Nightwalker (Dark Days, #1) by Jocelynn Drake

Published August 1st 2008 by Eos, Mass Market Paperback, 370 pages, isbn13: 9780061542770

She rules the night…

For centuries Mira has been a nightwalker—an unstoppable enforcer for a mysterious organization that manipulates earth-shaking events from the darkest shadows. But elemental mastery over fire sets her apart from others of her night-prowling breed . . . and may be all that prevents her doom.

The foe she now faces is human: the vampire hunter called Danaus, who has already destroyed so many undead. For Mira, the time has come to hunt . . . or be hunted.

Review: Mira is a Nightwalker, a 700 year-old vampire to be precise. But she isn’t like any other vampire, for she can manipulate fire. She doesn’t kill needlessly, taking only what she needs to survive. As Keeper of her Domain, she resides in Savannah, and “takes care” of her out-of-control brethren who kill for sport and turn humans into vampires at an alarming rate. She refuses to be a “baby-sitter”, dealing with them only when absolutely necessary. For the most part, she just wants to be left alone in her domain, and is happy that way.

But events don’t allow for that wish.

A hunter is in her domain, killing off younger vamps that aren’t strong enough to defend themselves. And he’s looking for Mira. Something is going on in the Nightwalker world, and Danaus is looking for answers; answers that Mira should be able to provide, if only she could remember.

The Naturi, men and women of the elements (earth, light, wind, and so on) are looking to break the seal placed on the doorway between two worlds, looking to bring back the rest of their brethren and their queen. The Naturi want to regain the earth that the humans are destroying, and vampires are nothing more than parasites that need to be squashed. But vampires were the Nightwalkers that forced the Naturi behind that doorway, and placed the seal on the door. Mira was part of that, even though she doesn’t remember.

What she does remember, however, was that she’d been kidnapped by the Naturi five centuries before, tortured by them; they wanted her to betray the Nightwalkers, wanted her to protect the Naturi in a war against the Nightwalkers and break the seal on that door.

And now, according to Danaus, it’s happening again. Naturi are killing Nightwalkers, and Mira is looking for answers, not just for Danaus.

But it seems that even trusting your own brethren can get you killed.

**Interesting twist to the paranormal/fantasy world.

I liked the main character, Mira, very much. Strong, independent, determined, she sets out to find answers that she needs. The answers, however, are far from what she wanted. She wanted to lay the problem on the Elders and return to her domain. That is far from what happens.

Danaus… a guy I’d like to have in my corner, if he didn’t see everything in such a black & white fashion. Over two centuries old, Danaus had spent time with monks, which is where his frame of mind was instilled: good was good, evil was evil, and that was that. Mira was a vampire and therefor evil. Vampires kill, they have no souls, that makes then evil. However, spending time with and around Mira, Danaus is learning that vampires aren’t what he was meant to believe, and is struggling with it.

Other characters in the book make for an interesting mix. Some that Mira can’t stand but deals with anyway. One that she adores and respects but comes to learn that he isn’t what she believed him to be.

And just when things go from bad to worse, and Mira realizes that her life will never be the same, the book ends with the perfect set-up for Book #2. Oh, I so freaking hate that when authors do that. But, que sera, sera, and onto book #2, which is in my TBR pile already. I have a few more I need to read this month before getting to this one.

But I thought the entire cast of characters were colorful, personalities completely different from each other. Actions scenes are superb (even if a little overboard on the gore), and the mysteries behind Mira’s faulty memory make for wide-eyed surprises.

Information is the only thing that bugged me, which diminished my usual 5-star ratings on books I think are superb. First, when the author gives you information on the Nightwalker work (in any part of it), you’re overloaded and trying to remember it all – and keep it straight. Then there’s the lack of info: what, exactly is Danaus: we know he’s over two centuries old has has very strong powers. What, exactly is Mira: constantly being told that she’s no ordinary vampire isn’t enough, dang it! We know she can wield fire, and while you get a bit of info (we know she is a First Blood. What the heck is a First Blood?!)

Despite that, I Definitely recommend it!

Rating:

Bewitched & Betrayed (Raine Benares, #4) by Lisa Shearin

Published April 27th 2010 by Ace, Paperback, 384 pages, ISBN-13: 9780441018727

Impending war is the least of her problems.

My name is Raine Benares. I’m a seeker. I find lost things and missing people – usually alive. Finding the specters of six evil mages who escaped the Saghred, a soul-stealing stone of unlimited power, was easy. Stopping them before they unleashed Hell on earth just may be the death of me.

Being bonded to the Saghred wasn’t my idea – neither is hunting down its escapees. Especially not when one of them is also hunting me. He’s regenerating his body by taking lives of powerful victims, along with their memories, knowledge and most important of all, their magic. The dark mage wants control of the Saghred, and if he gets it, he’ll become an eveil demigod whom no one can stop. The only thing in his way is me.

One of us doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

**Review: Completely “UNPUTDOWNABLE!” Just like the first three!**

Okay, you’ve read my reviews before. I usually give a brief detail of what happens in the book, then my thoughts on it. This review is going to be all over the place, LOL! Fair warning.

**Spoiler Alert!** If you plan on reading the novel and don’t want to know what happens, do not read past this point!

Lisa Shearin has done it again!!! This is only the fourth book she has published, and already, with her style, she resembles a veteran; an author who’s been around for years! She’s that good!

Raine’s back, with our entire favourite cast of characters.

The spectres are running rampid all over Mid, including Sarad Nukpana. Raine is now after them, to put them back where they belong. The opening line is, and I quote: “I was being chased by a pissed-off guy with a knife. A really big knife.” My first thought: And we’re off!!!

Then, not halfway down the page, I cracked up when I read: “And believe me, I got to see enough manhoods and fleeing pasty white posteriors to last me a lifetime.”

When a shriveled up body is dumped at her feet by none other than Sarad Nukpana, she’s warned that the whole situation is about to get worse. Sarad is going to “eat” as much power as he can, and will eventually find a way to control her and the Saghred (stone). And he’s going to go after everyone she cares about and everyone she loves before he gets to her.

Raine will stop at nothing to find him.

We see another side of Mychael; now we learn where he came from before he became Paladin. Their umi’atsu bond grows stronger, and both finally admit to being in love with each other.

Talon gets himself into even more trouble – on a couple of separate occasions. Piaras keeps himself out of most of it, until he goes after Talon. And when Tam learns of where his son has gone, he takes off before anyone can stop him. But of course, Tam is captured by Sarad, and Raine has to make the hardest decision she’s made so far.

The whole scenario gets more and more complicated as the book moves along, and the deeper Raine gets, the more you’re rooting for the home team. A war is averted, for the most part, although the threat is still there. A duke is thought dead, but isn’t. Imala Kalis, head of Goblin Intelligence (with the cute dimples), needs Tam’s help. Imala has a secret of her own as well.

And if I keep going, you’ll end up getting more of the story than I intend to give you. This book has great characters that you love to love and hate with a passion. This book is non-stop intrigue and action, from beginning to end. Figths (magical and non), arguments, truths and lies, conniving deceptions and set-ups, power-hungry elves, mages and goblins, and love-making that was 3 books in the making.

This book, this series, is one of the top fantasy series I recommend to anyone who asks me. Why? Because it deserves the recognition. Run, don’t walk, and get your copy today! What are you waiting for?

Rating:

 To the FTC: I shouldn’t even have to post this; I’m Canadian. But, just to keep you happy (and keep me away from a possible $11,000 charge against me *eyeroll*), I will state that I purchased this book at Coles (Chapters) for my own reading pleasure. I was in no way paid for this review.

Turn Coat (The Dresden Files, #11) by Jim Butcher

Mass Market Paperback - 560 Pages - Published March 2nd 2010 by Roc (first published April 7th 2009) - ISBN-13: 9780451462817

Turn Coat

(The Dresden Files, #11)

by Jim Butcher

When it comes to the wizard’s White Council, Harry Dresden is thought of as either a black sheep or a sacraficial lamb. And no one holds him in more disdain than Morgan, a veteran Warden with a grudge agaisnt anyone who bends the rules. But now Morgan is in trouble. He’s been accused of cold-blooded murder – a crime with only one final punishment.

He’s on the run, wanting his name cleared, and he needs someone with a knack for backing the underdog. So it’s up to Harry to uncover the traitor within the Council, keep Morgan under wraps, and avoid coming under the scrutiny himself. And a single mistake may cost someone his head.

Like Harry…

**Review: Another excellent novel in the series with quite a bang!

**Spoiler Alert!** Parts of the story is going to be revealed, so if you don’t want to know, don’t read past this point!

Harry answers his door to find Morgan standing there, bloodied and bruised, from head to toe, asking for help, and promptly passing out.

Morgan’s been a thorn in Harry’s side for too many years to count, but Harry being Harry, can’t turn him away, no matter how much he wants nothing better than to close the door on Morgan and pretend like he isn’t even there.

But Harry is Harry, and no matter who knocks on his door, if they’re in trouble, Harry does what he can to help.

Morgan’s being framed. He knows that, down to his core. Morgan has been the Senior Council’s executioner for over 30 years, and is completely loyal to the Wardens and the Senior Council. There’s no way he’d ever willingly murder a member of the Senior Council. But, besides the fact that he’s found, standing over the body with knife in his hand, there is mounting evidence against him. And this bugs Harry. And when something like this bugs Harry, there’s only one thing he can do: find out who did it and find the traitor. But time is against him.

Morgan has managed a spell to keep any of the Wardens from finding him, but a bounty has been placed on his head, and other ‘creatures’ are coming out of the woodwork to find him, making things even harder for Harry. On top of them all, a naagloshii, a very bad shapeshifter with very, very rotten vibes, is also after Morgan. Suddenly, staying alive has become just as important as finding the traitor.

And things get from bad to worse. Harry is attacked again and again. Shagnasty (aka Harry’s name given to naagloshii) somehow has managed to kidnap Thomas, Harry’s White Court vampire brother, and wants to trade Thomas for Morgan. A vampire from the White Court is partly behind the frame-up. Someone is seriously messing with wizards’ heads. And Harry’s sure that there is a group of wizards against the White Council. He’s naming them the “Black Council”, for lack of a better name. How to prove it is the major question.

Suddenly, friends are dying, going missing, and Harry can only do what he does best. Investigate and fight back. The question is: Will he win this time?

**Huge Spoiler Time!!** If you debated going on past the first spoiler alert, you definitely don’t want to read what’s next.

Hell, I knew just as certainly as Harry did, that Morgan had to have been framed. What we don’t know, until close to the end of the book, was that a wizard messed with a lot of young wizards’ heads, including Anastasia Luccio’s. Now that she’s in a younger body, her mind was just as easily manipulated, and that makes it all worse. Without her knowledge, she was the one forced to kill the member of the senior council, and didn’t even realize she did it, even after Morgan found her, took the knife from her and got her out of there before anyone saw. Plus, she was manipulated into getting even closer to Harry, which seriously hurts (emotionally) them both.

By the end of page 515, I was crying. Why? Because Morgan dies. Now, why am I crying, knowing how much of a pain in the ass he was to Harry? Because he had his reasons, and it’s the way he dies that touched me. He dies after saving Harry’s life, after telling him about finding Anastasia in that room, holding the bloody knife. But Morgan was a constant. He was always there, riding Harry’s butt and breathing down his neck. You always expect to see him in some fashion, and to know now that he won’t be popping up anymore really does hurt.

Anastasia, after all of this, shows up to talk to Harry. Obviously, she now knows all that’s been going on. While she does care for Harry, she’d never had gotten involved with him. She’d been manipulated. And that hurts both of them. So now she comes to say she’s sorry, and while Harry understands why she’s saying goodbye, it still hurts.

By the end of page 543, I was balling. Yes, Harry has Thomas back, but Thomas isn’t the Thomas we knew. Shagnasty did a really bad number on him, and really screwed up what Thomas had going. While he may still be Harry’s brother, he’s no longer the brother we knew, the brother Harry knew, and that hurts even more than losing Morgan.

Meanwhile, closer to the beginning of the book, when Harry’s first attacked by Shagnasty, Kirby, one werewolf friend, is killed, and another, Andi, comes close to losing her life.

How much can one person (well, character) take before cracking? So, by the end of the last chapter, I’m weeping, sobbing really, because as much as all of this hurts him, he’s finding a way to move on, to move past all of the loss and hurt he’s suffered. And that alone, makes him a truly amazing person.

Mix all of this with a mystery, with action, with suspense that grips you by the throat… another fabulous book in the series, and I’m anxiously waiting for his next Dresen novel. Jim, you are one hell of an author!!!

Street Game (GhostWalkers, #8) by Christine Feehan

Mass Market Paperback - 450 Pages - Published December 29th 2009 by Jove - ISBN-13: 9780515147605

Street Game

(GhostWalkers, #8)

by Christine Feehan

For Mack McKinley and his team of GhostWalker killing machines, urban warfare is an art. But despite a hard-won knowledge of the San Francisco streets, Mack knows from experience that too many things can still go wrong. Danger was just another part of the game—and now he’s come face-to-face with a woman who can play just as tough.

She’s Jaimie, a woman with a sapphire stare so potent it can destroy a man. Years ago she and Mack had a history—volatile, erotic, and electric. Then she vanished. Now she’s walked back into Mack’s life, as a spy with more secrets than are good for her. Against all odds, she’s hooking up with Mack one more time to take on an enemy that could destroy them both, or bring them back together in one hot, no-holds-barred adrenaline rush.

**Review: The past can haunt you.

A GhostWalker team, headed by Mack McKinley, heads to San Francisco after receiving a tip that an arms dealer has a cache hidden and waiting to be shipped. But the address can’t be right: only one loan occupant on the top floor of a three-story warehouse in the building? Tight security, but bypassable. Something’s not right. There’s nothing on the first floor, the second is high-tech, state of the art computers. But, discovering Jaimie, the woman he once had and lost, on the top floor, couldn’t be a coincidence… Could it?

Together since they were kids, the team is happy to see Jaimie again. She left a few years before, when Mack broke her heart. She’s determined to make it on her own. Creating her own software company, she on contract with the government creating high-tech software. But she has her own agenda: she’s hunting Whitney down. She wants to expose him, and those in the government who are backing him, to expose what he’s done, especially the experiments on children. She’s getting close, and they want her eliminated. However, they’ll only accomplish that over Mack’s dead body.

Mack’s ego and pride are what stopped him from going after Jaimie when she left. This time, he has no intention of letting her go. But can he convince Jaimie that he is what she wants him to be? A man who loves her?

**Another incredible book in the series! Strategy and adrenaline-packed action, it’s awesome to watch the play-by-play with all the characters. To see the comradeship between players who‘ve known each other since they were kids.

Mack, the strong, silent type, is a very intense man who will stop at nothing to keep Jaimie safe, and to bring her back with him. He refuses to lose her again.

Jaimie is determined to stop Whitney, to keep her team, especially Mack, safe. No matter how hard she guards her heart, she still loves him, even when he infuriates her.

The mystery continues, and you know the next book will receive top marks, just like this one. Action-packed, strategy-filled, with plenty of psychic energy between them all, you can’t help but love all the characters, and you can’t wait for their own stories. Two thumbs up, Ms. Feehan!!!

Rating:

Everlasting Kiss (Everlasting, #1) by Amanda Ashley

Mass Market Paperback - 384 Pages - Publisher: Zebra; 1 edition (February 1, 2010) - ISBN-13: 978-1420104431

Everlasting Kiss

(Everlasting, Book #1)

by Amanda Ashley

Desire Never Dies

Daisy O’Donnell doesn’t get the attraction some women feel for vampires. She likes her men with a heartbeat. And she’s just met one who’s full of life: Erik Delacourt, the unreasonably sexy man she keeps meeting at a popular L.A. nightclub called the Crypt. She barely knows him, but there’s no resisting the connection she feels. . .

There’s one important detail Erik hasn’t gotten around to telling her yet. He’s a powerful vampire out to hunt the Blood Thief who is draining young vampires all over the city–and who has just raised the stakes by destroying one of Erik’s friends. To Erik, Daisy is a bright spot of innocence in a world of darkness and menace. He’ll do anything–even lie to her–to keep her safe and pure.

If only he knew that Daisy has something of her own to hide. . .

**Review: With just a touch of magic!

Daisy is a Blood Thief. Using a charmed compass made especially for her by her grandmother, she can find vampire lairs, break in, and drain some of their blood while they’re sleeping, and sell vials over the internet. To her, this is a normal way of life, coming from a family of vampire hunters. Besides, vampires are moralless, soulless creatures who hunt and kill humans. Turnabout is fair play. But she can’t kill them – to her, vampires were once human beings, and she can’t stomach the idea of staking them.

She meets Erik Delacourt at a club and is instantly attracted to him. She doesn’t know what it is about him, but she can’t forget him. They meet each other a few times, even go out on a date. Nothing shocks her more when she goes out hunting for another vampire to fill in some of her online orders when she happens upon Erik’s lair. Not only is he a vampire, but a warlock. Now she’s in over her head.

Erik to Daisy immediately. There’s just something about her that’s refreshing to him. He’s falling for her, and doesn’t know what to do about that. And now that Rhys, the Master of the West Coast, wants the Blood Thief found and dispatched, what is Erik going to do? Hand over the one woman in centuries who has gotten under his skin, or hand her over, as vampire law and the threat of treachery demand him?

But as luck would have it, her oldest brother, Alex, comes to town. A price of $200,000 for Rhys’s head is too much to resist. Hunting him down, Alex is attacked, and Daisy takes Alex to the only person who can help him – Erik. Now Rhys wants them both, Alex and Daisy, dead. What is Erik to do? Should he help hide Alex and Daisy and face Rhys’s wrath, or should he hand over the woman he’s fallen in love with, and the person who means very much to her?

**Great read! Although I found the story slow at the beginning, I thought it was only going to be the usual romance. However, a twist in the story brings up the heartbeat while you’re rooting for Erik and Daisy. And just when you think the story’s over, another twist and you’re itching to turn the page to find out if it ends well. LOL, the only thing bugging me right now is I’ll have to wait until October 2010 for Rhys’s story! Oh, Ms. Ashley, can’t you make it sooner? LOL!

Rating:

Small Favor by Jim Butcher “The Dresden Files” Book #10

Paperback: 560 pages - Publisher: Roc; Reprint edition (March 3, 2009) - Language: English - ISBN-10: 0451462009 - ISBN-13: 978-0451462008

 

Small Favor

by Jim Butcher

“The Dresden Files” Book #10

Wizard Harry Dresden’s life finally seems to be calming down. The White Council’s war with the vampiric Red Court is easing up, no one’s tried to kill him lately, and his eager apprentice is starting to learn real magic. For once, the future looks fairly bright.

But the past casts one hell of a long shadow.

Mab, monarch of the Winter Court of the Sidhe, calls in an old favor from Harry. Just one small favor he can’t refuse – one that will trap Harry Dresden between a nightmarish foe and an equally deadly ally and strain his skills and loyalties to their very limits.

And everything was going so well for once….

Review: You owe me a favor, Harry…

Finally, it seems that life is calming down some for Harry. But you never know when the past will come back to bite you in the ass…

Winter’s Queen Mab seeks out Harry; he owes her two favors, and she’s come to collect on. As Winter’s Emissary, she’s putting Harry in charge of finding Gentleman Johnny Marcone. Seems the man has been kidnapped, and that move is against the Accords. Harry doesn’t want to, but he has no choice.

Summer’s Queen Titania doesn’t like what’s happening and is sending everything she can to stop him.

But that’s not the worst of it. When the Denarians roll into town, Harry knows no good could come of any of this, no matter what side is hitting at him. In an effort to get Marcone back, Harry has asked the Archive to mediate a meeting between Harry and Nicodemus. And Harry walked right into their trap, for it’s the Archive they’re after. Should she be broken and take one of the coins, all hell would literally break loose.

So, now Harry has to find the Archive as well as Marcone, repay the favor, keep from getting killed by Queen Titania’s emissaries, all the while trying to keep his friends alive. Could things get any worse?

**There is no stopping Jim Butcher! One of the best series I’ll continue to read until Harry is no more, and I hope that doesn’t happen for a really, really, really long time.

How can you not like Harry Dresden. He is chivalrous, caring, funny, does whatever he can to keep his butt and those of his friends from getting fried, can be a little slow on the uptake when it comes to women, and is completely selfless. He’ll put himself in harm’s way before standing behind someone else. And when scenes get tense, his quips and one-liners make me laugh sometimes to the point of tears. As a defense mechanism to push back his fear, I love it!

The action scenes are superb and well written; descriptions have you right there in the thick of it, seeing everything around you, without going overboard. All characters are three-dimensional and you care for everyone one of the good guys, all while rooting them on to taking down the bad guys. Oh, and a love interest is starting to bloom for Harry as well, I think. I’m very interested to see where that line goes.

Mr. Butcher, you are one hell of an author and I hope Harry is around for a long, long time. I can’t wait for my daughter to be old enough to read this series!

Rating:

Sizzle and Burn by Jayne Ann Krentz “Arcane Society” Book #3

Paperback: 480 pages - Publisher: Jove; Reprint edition (January 27, 2009) - Language: English - ISBN-10: 0515145815 - ISBN-13: 978-0515145816

 

Sizzle and Burn

by Jayne Ann Krentz

“Arcane Society” Book #3

A woman who hears voices.

A man who sees visions.

A killer who may elude them both…

Raine Tallentyre always tried to heed her late aunt Vella’s advice – and keep her paranormal abilities a secret. But when she journeys to Shelbyville, Washington, to clear out her aunt’s house, Raine’s highly developed sensitivity leads her to a horrifying discovery: a young woman held captive in the basement storage locker. And the kidnapper is on the loose.

Without warning, a new man enters Raine’s life – investigator Zack Jones. While Raine hears voices, Zack sees visions, and suddenly Raine experiences an intense, thrilling intimacy with him that she never dared to expect. There’s one complication, however: Zack is working for the secret Arcane Society. The organization – dedicated to the study of paranormal phenomenon – lost Raine’s trust long ago, when it shattered her family with an act of betrayal. Now, as a killer makes her his new target, and a cabal of psychic criminals known as Nightshade operates in the shadow surrounding them, Raine and Zack must rely not just on their powerful abilities but on each other as well.

Review: Excellent addition to the series!

When Raine went to her aunt’s house to begin clearing it out and putting it up on the market, she never expected to find a kidnap victim in the basement. The last thing she wanted was to have an agent on her doorstep – an agent from the one organization she never wanted to hear from again. Nor did she expect the sudden and intense desire to get him naked…

Zach Jones needs Raine’s cooperation and help. Nightshade needs to be shut down, and he believes that Raine’s past is connected. And now Raine had become the focus of a serial killer, while Nightshade is trying to eliminate Zack.

And just to complicate matters, Zach is experiencing the same sudden and intense desire to get her naked…

But is history about to repeat itself? Who’s after Raine? And who’s connected to Nightshade? And now that she’s fallen in love with Zach, it only seems to get more complicated…

**An excellent addition to the series!

I loved Raine’s attitude. She’s taken her aunt’s warning to heart; she may hear voices, but admitting it to anyone would make her look crazy. Bradley Mitchell, a detective with whom she’s worked several cold cases with, writes it off as instinct and intuition. And when she thought they could be something more, Mitchell shuts her down. She’s decided not to get close to anyone ever again. Seriously – who would want to be with a woman who believes she can hear voices in her head? I felt bad for her at first, but understood why. But when Zack enters her life, it’s now a possibility that she can be with someone who wouldn’t write her off as crazy. But he’s a Jones, soon to be named the head of the Arcane Society, a society she wants no part of after the death of her father and the betrayal towards her aunt.

Zach enjoys being an investigator and has no intension of being named the head of the Arcane Society, even though he’s the perfect fit. And after being betrayed and burned in the past, is vary wary of his feelings for Raine. But he needs Raine’s help, for Nightshade is growing, and he’s sure that Raine’s past is connected somehow.

I loved watching them come together; their hesitancy and wariness of each other only made things sweeter. And while both cases are connected, watching it unfold was terrific. Great action scenes, smooth love scenes, and terrific characters make up a great novel. A high recommendation for this series!

Rating:

Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione – “Demonica” series Book #1

Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages - Publisher: Forever (June 20, 2008 ) - Language: English - ISBN-10: 044640103X - ISBN-13: 978-0446401036

 

Surrender to the ultimate temptation…

Pleasure Unbound

by Larissa Ione

“Demonica” series Book #1

In a place where ecstasy can cost you your life…

Tayla Mancuso is a demon-slayer who hungers for sensual pleasure – but fears it will always be denied her. Until she lands in a hospital run by demons in disguise, and the head doctor, Eidolon, makes her body burn with unslakable desire. But to prove her ultimate loyalty to her peers, she must betray the surgeon who saved her life.

Two lovers will dare to risk all.

Eidolon cannot resist this fiery, dangerous woman who fills him with both rage and passion. Not only is she his avowed enemy, but she could very well be the hunter who has been preying upon his people. Torn between his need for the truth and his quest to find his perfect mate before a horrific transformation claims him forever, Eidolon will dare the unthinkable – and let Tayla possess him, body and soul…

Review: Pleasure abound!

Tayla Mancuso is an Aegi Guardian; in other words, a demon slayer. She believes all demons are bad, especially after witnessing her mother’s murder by a demon.

While in the midst of slaying demons, her partner is killed and she’s hurt. She’s brought into the ER of Underworld General, where Doctor Eidolon patches her up. But as he’s repairing the damage, he notices something else… Tayla isn’t completely human.

They are unbelievably attracted to each other; the sparks hard to miss. Knowing she would have to betray him hurts like crazy – for demons are abominations to be killed. But at the last few second, complete catastrophy is averted when Tayla throws her exploding cell phone out into the parking lot. While two demons are killed and a few more injured, it could have been worse. And now Eidolon isn’t sure what to do with her, for obviously the second time she arrived at the hospital, it had been with ulterior motives. Even though she should be questioned thoroughly and disposed of, he can’t make himself or allow anyone else to do that to Tayla. For he’s sure Tayla is his mate. But first, he must explain to her why she’s been having weird symptoms, what’s been happening to her body, and that he can heal her just as much as she can help him divert turning into a monster.

But not everything is as cut and dried as Tayla believes. And now that the Guardian cell in New York is trying to kill her as well, someone out there is trapping demons and harvesting organs to sell on the magic black market. But she’s sure the head of the cell doesn’t know what’s going on. The question is, who is? And under what authority?

**Oh, did I enjoy this book, I could count the ways. Tayla is stronger than she appears, even after the rough childhood she lived. After witnessing the murder of her mother, she’s determined to take out as many demons as possible before she dies.

Eidolon is attracted to Tayla immediately, even when she’s hurt bad the first time he meets her. Once she’s no longer out of it, the sparks fly and you’re feeling the static even as you’re reading it!

What I liked was her inner battles. While she enjoys sex, she refuses to let go. She witnessed her mother’s rape and murder – so while she can find release when she’s ‘self-servicing’, she can’t with a man. But I loved watching Eidolon bring her past that hang-up, and it was beautiful! The sex between the two is just as hot as the sparks between them when they’re not having sex, and it made this reader wish her husband wasn’t working nights, LOL! Whew!

There’s lots of action, a mystery, twists that have you wondering. And even though you get some of the answers, you don’t get them all, but the way it’s written, you’re not left feeling frustrated. In fact, you’re left feeling excited and anticipating the next novel in the series. My only mistake: not having Desire Unchained on-hand to read next, LOL! I liked the descriptions of the different demon races, from those that love to kill to those that wouldn’t harm a fly. Definitely a novel, a series, worth reading!

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Hope’s Folly by Linnea Sinclair – “Gabriel’s Ghost” series Book #3

Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages - Publisher: Bantam (February 24, 2009) - Language: English - ISBN-10: 0553592181 - ISBN-13: 978-0553592184

 

Hope’s Folly

by Linnea Sinclair

“Gabriel’s Ghost” series Book #3

Admiral Philip Guthrie is in an unprecedented position: on the wrong end of the law, leading a ragtag band of rebels against the oppressive Imperial forces. Or would be if he could get his command ship – the derelict cruiser called Hope’s Folly – functioning. Not much can rattle Philip’s legendary cool – but the woman who helps him foil an assassination attempt on Kirro Station will. She’s the daughter of his best friend and first commander – a man who died while under Philip’s command and whose death is on Philip’s conscience.

Rya Bennton has been in love with Philip Guthrie since she was a girl. But can her childhood fantasies survive an encounter with the hardened man, and newly minted rebel leader, once she learns the truth about her father’s death? Or will her pasion for revenge put not only their hearts but their lives at risk? It’s an impossible mission: A man who feels he can’t love. A woman who believes she’s unlovable. And an enemy who will stop at nothing to crush them both.

Review: A great read, even if a little predictable.

(Bookaholic’s Review Note: Make sure to read Gabriel’s Ghost and Shades of Dark before reading this one. That’s a must!)

Admiral Philip Guthrie finds himself now aboard Hope’s Folly, what was once part of the Imperial fleet. Converted to a fruit carrier, the ship was sold to the Alliance under a few conditions: that the ship retain its name, and the cat, Captain Folly, is to remain onboard.  Now Philip is in command of the ship, and they are trying desperately to get it in working order to fight against the Imperial fleet. Philip, still recuperating from a shattered hip and leg (Shades of Dark), was attacked before getting onboard. It seems the ‘law’ wants him alive. Philip can well imagine why, but he’ll do whatever it takes not to end up in the enemies’ hands.

Rya Bennton had been an Imperial Assassin before her father had been killed. Seeing what is happening to the Empire, she is now on the other side of the law, wanting revenge. Now aboard the Folly, she wants in on the action to bring the Empire down. Philip asks her, if she was ever in the same room with the man who took her father’s life and handed a gun, would she kill him? She answers she would, without a doubt or hesitation. But when Philip hands her his gun, Rya the Rebel is confused. While Philip didn’t actually kill her father, he puts the responsibility on his own shoulders, and Rya won’t shoot him, for she’s been in love with the man since she was a kid, when her father brought Philip home to meet the family.

After the attack on Kirro Station, Rya has put herself in the position of guarding Admiral Guthrie against any more attacks. It seems that, at every turn, their efforts to get the Folly functioning, something happens to set them back. The more Rya looks into it, the more she’s convinced their have a saboteur on their ship. And now she’s determined, not only to keep the man she loves alive, but to find the person who doesn’t want the ship to fly.

**While I liked the book, I sort of found it predictable. Philip believes himself a man who can’t love, and yet, even though he refuses to, his feelings for Rya grow. A strong man, he’s determined to thwart the enemy. It’s his knowledge and determination, his personality and inner struggles that readers will love.

Rya – I loved her. She’s just as strong and determined as Philip. I liked her ‘action first, think later’ attitude, and how she’ll do whatever is necessary.

What bugged me a little was how predictable the romance part of the story was. Woman is in love with the man – man falls in love with the woman – believes it’s his responsability to protect her and is determined to put her out of harms way. Once, just once, I’d love to read the romance part of any book where the male keeps the female with him, no matter what. For once, I want the man to hold her there without the female having to fight to stay there. Just once, I want the male’s chauvinistic pride and arrogant attitude to either take a backseat or not appear at all in a love story. Will I ever get my wish? *eyeroll* I’ll let you know if and when it happens. But then again, I guess most lead male characters have to have a little alpha male attitude. *shrug*

However, besides my romance rant, I loved the action and mystery in the story. The author writes it all so well that it’s as if you’re aboard the ship, watching it all unfold in front of you. Her descriptions put you in the thick of it. I loved the characters’ inner battles. I loved the tension you feel between characters, primary and secondary. Way to go, Ms. Sinclair! Can’t wait for the next installment in the Gabriel’s Ghost universe.

Rating:

White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison (“The Hollows/Rachel Morgan” series Book #7)

Hardcover: 512 pages - Publisher: Eos (February 24, 2009) - Language: English - ISBN-10: 0061138010 - ISBN-13: 978-0061138010

Here’s my review of White Witch, Black Curse. Three words: I LOVED IT!

And I’m going to make this interesting. Now, everyone who knows me knows I don’t buy hardcover – too expensive, and I’ve already planned on buying the paperback for my collection. However, I got this copy to read and review, along with the T-Shirt and Tomato-seed packet for the contest. I’m upping the contest. Would you like my copy of White Witch, Black Curse? Don’t forget to email me daily at bookaholicsreview@hotmail.com for a chance to win one of the three items up for grabs! The contest runs from now until March 31st.

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White Witch, Black Curse

by Kim Harrison

“The Hollows/Rachel Morgan” series Book #7

Some wounds take time to heal … and some scars never fade.

Rachel Morgan, kick-ass witch and bounty hunter, has taken her fair share of hits, and has broken lines she swore she would never cross. But when her lover was murdered, it left a deeper wound than Rachel ever imangined, and now she won’t rest until his death is solved … and avenged. Whatever the cost.

Yet the road to hell is paved with good intentions and when a new predator moves to the apex of the Inderlander food chain, Rachel’s past comes back to haunt her.

Literally.

Review: Fast-paced, plot twists and witty humor, unputdownable from start to finish.

**SPOILER ALERT**THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS**

Rachel can’t take it anymore. She needs to know who killed Kisten. Her determination leads her back to the boat with her psychiatrist, Ford, who is trying to help her remember what happened that day. Ivy’s investigation is going nowhere, and Rachel is determined to get a new lead. She remembers a thing or two and can’t wait to get back to Ivy to tell her what she remembered. But as they leave the boat, Ford receives a phone call. While investigating a case on the side, Glenn was badly beaten and left for dead. And his stepfather, Captain Edden of the FIB, is asking for Vampiric Charms for help. And while she’s accused of having no crime scene etiquette, Rachel’s unconventional methods find clues that crime scene techs missed, and blows the case wide open.

For banshees are what Glenn had encountered. A human couldn’t have beaten him so badly without the use of a weapon. And to make matters worse, a banshee child is part of the case. Banshees drain energy and emotions, and if they latch on, can literally kill a person by draining their life source.

Emotions ride high as Rachel’s brother, Robbie, comes to town to visit – and brought news with him: he’s getting married.

And the roller coaster doesn’t stop there. Rachel is nearly killed more than once, a ghost named Pierce is back from her past, Al is up to his usual tricks, Ivy not only blames herself for Kisten’s death but for their new banshee problem, Rachel is being called a Black Witch and is shunned, and now her mother is moving to Portland, then her full memory of what happened on Kisten’s boat comes back. Can things get any worse?

** An emotional roller coaster to say the least. 

Rachel is one hell of a character. Strong, she pushes herself to the max to do what is right, what is necessary, regardless of what happens to her. And no matter how she plans it, the repercussions come back to bite her in the ass, leaving her to defend herself, all while no one is listening.

Emotions roll right through the reader. Ms. Harrison writes it in such a way that you feel it, feel everything, that the characters feel, whether it’s guilt, desperation, determination, you feel it all.

Filled with mystery, action, suspense and emotions, White Witch, Black Curse is more than your typical roller coaster ride with characters that you love – and love to hate. Descriptions so clear and concise, you feel everything, see everything. In my opinion, her best book yet!

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