This was a fun little novella that focused on Pia and Dragos. After reading most of the books in the Elder Races series, I must admit that Pia and DraThis was a fun little novella that focused on Pia and Dragos. After reading most of the books in the Elder Races series, I must admit that Pia and Dragos are my favorite couple. They are an unlikely match - Dragos is a big, overbearing, powerful dragon and Pia is a calming influence with a rare Wyr nature. In this installment, Pia is sent to Hollywood to spend a week with the Light Fae Queen per a diplomatic agreement.
There's a lot going on in this short novella (180 pages or thereabouts): 1. We get to see more of Pia and Dragos' happily ever after - they are very much in love and can't keep their hands off each other. Oftentimes when you read a series there is only a brief mention of previous couples. Not here.
2. We learn a bit more about the rivalry between the Elder Races, namely between the Fae.
3. There is a threat to all of the Elder Races and those with magical powers.
This is a must read for Elder Races fans. While the Elder Races series is best read in order, this short novella can be read as a stand alone, just to get a taste of the author's writing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for a review copy of this book....more
Dragos Goes to Washington is definitely for people who just can't get enough of Dragos About 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
Oh, Dragos, you sexy thing....
Dragos Goes to Washington is definitely for people who just can't get enough of Dragos and Pia. It's hot and steamy with lots of pow (you need to read the book for that one). Dragos is the Ultimate Alpha Male, especially when he is in a mating frenzy. Of course there is that pesky trip to Washington, where the Elder Races are supposed to do a little face time with the humans.
One of the nice things about this book is that we get to see Liam for a short time. I also loved Pia and Dragos together. While Dragos is a little too possessive for my tastes, I can see the appeal.
There are 3 short novellas planned for the next few months. They are Dragos Goes to Washington, Pia Does Hollywood, and Liam Takes Manhattan. I felt that this book could be read on its own just to get a taste for the author's writing style. Of course, the series is best enjoyed when read in order.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book....more
Initial Thoughts: A solid installment in the Jessica MacClain series however I feel that it could have been a novella ending at around the halfway poiInitial Thoughts: A solid installment in the Jessica MacClain series however I feel that it could have been a novella ending at around the halfway point. The second part of the book dragged a bit. I am still invested in the series and am eagerly awaiting the next book.
The Review: Pure Blooded is the fifth installment in Amanda Carlson's Jessica MacClain series. This book continues the ongoing adventures of Jessica MacClain, a female werewolf and her pack. This is by no means your regular werewolf tale (no pun intended!) - Jessica is a special werewolf and in this book we learn more about her abilities.
What makes this series special is the combination of supernatural beings who work together. Jessica's pack includes witches, a vampire, even a reaper. The antagonists are also quite a challenge for Jessica and her friends. I was also very happy to see that Jessica got some time with Rourke, even though it never seems to be enough one on one time.
Pure Blooded is a solid installment in the series. While I enjoyed the book, I felt that while it resolved a big problem for Jessica about halfway through, the second half of the book lagged a little. Despite my small criticism, Pure Blooded was action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat.
I can't wait to read more.
The Jessica MacClain series is best read in order, starting with Full Blooded.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for a review copy of this book.
Another strong installment in the Elder Races series. Midnight's Kiss focuses on Julian, the King of Nightkind and his love interest Melisandre, heir Another strong installment in the Elder Races series. Midnight's Kiss focuses on Julian, the King of Nightkind and his love interest Melisandre, heir to the Light Fae. The book picks up right where Night's Honor left off, so it is essential to read these books in order. This book is more character driven than the others. A great majority of the book stars Julian and Melisandre alone and the two must work together in order to survive. My one criticism of this book would be that it contained a scene of "sex on the run" or "sex while escaping from bad guys," which kind of makes me laugh. Considering the psycho character they were escaping from, it would be a bad idea to get caught with your pants down. Anyhow, epic battle scenes, hot and steamy love scenes, a happily ever after for our couple, and the promise of another book in the series made me a happy reader.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group/Berkeley for a review copy of this book....more
Update 3/5/15Check out our group review of Shifting Shadows on
A must-read for all fans of Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson and AlpUpdate 3/5/15Check out our group review of Shifting Shadows on
A must-read for all fans of Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson and Alpha & Omega series. This anthology includes the Alpha & Omega novella and it reminded me just how much I love these two series.
Initial Thoughts: Another excellent installment in The World of the Lupi series. While it had a slow start and some missing favorite characters, UnbinInitial Thoughts: Another excellent installment in The World of the Lupi series. While it had a slow start and some missing favorite characters, Unbinding was an exciting story that focused on some of the secondary characters of the series. In this book a fae god favoring chaos gets a little too big for his britches and Kai, Nathan, Benedict, Cullen, and Arjeni and the rest of the San Diego pack work to bring back normality to the world. Oh, kudos to Dell, one of the best familiar characters ever.
The Review The World of the Lupi series by Eileen Wilks has got to be one of urban fantasy's best kept secrets. I don't understand why more people haven't heard of this wonderful series. Everyone that I've recommended this series to has loved it. The series is full of all sorts of supernatural creatures: werewolves, dragons, fae, and more. The author takes from various lore and myths as well.
In Unbinding, the author has moved the lead couple Lily and Rule away, out of the picture. While they are sadly missed, it is for their own good and it gives the reader a chance to meet Nathan and Kai, two very interesting characters with some unique capabilities and talents.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the ever changing fae city capital. I loved how the author integrates the clan mythology of the werewolves which is based on Native Indian lore with that of the fae. The magic is also fascinating.
I'm very excited to hear that book 12 Mind Magic is planned for release in November. I can't wait!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Berkeley NAL for a review copy of this book....more
Initial Thoughts: The Source by JD Horn has some really good atmosphere. Hot and steamy Savannah, Georgia is the backdrop to this story about witches Initial Thoughts: The Source by JD Horn has some really good atmosphere. Hot and steamy Savannah, Georgia is the backdrop to this story about witches vying for power. At the center of the story is Mercy Taylor of the powerful Taylor witch family. Mercy is just coming into her powers under the watchful eye of Mother Jilo. I love how the author draws from different sources to create his story. There's a golem from Jewish lore, fae lore from Europe, and the hoodoo from the south. There's some fantastic revelations about Mercy and her family in this one. Make sure that you read The Line first.
The Review: Christal and I talk about this book on Check it out!
Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for a review copy of this book....more
Update 3/3/15: Check out where we discuss our thoughts about Dead Heat. There's also a chance to win some books!
Thoughts before reUpdate 3/3/15: Check out where we discuss our thoughts about Dead Heat. There's also a chance to win some books!
Thoughts before reading:Want it...want it...want it....NOW!!!!
Can't wait to read this one.
The Review: Another fantastic addition to the Alpha & Omega series. When I read a series, I like to watch the character development over the course of the series. This book has one of my favorite UF couples - Anna and Charles and they have grown together nicely over the course of 4 books (and hopefully more). When we first met Anna in the first book, she was very skittish. Now she has come into her pack position as an Omega wolf, using her calming abilities on both human and wolf. She stands up for herself and the people she is protecting. Charles seems to have mellowed out. He seems genuinely happy and eager to please his mate and he's taken her horse shopping in Arizona. But this book doesn't really dwell on their relationship. In the last book, the fae went to ground. In this book, one of them is up to no good. Charles and Anna work with both Cantrip agents and their FBI contact to catch this fae before he kills again. I love how the author incorporates Native Indian (mostly Navajo) mythology into her narrative. A must read for Patricia Briggs fans.
Between Two Thorns by Emma Newman is a lovely story of our world (the world of the Mundanes), the Nether World (a mirror image of our world), and the Between Two Thorns by Emma Newman is a lovely story of our world (the world of the Mundanes), the Nether World (a mirror image of our world), and the world of the Fae.
Catherine has tasted freedom and is hiding the world of the Mundane in Bath. She is found by her family patron the Lord Poppy who takes an interest in her and forces her to return to her family. Lord Poppy offers Catherine three wishes, all to be made before the ball.
It is understandable why Catherine would not want to go back home. Life in the Nether world is fairly restrictive. Marriages are arranged in order for families to get the best matches. Women wear restrictive clothing - skirts, corsets, etc. During the season, the girls are expected to be on their best behavior so that they could be seen as marriage material.
Catherine is betrothed to Will. Like Catherine, Will has seen the outside world and has returned because of family obligations. He is not too happy that Catherine has been chosen for him, however he obeys his family. Catherine remains uncooperative.
This was an enjoyable book full of magic and fantasy. I loved Catherine because she was full of life and did not want to settle. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. ...more
Initial Thoughts: Another satisfying addition to the Darkest London series. This installment focuses on Holly Evernight and her love interest Will ThoInitial Thoughts: Another satisfying addition to the Darkest London series. This installment focuses on Holly Evernight and her love interest Will Thorne. These two are sizzling hot together, even if it does take a little time for their romance to develop.
Update 12/5/14 Christal and I discuss this book over at as part of the Jumble Your Genres reading challenge. Check it out!...more
Initial Thoughts: So what would a dragon do on vacation? Hunt for sunken treasure off the coast of Bermuda, of course. A fun little novella featuring Initial Thoughts: So what would a dragon do on vacation? Hunt for sunken treasure off the coast of Bermuda, of course. A fun little novella featuring Dragos and Pia on a much needed vacation along with the little peanut.
The Review: For fans of Thea Harrison's Elder Races series, this short little novella offers the reader a glimpse into Pia and Dragos' happily ever after. Yes, I'm a sucker for that sort of thing and these two are one of my favorite paranormal romance couples, so given the opportunity to share in their happiness, I'll grab it. The story takes place three months after the birth of their little peanut, Liam. Dragos has got to be the cutest dad and Pia is a loving mom. Little Liam is so sweet as well.
The thing about this series is the strength of the women. Sure, the men are these big brawny alpha males but the women make the man (and the decisions, ha!). Pia decides that Dragos needs a vacation from his responsibilities and in the sneakiest way possible, she leaves all sorts of library books about sunken treasure all over the apartment. The Dragon side of Dragos can not resist and soon Pia, Dragos, and Liam are off to a Bermuda vacation, along with Eva and Hugh.
The thing about sunken treasure is that there are always other interested parties involved. Soon, a problem arises. I didn't really get a danger vibe from these villains. They kind of were just there, not really a threat to big, bad Dragos. What I loved was that the little peanut came into some of his powers (I'm sure that there will be more) and he was majestic (as well as cute).
In any case, no Elder Races book would be complete without some sexy times with our lovely main characters. These two still manage to sizzle, despite having a newborn around.
Dragos Takes a Holiday was a fun paranormal romance read. This is the ideal winter vacation on the beach read. The Elder Races are always a fun read for me. I'd recommend that the series be read in order.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book.
Just awesome! This series just gets better and better!
In this installment of the Mercy Thompson series, Mercy is trying to cement her role as an AlphJust awesome! This series just gets better and better!
In this installment of the Mercy Thompson series, Mercy is trying to cement her role as an Alpha’s mate. The pack doesn’t readily accept Mercy into the pack as she is a coyote shifter not a werewolf. To further exacerbate the situation, Adam’s human ex-wife Christy arrives because she is being stalked. Christy is a master manipulator and soon has the pack eating out of her hands � literally. Mercy is in one of those “damned if you do, damned if you don’t situations.� Surprisingly, Mercy handles Christy with grace and poise and comes out looking great.
On the supernatural front, Mercy is visited by Gray Lord who wants the fae walking stick returned. To do so, Mercy seeks out Coyote. To help find Coyote, Mercy locates Gary Laughingdog. I loved the addition of Gary � it was so nice for Mercy to find a member of her own family.
I think that I love this series because of the diversity of the supernatural creatures. There’s fae, vampires, werewolves, shifters, and even a scary fire god from the Canary Islands. Who knew?
The pack dynamics are a lot of fun to watch. The pack is faithful to Adam because of the Alpha ties, but Mercy needs to earn the pack’s support. She does so by being smart, brave, and kickass. I think that one of my favorite scenes was the pack watching Mercy’s garage security video over and over again as she battled the volcano god.
Watching Adam and Mercy’s relationship develop over the past eight books has been an absolute treat as well. These two are very secure in their relationship. How many couples could survive an ex living in their home?
This is one series that I could keep on reading over and over again. I just don’t want it to end. I can’t wait for the next book!
Check out Regina's amazing interview with Patricia Briggs on US readers can also enter to win a copy of the book there as well.
Initial Thoughts: Another solid installment in the Jessica McCain series. This book takes Jess and the gang through Hell in search of her brother. TheInitial Thoughts: Another solid installment in the Jessica McCain series. This book takes Jess and the gang through Hell in search of her brother. The book is fast paced and the action is exhilarating, though the ending leaves me wanting the next book right now! In any case, Jess and Rourke are in my top 10 urban fantasy couples. I love that cat!
The Review: Wow! Red Blooded was an awesome read and a treat for fans of Amanda Carlson's Jessica McClain series. The Jessica McClain series is one of urban fantasy's hidden gems. If you have not yet started the series, this is definitely one to move up the list.
I'm a little sad that Red Blooded is the last book in the series and to properly review this book would most likely involve spoilers, especially for people who have not read so far in the series. Let's just say that Jessica is thrown into a seemingly impossible situation - which she must resolve by the end of the book.
As I was reading this book, I thought that Red Blooded would make a really fun video game. Jessica travels through many of the domains of Hell meeting all sorts of nasty and scary creatures which she must either battle or outwit. Absolutely fascinating.
Oh yes, Rourke is in this too. What an entrance. What a cat.
Read the series - highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for a review copy of this book....more
Initial Thoughts: I think that what I enjoyed most about this book was the atmosphere. This is a book that transported me to wherever the main charactInitial Thoughts: I think that what I enjoyed most about this book was the atmosphere. This is a book that transported me to wherever the main character was: modern day Fairwick College, Faerie, and 17th century Scotland. I loved that even in the present, The Angel Stone had a lovely Gothic feel to it. I also enjoyed how the author used myth and folklore in her book.
The Review:
I first fell in love with this series when I read The Demon Lover. I liked how the author created a magical world nestled in the Catskills Mountains at a fictional college. I could picture in my head the college buildings covered in ivy, the quaint little town surrounding the college and the lush green of the hills surrounding the town. Then, when I met the town’s inhabitants, I was intrigued. Fairwick was not your ordinary town. The inhabitants were quite special.
The Angel Stone picks up right where The Water Witch left off. Callie McFay is teaching a course at the “new� Fairwick College. Things just aren’t the same since the door to Faerie was closed. There’s a new Dean at the college and his agenda is a little sinister. Callie and her colleagues vow to defeat the Dean and his supporters who happen to be nephilim. Callie learns that she must retrieve the Angel Stone, an opal with special powers, in order to defeat the nephilim. Problem is, the stone was last seen in 17th century Scotland.
There’s a bit of a rich dark, Gothic feel to this book. The author layers myth and folklore together to form a compelling narrative. The story is told mostly from Callie’s point of view. There are some intriguing dream sequences that felt almost too real when Callie awoke to sprigs of heather in her bed.
I liked how the element of time travel was handled in this book. Callie realizes that since she is a doorkeeper, she can use the hallow door to travel to Faerie. In Faerie, she rescues William Duffy from the fae queen and they travel back in time to 17th century Scotland in order to find the Angel Stone. I loved the scenes in Scotland (yes, I am a sucker for a brawny highlander).
The magic was so cool, especially the weaving of the plaid. I loved how the witches worked together and combined their powers to help defeat the nephilim.
The Angel Stone had a diverse and eccentric cast of characters. Not only did it include the usual supernatural suspects � witches, vampires, fae, etc., the book also had a character with Down’s syndrome (go, Jessica!) and another who suffered from a mental illness.
I enjoyed The Angel Stone and I’m keeping my eye out for more books by this author, who also writes as Carol Goodman.
Review posted on
Thank you to Edelweiss and Ballantine Books for a review copy of this book. ...more
Pre-reading thoughts:Ooooh....a new series by Rachel Vincent. Can't wait!
I'm not sure if many readers remember those old traveling carnivals, completePre-reading thoughts:Ooooh....a new series by Rachel Vincent. Can't wait!
I'm not sure if many readers remember those old traveling carnivals, complete with the rides, the games of chance, and the freak shows. Menagerie takes the traveling carnival and puts all sorts of cryptid creatures to work as slaves performers.
It's a different world, a world where the cryptids are hunted down, experimented upon or put to work in carnivals. In this world, cryptids have no status. Delilah comes from a human family and has been raised as a human all her life until an event makes her alter side comes out. In less than a day, she loses her human status, her possessions, her job, and is sold into a traveling carnival. Only problem is that she can't make her monster come back out. And...if her monster doesn't come out, she may be sold to a hunting range or worse.
This was a real page turner for me. It was so easy to feel sympathetic to Delilah's predicament. And Delilah is one of those characters that make you want to cheer her on. Not only is she sensitive to her own situation, she cares about the other cryptids and their horrible living conditions. Delilah has a badass streak to her as well.
Menagerie was nothing like Ms. Vincent's other series. It's new and original. It's exciting, action packed, and an enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin MIRA for a review copy of this book.
This is a review of the audio book which I received free from Sync Audio's Summer 2013 program.
The audio book was well done, the narrator did all sorThis is a review of the audio book which I received free from Sync Audio's Summer 2013 program.
The audio book was well done, the narrator did all sorts of voices and this audio book should appeal to younger readers. I had difficulty paying attention to it, so perhaps it was just me as I understand that the book was quite good.
I would recommend this book for the family car trip if you have younger children. ...more
Initial Thoughts: In a way, I am sad that this series is ending. I enjoyed being in McKenzie's world - the human world and the fae realm. McKenzie finInitial Thoughts: In a way, I am sad that this series is ending. I enjoyed being in McKenzie's world - the human world and the fae realm. McKenzie finally makes up her mind between the two fae men in her life. It was a bit difficult being in her head as she was constantly agonizing over her choice and the feelings of the other. Luckily, there was plenty of swashbuckling action as the fae battled for control of the Realm with the false blood trying to steal the crown.
The Review: The Sharpest Blade is the final book in Sandy William’s Shadow Reader series. In this installment, McKenzie leaves the relative security of life in Las Vegas and returns to the fae realm which is suffering from upheaval. Lena has declared herself as queen but she is running into opposition from the false blood who also claims the throne. This book is heavy on the court intrigue and maneuvering for power. It seems that a lot of people want to lead the fae, each with their own agenda.
The story is told from McKenzie’s point of view. While I like McKenzie as a character, it’s hard to be in her head all the time, especially when she agonizes over the men in her life. Will it be Kyol with whom she shares a bond, or Aren the gorgeous and hunky? McKenzie has gone through a lot of changes since the first book. She is stronger and has faster reflexes. I like how she is more poised and kickass at the same time.
I love the magic in this series. The fae realm is full of cool magic, especially how the fae fissure in and out of places. This makes the battle scenes very fast paced and exciting. There are lots of swordfights for fans of swashbuckling, too. The fae magic also makes for quite a colorful love scene as well. The imagery of the chaos lusters sparking across the skin was beautiful.
Be sure to check out the author’s website for a glossary of fae to English words. There’s also a map of the fae realm in case you have an ereader that does not do justice to graphics.
The Sharpest Blade was a satisfying conclusion to The Shadow Reader series. I can’t wait to see what other books Ms. Williams has planned for the future.
Be sure to check out yesterday’s post for a chance to win a copy of a book in this series. Also we are treated to a special excerpt from Paige’s point of view.
Review posted on
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Berkley NAL for a review copy of this book. ...more
Initial Thoughts: Jessica is absolutely awesome! Rourke - mmmm... What an intriguing world where the supes join forces to battle their nemesis. WarninInitial Thoughts: Jessica is absolutely awesome! Rourke - mmmm... What an intriguing world where the supes join forces to battle their nemesis. Warning: Ends on a cliffhanger. Can't wait for the next book.
My Review:I’m going to try to keep this as spoiler free as possible. It’s hard because it is book 3 in a series, so here goes:
Cold Blooded takes place right after the events of the second book Hot Blooded. Our gang of werewolves led by Jessica McClain � the only female werewolf and part of some kind of prophecy � is on the run again. The book starts off with a bang as magical orbs explode around Jessica and her entourage. Oh, and there is also that delicious sexual tension building between Jess and Rourke as our couple’s attempts for privacy keep getting thwarted.
What I love about this series is the diversity of supernatural beings. Each group has its own hierarchy and organization. I especially loved the badass witches. Don’t mess with them � they are armed and dangerous. The vampires were appropriately creepy. There are even ghosts, crazy sorcerers, demons thrown into the mix. The interaction between the groups made this an interesting read. The magic was cool � from wards to things that explode dramatically. I liked how the leader of each group had their own specific power and how they were able to draw upon their powers.
I could not talk about this series without mentioning the wonderful characters. This is a series with some very powerful female lead characters. Jess as a female alpha wolf was a very strong character whose abilities were only beginning to manifest. Jess had some great diplomatic skills and I can see her continuing to develop as a leader in future books. I loved Tally the head of the witch’s coven. Tally is one powerful witch and someone to keep on your side. Just the image of the witches in army fatigues and carrying automatic weapons was more than enough to make me smile. These are badass witches � don’t mess with them. Eudoxia the vampire queen was a bit of an enigma. I found her to be the master of psychological battle, preferring head games to actual battle.
Of course you cannot talk about this series without talk about that amazing feline shifter � Rourke. Mmmmm�..Yum�.Need I say more? The man exudes sexiness. He is an alpha male through and through. I think I can safely say that we’d all like one of him in our lives.
Cold Blooded has lots of action, lots of excitement, lots of explosions, and even more “fur”plosions. This is a perfect book for urban fantasy lovers. Note � the book does end on a cliffhanger, so I’m eagerly anticipating the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for a review copy of this book.
Not one sparkly vampire here � only frightening, bloodthirsty vampires live in Vamp City. The vampires of Vamp City are truly the stuff of nightmares.Not one sparkly vampire here � only frightening, bloodthirsty vampires live in Vamp City. The vampires of Vamp City are truly the stuff of nightmares. Not only do they feed off the blood of their victims, they also feed on emotion: fear, pain, and/or pleasure. Vamp City is a parallel world to Washington, D.C. and was created by a powerful sorcerer and his magic. In this book, the boundaries between our human world in the city of Washington D.C. and the vampire world are beginning to deteriorate. The magic must be renewed by a sorcerer, which in turn, would protect both worlds. The vampires think that Quinn is the sorceress that can save them. There are a few problems with this plan � Quinn has no idea how to use her magical powers.
This is a scary world and probably the way I would have imagined vampires to be. Not only do vampires reside in this world, there are bloodthirsty werewolves, and even fae. The inhabitants of this world are brutal and any human unfortunate to find themselves in Vamp City is used for either food or entertainment purposes. The humans stuck in this world live to serve the vampires, either as food or slaves (slava). Humans who remain in this world take on a phosphorescent glow. (OK, cute twist � the humans sparkle).
I love the premise of this series. The world is richly detailed and the diversity of the paranormal creatures is interesting. I loved the element of danger of this world. I don’t think I have ever seen werewolves this creepy and primal.
A Kiss of Blood is a nice addition to the Vamp City series. This book moved the plot along nicely and left some plot threads unresolved. The ending was abrupt and a little bit of a cliffhanger making me want to read the next book in the series. If you love your vampires bloody and deadly, then this is the series for you.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Avon for a review copy of this book.
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