Shadows Strike (Immortal Guardians #6) by Dianne Duvall

Shadows Strike (Immortal Guardians #6) by Dianne Duvall

This is a paranormal romance novel (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥

(Four Ethan Hearts)

Book Summary

The Immortal Guardians protect the innocent in secret. Sometimes the secret gets out...

U.S. law enforcement agent Heather Lane can read minds. But not the future. The dream of battle and blood that recurs every night must be a fluke, some obscure terror from her own mind. What its significance might be, she can’t guess: an attack from seven psychotic vampires at once, only separated from nightmare by an eighth very different immortal. A handsome, brave man fighting at her side, a man she misses when she wakes.

Then the dream comes true. Heather is flung into a war between predators and protectors of humanity, the man from her dreams beside her again. Except now that she’s awake, she isn’t sure she can trust Ethan, or the shadow organization he represents. The U.S. military doesn’t trust either of them. But against an onslaught of evil like the one that’s coming, it will take everything they have just to survive...

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My Review

So, the good and the not so good.

The story starts off great. I found it to be as intriguing as all the other books in the series. But then I think the story strayed away from the couple and onto the bigger picture. And having the bigger picture is awesome, one of the things I like most about this series.

However, I think that we didn’t get as much from the couple because as a couple they were all that interesting. There wasn’t the push and pull and that’s not always necessary. But it was like they fit right away and what was there to talk about after. And Ethan was a favorite of mine. So I hoped for more maybe.

That’s the main reason why I didn’t give it perfect marks, but the story flowed smoothly. And we got to see as usual some of the other couples come into action. Which is great, because I’ve loved each of them.

I will still eat this series up like a kid with Halloween candy. It’s one of my favorites and very well written. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Audio Review

Kristen Potter does an excellent job with narration. I can’t imagine anyone else reading the series.

My book boyfriend Ethan.

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Sojourn Cover Reveal ~ LOVE LOVE LOVE this series!

Title: SOJOURN

Author: Cecilia London

Series: The Bellator Saga

Release Date: December 7th, 2015

Haunted by her experience at The Fed, Caroline tries to create a new identity. A new present, a new future. She can’t escape the memories that dog her when she least expects it, leaving her mired in a depression that she finds difficult to escape. Caroline needs to regain her physical and mental strength if she intends on surviving the journey to find the elusive rebellion. But that’s easier said than done with the ghosts of the past constantly whispering in her ear. The road is long and dangerous, and there are no guarantees. She and her companions have no idea what they will find when they arrive at their destination. And what they finally discover may change everything. Part Three of a Six Part Saga. Sojourn (approximately 89,000 words) is not a standalone and must be read after the first two books in the series. Ends in a cliffhanger. For readers 18+. This book contains adult situations including explicit sex and violence.

Cecilia is my pen name.

I may or may not live in San Antonio, Texas.

I've been known to apply quotes from 'The Simpsons' to everyday life.

I live for baseball season.

Tequila & Lace (Saddles & Racks #2) by Kimberly Knight

Tequila & Lace (Saddles & Racks #2) by Kimberly Knight

This is a contemporary romance novel (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a Half Army Hearts)

Book Summary

Army Strong and dripping with sin ...

Paul Jackson had his dreams mapped out. He’d graduate from high school, attend college, go pro for football, marry his high school sweetheart and live happily ever after. Until his high school sweetheart threw away everything he never knew he wanted. Throwing caution to the wind, he put his country's dreams before his own.

The Army was a perfect distraction from her. It helped him become a man. To serve, to protect, to fight, to become strong. But when Paul returns home after three tours, he knows there’s nothing better than sexy woman, a shot of tequila and a pocket full of cash. 

But he still thinks about her … 

Joselyn Marquez’s life changed the night of her seventeenth birthday. A forty-eight hour roller coaster trip sent her running for her life. She was homeless, and her family had disappeared. All odds were against her. 

But sometimes the odds work out.

Years later, she’s an FBI agent serving as an undercover escort to investigate sex trafficking in Las Vegas. When the investigation connects her past, will she be able to do the right thing or will she still keep running from the night of her seventeenth birthday?

Tensions will rise.

Sparks will fly. 

Passions will soar. 

And the past will come knocking …

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My Review

This author has a knack for making you think you’re going down a predictable path and then bam, we head in another direction.

I must admit the beginning of the story made me cringe and I had to put the book down for a bit before I had courage to read through. And mind you I read all kinds of stuff. But everyone has a hot button or trigger for lack of a better word. And I found mine.

The good thing was I picked up the book again and the sensitive subject matter is handled with care and fade to black. Thank the heavens.

The rest of the book, I thought I know what’s going to happen. I was right and wrong. The end leaves you wanting for more and I can’t wait for the next book.

My book boyfriend Paul.

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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Devoted in Death (In Death #41) by J.D. Robb

Devoted in Death (In Death #41) by J.D. Robb

This is an adult/crime/mystery/thriller (Rated NC-17)

♥♥♥♥1/2

(Four and a half Devoted Hearts)

Book Blurb

Eve Dallas tracks a couple whose passion is fueled by cold brutality in the newest crime thriller from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Obsession in Death and Festive in Death.

When Lieutenant Eve Dallas examines a body in a downtown Manhattan alleyway, the victim’s injuries are so extensive that she almost misses the clue. Carved into the skin is the shape of a heart—and initials inside reading E and D . . .

Ella-Loo and her boyfriend, Darryl, had been separated while Darryl was a guest of the state of Oklahoma, and now that his sentence has been served they don’t ever intend to part again. Ella-Loo’s got dreams. And Darryl believes there are better ways to achieve your dreams than working for them. So they hit the road, and when their car breaks down in Arkansas, they make plans to take someone else’s. Then things get messy and they wind up killing someone—an experience that stokes a fierce, wild desire in Ella-Loo. A desire for Darryl. And a desire to kill again.

As they cross state lines on their way to New York to find the life they think they deserve, they will leave a trail of evil behind them. But now they’ve landed in the jurisdiction of Lieutenant Dallas and her team at the New York Police and Security Department. And with her husband, Roarke, at her side, she has every intention of hunting them down and giving them what they truly deserve . . .

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My Review

This was a home run for me. I cringed and devoured the book.

The story set us up by meeting the killers when they first meet. We follow their twisted journey as they develop the taste for their type of craft. I think that set me up to be more invested in the story. I wanted them caught and no one else hurt.

Then, we meet victims while they are still alive. This part hurt my heart the most. Especially the first victim we learn about. I wanted him to have survived. Then we meet a pair and watch their fate. I won’t say what happens to them for spoilers.

Then add the gang with Roarke with his brand of hostess and you have one special books. I think this is one of my favorites of the later books in the series.

Audio Review

Susan Erickson is an amazing narrator. She continues to do an excellent job with this series.

My Book boyfriend is Reed. (not Roarke this time, read to see why)

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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

The Single Undead Moms Club (Half-Moon Hollow #4) by Molly Harper

The Single Undead Moms Club (Half-Moon Hollow #4) by Molly Harper

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

♥♥♥♥1/2

(Four and a Half Single Mom Hearts)

Book Summary

In the next book in Molly Harper’s Half Moon Hollow paranormal romance series, Libby (a widow-turned-vampire) struggles with her transition, and finds out it sucks to be the only vampire member of the PTA…

Widow Libby Stratton arranged to be turned into a vampire after she was diagnosed with late-stage cancer. It wasn’t the best idea she’s ever had, but she was desperate—she’s not about to leave her seven-year-old son to be raised by her rigid, overbearing in-laws.

On top of post-turning transition issues, like being ignored at PTA meetings and other mothers rejecting her son’s invitations for sleepovers, Libby must deal with her father-in-law’s attempts to declare her an unfit mother, her growing feelings for Wade—a tattooed redneck single dad she met while hiding in a closet at Back to School Night—and the return of her sire, who hasn’t stopped thinking about brave, snarky Libby since he turned her.

With the help of her new vampire circle, Libby negotiates this unfamiliar quagmire of legal troubles, parental duties, relationships, and, as always in Harper’s distinct, comedic novels, “characters you can’t help but fall in love with” (RT Book Reviews). 

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My Review

I have to say I’m never completely disappointed with a Molly Harper book. I know what I’m getting too. Light reads, with feisty heroines and guys that try to keep up. Although the formula is somewhat the same, no two books are ever alike.

However, in this one, the author surprises us by creating a love triangle. I can’t quite recall her ever doing that before. And both guys are swoon worthy, so please Ms. Harper, give that other guy a HEA.

This book had some of the magic the first book in the Jane Jameson series had as the heroine stumbled around in her new “undead” life. I really liked this book a lot and it was refreshing to read after so many serious books.

I must also say, I miss the wolf pack in Alaska. Will we ever get more of those books???

Audio Review

Amanda Ronconi is brilliant as always, spot on at bring the humor on the page to life.

Overall, I recommend this author and her series. Start off with Jane Jameson series with book number one. I dare you not to laugh your ass off.

My book boyfriend Wade.

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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Own the Wind (Chaos #1) by Kristen Ashley

Own the Wind (Chaos #1) by Kristen Ashley 

This is a contemporary romance novel (Rated NC-17)

♥♥1/2

(Two and a half Shy Hearts)

Book Summary

Too hot to handle...

Tabitha Allen grew up in the thick of Chaos—the Chaos Motorcycle Club, that is. Her father is Chaos' leader, and the club has always had her back. But one rider was different from the start. When Tabby was running wild, Shy Cage was there. When tragedy tore her life apart, he helped her piece it back together. And now, Tabby's thinking about much more than friendship...

Tabby is everything Shy's ever wanted, but everything he thinks he can't have. She's beautiful, smart, and as his friend's daughter, untouchable. Shy never expected more than friendship, so when Tabby indicates she wants more—much more—he feels like the luckiest man alive. But even lucky men can crash and burn...

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My Review

Can I say I thought I lost points from my IQ score while reading this book? If you’re old enough to remember the learn to read books with Dick and Jane and their dog Spot. That’s what I felt like while I was reading this book. I hate to say it, but it was like this book wasn’t smarter than a fifth grader.

I get the dialogue, but honestly every character spoke the same no matter who they were. Then add that same talk to inner dialogue.  Words like “Wanting to give him what he wanted. I sat up and gave him what he wanted.” This alliteration wasn’t brilliant. It made the writing sound stupid.

Add that to choppy plot as we meaninglessly moved though time made the book disjointed. I think she should have approached from the present and reflected back to the past when she needed to make a point. Because honestly, I didn’t really connect with any of the characters until we moved into a stable present for a significant part of the book and not jumped in time.

The first 20% of the book could have been cut and it might have been better. Also, the book didn’t feel like it had any sort of ARC. I kept thinking the story should end and we’d end up with another mini-plot like a TV mini-series to keep things going.

It wasn’t until the last 10% or less where things got interesting. I must say this book didn’t feel like an MC book. It felt like a romance book where the guy was a biker. Much like a romance book where the guy is a billionaire or a professional athlete, the job hardly plays a role in the story. And that’s what we had here.  I kept expecting for us to dig deeper into the MC and we got surface stuff. It’s not like another MC book series I read where I feel like I’m in the club.

The book did have its moments and Shy eventually tugged my heart some. I liked his no-nonsense straight forward approach.

Anyway, thank goodness the marketing people added the sample of book two at the end of this book. Otherwise, I might not have moved forward despite the fact that I’d read book 3 out of order and loved it.

Audio Review

Angela Starling does the best she could with the “script” she was given. The characters were distinguishable for the most part and I didn’t have problems following.

Overall, I can’t recommend even though I liked Shy and Tabby. The story was just too off the mark. But give it a go if you like K.A. and/or MC books. You might enjoy it more than me.

My book boyfriend Shy.

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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Cold Burn of Magic (Black Blade #1) by Jennifer Estep

Cold Burn of Magic (Black Blade #1) by Jennifer Estep

This is a young adult urban fantasy novel (Rated PG-13)

♥♥♥

(Three Magic Hearts)

Book Summary

There Be Monsters Here. . .

It's not as great as you'd think, living in a tourist town that's known as "the most magical place in America." Same boring high school, just twice as many monsters under the bridges and rival Families killing each other for power. 

I try to keep out of it. I've got my mom's bloodiron sword and my slightly illegal home in the basement of the municipal library. And a couple of Talents I try to keep quiet, including very light fingers and a way with a lock pick. 

But then some nasty characters bring their Family feud into my friend's pawn shop, and I have to make a call--get involved, or watch a cute guy die because I didn't. I guess I made the wrong choice, because now I'm stuck putting everything on the line for Devon Sinclair. My mom was murdered because of the Families, and it looks like I'm going to end up just like her. . .

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My Review

From the opening page, the plot was too damn predictable for me. I knew the bad guy by the first few things he said. There weren’t many surprises at all. Worse yet the main character Lila was forgettable and not very likable.

I get that she’s a teenager. I get she had to fend for herself and doesn’t have the tools for relationships. But her ‘I hate him, I want him, I can’t have him, I might feel for him, I shouldn’t want him, he’s got to go’ annoyed the heck out of me. She’s a teen. Yet she acted like any sort of relationship with this guy would spell forever. And she’s street smart enough to know better.

Besides predictability and an annoying character, there was a glaring plot hole. I’m going to spell it out because I don’t think it’s that big of a spoiler. Lila tells the reader she’s left her cell in her purse back in a parking lot she’s fled. She tells us as a reason why she doesn’t use it during the action. When the action is over but not the scene, she says she pulls her cell out and makes a call. (JIC, it’s between Ch28 & 29). It’s a glaring mistake that someone should have caught.

Overall though, there are some questions I still have. And the world building was interesting enough for me to continue. However, book two may be it if things don’t progress. I’ll have to cut my losses if that book doesn’t work out.

Audio Review

Brittany Pressley does a great job at narration. She nails the spirit of all the characters.

My book boyfriend Devon.

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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.