Friday, December 31, 2010

Jacquelyn Frank--Drink of Me

In a world where emotion can be a deadly weapon, one slight, battered runaway holds the key to a dark and twisted enigma...

"Drink Of Me", she whispers, her silver eyes trusting, pleading. What female dares speak such words to one of the Sange? His people are scorned by every race for their fierce sensuality, their fearful rituals. And as Prime, Reule is the most telepathically gifted of them all.

But nothing has prepared him for the intensity of emotion radiating from the outlander rescued by his Pack. Terrified, tormented, but beautiful beyond measure, Mystique shatters his legendary control. As she reaches for him in the steamy heat of the healing baths, he knows this blind need can have but one end...


***** (5 stars)
LOVED IT, LOVED IT, LOVED IT! Jacquelyn Frank has the ability to write about worlds that defy imagination. Each of her books has brought us to a world so exotic and layered with characters and descriptions, I am awed. I was a little confused at first, but only for the first few pages. The story drops right into the action and runs aways with your full attention for almost 400 pages. Reule and Mystique are fascinating characters as is the world in which they live. Their love story is passionate and sweet all at the same time. But Frank didn't just leave it at the main couple. There are so many other characters circling this couple, and each one has their own story, their own passions, their own dramas, and their own dreams. I love everyone one of them. I only hope Frank writes a few stories about the others in Reule and Mystique's Pack. I think it will be a fascinating world to read about for a series.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

J.K. Beck--When Blood Calls (Shadow Keepers)

Sara Constantine is one of the country's most tenacious prosecuting attorneys—and she's just secured a well-earned promotion. At first she's thrilled. Then she finds out her new job involves prosecuting vampires and werewolves. And nothing prepares Sara for the shock she receives when she meets the first defendant she'll be trying to put away: Lucius Dragos, the sexy stranger with whom she recently shared an explosive night of ecstasy.

When Lucius Dragos kisses the beautiful woman sitting next to him at the bar, he's only hoping to blend into the crowd and avoid the perceptive gaze of the man he's following…and planning to kill. But what starts as a simple kiss to secure his cover ignites into a fierce hunger that leads to an all-consuming passion. Charged with murder, Luke knows Sara will do whatever it takes to see him locked away—unless he can convince her that he's not the monster she thinks he is. And that might mean making the greatest sacrifice a vampire can make.....


***** (5 stars)
First book, first time author. And let me just say......WOW!!! I am completely hooked. This story has it all, mystery, intrigue, and passion. The characters are great and very interesting. The story has multiple layers happening all at once, and its a fast-paced page turner! The passion is not over the top, just the right level at the right time. I read the entire book in one day, and I am already starting the second one.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Jax (Jacquelyn Frank)--The Bid

DISCIPLINE OF LOVE — Strapped and chained on the block, a masterpiece of naked flesh and muscle turns slowly…the eyes of the crowd devour the sight of Vejhon, whose platinum-white hair and cat-green eyes mark him as newly captured from a wild planet on the outer edges of space. The noble men and women erupt in a bidding frenzy -- that finally stops on a man named ...Najir. This strikingly handsome man who strangely resembles Vejhon cries out the winning bid on behalf of the lady he serves. Hanna Drakoulous now has a matched pair of the finest males in the galaxy…

Shackled, Vejhon can only marvel at the mysterious beauty with blue skin and shining eyes whom Najir clearly worships. But Vejhon refuses to humble himself -- until Hanna’s kiss strikes him like lightning. First dominant, then sensually tender, she arouses him to explosive sexual passion that goes beyond the limits of physical pleasure. What manner of mistress has bought him and what does she want? Freedom is what he wants, but will she be worth the price...


(3.5 stars)
This was supposed to be an Erotica novel set in a very sci-fi setting. It was only PG17 on the rating of Erotica. The reason for the PG17 rating is for the animal aspect of the story. I won't explain, because I don't want to give any spoilers away. I have read much, much hotter before, but not to say that it is a boring book though. I was confused for the first half of the book, not really sure what the "big secret" was and feeling very lost in this new world, much as Vejhon was. JAX (aka Jacquelyn Frank) has quite the imagination. If you have read any of her other books, you will know that she can create worlds that defy description. This world is no different, I believe this is her first attempt at Erotica and it was a little tame for me, but the dynamic between the main characters was very interesting. This book does have a story, and characters that are somewhat complex and intriguing. I can't say this is a keeper for me, but I would be wiling to read future books in this story line.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Rhyannon Byrd--Touch of Temptation (Primal Instincts series)

Kellan Scott, the Lycan shape-shifter, has vowed to redeem his playboy past...even allowing himself to be captured by his enemies to save a woman he's never met. Once imprisoned, stealing into Chloe Harcourt's cell is the easy part---withstanding her irresistible beauty is next to impossible.

Chloe has struggled to keep her unusual powers over other people's emotions in check, never trusting that any man could truly love her for herself. Until her mesmerizing rescuer awakens a primal craving for contact.

Their all-consuming passion is their strongest weapon against their sadistic captor. But Kellen's biggest battle may still lie ahead: to convince Chloe he's worthy of her undying love...or die trying.


**** (4 stars)
I love this series, I just wish Byrd wrote faster. Kellen's story starts in the previous book (Keirland and Morgan's). He has set off across the wasteland to rescue Chloe from Westmore, crossing paths with a nest of vampires who he gets caught up in a fight with, that leaves him poisoned. Racing against the poison and the clock to free Chloe, Kellen struggles to get Chloe free before the Casus catches up with them. Kellen is trying to redeem himself by rescuing Chloe, but it is Chloe who rescues Kellen (from himself). Their story is cute, at times is bogged down by the dialogue, but overall a good story. The passion and intimacy is scorching with these two, and would give any woman some heated fantasies! The series is moving along a little further in the fight against the Casus, and we meet a few new characters in this one. If you haven't read this series, start at the beginning, you will need to know the path to understand all the dynamics. But you won't be disappointed.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Alexandria Ivy--Devoured by Darkness (Guardians of Eternity)

Tane is a Charon, sworn to hunt and kill rogue vampires. His new assignment seems like a waste of his talents--until he catches up with the jinn he's been sent to capture. Half human, half demon, Laylah has a vulnerable streak that strikes right through to Tane's cold heart. He should be furious when she uses her powers to bind them together, preventing him from dragging her before the Commission. Instead he welcomes any reason to stay close enough to touch, to taste, to seduce. . .

Laylah doesn't know why she was chosen to protect a child who may be the catalyst in a war between good and evil. But the mysteries of her past pale compared to the dangers approaching. Tane is devastatingly strong, breathtakingly sensual. And Laylah will have to trust in every ounce of that strength, because her enemies are drawing near, eager to destroy them both. .


**** (4 stars)
Tane is YUMMY! His story begins in the previous story, where he is chasing Layla thru the tunnels after she kills a cur. Her only reason for killing was self defense and her need to keep her secret. The child she is protecting may be the most dangerous being to enter this world. But Layla only sees an innocent child. Tane is drawn to Layla's vulnerability and spunk. I liked the two of them, the story is fast paced and enjoyable. Several of the previous couples make appearances in this story and as always, the charming gargoyle Levet is back to annoy the vampires and charm the women. This series is taking an interesting turn with new characters and a new path of evil. It all sounds very interesting and I can't wait to read Jaelyn and Ariyal's story. The only downside to this story was its length. The final battle scene took a little too long to play out and I skimmed thru a couple of pages. The last chapter was a cute ending, but Ivy didn't bring resolution to Layla's mother. Which, to me, seemed like a pretty important point to close up since she played a part through out the story.

If you haven't read this series, you should really start at the beginning so you can follow the path of all the characters. You won't be disappointed.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Shayla Black--Entice me at Twilight (Doomsday Brethren Novel)

Dangerously handsome Simon Northam, Duke of Hurstgrove, and his uptight brother Mason are hardly close, but crashing Mason’s wedding and stealing his fiancee further aggravate their sibling rivalry. Duke’s family has no notion he’s a wizard, so how can he explain that magickind’s fate lies with the beautiful, tenacious bride he longs to seduce?

Felicia is an Untouchable, a rare human whose presence disables magic -- even the impenetrable forces surrounding Morganna le Fay’s tomb. The evil witch’s malicious powers could propel nefarious wizard Mathias to ultimate world domination . . . if he can resurrect her. To conceal herself, Felicia must succumb to her smoldering desire for Duke, but he risks binding his life -- and sanity -- to a lover whose loyalties are forever torn. He faces a choice: betray his brother for ultimate survival . . . or lose the woman who tempts him beyond control.


*** (3.5 stars)
Well.....I'm not really sure how I feel about this book. I didn't love it, but didn't hate it either. I'm just kind of "luke warm" about it. I did keep turning the pages and read it in 3 days. Simon and Felicia weren't as passionate as previous couples. I think the length of time in which it took Felicia to open up to Simon "Duke" took to long, it seemed as if she would never let herself fall in love with him. The action with Mathias picks up in this book, and as usual there is more drama with Shock. The trip thru Moganna's tomb was interesting and the climax in the tomb was good. But the ending overall was weak. I'm not giving up on this series, they can't all be obsessive page turners and the sneak peek in the next book sounds really interesting.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Shannon K. Butcher--Living Nightmare (The Sentinel Wars)

For nine years, Nika has had one goal: to save her younger sister from the Synestryn who hold her captive. Now the psychic bond Nika forged with her sibling is fading, and time is running out. But the one man who can unlock the power inside her left and never returned, leaving Nika alone to rescue a sister everyone else believes is dead.

Madoc swore to himself that he would never enter Dabyr again. For his soul is nearly dead, and he fears what he might do to those he's sworn to protect -- especially Nika. If he accompanies her into the Synestryn realm, his forbidden desire for her may unleash the savage monster within him. But Nika's need to rescue her sister is soon becomes intertwined with her passion for Madoc, while the a key to victory in the war may be within her reach...


***** (5 stars)
Nika and Madoc's story is one I have waited (impatiently) to read. And I was not disappointed! It is quite a ride and a LOT of questions get answered. This book really pulled all the pieces of this series together for me. I couldn't put it down, page after page kept me glued to it, needing to know what would happen next. So much happens, but I don't want to spoil anything. Some of the team is lost, we find others along the way, and Nika and Madoc finally become the couple that we all new they would be (sorry to spoil that, but you knew it would happen). Their story is sweet, tragic, and full of impossible odds. But I loved every page of it. I am anxious to find out what happens with Torr and Grace, what will happen to Tori, and how will all the new players weave into the series. I am going to pre-order it as soon as amazon.com has it listed!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Addison Fox--Warrior Avenged (Sons of Zodiac series)

For ages, the goddess Nemesis has sought divine vengeance against mortal man, as she awaits her chance for retaliation against Mount Olympus. Now, after making a deal with a dark wizard, she has reinvented herself as a female spy with her own sinister agenda...

Immortal warrior Kane Montague is as lethal as a scorpion--like the one that marks his powerful form. As an assassin for MI6, he was an ace gun-for-hire until someone very close burned him. Now on the outs with his former colleagues, Kane knows all too well who's to blame: a sexy secret agent names Ilsa.

When their paths cross again, the passion between Kane and Ilsa is irresistible...and possibly lethal. But they soon realize that Ilsa is simply a pawn in a conspiracy aimed at the heart of the Zodiac Warriors. Can Kane trust her? Or is Ilsa the only one who can save him, body and soul?


**** (4 stars)
Second in the Zodiac Warrior series. After a slow start with the first book, I really liked this one. The characters are developing well, each with their own quirks and stories. The Zodiac Warriors behave true to their signs, and if you like Greek Mythology, this is a nice series. New characters are joining the mix. And Kane and Ilsa's story is complicated, but pulls together nicely. I'm looking forward to the next book, I hope its Drake and Emerson.