REVIEW: Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill

Publisher's Summary:

In the first thrilling installment of Chloe Neill's spinoff to the New York Times bestselling Chicagoland Vampires series, a new vampire will find out just how deep blood ties run.

As the only vampire child ever born, some believed Elisa Sullivan had all the luck. But the magic that helped bring her into the world left her with a dark secret. Shifter Connor Keene, the only son of North American Central Pack Apex Gabriel Keene, is the only one she trusts with it. But she's a vampire and the daughter of a Master and a Sentinel, and he's prince of the Pack and its future king.

When the assassination of a diplomat brings old feuds to the fore again, Elisa and Connor must choose between love and family, between honor and obligation, before Chicago disappears forever.

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As an avid fan of the Chicagoland Vampires, I was super excited about this book! First off, I definitely recommend reading the other series in full as well as book 13.5 Slaying It (a novella of an adventure during Merit's pregnancy with Elisa).

So, some twenty odd years have passed. Elisa is all grown up, so is Connor (and Catcher and Mallory's daughter Lulu). Elisa has returned to Chicago after leaving for Paris to finish school and on a quest to find herself.  As the only person ever 'born' a vampire and as Ethan and Merit's kid, it hasn't always been easy. Plus, she's never told anyone but Connor about the dark magical secret that dwells inside her. 

Neill does what she does best. She's built an intriguing narrative rife with romance, action, adventure and tension (both political and inter-species). I'm really looking forward to future books to see how the characters develop and what is in store for Chicago!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Bound by Gods by Eva Chase

*Thank you to Netgalley and Ink Spark Press for an ARC in exchange for a review)

The second book in the Their Dark Valkyrie series, Ari and the Norse gods (Loki, Thor, Baldur, Freya, and Hod) are still searching for Odin while trapped in a fake Asgard.  Their capture is none other than Odin's raven of memory, Munnin. 

Can they work together to free themselves while also forgiving each other for many past evils and hurtful transgressions?  Probably, but it is a long journey toward redemption.

I am enjoying this series. Ari is a good female protagonist and she is developing as a character over time. Chase has embodied the Norse gods well. Loki is sexy and sly; Thor a bit hot headed. The romance element to the series fits and who would be able to choose between all those alluring gods? Ari has decided not to!

This series is by no means perfect; however, they are a fun, easy and entertaining read.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Shadow's Bane by Karen Chance

Dorina Basarab is a dhampir--half-human, half-vampire. As one of the Vampire Senate's newest members, Dory already has a lot on her plate. But then a relative of one of Dory's fey friends goes missing. They fear he's been sold to a slaver who arranges fights--sometimes to the death--between different types of fey.

As Dory investigates, she and her friends learn the slavers are into something much bigger than a fight club. With the Vampire Senate gearing up for war with Faerie, it'll take everything she has to defeat the slavers--and deal with the entirely too attractive master vampire Louis-Cesare.

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Shadow's Bane is the fourth in the Dorina Basarab series, loosely connected to Chance's Cassanda Palmer books.  Dory's life remains complicated to say the least. She continues to battle literal and figurative monsters while balancing her dual nature and her love life.  As a reader, I like Dory but not perhaps as much as Cassie Palmer in the other novels.

Dory's father Mircea remains intriguing as readers get a whole lot more to the story of how and why he chose to block Dory and Dorina off from each other in order to save them.  The narrative explores this well and brings up a whole slew of new questions and problems to be examined in the next book.  Once criticism for me was pacing and transitions. I felt like these could have been smoother at times to help the narrative; however, part of Dory and Dorina feeling so fragmented might allow for the same to be said of the reading experience.

Final rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs

*Thanks to Netgalley & Ace for an ARC in exchange for a review*

Publisher's Summary:

Now mated werewolves Charles Cornick and Anna Latham face a threat like no other–one that lurks too close to home…

They are the wild and the broken. The werewolves too damaged to live safely among their own kind. For their own good, they have been exiled to the outskirts of Aspen Creek, Montana. Close enough to the Marrok’s pack to have its support; far enough away to not cause any harm.

With their Alpha out of the country, Charles and Anna are on call when an SOS comes in from the fae mate of one such wildling. Heading into the mountainous wilderness, they interrupt the abduction of the wolf–but can’t stop blood from being shed. Now Charles and Anna must use their skills–his as enforcer, hers as peacemaker–to track down the attackers, reopening a painful chapter in the past that springs from the darkest magic of the witchborn.

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Another highly enjoyable novel by Briggs. I enjoy the Alpha & Omega series because Charles and Anna are unlike most couples portrayed in paranormal romances. Briggs always adds complexity and a layer of intrigue that make her characters and books stand out against others in the genre.  Great pacing and creativity.  

I was hooked from the initial prelude. There was a sense of intensity as to learn just what act had taken place and more about these mysterious wildlings. 

I enjoyed the audiobook as well.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Between the Blade and the Heart by Amanda Hocking

*Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for a review*

Expected publication: January 2, 2018

Valkyries have one great responsibility: to return immortals to the afterlife by slaying them. As a Valkyrie, Malin has always known that the balance of the world rests on her ability to carry out orders. But when Malin discovers that her mother spared the life of an immortal who was destined to die, her world is thrown into chaos. 

Malin not only wrestles with the knowledge that her mother might not be who she thought—she’s also thrust into the path of a gorgeous blue eyed guy named Asher who needs her help slaying the rogue immortal who destroyed his family. The balance of the world is at stake. And, as Asher competes with Malin’s ex for her love and loyalty, so is her heart.

This was an interesting read which delves both into significant character and world building. I enjoyed the fresh take on some of the Norse mythology.  Malin is a complicated character with potential for growth. She's likeable in her indecisiveness, especially her love life. I do want to see her open up a bit more. I liked the secondary characters as well. 

One hope for improvement is to provide a villain with some additional depth. I found myself wanting a bit more in this avenue. Otherwise, I enjoyed this book like I have Hocking's other titles. It is ideal for an older teen transitioning into New Adult who enjoys urban fantasy, mythology and a bit of romance.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: The Hunt by Chloe Neill

When bounty hunter Liam Quinn discovered that Claire Connolly was a Sensitive and infected with magic, he should have turned her in to be locked up in the prison district known as Devil's Isle. Instead, he helped her learn to control her power and introduced her to an underground group of Paranormals and humans who know the truth about the war and those who fought it.

Now the weight of Liam's own secrets has forced him into hiding. When a government agent is killed and Claire discovers that Liam is the prime suspect, she races to find him before the government can. But she'll discover proving his innocence is no simple matter. Their enemies are drawing closer, and time is running out.

The Hunt picks up several weeks after the end of book two. Liam is MIA after his magical pick me up, Claire is feeling uncertain but readers hope those two will actually communicate and figure out they are better together. Our heroine is also in for some harsh truths about her past that shed light on their current predicament and the future of NOLA and the world itself.

This was an entertaining installment to the series and a good set up for a lot more to come in following books. I did find Liam's last line a bit corny but it works for the next book. Well developed urban fantasy with a post apocalyptic twist. Neill continues to write quality, original works.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Send Me An Angel--highlighted reviews

As an Agent of Death, Madeline Black is responsible for escorting the souls of the dearly departed to the afterlife. It's a 24/7 job with a lousy benefits package.

Maddy's position may come with magical powers and an impressive wingspan, but it doesn't pay the bills. And then there are her infuriating boss, tenant woes, and a cranky, popcorn-loving gargoyle to contend with.

Things start looking up, though, when tall, dark, and handsome Gabriel Angeloscuro agrees to rent the empty apartment in Maddy's building. It's probably just a coincidence that as soon as he moves in demons appear on the front lawn. But when an unholy monster is unleashed upon the streets of Chicago, Maddy discovers powers she never knew she possessed. Powers linked to a family legacy of tarnished halos.
Black Wings has been on my radar for a while and I finally got to it. This was a quick, enjoyable read. I could certainly tell it is the first of a series as well as one of Christina Henry's earlier novels.  I've read later works in her twist on Alice in Wonderland. She continues to hone her craft.

There was enough 'meat' to this first book, development of an arc and great tension for the romantic relationship that I will definitely pick up the rest of the series.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Archangel's Enigma is the 8th in Singh's Guild Hunter series.  She continues to build upon the rising tension as Archangel Lijuan plots to kill the Ancient Alexander.

Naasir is the most feral of the powerful group of vampires and angels known as the Seven, his loyalty pledged to the Archangel Raphael. When rumors surface of a plot to murder the former Archangel of Persia, now lost in the Sleep of the Ancients, Naasir is dispatched to find him. For only he possesses the tracking skills required - those more common to predatory animals than to man.

Enlisted to accompany Naasir, Andromeda, a young angelic scholar with dangerous secrets is fascinated by his nature - at once playful and brilliant, sensual and brutal. As they race to find the Sleeping archangel before it's too late, Naasir will force her to question all she knows...and tempt her to walk into the magnificent, feral darkness of his world. But before they can give into their newly developed feelings, they'll have to face unparalleled dangers as the power balance in throughout the world continues to shift.

I really enjoyed this book because they narrative was compelling as was the character development. It is a try mystery/thriller with the addition of romance but was not overtly focused on so much of the sexual dynamic between the potential couple. Sure, the tension and banter is there but there are more important tasks to focus on throughout the journey.

And what an ending!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Grave Ransom by Kalayna Price

*Thank you to Netgalley & Penguin Books for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Grave witch Alex Craft is no stranger to the dead talking. She raises shades, works with ghosts, and is dating Death himself. But the dead walking? That’s not supposed to happen. And yet, reanimated corpses are committing crimes across Nekros City.

Alex’s investigation leads her deep into a web of sinister magic. When Briar Darque of the Magical Crimes Investigation Bureau gets involved, Alex finds herself with an unexpected ally of sorts. But as the dead continue to rise and wreak havoc on the living, can Alex get to the soul of the matter in time?

This was a fantastic, detailed and exciting urban fantasy read building on the standalone story but also on the world-building and character struggles of the previous books in the series.  I love Alex. She's smart, kick-ass and funny but there is also a vulnerability to her as she explores more of her magic while also balancing the limitations set upon her by her grave magic.

Her love life continues to be complicated and one scene in particular made my heart break. I'm excited to see what might be in store for future books.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Urban Enemies (anthology)

*Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery Books for an ARC*

Expected publication: August 1, 2017

Villains have all the fun—everyone knows that—and this anthology takes you on a wild ride through the dark side! The top villains from sixteen urban fantasy series get their own stories—including the baddies of New York Times bestselling authors Jim Butcher, Kevin Hearne, Kelley Armstrong, Seanan McGuire, and Jonathan Maberry.

The full anthology features stories by Jim Butcher (the Dresden Files), Kelley Armstrong (the Cainsville and Otherworld series), Seanan McGuire (October Daye), Kevin Hearne (The Iron Druid Chronicles), Jonathan Maberry (Joe Ledger), Lilith Saintcrow (Jill Kismet), Carrie Vaughn (Kitty Norville), Joseph Nassise (Templar Chronicles), C.E. Murphy (Walker Papers), Steven Savile (Glasstown), Caitlin Kittredge (the Hellhound Chronicles and the Black London series), Jeffrey Somers (The Ustari Cycle), Sam Witt (Pitchfork County), Craig Schaefer (Daniel Faust), Jon F. Merz (Lawson Vampire), Faith Hunter (Jane Yellowrock), and Diana Pharaoh Francis (Horngate Witches).

I enjoyed the tone of each story and the fact that Urban Enemies provides a different take on the other anthologies published in the urban fantasy genre. Typically these short stories focus on the much beloved heroes of this narrative; however, even the Big Bad needs a moment to shine.

Highlights for me were the stories by Jim Butcher, Kevin Hearne, Kelley Armstrong and Jonathan Maberry since I am currently most invested in these series. However, there were some strong showing by Seanan McGuire, Carrie Vaughn and Faith Hunter. 

Overall, a recommended read for fans of the genre and these particular writers.

Final rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Menagerie & Spectacle by Rachel Vincent

When Delilah Marlow visits a famous traveling carnival, Metzger's Menagerie, she is an ordinary woman in a not-quite-ordinary world. But under the macabre circus black-top, she discovers a fierce, sharp-clawed creature lurking just beneath her human veneer. Captured and put on exhibition, Delilah in her black swan burlesque costume is stripped of her worldly possessions, including her own name, as she's forced to "perform" in town after town.

Delilah struggles for her freedom, and for her fellow menagerie, discovering a strength and a purpose she never knew existed. Menagerie is a powerfully creative narrative that will enthrall urban fantasy readers for its ingenuity and ability to illicit powerful emotions. As a reader, I was so drawn into the story and the premise, that I felt the same apprehension, despair and rage as the characters. I worried for their well being and outcome.

Menagerie certainly isn't the typical entry to the urban fantasy genre. It is full of surprises as well as thought provoking themes that echo significant crisis in our own human history.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

*Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin MIRA for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

When their coup of Metzger's Menagerie is discovered, Delilah and her fellow cryptids find their newly won freedom brutally stripped away as they are sold into The Savage Spectacle, a private collection of "exotic wildlife." Specializing in ruthless cryptid cage matches, safari-style creature hunts and living party favors, the Spectacle's owner, Willem Vandekamp, caters to the forbidden fetishes of the wealthy and powerful. At the Spectacle, any wish can be granted—for the right price.

But Vandekamp's closely guarded client list isn't the only secret being kept at the Spectacle. Beneath the beauty and brutality of life in the collection lie much darker truths, and no one is more determined than Delilah to strip the masks from the human monsters and drag all dark things into the light.

Spectacle is a spellbinding read and in a class all its own in the urban fantasy genre. I stayed on pins and needles throughout the narrative--angry, frustrated and distraught over the atrocities Delilah and her allies have to endure at the hands of Vandekamp and his staff.

While not overtly graphic, the themes of social injustice, discrimination, slavery, forced prostitution, abortion and mental, physical and emotion abuse are not for the feint of heart, so readers should be prepared for the emotional upheaval that not only entices them to engage in the story but also to feel all the feels.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars                                     

REVIEW: The Innkeeper Chronicles Vol 1 by Ilona Andrews

*Thanks to Netgalley and Subterranean Press for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Meet Dina Demille, a nice Texas gal who runs a seemingly ordinary, quaint B&B. But Dina’s inn is a magic, thinking entity; her fluffy Shih-tzu, Beast really is a beast; and her guests are the kind that no one on earth is supposed to know about: guests like a dethroned galactic tyrant with a massive bounty on her head, the Lord Marshal of a powerful vampire clan, and a displaced—and superhot—alpha-strain werewolf.

So don’t expect a normal stay…and don’t stand too close, or you may be collateral damage….

In Clean Sweep, Dina—with the unwanted assistance of newcomer (and alpha werewolf) Sean Evans and Arland, a cosmic vampire soldier—takes on an extraterrestrial killing machine that could destroy her Inn, her neighbors, and everything she holds dear.

I really enjoyed this book.  The Andrews husband/wife writing team do what they do best, build a fast paced, detailed and adventurous world filled to the brim with action, tension, humor and memorable character.  I love Dina and the other characters for their diversity as much as the snarky humor these authors do so well.

While this is a contained story-line, readers are introduced to enough continuing questions to want to come back for more!  I also cannot speak highly enough of the audio narration as performed by Renee Raudman.  She does a stellar job as she has will all the other Andrews audio titles.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Sweep in Peace, finds Dina hosting an anything-but peace summit between three warring intergalactic species; Space Vampires, the Hope-Crushing Horde, and the devious Merchants of Baha-char. 

This book was a hoot! I loved the premise and all the details of trying to make the peace summit successful despite some big hurdles.  What I also loved was the crossover from The Edge series and seeing some well loved characters mix with Dina.  However, for me, the best part was Orro, the high strung and masterful chef, who has been disgraced following the poisoning of a diplomat.  I adore him to the moon and back!

Overall, some great twists and surprises to bring back key characters.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

One Fell Sweep sends Dina to the galaxy’s worst penal colony to rescue her sister; and back home to fend off a clan of assassins in pursuit, all while saving a guest’s civilization from annihilation…and searching for her missing parents.

Another excellently plotted adventure with good romantic tension, action, and humor.  I enjoyed the addition of Dina's sister and niece as well as the resurgence of characters and some unexpected twists. Dina is making strides toward finding companionship and answers to her parents' disappearance. 

Fantastic performance in audio again by Renee Raudman.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars 

REVIEW: Firestorm by Nancy Holzner

*Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC*

When Vicky allowed an ancient goddess to possess her, she had no regrets—it was the only way to protect the people she loved. But now Ceridwen, locked in a power struggle with the Hellion that long ago claimed Vicky with its mark, refuses to leave. Both beings believe controlling Vicky is the key to winning the coming war for the human realm.

Despite the forces pulling her apart, Vicky needs all her wits about her. The demons of Hell are growing bold and she can barely keep up with the attacks plaguing the city: sirens in the Mystic River, goblins snarling traffic on Storrow Drive, imps tearing the gold from the State House dome. As the signs of war multiply and Hell threatens to overrun its boundaries, Vicky finds herself torn between her duty to save the world and her desire to save something of herself.

The series ends with a strong finish. Vicky faces her literal and figurative demons to not only save herself, but those she love and pretty much the whole world. She does it with her expected humor and some assistance from her allies. The ending is appropriate and satisfying if a bit bittersweet since I always feel this way at the end of a series.

I commend Holzner for her writing and determination to publish this book despite personal tragedy that threatened to keep her from ever writing this final installment in the first place. I think her husband would be proud of her accomplishment.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Legion by Julie Kagawa

*Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Expected publication: April 25, 2017

Dragon hatchling Ember Hill was never prepared to find love at all--dragons do not suffer human emotions--let alone the love of a human and a former dragonslayer, at that. With ex-soldier Garret dying at her feet after sacrificing his freedom and his life to expose the deepest of betrayals, Ember knows only that nothing she was taught by dragon organization Talon is true. About humans, about rogue dragons, about herself and what she's capable of doing and feeling.

In the face of great loss, Ember vows to stand with rogue dragon Riley against the dragon-slaying Order of St. George and her own twin brother Dante--the heir apparent to all of Talon, and the boy who will soon unleash the greatest threat and terror dragonkind has ever known.

Legion is another strong entry to the series. Admittedly, I was worried after finishing Solider last year. There was a devastating cliffhanger. Kagawa does well balancing the action and overall plot tension between Talon, the Order of St. George and the general protection of the world with the other relationships of the narrative. There are significant changes to the love triangle between Ember/Riley/Garret which needed to happen.

The story calls for an interesting turn for all the characters and their fate leading into the final novel of the series. I remain curious to see how it will all end. Teens who enjoy urban fantasy (esp dragons) filled with action and a touch of romance definitely need to check out Legion as well as the others in the series.

Final rating: 4 out 5 stars

REVIEW: Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Nearly 22 year old Ivy Morgan is far from the typical New Orleans college student. She works for the Order, a group of humans who tasks themselves with ridding the world of dangerous Fae, known for feeding off humans. Despite school and her job, Ivy's closed herself off from most people following the devastating losses of her family and boyfriend and the guild she feels over their deaths.

Something wicked is brewing in New Orleans and Ivy finds herself in the thick of it. Shot by a Fae who wasn't even maimed by iron, she meets devastatingly handsome and charming Ren Owens, 6'3'' of swoon-worthy hotness. Ivy quickly learns that his role within the Order is full of surprises and the war she thought she was fighting holds far more secrets. Now they must work together before time runs out but even on an apocalyptic deadline sometimes passion, lust and a new chance at love can't be denied.

This was my second read of Wicked in anticipation of the release of Torn.  I really enjoyed this book for a multitude of reasons.  I love a good Fae driven urban fantasy. The world building is good, blending just enough of the real NOLA with fantasy elements. NOLA is a character in and of itself.

I love the character dynamics too.  Ivy is a relatable female protagonist.  She certainly isn't perfect but she's kick butt, sassy, smart and vulnerable. Ren is one of those book boyfriends that you'll want to add to the seriously dateable list. The secondary characters are equally well developed. Overall, the plot is engaging and leaves readers wanting more of the action, the witty banter and the super sexy build up between Ivy and Ren.

Final rating: 4.5 out of 5

Follow the author on Twitter: @JLArmentrout





#Wicked #Torn #urbanfantasy #romance #Fae #audiobook # mystery

REVIEW: 'Unwanted' (Elemental Assassin 14.5) by Jennifer Estep

Expected publication: July 18, 2016

"Unwanted" is a novella from Finnegan Lane's perspective falling just after Bitter Bite.  The events of the previous novel were pretty devastating for Finn.  He's delighted when his long thought dead mother, returns very much alive and seems to want to be part of his life. Step-sister and deadly assassin, Gin, is skeptical as to her true motives but has to let Finn find out the truth for himself. Unfortunately, Finn is manipulated, betrayed and gruesomely tortured by his mother resulting in the deaths of multiple people.

Readers find Finn guilt ridden and depressed weeks after these events. His co-workers despise him and view him as a traitor; however, Finn carries on since he feels that the spite is warranted. He soon discovers that Bart the Butcher, a notoriously violent bookie is threatening the widow of Finn's former employee and he's vowed to protect them in lieu of his actions.  In this act, Finn finds a bit of redemption and some hard won solace but he's no where near being over what his mother did or his role in it.

I breezed through this story and just adored it.  It was important for Finn to explore what happened in Bitter Bite and for readers and fans of the series to have this story from his perspective.  He's grown as a character exponentially since Spider's Bite but that progression is too often seen from Gin's point of view. Finn's just as much of a bad ass as Gin but in his own way, especially since he lacks elemental powers--Fletcher would be proud.

Final rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @Jennifer_Estep





#unwanted #elementalassassin #urbanfantasy #netgalley #ginblanco #porkpit #novella #books

REVIEW: Boundary Born by Melissa F. Olson

*Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Expected publication: June 21, 2016

Boundary witch Lex Luther is back in this third installment to the Boundary Magic series.  Someone is poisoning the vampires of Colorado, leaving them paralyzed or dead. With the alliance between vampires and witches already tense, Lex is called in to find answers.  It just so happens that the man claiming to be her biological father shows up at this time too.  Nothing is ever a coincidence as Lex discovers the keys to her past are directly tied to current events. She has to draw upon her newfound powers as well as allies living and dead if she's going to face down the threat and save the day.

This series just keeps getting better with Boundary Born by far the strongest to date. I love the progression of Lex's character and those around her as both she and readers discover more about her magical power.  The narrative builds nicely on developments introduced in the first two books as well as providing direction for Lex's future quest to take down the evil baddies causing all the problems.

Overall,  I enjoyed this and look forward to the next adventure.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @MelissaFOlson






#boundaryborn #boundarymagic #urbanfantasy #netgalley #books #magic

REVIEW: Boundary Crossed by Melissa F. Olson

Book 1 in the Boundary Magic series is a solid first entry to this urban fantasy series.  When ex-military veteran, Lex, foils the kidnapping of her niece, Charlie, she learns about the existence of the Old World and the supernatural.  As it turns out, Lex is a boundary witch, and Charlie is a highly sought after null.  With plenty of interesting secondary characters, politics and plot surprises.

Lex is a kick butt female protagonist whose journey of self exploration is engaging. It's important that she's an Iraqi veteran and how that experience has shaped her current life. This was a good debut for the series, even if I read book 2 first.

Definitely recommended for fans of urban fantasy with a female driven lead. Despite a few flaws with development and pacing, this was a well written and enjoyable read.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @MelissaFOlson



#boundarycrossed #melissafolson #urbanfantasy #strongwomen #magic #books

REVIEW: Unhidden by Dina M. Given

*Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

Unhidden is Book One in the Gatekeeper Chronicles.  Protagonist Emma is former miltary turned mercenary.  Ten years prior, she suffered memory loss after a car accident. With no known family, she's honed herself into a tough as nails badass who relishes being in control. When the supernatural world unveils itself to her, all hell breaks loose as Emma soon realizes she must have had a rather colorful past.  With all manner of scary creatures on the prowl, two mages (one with whom she has a deadly attraction) and some pretty powerful magic artifacts, Emma discovers more about her past and what role she'll play when two worlds collide.

What I liked...

• That cover!
• Interesting urban fantasy premise
• Intriguing characters
• Kick-butt female protagonist
• A plethora of delicious, hot guys as eye candy

What I didn't love...

• There's a bit too many gaps in world building
• Some lapses in pacing
• I wanted more dimension from the secondary characters (as a whole)

Overall, this shows good promise for subsequent books and I'm curious enough to continue to book 2, Unraveled.  

Final rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @dinagivenauthor

#Unhidden #GatekeeperChronicles #DinaGiven #UF #romance #mystery #books

REVIEW: The Beast by J.R. Ward

With The Beast, J.R. Ward is back with the 14th title in her bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series.  This book is Rhage and Mary centric but continues the multi-perspective storytelling Ward has adopted over the course of the series.  Rhage and Mary will both admit to feeling a disconnect to their relationship--the love and passion is there but so is a grey space.

Mary is engrossed with her work as a counselor at Safe Place, a sanctuary for women and children suffering from domestic abuse. One case in particular touches her and has a significant impact on the rest of the book, Mary's relationship with Rhage and their future. Rhage has a similar epiphany after a rather traumatic event which alters his outlook.

Parallel storylines lead readers back to the ongoing arc featuring Layla and Xcor with some surprising revelations hinted at in books to come.  Ward continues to explore Assail and a burgeoning role with the Brotherhood as well as introduce new players with interesting pasts and who are connected to some much beloved characters.

Reading The Beast felt like coming full circle.  Way back when, Lover Eternal--book 2 in the BDB series--was my first introduction to Ward and the BDB.  I have a certain soft spot for Hollywood and his Mary.  That being said, this latest installment wasn't my favorite of the series even though I found it engaging. I kept waiting for more to happen and overall feel that while still exploring an important new phase for Rhage and Mary, the rest of the ongoing arc seemed to stall. There are a few surprising developments that will no doubt be important for what is to come but Ward leaves readers begging for more.

Now all I have to do is wait not so patiently for The Chosen in 2017, which is promised to be Xcor and Layla's book. FINALLY!!!  Plus I can console myself with the new Black Dagger Legacy books Blood Kiss (2015) and Blood Vow (December 2016).

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @JRWard1




#TheBeast #BDB #review #romance #vampires

REVIEW: Bright Blade of Magic by Jennifer Estep

*Thank you to @Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a review*

Expected publication: April 26, 2016

Lilah (Merriweather) Sterling is back in this exciting edition to the Black Blade series as she and her allies prepare to thrwart Draconian head of the family, Victor, in his plans to dominate the ruling families of Cloudburst Falls. Once a thief, always a thief. Lilah embarks on the ultimate heist--to snatch an arsenal of power laden black blades right from under Victor's nose.  She and her allies think they have the advantage until Victor makes his move.  It will take all of her cunning and skill to save not only herself but those she holds most dear.

Bright Blaze of Magic is an exciting third book which could wrap up the series but also leaves room for subsequent stories.  I really like Lilah and the supporting characters, Devon, Felix and Deah. When I reviewed Cold Burn of Magic and Dark Heart of Magic in 2015, I mentioned how much she reminds of of Gin Blaco from Estep's adult urban fantasy Elemental Assassin series. This continues to be the case, but I love it. She's funny, independent yet vulnerable and a kick butt female protagonist.

There's plenty of action, good story line progression and just enough romance balanced with thwarting the villain and finding some justice for past wrongs.  I think my favorite 'character' continues to be the tentacled lochness monster living beneath the toll bridge.  This is definitely the type of creature you'd like to have in your corner.

Overall, I recommend this for middle school readers and older who enjoy urban fantasy that has good pacing and interesting characters.  This is an exciting and engaging read. I'm content if this wraps up the series but would be please to learn that they'll eventually be more.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars


Follow the author on Twitter: @Jennifer_Estep



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