Saturday, July 31, 2010

Jaime Rush-- "Touching Darkness" (The Offspring series)

synopsis:
Nicholas Braden has an uncanny psychic talent for finding things---which is why he's been recruited for a covert government program designed to hunt down terrorists. While his work for a shady controller named Darkwell is leading him down some very questionable alleyways, it's also bringing him closer to Olivia, Darkwell's stunning young assistant. A "good girl" with a wild secret side, Olivia tempts Nicholas in ways he never believed possible--and in his business, a loss of control could prove fatal.

But there is something not right about the operation. And as Nicholas and Olivia's passion reaches a white-hot intensity, chilling reversals of good and evil, of right and wrong, suddenly threaten their very survival.


(3.5 stars)
spoiler alert....
This is book 3 in the series, and truthfully it dragged for me. I read the first 2 each in just an afternoon. But this one did not move as quickly for me. And I can't quite put my finger on why, the characters were just as interesting and Nicholas and Olivia were a nice couple. But Olivia has no psychic powers and the drama with her father (Darkwell) was a little boring to get thru. A few more characters are introduced and are not all good guys. And now we find out they have alien DNA in them? Where is Rush taking this series? With Darkwell dead, who is on the side of evil now? Fonda is the only one left that worked for Darkwell, but there is still the open question of who is Pope? And is he an alien or another Offspring? It looks as though Fonda and Eric will be the focus of the next book in the series and I hope there will be more answers to the Alien DNA question.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Jaime Rush-- "Out of Darkness" (The Offspring series)

synopsis:
Rand Brandenburg can see the future, yet thus far all he has done with his unique ability is become a skillful gambler. But according to the Offspring, his power has made him a target and could get him killed. So the loner used to living on the edge is now hiding out with others just like him, including Zoe Stoker, a mysterious redhead who has his heart soaring.

But that's not the only thing Zoe's got flying. All her life, whenever she felt anything too intensely, objects would start moving. She's never been able to control her power, so instead she's shut down her emotions. Now as a powerful enemy approaches, she's losing control of her heart. But letting love lead her out of the darkness might save her life....

**** (4 stars)
Second book in this new series, and just as good as the first. The story has moved along at a fast pace, never slowing down or getting boring. The four original Rogue offspring have found 2 more to join their group, and this story is about them. But all of the group play parts in the story. The action is stepping up and more secrets have been revealed. I am usually a paranormal romance reader, but this story intrigued me and I was not disappointed. I am hooked! I don't know how far Rush can take this series, but I will enjoy the ride.....

Jaime Rush-- "A Perfect Darkness" (The Offspring series)

synopsis:
A sexy stranger awakens Amy Shane in the dead of the night. Lucas Vanderwyck barely has time to whisper a few words before three men burst into her bedroom and drag him away. But what Lucas reveals shatters Amy's safe little world forever.

Lucas and Amy share a psychic gift--a gift that could put them in mortal danger. And as they share night after night of savage passion, as a shadowy government conspiracy tracks their every move, they will fight to save each other. But only with their powers of second sight can they escape the terror of a perfect darkness.

****(4 stars)
New author, new series. Great new series! There wasn't a lot of back building to bog down the plot. It moves quickly,from the first page, with a lot of action, and likable characters. The story reminds me alot of Firestarter (stephen king). But takes it to a whole new level. The kids of the original "group" are all grown up and want answers. With psychic talents of their own, they find each other and form a bond that is at times funny and sad, but leaves you cheering for them. There are lots of layers under the main story. I am totally hooked!!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Karin Slaughter-- "Broken"

synopsis:
When Special Agent Will Trent arrives in Grant County, he finds a police department determined to protect its own and far too many unanswered questions about a prisoner's death. He doesn't understand why Officer Lena Adams is hiding secrets from him. He doesn't understand her police chief. He doesn't understand why that man's widow, Dr. Sara Linton, needs him now more than ever to help her crack this case.

While the police force investigates the murder of a young woman pulled from a frigid lake, Trent investigates the police force, putting pressure on Adams just when she's already about to crack. Caught between two complicated and determined women, trying to understand Linton's passionate distrust of Adams, the facts surrounding Chief Tolliver's death, and the complexities of this insular town. Trent will unleash a case filled with explosive secrets--and encounter a thin blue line that could be murderous if crossed.

***** (5 stars)
Closure. At least closure for the two people still feeling the impact of Jeffrey Tolliver's death. The murder that brings Will Trent to Grant County is just the catalyst that forces all the players to face their anger, betrayal, and grief at losing Jeffrey. Not that the murder mystery is not an important part of this book, but for readers of this series, it is just the background keeping the main characters we are obsessed with engaged with each other. The murders force a police department to unravel and secrets to fall out. Sara finds some resolution with her grief over Jeffrey's death and Lena takes a long hard look in the mirror at who she truly is. Slaughter delivers another winning installment in this series. I think we will finally be leaving Grant County behind us and moving forward in Atlanta. I can't wait to see where Slaughter takes Will and Sara....

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Shannon Butcher-- "Running Scared" (Sentintel Wars)

synopsis:
Lexi Johns has one purpose: to free her best friend from the hands of the Sentinels. And Zach, the Sentinel she has been running from for months, has one goal: to convince her that their destinies are entwined. For the magic that Zach has absorbed could destroy him if he doesn't find the woman who can channel it for him. And he knows Lexi is the one.

From an early age, Lexi has been taught to fear the Sentinels. And now she is an agent of a group out to destroy them. So when Zach finds her, it is Lexi's chance to strike at the heart of the Sentinels. But, as Lexi sees Zach's courage, selflessness, and honor, she begins to doubt her beliefs--and is faced with an unbearable choice.


*** (3.5 stars)
Bored. The first 2 books in this series were full of action, layers, and characters. The series moved along at a pace that kept me from putting the book down. This one had me skimming thru most of it. Butcher spent way to much time keeping us inside Lexi's head, and it took to long to convince her to change her mind about the Sentinels, about 100 pages to much. I didn't feel the passion between her and Zach that I found with the previous 2 couples. Their story lost it's spark once he caught her. We had a couple of very short glimpses into other layers of the story, we know who the spy is, but the next plot he was told to accomplish died in a very short chapter. We got a glimpse at the lullaby project, but not enough to understand it. We got to meet the Prince who fathered some of the Theronai women, but it was a weak portion of the story. I'm not giving up on this series at all, I was just not as excited about this book. Looks like book 4 is about Nika and Madoc, and I am really looking forward to that story.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Shannon Butcher-- "Finding the Lost" (Sentinel Wars)

synopsis:
Andra Madison knows that monsters are real. She's been fighting them ever since her family was victimized by the Synestryn eight years ago. Now she's devoted to finding children who've been abducted by the Synestryn. When she gets a call about a lost little boy, she tracks him to a warehouse on the outskirts of town, where she's aided by the a trio of human men...or so she thinks.

Paul has been searching for centuries for a woman like Andra. To find her, he strikes a bargain with a bloodhunter that could cost him his life. Now his desire for Andra threatens to destroy his much-needed control. Against her wishes, Andra agrees to join Paul on a journey fraught with danger--one that leads directly to the Synestryn.

***** (5 stars)
I am so completely hooked on this series. I haven't found anything this exciting since I discovered Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunters. The synopsis doesn't even begin to explain this series. It has so many layers and characters....to many to explain. Yes the obvious romance happens, and almost everyone gets the happy ending....but not all. Butcher leaves just enough unanswered questions to keep you wanting more. Does Zach find Lexi? Does Madoc save Nika? What happens when Andra's real father discovers what happened? What monsters are the Synestryn creating now, and why do they need the children? I couldn't wait for these books to come in on wish list, so i ran out and bought them, and I'm not sure if I can part with them just yet.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Shannon butcher-- "Burning Alive" (The Sentinel Wars)

synopsis:
For too long, Helen Day has been haunted by visions of her own death, surrounded by flames as a dark-haired man watches her burn. So when she sees the man of her nightmares staring at her across a diner, she attempts to flee--and ends up in the man's arms. There, she awakens a force more powerful and enticing than she could ever imagine.

The instant the Theronai warrior Drake touches Helen, the anguish he has borne for years fades away. He is determined to know why this beautiful, fearful woman has such power over him. The answer lies in his very blood--and in Helen's as well. For together, they may become more than lovers. They may become a weapon of light that could tip the balance of the war--and save Drake's people.


***** (5 stars)
What a surprising new series! It is not your usual paranormal romance. The story is new, and the paranormal aspect of it is a surprisingly different vision. I loved the characters, and there are many of them. You could become attached to them easily, and the story has many character layers happening. But it is easy to follow along. I was hooked in the first 20 pages. Most new series spend a lot of time setting up, that I get bored before the action started. But not this one, it makes you dive right in to the deep end. It captured my attention so well that i didn't put it down until i finished it (and i got it in the mail this morning). Now i can't wait to get the next ones on wish list, I am heading to the store to get the next 2!!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Pamela Palmer-- "Rapture Untamed" (Feral Warriors series)

synopsis:
The most combative--and tormented--of all the Ferals, Jag is a predator who hunts alone--until daemons terrorize the human population. To stop them, he partners with Olivia, a flame-haired Therian temptress as strong as she is beautiful. but Olivia is no ordinary immortal. The survivor of a vicious supernatural attack, she possesses a deadly and forbidden skill--one that must remain hidden, especially from the powerful Feral Warriors.

As Jag and Olivia's sensual dance of dominance and seduction gets wilder and hotter, a dark force sets its sights on Olivia, threatening to destroy everything she has vowed to protect. And the only one who can save her soul is the arrogant jaguar shifter she lusts for but dares not love.

**** (4 stars)
Not my favorite couple, but I still like them. Jag and Olivia have a lot of baggage going into this book. Working out ones demons is always a rough ride, but their story is worth telling. This series has been one of my best discoveries, don't let the titles or the cover art fool you. They are not cheesy romance. They have a story and each of the warriors will hook you with theirs. This one felt a little too long but WOW, what a cliff hanger this one has! I won't give it away, but i will be watching the mailbox for the next book.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Lora Leigh-- "Heat Seeker" (Elite Ops series)

synopsis:
John Vincent has always led a life of danger, and now he has every reason to want to remain as dead as the obituary in the Australian papers had proclaimed him to be. He'd left nothing behind in the life he had once led--except for one woman, and one night of unforgettable passion. Now, both will return to haunt him....

Bailey Serborne is still tormented by a past she can't change and a man she hasn't been able to forget. A man who was supposed to be dead. But now, a stroke of fate has revealed that sometimes, a woman is given a second chance to heal a heart--and exact the sweetest revenge...


***(3 stars)
Didn't like this as much as the first two, their wasn't that desperate passion for each other that i found in the others. Bailey was an agent herself and she is a stronger character, not that wounded soul that needs rescuing. Their story was rather boring for me, i skimmed thru most of the middle to get to the end and i don't feel like i missed out on any of the story. I will still keep reading the series anyway, I Love Lora Leigh that much.

Lora Leigh-- "Maverick" (Elite Ops series)

synopsis:
Micah Sloane knows almost everything there is to know about Risa Clay, including the vicious betrayal she endured years ago and the distrust she's harbored ever since. The only way for the Elite Ops agent to uncover an assassin--and banish the ghosts of his own dark past--is to use Risa as bait. But nothing has prepared him for her disarming blend of innocence and sensuality, or for his overwhelming need to protect her...

Risa has spent eight years rebuilding her life. And now, to save it, she must pose as Micah's lover and draw a killer into the open. It's a risky plan--especially with a man as powerfully seductive as Micah. But as their charade becomes reality, Risa realized the greatest danger may lie in losing her heart forever....


***** (5 stars)
Love it as much as the first one. It has a dark edge to it that keeps you hooked into their story. The whole team makes appearances in this one along with Wild Card aka Noah Blake. And just like Noah and Bella's story, Risa and Micah have a hunger for each other that borders on desperate. This one takes you back to one of the victims that Noah Blake rescued from the drug lord, Risa, she has spent years recovering, and now an assassin has been given the order to kill her before she remembers who drugged and raped her. In steps Micah to protect her and hunt the assassin himself, because this particular assassin killed his parents and nearly killed him when Micah got to close to capturing him.