#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. 

Review: Broken Blade by J.C. Daniels

Broken Blade: Kit Colbana

(Colbana Files #3)

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Kit Colbana: assassin, thief, investigator extraordinaire. Now broken. She always expected her past to catch up with her but never like this. Haunted by nightmares and stripped of her identity, she’s retreated to Wolf Haven, the no-man’s land where she found refuge years before. But while she might want to hide away from the rest of the world, the rest of the world isn’t taking the hint.

Dragged kicking and screaming back into life, Kit is thrust head-first into an investigation surrounding the theft of an ancient relic...one that she wants nothing to do with. Her instincts tell her it’s a bad idea to just leave the relic lying about, but finding it might be just as bad.

Forced to face her nightmares, she uncovers hidden strength and comes face to face with one of the world’s original monsters.

If she survives the job, she won’t be the same...and neither will those closest to her.

Review:

Ok folks, here is another review I’ve been sitting on for quite some time. I really should have reviewed this book like a month ago. Oops, but here is my go at it.

Broken Blade by J.C. Daniels is the third book in the Kit Colbana Files series. It picks up a couple of months after the end of Night Blade, which about broke my heart. Night Blade was a gut wrenching novel that made Broken Blade highly anticipated.I was wondering how J.C. Daniels was going to follow up from the emotional upheaval from its predecessor and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed with this book. The first half of the book had us going through Kit’s recovery from the trauma of her capture. She was barely existing in this life when her friends basically pulled her from her oblivion. She had some serious pain to work through and we took that journey with her, I swear I had tears ready to go for most of the first half of the book. In the beginning she could barely get out of bed but through her friends she started to find her inner strength and survival instincts and more and more the Kit we know and love starts to come back. Her first case back in the swing of things is fairly easy but it brings her back to Damon which is another heartbreak, the guilt he carries and her feelings of betrayal run deep and it is something they have to work through if they are ever going to find their way back. I swear when he says that he will wait for her forever I about choked up all over again. The second half of the book, while not fully healed Kit is definitely back and kicking! She takes a case that she is pretty sure that she should not take, one that brings her face to face with one of the original evils. Kit and her old pal Justin have to work closely together on this one and the young Doyle can’t stay away. He plays an instrumental role in her case and we find out some secrets about his past. This third book in the installment while not as gut-wrenching as the second, is no slouch and I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. I definitely recommend this series to the Urban Fantasy fans out there.

*ARC was 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!

Review: Shadowed Blade by J.C. Daniels

Shadowed Blade: Kit Colbana

(Colbana Files #5)

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Something wicked this way comes…

The arrival of a very important person in her office seemed to be the start of a lot of problems for Kit Colbana, investigator extraordinaire. Claiming that he needed somebody with her special skillset, he sends her on a series of jobs that made little to no sense until one culminated with both her and her partner, Justin barely escaping with their lives.

Back in Orlando, they go their separate ways to recover, Justin heading to the house of a local witch, while Kit returns to the Lair, where she’s recently been living with her lover Damon, the Alpha of the Southern Cat Clans.

There’s barely a chance for to catch her breath before trouble of the highest order comes knocking on her door. This time, it’s the form of a psychic by the name of Nova. Nova has bad, bad news…Justin has gone missing and so has the witch who was going to put him up while he healed. Colleen, one of Kit’s closest, dearest friends.

With all sorts of non-humans disappearing, fury doesn’t even touch what Kit is feeling as she heads out to hunt down the people responsible.

But Kit isn’t the only one out on a hunt…somebody is hunting for her…somebody Kit would rather never, ever see again.

Review:

I LOVED this book, it is non-stop action from beginning to end. When we end the last book its on a WTF moment. Starting this book Kit realizes she may have bitten off more than she can chew this time. Her new client is sending her on increasingly strange and dangerous missions.  Justin has barely healed from a last mission when she drags him out again and they end up almost dying.. Again. They are in bad shape, but there is no rest for the wicked but as soon as Kit’s healed up she’s out again.

We’ve heard about the mysterious Nova, but in this book we get to meet him and I got to say, I wish we had met him earlier! He is AWESOME and hella powerful. He has changed the fate of many over the years and he is not getting left behind on this mission. In addition to Nova, kit has been getting help from another mysterious ally?? A person that keeps calling her and directing her out of danger but when Colleen and Justin are kidnapped and the trail leads to this anonymous helper.. Are they friend or foe? There is just so much that happened in this book. I’d say it was worth the wait! I just hope we don't have to wait so long for the next one because I can’t wait.

A Cursed Bloodline by Cecy Robson

A Cursed Bloodline: The Wird Sisters

(Weird Girls #4)

Summary:

The Weird Girls return in another edge-of-your-seat novel from Cecy Robson! Just when Celia thinks the supernatural world can’t turn deadlier, a new rival emerges, proving just how dangerous a power-hungry were can be.

Since being cursed with unique abilities, Celia Wird and her three sisters have fought the most bloodthirsty preternaturals in the Lake Tahoe region. But Celia’s greatest threat is someone she would have never suspected: Anara, a werewolf Elder who has allowed his hatred for Celia to spiral out of control. In a play for dominance, Anara tortures Celia and gives her an ultimatum: sever her mate bond with pureblood were Aric—or Anara will kill everyone she loves.

From the instant they met, Celia and Aric have shared an attraction that cannot be tamed. So keeping Aric away is impossible, and Aric would sooner die than allow anyone to hurt the woman he loves. Misha, master vampire and Celia’s sworn protector, also finds his way into the chaos, seeking blood from those who have harmed her.

Now Celia and her sisters are caught in the middle of a war driven by lust, fueled by hatred, and destined to end in tragedy. For Anara is a force to be reckoned with, and he will not succumb without robbing Celia of those who hold her heart.

Review:

Another action packed installment of the wired girls. Always nice to revisit this world, I don't know what took me so long to read this installment when I loved the 1st three. Oh well lesson learned.. don't leave this series for so long again!

So anyway, thoughts on the book. It was really good. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Just when I thought I wouldn't be able to endure the "love triangle" anymore it changed. So I was happy about that. There are some real tear jerker moments and I admit I almost cried but I put my big girl panties on and preserved. There were a couple of surprise twists that i'm interested to see how they will play out. Overall, It was good to be back and I look forward to reading the next one in the series... Like now. :) Happy reading!

Review: Winter Secrets: Winter Solstice Run #3 by M. Limoges

Winter Secrets: Winter Solstice Run #3: Stephen Dorsett and Kate Matthews

(Black Hills Wolves #33)

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Patience is a virtue…a lesson Stephen Dorsett has learned over the years, wooing his mate. He loves the prickly woman with all his heart, but he’s keeping a secret from her—one that will soon change the entire dynamic of their relationship.

Kate Matthews has a secret of her own, but she’s reluctant to share her surprise with Stephen. With her mate spending too many long hours and late nights at work recently, Kate begins to second-guess Stephen’s commitment to her.

One simple misunderstanding, fueled by insecurities and doubts, is all it takes to throw Kate and Stephen off course. Will they allow their secrets to pull them apart, or make their love stronger?

Review:

It was good, I have obviously missed earlier books in the series but that didn't really hinder anything. This was a quick glimpse into an already mated couple’s life after mating showing that not everything is rainbows and kittens. The Kate was kind of a shrew in the beginning but she eventually calmed her ass down. Stephan was cool from beginning to end, he knew what he brought to the table and he just needed his mate to get her head out of her a$$ and know what she brought to the table and appreciate all that he's done for her. It was a really quick read with some good moments. I liked it.

*review copy provided for an honest review.

Early Review: Sweet Ruin by Kresley Cole

Sweet Ruin by Kresley Cole

Rune the Baneblood and Josephine Doe

(Immortals After Dark #16)

Sweet Ruin on Amazon

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

A foundling raised in a world of humans

Growing up, orphaned Josephine didn’t know who or what she was—just that she was “bad,” an outcast with strange powers. Her baby brother Thaddeus was as perfect as she was flawed; protecting him became her entire life. The day he was taken away began Jo’s transition from angry girl…to would-be superhero…to enchanting, ruthless villain.

A lethally sensual enforcer on a mission

A threat to the Møriør has brought archer Rune the Baneblood to the mortal realm to slay the oldest living Valkyrie. Whether by bow or in bed, he never fails to eliminate his target. Yet before he can strike, he encounters a vampiric creature whose beauty conceals a black heart. With one bite, she pierces him with aching pleasure, taking his forbidden blood—and jeopardizing the secrets of his brethren.

A boundless passion that will lead to sweet ruin…

Could this exquisite female be a spy sent by the very Valkyrie he hunts? Rune knows he must not trust Josephine, yet he’s unable to turn her away. Despite his millennia of sexual conquests, he can’t ignore the unfamiliar longing she arouses deep within him. When Jo betrays the identity of the one man she will die to protect, she and Rune become locked in a treacherous battle of wills that pits ultimate loyalty against unbridled lust.

Review:

It is no secret I am a Kresley Cole fan girl, but even a fan girl can admit when an author misses. Thankfully that has not occurred here and I continue in my deep abiding Kresley Cole worship!  We are now 16 books deep into the Immortals After Dark series, based on trends of other series past it should have gotten a bit stale by now, but Cole keeps pumping out hit! If anything the series keeps getting better! She continually surprises us and keeps the series fresh by not taking us where you think she is leading us. You think she is setting you up for one thing and bam, it’s you with something completely different. Like… two completely new characters we have never heard of!  Who does that, who introduces two brand new characters so late in a series when readers already have their favorites and have already been set up for a completely different set of lovers? (Think back to Munro and his gypsy that we were set up for 2 books ago) But here we are, and count on Kresley Cole to make it work.  Now I know I saw some outraged fans, thinking there are so many other characters that deserve to have their happily ever after, but keep your faith fans! Has Kresley Cole ever let you down? I know she hasn’t for me.

So why is this book so great, you ask? Why do these newbies deserve their happily ever after? Well as we all know Cole has been leading us into the Ascension and into possible Apocalypse and the Møriør is leading us there… Or are they?  Rune is a member of the Møriør but he’s not particularly evil. Maybe misunderstood and a total manwhore which after his stint as an actual whore is not all that surprising.  He’s 7000 years old which I think is one of the oldest main characters we have encountered thus far, but like the other immortals he’s kept up with the times.  He’s been dispatched by the Møriør leader to assassinate our beloved Nix and he’s trolling Nola to find her.  

Josephine is a young’n in her early 20’s, but her earliest memory is when she is eight and she doesn’t remember anything before then. She wakes up in the ghetto with her infant brother and knows she is now responsible for him. Jo is incredibly snarky with an ego a mile wide and has an obsession with being a superhero and at the tender age of I think 11 she takes on a local gang only to be shot in the face. She wakes up in the morgue with bullets in her face and her little brother in the care of a librarian. She believes herself a ghost who can incorporate and for the next decade or so has no idea what the heck she is. But she keeps her superhero obsession and is the protector of prostitutes and she ghosts into shells (living bodies) to feel a connection with people. Now she is in Nola and when she meets Rune she meets another freak like herself and she needs to know more. Instinct kicks in and she is compelled to snack on Rune’s tasty blood and he becomes hooked!  He’s a Banesblood and his blood is poison to every being except another Banesblood (Think Natalya Reigns roommate on the island of hell) so when Jo drinks and doesn’t die he knows he’s got to keep her around. From here we go on a rollercoaster ride of action, orgasm denial, a battle of wills, combat situations, lots of nymphs, and chasing down Nix. It’s a fantastic ride to be on! Oh and speaking of Nix, we get to see some of her other awesome powers besides her foresight and man does she kick some ass! Who knew she had it in her. Get ready for one of the best books in the series! Now go forth and pre-order if you are reading this before its out.  

*review copy was provided for an honest review, no other compensation was provided 

Review: Pia Does Hollywood by Thea Harrison

Pia Does Hollywood:  Dragos Cuelebre and Pia Cuelebre

(Elder Races #8.6)

Pia Does Hollywood on Amazon

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

After making a diplomatic pact with humankind and the other leaders of the Elder Races, Pia Cuelebre, mate to Dragos Cuelebre, Lord of the Wyr, reluctantly heads to Hollywood to spend a week with the Light Fae Queen, Tatiana, before the busy Masque season hits New York in December.

Dragos has never let the lack of an invitation stop him from doing anything he wanted. Unwilling to let his mate make the trip without him, he travels to southern California in secret to be with her.

But when an ancient enemy launches a shattering assault against the Light Fae, Dragos and Pia must intercede. The destruction threatens to spread and strike a mortal blow against all of the magically gifted, both human and Elder Race alike.

Working with the Light Fae to neutralize the danger, Dragos and Pia find their deepest vulnerabilities challenged and their most closely held secrets threatened with exposure.

Review:

From the very first page we are brought back into Pia and Dragos world, we are sitting on the couch enjoying a zombie movie with Liam. Sometimes it’s the quiet moments that are the best moments. Quickly the landscape changes as Pia heads off to LA for her required week with the Light Fae. Of course Dragos is not going to be left behind but all is not what it seems and all of the sudden Dragos is facing his own mortality.  We are pulled into a centuries old feud with life threatening stakes.  

We get small glimpses of the new baby who I think is going to be very fierce, touching moments with Dragos and Pia being her usual strong under pressure self. I really enjoy Harrison’s novellas they give us quick but substantial looks into the Elder Races world. I would love to see another full length book featuring the family. 

*Title was provided through NetGalley for an honest review. No other compensation was provided. 

Early Review: The Alpha's Temporary Mate by Victoria Davies

(Fated Match #3)

The Alpha's Temporary Mate: Chloe Donovan and Kieran Clearwater

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Fated Match has spent centuries pairing supernatural mates together. Witch and matchmaker, Chloe Donovan, takes pride in helping her clients find their happy endings. But when werewolf alpha and millionaire playboy Kieran Clearwater stalks into her office, she may have finally met the one man she can’t help.

Kieran has no intention of finding his mate. Love is a weakness he can't afford. But with his pack growing more concerned over his single status he, needs to assure them all is well. What better way to do so than to hire a fake girlfriend he can parade around at the annual pack retreat?

Chloe is coerced into becoming the wolf’s temporary mate, but she’s determined to keep their agreement professional. But her seductive partner in crime has other ideas, and his considerable charm makes it difficult for her to keep her eye on the prize. While these two burn hot when they’re together, behind-the-scenes politics work to rip them apart.

Review:

I really liked this book. I picked this book up for two reasons, 1. I liked the cover and 2. Witches and Were's are two of my favorite paranormal and both in the same book.. I was like eh. why not?!

So I picked the book up on NetGalley and soon into the story I realized that this book is a part of a series, worry not my friends, it is ok. This book can totally be read as a standalone there are only brief mentions of the previous two hooked up couples. It does look like this series is specializing in hooking up species that are usually totally wrong for each other and should never work out... Perfect.. I love those! So I think I'm going to go back and read at least one of the previous books.

Annyywayy... So this book. It starts out in the Chloe's office where she is a professional matchmaker. She is affronted because he's basically asking her to go against all of her matching making principals. Kieran want's a FAKE girlfriend. She prides herself on making lasting connections for true mates. So Kieran shows Chloe's boss a whole lot of zero's and it is decided a fake girlfriend it will be, but Kieran is not accepting any of Chloe's matches and time is running out... So Chloe becomes Kieran's fake mate.

Kieran has been burned badly in the past, Chloe has abandonment issues. He's an alpha wolf, she's a witch.. It should never have worked, but their chemistry won’t be denied! Watching them fight their attraction is fun; it's even more fun when they give in. There are some bumps in the road for these two and a few twists. Ms. Davies could have taken an easy way out with these two because they are mates and gone the insta-love route but the love comes more gradually. Just because fate knows you're meant to be doesn't mean that the two involved have to agree with it, but eventually fate has to have its way. I really enjoyed this book. I liked both Chloe and Kieran and the plot was entertaining. I'll definitely look out for the next book in the series.. I'm hoping Chloe's bitchy siren boss finds her match!

Dragos Goes to Washington by Thea Harrison

Dragos Goes to Washington: Dragos and Pia

(Elder Races #8.5)

Review:

From Goodreads.com

ragos Cuelebre, Lord of the Wyr, needs to throw a party without maiming anyone. That isn’t exactly as easy as it might sound.

After the destructive events of the last eighteen months, the Elder Races are heading to Washington D.C. to foster peace with humankind. Not known for his diplomacy skills, Dragos must rely on his mate Pia to help navigate a battlefield of words and polite smiles rather than claws. With Dragos’s mating instinct riding close to the surface, his temper is more volatile than ever and the threat of violence hovers in the air.

Then the human spouse of a prominent politician winds up murdered and Dragos and Pia must race against time to hunt down those behind it before they are held responsible for the crime.

Review:

I adore these small glimpses into Dragos and Pia’s lives, its quick and all too short but it’s nice to have none the less.  In this one we have a brief glimpse of Pia and Dragos at Liam’s soccer practice which is super cute! Which is promptly followed by sexy times, LOTS of sexy times. This is a pretty steamy novella, which I am not going to complain about at all. Most of the novella takes place in Washington where tension against the Elder Races is ramping up, it’s building to some interesting stuff. In the middle of all that Pia’s gets fairly ill at the least opportune time. This short novella packs a lot into a few pages and made for a highly entertaining read. Im looking forward to the next one in the this mini three installment novella series. 

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

Review: Tamed by Rebecca Zanetti

Tamed: Caleb Donovan and Lily

Dark Protectors Series #6.5

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Caleb Donovan was never meant to be a prophet. At heart he's a conqueror, his appetites far more carnal than spiritual. He's not inclined to repress his passions and surrender to fate. After all, that's what cost him Lily—three centuries ago. She married another, because it was ordained. Now that he's in the same benighted calling—and forced into proximity with her—all the old desires are roaring back to life. . .

After widowhood and centuries of celibacy, Lily is eager to explore the wild side of life, except now she's vulnerable to another forced relationship, with an enemy. But this time she's determined to choose her own path. And if hot, furious Caleb comes charging to the rescue, it might just change both their destinies. . .

Love is about to start conquering. . .

Review:

I’ve been reading this series, not from the beginning but I picked it up a few books in. I enjoy it as a collective whole, it is not one of my favorite series but it would get an honorable mention. Some of the books are better than others and I typically have liked the novellas. This novella is not exception to that trend. Its quick, its action packed and it is enjoyable. Im pretty sure Lily and Caleb are fairly new characters, I don’t really remember them being mentioned before this book or if they were I don’t remember.  Lily is a prophet one that actually feels honored to be. She did her duty and mated with the man she was “fated” for. There was no real love there but she did her duty, even though her heart belonged to Caleb all those years ago.  Her mate died hundreds of years ago but due to the mating she couldn’t take another. Now that she has the virus she is able to take a lover and Caleb is determined that it be him! He’s never forgotten his Lily and has been pining for her for since before her mate died. Now he has a second chance and he is not going to waste it even if he is a damn prophet and a reluctant one at that.

As prophet’s they are at the Kings compound as welcome guests but there is danger from all sides and a betrayal from one that Lily thought she could trust. There is intrigue all around and plenty of action to keep the story line moving, let’s not forget the red hot attraction between Caleb and Lily and he sets out to claim what it his!  Good job Zanetti! 

Review: Bite Me by Shelly Laurenston

Bite Me: Vic Barinov and Livy Kowalski

Pride Series #9

Summary:

From Goodreads.com

Livy Kowalski has no time for idiots. When you shapeshift into a honey badger, getting through life’s irritants is a finely honed skill. Until she gets stuck housing her nutso cousin and dealing with her dad’s untimely and unexplained demise.

That’s where Vic Barinov comes in—or his house does. Vic can’t step outside without coming back to find Livy devouring his honey stash and getting the TV remote sticky. It gets his animal instincts all riled up. But he’ll have to woo her at high speed: all hell is breaking loose, and Livy is leading the charge…

Review:

Love, Love, Loved this book, Love, Love, Love this series, Love, Love, Love this author! Every book I’ve read in this series I’ve given five stars.  Laurenston has such a great sense of humor you can’t help but laugh throughout the book. All of her characters are quirky and funny. This one had me laughing until I was crying, what a wonderful feeling! I fell in love with Livy in WOLF WITH BENEFITS and was so glad then I found out the next book was going to be about our favorite honey badger. Livy has a very sarcastic sense of humor and a temper shorter than she is, she’s quick to put the smack down and fight creatures more than twice her size, and wins too.  Seven foot tall bears are afraid of the 5 foot nothing Livy.  Livy and Vic meet in the previous book when they are rescuing Toni’s (Livy’s best friend) little brother. I’m not sure how that friendship flourished but she must have liked him because ever since she’s been breaking into his house eating all of his honey. Good thing Vic finds it more amusing then anything.  When Livy does a favor for Deanne she is shocked to find the body of her father in some rich human’s house. She is livid, if anyone was going to kill her father for sport it would be her damnit! Somehow Livy does the impossible and unites her whole honey badger family under one cause and they will come out on top. Not only does she involve her family but she drags the willing Vic into the mess and they go on a journey around the world to find her father’s killer.  Get ready for lots of laughs, lots of action and good times ahead as you enter this wonderful reading trip. 

Review: Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews

Kate Daniels Series:

Book 4.5

Magic Dreams: Jim and Dali



Amazon
Goodreads 
 
Summary:

From Goodreads.com
Alpha Pack leader Jim Shrapshire has always been the strong, silent type. But something has come over him--a magic force currently residing in one of the Pack's headquarters. Were-tigress Dali Harimau has always wished she could get Jim's attention--but now he needs her help.
 
Stricken with a magic-sickness, Jim needs Dali's flair for magic. And to save him, she must challenge a powerful, dark being to a battle of wits.
 
Review:
 
Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews is a great novella in this series. I love, love it! I’ve read this book a few times. It’s a great look into Jim and Dali, it has been hinted at previous books a possible Jim and Dali paring but this seals the deal! Dali has been featured in previous Kate Daniels books but she doesn’t get much of a spotlight but this novella is all about Dali! She is quirky and fun, I love that she is half blind but still loves to race cars. She is intensely intelligent and fiercely protective of Jim. She has a mad crush on Jim which everyone seems to know but Jim. Jim. We’ve known since book one; we know he is mysterious and a protector and that does not change. In this book it’s a turn around, it’s Jim who is in danger and Dali who must be the one to save the day. We are taken through Asian culture and traditions with a Curse thrown in. This novella is short but it packs a punch!
 
Rating:
 

ARC Review: Dark Skye by Kresley Cole

Immortals After Dark Series:

Book 14:

Dark Skye: Thronos, Lord of Skye Hall and Lanthe, Queen of Persuasion
 

 
Goodreads
Amazon

Expected publication: August 5th 2014 

Summary:
From Goodreads.com  

Eternal Obsession
As a boy, Thronos, Lord of Skye Hall, loved Lanthe, a mischievous Sorceri girl who made him question everything about his Vrekener clan. But when the two got caught in the middle of their families’ war, tragedy struck, leaving Thronos and Lanthe bitter enemies. Though centuries have passed, nothing can cool his seething need for the beautiful enchantress who scarred his body - and left an even deeper impression on his soul.

Endless Yearning

Lanthe, a once-formidable sorceress struggling to reclaim her gifts, searches for love and acceptance with all the wrong immortal suitors. But she’s never forgotten Thronos, the magnificent silver-eyed boy who protected her until she was ripped from the shelter of his arms. One harrowing night changed everything between them. Now he’s a notorious warlord with a blood vendetta against Lanthe, hunting her relentlessly.

Can the heat of desire burn brighter than vengeance?

With their families locked in conflict and battles raging all around them, will Thronos and Lanthe succumb to the brutal chaos that threatens everything they cherish? Or will the fragile bond they formed so long ago spark a passion strong enough to withstand even the darkest doubts?

Review:

So I’m writing my first review in many a months, so I may be a bit rusty so bear with me. I’m a huge fan of Kresley Cole and that is no secret. The Immortals After Dark series is my all-time favorite series and Dark Skye is although not my favorite book in the series it a great installment. Kresley Cole never fails to impress her characters are rich, full of life and funny. Her world building is some of the best; she creates a rich world called the Lore with all the crazy beings that belong in it. This book is rich in visits from other Lore beings, we get a broader scope of what the Lore is all about. We get visits from some old favorites and glimpses of stories to come. Nix of course plays a part in the books and will definitely drop some stuff on the reader, some things you don’t want to miss. We may or may not find something and her status may be upgraded. You’ll have to read to see.

Dark Skye is a long awaited installment within the IAD series. Fans of the series have been waiting years to get Lanthe and Thronos story; we first met these two in Sabine and Rydstroms story. Once childhood friends, chosen by fate, these two have a dark, blood soaked history. After the deaths of both of their parents Lanthe and Sabine went on the run and Thronos was compelled to hunt Lanthe. Tragedy after tragedy struck and these once best friends were bitter enemies. 500 years later they are both captured and held in a facility with other immortals, when all hell breaks loose Thronos finally has his shot at Lanthe, but fate has its own ideas.

Lanthe comes into her own in this book, while she’s always been a bit wild she has always been overshadowed by her powerful sister. Lanthe comes into her own badassness in this book. She is consistently in danger and she and Thronos are thrown into the unknown over and over. She finds her inner sorceress and strength as it turns out she can be a fierce! Thronos is an unexpected surprise! I wasn’t sure what to expect from him but I must say he ends up being one sexy, alpha, virgin male. Kresley Cole writes THE BEST male virgin characters, and I am a SUCKER for them. Thronos is just one more to add to this list. He may be inexperienced but he is creative and man oh man those wings! Just one more thing I am a sucker over. Cole throws these two into obstacle after obstacle but the biggest things these two must overcome are their pasts…

Rating:

*This copy was provided to me by the publisher for an honest review. No other compensation was provided.

Review: Thea Harrison – The Wicked

The Elder Races Series:

Book 5.5

The Wicked: Sebastian Hale and Olivia





Purchase on Amazon: Thea Harrison - The Wicked (A Novella of the Elder Races)

Summary:
From Goodreads.com
The adventure of a lifetime might just end in turmoil, but when it includes meeting your future mate, who gives a hoot?

A Novella of the Elder Races

For a librarian with a focus on rare magic books, Olivia’s new job is a dream come true. She has been hired as part of a team to help manage the safe transportation of the collection of books owned by the Vampyre sorceress Carling Severan. The fact that the library is located on a mysterious island in an Other land only heightens the adventure.

Head of security for the expedition, Sebastian Hale is tired of his rootless life of adventure and finds himself attracted to the calm, beautiful librarian. But he is living a personal nightmare. He has been hit with a curse that is slowly taking away his sight, and he doesn’t know if he will survive the results.

But the powerful feelings growing between them, along with Sebastian’s inner turmoil, take a backseat when they learn there is a traitor lurking among their expedition team. With Elder Races politics and a priceless library on the line, they’ll have to rely on each other to survive the experience.

Warning: When a librarian who likes to nest meets an owl Wyr who has always lived for adventure, their romance won’t just be fly-by-night…

Review:
I have to say I quite enjoyed this novella, it was short but sweet. We originally meet Olivia in Oracle’s Moon; she quickly becomes Grace’s friend and is a witch at the largest witches’ library of the Elder Races. She tends to be quiet but is ready for adventure so she takes the opportunity to pack up Carling’s personal library. She never expected that her life was about to get significantly more exciting. Sebastian is under a Curse, as an Owl Wyr his eyesight is one of his greatest strengths; but the curse is winning against his natural defenses and he is slowly losing his site. He is drowning in boredom and misery when he takes the position as head of security to transport Carlings personal library. He never expected that his boredom was about to come to end, but there is still the curse to deal with.

From the moment Sebastian and Olivia the passion smolders but I like how Sebastian keeps his cool. Outwardly you wouldn’t know that he is insanely attracted to Olivia; he’s not one to wear his heart on his sleeve. Olivia is not sure what to make of this man, but she knows there is more than what he presents to the world. When there is a bit of danger towards Olivia all Sebastian’s protective instincts go haywire and he can’t deny his attraction any longer. I like his concern for Olivia, not only protecting her from outside threats but his concern for her on what her life would be like if she got chained to him since he is cursed and all. What I liked even better was Olivias reaction to his impending blindness. She accepted him and what may happen with his eyesight. She was all in, it didn’t matter to her whether he could see or not, even bringing up a seeing eye avian shifter so that he could still fly. I thought that so sweet and thoughtful. Their talk about their future talk had me in an awe moment as well as well as laughing a bit. I forgot how funny Thea Harrison could be. It’s been a while since I had read one of her books so when I broke out laughing a few times, it was like an ahhh… I forgot… moment. Unexpected, but very welcome. There is also a bit of action in this book, not a whole lot, I mean it’s only about 100 pages but Harrison manages to get it in there to keep things interesting. If you enjoy this series, I definitely recommend this novella. It’s a quick fun read that fits in quite nicely with the rest of the series.

Rating:







This review can also be viewed on http://romancenovelreview.wordpress.com/ .

ARC Review: Rebecca Zanetti - Twisted

Dark Protectors Series:
 
Book 5.5:
 
Twisted: Terrent Vilks and Maggie
 
 
 
Expected publication: June 20th 2013
Purchase on Amazon: Rebecca Zanetti - Twisted (Dark Protectors)
 
Summary:
From Goodreads.com
Maggie is a wolf shifter who was captured and experimented on by the Kurjans. Now that a cure has finally been found for shifters (although not for vampire mates or witches), she can concentrate on creating a new life for herself and finally accepting that her memories are gone forever. Most memories, that is. Sometimes in the hazy world between dreams and dawn, she hears a Scottish voice, dark and deep, that sounds suspiciously like wolf-shifter Terrent Vilks. A man she happened to anger by kidnapping a few years back. Hey, it was for a good cause.
 
Terrent Vilks knows more than he’s let on for the past several years. After digging for answers, he knows exactly why the demons want Maggie dead. And he remembers his past with Maggie…very well. She is finally where he wants her. Now all he has to do is discover what exactly the Kurjans did to her, beat the demons into so much submission they leave her alone, and get her to fall in love with him. Again. Good thing he’s used to wrangling monsters.
 
Review:
For 10 years Maggie has not been able to remember who she is, she was captured by the Kurjan and experimented on. For the past 10 years she has been basically on her own. For the past 5 she has been living and training with the vampires. Her path has crossed with Terrent a couple of times since moving to the vampire’s compound and each time they have met sparks have flown and not always the good kind. Terrent has wanted Maggie returned to the wolves, saying that she should be among her own kind. He even tried kidnapping her from the vampires, but now finally Maggie has left the compound and returned to the wolves. Maggie is there for a mission to discover who is tampering with the cure. Terrent doesn’t care why Maggie is there, all he cares about is making sure she doesn’t leave him….again….
 
From the previous books I had hoped that Maggie and Terrent would end up together, they had a strange sort of chemistry the few times they have met. Terrent is a definite Alpha male but on a few occasions he let Maggie get the upper hand on him. There is no mistaking after reading this book that he let Maggie, because this wolf is not like all of the others. He is in a league all on his own. We get to see a whole different side to Terrent, and I gotta say, I liked it! Maggie, I’ve always liked, and this book did not change that opinion. She is just as likeable in this book as she has in previous book. She has a mysterious background, seeing as she can’t remember anything and some of those gaps get filled in this book, but not all. I kind of liked that Zanetti doesn’t just give Maggie’s memory back with another bump on the head or it all come flooding back as soon as she seems something or someone from her past. This makes it a bit more realistic and keep the intrigue going.
 
From beginning to end this book is action packed. We start with an attack within the first few pages of this book, followed by a startling confession from Terrent. Terrent is determined to win Maggie and keep her safe, but the odds have not been in his favor. Almost from the moment she arrives chaos ensues. There is a team of assassins after Maggie, their mission, to drag Maggie back to their alpha to be his mate and Maggie is NOT having that nor is Terrent. Now that Maggie has come out of seclusion it seems like she has become a very popular girl on the block. Terrent realizes that he has very limited time to secure Maggie as his, but he is determined that his wait is over and it’s now or never. The heat between Terrent and Maggie is blazing hot. Their passion runs as hot in the bedroom as it does when they are fighting. These two know how to keep things exciting. When they are not fighting or loving they are actually a pretty good team, and work well together. But their goals are different, Terrent is determined to keep Maggie safe, but Maggie is determined to be a full partner. She is not a wolf that is just going to be left behind. For 10 years she has been living in a sort of limbo but she has decided memory or not, she is moving forward with her life with our without Terrent.
 
I truly enjoyed every minute of this book, my only complaint was that it was not long enough! I really wish Maggie and Terrent had gotten a full length book instead of a novella, but I’m just glad we got their story at all. It was well worth it. This series, while not one of my favorites is a very solid, good series that is definitely worth looking into if you haven’t already! I am looking forward to the future books.

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

ARC Review: Bec McMaster – Heart of Iron

London Steampunk Series:

Book 2:

Heart of Iron: Will Carver and Lena Todd





Expected publication: May 7th 2013

Purchase on Amazon:  Bec McMaster - Heart of Iron (London Steampunk)

Summary:
From Goodreads.com
In Victorian London, if you’re not a blue blood of the Echelon then you’re nothing at all. The Great Houses rule the city with an iron fist, imposing their strict ‘blood taxes’ on the nation, and the Queen is merely a puppet on a string…

Lena Todd makes the perfect spy. Nobody suspects the flirtatious debutante could be a sympathizer for the humanist movement haunting London’s vicious blue blood elite. Not even the ruthless Will Carver, the one man she can’t twist around her little finger, and the one man whose kiss she can’t forget…

Stricken with the loupe and considered little more than a slave-without-a-collar to the blue bloods, Will wants nothing to do with the Echelon or the dangerous beauty who drives him to the very edge of control. But when he finds a coded letter on Lena—a code that matches one he saw on a fire-bombing suspect—he realizes she’s in trouble. To protect her, he must seduce the truth from her.

With the humanists looking to start a war with the Echelon, Lena and Will must race against time—and an automaton army—to stop the humanist plot before it’s too late. But as they fight to save a city on the brink of revolution, the greatest danger might just be to their hearts…

Review:

I love love love this series. I cannot thank Annie ( Under the Covers Book Blog ) for suggesting this series to me. This book is the best of the series so far. I am in love with Will and want him for my very own! I read this book several weeks ago and for about a week after I finished it, I walked around with a Heart of Iron hangover! I couldn’t start any other books because this one was still swirling around in my head and in my heart.

This book takes place three years after the events of the first book. In the first book, Lena was determined to drive Will crazy and was very successful at this task. So much so, that Will had to leave and move into his own place. He desires Lena but there is nothing on earth that could make him take her as his own. For at least a year he has managed to avoid Lena, now that she has joined the Echelon that has become that much more untouchable. When Will next meets Lena he finds a missive on her with a damning code. Will recognizes that code, he knows it belongs to the Humanists who just blew up a draining factory and almost killed Blade. Will knows Lena is in over her head. When he is called forth by the Prince Regent for a favor he realizes that his is a chance not only to free himself but to keep tabs on Lena. Lena is in way over her head, she never signed up for explosions and death. She ends up with danger all around her, without Will, she surely would have died.

Bec McMaster has created a complex world and her world building is phenomenal. She really took her time building the world in the first book, so that by now we are familiar with all of the terminology and the world enough that we can truly appreciate the world that McMaster built! There are elements of paranormal, historical and steampunk effortlessly combined for a completely unique series.

I never expected to actually like Lena, she didn’t quite endear herself to me in the first book. However, in this book she is actually pretty fierce! I came to love her as a character. She wants to believe in a cause, one bigger then herself. She thought that life in the Echelon  was where she wanted to be but the life of parties, riches and Thralls turns out to be more and less than she thought it would be. She doesn’t really belong anywhere, so she throws herself into the Humanist movement. When she sees Will again she realizes that she may be in over her head and that she never asked the right questions. After the chance meeting Will manages to entangle his life with hers. He has to be able to move through society and he needs Lena to help him with that. Being so close to Lena is both bliss and torture, he knows that she is HIS but he can never risk being with her. The Lupe Virus is so aggressive he can’t risk infecting her. Will is your typical Alpha male; he is possessive, protective and caring to his woman. The way he is with Lena is something you would never expect from such a mysterious, dark and complicated man. As a general rule, he stays away from people and especially females but his draw to Lena is undeniable. Time after time Will has to come to Lena’s aid making for an exciting story. There is always something going on. Bec McMaster knows how to bring on the action to keep the reader entertained! While the action is raging, the romance is building. There is nothing quite like danger to bring a couple together. The passion runs deep and smoldering. Ms. McMaster makes us wait for it, she teases us so good you don’t even realize we are waiting for it. When we finally get it, it’s worth the wait. Will is definitely worth the wait!

Rating:






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