Sunday, May 30, 2010

Shayla Black-- "Temp Me with Darkness" (Doomsday Brethren Novel)

synopsis:
As soon as Marrok sees Olivia Gray's dark windswept hair and burning violet eyes, he's sure they've met in eons past. He's felt her soft gentle curves writhing in pleasure beneath his own hard powerful body...Morganna! For centuries, towering Marrok, once the mightiest of King Arthur's warriors, has endured a terrible curse cast upon him when he spurned the witch.

Olivia shares a mystical--and irresistible--connection with brooding Marrok. Soon after the sexy warrior appears in her erotic dreams, he abducts her, demanding she uncurse him. Their intense passion is more powerful--and intimate--than either of them has ever known. Olivia may be the key to unlocking the diary that will break Morganna's hold on his life. But in the wrong hands, the book also holds the power to destroy all magickind. As they search for answers, a ruthless wizard returned from exile is building an army of evil. When he discovers Marrok and Olivia have the diary, only their love--with the help of a powerful group of magical Brethren--can save them.


***This is not my typical choice of book to read. It is based on magic, wielded by bloodlines started by Merlin and Morgan le Fay. One evil, one good. It took me a good 100 pages to get into the story, I am not used to reading stories based in England. But once the story got going, I found myself enjoying the humor and connection between Marrok and Olivia. Their love story is cute, in no way original by any means. Strong woman saves brooding man from himself. But there is a backstory developing that takes the story along with them and a few more characters come into play. All in all it was a good Sunday afternoon read, not a keeper, but ok. This seems to be the beginning of a series, I won't rush out to buy them, but i might read the rest of it on a quiet Sunday afternoon.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Charlaine Harris-- "Dead in the Family" (Sookie Stackhouse series)

synopsis:
Even with the blood of 2 vampires in her system, Sookie is having trouble healing from the terrible torture she endured at the hands of her great-grandfather's enemies during the brief but deadly Fae War. Worse are the emotional wounds, especially over the loss of her own personal fairy godmother and the near death of her first love. Sookie is hurt and she's mad. Just about the only bright spot in her life, besides the fact that she is, after all, still alive--is the love she thinks she feels for vampire Eric Northman, who is under scrutiny by the new vampire king because of their relationship.

As the political implications of the shifters' coming-out are beginning to be felt, Sookie's connection one particular Were draws her into the dangerous debate. And, unknown to her, though the doors to Faery have been closed, there are still some fae on the human side--and one of them is angry at Sookie. Very, very angry.


***It seemed like i had read the last book a long, long time ago. I had to skim thru it to refresh my memory of what happened. This book seemed almost tame compared to the previous ones. The "edge of your seat" thrill just wasn't in it. It did have it's tense moments, it was not boring by any means. But just not quite as exciting as previous ones. I would have liked to delve more into the side stories with Eric's maker and Bill's blood sister. And Sookie's relationship with Eric gets deeper, and as always the were's are stirring up their own trouble, Alcide still has the hots for Sookie, i wonder if they will ever be together again? But we do get to know Claude a little better, and somehow Sookie still lands on her feet......

You really have to start at the beginning of this series to understand it all. And don't compare the TV series "trueblood" to the books. The story gets "tweaked" to make it great television. But i am biased and like the books better....

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Ted Dekker-- "Boneman's Daughters"

synopsis:
They call him BoneMan,a serial killer who's abducted six young women. He's the perfect father looking for the perfect daughter, and when his victims fail to meet his lofty expectations, he kills them by breaking their bones and leaving them to die.

Intelligence officer Ryan Evans, on the other hand, has lost all hope of ever being the perfect father. His daughter and wife have written him out of their lives.

Everything changes when BoneMan takes Ryan's estranged daughter, Bethany, as his seventh victim. Ryan goes after BoneMan on his own.

But the FBI sees it differently. new evidence points to the suspicion that Ryan is BoneMan. Now the hunter is the hunted, and in the end, only one father will stand.


***This is the first Ted Dekker book I have read and I liked it. It was a bit confusing to follow at first, but then the backstory falls into place and the race is on. This story shows how parents can go wrong. And how one father can change and beat all odds to save his daughter. I wish the Boneman's identity hadn't been revealed so soon, but there was still alot of edge to this story. The BoneMan is twisted in ways that boggle the mind and his way of defeating those who he perceives have disappointed him are almost beyond imagination. There are a lot of characters in this book, not too many to overload the story, but enough to make it a multi layered one. Dekker's character development brings you to cheer for the good guy and wish death on the bad guy. Give it a try, it is a long book, but worth the effort.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Amanda Ashley-- "Immortal Sins"

synopsis:
Three centuries ago, vampire Jason Rourke succumbed to temptation with a wizard's lovely daughter, and that brief taste of pleasure earned him a powerful curse. Trapped within a painting, unable to quench the hellish thirst that torments him, Jason has given up hope of escape until Karinna Adams purchases the painting and unwittingly frees him.

At first, Jason plans only to enlist Kari's help in navigating this strange new world so he can find and punish the wizard who entrapped him. But Kari's enticing sensuality and innocence incite a growing need in Jason to touch and taste her, to possess her utterly. For the gulf between them, and the danger that awaits, is nothing compared to a potent, primal hunger that will last for all eternity....

***Plain. That is the best word to describe this book, just plain, like vanilla. I picked it up because it had a different premise than any other vampire book I have read. But there was really no passion, just a slightly sweet story. When Jason was trapped in the painting, his lover, the daughter of a wizard, was trapped in her own painting. After Jason is freed, he finds and frees her as well, bringing her to Kari's home. Luisa still childlike after being trapped for 300 years in a painting, runs away and finds her own vampire to love. When the wizard finds them and traps Kari in a painting to punish Jason, he must turn Kari into a vampire to break the curse and free her from the painting. It was generally boring and if it hadn't been just different enough of a story, i would have never finished it. I don't think i will read anymore of this author.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Christine Warren-- "You're So Vein" (Other series)

synopsis:
Ava Markham is beautiful, savvy, chic, and more at home with Kate Spade than with the idea of fangs and fur. She can't quite get used to the fact that some of her closest friends have crossed over to the Other side. Then one night she is attacked by a rogue vampire, and her deepest fears are realized when her body begins a dangerous transformation from human to immortal--a change she cannot survive without the help of an alluring stranger who comes to her rescue...

Vladimir "Dima" Rurikovich, an elite member of the European Council of Vampires, is on the prowl for a murderous vampire fugitive on the night he saves Ava from the clutches of death. It takes just one look for Dima to know he cannot live another eight centuries without the stunning and seductive Ava--until he discovers a secret about her bloodline that could change everything....


***I have never liked Ava throughout the series, she is a very unlikable character. And for her to finally have her happy ending is a little hard to believe. I liked that Dima is Misha's long lost brother. But in truth i skimmed thru most of this story just so i could find out what happened with "Liza" the escaped vampire Dima came here to recapture. I am more inclined to be happy that Dima got his happy ending.

Christine Warren-- "Big Bad Wolf" (Other series)

synopsis:
Missy Roper's fantasizes have revolved around Graham Winters since the moment they met. But the imposing leader of the Silverback werewolf clan always seemed oblivious to Missy's existence. At least he was, until Missy collides with him at a party and then abruptly runs away--arousing Graham's interest...and wild desires.

Lupine law decrees that every Alpha must have a mate, and all Graham's instincts tell him that the sensual, beguiling Missy is his. Trouble is, Missy is human--every delectable inch of her. Convincing his clan that she's his destined mate, and keeping her safe from his enemies, will be the biggest challenge Graham has ever faced. And now that he is determined to have her--as his lover and his mate--Missy's world is changing in ways she never imagined....

***This is my favorite couple in the series! I couldn't put this one down and practically read it straight thru the nite. I didn't want it to end. And it really doesn't since they play a part of several upcoming stories. I didn't read these in order so i already know their path. And each of the books in this series stand alone. But i still enjoyed discovering their story and learning more about the werewolf clan culture. If you can find the correct reading order, start there, but you won't be disappointed no matter what order you read them in.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Christine Warren-- "One Bite with a Stranger" (Other series)

synopsis:
When Regina's friends insist on setting her up on a "Fantasy Fix" to help her get over her cheating ex, she dreams up some kinky out-of-this-world encounters that they could never possible bring to life. But the next thing Regina knows, her friends have got her laced into a shiny black corset, tight leather pants, and a sexy pair of stilettos. It's time for some downtown vampire-fantasy fun....

The Vampire Ball in Manhattan's East Village isn't really Dmitri's idea of a good time, but as a member of the Council that governs The Others, he has to keep an eye on all the young vamps who prey on the pretenders. After he feasts his dark eyes on fiery Regina at the bar, he knows that he must have her. But for the first time, Dmitri meets a woman who is more that a match for his indomitable will. And he may be the fantasy Regina hoped for...until she-and her feisty friends--discover her sexy new lovers bloodsucking secret.


***At first i was confused about the path of this book, since Rafe and Graham are not mated or high ranking members of the Council of Others. Then i realized i have read this book out of order, it should have been the first one i read, not the 4th. Oh well, the story stands alone just as well as part of the series since it was the first one written. It is just your basic vampire love story with just the whisper beginning of the series of the Others. I really like Dmitri and Regina, and who wouldn't want a fantasy to come true? I wish it were so......

Christine Warren-- "Demon You Know" (Others series)

synopsis:
As a research grunt at a local television station, Abby Baker tends to blend into the background, which is where she's most comfortable. But when she ends up being the last resort to cover a hot story. Abby discovers a whole new side to their personality when she is possessed by a fiend--a type of rogue demon. Suddenly everyone wants a piece of her. And now the demon Rule--a hunter of his own kind who have gone astray--is Abby's only hope...

Meanwhile, the Others--vampires, werewolves, and witches--have come out of the supernatural closet and humans are all aflutter. Mischief is afoot in the demon realm, and Rule knows that Abby is key to figuring it all out before the fiends tip the fragile balance between the newly discovered Others and the humans into an epic battle. It's now up to two lost souls to make love, not war....


***Didn't love it, didn't hate it. I'm in the middle so to speak. It was ok, but not nearly as funny as the other books in this series. And i didn't find myself drawn to this couple at all. The romance between Abby and Rule didn't seem as passionate as the "Other" couples we have read about. Abby gets possessed by a runaway demon informant, and the conversations between the two of them are the only humorous parts. I found Abby's brother a much more interesting character, but he only plays a small part. Hope to see him in a future book.....and i will be reading on.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Christine Warren-- "She's No Farie Princess" (others series)

synopsis:
Queen Mab's niece, Fiona, wants nothing to do with the intrigues of court life. She'd prefer to cut loose at a punk club, knock back a few Thai beers, and hook up with a likely lad of similar interests. But when Fiona goes AWOL, she only gets as far as Manhattan's Central Park before a nasty demon nearly puts a permanent crimp in her plans, and a dark stranger sparks her desire....
All work and no play make Tobias Walker one cranky werewolf. After six months of doing his part to keep the peace during the delicate negotiations between the Others and humankind, he'd like nothing more that a good night's sleep, preceded by an enthusiastic mating session. The alluring woman he rescues in the park might be the answer to his most lustful prayers, but only if they can both stay alive long enough to find out who wants her dead and why.


***I had forgotten how funny Christine Warren is. She has quite a sense of humor. I find myself laughing out loud at parts. And as always the love story is as passionate as always. Fiona and Tobias are quite a pair. The story moves along a little further with the negotiations finalizing towards revealing the Others to humanity. But Fiona's uncle has a better, more selfish plan of his own. And it is up to Fiona and her new found friends to stop him. And love conquers all....

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Eileen Wilks-- "Blood Magic" (Lupi series)

synopsis:
As they plan their wedding, Lily Yu and Rule Turner, a prince of the lupi, are facing a great deal of tension from both their families. Not everyone can accept their mixed marriage: she's Chinese; he's a werewolf. Even Lily's grandmother is acting strangely distant, though Lily and Rule are about to discover that her behavior has nothing to do with their upcoming nuptials. A powerful, undying nemesis has come to San Diego to exact vengeance on Lily's family, and turn the city into a feeding ground. It's up to Lily and Rule to stop her, in spite of ancient treaties and an inheritance passed down through the blood. Otherwise San Diego could go up in flames, and they won't live to make it to the altar....

***When i started this series, i really enjoyed it. But now, i am having to force myself to finish a book. I skimmed and skipped whole chapters to get to the end of this one. This series has lost it's charming romance and is mainly a magical thriller. I want more romance and less war. All in all, it's still not a bad series, I still really like the main characters, but it doesn't keep my interest anymore and i put it down several times to read other books before coming back to it and skipping to the end. I still want to read about Lily and Rule's wedding, I just hope that Wilks doesn't stick it in a short story on her website like she did Cullen and Cynna's.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Jacquelyn Frank-- "Stealing Kathryn" (The Gatherers)

synopsis:
Sandman, Angus, Morpheus. He is know by many names, except his true one, Adrian. When he departs his world, it is to enter the sacred space of sleep, and he is not there to sow sweet dreams. Adrian's mission is to reap the dark energy of nightmares, work that has twisted his soul as well as is once-handsome face. Now, he lives only to await the day darkness finally overcomes him...and to collect exquisite reminders of what he's lost....
But there is one treasure that stands apart. Having risked everything to obtain her, Adrian soon realizes his mistake. For Kathryn has a wholly unexpected power over him, not only for what she represents, but for what she IS: a soul with desires as strong as his own, tempered by compassion that could save Adrian from his self-made hell---or condemn them both...


***This is the second story of The Gatherers, and not my favorite. Julian's story was more informative about what the gatherers truly are. If you have not read Hunting Julian, you will not understand the world they live in. And there is not much "set up" in this one. This story is solely about Kathryn saving Adrian....from himself. I enjoyed the love story between the two, but there just wasn't a "spark" in this one. Nice story overall, but not a keepsake book. This book just seemed to be a bridge to maybe a new world Frank is taking us to??? Hope so, she has quite an imagination. The worlds she creates are like nothing i have ever read. It is definitely NOT your usual paranormal romance.

Monday, May 3, 2010

J.R. Ward-- "Lover mine" (Blackdagger Brotherhood Series)

synopsis:
John Matthew has come a long way since he was found living among humans, his vampire nature unknown to himself and to those around him. After he was taken in by the brotherhood, no one could guess what his true history was--or his true identity. Indeed, the fallen Brother Darius has returned, but with a different face and a very different destiny. As a vicious personal vendetta takes John into the heart of the war, he will need to call upon both who he is now and who he once was in order to face off against evil incarnate.
Xhex, a sympath assassin, has long steeled herself against the attraction between herself and John Matthew. Having already lost one lover to madness, she will not allow the male of worth to fall prey to the darkness of her twisted life. When fate intervenes, however, the two discover that love, like destiny, is inevitable between soul mates.

***WOW! This is a great book! There is so much going on in this book, between the love affair with John and Xhex, to the emotional battle with Quinn and Blay, and the sneak peek into the other Brother Murhder. New characters are introduced and a lot of things are answered. This book reminded me of why i love this series so much that i want to go back and read the whole series over again. CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!