Servant : The Awakening

This is the first book in the Servant series by L.L. Foster.

Book Blurb:

Urban paranormal fantasy featuring Gabrielle Cody:Servant. Slayer. Seducer.

Gabrielle Cody has the ability to see the demons among us as they really are-and the responsibility to destroy them. She can't allow anyone to get in her way, even the magnetic Detective Luther Cross. Sensing a malevolent presence watching and stalking her, Gaby is drawn again and again to an abandoned hospital surrounded by an aura of sickness and suffering-and unimaginable evil.

The best thing about this book was the blurb on the back. I hate to say that - but it is my honest opinion. I could not even get half way through this book. It never caught my attention or engaged any kind of 'what happens next'. The character was not at all interesting and I did not care to find out how it ended.

I give this book 1 star for the blurb on the back.

M

Immortal Warrior

This is the first book in a new series by Lisa Hendrix and the story of Ivar and Alaida.

Book Blurb:

He came to England in search of treasure. Two hundred years later, he's found her.

Ivar Graycloak is a brave warrior, a man known for his strength and integrity. He is also a man with a terrible secret. Long ago he was part of a Viking crew cursed by an evil sorceress to live for eternity as were-creatures. An eagle by day and a man by night, Ivar has lived a solitary existence for over two centuries. Then the king orders him to marry.

Lady Alaida is everything a man could want in a bride-intelligent, spirited, and beautiful-and their wedding night is a balm to Ivar's lonely spirit. Then a seer brings him word of a dark vision, one that makes Ivar vow to stay away from his lovely wife forever. But now that Ivar has sampled Alaida's passion, her humor and warmth, he is enthralled. His traitorous body-his very heart-longs for that which he can never possess.

Lady Alaida may surprise him yet, though, for she has a power of her own- a power that will either destroy everything they hold dear or ultimately set them free.

Now I have not read a historical romance in 15 years - and I probably would not have bought this one if it didn't have the 'paranormal' aspect that it does. LOL That being said, I enjoyed this book.

At first it was slow going - but I think that was just me, because my normal reads have more action. Once I reprogrammed my brain - I was able to enjoy the story that unfolded. By the end of the book I really wanted to know how it was going to end. :)

I give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars and look forward to the next in the series. :)

Novels

Immortal Warrior (2008)
Immortal Outlaw (2009)

M

Ravenous

This is the debut novel for author Sharon Ashwood.

Book Blurb:

Vampires, Werewolves, and other creatures have emerged from the shadows. And some of them have sinister THINGS on their minds...

Holly Carver is a witch who sometimes relies on the help of Alessandro Caravelli for her family's preternatural investigations business. Alessandro is the oldest and strongest vampire in Fairview - and he's made no secret of his desire for Holly. But while she aches to succumb to his suggestive wiles, she knows it would be an invitation to trouble.

Then Alessandro's queen, Omara, complicates matters when she turns up in Fairview to enlist his help. Sultry and manipulative, she is jealous of Alessandro's feelings for Holly, and demands he use Holly to trap Geneva - the most evil demon of all.

For a debut novel - it was a pretty good read. Plenty of supernatural critters running around - a little action and a little romance. I will admit - I did a little skimming - but ya'll know how I am - I don't want too much description of things that I feel aren't pertinent to the overall story.

That being said. I did enjoy this book enough to buy the next one. :)

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

1 Star - Hated It
2 Stars - Didn't Like It
3 Stars - Liked It
4 Stars - Really Liked It
5 Stars - Loved It

M

Dawn Keepers

This is the second book in the Final Prophecy series by Jessica Andersen and Alexis and Nate's story.

Book Blurb:

The countdown to the end of days has begun - and Only the Nightkeepers can stop the annihilation of all mankind...

Though a Nightkeeper, Nate Blackhawk refuses to allow others to control his fate. The gods have even tried to influence his love life, sending him visions of Alexis Gray, a sleek blonde who is everything he's ever wanted in a woman.

The two warriors can't deny their attraction. But a frightening vision leads Nate to distance himself in spite of the intense passion he feels. Thrown together once more, they must reassemble seven Mayan artifacts that hold the key to preventing the end of the world.

I enjoyed this book more than the first one - Night Keepers. Not that Night Keepers was bad - just that with any first book in a new series everything has to be set up - with this one - the story was the main focus. And what a story. Ms. Andersen has really done her research on Mayan history and she is a great story teller.

I'm not much for 'over kill' in a book . I don't like for everything to be pointed out to me - and I really dislike when an author is overly descriptive - ie: a whole paragraph on what a character is wearing. That being said - this book did get a bit wordy in places - but not the point of distraction.

I look forward to the next installment. :)

I give this book and the series so far 4 out of 5 stars. :)

Final Prophecy
1. Nightkeepers (2008)
2. Dawnkeepers (2009)
3. Skykeepers (2009)

M

Bone Crossed

This is the 4th book in the Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs.

Book Blurb:

Car mechanic and sometime shapeshifter Mercy Thompson has learned, the hard way, why her race was almost exterminated. When European vampires immigrated to North America, they found Mercy's people had a hidden talent - for vampire slaying. Unfortunately for Mercy, the queen of the local vampire seethe has discovered her true identity. She's also furious when she learns Mercy has crossed her and killed one of her vampires. Mercy may be protected from direct reprisals by the werewolf pack (and her interesting relationship with its Alpha), but that just means Marsilia will come after Mercy some other way. So Mercy had better prepare to watch her back.

I love this series. Mercy is very independent, but she has worked hard for that independence - and sometimes she still works for it. LOL With the Alpha of the werewolf pack wanting her for his mate - and the son of the head Marrok as her roommate - Mercy has to assert her independence without turning it into a issue of dominance. Sometimes that works out better than others.

These books are well written and each one is a natural progression from the previous one - they flow very well. I look forward to the next installment. :)

I give this book and the entire series 5 out of 5 stars.

Mercedes Thompson
1. Moon Called (2006)
2. Blood Bound (2007)
3. Iron Kissed (2008)
4. Bone Crossed (2009)

M

Dream Warrior

This is the 27th book in the Dark Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon and the story of Cratus and Delphine.

Book Blurb:

The son of Warcraft and Hate, Cratus has spent eternity battling for
the ancient gods who birthed him. He is death. Now that an ancient
enemy has been unleashed, Cratus's task is to destroy it. Delphine
Toussaint is a philanthropist whose passion is for world peace. When a
chance meeting brings her together with Cratus, the two develop a
striking bond. Cratus is at first baffled by this human and her open
nature...but soon he realises that Delphine is the key to completing
his mission. Delphine, meanwhile, is troubled by nightmares that are
starting to become a reality. The only comfort she can find is around
Cratus. But she refuses to give in to war, and he refuses to lay down
his arms. Yet one of them must give in, or humanity will pay the
price...

The only thing I can say is Sherrilyn Kenyon is an amazing writer. Believe it or not, I was late coming to the Dark Hunter party - but this gave me the opportunity to read them one after the next - all 22 of them. LOL I was blown away by the world Ms. Kenyon has created and now consider myself a Kenyon Minion. :) I look forward to each new release and gladly tell anyone who will listen that they should read these books. :)

I give this book and the entire series 5 out of 5 stars!!!

M

Bound by Flame

This is the second book in the Dark Crescent Sisterhood series by Anna Windsor and the story of Cynda and Nick.

Book Blurb:

When Cynda gets hot and bothered, things start to sizzle.

Gorgeous flame-haired Cynda Flynn knows fire-its heat, its power, its magic. A fully trained Sybil warrior priestess, Cynda's weapon is flame. But she's unprepared for the passion ignited by Nick Lowell, an undercover cop in the NYPD's Occult Crime Unit. He's half human, half demon, and hotter than hell, with fathomless black eyes that ignite something buried deep inside Cynda, making her melt in all the right places.

Luckily, Nick has found a way to control his dark side, but he's done it old-school-through steel-willed self-control. And after five years working secretly within the deadly Legion cult, he's unbreakable. Or he was, until Cynda came along. Now it's personal-and even his big bad love may not be enough to halt a terrible new evil snuffing out fire Sybils like Cynda. It's nasty. And if it can't be stopped, they're all going to fry.

I do like this series - but to be honest with you, the books are slow going at times. I don't know what it is - but the story is great it just seems to drag and then all of a sudden at the very end - it gets going and is really great - but then it's over. LOL I have the next one on the shelf and I will certainly read it. :)

I give this book and the series a 3 out of 5 stars.


Dark Crescent Sisterhood:
1. Bound By Shadow (2008)
2. Bound By Flame (2008)
3. Bound By Light (2008)

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Pride

This is the 3rd book in the Werecats series by Rachel Vincent.

Book Blurb:

I'm on trial for my life. Falsely accused of infecting my human ex-boyfriend - and killing him to cover up the crime. Infecting a human is one of three capital offenses recognized by the Pride - along with murder and disclosure of our existence to a human.

I'm two for three. A goner.

Now we've discovered a rogue stray terrorizing the mountainside, hunting a wild teenage tabbycat. It's up to us to find and stop him before a human discovers us. With my lover Marc's help, I think I can protect the vulnerable girl from both the ambitious rogue and the scheming of the territorial council.

If I survive my own trial.

This series gets better with each book. Faythe Sanders is a strong willed, kick butt first - take names later kinda gal. :) I love the Werecat dynamic - the strong Alpha males with their rules and traditions - and Faythe trying to break every single one of those rules and stomp all over those out dated traditions. :)

I give this book and the series as a whole 5 out of 5 stars. :)

Werecats:

1. Stray (2007)
2. Rogue (2008)
3. Pride (2009)
4. Prey (2009)

M

Night Huntress

This is the 5th book in the Sisters of the Moon series by Yasmine Galenorn - told from Delilah's point of view.

Book Blurb:

The D'Artigo sisters are half-human, half-Fae operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. Delilah, a werecat who's one of the Autumn Lord's Death Maidens, has to fight off the demon general who stole the third Spirit Seal and is now out for blood.

The Hags of Fate enjoy seeing me squirm. First, my boyfriend, Chase, mutters another woman's name in his sleep. Then I discover that the Autumn Lord has a very special plan for me. But things go from bad to deadly when Karvanak - the Raksasa - returns. In order to get his greedy hands on both the fourth spirit seal and his former associate, Vanzier, he kidnaps Chase. Now, we have to find a way to rescue the man I love without risking the safety of both Otherworld and Earth.....

I have to say this was an awesome read - much to my delight. The previous book, Dragonwytch kinda bogged down in the middle, and I had a hard time finishing it. But Night Huntress was fast paced and full of action - a great addition to the series.


I give this book and the entire series so far 4 out of 5 stars. :)


Sisters of the Moon:
1. Witchling (2006)
2. Changeling (2007)
3. Darkling (2007)
4. Dragon Wytch (2008)
5. Night Huntress (2009)
6. Demon Mistress (2009)

M

Touch of Darkness

This is the second book in the Darkness Chosen series by Christina Dodd and the story of Rurik and Tasya.

Book Blurb:

A thousand years ago, a brutal warrior struck a terrifying bargain . In return for the ability to change at will into a coldhearted predator, he promised his soul - and the souls of his descendants - to the devil.

Handsome, powerful Rurik Wilder holds the power to transform himself into a fierce bird of prey-a gift that's caused death and destruction.

At last he's offered the chance to redeem himself. Only one woman stands in his way-a beautiful writer determined to wreak revenge on the assassins who murdered her family. Assassins, it's been rumored, who have powers no human should ever possess...

I enjoyed this book. It is fast paced, has plenty of action and a touch of intrigue - and some steamy sexy moments. :)

I give this book and the series so far 4 out of 5 stars. :)


Darkness Chosen:
1. Scent of Darkness (2007)
2. Touch of Darkness (2007)
3. Into the Shadow (2008)
4. Into the Flame (2008)
5. Storm of Visions (2009)

M

Undead and ......

I've just finished the #5, 6 and 7th book in the Betsy the Vampire Queen series by MaryJanice Davidson.

Undead and Unpopular - Book Blurb:

With her birthday coming up, Betsy isn't in the best frame of mind to face the powerful European vampires who have finally come to pay their respects. Playing politics is not her strong suit, especially when she finds out her best friend Jessica may have a life-threatening illness. Sure Betsy can save her life by taking it-isn't that what friends are for?-but the choice isn't in her hands.

With her fiancé Eric dodging all the wedding plans, Betsy's plate is full-and not with birthday cake. But who has time to pout? Not even a reluctant vampire queen, who is taking it one high-heeled step at a time in MaryJanice Davidson's creative, sophisticated, sexy, and wonderfully witty series.

Undead and Uneasy - Book Blurb:

Betsy Taylor, undead vampire queen, has been given a new nickname by her nearest and dearest: Bridezilla. Because whether you're alive or undead, planning weddings is a bitch - especially when your groom thinks the whole thing is a waste of time. Betsy's also dealing with a full house: she lives with a ghost (Cathy), a werewolf (Antonia), a gay physician/human (Marc), her fiance and vampire king (Eric Sinclair), her best friend (Jessica), a recovering Fiend (Garrett). But when Sinclair disappears, Betsy begins to get seriously unnerved...

Undead and Unworthy - Book Blurb:

Betsy Taylor, back to rule the nights as Vampire Queen and survive the days as a new suburban bride. But it's not all marital bliss. Betsy's husband, Sinclair, has been perusing The Book of the Dead, Betsy's being hounded by a ghost who's even more insufferable in death than in life, and a pack of formerly feral vampires has decided to pay an unwelcome visit.

This is a wonderful series. The books are fast paced and full of humor. Betsy will make you laugh out loud with her take on the undead and being their Queen.

The one draw back is that they are so short - only about 300 pages each and it looks like the 8th one is coming out in hardback. I don't know if I'm willing to pay hardback prices for a 300 page book. The books that I have are special omnibus editions I bought from The Science Fiction book club. The first one has books 1-4 and the second one has 5-7 and 4 short stories.

I give this entire series 5 out of 5 stars. :)

M

Ecstasy

This is the first book in the new Shadowdwellers series by Jacqueline Frank and the story of Ashla and Trace.

Book Blurb:

Among the Shadow dwellers, Trace holds power that some as willing to kill for. Without a stranger's aid, one rival would surely have succeeded, but Trace's brush with death is less surprising to him than his reaction to the beautiful, fragile human who heals him. By rights, Trace should hardly even register Ashla's existence within the realms of Shadow scape, but instead he is drawn to everything about her - her innocence, her courage, and her lush, sensual heat.

After a terrifying car crash, Ashla Townsend wakes up to find that the bustling New York she knew is now eerie and desolate. Just when she's convinced she's alone, Ashla is confronted by a dark warrior who draws her deeper into a world she never knew existed. The bond between Ashla and Trace is a mystery to both, but searching for answers will mean confronting long-hidden secrets, and uncovering a threat that could destroy everything Trace holds precious.

I really enjoyed this book. There was plenty of action, a good story line and enough steamy sex to curl my toes. LOL :) I look forward to 'Rapture', the next book in this series - due out in July.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

M

Staked

This is the first book in the Void City series by J.F. Lewis.

Book Blurb:

UNREPENTANT. UNIMPRESSED.AND TOTALLY UNDEAD.

Eric's got issues. He has short-term and long-term memory problems; he can't remember who he ate for dinner yesterday, much less how he became a vampire in the first place. His best friend, Roger, is souring on the strip club he and Eric own together. And his girlfriend, Tabitha, keeps pressuring him to turn her so she can join him in undeath. It's almost enough to put a Vlad off his appetite. Almost.

Eric tries to solve one problem, only to create another: he turns Tabitha into a vampire, but finds that once he does, his desire for her fades -- and her younger sister, Rachel, sure is cute. And when he kills a werewolf in self-defense, things really get out of hand. Now a pack of born-again lycanthropes is out for holy retribution, while Tabitha and Rachel have their own agendas -- which may or may not include helping Eric stay in one piece.

All Eric wants to do is run his strip club, drink a little blood, and be left alone. Instead, he must survive car crashes, enchanted bullets, sunlight, sex magic, and werewolves on ice -- not to mention his own nasty temper and forgetfulness.

Because being undead isn't easy, but it sure beats the alternative.

This is the first book by Mr. Lewis and it rocks!! I love the Eric character - he has a great deal of baggage and a killer sense of humor. I can't wait for the next book in the series 'Revamped' due out in March.

I give this book 4out of 5 stars. :)

M