Mark of the Bear by N.J. Walters

June 14, 2013 By 1 Comment

BEAR
Mark of the Bear by N.J. Walters
Hades Carnival Book 2
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (293 Pages)
Heat Level: Hot
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Foxglove

When the devil wants a deal, there’s no bowing out gracefully.

Hades’ Carnival, Book 2

At twenty-nine, Hollywood scream queen Kellsie Morris is acutely aware the clock is ticking on her career. Luckily, the one big role she needs to pad her retirement fund has just come through—the story of an immortal, shape-shifting warrior trapped in a carnival run by the Devil’s minions.

When Kellsie arrives on set, she can’t resist climbing aboard an amazingly realistic carousel bear—and finds herself flung into a world where the horror is real. As real as the heat radiating off the half-naked hunk in her arms.

Marko has waited an eternity for the chance to free his goddess, the Lady of the Beasts, and his fellow warriors from an ancient curse. But once he lays eyes on Kellsie, he knows to the bottom of his soul that his purpose is to protect her life.
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But in this hellish game, it’s the Devil’s move. And there’s no predicting when and where the final, brutal stroke will fall—and which lover will pay the ultimate price.

Mark of the Bear is N.J. Walters’ second book in her Hades Carnival series, and like Night of the Tiger, it is a fantastic addition to this world Ms. Walters has built. This is a dark world, filled with curses and demons, and strong, determined women, ready to do what is needed to survive. I like the characters Ms. Walters crafted for this series; strong, independent women with minds of their own, each with one cursed warrior to save. Of course, the warriors are strong, determined and yet each will face a decision on whether to accept their perfect mate or turn to the evil trying to ensnare them.

The Scream Queen. Top of the B-movie victims, Kellsie Morris, has made a comfortable living in Hollywood, but knows her time is running out for the kind of roles she plays. She hopes to segue into writing once she retires from her acting career. When her agent calls with a too-good-to-be-true offer for Kellsie to star in one last big budget slasher film, she jumps at the chance to add to her savings and go out with a scream. Little does she know, the screams here will be for real, and creatures straight from nightmares will be after her soon.

When Kellsie climbs on the carousel at the movie set, she sets in motion events she never could have imagined. Climbing on the bear figure feels right, but when the bear becomes a real, shape shifting being, Kellsie at first doesn’t believe it is real, as this was all in the script she read. Once Marko is released from his curse, the clock starts ticking; if he can keep both Kellsie and himself free of Hades’ clutches for twenty-four hours, they will be free. But they will need to escape Hades’ crew of demons, protect their souls, and avoid the Warrior turned traitor, Mordecai. Can Kellsie accept the truth, when her whole world has been turned into her own personal horror film? Can she accept Marko, knowing of his dual nature, in order to survive? Will these two, together, prove strong enough to stay alive and become more than either expected?

Kellsie Morris is smart and determined to live life on her terms. She realizes that, at her age, she is near the end of her Scream Queen career. I enjoyed watching as Kellsie made her plans for the future, knowing she had no idea what she was walking into with this final starring role. I like that she stood her ground, even when her whole world was flipped upside down and she learned things aren’t always what they appear to be. I enjoyed watching as Kellsie as she accepted Marko, and all that he stood for, and was able to see that he was the ‘good guy’ in the whole event.

Marko has been cursed for centuries, until Kellsie’s touch frees him. He is a strong and loyal warrior to the lady of the Beasts, and he is grateful to be free to search for the Lady. I enjoyed seeing him come to care for Kellsie, and I liked that he learned to admire her strength, and was able to listen to what she had to say, even though he was of an age where men were used to taking charge. I also liked watching as these two found strength in each other, and found what they would sacrifice to stay together.

There is plenty of danger surrounding these characters, but there are a couple of intriguing surprises to come for Kellsie, not just finding her mate in Marko, but learning about a side of herself she didn’t know existed. There is a brief mention of the characters from Night of the Tiger, and a hint of what is yet to come. The romance in this one starts slowly, but reaches the volcanic level once Kellsie and Marko get together. There are some interesting twists to how they evade Hades’ demons here as well. This one kept me reading long past my bed time, and I look forward to the next installment. This one is for all those who like their shifters hot, their heroines feisty, and their romance with a side of danger.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Hubble Bubble by Jane Lovering

June 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment

HUBBLE
Hubble Bubble by Jane Lovering
Publisher: Choc Lit Limited
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (302 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Orchid

Be careful what you wish for…

Holly Grey only took up witchery to keep her friend out of trouble – and now she’s knee-deep in hassle, in the form of apocalyptic weather, armed men, midwifery…and a sarcastic Welsh journalist.

Kai has been drawn to darkest Yorkshire by his desire to find out who he really is. What he hadn’t bargained on was getting caught up in amateur magic and dealing with a bunch of women who are trying really hard to make their dreams come true.

Together they realise that getting what you wish for is sometimes just a matter of knowing what it is you want…

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Holly doesn’t really believe in love, she goes for the physical every time. Her best friend is the opposite. Megan believes every guy she dates is her true love. Desperate to find the real thing Megan drags Holly along to a group of women wanting to practice a new branch of magic arts. Snorting with disbelief, Holly goes to make sure Megan isn’t taken advantage of.

The five very different women in the group collect ingredients and cast a spell, but Holly’s disbelief is stretched when it seems her wish is coming true, but not in the way she anticipated. A casual meeting brings her into contact with a man who stirs her emotions, but she is determined to keep things on a business footing. This is fine until a pregnant woman forces them closer together.

This novel has its ups and downs emotionally, but there are many light-hearted bits too and mysterious happenings in the woods. Are they magical? Or is it someone trying to scare the women away? I love the way the author wound the women’s wishes together and how the resolution of each depended on her interaction with the group. The story moves at a steady pace with highs and lows, but at all times I wanted to know what was happening next.

At the end of the book I was left wondering, did magic have a hand in the results? Or was it just coincidence? I really, really wanted it to be magic. Love this book! Well done, Ms Lovering.

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Tangled in Divine by Heather Rainier

June 13, 2013 By 5 Comments

TANGLED
Tangled in Divine by Heather Rainier
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (345 pgs)
Other: M/F, M/F/M, Anal sex, Spanking, Menage
Rating: 5 stars
Review by: Plumeria

Robbed of her family’s legacy, Gwen Henderson blindly sets out to win it back. In Divine she finds employment until she rejoins the rodeo circuit for one more winning year. What she doesn’t foresee is getting tangled up with two cowboys who have her yearning for life in Divine when her dreams are in Colorado.

Rolling like a tumbleweed through life, Julián Alvarez takes the chance to be with Gwen, knowing she can’t stay permanently and his heart may be in ruins when she leaves.

Resigned to loneliness, Chris Potter believes his faults and lack of finesse may mean he’ll spend life looking out for others but never knowing love—until the day he sets eyes on a feisty cowgirl named Gwen.

Can she trade her dreams of life in Colorado for love in Divine, Texas—and is she even capable of leaving the two cowboys who have stolen her heart?

Sometimes even the best plans and intentions can change. Acceptance and home is where the heart is, even if it’s where you least expect it.
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Here is the 14th installment in the Divine Creek Ranch series which stars Gwen Henderson, whom we met briefly in book four. She is a retired barrel racer whose family farm falls into trouble because of a bad business decision by her dad. Lost and scared, she ends up in the only other place she feels safe, Divine, Texas.

Julian Alvarez has known Gwen a while and when they decide to get a little closer Julian is pleased that she felt safe enough to come to him despite her troubles, even if her forever plans don’t include him. Deciding a life with Gwen for however long she’s in town is better than nothing, Julian goes head first. Of course he hadn’t planned on his friend to fall head first for Gwen either.

Chris Potter is Julian’s best friend and after an accidental first meeting with Gwen, he’s caught. Hook, line and sinker. But lovable Chris has his own personal issues and when Gwen and Julian make it apparent they want to include Chris, he has to work out his problems in order to accept the gift they both are offering him.

The three of them begin a journey together, knowing there is an expiration date but deciding to seize the day and enjoy what they can. The journey helps each of the three deal with a variety of issues, I felt the overall theme was acceptance.

This was another great story by author Heather Rainier who continues to keep the storylines fresh and different after fourteen books. While this wasn’t my personal favorite (I’m sorry, Ms. Rainier, you’re gonna have a hard time topping Seth) it was still  a five star book. My favorite part was the Woobie realization; it was so sweet even I teared up.

One thing I love is that you can pick up these books and read them without having to read the previous books because the author does a great job of recapping enough without information dumping all over the place. That’s a pet peeve of mine as a reader. If you like sexy cowboys, sweet mouth Jersey boys and strong headed females, please read this and do yourself a favor, read them all! You won’t be sorry and I can’t wait for what is next in Divine!

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Holidays Are Hell: Esther Egg Hunt by Sam Cheever

June 11, 2013 By 1 Comment

EGG
Holidays Are Hell: Esther Egg Hunt by Sam Cheever
Publisher: Changeling Press LLC
Genre: Holiday, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (64 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Hydrangea

Esther Mills is caught in Hell’s version of Groundhog Day. Every year she’s resurrected on Easter and relives her death, only to be escorted to Hell again. The one thing that makes her life tolerable is being escorted back to Hell each time by Lucifer, her sexy perdition guide. Esther and Luc share a hot crush. But for some reason he won’t act on his feelings.

This Easter, Esther’s going to make sure Luc can’t ignore her any longer. She’s going to take her life back… and when she’s done with her sexy devil, he’s not gonna know what hit him!

This was a neat take on Good Friday. I have never really thought about what is going on in Hell while I am praying on Earth. Sexy Lucifer is drawn to Esther from the first time he saw her. She is attracted to him as well. However Hell is Hell and Esther gets punished just because of the day she died. Since she died on Good Friday her fate is to relive dying every year. She has signed a contract and can not go against it, or else she will be severely punished. She has had enough, and plans on running away.
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I thought a few things in this story were cool, like the fact that they have houses, neighbors and get to eat in Hell. They live as though they are on Earth. They even have fences for privacy. Interesting. I always thought that Hell was fire and pain. They have closets and clothes, and I can’t imagine what is so bad, other than being punished for not following the rules.

I also thought that it was weird that Lucifer was not the head demon. I always thought that Lucifer was Satan. It was also very weird to me that Lucifer was a fallen Angel. That was in scripture, and the author kept it, but not much else. Lucifer was also said to be a beauty in scripture, and when he was sent to Hell he lost his beauty. However Esther found him very attractive. I know that this is fiction, but as I read through the book I kept thinking these things in my head. It was interesting because I did not know where the story was going, and the ending was something I never expected. I really liked the ending though it wasn’t what I’d expected.

This is a story where the characters needed to have each other. Isn’t that the ultimate pleasure? The twists and turns in the book made the story more interesting!

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Cream by Zenobia Renquist

June 11, 2013 By 1 Comment

CREAM
Cream by Zenobia Renquist
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (115 Pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Fuchsia

What do a three-hundred-year-old vampire and a midlevel necromancer have in common? Money. Jeliyah needs it to pay off the people who trained her and Teaghan enjoys killing to get it. Together they hunt rogue vampires—assuming Teaghan can focus on something other than getting her into bed and Jeliyah doesn’t put a bullet in him first.
The uneasy partnership promises to be lucrative until the pair gets on the wrong side of a feud. Forced to use forbidden magic, Jeliyah finds herself bound to a man she should hate—but whom she can’t stop fantasizing about.
Every second they stay alive fuels a growing desire Jeliyah is unwilling to deny. Is it the magic? The danger? The only way to get answers is to outrun the enemy, or kill them. She knows Teaghan’s preference, but it’s Jeliyah who must put their mind-blowing sex aside and make the choice that will decide both their fates.

First I must say that I have read quite a few of Zenobia Renquist’s books which were all enjoyable, however, this one is by far my favorite. The story grabs your attention from the very first paragraph and holds on to you until you have read the very last line, and you still want more. The characters played well off one another, and you knew they would become attracted to each other but first Jeliyah had to get over her dislike of Teaghan.

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Jeliyah Parsons had been waiting to be assigned a field position but knew her boss Hirsch didn’t like her, so she was surprised when he told her she would be partnering with someone. When she was introduced to her partner she was less than impressed, as a matter of fact, she took an immediate dislike to him. Not only did he dress like a ‘wanna be gansta’ he also spoke like one. He had his flaming red hair in corn rows, wore baggy pants, boots with the laces untied, and he had one of his fangs tipped in gold. This was not what she was expecting, someone had to be playing with her.

Jeliyah’s first reaction to Teaghan had this reader laughing especially after she described what he was wearing. When he turned to his messenger Fredrick and bumped fists while smiling and saying ‘good looking out’ I could just see Jeliyah’s narrowing her eyes at him. The interaction between the two characters was priceless as well as the interaction with the supporting characters. Cream wasn’t one of those stories that had the main characters hitting the sheets within minutes of meeting one another. Even though Jeliyah and Teaghan were attracted to each other after her first initial dislike of him, Jeliyah knew that there were consequences if she slept with Teagan.

This reader loved that there were issues surrounding the two characters getting together which made it more intense when they finally did. They were both strong, capable and extremely hot together which is always a plus. The author Zenobia Renquist made sure that the reader was invested in these two characters and that the reader would want more. Cream is definitely a book that this reader would recommend. Hopefully, you will pick up a copy and find the same enjoyment that this reader did.

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What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries

June 4, 2013 By 1 Comment

DUKE
What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries
Publisher: Pocket Books/ Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (384 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Maximilian Cale, the Duke of Lyons, long ago buried his grief for his missing elder brother, Peter, who was presumed dead after being kidnapped. When a mysterious note arrives from Tristan Bonnaud asserting that the Duke’s brother is alive, it leads Max straight to the winsome Lisette Bonnaud, illegitimate daughter of a viscount and Tristan’s sister. Soon he and Lisette are traveling to Paris posing as husband and wife, in search of Tristan, who has disappeared. And the longer he spends with Lisette, the easier it is for Max to see that the line between dukedom and desire is easier to cross than heimagined . . .

If a book can be chosen to be read on only the strength of the prologue, then I’d vote for What the Duke Desires. The premise of the external conflict that taunts and flavors most of the book is found right there. The familial ties and the reasons they are so strong are present in bold clarity. The actions that occur in that short chapter drive the main protagonists into the lives they eventually live. And despite the horror of the beginning, triumph, happiness and justice eventually prevail. The question was, ‘how?’. The story that followed was nothing short of spectacular and all my questions were answered.

Ms. Jeffries knows how to create a villain. I didn’t like him one whit. The author also knows how to create a mystery whose solving ends up introducing surprises, twists and an unexpected boon. Sometimes I knew things the characters didn’t and sometimes they knew things that the author only revealed to me when she wanted to. I never guessed who was who and who he ended up being was still pretty darned cool. Am I being ambiguous? If I had to read through the whole thing to find out the truth, so will a reader have to. It’s worth it.

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The internal dialogue of both Lisette and Max was oftentimes enlightening but many times humorous. I had fun watching the heroine fall under the charms of the hero. Neither one set out to seduce or be seduced but that’s what happens. It was great entertainment.

A secondary character played an integral part of moving the conflict and the romance along. It was amazing to see the spurt of jealousy that tore through Max. Equally amusing was when he actually met the guy. I really liked the fact that this character is based on an actual historical figure. It leant a certain firmness and believability to the tale.

Emotions were very much present in this novel. The lead characters had theirs trampled, lifted, dashed and healed. Every time something momentous happened, I felt right along with them. That is high praise and due to the effective writing skills of Ms. Jeffries. The dialogue was great and the romance was perfect. Well, perfect that it ended with a happy ever after. The journey was far from perfect while the hero and heroine learned about each other. The ramifications of the truths they discovered had them saying hurtful things. That’s only human and the best part is the making up. I liked that. But there is more to a happy ever after then just the romance portion. Something else happened to Max, and it made it a bittersweet kind of happy. It was healing and hopeful. I was very pleased.

What the Duke Desires is a passion-filled adventure that has humor, action, and devious storytelling. This is a busy book with a lot of intrigue and surprises to keep the pages flipping. I enjoyed the moments of wit and fun intermixed with the more serious aspects of solving the mystery. I’m most especially happy for Max because he’s finally finding peace with his role as duke. And it’s all thanks to a crazy plot from an unusual heroine, Lisette. I wonder if Tristan’s story is going to be next. If so, it’s going to be another auto-buy because in this story, he seemed synonymous with the word, trouble. How can I resist a potential hero like that?

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Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

June 4, 2013 By Leave a Comment

CURSED
Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood
The Cahill Witch Chronicles Volume 2
Publisher: G. P. Putnam’s Sons
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (366 pgs)
Age Recommendation: 10+
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Thistledown

With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate’s friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.

Cate doesn’t want to be a weapon, and she doesn’t want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood’s schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she’ll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.

In the highly anticipated sequel to Born Wicked, the Cahill Witch Chronicles continue Cate, Maura and Tess’s quest to find love, protect family, and explore their magic against all odds in an alternate history of New England.

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Cate Cahill is the eldest of three sisters, and has just had to make a heart wrenching decision to leave her home and fiancé, Finn. She has joined the Sisterhood in order to save those she loves from becoming pawns in a war that could destroy her family and all she cares for. Finn has joined the Brotherhood in order to be able to protect her, even if from afar. Her sisters Maura and Tess are sent for after a wave of violence toward girls and women suspected of witchery begins to get out of hand. As the sisters arrive at the school run by the Sisterhood, tensions escalate. Warring factions within the ranks of the witches place the sisters at odds and in danger. It has been foretold that one of the sisters will kill the other and one will be the oracle that either sets the witches free or begins a new Terror.

The events in this series captivated me so much that I bought the first book, Born Wicked in e-book form and when I found out I was going to meet the author, I promptly went out and bought it in hardcover so she could sign it. So, getting the chance to review the second in the series pretty much made my week. I credit a book with being good when I can’t sleep, eat or do anything without it in my hand and that was the case with Star Cursed as well. As I read, I couldn’t help but respond to the dynamic that author Jessica Spotswood crafted with her characters. The fighting between the sisters, the love between Cate and Finn, the desperation of the women effected by the tyranny of the Brotherhood, the inmates at Harwood, the religious fervor of the Brotherhood and the many different personalities in the cloister of the Sisterhood; all of it pops with emotion and action and I could not get enough.

Watching the three sisters interact within the mystery of the prophecy was intensely moving. First there is Cate, the oldest sister that has had to keep the sisters moving in the right direction pretty much her whole life. Now she has had to forgo her dreams of happiness with Finn in order to keep everyone safe. Maura is the middle child and is always looking for attention and ready to pick a fight just to prove how much prettier she is than Cate, or even how much stronger she is as a witch. Maura is determined to be the oracle and she doesn’t care who she knocks over in her path to greatness. Tess is the youngest sister and is only twelve. She has secretly begun to have visions and is terrified of what they will mean. The Brotherhood is on the hunt and is filling the insane asylum at Harwood with more girls every day in search of any and all oracles or witches.

Star Cursed is also a political testament to the rights of women. Think about the times when women couldn’t vote, hold a job, learn to read or even own certain books because of religious intolerance. Women have been placed in powerless situations before, cast into insane asylums for being different, accused of being immodest and arrested for simple misunderstandings or forced into situations with male “superiors” that put them in horrible circumstances. Add to that the fear and terror of the witch burnings that happened throughout Europe and the incidents that happened in Salem and this is the climate that Jessica Spotswood has so brilliantly brought to life, with an alternative history twist. If you are a fan of Harry Potter, Beautiful Creatures, Charmed, the House of Night series or The Secret Circle series, then this is a book you will more than likely enjoy.

When I am in the market for a witchy read with characters that leap out of the page, I know Jessica Spotswood will deliver. Star Cursed cast a spell on me on the very first page that has lasted long after the final page has been read.

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Immortally Damned by J Morgan

June 4, 2013 By Leave a Comment

DAMNED
Immortally Damned by J Morgan
Amor Immorati Book Two
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Historical, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (243 Pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Foxglove

Caern swore to never return to New Orleans, his death warrant making the choice easy. Well, easy until his past returns to smack him around. Now, he has to return to the one place where death isn’t a possibility, it’s a guarantee. And only a matter of time. Searching to find a murderer out to kill the grandchild he never thought to meet, he finds himself falling into a hell he just might not be able to crawl free of. His only hope lies in Detective Eliza Marrone. Falling for her isn’t in the cards, but his heart tells him it might be the only thing he can’t escape. Zombies, old lovers and psychopathic vampire clergy, yeah those are things he can deal with. True love on the other hand is the one thing he’s always avoided. This time there’s no way out. It might get him killed, or end up saving his wretched soul.

New Orleans. The Big Easy. The city that Caern once called home, the place he can never go again if he values his life. And yet, when his former lover, Queen of the Vampires, reaches out, he knows he must answer, against his better judgment.

Half vampire, Caern has fought his nature for two centuries, running Darkside Investigations along with his partner Chase. Now Chase has found his happy ever after, and if the message from Katyarina is any indication, life just got a lot more complicated for Caern. Once, a long time ago, Katyarina and Caern were in love, but when Augustine Dupres, Katyarina’s brother, became the Zombie King, he drove Caern out of New Orleans, and sentenced him to death is he ever returned. Caern was happy to stay away, until the last of his bloodline comes under threat. Luckily, Caern has back up in Raiz, a Russian Were bear and Stephanie, an Amazon of an Elvin warrior to help. Meanwhile, New Orleans is suffering a series of grotesque and horrific murders of nuns, and it becomes Detective Eliza Marrone’s job to find the killer and stop the insanity. What no one knows is that an insane former priest, trying to find Caern’s descendants and destroy them all, links the killings to the search. When Caern discovers the link, and also finds love in the form of one tough and unknowing detective, things go from bad to worse in a hurry. Can Caern and his friends stop the carnage before his family is destroyed? Can Eliza stay sane, once she learns that vampires, shifters and all those things that ‘go bump in the night’ really exist? Will these two star crossed people save each other, and stop the madness once and for all?
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Immortally Damned is the long awaited second book in J Morgan’s Amor Immorati series. This is a darker world than Mr. Morgan usually depicts, and it is filled with danger, desire, and yet, there is still that edge of irreverent and delicious humor that any J Morgan book has. The characters here are not the cute and sarcastic vampires and shifters J Morgan does so well, these people are much darker, edgier, and more violent when it is needed. The New Orleans that the author depicts is gritty, dark and filled with beings that scare normal people. I enjoyed my visit, but I was happy to leave it behind once the story was told.

Eliza Marrone is a strong and determined woman, one of the youngest female detectives in the department. When her superior tells her this case is her last chance to keep the job, she is even more determined to solve the murders. When her whole world is turned inside out by the knowledge that vampires, zombies and all those mythical creatures are real, she first thinks she is losing her mind. When she first meets Caern, she thinks he is crazy, because he tells her what he is, and that she has no idea what she is hunting. But I really like Eliza, because even as her world is being torn apart, she is determined to stop the killer, no matter what he is. And I enjoyed watching as she tried, and ultimately failed, to resist her attraction to Caern.

Caern Chevalier is a Dhampyre, half human and half vampire. He is strong, stubborn, and loyal to his friends and those he cares about. Handsome, quiet and darkly sarcastic, he is almost an anti-hero. But his determination to save the last of his descendents from the torture and death stalking her brings out the hero in him. I enjoyed watching as he stepped out of the shadows, and learned to love again. His reactions to Eliza start out as suspicion as she is seen leaving Dupres home, but slowly become admiration of her strength, and finally, a deep and unexpected love.

Mr. Morgan weaves together several threads to create the tapestry of this story, from Caern and Katyarina’s shared past, Dupres’ vendetta against Caern, and the unsolved murders creating chaos in the city. The dialog is sharp, witty and has a dark edge of sarcasm to it. The action is fast and decisive, and the danger is ever present once the trio reaches New Orleans. And just when things seem their darkest, J Morgan tosses in some of his familiar pop culture references to break up the tension, and ease through the tight spots. I got to learn more about Caern, and I really liked learning a bit more about the massive Raiz, the Russian were bear who has a code of honor all his own. This is not a story for the faint of heart, but id you are looking for a hard won happy ever after with some tears and laughs thrown in, this one is just the ticket. I hope Mr. Morgan has more where this one came from.

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Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris

May 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment

DEAD
Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (264 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Sookie Stackhouse finds it easy to turn down the request of former barmaid Arlene when she wants her job back at Merlotte’s. After all, Arlene tried to have Sookie killed. But her relationship with Eric Northman is not so clearcut. He and his vampires are keeping their distance…and a cold silence. And when Sookie learns the reason why, she is devastated.

Then a shocking murder rocks Bon Temps, and Sookie is arrested for the crime.

But the evidence against Sookie is weak, and she makes bail. Investigating the killing, she’ll learn that what passes for truth in Bon Temps is only a convenient lie. What passes for justice is more spilled blood. And what passes for love is never enough…

Parting is such sweet sorrow, or so they say. In this case, parting is a tremendous wrenching of a decades old love affair. In Dead Ever After, Ms. Harris ties up all the loose ends in her usual dramatic fashion. Things I thought I knew were flipped and it left me gaping in shock.

The women’s shy, cheap tadalafil no prescription Facts about cialis no prescription reserved, timid and negative psychological is the resistance for stimulating and accelerating sexual arousal. Get of generic levitra generic cialis s should be deemed only with the aid of this supreme drug. You are not alone and treatments are now available djpaulkom.tv cheap viagra and one can easily go for the generic after consulting an expert medical opinion Other Chemotherapy Drugs Other drugs used in cancer therapy include: Hormonal agents target the hormonal processes that may stimulate cancer cell growth and/or survival. Irrespective of the cause of click here now on line cialis the initial pain and problems, among the many benefits study shows one may enjoy because of the wonderful results of chiropractic care: Better movement and improved circulation Low levels of lactic acid High oxygenation and better nutrient delivery to cells Good flexibility Increased comfort and elimination of pain Steady recovery time Less muscle spasm Deterrence of future injury and augmented immune function. One thing I can count in this series is action. Sookie has been the target of numerous supernatural plots throughout the series but none have come close to what goes on in this book. That poor girl didn’t catch a break through most of the novel. If it’s not one thing, it’s a person come to dredge up things from the past. Surprise!

A reader should not start reading about Sookie at the end because they will never understand the shock, the heart-twisting truths or the crushing decisions that pepper this book with devastating yet effective results. This truly is the culmination of everything that readers have gone through with Sookie and pals. Read the first book, get hooked like I did but have the benefit of living in Sookie-world for thirteen roller coaster thrill rides back to back and discover the heart pounding events that take place. It’s an amazing experience. One I’m sad to see end, but after reading this, I can see the logic behind it.

Readers will see the ending of some story threads, the beginning of something else and a final ultimate conclusion to something that I’d thought was already resolved. Imagine my horrified fascination to find out there was yet one more diabolical twist that Sookie needed to face. I never, ever saw that coming. Neither did Sookie. There was more drama, suspense and nail-biting paragraphs than ever and the writing kept me spellbound.

I can’t say who she ends up with. About four books back, I started thinking it would be a good match up after all but it never seemed to build enough for me to be sure. In this final book, I’d have to settle for a happily for now because with Sookie Stackhouse, one just never knows. I mean look what happens in this book! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Ms. Harris is devious. She has never shied away from having her characters make hard choices and this author stayed true to form. I’ve read about many readers being unhappy. I’m not one of them. Yes, I’m sad because I have been following this series from the very first and there was something magical and different about the author’s writing and imagination that simply captured my interest – and never let go. I’m gloomy because it’s over. However, after reading this book and the way it ended, though no less exciting and suspenseful as those in the past, it absolutely fit. Ms. Harris tied up the loose ends the way they had to be done to keep her characters’ integrity. They were who they were and anything different would have been unnatural. It amazes me how she kept everything so together.

Are there questions left hanging? Yes – little ones. Case in point, Sookie’s nephew. Perhaps years down the line, Ms. Harris will grant readers with another visit to Bon Temps, with a visit from Aunt Sookie. Maybe it could be a holiday story or something to give us a definitive, final, sink-your-teeth-in-firmly type tale for those readers who need that extra assurance. As for me, I’m good. I accept this ending as the way it should be, Sookie Style.

Dead Ever After is hard-hitting, powerful and at times, astonishing. Yet, Ms. Harris balanced it all with a bit of humor, with writing that touched my emotions and had an ending that left me with a wistful Mona Lisa smile. I say a fond fare thee well to Bill, Eric, Alcide, Pam, Tara, Sam, Jason, Hunter, Michele and Mustpha Khan, Niall, Mr. C, Diantha and the unforgettable Quinn. My sniffles and heaviest sighs go to Sookie, a unique and special character that truly is a literary gem in the paranormal romance genre. Thank you Ms. Harris for a series that took me away to a place I’d never been before. This final book is a keeper.

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Lover Be Mine by Nicole Jordan

May 28, 2013 By Leave a Comment

LOVER
Lover Be Mine by Nicole Jordan
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (444 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

As the wickedly seductive Wilde cousins seek true love by taking a page from history’s legendary love stories, Lord Jack Wilde plays a determined Romeo courting an enchanting Juliet.

The last thing Sophie Fortin expects at a masquerade ball is a dazzling kiss from a pirate. Her desire quickly falters when she learns that her masked gentleman is devilishly scandalous Lord Jack, a member of the captivating Wilde clan—and a man she’s forbidden to acknowledge. But when Jack begins a breathtaking seduction, Sophie can barely resist.

Jack never imagined that the daughter of his family’s mortal enemy would awaken such fierce passion within him—until one unforgettable kiss changes his mind forever. Soon, Jack is hell-bent on winning Sophie’s hand, going so far as to abduct her to save her from marrying a rival nobleman. Determined to woo Sophie and her unyielding parents, Jack is faced with the one decision he’d sworn never to make. The secret heir to a prince, Jack has spurned his royal heritage for years . . . but for Sophie he’ll risk all to turn a legacy of heartbreak into love ever after.

I snapped up this book based on the premise of a rake being an actual royal prince and hiding it. I thought it was one of the most romantic of plot conflicts and I couldn’t wait to start reading. I’m thrilled to say that Lover Be Mine more than met my expectations.

Below is a short overview on these three forms- Kamagra tablets are obtained in three strength of 25mg, 50mg and 100mg Kamagra soft tablets are available in different strength of dosages and recommended after diagnosing the problem, therefore, one generic cialis for women has to consult healthcare provider as soon as possible. A common viagra prices injection Prostaglandin E1 can be taken. Fans can join ESPN.com’s NASCAR experts in dissecting every aspect viagra sales france http://www.wouroud.com/order-2452 of the race live at . The best-known rally sildenafil uk buy is probably the Sturgis Rally where thousands of bikers meet. Lord Jack is a character with deep depths of humor, honor, and who enjoys living up to the role he plays. And that’s what readers will eventually find out. It’s a façade to cover something way more compelling. His secret isn’t just that he’s potentially from a royal lineage – it’s the experiences that formed him when he was just a boy. I challenge any reader to be unmoved by what they’ll eventually read. I was moved and shocked, and that is a testimony to how powerful the words were that Ms. Jordan chose.

Sophie was a hot ticket. The author gave me an excellent glimpse of her character in the first chapter. The rest of the story built upon that. She’s a mixture of a woman – the best of innocence, compromised by curiosity with a yen for doing daring and naughty things. That only comes to light with her continued relationship with Lord Jack. He brings out the best in her, even things she never thought herself capable of. It was great seeing her blossom.

Beware of hot flashes. Sophie starts off as a proper young miss but once Lord Jack sets about her seduction, because he simply can’t resist her, the writing becomes quite vivid and sensual. It’s not only about learning the sexual ropes because in each scene where they do succumb to their desires, Sophie and Jack learn so much about each other and themselves. In the afterglow, instead of hazy sweet thoughts, there’s clarity, plans and intent. The hero and heroine are anything but placid and cardboard. Neither is it all sunshine and happiness. That is why when they do get together, it’s grand. It’s meaningful. And it matters.

The conflict is mostly character driven. Jack has a lot of reconciling to do about his position in life in all aspects. Somehow, Sophie fits in there but it’s never a sure thing as to how or where she’d be ending up. It’s that ambiguity that kept me flipping the pages. How are they going to figure out the important things that a healthy relationship needs to survive? On top of that, will Jacks dad survive? Will the hero really go through with accepting the crown? Who will he marry then? So many questions! And there were a lot of important turning points that happened in this novel; it was spellbinding.

Family can be a good thing, or it can make a person turn purple with laughter or chagrin. Jack experiences both. That adoration and respect for family, especially towards the end, made this book shine so much brighter. It made the emotional connection between me and the characters Ms. Jordan created. Connections like that can only be made when the writing is done right.

Lover Be Mine is a grand romance with hilarious ups and downs that gets a reader through those times when the novel plays havoc with their tender emotions. The storytelling is rich, busy, and entertaining. The dialogue provides insight and interest and kept the momentum of the plot moving right along. I missed the first book in the series and I can’t wait to get a copy and read it. With certainty, if Quinn’s story is next, it’ll be an auto-buy. I’m totally hooked on those Wilde men.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,
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