P.C. Cast--Destined (House of Night series)

Young Adult/paranormal romance

Breathing hard, Aurox stood there over the bodies of his vanquished enemies. He turned to Neferet.

"Very good," she said in her emotionless voice. "Let us leave this place before the authorities descend."

Aurox followed her. He walked heavily, his hooves gouging furrows in the dirty alley.

Weak. He felt weak. And more. There was something else.

"What is it?" She snapped at him when he hesitated before entering the car again.

"I do not know. I feel--"

She laughed. "You don't feel at all. You're obviously overthinking this."

"Yes, Priestess." Aurox got in the car and let the world speed past him.

I do not think. I do not feel. I am a weapon.

Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet -- which would be a whole lot easier if the High Council saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together -- if he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia's handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there's the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous teen boy who is actually more -- or possibly less -- than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there's something strangely familiar about him . . .

{4 stars}
It had been so long since I read the last book in this series, I was a little lost when I started it and put it down several times before finally getting in to it. I needed a little brain cleansing from the series I have been following that cause me withdrawal when the book ends. So this YA series is just the ticket for a simple easy story line (as long as you've read the series). Zoey, once again can't catch a break from Neferet, it seems this story line as been set on repeat. We just keep changing the side villians and the setting. But all in all I like the series, I like Zoey's nerd herd, and I want them all to find their HEA. There are a few new suprises in this one that might lead to some interesting story lines. Without giving too much away, it looks like things are looking good for the nerd herd, new beginnings for the future. But evil never truly gives up right? If you want something to pass the time and cleanse your brain with an easy read, the House of Night series is it. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Kallypso Masters--Nobody's Hero (Rescue Me #3)

Erotic Romance-"alternative lifestyle"

Retired Marine Master Sergeant Adam Montague has battled through four war zones, but now finds himself running from Karla Paxton, who has declared war on his heart. With a twenty-five year age difference, he feels he should be her guardian and protector, not her lover. But Karla's knack for turning up in his bed at inopportune times is killing his resolve to do the right thing. Karla isn't a little girl anymore—something his body reminds him of every chance it gets.

Karla Paxton fell in love with Adam when she was a sixteen-year-old runaway and he rescued her. Now, nine years later, she's determined to make Adam see her as a woman. But their age difference is only part of the problem. Adam has been a guardian and protector for lost and vulnerable souls most of his life, but a secret he has run from for more than three decades has kept him emotionally unable to admit he can love anyone. Will she be able to lower his guard long enough to break down the defenses around his heart and help him put to rest the ghosts from his past? In her all-out war to get Adam to surrender his heart, can the strong-willed Goth singer offer herself as his submissive—and at what cost to herself?

CONTENT WARNING: This book contains very erotic scenes that include BDSM (bondage-discipline-domination-submission-sadism-masochism-master-slave)—but these ALWAYS will be safe, sane, and consensual (SSC) acts told in a more realistic approach to the BDSM genre. Includes rough sex, Shibari (rope bondage and suspension), anal play, cunnilingus, fellatio, flogging, sex toys, and intensely erotic "vanilla" sexual acts.

{4 stars}
I know I'm going to be in the minority with this review, but here goes. I started this series because of the great character development of the Masters at Arms men. But this one started out seeming to lose its emotional connection to the characters. We went from 0 to BDSM in a big rush and along with it we lost the intensity that this couple evoked. Some of the descriptives used by the author were not up to her usual style and I will leave it at that. BUT....even with the first half of this book being kinda "off" for me, the second half of the book restored my faith in the series. Adam and Karla have always been my favorite since the beginning and their story does not disappoint. Once the emotional journey really kicked in with Damiens family's event, I was reminded why I love the MEN. Karla is the perfect match for Adam, she brings out the protector in him, while still being the brat that will defy him when needed. It's all rather cute, funny, and completely charming watching Adam fall apart because she turns his rigid world upside down. Plus, we get a serious glimpse into Damien's story, and what a teaser it is!

E.L. James Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades #2)

Erotic Romance

Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

{5 stars}
Awakenings......and Liberation....

Poor, poor broken Christian. Part 2 is full of revelations, both from Christian and Ana. They really grow into their courtship. Lots of issues come to the surface, they have to face his past head on, and Ana has to come to terms with the Christian he was and the Christian he wants to be. To me this is not a series, but a novel broken out into 3 parts because of the sheer depth of the story and the amount of detail that we get from James' story telling. The sexual component to this story is not what captures me, its the dialogue. Ana's internal dialogue with her "inner goddess" is absolutely hilarious, I want to be best friends with her. The emails between Christian and Ana put the 5th star into this wonderful story. Their dialogue gives us a complete understanding as to who they are in their soul. Full of doubts and insecurities, wants and needs, and above all their capacity to find love. Ana learns to fight for what she wants and Christian learns to completely trust someone for once. The only downside is that I have to wait a month for the 3rd part! Ugh! If you haven't started this series yet, wait till the 3rd part is out, you will want to read each one back to back.

E.L. James--Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades #1)

Erotic Romance

When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time.

The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her - but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family – Grey is man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny.

Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master? And if she does, will she still love what she finds?

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever

{5 stars}
A slow erotic dance......
I picked up this book because of the amazing reviews and the book groups that keep starting solely to discuss this trilogy. So I just had to take the leap. It is a slow dance between Ana and Christian. His world is something she has never walked thru and her innocence draws him like no other has. But Christian has baggage, lots and lots of baggage, that he keeps controlled behind his sexual tastes. The sexual component to this story is not to overwhelming, not as dark as some I've read. But you still have to keep an open mind, it is still dramatic. And watching the two of them come to life together is amazing. I don't want to go in to too much detail about this book, each reader should experience it anew. But it is not a quick read, it's a slow detailed erotic dance as their relationship develops. The pace of the book builds the story in amazing intricate detail. But I am definitely happy that I picked it up, I'm starting book two this afternoon.

Lynn Viehl--Nightshine (Kyndred series)

Paranormal Romance-vampire/other

When San Francisco paramedic Charlotte "Charlie" Marena stops to help at the scene of an accident, she never imagines she'll wind up trapped on a Mexican island, with orders to procreate with powerful Takyn Samuel Taske. In her mind, he's got two strikes against him: He knows about her secret nighttime telepathic ability and he's too wealthy to be trusted.

Samuel is psychic, but he's never foreseen that he'll fall for the woman he has been charged with protecting. GenHance--the biotech company willing to do anything to acquire superhuman DNA--is after them, and when Samuel discovers that his Takyn powers have abandoned him, Charlie's gift is their only hope for survival....

{4 stars}
I was confused at first. I get the Darkyn and Kyndred series mixed up. But once they landed on the island, everything made more sense. The story as a whole is a great part of the series, Samuel and Charlie are a perfect couple. But I did have a hard time grasping the plot of this story, it always seemed like I was missing something important or it was a little rushed. The pieces get all tied together at the end nicely though, and I had that "Ok I get it now" moment. We also get a glimpse at some previous Kyndred and Darkyn couples. I am really interested to see where this series is going, it almost reads like the Kyndred and Darkyn series are going to blend into one moving forward. All in all, a nice read.

Sherrilyn Kenyon--The Guardian (Dream Hunter series)

Paranormal romance-mythology

Dream-Hunter Lydia has been charged with the most sacred and dangerous of missions: To descend into the Nether Realm and find the missing god of dreams before he betrays the secrets that could kill her and her kind. What she never expects is to be taken prisoner by the Realm’s most vicious guardian…

Seth’s time is running out. If he can’t hand over the entrance to Olympus, his own life and those of his people will be forfeit. No matter the torture, Seth hasn’t been able to break the god in his custody. Then there’s the beautiful Dream-Hunter Lydia: She isn’t just guarding the gates of Olympus—she’s holding back one of the world’s darkest powers. If she fails, an ancient curse will haunt the earth once more and no one will be safe. But evil is always seductive...

{5 stars}
I started out thinking this was just a 3 maybe 4 star book, but the more I read, the more I loved it. It's why I love Kenyon so much. I read to escape, and with Kenyon I can fall into the story and forget about everything else around me. The characters become important and you find yourself hoping for the happy ending. Even though you know most likely they will get it, the path the story takes is impossible to skim through. Seth's vulnerability makes him an amazing character. How can someone suffer so much and still care about someone else. Lydia could be annoying at times, but she was the perfect balance to bring Seth back to life. Hell is not always what you think it is, it can be the Hell you live with in your head more than the torture you feel in the physical world. As the story developed, I am reminded of the Kenyon world as a whole, but can't remember Jayden's story. I know we have seen him before. We get a glimpse into the Egyptian Pantheon a little, and I hope we get to see more in the future. But as a whole, I really enjoyed this book, it reminded me of the old Dark Hunter books. Definitely a keeper!

Larissa Ione--Immortal Rider (Lords of Deliverance)

Paranormal Romance-all kinds of crazy supernatural characters

Born of a match between good and evil, four siblings stand between hell's minions and everything they want to destroy. They are the Lords of Deliverance, and they have the power to ward off Doomsday....or let it ride....

Sexy, powerful, and immortal, Limos is on a crash course with destiny. She's been marked as Satan's bride and her jealous fiance' wants her all to himself. The only way this Horseman can keep herself--and everyone else--safe is to keep her distance.

Arik Wagner knows the saying "love hurts" better than most, yet he never thought stealing a kiss from Limos would land him in Hell. Literally. It takes all his military training to survive the demon torture, but once he's topside, Arik realizes that the agony has just begun. With the Apocalypse looming and Satan demanding his bride, will Arik and Limos surrender to the desire smoldering between them? Or will giving in to their passion unleash hell on earth?

{4.5 stars}
Wow, what a ride. This book is over 400 pages, and usually that would keep most people away, because most authors can not keep your attention for that many pages. But most authors are not Larissa Ione. She has a lot to say. And it takes time and pages to weave the storyline she spins. There are layers and layers going on in this one. At first, I really didn't like Arik. He had a lot of attitude, wasn't a likable character, but I guess spending time in Hell can mellow a person quickly. He turned out to be a great "hero" with a lot of 'hotness' going on.  Limos has spent her 5000 years lying to everyone around her, but when Arik survives Hell for her sake, she starts to soften. She skirted the edges of becoming the wheepy woman I rarely like. But Ione keeps Limos in-between the scary Horseman and the woman Limos wants to be. It worked. This book is an important part of the series, there is truly so much going on that I would compare it to riding a horse thru a mine field. Sometimes things blow up, you fall of your horse, you pick yourself up, and race to the end. It was quite a ride! And if you haven't read the Demonica series, I suggest you start there so you know who ALL the characters are because we see most of them frequently in this one. And we are given a good head start into the next one with the events surrounding Than's drama. I love this series.

Keri Arthur--Darkness Rising (A Dark Angels Novel)

Paranormal-shifter-demon

Risa will go to any lengths to avenge her mother’s murder -- even if it means making a pact with the most evil vampire she’s ever met. Lethal and powerful, Madeline Hunter is leader of the vampire council, and will put her resources behind finding the killer -- for a price. The venerable vampire requires the assistance of Risa’... more »s psychic powers. Quid pro quo.

Someone -- or something -- is targeting the elders of the local council, cursing the immortal vampires to rapidly age, sink into madness, and die. Risa must track down the vengeful being responsible. But Risa’s father, a rogue Aedh priest, also enlists her in a dangerous mission. And not even the great Madeline Hunter may be able to protect her from the shadowy forces that desire nothing less than Risa’s destruction.

{3.5 stars}
As much as I loved the first book, this one lost my attention about halfway through. Risa is given a task by Hunter to find who is killing off council members. But that only takes up a small portion of the book, and we are back to finding the "keys" again. In all honesty, the "key" storyline is where I am getting bored. I love Azriel, don't trust Lucien, and am just getting bored with the rest. This book could be considered an extention of the first one, instead of a new installment in the series. And yes, I realize that the hunt for the "keys" is the underlying theme for the series, at least for now. But it's not keeping my attention. I put this one down twice to read other books before picking it back up and forcing myself to finish it. And even though it didn't appeal to me this time, I will continue to read this series. I think Risa and her friends are worth the momentary "bored" speed bump. Risa is just as compelling a character as Riley Jensen, and worth sticking with it. Besides, I really want to find out what will happen between Azriel and Risa.

J.D. Tyler--Primal Law (An Alpha Pack Novel)

Paranomral-shifter-special ops

A Top Secret team of shifters, founded by a group of former Navy SEALS, employ their Psy and shifting abilities to seek out and eradicate the world’s most lethal human and non-human predators. These men are thrill seekers whose appetites for danger are equaled only by their unrepentant, raw sexuality.
Yet these tough warriors are hesitant to engage their hearts, and fear they’re destined to forever walk alone. Their universe is a dangerous place, their lives constantly at risk, futures uncertain. But they’ll brave hell itself to claim the mates they love…

After a massacre leaves Jaxon Law crippled, he must relearn how to fight -- and battle the anger and guilt threatening to overwhelm him. But when Jax rescues a beautiful woman who awakens his primal instincts,... more » he is unprepared for the dangers that lie ahead. Soon he must decide if the deep connection he feels with Kira is worth defying the ultimate shifter law...

{4 stars}
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The base story line of shifters either being recruited by the military or military men being turned into shifters is not new. But Tyler adds her own twists with a cast of extras that really made this book sweet. I know sweet doesn't sound like its a passionate romantic story. But its the best way I can describe it. Kira falls head first into this world and seems to roll with the otherworldly changes like a true champ. Jax has a lot of regret to overcome and can't quite seem to come to terms with his feelings for Kira. They seem to almost have this first love, kind of thing going. Sweet really, but their passion breaks through all his hangups and they let passion take its course. Throw in the cast of paranormal refugees, Blue and Chup Chup,  and its a very charming, almost simple book (even with the rescues, bullets, and life risking drama).  Kept me captivated all the way through and I can't wait to read the next one. J.D. Tyler is an author to keep an eye on.

Darynda Jones--Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson #2)

Paranormal romantic suspense

When Charley is rudely awakened in the middle of the night by her best friend who tells her to get dressed quickly and tosses clothes out of the closet at her, she can’t help but wonder what Cookie’s up to. Leather scrunch boots with a floral miniskirt? Together? Seriously? Cookie explains that a friend of hers named Mimi disappeared five days earlier and that she just got a text from her setting up a meet at a coffee shop downtown. They show up at the coffee shop, but no Mimi. But Charley finds a message on the bathroom wall. Mimi left a clue, a woman’s name. Mimi’s husband explains that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old friend of hers from high school had been found murdered a couple weeks prior. The same woman Mimi had named in her message.

Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He’s left his body because he’s being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can’t let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they’ll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven…well, let’s just say it wouldn’t be pretty. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Will Cookie ever get a true fashion sense? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel them as they do?

{5 stars}
OMG, Charley what have you done?

As usual, Charley is neck-deep in drama, injuries, and cases. She just can't get a day off. This book picks up where the first left off, running full sprint into another complicated case, while Charley is still searching for Reyes. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. I'm 100% hooked into this series. It has so much going on, you can't possibly get bored. Charley's cases, much like her life, are multi layered. Following the trail of Mimi, while trying to locate Reyes' body is a fulltime effort. Not to mention the mix of bad guys thrown in, from the ones after her Dad to the ones trying to stop Mimi from sharing her secret. I really love it when I can't guess the end or who the bad guy is, it makes the puzzle that more fun and captivating. Not to mention all the extra details we learn about Reyes along the way, and without giving any spoilers away, all I can say is "Charley what have you done?" I don't know how I'm going to be able to wait for the next book!

Chloe Neill--Drink Deep (Chicagoland Vampires)

Paranormal romance-vampires

Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and recently turned vampire Merit can't tell if this is the darkness before the dawn or the calm before the storm. With the city itself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times haven't been this precarious for vampires since they came out of the closet. If only they could lay low for a bit, and let the mortals calm down.

That's when the waters of Lake Michigan suddenly turn pitch black-and things really start getting ugly.

Chicago's mayor insists it's nothing to worry about, but Merit knows only the darkest magic could have woven a spell powerful enough to change the very fabric of nature. She'll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who's behind this, and stop them before it's too late for vampires and humans alike.

{5 stars}
Wow, you really have to appreciate the supernatural world. Only then can things you never imagined would happen, actually happen. The rules that govern humans and the "normal" world don't apply, and sometimes that makes everything alright again. I managed to NOT read any spoilers about this book, and I'm so happy I did.  As usual, Merit's world is in utter chaos, Chicago is under some kind of magic trauma. The lake turns black, the sky turns red, and the earth starts popping up like mini-mountains in the middle of downtown.  There is a new mayor in town, and she is a real b*tch! Tate is in prison, but we still don't know what he trully is, and the "bad guy" in this story......I didn't see coming until the last 1/4 of the book. The middle of the story is slow going, whether it was because I was in a hurry to get to the end, I don't know. But I really, really want to scream out my happiness about this book (at least the ending). But I really, really don't want to give any spoilers away. So i will leave you with this, Neill has a way of spinning us in a different direction with each book, and this one sounds like it is going to send Merit off into a whole new adventure for the next one. I can't wait!!

Jennifer Lyon--Sinful Magic (Wing Slayer Novel #4)

Paranormal Romance-witch/other

Roxanne “Roxy” Banfield refuses to be like her mother, a fertility witch who uses sex as nothing more than a magical weapon. Roxy rejects that life and is determined to become mortal to pursue her dream of real love and a family. All she has to do is avoid meeting the one man whose sensuality can release her powers. But steering clear of this magnetic stranger is easier said than done.

Wing Slayer Hunter Kieran “Key” DeMicca channels the dark violence that lives inside him into a popular comic book series about an ancient dragon named Dyfyr, but only Key knows that Dyfyr is real. Lately he finds himself drawing images of a young woman in peril, and assumes that she’s just a product of his imagination—until he meets Roxy. Struck by her beauty and her resemblance to his sketches, he feels compelled to protect her. As steamy magic, lethal danger, and timeless love collide, Roxy must become what she swore she would never be—and awake a part of Key that will threaten to destroy them both.

{4 stars}
Just when I thought I couldn't like this series anymore, Lyons mixes it up. I absolutely adored the Dragon Love Story. Key and Roxy are my new favorite couple after Axel and Darcy. The basis of the series has not changed, the Wing Slayer Hunters are still trying to defeat Quinn Young and Asmodeus, and save as many earth witches as possible. But with each book there is the sub-plot of the main couple. They have all had different paths, skills, and winged creatures who reside in their souls. Each couple is called a "soul mirror", they are each a half of the soul and to be free of the curse and live forever they must find their other half and bond pledging their faith to serve the Wing Slayer God. The variable is always the witch that is their other half. There are many varying witches, from fertility to siren. But with this story, the Wing Slayer Key and the witch Roxy are part of a timeless love story involving a Dragon and his lover. They each have to give in to who they once were and trust each other. Definitely a top book in this series.  

Kallypso Masters--Nobody's Angel (Rescue Me #2)

Erotica/BDSM/MilitaryMen

Marc d'Alessio might own a BDSM club with his fellow military veterans, Adam and Damián, but he keeps all women at a distance. However, when Marc rescues beautiful Angelina Giardano from a disastrous first BDSM experience at the club, an uncharacteristic attraction leaves him torn between his safe, but lonely world, and a possible future with his angel.

Angelina leaves BDSM behind, only to have her dreams plagued by the Italian angel who rescued her at the club. When she meets Marc at a bar in her hometown, she can't shake the feeling she knows him—but has no idea why he reminds her of her angel.

When Marc's search-and-rescue partner, widower Luke Denton, confides he believes Angelina is the angel his wife promised to send him, Marc is convinced she is meant for Luke. A painful incident from his past keeps Marc from letting any woman drive a wedge between him and a friend.

While Luke can provide Angelina with love and stability, Marc knows his friend can't satisfy her submissive needs. Marc offers one night to show her that BDSM is not about pain, but a power exchange with mutual trust and consent. But he knows he can’t commit emotionally to anything more.

When the abusive Dom from Angelina's past threatens, Marc's protective instincts kick in; he must keep her safe. Again at the Masters at Arms Club, she turns the tables on him—and turns his safe, controlled world upside down.

{4 stars}
I really love the Men of 'Masters of Arms'. The Men are strong, well developed characters. And this is still a strong series for a new author. I have read a lot of plot driven BDSM stories, and the "scenes" were appropriate to the storyline.  When you really get down to the core of BDSM, it's about trust. Trust in your partner, trust in yourself, no secrets, no lies. This series just so happens to be build around a lifestyle most people cringe at. Angelina needed to overcome a past experience and Marc had to overcome a long ago regret. Both had to learn to open up and completely trust the other. It seemed like it took forever for them to finally reach that point. I have to say that Marc and Angelina are not my favorite couple. I found Angelina a little annoying with the constant teary eyed woman bit. That being said, I still absolutely love this series. I can't wait for Adam and Karla's story, they are my favorite couple!

Kallypso Masters--Masters at Arms (Rescue Me #1)

Erotica/BDSM/Military Men

Masters at Arms begins the journey of three men, each on a quest for honor, acceptance, and to ease his unspoken pain. Their paths cross at one of the darkest points in their lives. As they try to come to terms with the aftermath--forging an unbreakable bond--will they ever truly become masters of their own fates? Or would fate become masters of them?

{5 stars}

Amazing book. Great character development. You can't help but get hooked into them. Their stories are completely compelling. I have read quite a few BDSM stories, so I'm very open minded and not offended by much.  And as long as it has a genuine story with great characters--I'm there! And even though you know that is where this is leading, this "prequel" really just gives you the back story of their lives and how they became the men they are now. It only "peeks" at their BDSM lifestyle, for now, we'll see where this series takes us down the road, so if you are not open minded-beware. But I loved every word of it. This book is in written in "parts" starting with Adam. With each part we get to know each man, where they come from, and how they all wind up coming together. They are great characters, and I can't wait to start the next book. Kallypso Masters is defintely on my favorites list.

Jennifer Lyon--Night Magic (Wing Slayer Novel)

Paranormal Romance-Demon/witches

THEIR LOVE IS DESTINED TO RISE AGAIN — Ailish Donovan is a witch ready to do battle. Raised unaware of her powers, she is just sixteen when her mother tricks her into binding with the demon Asmodeus. Pure-hearted Ailish escapes with the connection incomplete but pays a heavy price: For the next eight years, she is shunned by her earth sisters and... more » tormented by Asmodeus’s lust. After hardening her body and mind as a champion kick boxer, Ailish returns home to break the bond -- or die.

The Wing Slayer Hunter Phoenix Torq is sworn to protect earth witches, but he is shaken by Ailish’s fierce independence -- and his own forbidden cravings. Dark, impulsive, and haunted by his troubled past, Phoenix likewise arouses Ailish in ways she finds disturbing -- and irresistible. Torn between mistrust and desire, each must go to hell and back to seek the magic that could set them both free.

{3.5 stars}
I truly enjoy this series, it has enough of a different storyline, that I can't compare it to anything else. Most paranormal series are just the same old things written with a slightly different spin. Phoenix and Ailish were a great couple, a very interesting blend of the Phoenix legend. The first half of the book just kept me captivated enough to keep going. But by the second half, I was completely engaged and holding my breath for the end. Each Wing Slayer has a different predator bird tatooed on them, and each earth witch has a different power. So each story has something new and variable happening between the main couple. And we always get to see what's happening with the other characters in the series. They are full of humor, passion, and dedication. The whole cast really makes this series work. If you haven't read this series, start at the beginning to get the back story.

Darynda Jones--First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson #1)

Paranormal romantic suspense

A smashing, award-winning debut novel that introduces Charley Davidson: part-time private investigator and full-time Grim Reaper.

Charley sees dead people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince them to “go into the light.” But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an Entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely.

{4.5 stars}
I discovered this book through a Goodreads Friend review, and she was right, its a great start to a series for a new author. It is full of humor (i found myself laughing out loud), the banter between Charley and everyone else is non-stop, and that's how it hooked me. Then the characters had me falling in love with it. Charley is not your ordinary Grim Reaper and the Entity following her is smoking HOT in more ways than one. I couldn't wait to find out who the Entity was. And as if her life wasn't complicated enough, she finds new and interesting ways to get injured---daily. There is so much going on in this story that you can't possibly get bored with it. And it's not your normal paranormal suspense. The basic premise of the story is such a refreshing change, I have not read anything like it. And truthfully, I'm not sure I could explain this book without giving spoilers away. So I'm just going to say that you have to give it a try. My only complaint is that it ended. I have already pre-ordered the next one and Darynda Jones has been added to my favorites list. She is definitely a new author to watch...

J.R. Ward--Father Mine (Zsadist & Bella's story/Black Dagger Brotherhood)

Paranormal-Vampire

Readers met and fell in love with Zsadist and Bella in J. R. Ward-s third New York Times bestselling novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Lover Awakened. As a former blood slave, Zsadist bore the scars from a past filled with suffering and degradation until Bella came along and helped heal his emotional wounds. Now, though, with the birth of their child, the demons of his past have been resurrected, called forth by the innocent eyes of his beloved daughter, Nalla. Unless Bella and Nalla can bring him back with their love, he may be lost to them forever-.

{5 stars}
I can't help it, I'm a sucker for anything Brotherhood related. Z's story just gives us a little more insight into who he is and how his little family truly comes together. If you are a fan of this series you will enjoy this short story. It is only available by e-book, but well worth it. If you are not yet a fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, rush to the bookstore and start immediately with Dark Lover, Wraith and Beth's story.

Shayla Black--Belong to Me (Wicked Lovers)

Erotic thriller (explicit sexual content)

She’s undercover and in over her head… — When FBI analyst Tara Jacobs’ fellow agent and best friend goes missing while investigating a sex ring, Tara goes undercover as a submissive in a Dallas BDSM club called Dominion. But no man can top a woman with Tara’s moxie convincingly enough—until an edgy, dangerous Dom takes control of the scene and se... more »ts her heart racing with a single, commanding glance. Too bad he’s also the man who stole her innocence years ago—and the one to whom she will never submit.

He’s got everything under control…until he falls for her again.

Navy SEAL Logan Edgington once left the woman he loved to save her life. He knows Tara will never forgive him, but he has no doubt that he possesses the knowledge to master her fears and the strength to guide her through an unfamiliar world of pleasure and pain. He alone can protect her on a dangerous mission that reveals both wicked depravities and terrible secrets. Logan relishes the exquisite torture of holding her again, feeling her uninhibited response. No matter how much Tara insists their fling will end after this mission, he’s determined that she will be his again—and this time, he’ll never let her go.

{5 stars}
Love Shayla Black! This is the 5th book in this series and might just be my favorite. If you have an open mind (or a guilty pleasure), this series if for you. All the sexual components aside (but bring a fan and some ice water while reading.......hot, hot, hot), this series really has a plot to it. The characters are well developed, emotionally passionate, and really just want what we all want. That all consuming happily ever after. They just play in a subject matter that is foreign to most of us (but secretly wish to try?) Tara lost her heart at 16 to Logan, but unknown to her, he had to break her heart to save her. 12 years later......here we are, still in love with each other. This case that she is dead set on completing, puts them deep undercover to save a friend and fellow agent. But it is also forces them together to work out, and get over, their past. Maybe? Tara and Logan are my new favorite couple. Its not truly necessary to have read this series to follow this one, this book can stand alone, but all of the characters are great and I highly recommend stepping out of your comfort zone and giving them a try. I'm hoping that Xander will have a book down the road, but there is a sneek peek in this one that already gives away the next man to fall for true love........

Keri Arthur--Darkness Unbound (A Dark Angels Novel)

Paranormal/urban fantasy

Being half werewolf and half Aedh, Risa Jones can enter the twilight realms between life and death and see the reapers, supernatural beings that collect the souls of the dead. But she soon makes a terrifying discovery: Some sinister force is stealing souls, preventing the dead from ever knowing the afterlife. — Reapers escort souls -- not snatch ... more »them -- but Risa is still unnerved when a reaper shadows her in search of someone Risa has never met: her own father, an Aedh priest, who is rumored to be tampering with the gates of hell for a dark purpose. With the help of her “aunt” -- half-werewolf, half-vampire Riley Jenson -- and an Aedh named Lucian who may have lost his wings but none of his sex appeal, Risa must pursue whatever shadowy practitioner of blood magic is seizing souls, and somehow stop her father ... before all hell breaks loose. 

{5 stars}
If you loved the Riley Jenson/Guardian series, you will absolutely love this. We first met Risa in the Guardian series and she's all grown up now with drama of her own.  It really felt like we were just continuing the Guardian series with a new generation of characters. Riley and Quinn, along with most of the Guardian characters make appearances and we get to learn what has happened to them in the interim. Keri Arthur really can tell a story, I was hooked from page one. It has lots of action, a twisted paranormal puzzle to solve, and even a love interest for Risa. I loved every page of it. I don't want to give any spoilers away, so I will keep this short, but I want to tell everyone that if you loved Riley Jenson, you will love Risa. I was crushed when the Guardian series ended so I have waited a long time for this series to start,  and it does not disappoint. I can't wait for the next book, I have already pre-ordered it and will be stalking the mailbox on delivery date.

If you haven't read the Guardian series, I would start there so you know who the characters are and how we all came to this point. It's an action packed thrill ride with lots of "hot" sexy action to accompany it.

Adrian Phoenix--Beneath the Skin (The Maker's Song #3)

CHAOS CONTROLS HIS FUTURE. ONE MORTAL WOMAN COULD BE HIS SALVATION. THE COUNTDOWN TO ANNIHILATION BEGINS WITH DANTE'S CHOICE... THE FATE OF THREE WORLDS... —

The dark pieces of vampire rock star Dante Baptiste's past are violently emerging, and it is only a matter of time before the Fallen discover he is the creature they have sought for thousand... more »s of years. The destruction he left behind in Oregon threatens to reveal his identity as Maker and True Blood, exposing the young nightkind to shadowy predators -- mortal and supernatural -- who will do whatever it takes to win his favor... or destroy him.

RESTS IN DANTE'S HANDS.

When beautiful FBI agent Heather Wallace went AWOL on assignment, she chose irresistible Dante over the shady government forces that now stalk them both. Heather has her own secrets of the past to uncover, but she is also the only one who can hold her nightkind lover together when his dangerous quest for the truth threatens to send him over the edge. And as she and Dante fight for their survival, she realizes they must work together to protect their future -- before his mysterious destiny tears them apart.

{4 stars}
Finally....It took me forever to get through this book. I kept putting it down to read other stuff. I really do love Dante's story......but.....It's not fluid and fast enough for me. The story gets bogged down for me with all the "shadow branch" deception. The amount of pages covering the secret government groups and their evil plots is, well, just plain boring to me. I get it already (so I started skimming through those parts). And I realize that they are a part of Dante's history and the reason he is so damaged. But, I repeat, I get it already. That being said, that is my only complaint about the series. Dante and Heather are amazing lead characters, and their entourage are lovable and charming and I'm just as attached to them. There is a lot of tragedy in this book, we flashback thru Dante's childhood learning all the awful things that were done do him. It makes you love him even more. Without giving any spoilers away, this is an essential book in the series. The pieces to a very large and layered puzzle are snapping into place. And all is not lost for some key characters. And I will even go on to read the next one....I've become adept at skimming the evil government parts and focusing on my crush on Dante......

Rob Blackwell--A Soul to Steal

Paranormal Thriller

You Are What You Fear

Something is stalking the citizens of Loudoun County, Va.

Is it the return of the notorious serial killer known as Lord Halloween? Or is it something worse—a figure that can cloak itself as your worst nightmare?

Kate and Quinn, two community journalists, rush to uncover the truth before a promised bloodbath on Halloween night.

The debut novel from award-winning journalist Rob Blackwell, A Soul to Steal balances suspense, horror, action and humor, building to a gripping and unforgettable conclusion. For readers who enjoy Stephen King, Neil Gaiman and Jim Butcher, A Soul to Steal is the perfect autumn novel.

{4 stars}
I genuinely liked this story. I love Fall and all things Halloween, so this was the perfect story to start the season. Blackwell does Halloween legends justice in his debut novel. The story is multi-layered, using Halloween legends mixed with a good old twisted psychopathic thriller.  The clues were there along the way, but I wasn't even close to guessing who the real psychopath was. I love that in a book, I want to keep guessing and turning the pages rushing to the end. I don't scare easily, but I can see where this story might cause a few people to sleep with the lights on. And I am thrilled that this appears to be the first in a trilogy about Kate and Quinn, I can't wait to see what happens to them next.

Kindle book provided by author.

Lora Leigh--Midnight Sins (The Callahan's #1)

Erotic suspense/thriller

His name is Rafer Callahan. He was a kid from the wrong side of the tracks who fought through life the only way he knew how: with his fists. But Rafer never meant to bring any harm to Cambria Flannigan, the girl—the lover—whose sister he’d been unable to save…

Cami lost her sister in the brutal murders that rocked her hometown so many years ago. Some still believe that Rafe, along with his friends Logan and Crowe, were involved. But how could Rafe—who haunted her girlish dreams, then her adult fantasies—be a killer? That is the question that keeps her up at night.

Now a prosperous ranch owner, Rafe is trying to build a new legacy for himself. It’s finally time to settle the score with Cami—and make her his. But old wounds open up with a series of new murders…and each of the victims has a connection to Rafe, Logan, and Crowe. With suspicion, fear, and loyalty tearing her apart, Cami is once again at risk of losing her heart—or her life.

{3 stars}   
I'm completely confused. This book is slow moving, long winded, badly proof read, and leaves you with way more questions than answers. The backstory is so complicated with even more complicated family trees, that I wasn't really sure what was going on. The only thing for certain is the passion and love between Cami and Rafe. That, in true Leigh fashion, is a detailed sexual component that traverses most of the book. I did wind up skimming most of it trying to get to a more "active" storyline. And I really like the 3 cousins, but if it weren't for the fact that I really needed to know who the killer was I wouldn't have finished the book. I will still give the second in this series a try, I'm hoping it will level off and answer some of the lingering questions as to what the hell is really going on? Who is behind all of this?

Nalini Singh--Archangels Blade (Guild Hunter novel)

Paranormal Romance

The severed head marked by a distinctive tattoo on its cheek should have been a Guild case, but dark instincts honed over hundreds of years of life compel the vampire Dmitri to take control. There is something twisted about this death, something that whispers of centuries long past...but Dmitri's need to discover the truth is nothing to the vicious strength of his response to the hunter assigned to decipher the tattoo.

Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready to come face to face with the seductive vampire who is an archangel's right hand, and who wears his cruelty as boldly as his lethal sensuality...the same vampire who has been her secret obsession since the day she was old enough to understand the inexplicable, violent emotions he aroused in her.

As desire turns into a dangerous compulsion that might destroy them both, it becomes clear the past will not stay buried. Something is hunting...and it will not stop until it brings a blood-soaked nightmare to life once more...

{4.5 stars}
**spoiler alert**
Pleasantly surprised. I wasn't sure how much I would like a Guild Hunter novel that didn't focus on Elena and Raphael, but I loved it. Dmitri's story is great. It does flash back alot to how he was Made, but it really works for the story. It is important that you understand what happened to him and his family so you will know why he is the way he is now. Honor has lived thru something no person should ever go through. And It becomes apparent early on that Honor is Dmitri's wife reincarnated. Which just makes the story that much better. It takes them the whole book to realize it. But watching Dmitri become something other than the cold heartless killer he has been for a thousand years was something special. Wrapped around the couple are 2 sub plots, one is Dmitri helping Honor hunt down those who kidnapped and tortured her. The other is Dmitri's past coming back to haunt him in a disgruntled vampire who wants revenge for Dmitri killing his "love". An angel who was as cruel as she was beautiful, and Dmitri's Maker. But enough of the spoilers, don't put this book aside because its about another couple, they are worth the read!!!

Elisabeth Naughton--Tempted (Eternal Guardians)

Paranormal Romance

DEMETRIUS—He’s the hulking, brooding warrior his fellow Guardians avoid. Too dark. Too damaged. And given his heritage, he knows it’s best to keep everyone at arm’s length.

Isadora is missing. The words pounded through his head like a frantic drumbeat. For her own protection, Demetrius had done all he could to avoid the fragile princess, his soul mate. And now she was gone—kidnapped. To get her back, he’ll have to go to the black place in his soul he’s always shunned. As daemons ravage the human realm and his loyalty to the Guardians is put to the ultimate test, Demetrius realizes that Isadora is stronger than anyone thought. And finally letting her into his heart may be the only way to save them both.

{4 stars}
This is the 3rd book in this series, and I feel its the best so far. Elisabeth Naughton is moving into the level of JR Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and Lara Adrian (in my opinion). Even though this series has no vampires in it, it is deeply woven with Greek Mythology. We have battling Gods, Demons, Fates, Horae, Argonauts, and lots of daemons. Each book is another couple (much like most series) and Demetrius and Isadora's story is the strongest of the series. Alot happens and even more questions get answered. But as with most great series, we have enough new plot happening that has us reaching for the next book. Demetrius is the perfect brooding, need to be saved, pushing the girl away for her own good, male lead. You want to hate him one page, and then hug him the next. Isadora has been a complicated character from the first book. I could never tell how her true path in this series was going to go. She seemed like a weak, troublesome princess. But not now, her true self shines thru. When you know what really matters most to you in life, you will go to the ends of the earth to save it. She is a true Queen.  The characters are well written, and the plot moves smoothly, with enough sub-plot and layers to keep you on your toes. I can't wait to pre-order the next one....

Elisabeth Naughton--Entwined (Eternal Guardians)

ZANDER — The most feared of all the Eternal Guardians. It’s rumored he can’t be killed, and he always fights like he has nothing to lose. But as a descendant of the famed hero Achilles, he’s got to have a vulnerability… somewhere. —

Forces of daemons are gathering and have broken through the barriers of the Underwor... more »ld. Now more than ever the Eternal Guardians are needed to protect both their own realm and the humans’. Zander can’t afford to think about what might have been with the bewitching physician he once regarded as his soul mate. But with eternity stretching before him, he also can’t fathom spending his life without the one woman who makes him feel most alive. Perhaps he’s found his weakness, after all…

{4.5 stars}
This series just keeps getting better and better for me. I love the story as a whole, it is action packed with lots of characters. And Naughton writes with a great sense of humor. Zander and Callia have spent the last decade apart, and for all the wrong reasons. And because of the lies and manipulations of others, they have lost a lot. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so i will just say there are a lot of surprises in this one. And one whopper of a cliff-hanger at the end. Just like the first one, this was a one day read for me. I got swept up in the story and the action, and couldn't put the book down. This series reminds me alot of Kenyon's Dark Hunters. The Greek Mythology basis, the various Gods and Goddesses who pop in and out, and all the daemons who need slaughtering, plus the Misos colonies. There are a lot of similarities in the structure. Each book is about another Argonaut warrior, but really its about the strong women who save the warriors from themselves. I don't know how else to describe it, just give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised with the first one, and now I'm completely hooked with the second one. Already ordered the third one........

Elisabeth Naughton--Marked (Eternal Guardians)

THERON—Dark haired, duty bound and deceptively deadly. He’s the leader of the Argonauts, an elite group of guardians that defends the immortal realm from threats of the Underworld.

From the moment he walked into the club, Casey knew this guy was different. Men like that just didn’t exist in real life—silky shoulder-length hair, chest impossibly broad, and a predatory manner that just screamed dark and dangerous. He was looking for something. Her.
She was the one. She had the mark. Casey had to die so his kind could live, and it was Theron’s duty to bring her in. But even as a 200-year-old descendent of Hercules, he wasn’t strong enough to resist the pull in her fathomless eyes, to tear himself away from the heat of her body.
As war with the Underworld nears, someone will have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

{4 stars}
This book was a very pleasant surprise. I picked it up because of the Greek Mythology roots and I had never read anything about the Argonauts before. It was a little confusing at times because I didn't understand the world/back story of the Argonauts, but it all falls into place. Naughton fills you in as the story goes along.  And It takes off from the first page and doesn't stop. No slow downs, it just keeps going with action and intensity. I couldn't put it down, I had to know what was going to  happen to Casey and Theron. Theron is not your usual warrior, he has lots of emotions, some he's not used to having, and honor that makes his character one of my new favorites. Casey is swept up in a new world she knows nothing about, but much like her life so far, she seems to roll with each new thing with stubbornness and strength. Their love story is amazing, full of trials, danger, emotions, and a passion Naughton pulls off without falling into filling the pages with a lot of sex (not that i mind, but lots of teasing though!) We gets peeks at the other warriors in Theron's group, and I can't wait to see who's up next......

Adrian Phoenix--In the Blood (Book 2 of The Maker's Song)

DANTE LIVES. — Vampire. Rock star. Begotten son of the fallen angel Lucien. Dante Baptiste still struggles with nightmares and seizures, searching for the truth about his past. It is a quest as seductive as his kiss, as uncontrollable as his thirst, and as unforgiving as his determination to protect one mortal woman at any cost. — KNOWLEDGE KILLS.... more »

FBI Special Agent Heather Wallace now knows the extent of the Bureau corruption that surrounds her, but worries she is losing the battle. And when Dante and his band Inferno come to Seattle on tour, Heather can't help but be drawn back to the beautiful, dangerous nightkind. But what Heather and Dante don't know is that new enemies lurk in the shadows, closer than they think... and even deadlier than they fear.

DESTINY UNFOLDS.

Shadowy government forces have pledged to eliminate all loose ends from Project Bad Seed -- and Heather and Dante are at the top of the list. Elsewhere, the Fallen gather in Gehenna, intent on finding their long-awaited savior, the True Blood nightkind whom Lucien DeNoir would die to protect. And a damaged and desperate adversary, with powers as strange and perilous as Dante's own, plots to use Dante as a pawn in a violent scheme for revenge. But only one of these lethal forces holds the key to Dante's past -- a key that could finally unlock the secret of his birth and the truth of his existence... or destroy him completely.

{4.5 stars}
This is not your typical vampire story, it is so much more than that. There are Fallen Angels, vampires, nightkind, and everything you ever read about them is flipped upside down and turned into a whole new world. I love it! I am absolutely in love with this series. I had mixed feelings with the first one. I liked it, thought it was too detailed, and I only focused on Heather and Dante. Boy was I wrong. The layers and details only add to their story, and actually put me right into the scene. The supporting characters are essential to Heather and Dante, and I love Von. At the end of the first book, Heather goes back to Seattle to get some space and gain some normalcy to her life. But she never stops thinking about Dante. Dante wants her away from him for her own protection, but he can't stay away from her. Dante is confused, in pain, and very much wants to understand his past and what he is. Their love affair is full of danger, drama, violence, but above all love. And I now understand Lucien's true place in Dante's life, I'm just hoping he survives his current predicament. The SB (shadow branch) and The Fallen add a whole new level of mess into this story and I can't wait to dive into the next one. Dante is a character that every woman wants to protect and fall in love with.

Deidre Knight--Red Kiss (Gods of Midnight novel)

Immortal warrior and Spartan slave River Kassandros has a special gift—the ability to transform into any weapon. But in a recent battle, he was trapped as a dagger, unable to become human again. His one hope of salvation is a mere mortal.… — When Emma Lowery beaches her kayak on an uninhabited island off the coast of Savannah, an ancien... more »t dagger seems to call out to her. Compelled by dark forces, Emma draws blood with his blade, freeing River. Now he's stronger, angrier—and exudes more sensuality than Emma can resist.

But a sinister power wants to claim River's destiny, and his precarious freedom. The pair must join the Spartan warriors to fight Ares himself. But can they face sacrificing their love to protect humankind from the war god's demonic plan?

{3.5 stars}
Slow started for me, It didn't really catch my attention until the second half of the book and then it took off. I don't really know what to say about this book. It was good, not great, a cute read for an afternoon. River & Emma's romance is cute in that "first love" kind of way. I was way more interested in Niko's story, it looks like it could be promising. Ari seems to have a path going into a future book based on the ending of this one. And I really would have liked to see River & Emma make a different decision at the end. A lot changes in this book and I like the series as a whole a lot more. Its not one I would rush out to buy or get on pre-order. But it is definitely on my wish list to keep reading.

Jacquelyn Frank--Seduce me in Flames (A Three Worlds Novel)

ICY RECEPTION

Ambrea Vas Allay is the rightful heir to the throne of Allay. But when she is summoned home from exile, she discovers that her father, who had executed her mother, has died. Her young half-brother, controlled by their uncle, has taken power. Ambrea is torn by an impossible choice: renounce the crown or waste away in prison. The last thing she expects is to be liberated by a huge, tattooed Tarian—or to feel a searing passion for her mysterious rescuer.

SMOLDERING DECEPTION

Rush “Ender” Blakely loves being part of the elite force of the Interplanetary Militia and the mission to save the princess Allay. But the tough Tarian hides a fiery secret—a blazing power that makes him literally too hot to handle. He must be crazy to carry a torch for this strong, beautiful princess—when any intimacy between them is bound to be explosive.

BLAZING INSURRECTION

As Ambrea steels herself to take back the throne, does she dare entrust this scorching stranger with the fate of an empire—and, even more so, with her heart?

{3.5 stars}
I am always amazed at Franks imagination. Over and over she creates new worlds for her series. This is the second in the Three Worlds series, and not really my favorite. I was not sucked into it like the first. I did like it. I love Rush and Ambrea. But the back story of the Allay society dragged for me and I found myself skimming parts of the book with no dialogue towards the end. At first, I was anxious to get to the action I knew was coming. And Rush "Ender" was a character that intrigued me in the first book, I couldn't wait to read about him. Rush and Ambrea are perfect for each other, she just has to get him to get over his phobia. But she has the patience of a queen to guide her into getting what she wants. Usually its the male saving the female, but truthfully, I feel like Ambrea was the one saving Rush. We see glimpses of the IM team from the first book, and a few help Rush in this one. Still, I think it was the Allay world that I didn't connect with. I always connect with her characters, and will always pre-order her books.Which is why one slow one for me will never stop me from reading all her books. If you haven't read the first one, you have to start there so you understand the IM team.

Shannon K. Butcher--Blood Hunt (Sentinel Wars)

Hope appeared out of nowhere, naked and alone, a woman without a past. The only thing she knows is that she is imbued with a strange power. It's in her blood. And two men want to posses it.

One is Logan, a Sanguinar demon-fighter who needs Hope's essence to survive. As a vampire, he's well equipped to find her a like-blooded mate whose progeny could sustain his race for generations. The other is Krag, a Synestryn lord whose desire is to enslave Hope, and drain her of the lifeforce. With it, he could control humanity forever.

When Hope and Logan both fall prey to Krag, a powerful desire grows between them. But is it enough to thwart their captor's diabolical plan and his demon warriors, and survive a vampire's destiny written in blood?

(3.5 stars}

I really love this series, it spins a whole new version of vampires and demons. So far we have learned alot about the Theronai and their destined mates, with new additions to the series with each new book. The Sanguinar's have been mostly in the background up until now, coming in to aide the Warriors when injured. They have secretly been working on "Project Lullaby", which will increase the population of "blooded" people, who will eventually feed the starving Sanguinar. Sounds wrong when you say it, but once you read the series and understand what's really going on, it all makes sense. Hope has landed in a whole lot of mess, and even though it is forbidden for a Sanguinar to become attached to someone who is destined for another. Logan can't let Hope go. Their story is charming, Hope definitely goes after what she wants. And she adds a whole new surprise to this series, her background, powers, and history are a new dynamic. I can't wait to see how this develops. We also get a glimpse at our previous characters to see how everyone is doing. Some are great, others are struggling. It is a fast paced series, multi layered, and moves really quickly from one scene to another where the action rarely stops. Start at the beginning with this series so you will know all the players and the path this series is going. You won't be disappointed.

Sherrilyn Kenyon--Retribution (Dark hunter series)

Harm no human…

A hired gunslinger, William Jessup Brady lived his life with one foot in the grave. He believed that every life had a price. Until the day when he finally found a reason to live. In one single act of brutal betrayal, he lost everything, including his life. Brought back by a Greek goddess to be one of her Dark-Hunters, he gave his immortal soul for vengeance and swore he’d spend eternity protecting the humans he’d once considered prey. Orphaned as a toddler, Abigail Yager was taken in by a family of vampires and raised on one belief—Dark-Hunters are the evil who prey on both their people and mankind, and they must all be destroyed. While protecting her adoptive race, she has spent her life eliminating the Dark-Hunters and training for the day when she meeting the man who killed her family: Jess Brady.

A gun in the hand is worth two in the holster…

Jess has been charged with finding and terminating the creature who’s assassinating Dark-Hunters. The last thing he expects to find is a human face behind the killings, but when that face bears a striking resemblance to the one who murdered him centuries ago, he knows something evil is going on. He also knows he’s not the one who killed her parents. But Abigail refuses to believe the truth and is determined to see him dead once and for all.

Brought together by an angry god and chased by ancient enemies out to kill them both, they must find a way to overcome their mutual hatred or watch as one of the darkest of powers rises and kills both the races they’ve sworn to protect.

{4 stars}
Let me start by saying that I discovered Kenyon's Dark Hunters when I picked up Sin's story, and then immediately went to the book store for all the others. And even though I am familiar with the Vegas setting, this book was on a whole new playing field. We have a new pantheon of Native American ancestry, and more gods and spirits to learn about. I was confused in the beginning, and if it weren't for the established Dark Hunters popping into the story, i wouldn't have guessed it was a Dark Hunter novel. Once I let go of my stubbornness over my beloved New Orleans Dark Hunters, I really got into this story. Jess and Abby are a great couple, but the group as a whole was amazing. Sasha is absolutely hilarious and I want to take him home and keep him!! The Native American history is a little hard to follow at times, and after reading Kenyon's "authors note", I see why this is such a passionate topic for her. I appreciated it all the more. It is not my favorite of the series, but I did enjoy it. It's still a keeper for me.

As for the bonus scene, (spoiler alert) thank you Kenyon for giving us a much needed glimpse at Acheron. I have missed Simi so much!!! I can't wait to get to read about them again, and see what's planned for Ash's son........

Chevy Stevens--Never Knowing

All her life, Sara Gallagher has wondered about her birth parents. As an adopted child with two sisters who were born naturally to her parents, Sara’s home life was not ideal. The question of why she was given up for adoption has always haunted her. Finally, she is ready to take steps and find closure.

But some questions are better left unanswered.

After months of research, Sara locates her birth mother—only to be met with horror and rejection. Then she discovers the devastating truth: her mother was the only victim ever to escape a killer who has been hunting women every summer for decades. But Sara soon realizes the only thing worse than finding out about her father is him finding out about her.

What if murder is in your blood?

Never Knowing is a complex and compelling portrayal of one woman’s quest to understand herself, her origins, and her family. That is, if she can survive.....

{4 stars}
I fell in love with Chevy Steven's style of writing with "Still Missing". She takes the reader on a journey of self discovery, tragedy, and survival, with lots and lots of therapy. She starts each chapter as a "session" with the therapist. So as your learning the everyday trials and anxieties that Sara is going through, you are also going back to the plot of the story as Sara goes through it. Its brilliantly written, with complex characters and a very intersting, twisting way of playing out the plot. To know from the very beginning who the killer is and how all the characters  go through the story line, and even though you know who the killer is.....Steven's always throws a suprise (or two) in at the very end.

Deidre Knight--Red Fire (Gods of Mignight series)

Eternity has become a prison for Ajax Petrakos. Centuries after he and his Spartan brothers made their bargain for immortality, Ajax struggles to maintain his warrior’s discipline. His only source of strength is his hope that he will soon meet the woman once foretold to him -- the other half of his soul, Shay Angel. — Ajax searches for his ... more »destined mate on the haunted streets of modern-day Savannah, but he isn’t the first to find her. Shay, the youngest of a powerful demon-hunting clan, can see the monsters that stalk the steamy Southern night -- an ability that draws the deadly attention of Ajax’s worst enemy.

As she and Ajax race to solve a chilling prophecy -- one that could spell Ajax’s death if they don’t succeed -- a fated passion arises, threatening to sweep away everything in its path.

{3.5 stars}
I picked up this book because I love Greek Mythology, and it has a different spin for a paranormal romance. Shay is a great, spunky, spitfire of a character. And Ajax is the characteristically brooding male, who, if he wasn't such a great Spartan warrior, would just seem like a pouting immortal. But the two of them are a funny pair. Their story takes an unusual path, and Ajax has some baggage to work through before he lets Shay in. The story started off kind of confusing, the world building took some getting used to. And i did skim through some slow parts of the book without missing any of the plot. Shay's brothers seemed out of place, and not really necessary to the series, but maybe they will in the future.  I don't really get the whole "demon" part of the story, but I'm sure it will develop further on in the series. It wasn't slow enough to make me put the book down, and I really enjoyed the story as a whole. Now that Shay has discovered her true destiny, I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series. The Oracle, Leonides, and River have some unanswered story lines. And we have 6 more Spartan's to read about! It's not a pre-order kind of series for me, but I will wish list it.

J. R. Ward--Crave (Fallen Angels Novel)

Seven deadly sins. Seven souls that must be saved. One more no-holds-barred battle between a fallen angel with a hardened heart and a demon with everything to lose. — Isaac Rothe is a black ops soldier with a dark past and a grim future. The target of an assassin, he finds himself behind bars, his fate in the hands of his gorgeous public defender... more » Grier Childe. His hot attraction to her can only lead to trouble -- and that's before Jim Heron tells him his soul is in danger. Caught up in a wicked game with the demon who shadows Jim, Isaac must decide whether the soldier in him can believe that true love is the ultimate weapon against evil.

{ 3 stars}
Ok, Ok, Ok, I really really tried with this one. But I can only say it was so-so. I love her BDB series, but this one just drags for me. This book did make a lot more sense to me than the first, I understood what was going on. And I really like Isaac and Grier (who thought up that name for a girl?) And I find Adrian and Eddie completely adorable for wayward angels. The whole theory of the series is fascinating. Even Devina is an interesting character for a Demon. But it's too long, it bogs down for me in the inner dialogue and doesn't move fast enough. I actually put this book down several times and read other books. When I picked it back up I skimmed thru alot for the last 100 or so pages, focusing on the final chapters. I don't know if I will try book 3, if its over 400 pages I may have to pass.

Sophie Oak--Texas Sirens series books 1-4

#1--Small Town Sirens
#2--Siren in the City
#3--Siren Enslaved
#4--Siren Beloved

{Adults only series--5 stars}

Usually I just copy over the synopsis of the book to give you an idea of the story. But since I am reviewing all 4 at once, I'll do my best to describe the series. It is not for the timid reader, you have to be very adventurous and amazingly open minded to read about BDSM, menage, and bi-sexuality. But this series is way more than just the fringe sexual component of the stage that brings all these characters together. It's about real love and finding that perfect happiness in a situation that might be outside the boundaries of what society calls "normal". The characters are amazingly written, and they are all looking for that all consuming love we all strive for. They have baggage, issues, faults, humor, drama, and a whole lot of love. Each story brings 3 people together, that would normally never find happiness if they weren't all 3 together. I am amazed at how Sophie Oak develops these characters. They really made me dive right into this series, I couldn't wait to find out what happens next, so I immediately "kindled" the next 3 after reading the first. I read all 4 back to back this weekend. This series has a very definite plot path and you need to start at the beginning to understand the characters. They are set in a very small, close-minded town in Texas, and all the drama that brings with small towns. Each story has a bad guy trying to screw up the relationship that is developing, and a lot of people saving each other from a close brush with death.  Each character has their own personality, some are just hilarious! Others are sweet and passionate and you just want to hug them. Thank you Sophie Oak, you have found a true fan with me!

And did I say how amazingly HOT these were, no need for an imagination. Sophie Oak will give you some new fantasies to dream about......

Chevy Stevens--Still Missing

On the day she was abducted, Annie O’Sullivan, a 32-year-old realtor, had three goals—sell a house, forget about a recent argument with her mother, and be on time for dinner with her ever-patient boyfriend. The open house is slow, but when her last visitor pulls up in a van as she's about to leave, Annie thinks it just might be her lucky day after all.

Interwoven with the story of the year Annie spent as the captive of a psychopath in a remote mountain cabin, which unfolds through sessions with her psychiatrist, is a second narrative recounting events following her escape—her struggle to piece her shattered life back together and the ongoing police investigation into the identity of her captor.

Still Missing is that rare debut find--a shocking, visceral, brutal and beautifully crafted debut novel

{5 stars}
Wow! I have never read a story written like this one, it brought out a lot of emotions in me I didn't know I was holding on to. This story is unusually written, each chapter is a new therapy session where Annie, while telling us everything that happened while in captivity, is trying to regain her life and come to gripes with her year of abuse and torture at the hands of her kidnapper. We are also learning about her relationships with her mother, best friend, and boyfriend. And mixed in with the dialogue is her day-to-day life drama. There are so many layers to this story. I was blown away by it and read it all in one day. For me, it was very emotional and at the end I felt like having a good cleansing cry. And just when you think we are at the end of a very emotional road, we are thrown into a tail spin when the real truth is revealed. This is definitely a keeper book for me.

Tess Gerritsen--Silent girl (Rizzoli & Isles)

Every crime scene tells a story. Some keep you awake at night. Others haunt your dreams. The grisly display homicide cop Jane Rizzoli finds in Boston’s Chinatown will do both.

In the murky shadows of an alley lies a female’s severed hand. On the tenement rooftop above is the corpse belonging to that hand, a red-haired woman dressed all in black, her head nearly severed. Two strands of silver hair -- not human -- cling to her body. They are Rizzoli’s only clues, but they’re enough for her and medical examiner Maura Isles to make the startling discovery: that this violent death had a chilling prequel.

Nineteen years earlier, a horrifying murder-suicide in a Chinatown restaurant left five people dead. But one woman connected to that massacre is still alive: a mysterious martial arts master who knows a secret she dares not tell, a secret that lives and breathes in the shadows of Chinatown. A secret that may not even be human. Now she’s the target of someone, or something, deeply and relentlessly evil.

Cracking a crime resonating with bone-chilling echoes of an ancient Chinese legend, Rizzoli and Isles must outwit an unseen enemy with centuries of cunning -- and a swift, avenging blade.

{5 stars}
Another outstanding thriller. Gerritsen writes stories so layered, they are like a puzzle box. The pieces are always shifting and revealing new theories, new aspects, and just when you think you know who the bad guy is and what the true story is, she slides the pieces and you have more questions. And even when you get to the end and the puzzle is finally together, she throws one last surprise into the mix. I love it! It keeps you on the edge and turning page after page. I can never put her books down.

In this one, Jane is the focus and she is on the case of a murdered woman on a roof. The murder is so bizarre that it opens up questions to a mass murder-suicide from 19 years ago. And so the pieces slide. We only see a small peek at Maura in this one, and an even smaller peek at "Rat", the boy who saved Maura in the previous book. I was happy to get an update on how he was doing. But this book solely focuses on Jane's case and, as usual, Jane's risk taking, puts her in mortal danger again. Jane's team is still along for the ride, and she has a new team member who has more knowledge than anyone can guess. I don't want to give too much away, so I will say this was a brilliant thriller. If you haven't read any of her books, this one can stand alone. But you should start at the beginning so you know the history of all the players.

Adrian Phoenix--A Rush of Wings (Book 1 of The Maker's Song)

HIS NAME IS DANTE. Dark. Talented. Beautiful. Star of the rock band Inferno. Rumored owner of the hot New Orleans nightspot Club Hell. Born of the Blood, then broken by an evil beyond imagination.

HIS PAST IS A MYSTERY. F.B.I. Special Agent Heather Wallace has been tracking a sadistic serial murderer known as the Cross Country Killer,... more » and the trail has led her to New Orleans, Club Hell, and Dante. But the dangerously attractive musician not only resists her investigation, he claims to be "nightkind": in other words, a vampire. Digging into his past for answers reveals little. A juvenile record a mile long. No social security number. No known birth date. In and out of foster homes for most of his life before being taken in by a man named Lucien DeNoir, who appears to guard mysteries of his own.

HIS FUTURE IS CHAOS. What Heather does know about Dante is that something links him to the killer -- and she's pretty sure that link makes him the CCK's next target. Heather must unravel the truth about this sensual, complicated, vulnerable young man -- who, she begins to believe, may indeed be a vampire -- in order to finally bring a killer to justice. But Dante's past holds a shocking, dangerous secret, and once it is revealed not even Heather will be able to protect him from his destiny.... 

{4.5 stars}
I picked up this book solely based on the reviews by other readers. So when I began I had high hopes for the story, but I was confused for the first couple of chapters. And if it weren't for the Glossary, I would have put the book down. I really couldn't figure out what was going on with the Cajun/French/Elohim language. But I didn't give up and I'm glad. It is an incredible story, very layered, great characters and a mystery like I have never read before. It is not your standard Vampire story, far from it in fact. Dante and Heather are a great couple, along with Dante's "family" they are complex characters and have a path of their own. There is always this sexual "tension" between Heather and Dante, and even though we only get one "bedroom" scene with them, you will enjoy the romance that builds with them, even in the face of horrible tragedy and death. I have a lot more questions regarding Lucien and the Fallen, and how Dante will deal with this knowledge, but I guess it will be revealed in the next book. My only complaints about this story is: 1. It should be Dante's picture on the cover, not what we are to believe is Heather, since she never wore that outfit in the story. And Dante's description definitely deserves a cover. 2. It was too long, I felt dragged down occasionally by the overwhelming detail in parts of the story (that's why I gave it a .5 star decrease). I don't really need all the absolute minute details to understand the story. But other than that I am glad I gave the book a chance, I read it to the end, and can't wait to see what happens to Heather and Dante next.

Lara Adrian--Deeper than Midnight (Midnight Breed series)

DELIVERED FROM THE DARKNESS, A WOMAN FINDS HERSELF PLUNGED INTO A PASSION THAT IS DEEPER THAN MIDNIGHT. — At eighteen, Corinne Bishop was a beautiful, spirited young woman living a life of privilege as the adopted daughter of a wealthy family. Her world changed in an instant when she was stolen away and held prisoner by the malevolent vamp... more »ire Dragos. After many years of captivity and torment, Corinne is rescued by the Order, a cadre of vampire warriors embroiled in a war against Dragos and his followers. Her innocence taken, Corinne has lost a piece of her heart as well—the one thing that gave her hope during her imprisonment, and the only thing that matters to her now that she is free.

Assigned to safeguard Corinne on her trip home is a formidable golden-eyed Breed male called Hunter. Once Dragos’s most deadly assassin, Hunter now works for the Order, and he’s hell-bent on making Dragos pay for his manifold sins. Bonded to Corinne by their mutual desire, Hunter will have to decide how far he’ll go to end Dragos’s reign of evil—even if carrying out his mission means shattering Corinne’s tender heart.

{4.5 stars} **spoiler alert**
So not fair that we have to wait months to find out what happens next....
There is so much going on in this book, it is not just focused on Hunter and Corinne. It shows us what's going on with the Order as a whole, what the other couples are up to, how far Chase has gone off the deep end, and how truly far Dragos is willing to go to win. Hunter and Corinne are a very sweet story, and one that will take this series to a new level now that they have saved her son. Their journey was almost separate from the rest, but still brings the war with Dragos back to a new turning point. Chase falls hard from the path, and gets extremely close to becoming Rogue, but his story does not end with his arrest, that's what we have to wait to find out in Darker after Midnight. I've given too much away already, so I will just say that this is a MUST READ if you are a Midnight Breed fan. I have always been an avid fan of the Midnight Breed series, and this one holds true and does not disappoint. It will go on my permanent bookshelf with the others. If you are new to to this series, run out right now and start at the beginning, I'm sure you'll fall in love with the Warriors too.

Jennifer Lyon--Soul Magic (Night Watch series)

When an ancient pact is broken, powerful witches who once used their magic to help humanity become the twisted playthings of demons, and the mortal men who once protected the sorceresses become witch hunters, cursed with the longing to spill the witches' blood: an irresistible craving that will cost witches their lives and witch hunters thei... more »r souls.

The Wing Slayer Hunters fight this curse, guarding innocent witches until the urge to harm them grows too strong -- then they must kill their own. Wing Slayer Sutton West has always honored that vow. His own father killed himself rather than go rogue. But now Sutton is tempted as never before by Carla Fisk, a brilliant psychologist and dynamic witch whose twin sister, Keri, was murdered by rogues.

Bound by blood and passion, Carla and Sutton dare not succumb to their deadly attraction. Yet when a mysterious rogue named Styx joins forces with the demon Asmodeus, witch and hunter have no choice but to work together. For Keri's immortal soul is at stake -- and with it, balanced on a knife-edge, is the fate of humanity itself.

{4 stars}
Well, I loved Sutton, he is a great character. He had a lot of baggage to overcome and prove to himself he deserved to have Carla. And truthfully, the interaction with the Eagle was just great and somehow funny how Sutton just excepts the actions of the Eagle on is back. Carla is a complicated character and not my favorite. But Carla and Sutton are a perfect match for each other, they have a lot of passion and it shows. The journey for the Wing Slayer Hunters (I still hate that name) continues, and they are one more step closer to battling Quinn Young. As for the witches, the Ancestors are reaching out to help restore their magic. I really like this series because it is very different from what I normally read. But this one was about 80 pages to long, and some of the resolution to save Keri was a little confusing. Maybe I was just tired, I think my attention was slipping. Looking forward to the next one....

Karin Slaughter--Fallen

There’s no police training stronger than a cop’s instinct. Faith Mitchell’s mother isn’t answering her phone. Her front door is open. There’s a bloodstain above the knob. Her infant daughter is hidden in a shed behind the house. All that the Georgia Bureau of Investigations taught Faith Mitchell goes out the window when she charges into her mother’s house, gun drawn. She sees a man dead in the laundry room. She sees a hostage situation in the bedroom. What she doesn’t see is her mother. . . .


“You know what we’re here for. Hand it over, and we’ll let her go.”

When the hostage situation turns deadly, Faith is left with too many questions, not enough answers. To find her mother, she’ll need the help of her partner, Will Trent, and they’ll both need the help of trauma doctor Sara Linton. But Faith isn’t just a cop anymore—she’s a witness. She’s also a suspect.

The thin blue line hides police corruption, bribery, even murder. Faith will have to go up against the people she respects the most in order to find her mother and bring the truth to light—or bury it forever.
 
{5 stars} **spoiler alert**
Outstanding!!!! I guess the old saying, "Something good comes to those who wait". Well, we waited a long time for this one......
I know everyone was crushed when Jeffrey was killed, and even though we all forgave Slaughter once her follow up book came out and we all wanted Sara to get together with Will, we still had to wait to see how Slaughter was going to play this one out. She always keeps us on the edge of our seats. I was thrilled with this book. This is another action packed thrill ride that only Slaughter can deliver. And as usual, I didn't piece it all together until the last chapter. What a ride! And I must say I was smiling like a kid when Sara and Will finally got together. Whew! Its about time. Lena does not make an appearance in this one, but Faith and Amanda are back, and Faith has gotten herself caught up in some serious family drama. And Will shows us his sense of humor (even though its his internal dialogue) that had me laughing out loud several times. There are so many players in this one, you will need to take notes to keep up. But in true Slaughter fashion, she ties all the ends together and I still got my happy ending this time. If you are just starting out with Slaughter, start at the beginning. You won't be disappointed with her books, I love every one of them, even when the ending didn't make me so happy.....

Jennifer Lyon--Blood Magic (Wing Slayer series)

THE HUNTER AND THE HUNTED — In the days when powerful witches used their magic to shield humanity from demons, their allies and guardians were a group of men gifted with preternatural abilities of their own -- the witch guardians. But when a band of witches traded their humanity for demonic power, the ancient bond was broken, and the guardians be... more »came the hunters.

Darcy MacAlister knows nothing of demons or magic. But this beautiful young woman is about to discover the truth about her past... and her future. For she is a witch -- not just any witch, but the key to breaking the curse that has plagued witches and the men who hunt them. For if a hunter kills an innocent witch by mistake, the price is no less than a piece of his soul.

Axel Locke, gorgeous leader of the Wing Slayer Hunters, has sworn never to shed the blood of the earth witches who have resisted the temptation of demonic power. But when his sister is cursed by a demon witch, he discovers that Darcy MacAlister may hold the cure -- if she can master her newfound powers in time. When the chase begins and Axel and Darcy come face-to-face, this hunter must weigh his soul against his honor -- and against his heart.

{5 stars}
I don't usually go for witch series, but the reviews were so intriguing that I just had to give it a try. First impressions, I was a little confused about the core story and the initial "curse" that set this all in motion. The timeline threw me, because it only happened 30 years ago. And truthfully, the name "Wing Slayer" sounded like a heavy metal band, not a band of hunters created to protect the earth witches. BUT, I fell in love with it!! Axel and Darcy are a great couple, they have a passionate journey, filled with doubts, joys, and great sex.  And the action keeps going and going. This book has great character development with all the characters. I couldn't put it down, stayed up just to finish it last nite. I don't think a book has triggered this much emotion from me in a long time, you want to cry a couple of times and then feel like clapping when everything goes right. I have already ordered book 2.

Cynthia Eden--Eternal Hunter (Night Watch series)

Animal attraction doesn't get wilder than this... — Assistant DA Erin Jerome has a secret. Make that two. One: She’s not entirely human -- she's Other, desperately trying to keep her supernatural strength under wraps. Two: she's got a killer stalking her -- an Other rogue set on “gifting” her bloody corpses, not to m... more »ention nights lying awake in terror. Small wonder she's been having bad luck with men.

But the bounty hunter on her new case isn't worried about any of that. Jude Donovan is a shapeshifter himself, and the new DA’s midnight hair and addictive scent tell him all he thinks he needs to know: She's gorgeous, she's definitely not human, and she's bringing out the animal in him in a really good way. He might have to track a psychotic Other stalker through half of Louisiana. But he might also get the chance to watch Erin's wild side come out and play.

{3.5 stars}
I know, I'm probably in the minority on this one. But this book didn't hook me from the beginning like everyone else. But because of the great reviews, I kept picking it back up. The story line just didn't grab me at first, and I found Erin a little annoying. But Jude, whew, HOT! I am really glad I did keep reading because half way through the story I was hooked. I couldn't wait to find out who the stalker was, and how everything would turn out for Erin and Jude. This was not the typical kind of story that I usually read, but I enjoyed the action and I will keep reading the series.

Shayla Black (Shelley Bradley)--Strip Search

THE BEST WAY TO GO UNDERCOVER IS TAKE IT ALL OFF... — A sexy CPA goes undercover as a male stripper in the mobster’s Vegas club to nail a Mafia kingpin. The perk? The club’s owner. Sure she’s got some unsavory connections, but how can anyone with those legs be all bad? — She’s got a head for business, but is out of practice... more » in the pleasure department. If anyone can strip her of her inhibitions it’s the new guy who’s stirring her wildest g-string fantasies. But besides the sizzling sexual chemistry they have in common, they both have secrets. They learn quickly that, with the mob closing in, what gets exposed is as irresistible as it is dangerous

{no stars, didn't finish it}
The first book in this series was a lot better than this one. This was awful, full of cheesy lines and cliches. Nikki and Mark were not great characters, and the back drop of the strip club did not help with the story at all. Even though we met Mark in the first book, with only a small part, his story seemed at least a little interesting. But this fell completely flat. I skimmed through most of the book and barely even read the end. It just wasn't worth it. Shayla Black writes another erotic series Wicked Lovers, now that series is HOT!!

Alexis Morgan--The Darkness Beyond (A Paladin novel)

D.J. Clayborne has finally met his match. After weeks of playing cyber tag, a mysterious hacker bests D.J. at his own game. His nemesis downloads a top-secret history of the Paladins, forcing him to go on the hunt. The trail leads D.J. straight to Regina Morrison, a woman who is as sexy as she is talented in the cyber world.

Reggie has been working around the clock to stop a legendary computer hacker from accessing her clients’ files, but the last thing she expects is to have D.J. show up at her door. Or that he’s even hotter than his evasive avatar. Soon they’re flirting with a dangerous line between duty and desire.

Now, Reggie’s investigation gets her kidnapped by the Others and forced across the hostile energy barrier into an alien world. And it’s up to D.J. to track down the captivating woman whose ability to break through his firewalls is also breaking through to his warrior’s heart.

{4.5 stars}
I have always liked DJ, he is a great character who really deserved his happy ending.  DJ has been "living" in cyber space far too long and needed a little human (or woman) contact in his life. After finding out that his elusive cyber stalker is a woman, he falls instantly. She is just stubborn and talented enough to run circles around DJ. But her nosy mind gets her kidnapped by more of the leftovers from Kincaid's treachery. I don't particularly like it when the story goes over to Kalithia for most of the book, its a bleak world and has no romance to it at all. But it was crucial to this story and so I stuck with it. I think Reggie and Cody are going to make nice additions to this growing family of Paladins. Even though it's 372 pages, it's an easy read and all our favorite characters make a appearance.