#Review - Silver Silence by Nalini Singh

Silver Silence: Valentin Nikolaev and Silver Mercant

(Psy-Changeling Trinity #1)




Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Control. Precision. Family. These are the principles that drive Silver Mercant. At a time when the fledgling Trinity Accord seeks to unite a divided world, with Silver playing a crucial role as director of a worldwide emergency response network, wildness and chaos are the last things she needs in her life. But that’s exactly what Valentin Nikolaev, alpha of the StoneWater Bears, brings with him.

Valentin has never met a more fascinating woman. Though Silver is ruled by Silence—her mind clear of all emotion—Valentin senses a whisper of fire around her. That’s what keeps him climbing apartment buildings to be near her. But when a shadow assassin almost succeeds in poisoning Silver, the stakes become deadly serious…and Silver finds herself in the heart of a powerful bear clan.

Her would-be assassin has no idea what their poison has unleashed…

Reviews:

I've been a huge fan of the Psy-Changeling series since I started reading it many years ago. I was super excited when this book came out because not only is it the Silver but we get bear changelings! They've been on the edges of this world for several books now but now we get a closer look. While I did enjoy this book, enough to give it four stars it is not one of my favorites. The plot almost seemed like a repeat of previous stories and I don't feel like we have progressed as much as we should have for 16 books in. It almost feels like we're back at the beginning.

With that in mind I did thoroughly enjoy the bears! They were a refreshing and adorable addition to this series and I'm so glad we got some time with them. The Merchant family is quite fascinating as well as Silvers place in her family as heir apparent. I really enjoyed These two together, our hero forced playfulness on Silver and started pulling her out of her silence but it all may be in vain as Silver has a secret... If her silence breaks... so does she... Can love overcome?

Review copy provided through NetGalley for an honest review. No other compensation was provided. 

Early Review: Wild Embrace by Nalini Singh

Wild Embrace: An Anothology

(Psy-Changeling #15.5)

Expected publication: August 23rd 2016

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Echo of Silence

In a deep-sea station, Tazia Nerif has found her life’s work as an engineer, keeping things running smoothly. But she wants nothing more than to break down the barrier of silence between her and her telekinetic Psy station commander...

Dorian

A changeling who can never shift lives a life of quiet frustration—until he learns how to let his leopard come out and play...

Partners in Persuasion

Still raw from being burned by a dominant female, wolf changeling Felix will never again risk being a plaything. But for dominant leopard Dezi, he’s the most fascinating man she’s ever met. She just has to convince this gun-shy wolf that he can trust the dangerous cat who wants to take a slow, sexy bite out of him…

Flirtation of Fate

Seven years ago, Kenji broke Garnet’s heart. Now the wolf packmates have to investigate the shocking murder of one of their own. And the more Kenji sees of the woman Garnet has become, the deeper he begins to fall once more. But even his primal instincts are no match for the dark secret he carries…

Review:

I am a huge fan of Nalini Singh and in particular her paranormal series. We are already 15 full length novels deep into the Psy-Changling world and numerous novellas plus all the snippets. So if you have been reading this series you are probably deeply invested in the characters. I know I am.  I am super stoked we got another anthology with 4 brand new novellas. . Whoot whoot. I can’t get enough! As a whole this is a fantastic addition to the this series and I loved every minute I spent reading this. The only issue I have with this is the very first novella… Echo of Silence.. I just wish it has been released BEFORE Vasic’s book. There are a few references to Stefan in previous books and I was wondering who in the heck he was. I even went and looked to see if I had missed a novella, and alas, I hadn’t. So when his name kept popping up, especially in Allegiance I was confused. Having this novella before that would have helped a ton in that area. So really its not an issue with the story itself but the timing in which it had been released.

Dorian’s story spans over most of his lifetime and I’m so glad we got to read it. To see how he struggled and how he got to be the man he is today.  Dezi and Felix, This is the first changeling couple where the female is so very much more dominate than the male. Yes technically Indigo is more dominate than Drew but the difference is negligible.  With this couple think more like Grace and Cooper only in reverse. It was really good to see how this one worked. I loved when Felix backed up Dezi and had no problems letting her lead in certain areas. FINALLY we get Gem and Kenji!, for YEARS they have been flirting and giving us little glimpses and now they have a novella! They circle each other, Kenji broke Gems heart but Kenji had the misguided belief that it was for her own good. Gem decides something deeper is going on and is determined to discover it. LOVE it!

I am super happy with this book and devoured it as soon as I got it. If you’re a fan of the series I am confident you will as well. If you are new to the series, well technically these are all standalones but I wouldn't read them without having read at least some of the series. Timeline wise I think all of these take place in the second half of the series. So like book 8ish and beyond.

*This book was provided thru NetGalley for an honest review. No other compensation was provided.

Review: Shards of Hope by Nalini Singh

Shards of Hope: Aden Kai and Zaira Neve

(Psy-Changeling #14)

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Awakening wounded in a darkened cell, their psychic abilities blocked, Aden and Zaira know they must escape. But when the lethal soldiers break free from their mysterious prison, they find themselves in a harsh, inhospitable landscape far from civilization. Their only hope for survival is to make it to the hidden home of a predatory changeling pack that doesn’t welcome outsiders.

And they must survive. A shadowy enemy has put a target on the back of the Arrow squad, an enemy that cannot be permitted to succeed in its deadly campaign. Aden will cross any line to keep his people safe for this new future, where even an assassin might have hope of a life beyond blood and death and pain. Zaira has no such hope. She knows she’s too damaged to return from the abyss. Her driving goal is to protect Aden, protect the only person who has ever come back for her no matter what.

This time, even Aden’s passionate determination may not be enough—because the emotionless chill of Silence existed for a reason. For the violent, and the insane, and the irreparably broken…like Zaira.

Review:

This book is all about the Arrows, we get an indepth look into the Arrows, how they live, how they function and their loyalty towards each other. Aden is all about the Arrows and one Arrow in particular.. Zaira. A girl he met in childhood, one so full of fire she sets him on flame. Now if only he can make her see that. When the book starts Aden and Zaira have been abducted and need to get out of a perilous situation, but being Arrows, dont worry about them too much. As dangerous as it is this give Aden a chance to work some magic on the stubborn Zaira without Arrow or Psy interruptions.  

Aden is a determined man, and he is determined for Zaira to be his.. Zaira is just as determined to not be his. She knows she’s dangerous to him, she has anger issues and gets so possessive she’s willing to kill for whatever she deems HERS. If she and Aden take that next step, he would become hers and she’s not one to share. As the leader of the Arrows she’d have to share him with the world. As we are navigating through all of the twists and turns of a post Silence world Aden is wearing Zaira down little by little but there is still a threat on his life.

In Post Silence the Arrows are forging new bonds with new allies, making friends in unlikely places. Which is opening up this world to new opportunities to take us into a new storyline arc. Lots of new Changelings, lots of new Arrows, not as many humans but I'm sure that will come.  Aden recognizes that if the Arrows are to survive and remain strong they have to form allies outside of the Psy-Net and he goes about doing that with determination and intelligence.  This installment just reinforces why this series is one of my all time favorite!  

Review: Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh

Shield of Winter: Vasic and Ivy Jane

(Psy-Changeling #13)

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he’s done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch—if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life.

For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake…

Having rebuilt her life after medical “treatment” that violated her mind and sought to stifle her abilities, Ivy should have run from the black-clad Arrow with eyes of winter frost. But Ivy Jane has never done what she should. Now, she'll fight for her people, and for this Arrow who stands as her living shield, yet believes he is beyond redemption. But as the world turns to screaming crimson, even Ivy’s fierce will may not be enough to save Vasic from the cold darkness…

Review:

So basically the Psy-Net is dying and Caleb has an idea.. It’s time to “wake” the empaths. Ivy thinks she is defective, she was once rehabilitated to the point where she almost lost herself. Now she has managed to carve a life out for herself but she is fundamentally flawed so when an icy solider comes to her and tells her she’s not flawed but an empath and gives her the means to explore her abilities she jumps on it. Maybe even hoping a little bit that she’ll get to spend more time with the enigmatic soldier who protected her??

Vasic is damaged, in body and in mind. He knows he’s been put on empath duty because Aden is worried about him but he can’t bring himself to care.  The more time he spends with Ivy the more he thaws a little. Vasic has one of the more drastic transitions out of Silences, because he was so close to the edge before. Vasic has long since been one of my favorites and I was eagerly awaiting his book. I really wanted a leopard Changeling for him but after reading this book I can see that an empath and in particular Ivy is a better match for him. Ivy is the sole person who can break through his ice and make him whole again.

As far as storylines go, I have to admit this one is kind of depressing. Just so many people die as the Net collapses. Despite all of the death the main theme in this book is hope. Hope that as a race the Psy will be able to come together to save themselves, to put their fears and hatreds aside. I think that by the end of the book, there is a better chance of that than ever. This was another fantastic installment of this series!

Nalini Singh Bonus Materials

Excerpt from Allegiance of Honor by Nalini Singh

Lucas had had to chase Naya around the aerie at bedtime last night—her walk might still be a little shaky, but she was a rocket when it came to crawling. Dressed only in a diaper, she’d laughed uproariously and said a loud, firm “No” each time Lucas caught her and put her in her crib.

After which she’d clamber out—she’d figured out how to escape a month earlier—and the game would begin again. Of course, since Lucas was a cat, he’d been having just as much fun as their daughter. Sascha, meanwhile, had sat in the living room with a cup of hot chocolate and just indulged in the sight of her mate playing with their cub.

She’d had to pretend to be stern when Naya ran over and pleaded her case with loud sounds and wild gesticulations of her hands. “No, Naya,” she’d said, biting her tongue in an effort not to laugh. “It’s time for bed. Go with Papa.”

At which point, Naya had growled at her, eyes sparkling with mischief.

And Sascha had cracked, laughing so hard she’d had to put down her hot chocolate before she spilled it. Lucas had shaken his head as Naya plopped down on her diaper-covered butt and joined in, clapping her hands at having made her mommy laugh. “No discipline.” Lucas had mock-growled at her before picking up their misbehaving baby. “And you”—a growly nuzzle that made Naya laugh harder and pat his stubbled cheek—“time for bed.”

He’d finally got her to sleep—by walking around with her pressed up against his bare chest.

Today, their cub was playing in the living area just outside the kitchen nook. Sascha had locked the aerie door to ensure Naya wouldn’t undo the latch and go out onto the balcony, and Lucas had childproofed the entire main area of the aerie, so Naya was free to roam as she liked. A lot of the time she practiced her walking skills. And no matter how often she fell down, she started back up again after a little break.

Stubborn, determined baby.

Peeking out from the kitchen, Sascha found her concentrating on stacking the colored alphabet blocks Faith and Vaughn had given her as a gift. Beside her sat a more than slightly ragged wolf plush toy, aka “The Toy That Shall Not Be Named.” Hawke had given that to Naya when she was a newborn, and it remained her favorite snuggle toy, much to her father’s despair.

Though Lucas did enjoy it when Naya went leopard on the toy, growling and “fighting” with the wolf. Then he’d smile and say, “That’s my girl.”

Nalini Singh on the future of the Psy-Changeling series

Is Allegiance of Honor the end of the Psy-Changeling series?

No, it’s not. :) I ADORE this world and the characters and I have so many Psy-Changeling stories yet to tell. (I've often joked that I'll be writing this series until I'm ninety-eight!)

Where do you see the Psy-Changeling world going from here?  Who is the next book about?

(Slightly spoilery answer to follow if you’re just starting the series).

Allegiance of Honor sets up a lot of possibilities for the future. There are many avenues I could take. However, for me, this arc is all about what happens not just to the Psy, but to the world, now that Silence has fallen and all the rules have changed.

We’ve had the immediate aftermath books, both of which focused on the Psy race (Shield of Winter & Shards of Hope), but what about the wider long-term future? Because Silence existed for a reason. The Psy still have these incredible abilities that have the potential to drive them murderously insane, and the world is still a fractured triumvirate. And there are players about whom we know very little, like the falcons and BlackSea.

As for who’s book is next, I’m not ready to announce it yet because I want to be certain this character is ready – but I think you’ll be pleased. ;-) 

Find Nalini online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Posted by arrangement with Berkley Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © Nalini Singh, 2016.

Early Review: Allegiance of Honor by Nalini Singh

Allegiance of Honor by Nalini Singh

(Psy-Changeling #15)

Release Date: June 14th 2016 

Summary:

Goodreads.com

The Psy-Changeling world has undergone a staggering transformation and now stands at a crossroads. The Trinity Accord promises a new era of cooperation between disparate races and groups. It is a beacon of hope held together by many hands: Old enemies. New allies. Wary loners.

But a century of distrust and suspicion can’t be so easily forgotten and threatens to shatter Trinity from within at any moment. As rival members vie for dominance, chaos and evil gather in the shadows and a kidnapped woman’s cry for help washes up in San Francisco, while the Consortium turns its murderous gaze toward a child who is the embodiment of change, of love, of piercing hope: A child who is both Psy…and changeling.

To find the lost, protect the vulnerable—and save Trinity—no one can stand alone. This is a time of loyalty across divisions, of bonds woven into the heart and the soul, of heroes known and unknown standing back to back and holding the line. But is an allegiance of honor even possible with traitors lurking in their midst?

Review:

Absolutely LOVED this book!  This book isn’t about one particular couple but basically a recap of all of the previous couples as we end this Arc and move into a new one. And we get at least a brief glimpse of all of them. I’d say the most predominate couple in the book that we revisit would be Lucas and Sasha, mainly because of Naya and it’s great to see them again. Naya is too cute for words! She’s the first Psy-Changling born since Silence and as such she is a symbol of a new world so there is a lot of interest in her and some of it is not good as we learn in this book.  Overall, this book just leaves us in a mostly happy place as we revisit the characters and see that they are doing well and bonds are being built across all three races.  And the PubCups! They arrive in this book! YAY!! Im not telling how many, if they are wolf or leopard or their sexes. You'll just have to read to find out. 

Over the last 14 books I don’t think I really realized how much plotting she had to have done and how far she had to have seen into the future of this series. After I read this book I had to go back and re-read most of the series and the little bits and pieces came together, tiny things that pop back up into this book and along the whole series. I was super impressed with how it all came together.

Singh has said that this Arc is closing and a new one is starting, like a new chapter in the same book. I am interested to see where we are going with this but to be honest it doesn’t seem to be all the different from the previous arc. The psy-net is still in trouble and we have the Consortium now instead of the Council, but whatev’s even if it was the exact same theme with new couples I’m pretty sure I’d still love it. I know whatever Singh throws our way it’ll be good.  All in all, again.. LOVED it and can’t wait for the next book in the series! 

Review: Nalini Singh - Heart of Obsidian

Psy-Changling Series:
 
Book 12:
 
Heart of Obsidian: Him and Her
 
 
 
Purchase on Amazon: Nalini Singh - Heart of Obsidian (PSY/CHANGELING)
 
Summary:
From Goodreads.com
 
A dangerous, volatile rebel, hands stained bloodred.
A woman whose very existence has been erased.
A love story so dark, it may shatter the world itself.
A deadly price that must be paid.
The day of reckoning is here.
 
From “the alpha author of paranormal romance” (Booklist) comes the most highly anticipated novel of her career—one that blurs the line between madness and genius, between subjugation and liberation, between the living and the dead.
 
Review:
I am going to keep this review as spoiler free as possible, the blurb doesn’t give away the main characters and you have probably already heard the spoilers but I am going to try to keep it spoiler free for any readers that may not already know!
 
So it is no secret I am a Nalini Singh fan girl! I ADORE her writing and she is probably my second favorite author after Kresley Cole. Ms. Singh has had a couple of misses for me but over all she consistently writes intriguing, entertaining and emotional tales. One thing you can ALWAYS count on with Singh is that the writing is in depth and of a high quality whether you like the story or not. Heart of Obsidian is all that and then some! This is one of Singh’s best novels to date! From the first pages I was pulled in and this book did not let me go! Even nearly 24 hours after I have finished it, it still has me in its grips! I am dying to give it a re-read, hell I am dying to re-read the entire series now, but alas I don’t have the time.  This is quite possibly the best paranormal of the year so far for me!
 
Our hero is deeply complex, a dark brooding character that has little to no conscience left. He has one loyalty, one, and that is to a small slip of a girl he lost when she was 16. He has been searching ceaselessly for her for seven years, since the night that changed him forever. Raised in brutality and tortured by his guardian, our hero grows up in a reign of blood, but nothing would compare to the terror that he would unleash if his only loyalty should not have survived. Our hero is ready to eradicate an entire race in vengeance for the only person that has ever shown him any kindness. Our hero doesn’t think he is capable of any emotion but through the entire book we are consistently subjected to the complexity of our hero’s feelings. He thinks he is the worst sort of being, capable only actions of the worst sort, yet we see the kindness in him, the redemption he is capable of reaching. As much of a hard ass as our hero is, I found myself surprised at how humorous he could be and his capacity for tenderness towards that one person. This is a character that will burrow himself into your mind and keep you in his grips until the very end of the story and for some, long after. I have a feeling after this book; a lot of people will have a new favorite character! Mine of course remains as my beloved Judd, but damn its close!
 
I was helpless to not love our heroine! She had such a capacity for feeling; she was tortured to the brink of her sanity at one point for insane then sane. Her mind was pure chaos. In less time then she expected her mind started righting itself, somehow the environment she was surrounded in made her feel safe, which after seven years of torture is close to a miracle. Our heroines inner strength is one of the reasons she is able to recover her mental health the other, is our hero. Our hero feels so familiar, yet at the same time remains a stranger. Her memories are unclear but there is not one of the enigmatic man that saved her life. As she stabilizes and more and more comes back to her, she knows her life and sanity is safe with this man; it’s the rest of the world she is worried about. In saving her life she is determined to save his future. She has a core of steel and a fierce stubbornness that rivals the most powerful man in the worlds. She also has such a joy for life, maybe it’s because she lost seven years of her life, but she comes out of it stronger with an appreciation for life that few have. You get lost in her exuberance. And she is right she was very smart at 16!
 
From beginning to end this book was a pleasure to read. The emotion ran high and the characters were so in depth you felt like you know them. In typical Singh she seamlessly weaves storylines together to make a cohesive book, you never feel lost or that the transition is out of place. She is a mastermind when it comes to pulling multiple story lines together. There is also plenty of action and the Pure Psy threat escalates and all races work together to eliminate the threat. In this book more than any other the three races work together against a common cause rather than against each other. Our hero and heroine are so amazing together they will battle and maybe come out on top of your favorite couple from this series. Their intensity of their sensuality is in turns incredibly hot, tender with moments of humor which is also how their relationship ends up working with the addition of a remarkable amount of honesty. The only issue I had with this book is I would have liked to have seen more of Judd and learned more about Vasik and Aden.
 
Oh and I know you are dying to know… who is GHOST??? Ha! Like I’m going to tell you that! You may or may not find out in this book!

Review: Nalini Singh - Tangle of Need

Psy-Changling Series:

Book 11:

Tangle of Need: Raiz and Adria

Order on Amazon: Nalini Singh - Tangle of Need (Psy - Changling #11)

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Adria, wolf changeling and resilient soldier, has made a break with the past--one as unpredictable in love as it was in war. Now comes a new territory, and a devastating new complication: Riaz, a SnowDancer lieutenant already sworn to a desperate woman who belongs to another.

For Riaz, the primal attraction he feels for Adria is a staggering betrayal. For Adria, his dangerous lone-wolf appeal is beyond sexual. It consumes her. It terrifies her. It threatens to undermine everything she has built of her new life. But fighting their wild compulsion toward one another proves a losing battle.

Their coming together is an inferno...and a melding of two wounded souls who promise each other no commitment, no ties, no bonds. Only pleasure. Too late, they realize that they have more to lose than they ever imagined. Drawn into a cataclysmic Psy war that may alter the fate of the world itself, they must make a decision that might just break them both.

*Readers, I do want to apologize for all of the generic summaries but I a way behind on my reading and my reviews and I am just trying to save time where I can. I promise once I am caught up I will start writing my own again.

Review:

Nalini Singh has quickly become one of my favorite authors, her writing is detailed, rich and permeates through you. She has a way of writing seeps through your pores and grips you and just doesn’t let you go even after you’ve finished the novel. I finished this book well over a week ago and at random moments I still find myself thinking of it. So many books it’s easy to forget them soon after finishing them, but a N. Singh novel just has a way about it that just sticks. Her characters come alive before your eyes and whether you love or hate that specific character you feel something about them, you are not indifferent. I’d rather hate a character then be indifferent to them, because at least that means the author did their job and gave that character a personality. I absolutely adore Nalini Singh and this book did not disappoint.

I think this review is going to be a bit different than usual; as this book was a bit different from the usual Nalini Singh novel. This book is what I would call a transition book; it is getting us from one big event (the events from Kiss of Snow to whatever the next set of cataclysmic set of events will be) We are basically getting for a Psy civil war that can change the world. What makes this novel different from previous novels is usually there is the central couple with tiny snippets of other events going on with the Psy and maybe a few other characters. With this book, there is still the central couple Raiz and Adria but the “snippets” are much more indepth, longer, details and there are more of them. In fact it was kind of more like a J.R. Ward novel if you are familiar with her writing style. We saw a lot of Hawke and Sienna which I was glad to see because there were a lot of lingering questions/concerns from Kiss of Snow, Kaleb from the Psy popped up quite frequently and he is fascinating me more and more, Aden and Vasic are a team to watch out for, the Pure Psy aren’t giving up and we see my lovely Judd which I am always happy to see! So there is a lot going on in this book to keep you GLUED to the pages. N. Singh does not hold back and keeps the surprises coming with this book. I think this would have to be a necessary book to read before the next book in the series whatever it is going to be, which I do not think has been announced yet.

So I suppose I should talk about Raiz and Adria at least a little since they are the main couple lol. So we don’t really know a whole lot about these two coming into this book. We met Raiz in Indigo and Andrews’s book and we know he met his mate which he can’t have so he returned to the pack broken hearted. Adria we know is Indy’s aunt and that she has been in a bad relationship for years with a wolf that is less dominate then her which has been eating away at both of them for years, but this is all we know about each of them going into this book. So I didn’t really know what to expect from this book, but I didn’t expect what I got which was smoldering sensuality and passion that should have caught the pages on fire! It was intense! Both needed to heal, both returned home to find that healing strength but neither could find it until they found each other and once they gave in the power they found in each other arms to heal and accept they were able find themselves once again, together. But sometimes old fears die hard, so of course there was some strife and tensions rise when Raiz’s true mate arrives in San Fran single, so we get a fun love triangle for a bit as well. Sometimes I enjoy a good love triangle when it’s done right, this one does, it adds just the right amount of tension without over doing it. Good Job, good job!

I want to make a small mention of Vasic and how much he is breaking my damn heart! So far he has had a small roll but he has always made an impact with me, I’m not sure why, but I always noticed him (see Singh making a character leap off the pages even a small one) but in this novel we see him more and damn it he’s breaking my heart. His sadness but I can’t even call it sadness because he doesn’t feel, is so palpable. I just don’t know what to do with him. Pobrecito! I think he’s going to become my second favorite right after Judd. He needs a Changling woman, preferably a leopard, because I miss the leopards since so much focus has been on the wolves the last few books. Someone who will love him and break through that bleakness. Because, damn it he needs a HEA!

So I can’t leave this review without at least mentioning the Ghost and how much N. Singh you are driving me crazy!!!! I thought I knew who the Ghost was, I really did, I was convinced and now, I realize I have NO idea and damn it! It’s driving me batty!  I WANT TO KNOW!

*So I struggled with the rating mostly because of the ending, but this is my final answer! 

Rating:

2011 A look back list. The Best and the Not So Great:

The Best Books of 2011:

I can’t pick a best so I’m going to list some of my favorite releases of 2011 they are all about equal in my eyes and have different qualities that make them awesomeness all around. These are in no particular order since I love them all equally. 

*To make any of these lists the book had to be published in 2011

Kiss of Snow – Nalini Singh: Click here for review

Dreams of a Dark Warrior – Kresley Cole: Click here for review

Dark Taste of Rapture – Gena Showalter: Click here for review

Archangels Blade – Nalini Singh: Click here for review

Dragonbound – Thea Harrison: Click here for review

Eternal Rider – Larissa Ione: Click here for review

The Darket Surrender - Gena Showalter: Click here for review 

Touch if You Dare – Stephanie Rowe: Click here for review

Great Hexpectations – H.P. Mallory: Click here for review

Real Men Will – Victoria Dahl (CR) Click here for review

Funniest of 2011:

Dark Taste of Rapture – Gena Showalter

Is this even a surprise? Gena Showalter is seriously one of the funniest authors out right now. She can effortlessly integrate laughes into all of her books. And this one is no exception.

The Darkest Surrender - Gena Showalter

Would be a very close second. Strider turned out to be pretty damn funny and its not surprising that Kaia was a bunch of laughs as well.

Dreams of a Dark Warrior - Kresley Cole

Dreams of a Dark Warrior had a slightly more serious tone then some of Kresley Coles other books, although with Regin leading the way there were laughs to be had in this book as well.

Eternal Rider – Larissa Ione

I laughed so hard in this book in places I literally cried. Larissa Ione with her sarcastic wit never fails to make me laugh, even though her works tend to the darker side. She knows just where to place something to make you burst out laughing. Love it. 

Favorite Heroine:

*This does not include the lead character for entire series. Ex: Cat – Night Huntress Series

Regin: Dreams of a Dark Warrior – Kresley Cole

For those who read the Immortals After Dark series how could you not love Regin. She is the prankster of the Valkerie and makes Demons eat hubcaps and radios. She is always has a smart ass comment to make and is a renowned swordswoman. She is my type of chica! She gets my vote.

Favorite Hero:

*This does not include the lead character for entire series. Ex: Bones – Night Huntress Series

Hector: Dark Taste of Rapture – Gena Showalter

Oh Hector how I love you. All muscled, aggressive, tattooed, tortured soul type and a virgin to boot. The number of ways I could have helped you rid of that particular problem. You are hotness personified, literally, since you have difficulties controlling your fire. Lol

There were so many great heros this year it was really hard to pick one but Hector won out. It was probably the combo of tattoos and the virginity that pushed him into the winner circle. LOL

Most Alpha Male:

Dragos: Dragonbound – Thea Harrison

Is there a bigger alpha male then Dragos? He is the head of all the Wyers and is the most powerful person in this world that Thea Harrison wrote. Also he is possibly as old as time itself, which creates a whole lot of arrogance.

Ares/War: Eternal Rider - Larissa Ione:

He's War for heavens sake and one of the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. Need I say more?

Unexpected Greatness:

Archangels Blade – Nalini Singh

I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did. I enjoy the Guild Hunters series but it is not yet a favorite series. And let’s face it in previous books Dmitri was a total dick. But we saw a new side to our reluctant hero Dmitri in this book. I came to love him and Honor and now I’m loving this series more, it’s got great potential with the Seven.

Favorite Contemporary Romance:

Real Men Will – Victoria Dahl

I know I write a Paranormal blog, but I loved this book so much I’m sharing it on this list. It’s a part of the Donovan Brewery series and I so didn’t expect to like Eric’s book so much as he was the quietest and most serious of the Donovan family. But like they say, “It’s the quiet ones you have to worry about…” This book was seriously HOT! I highly recommend this book as well as the series. It’s the last of three and I recommend reading the first two before this one.

Biggest Disappointment:

Lover Unleashed – J.R. Ward:

It’s been since March and I am still mad about this book. Mad that I spent 17 bucks on it, mad that I wasted hours of my time on it, mad that I can only remember um like 1 scene from the entire what 700+ pages (I have a Kindle we don’t have page numbers, so that’s a guess). J.R. Ward has made a name for herself with the Black Dagger Brotherhood, the brotherhood is much beloved by the PNR community. I myself have enjoyed most of the books and was really looking forward to Payne’s story. But this wasn’t Payne’s book it was V’s book and he was my favorite brother until J.R. Ward again made him look like a pansy a$$ nut case. This is the 2^nd time she has ruin V’s story for me. And poor Payne was basically neglected. Then she introduced us to the bank of Bastards as the new villains, and really I didn’t get the point of them. Their bastards and they hate the brotherhood, who cares! And Qhuay! Don’t get me started on Qhuay, is she dragging this out long enough for you. ERG!!!

Biggest SnoozeFest:

Where Demons Fear to Tread – Stephanie Chong

I didn’t even finish it. It was boring and predictable. The heroine was so perfect she was seriously boring. Even the bad boy demon couldn’t save this book.

Least Likeable Character Male or Female:

Serena St. Clair: Where Demons Fear to Tread – Stephanie Chong

Oh little miss perfect, you were so perfect and such a worrywart that I just could not like you at all. In fact, I stopped reading this book because I couldn’t relate to you in the slightest bit. You are a yoga instructor with no vices who is all about purity of mind and body. You had no life even when you were human; definitely boring in your predictability. 

Re-Read December – What am I reading?

So, as already mentioned I’m taking December to re-read some of my favorites. Below is the running list of what I decide to re-read this month. Since I have already reviewed all of these books so far I guess I won’t have very many new reviews this month. So I have to keep you all appraised of my reading somehow. *smiles*


Christine Feehan:

Magic in the Wind
The Twilight Before Christmas
Oceans of Fire
Dangerous Tides
Safe Harbor
Turbulent Sea
Hidden Currents
Water Bound


Nalini Singh:

Lord of the Abyss
Caressed by Ice (2x I'm obsessive I know)
Branded by Fire
Kiss of Snow
Slave to Sensation
Visions of Heat

Julie Garwood:

Gentle Warrior
Mercy

Anne Marsh:

Bond with Me (Review to come)

My Top 10 List

My Top Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Series Picks:

I picked these series based on three things: consistency, re-readability and how memorable the characters and plot lines are. These rankings are flexible and can change over time as I read new series or as new books come out. What do you think of this list, do you agree, disagree? What are your favorites?

#1:

My All Time Favorite:

Kresley Cole – Immortals After Dark

From the imagination we have the Immortals After Dark, a series of 11 books so far. She has a fantastic sense of humor and characters that will stick out in your mind for years to come. The characters are from the mythical work “The Lore”. The Lore is home to Lykae, Valkerie, Witches, Demons, Vampires, and various other mythical creatures.  Each book can be read as a standalone as well as part of the series. I read these books completely out of order and did not feel like I missed anything. Usually every series has at least one “miss”, but for me this is not the case with this series. Even Ms. Coles “miss” is still a solid four moons ranking for me.  Currently, fans of this series are waiting on pins and needles for the next installment “Lothaire” due out in Jan 2012.

#2:

Jeaniene Frost – Night Huntress Series

From the imagination of Jeaniene Frost we have the Night Huntress series which follows Cat and Bones. This is a high octane action Urban Fantasy series, made up primarily of vampires. From the first book you are ensnared in the fast paced action and sarcastic wit of the main characters. The primary characters are Cat and Bones, but there is a recurring supporting cast that is just as memorable as the main characters. This series is also very consistant, I don’t think I ranked any book of this series lower then a 4. J. frost keeps me coming back for more.  We are currently 6 books deep on this series.

#3:

Larissa Ione – Demonica/Lords of Deliverance

From the imagination of Larissa Ione you have the Demonica Series and now the spinoff of the Lords of Deliverance.  Now technically this is two different series but they are set in the same world. The Demonica series is only 5 books long which is not nearly enough, but thankfully we now have the Lords of Deliverance. This world is a part of the underworld that contains Demons, Angels and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Ione creates an in depth world that you will have no problems envisioning. Her reads are incredibly steamy and funny. She has had me laughing so hard that I was crying, but there is still a harder edge to these books that make them darker and grittier. Ione is also very consistent. I have loved every book written and the Demonica series is home of one of my favorite book boyfriends Lore.

Gena Showalter – Lords of the Underworld

From the imagination of Gena Showalter we have the beloved Lords of the Underworld.  The Lords as they are referred to by fans have quite the following. Made up of seriously Alpha immortal males who were punished by the gods to host demons (ex: Wrath, Violence, Death and Pain). The Lords will take up residency in your mind for a long time to come and everyone that reads this series has their favorite male.  Mine is Aeron who hosts Wrath. What is so great about these books besides the yummy Lords is Gena Showalters sense of humor; you can’t help but laugh throughout the books.  This series could almost tie for third place, the only thing that makes this series number four instead of three is I like some of the books more than others, there are a couple of books that are not necessarily “misses” but are not as memorable as the other books.

#5

Nalini Singh – Psy-Changling

From the imagination of Nalini Singh we have the Psy-Changling series which follows the races of the Changlings (animal shape shifting humans) and the Psy (Human Physics) the two groups are naturally at odds. The Psy have conditioned all emotion out of themselves, but some are staring to crack. The Changlings revere emotion and being physical basically everything the Psy have shunned.  This series has quite a bit of tension between the two groups and action. Some things I love about this series is Nalini Singh is one of the few authors that mix up her races. She features characters from every race. Her books are also altra steamy, and the world and characters are very memorable. What has this series is at number five instead of higher up is consistency is the same reason as J.R. Wards BDB, some of the books in this series are not as good as others, but the better books in the series are really good!

#6

J.R. Ward – Black Dagger Brotherhood

From the imagination of J.R. Ward we have the Black Dagger Brotherhood, which is the warrior class of the vampire race. Where vampires are born not made. This series has some serious fanatics for fans, it’s almost scary sometime. LOL. The Brotherhood consists of some of the most memorable characters you will ever come across. The Brothers are much beloved and unique they have their own lingo that you will find yourself trying to mimic, true… Every fan of this series has their favorite and it is not uncommon for fan to fight over their book boyfriend.  The best books of this series you can read over and over again and never tire of it. What ranks this series lower instead of higher is constancy, some of the books of this series really are just not great, but you have to read each book and in order otherwise you will be lost. I am actually still mad about the last release Lover Unleashed which bordered on boring.  I am waiting to see what direction Ward is going to take us with this series.

#7

Stephanie Rowe – SoulFire

From the imagination of Stephanie Rowe we have the SoulFire series which is a whole new wacky world.  This series has such a unique world and characters. At first you are kind of like huh, this is so strange and bizarre but as you continue reading because you can’t stop you utterly fall in love; at least I did. The supernatural character is not your typical species, or at least they have a unique twist. Stephanie Rowe is super funny and is not afraid to write outside the box. For example her warriors were all tortured for 150 years, so they have the tortured thing going for them but they each have a “girly” hobby that they were forced to undertake as part of their training.  Which I guess sounds stupid when I write it but when Stephanie Rowe does it becomes humorous and just a loveable part of the character.  I really want to rank this series higher, but it only has two published books so far, so that’s not really enough to rank higher. As the series moves along I have a feeling it will move up along the list because already I can’t wait for more. The third book in the series is out Jan 2012.

#8

Gena Showalter – Alien Huntress

From the imagination of Gena Showlater we have the Alien Huntress series. It is the future and aliens are now residing alongside humans on earth. There is an elite force that keeps the Alien population in check, the A.I.R., the females agents are especially vicious! This series features Gena Showalters typical humor and will have you laughing throughout.  This series started out a bit rocky, the first few books were ok, but as the series went on the books got better and better. The last two in this series counted among my favorite books of the PNR/UF genre. If this series continues getting better and better it will no doubt climb higher in the ranks, but for now since the first few books were just ok its sticking at number 8. The most recent book came out I believe early September and I’ve already read it three times.  Gena Showalter certainly knows how to write an alpha male and a vicious yet vulnerable female that needs no man to take care of her.

#9

Molly Harper – Jane Jameson

From the imagination of Molly Harper we have the Jane Jameson series.  Jane is a local librarian, or was until she got canned. She was minding her own business getting drunk when she met a very handsome stranger, really he was too good to be true. On her way home her car breaks down and she is mistake as a deer by one of the town rednecks and shot. She wakes up in the handsome stranger’s house with a thirst for blood.  I mean really could her day get any worse? This series is on this list because it is freak’n hilarious! OMG it is so funny. I adore laughing and this series had me rolling. Molly Harper has snarky down to a science, sometimes it can be too much (read a Betsy Queen of the Vampires – MaryJanice Davidson novel and you’ll understand that statement), but Molly Harper never over uses it and it is properly placed. The series follows Jane Jameson as she navigates the world of vampires, but she has a great supporting cast. Each character has a well developed personality unique to that person.  The concept itself is not unique, it’s definitely another vampire series, but it is unique in its humor.  I could re-read any of the books so far and laugh all over again. As far as being memorable, the plot lines themselves aren’t necessarily memorable but the laughing is. If you love to laugh, and enjoy a snark, this is a series for you.

#10

Anya Bast – Dark Magick

From the imagination of Anya Bast we have the Dark Magick series, the Fae were ousted to human and they responded by rounding them all up and putting them in a containment area. The Fae are ready to get out and are rounding up artifacts one by one that will bust down their magickal wall.  These are tales of a darker magick with an edgier feel.  Anya Bast knows how to weave a tale of magick and Fae.  The magick held by the characters are unique and interesting.  You will find youself pulled into this series from the beginning.  The men are powerful and super sexy, I wouldn’t kick any of them out of my bed and the women are usually as powerful as the men, which I always enjoy. I certainly don’t like a whimpering female that counts on the man to always save her, by the end of the book she should be saving herself or at least be able to. I am highly looking forward to the next book out in Feb 2012, there are only three books out so far and one novella, so it’s still a pretty new series. Although I really enjoy this series when the books are out I have not yet re-read any of the books in this series and it’s not as memorable of some of the others on the list.

Honorable Mentions:

Nalini Singh - Guild Hunter

This series has the potential to move up along the ranks and quick as more books come out. There are a few vampires, angels and hunters that I can't wait to see matched up.

Chloe Niell - Chicagoland Vampires

I enjoy this series, but I'm a bit mad at Chloe Niell right now, if you read the series you know why. So I am waiting to see if she is going to make it up to me on the newest release in Novemebr.

Review: Nalini Singh - Blaze of Memory

Psy-Changling Series:

Book 7:

Blaze of Memory: Dev Santos and Katya Haas

Summary:

Katya wakes up in a hospital gurney with no memory and an oddly compelling male in front of her. Dev is responsible for every Forgotten One as the director of the Sunshine Foundation, and he knows that this mysterious woman has got to be a trap somehow, but he doesn’t yet know how, so he decides to keep her close. Katya’s memories come back little by little and she knows she is a puppet in a very dangerous game that will definitely mean her life, but damn is it going to mean the life of this man she has grown to respect and care for as well, she will die first, rather than after. As Katya’s memory comes back more and more, Dev knows that he shouldn’t be anywhere near her, that she will be compelled to kill him but damn if he does want to protect her instead. But the time bomb that is Katya’s brain is ticking down and there isn’t much time before “it” happens and lives are lost.

Review:

This book could have been more, more of everything. Dev has these awesome abilities but he only uses them once and barely, why, I have no idea. Why even give him powers if you are only going to hint at them but never display them. All the Psy in previous books and future books, their powers are on full display, so why Dev is different, I don’t know. Katya is a strong woman and determined but she mostly struggles with her own brain through the book, which granted based on what was done to it is completely understandable. The whole reason for “going north” was kind of lame and watered down. But the journey was entertaining. Oh but the kicker in this book, which boosts the score up at least a half a point is the ending, I’m not going to give it away, but that was pretty cool. I do believe a tear came to my eye.

What I really love about Nalini Singh in general is she is not afraid to bring in interracial relationships. She showcases every race and often makes her characters interracial and better for it. I really have to applaud that. So many books are white on white and all you ever get is white characters, this is definitely not the case with N. Singh and I love it!

Rating:

3.5

Review: Nalini Singh - Play of Passion

Psy-Changling Series:

Book 9:

Play of Passion: Andrew Kincaid and Indigo Riviere

Summary:

Drew is SnowDancers Tracker, it is up to him to rein in the packs changelings that have lost control of their animal half, it’s not a job he wanted, but is the best qualified for. This job leaves him outside of the pack hierarchy and his dominance unclear. For Indigo dominance and hierarchy are very important, as one of the highest ranking Lieutenant’s in the pack and one of the most dominate wolves she has grown up knowing finding a mate would be a problem. She has seen first had the problems when a more dominate female takes a less dominate male as a mate, and it is not pretty. Drew doesn’t care about dominance he just knows he wants Indy and always has. He just never realized how stubborn and caught up she would be regarding his age, hierarchy and dominance.  It’s a good thing he has charm and straight up determination in his corner, because he’ll need both to win Indigo.

Review:

I really loved Drew! He is one of my favorites, he is quick to laugh and one of the most loved of the pack and I can tell why. He genuinely cares about each person in his pack and it comes through. Indigo I had mixed feelings about, I love that she is a strong, independent, and kick ass female. However, she would complain about how she needed a dominate male, more so then her, but when Drew stepped up his dominance she would be really angry about it. It made me pause and go do you want a dominate, sexy male or not? However, the whole who is more dominate clash of wills was very entertaining and made for an invigorating read. I really enjoyed this book; it’s not in my top three of this series but its damn close!

Rating:

4

Review: Nalini Singh - Kiss of Snow

Psy-Changling

Book 10:

Kiss of Snow: Hawke and Sienna Lauren

Summary:

Ohhh.. I like this description more than anything I could type up so I’m using it.. from nalinisingh.com

"Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.

Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would’ve been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.

Then Sienna changes the rules and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other’s secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight…

A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna’s darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home…and the alpha who is its heartbeat…"

Review:

This is one of my favorites of this series. He ongoing battle between Hawke and Sienna leads up to this book and explodes in passion. There is a battle of wills between Hawke and Sienna; I don’t think Hawke had really met his match for wills until Sienna. Sienna is no delectate flower, she knows that she is the most dangerous psy in existence, and possibly that has ever existed. Psy X’s don’t make it into adulthood, and if they do they are weak grad X, there has never been a recorded Cardinal X before. Logic says Sienna shouldn’t have made it past childhood, only her will has gotten her this far. Not only do you have the clash between Hawke and Sienna, you have each of their internal struggles, Sienna carries the weight of her “gift” and Hawke carries the weight of his Pack and the memory of his would have been mate. In the middle of this budding romance the conflict with the Pure Psy is heating up and they are attacking the Packs on home territory, the leopards and wolves have the fight of their lives and lands on their hands. This book is definitely not boring; it will take you through a rollercoaster of emotion and action. So much happens, with a twist at the end. I so did not want this book to end and I have to admit I read it twice in a week. Now I can’t wait for the next book, which I just checked is untitled and due out sometime in 2012, Nalini Singh you are killing me here we can’t even get a title or who it is about?!?! I’m so impatient.

Rating:

5