Lord of the Vampires - Gena Showalter

Lord of the Vampires by Gena Showalter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE: Adult – Fantasy/Romance
FORM: eBook – Net Galley
SERIES: Royal House of Shadows


While I was granted permission to read this book by a Net Galley affiliate publisher, Harlequin Nocturne, I have received no compensation for this review other than the joy of reading!


SYNOPSIS: Nicolai has no idea who he is, outside of his name. He knows that his memories have been taken from him, that he is meant to be very powerful, and that he has been a sexual slave to the Princess Laila, and before her Princess Odette. What he does know is that he has a plan. Jane is a human who has been having reoccurring dreams about a vampire who has been taken captive. There is no talking in the dreams, she just sees him bound in chains. She knows that she feels compassion for him, and desires him. Dream becomes a reality when one day Jane receives a book that seems to be written by her captive vampire, and after reading it she finds herself waking up in a castle, and everyone around her believes her to be the Princess Odette. After succeeding in escape, Nicolai and Jane not only try and figure out who Nicolai really is and also do whatever they can to stay out of the grasp of Laila and her guards, but they explore the curious possessive nature each has for the other only to discover that their relationship began earlier than either realized.

REVIEW: This is the first time I’ve come across a Mini-Series where each installment is written by a different author. I’m not sure if there are more like this, but I think it’s a wonderful idea, a great way to read a favorite author or two and perhaps discover others. It all results in more great books to read!

Lord of the Vampires, was a very sexually charged story. Straight from the beginning, Jane and Nicolai exhibited a desire to own and possess one another without reason, even in their own minds. They have no idea that their relationship and attraction for one another had actually developed earlier, as both of their memories have been wiped. The story takes us on an adventure of passion, love and danger. Whether it an evil witch princess, over bearing trolls who have only one thing on their mind (their “little” head), or the sporadic flashing from one place to another that happens every time Nicolai gets a flash of his memory back, he and Jane are constantly battling one issue or another. The story is exactly what you can expect from Gena Showalter. I was a little bit afraid that this was going to be a little too similar to The Vampire’s Bride which was an installment of her Atlantis Series. a few years back. I was pleasantly surprised to find it was nothing like that series. The story line and premise are all its own!

WHAT I LOVED: The entire concept of the series is appealing to me. I’m excited for the other installments. I believe Gena Showalter kicked it off with a bang, and it will be interesting to see how this story will continue to play out.

NOT SO MUCH: I almost felt like there was more sex and sexual tension than there was story. The story that WAS there was excellent, don’t get me wrong, but I think there could have been more. And this is a rare ‘complaint’ (not that it’s really a complaint really), usually what is desired is the opposite, but it just goes to show, the story is very important.

OTHERS IN THE SERIES:

   

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Lover Unleashed - J.R. Ward

Lover Unleashed
Author: J.R. Ward
Genre: Adult Romantic Fantasy
My Version: Audiobook

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis: Pain, daughter of the Blood Letter and the Scribe Virgin and twin sister to Black Dagger Brother, Vishous, has finally been released from the Fade only to acquire an injury that has left her paralyzed. Jane, Vishous’ mate, believes that she knows a surgeon who may just be able to help her. As Pain and her “healer” Manuel become more attached to each other, Vishous and Jane have a different kind of pain that needs healing, and a new threat to the BDB has entered the scene.

Review: I was underwhelmed with this book. I have enjoyed the BDB series since I started reading the books a couple of years ago. I loved the fighting and the banter between the brothers (especially the banter between the brothers!). It was fun, and sad, and romantic, and fierce. I was SOO looking forward to the release of LoverMine last year, mostly because we got to see John Matthew grow from a gangly, awkward teenager, into a man. I just loved his character, and was very excited to read his HEA. I never created this attachment to Pain. Usually, when the books had parts with her, I was thinking “common, let’s get back to the good stuff.” So when I found out that Lover Unleashed was Pain’s book, I honestly wasn’t really all that excited about it outside of the fact that this was a BDB book. That being said, my review is probably a little skewed, and I’m not going to spend a lot of time on it.

For me, this book was lacking. I felt like there was just so much focus on Vishous and Jane (didn’t they already have their book???) and then of course Pain and Manuel, and not so much on everything else. I mean, Quinn got some time, but the time with him was just so emo-sad that his segments were kind of a downer. There was not a whole lot of fighting going on. The Lessening Society was not around much outside of the mention that they were being recruited in droves. MOST of the brotherhood was even missing. I think my favorite parts of the previous books are when the brothers are all together with their myriad of personalities colliding. They just make me smile. Where was everyone in this book?? I know, I know…there are a LOT of characters – and with the addition of the new threat – even more. J.R. Ward has just set up enough material for several more books. So I will be patient. And I will hope that the next segment will include more brothers, and less wallowing in self pity.


LOVED IT: Butch. He’s an excellent friend through and through!

HATED IT: Um, where are we going with Quinn’s story??? I’m confused.

SONG PLAYING IN MY HEAD: Smashing Pumpkins, Bullet with Butterfly Wings, “Despite all my rage, I’m still just a rat in a cage…”




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Shadowfever - Karen Marie Moning

Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


BEST END TO A SERIES EVER!

With momentum that never lets up, Karen Marie Moning takes us on a ride that has highs and lows, but does not disappoint. Finally some answers, thank God this did not end up like the dramatic ending to Lost, where even though you understand the ending, you still have so many questions that may never get answered (or maybe they will – if you participate in all the message boards/chat sessions – which I did not). At this point, if you still have questions – well, you might be a little too involved with the series and need to take a step back and evaluate your life…you know, live the one that is not in the books for a while. ;)

Is it weird to say that I’ve never been so happy to get to the end of a series of books? That seems wrong, doesn’t it? It’s just that…it was so good, and the cliffhanger endings were so killer that…well I’m just happy it’s over. I’m completely satisfied with the ending, and it’s obvious that Karen Marie Moning has some stuff a’brewin in that head of hers, as she’s left much room for more writing.

I recommend this series to everyone I think would like it, but I’m very careful about my recommendations because 1. I don’t like recommending books people won’t like, and 2. Well, in this particular case – it’s just not appropriate for some audiences. There IS a reason why I read a lot of young adult books – I get the fantasy/Sci-Fi genre without all the other stuff. I got hooked on this series 3 or 4 years ago? I can’t remember, but I don’t read a whole lot of adult fantasy/sci-fi/paranormal – because either they edge a little on the side of “way too scary” for me, or over on the erotic side; this one is the latter. So definitely not appropriate for…well anyone who wouldn’t/should do anything rated R. That is my warning, take it for what it’s worth. Outside of that, the writing is excellent, the story will suck you in and swallow you, and the ending has a big …pink…bow on it.



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Wild Blue Under - Judi Fennell

Wild Blue Under by Judi Fennell

Form: ARC Book

Genre: Adult Fantasy

The underwater kingdom is his as soon as he claims his queen
Rod Tritone has the looks and charm to snag any queen he wants for his Mer kingdom, but unfortunately, it's not up to him. As fate would have it, the one woman destined to rule with him is terrified of water

She lives in land-locked Kansas and has no idea she's a princess
Valerie Dumere thinks Rod is gorgeous and irresistible but why does he keep insisting she has another side to herself that only he can show her?

Source: Booksamillion.com

Wild Blue Under is the second of a Mer-human series by Judi Fennell, the first being In Over Her Head. Judi Fennell has created a very imaginative romance series about Mer-humans and a whole new take on the water and animal world around us. There are many books that are based around the mythical City of Atlantis, and the creatures that reside there, most of them have a darker feel about them, more evil; Judi Fennell’s world is like a breath of fresh air, bright and happy despite the danger and suspense. I think that is what appeals to me the most about her books. I love paranormal/fantasy romance novels; I enjoy the dark, aggressive heroes – but the sweet tenderness of Rod’s (and Reel’s) character and the less evil and sinister feel of the books as a whole provides a nice change.

What I liked most about Wild Blue Under is that Valerie and Rod had a chance to develop their relationship. Sure, there was the obvious instant sexual attraction that usually takes place in a romance novel, but they were given a chance to get to know one another. Each talked about their life, growing up, who they were, who they wish they were. It made the relationship between the two more believable. When they finally joined as a couple, they loved each other; it wasn’t merely an attraction.

My least favorite part; all the talking birds. I understand that this is fantasy, and I absolutely 100% agree that in these books anything and everything can happen and is fair game, but the talking birds continued to transform this into a “it could happen” novel to a “this could be a cartoon” novel for me. Most of the time I was just reading and trying to keep the thought that Livingston was just another character in the book, and kept his bird status deep in the back of my head.

Dreamfever - Karen Marie Moning

Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Form: Book
Series: Fever Series

He has stolen her past, but Mackayla will never allow her sister's murderer to take her future. Yet even the uniquely gifted sidhe-seer is no match for the Lord Master, who has unleashed an insatiable sexual craving that consumes Mac's every thought - and thrusts her into the seductive realm of two very dangerous men, both of whom she desires but dares not trust.

As the enigmatic Jericho Barrons and the sensual Fae prince V'lane vie for her body and soul, as she rallies the sidhe-seers to fight an impossible battle and the power of the Dark Book weaves its annihilating path through the city, Mac's greatest enemy delivers a final challenge...

It's an invitation Mac cannot refuse, one that sends her racing home to Georgia, where an even darker threat awaits. With her parents missing and the lives of her loved ones under siege, Mac is about to come face-to-face with a soul-shattering truth - about herself and about the world she thought she knew.

Source: Book flaps

I have been waiting for a year for this book to come out...and I can tell you I'm almost depressed. Not because the book was bad - not in the slightest - because in classic "Fever Series" methods, Karen Marie Moning left the characters and the story at a very high point. Each of the books in this series do not actually end, they just stop. Right.In.The.Middle.Of.The.Freakin.Story!!!!!! If it wasn't so good, it would be infuriating!

There were very few questions answered, and many more questions raised. Actually, these books remind me of the show Lost in that way. Mac becomes a much more aggressive, darker Mac - instead of wishing her life were back to normal she is finally embracing who she is and what she does and wants to kick of Fae-butt! She still thinks about the past, but she no longer seems to dwell on it like she was.

This book took her relationship with Jericho Barrons to a new level. Not only does he release her from her Pry-ia status and helps her to find herself again, but though they both fight it, it seems to have opened some additional doors to their relationship. I think Jericho is showing more emotion towards Mackayla, although it seems like he's fighting what he's feeling - I think it's there right under the surface. He cares much more than he wants to. I think his mean comments and biting words are evidence of that. He doesn't like what she's making him feel. Seriously, with all the tension, heat and passion the two are throwing at each other, V'lane doesn't stand a chance.

So...I'm not really telling you much, am I? This series is awesome! It contains Faerie of the deep and evil kind. Even the "good," or Seelie fae are a bit worrisome in this book. Mackayla is a sidhe-seer, a person (woman) who can see through Faerie glamor. She also has an entire host of other abilities that she's just getting to know, making her more curious to Jericho and others around her. She's fighting to get these Fae off her planet, she's fighting to avenge her sister's death, she's fighting to save the planet. If you are a paranormal/fantasy junky (as I am) you would do good to start at the beginning of this series (Darkfever, Bloodfever, Faefever, Dreamfever). There is one more (thank God it's only ONE) book in the series (Shadowfever), and I simply cannot wait!

Acheron - Sherrilyn Kenyon

Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Form: Audio Book
Series: Dark Hunter Series
Narrator: Holter Graham

Eleven thousand years ago a god was born. Cursed into the body of a human, Acheron spent a lifetime of shame. His human death unleashed an unspeakable horror that almost destroyed the earth. Brought back against his will, he became the sole defender of mankind. Only it was never that simple. For centuries, he has fought for our survival and hidden a past he never wants revealed. Until a lone woman who refuses to be intimidated by him threatens his very existence. Now his survival, and ours, hinges on hers and old enemies reawaken and unite to kill them both.
War has never been more deadly... or more fun.

Source: booksamillion.com

One word summary: Heartbreaking

Acheron is actually the first full book that I’ve read/listened to of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s. I read a novelette, trying to start at the beginning, and I’ve tried others, but lost interest within the first chapter. This book defiantly caught and held my attention from beginning to end.

This is not your typical paranormal romance novel. There is so much story here, it just seemed like it was what it was. This was Acheron’s life, not just some story, and let me tell you it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. Almost the entire story seemed to have a melancholy feel about it, it wasn’t until the end that any kind of joy seemed to seep through the book. It was very hard to listen to at points, because you are just so broken up because Acheron is broken, over and over again.

In the beginning, you pretty much hate every character, save Acheron and Ryssa, his sister. There is no good to be found in any of them. I was so afraid, even from the beginning when she wasn’t too bad, that Artemis was going to be Acheron’s HEA, that somehow she was going to redeem herself. I couldn’t figure out how in the world Sherrilyn Kenyon was going to make that happen after you become absolutely disgusted with her throughout his childhood. (Also bare in mind, I didn’t get any back-story from previous books) I am so thankful Tory came along. It is also a relief that as the book starts wrapping up, you discover that Acheron actually has friends who care about him, even if he does still feel all alone.

Some of the things I loved: the references to modern media. There are mention of several shows and movies. I loved the reference to Heros the T.V. Show “save the cheerleader, save the planet.” I also enjoyed the caveman commercial reference. Both made me smile. Showing modern times and making said references did not give the book a cheesy feel that I sometimes get with other books I read, and I really appreciate her ability to do that. Sherrilyn throws other bits of humor and fun in with all the grief. Acheron’s sarcasm always made me laugh, even after a beating or being insulted somehow. And then when Tory is able to match his every word with some of her own – they made the perfect match. I enjoyed Acheron’s aching heart for all children. It was a repeated even throughout the book, and I’m glad it remained consistent. I was disappointed when Mia did not end up being the HEA. I was hopeful that somehow this character from his past would be there to rescue and help him in the future. This was prior to me realizing that this book was going to cover the scope of several centuries.

Some things I wasn’t so happy about; there wasn’t much on his discovery that he was a father – that was surprising, but now that I think about it, it’s possible that is included in a different book and I just missed it. I just felt that was actually a bit important, especially to add fuel to the fire of his already growing hatred toward Artemis. The other thing I would have liked to see play out differently was how Acheron told Tory about himself. I wish he would have some how found a way to trust her instead of it being a bit of an accident, alas I suppose the whole point is that he cannot trust, and Tory had to prove herself trustworthy with his mistake. So I can see why it was written that way, it just wasn’t what I wanted to see I guess. The final thing that bothered me was the amount of history verses the amount of time spent in the current. It seemed like with all the focus on Acheron’s childhood, there could have been more about what was happening currently instead of squishing the love story and heroine all in a short amount of pages. I have read other reviews on this book, and I do disagree with others about the character of Tory – I think that she is a good heroine and I understood her back story and how it brought her to the present. I do, however, agree with the reviews about how there wasn’t enough time between Acheron’s attack on her career and them falling for one another. I’ve read many a romance novel, and I’ve felt the chemistry stronger between other couples, and I think time and “pages” of story help with that significantly.

I’ve already added the previous and the next Dark Hunter books to my list. I’m not sure I’ll go back and get all of them, but I am interested in seeing some of the other character’s stories.

30 Nights with a Highland Husband - Melissa Mayhue

Thirty Nights with a Highland Husband - Melissa Mayhue
Genre: Adult Romance
Form: Mass Paperback Book

Scotland, 1272. Connor MacKiernan, a descendant of the Fae Prince, is a warrior who lives only for honor and duty. Though he's vowed never to marry, that's exactly what he must do to save his sister. Enter a little Faerie magic, and the search for a bride is on.

Denver, 2007. Caitlyn Coryell is having a really bad day-she just discovered her fiance with another woman! Imagine her surprise when she puts on some sexy lingerie and an antique pendant and Connor appears in her bedroom, begging for her help. He offers a simple yet outrageous adventure: travel to his time, marry him, and return home.

But nothing's simple when Cate is trapped in the thirteenth century. The wedding's delayed, someone's trying to kill her, and in the middle of all this, she realizes she's falling in love with a man who can only be her husband for thirty nights.

Source: back of book

Highlanders, time travel, and faeries - oh my! Obviously, judging from my blog and previous reading adventures - all things that I enjoy in a book. But really, this was just a normal romantic adventure. Gets your heart thumping - both at the romance and at the danger. I can't say it was the best or worst book I've ever read. Just entertaining.

I do think Melissa Mayhue has the ability to put an entertaining story together - so let's not downplay that. Her characters were likable and somewhat realistic. I mean - how real can people be who are decedents of Faeries?? So the imagination is needed as well. The only thing that keeps this book from standing out is - I've pretty much read it before in another, or a few other books. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't really stand out outside of the fact that I do like to read romance novels, and it fulfilled it's obligation to entertain me in a way that T.V. just does not.

Book Review: In Over Her Head - Judi Fennell

In Over Her Head by Judi Fennell
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Form: Book

HE LIVES UNDER THE SEA
Reel Tritone is the rebellious royal second son of the ruler of a vast undersea kingdom. A Merman born with legs instead of a tail, he's always been fascinated by humans, especially one young women he once saw swimming near his family's reef...

SHE'S TERRIFIED OF THE OCEAN
Ever since the day she swam out too far and heard voices in the water, marina owner Erica Peek won't go swimming for anything - until she's forced into the water by a shady ex-boyfriend searching for stolen diamonds and is nearly eaten by a shark. Luckily Reel is nearby to save her, and he discovers she's the woman he's been searching for...

Before she knows it, Erica is off with Reel on a series of wild underwater adventures to retrieve stolen treasure, battle the mother of all sea monsters, and defy a death edict from the kingdom's high council. But even if they get out of their madcap mission alive, how will they find a way to stay together when she hates the water and he can't survive on land?

Source: Back of Book

In Over Hear Head was very entertaining, and satisfying to the romantic soul. The book is filled with the typical antics of a normal romance book - only 90% of it takes place under water. If you have a good imagination - or you've seen The Little Mermaid, this is a very bright and colorful book. If you like romance, and you like fantasy - but not a fan of dark, bad, and scary - this is the book for you!!

The high points of the book - it was fun light-hearted and the characters were easy to enjoy. I am pretty sure I read that this book is the beginning of a series, and I am intrigued to find out what happens next. Some low points would include the author's use of a famous actor for the description of Reel, the male lead. I don't like it when authors do that. I'd prefer to have descriptive words and come up with my own image.

Hitting bookshelves June 1st, I do think that if you love to see sparks fly - especially between two unlikely characters - In Over Her Head is your book!

Lover Avenged - J.R. Ward

Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Form: Hardback Book
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood Series

Caldwell, New York, has long been the battleground for the vampires and their enemies, the Lessening Society. It's also where Rehvenge has staked out his turf as a drug lord and owner of a notorious nightclub that caters to the rich and heavily armed. His shadowy reputation is exactly why he's approached to kill Wrath, the Blind King and leader of the Brotherhood.

Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the Brotherhood, even though his sister is married to a member. Because he's a symphath, his identity is a deadly secret - the revelation of which could result in his banishment to a colony for sociopaths. As plots within and outside the Brotherhood take their toll on Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in his darkening world - Ehlena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him - and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.

Source: Front flap of book

I finished this book probably 2 weeks ago...I've just been that behind!

Very exciting, action packed Brotherhood novel. I love Rehvenge for who he is. He is a deep dark protector. No matter of his sociopathic disability, he does everything he can to keep it and himself at bay, protect his family, his friends, his secret. It's taking it's toll on him. No matter - because it's all getting ready to be revealed. Ehlena is the perfect female for Rehvenge. I was shocked at how romantic Rehv is. Which was a wonderful change from Z's hard and powerful possessiveness, and V's....well, "fun and games." I think J.R. brought it out even further how different Rehv is when Ehlena showed up at V's place instead of Rehv's. Quite humorous in my opinion.

Ehlena was perfectly human, er well...normal. Her reactions to Rehv, especially when she finds out who he really is, was spot on. Hurt, betrayed...but then revelation. She figures it out all on her own. She's a very strong female, able to take care of herself...but she's very venerable at the same time. She needs the tenderness that Rehv provides.

Okay...more on the book itself. LOVE the subplots ones again, although they really weren't that secondary. The story seems to align much more nicely in this book than in books past. In the past we had the main story, then we had some side things going on. This time we had a book. Wrath and Beth played a much larger role, which was just wonderful in my opinion. I was sort of missing them. I can just imagine how difficult it would be to incorporate every one in all the books - but usually, that is what I want. I liked seeing Butch a little more too. But most of all, I absolutely ADORE the continuation - and the beginning - of John Matthew and Xhex's story.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say John Matthew is going to end up taking Zsadist's position in my heart as my favorite brother. I think it has something to do with how incredibly well we know John Matthew. There really won't be a need for too much of a back story on him, so I imagine we'll be getting to know Xhex more in Lover Mine (perfect name...I soo can't wait for this book!). We really get a nice start to their rocky relationship in Lover Avenged.

My one disappointment of the book? I was REALLY expecting Rehvenge started fighting with the Brotherhood. There is a much different alignment though - but I won't ruin that for you.

In my opinion...while all these books are great, this is the absolute best Black Dagger Brotherhood book yet. My expectation is that Lover Mine is going to meet and exceed this. I *think* this series has 3 books left, including Lover Mine, and she's definitely going to take it out with a bang.

I'm totally going to check out J.R. Ward's new Fae series as well.

Kiss of Midnight - Lara Adrian

Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian
Genre: Adult Paranormal
Form: Mass Paperback
Series: Midnight Breed

He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle Maxwell's deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night - or this man - is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never new existed-a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite. Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind - and the unwitting humans existing alongside them - from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands. Here, in the arms of the Breed's formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all....

Source: back of book

Another series. Or better yet, another vampire series. Maybe I'm obsessed, I don't know. I think one of the things I like the best about all the different vampire series is all the different versions of vampires you come across.

This particular series is centered around warriors who are fighting against their own kind who are blood addicts, or have the disease "bloodlust," which causes the vampire to crave the blood of humans just as much as a junkie craves his drugs. The warriors fight to keep the peace, and to keep their species from being detected to the human world. The Midnight Breed's are a type of vampire who originated from an alien species who landed on earth and started running wild in their own bloodlust addiction. It wasn't until later that they discovered that they were able to breed with certain women, a minority group known as Breedmates.

Character development was pretty good. I think what I liked most about Gabrielle was that when Lucan needed her the most, she was there for him. He wasn't always the hero. In some, actually many, cases he was actually the bad guy. But he was very hard on himself for sins of the past, and Gabrielle was able to point that out to him. Gabrielle was a strong female. Not really a damsielle in distress, but she did find herself in trouble more than once. She actually was regularly walking into trouble and did not know it. She meets Lucan just in the nick of time.

I'm sort of hoping that Gabrielle's special talent will play out a little bit more in upcoming books. It would be neat to see her used strategically in the Breed's plans to overcome the growing, and organized Rogues.

Dragonswan - Sherrilyn Kenyon

Dragonswan by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Form: Book
Series: Dark Hunters

Channon, enjoying a day at the museum studying her favorite exhibit, a dragon tapestry finds herself swept into the arms of a sinfully handsome man who weaves all sorts of amusing stories about who he is, where he's from and even explanations of the tapestry she's so obsessed with. At first, she just thinks Sebastian is full of charm and wit and it just successfully trying to impress her, but soon finds he speaks mostly the truth as she is swept into a world she never imagined with a man who makes her weak in the knees.

Dragonswan is the prelude to Kenyon's Dark Hunter series. I have been impressed upon by some "friends" over at the Karen Marie Moning web-forum, to read. This first book was a mere 86 pages, and was an okay short story - but I wasn't overly impressed myself. But given that it is a novelette, I'm not going to base my opinion of Sherrilyn Kenyon as an author or the series in general by this one little read.

Kenyon did do a good job at developing the characters in such a short book, enough that you did want a bit more than what you were left with. The book did have sufficient romance and action for it's size as well. I just like a bit more depth I guess.

Lover Enshrined - J.R. Ward

Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Form: Book
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood

Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood's bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is obligated to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive, and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.

As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body but his heart for herself. She is drawn to the noble responsibility behind the emotionally scarred male. But Phury has never allowed himself to know pleasure or joy. As the war with the Lessening Society grows grim, tragedy looms over the Brotherhood's mansion, and Phury must decide between duty and love....

Fantastic! The story is really coming together - I can almost see how some things will play out. This book kept me going. Once again, it was more what was going on outside of Phury and Cormia that kept the book intact for me than their story - although it was very good. Cormia must come out from being a part of an entire entity of beings and discover who she is, and Phury must find himself in the mess his life has been since the day he was born. It's a great combination. I recently read where someone didn't feel Phury truly get over Bella - but I disagree, I believe Phury was getting over Bella from the very beginning of the book when he was drawling the picture of her with her hair up. Cormia was already seeping, unknown to him, into his mind.

I loved the tenderness that came out of John Matthew towards Cormia in this book too - he really did help her in her discovery process I believe. I just wish that the boy ...er, man...would communicate more. He sees things and does things and truly needs to tell people about them instead of doubting himself all the time. Of course I think it will come eventually. I'm just curious if eventually he will get his own book, or if his story will continue to be told on the sidelines. Same with Blay and Quinn.

I'm anxiously awaiting Lover Avenged while reading the guide book.

Lover Unbound - J.R. Ward

Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Form: Book
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood

Ruthless and brilliant, Vishous, son of the Bloodletter, possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a pretrans growing up in his father's war camp, he was tormented and abused. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of a human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time--until destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that cannot include her...

Lover Unbound is probably my 3rd favorite dagger book, after Lover Awakened and Dark Lover. I really enjoy the backstories on the Brotherhood a lot. And in this book's case, I actually liked the side stories (John, Phury) more than the main story itself. I expecially like seeing Zsadist come out even more in this book. He IS my favorite brother afterall. Some things I did like about Vishous' story included his release of Butch, and even more so Butch's explination about how his attraction to him was more about caring for someone other than himself for the first time rather than love.

What I didn't like was how Jane came back in the end. Oh, I wanted her back of course - but the how it was done was a little wonky to me. Didn't really sit well with my "oh yeah, that could happen," imagination.

Lover Revealed - J.R. Ward

Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Form: Book
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood

Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard-living ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world-to engage in the turf war with the lessers. He's got nothing to lose. His heart belongs to a female vampire, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. If he can't have Marissa, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers...

Fate Curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he's found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back. But even her love may not be enough to save him...

Another book down on my newest obsession. I am in love with this series. I love the action - but I've said that before, haven't it? Butch is such a great guy! Even before his big "revelation" he is totally on board with the BDB and their mission. He loves these boys like they are his family - and I think it's awesome. I'm doing my best here, not to give away the book, but I will say that I wish there was a little bit more foreshadowing of Butch's fate, I think that would have tied the book in a bit better. Just an opinion though.

Marissa, on the other hand, I wasn't digging her to much. She was all lust and lacked understanding. I wish she would have opened up to what was going on and stopped being so selfish. She didn't want to loose Butch, but geez - was the guy suppose to sit around and continue to corrode his liver for his entire life? He needed a purpose, a job - and when he finally got one, instead of being a supportive, loving gal - she decided to walk out. Not cool in my book. So far, I think she is my least favorite of the females. But I DO like her new initiative of having a Vampire social services type deal. That's awesome, and I hope plays more of a role in the books to come.

Lover Awakened - J. R. Ward

Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Form: Book
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood

A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion and terror his only passion - until he rescues a beautiful female from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for each other begins to overtake them, Zsadist's thirst for vengence against Bella's tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past and find a future with her....

This is my favorite BDB so far! Zsadist is a sheep on wolves's clothing running witless from love, attention or even interaction with anyone. I loved his transition from scared out of his mind to personable vampire. J.R. Ward is doing a wonderful job with this series, the story line keeps moving. I'm already excited to start the next book in the series, because I can't wait to find out what happens to Butch.

My favorite part of this book is without a doubt Zsadist's first kiss. I swear I could feel the emotion radiating off Zsadist and out of the book at the sensation of this intimate touch.

Lover Eternal - J.R. Ward

Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Form: Book
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood

Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetites. He's the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover - for inside him burns a ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin. Owned by this dark side, Rhage fears the times when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him.

Mary Luce, a survivor of many hardships, is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world and reliant on Rhage's protection. With a life-threatening curse of her own, Mary is not looking for love. She lost her faith in miracles years ago. But when Rhage's intense animal attraction turns into something more emotional, he knows that he must make Mary his alone. And while their enemies close in, Mary fights desperately to gain life eternal with the one she loves...

I must say I'm hooked on another series. I really do love it when a series wraps you up into not only the life of the main characters of that particular book, but interweave the stories together so that they capture your attention, making it somewhat impossible to just read one. Well, as long as they are good books that is.

Lover Eternal was a great story. I really enjoyed how J.D Ward causes the two characters strengths and weaknesses to compliment each other, sort of how that happens in real life...except the whole vampire thing of course. Some of the better parts include how Rhage stands up for his feeling and for Mary despite the rules against humans. Part and particle to the story, I like how she is bringing out Butch as a character, in the end he starts taking control and pushing out instructions. Part of me is thinking, 'what right does he have doing that,' where the other part is saying, 'This is who he is. This is what he does.' I'm very interested in all the brothers, and their stories - but I'm also looking forward to seeing Butch and even the new warrior, John, in the books to come.

I still have a hard time with the names of the Brothers. On one hand I like it, they are warriors, they are dangerous. On the other hand I'm thinking it's over the top. Not only that, but what person (human) in their right mind would trust someone called "Wrath,' or "Rhage?" And the spellings, making them more name-like, yet still reminds me of people who use special spellings to make their baby names different. But the books are good enough that it's something I definitely can live with.

The Highlander's Touch - Karen Marie Moning

The Highlander's Touch by Karen Marie Moning
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Form: Audio Book
Series: Highlander Series

A Warrior Of Immortal Powers

He was a mighty Scottish warrior who lived in a world bound by ancient laws and timeless magic. But no immortal powers could prepare the laird of Castle Brodie for the lovely accursed lass who stood before him. A terrible trick of fate had sent her 700 years back in time and into his private chamber to tempt him with her beauty—and seduce him with a desire he could never fulfill. For this woman he burned to possess was also
the woman he had foresworn to destroy.
A Woman Caught In The Mists Of Time

When Lisa felt the earth move under her feet, the fiercely independent 21st-century woman never dreamed she was falling...into another century. But the powerful, naked warrior who stood glaring down at her was only too real...and too dangerously arousing. Irresistibly handsome he might be, but Lisa had no intention of remaining in this savage land torn by treachery and war. How could she know that her seductive captor had other plans for her...plans that would save her from a tragic fate? Or that this man who had long ago forsaken love would defy time itself to claim her for his own....

The Highlander's Touch is the last Highlander book I had to read...er....listen to. As always, Karen Marie Moning pulls off a wonderful love story that merges both passion and fantasy. While there have been other Highlander books that I enjoyed more than this one, it was nice to finally get some gaps filled in with this story. It makes the following 3 books a little more complete.

Oddly enough, I think my favorite part of this book was the very end. I loved how the lovers were re-joined (being vague, because I refuse to give away the story). I also loved Adam's involvement in this story - of course I love Adam all around, so that is no surprise.

The Vampire's Bride - Gena Showalter

The Vampire's Bride by Gena Showalter
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Form: Book
Series: Atlantis Series

He is Layel, king of the vampires, a master seducer no woman can deny. But since a rogue horde of dragons killed his beloved over two centuries ago, Layel has existed only for vengeance...until he meets Delilah.

Wary of love, the beautiful Amazon wants nothing to do with the tormented vampire. Yet there's no denying their consuming desire every time he nears her.

Neither trusts the other - nor can they survive alone. For in an impossible game of the gods' devising, they've been trapped on an island, about to face the ultimate challenge: surrender to the passion that will bind them forever...or be doomed to an eternity apart.

...source: back of book...

I'm thinking that The Vampire's Bride is wrapping up the Atlantis series, and I say that that is probably a good thing. While I sort of enjoyed the series, I definitely enjoy the Lords of the Underworld series a lot more. The extensive story line really helps, while the Atlantis series is more bits and pieces that somewhat connect. This was a good book - not excellent, and most certainly not horrible.

For some reason I had a hard time picturing Layel, and that drove me crazy. I like being able to visualize the characters. His red lips and white hair - I don't know, I kept coming up with a crazed Albert Einstein. So visually I didn't stick to the book's description. I did enjoy Layel and Delilah's interaction, which is probably what made the book good. I like the heat between two opposing forces who are unnaturally drawn to each other.

As for the active story line - the battle for the best creatures on Atlantis, I actually felt fell into The Hunger Games a bit. It was a little different, but the idea was similar. I was a little niffed when in the end the gods decided - 'eh, we decided not to kill you, instead you will be punished in such and such a way.' When what I really wanted was for the god's to keep their word, but for the winner to come up with an all inclusive "booty" for their winnings; i.e. "I want you to return everyone who participated back to Atlantis in the state you pulled us out." Something that would have allowed for everyone to keep their memories of what happened on the island, yet the ultimate happily ever after. I also had hoped for a reconciliation between the vampires and the dragons...who knows, maybe she's got more Atlantis up her sleeve...

Kiss of the Highlander - Karen Marie Moning

Kiss of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Form: Audio Book
Series: Highlander Series

A laird trapped between centuries...

Enchanted by a powerful spell, Highland laird Drustan MacKeltar slumbered for nearly five centuries hidden deep in a cave, until an unlikely savior awakened him. The enticing lass who dressed and spoke like no woman he’d ever known was from his distant future, where crumbled ruins were all that remained of his vanished world. Drustan knew he had to return to his own century if he was to save his people from a terrible fate. And he needed the bewitching woman by his side....

A woman changed forever in his arms...

Gwen Cassidy had come to Scotland to shake up her humdrum life and, just maybe, meet a man. How could she have known that a tumble down a Highland ravine would send her plunging into an underground cavern — to land atop the most devastatingly seductive man she’d ever seen? Or that once he’d kissed her, he wouldn’t let her go?

Bound to Drustan by a passion stronger than time, Gwen is swept back to sixteenth-century Scotland, where a treacherous enemy plots against them ... and where a warrior with the power to change history will defy time itself for the woman he loves....

...source: Barnes & Noble website...

As always, Karen Marie Moning does not disappoint. I was happy to finally get to read the first half of the MacKeltar twin's stories and fill in some of the gaps that I missed by reading The Dark Highlander first. Drustan and Gwen were perfect together from beginning to end. I actually liked how in this story there was a little less confusion about how Drustan and Gwen feel about one another - a little less fighting the inevitable...well, at least until the 2nd half. I also really enjoyed the parallels between the first and second half of the book, only in the first half Drustan is the "crazy" one, while Gwen takes the role in the second half.

My favorite part? I think it would have to be when Gwen accidentally marries Drustan while she's relaying the story of what went on in her century, I could just imagine the roar coming out of Drustan's mouth and the urgency welling up in him while Gwen continues reciting the vows unrealizing what she's doing or why Drustan is reacting as such. I also love Drustan's acceptance of Gwen and everything before the memory spell is spoken.

The part that I should have seen coming and didn't was the end. Very, VERY good way to end this book!!

The Nymph King - Gena Showalter

The Nymph King by Gena Showalter
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Form: Book
Series: Atlantis

Females young and old beautiful and plain crave Valerian's touch. None can resist his blatant sensuality and potent allure...until he steals Shaye Holing from a Florida beach and holds her prisoner in his underwater kingdom.

The cynical Shaye wants nothing to do with the mighty warlord, but she's inexplicably drawn to him. For underneath the warrior's arrogant beauty lies a complex and powerful man. A man whose caress is like fire...

Now Valerian must fight for the privilege of claiming her as his own. Because there's one thing Shaye doesn't know...

That when a nymph discovers his true mate, she's his for life.

...source: back of book....

The Nymph King is exactly what you would think it is. It's almost too much sex and not enough other stuff in my opinion. While I did enjoy the book, I found Valerian overly arrogant and self righteous. He didn't spend enough time wooing Shaye, and just expected her to fall to her knees for him. In the end, that is pretty much what she did. She didn't have much to base her submission to him, except his insistence that she would eventually give in to him. While Valerian decided one night to "get to know her," they never really did end up talking much. A little tid-bit here and there.

What I did like about the book was that there was a story part and partial to the mating of Valerian and Shaye that I felt was more meaningful. I did enjoy Shaye and Valerian's "I hate you" conversations near the end as well. And the orange, such a sweetheart Valerian proved himself to be. He truly did want to give Shaye everything she wanted - he's just not good at the chatting I guess. Oh, and the finale - the show down between Nymphs and Dragons, I felt, had a very satisfying result.

One question I ask Gena, why didn't you have Shaye wear the dress she longed for that was hanging in Valerian's closet? I *thought* that was foreshadowing, and figured Shaye would take some pride in getting to finally wear the dress she really did want. :)