TITLE: Vampire Fight Club
SERIES #: Demonica #6.5
CHARACTERS: Vladlena & Nathan
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Previously published in Supernatural
New York Times bestselling author Larissa Ione tempts you into the darkly irresistible world of Demonica, populated by angels and demons, shifters and humans, all with a thirst that must be quenched . . .
When a wave of violence that hits too close to home forces shapeshifter and underworld nurse Vladlena Paskelkov to go undercover, her first stop is a haven of vice—with a dangerously sexy vamp in charge . . .
Legendary, jaded, Nathan Sabine is the manager of Thirst, a wildly popular vampire club—and secret underground blood arena. But Nathan, a rare daywalker, possesses other, even more explosive secrets, as does his beautiful new medic, Vladlena. The one thing they can’t conceal is the lust that simmers between them . . .
Now, in an underworld divided by revelry and violence, debauchery and vengeance, Nate and Lena will discover which risks are worth taking—and which desires demand surrender . . .
REVIEW:
I picked this up because the moment I see Larissa Ione’s name I request the story. But this is one of those times that I had already read the story when it was part of the anthology. This story is about Lena. And her desire to find her brother’s killer.
This is a short story and is a quick read. The characters are interesting and the story is written with Ione’s exquisite form.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Archangel’s Viper
SERIES #: Guild Hunter#10
CHARACTERS: Viper & Holly
AUTHOR: Nalini Singh
NARRATOR: Justine Eyre
RUN TIME: Hours & Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: September 26, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Enter New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s breathtakingly passionate Guild Hunter world with the story of a woman who isn’t a vampire or an angel…or human…
Once a broken girl known as Sorrow, Holly Chang now prowls the shadowy gray underground of the city for the angels. But it’s not her winged allies who make her a wanted woman—it’s the unknown power coursing through her veins. Brutalized by an insane archangel, she was left with the bloodlust of a vampire, the ability to mesmerize her prey, and a poisonous bite.
Now, someone has put a bounty on her head…
Venom is one of the Seven, Archangel Raphael’s private guard, and he’s as infuriating as he is seductive. A centuries-old vampire, his fangs dispense a poison deadlier than Holly’s. But even if Venom can protect Holly from those hunting her, he might not be able to save himself—because the strange, violent power inside Holly is awakening…
No one is safe.
REVIEW:
Holly and Venom’s story is one of heartbreak and healing! I loved every minute of it. It was great to get to know Venom better and learn more about his history. It was heartbreaking to learn more about all the Holly had to survive from her attack. But these two together were great!! The banter between Holly & Venom had me cracking up. While Archangel’s Viper really focused on Holly’s journey to health. Her journey would not have gone smoothly without a certain viper by her side.
As always I let the amazingly talented Justine Eyre read this story to me. Ms. Eyre so talented with her ability to have so many voices she can lend to this series. I love being able to listen to an audiobook and just know who is talking even without the author telling me. I always look forward to listening to Ms. Eyre.
You know what the worst thing about a Nalini Singh book is? The end!! Where there are no more pages in my book for me to read!! **insert wailing sob** The end of every book breaks my heart because my current journey in this world is over, but then excitement bubbles up because I know that the next book is on the horizon! I can not wait to see who is next in the Guild Hunter Series (fingers crossed for Illium &/or Aodhan)
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from Tantor Media, Netgalley & in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Hunger
SERIES #: The Energy Vampires #2
CHARACTERS: Felica & Halo
AUTHOR: Jacquelyn Frank
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/08/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Two strangers—one warm and human, the other deadly and craving—become pawns in an all-out vampire war as this series from the New York Times bestselling author of the Nightwalkers saga heats up.
As an energy vampire, Halo enjoys the chase for human blood—if it’s pure and consensual. But Halo goes from hunter to hunted when he is knocked unconscious and taken hostage by vicious sycophants. As he comes to, he realizes that he’s naked, starving, and trapped in a sealed room. With him is a deliciously human female, tempting him to feed—except her blood is heady with the scent of poisonous drugs. Never has nourishment been so near, yet so far . . . and it’s all part of the sycophants’ sick game.
The last thing Felice Mendoza remembers is everything going black. She awakens stripped, drugged, exposed, and alone—with a vampire. Halo is at once savage and tender, terrifying and alluring. Felice senses that her only chance to escape depends upon his survival. Given the choice between Halo and his enemies, Felice surrenders to his ravenous hunger. It’s a calculated risk—and a delirious pleasure. As Felice is ushered into a world as dangerous as it is desirable, their fight for deliverance is only the beginning.
REVIEW:
To be honest I am just not sure of this series. It is so different than what we are used to reading about vampires. Don’t get me wrong. It is well written and interesting but the story always has me thinking “that isn’t what I’m used to” and it takes away from the story for me.
Again the story is good. The writing is good. The characters are good. Just not my kind of story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Talen
SERIES #: Dark Predators #7.9
CHARACTERS: Talen & Cara
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/06/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’ll love him forever . . . but he can’t make her obey . . .
The war is over. Danger has passed. Cara Kayrs is healed after decades of illness and ready for a break.
Too bad her brooding, alpha vampire husband can’t seem to change gears. In their twenty-five years together Talen Kayrs has learned to sense every shiver of her body, to ignite her desire with a word or a look. She would think he could learn she’s not some fragile damsel in distress.
But Talen is on edge, watching their backs, treating her like she’s made of glass. Like there’s something following them, a deadly threat that somehow none of their intelligence has uncovered. It’s enough to drive a woman crazy, and Talen has plenty of those tendencies already.
But what’s even more maddening is that he seems to be right . . .
Librarian Note: This novella is also included in ‘Wicked Burn (Realm Enforcers, #3)’
REVIEW:
I was SOOOOOO excited to read this book. I mean seriously if you have been a fan of the series you want to read about Talen. But then I thought “Didn’t I read Talen’s story already?” And Yep! I have in Wicked Burn.
So that being said I kept reading. Yes I had already read this novella but did that stop me from reading about Talen again? Not on your life!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.erly
TITLE: Dating The Undead
SERIES #: V-Date.com #1
CHARACTERS: Silver & Logan
AUTHOR: Juliet Lyons
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/02/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s Bridget Jones with vampires in this fresh and funny paranormal romance from debut author Juliet Lyons
When Silver Harris kisses sexy Irish vampire Logan Byrne on New Year’s Eve, she knows other humans just won’t suffice. Convinced she’ll never see him again, she joins the uber-popular vampire dating site, V-Date.com.
What Silver doesn’t know is that the site is more dangerous than she could ever imagined, and soon she’s in over her head. When Logan returns, sparks fly and attraction sizzles, but they’ll have to escape some very real demons if they have any chance of lasting forever.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I read the synopsis of this book and was really excited about all the differences this book would have from other vampire stories but I have to say I was wrong. Not that this book is bad. It isn’t. It’s actually good but the parts I thought I would enjoy like people knowing vampires exist, vampires needing a dating site, etc just seemed to take away from the enthralling vampires I am used to.
The characters are well written and I enjoyed them I am just not sure that I thought the story flowed. And maybe I missed it but I am not sure why all of a sudden they are in a world where vampires are known about and the world doesn’t care. Well they care and want more information but it just doesn’t seem to be a big deal.
Maybe the others in the series will address this but I am not sure if I will be picking them up.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: A Fire In The Blood
SERIES #: Series Name (if series)
CHARACTERS: Tessa & Andrei
AUTHOR: Amanda Ashley
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/25/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
I see a man. He is old. Very old. He will come into your life in a moment of danger. He will watch over you and protect you. The gypsy’s hand gripped Tessa’s tighter. He will bring you death, she whispered, her voice like the rustle of dry leaves. And life.
Ten years later, when Andrei Dinescu saves Tessa from a vicious attacker, she has no idea that the handsome stranger the gypsy fortune teller predicted is not a hunter but a seven-hundred-year-old vampire. Darkly powerful, unbelievably compelling, he is obviously pursuing Tessa, but is it her love he’s after or her blood?
REVIEW:
2.75 Hearts So this was a difficult story to read. First there are a number of “typical” vampire characteristics but there are a number that are not. But even that would have been ok if the story had been interesting. It took forever for me to even like Andrei and then I wouldn’t say he was great. Then Tessa is just an odd character. She is so accepting of things and then questions the littlest things. It didn’t make sense.
The background characters are irritating if you ask me. Jilly is a know it all and it gets to be too much. Bailey is great. I might have enjoyed the story of Bailey and Tristan more than this story.
I usually like Amanda Ashley’s stories but this one just didn’t do it for me.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Into The Fire
SERIES #: Night Prince#4
CHARACTERS: Vlad & Leila
AUTHOR: Jeaniene Frost
PUBLICATION DATE: February 28, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the explosive finale to New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost’s Night Prince series, Vlad is in danger of losing his bride to an enemy whose powers might prove greater than the Prince of Vampires….
In the wrong hands, love can be a deadly weapon.
For nearly six hundred years, Vlad Tepesh cared for nothing, so he had nothing to lose. His brutal reputation ensured that all but the most foolhardy stayed away. Now falling in love with Leila has put him at the mercy of his passions. And one adversary has found a devastating way to use Vlad’s new bride against him.
A powerful spell links Leila to the necromancer Mircea. If he suffers or dies, so does she. Magic is forbidden to vampires, so Vlad and Leila enlist an unlikely guide as they search for a way to break the spell. But an ancient enemy lies in wait, capable of turning Vlad and Leila’s closest friends against them…and finally tearing the lovers apart forever.
REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Let’s start by saying VLAD!!!! I could just stop right there with this review and everyone would be happy. Because, well VLAD!!! I mean come on who doesn’t love this guy? Well maybe not his enemies or anyone that pisses him off or looks at Leila wrong or well pretty much anyone outside of his tiny little bubble of important people. But still it is VLAD!!! So we will just look past all the rest of that.
I really enjoyed this last book in Vlad & Leila’s series (although I can always hold out hope that there will be more. Just like I have not given up on more Cat & Bones). In Into the Fire we get to see Vlad at his best and worst. We learn a WHOLE lot more about Leila and her abilities. We also get a few cameo’s of one of our favorite English bachelor vampires. 😀
While Ms. Frost said that this is the last book in Vlad & Leila’s series I felt that there are a lot of unanswered questions. I don’t want to say what those questions are for fear of giving away anything important. But I hope that this means that we have not seen the last of Dracula and his bride!
If you have read book 1-3 you will really enjoy this final book. If you have not started this series yet. You really need to read this series in order (at least the Vlad books, but I would suggest reading the whole Night Huntress Universe. I really can’t wait to see what is next in this world.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Thirst
SERIES #: The Energy Vampires #1
CHARACTERS: Rafe & Renee
AUTHOR: Jacquelyn Frank
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/17/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A hidden society of vampires—and the humans they love—are at the heart of this opening novel in a biting, all-original series from the New York Times bestselling author of the Nightwalkers saga.
Rafe DaSilva is an energy vampire, soaking up nourishment from the sun—and, only when necessary, drawing sweet sustenance from humans who are pure in body and spirit. As the right-hand man to his queen, Rafe is a key player at a historic peace summit in New York City, which will unite the vampire nations against a common threat: the sycophants, who feed on humanity and kill indiscriminately. But Rafe’s fascination with a beautiful blond police detective may put everything at risk.
Detective Renee Holden has never worked a homicide quite like this. The victim has twin puncture wounds on his neck, and the only eyewitness swears she saw a vampire. Now’s definitely not the time to get distracted by a seductive stranger. But the suave, darkly austere, exotically handsome Rafe DaSilva is a hard man to deny, and as Renee falls under his spell, she also falls prey to his enemies. Desperate to protect her, Rafe lifts the veil on a shadow realm she can only visit—a world of intoxicating power, terrifying dangers, and forbidden pleasures.
REVIEW:
Wow is this book hard to review. The story is interesting…. Sort of. The problem is that there is a lot of things about these vampires that we are not used to hearing. I mean don’t we all know that vampires can not be in the sun and yet this society gets their energy from the sun. What? And they don’t really feed off of blood but off human energy. What? I mean why make him a vampire then?
Then there is Renee. I liked how independent she was and how strong and willing to stand on her own two feet but sometimes her character just takes it a bit too far.
This isn’t a bad story. It just took me a realllllllly long time to read and just never seemed to get my full attention. I finished it though but I doubt I will move on with the series.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Blood Vow
SERIES #: Black Dagger Legacy #2
CHARACTERS: Rhage & Mary, Axe & Elise
AUTHOR: J.R. Ward
PUBLICATION DATE: December 6, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward returns as her thrilling, original spin-off series set in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood continues! When a brooding vampire warrior-in-training teams up with a quick-witted aristocrat to solve a deadly mystery, the only thing more dangerous than their mission is their undeniable attraction.
Trainees at the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training center continue to prepare for the war against the Lessening Society, but fighting is the last thing on Axe’s mind. Still plagued with the guilt of his father’s death, the brooding loner finds himself battling an unlikely attraction to Peyton’s enticing, aristocratic cousin, Elise. Elise feels it, too – especially when the two are thrown together in unusual circumstances, and she must decide whether she can trust Axe as she uncovers the mystery surrounding her sister’s death.
Meanwhile, Mary and Rhage are fostering Bitty, a young pretrans orphan, and hope to adopt her… until the appearance of a young male claiming to be Bitty’s blooded uncle threatens to tear the new family apart
REVIEW:
Let me start by tell you that if you have not read THE BEAST yet, you may want to hold off reading BLOOD VOW until after. There are some spoilery stuff that might ruin your journey with Rhage and Mary in THE BEAST.
But back to BLOOD VOW. I really enjoyed this story. I also am liking that Ms. Ward is getting back to basics in the BDB world. We meet Axe in book one (BLOOD KISS) but we didn’t know much about him. Axe has an extremely dark and self destructive side. It was really good to learn more about his backstory and understand him more. Even though he is pretty rough around the edges he needs love just like everyone else. But he doesn’t believe that he is worthy of anyone’s love.
Elsie is great. She knows what she wants out of life and willing to go to any lengths to get it. When she runs into roadblocks she finds a way around them. And she is perfect for a stubborn man like Axe. But while she might be able to teach him about the softer side of life. She is about to learn that trust is more important and that she can be just as judgmental as the rest of the Glymera.
And of course we get a lot of Rhage and Mary in this book. It was good to see them and how they are doing. And Lassiter!!! Seriously! This guy better get an epic book! I loved seeing him in a different light and the ending do dear lord I laughed my butt off!!!
If you are a fan of the BDB world this is a solid addition to the series! I am very much looking forward to the next book in the Black Dagger Legacy Series.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Ballantine Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Bound by Night
SERIES #: MoonBound Clan Vampires #1
CHARACTERS: Riker & Nicole Martin
AUTHOR: Larissa Ione
PUBLICATION DATE: Sept. 24, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The first installment in a sexy new paranormal romance series by Larissa Ione, author of the bestselling Demonica series!
A WOMAN OUT FOR BLOOD
Nicole Martin was only eight years old when the vampire slaves rose up in rebellion and killed her family. Now she devotes her life to finding a vaccine against vampirism, hoping to wipe out her memories—along with every bloodsucker on the planet. But there’s one thing she cannot destroy: her searing, undeniable attraction for the one man she should hate and fear the most . . .
A VAMPIRE OUT FOR REVENGE
A member of the renegade vampire MoonBound Clan, Riker is haunted by demons of his own. When he recognizes Nicole and remembers how her family enslaved his loved ones, his heart burns for vengeance. But when he kidnaps Nicole and holds her in a secret lair, his mortal enemy becomes his soul obsession, his greatest temptation, and, perhaps, his only salvation—a hot-blooded lover who could heal him with her touch . . . or bury him forever
KELLY’S REVIEW:
4 Stars Riker & Nicole are from two very different worlds. But one event 20 years ago will forever link them together. But this very same even could be too damaging for them to get over, because Riker & Nicole are going to have to learn to trust each other in order to survive the upcoming battle they are about to face.
Great new series from Larissa. So far I have loved all of Larissa’s books. I can now add Bound by Night to this list.
Bound by Night puts a new twist on the world of vampires. Not only do we have born vampires, but made vampires, demons and all with a native american history twist. I thought this was a great idea. I loved how Larissa incorporated the native american legends.
I will say that this book was not as hot and steamy as Larissa Demonica or Horseman series. I can’t wait to see what Larissa has in store for us next in this series.
KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars I devoured this book. This is the first in a new series by Larissa Ione. I love her Demonica series so I couldn’t wait to read this one and I was not disappointed. The characters of Nicole and Riker are mesmerizing. They have such an interesting relationship with so many ups and downs. There was so much emotion between them that you just want to never stop reading.
There are some interesting things though about this series. One it seems to be almost set in the future even though that is never really said. Everyone in this book knows of the existence of vampires and they have become the slaves of the future (I guess). Two Ione took a lot of liberties with what the vampire can do and can’t do which made the book interesting if not a little different.
I think if you have read a Ione story before you will not be disappointed in this story. The writing is different from her normal works and yet it is so Ione that you will consume it like I did. If you have not read her works before I do think you will love this book (if you like the vampire romance genre) but do not miss her Demonica/Horsemen series. Ione never disappoints!
JENNIFER’S REVIEW:
4 Stars I love Larissa’s books but the first thing that attracted me to Bound by Night was its cover. The cover model is the very handsome Colby Lefebrve and so that’s the image that I had of Riker in my head throughout the entire book. Nicole Martin had suffered a horrible childhood trauma at the hands of vampires which left most of her family dead. Still feeling the effects of that attack twenty years later, Nicole is on a mission to study vampires and use that knowledge to develop a vaccine against them. The thing I loved about Nicole was her determination and inner strength in this book. She lost so much at the hands of vampires but was willing to do anything to help find a cure for her illness. Even when Riker kidnapped her to help negotiate the release of another vampire, she overcame her fears to help him when she learned the true nature of her family’s company.
Riker was haunted by his own demons and spent twenty years blaming Nicole’s family for the loss of his mate. Being with Nicole was his opportunity to exact revenge on the very people that he hated but he learned that Nicole was a victim in all this as well. I liked their chemistry together and I liked how Nicole seemed to be the perfect person that Riker needed to help heal his anger.
I really enjoyed Bound By Night and I liked how Larissa created such a fascinating paranormal world. This book was an action-packed thrill ride and I can’t wait to read the next book and learn more about some of the secondary characters who appeared in Bound By Night.
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.
TITLE: Where the Wild Things Bite
SERIES #: Half Moon Hollow #5
CHARACTERS: Anna Winthrop & Finn Palmeroy
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: 7 Hours & 14 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: July 26, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Delivering a rare book to a valued customer is definitely part of mild-mannered archivist Anna Winthrop’s job description. You know what isn’t? Protecting her precious cargo from mid-flight theft by the very pilot who is flying her to Half-Moon Hollow…while trying to appear as unappetizing as possible to the only other passenger, a vampire. Undead bookstore owner Jane Jameson could be waiting a very long time for her book. Possibly forever.
Fortunately, Anna’s dashing fanged companion Finn Palmeroy helps her fend off the attack, but not before their plane crash lands in the forest hundreds of miles from civilization. Great, now she’s stranded with a priceless tome and a rakish vampire whose bedtime is fast approaching. Why does everyone want this book so badly, anyway? Anna just wants to get it to Jane before Finn decides to turn her into dinner-or sweep her off her feet. Okay, the second option is really tempting. But they’re not out of the woods yet.
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts As always I am blown away by Ms. Harper’s ability to write a story that makes me fall in love with her writing, her characters and the world she has created all over again.
Where The Wild Things Bite we get to meet up Finn Palmeroy again. If you may have recalled in The Single Undead Moms Club I wanted badly to stab Finn with a fork. I disliked him greatly. But in WTWTB Finn redeems himself….. Kinda. I mean I guess he does. Or does he? Anna is great. I love her knowledge of so many random facts about surviving in the wilderness. She is one tough cookie and she puts up with Finn. I hope that we will see more of Anna & Finn in future stories. I can’t wait to see what/who is next in Half-Moon Hollow.
As always I let the amazingly talented Amanda Ronconi read this story to me. I absolutely love Amanda ability to bringing Molly’s characters to life for me. And it is always fun when you are in the car and you are laughing so hard that the people next to you look at you like your are crazy. I look forward to our next audio meeting Ms. Ronconi!!!
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased an audio copy of this book from Audible.com. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Big Vamp on Campus
SERIES #: Half-Moon Hollow #5.5
CHARACTERS: Jamie & Ophelia
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: 2 Hours & 36 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: June 6, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N | Audible
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
You’ve asked for years when Ophelia and Jamie would get their own story and now it’s here! How will Ophelia adjust to living in a dorm room now that she has been banished from the Council and forced to matriculate at college with Jamie? Communal showers! Horrible, pretentious roommates! Humans who try to be FRIENDS! The horror!
REVIEW:
YAY!!!!!! Finally we get to see what makes Ophelia tick. And let me tell you it is very scary and involves duct tape.
I don’t want to give you too much. But this short Half-Moon Hollow story follows the on and only Ophelia and Jamie to college. There is a lot of growing up, human interaction, parties, tears and yes duct tape.
It just amazes me that everytime I pick up one of Molly’s books I fall more in love with her writing, the worlds she creates and her characters. I am always left wanting more. MORE, I tell you!!!
And of course I had to have the uber talented Amanda Ronconi read this book to me (just as she has all the other books). I love that Amanda has lent her amazing talent to Molly’s books. Again, Amanda did an amazing job narrating.
I so can’t wait for the next installment in this series.
Disclaimer:
I purchased this book from Audible.com and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.