had some difficulty connecting with Ciera. Generally, I like a good strong-willed and independent tortured-heroine type, yet there is just something about her that felt one-dimensional. Ciera has been through much, overcoming the many obstacles thrown in her path by re-inventing herself. However, I admire her courage to pick up her late savior/mentor’s mantle by helping the downtrodden. I understand Ciera’s reluctance to allow Gregori or anyone else close. But what I like most about her is how Ciera dedicates the majority of her free time at the homeless shelter.
DANGEROUS DIVINE is book two in Deborah Blake’s paranormal series, BROKEN RIDERS, a delightful spinoff from her BABA YAGA books. It is necessary to read the previous series to better understand Gregori’s unique circumstance. I only wish this story had the same supernatural angle as the prior book, DANGEROUSLY CHARMING. However, I like that Bella Young from WICKEDLY POWERFUL, book three in the BABA YAGA series, plays a vital role in the plot.
DANGEROUSLY DIVINE is a positive tale of two tortured souls conquering their internal handicaps enough to discover love. I love this brilliantly creative world that Deborah Blake created. I cannot wait for Alexei to get his happily-ever-after.
Gregori Sun is a former rider, a supernatural being born from a Russian god and a Mongolian shamaness. He is known to the Baba Yagas and the Otherworld as the mystical and the cool-headed Red Rider. Now mortal, Gregori searches for a way to reconnect with the universal energies and reclaim his natural equilibrium. He joins a Buddhist Monastery in Minnesota to control the sudden manifestation of new abilities. Fate keeps throwing an intriguing librarian into Gregori’s path during his search for his spiritual mother. Will Gregori find his mother before it is too late? Can Gregori discover a way to regain his inner balance before his new talents consume him?
Ciera Evans works as a university librarian. She volunteers at a local soup kitchen in her free time. Ciera secretly stalks the wintry streets in search of the person responsible for her late mentor’s death. She meets the peculiar yet gorgeous Gregori Sun at the library, and she aids him in his odd research. Ciera grows alarmed when he appears at the same soup kitchen she works at. The dark past she tries desperately to bury re-emerges and threatens her new existence. Can Ciera exorcise her inner demons enough to let Gregori in? Will Ciera succeed in finding her late mentor’s killer?
I have always liked Gregori from his appearances in both WICKEDLY POWERFUL and DANGEROUSLY CHARMING. His level-headedness and inherent spirituality rounds out his brothers Mikhail’s charm and Alexei’s robust exuberance. I like how for a former immortal, Gregori is susceptible to the same weaknesses as mortals. He tries to push past the trauma caused by a power-mad, former Baba Yaga and reclaim his innate balance. I adore how Gregori assures both Barbara and Bella that he does not hold them responsible for his and his brothers’ new circumstances.
I had some difficulty connecting with Ciera. Generally, I like a good strong-willed and independent tortured-heroine type, yet there is just something about her that felt one-dimensional. Ciera has been through much, overcoming the many obstacles thrown in her path by re-inventing herself. However, I admire her courage to pick up her late savior/mentor’s mantle by helping the downtrodden. I understand Ciera’s reluctance to allow Gregori or anyone else close. But what I like most about her is how Ciera dedicates the majority of her free time at the homeless shelter.
DANGEROUS DIVINE is book two in Deborah Blake’s paranormal series, BROKEN RIDERS, a delightful spinoff from her BABA YAGA books. It is necessary to read the previous series to better understand Gregori’s unique circumstance. I only wish this story had the same supernatural angle as the prior book, DANGEROUSLY CHARMING. However, I like that Bella Young from WICKEDLY POWERFUL, book three in the BABA YAGA series, plays a vital role in the plot.
DANGEROUSLY DIVINE is a positive tale of two tortured souls conquering their internal handicaps enough to discover love. I love this brilliantly creative world that Deborah Blake created. I cannot wait for Alexei to get his happily-ever-after.
November 30, 2017
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
As The Riders, brothers Mikhail, Gregori, and Alexei offered aid to the Baba Yagas whenever needed. After being tortured close to death at the hands of an evil Baba Yaga, the brothers were stripped not only of their powers but their immortality as well. Choosing to go their separate ways as they try to find their new place in the world, Gregori Sun has decided his peace of mind can only be achieved by entering the monkhood.
He winds up at a Monastery in Minnesota, but as he begins his studies, he starts to develop very strong psychic powers. Figuring these powers stem from his mother’s side of the family he sets out to find his estranged parent, and what better place to look than at the library, where Gregori meets Ciera.
At first it seems as though Ciera is just a mild-mannered librarian who volunteers at the homeless shelter on her days off. Soon, however, it becomes apparent that a secret from Ciera’s past is back to cause trouble, but this time, she’ll have Gregori on her side—that is, if Gregori’s own past doesn’t end up wiping out the city completely.
Going into Dangerously Divine, and being more familiar with previous events, I connected to the story better than I did with Dangerously Charming. I liked Gregori’s character a lot and I appreciated the precarious position that Deborah Blake puts Gregori and Ciera in by having Gregori’s end goal to become a monk. In a romance, this means that you know some decisions, some sacrifices, are going to be made and I was very interested to see how this would play out. I’m a big fan when unexpected obstacles are placed in front of our couple(s), and seeing how/if the author will get them together in the end.
Unfortunately, things were very disconnected between Gregori and Ciera’s storylines. They each have too much going on individually, which is fine, except that it doesn’t lend itself well for any kind of relationship to form between them, yet as a romance we’re supposed to believe in their love above all else by the end. The common grounds that they develop–Gregori visiting the library where Ciera works while he searches for his mother, and similarly Ciera finding out that Gregori is a trained fighter—never feel like they actually deepen the feelings between Gregori and Ciera. I just could never get on board with their romance.
Their individual story paths both have merit, which makes it difficult to conclusively decide which one I feel Deborah Blake should have given more weight, but I definitely feel one of them should have precedence.
This one was just an all right read for me. While there is interesting build up for Alexei’s story next, because of my questionable feelings toward this book and its predecessor, I may not be too quick to pick up the next book right away.
As The Riders, brothers Mikhail, Gregori, and Alexei offered aid to the Baba Yagas whenever needed. After being tortured close to death at the hands of an evil Baba Yaga, the brothers were stripped not only of their powers but their immortality as well. Choosing to go their separate ways as they try to find their new place in the world, Gregori Sun has decided his peace of mind can only be achieved by entering the monkhood.
He winds up at a Monastery in Minnesota, but as he begins his studies, he starts to develop very strong psychic powers. Figuring these powers stem from his mother’s side of the family he sets out to find his estranged parent, and what better place to look than at the library, where Gregori meets Ciera.
At first it seems as though Ciera is just a mild-mannered librarian who volunteers at the homeless shelter on her days off. Soon, however, it becomes apparent that a secret from Ciera’s past is back to cause trouble, but this time, she’ll have Gregori on her side—that is, if Gregori’s own past doesn’t end up wiping out the city completely.
Going into Dangerously Divine, and being more familiar with previous events, I connected to the story better than I did with Dangerously Charming. I liked Gregori’s character a lot and I appreciated the precarious position that Deborah Blake puts Gregori and Ciera in by having Gregori’s end goal to become a monk. In a romance, this means that you know some decisions, some sacrifices, are going to be made and I was very interested to see how this would play out. I’m a big fan when unexpected obstacles are placed in front of our couple(s), and seeing how/if the author will get them together in the end.
Unfortunately, things were very disconnected between Gregori and Ciera’s storylines. They each have too much going on individually, which is fine, except that it doesn’t lend itself well for any kind of relationship to form between them, yet as a romance we’re supposed to believe in their love above all else by the end. The common grounds that they develop–Gregori visiting the library where Ciera works while he searches for his mother, and similarly Ciera finding out that Gregori is a trained fighter—never feel like they actually deepen the feelings between Gregori and Ciera. I just could never get on board with their romance.
Their individual story paths both have merit, which makes it difficult to conclusively decide which one I feel Deborah Blake should have given more weight, but I definitely feel one of them should have precedence.
This one was just an all right read for me. While there is interesting build up for Alexei’s story next, because of my questionable feelings toward this book and its predecessor, I may not be too quick to pick up the next book right away.
December 10, 2017
This is the second installment of the Broken Riders trilogy and is meant to be read after the Baba Yaga Books.
For centuries, the Baba Yaga (witches from Russian lore who grant wishes--for a price and fly around in a magic mortar shaped house) have been aided and protected by immortal guardians (Riders). The Baba Yaga are not immortal, but their life force is greatly extended by routinely drinking magical Fae water. Unfortunately, one witch was not content to give up her eternal youth when it was time to retire. Instead, she plotted to capture the riders and steal their immortality.
She was eventually destroyed, but by then, the damage had already been done. Despite a massive, emergency infusion of magical water, the Baba Yaga riders are now mortal and must figure out how to adjust to life as "civilians." This adjustment is complicated by the side effects of magical water overdose. All the riders are developing new, unwanted magical abilities that they must learn to control before they can fit in anywhere.
Dangerously Divine follows Gregori Sun. Suffering from PTSD and intrusive visions after his torturous experience with the former Baba Yaga, he joins a Buddhist monastery (in Minnesota of all places) and embarks on a quest to find his mother, a Shamaness who may or may not be able to help. His plans are derailed when he meets Ciera Evans, a beautiful, yet suspicious young woman who works at the library where Gregory is doing research...as well as the soup kitchen where he volunteers as part of his journey to enlightenment.
Despite his vow to remain aloof and chaste, Gregory is reluctantly attracted to the woman who actively hides her good looks and appears to lead a dangerous double life.
I LOVED the Baba Yaga trilogy. The writing style was fresh and humorous. Watching three very long-lived magical women try to navigate the mundane world was highly entertaining. Unfortunately, that light heartedness is missing from this book. The romance between Gregori and Ciera takes a LONG time to go anywhere...and then it's instalove. If you are a fan of the series, I recommend reading Dangerously Divine. It adds to the longitudinal plot, but honestly wasn't my favorite in the series.
For centuries, the Baba Yaga (witches from Russian lore who grant wishes--for a price and fly around in a magic mortar shaped house) have been aided and protected by immortal guardians (Riders). The Baba Yaga are not immortal, but their life force is greatly extended by routinely drinking magical Fae water. Unfortunately, one witch was not content to give up her eternal youth when it was time to retire. Instead, she plotted to capture the riders and steal their immortality.
She was eventually destroyed, but by then, the damage had already been done. Despite a massive, emergency infusion of magical water, the Baba Yaga riders are now mortal and must figure out how to adjust to life as "civilians." This adjustment is complicated by the side effects of magical water overdose. All the riders are developing new, unwanted magical abilities that they must learn to control before they can fit in anywhere.
Dangerously Divine follows Gregori Sun. Suffering from PTSD and intrusive visions after his torturous experience with the former Baba Yaga, he joins a Buddhist monastery (in Minnesota of all places) and embarks on a quest to find his mother, a Shamaness who may or may not be able to help. His plans are derailed when he meets Ciera Evans, a beautiful, yet suspicious young woman who works at the library where Gregory is doing research...as well as the soup kitchen where he volunteers as part of his journey to enlightenment.
Despite his vow to remain aloof and chaste, Gregory is reluctantly attracted to the woman who actively hides her good looks and appears to lead a dangerous double life.
I LOVED the Baba Yaga trilogy. The writing style was fresh and humorous. Watching three very long-lived magical women try to navigate the mundane world was highly entertaining. Unfortunately, that light heartedness is missing from this book. The romance between Gregori and Ciera takes a LONG time to go anywhere...and then it's instalove. If you are a fan of the series, I recommend reading Dangerously Divine. It adds to the longitudinal plot, but honestly wasn't my favorite in the series.
January 1, 2018
Another gem from Deborah Blake
The second book in the Broken Riders series (which is part of Blake's delightful Baba Yaga world, succeed in nearly every way. Richly developed, truly likeable characters make this book a joy to read.
Gregori Sun, one of the three riders who aided the Baba Yagas in their work, after being tortured and almost killed by a former embittered Baba Yaga, has lost his immortality and must find a way to get on with his, now finite, life. He decides to join a Buddhist monastery and study to become a monk. However, he finds himself the bearer of brand new "gifts," such as premonitions and healing. Unfortunately, he doesn't know how to control his gifts and they are using him rather than the other way around. When he finds himself healing a badly wounded person spontaneously and against his will, his energy is almost completely used up. He realizes that if it happens again, he could die. He sets himself to the task of finding his mother, a shaman he hasn't seen in centuries, and whom he is not sure is still alive. The first step in his search is the University library in Minneapolis. There he meets a beautiful young woman who has a secret life of her own. When he meets her again, working at the soup kitchen where he assigned by the monastery to volunteer, the adventure begins. With a supporting cast of 2 Baba Yagas, their Chudo-kudos, a bunch of homeless teens, a magically induced severe winter storm, and a couple of God's thrown in the mix, a lively time is had by all.
I simply love all of Deborah Blake's books, and I am so glad her branch out into fiction has been so successful. I love her characters, and reading of their adventures puts a smile on my face.
The second book in the Broken Riders series (which is part of Blake's delightful Baba Yaga world, succeed in nearly every way. Richly developed, truly likeable characters make this book a joy to read.
Gregori Sun, one of the three riders who aided the Baba Yagas in their work, after being tortured and almost killed by a former embittered Baba Yaga, has lost his immortality and must find a way to get on with his, now finite, life. He decides to join a Buddhist monastery and study to become a monk. However, he finds himself the bearer of brand new "gifts," such as premonitions and healing. Unfortunately, he doesn't know how to control his gifts and they are using him rather than the other way around. When he finds himself healing a badly wounded person spontaneously and against his will, his energy is almost completely used up. He realizes that if it happens again, he could die. He sets himself to the task of finding his mother, a shaman he hasn't seen in centuries, and whom he is not sure is still alive. The first step in his search is the University library in Minneapolis. There he meets a beautiful young woman who has a secret life of her own. When he meets her again, working at the soup kitchen where he assigned by the monastery to volunteer, the adventure begins. With a supporting cast of 2 Baba Yagas, their Chudo-kudos, a bunch of homeless teens, a magically induced severe winter storm, and a couple of God's thrown in the mix, a lively time is had by all.
I simply love all of Deborah Blake's books, and I am so glad her branch out into fiction has been so successful. I love her characters, and reading of their adventures puts a smile on my face.
January 23, 2018
I read this story in a day. Which is always a good indication that it was amazing and I loved it. Alright, I’ve basically done this with each of the stories set in the Baba Yaga universe, but there was something about Dangerously Divine that I especially loved. Maybe it was the fact that although there was still the aspect of the Otherworld throughout, it didn’t have as large a place in the storyline. Something a little different to the other tales in this series. There were no journeys into the Otherworld, and, although there are gods and goddesses throughout, the fact that the entire story is based in one city with some very mortal enemies was a great change of pace.
After meeting Gregori a little better in Dangerously Charming, it was hard to imagine what kind of woman he would end up with. Honestly, I had kind of imagined somebody who was immensely spiritual, and maybe a little bit of a hippy. Ciera is nothing like that. And her tragic past just make her all the more engaging as a heroine. I’ve loved every one of the women and characters throughout the Baba Yaga series, but the fact the Ciera was from such a troubled past, and battled her own inner demons as much as Sun does kind of made me lover her the most.
Ciera and Gregori’s battles collide in this great book, and, ultimately deal with a serious issue in our culture. Drugs, homelessness and violence collide with freak snow storms, mystical healing abilities and a sense of justice that prevails above all else. This intense collision is one that is going to stick with me for a long time. It was everything that I want in a good paranormal romance.
After meeting Gregori a little better in Dangerously Charming, it was hard to imagine what kind of woman he would end up with. Honestly, I had kind of imagined somebody who was immensely spiritual, and maybe a little bit of a hippy. Ciera is nothing like that. And her tragic past just make her all the more engaging as a heroine. I’ve loved every one of the women and characters throughout the Baba Yaga series, but the fact the Ciera was from such a troubled past, and battled her own inner demons as much as Sun does kind of made me lover her the most.
Ciera and Gregori’s battles collide in this great book, and, ultimately deal with a serious issue in our culture. Drugs, homelessness and violence collide with freak snow storms, mystical healing abilities and a sense of justice that prevails above all else. This intense collision is one that is going to stick with me for a long time. It was everything that I want in a good paranormal romance.
April 13, 2018
"Dangerously Divine", the second Broken Riders book is truly a dangerously divine read. Gregori Sun is the oldest of the three Riders who have lost their immortality. Sun is in Minnesota where he entered a monastery hoping to find his spiritual connection to the world that he'd lost with his immortality. In addition, he's searching for his mother in hopes that she can help him with his new gifts. The search for his mother brings him to the library where he meets Ciera Evans. Sun and Ciera strike up a friendship which blossoms to an attraction for each other. Ciera helps Sun with his research at the library while he helps her with showing the kids at the shelter where they both volunteer some fighting techniques.
A Winter storm that's out of this world is threatening the lives of many people but there are 3 specific girls who are missing and Ciera goes looking for them. The storm has been brought about by someone trying to keep Sun away from his mother and during the storm, Ciera is taken hostage. Sun officially asks for help from the Baba Yaga where they discover the source of the storm. Sun is given some advice with regards to his new gifts and his connection with Ciera allows him to help her.
A Winter storm that's out of this world is threatening the lives of many people but there are 3 specific girls who are missing and Ciera goes looking for them. The storm has been brought about by someone trying to keep Sun away from his mother and during the storm, Ciera is taken hostage. Sun officially asks for help from the Baba Yaga where they discover the source of the storm. Sun is given some advice with regards to his new gifts and his connection with Ciera allows him to help her.
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