Jennifer reviews Ante Up by Amanda Carlson

TITLE: Ante Up
SERIES #: Sin City Collectors #3
CHARACTERS: Sofia Cabrera, Diesel Jones
AUTHOR: Amanda Carlson
PUBLICATION DATE: 8/18/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Welcome to Vegas. Home of the Sin City Collectors. The job description is easy: Bring the offending supernatural in to the Boss and don’t ask any questions.

Diesel Jones is a shifter with moon issues. Not the best combination to have. His dream of becoming a Sin City Collector had always lingered in the shadows because of his inability to control himself under a full moon. When Louie Fiore decides to test his merit, and gives him a job for the agency, Diesel jumps at the chance. But when he finds out he has to come up against an incubus, painful issues from the past resurface, and instead of bringing the sex demon in, he only has one thing on his mind–kill.

Sofia Cabrera is the new witch in town, and she’s more than anyone bargained for. She finds herself drawn to Diesel, the sexy shifter, the first moment she lays eyes on him. When she becomes the target of an organization of incubi, who take what they want without asking, Diesel comes to her aid unexpectedly. They end up fighting the threat together, and in the process, Sofia discovers she–and she alone–can tame his rages.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Diesel Jones has always wanted to work for Sin City Collectors and gets the opportunity of a lifetime when he is given his first assignment. Find a certain sex demon and bring him in for collection before he finds his intended victim. Sofia Cabrera is a new witch in Las Vegas and has slowly been settling in to her new surroundings. Sofia has seen Diesel whenever she visits her favorite bar, Hellhounds, and can’t help but be attracted to the sexy shifter. Diesel has his eyes set on Sofia as well, but when he learns that the intended victim of his collection assignment is Sofia, all bets are off when he races against time to save his sexy witch.

I loved Diesel and Sofia together in this novella. They have both been attracted to one another for some time but were afraid to pursue it because each of them believed that their feelings were one-sided. When Diesel found out that Sofia was the one being targeted by the incubus, I loved how protective he became of her and would put his own life on the line to protect the woman that he loved.
Sofia was a great character for me because she had a tough as nails personality that just made me instantly like her. She was also an immensely talented witch with a special gift that was perfect for helping tame Diesel’s animal side when he had trouble controlling his shifts with each full moon. They were a great couple together and I hope to read more about them in the future.
Ante Up is a fun and exciting thrill ride that will have readers saying that they are all in for this new paranormal series. Can’t wait to read what is next for these great characters and whatever adventures may lie up ahead for these collectors of Sin City.

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

September 11, 2014September 11, 2014

Kelly reviews Rock Addiction by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Rock Addiction
SERIES #: Rock Kiss #1
CHARACTERS: Zachary Fox & Molly Webster
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
PUBLICATION DATE: September 9, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A bad boy wrapped in a sexy, muscled, grown-up package might be worth a little risk…

Molly Webster has always followed the rules. After an ugly scandal tore apart her childhood and made her the focus of the media’s harsh spotlight, she vowed to live an ordinary life. No fame. No impropriety. No pain. Then she meets Zachary Fox, a tattooed bad boy rocker with a voice like whiskey and sin, and a touch that could become an addiction.

A one-night stand with the hottest rock star on the planet, that’s all it was meant to be…

Fox promises scorching heat and dangerous pleasure, coaxing Molly to extend their one-night stand into a one-month fling. After that, he’ll be gone forever, his life never again intersecting with her own. Sex and sin and sensual indulgence, all with an expiration date. No ties, no regrets. Too late, Molly realizes it isn’t only her body that’s become addicted to Fox, but her heart

REVIEW:
I have to start by giving you full disclosure. I don’t really care for New Adult books. I know, I know some of you love them. But normally they just leave me feeling like I am watching a bad high school drama. But when I saw that Ms. Singh was starting a new series which was labeled as new adult I almost didn’t pick up this book. But I love love love Ms. Singh (love all her Psy-Changeling & Archangel books). So I took a chance and picked up Rock Addiction.
In Rock Addiction we get to meet bad boy rock star Zachary Fox, or just Fox to his friends. We also get to meet the sweet, shy librarian Molly Webster. A chance meeting at a party will change everything for these two. I will say that there was a lot and I mean a lot of sexy time in this book. Fox & Molly don’t waste anytime getting down to busy. While at times I would have liked then to not be spending so much sexy time and maybe talk more, there were moments that Fox & Molly were just sweet. I enjoyed the story that these two shared and hope to see them grow in future books.
Speaking of future books the whole cast of characters in the Schoolboy Choir interest me. I really want to see what happens with David & Thea.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & TKA Distribution in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 11, 2014August 31, 2014

Kelly reviews How To Handle A Heartbreaker by Marie Harte

TITLE: How to Handle a Heartbreaker
SERIES #: The McCauley Brothers #2
CHARACTERS: Brody Singer & Abby Dunn
AUTHOR: Marie Harte
PUBLICATION DATE: August 5, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s lust-at-first-sight when Brody Singer first sees Abby Dunn. Abby looks a lot like a woman he once knew, one who died years ago. But Abby’s definitely different—shyer but sexier.

Abby’s still trying to put her last disastrous relationship behind her and overcome the flaws her ex wouldn’t let her forget. But somehow Brody isn’t getting the hint. It doesn’t help that when writing her steamy novels, she keeps casting Brody as the hero.

Only Abby can write her own ending—will she choose her own happily-ever-after, or stay safe in her shell?

REVIEW:
Book two in Marie Harte’s The McCauley Brothers series was just as good as book one. This time we get to learn about the unofficially adopted McCauley brother Brody. Brody is fun loving, carefree and totally head over heels for Ms. Abby Dunn. Although he would tell anyone or anything like that. Brody had a tough upbringing that left him very leary of love and trust. Yet he know that the McCauley’s and exceptionally Flynn have his back and always will. The demons of his past keep popping up and ruining everything.
Abby Dunn is a tough little firecracker who has some secrets of her own. One she doesn’t want anyone to know what she does for a living (you will have to read to find out). Two her last boyfriend did a number on her confidence level. And three she is in total lust with Brody Singer (not the she will do anything about it, but dang!!!!!).

These two were great fun to read about. And Abby you naughty little goddess (yes you will have to read to find out why). I just loved reading about Abby & Brody. And of course the peeks into what and who may be coming next was great fun. Plus it is always fun to see a tough alpha male be brought to his knees by something a simple as love.

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

September 10, 2014September 10, 2014

Sheldon’s Interview Zach and Lisette from Dianne Duvall’s Night Unbound

Thank you for joining me! I’m happy to be here today, celebrating the release of NIGHT UNBOUND, the fifth book in my Immortal Guardians paranormal romance series. If you like powerful heroes, kick-ass heroines, action scenes that will keep you flipping pages well past your bedtime, and romance that is alternately sweet and steamy and laced with humor, then I hope you’ll pick up a copy, because you’ll find all of this in Zach and Lisette’s story. 😉

My friends on Facebook thoughtfully provided some Hot Seat questions for Sheldon, one of the human characters in NIGHT UNBOUND, to ask Zach and Lisette that I hope will help you get to know them a little better:

Sheldon: *opens a small spiral notebook* Okay. The first interview didn’t go quite the way I’d hoped, so I’m just going to ask you some hot seat questions this time. Cats or dogs?

Lisette: Cats.

Zach: I’ve never had a pet, so I’m ambivalent.

Sheldon: You’ve never had a pet?

Zach: No.

Sheldon: That sucks. Vampires or shifters?

Lisette: I have to listen to the thoughts of psychotic vampires every night when I hunt them, and they sicken me. So I much prefer immortals who can shape shift. *peeks up at Zach* One in particular.

Zach: *winks* Immortal shape-shifters, for the same reason. Though I admit I admire Bastien’s young vampire friend, Cliff. He’s an honorable man and has managed to keep the madness that strikes all vampires at bay far longer than most.

Lisette: *nods* I like Cliff. I hope Melanie and the network will be able to help him.

Sheldon: If anyone can help him, Melanie can. What about . . . humans or immortals?

Zach: If you’re asking who is more annoying, I’ll choose immortals.

Lisette: *elbows him* That’s just because you’ve so little contact with humans.

Zach: I doubt humans would chap my ass the way your Immortal Guardian brethren do. They’ve certainly never declared me a traitor.

Sheldon: What about you, Lisette? Do you like one group over the other?

Lisette: No. My fellow immortals and the humans who aid us are all like family. I don’t know what I would do without Tracy. She’s like a sister to me, and she’s human.

Sheldon: She totally kicks ass, too.

Lisette: *laughs* Yes, she does.

Sheldon: *consults list of questions* Okay, I really don’t want to know this, but apparently all the ladies do . . . Boxers or briefs?

Zach: You want to know what kind of underwear I wear?

Lisette: When you DO wear it.

Sheldon: That’s . . . too much information.

Zach: *shrugs* Boxers. I was born thousands of years ago. Men didn’t wear tight, binding undergarments then, so why the hell would I want to do so now?

Lisette: Especially when you look so hot in boxers.

Sheldon: Gag. Day or night?

Zach: Both.

Lisette: Night. I’m a younger immortal and can’t withstand direct sunlight without suffering the consequences. Zach, on the other hand, is lucky. He’s like Seth and is so old that sunlight doesn’t affect him adversely.

Zach: *frowns at Sheldon* Were you asking what time of day we prefer? I thought you were asking when we prefer to make love.

Sheldon: Why would you think that?

Zach: *shrugs* You asked about my underwear.

Sheldon: Dude, no one wants to know about your sex life. *consults list again* Crap. I spoke too soon. Top or bottom?

Zach: Both.

Lisette: Both.

Zach: *takes Lisette’s hand as his eyes acquire a golden glow and hers begin to glow a vibrant amber*

Sheldon: Great. Now your eyes are glowing. Don’t pounce on each other yet. I still have a few questions I’m supposed to ask. Spaghetti or steak?

Lisette: Spaghetti.

Zach: *smiles* She’s a carbohydrate fiend.

Lisette: It’s true.

Zach: She’s also ALWAYS hungry.

Lisette: *winks* And not just for pasta.

Sheldon: Come on, guys. No flirting. *checks list and sighs* This is so not going to help. Bed or sofa?

Zach: Is THIS one a lovemaking question?

Sheldon: *resigned expression* Yes.

Zach: Bed. Her sofa is way too short.

Lisette: *laughs* I’ll have to get a larger one.

Sheldon: Change of subject. Petite or tall?

Zach: Petite.

Lisette: I’m 5’6”. I don’t think that’s considered petite.

Zach: And I’m more than a foot taller than you. You’re petite.

Sheldon: Who ISN’T, compared to you? Daggers or swords?

Zach: Daggers suffice.

Lisette: Says the immortal who can kill a man with a thought and doesn’t need ANY weapons. I favor shoto swords myself.

Zach: And you’re exceedingly skillful at wielding them.

Sheldon: Strong women are so hot.

Zach: Not to you, she isn’t.

Sheldon: Dude, I totally just flashed back to interviewing Étienne. Next question . . . Which speaks louder to you—actions or words?

Lisette: Actions.

Zach: I agree.

Sheldon: I agree, too. Which brings me to my last question. *eyes Zach* Friend or foe?

Lisette: Sheldon! I told you, he’s on our side!

Sheldon: I know. But I’d like to hear it from him. Zach?

Zach: I believe the—

Lisette: If you say the jury is still out on that, I will beat you.

Zach: *eyes flash golden* With what?

Sheldon: Aaaaand that’s my cue. See you guys later.

*****

New York Times and USA Today Best Selling Author, Dianne Duvall, returns with the much-anticipated 5th book in her paranormal romance Immortal Guardians series, NIGHT UNBOUND!

Title: Night Unbound

Series: Immortal Guardians #5

Author: Dianne Duvall

Format: eBook/Mass Market Paperback, 432 pages

Publication: September 2nd 2014 by Zebra

ISBN: 1420129805

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Praise for the Immortal Guardians series:

“Duvall is a major player.” –RT Book Reviews

“The Immortal Guardians series is one you’ll want to follow.” –The Romance Review

“These dark, kick-ass guardians can protect me any day!” –Alexandra Ivy on Darkness Dawns

“Whizzing along at light speed. . .this sophomore effort sizzles.” –Publishers Weekly on Night Reigns

Dianne Duvall’s Immortal Guardians protect humanity from unspeakable horrors–but their hearts are as fragile as any mortal’s. . .

For centuries, Lisette d’Alençon has been a warrior against the dark. She fights alongside her brothers and comrades. But when the dreams start coming, she can’t bear to confess them to the Immortal Guardians’ command. Dreams of a dark-haired man with soft eyes and brutal wounds, a man her heart aches for–and a man she knows has been declared a traitor.

Zach is an exile, a loner. He won’t defend himself against false accusations or grovel to those who should have faith in him. But he’ll damn sure defend the woman who kept him sane against a plague of super-vamps that seems to have appeared from nowhere. The Guardians will blame him, and that will make Lisette suspect, too. With life, death and eternity on the line, who can they really trust?

Kelly’s review of Night Unbound:

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 3/4

It feels like I have been away from the Immortal Guardian world for way too long. When Ms. Duvall announced that Night Unbound was going to be Zach’s book I was over the moon. I just love this Immortal with wings!! And that Lisette was going to be his lady love. Super excited.

Night Unbound did not disappoint me. Zach & Lisette are so perfect for each other. I love that Zach is always wanting to try something 🙂 (you will have to read to understand). I am so glad that Zach got his own book. He really need to be excepted and find love after so many years of nothing.

There were so many heartbreaking tissue grabbing and happy joyful scenes in this book. Just a few that stood out were:

1) The scene with Cliff were heartbreaking I hope that they find a way to help him.

2) The scene with Amy: Oh gosh, poor Amy. Poor Marcus. Many tears

3) The scene with Aidan broke my heart.

4) Every scene with Zach & Lisette

I just loved this book. And as always I had the wonderful Kristin Potter read to me yet again. I just love how she is able to bring the characters to life for me. Kristin is so very talented at voices that it is really easy to tell who is who even before she reads who is speaking. I am very much looking forward to the next installment of the Immortal Guardian series.

Disclaimer:

I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Tantor Media in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Dianne Duvall earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, where she studied fiction writing, playwriting, and poetry writing. Darkness Dawns, the first book in her Immortal Guardians paranormal romance series, was nominated for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Vampire Romance by RT Book Reviews and for Best Paranormal Romance – Vampire by The Romance Reviews. It was also deemed a Top Pick by The Romance Reviews and a Best Book by Long and Short Reviews. Night Reigns, the second book in the series, was nominated for Best Best Book of 2011 – Paranormal Romance by The Romance Reviews and declared an “utterly addictive” Top Pick by RT Book Reviews. Phantom Shadows, the third book in the series, has been declared a Top Pick by both The Romance Reviews and Night Owl Reviews. Her Immortal Guardians novella In Still Darkness was released in the Predatory anthology on May 7, 2013, and has received many fabulous reviews. Darkness Rises, the fourth book in the series, hit the USA Today Bestseller list, has been nominated for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Vampire Romance by RT Book Reviews and was deemed a Night Owl Reviews Top Pick.

Dianne has also completed two not-yet-published paranormal romance novels that are prequels to Darkness Dawns. A Sorceress of His Own is a medieval romance with paranormal elements that won awards in the Lone Star, Where the Magic Begins, Southern Heat, Picture This, Book of Your Heart and Suzannah national writing competitions. Rendezvous With Yesterday is a time travel romance and won second place in the Picture This writing contest.

In addition to writing romance, Dianne has completed a one-act play (comedy) and teamed up with an award-wining screenwriter to write a spec script for a new situation comedy. Several of her poems have also been published in anthologies.

When she isn’t writing, Dianne is very active in the independent film industry and once even appeared on screen as a machete-weilding maniac not unlike the vampires she so loves to create in her novels.

1st Prize – 1 Winner

$25 Amazon Gift Card

2nd Prize – 2 Winners

Autographed copy of DARKNESS RISES, tote bag, and swag

3rd Prize – 3 Winners

Autographed paperback of winner’s choice from backlist + Immortal Guardians Swag Pack

4th Prize – 5 Winners

Immortal Guardians Swag Pack

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September 10, 2014August 31, 2014

Kimberly reviews Ignited by J. Kenner

TITLE: Ignited
SERIES #: Most Wanted #3
CHARACTERS: Katrina & Cole
AUTHOR: J. Kenner
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/09/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He promised to take me as far as I could go—and I wanted to go to the edge.
My whole life has been a cover, a con, a lie. I was born into the grift, raised on the thrill of playing someone I’m not. As a rule, I never let anyone get too close—until Cole August makes it impossible for me to stay away.
Cole is tough, sexy, and intensely loyal, yet his secrets are dark and his scars run deep. Not many women can handle his past, or the truth behind his fierce demands. But something about him beckons me—and our desire is a game I must play.
I know he’s dangerous, that even his touch is trouble, but what is passion without a little risk?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This book was a long time coming… not in time frame but because meeting Cole in book 1 we knew he would have the darkest and most explosive of stories and he did. Cole is a very dark character and has the harshest of pasts but it was great to have him find his happy ending and he honestly couldn’t have found a better match than Katrina. She has had a dark past too. Not like his but her childhood caused her own issues and together they manage to get through the lingering effects.
Kenner has written another great story. This story is a bit of the Most Wanted as well as a Stark Trilogy combination. Which made it great that Damien Stark had a cameo. Kenner is a master as writing a dark erotic romance and this is more proof of that. Can you read it as a stand alone? Yes but why would you not want to read the beginning of the series so you understand who Cole really is. I love that he is so broken and yet he paints like a god. He has a softness in his poetic words that amaze and even has a hand in other arts that show the reader his softer side. Kenner showed that even the harshest of men have a soft side and did it wonderfully.

Yes Katrina is the one telling her tale but this is Cole’s story and it should not be missed.

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

September 10, 2014August 31, 2014

Natasha reviews Dark Skye by Kresley Cole

TITLE: Dark Skye
SERIES #: Immortals After Dark #14
CHARACTERS: Lanthe & Thronos
AUTHOR: Kresley Cole
PUBLICATION DATE: 8/5/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this highly anticipated fifteenth novel in the Immortals After Dark series, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole spins a sultry tale of a mighty warrior scarred inside and out and the beguiling sorceress with the power to help him—or vanquish him forever.
Eternal Obsession
As a boy, Thronos, prince of Skye Hall, loved Lanthe, a mischievous Sorceri girl who made him question everything about his Vrekener clan. But when the two got caught in the middle of their families’ war, tragedy struck, leaving Thronos and Lanthe bitter enemies. Though centuries have passed, nothing can cool his seething need for the beautiful enchantress who scarred his body—and left an even deeper impression on his soul.
Endless Yearning
Lanthe, a once-formidable sorceress struggling to reclaim her gifts, searches for love and acceptance with all the wrong immortal suitors. But she’s never forgotten Thronos, the magnificent silver-eyed boy who protected her until she was ripped from the shelter of his arms. One harrowing night changed everything between them. Now he’s a notorious warlord with a blood vendetta against Lanthe, hunting her relentlessly.
Can the heat of desire burn brighter than vengeance?
With their families locked in conflict and battles raging all around them, will Thronos and Lanthe succumb to the brutal chaos that threatens everything they cherish? Or will the fragile bond they formed so long ago spark a passion strong enough to withstand even the darkest doubts?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is one of my favorite series of all time. In recent years we’ve seen Lanthe more, but Thronos was a complete mystery to us. I was excited to see this glimpse into their obviously convoluted and tumultuous past. Unfortunately, the story was lackluster for me. Kresley Cole writes AMAZING books, but this one was really hard to keep getting excited about. While there was constant action and the story kept moving forward towards a predictable end, I found I just wasn’t interested. Neither Lanthe nor Thronos became important to me on anything more than a superficial level. Though Cole seemed to be trying to add depth and emotion to the characters, I found them one dimensional and dull. We barely got glimpses into what events actually transpired to cause their 500 year feud, and their courtship seemed forced. Obviously, as with any book in this series, my absolute favorite parts were those involving Nucking Futs Nix! I’m not sure who is going to be next in this series, but I’m hoping to move past *spoiler alert* The Order’s prison and island piece that the last few books have centered around. Though I know it’s an important piece of the universe, the same setting is getting a little dull. Nevertheless, I will continue to support this series because Cole is hilarious and a fabulous story teller. This one just wasn’t my particular cup of tea.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book on my own. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 9, 2014August 31, 2014

Jennifer reviews With This Ring by Celeste Bradley

TITLE: With This Ring
SERIES #: The Wicked Worthingtons #3
CHARACTERS: Elektra Worthington and Lord Aaron Arbogast
AUTHOR: Celeste Bradley
PUBLICATION DATE: 7/1/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
Elektra Worthington is the lovely middle daughter of the eccentric, impoverished Worthington family. Her beauty means nothing to her except as her currency to return the Worthington name to its former glory of status, riches, and dominance in the ballrooms of Regency England. To this end, she will stop at nothing—even if she must kidnap a rich lord in the process. If this lucky gentleman is just returning from a long absence and knows nothing of the Worthington reputation, well, a girl shouldn’t look a gift lord in the mouth…right?

THE PRICE OF PASSION
Lord Aaron Arbogast, returning to England after a decade-old scandal—of which he was not truly guilty, but instead took the blame out of loyalty to a good friend—is the last of his line. He will someday become the Earl of Arbodean and inherit the estate…if, that is, he can prove to his ailing grandfather that he is a reformed man. Falling for a woman like Miss Worthington could cost him everything. But his desire for her? Priceless…

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts This is a new author to me and I thought that this was an enjoyable easy read. Elektra is trying to save her family from ruins and the only way that she can do that is to marry a wealthy man. By sheer chance, she finds herself staying at the same inn as Lord Aaron Arbogast and comes up with a plan to kidnap him and convince him that she is the right woman for him. What she finds instead, is that she kidnapped his man servant by mistake and the hilarity ensues from there as she tries to remedy this error.
Lord Aaron Arbogast is in town to see his ailing grandfather and to show him that he has changed his ways. He was involved in a scandal that has plagued him most of his life and wants nothing more than to put all that behind him. When his good friend and servant becomes ill, he exchanges identities with him so he can receive proper care from the employees of the inn. What he never expected, was that a beautiful young woman would kidnap him in hopes of helping save her family. He has to now keep up the charade that he isn’t Lord Arbogast or runs the risk of losing everything.
Elektra was such a fun character because she was this free spirit who took on the responsibility of helping her family. She had this huge burden on her shoulders and felt that the only way to save them all was to marry someone wealthy. She made sure that everything in her life was taken care even if it meant that she went without. Aaron needed someone like Ellie is his life because she wasn’t afraid of what people might say about them. She lived with the constant gossip about the Worthingtons and people gossiping about Aaron didn’t bother her in the slightest. She showed him what it was like to be a part of a loving and caring family and that was exactly what he needed in his life. Great story and I’m looking forward to reading more about this zany cast of characters in other books of the Worthington series.

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

September 8, 2014August 31, 2014

Kelly reviews Burning Desire Part 1 by Donna Grant

TITLE: Burning Desire, Part I
SERIES #: Dark Kings #3
CHARACTERS: Kiril & Shara
AUTHOR: Donna Grant
PUBLICATION DATE: September 9, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Dark Kings have fought for centuries to preserve their dragon magic. But can one warrior resist the greatest temptation of all. . .?

A DESIRE THIS POWERFUL

In his quest to destroy the Dark Fae—his nemesis—the Dragon King known as Kiril goes to Ireland as a spy. When a gorgeous, mysterious woman tries to seduce him, Kiril instantly sees through her glamour to the Dark Fae beneath. Shara isn’t just any Dark; she’s from one of the most powerful bloodlines—and despite the dangers, Kiril can’t stay away from her. He’s enthralled by her smile, enslaved by the undeniable passion…

IS A WAR WORTH FIGHTING FOR

Shara has one chance to make things right with her family—and to prove her worth. It seemed like such an easy mission…until she actually meets Kiril. His charm, his sexual magnetism is too much for her to ignore. Shara knows that falling into Kiril’s arms can bring her nothing but trouble. Yet she discovers an inner strength she didn’t know she had…and an attraction that knows no bounds. But is her desire for Kiril worth the risk of eternal doom for them both?

REVIEW:
Read this in four parts but here is the overview of all for
Part I
A great start to book 3 of Donna Grant’s Dark King’s series.
Kiril is still in Ireland trying to do what he can to help all the Dragon Kings and try to find Rhi. And while he knows the Dark Fae’s are going to try something (because they always do) he just never expected Shara to be that something. Or how easily she would get under his skin.
On to Part II

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley, St Martin’s Press & Donna Grant in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 8, 2014August 31, 2014

Natasha reviews Born Of Fury by Sherrilyn Kenyon

TITLE: Born of Fury
SERIES #: The League #7
CHARACTERS: Hauk & Sumi
AUTHOR: Sherrilyn Kenyon
PUBLICATION DATE:7/1/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The war is on…

Counted among the fiercest Andarion warriors ever born, Hauk is one of the five founding members of the Sentella- an organization that has declared war on the League that rules the Ichidian universe with an iron fist and terrifies it with an army of well-trained assassins. Hauk’s enemies are legion, but he fears nothing and no one. He will do whatever it takes to survive and protect his Sentella brethren.

Sumi Antaxas is one of the best assassins the League has ever trained. In her world, failure is not an option and she has never met a target she couldn’t execute. So when she’s assigned Hauk, she believes it’ll be a quick and easy mission.

But nothing is ever as simple as it seems, and Hauk is far better trained and skilled than his dossier shows. More than that, as she pursues him, she stumbles upon the key that will bring down not only Hauk, but the entire Sentella organization.

In the race to report her information, she is overtaken by enemies out to end her as effectively as she intends to end Hauk. Now her only key to survival is the one man she’s been sent to kill. And Hauk doesn’t trust her at all.

The only question is, will he help her to live… or send her to her grave.(less)

REVIEW:
Wow, I don’t even know where to start! I’m a huge fan of the League series and have been looking forward to Hauk’s story for years. Sherrilyn really gave us a lot of alone time with Hauk to get to know who he really is, something we’ve only caught glimpses of before in the previous books. He is such a tortured hero, I fell in love with him instantly. Sumi is a great match for him. She’s a strong female lead and really gave the story depth and feeling. Their story was a tad bit drawn out, we actually saw every piece of their courting, falling in love and building a life together. I can’t say that I was bored, because I could read about all the League characters forever, but it did seem kind of repetitive. I loved seeing all of the League characters – I mean, Nykyrian never gets old! However, the honky-dory, we love everybody thing kind of gets old. Everyone can’t just love everyone all the time! But I get it’s a story and I’ll happily play along. I’m curious who the next book will be about, I’m hoping either Fain or Bastien!

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book on my own. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 6, 2014August 30, 2014

SINsational Saturday Series: Dianne Duvall’s Immortal Guardian’s series

Darkness Dawns

Immortal Guardians #1

In this dazzling, sensual novel, Dianne Duvall beckons readers into a world of vampires, immortals, and humans with extraordinary gifts…where passion can last forever, if you’re willing to pay the price…

Once, Sarah Bingham’s biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing a wounded stranger, she’s landed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control…

In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible—when it means forfeiting the world she’s always known, and the life he would do anything to protect.

*****

Night Reigns

Immortal Guardians #2

Ami isn’t much for trusting strangers. She has a hard time trusting anyone. But she’s no coward, and she’s no pushover in the protection department either. So when she comes across a mysterious warrior taking on eight deranged vampires on his own, she doesn’t hesitate to save his bacon. Of course, that was before she realized what one little rescue would get her into . . .

Marcus Grayden has been an immortal protector of humanity for eight hundred years, and at the moment he’s not interested in backup. From the moment Ami arrives in his life, he can’t deny that she’s strong, smart, and extremely skilled at watching his back. But she’s also destroying his protective solitude and stirring desires he can’t bear to awaken. After all, whatever her secrets — how can she defeat death itself?

*****

Phantom Shadows

Immortal Guardians #3

Dr. Melanie Lipton is no stranger to the supernatural. She knows immortals better than they know themselves, right down to their stubborn little genes. So although a handsome rogue immortal seems suspicious to her colleagues, Sebastien Newcombe intrigues Melanie. His history is checkered, his scars are impressive, and his ideas are daring. But it’s not his ideas that have Melanie fighting off surges of desire . . .

Bastien is used to being the bad guy. In fact, he can’t remember the last time he had an ally he could trust. But Melanie is different — and under her calm, professional exterior he senses a passion beyond anything in his centuries of experience. Giving in to temptation is out of the question — he can’t put her in danger. But she isn’t asking him .

*****

In Still Darkness

Immortal Guardians #3.5 Originally published in “Predatory”

“In Dianne Duvall s world of Immortal Guardians, the stakes for mortals are high, but the cost especially to the heart might be higher ”

It s not the first time Immortal Guardian Richart d Alencon has saved a human life from eternal damnation. Usually, he moves on, a nameless savior like a ghost in the night. But this time he can t seem to forget the woman who rewarded him with a sensuous kiss after he rescued her from a trio of vampires. While Richart knows that loving a human can only bring trouble, the taste of forbidden lust is too great to resist

Jenna never imagined she d end up a single mom working overtime to put her son through school. But she might have daydreamed once that a devastatingly gorgeous Frenchman would sweep her off her feet. Now that a package of tall, dark, and handsome seems intent on doing just that, doctors are telling her she may not have long to live. But Richart is telling her just the opposite. All she has to do is abandon her humanity

*****

Darkness Rises

Immortal Guardians #4

Krysta is used to getting the drop on vampires. Her “special abilities” aren’t much, but the plan is simple–she plays helpless pretty young thing to lure them in. Then her shoto swords come out and it’s bye-bye, bloodsucker. Until one night she finds herself with an unexpected ally. He’s a vampire, all right, but different. Mysterious. Handsome. And more interested in saving her skin than draining it.

Etienne has been an Immortal Guardian for two hundred years–long enough to know that Krysta is special. He can’t stop thinking about her long legs, even more than her short swords. Then he discovers the vamps she’s exterminating have friends in high places, and the Guardians are in danger too. He’ll have to accept Krysta’s help to save them. The stakes for a mortal are high. But the cost to his heart might be higher.

*****

Night Unbound

Immortal Guardians #5

“Duvall is a major player.” —RT Book Reviews

Dianne Duvall’s Immortal Guardians protect humanity from unspeakable horrors–but their hearts are as fragile as any mortal’s. . .

September 5, 2014August 31, 2014

Kimberly reviews Take Down by Mallery Malone

TITLE: Take Down
SERIES #: Billionaire’s Club #3
CHARACTERS: Karina & Gabriel
AUTHOR: Mallery Malone
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/02/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Powerful. Dominant, Unforgettable. He commands submission at all costs.
Cage fighter, Gabriel Devereaux, a man of barely leashed power, is known as the Bayou Beast.
There is one woman he will do anything , pay any amount to possess.
Karina Armistead, has come a long way from the innocent girl Gabriel used to know. An internationally known singer, she can have anything she wants. But everything tells her that getting involved with the Bayou Beast may leave her wrecked beyond repair.
Little does Karina Armistead know, but Gabriel has decided that she will be his.
He will destroy anything or anyone who stands in his way.

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series but can most certainly be read as a stand alone. It is a short story of less than 90 pages so it is a quick read but yet a sweet read. Gabriel is a fighter and has a vendetta against Karina and her father. Karina doesn’t understand why Gabriel left her without a word a decade before.
This story as well as the rest of the series is well written and an enjoyable quick read. Great stories to have between novels for a little romance.

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

September 5, 2014September 1, 2014

Kelly reviews Under His Protection by Katie Reus

TITLE: Under His Protection
SERIES #: Red Stone Security #9
CHARACTERS: Ivan Mitchell & Julieta Mederos
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: September 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Julieta’s stalker doesn’t play by the rules

Lingerie shop owner Julieta Mederos has worked hard to get her business off the ground. Now she’s looking forward to some quality time with her friends and her big, boisterous family. But explicit texts from random phone numbers and vandalism at her shop makes it clear someone dangerous has fixated on her. Without any solid leads, the police can’t help her and she’s forced to turn to the last man she wants to depend on.

…but neither does Ivan.

Former Army Ranger and newest Red Stone Security employee Ivan Mitchell has gotten used to being alone in the world. He never even thinks about it anymore—until he meets sexy, independent Julieta. She’s everything he could ever want…but she seems determined to keep him at arm’s length. Until now. Maybe the cops can’t do anything to protect her, but he can. When things escalate faster than even he expected, he finds himself pulling out his most extreme combat skills to protect her. He’ll do what it takes to save her life—and prove to her she belongs in his.

Red Stone Security Series, #9
Author Note: Under His Protection is the ninth book in the Red Stone Security series but can be read completely as a stand-alone

REVIEW:
Gosh, I don’t want to give much away. Reading the blurb gives you a good idea of what will happen so I won’t recap. I will say that this was a super quick read. But honestly the story never felt rushed or that it was lacking in any way. I loved the story. I loved the tension between Ivan & Julieta. I guess my only complain would be that I wanted more of these two. I want to know how the future goes for them. I hope that Ms. Reus will have them pop up in a future Red Stone Security story.

If you are a fan of Ms. Reus’ Red Stone Security series you will love Ivan & Julieta’s story. If you are new to this series never fear Under His Protection can easily be read as a stand alone. Make sure to add this to your I must read list.

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