Review - Tempting the Enemy by Dee Tenorio

Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: 5/26/10
Where I got this book: NetGalley


Detective Pale Rysen, an Alpha, is determined to secretly rebuild the Wolf packs from the ashes of genocide. When a killer starts picking off young females looking for sanctuary, it's his job to protect them. Forced to work with a hated enemy, he fears his cover will be blown. Jade-Scarlet's membership in the powerful Order of the Sibile has always been controversial. A half-wolf, Jade's unstable psychic powers are a disappointment to her mercenary handlers. So when the Oracle commands her to work with Pale, Jade must prove herself...even if it means challenging the enigmatic shifter. Yet Pale triggers more than her curiosity. He sends her into Heat, and the intense sexual attraction could mean losing control of her gifts-something she can't allow. As the number of victims rises, so does the danger. A murderous darkness wants them both dead. But even if they stop the killer, how long can they fight each other?


Carina Press has a real winner with Tenorio’s Tempting the Enemy. Pale is a homicide detective working on a series killer case that has taken a turn for the worse. The city fears that the problem cannot be solved by their finest, so they bring in a Sibile, a kind of witch, to help bring the murder to justice. As Pale has been working on both the human killings, and the un-reported wolf killings, as the Alpha, he has double the interest in solving the case quickly. When he meets his Sibile Jade, events take another unexpected turn when he realized she is part wolf, and full in heat.

Jade and Pale do their best to work together, each keeping secrets from the other, to track down the killer. While Jade refuses to reveal Sibile secrets, she does let pale into her world more and more as they find out additional information regarding the elusive killer. While she is reluctant to give up general Sibile information, she finds herself revealing more and more about herself, her past, and her attraction to him grows and festers with each waking moment.

Pale also has secrets, the biggest being his super secret Alpha status, and his struggle to create a safe haven for wolf shifters across the country that are still being persecuted by the humans. The second biggest secret is the fact that his serial killer is also hunting young wolves who are making their way to his sanctuary. Pale keeps this information to himself, refusing to share the additional information with the human police.

I really enjoyed this book. I feel like I must create a new genre for it: Paranormal Romance Suspect Awesomesauce! Tenorio kept me guessing at every turn, and as someone who usually can tell by the middle of a book who the bad guy was, I was surprised at how well she was able to twist and turn the plot to constantly keep me guessing. Those of you who are big JD Robb fans, this book is defiantly one that you should check out!

The complicated world of the Sibile was confusing at times, and I personally would have liked a little more back story and information, but I was still able to grasp everything. Jade was a great tortured female lead, her back story broke my heart a little, while you can’t help but admire everything she has become. The revelation about her powers towards the end surprised me a little, but in a good way.

Pale (an odd name that had me continuing to envision him as an albino) lived up to all my alpha male expectations. He was pushy, protective, arrogant, and all around awesome! While we didn’t learn his exact reasons for dreaming of building a wolf sanctuary, they became somewhat implied throughout.

I hope that Tenorio has additional books planned to continue on with this story, because I felt as if a lot was left open. What will happen with the Sibile’s now that they have learned the human are tracking them like they used to track the wolves? Will Pale and Jade be able to build up the wolf sanctuary and continue to do great things for the shifters? I can only hope there will be additional books to continue on with these characters.

All in all, I give Tempting the Enemy 4 out of 5 wolf sanctuaries!

Review - Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

Publisher: Carina Press
Published Date: 6/7/10
Where I got this book: NetGalley


When Keri Daniels’ editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.

Joe’s never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he’s intrigued to hear Keri’s back in town—and looking for him. Despite his intense need for privacy, he’ll grant Keri an interview if it means a chance to finish what they started in high school.

He proposes an outrageous plan—for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping and four-wheeling trip, Keri can ask one question. Keri agrees; she’s worked too hard to walk away from her career.

But the chemistry between them is still as potent as the bug spray, Joe’s sister is out to avenge his broken heart and Keri hasn’t ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe 2gether 4ever.


Oh I loved loved loved this book! Keri is an aspiring editor who finds out her job is on the line unless she can get an interview with her high school sweetheart, a famous and somewhat media shy author. Keri is under no illusions that Joe will welcome her back with open arms, but forces herself to try anyway. She heads home, and is propositioned by Joe: spend two weeks with him family camping, and he will answer a question for every day she lasts.

So they set out for a fourteen day camping trip complete with daily ATV rides, angry and bitten ex-best friends, cramped showers, and lots of relationship woes. After just one day together, Keri and Joe know that the intense chemistry they shared in high school never fizzled out, and are hesitant to start any kind of relationship back up.

However Keri and Joe find themselves bonding in their shared cabin over the love they have for his niece and nephews, the struggles his brother and twin sister go through with their spouses, a crazy volleyball tournament of doom, and years of history that were never forgotten.

This book was fabulous, and I love the way Stacey touched on so much more than just the budding relationship between Joe and Keri. The family dynamics at the Kowalski campground blew me away, and brought reminders of many of the family trips I’ve taken in the past as a kid. The differences in how Joe and his siblings deal with their relationships speak volumes to what real life marriage and love is all about. I enjoyed watching Terry have to think about her marriage, and deal with the changes that needed to happen in order to make it work. I loved that Mike and Lisa both had insecurities, even after being married for over a decade.

I also loved how Keri and Terry were forced to deal with their broken friendship, and both were forced to take some ownership of where it went wrong. Knowing just how hard girls can be to deal with in high school; it was nice to see the two of them, even as adults try mean and cruel things to hurt the other before finally patching things up.

The slow seduction Joe weaves for Keri was Prince Charming meets Grizzly Adams perfect. The way he used their past to his advantage and lured her back into a comfortable way of being with him had me drooling for a little romance kick of my own. This light hearted romance is a great rainy day read!

All in all, I give Exclusively Yours 4.5 out of 5 ATV rides!

July New Releases

Here are a few of the books that I am really looking forward to this July. Check them out!



1. Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh
July 6th, 2010
Berkley
First and Foremost, one of my most anticipated books of 2010, and one of my all time favorite author! This is the 8th book in the Uber Popular Psy-Changeling series. Readers get the chance to catch up with Max again, find out about a new kind of Psy power, and hopefully get some time with Lucas and Hawke *sigh*

Max Shannon is a good cop, one of the best in New York Enforcement. Born with a natural shield that protects him against Psy mental invasions, he knows he has little chance of advancement within the Psy-dominated power structure. The last case he expects to be assigned to is that of a murderer targeting a Psy Councilor's closest advisors. And the last woman he expects to compel him in the most sensual of ways is a Psy on the verge of catastrophic mental fracture.




2. The Dark & Stormy Knights Anthology, edited by P.N. Elrod.
July 20th, 2010
St. Martin’s Griffin
This awesome anthology includes some incredible authors, including Ilona Andrews, Jim Butcher, Carrie Vaughn, Vicki Pettersson, and many others. I personally love anthologies. It gives me a chance to potentially find a new author, read about side characters from some of my favorite authors, and enjoy little short stories. I am super excited for the short from Ilona Andrews, the story of how Kate & Samhain meet while she is on bodyguard duty.

They’re the last defenders of humanity, the lone wolf bad boys— and girls—who do dark deeds for the right reasons. Modern day knights who are sexy, funny, mad, bad and dangerous to know because they do what most of us only dream about…and get away with it. In this all-star collection, nine of today’s hottest urban fantasy authors bring us original stories of supernatural, modern day knights that will have readers clamoring for more!




3. Kiss Me if You Can by Carly Phillips.
July 27th, 2010
HQN Books
Who doesn’t love Carly Phillips? She has written some incredible contemporary romantic comedies. I fell in love with her through the Hot Zone Series, the Chandler Brothers, and the Simply Series. Almost all of her works are on my keeper shelves. This is the start of a new series, which I’m sure will rock like all the others/

Sam Cooper ("Coop") has just become the most eligible bachelor in NYC. Now that he has foiled a jewelry-store robbery and has been rewarded with the ring of his choice, single women all over the city are fawning over the crime reporter. But Coop isn't interested in the admirers sending racy underwear his way. His attention is centered solely on Lexie Davis, the only woman in the city who claims not to be interested.

Instead, free-spirited Lexie is interested in Coop's antique ring, and its-potentially scandalous-history in her family. But Coop is quickly becoming more than just her route to the ring. When his investigation starts to uncover the truth, will she trust her heart-and her family secrets-to this most eligible bachelor.




4. In Other Worlds by Sherrilyn Kenyon
July 6th, 2010
Berkley
Yet another collection of short stories for July. Sherrilyn has three shorts featuring the first Were-Hunter story ever published, and the story of Adron from the League Series. I can’t wait to read all about Adron, because really, the son of Nykyrian and Kiara? You can’t go wrong there!

This is the anthology that compiles all of the short stories Sherri wrote for Berkley. It contains:

Dragonswan which is the first Were-Hunter story every published. Scholar Channon MacRea has spent years studying the legendary Dragon Tapestry, devoting days and nights to deciphering the impenetrable Old English symbolism.

Then one evening the unnaturally
seductive Sebastian appears. He claims to hold the key to solving the tapestry's mysteries... He also claims to be a dragon slayer trapped between two worlds.

For Channon there's only one way to finally uncover the secrets
of the intricate embroidery-by following this stranger into a fantastic alternate world of magic, danger, and adventure.

Fire & Ice The League story with Adron (son of Nykyrian and Kiara). Adron Quiakides was the fiercest of the League Assassins. As his father before him, none could touch him until the day he traded himself for a pregnant hostage.

Butchered and left for dead, he barely survived. That single act of kindness cost him everything and left him emotionally and physically crippled.

Livia typpa Vista is a noblewoman trying to escape a horrifying marriage her father is forcing her into. When she mistakenly sits down at Adron's table while fleeing her pursuers, she has no idea that by running from her fate, she meets her destiny.

Knightly Dreams Sparhawk is conjured from his book and finds himself alive in our world and in the hands of woman who is the only hope he has of escaping his death should he return to his novel.




5. Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost
July 27th, 2010
Avon
This is the 2nd book in the spin off series from the Cat & Bones books. While Cat & Bones are still one of my all time favorites, I absolutely love getting to know the other characters. This story features Bone’s co-ruler Mencheres, and his leading lady Kira. I can’t wait to find out more about the centuries old Mencheres, who has always been somewhat of an enigma to me.

An immortal war has been brewing in the darkness…and now one woman has stumbled into the shadows.

Chicago private investigator Kira Graceling should have just kept on walking. But her sense of duty refused to let her ignore the moans of pain coming from inside a warehouse just before dawn. Suddenly she finds herself in a world she’s only imagined in her worst nightmares.

At the center is Mencheres, a breathtaking Master Vampire who thought he’d seen it all. Then Kira appears—this fearless, beautiful…human who braved death to rescue him. Though he burns for her, keeping Kira in his world means risking her life, yet sending her away is unthinkable.

But with danger closing in, Mencheres must choose between the woman he craves, or embracing the darkest magic to defeat an enemy bent on his eternal destruction.




And last, but certainly not least, I leave you with an HONORARY July release (because really, June 29th is practically July…)


Raising Kane by Lorelei James
June 29th, 2010
Samhain Publishing

Lorelei is my absolute favorite smut writer, and I adore her Rough Riders Series about the gruff and fabulous McKay cowboys, and the women who love them. This is the 9th book in the series.

She surrendered the reins. Now he’s raising the stakes
When a patch of ice sends attorney Ginger Paulson head-over-high-heels down a flight of stairs, she has no one to care for her young son and her invalid father. Until lethally sexy Kane McKay shows up at the hospital, determined to prove his cowboy chivalry. Past experience has inoculated her against take-charge men, but even Ginger isn’t immune to Kane’s invasive charm and Built Ford Tough body.

For two years rancher Kane McKay has followed the Little Buddies mentoring program’s cardinal rule—hands off his Little Buddy Hayden’s mama. But one look at Ginger’s bruised body and Kane is through watching the stubborn woman take care of everyone but herself. The feisty, curvy redhead needs his help, and he’ll give her the hands-on type whether she likes it or not.

After Kane throws out doctor’s orders and issues his own demands—her full sexual submission—Ginger realizes Kane’s caring nature extends beyond just fulfilling her physical needs.

Can the former hell-raiser convince the gun-shy single mom to look beyond his past…toward a shared future?

Warning: Contains one sweet and hot hunk of cowboy manflesh who uses every sexual trick in the book to render a sassy fast-talking attorney speechless and puts a new twist on the term “binding” arbitration.

Review - Almost Perfect by Susan Mallery *AND* Author Appreciation

Publisher: HQN
Release Date: 6/29/10
How I got this book: NetGalley

Back in high school, Liz Sutton was the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Then she’d stolen the heart of the most popular boy in town, and their secret romance helped her through the worst of times. Until Ethan Hendrix betrayed her and everything they’d ever meant to each other. Devastated and pregnant, Liz left Fool’s Gold, California – forever, she thought…

Now Liz must return to town and face the man who doesn’t know of their son’s existence. And this time she won’t have the option of making a quick getaway. Ethan and Liz can’t deny their passionate attraction, even after all these years. But will their desire be enough to spark a second chance at love?


I interrupt this review to bring you a short Author Appreciation: Why I love Susan Mallery!! Back in March, I asked my Twitter followers who their favorite contemporary romance authors were, as I was looking for something new to read. One of my girlfriends recommended about 6 authors, one being Ms. Mallery. A few hours later, I got a tweet @reply from Ms. Mallery, thanking my friend for her suggestion, and telling me she hoped I enjoyed her books. Because she took time out of her (I can only imagine) super busy day to comment, I was floored. I immediately went online and purchased the first book in the Lone Star Sisters Series. I was hooked from that moment on. So, thank you Ms. Mallery. Like I said, I was floored that you took the time to thank your fans, and because of that you now have another loyal reader!

Back to the book! Almost Perfect is the second book in the Fool’s Gold Series, and tells the story of Liz, local girl from the wrong side of the tracks, and Ethan, oldest son of the Hendrix family, one of the founders of Fool’s Gold. In high school, Liz is the poor social outcast, and while Ethan takes a notice to her, he wants to keep them a secret. After a devastating betrayal, Liz flees town by herself, heartbroken and pregnant.

Flash forward eleven years, Liz receives an e-mail from her nieces she never knew she had, and is forced to come back to Fool’s Gold to take care of them. Her first day back in town she runs into Ethan, and finds out that Ethan never knew about their son. The two constantly fight regarding their son and are forced to find a way to deal with parenting, the attraction between them, a crazed stalker fan, and their shared past mistakes.

I loved the second installment in this series, and frequently found myself wishing I could give Liz a hug and a lecture in women to Ethan. One of the reasons that I find Mallery’s books so appealing, is that her characters are so incredibly real. They have flaws, they carry heartache, they act rashly, and they don’t waiver on their beliefs.

Given Liz’s history, I found her to be an incredible character. The whole “making yourself from nothing” is so well done, and the baggage that Liz carries makes her that much more lovable and believable as a character. I found myself tearing up at times, thinking of what I would have done in her situation.

Although Ethan has some series trust issues with Liz, he really does try hard to be a good father to the son he never knew he had. While he has genuine feelings for Liz, he does a really crappy job of portraying them, and reminds me of so many men I know in my own life.

I was really happy with the way the story resolved itself, and how Liz and Ethan were able to work something out. It didn’t seem fake, or false, and was absolutely perfect the way Ethan put himself out there. A definite winner!

While I wish we could have seen more of Josh and Charity, this book featured more of Pia, the heroine in the next Fool’s Gold book. I have been in love with her since the first book, and can’t wait to see how she is going to deal with loosing her best friend, trying to grieve and find love at the same time. I just know it will be another huge hit in the Mallery back log.

All in all, I give Almost Perfect 4.5 out of 5 high school sweethearts!

Review - Crazy for Love by Victoria Dahl

Publisher – HQN
Release Date – 7/1/10
How I got this book – NetGalley

Chloe Turner thought she was going to marry the perfect man-until her fiancé's plane crashed. And then she got the really bad news: he'd tried to fake his own death to avoid marrying her. Now America's most famous bridezilla (a tag she most definitely does not deserve), Chloe escapes to a remote island to avoid the paparazzi. And right next door is a man who just might be the cure
for Chloe's heartache....

A magnet for wild, complicated women, Max Sullivan is relieved to have finally found someone "normal." Chloe is his girl-next-door fantasy come to life, and best of all, she gets him. With her, he can be himself, a treasure-hunting millionaire who desperately wants out of his sexy but reckless job. But when Chloe's notoriety catches up with them, will their torrid romance make it to the mainland?

Victoria Dahl does it again with another witty and hilarious romantic comedy featuring a somewhat neurotic hero, a wronged heroine, and flocks of crazy paparazzi. I feel in love with Dahl’s contemporary romances within the first few pages of Talk Me Down, the first book in the Tumble Creek series.

In Crazy for Love, we meet Chloe and her BFF Jenn as they are heading to a remote island to get away from life. Chloe has recently found out her fiancé, who she thought perished in a plane crash, really jumped out at the last minute and is telling the world it is her fault. Labeled as “The Bridezilla”, she is now hounded all day by the paparazzi, waiting to see her lose it.

As she and Jenn are relaxing on the beach, the handsome Sullivan brothers walk up to the cabin next door, and hit it off with the girls. Max has this somewhat annoying and somewhat adorable need to take care of everyone and everything around him, and is constantly going out of his way to ensure the safety of others.

As news gets out of Chloe’s real life waiting for her back home her steamy but new relationship with Max takes a hit, and they are left trying to decide if they want to fight for each other, or not deal with the hassle.

I love that Dahl gave us this great leading lady character. Although Chloe is living in hell, she is taking it in stride, maintaining her pride and well being as best she can, and doing her best to wait out all the craziness. I can honestly say that if I found out my fiancé faked his death then blamed it on me; I would hole up and want to die. Instead, Chloe does her best to make the most of a crappy situation. Bravo!

Although Max is super sexy and has an incredible sounding job and seems like a total playboy; his OCD over protectiveness kinda started to drive me nuts. I like my leading men to be total Alphas bordering on the side of cavemen. Max was so real, he wasn’t this super put together, “all is well in life” guy. He had issues, and he was doing his best to kinda deal with them. As impressed as I was with his depth, he didn’t drive me wild.

The side romance between BFF Jenn and other brother Elliott was sweet. While Jenn is plagued by the guilt of carrying a dirty little secret, and Elliott is trying to get over a nasty divorce, the two of them have a few awkward sweet moments.

This was not my favorite Dahl book (really, can she top Talk Me Down? IMO, prolly not. LOVED it!!) However, it was different and I really enjoyed that.

All in all, I give Crazy for Love 3.5 out of 5 hoards of paparazzi.

Review - Shadow of the Vampire by Meagan Hatfield

Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: 7/1/10
How I got this book: eARC from NetGalley

Even vampires should never sleep with the enemy.

Vampire princess Alexia Feodorovna has been undead for 125 years, so it's been a while since any man has made her pulse race. Until Declan Black. One look at his bronzed body and a fire like no other consumes her. Then she discovers that he's a dragon lord come to take revenge on the vamps who killed his parents. And claim a crystal said to imbue its owner with incredible powers.

Alexia is ordered to torture and kill the dragon lord. Yet with each reckless encounter, she finds herself consumed by his fiery passion. A passion Declan battles, as well. Will he be able to resist the fire of lust she kindles within him and keep revenge in his heart? Or will he risk everything to quench the burning desire and claim the vampire as his own?

Hatfield creates a fantastic paranormal Romeo and Juliette with her new release Shadow of the Vampire. Alexia is the Princess of the Vampire horde, just days away from her ascension to Queen. The war between the Vampires and Dragons has been going on for as long as she can remember, and have recently hit its pinnacle. Just a few short weeks prior, the Dragon King and Queen were captured, tortured, and murdered at the hands of the Vampire Lotharus.

Declan, the only son and daughter of the recently murdered Dragon rulers, is now their Lord and leader. When the dragons find out that the Vampires have recently discovered a crystal that is said to have immense power, he sets off into enemy territory to retrieve the crystal from enemy hands. However, Declan is captured, and held prisoner by Lotharus.

As Declan is tortured, Alexia is coming to realize that everything is not as she once believed it to be. With the problems in the Vampire ranks, undermining of her authority by a vicious foe, and the constant attacks by the Dragons; Alexia and Declan will turn to each other and discover a passion neither has ever known before.

This paranormal Romeo and Juliette was fantastically done, and had just the right amount of passion, action, crazy twists and turns, and a wonderfully done happily ever after. I loved the way that Alexia was able to slowly realize that not everything is as it seems, and was able to uncover the lies of her past, and fight for what she truly believed was the right path for herself and her people.
Declan is the perfect shifter Lord and leader. He is sexy, totally selfless, and a great ruler. I was impressed by the way that Declan was forced to deal with some hard issues while dealing with his clan, and that he was strong and assertive when dealing with his people. The interplay between Declan and Alexia is both sweet and sexy.

The villain Lotharus is truly evil, and as we find out more and more about what he is up to, he develops into the absolutely perfect EVIL villain in my eyes. He is manipulative, undermining, and totally amoral. The twists and turns kept me guessing as to what was really going on, who was behind what, who could be trusted, and who would stab their friend or lover in the back.

All in all, I give Shadow of the Vampire 4.5 out of 5 magic crystals!

Anthologies - Love 'um or Hate 'um?

I have been reading a lot of anthologies lately, and was personally surprised to hear how many people don’t like them. I am an absolute fan of the anthology. In fact, some of my favorite authors are ones who I found through an anthology!

I know that some people don’t like how short the stories are, but I always felt that when the story really only centered around one kind of theme (like most anthologies do), that it makes the stories fun, easy to read, and a quick read. Although I am a huge fan of the imaginative world building of many paranormal and fantasy authors, I also like little short stories set within different established worlds.



Some of my favorite anthologies are the ones edited by P.N. Elrod. My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding and My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon are two absolutely CLASSIC anthologies that have funny, sad, and hysterical short stories, from some of the best known authors in the Fantasy genre.



I picked up the Wedding one because I was just finishing up the Vampire Huntress Series, and wanted to read more of L.A. Banks. Through that, I immediately went to my local library and picked up books by other contributors: Rachel Caine, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and Lori Handeland.



A few of my all time favorite short stories comes from anthologies. Nalini Singh writes the UBER popular Psy-Changeling series, and her short story about Tammy and Nate is probably my number one favorite short story, OF ALL TIME! Do I wish she would have made it into a whole novel? Of course!! But, I understand timeline issues and all that. Still, one of my favorites!! Ilona Andrews has also started writing for a few anthologies, and her short about Andrea and Raphael from the Kate Daniels world. I am also eagerly anticipating the new anthology coming out about Kate and her bodyguard duties for Saiman.

What about you? How do you feel about anthologies? Love um or Hate um? What are some of your favorite anthologies?

Review: Hunters by Lindsey Bayer and Michelle Marquis

Publisher: Carina Press
How I got this book: Won through Carina Press Blog Contest
Publish Date: 6/21/10


Kirillian Harmony Knox was one of the most successful bounty hunters in the galaxy—until a brain-eater named Prime became her only failure and escaped, landing her in jail. Now free, she'll stop at nothing to catch him and stop his murderous rampage.

Unfortunately for Harmony, fellow hunter Bart Tanner has the only available transport. Arrogant and ruthless, Tanner is known for killing most of his bounties. Harmony can't stand him—yet she can't deny the deep sexual desire sparking between them.

Once enslaved as a cage fighter by a cruel Kirillian, Tanner harbors a deep hatred for the alien race—though he's drawn to Harmony's luscious sensuality, and they soon indulge in erotic encounters.

When Prime puts out a hit on Harmony, things intensify, and Tanner realizes their lust has turned into something deeper—but if he and Harmony aren't careful, more than just their lives will be at stake...

Hunters is one of the first ebooks to be released under the brand new Carina Press publishing division of Harlequin. (Check out the great widget at the bottom of the page to see the new Carina releases!) Bayer and Marquis create a Science Fiction Romance that is to be released on June 21st.

I am a huge advocate of the Sci Fi Romance genre, and absolutely love the fusion of inter-galactic travel, various alien races, and of course a happily ever after. Although this was not the best Sci Fri Romance I’ve ever read (and really, IMO who can top Sherrilyn Kenyon’s League Series?!), but it also wasn’t the worst.

Harmony is a Kirillian bounty hunter, and we first meet up with her as she is finishing up a one year prison sentence on illegal weapons charges. Fellow agency hunter Tanner is sent to pick her up from jail, take her back to her own ship, and see her back to the agency safely.

The two get sent out together on a mission to track down a new skip, and have to find ways to overcome Tanner’s hatred of the Kirillian race, Harmony’s inability to express emotions, and a burning passion that ignites a fire between them. As Harmony ventures out on her own to go after the one who got away, and caused her year long stint in prison, the two will have to try to work together, if they want a chance to fight for each other.

There were parts of the book where I felt as if the story kinda veered off the beaten path. Tanner, with his burning desire for revenge, and intense hatred toward the Kirillian people; didn’t seem to really work out his anger and hatred before falling for Harmony and forgoing all his plans to take it out on her. Harmony, with all her rough and gruff attitude, seemed to be too nice and sweet at times. Although the inconsistencies were little and far between, they still just had my teeth on edge.

However, the world building was fabulous and the descriptions of the different kinds of alien races, and planets created vivid images in my mind. The passion between Harmony and Tanner was smoking. The plot was inventive and great. And PS, how great is that cover? LOVE IT!


All in all, I give Hunters 2.5 out of 5 bounty hunters.

What kind of reader are you?

I realized this weekend that I am like a K-9 Police Dog reader.



Let me explain what I mean by that… Last week I finally read the first of the Demonica series by Larissa Ione. I was immediately hooked. I got sucked into the drama and the world building and the characters, and I was HOOKED!!


Over the weekend, I went through books 2, 3, 4, and the free short stories on Larissa’s webpage. I was obsessed. It was like I was the German Shepherd K-9. I had the scent of my suspect embedded in my brain. The sight of her just up ahead and I tracked her down like nobody’s business.

There are a few authors who drive me crazy like that. The first being Ilona Andrews. Anything Ilona & Gordon touch is pure gold in my eyes. Short stories, full length novels, shorts from other characters point of view, it’s all PERFECT! Ilona & Gordon are the crack equivalent for me! The second: Nalini Singh. While I admit to not loving the Guild Hunter series AS MUCH as the awesomesauce Psy-Changeling series; I will still read anything she writes.

So, are you the same way? Do you glom onto an author, or series, or genre and hunt it down like a drug dog at the border crossing? Are you more of lazy cat kind of reader, thinking to yourself “who wants to get around to the 2nd book when you can lounge out on the couch all day?!” Who is your crack equivalent?

Review - Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione

Publisher: Forever
Where did you get this book: Purchased
Release date: 6/20/2008


In a place where ecstasy can cost you your life . . .
She's a demon-slayer who hungers for sensual pleasure-but fears it will always be denied her. Until Tayla Mancuso lands in a hospital run by demons in disguise, and the head doctor, Eidolon, makes her body burn with unslakable desire. But to prove her ultimate loyalty to her peers, she must betray the surgeon who saved her life.

Two lovers will dare to risk all.
Eidolon cannot resist this fiery, dangerous woman who fills him with both rage and passion. Not only is she his avowed enemy, but she could very well be the hunter who has been preying upon his people. Torn between his need for the truth and his quest to find his perfect mate before a horrific transformation claims him forever, Eidolon will dare the unthinkable-and let Tayla possess him, body and soul...


OK, first and foremost I must say: Larissa Ione – where have you been all my life?!? How have I survived this far without you?! *SQUEE* Ok sorry, fan girl moment is now officially over.

Tayla is a demon slayer and member of the elite demon slaying group know as the Aegis. While on a mission, she is mortally wounded, and taken by demon paramedics to Underground General Hospital. There her path crosses with the super sexy Dr. Eidolon. The attraction between the two is instant and all consuming. While the other demons wish to find unique ways to get information from Tayla, Eidolon feels she can be a better use to them if they let her go and see if she can lead them to the Aegis leading the demon-slayers in the area.

As Eidolon and Tayla grow closer through a few demon battles, re-opened wounds, and a failed suicide bombing mission, their passion for one another ignites and practically blows the words right out of the book. The chemistry between the two of them is off the charts, and man can Ione write one super smexy love scene. *fans self*

I love the intricacy of the world building, and how unique each of the demons and their abilities are. The supporting cast featuring Eidolon’s brothers Shade and Wraith are so entrenched through the story, I can’t wait to get to their books and watch their stories unfold. The writing is fantastic, the action is packed and descriptive, and the romance is sizzling!

I could not put this book down! In fact, I made sure I had no plans this weekend so I could plow through the other three books in the series, and sit and wait until book 5 Sin Undone comes out in August of this year. Watch out couch, here I come!

All in all, I give Pleasure Unbound 5 our of 5 smexy demon doctors!

10 Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn

Publisher: Avon
Where did you get this book: Goodreads First Reads
Release date: 5/25/10

Ten Things You Should Know About This Book

1. Sebastian Grey is a devilishly handsome rogue with a secret.

2. Annabel Winslow's family voted her The Winslow Most Likely to Speak Her Mind AND The Winslow Most Likely to Fall Asleep in Church.

3. Sebastian's uncle is the Earl of Newbury, and if he dies without siring an heir, Sebastian inherits everything.

4. Lord Newbury detests Sebastian and will stop at nothing to prevent this from happening.

5. Lord Newbury has decided that Annabel is the answer to all of his problems.

6. Annabel does not want to marry Lord Newbury, especially when she finds out he once romanced her grandmother.

7. is shocking, 8. is delicious, 9. is downright wicked, all of which leads the way to

10. Happily. Ever. After.

Julia Quinn is by far my favorite Historical Romance author because…
1. Her stories are hysterical!
2. The heroines are always strong and independent in their own ways
3. The heroes are handsome and delicious
4. She can always make me laugh, and cry in the same book
5. The plot is never absolutely predictable
6. The bad guys can sometimes be as delectable as the good guys
7. Oh the romance *fans self*
8. I love getting little glimpses of returning characters
9. Two words: Colin Bridgerton, enough said
10. I’ve met her in person, and she is so sweet!!

Ten Things I Love About You was absolutely fabulous. Not my all time favorite work by Quinn, but one of the better ones. Annabel is the oldest of eight children, and is looking on the Marriage Mart for someone to help support her family now that her father has passed on. Her affluent grandparents are working at setting her up with the old, rich, and all around slimy Lord Newbury. Annabel’s sense of duty forces her into thinking she must say yes, even though everything about Newbury rubs her the wrong way.

Sebastian is the dashing rouge nephew of Lord Newbury, and set to inherit the title if Newbury dies without an heir. He is a veteran of the war, with a secret that no one knows. He meets Annabel is a rather precarious situation, in which she literally trips over him, and the attraction is instant. As Sebastian falls for Annabel, she struggles with her own feelings, which are contradicting her sense of duty.

I can’t count the number of times that I found myself laughing out loud while reading this book. Quinn is incredible at finding ways to place her characters into hilarious situations, while throwing in some shocking behavior, and topping it with hot attraction. I love that it took some time for Sebastian and Annabel to realize what they had was truly love. And I respect that Quinn had Annabel seriously consider sacrificing herself for the mercy of her family. Being the oldest in my family, I can totally understand where her thoughts were coming from. Sebastian’s secret was great too. I love that it made him just a little bit vulnerable to Annabel.


All in all I give Ten Things I Love About You 4 out of 5 lists of ten.

The Missing by Shiloh Walker - 27 days!!

Whoot! In 27 days and counting The Missing by Shiloh Walker will be out in paperback! I am so excited for this book, I can't wait to get it. Check out the trailer below to find out more about it.

And the Winner is...

The winner of the Moira Rogers Sanctuary Unbound is... *drum roll*

SylviaSybil

Congratulations!

Review & Giveaway - Sanctuary Unbound by Moira Rogers

New England is ideal for vampire Adam Dubois. His cozy home in the Great North Woods reminds him of a happier time when werewolves and witches were stuff of legends, and he was a simple lumberjack.

Hiding from past failures has worked for over eighty years, but a life debt owed to the Red Rock alpha has forced him to leave his retreat--and come face to face with a woman who challenges and tempts him on every level.

Hiding secrets is a lonely business, and Cindy Shepherd is lonely with a capital L. Red Rock isn't exactly crawling with available men, but her interest in the mystery-shrouded new vampire in town seems mutual. After all, it's only sex--there's no danger he'll dig deep enough to unleash the demons of her past.

Casual flirtation turns deadly serious when Adam discovers that the vampire plaguing Red Rock is using his mistakes as a road map. When it comes to his life, he knows Cindy has his back. But in order to secure the future, they both must trust each other with more--even if it means sacrificing themselves to save everything they hold dear.


The dynamic writing duo known as Moira Rogers aka Bree & Donna, have finally come out with their must anticipated Vampire Lumberjack Romance, Sanctuary Unbound. Now, I’ll be honest when I first heard about the vamp lumberjack, I was hesitant… but oh the jokes are hilarious and the story works!

Adam Dubois recently left his secluded cabin in Maine to join the heroes in Red Rocks to try and fight off the newest threat: a power hungry vampire feeding off a wolf pack. Adam has a little bit of knowledge with how to fight this kind of power, and teams up with local wolf doctor Cindy to do everything he can to help out.

Cindy and Adam’s instant attraction throws them both a little off guard, but with them both being a little lonely, they decide to not fight it and take a chance on each other. They both must take a hard look into their pasts, and overcome some dark times before they are comfortable moving on and starting over together.

Being the huge fangirl that I am of Moira Rogers, I’m totally addicted to all their series! I enjoyed watching the characters of Red Rocks really coming together to defeat this latest enemy. I hated seeing Gavin, the awesomesauce alpha, getting to an older stage, but loved Keith stepping up and taking over.

I loved Adam, I thought he was such a great hero. Our poor vampire lumberjack did a great job at playing the reluctant hero, and the poor guy had a real warped view of his good deeds in life. I just wanted to give him a big hug, pat his back reassuringly, and sing his praises throughout.

I wish I could say that Sanctuary Unbound was my favorite, (because really… vampire lumberjack, what’s not to love?) but unfortunately, for me, this book didn’t live up to the first few. Maybe it’s because I was never a fan of Cindy, although she really did do a lot to redeem herself in my eyes this book.

To me, if felt like this book was the end of the series, and I know that there are currently no additional books in the works for our current Red Rocks characters. I am looking forward to The Building Sanctuary Series, featuring Seamus and Joan, who were featured throughout.

All in all, I give Sanctuary Unbound 3.5 our of 5 Vampire Lumberjacks!

Now, the first ever giveaway on my blog!!!

Leave a comment below, WITH A WAY FOR ME TO CONTACT YOU, to be entered for a chance to win Sanctuary Unbound, in e-format. OR, if you haven’t read this series yet, you can choose Cry Sanctuary, the 1st book in the Red Rocks Series. A winner will be announced on Tuesday the 8th.

For additional entries:
+5 Follow my Blog with Google Friend Connect
+3 Follow me on Twitter
+3 Follow Moira Rogers (Bree & Donna) on Twitter

Skin Tight by Ava Gray *sigh* Oh Foster *sigh*

Uncovering the truth is her specialty

As a forensic accountant, Mia Sauter could usually tell when people had something to hide. She made her living exposing secrets while concealing her own. Then, in Vegas, she met a clever, ruthless man who called himself Addison Foster. One year later, she’s still haunted by his betrayal.

He’s a natural born liar

The truth of him had long ago been buried. Foster was only one name of many; he’d been so many men, he’d lost count. Reinvented as Thomas Strong and hell-bent on revenge, his mission is about to be compromised by the one woman capable of exposing him…

Reunited, they confront the explosive chemistry still crackling between them. But their chance meeting will have consequences, for a ruthless madman has his own deadly agenda. The question is—if they survive the fallout, will he choose love over vengeance?


Ava Gray has another big hit with the second novel in the Skin Series. Skin Tight follows the adventures of Foster aka Strong aka BatPunisher Man and Mia as they try to uncover the secrets of the company they are working for, Micor.

About a year has passed since the Mia and Foster have seen each other, and they run into each other at a new company, with Foster using a new name. Mia has been contracted to find out who is embezzling in the company, and Foster (as always) has his own agenda. At first, the two want nothing to do with each other, but as time continues and they both struggle with their own investigations, they have to trust one another to move forward.

I have been not so patiently waiting for the continuation of Foster’s book. His secrecy and mysteriousness drew me in from the moment I met him, and was dying to find out more about his family, what his power was, and uncover all his mysterious deeds. I knew from book 1 that Foster was one of the good guys, just in disguise.

I really enjoyed Mia’s character as well from the 1st book, and was glad to see that Gray forced Mia to work through some emotion scars before allowing herself to trust in Foster again. It was great to see Foster want something so badly, and yet have to work extra hard at getting it. Both Mia and Foster did a whole lot of growing up in this book, and the journey for both of them was fun, exciting, and at times chaotic.

The plot was thick with twists and turns, but at times the book felt more like a paranormal adventure instead of a romance. With Gray’s first book in the series, Kyra and Reyes steamed up the pages with their attraction and physical relationship. Skin Tight was not nearly as hot on the romance front, but answered A LOT of questions.

For me, I felt like Skin Tight really kicked off the Skin Series. Although this book works to tie in the events of Skin Game, this book really cemented the overall story line of the series. I felt, as a reader, that I had a better understanding of the world the characters live in and how they obtained their special gifts.



All in All, I give Skin Tight 4 out of 5 secret labs.