Review: Darksider

Darksider by Erin Kellison

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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

This book (again) picks up where we were left at the end of Book #2. I don't recommend starting from the middle, because you miss all the wonderful world building (and it really is wonderful)! Here we get to watch a romance develop from a slightly different angle. We still get our favorite characters checking in, but this primarily centers around Harlen and Sera.

Sera is a chef who is working on opening her second restaurant. She was involved in some preliminary shared dreaming exercises before the fad took off and has had no desire to go any further. Harlen was her boyfriend at the time and he ended up choosing a different path. Eventually their choices led to their break-up, which appears to have left them both missing a part of themselves. Sera is finally forced to reconnect with Harlen after she is pulled into some sort of waking dream. The two explode like fireworks in a really great story of growth and understanding.

Harlen's character was a little vague up until this point. I am happy to say that he didn't disappoint as a main character, and this book appears to be very critical to events down the road. This couple had an easier time getting together because of their history, but they still had a lot of romance thrown in. This "dream team" (ha) that we're putting together to fight the system is really great to watch. I especially like Maisie's overprotective nature towards Steve. I will keep powering through these books until I'm all caught up!



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Review: Lay Me Down

Lay Me Down by Erin Kellison

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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

First -- if you haven't read Book #1 in this series, go back and do so. These books pick up *immediately* where the previous one left off and would leave you in the dust. Second -- I might have even loved this one more than the first! This world just keeps getting more and more impressive with its depth. The characters, too, just keep getting more fully developed with each installment.

This story centers primarily around Maisie and Steve. When we last saw them, it looked like they hated each other. Obviously they are the reluctant couple of this book. Maisie is the wild child younger sister to Jordan, who is still in trouble from her dealings in the first book. Steve is trying his hardest to recruit Maisie because she is clearly a huge talent. For as much as Maisie is free spirited, Steve is buttoned-up. He has a lot of secrets and we get to learn them all (thank goodness).

The Steve/Maisie love story might be my favorite so far. They balance each other and are both tough, stubborn characters. It's nice to see a series still "check in" with the previous characters as easily as its done here. This world just keeps getting better and better!



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Review: Darkness Falls

Darkness Falls by Erin Kellison

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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

This book was such unique and wonderful experience in world building. The universe that the author creates is totally unlike anything I've ever encountered. It was beautifully written and had me completely absorbed.

Malcolm Rook is a man with a bad boy past. He's being haunted by an accident he can't make right when he's sent out on assignment to find a new recruit. This isn't like any other recruiting assignment, because it takes place in the "dreamwaters" (I love that word). Malcolm is a part of the "dream police" (they have a much better name for it) and has some extraordinary abilities when it comes to dreaming. Jordan is a buttoned-up older sister who only tries shared dreaming at the request of the little sister she helped raise. Lucky for her, on this particular night she ends up becoming the target of one dark and sexy recruiter.

The action in this was a good way to ramp up the plot and show the amazing things that people can do in this world. The romance and sex was really well done (for me) with lots of sexy times thrown in with lots of self realization. Overall, this was a short read that had me dying for more (which I had, luckily). If you're looking for quick, fun paranormal romance with a truly unique edge, look no further!



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Review: Silver Wolf Clan

Silver Wolf Clan by Tera Shanley

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



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

This was an interesting start to a brand new series that centers around werewolves and the way they attempt to survive in a modern world. The romance was a mix of fated mates and the typical overprotective male werewolf/human match, with a bit of family and a lot of heart.

Grey was camping alone one night when his entire life changed. In an attempt to save a woman and child, he ends up being the victim of a “monster.” He later discovers that this monster is a werewolf because that’s exactly what he ends up turning into. After losing time while he tries to get control over, he still can’t get the woman out of his head. Morgan is a woman who suddenly finds she has to play mother to her sister’s daughter. Lucky for Grey, even with this big change, she can’t stop thinking about the mystery man from the woods. Their romance was sweet with a werewolf-y edge. I was worried that the family aspect might be a bit of a burden, but the story flowed along seamlessly.

The pack members that we meet in this book were one of the strong highlights. Their interactions, banter, individual personalities, and histories were completely addictive. I really can’t wait to see where this interesting pack grows in future installments!




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Review: So I Married a Werewolf

So I Married a Werewolf by Kristin Miller

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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

This was a really cute, fun, enjoyable read. The romance, sexy times, and adorable banter really made this such a fresh spin on the same old paranormal romance genre.

Faith is a dog trainer (who is also a werewolf) who is secretly in love with her BFF neighbor (Carter, who is also a werewolf). As is to be expected, Carter is oblivious to Faith's feelings and is completely secure in their easy going friendship. Nothing would probably have changed in the near future without a big push from Carter's job. While going through the final interview process for a promotion, Carter is informed that without a mate he isn't likely to get approved. During a brainstorming session with Faith, he comes to the only logical conclusion -- he and Faith will set up a fake marraige. Of course, Faith is completely up for the idea, blissfully optimistic that this fake marriage is just the setup Carter needs to realize how perfect they are for each other.

The expected set of misunderstandings, sexually charged scenes, and arguments, but it is all worth it in the end. This couple had some great banter, hilarious internal monologue, and felt very genuine and "real." If you're looking for a rewarding and fun read in the paranormal romance genre, look no further than this series.



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Review: Bitten by Vengeance

Bitten by Vengeance by Shawntelle Madison

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



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

This is the last in this series of Hadley Werewolves books and it has a really fulfilling way of tying up any and all loose ends. There is romance, action, curses, witches, and werewolves, leading to a tense, quick read.

Nevena is a cursed witch who is more determined than ever to shut down the blood demons once and for all. She has a history with them and has taken this task very personally. While recovering from some battle wounds (as a blood witch, they are usually numerous), Drew, the good cop from a town destroyed in part by blood witches, accidentally touches her blood. Along with her personal vendetta, Nevena has a curse following her since childhood that makes anyone who touches her blood die, or be inextricably linked to her. Drew, being the trusting and determined person, ends up accepting this curse with a lot of understanding. His traveling companions, however, are a little more hesitant to fall in line with the blood witches.

Luckily, everyone manages to put aside their personal issues to work together for the sake of the world as a whole. Also, it ends up that this curse is exactly what both Nevena and Drew need to force them both to open up. The romance is more of a "fated mates" type, but still "real" enough to balance the big action thrown their way. The end of the book gives you a HEA and a nice summary of where all the individual characters end up, which is a nice way to end such a series.



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Review: Shifter's Claim

Shifter's Claim by A.C. Arthur

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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

While I haven't read all of this series, I think that it is easy enough to pick up at any point and catch up rather quickly. The shadow shifter world is a really unique and interesting combination of action/adventure and yummy romance. Oh, and it's also really hot and steamy.

Priya has made an appearance in other installments. She's seen little hints here and there about the shadow shifters and it made her the perfect target for blackmail in exchange for exposing these "cat people" to the world. This determined reporter has strong family ties that made it relatively easy for her to be manipulated and led her to a very sexy run-in with Bas. To the world, Bas is a womanizing millionaire playboy with a growing resort empore. His personal life revolves around being Faction Leader for his territory and trying to keep as isolated as possible. Some big mistakes in his past have left him with more than a few walls around his heart that he has very little desire to work on any time soon. Priya is the unpredictable element that throws all of his plans out the window. They crash into one another and, though they are both determined to fight it, find staying apart nearly impossible.

The chemistry between Bas and Priya scorches the pages of this book. When they come together, it's like fireworks going off. For me, it was the absolute perfect balance of sexy times and plot development. There were twists and turns, compromises and controversy, and really tough character choices. I can't wait to see where this series is headed next!



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