Sunday, October 31, 2010

Jessa Slade--Seduced by Shadows (Marked Souls Novel)

synopsis:
Her life was never that good especially after her mother committed suicide and her father proved pathetic while her brothers fled the family. However, Sera Littlejohn's life became worse when she is crippled in an accident; now she lives every moment with unbearable pain and a struggle to get around.

Although she had not thought much of possession, the demon entices her with healing her battered body by taking it over, which also denotes damned. However, when she meets also possessed Ferris Archer, she finds her soul mate. He, in turn, has never met a demonic-possessed woman although he knows she is his if he does not have to kill her for what is inside her.

* (failure)
I had high hopes for this book. The story sounded interesting, but I struggled from the first page. Maybe I expected this book to be like the Lords of the Underworld series who are possessed by demons also. But Slade's writing is to intellectual for me, not emotional enough. It doesn't flow smoothly, it was like listening to a CD skip, it gave me a headache. I gave it 50 pages to hook me, but unlike the other reviews, I just can't continue with it in hopes it gets better. I won't be reading the rest of this series. Sorry Slade.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Lora Leigh--Renegade (Elite Ops series)

synopsis:
As a bridal shop owner, Mikayla Martin helps make women’s wedding dreams come true. Her own life, however, has become a nightmare since she witnessed a murder -- and got an up-close-and-personal look at the killer. What’s worse: She knows she knows him. But the police, after doing an alibi check, don’t believe her. It’s up to Mikayla to prove them wrong…and do whatever it takes to solve the murder by herself.

Elite Ops agent Nikolai Steele, code name Renegade, is asked to pay an old comrade a favor. This friend swears he’s no killer -- and Nik believes him -- even though he’s been mistaken as one by Mikayla. So Nik goes to set her straight…but the moment he lays eyes on the fiery and determined beauty, he knows he’s in too deep. A woman this irresistible can only mean trouble and, sure enough, after sticking her nose in one too many places, someone wants Mikayla dead. Now Nik must find a way to keep her safe, clear his friend’s name, and find the real killer, who remains on the loose…


**** (4 stars)
Loved the book, loved the couple. This one was a real "who done it". It had a nice mystery to go along with how the characters met and developed together. And it didn't involve government espionage. Mikayla is a true "good girl" and winds up with the baddest of all bad boys who has a LOT of baggage to overcome. My only complaint about the book was it was about 50 pages to long, and after 375 pages of build-up, the big "reveal" seemed a little short. But the couple got their fairy tale ending, right? And is it only me, or are Leighs sex scenes getting tamer?

Monday, October 25, 2010

Lora Leigh--Black Jack (Elite Ops series)

synopsis:
The Secret Service can't control him. The British government can't silence him. But renegade agent Travis Caine is one loose cannon you don't want to mess with, so his commanders cut him a break -- and cut him loose. His new HQ is America's top intelligence force, Elite Ops. His new code name is "Black Jack." And his new assignment is to die for.

She's smart, sexy, scintillating -- and one of Elite Ops' savviest agents. Lillian Belle's code name is "Night Hawk," and Travis certainly wouldn't mind flying a few midnight maneuvers with her. But when their mission turns into a red-hot game of danger, deceit, and double-crossed signals, Travis begins to wonder: Can he trust her? Can he resist her...


**** (4 stars)
I usually don't like the stories where both the main characters are agents, BUT, since Lilly has amnesia, she becomes that damsel in distress character that balances out the tough as nails male lead. I really like both Lilly and Travis. And suprisingly, the story turned out to be a real mystery. Leigh's usual sex scenes were toned down a bit in this one, but were still passionate and appropriate as they played out in the story. Not my favorite, but still a good read.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Annette McCleave--bound by Darkness (soul Gatherer Novel)

synopsis:
Soul Gatherer Brian Webster has long lived with the guilt of his failure to save his teenage sister. When another girl dies in his arms as she protects an ancient coin from a demon, he takes up her cause. The coin is one of thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas. United, the coins are a dark relic of immense power, and in the wrong hands, they could destroy civilization.

Lena Sharpe is on her own mission to find the Judas coins. A Soul Gatherer by day and a thief by night, she's negotiated the most important deal of her life. When Brian intervenes and kidnaps her to obtain the coins, she attempts to escape. But the brazen warrior is unrelenting, as he is fearful that the beautiful felon has made a pact with the devil himself. And he's not entirely wrong.

Bound together by burning desire and a similar darkness in their hearts, they race against time to recover the missing coins. But as the truth behind Lena's bargain surfaces, Brian is faced with a desperate choice to save one or save many...


*** (3 stars)
Liked it, didn't love it. This book didn't seem to have the same intensity as the first. Brian was too likable, not brooding enough. And Lena's constant escaping was a little tiring. I was more interested in the story line happening with Carlos and Emily. Something is seriously wrong with him and is tweaking my curiosity. Brian and Lena are an ok couple, not the best romance I've ever read, but not the worse. I will still keep reading the series. The basis of this series is unique and interesting enough to keep my interest. I like that even though it has a religious basis, it's really about good and evil and the decisions we all make in our lives. It's nice that they get the chance to redeem themselves.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Annette McCleave--Drawn into Darkess (Soul Gatherer Novel)

synopsis:
For centuries Lachlan Macgregor has battled demon thieves for the souls of the dead, carrying out his pledge to deliver them into Heaven or Hell. But his greatest challenge as a Soul Gatherer is now among the living.

Struggling to connect with her troubled teenage daughter, Emily, artist Rachel Lewis turns to her enigmatic yet strangely compelling neighbor for advice. As Lachlan soon discovers, the girl has fallen victim to a seductive demon--a specter from the past using the unsuspecting women to fulfill an ancient prophecy and settle a hellish score with Lachlan himself.

In the race to save Emily and avert a disastrous power shift among the deities, Rachel and Lachlan forge an uncommon bond. But how can Lachlan tell the mortal woman he's falling in love with, that the next soul he's been enlisted to gather--and deliver beyond--is her daughter's?


***** (5 stars)
A completely new kind of story. This is the first book from Annette Mccleave, and I am impressed. The story isn't weighted down with building the "world" this series follows. The action starts on page one and never stops and the characters are well developed and likable enough for me. The base of the series might sway some people with the whole "God vs. Satan", soul gatherers, and "death", but the religious aspect didn't bombard the story. It only gave the basis for who, what, why, and where the characters are in this series. I found it a refreshing change of storyline. Sometimes paranormal romance starts to blend together and become repetitive. I can't wait to get to book 2 in the series...I hope it's about Brian.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Kresley Cole--Demon from the Dark (Immortals after Dark series)

synopsis:
A DANGEROUS DEMON SHE CAN'T RESIST . . .

Malkom Slaine: tormented by his sordid past and racked by vampiric hungers, he's pushed to the brink by the green-eyed beauty under his guard.

A MADDENING WITCH HE ACHES TO CLAIM . . .

Carrow Graie: hiding her own sorrows, she lives only for the next party or prank. Until she meets a tortured warrior worth saving.

TRAPPED TOGETHER IN A SAVAGE PRISON . . .

In order for Malkom and Carrow to survive, he must unleash both the demon and vampire inside him. When Malkom becomes the nightmare his own people feared, will he lose the woman he craves body and soul?



****(4 stars)
Where do I start? Not my favorite of this series, it started out a little confusing for me. I wasn't sure where this book started in the time-line of the series. Cole will sometimes start back in the beginning of the series with a new book. But I gave it my 100 page try and completely fell for it. Carrow is not the most likable character, but Malkom is great. His path from tortured, abused "venom" to hero "stepdemon" is both endearing and funny. The sex was not gratuitous but fitting for the moment the couple was in. Their romance was slow and had a "learning curve" for both of them. They had baggage and trust issues, but don't we all? But true love conquers all sometimes. Ruby is adorable, and I hope she gets her own book. As the war is starting, there are more questions, then answers, and I can't wait to get the next book...

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Lara Adrian--Taken by Midnight (Midnight Breed series)

synopsis:
AT THE CROSSROADS OF DEATH AND DESIRE, A WOMAN TASTES A PLEASURE NO MORTAL IS MEANT TO SURVIVE.

In the frozen Alaskan wilderness, former state trooper Jenna Darrow survives an unspeakable breach of body and soul. But with her narrow escape comes an even greater challenge. For strange changes are taking place within her, as she struggles to understand -- and control -- a new hunger. To do so, she will seek shelter in the Boston compound of the Order, an ancient race of vampire warriors whose very existence is shrouded in mystery. Perhaps the most mysterious of them all is Brock, a brooding, dark-eyed alpha male whose hands hold the power to comfort, heal . . . and arouse.

As she recovers under Brock’s care, Jenna finds herself drawn to the Order’s mission: to stop a ruthless enemy and its army of assassins from subjecting Earth to a reign of terror. Yet in spite of their resolve, a purely physical relationship without strings soon binds Brock and Jenna together with a desire fiercer than life and stronger than death itself -- until a secret from Brock’s past and Jenna’s own mortality challenges their forbidden love to the ultimate trial by fire.


**** (4.5 stars)
I couldn't give it a complete 5 star rating because Adrian only teased us with Jenna's transformation after the attack by the Ancient. I didn't get nearly enough details as to what she may become. But other than that, it is a true Lara Adrian novel. You fall instantly in love with the couple of focus and can't help yourself but to race to the end of the book. The ending was a little weak for me, but I never want the books to end anyway. The story could go on for another couple 100 pages and I would be happy. Everyone of The Order make appearances, and I can't wait for Tess's baby to get here. The series base story is moving along at a great pace and there is just enough action mixed with romance to pull it all together. I am hanging by my fingernails to see what Dragos is up to next. Looks like Hunter is the next one up, that should be a very interesting story....I'll be stalking the mailbox waiting for my pre-order.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Lora Leigh--Styx's Storm (Breeds series)

synopsis:
When Storme Montague's father and brother are killed by the Breeds, her father's research is also destroyed--except for a crucial data chip that both the Council and the Breeds would kill to possess. Betrayed to the Council, she is rescued by Styx, a Wolf Breed who is different from most other Breeds she has ever known. Storme has something he wants too--but it's not a data chip.

There's never been a woman who bad boy Styx couldn't seduce. But can the charmer of the Wolf Breed charm the enemy?

Or has the enemy come up with a plan of her own? A plan that could destroy the tentative balance the Breeds have created in society and among their allies--and that may ultimately destroy them both.....

(4 stars)
Storme is not a likable character, understandably so given her history. But her prejudice and hatred bogs the book down for to long. Storme had a lot of baggage to overcome before she gives in to Styx. I like Styx, but his character was not developed enough for me and there was very little action until the last portion of the book. I hate to say the book was boring, because I really love the Breeds, but it wasn't the most thrilling installment of the series. The main plot moves forward somewhat, and Cassie gives a couple of hints into the upcoming Navarro story. Overall, not bad, but not the best. I think I like the Feline Breeds better....

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Shayla Black--Delicious (Wicked Lovers series)

synopsis:
He can’t control his desire.
Luc Traverson’s entire future is planned out—but there is one very sexy obstacle in his path: Alyssa Devereaux . She’s a former exotic dancer turned strip club owner and restaurateur. Recently, Alyssa and Luc shared one night of wild abandon that left Luc terrified by his loss of self-control—and Alyssa desperate for more.

And that’s just the way she wants it.
Fulfilling a promise, Luc is the guest chef for Alyssa’s restaurant debut. The sight of her makes Luc wild, so how can he survive a week without letting loose and ravaging her—especially when she’s begging for it? Luc’s desire for her explodes when he realizes he isn’t the only man desperate to have her. But one of the others is deadly. And that’s not the end of Alyssa’s secrets…which are as dark and mysterious and enticing as her fantasies.


*** (3 stars)
Disappointed. The first 2 books in this series were smoking hot with passion. This one fell short for me, it seemed to me that it was more focused on their emotional baggage. Not a bad thing, but not what I was looking forward to in this book. And it was certainly more tame than the previous two. And truthfully about half way through the book I started to skim the pages and only read the dialogue. It was a struggle for me to even finish this book, I was ready to put it down all together. I hope Hunter's story takes us back to the wickedly hot passion that I know Black can write.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Alexis Morgan--Dark Warrior Untamed (Talion series)

synopsis:
He questions everything.

No one thought Chief Talion Greyhill Danby would report to work so soon after wrapping up his affairs in London. Then again, he didn’t expect to find a beautiful spy with a major attitude in his new office. Clearly the Kyth’s Grand Dame doesn’t trust him to do his duty -- to protect her.

She fears the truth.

Piper Ryan isn’t keen on the arrangement, either. Matching wits with an ancient warrior isn’t in her administrative job description. But sharing space with the red-hot head of security could have unexpectedly tempting benefits...if he doesn’t dig into her secret past.

Opposites always attract.

When threatening e-mails result in danger, the fiery sparks between Piper and Grey grow scorching hot. They must defend the throne from a deadly invisible attacker, but will their raging desire keep them together...or will their burning suspicions tear them apart?


***(3.5 stars)
I prefer Morgan's Palladin series to the Talions. It is an OK story, not a page turner. The characters are not as intense for my taste and lack that spark that keeps me hooked. I enjoyed Grey and Piper, but overall they seemed kind of tame to me. Good enough for a Sunday afternoon, but not a trip to the bookstore to get the first copy. I took off .5 stars for the numerous grammar errors in the book. If the author/editor doesn't care enough to proof read, why should i care enough to own it? I'm sure that is just my own pet peeve, but if you are proud of what you write, you should make sure it is error free so the rest of us will be proud to own it. I will still read future books in this series, I'll just wait for them to make my wishlist as a swap.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Shayla Black-Decadent (Wicked Lovers series)

synopsis:
Two men are better than one…

How can a virgin seeking happily-ever-after with a hot pop star who has a penchant for threesomes win her fantasy man? Kimber Edgington desperately needs a plan to convince Jesse McCall, who’s been her friend and secret crush since they spent a summer together as teenagers, that they are meant for each other. But all the tabloid stories about his sexual escapades make her feel oh-so inadequate.

Determined to prove she’s woman enough for Jesse, Kimber turns to bodyguard Deke Trenton for sexual education. Bold and brash, Deke warns Kimber that playing with him is playing with fire. But he can’t bear to imagine the innocent beauty in someone else’s arms. So Deke and his super-sexy friend, Luc, take Kimber under their wings and dangerously close to the edge of ecstasy. Though she’s saved herself for Jesse, Kimber soon learns, he’s not the man adept at stoking her aching, endless need. That’s Deke, and he can’t resist when Kimber begs for more -- and more…


**** (4.5 stars)
Whew! Anyone reading this book better bring a cooling fan, it is HOT, HOT, HOT! Definitely not for the faint of heart. If you are ready to face that hidden fantasy of two men, you are in for a very passionate ride. I fell for Deke in the first book Wicked Ties, and I still like him. Kimber is an independent smart strong character who is easily likable. It's a complicated story, issues and baggage for everyone, but Black writes another winner. My only complaint is that I feel the ending, the final scene, was a little sappy and weak. But it was probably hard to top the intensity that was present in the entire book. That aside, I enjoyed every word. Black's characters are great and I can't wait to read Luc's story.