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: Serpentine by Laurell K. Hamilton

Publisher's Summary:A remote Florida island is the perfect wedding destination for the upcoming nuptials of Anita's fellow U.S. Marshal and best friend Edward. For Anita, the vacation is a welcome break, as it's the first trip she gets to take with wereleopards Micah and Nathaniel. But it's not all fun and games and bachelor parties...

In this tropical paradise Micah discovers a horrific new form of lycanthropy, one that has afflicted a single family for generations. Believed to be the result of an ancient Greek curse, it turns human bodies into a mass of snakes.

When long-simmering resentment leads to a big blowout within the wedding party, the last thing Anita needs is more drama. But it finds her anyway when women start disappearing from the hotel, and worse--her own friends and lovers are considered the prime suspects. There's a strange power afoot that Anita has never confronted before, a force that's rendering those around her helpless in its thrall. Unable to face it on her own, Anita is willing to accept help from even the deadliest places. Help that she will most certainly regret--if she survives at all, that is.
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Unfortunately, Serpentine is yet another entry in the Anita Blake series that loses the bite and luster of the series' heyday circa books 1 thru about 10.  There is too much repetitive nonsense that readers of the series have endured for the past 15+ books.

Yes, Anita lives an unconventional, polyamorous life. Yes, she and her partners are okay with it. Why then do readers have to go through the same conversations each book? It feels like a vicious cycle.  If we're still reading, we get it, we can deal with it, so move on and get back to good paranormal monster/police investigations plots with a smidgen of steamy romance fun and not these droll dialogues that go in circles.

Serpentine is a step up from Dead Ice but again lacks storytelling flare. The is too much wedding and relationship drama while the connecting paranormal aspects are not fully explored and wrapped up too quickly in the last 10% of the novel. Elements I did like were appearances by Jean Claude, Micah, Nathaniel, and Nicky. Edward is always a treat and scary Olaf aka Otto shows up - plus eek freaky prediction for a future story tie-in w/ him as Anita's lion to call. I missed some of the other regulars and couldn't tell you a thing about the bodyguards who were present this book.

Why do I keep reading? I'm a glutton for punishment I suppose. Anita and Jean Claude have been a part of my live for more that 15 years. I can't quite give them up even if I'm disappointed with their current journey.

Final rating: 2 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: Intensity by Sherrilyn Kenyon

*Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

It’s a demon-eat-demon world for Nick Gautier. Just when he thinks he’s finally gotten a handle on how not to take over the world and destroy it, Death returns with an all-star cast that is determined to end the Malachai reign and lineage forever. Worse? Death and War have found the one, true enemy Nick can’t find, and even if he did, it’s one he could never bring himself to banish or kill.

Now framed for murders he hasn’t committed, and surrounded by new friends who might be turncoats, Nick is learning fast how his father went down in flames.

Intensity is the 8th in Kenyon's Chronicles of Nick YA series which connects in large part to her Dark Hunter universe. It remains terribly confusing to explain everything to a non-series reader; however, fans of Kenyon and her ability to map out a spectacularly detailed world and connected characters will enjoy Intensity for its place within the timeline as well as its humor and action.

This novel appears to map a shift in the series and what comes for the future of the Nick Gautier arc for both YA reads and adult fans. We'll just have to wait and see how all of it pans out. The new shift in publication seems to follow his son for now and hopefully undoing a lot of the negative impact Cyprian will have on the whole Dark Hunter universe.


Overall, good pacing but a little confusing at times. Readers will have to stay with it to truly get the point. Some good zingers, tears and a great cliffhanger.


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: Dragonmark by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Centuries ago, Illarion was betrayed– a dragon made human against his will, then forced to serve humanity as a dragonmount in their army, and to fight for them in wars, hating everything about them. He's enslaved and separated from all family, even forced into a fey realm. Illarion's life will change when he meets his mate; however, lies, betrayal and more loss will plague their lives before they can find a chance at happiness.

I'm torn with Dragonmark. I enjoyed it so much as a good chunk of it is a POV retelling of Dragonbane. I will always admire Kenyon for her creativity and imagination to create such a detailed and connected world of characters; however, the narrative is becoming to complicated and at the same time formulaic.

Illarion is another tortured hero who has faced unimaginable heartache.  Enter the woman who will change all that. 

But wait!  Something horrific happens and they're separated :(

Time passes....

Then all is well!

I know this is the format for typical romances but the past few Dark Hunter books lack the umph of earlier titles in the series.  And at least for me, these aren't the page turners that I loved back in the day.  I still love to see appearances by favorite characters but I want a return to more focus. 

My complaint is that readers should have to have a chart to keep characters unraveled.  That Dragonmark is #27 of Dark Hunters, #1 in Dragon's Rising, and #5 in the Avalon series is just too confusing.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Read All The Things, Reading Recap, Vol 6

This third book in the Saints of Denver series follows Church and Dixie.

Everyone else in Dixie Carmichael's life has made falling in love look easy, and now she is ready for her own chance at some of that happily ever after. Which means she’s done pining for the moody, silent former soldier who works with her at the bar that's become her home away from home.

Denver has always been just a pit stop for Church on his way back to rural Mississippi. Church finds himself having to get out of Denver fast and back home. He asks Dixie to come with him and she accepts. When Dixie and Church find themselves caught up in a homecoming overshadowed with lies and danger, they both realize that falling in love is easy but making it stick is hard work.
I loved every word that Crownover writes and Riveted was no exception. We've been waiting for Church and Dixie's story for far too long now. Super sexy and engaging with just enough hints of danger and intrigue.  I can't recommend the audiobook enough.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars


The Operator is the sequel to first in series, The Drafter.
Betrayed by the man she thought she loved and the agency that turned her into the very thing she fought against, Peri abandoned the wealth and privilege of Opti for an anonymous life riddled with memory gaps and self-doubt. But when a highly addictive drug promises to end her dependency on those who’d use her as a tool for their own success, she must choose to either remain broken and vulnerable or return to the above-the-law power and prestige she once left: strong but without will—for whoever holds her next fix, will hold her loyalty.

The narrative of this book is compelling and keeps reader's on their toes.  It is difficult to conceive time travel in most writing; however, Harrison's perspective as well as the abilities pitfalls make for an intriguing read. I like Peri and her band of misfits. It is a challenge to keep track of who to trust and what is real.

Final rating: 4 out 5 stars



Bastien Cabarro survived the brutal slaughter of his entire family only to have his wife pin their murders on him. Made Ravin by The League, he is now a target for their assassins-in-training to hunt and kill. The average life expectancy for such beings is six weeks. But defying the odds is what this Gyron Force officer does best, and Bastien won’t rest until he lays his betrayers in their graves.

Ten years later, he has one chance to balance the scales of justice, provided he relies on his former wingman— the very sister of the woman who testified against him.

Much of this Kenyon book is predictable:

1) Romance (a bit watered down of late)

2) Tortured hero

3) Severe family issues

4) Ongoing war between The League and the rebellion

5) Cameos from other series characters which fit into the growing mythology of the world building

Born of Vengeance wasn't stellar but it is what fans have come to expect of the series and Kenyon's current writing. I feel in a rut when I read this last few publications and wonder if the author doesn't as well. Again, if you are looking to continue the stories already established and want the comfort of Kenyon's style, then pick up this latest title. Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

For nearly six hundred years, Vlad Tepesh cared for nothing, so he had nothing to lose. His brutal reputation ensured that all but the most foolhardy stayed away. Now falling in love with Leila has put him at the mercy of his passions. And one adversary has found a devastating way to use Vlad’s new bride against him.

A powerful spell links Leila to the necromancer Mircea. If he suffers or dies, so does she. Magic is forbidden to vampires, so Vlad and Leila enlist an unlikely guide as they search for a way to break the spell. But an ancient enemy lies in wait, capable of turning Vlad and Leila’s closest friends against them…and finally tearing the lovers apart forever.

I'm a little sad that the Night Prince series has concluded but it was a great ride.  This book has everything Frost fans love - humor, adventure, action, super-sexytime AND Ian! (who still needs his own book btw!!!!)

The overall plot is strong. Good pacing and character progression plus appearances by series favs. Love the audio by Tavia Gilbert.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Souljacker by Yasmine Galenorn

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

The first in a new series, Lilly Bound, is a succubus owing her own sex salon in the Blood Night District of Seattle. When one of her clients ends of up dead via vampire her livelihood is at stake; however, with the discovery that the 'Souljacker'--an old, tattoo artist friend--has escaped an institution and is hellbent on 'reclaiming' all his artwork, Lilly realized that she and her closest friends are in danger. She hires Archer Desmond, a chaos demon and PI, to track the vampire down before he tracks her. But she didn't expect to fall for Archer nor to receive a new and dangerous job assignment from the Fae's Winter Court.

Souljacker is a fun, engaging and sexy read from Galenorn. Fans of her other books will enjoy the new characters and world-building.  I think Lilly is interesting and we'll see how her character develops with her new professional roles.  I like Archer but this relationship needs work since I felt like the attraction and connection were a bit too rushed.

Overall, this is a great read for Galenorn fans and for those who enjoy urban fantasy with spicy romance.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Old Demons (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10, Vol 4)

With supreme Big Bad, Archaeus (connected to many Slayers throughout time), wreaking havoc, Buffy and the Scooby Gang need more reinforcements.  Defeating this foe poses a challenge, especially when the extent of Archaeus' power and his plans, and their connection to the new rules of magic, are revealed.

For the first few issues, Angel is back.  It is a bit awkward, especially since Spike and Buffy are a thing again. Angel broods, he and Spike fight, they all talk it out, Angel gets a Willow peptalk, then he leaves again basically biding his time until he thinks Buffy and Spike will break up again in the future. Not a whole lot of character progression for him here.

What I did find interesting was pushing Buffy and Spike's relationship further in later issues, especially touching upon the fateful bathroom violence and near rape of television's season 6. The conversation was long overdue.

I enjoyed Giles grown up romp when he's free from his child body for a bit.  It is always nice to see Olivia show back up.  And I'm curious to see where the plot is going with the not-Anya spirit and also dreading that Riley is going to show back up (make it stop!).

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars


#buffy #buffythevampireslayer #graphicnovels #comics #DarkHorseComics #vampires #supernatural #humor

REVIEW: Phantom Kiss by Chloe Neill

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

Phantom Kiss is a novella serving as 12.5 in the Chicagoland Vampires series. Merit and Ethan are just two months from their wedding.  After attending a joint wedding showing, the couple is once again sidetracked by supernatural duty to help protect Chicago from all manner of paranormal beasties.  When they get a call detailing that someone is disturbing graves and stealing skulls, they are on high alert that a past foe, a powerful sorceress, might be back in town.

When a dangerous spirit seems to have followed them home to Cadogan House, Merit and Ethan realize that vanquishing this evil spectre might be a challenge.

This is a quick, exciting read with just enough supernatural flair! I enjoyed the banter and visits from some of the series' favorite characters. Neill makes it easy for fans to fall right back in with characters and the tone of familiarity between not only Merit and Ethan but the rest of the gang. My only request was that the story be longer so as to build up the sense of intrigue but overall it was engaging and well written.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @chloeneill



#PhantomKiss #ChicagolandVampires #novella #MeritAndEthan #mystery #ghosts #romance

REVIEW: Noble Dead, Series 3 by Barb & JC Hendee

Between Their Worlds marks the first in five books meant to finish out the Noble Dead series. Magiere, Leesil, and Chap are back to help Wynn discover the locations of the remaining orbs in order to keep them from being acquired by a rising ancient power. Unfortunately, Wynn is held prisoner in her once thought home, the guild of Sagecraft.  With separate plans, Magiere, Leesil and some unlikely allies plan to rescue her as does Chane. Whether they all like it or not their stories will continue to entwine.

Interesting book if a bit slow in pacing since it all revolves around Wynn's rescue. More character and relationship building than significant arc plot but a good bridge for the remainder of the series.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

A group devided after the events of Between Their Worlds, Magiere, Leesil and Chap set sail on their quest to find the Orb of Air, none too happy about their other companion, aging elven assassin, Brot’an, distrusted by the entire group. As Magiere struggles to fight her own dark nature, readers learn more about their quest to retrieve the Orb of Fire all the while the group is determined to steer clear others who wish them harm.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Dhampir Magiere, Leesil, and Chap continue their desperate search for the Orb of Air, still burdened with the master assassin, Brot’an, and the elven outcast girl, Wayfarer. Still hunted by a team of assassins, they escape on the first available ship only to find themselves under the power of a sadistic captain. Even if they manage to survive this voyage, there is a trap waiting for them at the journey’s end that will have readers shrieking in dismay!

In the parallel story, Wynn, Chane, Osha and Shade continue to search for the Orb of Spirit. Our beloved sage struggles with her confusing feelings for both Chane and Osha. Their travels lead them to the home of a young duke acting strangely. Too soon they discover that these changes are related to their own journey as well as a dangerous foe.

The best book of this series thus far. I loved the parallel story telling! Lots of twists and turns to keep readers interested!
 

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Waylaid in their quest for the orb of the Air, Magiere, Leesil, Chap, and Wayfarer have all been wrongly imprisoned. But it is Magiere, the dhampir, who suffers the most as a cloaked interrogator employs telepathic torture.

Wynn, Chane, Shade and Osha arrive, seeking the help of Domin Ghassan il’Sänke, to learn more about their quest and also save their companions. Their help is needed in turn since he domin is embroiled in a secret hunt for a spectral undead with the power to invade anyone living and take the body as its host--something Wynn knows all too much about.
This fourth book is a quick read for those wanting to make sure the crew is out of peril and back along their journey. This is a rather complicated plot with some excellent twists!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

It all comes to an epic end in The Night Voice. Magiere must embark on one last journey to retrieve final orb while also resisting the Night Voice trying to lure her to its side. Rumors of undead hordes gather for an epic battle have all the companions scurrying to prepare fore war but betrayals seem inevitable when even more deadly secrets reveal themselves.

I was wholeheartedly satisfied with the conclusion. The journey is pretty epic, the battle won with plenty of sacrifices along the way. I like where the authors left these characters but admit to a bit of a breakdown during the epilogue. A fitting end to a fantastic fantasy series.

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars


#nobledead #fantasy #magic #vampires #adventure

REVIEW: Noble Dead, Series 2 by Barb & JC Hendee

Years ago I discovered the Noble Dead series by Barb & J.C. Hendee.  Once I got into those, I devoured the six book, loving the mix of Lord of the Rings meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  While that adventure came to an end, In Shade and Shadow marks the beginning of a spin-off series with Wynn, the young sage from the previous books.  Having left Magiere and Leesil, she's returned home with text written by ancient vampires; however, these and her personal are whisked away by the elders and Wynn's tales are dismissed as nothing but delusional fantasies.

The texts are far from dismissed as the elders have been sending them out in secret to be copied.  However, a dark force begins to wreak havoc on Sagecraft with the desire to claim these scrolls for itself.  Wynn becomes convinces that the Nobel Dead are responsible for the killings and embarks on a dangerous mission to uncover the truth while also finding a few unexpected allies along the way.

I loved this tale and can't wait to finish out the trilogy.  Wynn is a loveable character and her progression throughout the series is fascinating.  Chane is another complicated character since caring about Wynn is in conflict with his vampire nature.  I look forward to the development of this relationship and what might be in store.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Wynn's journey, along with Shade, Chane continues as she tries to learn more from the ancient texts discovered in a castle in the Farlands. She overhears one whispered dwarven word that suggested the "Stonewalkers" may be involved. So she journeys to the mountain stronghold of the dwarves in search of this unknown sect. During her question, Wynn discovers even more puzzles as well as learning that a deadly foe isn't as vanquished as they all wished to believe.

This second book was quite stellar. I rather liked the introduction of the dwarves and the expanded world building of their culture. Great character development and pacing to further arc in Wynn's quest to discover the locations of the ancient orbs.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The final book of this Noble Dead cycle. Wynn, Chane, Shade and one wayward stonewalker set out on yet another journey to another dwarven stronghold few have ever heard of to discover the hiding place of an ancient orb.

Whatever caused Bäalâle Seatt to fall to the enemy, Wynn knows that one mythical figure was somehow involved: the infamous Lord of Slaughter. The taxing journey holds the answers to more questions but proves to be treacherous as more enemies follow them on this quest.

This was a pretty adventurous tale with great villains and some pretty awe-inspiring revelations.  I loved the surprise visitors at the end which help readers get ready for the Series 3.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

#NobleDead #fantasy #review #vampires #magic #dwarves #goodvsevil

REVIEW: Crimson Death by Laurell K. Hamilton

Crimson Death is the 25th book in Hamilton's Anita Blake series. Blake continues her job as a Federal Marshal and vampire executioner.  She's called by friend and fellow executioner, Edward to consult on a series of grisly vampire related crimes in Dublin--a unique land of its own regarding its history with magic, vampires and She Who Shall Not Be named AKA Damian's former vampire mistress.

This is very much a Damian centric book.  He hasn't been too involved in much of Anita's life even though he's part of her Triumvirate with Nathaniel.  All this changes based on Damian's apparent connection to the situation in Ireland and the role the trio needs to play in each other's lives.

Overall, I enjoyed the book far more than last year's Dead Ice; however, the narrative dragged quite a bit.  It is the same format as the past number of series entries-- introduce crime, then deal with WAY too much relationship and power struggle antics, then finally get on with the crime solving only to have the end action happen too quickly and wrap things up in far too few pages.

What I liked...

The actual Jean Claude interactions, that Damian was back and had a role, that Nathaniel is maturing and stepping up for what he wants. I always like when Edward shows up but he needed to be around more and this government tie-in that is probably going to become important in future books is interesting.

What I didn't like...

The pacing. There's just too much of the same relationship and political woes.  Poor Asher. Poor Anita. Poor Nathaniel. Etc...Etc...Etc. When we finally get into the 'meat of the crime, all the action happens way too quickly and then there isn't a lot of time for readers to process the outcome of character deaths and new metaphysical powers.

Anita spends far too much time justifying her lifestyle choices. It is time to move on and stop being repetitive.

Final rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars



#CrimsonDeath #AnitaBlake #vampires #horror #erotica #netgalley #review

REVIEW: Vampire Empire Trilogy by Clay and Susan Griffith

By now, gentle readers, I would hope that you'd know I'm always on the prowl for the next great audiobook.  I seek out good stories but also narrators.  A while back, I discovered the Vampire Empire trilogy by Clay and Susan Griffith because it is narrated by one of my favorite actors, James Marsters. I'll always adore him as Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel but he holds legendary status for me as the narrator of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files.

This trilogy--The Greyfriar, The Rift Walker, and The Kingmakers, explores a historical fantasy world with a magic/elemental steampunk twist on the typical vampire tale. Once outed to the world, vampires have taken over much of the northern hemisphere, preferring cool places not prone to sunlight (i.e. London, Scotland). Any humans in these domains are typically slaves, little more than cattle kept alive for vampire meals. 

Human settlements inhabit the warmer regions of the world. Princess Adele is the heir to the Empire of Equatoria, a remnant of the old tropical British Empire. When she becomes the target of the London vampire clan, her only protector is The Greyfriar, a mysterious hero who fights vampires deep withing their on territories. Adele eventually learns Greyfriar's identity, a truth which will have a profound effect on the future of her Empire, love life and for vampires. LOTS more happens but I won't ruin it for you!

This trilogy is perfect for readers who love a good angst worthy romance but also like the inclusion of steampunk, magic and plenty of adventure and scheming. The principle characters wrestle a lot with identity, expectations and forging their own futures despite many obstacles. There are some truly memorable villains too!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the authors on Twitter: @clayandsusan

Follow the narrator on Twitter: @JamesMarstersOf

#vampireempire #thegreyfriar #theriftwalker #thekingmakers #steampunk #vampires #fantasy

REVIEW: Where the Wild Things Bite by Molly Harper

This is the latest Half-Moon Hollow entry by Harper. Readers will laugh and delighted by this new book.  Supernatural rare book specialist Anna Winthorp is all set to deliver her precious cargo to fan fave Jane Jamison in Half-Moon Hollow, Kentucky.  Too bad her plane is highjacked by the pilot who plans to snatch the prized book for his employers, a group of shapeshifters clamoring to have their mitts on the rare and valuable text.

Stranded in the wilderness with hot vampire, Finn, Anna's only goal is to survive and look at unappetizing to this stranger as possible. Determined to find civilization and find Jane, Anna hopes to remain as unscathed as possible both as Finn's snack or fighting her growing feelings toward his charms.

Fan of Harper won't be disappointed. The story is great, building on new characters with plenty of dimension plus bringing back beloved book friends for some new adventures.  The dialogue is stellar and snarky. I love her flawed, quirky heroines that discover a sense of self and independence plus a little hot romance along the way. Finn is dashing and adorable in his con-man ways.

Where the Wild Things Bite is another audiobook treat from Amanda Ronconi.  Amazing performance that will have listeners engaged, laughing and begging for more!

Final rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @mollyharperauth




#WhereTheWildThingsBite #mollyharper #amandaronconi #halfmoonhollow #paranormalromance #humor #vampires

REVIEW: Big Vamp on Campus by Molly Harper

This is a delightfully funny story featuring Ophelia and Jamie from Half Moon Hollow fame.  Ophelia's punishment by Jane and the Council for misappropriating funds is to go to college. Beautiful, intelligent and scary, she isn't the friendliest vamp on her best of days. Now she must navigate college life including classes, group projects and a messy and annoying roommate.

What ensues is a hilarious adventure captured in Harper's characteristic charm full of laugh out loud antics, witty dialogue, engaging characters and just enough sweet, spicy romance. I've been waiting with others fans for an Ophelia-centric story for some time and this certainly didn't disappoint.  Readers get a bit more depth to her character and see her adapt and accept her new role in her un-life which is much more fulfilling.

The audiobook is another brilliantly performed by narrator Amanda Ronconi.  Check out this story and all the others in the series!

Final rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @mollyharperauth



#bigvamponcampus #halfmoonhollow #collegelife #vampires #humor #romance #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: Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper

Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs is the first Jane Jamison novel set in Half Moon Hollow, KY. Jane is a youth services librarian who finds herself unemployed. After wallowing in pity at the local bar, she heads home, suffers a car breakdown and mistaken for a deer is accidently shot and left for dead.  Luckily, a handsome and mysterious vampire happens by, thus turning her and beginning the hilarious and entertaining folly that makes this series so endearing.

“You can take the girl out of the library, but you can’t take the neurotic, compulsively curious librarian out of the girl.” 

I adore Jane and all the supporting characters including Gabriel, Zeb, Mr. Wainwright, Andrea, creepy Ophelia, and of course, Dick Chaney!  Having already read the series, it was fun to return where it all started in order to prepare for our April discussion in Positively Paranormal book club.

Harper is truly gifted when it comes to writing seamless humor which adds unique flare to the plot and character development. I love that Jane doesn't have much of a filter between her brain and her mouth.  She's smart and sassy but also lovably realistic in her flaws despite immortality.

The audiobooks to the series and all of Harpers books are stellar. Narrator Amanda Ronconi breather such life into the performance that listeners will be hooked.  I laughed till I cried (again) and truly believe fellow drivers on the road think I am a lunatic.


Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @mollyharperauth



#JaneJamison #NiceGirlsDon'tHaveFangs #HalfMoonHollow #MollyHarper #romance #mystery #humor #vampires #audiobook

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: Sweet Ruin by Kresley Cole

Sweet Ruin is #16 in Cole's Immortals After Dark series - a super steamy urban fantasy world filled with all sorts of supernatural creatures (vampires, werewolves, demons, witches and Valkyries, oh my!)

Josephine Doe is a foundling having grown up in the human world. She isn't aware of her past memories or supernatural capabilities until a tragic event during her adolescence. Jo is utterly alone but learns to survive and hone some of her abilities with deadly precision; however, there is always an ache for meaningful connections and answers to her past. 

A threat to the Møriør brings Rune the Baneblood to the mortal realm.  This thousands of years old deadly and sexy archer has been trained in the arts of seduction and assassination.  Tasked with killing the world's oldest Valkyrie, he is taken by surprise when he encounters a vampire-like immortal who entices and challenges him like no other.

There are battles on multiple fronts as both Jo and Rune have to overcome years of violence and distrust if they are going to have any sort of relationship.  Both have to unravel some truths--Jo to learn her origins and reunite with her brother, Thaddeus and Rune discovering the sacrifices his mother made for his survival and how both he and Jo fit into the bigger pitcher with the Ascension looming ever closer.

Sweet Ruin is a solid entry in the series. I generally liked the couple even if their relationship missteps are frustrating at times. This is par for the course and to be expected for the paranormal romance formula. Jo does come across as rather immature which was sometimes irritating.  Overall, I 'ship' the couple and the story as well its larger connection to the series arc and lore.  The highlight for me was Nix in her adversarial and supporting role. I just love her wacky ways and remain hopeful that we'll finally get her book soon!

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @kresleycole




#sweetruin #KresleyCole #ImmortalsAfterDark #erotic #paranormalromance #review