THE LAST ONE Release Day

 

The anticipated spin-off series of THE POSSE is finally here!

Meghan Hawthorne is restless. The last year has been a roller coaster: her widowed mother just married a long-time family friend. Her younger brother unexpectedly became a father and a husband. Everyone's life is changing. . .except for hers. As she begins her final summer of college, Meghan's looking for excitement and maybe a little romance. Nothing serious; this girl just wants to have fun.

But the only man for Meghan turns out to be the last one she expects.

Sam Reynolds doesn't need excitement, and he doesn't want romance. Fun is out of the question. He's been the steady, responsible one since his parents were killed, and serious is his way of life.

When Sam rescues Meghan alongside a dark Georgia backroad, she falls hard for his deep brown eyes and slow drawl. But making him see her as more than just a party girl won't be easy. Sam's tempted by the fiery young artist, even as he realizes that giving into his feelings will mean radical change. . .maybe more than he can handle.

Nobody ever said love was simple.

"As an almost strictly paranormal romance reader, it takes a certain type of author to convince me to dive into straight romance. Tawdra Kandle is one of the few authors I will make an exception for. Her writing style is so easy and relaxing that I have to really keep an eye on the time or I’ll stay up all night to finish one of her books." Carrie Williams, Goodreads Reviewer "Wow. Talk about romance with an edge. From the beginning the characters were so real that I was completely invested in them. The sexual tension woven into the story added so much value to the relationships. I will be reading this book many times just so I can spend more time with Meghan and Sam." Cheryl Garrett, Goodreads Reviewer "I'm in love with this book!!" Leah Fennick, Goodreads Reviewer

Buy it now at Amazon/iBooks/Barnes and Noble/Kobo/Smashwords

 

Watch the trailer here!

  Tawdra Kandle writes romance, in just about all its forms. She loves unlikely pairings, strong women, sexy guys, hot love scenes and just enough conflict to make it interesting. Her books run from YA paranormal romance (THE KING SERIES), through NA paranormal and contemporary romance (THE SERENDIPITY DUET, PERFECT DISH DUO, THE ONE TRILOGY) to adult contemporary and paramystery romance (CRYSTAL COVE BOOKS and RECIPE FOR DEATH SERIES). She lives in central Florida with a husband, kids, sweet pup and too many cats. And yeah, she rocks purple hair. Follow Tawdra on Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Instagram Visit her Website and subscribe to her Newsletter for special content and giveaways!

Review: Night Unbound

Night Unbound by Dianne Duvall

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Yowza! This book is HOT HOT HOT! I have hopped in and out of this series, getting the books as stand-alone reads here and there, but this one blows the others out of the water. Lisette and Zach light the pages on fire with their forbidden romance!

Lisette is a telepath, a warrior, and an Immortal Guardian. Zach is an "Other" who is suffering an eternity of pain in exchange for helping out. They are most definitely not supposed to have more than a passing interaction, but both of them are drawn to each other like magnets. Zach somehow manages to enter Lisette's dreams, and that's where the fireworks begin.

Their interactions and relationship as a whole made for a really great read. They are both quirky and fun, and it shows in their sometimes laugh-out-loud scenes. Yes, sure, there was an underlying story that revolves around finding betrayal in the Immortal Guardians, but this story is really about Lisette and Zach. This forbidden love affair had me glued to the book and I still want more. These two are by far my favorite pair of the series (so far).



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Review: Haze

Haze by Paula Weston

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read the first book in 2013, so it might have led to a little bit of a lag in the "catch up" factor at the start of this book, but once I remembered what was happening -- this book really took off! It slammed you with tons of action, heated chemistry, oodles of mystery, and stunning revelations.

Gaby (aka Gabe) is still trying to balance the life she can't remember (as a Rephaim), and the life she leads now. After waking up in the hospital and finding out her twin was dead, she became a completely different person. Not knowing that she's part of a supernatural race made her into a softer, more trusting person. This is the type of person that is stuck in a hot and cold relationship with Rafa (another Rephaim). On top of trying to figure out her past with Rafa, reconciling their heated kisses, and worrying when they will be attacked again, Gaby is also struggling to accept that her brother might actually be alive.

This book took us on a tour of all the different warring factions and how Gaby could fit into each one. The underlying motivation for her actions is always the hunt for her brother and her own reluctant acceptance of the past. Yes, this ends in a cliffhanger, so if that scares you, I would recommend lining up the next book to read immediately following. For me, it wasn't bad enough to warrant a binge reading session, but it still gave me that less than satisfied feeling. Overall, this series is still 100% unique and original enough to keep me constantly guessing. There were some truly stunning moments in there, which only makes me want more.



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Review: Dark Child (Covens Rising): Omnibus Edition

Dark Child (Covens Rising): Omnibus Edition by Adina West

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This series is just getting better and better. Where else can you get a love triangle that isn't annoying, a main character who is a wonderful balance of tough and vulnerable, and some really unique vampire/shifter world building? I've got this author on my must read list.

Dark Child: Covens Rising picks up where we last left Kat. She's in Paris, hiding out, pretending to be dead. There's a growing concern about her impending transition, but she does a good job of hiding most of the signs from her caretakers. Jonathan, who we used to hate, ends up coming in very handy for Kat and her deception. Kat's many suitors end up resurfacing in this one pretty early on, giving us some wonderful sexual tension, resolving any misunderstandings pretty easily, and reigniting rivalry for her affections.

Poor Kat is torn between even more worlds than before in this one. Not only is she struggling to balance between the shifters and vampires, but she's also introduced to a new element in the families of power (aka witches). The big bad is still the Vodas, but we're not quite sure where all these new characters will end up on the spectrum of good and evil. I really enjoyed getting new faces in Ben and Yara. I can't wait to see their completely messed up YA romance goes in the future.

This series is addictive and amazing. If you haven't read Dark Child: The Awakening, and you have even a remote interest in paranormal books -- what are you waiting for?? This series will knock your socks off and keep you reading late into the night.



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Review: Dead but Not Forgotten: Stories from the World of Sookie Stackhouse

Dead but Not Forgotten: Stories from the World of Sookie Stackhouse by Charlaine Harris

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I reluctantly picked this book up (in audiobook format) for a long drive with a fellow Sookie Stackhouse fan. I think my expectations for these stories was a little different than the actual set of stories. I wanted closure, or happiness for the characters that didn't really get a good HEA. These stories are mostly not designed to do that. It truly is what it says: Stories from the World of Sookie Stackhouse. No promises not to mess up a good happy ending, no promises to give you a happy ending. Overall, I got some closure, but some of these stories made me sad all over again. If you are happy with the closure you got from the series, I don't think I'd recommend this set of stories. If you're a glutton for punishment (like I sometimes am), it can't hurt to dive into this world again.

"Nobody's Business" by Rachel Caine (featuring Kevin Pryor & Kenya Jones)
3 stars
While this story had a bunch of characters we know from the series, it just felt a little bit like things we already knew. The romance between Kevin and Kenya really solidifies in this story, though, and since I love those two, it wasn't so hard to get through. There was mystery, romance, and vampire action to pull the story along. Also, hey, remember the sheriff of Texas? He's in this one, too.

"Tyger, Tyger" by Christopher Golden (featuring Quinn)
3 stars
This story was definitely a lot darker than I wanted a follow-up Quinn story to be. He's always been my favorite (until the series essentially broke him) and I was really looking forward to seeing him in his new life and maybe get a little taste of what I loved about the character before. This story has a lot of darkness in the form of rape, torture, and other types of manipulation. There's some shocking twists, but overall it left me feeling a little dirty, and not in a good way.

"The Real Santa Claus" by Leigh Perry (featuring Diantha)
4 stars
By far one of my favorites from the collection. We get to check in with Diantha, another often overlooked character from the series. She's still as perky and quick as ever, and we get to watch her solve all of Sookie's problems in this holiday themed story. Mr. C, Sam, and all of Sookie's kids (?!?) make an appearance. Overall, a happy holiday read.

"Taproot" by Jeffrey J. Mariotte (featuring Andy Bellefleur)
3 stars
Poor Andy. He really can never catch a break. When an old girlfriend comes back into town with a camera crew, things sure do look pretty odd. The story is that they are going to do a special on Merlotte's that involves renovating the place and changing everything. Why? The mystery was actually a good and engaging storyline that shows that Andy isn't just the comic relief. The timeframe for this one is while Sookie is in Dallas.

"Knit a Sweater Out of Sky" by Seanan McGuire (featuring Amelia)
4 stars
Amelia has always been a character I'd like to see more of. She was dealt a pretty crappy hand, but she's come out as an amazing witch. This story shows her as the tough, capable witch that I think was somewhat overlooked in the series. Here, I actually felt like the characters were natural, entertaining, and strong. It was a good change of pace.

"Love Story" by Jeanne C. Stein (featuring Adele Hale Stackhouse)
3 stars
This made me feel strange. As the author notes point out, talking about Adele's infidelity is not the safest of stories to tell. Hearing about Sookie's gran having sex is also not the most comfortable thing in the world. That being said, the author did give a little dimension to what I generally viewed as a betrayal before (or maybe faerie magic).

"The Million-Dollar Hunt" by Jonathan Maberry (featuring Mustapha Khan)
3 stars
While I love Mustapha and miss him a bunch, this story read like something I've definitely seen before. A bunch of weres are recruited for a television reality competition that becomes "too real." Mustapha got to show that he's got brains and the muscle to back it up, while still being a softie when it comes to his partner. It also delivered a somewhat satisfying ending.

"Borderline Dead" by Nicole Peeler (featuring Desiree Dumas)
4 stars
I freely admit to having no clue who Desiree is before listening to this story. Maybe back when I first read the series I might have been able to remember the character (like I remember Stan and a few others from earlier), but she could be a new character for all I know or care. She was a tough chick, and I really enjoyed her point of view. She's sick of vampire drama, the insanity that creeps into their lives, and just wants out. Of course, trouble comes knocking and she stabs it with her crossbow. Definitely a highlight of the collection.

"Extreme Makeover Vamp Edition" by Leigh Evans (featuring Bev & Todd)
3 stars
I'm a little confused by this story, or the point of it rather, but it was fun and zany with a vampire twist. Bev and Todd are tasked (by Eric) with making a reclusive vampire presentable to a high ranking vampire official (to be his bride). I suppose if I re-read the series maybe I'd find it neat to see more from characters that were briefly mentioned. Overall, it was a little sad, a little silly, and over the top crazy. The ending made me crack a smile, so that at least gave it 3 stars in my book.

"Don't Be Cruel" by Bill Crider (featuring Bubba)
4 stars
The mystery character also known as Elvis is a fun and interesting addition to the characters of Bon Temps. He's always been a little happy thing that gets thrown into the most dangerous of situations. This story happened during Bill's abduction and Sookie's rescue of him, which put Bubba in trouble again. This time, though, it was all because of a cat. This story ultimately had a happy ending, but it took a little while to get there. It was nice to see inside Bubba's head, but I wouldn't like to live there.

"What a Dream I Had" by Nancy Holder (featuring Alcide Herveaux)
3 stars
Poor Alcide. He's probably cursed. This story shows you exactly that. We get to see Alcide in his youth, still battling with changing and trying to live like a normal human. His girlfriend at the time (and prom date) ends up in for more than she bargained for. He assumes she died in a horrible way, until she suddenly shows up in a bar he frequents. Think he's getting a happy ending? You're wrong. Poor Alcide -- I wish he would have gotten a nice happy story, not one filled with such bad fortune.

"Another Dead Fairy" by Miranda James (featuring Claude & Claudia Crane)
4 stars
Does it say something that even though I know Claude is evil and bad and horrible, I gave this 4 stars? I know I shouldn't like him and this story shouldn't make him more "human" to me, but ultimately, this story kind of won me over. We get to see Claude investigate a murder at their strip club all while getting some insider information from his head. Maybe seeing this in the series would have made me hate him less. This story did what I wanted all the others to do -- gave me a happier look at a character in the series. I don't want authors to go messing around with any already existing happy endings, but if they can make more -- it's a welcome addition!

"The Bat-Signal" by Suzanne McLeod (featuring Luna)
4 stars
I would read an entire series about Luna and Hunter, fighting crime. This group was so fun to hear about that I was sad when it ended. Luna is hunting down a missing shifter kid when she stumbles upon Hunter and his dad doing the exact same thing. Sookie is away and unable to help, so Luna steps in and makes them all seem like superheros while doing it. I wish all these stories were such wonderful additions to the series. This gave me warm and fuzzy feelings about these characters all over again.

"The Sun, The Moon, and The Stars" by Dana Cameron (featuring Pam Ravenscroft)
4 stars
This story was almost like a book on its own. We get to see some really in depth Pam history and motivations while she fights for her (and Eric's) life. There's even the added bonus of seeing Quinn (without being tortured). Lily, Pam's old lover, plays a key role in most of the story (or stories, really -- we get a lot of Pam in this one). Pam has always been one of my favorites so it was like a little present to be able to spend some time with her again. There should be a separate set of the Eric and Pam series released next. I would read every single one of those books.

"Widower's Walk" by MaryJanice Davidson (featuring Eric Northman)
4 stars
I wasn't sure I wanted an Eric story, because of how horribly the series let me down when it came to him. He started out as such an amazing character and eventually got downgraded to some guest star every now and then, with absolutely zero character development. I kind of didn't want to open that can of worms and be disappointed again. This story takes place in the future (200 years in the future!) where there's silly technology and, of course, Eric Northman. I will reluctantly give this one 4 stars, only because it gave me a certain sense of closure that the book series did not. It made me see Eric as a character again, like he was in the beginning, and not just a throwaway. He has some good motivations and it almost made me happy about the ending of the series. Almost. Sort of. Kind of.




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Review: The Vampire's Bite

The Vampire's Bite by Eve Grant

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’m going to apologize right now and let you know that it is rare to get a negative review from me. I just don’t feel that it would be fair to readers to dive into this book without an honest review.

This was a very short read that had the very minimum to keep the story going. Uptight girl gets bitten by vampire. Rich vampire shows girl affection. Girl goes off the rails when she realizes her new powers. Rich vampire gets sad. That’s pretty much the story in a nutshell. There’s some nefarious corporation that may or may not be orchestrating things from the sidelines, but it was only sort of hinted at (or maybe I filled in the blanks). I’m sort of a vampire romance junkie, but this book just didn’t deliver. Perhaps after a few rounds of edits and some more character and plot development, this could become a fully developed and interesting book.




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Review: Desired

Desired by Alisa Woods

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really quick and fun read that really delivered. While some people are hesitant to read shorter serial-type books, I would highly recommend this one. There is a lot of world building and some steamy chemistry that is built up in just this first installment. I cannot wait to see where this series goes in the future.

Mia is a college student, working to try to pay her bills. She’s on break from bartending at a club that is neutral to all shifters when some aggressive guys try to take advantage of her outside the building. Her savior comes in the form of Lucas, an alpha who is reluctantly drawn to Mia for some reason. This world doesn’t include the ability to identify all shifters on sight (or by smell), which is good for Mia because she’s determined to hide what she is. What she doesn’t hide is her insane attraction and desire for her knight in shining armor. In an effort to avoid a pack war, Lucas urges Mia to stay away from the club (and him, by assumption) before dropping her off at home.

Lucky for us readers, these two seem fated to meet again, at Mia’s new internship (where Lucas works). It was really fun to watch these two try to avoid what is bubbling between them. The sizzle had my heart pumping and I was dying to see these two actually collide. As this was only the first of the serial, we only get a little taste of what is to come. Don’t worry though, the cliffhanger isn’t anything that will keep you up at night (at least it didn’t for me). I really enjoyed the characters in this book and can’t wait to see what else the author has in mind for this addictive series.




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Review: Bite Me, I'm Yours

Bite Me, I'm Yours by Stacy McKitrick

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was looking for a nice light and fluffy fun read when I started this book. Wow, it is certainly anything but! This is a dark and sometimes difficult book that gives a gritty look at a reluctant romance between a damaged human and a reclusive vampire.

This book starts out just like I wanted it to: there is a human (Sarah) with some baggage who is trying to get a new lease on life. Right out of the gate, she is almost kidnapped and victimized. John, the vampire star of this book, ends up saving her and trying to get her kidnapper to confess his crimes at the police station (he’s a serial killer, by the way). Everything pretty much cascades from there. John is drawn to her and unable to stop himself from accepting a date with the woman who doesn’t remember him. Sarah ends up pulling John into her horribly abusive relationship with her ex almost immediately. John tries his best to protect Sarah, but it seems like she is just determined to find trouble. She’s kidnapped, knocked unconscious, raped, stabbed, and that’s only a high level summary. If you are at all offended by reading about these kinds of scenes (rape, torture, etc.), this is definitely not the book for you. What I thought would be a light read for an afternoon ended up being something that has almost given me nightmares.

The world that this story took place in, however, was creative and new. The side characters and their back stories were interesting and uniquely developed. If you took away the dark and gritty scenes, this might fit the mold of a book I’d easily fall into. There are vampires and a hierarchy that sets up nicely for a series. I could easily see how there would be a book for each “perfect mate” with lots of good sexy times and a nice balanced relationship in the end.




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Review: The Vampires' Last Lover

The Vampires' Last Lover by Aiden James

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting from this book based on the title and cover, but I was definitely surprised at how the story progressed.

Txema (yes, a really hard to get used to type of name) is a college student who is doing the usual college type things until one night when a quirky vampire shows up and takes her blood. Upon waking, she also does the typical thing, and assumes it was all a weird dream until two quirky vampires show up. Txema has been lucky enough to be deemed someone special by the vampire race. She has a vampire’s bite birthmark that indicates she is one of the few women in existence who can make vampires less yucky monster-y and more sexy sparkly. Throw in some murders of people who closely resemble her and you’ve got a very stressed out college girl.

Oh, and the story wouldn’t be complete without a love triangle or two, just to keep the romance elements alive. Overall, this story was a spin on your usual vampire tale but I kind of had some trouble with the POV and writing style in the beginning. I eventually got used to it, but it certainly slowed down my read. There was a lot of setup in this book that I assume gets more fleshed out in books to come. This was certainly an interesting start to a series.




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Review: The Last One

The Last One by Tawdra Kandle

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

As an almost strictly paranormal romance reader, it takes a certain type of author to convince me to dive into straight romance. Tawdra Kandle is one of the few authors I will make an exception for. Her writing style is so easy and relaxing that I have to really keep an eye on the time or I’ll stay up all night to finish one of her books. This one was no different, with pages upon pages flowing by without me even noticing. I love the pacing and POV changes that keep my attention from wandering. This story was adorable and gritty real enough to convert even the most reluctant romance reader.

Meghan is an art student who is still trying to find her place in life. She’s still got one more year of college, but it seems like everyone around her has a better plan for the future. Inspired by the opportunity to see other areas of the US and reinvent herself, she signs up for ArtCorps and volunteers to teach art in schools that do not have a current art program. All the while, she still trying to be an impulsive college kid who goes to bars, gets drunk, and dances her booty off. One such night, she ends up passed out in the passenger seat when the car breaks down. A knight in shining armor stops to help her roommate (and only sober girl in the car) by towing the car to a shop. Admittedly, this is probably a bad first impression for Meghan to make, but Sam certainly reacts in his own special way.

Sam is a hard working farmer who is trying to provide for his sister and niece. All work and no play have left him a bit of a grump, and he takes that out on Meghan when he sees her picking up her car. He probably doesn’t know how to deal with the confusing emotions that Meghan stirs up, but he handles it all wrong. Of course, fate deems them compatible and keeps throwing them at one another. It was a lot of fun to watch and we get some solid romance. At parts, I felt like crying right along with poor Meghan, or hugging it out with Sam. This couple was really great and went through some very real struggles along the way.

This is the start of a new series that I’m really eager to dive into. If this story is any indication, we are in for a rollercoaster ride filled with love and heartache. I can’t get enough!




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Review: Crave The Night

Crave The Night by Lara Adrian

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, I was hoping that we’d get to see the tough exterior of Nathan crack and this book delivered exactly what I needed! Watching Nathan and Jordana crash against one another was absolutely wonderful to watch (and sizzled right off the page!). I’m pretty sure you could even read this as a standalone if you really wanted, but the payoff is really worth going through the whole lengthy series.

Nathan was raised a Hunter, with all the nastiness that comes along with it. He’s rigid, controlled, and unshakable. In comes Jordana, who has also lived a pretty regimented life. She was adopted at a young age and taught to always give her father what he expects. He wants her to get married by 25, and she is well on her way to a loveless marriage with a respectable man. When she surprised herself (and Nathan) by kissing him out of nowhere, she set them both on a collision course neither can stop.

Nathan can’t get Jordana out of his head, and that is a huge deal to the controlled Hunter. He finds himself being changed by the enigmatic woman and also feels completely protective of her. She is his woman from the moment she kissed him and no one can change that. It was great to watch him try to fight it, though. He and Jordana balance each other out wonderfully and the sexual chemistry is off the charts. It was HOT HOT HOT! If each of these books give me such a different look at the characters and Breed I thought I knew, I’ll keep reading until the bitter end. This book really convinced me that the series has so many more places to go!




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Review: Marked by Midnight

Marked by Midnight by Lara Adrian

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



If this book didn’t mention the new relationship between Breed and the public, I would have thought this short story took place in the previous timeline. Mathias is a familiar face in the series and it was good to see him get some more time in the spotlight. He’s really holding his own, and gets some good rewards for it.

Nova is a tattoo artist with a past she would like to get far away from. She’s kept to herself and done her work, but everything changes when Mathias recognizes her for what she is – a Breedmate. While she is determined to run away from him, he can’t help but pull her in. This was a really short read, so if you’re looking for drawn out romance with hearts and flowers, there’s none of that to be had. It was almost a love at first sight story, with the Breed/Breedmate twist thrown in. I’m hoping we get to see Mathias in future installments to see how he and Nova work out.




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Review: Darkest Ecstasy

Darkest Ecstasy by Tawny Taylor

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have not read any of the other Gryffon stories in this series and I think it really impacted my understanding of this one. This was not a book with a lot of explanation to catch readers up. It dove right in and kept going without dropping any big hints. Overall, this was a mix of action, romance, and sexy times.

Michelle is an adorably quirky and loveable girl who finally works up the nerve to talk to the hottie who rides the elevator to work with her. Talen is a lot more than she bargained for, though. He’s a Gryffon (I think, although they don’t change into them?), and he’s been tasked with getting married and having a son ASAP. His hardcore BDSM lifestyle, however, has him feeling like he deserves a woman who is more practical and less loving than little ole Michelle. The sparks fly from the first encounter and the heat just grows from there. For a man who thinks he is completely BDSM, there was actually not a lot of bondage in the book (so if that’s not your think, I don’t think that should scare you off). There was a lot of relationship drama, bad guy drama, and baby mama drama all rolled into one paranormal story.

You get a pretty satisfying ending, but I find myself still left with questions. I would love to go back to fill in the blanks with the first few of the series just so I can fully enjoy this one. If you’re thinking about picking this book up, I highly recommend you start at book 1.





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Review: Memory Zero

Memory Zero by Keri Arthur

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book might be the first of the series, but it really dives right in from the first page. At times, I found myself wondering if I missed something, but we’re all just along for the ride. You get the same feeling that Sam has pretty much throughout, where you’re trying to solve the mysteries alongside her.

Sam is a woman with a mysterious past, even to herself. She can’t remember growing up and has no record of her parents. She a tough cop, but she’s truly tested when her missing partner shows up as a vampire and forces her to shoot him. Oh, and in this world there are open paranormals. It’s the future and it may or may not be a better one. Sam’s actions eventually land her in the “Spook Squad,” a group (I guess?) who deals with the paranormal (again, guessing here?). She’s stubborn and pretty amazing in her own right, but she might just meet her match in Gabriel. He’s a paranormal with secrets of his own, one of which might just be his attraction to the feisty cop.

This book happened at a breakneck speed and I’m still a little confused. I hope we get some good answers in the installments to come because it seems like more questions come up at every turn.




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Review: Accidentally...Over?

Accidentally...Over? by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Noooooooo! Don't let this hilariously zany ride be over yet! This last installment of the Accidentally Yours series delivered exactly what I've come to expect from the wacky world of Cimil and gang. There were unicorns, vampires, clowns, hungry hungry hippos, and so very much more. Thank you, for a wonderfully unexpected journey.

This book was primarily about Maax and Ashli. Maax is that invisible god that you've seen (ha) before, previously known as the God of Truth. Ashli is, well, the most death prone girl ever. Kind of like that Supernatural episode where Dean keeps dying over and over in weird and unique ways. That pretty much sums up Ashli's future, if Maax can't save her. Of course, Cimil is at play here, working her crazy ninja magic on one of the last single Gods in the bunch. She essentially gives Maax an offer he can't refuse -- save Ashli or the world will end.

Obviously, Maax takes the bait with typical God pompousness. This, not unexpectedly, ends badly a few times. Yay for time travel! Ashli and Maax make a pretty good reluctant couple, even though they fall into the dreaded misunderstandings cycle for a little bit. No worries, though, because this is the last book -- happy endings for everyone! There was a *ton* of wrap up done in this book that left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. We get to see anyone who was ever in any of the books and get an update. There is a ton of closure, but (thank god) there is the hint at more. Give me more books and I will read them!



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Review: The Beautiful Ashes

The Beautiful Ashes by Jeaniene Frost

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow -- what a really refreshing and original adventure! The world that the author has built in this book was so unique and well written that I felt like I dove in myself. There was something really special about this book that totally sucked me in.

This book is kind of about angels and demons. But really it's about Adrian and Ivy. Poor Ivy lost her parents last week and found out her sister is missing this week. She's determined to find her no matter what, but I think she would have hesitated for a moment if she realized exactly how deep she was going. After canvassing the last known whereabouts of her sister, she encounters something that (of course) cannot be real. People with weird shadow images on them cannot possible be real in the normal world, and these strange images are something Ivy has been ignoring for a long time. This talent that made her a freak before is suddenly something in high demand when she meets Adrian. Sigh.

Adrian is the hottie love interest of this book and had me hooked from the start. He and Ivy have a lot of supernatural baggage between them (what with essentially being tasked with saving the world from a war between angels and demons), but I'll be rooting for their little doomed romance every step of the way! I absolutely cannot wait to read more about them, even if they are filled with more angsty drama than a teen soap opera. This book was simply pure pleasure to read from start to finish.



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Review: Stone Cold Lover

Stone Cold Lover by Christine Warren

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This second installment of the series is filled with just as much wit and humor as the first (if not more!). These most unlikely of love interests are completely convincing me on this gargoyle romance category. As a side note, while I'm pretty sure you can pick up the series at this one, I'd highly recommend picking up the previous book first.

Felicity, who we previously met in book 1 as the helpful friend who has good art connections, is the sexy, sarcastic, and wonderfully entertaining heroine of this book. Her instinct drove her to break in to visit the latest gargoyle she located. Not even understanding the larger issues at hand, she follows her gut and it gets her into a whole lot of trouble. Already "gifted" with the ability to see energy around people, she reluctantly is willing to accept that she just watched a gargoyle turn into a living creature, then into a really hot guy. This acceptance comes with a whole lot of witty, sarcastic, and hilarious interactions between the two of them.

Spar, the gargoyle star of this installment, is (if possible) even more "caveman-like" than the one we met in book 1. This, of course, leads to many many arguments and misunderstandings between Spar and Felicity. Pair that with some curses, witches, and lots of evil-doers, and you get an action-packed book of mayhem. Oh, and sexy times. Lots of hot and heavy sexy times. The sizzle level was definitely turned all the way up in this one.

Overall, the story is continually building and has me eagerly anticipating the next book release. The blend of romance and action has me hooked!



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Review: Love Potion No. 11

Love Potion No. 11 by Liz Schulte

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This review is only for the book UNDENIABLE, contained in this box set.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book! Reading this new book filled with Rafe and some other familiar faces from the King series is like running into your best friends for a night out on the town. As a fan, you're already familiar with the world, the characters, and most of the locales. I have been one of the people dying to hear what happened to poor old Rafe after Tasmyn stomped on his heart, crying for more Rafe in future books. It was so satisfying to watch him go on his own adventure in this book.

This book starts where Rafe and Tasmyn's story really separates. We get to see what Rafe does immediately following graduation all the way up past when he and Tasmyn cross paths again (sort of). Worried that this will just be a "fill in the blanks" type story? Don't be-- this book is jam packed with a completely original Rafe storyline and everything you've ever wanted to know about him. I will admit, Rafe kind of got painted as a sort of bad guy during Michael and Tasmyn's breakup, and the poor lovesick fool couldn't quite give her up even after it was painfully obvious that they weren't meant to be. Luckily, this book really gives you a deep look at Rafe's feelings and motivations, his family, and much much more -- it is sooooo good!

After graduation, Rafe goes on a bit of a girl and booze bender, hopping from city to city in search of a way to drown out his poor broken heart. In New Orleans, he finally makes a good decision and picks up a girl named Joss. I fell in love with her instantly, as I'm sure Rafe started to do as well. She's headstrong and tough enough to take even the sexy and sure Rafe on in a battle of seduction and innuendo. Yes, this book has sex. I don't think there could be a Rafe book without it (or at least not one that does his story justice). This book really convinced me how absolutely wrong Rafe and Tasmyn were as a couple. Rafe needs a strong partner, and as much as I love Tasmyn, that just isn't her.

The real story of this book (other than Rafe) is a bit of a continuation of the mission Tasmyn was on with Emma in a previous book. Rafe gets roped in (or convinced) by Joss to join the team and fully step into his good guy role. Together, Rafe and Joss they end up in more trouble than they could imagine, and we even get to see some familiar faces on the way. There's mystery and action coupled with some really heartwarming displays of affection. It had me smiling and laughing and on the edge of my seat the entire way through.

While this series is set in the same world as the King series, this book really is completely different. The writing style is still easy and quick, making the pages fly by without a thought, but it has a definite adult edge. It's filled with all the goodies a King series fan is hoping for with a few surprises I wasn't sure I could handle. I was rooting for Rafe every step of the way and am dying to read the next book! When does it come out???



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Review: Sins of Eden

Sins of Eden by S.M. Reine

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

How could I not give this book 5 stars? It is the absolutely perfect and epic conclusion to a whole bunch of really amazing stories. Sure, there could still be some continuing storyline, but I couldn't have asked for a more fitting and satisfying read.

We join our usual band of characters still teeter-tottering on the edge of Armageddon. Elise is still reeling from the decisions James made at the end of book 6, which is a nice place to be. I'm still a little euphoric over the wonderful twisty-turny way that James might have managed to redeem himself. Of course, nothing ever goes as planned for this band of misfits, and sooner than I'd have liked, we are thrown back into battle. Poor James and Elise never get time to talk it out, but they kind of are at their best when they are covered in blood and at least slightly wounded. It was really interesting to watch the dynamic change, even in the first few chapters. These two characters are still my absolute favorite, no matter how they change and grow (or regress, or get reborn, etc etc).

Anthony and Bri are still alive (yay!... kind of... I still hate Anthony) and between all the other allies Elise has picked up along the way, I'm sure all the supernatural types are represented. In an odd sort of symmetry, everyone ends up trying to race towards a battle against god (or the end of the world, or a giant void, the options are endless). I could sit here and describe the battles to you, but it really doesn't matter. It's a hard fought journey that is filled with casualties and mistakes. The highlight is always the characters. Each one of them is beautifully written and ends up changed one way or another at the end.

The end of this book brings with it a truly satisfying ending. All of my questions are answered. All of my wishes have been answered. The author finally took pity on me and threw some truly great spins in the final chapters. Don't worry, no cliffhangers abound! There are true, solid changes that have left me a little stunned, a lot happy, and totally reluctant to even think about picking up another book. I'm still buzzing from a book high and don't want to diminish it with anything. I'd say that you should read this book, but if you're new to this series, you should really start with the first set. You will be greatly rewarded in the end!



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Review: Desired by the Deep

Desired by the Deep by Lyra Fawn

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was, again, something completely different. This serial is set in a unique world where dolphin shifters and shark shifters (who both have much prettier names than that) are at war both on land and in the sea. To help give them a more harmonious life and unite the clans of dolphin shifters, the two princes (Dario and Lucan) have been scouring the globe for a "descendant" that was written about in an ancient prophecy.

Mona turns out to be that lucky woman, but at the end of the last book we saw the princes fighting more than uniting. She's willing to attempt to have them both, if they can only get over their pigheadedness. Many jealous dolphin shifters abound in this one. For a species that says they often share one another, there is an awful lot of girl (and guy) drama. Lucky for us, there is also a lot of growth and understanding from the guys in this one that gives us some pretty hot scenes at the end of the book.

The very end also gives a nice taste of what could be in store for future installments. Unfortunately, it looks like the author might not continue (?). Overall, this was definitely a change from your normal shifter books.



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Review: Playing With Fire

Playing With Fire by Cynthia Eden

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! I didn't even realize this was part of a series, but I don't think it actually hurt me in the end. If anything, now I want to go back and read all the rest. I know that I'll pretty much love anything by Cynthia Eden, but this book was really a wonderful paranormal read. The world was so unique and engaging. I found myself desperate to finish the book just to see what happened to these two amazing main characters.

Dante is a phoenix, which essentially means he can die, flame out, then come back again. Sometimes he comes back with all his memories and sometimes he doesn't. It's a painfully sad process for poor Cassie. Cassie is a scientist who is trying to right her father's wrongs. Her father experimented on paranormals and tried to extract and change was made them unique. Cassie was one such experiment, which gave her blood a poisonous and addictive component. Of course, Cassie is in love with Dante. It's a tragic love affair, what with her constantly having to get him to remember her.

These two are steamy hot and sizzling (and not just because of all the fire that gets thrown around in this book). They were dodging bad guys, trying to find the real good guys, and all the while they were trying to figure out their relationship. I can't say enough good things about this book. It is certainly a unique world with lots of great back story, characters, and "powers." Each turn of the page brought something else that surprised and delighted me. You even get a quirky and wonderful HEA! What a fantastic read!



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Review: Lone Wolfe Protector

Lone Wolfe Protector by Kaylie Newell

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was not your typical paranormal romance. The paranormals in the book are very much hidden and/or secret, which made this definitely more of a mystery romance than a paranormal one. That being said, the story was still engaging and had me guessing until the very end.

Maggie is on a mission to figure out what happened to her best friend, Aimee. They were on a road trip a year ago when they stopped in Wolfe Creek to use a rest room. Aimee never returned and Maggie has never given up looking. Koda is one of the deputies assigned to this case and has to struggle with keeping the locals happy and keeping a very determined woman out of his way. This all falls apart when Maggie quits her job to head to Wolfe Creek looking for closure.

The Maggie/Koda love affair begins slow, with just a touch of some "destined to be together" pull. The sexual tension nearly jumps off the page. There were some truly genuine moments between the two of them that had me forgetting there could be any paranormal element to this story. I also completely fell in love with Candi, the waitress that Maggie meets on her first day out. She really gave the story a lot more heart.

Overall, the mystery element of this story is about finding Aimee. Yes, we get closure at the end of this story, but it might not be the type you were expecting. I enjoy a good twist, and this book was certainly full of them.



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Review: Betting on Julia

Betting on Julia by Nina Croft

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really surprising mix of magic, demons, werewolves, and bondage. Oh, and there's cage fighting too! There really was something for everyone in this paranormal romance.

Julia was recently turned into a werewolf against her will. She's in the denial phase, much to her brother, the alpha's, disappointment. She just wants some normal in her life, and she assumes that her wholesome looking new neighbor (who is hot as sin) can deliver. Sebastian is a warlock who has been "containing" a demon inside himself for 200 years. In a bet (which always works out so good), he wagers that he can get Julia to say "I love you" to him. In exchange, the demon would leave him and head back to hell. Easy, right?

Julia and Sebastian hit it off in a way that neither of them expect. They both wanted a "no strings" relationship, but what they get is a really sweet love affair, with oodles of hot sex. Wonderful, right? Unfortunately, Sebastian gets all guilty and Julia gets all suspicious, and much drama ensues. If you're interested in a fun and sexy/dirty book filled with paranormal elements, you should definitely give this series a shot.



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Review: A Highlander's Obsession

A Highlander's Obsession by Vonnie Davis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was such a pleasure to read! I wasn't sure what to expect from a book that took place in a castle but was described like a contemporary romance. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself laughing out loud along with most of the characters and really rooting for the main couple in the book.

Paisley is on a transatlantic funeral trip with her hilariously bawdy grandmother. The paranormal aspects are plentiful, even from the beginning. Paisley can hear the thoughts of animals, her grandmother is some form of witch, and it just so happens that the castle they are staying at is inhabited by bear shifters. Creighton is the eldest brother in charge of running the castle/inn. The trouble starts from the moment he sees Paisley and watches her faint upon hearing his thoughts. While not confirmed right away, they both have their suspicions that do nothing to temper the attraction.

Paisley has always played it safe with her safe job, her boring fiance, and her normal life. This is probably to try to balance out her very abnormal ability. She still uses that ability to help animals at her job, but she doesn't want any of the attention that "coming out" could get her. Her fiance seems obviously out for using her as his sole source of income. While separated by an ocean, Paisley takes the chance to be a little more daring and it was great to watch. She and Creighton are such opposites that they clash in a magnificent way. The flowery romance was balanced with some really great smut.

We met so many wonderful characters in this book that I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series. The world of these bear shifters was rich with history without being overwhelming as well as being filled with romance (and smut) without veering into erotica. What a great read!



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Review: Bring Me a Dream

Bring Me a Dream by Erin Kellison

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

These books keep giving us more and more information with each installment. This one focused on the unlikely coupling of Mirren and Vincent. I wasn't sure I could get behind these two "bad guys" getting together, but I was totally sold by the end.

Mirren is the half nightmare daughter of the creator of the Reveler phenomenon. These books really require you to start from the beginning at this point. The group of people trying to take her father down is now also babysitting Mirren's only child. This frees her up to expose her father for the evil man he really is. Mirren's father also killed Vincent's father, which gives him the perfect motivation to team up with her. I'm not quite sure what Vincent is, but either way, they kind of make the perfect pair.

Mirren's insight into the dreaming world really helps us learn a lot more backstory. This includes the elusive "Sandman" legends that have been popping up here and there along the way. The romance in this one was a little bit different between these reluctant allies, but still present enough to make this fit in the series. I really liked the cameos from the other couples and can't wait to see where this series ends up next!



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Review: Dangerous Calling

Dangerous Calling by A.J. Larrieu

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow -- this series is really becoming one of my favorites. The characters are witty, gritty, and awesome. The story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Oh, and the shocking events! It's really nice to be surprised in a book every now and then.

Cass and Shane are still the same great couple we saw at the end of the last book, with Cass struggling to find a balance between using her powers and becoming an addict. Of course, she doesn't really share her fears with Shane. Typical girl book problem that usually comes back to bite them. Relationship drama aside, this book centers around Diana, a girl that calls Cass asking for help but runs away before she can give it. This doesn't stop Cass from finding out where the girl lives and diving right in.

We get to see a lot more of the bad guys emerge in this story, including creatures we haven't seen before. The writing style makes it easy to get completely absorbed and tear through a large portion of the book in one sitting. The blend of action, romance, and mystery was absolutely perfect.

A lot of plot of the original book comes into play in this second installment, so I'd highly recommend that you pick up the first book before starting this one. The world of the "Shadowminds" is beautifully built and keeps getting better and better. The romance isn't fluffy HEA type romance -- instead you get a couple who acts just about as "real" as you can get (you know, assuming having mental powers still counts as real). You have to really work to get a happy ending in this world, and I appreciate that.



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Review: The Vampire's Wolf

The Vampire's Wolf by Jenna Kernan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was definitely a darker, more military driven look at the paranormal world than I typically read. The vampires are ugly, mean, and out to eat you. The werewolves are somewhere in between. And the military is definitely out to get you. Sadly, Bri gets stuck in the middle of all of it.

Bri is a confused girl who has grown up with fairy tales and a caring grandmother. When her grandmother passes away after telling her of her magical past, Bri assumes it's just the ramblings of a dying woman until the vampires start attacking her. Determined to get away, she heads for the werewolves, natural enemies to the vampires. On a military base, she finds Travis and his terrifyingly half-shifted werewolf buddy.

While it took me a little longer to get into this one, the book was definitely something unlike what I have read before. The origin stories for the vampires in this book were interesting and new which gave the story a bit of a fresher edge. The romance was instant and filled with sexy times. Overall, it was a bit of a military horror book that has a romantic twist. If that's your type of read, this one will not disappoint.



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