Avenger’s Angel

Jul 272011
 

I have to be honest and say that when I was offered Avenger’s Angel to review, it was the cover art that really piqued my interest.  It’s just beautiful.  The story sounded interesting, but I didn’t expect too much so I prepared myself for another ‘immortal male needs/meets lifemate’ story.

Avenger’s Angel is kind of like that but is also so much more.  It has so much charm that I was immediately drawn right in, totally engaged and wanting to find out what happens; I only put it down when I absolutely had to.

The characters that Heather Killough-Walden has created are my very favourite kind.  The male character is powerful and dominant but knows when to give ground.  The main female character is capable enough to take care of herself, but puts her care for others before herself.  Both have a quality I can’t explain but I find extremely attractive and I can only put it down to great writing.

I love the back story created to support the series;  four favoured Archangels sent to Earth for the chance to find the soul mates that ‘the Old man’ created for them.

I love all four of the Archangels, their characterisations are solid and well written, making them likeable and believable.  Each are flawed in their own way but it makes them unique in their own right. After searching for thousands of years for their Archesses, they have reluctantly settled into lives in the modern world, still hoping, still searching.

The main characters in the book are Archangel Uriel (former Angel of Vengeance), and his created Archess Ellie.  Uriel, now known as film star Christopher Daniels, is a funny, wry character who I often wanted to smack as much as hug.  Ellie is just so sweet I wanted to take her home and look after her, even though she is more than capable of doing it herself.  When Ellie and Uriel are in each others presence the sparks really fly and the tension builds up to a fever pitch.

The story itself flows well and is intriguing and the pace nicely judged.  There are other characters that come into it that I can’t really say too much about because of spoilers but suffice to say there are some surprises in store and things are not always as they seem. I have to mention the love scenes as well, because you might just need a fan!  They’re very well written and totally hot.

A great read and I look forward to the next book in this charming series!

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

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Fever

Jul 202011
 

Hidden in the jungles of Borneo live a race of creatures; neither human nor leopard but something in between.  Able to shift to either form, they live in empathy with the rainforest and its numerous inhabitants, serving as protectors and guardians against poachers and bandits.

Fever is two stories brought together in one volume.  I’ve not read much by Christine Feehan so far and this is the first of the Leopard People books.

The Awakening is a nine chapter story establishing the setting for the series and it was entertaining enough, although the male lead did bug me a little by being too overbearing.  It was a decent introduction to the setting and I liked the concept but it suffered for being so short.  I think if there had been more time to get to know the character of Brandt, he would have come across much better and not felt so suffocating.

Wild Rain is the longer Novella and was a much better read.  There was time to build empathy with the characters of Rachael and Rio, explore their background, even if most of it was shrouded in secrecy until they were able to open up to each other.  Of course that doesn’t happen until after quite a lot of sex and bonding.  I did come to like them, enough that I cared about what happened to them.

The plot was a little contrived but it was interesting and again I liked the concept Feehan has created with this series and the Leopard People.  The pace was smooth, I didn’t feel it was dragging at all and even though most of the novella takes place in one location due to an injury, it didn’t get boring.

As a book, it didn’t light me on fire.  I felt that the characters were quite formulaic and it didn’t quite engage me to the levels that other authors in this genre have but it was an enjoyable enough read that I am interested in reading the next book in the series.

No great shakes but enjoyable nonetheless.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ 

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Lover Unleashed

Jun 082011
 

With Payne paralysed in a freak accident sparring with Wrath, only the best surgeon can give her the chance to walk again.  Dr Manuel ‘Manny’ Manello, is the best in his field and agrees to give Payne that chance.   Discovering a whole hidden world he never knew about he finds a bond he certainly wasn’t looking for, and an old friend he never thought he’d see again.

This book is a little odd in that it doesn’t just focus on Payne and Manny.  Vishous and Jane have their story continued as well which was good, as it was obvious that there were still issues left unresolved in previous books.  It could have ruined the story and been better being released as two books but there is such a close link between Vishous and Payne and the fact they are twins that it worked, and worked well.

I am always amazed at the quality of Ward’s writing, the emotional depths to which she goes for the much loved brotherhood, and Lover Unleashed is no different.  One facet that was different from previous books is that the Lessening Society were more of a footnote than a cause and we are introduced to another set of warriors that have their own agenda.  It was really interesting and opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

I didn’t expect to like Payne as much as I did.  When we first got to know her in Lover Mine, I found her a bit annoying, but here she really comes alive as a character in her own right.  She is a complex mix of the grace and sweetness of the Chosen but with the ability to fight with the best of the Brotherhood.  As the twin of Vishous but with a completely different and sheltered upbringing, she is nothing like him yet has a bond that is purely him.  I had been waiting for the story with Dr ‘Manny’ Manuel Manello since Lover Unbound and Vishous had the word ‘brother’ sound in his head.  I knew there would be something big for him and it was great to see that come to life.  He is very much like Butch, in attitude and personality but with the skills and abilities of  a top class surgeon.  Adding another human to the mix could have caused a lot of problems and weakened the group as a set, but I thought Ward worked him in beautifully.  As for the surprise at the end, that was just brilliant!

Vishous and Jane, oh how I love thee both.  The problems they experience in this book were both sad and sweet.  Vishous had never really dealt with his issues, he was just able to bury them when Jane came along.  Having his sister there and then Manny kicked up a lot of memories and the outfall could have been very bad.  It’s a testament to the couple and how well they are written that they affected me emotionally as well.

The hints with Blay and Qhuinn are so tantalising and Qhuinn’s realisation was agonising, knowing he still wasn’t going to do anything about it, even with a solution staring him in the face so to speak.  I’m really hoping they will have their own story because I love their characters a lot.

Lover unleashed is definitely a book about the characters and less about fighting, although it couldn’t be about the Brotherhood if there wasn’t at least a little combat.  It is a powerful story, emotionally engaging with some very hot scenes.  And it’s very, very good.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood is a firm favourite and J. R. Ward is simply a genius in the genre.

Rating: ★★★★★ 

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Darkness Unbound

May 222011
 

Born from a lab-enhanced clone mother and an Aedh father, Risa Jones can not only talk to the souls of the dying and the dead, but she can see reapers and walk the grey fields that divide this world from the next.

They are skills she rarely uses, however preferring to concentrate on the business she runs with her friends. But when her mother asks her to help the parents of a little girl locked in a coma, she reluctantly agrees. What she discovers terrifies her: someone has ripped the girl’s soul from her flesh.

As it turns out, a creature consuming the souls of the innocent – and not so innocent – is the least of her problems. Because someone wants to rip open the gates that divide hell from earth, and Risa is a key component in their plans.

And the only person standing between her and disaster is a reaper who isn’t exactly on her side.

We last saw Risa as a child in the Riley Jensen guardian books. In this she is all grown up and like her “aunt” Riley she can be bad ass when she chooses to be! She has resisted all attempts to join the directorate and prefers spending time with her friends running her business.

Keri has created a very likeable heroine here; one who can look after herself yet shows a healthy fear when confronted by dangerous situations. She is not all gung ho and has heard enough about Riley’s life as a guardian to steer well clear of things, or at least try to!

It was great to catch up with Riley, Quinn et al, we only get glimpses of their life now but it is just enough to avoid taking the limelight from the real heroine – Risa.

There is of course the romantic interest – I suspect there may be 2 ‘men’ who will feature significantly in future books. One thing is sure by the end of this book, we know life will never be the same for Risa.

I loved this book, even more I think than the Riley Jensen books. I will be eagerly anticipating the rest of the series.

Darkness Unbound is due to be released September 2011.

Rating: ★★★★☆ 

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The Darkest Night

Sep 222010
 

Since I am usually the one who recommends books to friends and get them hooked on my favourite series, my friend Tracey decided to get her own back by introducing me to Gena Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld Series.

I liked the premise of the Lords of the Underworld, and felt it was unique and intriguing; warriors cursed by the Greek gods to be bonded with immortal demons after they opened Pandora’s Box.  Maddox who was bonded with the demon of Violence was further cursed to die every night and be tortured in hell until dawn, as he was the one that ultimately struck Pandora down.

The Darkest Night is Maddox’s book, of the struggle between his demon and waning humanity.

The main characters of Maddox and Ashlyn worked well together, such polar opposites yet each filling a void within the other.  Ashlyn, in her isolated innocence with her paranormal abilities was particularly interesting.  They were well written, likeable and I cared what happened to both of them. I have to touch on the build up of heat between the two – it was well done, very teasing and finally extremely erotic.

The supporting cast of the other Lords was a bit of a mixture for me. I felt after so long together, the sense of brotherhood and camaraderie would have been much greater and I felt that was lacking.  I don’t know however, after only reading the first book whether this is because it is the start of their lives changing and it is something that will come or if the demons within them prevent them from truly being brothers.

The pace of the story was a little stop/start but in all honesty the plot did allow for it and when there was action, it was fast and brutal.  It suited the style of the book.

The ending had more of an emotional punch than I expected and I felt that it was particularly well written and got me right in the heart.

Similar in feel to J. R. Ward and Sherrilyn Kenyon and while maybe not quite as engaging, still an enjoyable and exciting read.  Looking forwards to the second book which I have right here!

Rating: ★★★☆☆ 

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No Mercy

Sep 032010
 

As a shapeshifter, Dev possesses all the fierce protectiveness, rage, strength and aggression of the bear that is the other half of his soul.  As one of the Peltier quadruplets, still mourning the loss of his parents, he tries hard to keep everyone at arms length.  When Samia, an Amazonian Dark-Hunter walks into Sanctuary, the last thing he expected was attraction.  Sam having been relocated to New Orleans with other members of the Dogs of War by Acheron and looking for a good fight, found something else entirely.  Some peace from her brutal betrayal and the ‘gift’ she received when she made the transition to a Dark-Hunter.

As enemies old and new plot and gather, Sam and Dev might be the only thing standing between mankind and annihilation.

I always feel like a kid in a sweet shop when I hold a new Sherrilyn Kenyon book.  Oddly I feel almost reluctant to read it at first, knowing that once I have, it’s done and there will be another wait to visit the ‘shop’ again.  Of course that doesn’t last long and as soon as I start it, I’m immediately swept up into the story, overjoyed at seeing some old friends again, mourning still for the ones lost in the last book.

The Dark-Hunter books are a treat to read, there is no pretense, no trying to cloud the issue with clever tricks, just straight forward emotional writing that engages you right from the start and doesn’t let you go until it’s finished.

No Mercy is a wonderful addition to the series.  Getting to see who Dev is on the inside was great after being used to seeing him as the brash loud-mouthed were-bear who tries to rub everyone up the wrong way.  He meets more than his match in Sam who might just have become one of my favourite female characters in this series.  As a female Dark-Hunter, she has already been to hell and back but refuses to give up and keeps fighting, to honour the Amazon code she held to in life and protect innocents from the Daimons.

There are some wonderfully sweet scenes as well as the usual sarcasm, action packed fights and testosterone overload I’ve come to love and expect but there is also a  depth of emotion evident that hasn’t exactly been lacking in previous books but rather just seemed to strike the right chord in me.

I try hard not to mention specifics in books I review as I really hate spoiling things for others but oh my, Stryker, you are a bad boy!

There are also some interesting developments with regards to Nick just to further tantalise, but to find out more, well, you are just going to have to read it!

Rating: ★★★★½ 

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Lover Mine

May 122010
 

Having grown up in the human world, a place he didn’t fit in nor understand, John Matthew is finally finding his place within the Brotherhood.  Trying to put his brutal and abusive past behind him, he finds brief comfort from an unlikely source.  Xhex, whose own troubled past haunts her and being half symphath drives her to keep everyone at arms length.  Being kidnapped by Lash, the vicious son of the Omega is the last straw and she wants vengeance.  Even though John’s brief relationship with Xhex had left his heart broken, he vowed to either find her and bring her home or avenge her death.  Fate has played a cruel hand in both their lives but was there a chance for both of them to find peace, or would they continue along their paths alone.

I had mixed feelings when I started Lover Mine.  John has been present in the series for a long time, starting before he hit his transition into full vampire and while his history was sad, his present was getting messed up through bad choices, bad memories and a whole lot of attitude.  Understandable but it still made me want to smack him upside the head.  The same with Xhex too.

Now having arrived at his own book, I was soon drawn right into the story and a lot more made sense about who he has become and why he made some of the choices he did.  He had started to feel whiny, sulky and annoying in Lover Avenged and I was really pleased to see him grow out of that.  Xhex was a much more layered character than I expected and it didn’t take long before she had claimed her own corner of my heart, along with the other females of the series.  She kicks serious ass too which I think makes her the perfect match for John!

I thought the flashes of the history of Darius and Tohrment were a really nice touch and I should have seen where that was going but it still came as a surprise, maybe because so much else was going on in the book.

I’ve probably said this in every review of the series but I still absolutely love that the other major characters from the series appear, which isn’t that surprising since it’s a tight knit group but it’s great (and sometimes painful) to see how they are doing.

I don’t know where to even start with Blay and Qhuinn.  They SO belong together but while Blay accepts who he is, Qhuinn is still in denial and thinks he should be doing the female and baby route that his lineage has programmed into him.  They are both so hot together and even though Blay might have moved on, I hope there is a future for them and their own book because they are brilliant characters.

The book as a whole was amazing.  I absolutely loved it and even with the often horrifying and disturbing events the characters have been through, the emotion, grit and sheer balls of all the characters mean I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I need more, now!

Rating: ★★★★★ 

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Jayne Ann Krentz Double Book Giveaway

Apr 072010
 

It’s giveaway time again lovely readers and thanks again to Piatkus I have a duo of Running Hot and Fired Up by Jayne Ann Krentz.  There are 2 sets to be won and all you have to do is comment below and tell me what name you would give to your own secret society, when you put it together to either save the world or impose your evil genius upon it.

This giveaway will close on April 30th and names will be drawn from a hat, bowl or whatever container comes to hand!

Apologies but open to UK residents only.

I enjoyed these books and you can read my reviews for Running Hot here and Fired Up here.

Good luck!

**This Giveaway is now closed, no further entries will be accepted.  Bear with me while I do the draw and will announce the winners later today!**

Fired Up

Mar 032010
 

Jack Winters is a direct descendant of Nicholas Winters, infamous obsession driven Alchemist.  Believing himself to be the recipient of the Winters family curse, Jack needs to find his ancestor’s lamp and a woman who is a strong enough Dreamlight reader.   Those two things could be the only way to save him from insanity and death.  Chloe Harper tries to stay under the radar of the Arcane Society, like most in her large and diverse family but finds herself caught up when she is hired by Jack for two things.  To find the Burning Lamp and with her dreamlight talent, help save him from the curse.  Soon on the trail, she finds that they are trying to evade the Nightshade organisation as well as the Arcane Society and will have to make a choice who to trust.

Fired Up technically follows on from Running Hot but focusses on two new characters.  I do like it when authors do this, it makes their world seem so much bigger.  I thought it was a very nice touch that Grace and Luther were mentioned in passing so I got to see that they were doing well.

The story in Fired Up was just as engaging as Running Hot and I loved the new characters of Jack and Chloe.  They worked really well together and the tension between them was built right from the start as a small spark of possibility.  I also liked that both of them were competent and confident, no ‘struggling weak heroine needs rescuing by big strong man’ and more than a match for each other. It felt like there was a slightly larger cast of minor characters but they didn’t feel minor when they appeared, they were just as compelling and well rounded as the main cast.

The character who I should have mentioned before that links these two books together, is Fallon Jones.  He’s the head of the J&J detective agency that works for the Arcane Society,  and at first I thought the story was going to be leading in a different direction for him but I am glad it didn’t turn out to be so, as he’s a great character.  His little event at the end made me laugh and want to applaud, and I do hope that story will be told soon.

Coming into the series late hasn’t been much of a hindrance and other than missing references to brief mentions of history, these books can easily be read out of sequence.   I also didn’t realise that Jayne Ann Krentz has used the Arcane Society in stories from historical fiction, to modern and then to futuristic under different pen names.  She writes as Amanda Quick for the historicals, Jayne Castle as the futuristic ones and of course as Jayne Ann Krentz for these excellent modern stories.  I definitely need to catch up on those!

Rating: ★★★½☆ 

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Witch Fire

Jan 282010
 

Mira Hoskins believed her whole life that her parents were killed in a car crash when she was a child.  When a tall, handsome stranger rescues her from being attacked in her home, he tells her she is actually a powerful Air Witch which she finds a little hard to believe.   Her powers were kept secret from her to keep her safe from the evil organisation who really murdered them, their powers drained so demons could be summoned.  Fire Witch Jack McAlister has been sent by The Coven, the ruling body for Witches, to keep her safe and escort her to the Coven before she can be taken and used for the same deed.  One slight problem is that Air and Fire have a natural overwhelming attraction and Jack is forbidden to give in to the fire raging within him.  Mira struggles equally with the power that threatens to consume her and rather than the balancing of their elements that time together should have brought, the fire burns ever brighter.

Apparently I have a soft spot for secret societies of people with special powers living within our mundane world and fighting the good fight against their evil counterparts.  Add in hot men and gutsy women and I’m hooked.

Witch Fire piqued my interest by hitting all those spots and ramped it up with a good story, passionate scenes and well rounded characters.  I loved Mira and Jack, they worked really well together and were believable as a couple, even as Mira learns the truth about who she really is.  The love scenes were pretty steamy and exciting but not excessively written and it did amuse me that most of the book took place in just three locations.  I actually also found that quite impressive.  The plot itself is quite simple but I don’t think that’s a bad thing as I feel the story is mainly about the main players.  I liked the elemental ‘magic system’, it was intuitive and creative, and along with the wiccan ideals and practices made a sturdy base to build it all from.

I did feel the premise lacked originality, which only left the characters and their interactions to help the book stand out from the crowd.  Saying that however, Witch Fire did have a lot of heart.  I felt Anya Bast wanted the readers to love her characters as much as she did, in that she succeeded.

Looking forward to reading more in this series!

Rating: ★★★☆☆ 

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