Review: Rocked by Love

Rocked by Love by Christine Warren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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

These books just continue to knock my socks off! They have a wonderful blend of paranormal romance, awesome smut, action, adventure, and amazing story.

We join Kylie (of previous book hacker fame) as she manages to stumble (or rather, rush head first) into the world of Guardians and Wardens. Her BFF (also the brother of a witchy Warden) died under mysterious circumstances and that was all she needed to dig in her heels and try to hunt down the answers. Using her multi-millionaire and super hacker resources, she finds herself getting attacked by evil baddies and rescued by a giant gargoyle. Weird? Yeah, but somehow Kylie manages to roll with the punches and continue her quick witted comebacks (complete with Yiddish add-ons).

Dag, the guardian Kylie awakens, is the quintessential warrior who is determined to protect the human race (and his Warden). Along the way, however, he ends up softening towards the prickly Warden. These two were super fun to watch find some common ground and establish a relationship. Kylie is now officially my favorite and I could read a whole series just about her. While they don't exactly save everyone and live happily ever after, we get a nice dose of story progression and a fun Warden reunion, too. This series is really wonderful!

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Review: Feverborn

Feverborn by Karen Marie Moning
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's really hard to rate this book because in my opinion it was just filler. There is no solid resolution to... anything. That being said, the moments when we get to see the inner workings of Barrons and Mac's relationship are worth reading just about anything.

This book fills the time between the previous book and what can only become a final showdown for one of the numerous plots we are juggling. There's the black holes that are scattered around Dublin, the new member of the nine (ten?), Mac's backpack discovery, Cruce, WeCare, a certain someone who is back from the dead, Jada's friend, the Dancer/Ryodan/Dani(Jada) love triangle, Mac's relationship with the book, Lor and his girlfriend (?), the Unseelie Princess, Kat's journey, the people at the college... this list goes on and one. I'm a little concerned about all of this wrapping up in a nice neat package at the end of the series if we keep introducing more and more storylines. I wish there was a 8.5 book that just dealt with all the fallout from the Highlanders (we need that, right? Please tell me we are going to get to see at least some of it?). I'd even take a spinoff at this point so we could properly address all the open questions.

This book took us through a lot of the things that I thought were good and done with and then tinkered. There were a lot of parallels in this book to the original series that got me very worried. I liked where we left things in the series (other than, you know, the world in post-apocalyptic mode) and it makes me very anxious to have all these finished storylines now questioned in some really big ways. As a side note - how on earth could someone be expected to join the series at this point? There is no way you could possibly follow along (I even have some memory gaps I have to fill). So, aside from my gigantic fear that nothing will get resolved (which really happened in this book) and that all my happy memories of the series will be washed away (please don't), we moved forward a little bit with the Cruce storyline and we got to watch Mac and Barrons have sex. If those are things that you want to read about, then this book will get a great review from you. If you want to see the bigger storylines move forward at a noticeable rate, wait until the next book comes out so you can power through two (assuming that one doesn't just fill the gap waiting for the final book).

This might sound like a bad review, but really I'm just worried. I love this world and the characters but there is so much up in the air that could drastically change the way I view the first few books now. Please don't ruin a series that I really love re-reading! I'm hoping for a less anxiety filled book next time (which I will, of course, read, just like any other books in this world she publishes).

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Review: Hell's Chapel

Hell's Chapel by Lauren Creed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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

I pretty much read this book based on the author with zero knowledge of the story or subject matter and was completely addicted from page 1! Who knew that I could love Satan's niece as much as I do? She's quirky, tough, and filled with a surprising amount of love for her inner circle. Watching her go through the trials that she did in this book only made me love her more.

Caith is the star of this book and she plays the tough as nails bar owner perfectly. She's taken ownership and responsibilities for the "tweens" in Orlando and she rules her territory perfectly. All of this changes when some green eyed zombies greet her after a hard day's work. If that isn't bad enough, she's also got an endlessly confusing (fallen?) angel who seems just as attracted to her as she is to him. Her wolf might be convinced that this is her mate, but the rest of her very varied heritage is a little more hesitant to throw in with an angel.

There's brawling and bawling, love and hate, and we even get some sexy surprises. This is definitely the start of something awesome and I can't wait to see where we go next. Will Caith change because of all the hell she's been through in this book? Will her heritage lead her to more mates to satisfy her other sides? I am dying to know!

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Review: Her Stepbrothers are Angels

Her Stepbrothers are Angels by Trinity Blacio
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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

This quick and dirty read was standalone that could easily turn into a series. Who isn't entertained by angels and demons coming together?

Dixie is a half demon who recently inherited an addiction to sex. She's been hiding these changes from her family, but is forced to cut ties when she finds out her father just re-married (and she's an angel). Along with a new stepmother, she's also go two step-brothers. Oh, and she believes that all angels are out to kill her kind.

While clearing up some misunderstandings (like the angsty nature between angels and demons), she discovers that her step-brothers are more than just random strangers. These two end up being her fated mates (and are into lots of kinky play). Throw in some more family drama, kidnapping, and some bondage and you've got a really quick and dirty read that can entertain for an afternoon of reading.

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Review: Chaotic War

Chaotic War by Lia Davis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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

Full disclosure - I joined this series already in progress and it might have helped if I had read these books in order. That being said, this book was still interesting and unique, with some fun little twists on familiar myth.

The story in this book pretty much revolves around the reluctant mating of Zavier (a pretty reserved dragon shifter) and Elle (a messy, disorganized demi-goddess). These two are determined to ignore the undeniable need and attraction between them until Elle is forced to accept her goddess heritage. While going through the changes, these two take a giant leap into "mated for life" and have to deal with the sexy sexy consequences.

There is also a larger story at play that involves an estranged brother and his evil machinations. Oh, and we also get the setup for a rather tragic love story for another of the "sons of war" in the process. While I can see where the story might head, we are definitely not nearing the end yet. If you're up for a quick ride into chaos (and sexy times), this is a book worth checking out.

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Review: Mastering the Beast

Mastering the Beast by Tina Donahue
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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

If you’ve been reading this series, you know Zoe as the tough enforcer with a bit of stunted fashion sense and oodles of piercings. As with most of these types of smutty reads, it was only a matter of time before Zoe was faced with her match (or in this case, matches).

We go from zero to very dirty in very few pages this time. Zoe is confronted with a set of 3 demons that immediately want to bed her. OK, bed her is a little bit of a stretch – they will take her pretty much anywhere. Unable to break her celibacy and accept their dominance, Zoe puts up a valiant fight against the threesome. We all know that it won’t last, right? She might fight her own desires (and theirs), but she’s naughty enough inside to embrace their sex play, even when it takes her to her limits. It was pretty fun watching the three very diverse demons try to woo her in their own way. Lucky for everyone involved, it ends with a satisfying (in more ways than one!) HEA.


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Review: Gifted Thief

Gifted Thief by Helen Harper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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

This book was a really wonderful blend of fantasy, paranormal romance, and mystery that made for a very addictive read. If you like any of the above genres, this book is definitely worth checking out.

Integrity (I know, the name grows on you) had a very hard life growing up an orphan. Stuck with a horribly abusive guardian in a castle inhabited by beloved Sidhe, she was always the outcast. She was treated less than a servant until she ran away. On her own, she managed to form her own family with those in the same line of work – other thieves. Using her natural skills (because she never got her Sidhe gifts bestowed upon her), she becomes a master thief, supporting her mentor and stand-in father until he gets in too deep. In an effort to save him from his debts, Integrity is forced to return where she never planned – the Sidhe clan lands.

There are a lot of twists and turns in the story, leading you down a few tricky roads, but the larger story is the failure of the Sidhe magic. In order to save the magic, all of the Clans must work together. Integrity, as the last surviving member of her clan, is blackmailed in order to help save them all. There’s also the added benefit of being in the company of a smoking hot man who just so happens to have sizzling chemistry with her. It isn’t all bad, right? Sure, there are assassination attempts galore, but she’s pretty well used to living life on the edge. With this as an opening book for the series, I’m super excited to see what comes next for Integrity and company.


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Review: Suddenly Spellbound

Suddenly Spellbound by Erica Lucke Dean
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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

We join this wild and crazy witch and her fiancé soon after the end of the stellar first book in this series. There are a lot of ups and downs throughout the book (including a cliffhanger), but you definitely get a healthy dose of Ivie McKie and her antics.

Ivie’s life is looking up – she’s got her dad back from being a cat, she’s engaged to a man she’s madly in love with, and she has sworn off magic. All of that gets thrown up in the air when her dad tricks her into participating in a spell with a mysterious Scottish stranger. This spell sets off a series of events that gets Ivie in all sorts of new and disturbing trouble. I’ll admit that I was pretty bothered by some of the questionable consent scenes in this one, so if that is something you’re concerned about: beware. With spells involved, the lines get a little blurry. Ivie is forced to re-assess her life, her loves, her family’s motivations and take her best guess at a solution.

While the first book was zany antics and non-stop action, this book definitely goes somewhere completely different. Sure, there is craziness and some spells that transform people into animals, but it was decidedly more serious than the first book of the series. The end of this book certainly guarantees that there will be another installment. I just hope we don’t have to wait too long after that cliffhanger!


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Review: Once Darkness Falls

Once Darkness Falls by S.M. Reine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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

Cesar Hawke’s timeline is now happily overlapping with the author’s other books. I get a happy smile on my face every time they give us a glimpse of Elise and her friends. We also get to watch Cesar make some incredibly tough decisions and further develop who he is. The book starts with Cesar heading into Reno after the destruction of pretty much the entire city. Tasked with finding the person to blame for all of this, Cesar is put in a horrible position. We get to see Malcolm again, unfortunately while he is in a bit of a spiral. Cesar’s story also starts to overlap with some familiar faces and events.

Oh, and Cesar wouldn’t be who he is if he didn’t have women problems, too. These are made worse by said woman being engaged to marry someone forever bonded to him in the aspis/kopide relationship. The larger story ends up beginning to expose Cesar to the hidden agenda of the Office of Preternatural Affairs. It’s a little difficult to summarize and review this book because there were a lot of moving parts and stories going on at once (in a good way). This book made me root for Cesar again, even if he tends to be inexplicably drawn to big trouble.


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Review: Nibbled By The Vamp

Nibbled By The Vamp by Celia Kyle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a quick, quirky, smutty, paranormal read that was a wonderful little gem. Sure, there’s not an epic storyline or some very deep thoughts (other than the naughty ones), but we get a solid start to a new world and series.

Wren finds herself thrown into the world of vampires and fairies when a ball of light attacks her. At that point, she’d accept help from anyone – it’s just a bonus that he ends up being a hot vampire. Said hot vampire, Griffin, is actually a member of the Knight Protectors who are tasked with keeping the city safe. He’s not supposed to ever exchange blood with someone, and definitely not to save their life. After breaking both these rules, he finds himself addicted to Wren.

The story twists about a little bit, introducing us to this type of vampires, their history, some lost ideas, and the rest of the Knight Protectors (who I assume will all get separate books). While the faeries and vampires both appear to be against Wren and Griffin’s romance, they somehow find a way to a HEA.


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Review: Shifted For Love

Shifted For Love by C.A. Tibbitts
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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

This was a very short read that goes through the history of missed opportunities and miscommunications between Jace and Fiona. While frustrating throughout, we eventually get to a HEA (thank goodness!).

Jace was adopted into a family of other shifters when he was still a teenager. His adoptive sister immediately fell in love with him. Don’t worry; it isn’t as icky as that might sound. As they grew up, Jace maintained his position that they were only friends. All of this changed, however, when Fiona finds herself to be mated in a political arrangement. This, coupled with Fiona’s determination, finally forces him to confront their undeniable attraction.

From there, unfortunately, nothing goes as planned. Jace might be trying to do what’s right, but they both end up messing things up further. This could have been a straightforward romance, but instead we get a lot of running away and hiding. For two stubborn and strong characters, they just can’t seem to get on the same page. It ends up taking someone outside their troubled relationship to find them some common ground.


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Review: Press Paws

Press Paws by Celia Kyle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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

These books are short, sexy, smutty reads that do not disappoint. They can all absolutely be read as standalone but you get a better understanding of the character dynamics if you have devoured all the books by this author (as I have).

Hannah, the sister to the last book’s main character, is hiding out in the small town of Deals Gap. While her sister is on a honeymoon of sorts, she’s trying to reconcile her own goals with where her life has led her. She’s agreed to mate with another powerful leader, but it isn’t making her happy. Sure, she’s got a powerful, well-known family, but she is determined to not let that define her existence.

Hannah’s vacation takes a quick turn when she suddenly discovers her true mate. Her mate is just as determined as expected, but has his own baggage. As a hybrid with some negative experiences with pure bloods, this couple has some hurdles to get over before they get a HEA. Oh, and there’s the small problem of her having already agreed to mate someone else, too. Don’t worry, though, because these two find a way to juggle their own expectations, families, and their undeniable attraction.


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Review: The Accidental Vampire

The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

OK, when I started this book I didn't know what to think. A vampire who puts an ad in the newspaper looking for a mate? Ugh, I thought this would be the same formula as I've read a hundred times before. I was completely shocked when I found myself completely addicted to this quirky and unique story with the most wonderful characters.

We meet Elvi after she's been turned into a vampire. She lives in a small town where everyone knows one another and she didn't even try to hide her change of nature (not that she could hide being suddenly years younger!). The town that loved her continues to love her in her new state. They all work hard to keep her fed and she works just as hard to live up to their vampire expectations (complete with changing her name from Ellen to Elvi). The ad has unfortunately drawn the attention of the enforcers of their race.

Victor is the lucky one tasked with looking into the extent of the rule-breaking in this small town. The ad, however, appears to have drawn a few suitors for Elvi to meet with. This group of varied vampires ended up winning me over - even the ones who were a little more... abrupt. Elvi, though, was the glue that held them all together. She was just so much fun to read about! Her strange group of friends in town, her even weirder vampire suitors, and her EXTREMELY strange turning makes this a story that is nothing like I've read before.

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Review: Driven

Driven by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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

This Otherworld story put us once again with Elena as she tries to navigate her life as Alpha. In this case, we get to watch her do the impossible - make you agree that having Malcolm back is the right decision. The story itself starts with another Cain. We've had run-ins with them in a few other stories, but here we meet a sympathetic Cain (for once). Davis didn't ask to be a Cain, but he's trying to work with what he's got. He tried to go to college, but that didn't work out, leaving him living with his horrible relatives. Said horrible relatives are who he discovers murdered in the woods. Against everything that has been drilled into his brain since an early age, he calls the pack. Even as a rogue, he knows he has nowhere else to turn.

Most of the rest of the story is spent either with the pack members and Malcolm sniping at one another or chasing the hunters who are trying to take out the Cain family. Lucky for everyone, Malcolm appears to be pulling his weight and acting as the enforcer of the pack properly, even if he isn't the easiest to work with. One of my favorite things about this story was the interaction between the kids, the Cains, and the world at large and Malcolm. He's been the "big bad" for so long that it was amazing to watch him get cut down at every turn. Aside from the "who's killing Cains" angle, we watched Clay and Elena confront their past decisions and accept that they are not who they once were (for good or bad).

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Review: Forsaken

Forsaken by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story takes us back inside Elena's head. She's Alpha of the North American Pack, mother of twins, and mate to the most feared wolf in the world. Oh, and Malcolm is still missing. Sigh.

We join Elena as she tries to negotiate with other Alphas who obviously believe that she's just a figurehead and Clay is the real Alpha. They might have taken her more seriously if she had actually brought him, but instead she left him at home for this trip. This trip, by the way, that pulled her away from her annual family getaway. Her kids are obviously upset (her daughter more than her stoic son), but she does her best to balance pack business with family. All of this collides when her daughter turns up missing.

While they all try to track down where she went, we get confronted with a bunch of questions - did she just run away? is Malcolm involved? are the political issues crossing over into her person life? This story kept me guessing all the way to the end, just like Elena was. It was nice to get a good mystery with some classic pack moments.

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Review: Brazen

Brazen by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is so nice to be able to dive back into the world that Kelley Armstrong built. While Elena and Clay are still some of my favorite wolves to follow, Nick is definitely up there. Here, we get to watch the newly "grown up" Nick settling into his life, complete with some pretty hefty responsibilities.

The story begins with Nick pretty much turning down some sex. For any other character, it might not be so startling, but for Nick it was a big change. It has been some time coming, what with his acceptance of essentially becoming a foster father for the new younger generation of pack members. Along with these responsibilities comes the task of coordinating the hunt for Malcolm. This whole Malcolm storyline is endlessly frustrating with near misses galore. This story, however, had all the makings of a good Malcolm capture. Nick's hired the best set of mercenaries and given them all they need to track down the pack's bogeyman.

Vanessa is the half-demon leading the hunt for Malcolm. She's been so driven that she can't seem to make time for romance, until Nick walks into her life. Sure, they get off on the wrong foot, but with Malcolm being... Malcolm, these two are forced to spend a lot of time in close quarters. What seems like it might have been another one-night-stand for the infamous Nick Sorrentino actually ends up being something completely different. That's the only type of HEA we get, though, sadly.

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Review: Wolf on the Hunt

Wolf on the Hunt by N.J. Walters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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

I haven't read any of the previous books in the series and this is book 5. It might sound like a recipe for disaster, but it really wasn't that hard to jump into this world. Sure, the beginning was a little more challenging to follow, but once I got into the book it was well worth the effort.

This book joins a pack of wolves that have split from their abusive, old-school pack leader. Most of them have already found their mates and their group has grown into a pack of its own. One of the last to find a mate, Louis has accepted that he will just have to accept his role as pack protector and stop hoping for the love of his life to walk into the woods. Just as he's accepted this, of course, a woman just so happens to move into the woods. OK, so it might not be exactly the woods, but it is another pack mate's old house, and it's close enough to the woods to let these two meet.

Gray has always had an affinity for nature. She is an artist who has not quite figured out where she wants to put down roots. She moves around quite a bit for her work, but has constant company in the form of her half-wolf. Her love of nature and animals is what ultimately leads her to save a wounded wolf on the run from some illegal hunters. That wolf ends up being so much more than she imagined. Louis would have felt guilty about putting such a burden on Gray if he wasn't immediately smitten. These two immediately have chemistry that lights up the pages. When we weren't spending time with them in the bedroom, we were watching them both try to make room in their lives for one another.

Aside from the obvious romantic storyline, we also get to see the conclusion of the tension between the old and new packs. This book had a really great blend of action, romance, and world-building. Now I wish I had discovered this series earlier!

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