ARC Review: Larissa Ione – Rogue Rider

Lords of Deliverance:
 
Book 4:
 
Rogue Rider: Reseph and Jillian Cardiff
 

 
Release Date: November 20^th, 2012

Purchase on Amazon: Larissa Ione - Rogue Rider (Lords of Deliverance)

Summary:
From Goodreads.com
Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues-and falls for-a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming, and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man whom Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he's also the kind of man who can be very dangerous . . .
 
Reseph may not know why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian's life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian's neighbors are killed, and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he's putting Jillian in danger. And once it's revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: Can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?
 
Review:
This is the exciting conclusion to the Lords of Deliverance series. Reseph for the last year has been Pestilence, basically one of the most evil beings on the planet in all realms. When this books starts it is 3 months after Pestilence was stabbed through the heart with Deliverance by Thantos. Reseph ends up in Shoal with all of his memories intact. Reaver, goes down to Shoal, wipes Resephs memories and sends him to Colorado in the middle of a snow storm.
 
Reseph wakes in a strange bed with a beautiful woman looming over him. He has no memories, he thinks his name is Reseph but nothing else comes to mind. He might not remember anything but he does remember that he enjoys a beautiful woman and he is pretty sure Jillian is the most beautiful creature he has ever seen. Reseph is absolutely shameless when it comes to his pursuit of Jillian, it is quite amusing. Despite yourself you are smiling at Resephs antics. I really really did not want to like Reseph, you spent the last three books loathing him as Pestilence. Millions are dead because of Pestilence, he spent an entire year torturing, killing, maiming and doing everything in his power to bring about the Apocalypse. I knew Larissa Ione has her work cut out for her in redeeming Reseph in the readers eye, I never should have doubted Ms. Ione and her abilities to turn around your opinion of Reseph. By wiping his memory it gives Reseph and the reader to start fresh, with a clean slate. You are discovering Reseph as he is discovering himself. Ione is smart, she doesn’t make Reseph perfect, he still has his dark parts, some lingering issues from the past that have followed him into the present even without his memories. I think if she had wiped him too clean, to perfect we wouldn’t be able to truly believe his transformation back into Reseph. While Reseph is recovering he senses that he has not been a good man in the past, it is a feeling that keeps surfacing. He can sense he is not good enough for Jillian but the more time he spends with her the more he knows he is not going to let her go and starts hoping that he never gets his memories back. As this new man he can deserve Jillian, he can become what she needs. The more he tries to ignore what he was, the more is comes back to haunt him. It becomes clear that Jillians house is being watched and he senses demons nearby, what he wants and needs to know, is why?
 
Jillian is broken, after a demon attack a year ago she has been hiding away in her family home in Colorado. Her parents had left her the ranch when they died right around the same time of her attack. When Jillian finds the gorgeous stranger in the snow she is shocked he is not dead or suffering from hyperthermia. After he wakes, she knows she is in trouble. Any man she is attracted to is suspect; she knows she has the worst taste in men, so if she’s interested in him then he must be bad. Despite her reservations when it comes to trusting Reseph, he starts worming his way through his heart. He is funny, caring, and helps around the house. His fierce protective streak instead of scaring her, ends up making her feel safer then she has since the attack. She starts leaning on his strength and that scares her more than anything. She doesn’t want to depend on a man, she can only trust herself. I think of all the horseman’s mates I think it is possibly Jillian I like the most. There is just something about her strength and her warrior instincts that pulls you in. Because of her tragic past she is stronger and has a steel core, but she never loses her compassion towards others. Its that combination of strength and compassion that make Jillian such a strong likeable character that grabs the readers heart as well as Resephs. By the end of the book Jillian’s strength is truly tested to its very limits.
 
As with all Larissa Ione books the story line is face paced and a thrill ride. She does not pull her punches both on an action level as well as on the steamy side. Ione is not afraid to go places with her stories that other authors may shy away from. Her books can be violent, but not in a way that makes you uncomfortable; at least I have never felt uncomfortable reading one of her books even if the subject matter may not be light and fluffy. There is also a sensual side to an Ione novel, this book is no different. The scenes between Jillian and Reseph steam up the pages and can be truly creative. *wink wink* In this one even though Reseph has forgotten everything and is basically on his own with Jillian, no worries, we still get to see the other horseman and Reaver plays a big role in this book. There are a few jaw droppers when it comes to the Reaver plot line and it builds the excitement for Reavers book, whenever it may come out.
 
By the end of this book Reseph may not be fully redeemed but he is on his way. Also by the end of this book you will have been taken through the ringer from the intense emotion, action and smexy side. You will also have something to look forward to, a possible Reaver/Harvester paring? We will see!

*This title was provided to me through NetGalley for an honest review. No other compensation was provided.

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ARC Review: Kendra Leigh Castle - Shadow Rising

Dark Dynasties Series:
Book 3:

Shadow Rising: Damien Tremaine and Ariane
 

 
Release Date: July 31st 2012
Summary:
From Goodreads.com
As one of the Grigori, a noble vampire dynasty shrouded in mystery, Ariane has spent her life hidden away in the desert. Like all of her kind, she is a watcher, fated to observe, forbidden to act. Yet when her best friend, Sammael, vanishes, she defies all rules and flees her safe haven to bring him home.
 
A shape-shifting assassin for the House of Shadows, Damien Tremaine is hired to locate Sammael. His hunt for the wayward Grigori leads him to Ariane, the rogue vamp who stands between him and his bounty. Damien never lets emotion interfere with his work, but a single touch from the sexy, beguiling vampire shatters his self-control. Drawn together by their common goal, what begins as an alliance of necessity soon becomes one of desire. But when the secret at the dark heart of the Grigori comes to light, Damien and Ariane must make a choice that could bind them eternally...or tear them—and everything they care about—apart.
 
Review:
I started this series on book 2 and then went back and read book 1 and I am so glad I did! This series was such a great find! I enjoy the concept of the different dynasties and the differences between each dynasty. It adds a unique twist to the vampire genre.
 
Since I started reading this series I have been intrigued by the Grigori, they are such a secretive, mysterious dynasty. So I was glad that this book featured one of the Grigori and I was not disappointed by Ariane. Ariane has been sheltered her entire 900 years as a vampire, she remained at the Grigori compound not once leaving in all of her years. Unlike the rest of the Grigori who remain cold, she has emotion and struggles against it, so she is considered flawed and they never let her forget it. What I liked about Ariane, was her sense of loyalty, her one and only friend went missing and she was going to do anything she could to find him; including risking being hunted by the rest of the Grigori. Once she left the compound she really realized how much of a half life she was living. I loved how Ms. Castle had Ariane struggling to adapt to the world around her and how to develop relationships with the people she meets. I also loved how compassionate Ariane is, she had a great capacity to care, but she was also fierce. She didn’t hesitate to attack and defend against those she felt wronged her or hers. Ariane, also didn’t have any rose colored glasses when it came to Damien, she knew who and what he was and she never tried to change him. It takes a strong woman to accept her man as he is. There was so much to like about Ariane and I couldn’t find any fault with her.
 
Damien, since the beginning has been an a$$. He cares about #1, it’s how he has always gone through life, even as a human. As one of the Shade as well as a Cat Shifter that was further reinforced. He never worked with a partner but as his and Arianes’ paths kept crossing it became clear they may need to team up. At first he was not too happy about it, but sooner rather than later, he got with the program. Little by little Ariane, got under Damiens skin and he did not know how to react to that. It became fun to watch as he floundered over what to do. He was such an easy target for Vlad, to tease. Damiens progression from the first book to the third was small but significant. In the first book, Damien would not have called anyone a friend, but by the third book he had accumulated a very small group of friends including Vlad. Although, there has been some small progression for Damien, he still stays true to who he is, a cocky, self indulgent a$$, who cares about few people but those in his inner circle of which Ariane became the center. Damien worms his way into your heart and easily becomes one of your favorites of this series.
 
A lot of the characters in the previous books reappear in this book, adding to the story line. It is always fun to circle back around to characters you previously read about to see how they are doing past their book. One of my favorite side characters has become Vlad, he is quite entertaining in his own right and I look forward to reading his book one of these days. I will most definitely be continuing on with this great series by Kendra Leigh Castle. It is fun, entertaining and refreshing. I do suggest starting from the beginning; everything is a lot clearer if you do.

*ARC was provided through NetGalley for an honest review, no other compensation was given.
 
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ARC Review: Larissa Ione - Lethal Rider

Lords of Deliverance:

Book 3:

Lethal Rider: Thantos/Death and Regan Cooper

Release Date: May 22^nd, 2012

Click here to pre-order on Amazon: Lethal Rider (Lords of Deliverance)

Summary:

Eight and a half months ago Thantos the most deadly of the Horseman, “lost” his virginity to Regan. For the last 8.5 months his siblings have kept him frozen with hellhound saliva. Trapped in his own body he’s had 8.5 months to plan his revenge against Regan for her betrayal. For 8.5 months Regan has been incubating the child that could either end the world or save it, but she has also spent that time feeling guilty for what she did to Thantos. She knows when Thantos is let loose, he may just kill her, and she doesn’t blame him.

Suddenly, Thantos has feeling again and he feels a force that is calling to him, following that tug he finds himself at a very pregnant Regan. When she tells him it’s his, he’s flabbergasted, he always wanted kids but never let himself dream. Now all he knows is he has his chance at revenge and for the one thing he always wanted. The only problem is Pestilence, will do anything to kill his unborn child and break Thantos seal.

Review:

*This is pretty spoiler free, if there are any, they are pretty minor.

All I can say is wow! Larissa Ione has done it again, she is absolutely a master at what she does.  She is one of the best authors of this genre in my opinion and I read a lot from the paranormal genre.  There is no one else quite like L. Ione.  Ok, enough about being an Ione fan girl and on to Lethal Rider!

 This is the third book of the series and the best in my lowly reader opinion; it may even be the best Ione book to date. Thantos has been my favorite Horseman throughout this series and I have been impatiently waiting for his book, so I am that much happier that this book did not disappoint! It has everything I have come to expect from an Ione book, and that is seamlessly weaving death/violence, sensuality and humor together into an exciting, entertaining tale. Her writing tends to be on the darker, edgier side but she never loses her sense of humor, this book is a perfect example of Ione at her best.  The characters both the main and supporting are fully fleshed out and full of life, you feel like you know them inside and out. You know what makes them tick, their fears that they don’t even want to admit even to themselves, their thoughts, their hopes they don’t dare to dream about, everything.  By the end, hell not even the end f the book you know Thantos, you know Regan.  You’ve laughed with them, you’ve rooted for them, you feared for them, and you may have even cried for them.  You are all in.

I was prepared hate Regan, after what she did to my Thantos, what she did in book 2 was inconceivable. I thought I'd be cursing her through the whole book how dare she hurt my Thantos and bring down the Apocalypse. I don't think I was able to hate her longer than the first couple of chapters; her vulnerability and backbone of steel pulled me in and had me on her side rooting for her. It turns out that is an irresistible combination in a heroine for me. I love a girl that has some backbone and can stand up to a strong Alpha man (Which undoubtedly describes Thantos), but maintains a bit of vulnerability that makes her human. In Regan’s case she is human with a bit of a kick, she has a couple of abilities that make her more than the average human being a bit of empathy through tough and a soul sucking ablity that can turn deadly oh and a killer baby intent on protecting her. After being a part of the Aegis for so long it's all she knows, but they never let her forget that she is not quite human and that they let her live when they should have killed her as is the usual Aegis policy for something such as Regan. This constant reminder did a real number on Regan, and has made her feel unworthy and unwanted her entire life. She feels like the only way she would be wanted is if she had something to offer someone. This also makes her doubt that she could be a real mother to a child, makes her feel like she could never be a good mother to her own child, which really makes you feel for her. No woman should feel like that, no woman should be made to feel so unworthy that they feel like they couldn’t even be a good mother to their own child. This is just one of the many things that makes your heart reach for Regans.

Thantos, oh Thantos, Larissa Ione told me that I could have you if I could wrest you away from Regan… via Twitter and I am taking her on her word so if it's the last thing I do, you will be mine.. oh yes you will! LOL! He is my tortured, tattooed, alpha male, virgin type. My ultimate weakness! Thantos was raised by a peaceful tribe 4000 years ago. At the heart of it, he's a peaceful guy and prefers a peaceful existence with his books. However, when he became one of the horsemen, he became death. Now his whole existence revolves around killing and death, 4000 years is a lot of death and too much of it was at his hands from his uncontrollable rages. His entire body is tattooed with the scenes of deaths he has dealt out. One of the few things that has been in his control has been his seal and he has held onto that with his infamous control, for 4000 years he believed that his virginity was his seal, so for 4000 years he never partook in those pleasures. When Regan came around he wanted sex more than he had ever before, and that control has slipped further then it has ever has before in his existence. After 8 months of captivity in his own body, Thantos, has plenty of time to plot revenge, but when hefinally gets Regan in his grasp he has so many conflicting emotions.  He wants his revenge, but he also has an overwhelming need to protect and bed her. Then he thinks maybe he can bed her and get his revenge at the same time, his emotions are all over the place which is new to Thantos, but he does know one thing, that he wants his child.  There is no way he is going to let anyone take that from him, not Pestilence, not Regan and certainly not the Aegis. What he doesn't let himself think of is that he could finally have everything he ever wanted right within reach....his own family.

Again, I cannot reiterate enough how much I loved this book; it has everything, violence, masterful sensuality, a wicked sense of humor, and characters that feel so real that remember them for a long time to come.   With the looming Apocalypse, you can be assured that this book is packed to the brim with action, Pestilence, is determined to bring about the end of the world as we know it. Terror reigns, the Aegis can’t keep up, the horseman can only do so much, the UGH staff has been working non-stop for about a year.  Even with everything falling apart there is still an underlying feeling of hope in this book, a feeling of they will beat this thing and they will stop  Pestilence and the Apocalypse, because now with the baby, they have a way whereas before all they could do was hope that they could hold Pestilence off. Even the characters themselves start to hope and plan, for an end. So amidst the dark, there is light, but of course this is still an Ione book, so there is still jaw dropping twists and turns, betrayals, holy crap what just happened, did she really just go there, moments…  If you have not yet picked up a Larissa Ione novel, you need to, but don’t start with this one, start at the beginning. The Demonica Series, Book 1, you will not be sorry!

I received a copy for an honest review from netgalley.com no other compensation was given.

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