Natasha reviews Circle Of Desire by Keri Arthur

TITLE: Circle of Desire
SERIES #: The Damask Circle #3
CHARACTERS: Ethan & Kat
AUTHOR: Keri Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/1/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A TEMPTING FATE

Two children have been found dead, their souls torn from their bodies. Two more are missing, and Ethan Morgan’s niece is one of them. A dedicated cop, Ethan has every intention not only of bringing her back alive but of catching the monster behind these kidnappings. And he will use anyone and everyone to achieve those aims—even a crazy woman who claims to be a witch. But time is ticking. The victims rarely stay alive for more than seven days. Four of those days have already passed.

In ten years of working for the Damask Circle, shapeshifter Katherine Tanner has never come across anything that goes after kids the way this monster does. The last thing Kat needs is interference from a cop who has no idea what he’s up against. But the greatest threat to Kat may come not from the forces of darkness, but from the man she is beginning to love. Because Ethan is a werewolf . . . and the full moon is rising.

REVIEW: This was another strong addition to this series. I really enjoyed the interactions between Kat and Ethan. Though, I have to say – I think Kat’s grandmother, Gwen tried to steal the show. I loved how the female characters in particular were so strong and independent. I really enjoyed seeing Ethan grudgingly submit to their expertise and follow their lead. It was a fun read and I really like Ethan and Kat together!

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

May 13, 2014May 11, 2014

Kimberly reviews Part Of Me by A.C. Arthur

TITLE: Part Of Me
SERIES #: Damaged Hearts #2
CHARACTERS: Lidia & Brayden
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/13/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Shadow Shifters: Damaged Hearts—a deeply emotional, unforgettable New Adult paranormal romance series by A.C. Arthur about the men who are sworn to protect the females—human or otherwise—from the savage fury of his own nature… Lidia Morales has always felt out of place. The one stable presence in her childhood has always been Brayden. Every major moment, every growing pain, everything in her life has been shared with him since they were little, so it makes sense to her that they will stay friends at college together. Until one night, emotions are revealed in a heated kiss, and Lidia’s world is turned upside down. Brayden has always been just a friend and she knows she should look somewhere else for love. But the memory of the passion between them is undeniable—and Brayden isn’t about to let her forget it. As trouble brews, Lidia may need Brayden more than she realized and Brayden will do whatever it takes to convince her that they are soulmates…bonded for life.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the second in the series and while sweet just like in the first book I felt it is more for the YA. That being said it is still a fine read even for an old person like me. There is very little paranormal in this story even though both are shifters. Being a short read it is nice to have between longer novels just be ready for the feeling that you are watching a couple of 20 year olds deal with life.

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

April 30, 2014April 12, 2014

Kimberly reviews Forged by Jacquelyn Frank

TITLE: Forged
SERIES #: The World of Nightwalkers #4
CHARACTERS: Katrina & Ahnvil
AUTHOR: Jacquelyn Frank
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Katrina Haynes discovers a large man lying wounded in the snow, she fears he is at death’s door. But as Kat tends to his injuries, she quickly realizes that they’re the least of her worries. With an irresistible Scottish brogue and a strange ability to harden his chiseled body like a statue, the stranger awakens a desire she is unable to resist—and a fascination about the intriguing world he exists in.

As a proud Gargoyle, Ahnvil must safeguard the Nightwalker to whom he’s sworn fealty. But as this bewitching woman nurses him back to health, arousing an almost uncontrollable hunger within him, he is possessed with the fierce impulse to protect her as well. And he will have to shield her—for by coming to his rescue, Kat has placed herself in the middle of a supernatural war . . . and exposed herself to dark, powerful magic. As human and Gargoyle forge an unbreakable bond, Kat will discover that despite his intimidating strength and size, one thing Ahnvil does not possess is a heart of stone.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I loved this story. I enjoyed the characters very much. I enjoyed the suspense as well as the sexual tension. I did not know this was part of a series until I went to get this information for my review so while it can be a stand alone I will most certainly be working my way backwards to read the first three in the series. I could not put this book down. I read it in one sitting staying up way too late to finish it.

I loved that Ahnvil was a Gargoyle. I have not read a story about them before so having that new twist was so exciting. I enjoyed the way he interacted with Kat. Their connection is very strong right from the start. Kat is a strong woman even though she doesn’t think so.

If you enjoy a paranormal with a twist from the vamps and shifters this is the book you need to pick up. You will not be disappointed.

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

April 23, 2014April 12, 2014

Kimberly reviews Mine To Claim by A.C. Arthur

TITLE: Mine To Claim
SERIES #: Damaged Hearts #1
CHARACTERS: Grace & Aidan
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/08/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Shadow Shifters: Damaged Hearts—a deeply emotional, unforgettable New Adult paranormal romance series by A.C. Arthur about the men who are sworn to protect the females—human or otherwise—from the savage fury of his own nature…In　Mine to Claim by A.C. Arthur, Grace Kincaid has been trapped her whole life. Controlled in every way by her domineering parents, she has never had any moment of excitement or passion in all her eighteen years. When a rare night out with a friend ends in violence, Grace believes that perhaps her parents are right to keep her under lock and key. There’s just one problem—she can’t get the irresistibly sexy, mysterious man who saved her from danger out of her head. She knows she should go back to her safe world, but her newfound passion for life—and for her enigmatic protector—are making that impossible…Despite his strength and power, Aidan Sanchez cannot escape. Bound by his Shifter bloodline, he is repulsed by the very attributes his family wishes him to embrace. His main goal is to keep his more dangerous…hungers… under wraps. But when a fight at a club forces Aidan to protect the most alluring woman he’s ever seen, there’s no turning back. He knows he shouldn’t drag her into his world, but she’s awakened a fire within him, and for once, he’s willing to lose control if it means having Grace…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts While I didn’t see it anywhere I feel like this book is more YA then anything. While a sweet short paranormal it is written with a youthful feel. I liked Aidan, he seemed strong and alpha. Grace was wishy-washy if you ask me but I did like her. While obvious Aidan is a shifter there is no shifting until the last chapter which seemed odd to me. Good just young.

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

April 16, 2014April 14, 2014

Kelly reviews Tangled Innocence by Carrie Ann Ryan

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?

As one of the seven lightning struck women, Nadie Morgan has known for a while now that her fate would be forever changed…and revolve around a certain dragon. From the first time Dante Bell saw Nadie, he knew she was the one for him. There’s just one problem–there’s another in his life he’s waiting on as well.

When Jace Goodwin, a bear shifter and Mediator, finally comes back to the human realm after years away under circumstances out of his control, his first stop is to Dante’s Circle where he not only finds his dragon, but the woman they both have been waiting for.

Once secrets are told and the sparks fly, Nadie’s new life becomes something she never thought possible. However there’s another realm at play and Jace and Nadie’s dragon will have to fight harder than he’s ever fought before to keep the life he’s waited eons for.

Warning: Contains one not-so-innocent human, a bear known for his bear-hugs, a tattooed and pierced dragon with a fiery temper, and a connection so explosive, you’ll be fanning yourself from page one.

REVIEW:
A Dragon shifter who has waiting 10,000 years for his mates.
A Bear shifter who is finally home and ready to claim what is his.
And a not so human female that will forever tie them together.

This was a good story, although maybe not a great as I would have like. There was something just a bit off for me. I don’t know what really. It is just in the past I have held Dante up on a very high pedestal and I didn’t feel the same connection with him in this book. It was not until the end of the book that I felt we had the old Dante back. So maybe it was just a case of him having to be way too serious in this book.
Jace the sweet tough bear shifter was fun to get to know better. But Jace sure goes through a lot in this book. It was great to see that Nadie finally get a little happiness. Overall this was a good continuation in the Dante’s Circle series and sets up perfectly for the next book (Faith & Levi)

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

April 11, 2014April 6, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Wolf Siren by Karen Whiddon

TITLE: The Wolf Siren
SERIES #: The Pack #15
CHARACTERS: Lilly & Kane
AUTHOR: Karen Whiddon
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When a werewolf and the beautiful siren he once saved meet again, resistance is futile…

As Pack Protector, Kane McGraw never gets involved with the victims he saves. But Lilly Gideon may be the one exception. She has intrigued him ever since he helped free her from a religious compound called Sanctuary. So when he learns that she’s still in danger, he can’t stay away—not even if it means exposing Lilly to the fanatics she’s trying to escape.

Years of psychological torture have left Lilly without the ability to control her shifter nature. Any man she touches is driven mad by an all-consuming desire. Though she wants Kane more than any man, she’s forced to deny him the release they most crave. That is, until he decides it’s time to take matters—and her—into his own hands…

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts So I am on the fence about this one but will give it a boost to the better side because it is different than shape-shifter books I have read before. I enjoyed the book in general. It was interesting and had a storyline I enjoyed. This is part of a series which I didn’t realize, actually it is 15th in the series, and while it (sorta) could stand alone there was no question that there was a storyline prior to this book that was missed.

The problem was there were some inconsistencies throughout the book. A bit too much jumping around like the author forgot to say something in the last chapter so lets throw it in this chapter. Kane is a sweet guy. I mean really sweet. Almost too sweet. He is so afraid of hurting Lilly that he never takes a chance on anything. And as a bodyguard he sucks. I mean he leaves Lilly alone over and over and for a wolf he kinda sucks too. I mean he can’t even smell that it is his brother walking to his door he has to look out the window? Lilly comes into her own and I loved that part. She started out more like a beaten dog than a wolf but really becomes the she-wolf we know she can be.

Like I said I am on the fence but I liked it.

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

April 5, 2014March 30, 2014

Kait Ballenger’s Execution Underground Series

After Dark: The Darkest Angel/Shadow Hunter

Lords of the Underworld #4.5/ Excution Undergroun #0.5

by Gena Showalter (Goodreads Author), Kait Ballenger (Goodreads Author)

A timeless seduction A unique temptation And a whole world of dark desires…

From New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter

The Darkest Angel

Winged warrior Lysander has been alive for centuries, and yet he’s never known desire-until he meets Bianka. Spawned from the bloodline of his enemy, the beautiful but deadly Harpy is determined to lead the untouched Lysander into temptation. He may try to evade her attempts, but even the most iron-willed demon assassin can resist for only so long….

And from debut author Kait Ballenger

Shadow Hunter

Vampire hunter Damon Brock’s first assignment with the Execution Underground is Rochester, New York, a city crawling with the undead. But he isn’t the only hunter in town gunning for vamp blood. Tiffany Solow is fierce and ruthless when it comes to slaying the monsters that destroyed her family-and she works solo. But being alone is no longer so desirable when she meets the mysterious hunter who wants more than just her turf. As they work to massacre the local covens, the line between good and evil blurs when they are forced to decide between their lifelong beliefs… and their newfound hearts.

*****

Twilight Hunter

Execution Underground #1

Hunters of the supernatural, the Execution Underground are an elite group tasked with protecting humanity…but what happens when danger collides with desire?

Jace McCannon has one loyalty: the Execution Underground. Despite his mixed blood, his hatred for the werewolves he hunts is legendary. But in his search for a sadistic killer, Jace finds himself face to face with a stunningly seductive packmaster…and longing for a night with his mortal enemy.

Nothing can stop Frankie Amato from defending her kind—or catching the rogue responsible for killing women in her territory. For that, this alpha female needs Jace’s skills more than she wants to admit. But as their investigation exposes evil truths, need burns into a passion that dare not be fulfilled. For to do so will have deadly consequences for them both

*****

Immortal Hunter

Execution Underground #2

Hunters of the supernatural, the Execution Underground are an elite group tasked with protecting humanity…but at what price?

As an exorcist, David Aronowitz grew up the target of demonic assassins. Now he’s a member of the Execution Underground and hellspawn everywhere fear his name. But when a demon slips into the seductive body of the only woman he’s ever loved, David must confront the heartbreak of their past to save her.

The piece of her heart Allsún O’Hare gave to David so long ago left her trapped between two worlds: the Fae and the human. And when David comes to her rescue, fate reunites her with her greatest temptation—and her biggest mistake.

Now, as they’re swept together into a wicked game with the demon who controls her, David must decide if saving Allsún’s life is worth sacrificing his own—and the future of humanity itself.

March 27, 2014March 16, 2014

Kimberly reviews Dark Moon by Leisl Leighton

TITLE: Dark Moon
SERIES #: Witch-Were #1
CHARACTERS: Skye & Jason
AUTHOR: Leisl Leighton
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/17/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N {link not up yet}

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lately, Skye Collins has been unable to shake the feeling that she’s being watched. After a lifetime spent hiding her true nature, she knows that any unusual attention is something to be wary of. And the only attention she’s been receiving lately is from the intense and attractive Jason McVale.
Jason claims to know things about Skye that can’t be true, and it’s obvious he’s hiding secrets of his own. Yet despite herself, Skye can’t resist the attraction between them, and her surrender will set in motion a chain of events that will have consequences for everyone she holds dear.
Gradually, Jason convinces Skye that she has to trust him if she is to solve the riddle of her past and learn the truth about her power. But believing Jason means that her entire life has been based on a lie.
As her enemies gather strength and the danger increases, Skye is forced to accept who she really is. Will she risk everything and fight for those she loves? Or save herself and let them be destroyed by the forces of darkness?

REVIEW:
I have to say I really enjoyed this story. I was not sure what it was really about when I picked it up from NetGalley but I am so glad I did. There are witches, wiccan, wolf shifters, ghosts, and so much more in this story. I didn’t want to miss one word of it even though some parts did get a little wordy I still could not wait to read the story.

The main characters are very entertaining and interesting. They have a connection from the moment they are together. I enjoyed the background characters as well. Maybe the next in the series is Adam and Shelley? One can only hope.

If you are a fan of paranormal then you should really pick up this book. It has everything a fan of the genre would like and a bunch of suspense as well. Terrific story and one I can’t wait to read the next one of.

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

March 24, 2014March 9, 2014

Kimberly reviews Fated Mates by Various Authors

TITLE: Fated Mates: The Alpha Shifter Boxed Set
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Varies
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/04/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
All American Wolf by Adriana Hunter: If Serena’s not careful she may lose her heart to Brody Sullivan – the dangerously possessive stranger who is willing to break every one of her rules.
Charming the Alpha by Liliana Rhodes: Hannah Crane’s ordinary life changes after she meets Alpha wolf Caleb. As the center of a centuries old curse, is Hannah a wolf charmer or Caleb’s fated mate?
Change For Me by Lynn Red: Motorcycle riding, tattooed bad boy alpha werewolf fights to save his mate from his terrifying rival. Steamy, seductive, sensual werewolf romance.
Bear King’s Curves: A BBW Werebear Shifter Romance by A.T. Mitchell: Curvy Lyla’s bad attitude toward bears is about to change. Destiny blind Nick is the Alpha to do it, no matter how much passion, mystery, and danger it means…
Delicate Freakin Flower by Eve Langlais: Can a pair of hunky shapeshifting jocks convince a not-so delicate freakn’ flower that they can handle her thorns—and her passion?
The Alpha’s Mate by Michelle Fox: Chloe Weiss has finally met the mate of her dreams, but jealousy in the pack and a murderer on the loose make for a dangerous ‘happily ever after.’
Romancing the Wolf (BBW/Werewolf Romance) by Skye Eagleday: The romantic adventures of two curvy sisters and one hot pack: Can the werewolves survive Bree and her sassy sister?
Protecting the Pack by Tabitha Conall: In a world where werewolves mate in threes, the mating lust pulls one triad together while overwhelming obstacles pull them apart, possibly forever.
Witchy Wolf by Alexis Dare: A brutal attack alters Chloe’s life. As her world crumbles, biker Gabe steps in to pick up the pieces. Can he save her from the danger lurking in the shadows?
A Change To Bear (Last of the Shapeshifters) by A.E. Grace: Liam, shapeshifter, is on the run. Hunted by a man who will hurt anyone he cares for, it’s why he can’t fall in love. Until he meets a curvy Terry Spencer…
Curves for the Lone Alpha by Molly Prince: When Carrie is dumped before a weekend away, her decision to go alone puts her on a collision course with James. A packless alpha who hunts rogue shifters.
The Alpha Claims A Mate by Georgette St. Clair: Curvy Ginger Colby accidentally insulted the Alpha of the local pack when she rejected him at the local honky tonk-and now he’s seeking delicious, sexy revenge.

REVIEW:
I was going to review each story individually but I found myself writing the same things over and over so I decided I would write a general review. Some stories are better than others and some are worse. I guess that is to be expected. The problem is that even the best of the stories was great just good. If you enjoy short stories of shifters then certainly give this boxed set a chance but it just wasn’t my idea of great.

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

March 17, 2014March 9, 2014

Kelly reviews Branded By Fire by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Branded by Fire
SERIES #: Psy-Changeling #6
CHARACTERS: Riley Kincaid & Mercy Smith
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Angela Dawe
PUBLICATION DATE: July 7, 2009
AUDIO RELEASE DATE: August 2, 2011
RUN TIME: 11 hours & 18 minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Though DarkRiver sentinel Mercy is feeling the pressure to mate, she savagely resists when Riley Kincaid, a lieutenant from the SnowDancer pack, tries to possess her. The problem is not simply that he pushes her buttons; the problem is that he’s a wolf, she’s a cat, and they’re both used to being on top.

But when a brilliant changeling researcher is kidnapped from DarkRiver territory, Mercy and Riley must work together to track the young man—before his shadowy captors decide he’s no longer useful. Along the way, the two dominants may find that submitting to one another uncovers not just a deadly conspiracy, but a passion so raw that it’ll leave them both branded by fire.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly
NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4
REVIEW:
Who said a cat & dog can’t play nice?

Well if you are Riley and Mercy you might just kill each other before that happens. But funny thing about love, it turns you on your ass when you least expect it. 🙂
These two were great fun to read about. They may not be my favorite couple of the series (so far) but I did love them. They both push each other’s buttons almost to a fault. But both know when to hang there head in shame and beg for forgiveness.

As always Nalini writes an amazing story and Angela delivers an amazing reading of this story. These two are like Peanut Butter and Jelly, they go together so well.
If you have not started this series. For real, what is wrong with you? Read or listen this is a series you have to experience.

Disclaimer:
I purchased the book from Audible.com and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 14, 2014March 8, 2014

Kelly reviews Hostage To Pleasure by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Hostage to Pleasure
SERIES #: Psy-Changeling #5
CHARACTERS: Dorian Christensen & Ashaya Aleine
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Angela Dawe
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb 5, 2008
AUDIO RELEASE DATE: July 11, 2011
RUN TIME: 12 hours 25 minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Separated from her son and forced to create a neural implant that will mean the effective enslavement of her psychically gifted race, Ashaya Aleine is the perfect Psy–cool, calm, emotionless…at least on the surface. Inside, she’s fighting a desperate battle to save her son and escape the vicious cold of the PsyNet. Yet when escape comes, it leads not to safety, but to the lethal danger of a sniper’s embrace.

DarkRiver sniper Dorian Christensen lost his sister to a Psy killer. Though he lacks the changeling ability to shift into animal form, his leopard lives within. And that leopard’s rage at the brutal loss is a clawing darkness that hungers for vengeance. Falling for a Psy has never been on Dorian’s agenda. But charged with protecting Ashaya and her son, he discovers that passion has a way of changing the rules.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Dorian has been through so much in his life that he is teetering on the edge of a very dangerous cliff. One wrong move or one wrong emotion could send him over. The last thing that Dorian needs it to get tangled up with a Psy. Or that might be the very thing he does need.
Ashaya has been hiding secrets for years. But now that she has defected all her secrets are starting to come out. The only question is who can she trust with them?

Seriously Nalini must be a writing god. I love everything about this series and these books. And this book made me cry! So loved reading Dorian and Ashaya’s story. But I do have a few questions that I hope will get answered in future books.

Angela does an amazing job again in narrating this book. I love that you know each character’s voice no matter which book you are listening too.

If you have not started this series yet you really really need to. But you have to start with book 1.

Disclaimer:
I purchased the book from Audible.com and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

March 13, 2014March 8, 2014

Kelly reviews Mine To Possess by Nalini Singh

TITLE: Mine to Possess
SERIES #: Psy-Changeling #4
CHARACTERS: Clay Bennett & Talin McKade
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Angela Dawe
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb 5, 2008
AUDIO RELEASE DATE: July 11, 2011
RUN TIME: 11 hours 59 minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Clay Bennett is a powerful DarkRiver sentinel, but he grew up in the slums with his human mother, never knowing his changeling father. As a young boy without the bonds of Pack, he tried to stifle his animal nature. He failed… and committed the most extreme act of violence, killing a man and losing his best friend, Talin, in the bloody aftermath. Everything good in him died the day he was told that she, too, was dead.

Talin McKade barely survived a childhood drenched in bloodshed and terror. Now a new nightmare is stalking her life – the street children she works to protect are disappearing and turning up dead. Determined to keep them safe, she unlocks the darkest secret in her heart and returns to ask the help of the strongest man she knows….

Clay lost Talin once. He will not let her go again, his hunger to possess her, a clawing need born of the leopard within. As they race to save the innocent, Clay and Talin must face the violent truths of their past… or lose everything that ever mattered.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Clay Bennett has been chasing a ghost for years. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think that that ghost would seek him out. But that is what just happened. The most important person to him in his life and someone who was suppose to be dead just stepped back into his life. But along with turning Clay’s world upside down with the fact that she is a live, Talin brings with her many secrets. Secrets that Clay may not be able to overlook.

Talin McKade is in dire need of help and there is only one person in the world that can help her. But Will Caly help her after he learns what she did, who she has becomes and the fact that there can be no future?

Dang this girl can tell a story!!!! Can Nalini write a bad story? I think not!! Clay and Talin have such a tortured past. It broke my heart so many time while listening to this story. It was great to watch both of them grow and learn to trust and love.

My only complaint about this story was that I was not wild about the voice that Angela picked for Clay. But in reality it most likely was the perfect voice for Clay. He all dark, dangerous and very animal.

Serisoulsy in love with Nalini and the Psy-Changeling series!!

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