Widow’s Web (Elemental Assassin #7) by Jennifer Estep

Widow’s Web (Elemental Assassin #7) by Jennifer Estep

 

This is an adult paranormal fantasy novel (Rated NC-17)

 

♥♥♥♥

(Four and a half Solid Stars)

Book Summary

I used to murder people for money, but these days it’s more of a survival technique.

Once an assassin, always an assassin. So much for being plain old Gin Blanco. With every lowlife in Ashland gunning for me, I don’t need another problem, but a new one has come to town.

Salina might seem like a sweet Southern belle, but she’s really a dangerous enemy whose water elemental magic can go head-to-head with my own Ice and Stone power. Salina also has an intimate history with my lover, Owen Grayson, and now that she’s back in town, she thinks he’s hers for the taking.

Salina’s playing a mysterious game that involves a shady local casino owner with a surprising connection to Owen. But they call me the Spider for a reason. I’m going to untangle her deadly scheme, even if it leaves my love affair hanging by a thread.

My Review

Okay, this series is one of my favorites.  And it was a hard read because of Owen.  I loved him.  And what I hope is that the author doesn’t villainize every man that comes in Gin’s life.  Why can't a good guy stay good.  First there was Donovan.  And now Owen.  I don’t want Gin to forgive Owen but I do to.  I’m kind of hoping she and Kincaid will get together and piss on Owen, lol.

But what I don’t hope is that this series will go the way of Kim Harrison’s Hollows.  Every man in this series either is bad, becomes bad, or dies.  Personally, I feel like the author has issues with men.  I had to stop reading that series.  So this author has one more chance and if this happens again, I’m done.

My other problem was with Gin.  Here she has awesome powers but she seems to forget to use them until she’s dying.  Especially the river scene.  But I won’t say more because it will spoil.  Still I enjoyed this book and will continue reading.

As much as I hated what happened with Owen, I didn’t emotionally rate this book.  Overall, a good read with a healthy dose of drama which I love.  A thought, maybe Donovan could come back????

Audio Review

Lauren Fortgang continues to do a great job with this series.  I hope she continues with this series.

My book boyfriend, Kincaid.

 
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Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet (Charley Davidson #4) by Darynda Jones

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet (Charley Davidson #4) by Darynda Jones

 

This is an adult paranormal fantasy novel (Rated NC-17)

 

♥♥♥♥♥

(Five Reyes Hearts)

 

 

Book Summary

 

Sometimes being the grim reaper really is that. Grim. And since Charley’s last case went so awry, she has taken a couple months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above. Or at least get dressed. She quickly realizes something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she’s insane. The more they refute the woman’s story, the more Charley believes it.

In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, has been cleared of all charges. He is out of prison and out of Charley’s life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved. Just when life was returning to normal, Charley is thrust back into the world of crime, punishment, and the devil in blue jeans. 

My Review

 

The mood was quite different in this story.  Where Charlie has been a tough hard nail girl, in this book we get to see her vulnerable side.  She still is tough, but even the toughest have moments of weakness.  And it is explored in this book.

But most importantly, this book is still laugh out loud funny.  It brings a certain lightness to the kill or be killed aspect of the book.  I must say, I still hold a crush on Donavon.  (*hint*hint*)  Just a message to the author in case she reads.  She’ll know what I mean.

The characters in this book/series are just so full of life.  Cookie is the absolute best and her daughter really surprised me in this book.  I have a feeling she will play an even larger role in the future.

This book was jammed pack with lots of things going on and I really enjoyed.

Audio Review

Loreiei King doesn’t disappoint again.  She’s an awesome narrator that knows how to deliver lines line a pro comedian as well as a great actress.   I hope she continues with this series.

My book boyfriend, Reyes

 

 
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Naked (The Blackstone Affair #1) by Raine Miller

Naked (The Blackstone Affair #1) by Raine Miller

 

This is an adult romance/erotica novel (Rated NC-17)

 

♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a half Dangerous Hearts)
 

Book Summary

 

Brynne Bennett is living the good life. An American art student at the University of London and part-time photographic model, she’s putting her life back on track with school and lots of hard work. When ultra successful London businessman, Ethan Blackstone, buys her nude portrait, he isn’t taking ‘no’ for an answer. He wants Brynne in his bed and makes plans to keep her there no matter what. His dominant nature captivates and ensnares despite the demons she carries inside her. But there are secrets in this relationship. Huge ones. Can Ethan free Brynne from the past that has marked her? Will Brynne let him or will the specters tormenting her resurface to destroy them both...

 

 

My Review

 

What’s not too love about this book especially with the compelling Ethan.  He’s is a book’s slut like myself wet dream.  Okay, I’m back, the guy was hot and Brynne’s name should have been Terri.   Okay really, I’m going to get back to the review.

Yes, this book did straddle the line of insta love, I’m not going to lie.  But honestly, I noticed it in passing rather than it distracting me like most other book instances do.  I just really liked the characters and felt enough time had passed.

And, this book is not as long as most traditional romance novels.  But I felt that the story wasn’t lacking, other than it ending of course.  There was a beginning, middle and a cliffy ending that made me want for more.  And as a preview, the next book totally didn’t disappoint.  In fact, it may have gotten even better if that’s possible.  Maybe because it’s told from Ethan’s POV.  Enough of the spoilers, what are you waiting for.  Go pick this one up.

And I’ll have a giveaway with swag from the author with my review of ALL IN, the next book in the series.  Keep an eye out next week for it.

My book boyfriend, Ethan.

 

 
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The Bone Bed (Kay Scarpetta #20) by Patricia Cornwell

The Bone Bed (Kay Scarpetta #20) by Patricia Cornwell

 

This is an adult thriller/mystery novel. (Rated R)

 

 ♥♥♥♥
(Four Stone Cold Hearts)

 

Book Summary

A woman has vanished while digging a dinosaur bone bed in the remote wilderness of Canada. Somehow, the only evidence has made its way to the inbox of Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta, over two thousand miles away in Boston. She has no idea why. But as events unfold with alarming speed, Scarpetta begins to suspect that the paleontologist’s disappearance is connected to a series of crimes much closer to home: a gruesome murder, inexplicable tortures, and trace evidence from the last living creatures of the dinosaur age.

When she turns to those around her, Scarpetta finds that the danger and suspicion have penetrated even her closest circles. Her niece Lucy speaks in riddles. Her lead investigator, Pete Marino, and FBI forensic psychologist and husband, Benton Wesley, have secrets of their own. Feeling alone and betrayed, Scarpetta is tempted by someone from her past as she tracks a killer both cunning and cruel.

This is Kay Scarpetta as you have never seen her before. The Bone Bed is a must read for any fan of this series, or an ideal starting point for new readers.

My Review

The writing is always superb and well researched.  The plot dragged at times with lots of details and not much action.  I was stumped in this one to find the killer.  Still it was an enjoyable read.  It wasn’t the best book in the series, but I don’t regret reading it.

My complaints, I wish Marino would get his act together and find happiness.  I wish Lucy the same.  It seemed in this book all the characters, even minor ones, were unhappy in their relationships.

However, I did enjoy the tension between Benton and Kay with their respected extra marital love interest.  Benton pissed me off the way he handled it.  Kay did a better job yet I thought she was more interested in stepping out than even her husband.

Still, I will continue this series.

Audio Review

Kate Reading has read this series for a while.  But it seemed like she changed a lot of the voices such as Marino, Lucy especially and even Benton.  Kay sounds the same.  This is why I hate when they change narrators (it hard to get back into the story), so I didn’t expect it from the narrator who’s been reading the series for a while.

My book boyfriend is Luke. (Sorry Benton. I’m sure I’ve already chosen you and you made me mad in this story.) FYI – I don’t exactly remember what the guy looks like.  But anyway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Deity (Covenant #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Deity (Covenant #3) ~ Jennifer L. Armentrout

 

This is a young adult fantasy novel (Rated R)

 

♥♥♥♥♥

(Five Wow Hearts)

 

Book Summary

 

"History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time. "


Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner... and so is Aiden.

If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed... and destroyed.

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...

 

 

My Review

 

What can I possibly say?  WOW.  WHY WASN’T THIS BOOK NOMINATED ON GR 2012 BOOKS.  I’m sure I like this one better than Onyx.  Well, maybe not.  It’s been so long since I read Onyx.  That one was good too.  Jennifer Armentrout is a master at all things hot YA.  I think Abbi Glines, Jennifer Armentrout and Shannon Dermott are best in that department.

Anyway, back on tract, (it’s not like you can’t like more than one author, but I should stay on topic).  This book finally answers so many questions and truths are finally revealed.  Yum Deacon, you need your one book even if it’s just a novella.  Anyway, I really enjoyed this one.

So if you haven’t read, do.  Yes, the first book is a lot like VA.  But things take their own shape as the series moves along.  So grin and bear it I say.  Don’t waste time listening to others, except me of course.  Read this series.  If you love all things YA and romance with a dose of fantasy or paranormal, you will enjoy this one.

My book boyfriend, Aiden.

 

 
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HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY!!!!!!

I wanted to have a giveaway, but time got away from me.  So maybe we will celebrate that this weekend.

But I want to celebrate some of the man candy on this blog.

FIRST OF ALL, I have to post my choice for Christian Grey.  I was the first to cast him in the role that led to thousands of fans rooting for him to play the part in the movie.

 

My Fifty Shades of Grey post still has the largest amount of hits (10s of thousands) on my blog.  Matt Bomer, I love you, lol.

 

 

Then of course one of my favorite YA books/series every Shade.  My pick for Zachery was chosen by the author, Jeri Smith-Ready, as the closet representation of the Zach he had in her head.

 

 

And there is my pick for Gideon Cross in the Crossfire series.  The author, Sylvia Day, posted my choice on her pininterest page.

One of my favorite YA series, Eden by Janelle Stalder, she liked my pick for Callum.

 

Viewer's choice might be my pick for Kellen (Effortless review) in the Thoughtless series by S.C. Stevens.

 

 

 

 

Oh, the author of Poughkeepie, Debra Anastasia loved my artist choice for Blake.

 

 

 And so, am I tooting my own horn? Hell ya! It's just one time of year, lol. With over 230 books read so far this year, I'm just excited to be sharing it with you guys. I hope you like the view, I know I do.

 

HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON, from Me!

 

Dark Needs at Night's Edge (Immortals After Dark #5) by Kresley Cole

Dark Needs at Night's Edge (Immortals After Dark #5) ~ Kresley Cole

 

This is an adult paranormal romance. (Rated NC-17)

 

♥♥♥♥

(Four Vamp Loving Hearts)

 

 

Book Summary

 

Bestselling author Kresley Cole continues her seductive Immortals After Dark series with this tale of a vampire shunned even by his own kind and a beautiful phantom, bound together by a passion they cannot resist. A RAVEN-HAIRED TEMPTRESS OF THE DARK... Néomi Laress, a famous ballerina from a past century, became a phantom the night she was murdered. Imbued with otherworldly powers but invisible to the living, she haunts her beloved home, scaring away trespassers -- until she encounters a ruthless immortal even more terrifying than Néomi herself. A VAMPIRE WARRIOR CONSUMED BY MADNESS... To prevent him from harming others, Conrad Wroth's brothers imprison him in an abandoned manor. But there, a female only he can see seems determined to drive him further into madness. The exquisite creature torments him with desire, leaving his body racked with lust and his soul torn as he finds himself coveting her for his own. HOW FAR WILL HE GO TO CLAIM HER? Yet even if Conrad can win Néomi, evil still surrounds her. Once he returns to the brutality of his past to protect her, will he succumb to the dark needs seething inside him?

 

 

My Review

 

To be honest, I realize I’m not a fan of ghost romances.  I hadn’t put that together until now.  Wait, that’s not true.  It works in YA because things are suppose to be sweet.  The fact that you can’t touch not so much as a big deal.  Adult, doesn’t work as well.

The tension that was created in the beginning for me felt more like an annoyance than a buildup.  However, I give it to this author, she show how hooked me by the halfway point and I was all in.  But before, the story really dragged for me.

Still in the end, I did enjoy and would suggest those reading in the series to continue with this one.  Conrad is a hot alpha male.

Audio Review

Robwert Petkoff continues to do a bang up job as narrator.  Fabulous.

 

My book boyfriend Conrad. (I cheated.  He’s on the cover so he should be the guy.  Love Nathan.)

 
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