TITLE: City of Lights
SERIES #: Outcast #1
CHARACTERS: Tiger
AUTHOR: Keri Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: January 5, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The first in an all-new futuristic fantasy series from Keri Arthur—the New York Times bestselling author of the Souls of Fire novels.
When the bombs that stopped the species war tore holes in the veil between this world and the next, they allowed entry to the Others—demons, wraiths, and death spirits who turned the shadows into their hunting grounds. Now, a hundred years later, humans and shifters alike live in artificially lit cities designed to keep the darkness at bay….
As a déchet—a breed of humanoid super-soldiers almost eradicated by the war—Tiger has spent her life in hiding. But when she risks her life to save a little girl on the outskirts of Central City, she discovers that the child is one of many abducted in broad daylight by a wraith-like being—an impossibility with dangerous implications for everyone on earth.
Because if the light is no longer enough to protect them, nowhere is safe…
REVIEW:
I love Keri Arthur and was so excited about this new series! As always, Keri’s book features a strong, independent female lead that can kick ass! I enjoyed the new world Keri built and am excited about this series and all that she’s put into it. As with any new book, the world building is huge…and at times I found it a little hard to follow. However that is typical of a new series. A strong start to the new year for Keri Arthur.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Born of Betrayal
SERIES #: The League: Nemesis Rising #10
CHARACTERS: Galene & Fain
AUTHOR: Sherrilyn Kenyon
PUBLICATION DATE: November 3, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Years ago, family loyalty caused Fain Hauk to give up everything he loved: His military career. His planet. His fiancée. Even his name.
Now decades later, everything has changed. He’s built a new life out of the ashes of his old, and he’s vowed to never let anything threaten his loved ones again.
But when old enemies align themselves with new ones, he’s caught in the middle of a brutal war. And when fate throws his former fiancée back into his world and she has her own agenda that includes taking his head for what he did to her years ago, more than just his life is at stake. The fate of the Ichidian universe and that of his brothers-in-arms hangs in the balance. Winner take all.
It’s kill or be killed, and never has the battle been more fierce…
Or more fun, in Born of Betrayal, the next League: Nemesis Rising novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon!
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I have been a fan of the League series for over 10 years; I am so excited that Sherrilyn Kenyon has really decided to give this series more priority than in previous years. This book is kind of a follow-up to the previous release in this series, Born of Defiance, and follows the parents of Talyn Batur (the hero in the previous book). I loved Galene and Fain together. I’ll just say – the scene where they see each other for the first time after a number of years is one of my favorite book scenes of all time! I dropped the book and laughed out loud! Galene is a great character with tons of personality, just like her son Talyn and Fain just breaks my heart, I love him! I really enjoyed being able to follow this story and family over the two-book arc – so many things happen!
We get all – and I do mean ALL – of our previous series favorites in this book. Literally everyone and their families make an appearance. Though the series is difficult to follow, because the cast of characters is so large and there are so many worlds and species to keep track of, I have found that I will continue to love it anyway. The individual stories themselves are strong enough that the fact that I often am lost in the names, and alliances and references, it doesn’t take away from the joy of the current story. Unless you’re mind is an information vault, it will be hard to follow this series without asking yourself, “Who was that again?” “Whose kid is that?” “Why do I remember something about this character in the past?” But if you’re a fan of great character development, intense drama, and truly intriguing story lines, you will still love this series.
I do have one complaint about the book and it contains a spoiler, so you have been warned! I truly dislike how she is rewriting Jullien’s character. While taking a villain and reforming him into a likable character is not new for Kenyon, I don’t buy the way this is being done. Kenyon is completely changing the history of the series, but the way she just threw this in the book seemed really random. It came out of nowhere and we’re all just expected to agree that this is a thing…I dunno, I’m not sold. Also, geez, the way Kenyon played with death in this book was a little exhausting. However, that will not prevent me from following every book in this series. The story line is open and I’m excited to see where the next books go!
Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Sweet Ruin
SERIES #: Immortals After Dark #16
CHARACTERS: Josephine & Rune
AUTHOR: Kresley Cole
PUBLICATION DATE: December 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An immortal assassin is caught between desire and duty in this sizzling new novel from Kresley Cole’s #1 New York Times bestselling Immortals After Dark series.
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. Protecting her baby brother Thaddeus became her entire life. The day he was taken away began Jo’s transition from angry girl…to would-be superhero…to enchanting villain.
A lethally sensual enforcer on a mission
Whether by bow or in bed, archer Rune the Baneblood never fails to eliminate his target. In his sights: the oldest living Valkyrie. Yet before he can strike, he encounters a vampiric creature whose beauty mesmerizes him. With one bite, she pierces him with aching pleasure, stealing 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. 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:
3.5 Hearts This is one of my favorite series, and I was so excited for this book. While I still love the series, and I loved where the book ultimately ended up, I was disappointed with most of it. Rune and Jo are a great match for each other, but I never really connected with either character. Jo seemed so bratty from the very beginning and I found her annoying. Kinda the same with Rune. The story was meandering along for most of the book, with a few exciting points. I will say that towards the end of the book, it really picked up speed and I finally couldn’t put it down. It’s worth reading for that alone. We also finally got more page time from our favorite characters – NIX!! There’s a healthy dose of Nix in this book, which is great for any freaking IAD book! She has to be the most genius character ever created. Though this entire book wasn’t my cup of tea, many important things happened that will affect the entire series, and I am still a huge fan IAD and will gobble up every book released. I do not want the series to end – ever!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gallery Books and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Releasing Her Dragon
CHARACTERS: Stella & Brycen
AUTHOR: Elianne Adams
PUBLICATION DATE: October 27, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Buy in the Flight of Dragons book bundle Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Trapped in her own body, she-dragon, Stella Montrose has no choice but to find her mate. Whether he likes it or not, he either has to claim her, or set her free, otherwise she’ll lose the ability to shift. Sounds simple, only, every time she gets near him, he disappears.
When Brycen Conners signs on to protect an annoying human woman, he never imagined he’d cross paths with his mate. Once the job is done, he’ll do whatever it takes to win her heart. Until then, he has to stay away.
REVIEW:
This novella caught my attention from the very first paragraph. Stella is immediately an intriguing character who I instantly fell in love with. She is a very strong woman and that comes off very clearly in the first pages of the story. Brycen was not my favorite person in the beginning, but he definitely redeems himself and I fall just as fast for him. This story has just the right amount of drama and action for a novella. I don’t think Elianne Adams is capable of writing a bad story. If you’re interested in a quick read where you don’t have to read an entire series, this book will be perfect for you!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Naughty, Nice and Paranormal: A Touch of Holiday Magic
AUTHORS: Elianne Adams, Elle Thorne, J.K. Harper, Kenzi Kreel, Holley Trent, Kallysten, Sasha Devlin, Shelley Munro, Amber Ella Monroe, Selena Blake, Ani Gonzalez, Eris Sage, Catherine Vale, Shauna Aura Knight & Marie Mason
PUBLICATION DATE: November 15, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Deck your e-readers this holiday season with 15 sexy stories from today’s hottest paranormal romance authors. From the very naughtiest to the mmm-mmm nicest, we’ve got shifters—wolf, dragon, feline, and more!—elves, ghosts, even a Virginia Devil Monkey and a very sexy snowman. This box set of sparkling holiday tales from bestselling authors gives the best gift any lover of paranormal romance could want: a little sugar n’ spice with a whole lot of naughty n’ nice.
REVIEW:
I picked up this bundle set because Elianne Adams was a featured author. I am so in love with her series! Every story controls my attention to the point I can’t put them down. Her contribution of Once Upon a Fiery Christmas to this collection was no exception. I really enjoyed the two main characters as well as the interactions with all the previous characters we’ve come to know and love. Yes there was the usual stubbornness and stupidity by each character, but I loved their story. Can’t wait for the next installment!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Merry Christmas Mrs. Robinson
CHARACTERS: Lady Jane & Duke of Somerset Martin Nicholas Pierce
AUTHOR: Delilah Marvelle
PUBLICATION DATE: November 9, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon |B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Novella originally published in the All I Want for Christmas is a Duke anthology
Lady Jane left her father, the Earl of Chadwick, and the ton behind to experience life on the stage. After a disastrous marriage, the widow is living on the edge of poverty, determined to guard her heart, when a secret admirer from her past demands a second chance.
Shy and retiring Martin Nicholas Pierce, the Sixth Duke of Somerset, has carried a torch for Lady Jane since her youth, but he is five years her junior. When she married another man, he left for Europe, determined to put her out of his mind. After returning to find Lady Jane free, he vows to replace the memories of her cursed Twelfth Night with a new beginning.
REVIEW: I love this story, I love historical romance, and I love Delilah Marvelle. She always writes such passionate characters. I always end a book feeling like I was truly a part of the world Delilah writes about. I almost always end her stories wishing I were one of the characters. This novella is perfect for the holidays and will not disappoint any Delilah readers. It is a quick stand-alone story that will make you want to pick up everything Delilah has ever written. Do that. Now. I’ll wait. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Entangled Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Sugar, Spice and Shifters: A Touch of Holiday Magic
AUTHORS: Elianne Adams, Calle J. Brookes, Rinelle Grey, J.K. Harper, Loribelle Hunt, Ellis Leigh, Anna Lowe, Tina Moss, Eris Sage, Vivienne Savage, Bethany Shaw, Diana St. Gabriel, Kristen Strassel, Elle Thorne, Holley Trent, Catherine Vale and Lori Whyte
PUBLICATION DATE: November 15, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ring in your holiday season with all-new holiday shifter stories from today’s hottest paranormal romance writers.
From the sweetest of mating claims to the spiciest of holiday wishes come true, this set has a perfect present for every reader. Whether you’ve asked Santa for wolf shifters, werebears, or dragons, this box set of ALL NEW holiday tales from bestselling authors gives the best gift any lover of paranormal romance could want: a little naughty n’ nice with a whole lot of sugar n’ spice.
REVIEW:
My favorite story in this bundle was written by one of my favorite authors, Elianne Adams. The short story, Her Gingerbread Dragon was the sweetest love story that was just right for this time of year. Maddie and Luke are both strong characters independently and work really well together. I enjoyed them as a couple very much. This story is part two in Adams’ Dragon Blood series, so we got to see characters from the first story. I enjoyed getting that connection to previous characters. However this can definitely be read as a stand-alone. My only complaint is that we don’t get much of Maddie and Luke’s backstories. I know this is because of the length of the book, but I liked the characters so much I would have liked to get to know them a little better. I want more!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Base Instincts
SERIES #: Demonica #11.7
CHARACTERS: Raze, Slake & Fayle
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE: September 14, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As a Seminus demon, Raze’s life literally depends on having sex with females. The problem is that he doesn’t desire females, and it’s physically impossible for him to be with males. Thankfully, he and his best friend, Fayle, have an arrangement that keeps him alive . . . if lonely. He finds some solace in his work as a medic at Thirst, a vampire club known for its rough clientele. But his carefully structured world turns upside down when he meets a mysterious male who makes him want what he can never have.
Slake is an assassin used to getting what he wants, and what he wants is Raze. But he also wants to earn back the soul he sold when he was a much different demon. All he has to do is capture a runaway succubus named Fayle and hand her over to her family. What he doesn’t count on is being caught himself by a web of lies—and his attraction to Raze.
Raze and Slake must navigate a dangerous world to be together. But as Fayle’s jealousy of their relationship turns deadly, they find themselves embroiled in a battle not only for their love, but their lives and souls.
REVIEW:
This was a very quick read, but fabulous! I love the Demonica series and have ready every single one of Larissa Ione’s books. She is an amazing writer and creates such touching characters – I have fallen in love with all of them. Even the not-so-nice ones! This story was no exception. Slake and Raze are great individually and so much more fun together! As with all her series, Ione gave us adequate page time for our all time favorite characters from books past. It’s a big family of a universe and I’m so happy that we get to stay connected to everyone in each installment. You never get bored; you just fall more in love with each page. Read this story alone or as a dedicated fan – you will never be disappointed!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & RipTide Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Wicked Alphas, Wild Nights
CHARACTERS: Multiple
AUTHORS: Michele Bardsley, Anna Lowe, Kristen Strassel, Vivian Lane, Elle Thorne, Kallysten, Ellis Leigh, Yelena Casale, Tina Moss, Ann Gimpel, Elianne Adams, Sylvina Storm, Diana St. Gabriel, Anne Marsh, Annie Nicholas
PUBLICATION DATE: September 30, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
SPEND A WILD NIGHT WITH SOME VERY WICKED ALPHAS…
Find your next red-hot read in this sizzling collection of paranormal romance scenes, featuring werewolves, dragons, vampires, witches, psychics, angels, goblins, aliens, a succubus, and sexy cowboy shifters. Your favorite authors (including New York Times and USA Today best-sellers as well as rising stars) share the steamiest scenes from their latest works!
REVIEW:
This collection of scenes from various authors is such a great idea! We get scenes from 15 different authors in one book! Not only do we get to read incredibly HOT interactions with main characters from a variety of different stories and genres – but we also get a glimpse into what these stories are about! I for one know that after reading some of these scenes I will be going out to look for more work from these authors. However, I have to admit I’m a little biased – this collection contains stories from two of my all time favorite authors – Kallysten and Elianne Adams. If for nothing else, pick this book up and read the work of these two fabulous authors. You won’t regret it, and then you’ll go and pick up everything else they’ve ever written!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Bump in the Night
SERIES #: Deadly Whispers #1
CHARACTERS: Libbie & Jay
AUTHOR: Elianne Adams
PUBLICATION DATE: September 29, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Libbie McMaster gets guilted into going out on Halloween night, the last thing on her mind is finding her mate. Her self-imposed seclusion has served her well over the past nine months, keeping the ghosts, goblins, and bad memories at bay. But when she meets Jay, her whole world is turned upside down.
From the moment Libbie walked into the bar, Jay can’t keep his eyes off her. Everything about her screams one thing—his. He’s willing to give her the time she needs to get used to the idea of being mated to a werewolf, but when the creatures that lurk in the shadows threaten her, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if it means fighting her demons.
REVIEW:
This was a fast-paced short story that I devoured. Libbie is an instantly likable character with an awesome best friend (April). I was rapidly pulled into this story because these two characters reminded me of the relationship I have with my best friend – Adams depicted friendship and loyalty so well between these two. Through April, Libbie and Jay meet and it is fabulous! Jay probably sets a record for how fast I fell in love with a fictional male character. He’s such a sweetie! I love him and Libbie together. Their interactions are comical and I wanted more of them. A lot of action is packed into this book – lots of paranormal events, goblins, ghosts, demons, angels, werewolves, witches and more. I only wish I knew more about Libbie and Jay’s pasts. I felt like we learned a lot about their present situation, but I feel there is so much more there to be explored between the two and how they reached this point – what makes them, them. I’m not sure if this series will focus on these two characters primarily, or if we’ll get to see more from the supporting characters – but I’m officially requesting BOTH from this author! I want more of Libby and Jay as well as April – and ok maybe Jordan! All-in-all it was a fantastic quick read that you’ll love and will get you hooked into everything this author releases.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: A Thousand Pieces of You
SERIES #: Firebird #1
CHARACTERS: Marguerite, Theo, Paul
AUTHOR: Claudia Gray
PUBLICATION DATE: November 4, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Every Day meets Cloud Atlas in this heart-racing, space- and time-bending, epic new trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray.
Marguerite Caine’s physicist parents are known for their radical scientific achievements. Their most astonishing invention: the Firebird, which allows users to jump into parallel universes, some vastly altered from our own. But when Marguerite’s father is murdered, the killer—her parent’s handsome and enigmatic assistant Paul—escapes into another dimension before the law can touch him.
Marguerite can’t let the man who destroyed her family go free, and she races after Paul through different universes, where their lives entangle in increasingly familiar ways. With each encounter she begins to question Paul’s guilt—and her own heart. Soon she discovers the truth behind her father’s death is more sinister than she ever could have imagined.
A Thousand Pieces of You explores a reality where we witness the countless other lives we might lead in an amazingly intricate multiverse, and ask whether, amid infinite possibilities, one love can endure.
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I loved this book a lot! Readers are catapulted into this story in what seems to be the middle of a larger story. Many major events have already taken place and the story begins at a high level of emotion and drama. This was a little disappointing at first, because I felt like I did not get enough back-story, and was missing a deeper connection to the characters. However, I soon realized that this was intentional. The story is not about the “how” or even necessarily the “why”. It’s mostly about Marguerite and her experiences. Because of the storyline, we only got a cursory glance at the personalities of each of the main and supporting characters, so I did not feel any deep connection to them – though I think this will unravel over future books so I’m ok with it at this point. Already I know that I love Paul and Theo may grow on me. The story was very intriguing and exciting and I was very excited to see what each new universe would look like. Some things seemed predictable, and others were extremely surprising, which I love! I highly recommend this book.
Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Sorcerer to the Crown
CHARACTERS: Zachariah & Prunella
AUTHOR: Zen Cho
PUBLICATION DATE: September 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this sparkling debut, magic and mayhem clash with the British elite…
The Royal Society of Unnatural Philosophers, one of the most respected organizations throughout all of England, has long been tasked with maintaining magic within His Majesty’s lands. But lately, the once proper institute has fallen into disgrace, naming an altogether unsuitable gentleman—a freed slave who doesn’t even have a familiar—as their Sorcerer Royal, and allowing England’s once profuse stores of magic to slowly bleed dry. At least they haven’t stooped so low as to allow women to practice what is obviously a man’s profession…
At his wit’s end, Zacharias Wythe, Sorcerer Royal of the Unnatural Philosophers and eminently proficient magician, ventures to the border of Fairyland to discover why England’s magical stocks are drying up. But when his adventure brings him in contact with a most unusual comrade, a woman with immense power and an unfathomable gift, he sets on a path which will alter the nature of sorcery in all of Britain—and the world at large…
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this book, but was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. I enjoy Zachariah as a leading character and was intrigued by him from the beginning. Then when you add Prunella to the mix, it’s a great combination with these two. This story has all of the fantasy elements a reader could wish for and also a bit of humor. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and was captivated by the ease of the storytelling. A fun read that will definitely have you looking forward to more from this author.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: City of Lights
