PNR Bookworm

Born of Fire by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2009-11-11T15:43:00.000-05:00

The League Series by Sherrilyn Kenyon:
1. Born of Night
2. Born of Fire
3. Born of Ice - December 1, 2009
4. "Fire and Ice" in In Other Worlds anthology - July 1, 2010

Back of the Book:

In a universe where assassins make the law, everyone lives in fear- except for Syn. Born of an illicit scandal that once rocked a dynasty, he always knew how to survive on the bloodthirsty streets. But that was then, and the future is now.

He takes no prisoners...

Syn was raised as a tech-thief until his livelihood uncovered a truth that could end his life. He tried to destroy the evidence and has been on the run ever since. Now trained as an assassin, he allows no one to threaten him. Ever. He is the darkness that swallows his enemies whole.

She offers no escape...

Shahara Dagan is the best bounty hunter in the universe. When Syn comes back on the radar, she's the only one who can bring him to justice. There's only one problem: Syn is a close family friend who's helped out her brother countless times. Is Syn's protection worth the risk? The only hope Shahara has is to find the evidence he buried long ago.

Now it's kill or be killed- and they, the predators, have just become the hunted.

My Thoughts:

Another great novel, Sherrilyn! Thank you! I am super happy that you decided to go back and rewrite these books into the great series that they are becoming. I am thoroughly enjoying them so far. I love Syn and Shahara's story. Especially with the twist ending that I didn't even see coming. :) I can't wait to the next book. Squee!

Deep Kiss of Winter by Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter

2009-11-05T14:10:00.000-05:00

Deep Kiss of Winter - Two Short Stories by Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter

Back of the Book:

Kresley Cole -
Murdoch Wroth will stop at nothing to claim Daniela the Ice Maiden -- the delicate Valkyrie who makes his heart beat for the first time in three hundred years. Yet the exquisite Danii is part ice fey, and her freezing skin can't be touched by anyone but her own kind without inflicting pain beyond measure. Soon desperate for closeness, in an agony of frustration, Murdoch and Danii will do anything to have each other. Together, can they find the key that will finally allow them to slake the overwhelming desire burning between them?

Gena Showalter
Aleaha Love can be anyone -- literally. With only skin-to-skin contact, she can change her appearance, assume any identity. Her newest identity switch has made her an AIR (alien investigation and removal) agent and sends her on a mission to capture a group of otherworldly warriors. Only she becomes the captured. Breean, a golden-skinned commander known for his iron will who is at once dangerous and soul-shatteringly seductive, threatens her new life. Because for the first time, Aleaha only wants to be herself....

My Thoughts:

I loved Kresley Cole's short story about Danii and Murdoch, both characters we've seen before in her Immortals After Dark series. It's a little darker but just as passionate as all her other tales. Should be interesting to see where she heads from here. There were a bunch of interweaving plots that now, I believe, have all been told. Danii and Murdoch's situation though is quite unique. While in her other novels, there was a lot of development as individuals, and that is here too, but more so there is a great development on building an emotional relationship over a physical one. And can you sustain one without the other?

I wasn't too crazy about Gena's story. I've never picked up one of her Alien Huntress novels, sticking to her Lords of the Underworld novels. I did enjoy it, but there was a little too much "I could force your to do what I want, but I'm not so that makes me a good person" theme to it. I don't really like weak heroines (yes, I know that's not realistic, but hey I read paranormal romance, what part is?). I really wish Aleaha was a stronger personality. She shows bits and pieces, but in the end, she needed a man to accept her before she could accept herself, and that I'm not cool with. But that's me. The world is defintiely intriguing. I shall go add the first AH book to my paperbackswap now. :)

Dawnbreaker by Jocelynn Drake

2009-11-02T13:03:00.000-05:00

The Dark Days Series by Jocelynn Drake
1. Nightwalker
2. Dayhunter
3. Dawnbreaker

Back of the Book:

The dawn brings new terror for the creatures of the night . . .

Those of her race fear Mira for the lethal fire she bends to her will - a power unique among nightwalkers, both a gift . . . and a curse.

The naturi despise Mira for what she is - as they prepare the final sacrifice that will destroy the barriers between the worlds. And once the naturi are unchained, blood, chaos, and horror will reign supreme on Earth.

Mira can trust only Danaus, the more-than-mortal vampire slayer, though he is sworn to destroy her kind. And now, as the day approaches when titanic forces will duel under cover of darkness, destiny draws them toward an apocalyptic confrontation at Machu Picchu. But all is not lost, for a wild card has been dealt to them: a rogue enemy princess who can change the balance of power and turn the dread tide.

My Thoughts:

So another wonderful book. Can't complain. The plot keeps being the same over and over, but it's different and Mira's always in a different place in her head too. I just wish she would finally see that Danaus has finally started seeing her as her and not just as a nightwalker. But alas, she seems oblivious. I was really excited to meet Danaus's other half in this book. Interesting how Mira could pull him back... and the plot thickens...

Can you believe I've read these books where there is practically no sex? Who am I? And what have I done with Rachel? :)

Dayhunter by Jocelynn Drake

2009-11-02T12:58:00.000-05:00

The Dark Days Series by Jocelynn Drake
1. Nightwalker
2. Dayhunter
3. Dawnbreaker

Back of the Book:

A new day dawns blood red...

A master of fire, Mira is the last hope for the world. For centuries, she has secretly enforced the history-altering edicts of the Triad. Now she and her unlikely ally -- the human vampire hunter, Danaus -- have come to Venice, home of the nightwalker rulers. But there is no safety in the ancient city, for the threat of conflicts is in the wind... with unholy alliances and earth-shattering betrayals taking hideous form in the shadows.

Banished for eons beyond the world's boundaries, the malevolent naturi prepare to feed once again upon a vulnerable earth -- and treachery is opening wide the portal that will enable their dread re-emergence. The great battle that has always been Mira's destiny is looming, and she must remain powerful in the face of a shocking revelation: that Danaus, the only creature that she dares to trust, is something that the man he claims to be...

My Thoughts:

So this book had been sitting in my TBR pile for a while. It's like you know you are going to get sucked in and so you need to plan when you should start reading it... especially since the third one was waiting on me too. :) I really do love Ms. Drake's books. She has great twisty plots and just the right amount of angst and emotion. Her writing is really a lot like Jeaniene Frost's so if you like one you are bound to like the other. I think I enjoy Mira as a marrator better than Cat though. Mira has been around for a while (a couple of centuries) so it's understandable she doesn't get too sucked into things. She's very much a realistic which I love. I also love the little personal details Drake throws in there like Mira's debate on to repack her clothes. Why bother if she's just about to die? These kinds of details really make a story for me.

On to book three!

Frostbitten by Kelley Armstrong

2009-10-23T13:27:00.001-04:00

The Otherworld Series by Kelley Armstrong:

1. Bitten
2. Stolen
3. Dime Store Magic
4. Industrial Magic
5. Haunted
6. Broken
7. No Humans Involved
8. Personal Demon
9. Living with the Dead
10. Frostbitten

Back of the Book:

The Alaskan wilderness is a harsh landscape in the best of conditions, but with a pack of rogue werewolves on the loose, it’s downright deadly.
Elena Michaels, the Pack’s chief enforcer, knows all too well the havoc “mutts” can wreak.
When word comes of a series of humans apparently killed by wolves near Anchorage, Elena and Clay are sent to check things out. But they find more than they bargained for among the snow and trees of the savage Alaskan wilderness.

My Thoughts:

Another great addition to Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series. In this book, we are back with Elena and the Pack, but we are off in Alaska instead of near to Stonehaven like normal. Elena and Clay now have 3 year olds, but they are trying to balance home and duty. In this book, Elena deals with a lot more of her personal issues, which I enjoyed. A strong woman who demands obedience but has a gentle heart. She finds a good balance towards the end, which was nice. Armstrong does a wonderful job of making her "beasts" humane, which I thought was very well done. Sure, these are werewolves, but without the distinction, this story could be about any group of serial killers and the police after them. I can't wait to see who gets the spot light next. We did get to hear from a bunch of "the gang" throughout the story which was nice.

Secret of Indigo Moon by G.P. Taylor

2009-10-19T15:50:00.000-04:00

The Dopple Ganger Chronicles by G.P. Taylor
1. The First Escape
2. The Secret of Indigo Moon

Back of the Book:

From best-selling author G.P. Taylor comes the highly anticipated second installment of The Dopple Ganger Chronicles, a series that combines art and traditional text to help 'reluctant readers' discover the wonder of books.
Erik Morissey Ganger, famed explorer and detective (well, in his dreams), and his mischief-making sidekicks, twins Sadie and Saskia Dopple, didn't go looking for a secret tunnel beneath the school. They never intended to make the acquaintance of a shifty private eye with a nose for trouble. It wasn't part of the plan to come face to face with an old enemy, one with an agenda of his own that could destroy them all. And unraveling the 'secret of indigo moon' was the farthest thing from their minds.
At Isambard Dunstan's School for Wayward Children, these things just seem to happen.
In The Secret of Indigo Moon, confirmed troublemakers Erik, Sadie, and Saskia plunge headlong into a new and perilous mystery, one that challenges everything they thought they knew about their lives, themselves, and whom it's safe to trust.

My Thoughts:

This was a beautifully put together book. Wonderful prose suitable to a chapter book reader but interesting enough to keep a well-read mind flipping page after page to see what happens next. There seems to be a whole other plot there for a more mature mind as well. There are definitely moments that could have multiple meanings. The integration between the text styles and the imagery throughout the pages along with the comic style action scenes is nothing short of brilliant. If I had books like this growing up, I would have read more and gained a larger vocabulary at a younger age.

Also the addition of reiligion in the form of "Madame Raphael" and "the Companion" is extremely intriguing and almost out of place in what could easy be a main stream comic. It sneaks it in, which I think some parents might have issues with if they do not read their children's book choices before they do. Not having read the first book, I don't know how these individuals were introduced. But there are some Biblical references for those who look for them. So if that's not your cup of tea, be warned. The book does not revolve around it, but it's there. I, for one, enjoyed it. It was interesting to see a teenager struggling with faith even if it didn't come out and say that. It will definitely be interesting to see what Erik and the Dopples have planned for us next.

Evernight by Claudia Gray

2009-10-19T15:35:00.000-04:00

The Evernight Series by Claudia Gray:
1. Evernight
2. Stargazer
3. Hourglass - March 2010
4. Afterlife - TBD

Back of the Book:

Bianca wants to escape.

She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.

"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."

But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.

My Thoughts:

Wow, this book is crazy! Claudia Gray used an awesome plot device to it's greatest extent: you only know what the narrator tells you and not all narrators are transparent. The bomb she dropped halfway through this book was well worth the read alone. The plot itself is wonderful: Harry Potter meets Dracula meets Romeo and Juliet with a little bit of Gossip Girl thrown in for good measure. The writing style reminds me a lot of Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series so if you can read that, you'll be able read this. There's a great complicated plot, and the main heroine is not a pushover! I did want to strangle her though when she chose one guy over another... but alas... this is not my story. ;) Can't wait to get my hands on book two... but I've got a while until Book 3 comes out.

Evermore by Alyson Noel

2009-10-16T09:55:00.000-04:00

The Immortal Series by Alyson Noel:
1. Evermore
2. Blue Moon
3. Shadowland - Nov 17, 2009

Back of the Book:

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, Ever can see auras, hear people's thoughts, and know a person's entire life story by touch. Going out of her way to avoid human contact and suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen.

Damen Auguste is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy. He's the only one who can silence the noise and random energy in her head—wielding a magic so intense, it's as though he can see straight into her soul. As Ever is drawn deeper into his enticing world of secrets and mystery, she's left with more questions than answers. She has no idea just who he really is—or what he is. The only thing she knows to be true is she's falling deeply and helplessly in love with him.

My Thoughts:

I thought this was a very good YA book. The main character Ever is pretty juvenile in her reasonings about love aka Damen becomes her "boyfriend" because they kissed once and she is easily made jealous, but she is very good about noticing things about her surroundings and not being a pushover for anyone. I did get quite annoyed with her avoidance of Ava, the psychic, but I can see where it was hard for her to admit that she was wrong about Ava and to go to her for help. The Immortal plot line that Noel builds is quite intrgruing. I do hope she explains it a little more. I can't help but draw a few parallels to the Twilight series: young girl taken away from her family to start over again in a new town, mysterious boy who can't quite make up his mind how he wants to interact with her, evil stalking her because of his interest in her. There is also a parallel with the Vampire Diary series where the girl is reincarnated but the boy stays the same. I guess when you write YA PNR it's hard to break free of some already set standards especially when you stay in a version of real life and don't build your own world.
I read the excerpt for the next book, and I'm not very snagged by it. It looks like Damen is having trouble being patient after the entirity of this book is about his patience. Should be interesting to see where she goes from here. Especially if sex is involved, which it looks to be an issue coming up soon.

Covet by J. R. Ward

2009-10-12T14:03:00.001-04:00

The Fallen Angels Series by J.R. Ward:

1. Covet

Back of the Book:

Redemption isn't a word Jim Heron knows much about--his specialty is revenge, and to him, sin is all relative. But everything changes when he becomes a fallen angel and is charged with saving the souls of seven people from the seven deadly sins. And failure is not an option. Vin diPietro long ago sold his soul to his business, and he's good with that--until fate intervenes in the form of a tough-talking, Harley-riding, self-professed savior. But then he meets a woman who will make him question his destiny, his sanity, and his heart--and he has to work with a fallen angel to win her over and redeem his own soul.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. Very fast paced. I never got bored like I can sometimes in the BDB series, like when the bad guy is advancing the plot. The bad guy in this one was nice and psychotic so it was interesting to read those parts. I liked how you didn't know anything going in. It does mix location and some times characters (squee!) with BDB, so that was awesome. I think I'm really going to enjoy following Jim around. I'm not usually very good with male narrators, but I really enjoyed listening to his monologues. He is an interesting character. Should be fun! Hopefully, though they won't get longer... this one just about killed me... right up there with Jacquleine Carey with word length... damn.

On a sidenote: Anybody know how your email address can be banned from a forum group registration? I tried to Register for Ward's and it said my email addie was banned... Weird...

YA Book Contest Craziness at Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm

2009-10-12T09:56:00.002-04:00

Go check out the contest Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm is throwing. Giving away four books from this list:

The Mark by Jen Nadol(ARC)
The Den of Shadows Quartet by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes(PB)
Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1) by Gail Carriger (PB)
Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis(HB)
Shiver By Maggie Stiefvater(HB)
Lament by Maggie Stiefvater(PB)
Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick(HB)
Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe(HB)
The Hollow by Jessica Verday(HB)
Generation Dead by Daniel Waters(PB)
Never Slow Dance with a Zombie by E Van Lowe (PB)
You are So Undead to Me by Stacey Jay(ARC)
Intertwined By Gena Showalter(HB)
Devoured by Amanda Marrone(PB)
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink(HB)
Reign or Shine (Demon Princess, #1) by Michelle Rowen(PB)

So head on over!

http://fayeflamereviews.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-awesome-contest-finally.html

Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2009-10-08T09:40:00.005-04:00

The League Series by Sherrilyn Kenyon:

1. Born of Night
2. Born of Fire - November 3, 2009
3. Born of Ice - December 1, 2009

Back of the Book:

In the Ichidian Universe, The League and their ruthless assassins rule all. Expertly trained and highly valued, the League Assassins are the backbone of the government. But not even the League is immune to corruption . . .

Command Assassin Nykyrian Quikiades once turned his back on the League—and has been hunted by them ever since. Though many have tried, none can kill him or stop him from completing his current mission: to protect Kiara Zamir, a woman whose father’s political alliance has made her a target.

As her world becomes even deadlier, Kiara must entrust her life to the same kind of beast who once killed her mother and left her for dead. Old enemies and new threaten them both and the only way they can survive is to overcome their suspicions and learn to trust in the very ones who threaten them the most: each other.

My Thoughts:

Wow! Just wow! I absolutely loved this book. It's writing like this, the plot lines, the real-ish romance, the hard decisions, the backgrounds, the passion, that makes me love reading. This book was wonderful! I love Kiara (not that I can ever pronounce her name the same way twice) and Nykyrian. I really loved all the characters. You can definitely tell Kenyon put a lot of herself into this book with as much background and world building that's in it. Sure, it's long and that usually means I skim parts, but with this book that is next to impossible. You'll miss a thought process or a major action then you have to go back and read it. I always want to read my novels like I watch my movies, fast. But with this one, you can't really do that. And it sucks you in! There is "good stopping point". You must keep going and going. lol. I read this book in two days. That's how much I could not put down this book. I think I'm going to have to schedule the last two in so that my life doesn't come to quite the stand still it did this time. lol. Can you tell I love books? Nah...

Until next time. :)

Squee!!! I won!

2009-10-08T09:34:00.001-04:00

Just had to share! I won a contest! How cool is that?

I won Ilona Andrews' On the Edge from a contest Shiloh Walker was running.

Look for a review soon-ish! My TBR is at about 15 now... lol

Go check out Shiloh's blog if you get a chance!

http://shilohwalker.wordpress.com/

Witch Craft by Caitlin Kittredge

2009-10-06T11:52:00.002-04:00

The Nocturne City Novels:

1. Night Life
2. Pure Blood
3. Second Skin
4. Witch Craft
5. Daemon's Mark - May 25, 2010

Back of the Book:

Someone, or something, is setting fire to the homes of the city's most infamous non-humans, racking up a body count that's growing by the day. And strange, otherworldly creatures no one has seen before - selkies trolls and harpies - are causing chaos throughout the city. Racing to stop the carnage, Luna turns to sexy federal agent Will Fagin for help. As they work to uncover the source of the bloodshed, Luna's attraction for Will deepens. But just as she learns Will's darkest secret, Nocturne City is thrust into total chaos - leaving Luna and Will in a path of destruction they may not be able to stop - or survive.

My Thoughts:

Yeah! Haha! I loved this plot! Selkies, trolls, and daemons, oh my! And could Luna's personal life get any more complicated? As soon as I think I know what she is going to do, she does the opposite. It definitely keeps you on your toes. Just wondering if Dmitri will show up in the next book, being about daemon's and all. And what he thinks of all Luna's new boy toys. And boy, is she surrounded. Should also be interesting to see more interactions with Amodeus.

Second Skin by Caitlin Kittredge

2009-10-05T16:01:00.003-04:00

The Nocturne City Novels:

1. Night Life
2. Pure Blood
3. Second Skin
4. Witch Craft
5. Daemon's Mark - May 25, 2010

Back of the Book:

When werewolves from Nocturne City's oldest packs are found shot through the head at point-blank range, homicide detective Luna Wilder isn't sure what's killing them or why.now the killer is determined to make Luna its next victim. To make matters worse, her boyfriend Dmitri's demon bite is getting worse, weakening him and putting a major strain on their relationship.

Luna discovers the murders are linked to the Wendigo, shapeshifting cousins of werewolves made of smoke and shadow who drink the blood of their victims for strength. She doesn't know whether Wendigo leader Lucas Kennuka is friend or foe, but he's clearly determined to wrest her heart from Dmitiri. And if Luna doesn't discover who's behind the killings, it could destroy her fragile relationship - and cost Luna her life.

My Thoughts:

Yeah! It was great being back in Nocturne. So great even, I'm halfway through with Witch Craft as I write this. I loved seeing Dmitri but was very sad with all the fighting. I really wanted Luna to be the nurturing, caring heroine in all my pnr books and to care for Dmitri and help him get the daemon gone, but alas she is not. I can only hope they can work something out in the future. But we shall see. Not too crazy about Lucas, but it looks like Luna agrees with me there. So that's good. The plot was a little sub-par to the personal plot line, but that's okay. I'm all about the people. Definitely did not see the ending coming though. Very excellent. A moment of silence for the Fairlane.

On to book 4!

Unbound Anthology

2009-10-02T09:56:00.006-04:00

Back of the Book:
Not all hunters are bound by human laws . . .

Revisiting the paranormal realms they've made famous in their wildly popular fiction, New York Times bestselling authors Kim Harrison, Jeaniene Frost, Vicki Pettersson, and Jocelynn Drake - plus New York Times bestselling YA author Melissa Marr with her first adult supernatural thriller - unleash their full arsenal of dark talents, plunging us into the shadows where the supernatural stalk the unsuspecting . . . and every soul is a target.

Get ready for the ride of your life - because the wildest magic has just been unleashed . . . and evil is about to have its day.

My Thoughts:

"Ley Line Drifter" by Kim Harrison

I didn't really enjoy this one as much from Jenks' perspective. He has some difficult and distressing issues coming his way and that kind of colored the short story for me. I enjoyed seeing Ivy from his perspective though. That was a treat. Too bad Rachel couldn't make an appearance, but I guess beggars can't be choosers.

"Reckoning" by Jeaniene Frost

I did enjoy this story from Bones' perspective. It was neat to see behind the man we know from Cat's point-of-view. And it was also neat to be able to put in better perspective some of the plot of the last book using the new knowledge from this short. Not sure if I would have wanted to read this one first or not. I am glad she didn't delve into his sex life before Cat. I don't think my jealous streak on behalf of Cat would have appreciated it. lol

"Dark Matter" by Vicki Petterson

So I knew who JJ was suppose to be from the beginning having listened to the podcast these wonderful ladies did about this anthology, and I knew how it was suppose to end, but not the inbetween. So I'm mixed about this. I hated Hunter at the end of the last book as I'm sure most avid Joanna fans were. So it was weird seeing him and his relationship with the evil Sola. But the story was absolutely wonderful so I guess I need to get over my hangups and hope Joanna can move on from Hunter as she did with Ben. Poor girl can't seem to keep her heart.

"The Dead, the Damned and the Forgotten" by Jocelyn Drake

Yeah! Mira! I love Mira! The end. No not really, but this story was very wonderful. I need to get off my lazy butt and read the latest novel sitting in my TBR pile. The short makes me remember why I love Drake's world so much.

"Two Lines" by Melissa Marr

So I haven't really been able to get into Marr's Wicked Lovely series, but boy did I love this short story. I guess I need to go back and dig in again and just keep going. I really enjoyed Eve and her "family" and all her many dilemmas. I hope she makes an appearance in Wicked Lovely or gets her own series? I would so read that. A girl trying to save her humanity by not having sex? Now that would be totally intersesting. :)

Contest over at Just Another Musing

2009-09-23T13:33:00.001-04:00

Just Another Musing is holding a contest to win Season One of TrueBlood. Head on over and check it out:
http://www.justanothermusing.com/2009/09/win-true-blood-season-1.html

Interview and Contest over at SciFiGuy

2009-09-23T08:49:00.004-04:00

Head over to SciFiGuy to read an interview with Jocelynn Drake, the writer of the Dark Days series. He is also giving away 3 copies of Dawnbreaker, her newest novel coming out!

Check it out:
http://www.scifiguy.ca/

Strange Brew Anthology edited by P. N. Elrod

2009-09-22T15:22:00.003-04:00

Strange Brew: an anthology of stories edited by P. N. Elrod

Back of the Book:

Today's hottest urban fantasy authors come together in this delicious brew that crackles and boils over with tales of powerful witches and dark magic!

In Charlaine Harris' 'Bacon,' a beautiful vampire joins forces with a witch from an ancient line to find out who killed her beloved husband. In 'Seeing Eye' by Patricia Briggs, a blind witch helps sexy werewolf Tom Franklin find his missing brother - and helps him in more ways than either of them ever suspected. And in Jim Butcher's 'Last Call,' wizard Harry Dresden takes on the darkest of dark powers - the ones who dare to mess with this favorite beer.

For anyone who's ever wondered what lies beyond the limits of reality, who's imagined the secret spaces where witches wield fearsome magic, come and drink deep. Let yourself fall under the spell of this bewitching collection!

My Thoughts - Some Highlights:

Seeing Eye by Patricia Briggs:
A wonderful short story in Patricia's Alpha and Omega series. I wish I would have read this before Hunting Ground, but that's okay. I still really enjoyed both. It's always fun to see side-characters come to life when they often get overlooked.

Death Warmed Over by Rachel Caine:
I've read a little bit of Rachel Caine's work, but never really got sucked in like I did with this story. It was very good and kept me on my feet the entire time. I will have to go back and pick up her writing again.

Vegas Odds by Karen Chance:
I Loved this story. With a capital L, Loved. It was very neat seeing the "other side" of the Pythia - Silver Circle war. Getting to know some of the other side. I really hope these characters come up again either in Cassie's stories or maybe a spin-off?

Bacon by Charlaine Harris:
I really don't digg Dahlia too much. She's an interesting character, and I feel there is so much more behind her personality that Ms. Harris is not allowing enough on-air time. The story was very good though. I had no clue the entire time what was going on.

Ginger: A Nocturne City Story by Caitlin Kittredge:
I really love Caitlin's works so it's no wonderful that I loved a story from Sunny's perspective. Again it's another story from a side characters perspective. It's amazing to me that writers can get into all of their characters' heads and write the story from any perspective. It was very interesting the dilemma Sunny talked herself into. haha.

Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs

2009-09-17T12:16:00.004-04:00

Alpha and Omega Series:

1. "Alpha and Omega" novella in On the Prowl anthology
2. Cry Wolf
3. "Seeing Eye" short story in Strange Brew anthology (minor characters introduced)
4. Hunting Ground
5. Titled Novel #3 - Aug 2010

Back of the Book:

Mated to werewolf Charles Cornick, the son - and enforcer - of the leader of the North American werewolves, Anna Latham now knows how dangerous being a werewolf is, especially when a werewolf who opposes Charles and his father is struck down. Charles's reputation makes him the prime suspect, and the penalty for the crime is execution. Now Anna and Charles must combine their talents to hunt down the real killer - or Charles will take the fall.

My Thoughts:

Mrs. Briggs has really done well with this spin-off series. I was a little concerned at first, but I'm thoroughly enjoying Anna as much as I enjoy Mercy. Anna is a completely different person, almost Mercy's foil (but still a good guy), and it's a great story, both with her personal struggles and the plot line. Must say, I didn't see this one coming. Great ending!

Trick or Treat by Hera St. Aubyn

2009-09-15T15:38:00.003-04:00

Hera St. Aubyn is Lynda Hilburn, fyi. :)

Back of the eBook:

Natasha slid through the darkness and entered the cold, quiet house. What kind of man arranged to meet for a first date in an old, abandoned mansion? And why did she find that so exciting? She stumbled through the empty shadows, heart pounding, eyes wide. Suddenly, there he was, standing in front of the window, moonlight reflecting off his platinum hair. The most gorgeous man she’d ever seen. A wicked smile curved her lips. She’d hoped the night would prove to be life-changing. Now she ached for much more.

My Thoughts:

Another wonderful story with a great twist at the end. Can't wait for more from Lynda. Pretty Please... I'm in a begging mood today. :)

Pleasure by Jacquelyn Frank

2009-09-15T15:33:00.002-04:00

The Shadowdwellers:

1. Ecstacy
2. Rapture
3. Pleasure

Back of the Book:

Discipline. Penance. Order. A Sanctuary priest's life revolves around such things. But when Sagan is taken captive and thrust into the Alaskan wilderness, he encounters a woman who challenges his faith and his self-control. Valera is a natural born witch who almost lost herself to the lure of dark magic. By rights, Sagan should shun her, but convention will count for nothing in the face of a passion that could change the world of the Shadowdwellers forever...As Chancellor of the Shadowdwellers, Malaya's first duty is to her people. Her bodyguard, Guin, knows this only too well. For tradition's sake, Malaya must marry, and the thought of this lush, vibrant, woman in a loveless union is impossible for him to bear. Guin loves Malaya - not as a subject loves his queen but as a man craves a woman. And even if he cannot keep her, he'll show her everything she stands to lose...

My Thoughts:

Another great addition to the world she has beautifully created. I'm hoping she writes more... pretty please...

The Darkest Prison and The Darkest Whisper by Gena Showalter

2009-09-15T15:19:00.004-04:00

Lords of the Underworld:

1. The Darkest Fire (Prequel - eBook)
2. The Darkest Night
3. The Darkest Kiss
4. The Darkest Pleasure
5. The Darkest Prison (eBook)
6. The Darkest Whisper
7. The Darkest Angel (Heart of Darkness anthology)
8. The Darkest Passion (Aeron's Story - June 2010)
9. The Darkest Lie (Gideon's Story - July 2010)

The Darkest Prison - Back of the Book:

Passion and danger collide in this brand-new Lords of the Underwold eBook exclusive adventure.
Once, Atlas, the Titan God of Strength, was Nike’s slave. Now, he is her master! Soon these long-time enemies destined to destroy one another will be forced to risk everything for a chance at love…

The Darkest Whisper - Back of the Book:

Bound by the demon of Doubt, Sabin unintentionally destroys even the most confident of lovers. So the immortal warrior spends his time on the battlefield instead of the bedroom, victory his only concern - until he meets Gwendolyn the Timid. One taste of the beautiful redhead, and he craves more.

Gwen, an immortal herself, always thought she'd fall for a kind human who wouldn't rouse her darker side. But when Sabin frees her from prison, battling their enemies for the claim to Pandora's box turns out to be nothing compared to the battle Sabin and Gwen will wage against love.

My Thoughts:

Loved both of them! Both great additions to the plot. Still aching for Paris' story, but I have a feeling it's going to be a biggy.

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

2009-09-09T13:10:00.002-04:00

Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead:

1. Vampire Academy
2. Frostbite
3. Shadow Kiss
4. Blood Promise
5. Spirit Bound - May 18, 2010
6. Not Yet Announced - late 2010

Back of the Book:

Rose Hathaway's life will never be the same.

The recent attack on St. Vladimir's Academy devastated the entire Moroi world. Many are dead. And, for the few victims carried off by Strigoi, their fates are even worse. A rare tattoo now adorns Rose's neck, a mark that says she's killed far too many Strigoi to count. But only one victim matters . . . Dimitri Belikov. Rose must now choose one of two very different paths: honoring her life's vow to protect Lissa—her best friend and the last surviving Dragomir princess—or, dropping out of the Academy to strike out on her own and hunt down the man she loves. She'll have to go to the ends of the earth to find Dimitri and keep the promise he begged her to make. But the question is, when the time comes, will he want to be saved?

Now, with everything at stake—and worlds away from St. Vladimir's and her unguarded, vulnerable, and newly rebellious best friend—can Rose find the strength to destroy Dimitri? Or, will she sacrifice herself for a chance at eternal love?

My Thoughts:

Another wonderful novel by Ms. Read. And amazingly, I never wanted to kill Rose in this one. (I normally do once or twice.) This is a wonderful book. It moved the plot forward with just the right amount of action and emotions. I loved how she showed Rose checking in on Lissa, and how she showed Rose's struggles. I love Dimitri, but I'm with Rose, "Strigoi is Strigoi". Let's go case a fairy tale! I can't wait.

Curse the Dawn by Karen Chance

2009-09-09T13:03:00.003-04:00

Cassie Palmer Series by Karen Chance:
1. Touch the Dark
2. Claimed by Shadow
3. Embrace the Night
4. Curse the Dawn

Back of the Book:

Cassandra Palmer may be the all-powerful Pythia now, but that doesn’t mean people have stopped trying to kill her. Most of the supernatural power players don’t want the independent minded Cassie as chief clairvoyant—and they’ll stop at nothing to see her six feet under.

The Vampire Senate does support Cassie in her position, but their protection comes with a price: an alliance with the sexy master vampire Mircea, who has claimed Cassie as his own.

But even the vampires will have trouble keeping Cassie alive now that the self-styled god Apollo, the source of the Pythia’s power, has it in for her in a big way. To save her life—and the world—Cassie’s going to have to face down her creator once and for all.

My Thoughts:

Yeah! I love Cassie. She very much kicks ass. And this latest addition does not disappoint. More of her hot guys, more of her crazy antics, and now with Pythia powers! Very nice! Can't wait to see what's next. There was one part though, I have to mention, can she please please please stop switching bodies? It's annoying as crap, but I have a feeling there shall be more.... sigh....

Rapture by Jacquelyn Frank

2009-08-24T12:09:00.005-04:00

The Shadowdwellers Series by Jacquelyn Frank:

1. Ecstacy
2. Rapture
3. Pleasure - August 25th, 2009

Back of the Book:

Magnus is a man of contradictions - a spiritual leader in a warrior's body. To him, laws are for enforcing and visions must be followed - even if that means freeing a beautiful slave and making her his reluctant handmaiden. Betrayed once before, Magnus can barely bring himself to trust another woman. Yet Daenaira's fiery innocence is drawing them both into a reckless inferno of desire. Daenaira grew up hearing tales of a fearsome priest who seemed more myth than reality. But Magnus is very real - every inch of him - and so is the treachery surrounding them. Beneath Sanctuary's calm surface, an enemy is scheming to unleash havoc on the Shadowdwellers, unless Magnus trusts in a union ordained by fate, and sealed by unending bliss.

My Thoughts:

Another great addition to the world Frank has created. Here we finally get to see into Magnus' life a bit more. I was very relieved the characters could actually figure things out for themselves without overreacting or having the bad guy explain everything to them. I love Dae; she is a great character, and I look forward to seeing more from her. I wish Frank would have gone into her third power a little more, but maybe that's for next time. Next please.