Review: The Redhead Revealed by Alice Clayton

Description: The sexy follow-up to Unidentified Redhead, this eBook from USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton is a magical mix of humor and heat—so cuddle up under the sheets; Grace and Jack are at it again!

As their careers catch fire, Grace and Jack—everyone’s favorite couple—find themselves on opposite coasts. Grace has landed in New York City, where she loves being onstage again, playing a fabulous character in a musical written by her old college flame, Michael. Their rekindled friendship makes exploring the city that much more fun. And it is just friendship, right? 

Meanwhile, in L.A., Jack can scarcely keep up with the throngs of women who track him everywhere he goes, the endless press appearances, and the ridiculous rules his manager, Holly, keeps laying down for him—all part of the buildup to the release of Time, his steamy new film. Thank goodness for phone sex. But even when their schedules allow them to connect, Grace and Jack must keep their relationship off the radar and away from paparazzi cameras. Sure, the sex is sensational—but can they survive the swirling rumors, the demands of their chosen professions, and Grace’s internal battles?


My Thoughts:
I adored the first book and could not wait to get my hands on this one. I was not disappointed. This one had more angst and less slapstick humor, but I enjoyed it every bit as much as the first. I still love Jack and Grace. Grace is still battling her insecurities and Jack is trying to hang on to her. Some tears in this one. Could not stop reading. As long as there are books about Jack and Grace, I will keep reading them.


My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!!!
*Notes: Language

My Source: library



Where to get it:

Amazon | B&N | Itunes | BAM! | Audible



Where to find the author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Review: Ever After by Kim Harrison

Description:
The ever after, the demonic realm that parallels the human world, is shrinking. If it disappears completely, so does all magic. It's up to witch-turned-daywalking-demon Rachel Morgan to avert catastrophe and keep life from changing... for the worse.

While saving the world is important, it isn't Rachel's only motivation. There's also the small fact that she caused the ley line to rip in the first place, setting off a chain reaction of unfortunate events. That little mistake has made her life forfeit unless she can fix it. It's also made her more than a few enemies, including the most powerful demon in the ever after—a terrifying entity who eats souls and now has an insatiable appetite for her. He's already kidnapped her friend and goddaughter to lure her out, and if Rachel doesn't give herself up soon, they'll die.

But Rachel has more than a few impressive and frightening skills of her own, and she isn't going to hand over her soul and her life without one hell of a fight. She's also got a surprise: elven tycoon Trent Kalamack. With this unlikely ally beside her—a prospect both thrilling and unnerving—she's going to return to the ever after, kick some demon butt, rescue her loved ones... and prevent an apocalypse before it's too late. Or, at least that's the plan...

My Thoughts:
I love this series and I can't believe it's almost over. Rachel has been through so much over the course of the series. In this book, she has to save the Ever After, and her own skin. A certain demon with a grudge against her isn't making it easy, though. There is not much Ivy in this one, but we see more of Bis, some Al and even Nick. I have to say, this book was more than a little heartbreaking, though still funny at other times, with lots of magical action. Her relationship with Trent seems to be evolving, though, which I think is a good thing. I really need to read the next book now.


My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !


My Source: library

Where to get it:

Ever After (Hollows) | B&N | Kobo


Where to find the author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads

Audiobook Review: Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost

Once Burned  (Night Prince #1) by Jeaniene Frost

Description:
She's a mortal with dark powers...

After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person's darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude...until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world's most infamous vampire...

He's the Prince of Night...

Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don't call him Dracula. Vlad's ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him—a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

My Thoughts:
I always loved when Vlad showed up in the Night Huntress series. He is a great character. I like Leila, too. She had this power that has caused her to keep her distance from people. A mystery, lots of action and vampire torture. I admit I was a bit surprised by the ending, though I really shouldn't have been, having read some of the author's other books. Makes me want to get the next book, though. I also liked the appearance by Cat and Bones. They're so fun.

The audio was so good. It has the same narrator as the Night Huntress series. Tavia Gilbert is pretty amazing. She becomes the characters, no matter their gender, accent, or the language they're speaking.

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!!!
*Notes: Strong language, some gore

Audio Info:
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Title: Once Burned: A Night Prince Novel, Book 1
Narrator: Tavia Gilbert
Publisher: Harper Audio
Abridged or Unabridged: Unabridged 
Length of Production: 8 hours and 30 minutes
Year of Publication: 2012
My Source: library

Where to get it:
  

Where to find the author:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

Review: Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

Lover At Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R. Ward

Description:
Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one.

My Thoughts:
I have been looking forward to Qhuinn and Blay's story for a long time. They have been through so much in this series and deserved to be together. Granted, most of their problems could have been solved by sitting down and having a good, honest conversation. But they are both proud, stubborn males, so there is that. And really, they both had some things to work through before getting together. In short, I was not disappointed. And I was left with a nice case of warm fuzzies. Maybe not the most intense BDB book, but one of my favorites anyway.

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!!!!
*Notes: It's a BDB book, so graphic sex, violence, and plenty of profanity.

My Source: library

Where to get it:
Amazon
B&N

Where to find the author:
Website
Facebook
Goodreads

Review: Stone of Tears by Terry Goodkind

Stone of Tears (Sword of Truth #2) by Terry Goodkind

Description:
An Epic of Awesome Power

Kahlan has at last gained the one goal she had always thought was beyond her grasp ... love. Against all odds, the ancient bonds of secret oaths, and the dark talents of men long dead, Richard has won her heart.

Amid sudden and disastrous events, Richard's life is called due to satisfy those treacherous oaths. To save his life, Kahlan must forsake Richard's love and cast him into the chains of slavery, knowing there could be no sin worse than such a betrayal.

Richard is determined to unlock the secrets bound in the magic of ancient oaths and to again be free. Kahlan, alone with the terrible truth of what she has done, must set about altering the course of a world thrown into war. But even that may be easier than ever winning back the heart of the only man she will ever love.

My Thoughts:
I am addicted to this series. This is the second book in the Sword of Truth series. There are so many interconnected stories and it is so unpredictable. I keep thinking, "Well, now what? How could he possibly get out of this?"
This one is a little more graphic than the first, gore-wise. Lots of violence, gore and references to rape. Some of the descriptions are lengthy and slow down the pace a bit, and this is a looong book. That said, I had to keep going because the plot is so complicated and twisty, and just an emotional roller-coaster. I have never read a hero who cries as much as Richard, but I guess he has plenty of cause. I can't wait to get started on the next book.
I have been listening to the audio versions of this series and this one was over 38 hours long, easily the longest I have ever listened to, but the narration is fantastic and easy to listen to. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes fantasy worlds and magic and can stomach all of the blood and gore.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!
*Notes: Violence, gore, references to rape.

My Source: library

Where to get it:
Amazon 
Audible
Barnes & Noble

Where to find the author:
Website
Facebook
Twitter

Review: Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind

Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth #1) by Terry Goodkind

Description:In the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father, a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary seeking help . . . and more. His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence.

In a dark age it takes courage to live, and more than mere courage to challenge those who hold dominion, Richard and Kahlan must take up that challenge or become the next victims. Beyond awaits a bewitching land where even the best of their hearts could betray them. Yet, Richard fears nothing so much as what secrets his sword might reveal about his own soul. Falling in love would destroy them--for reasons Richard can't imagine and Kahlan dare not say.
In their darkest hour, hunted relentlessly, tormented by treachery and loss, Kahlan calls upon Richard to reach beyond his sword--to invoke within himself something more noble. Neither knows that the rules of battle have just changed . . . or that their time has run out.
This is the beginning. One book. One Rule. Witness the birth of a legend.

My Thoughts:
I know I am late to the party on this one, but after hearing my dad and sister mention this series on several different occasions, when I saw the first book I decided to give it a try. A very enjoyable fantasy world with magic, wizards, strange creatures and strange lands, and a quest to save everyone from evil. Then the story makes a crazy and unexpected detour, but manages to get back on track. Some scenes seemed to drag endlessly, but pressing on was worth it. The ending makes me want to continue on with the series.
I listened to the audio version of this book. A over 32 hours, this was easily the longest audiobook I have ever encountered. The narrator did an excellent job and was very enjoyable to listen to.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!
*Notes: Violence, rape, torture, but nothing very graphic. Most is left to the imagination.

My Source: library

Where to get it:
Amazon
Audible
Barnes & Noble

Where to find the author:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
 

Review: Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt

Wicked Intentions (Maiden Lane #1) by Elizabeth Hoyt

Description:
A man controlled by his desires...

Infamous for his wild, sensual needs, Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, is searching for a savage killer in St. Giles, London's most notorious slum. Widowed Temperance Dews knows St. Giles like the back of her hand— she's spent a lifetime caring for its inhabitants at the foundling home her family established. Now that home is at risk.

A woman haunted by her past...

Caire makes a simple offer—in return for Temperance's help navigating the perilous alleys of St. Giles, he will introduce her to London's high society so that she can find a benefactor for the home. But Temperance may not be the innocent she seems, and what begins as cold calculation soon falls prey to a passion that neither can control—one that may well destroy them both.

A bargain neither could refuse.

My Thoughts:
This was a bit darker than I expected. Lazarus is a dark, tortured hero that reminded me a bit of a Georgian Christian Grey from FSOG. I liked the story, but I never quite understood why he chose Temperance to help him. I also thought there was too much of the secondary characters and storylines. It sets up other books in the series, but takes away from main story. Overall I liked it. If you like darker stories and historical romances, you may like this. Iwill probably check out the rest of the series if I find them at the library.

My Rating: ***
Steam Factor: !!!!!
*Notes: Some BDSM elements.
My Source: library

Where to get it:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo  

Where to find the author:
Elizabeth Hoyt
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Pinterest

Review: Archangel's Blade (Guild Hunter #4) by Nalini Singh

Archangel's Blade (Guild Hunter #4) by Nalini Singh

Description:
The severed head marked by a distinctive tattoo on its cheek should have been a Guild case, but dark instincts honed over hundreds of years of life compel the vampire Dmitri to take control. There is something twisted about this death, something that whispers of centuries long past...but Dmitri's need to discover the truth is nothing to the vicious strength of his response to the hunter assigned to decipher the tattoo.

Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready to come face to face with the seductive vampire who is an archangel's right hand, and who wears his cruelty as boldly as his lethal sensuality...the same vampire who has been her secret obsession since the day she was old enough to understand the inexplicable, violent emotions he aroused in her.

As desire turns into a dangerous compulsion that might destroy them both, it becomes clear the past will not stay buried. Something is hunting...and it will not stop until it brings a blood-soaked nightmare to life once more...

My Thoughts:
I wasn't sure how well I would like this book because Dimitri was never one of my favorite characters and this is his story. In the first three books, he delighted in antagonizing Elena. In this story, we get to know him better. He's still not a nice guy, but at least we find out why. This is a very emotional and very dark story. Dimitri and Honor both have horrific pasts. They deserve their happy ending. I thought it was well done, although some might not agree.
I like this series, although the steam and gore factors are pretty high. I recommend reading in order unless you don't care about spoilers.

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!!!!
*Notes: Rape, violence, gore

Where to get it:
Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where to find the author:
Nalini Singh
Twitter
Facebook

Review: Fate's Edge (Edge #3) by Ilona Andrews

Description:
Audrey Callahan left behind her life in the Edge, and she's determined to stay on the straight and narrow. But when her brother gets into hot water, the former thief takes on one last heist and finds herself matching wits with a jack of all trades...

Kaldar Mar-a gambler, lawyer, thief, and spy-expects his latest assignment tracking down a stolen item to be a piece of cake, until Audrey shows up. But when the item falls into the hands of a lethal criminal, Kaldar realizes that in order to finish the job, he's going to need Audrey's help...

My Thoughts:
I liked Kaldar in Bayou Moon and was happy to read his story. Audrey is a good match for him. Here is a quote I liked, from Kaldar's point of view: "Before this was all over, either they would be lovers or they'd kill each other. Right now, he had no idea which it would be." I think that sums up their relationship nicely. I like the Edge series and this was my favorite book so far. It is probably best to read these in the proper order, starting with On the Edge, or it might feel like you are missing something.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!!!
My Source: library

Where to get it:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Where to find the author:
Ilona Andrews
Twitter
Facebook

Review: Chaser by Miasha

Chaser by Miasha


Description:
How far will you go for love?

From the Essence bestselling author of Never Enough comes a novel about an explosive love triangle that threatens to bring down a city.

Leah -- Young, beautiful, and in love with the wrong man. Distraught after her boyfriend Kenny sets her up to take the fall in yet another of his schemes, Leah has no choice but to strike a deal with the police. Her world changes overnight, and maintaining her composure while gathering information is no easy task. And then she meets Nasir...

Nasir -- All he's ever wanted to do is make his family proud. Ambitious and hardworking, Nasir is a good man, but he owes a debt to a former friend -- and regardless of how many times he's paid it back, Kenny will never let him forget it...

Kenny -- Money reigns supreme in Kenny's world and he'll stop at nothing to get more of it. Kenny would lie, cheat, and even kill to protect his empire. There is no such thing as loyalty as far as he's concerned. And he's starting to realize that his girlfriend Leah is standing in his way...

Smart, sexy, and undeniably thrilling, Chaser is exactly what Miasha's legions of fans have been waiting for.

My Thoughts:
The beginning of this story was shocking. Gave me goosebumps. I had to keep reading to find out how this woman came to be in this situation and how on earth she could possibly get out. Lots of drama, suspense, and romance. The characters are flawed and believable. A great read.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!!
*Notes: Strong language. Domestic violence.

Where to get it:
Amazon
Google Books
Simon & Schuster
Barnes & Noble
Sony Reader
Kobo

Where to find the author:
Miasha
Twitter
Facebook

Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth


Description:
One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

"New York Times" bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian "Divergent" series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

My Thoughts:
If you have read my review of Divergent, then you know I loved it. Insurgent, as the next book in the trilogy, did not disappoint. The story starts an hour after Divergent ended. Tris and company are dealing with the aftermath of those events and trying to figure out what to do now. This is a war situation and it is not pretty. People die, and people get betrayed, yet the story manages to be light-hearted at times as well. This book has danger, betrayal, friendship, romance, tear-worthy moments and laugh-out-loud moments. The ending promises good things to come in the next book. Counting down to Fall 2013 for #3!

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !

Where to get it:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Google Books


Where to find the author:
Veronica Roth
Divergent Trilogy
Twitter
Facebook
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Review: Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris (Sookie #12)

Deadlocked: A Sookie Stackhouse Novel by Charlaine Harris

Description:
With Felipe de Castro, the Vampire King of Louisiana (and Arkansas and Nevada), in town, it’s the worst possible time for a body to show up in Eric Northman’s front yard—especially the body of a woman whose blood he just drank.

Now, it’s up to Sookie and Bill, the official Area Five investigator, to solve the murder. Sookie thinks that, at least this time, the dead girl’s fate has nothing to do with her. But she is wrong. She has an enemy, one far more devious than she would ever suspect, who’s out to make Sookie’s world come crashing down.


My Thoughts:
After the last book, I wasn't sure if I was going to continue with the series, but there are supposed to be 13 books and this is number 12, so I decided to keep going. I actually really enjoyed it. There are parts that are very slow, but there are some loose ends that get tied up. If you are looking for Eric you will be disappointed. Not much Eric in this book. I like the direction things are headed in this one, although I know there are plenty of readers who will be upset if that is how things end up in the last book. I guess we will see.




My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !


Where to get it:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble


Where to find the author:
Charlaine Harris
Blog

Review: His Mistress by Christmas

His Mistress by Christmas by Victoria Alexander

Description:
For three years, Lady Veronica Smithson has been perfectly happy as a widow--and thoroughly independent. Still, the right gentleman could provide the benefits of marriage without the tedious restrictions. And in Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater, renowned explorer and rogue, Veronica is sure she has found him.
Sebastian will come into his inheritance in a matter of weeks--if his family deems him responsible enough. There's no better way to prove his maturity than with a wife. But though Veronica will share his bed, she refuses to marry. However, Sebastian has a plan: An intimate sojourn at his new country house will surely change Veronica's mind. For Sebastian never takes no for an answer. And he intends to persuade his Christmas mistress that they belong together--in this, and every season to come. . .

My Thoughts:
A fun twist on your average historical romance. When adventurer Sebastian finds Veronica, he decides he is ready to settle down and make her his wife. What he doesn't count on is that this widow of three years, and free spirit, values her independence so much that she is only willing to be his mistress. Couple this with the fact that Sebastian doesn't find it proper to seduce the woman one wishes to marry, and it is pretty darn funny. An all-around fun read.

My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!!!

Where to get it:
Amazon

Barnes & Noble
Indie Bound
BAM!


Where to find the author:
Victoria Alexander
Twitter
Facebook

Review: Lonestar Homecoming (Lonestar #3)

Lonestar Homecoming by Colleen Coble


Description:
With nothing but five dollars, a train ticket, and the wedding dress she's wearing, Gracie Lister escapes with her daughter to the West Texas country where her family fell apart years ago. There, Lieutenant Michael Wayne gives Gracie the hiding place she needs.


My Thoughts:
Picked this up from the library because I needed an audio book and it was available. I wasn't sure what to expect. Lonestar Homecoming is the third book in the Lonestar series, but the first one I have read (the library site doesn't always do a good job of labeling books in a series). This book stands just fine on its own. It is a sweet, emotional romantic suspense. Gracie takes her daughter and runs to keep her safe but doesn't have any money or a place to stay. Michael finds her and helps her out. He happens to need someone to help him take care of his children. The couple falls in love gradually (which is a refreshing change) while dealing with their pasts and trying to keep their family safe. I have never read a book by this author before, but I will be sure to check out some of her other books.


My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!

Review: Divergent

Divergent (Divergent Trilogy) by Veronica Roth


Description:
In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.


My Thoughts:
With all of the hype surrounding the release of Insurgent, I had to hop on the bandwagon and find out what all the fuss was about. I loved Divergent and I will be reading Insurgent as well. I tend to like YA dystopian. There is just something about a messed-up world and the hope that comes with a young person trying to do something about it. The idea of the factions was interesting. Each faction having the one trait that they value above all others. Those Dauntless do some crazy things, like jumping off buildings and on and off of moving trains. There is some romance as well, which is always a plus for me. If you liked the Hunger Games, I think you'll like this as well.


My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !


Where to get it:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Google Books


Where to find the author:

Veronica Roth

Divergent Trilogy

Twitter

Facebook

Tumblr

Review: I'll Be Watching You by Andrea Kane

I'll Be Watching You by Andrea Kane

Description:
The author of three New York Times bestselling masterworks of tense and unrelenting drama, the phenomenal Andrea Kane returns with an electrifying thriller that takes romantic suspense to a breathtaking new level. "I'll be watching you ..." the cryptic e-mail read.

Taylor Halstead, psychologist and successful radio personality, is terrified that she'll never be safe again. Coming on the heels of a series of tragic and terrible events, the e-mail sends chills racing up her spine. Her safe, secure world has already been violated by her cousin Stephanie's boyfriend, Gordon Mallory, in her own apartment. Only the door buzzer and Stephanie's intervening voice rescue her, but not before Gordon promises to return. Soon after, he is killed along with Stephanie in an inexplicable explosion aboard his yacht. Or is he?

The e-mail is just the beginning. The terror campaign escalates when an electronically disguised voice on Taylor's telephone threatens to kill her, and her life becomes a nightmare. It seems the only one she can turn to is attorney Reed Weston, her confidant, protector, and, ultimately, lover. But is Reed's determination to protect her enough to avert disaster? And can Taylor trust Gordon's identical twin, Jonathan, who always seems to show up when she least expects him?

Grief and dread unravel Taylor's sanity, playing tricks with her mind and heart. Someone out there wants her dead -- a crazed fan or the troubled teenage boy she's been counseling or, impossibly, Gordon himself. His vow to return and those final menacing words -- "I'll be watching you" -- haunt her day and night. Whoever is out there is coming closer, and Taylor Halstead has nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. 

My Thoughts:
Taylor was attacked in her own apartment by her cousin's boyfriend Gordon, but then the cousin and Gordon are both killed in an accident, but not before he promises to be back and that he'll be watching her. Months later she receives an e-mail message with the same words. Later, she discovers she has a stalker. Taylor is creeped out by Gordon's identical twin brother Jonathan. Could it be him?

This was an enjoyable thriller. Plenty of twists to keep you guessing. Just when I thought I had things figured out, something would happen to make me wonder. There is also a romance between Taylor and  the twin brother Jonathan's lawyer, Reed.


My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!!!

Review: Archangel's Consort (Guild Hunter #3)

Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh


***Spoiler Warning***
I try not to, but there may be spoilers. If you have not read Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter #1) you may want to click here to read my review of that book instead. There is a great twist at the end and I would have been disappointed if I had found out before I read it for myself. Ok, you have been warned. If you are still reading, you have already read Angels' Blood or you like to be spoiled. 




Description:
Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux and her lover, the lethally beautiful archangel Raphael, have returned home to New York only to face an uncompromising new evil…

A vampire has attacked a girls’ school—the assault one of sheer, vicious madness—and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders.

The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.

An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed…


My Thoughts:
One thing a paranormal series can do to draw me in is to make the made-up world seem real. This series makes people walking around with wings seem normal. Maybe it's the rules about wings brushing, or acceptable wing touching, or the mention of wings dragging when tired. That is something I have liked about this series from the beginning. It makes the world work for me.

I like Elena and Raphael together. Elena needs someone who can deal with her hunter side and Raphael lets her make him more human. They balance one another, but they are still learning how to be together. Sometimes I feel like the love scenes slow things down a bit, but the airborne scene? Impressive. We're still getting bits about secondary characters that I hope to see further developed in future books. I am still onboard with this series.


My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!!!

Review: The Iron Duke (Iron Seas #1)

The Iron Duke (The Iron Seas) by Meljean Brook

Description:
After the Iron Duke freed England from Horde control, he instantly became a national hero. Now Rhys Trahaearn has built a merchant empire on the power-and fear-of his name. And when a dead body is dropped from an airship onto his doorstep, bringing Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth into his dangerous world, he intends to make her his next possession.

But when Mina uncovers the victim's identity, she stumbles upon a conspiracy that threatens the lives of everyone in England. To save them, Mina and Rhys must race across zombie-infested wastelands and treacherous oceans-and Mina discovers the danger is not only to her countrymen, as she finds herself tempted to give up everything to the Iron Duke.


My Thoughts:
This was my first experience reading steampunk and I have to say I really enjoyed it. I read sci-fi and historical romances and this was sort of a combination, but with an alternate history and zombies. Something about the romance felt a little off to me, though. Maybe it was the overly explicit language that felt like too much, or the way the Duke seemed to look at Mina as a possession and it's not exactly clear when that changed. I liked Mina and I could see where she was coming from and why she thought the way she did. I was pulled into the story, and overall I thought it was a great read.  


My Rating: ****
Steam Factor: !!!!

Review: Bayou Moon (The Edge #2)

Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews

Description:
The Edge lies between worlds, on the border between the Broken, where people shop at Walmart and magic is a fairytale–and the Weird, where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny…

Cerise Mar and her unruly clan are cash poor but land rich, claiming a large swathe of the Mire, the Edge swamplands between the state of Louisiana and the Weird. When her parents vanish, her clan’s long-time rivals are suspect number one.

But all is not as it seems. Two nations of the Weird are waging a cold war fought by feint and espionage, and their conflict is about to spill over into the Edge—and Cerise’s life . William, a changeling soldier who left behind the politics of the Weird, has been forced back into service to track down a rival nation’s spymaster.

When William’s and Cerise’s missions lead them to cross paths, sparks fly—but they’ll have to work together if they want to succeed…and survive.


My Thoughts:


This is the second book in in the Edge series. I talk about book 1 here. The characters in the first book are referred to, and it takes place in the same world but things are explained well enough that this book could stand alone. 


In the first book, I liked William and I felt bad for him. He seemed like a nice guy, he just had a rotten childhood and all he wants is a family. I'm glad that he got his own book. Cerise is  a great character as well. She has the responsibility of leading her very large family. She can kick some butt and William doesn't scare her. 


Here is a quote from the book that I think sums up William and Cerise pretty well: 


When she was a teenager, she used to imagine meeting a stranger. He would be from the Weird or the Broken, not from the Mire. He would be lethal and tough, so tough, he wouldn't be afraid of her. He would be funny. And he would be handsome. She'd gotten so good at imagining this mysterious man, she could almost picture his face.


William would kick his ass.


There is action, magic, and odd swamp creatures. The ending sets up for future books. 


My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!!

Review: Lover Reborn (BDB #10)

Lover Reborn: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward

Description: 
Ever since the death of his shellan, Tohrment is a heartbroken shadow of the vampire leader he once was. Brought back to the Brotherhood by a self-serving fallen angel, he fights again with ruthless vengeance- and is unprepared for a new tragedy. Seeing his beloved in dreams—trapped in a cold, desolate netherworld—he turns to the angel to save his former mate, only to despair at the path he himself must take to set her free. As war with the lessers rages, and a new clan of vampires vies for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between an unforgettable past, and a future that he doesn’t know he can live with… but can’t seem to turn away from.


My Thoughts: 
I love this series so much. J.R. Ward knows how to put you through an emotional ringer. Every single book it  seems like there is no way things will work out, but they do, at least for the main couple. If you have not read a BDB book, you really should start at the beginning with Dark Lover . The books are very interconnected.

This book deals with how someone can recover from losing a love. Tissues are needed.  I always liked Tohrment and I'm glad he can finally move on and be happy. It is not easy, though. He acts like a jerk and I wanted to punch him a few times, but he is hurting. We get more of Lassiter, too, although we still don't know much about him. 


J.R. Ward recently announced on her Facebook page that the next book will be Quinn and Blay! They deserve a HEA, so I am happy to hear that. If anyone has a problem with the fact that they are both males, then they shouldn't read it. 

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!!!
*Note: Not for those with delicate sensibilities.