Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts

Monday, September 10, 2018

Review: The Last Wolf

The Last Wolf by Maria Vale
The Legend of all Wolves Book 1
Published February 6, 2018 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Reviewed by Jennifer
4 Howls

Synopsis:

For three days out of thirty, when the moon is full and her law is iron, the Great North Pack must be wild. 

If she returns to her Pack, the stranger will die. 
But if she stays…

Silver Nilsdottir is at the bottom of her Pack’s social order, with little chance for a decent mate and a better life. Until the day a stranger stumbles into their territory, wounded and beaten, and Silver decides to risk everything on Tiberius Leveraux. But Tiberius isn’t all he seems, and in the fragile balance of the Pack and wild, he may tip the destiny of all wolves…


The Last Wolf (The Legend of All Wolves, #1)The Last Wolf by Maria Vale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a good book, well written, great world building and well developed characters. You get an understanding of the hierarchy of these wolves and what it means to be a lone wolf.

How will this end for our Last Wolf?
Read it to see!

(I received for free from the publisher in hopes I would review honestly. )

Reviewed by Jennifer of the GothicMoms Review Team

View all my reviews

Sunday, September 9, 2018

Review: Seventh Born

Seventh Born by Monica Sanz
The Witchling Academy Book 1
Published September 4, 2017 by Entangled: Teen
Reviewed by Jennifer L
4 Celestial Stars

Synopsis:

Abomination. Curse. Murderer. All names hurled at eighteen-year-old Seraphina Dovetail. As the seventh-born daughter to a witch, she's the cause of her mother losing her powers and, in turn, her life.

Abandoned as a child, Sera dreams of becoming an inspector and finding her family. To do that, she must be referred into the Advanced Studies Program at the Aetherium's Witchling Academy. Her birth order, quick temper, and tendency to set things on fire, however, have left her an outcast with failing marks…and just what Professor Nikolai Barrington is looking for.

The tall, brooding, yet exceedingly handsome young professor makes her a proposition: become his assistant and he'll give her the referral she needs. Sera is quickly thrust into a world where witches are being kidnapped, bodies are raised from the dead, and someone is burning seventhborns alive. As Sera and Barrington grow ever closer, she'll discover that some secrets are best left buried…and fire isn't the only thing that makes a witch burn.


Seventh Born (The Witchling Academy #1)Seventh Born by Monica Sanz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

To be honest I found this to be a slow read. The story was good, the characters were great, the world building exquisite but it took too long.

I like the story premise and you really feel for Seraphina. She has 1 friend, a well-off suitor and a quirky but brilliant young teacher how has taken an interest in her at least secretly.
All she wants to do is what almost no one in her station has done ... become an inspector.

Give it a try ... maybe the pacing was only an issue for me.

Reviewed by Jennifer of the GothicMoms Review Team

View all my reviews

Monday, August 7, 2017

Review: The Vessel Trilogy

Purchase information, Excerpts, and more on this series can be found in the Spotlight below.

Book One: 3 Shimmering Stars
Who doesn't love a chick who can fight and a hot protector and if that doesn't sound great throw in an ancient prophecy between good and evil? That's a good start for a series and for an urban fantasy reader like me that is Nirvana. However, I would like to see a new twist on this trope. This series did not do that. The author even starts the story in a dance club, just like a lot of books. The author has a great idea for this book and the rest of the trilogy, but I just felt like the story lacked depth. Everything seemed to flow without too many hitches and the conflicts that did arise ended too fast. I would like to have seen a little more inner turmoil with Genevieve as she struggles with her new powers and destiny.  

I finished this book because I agreed to review it. The story and characters were ok and I liked it enough to read the next story. The author created enough groundwork for the rest of this trilogy that I am curious enough to see what happens next.

Book Two: 3 Shimmering Stars
I'm glad I continued reading this series because book two was better than book one and I would rate it a 3.5 if I could. In this book, the characters seem to have a little more depth and the plot is driven by the characters and not the need to just tell the story. It is easier to see the inner conflict that I did not see in book one, but the author still relies more on cliches instead of creating a new story. The prophecy still drives Genevieve to develop her powers as a vessel and Jude continues to protect her and oversee her development. The ultimate battle is coming soon and sides will be chosen by all. I do like the connections the author makes to mythology and literature through the names of her characters and settings. 

This one was easier to read than the first one and I think the author did an even better job with the cliffhanger at the end.   

Book Three: 4 Mystical Stars (one minor spoiler)
The biggest issue I have had with this series is the lack of character depth. I think because so much of the focus is on Genevieve in this book, it is easier to really see who she is and how she has developed throughout this series. This is my favorite of the three books. I also think because Gen and Jude were not so focused on sex they had the chance to develop a deeper relationship we saw a stronger connection between them. 

The biggest issue I've had with this series is the lack of elaboration is some of the scenes. Things just always seem to go in Gen's favor without much effort. The final battle is a good example. It just seemed to happen and yes, Gen was attacked but there wasn't much of a fight to win and I think the twist at the end would have been better if the author alluded to it before just throwing it out there. 

Monday, July 31, 2017

Review: Where I End

Where I End by Michelle Dare
Published June 9, 2017
Reviewed by Crystal Blood
5 Ugly Cries




Synopsis:

Where I End is a standalone new adult romance.

Eve
Pretentious. Arrogant. Condescending. Cruel.
All words I'd used to label him. Exactly what I’d always believed he was. All that changed one spring morning when I realized I didn't know the man behind the facade at all.

Angry. Desperate. Broken. Mine.
All words I'd use to define him after I interfered. Once our eyes locked, I was all in. There was no turning back. He tried to push me away, but I refused to let him go. I was determined to save him. What I didn't expect was that he would save me, too.

Cy
I was so close to ending my misery. Mere seconds away. Then she stumbled upon our argument, and I changed my plans. She wasn't supposed to be there. She knew too much. Even with my entire world burning down around me, she wouldn't walk away.

I’ve always been on my own. No one had ever fought for me before. Why should anyone start now? But she did, no matter how much I tried to stop her. I knew I was nothing, unworthy of her, but she was persistent. Once she got under my skin, I couldn't let her go, because where I end, she begins.
 (Goodreads)


Review:

First off before I go any further I want to give you the same trigger warnings the author provided me. This is not an easy read, it's emotional and raw as it deals with depression, suicide, rape, physical and mental abuse. If you are looking for comedy or a lighthearted read Where I End is definitely neither of those two things. If you are looking for a read that will tear you apart, break you down, and reduce you to ugly crying then welcome to my review of Where I End

During high school, Eve was endlessly bullied and ridiculed by Cy and his group of friends. Once high school is out Eve ends up working for Cy's mother as her assistant. Even with Eve at Cy's nearly every day, there is so much going on behind the scenes and in the past that she has no idea about. Until one fateful day forgetting all the pain Cy caused her in school she acts and saves Cy's life. Immediately quitting her job, Eve makes the decision to take Cy to safety and doesn't look back. Once the reality of the situation sets in Eve realizes she is dealing with something she isn't sure how to help with but with Cy so broken and alone she knows she will be by his side no matter the cost. 

With years of pain and abuse in his past Cy thinks the only way to make his pain stop will be his death, what he doesn't count on is Eve taking his hand and saving him. Cy has never been sure how to handle his pain so for years he took all the pain he was living out on Eve and made her life in school a living hell. When he wants to die, he doesn't understand how she could ever forgive him for what he's done. Betrayed by everyone that was ever supposed to love and protect him, Cy doesn't think he will ever get better but Eve is stubborn and refuses to let him give up again. Even after suffering every horror imaginable will Cy find a way to come back to Eve, the only woman he's ever loved? 

When dealing with such a hard and painful subject it's hard to say you "love" a book like this but I did love Cy and Eve's journey to find their way back to each other and I will explain why I did love it. Where I End does show after your entire world has crashed down around you there's still some hope that it will get better, that even when you are convinced there's nothing more to live for one moment can change your life and help you find your way to recovery, how even when you feel completely unlovable one person can be a ray of sunshine until you can find your way out of the darkness. I'm happy to give Where I End five stars because even with all the pain Cy suffered the message of hope shines through beautifully. Also personally, I commend Michelle Dare for having the courage to take on such a difficult topic.

Monday, August 31, 2015

On the Hunt Review

On The Hunt by Alexandra Ivy, Rebecca Zanetti, Dianne Duvall and Hannah Jayne (ARC Review)
The Sentinels 2.5, Immortal Guardians 5.5, Underworld Detection Agency 6.5
Published August 25, 2015 by Zebra
5 BLOODY FANGS!!

"It's not easy packing a full story in a few short words, these authors have mastered that art."

Synopsis -

Four of today’s most intriguing paranormal authors entice readers deep into the shadows, where vampires, immortals, and other supernatural creatures heat up the night...

ON THE HUNT by Alexandra Ivy
Mika Tanner has loved Bailey Morrell, a beautiful Healer, since childhood. But his duty as a Sentinel, a supernatural guardian of an ancient race, clashed with her rebellious spirit. Now a dangerous new anarchist group not only threatens life as they know it—but any chance of their being together again...

SCORPIUS RISING by Rebecca Zanetti
While searching for a meteorite, Nora Mendina is arrested by her sheriff ex-husband—who's only gotten hotter than the Nevada desert since she last saw him. When the meteorite breaks open, the few survivors gain extraordinary powers, unleashing a crazed super genius killer. Can Nora and her ex stop the murders…while igniting a new love affair?

PHANTOM EMBRACE by Dianne Duvall
Immortal Yuri Sokolov was born with the ability to see spirits, yet he's never seen one as lovely as Cat Seddon, the woman who haunts his home and his dreams. But amid their star-crossed love, a new danger may have Yuri facing a different kind of eternity.

STAKE OUT by Hannah Jayne
Vampire fashion designer Nina LaShay has a lot on her plate—just two days until fashion week and the model who was flirting with her photographer boyfriend is now a corpse in her studio. But when dead turns into undead and dangerous, Nina must find out who’s responsible…before the beautiful baby vamp takes too many bites out of the Big Apple. (Goodreads)


Review -

This anthology begins with Alexandra Ivy's On The Hunt with a Sentinel in search of a lost acolyte, and also for the Healer he let slip away. Unlike most authors who attempt to put a full blown love story into a short, their's is one that had already developed and blossomed throughout the years, until she left him practically at the altar. But don't look for simple romance here, there is also action, drama and not one dull moment. And a revelation at the end that will leaves fans bucking their eyeballs out of their heads. For readers new to this series, you'll be craving for the rest. For fans of this series, you won't want to miss out on this one. 

Rebecca Zanetti takes us away from the Realm and into the human world where Kryptonite effects more than just Superman. A meteorite has touched down on earth and its more than just an innocent rock. And those who survive the infection are the most dangerous to society at large. While scientist Nora Mendina struggles to find an antibiotic that will kill it, she also must come to terms with how she still feels about her ex-husband. There might not be any fangs in this one, but enough excitement, action and heat that paranormal fans will still be very happy with this read.

Kinda had mixed feelings about Phantom Embrace. I loved it all in all, as I truly love the series as a whole. But, the ending, to me, was sort of a double-edged sword whose arc I saw slicing from the beginning. Though it was indeed a beautiful love story that would do any Greek scribe proud. Fans will learn more of Yuri's background and really see into the heart of him, and love him all the more. As he begins to fall in love with an unexpected character, they Guardians face one of their biggest threats. Vampires who are not only trained in combat, but have an even deadly tranquilizer than before. The question is will they be able to find and eliminate this threat before its too late?

Someone really needs to tell Nina LaShay to just give up on the runway, especially during fashion week. In Hannah Jane's Stake Out Nina is attempting to prepare her models for the catwalk, and yet again has a rival with other plans for her. At least this time around she isn't being accused of murder. Its' worst, the model she just fired has been turned, and its up to her to find and stop her before the Big City has a much smaller population. You don't have to be a fan of the series', or even have read it, to enjoy this laugh out loud paranormal comic relief. 

On the Hunt is perfect for all paranormal lovers. There is something for everyone within these stories, and perfect samples of a few fantastic series'.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Review: Wicked Ride

Wicked Ride by Rebecca Zanetti (ARC Review)
The Realm Enforcers Book 1
Published June 23, 2015 by Lyrical Press
5 Blazing Spheres of Fire!

"Rebecca Zanetti has done it again! Another set of brothers that will leave readers drooling and burning for more."

Synopsis -

If you love the Dark Protectors, these wicked hot Realm Enforcers are for you!

Alexandra Monzelle is a hard-fighting, heat-packing Seattle vice cop, and she’s not much interested in being protected. Her short skirt and sex-kitten heels are tools to lure her suspects into talking about the deadly new drug hitting the streets. She can take care of herself and then some. Unfortunately, she can’t seem to get that through to Kellach Dunne.

Kellach is a fresh import from Dublin, and he’s landed at the heart of a vicious motorcycle club that deals in guns, narcotics, and mayhem. He’s all male, all rough power—and all interference in her damn investigation. Maybe he’s one of the good guys. Maybe not. Lex knows an affair with an immortal like him would risk everything. No matter how delicious he looks… (Goodreads)

Review -

When coming off from a fangatasically sensational series most authors get either tons of hate mail for the way it was ended, or for ending it period, or they get even more letters and emails asking for more. Some push out one last book or novella to appease their fans. Others like Zanetti  create a spin-off series. Avid readers know that often times that truly doesn't work out too well, as there is usually either too much or not enough of the characters from the original series involved within the new story-line. On very rare occasions readers are lucky enough to come across an author with the ability to pull off the perfect combination; Jeannine Frost, Rachel Mead, J. R. Ward and now Rebecca Zanetti.

 Phenakite/Planekite/PK, or as I call it Substance P, the mineral that is deadly to witches, has made its way to the states in the form of a drug named Apollo. A drug that will make as regular overdose look like an act of mercy. A drug that the Realm cannot allow to be left on the streets or let it make its way back across the border. Who better to send to eliminate this problem but the Realm Enforcers; Kellach, Adam and Daire Dunne, with a couple of tagalongs that fans of the Dark Protectors will be more than happy to see.

Alexandra Monzelle of the Seattle Police Department is in for a rude awakening when a routine bust becomes anything but when flames start coming off of her perp, and strange, drop dead gorgeous man with an Irish brogue walks into the alley, and into her life. The daughter of a notorious drug dealer, Alex has made it her life's purpose to get drugs and dealers off of the streets. When a drug turns up in her home town that is so deadly as to incinerate its users very organs, she is more determined than ever. The problem is Alex can't seem to catch a break in the case and every lead she gets seems to keep pointing to Kellach Dunne,  mysterious man that is anything but. While her instincts and her walled up heart tell her he must be innocent, can she ignore all of the evidence leading her straight to her doorstep. Even though her hormones continue to lead her straight into his arms.

Kellach Dunne has been charged with not only clearing Seattle of a drug with the potential of becoming a weapon to be used against his kind, but to also keep an eye two of the Kings nephews'. While its a steady debate over which charge is the bigger threat to his own hide, his heart is being threatened by the local Garda. Which shouldn't be too big of a problem since she isn't an enhanced human and therefore couldn't possibly be a mate to him. Right? All he has to do is find the man/woman behind the drug, keep the humans from learning about his kind, learn the true purpose and targets of the drug, keep the hotheaded female garda safe and off of his trail, and keep two hotheads from getting themselves killed. No big deal for a big bad Realm Enforcer. Just a dramatically huge, entertaining dilemma.

Fans, new and old alike will fall in love with the Dunne brothers with this no-holds-barred first book in the series. This fast paced, action packed truly Wicked Ride is truly a must read for all Paranormal lovers of any gender.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Unlovable Review

Unlovable by Cynthia St Aubin
The Paranormal Case Files of Dr. Matilda Schmidt Book 1
Published February 11, 2014 by C. Olsen
5 Love Arrows

"Not many Novellas can pull off a full length story in so few words. This one does."

Synopsis - 

It isn’t every day a sexy demigod throws a pissed-off Cupid onto psychologist Matilda Schmidt’s couch and informs her the fate of the world depends on her ability to get him off his diapered ass and back to helping people fall in love. 

Just when Matilda convinces herself she’s not hallucinating, in walks a Vegas hit man with a big gun and a bigger threat: pay back the million dollars she owes a notorious casino mogul, or wind up as fish food in Lake Mead. 

Rocketing across country with a gun to her head, Matilda has a dysfunctional love-god in her laptop bag, a million dollar debt she has no knowledge of, and must convince the seductive hit man he’s snatched the wrong woman before he convinces her he might be the right man—for a night. 

Can Matilda stay alive long enough to keep love from becoming history? (Goodreads)

Review -

The first in a series of Novella's  revolving around the life of a psychologist whose clients aren't only less than normal, they're Paranormal. Though things didn't exactly start out that way. It wasn't until a Demigod came traipsing into her life toting an arrow slinging baby that Matilda's world got turned upside down, and made her wonder if she needed to see a psychologist herself.

This review will indeed be a short one, as I do not want to give anything away. But rest assured it is truly a good read. Full of humor, suspense, lust and a little bit of magic to seal the deal. Readers looking for blood, gore and guts, that will not be found here. Readers looking for some fun, unclean, magical humor to help cheer your mood, if only for a short while, this is a great short read that will definitely do just that. 

A psychologist who learned that learned to speak straight from a dictionary and desperately needs to get laid, and will counsel anyone within hearing distance. A love god who is sick of love. A hitman that may have even more brains than brawn. And a supporting cast that sweetens the deal. Unlovable is an unavoidable read just in time for V-Day.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Tamed Review

Tamed by Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors Book 6.5
Published May 15, 2014
4 Fangs

"Just enough of the Realm to tide fans over while awaiting the highly anticipated Book 7, Marked."



Synopsis -

Caleb Donovan was never meant to be a prophet. At heart he's a conqueror, his appetites far more carnal than spiritual. He's not inclined to repress his passions and surrender to fate. After all, that's what cost him Lily—three centuries ago. She married another, because it was ordained. Now that he's in the same benighted calling—and forced into proximity with her—all the old desires are roaring back to life. . .

After widowhood and centuries of celibacy, Lily is eager to explore the wild side of life, except now she's vulnerable to another forced relationship, with an enemy. But this time she's determined to choose her own path. And if hot, furious Caleb comes charging to the rescue, it might just change both their destinies. . .

Love is about to start conquering. . . (Goodreads)

Review - 

This novella is a short, bittersweet pill of darkness to keep fans going wile waiting for Janie's book to come out, filled with just enough action, violence, betrayal, romance and intrigue. Though not intended for newcomers to this series, it can be read as a stand-alone as it gives the reader just enough information on the Realm to keep from leaving newbies confused, and not too much for the tried and true can to skip a page.

Lily and Caleb's story is one widely know by all fans. The two have been in love with one another for centuries; one ignoring their feelings out of a sense of duty, the other out of respect for the former. And for the two to both be prophets, they sure are blind to their own destinies. It also leaves them blind to the enemy that is even closer than the man next door. It seems that all three prophets are having visions telling them to do the same as their predecessor once told them needed to be done. Which ended in his death and Caleb becoming a very reluctant prophet himself. As the Realm Rebel it is the last he had expected, and certainly never wanted. These visions are unlike any others any of the trio has ever had, not merely suggesting, but demanding, and threatening. Which brings up the question; are they truly visions, or are they being manipulated by someone other than Fate?

The time has come for the peace talks between the Kurjans, the Vampires and the Demons. Whether everyone remains alive to make to these talks remains to be seen.

Contains blood, violence and hot sex that is definitely not of the vanilla variety. Fans hankering for a Zanetti fix should hurry and get their hands on this read. While it will not hinder from keeping up with the story-line when Marked is finally released, fans will appreciate the plot in Tamed.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

So I Married A Werewolf Review

So I Married A Werewolf by Kristin Miller (ARC Review)
Published July 28, 2014 by Entangled Covet
3.5 Claws

"Great love story, just desperately lacking in action."

Synopsis -

Carter Griffin, enforcing officer for the Seattle Wolf Pack, has a problem. He's been offered the promotion of his dreams…if he can find a wife to prove he's over his playboy ways. But Carter's already walked the matrimonial road and bought the stinkin' T-shirt. Besides, a werewolf only gets one fated mate. Been there, done that.

All werewolf dog trainer Faith Hamilton wants to do is earn enough green stuff to put her younger brother through college. Okay, okay, so she also totally wants Carter, her sexy next-door neighbor, to look at her as more than a friend. It's too bad size 12 and plain isn't his type. At all.

The two friends strike a deal to help one another out. They must face a variety of challenges from a psycho ex-girlfriend to a Yorkie with a shoe fetish...and that pesky problem of only having one-fated mate in a lifetime. Will a relationship ruin their friendship…or spark a love neither anticipated?  (Goodreads)

Review -

Kristin Miller weaves together a perfect Contemporary Romance.  But that's just it, it is a Contemporary that just happens to have werewolves; werewolves that don't fight, not really anyway, aren't sex craved as most wolves are, they're basically just regular people who happen to get hairy every now and then.

Faith and Carter have been the best of friends from the moment she moved in next door.  So its only natural that when he needs a fake bride that she would be the perfect fit.  Its the perfect business arrangement; he gets the bride he needs, she gets her brothers' college tuition and they both get to keep their friendship in tact.  Since she has no real aspirations for him and he has already found and lost his Luminary, everything should go off without so much as a hitch.  Well, fate just may have other plans.

This novel is great for Contemporary fans who would like just a dose of the Paranormal world.  For fans of Werewolf books, maybe not so much; no fooling around with multiple partners, not much howling at the moon, and the claws really don't come out.  Pretty good read, just not my cup of blood, I mean tea.  I need action, violence and blood.  Though I will give this one credit, it is a beautiful love story.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Accidentally Married to...a Vampire? Review

Accidentally Married To....A Vampire? by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff (ARC Review)
Accidentally Yours Book 2
Re-Published March 5, 2013 by Forever
5 Bloody Fangs

"Dark humor, dark love and action packed with a good dose of violence, what more could a girl ask for?"

Synopsis -

“If you love her, set her free. If she comes back, she’s yours. If she doesn’t…Christ! Stubborn woman! Hunt her down, and bring her the hell back; she’s still yours according to vampire law.”
- Niccolo DiConti, General of the Vampire Queen’s Army.

THE DETERMINED VAMPIRE: Niccolo DiConti has faithfully served as leader of Her Majesty’s army for over a millennium, but he’d rather sunbathe in the Sahara than spend another grueling day under his demented queen’s command. However, no one has ever left her side and lived to tell. So when a powerful goddess prophesies he will meet his salvation—a human woman he must turn into a vampire with her consent—he eagerly rises to the challenge. After all, how hard could it be to seduce a human female into taking the immortal plunge? Harder than he thinks. Because his mate won’t be born for another three centuries, and when he wakes up in the goddess’ tomb, not only is his life a mess, but his destined female isn’t about to settle for a coldhearted vampire. Can he win her over before it’s too late? Not if his enemies have anything to do with it. 

AN UNWILLING BRIDE: On the night Helena Strauss meets the fierce, devastatingly handsome vampire who saves her life in the jungles of Mexico, she knows her world will be forever changed. Because an attraction this mind blowing only comes along once in a lifetime—or existence. And when he claims she is his one true mate, destined to be his for all eternity, it’s a fairytale come true. So what if her knight in shining armor is a vampire? Nobody’s perfect. But discovering the powerful, overbearing immortal doesn’t “do love”? Deal breaker. Helena will flee and set out to accomplish the impossible…sever the otherworldly bond between them. And it turns out, Helena is just the leverage Niccolo’s enemies need to break the mighty warrior and wipe out his people.  (Goodreads)

Review -

If Krestley Cole and Kerrelyn Sparks had a love child, her name would be Mimi Jean Pamfiloff.  When sitting down to read any book in the Accidentally Yours Series, be prepared to laugh, cry, cringe and lose a good nights sleep.  Accidentally Married to...a Vampire will take readers on an emotional roller coaster ride that all Paranormal lovers are sure to enjoy.

Cimil, a Goddess who would make Nucking Futs Nix proud, is still up to her old tricks when a vampire, Niccolo Diconti, comes seeking her help.  Instead of just giving him straight forward advice (I mean, really, where is the fun in that?) she gives him the advice he "needs".  And knowing that he will not survive the 300 years it will take for his salvation to even be born, she knocks him out, for 300 years.  While he's sleeping she gifts him with a lil surprise.  

Niccolo is more than sure he will have no trouble at all doing as Cimil has told him, after-all, as gorgeous as he is it can't be too hard to seduce his mate.  After living for thirteen centuries, surviving countless battles, leading the Vampire Army, earning the name of the Executioner, it seems winning over his Vampire Bride may be the hardest challenge he has ever faced.  Because when it comes to matters of the heart he is completely clueless, especially since he never realized how much trust played into the equation.  Trust is very hard to build when you have been forbade to reveal the secrets of your world.  It is even harder when the person you are trying desperately to avoid any and all questions from just happens to be a scientist.  His heated and passionate kisses can only hold her off of demanding answers for so long.

Helena is willing to except the fact that not only is Niccolo a vampire, seeing as she is a scientists whom studies things of the unnatural variety it isn't exactly that far stretched for her, and even the fact that he cannot reveal any secrets of his world until she has been transformed.  But, when he tells vampires are unable to love, she wants out, and she doesn't just sit around twiddling her thumbs but takes matters into her own hands and escapes her penthouse prison.  Which takes her on the adventure of a lifetime; running across a drop dead scrumptious looking Demilord with plans of his own, a bar full of leather-clad men with the same sexual preferences as her own, and face to face with the sadistic Vampire Queen that is the ultimate proof of how dangerous it can be for a vampires mate to be human.  

Unpredictability at its best, readers will be guessing as to what will happen from one page to the next and won't experience even one dull moment.  A true must read for Paranormal and PNR lovers everywhere.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Sunshine Review

Sunshine by Nikki Rae (ARC Review)
Published January 28, 2013 by Author
1 Crooked Fang

"Think Twilight without the sparkles, only worst."

Synopsis -

Sophie Jean is pretty good at acting normal. She can pretend she’s not allergic to the sun. She can hide what her ex-boyfriend did to her. She can cover up the scars she’s made for herself. Ignore anything. Forget anything.

Then Myles enters her life, and he has more than a few secrets of his own. Sophie discovers that when she's with him she is feeling too much. Remembering too much.

It’s one thing covering up her own dark past, but does she really need to worry about people finding out just how much Myles likes her? Or that despite how much she doesn’t want to repeat past mistakes, she kind of likes him back? Not to mention the fact that she now has to conceal that Myles drinks blood-that he says he’s about four hundred years old.

But Sophie can deal with this little glitch, no problem. Even if she’s putting the few people she loves at risk. Suddenly, those who were monsters before are just people, and the monsters? They’re real. Now being a normal human being is the least of her problems. Now she has to stay alive.  (Goodreads)

Review -

Truth be told, I had the hardest time finishing book 1, and I skimmed through quite a bit of it, let alone making it all the way to the end of the series'.  If it wasn't for the synopsis, one wouldn't even really know what the book was about until the middle, almost the even of the book.  Substance was pretty lacking, story-line left much to be desired, but worst of all was that there was so much potential for this to be a great series', unfortunately....

Book 1 starts off telling readers who Sophie (Sunshine) is.  A teenage girl who is deathly allergic to sunlight, but not for the reason that most readers would be thinking, it being a vampire book and all.  Even after reading the entire book, readers will be no closer to learning where exactly her allergy is from.  Sophie besides having to deal with blisters as opposed to Acne, she also must deal with a mother who wants her to be someone she's not, an ex-boyfriend who committed the unspeakable and no-one who truly understands what she's going through.  So upon meeting Myles and him telling her he too had a sun allergy when younger, only he grew out of it, it seemed as though finally there was someone who truly did understand.  Little did she know at the time that his allergy was far from genetic.  

It seems that all is only the beginning of her troubles, enters Michael.  Michael is one of the oldest vampires, and he also the craziest, and most deadly, his blood is poisonous to humans and vampires alike.  And when it comes to Sophie he is dead set on killing her, which shouldn't be so hard since she's only human.  And, lucky for Sophie, it probably wouldn't have been if wasn't so into his games.

As I previously stated, this book had extreme epic potential, but I found it sorely lacking.  Events were too drawn out, the words didn't exactly flow they more choppy than anything.  Readers will find themselves wanting to reach into the pages and wanting to just kill this chick themselves and put everyone out of their misery.   This book is definitely a Young Adult, Adult Paranormal fans who also enjoy YA, especially ones that are truly vampire lovers, will not enjoy this series though they probably wouldn't even make past book 1.  Though if you are like me and just have to finish a series once you've started it, either do the whole thing in one fell swoop, or not at all.  

As you read each book, readers will be able to see the growth in Nikki Rae's writing skills.  That it itself made me grateful that I did finish.  As the series progresses, so does she.  So here's to looking forward to her next series. 

On to Book 2...



Sunday, July 6, 2014

The Revelation Review


The Revelation by Jennifer Raygoza
The Guardians Book 2
Published October 24, 2013
5 BLOODY FANGS!

"What's more dangerous than standing between a Mother and her child?  Standing between  a Vampire Mother and her child."

Synopsis -

It's been three years since I have turned, and I am not sure who I am anymore. I don't even know if I want to be what I have become. Is love enough to keep me alive inside even if I am dead? How can I find peace within myself when everything around me screams war and death? How will things end when one man holds my eternal love and another wants me dead? There is no end as far as I can see. It’s just the beginning because I can feel the darkness approaching. It wants me. It calls for me by name. I will keep on fighting until it arrives. The problem is, if I don’t learn to shut off my emotions I may just become my own worst enemy. Is it all too much, or not enough? These are the things a vampire queen, new mother and woman fighting with her past human morals must ask herself. I have one more important question to answer that could change everything. IS THIS REALLY WHAT I WANT?

The red jeweled necklace the coven called The Eye of the Queen sat right at my cleavage. I ran one finger over my pale skin and red lips as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. Queen was my title, but I knew different. I was just a beautiful killer.  (Goodreads)

Review -

The Revelation is a truly apt name indeed for this installation of The Guardians.  Many things about the past are revealed from Caleb, Sasha, a not so dead Cain and more importantly, the real reason for the creation of the Dark Angels is revealed.  Readers who enjoyed book 1, you ain't seen nothin' yet, because this series' has turned out to be like a fine wine, it only gets better with time.

If you think being a mother is tough, try being a brand new vampire trying to raise two teenage vampires with the raging hormones of a human teen times ten who sped through diapers, terrible twos, adolescence and puberty all in the course of three years.  As if that isn't enough to deal with Gionna must also face threats both inside the walls of her own home when Caleb's ex-girlfriend decides to pop in and pay a visit, and the claws literally come out.  Gianna's plate quickly goes from full to overflowing when someone she loves sacrifices themself in an attempt to save her life. 

Meanwhile it looks as though their mortal enemies are not as dead as they think, and he has been plotting all this time to get the vengeance he feels is rightfully his.  The torment he has planned just may be the final straw that rips apart her heart.  He has set several games to play with Gionna, all of which involve her coven, her family and her children.

This series' is a true must read for all vampire lovers, of the non-sensitive variety.  Be advised, this book cannot be read as a stand-alone.  Readers will be on the edge of there seats from one page to the next, and desperately awaiting Book 3, Blood Vengeance.


For a limited time Book 2 is on sale for only $0.99

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

The Guardians Review

Feel the Fire by Jennifer Raygoza (ARC Review)
The Guardians Book 1
Re-Published April 13, 2014 by Vamptasy Publishing
4 Bloody Fangs

"A new bloodthirsty take in the ever growing world of Vampirsm."

Synopsis - 

I thought I had life all figured out. We live. We suffer pain. We die. Death never bothered me much. It is love that scares the hell out of me, because love makes you weak, and in my line of work there is no room for that. My name is Gianna Botticelli. I am the daughter and only female employee of a Los Angeles mafia boss. Today was supposed to be like any other day, and then Caleb walked into my life. 

He is sexy and mysterious and knows things he shouldn’t. I don’t like it at all, but I can’t help the way he makes me feel inside. There is something different about him. What is he? All I know is that after meeting Caleb, things will never be the same as he introduces me into his world, an unknown world where the battle of good versus evil rages on. 

Sacrifices will be made, hearts will break and lives will be taken. How far am I willing to take this journey, I keep asking myself? If I have to sacrifice myself to save everyone and everything then the answer is easy. All the way.  (Goodreads)

Review -

This is the most original Vampire novel I have read in a very long time.  And for this to not only be the first book in a series', but the first novel for Raygoza, it was truly a great read.  Raygoza has that rare natural knack for pulling readers in and keeping them begging for more.  The tails she spins on her vampires is a truly unique one indeed, and in a good way.  Readers will feel her passion coming off of the pages, and vampire lovers of any gender will be able to appreciate every aspect, from the love, the lust to the pure unadulterated violence.  Think of it as the Godfather meets Dracula.  Gianna goes from being mafia princess to Vampire Queen, and the trials and tribulations she experiences along the way turns her into a true force to be reckoned with.

When Gianna takes on a job to pick up an associate for her father, never did she imagine the letter she hands over to the two rather pale gentlemen will alter her fate.  The attraction and pull she feels towards one of them, Caleb, is a dangerous one, and she doesn't trust it, or him.  Especially when her father invites him to stay in their home, something he has never done.  But something that saves her life in the long run, and also turns her entire life upside down, taking her into a dark world she never knew existed.  One that, as it turns out, she was always destined to to be a part of.  A dark world where vampires exist, either born or made, some dead set on destroying the human race, the Dark Angels, and others sworn to protect them, The Guardians, and she is a part of both, making her both different, stronger and wanted by both factions.

Gianna comes to learn that being a vampire is even more dangerous than being in the mafia, at least there she knew all of the rules.  Being a vampire, the rules seem to change with every step she takes.  Though along the way she meets some very interesting characters who quickly become her family; a childlike sweetheart with prophetic visions, a nemesis; a vixen with attitude to spare, suitors of her affection; one she feels the same strange pull for, one from her past that just can't seem to let go in both life and undeath and one she can't stand to even be in the same room with, and old family turned into the enemy against their will.  And the sacrifice she makes in the end may save both her old world and the new one.

The Guardians seems to be one of those rare series' that will have fans from every generation and gender, taking the world by storm and keeping readers glued to the page.  Granted, there are a few rocky points, like how quickly Caleb and Gianna fall so deep in love after she faces such a devastating tragedy and is completely uprooted from the world she knows, and maybe just a tad more clarity on the Angel aspect.  Though that may be just me and my anal stickler for detail.  All and all, The Guardians is truly a must read for all vampire lovers.  Full of violence, blood, lust, betrayal, loyalty, brutal battles and real vampires.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Dream Huntress Review

Dream Huntress by Michelle Sharp  (ARC Review)
Dream Seeker Book 1
Published June 23, 2014 by Entangled Select
3 Dreams

"More of a Romantic Suspense with a Paranormal aspect, but still a beautiful love story."

Synopsis -

Detective Jordan Delany has a gift. Through her dreams, she connects with dead victims of violent crimes. Her isolated life as a drug cop is perfect for hiding the freakish visions, until her newest investigation has her posing as a cocktail waitress in a down-and-dirty strip club. When she’s saved from a drunken customer by a handsome stranger, the heated chemistry is exactly why she intends to keep Mr. Arrogant at bay. But learning he’s the new bouncer for the corrupt club she intends to bust just might be the one reason why she can’t.

Tyler McGee suspects a drug ring operating out of the local club is flooding the streets of his hometown with heroin. Determined to get answers, he plays the part of a fallen cop and lands the job of head bouncer. What he discovers is that the club owner isn’t the only deadly obstacle he’s facing. His attraction to an intriguing cocktail waitress with a penchant for danger just might kill him first.

Review - 

To say this is a Paranormal is a bit of stretch for my tastes, and probably to true Paranormal lovers, especially ones following this site.  While the main character does see ghosts in her dreams, either showing how they came their untimely death, or preventing the death of those they love, there wasn't enough emphasis on that fact until towards the end.  So much more could have been done with that aspect.  And for someone whom she was close to not to believe her when she was a young child and had a prophetic dream that could have prevented the death of those they both loved dearly, even though they too experienced those same type of dreams so they knew beyond a doubt they were real, was more than a bit of a far stretch.  If anything, it should have made that person even more-so open-minded to the words of a child, that most would take for nothing more than an imagination gone wild.  The ending is the best part of this book, and the events leading up to it.  The beginning and middle are written well, just not well enough to keep readers glued to the page.

The synopsis above pretty much gives readers the gyst of it.  Growing up in such isolation due to the violent tragedy that strikes her family, and everyone thinking she is crazy when she tells them of her dreams, leads Jordan Delaney to become a cop using those dreams without telling anyone of them.  With her gift, she is able to help solve plenty of murders that would probably otherwise have gone unsolved.  When two fellow detectives are slain while working deep undercover, she is bound and determined to bring the drug cartel responsible down to their knees.  Which leads her to meeting Tyler Mcgee, someone else with a personal vendetta against the Drug Lord.  Only when they meet, she has no idea that the ex-cop is indeed on the up and up.  When he continuously tries to per-sway her to quit her "job" as a waitress, she thinks it is because he is in on the drug business as well.

The two make the perfect pair as they each are kind of hiding the exact same thing from one another.  And when Tyler makes her for what she really is, it is truly the highlight of the book that will probably put a stitch in readers sides from laughing so hard.

This is not a book for PNR lovers, there isn't a whole lot of action, no gore and definitely no chills up your spine.  For readers who like to just test the waters of the supernatural, this may be a perfect fit.  The love story here is truly a beautiful one with two people who truly deserve one another.  As long as readers go in knowing what to expect, they will see it as the decent read it is.


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