Category: Paranormal

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Ursula’s review of Spinning Gold by Vivi Andrews

TITLE: Spinning Gold
AUTHOR: Vivi Andrews
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/18/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Rumpelstiltskin as you’ve never seen it before. In this fairy tale, no princes need apply.

Juliana Ravel will do anything to save her innocent brother from the executioner, but what the supposedly charming prince demands is impossible. Spinning straw into gold? He might as well ask her to fly. Her only hope is a family heirloom – a gold medallion rumored to be the magic prison of one of the fabled golden fae.

Trapped inside the medallion for hundreds of years, Rue isn’t fool enough to trust Juliana, but he can’t help but be tempted by the feisty beauty. Even though she is the spitting image of the witch who betrayed and imprisoned him, Rue agrees to help her. For a price.

Entranced by the exotic, golden-skinned man, Juliana agrees to his terms, believing her worries are at an end. But when the tyrannical prince finds her surrounded by riches, he isn’t about to let her walk away – instead holding her prisoner within the corrupt court. Juliana’s only freedom is her nights with Rue, where their negotiations turn to seduction, and together they construct a desperate plot to escape a life where they must keep spinning gold… or die

REVIEW:
A very romantic tale on the classic: Rumplestiltskin.  It was set in medieval times, contained magic, fae and had hot sex.  There was a villain, a brother in peril and a handsome prince. Sounds like the stuff dreamy stories are made of.  I just wasn’t swept away.  The whole evil prince/evil advisor plot was a little convoluted. So was the whole captured/enslaved fae part for that matter. I enjoyed the premise of a girl willing to do anything it took to save her brother. The realization that she was totally naive and that she had some growing up to do was the best part of the book. Oh and the happy ending. Because I am a sucker for those.

The premise for the story was great. The characters were the stuff that fairytales are made of. The writing was solid. And the plot was classic. But it just didn’t carry me off into the fantasy. I think a lot of people will really enjoy this book. It just wasn’t for me.

Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received this book free as part of a blog contest.

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Kelly’s review of Lover’s Instinct by Katie Reus

TITLE: Lover’s Instinct – Moon Shifter #1.5
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/07/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Novella:
Lupine shifter Nikan Lawless has it bad for Esperanze Cordona, the sweet and curvy woman who only views him as a friend. But when Nikan is assigned to act as Esperanze’s bodyguard during a weekend education conference, he knows it’s the perfect opportunity to seduce her off her feet—away from the pack.

To put his plan into motion Nikan cancels one of their hotel rooms, giving them time to get to know one another in a whole different way. But when a man from Esperanze’s past shows up in need of help, Nikan must shield her from a group of dangerous rogue shifters, all while trying to prove that they’re destined to be mates.

REVIEW:
Lover’s Instinct was a great novella.  But like any good novella it was too short.  I really wanted more of Nikan & Esperanze.

Lover’s Instinct takes place between Alpha Instinct & Primal Possession, but can be read as a stand alone.  Although I would highly recommend reading Alpha Instinct first.

In Lover’s Instinct we meet Esperanze who is the cousin of the female Alpha.  After a string of murders leaves the pack reeling Esperanze decides she need a weekend away.  Just a weekend away to regroup.  While her Alpha’s are letting her go they are not letting her go alone.  They are sending Nikan long to protect her.  Nikan is new to the pack.  He is one of the Warriors that showed up with the new Alpha.  While Esperanze doesn’t mind Nikan at all she is not overly happy he is tagging along with her on her weekend away.

Little does Esperanze know that she is leaving one problem for another and having Nikan by her side will be a very helpful too.

I really can’t say much more than that, but I did really enjoy this novella.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Soul Weaver by Hailey Edwards

TITLE: Soul Weaver
AUTHOR: Hailey Edwards
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/07/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Since the accident that nearly took her life, Chloe suffers from acute agoraphobia. Living alone above her family’s bookstore, she spends restless nights terrified by strange visions . . . until a mysterious stranger appears and offers her salvation. Chloe is drawn to the ethereal, gorgeous Nathaniel-but her haunted soul warns her there is more to him than meets the eye.

An archangel who roams Earth collecting souls of the newly departed, Nathanial is the sole witness to the accident that should have taken Chloe’s life. Seduced by the purity of her soul, he defies Providence by saving her life. But his attempt at kindness marks Chloe for damnation, and makes her an unwitting pawn in a game of unholy ambition. Now together they must fight the demons of Hell itself-for a love that defies the boundaries of Heaven and Earth.

REVIEW:
Honestly it is hard to say if I liked this book or not. In the beginning there were so many characters introduced (and of course they were complicated angel names) that it was difficult to remember who was who and why they were doing what they were doing. The characters of Nathanial and Chloe just never connect for me. The characters of Chloe and Neve are actually a bit more interesting.

I was just so lost in the beginning of the story that I think I never fully got into the storyline. Yes the story got better but just never up to the potential the story had. There seem to be a lot of holes in the story. I mean supposedly Chloe has no ties to anyone (or atleast her soul doesn’t) but she seems to have a family she loved and people calling her and helping her.

While I have read books with angels/fallen angels I have not read one (not that I remember) solely on them so maybe I am not used to the genre and if someone is into this kind of story I can see them enjoying the book. It just really was not my cup of tea.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kimberly’s review of The Uninvited by Heather Graham

TITLE: The Uninvited
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/28/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
1777: In the throes of the Revolutionary War, Landon Mansion is commandeered by British Lord “Butcher” Bedford. He stabs Lucy Tarleton—who spurned his king and his love—leaving her to die in her father’s arms.NOW: After the day’s final tour, docent Allison Leigh makes her rounds while locking up…and finds a colleague slumped over Bedford’s desk, impaled on his own replica bayonet.

Resident ghosts may be the stock-in-trade of stately Philadelphia homes, but Allison—a noted historian—is indignant at the prospect of “ghost hunters” investigating this apparent murder.

Agent Tyler Montague knows his hauntings and his history. But while Allison is skeptical of the newcomer, a second mysterious murder occurs. Has “Butcher” Bedford resurfaced? Or is there another malevolent force at work in Landon Mansion? Wary, yet deeply attracted, Allison has to trust in Tyler and work with him to discover just what uninvited guest—dead or alive—has taken over the house.

Or their lives could become history!

 

REVIEW:
4 ½ Stars. I have always enjoyed Heather Graham’s ghost stories and this one is no exception. Actually I think it is the best one she has written lately, even though I love all of them. I am hearing this is the last of Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series. No one writes a ghost story like Graham does. Besides the ghosts who take on a life of their own (pun intended) the fact that Graham writes with so much history is what astounds me. By the time the reader is done with the book they actually want to travel to the city to take in the sites and read a book about the history of the area. There is no better travel agent then Graham when she writes a novel.

I really enjoyed the story of Allison and Tyler. They are written with such chemistry right from the start. While there is no real hostility when they first met, as I read in the last Graham book, there was just a underlying uncertainty about the other person and I think that comes off better when you read it. I loved the ghost Julian in the story as well. The history of the house and Philadelphia is also really  interesting.

If you love a ghost story with a bit of suspense than Graham should be your first choice of authors. And as always with her books I never figure out who did it.

*Note: The ARC I received was slightly different from this description. The house was named the Tarleton-Dandrige House not the Landon Mansion and the “Butcher” Bedford was actually named Brian “Beast” Bradley. I am unsure if the characters were changed or the synopsis is incorrect.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Primal Possession by Katie Rues

TITLE: Primal Possession – Moon Shifters #2
AUTHOR: Katie Rues
PUBLICATION DATE:  9/4/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
To protect her, he will unleash the beast within…

As his pack’s second-in-command, lupine shifter Liam Armstrong gives orders and takes what he wants—until he meets red-headed, blue-eyed December McIntyre. Liam knows the human beauty is his intended mate the moment he sees her, but December is far too strong-willed to accept his protection.

December, whose brother is the town sheriff, has every reason to mistrust shifters after one killed her youngest sibling. But the forceful and handsome Liam has gotten under her skin in a way she hadn’t thought possible, and the desire she feels for him is almost too much to bear.

When a radical hate group targets all humans known to sympathize with paranormal beings, December is attacked in her bookstore. Reluctantly, she turns to the only one who can help her: Liam. And he is going to take her to places within herself she never knew existed

REVIEW:
Welcome back to the Moon Shifter world.  I know that I was very happy to be back in it.  If you have not read Alpha Instinct I would highly recommend you read it first.  You could read Primal Possession, but so much happens in Alpha Instinct to set up for Primal Possession.

I loved Liam in Alpha Instinct, and was super excited to read his book.  Liam is the second (well third, after his Alpha and his Alpha’s Mate) in command of the newly formed Armstrong-Cordona pack and he has finally found his mate.  But that is where things get a little tricky, December is human and well she is not very fond of shifters.  Liam is determined to win her over no matter what.   But with two attempts on December’s life Liam has his hands full.  Protecting her from his enemies and trying to win over her stubborn heart.

December is determined to not fall for Liam.   But as with all best laid plans they don’t always work out just right.  When December is attached after a failed date she know that only person that can protect her is Liam.  But this means she has to be close to him and being close to him make her crazy, crazy about him and what she wants for the future.
Really loved this book.  Loved seeing the softer side of Liam even if he tries to messed it all up.  I am looking forward to what is next in the Moon Shifter series.  I loved learning more about secondary characters Kat and her now ex Jayce.  These two are going to be so much fun to read about.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary  copy from NetGalley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione

 Immortal Rider
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE:   12/01/11
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sexy, powerful, and immortal, Limos is on a crash course with destiny. She’s been marked as Satan’s bride and her jealous fiancé wants her all to himself. The only way this Horseman can keep herself—and everyone else—safe is to keep her distance. But not even Limos can save herself from the secrets she’s kept . . . or resist the seductive allure of one very brave human.

Arik Wagner knows the saying “love hurts” better than most, yet he never thought stealing a kiss from Limos would land him in Hell. Literally. It takes all his military training to survive the demon torture, but once he’s topside, Arik realizes that the agony has just begun. With the Apocalypse looming and Satan demanding his bride, will Arik and Limos surrender to the desire smoldering between them? Or will giving in to their passion unleash hell on earth?

REVIEW:
I honestly have never read a Larissa Ione book that I have not enjoyed and this is no exception. This is the second in the Lords of Deliverance series. Ione is one of the best when it comes to Paranormal Romance.

I would not suggest reading this book without first reading the Eternal Rider (the first in the series) as there is a lot of references to the first book and the background story of Reseph is continued in this book and while you can probably pick up the gist of the story if you did not read the first one I am not sure why you would not want to since Ione is the Queen of this genre.

I was a little taken back at the way Ione had Limos become more reserved then she was in the first book. She was written as a bad-ass in the first book but she falls for Arik and becomes a little bit of a lovesick puppy then the doberman she was in Eternal Rider. That being said she can still kick butt better than most. I enjoyed the fact that the storyline of Lethal Rider (#3/Than’s story) was begun in this book. I can not wait to start the next book.

If you enjoy this genre then you can not miss this series and don’t miss the series that started it all “Demonica”.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Desire The Night by Amanda Ashley

Desire the Night
AUTHOR: Amanda Ashley
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/28/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Held captive in a basement prison, wrapped in silver chains, the vampire Gideon is too weak to fight the monster who enslaves him. For years, she’s tapped his precious blood like a fountain of youth – sustaining him with human females she captures for his pleasure. But with the latest victim she brings him, he senses something intriguingly different. Something dangerous, yet oh so tempting.

REVIEW:
This was my 1st Amanda Ashley book and I have to say that did really enjoy this book.  Except for one small part.  Kay our Heroine had to do something in order to spare the our hero from further harm, and I really don’t like reading about that.  While I understand the whole bad guy using the “you said you would do anything” play, I still don’t like it.

That being said I enjoyed the rest of the book.  I enjoyed Gideon & Kay’s story.  If it was not for fate and the twisted mind of a crazy witch these two would have never met.  I guess being in the wrong place and the wrong time work out for the best for these two.

If you are already a fan of Amanda Ashley I believe you will love this story very much.  If you are new to Amanda, like me, never fear Desire the Night can easily be read as a stand alone. And I would highly recommend this book

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This review is my opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Kimberly’s review of The Unspoken by Heather Graham

The Unspoken
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/31/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
AN AIRLESS TOMB. AN UNSPOKEN CURSE 1898: Bound for Chicago, the freighter Jerry McGuen goes down in Lake Michigan, taking with it every man aboard. But what other fate could befall a vessel carrying the ill-gotten sarcophagus of an Egyptian sorcerer? Because a curse unspoken is no less deadly. Now: A veteran diver and “ghost ship” expert is exploring the legendary wreck for a documentary. He dies inexplicably inside the freighter’s main saloon. Then another diver is killed and panicked rumors rise like bubbles from the lake: ancient demons have awakened below! The expedition’s beleaguered financier calls paranormal investigator Katya Sokolov to Chicago to save the film -and perhaps some innocent lives. Along with media forensics guru Will Chan, Kat plumbs the depths of an evil that may date back to the time of the Pharaohs. But some secrets are best drowned in the seas of the past.

REVIEW:
Once again Graham delivers a story the reader can not put down. Set in Chicago/Lake Michigan this story is a page turner. I have never read another author that puts as much research into her books as Graham does. She draws you into her story from the first chapter. While Graham is known for her ghost stories this did not have as many ghost as with most of her other stories which was a little disappointing but still an excellent story.

This is part of the Krewe (Texas Krewe) series and this books takes place right where the last book (The Unholy) left off, even having to do with “Amun Mopat”. The main characters of this book are Will and Katya. Will seems very unlikable in the beginning and there is some antagonism between Will and Kat, they do eventually warm to each other of course. Will seems almost calmed and in sync with Kat and it brings out his softer side. Kat is a M.E. that has joined the Krewe and was called to go to Chicago but she is having dreams and is not sure what they signify. I enjoyed “watching” Will soften toward Kat, wanting to protect her and yet knowing that she is just as trained as he is so he knows he needs to believe she can take care of herself. They make a great team together once you get past the roughness that Will starts out with.

As with all of Graham’s stories I never figure out the “who” or the “why” no matter how many hours I lay awake trying to think it through. And I love that about her writing. No one tells a ghost-story-who-done-it like Graham. This story can be read alone but I recommend reading The Unholy to understand the background of Amun Mopat.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Dust Of My Wings by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Dust of My Wings
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Humans aren’t as alone as they choose to believe. Every human possesses a trait of supernatural that lays dormant within their genetic make-up. Centuries of diluting and breeding have allowed humans to think they are alone and untouched by magic. But what happens when something changes?

Neat freak lab tech, Lily Banner lives her life as any ordinary human. She’s dedicated to her work and loves to hang out with her friends at Dante’s Circle, their local bar. When she discovers a strange blue dust at work she meets a handsome stranger holding secrets – and maybe her heart. But after a close call with a thunderstorm, she may not be as ordinary as she thinks.

Shade Griffin is a warrior angel sent to Earth to protect the supernaturals’ secrets. One problem, he can’t stop leaving dust in odd places around town. Now he has to find every ounce of his dust and keep the presence of the supernatural a secret. But after a close encounter with a sexy lab tech and a lightning quick connection, his millennia old loyalties may shift and he could lose more than just his wings in the chaos.

REVIEW:
This was a good 1st book in Carrie Ann Ryan’s new series.   I really enjoyed the twist Carrie puts on the paranormal world in this book.   I loved the cast of characters that Carrie creates and am looking forward to more books to learn more about them.  I really want to know more about Dante.  But I am getting ahead of myself.  Dust of My Wings is Lily and Shade’s story.

Shade finds himself tasked with protecting the supernatural worlds secret.  Because if it was not for him a mere human would not have her hands on evidence that there other things out there besides humans.  Should be a simple smash and crap task.  But Shade learns very quickly that nothing involving Lily will ever be simple.

Lily might hate her boss but she loves her work.  Her newest project is to identify a strange blue powder that her boss demands she gets done now.  But after running many test Lily is still not able to identify what it is.  Little does Lily know just how much that little vial of blue powder will forever change her life.

As I said earlier I enjoyed this book.  I enjoyed the world that Carrie created and am looking forward to more books in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kelly’s review of Fear The Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

Fear the Darkness 

Guardians of Eternity #9
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE:   08/28/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Her visions lead her to danger

Beautiful Cassandra is a Were, a prophet both vulnerable and defiant, blessed with visions that portend the fate of the world. A rare and delicate creature, Cassie must be protected at all costs. Enter Caine, a powerful cur turned pure blooded Were whose recent tangles with a demon lord have left him in serious need of redemption. Caine is duty-bound to keep Cassie out of danger—and that means resisting his potent urge to seduce her…

And only he can save her

As Cassie’s mysterious visions lead them in and out of danger, Caine believes he has found his true mate, the woman with whom he is bound for all eternity. Cassie is both charmed and frightened by Caine’s magnetism, and unsure if he–or her feelings for him–can be trusted. But Cassie can’t afford to doubt Cain now. A deadly enemy bent on destruction is closer than they realize—and only they can keep chaos from ruling the world.

Review:
Fear the Darkness was a fabulous book.  Caine & Cassie’s story sucked me in so completely that I read this story so fast.  If I didn’t need sleep to function I would have read in one sitting.

I have to admit that I have not read all the books in the Guardians of Eternity series.  But that didn’t stop me from understanding what is happening in Fear the Darkness.  While I would recommend reading the books in order, it is not a must.

While I don’t know much about Caine and Cassie’s histories.  I love these characters in this book.  I loved the struggle these two have to go through.  I love all the drama that is surrounding them.

I am really looking forward to the next installment in this series and really need to do some backtracking and read the books I have missed.  If you are a fan of Alexandra Ivy, Fear the Darkness will not disappoint you.  We get a little of everything in this book, love, lust, trust, betrayal, dark and light, enemy and foe.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Eternal Beast by Laura Wright

Eternal Beast – Mark of the Vampire #4
AUTHOR: Laura Wright
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/17/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A Taste of Blood

Ever since his abduction by the Eternal Order of Vampires, Gray Donohue has finally found his true calling: vengeance. He will stop at nothing to bring his fellow Impure vampires the freedom they deserve. Now if he could just release his primal need for the beautiful vampire who saved his life—and rules his thoughts and desires…

After nearly killing the senator she was assigned to protect, Dillon is now in mortal danger. The jaguar within her has been unleashed, and she can no longer control it. Sex is the only thing that can tame her shift. And Gray is the only man who can make her surrender to a passion strong enough to overpower her inner beast. But she doesn’t want to surrender—she wants her life back. Because she is determined never to belong to anyone, especially not Gray—the male whom destiny claims is her mate

REVIEW:
Ahhh the wonderful Laura Wright has done it again.  She has made me fall in love with her Mark of the Vampire series all over again.  I was very excited about Gray & Dillon’s book and it really lived up to what I hoped and dreamed it would be.  I will not give too much away, but……..

From the very first time we meet these two back in Eternal Hunger (bk 1) I knew they were going to be a fun couple to read about.  Both have been through hell and back in their lives.  Each has their own demons they have to face. Individually they are both strong and determined, but together (if they would stop fighting it for just a second) they are a powerhouse couple that can’t be stopped.

This was a great book!!!  Laura adds a lot of new dimensions to the Mark of the Vampire world, in both Eternal Captive (bk3) and Eternal Beast (bk 4).  But in EB we get into the mindset of the Order and why they think they way they do (sneaky, sick b*st*rds).  We also learn about the Impure Resistance that Gray is now a part of (looking forward to learning more about Rio, Vincent & Piper)and thier role in the world.   We also get to learn more about the newest Romans, The Mutore’s:  Lycos, Helo, Phane & Erion. We learn who and what they are and we actually see a very sweet and soft side of them (even if you only see it for a blink of an eye)

Which in classic Laura form, she leaves us hanging for the next installment in the Mark of the Vampire series.  ERION’s story!!!!    I am very much looking forward to this next installment in the wonderful series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.  This review is my own opinion and was not a paid review.

4 Hearts
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Kelly’s review of Consumed by Rebecca Zanetti

Consumed
Dark Protectors #4
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE:   07/05/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes You Mate For Life

Katie Smith is the best of her class, part of an elite hunting force trained to eliminate werewolves from the hills of Western Virginia. She’s good at it because she has the kind of focus and drive that won’t back down no matter how steep the odds. Call it southern sass. Whatever it is, there’s no denying her willingness to risk everything for the only man she’s ever cared about–a man on the verge of losing his very humanity. . .

Sometimes You Mate To Stay Alive

For the past ten years Jordan Pride has dedicated his life to protecting his people from a deadly shifter virus. But in a rare moment of distraction, Jordan’s guard drops just long enough for his fate to take an irreversible twist. Unless the woman he loves surrenders everything to him, again and again, under a full moon rising.

REVIEW:
As we begin Consumed we jump 10 years into the future after Hunted.  Katie is stilling dealing with the effects of the virus, but she has learned that she is good at hunting the werewolves that are created by the virus.  Katie has finally settled into her life, but the one thing she is missing is Jordan.  She has no illusions that Jordan will never be hers, he still sees her as a little kid.  But all of that is about to change.

Jordan has been fighting his feeling for Katie for years and years.  But now at the end of his time he realizes he needs to protect her from the monsters that she hunts, which means she needs protection from him too.

Really enjoyed Jordan & Katie’s story.  So much going on in this book.  So many twists and turns happening that will alter the future the characters.  I will say that I was just a little confused when I started to read until I realized that we jumped 10 years into the future.  Overall this was another great book by Rebecca.  I would suggest reading the books in order so that you have a better understanding of the world and the characters.

4 Hearts