Review: Lover Avenged by JR Ward

Published: April 2009 by New American Library (hardcover)

Number of Pages: 527

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy

Stand Alone/Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood 7
1: Dark Lover
2: Lover Eternal
3: Lover Awakened
4: Lover Revealed
5: Lover Unbound
6: Lover Enshrined

Why This Book: It's book crack. Once you start you can't stop.

From the Author Site: Caldwell, NY, has long been the battleground for the battleground for the vampires and their enemies, the Lessening Society. It’s also where Rehvenge has staked out his turf as a drug lord and notorious nightclub that caters to the rich and heavily armed. His shadowy reputation is exactly why he’s approached to kill Wrath, the Blind King, and leader of the Brotherhood. Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the Brotherhood, even though his sister is married to a member. Because he’s a sympath, his identity is a deadly secret- the revelation of which will result in his banishment to a colony for sociopaths. And as plots within and outside the Brotherhood take their toll against Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in a darkening world- Elhena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him- and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.

Read excerpt here.

Hero: Rehvenge, son of Rempoon, aka the Reverend, is the drug lord of Caldwell, a part of the vampire aristocracy, the gylmera, and a sympath (a sub-species of vampire who feed on and manipulates emotions). Being a sympath makes him unwelcome among the vampires and something he has to keep hidden. If that secret got out he would deported to the sympath colony where he would most likely to be killed for being a half-breed. That's just one secret he has to maintain in order to protect those close to him. In order to keep that most important secret, he pays his blackmailer in both flesh and jewels monthly. Having done this for decades has left him feeling unclean and unworthy. Although he has friends who know and understand as well as sister who loves him, he is lonely. A man simply existing and not living.

Heroine: Ehlena is a nurse at the vampire hospital and is caring for her ailing schizophrenic father. Her family was once a part of the vampire elite but due to some double-crosses and back-stabbing as well as her father's failing health, they have fallen into hard times and a meager existence. Ehlena gives and gives and cares for other while saving nothing for herself until her life is nothing but duty. She's almost too compassionate to be a real person, too sickeningly gentle, kind and giving. But her character is saved by the presence of a temper and prejudice that in keeping with her society.

Review: JR Ward delivers yet another action packed books. But unlike her last two books, this one has a romance that can be understood and appreciated. No suddenly dead heroines turning into ghosts or a completely lackluster romance between two uninteresting characters. The romance could stand on its own, which is an improvement from the last couple of books. Its poignant and a delight to read. But it does not take away from the hard core action we have come to expect from Ms Ward.

The war against the lessers is still raging on and the causalities are mounting. All the deaths and loss of property, not to mention lives (though most of the new gylmera council members don't seem to mind that last part) have undermined Wrath's power base with the elite. And the gylmera see a chance for wresting power away from Wrath by assassinating him. This internal power struggle only adds fuel to the fire.

The Brotherhood is too short on manpower to make any headway in the war which puts Wrath back in the field. Wrath's vision is failing, the lessers have become stronger under Lash's leadership and a drug war is in the making in Caldwell. The relationship between John Matthew and Xhex is morphing into something physically steamy while John's relationship with Tohr is on the decline. Everything seems to be ramping up for some great climax, the final showdown between the lessers and the Brotherhood, the Omega and the Scribe Virgin can almost be glimpsed on the horizon.

What I liked best: George and and Fritz. Where can I find some vacuum-loving doggens?

What I least liked: The use of the word "outtie" by the brothers and Rehv. These are tough men, fighters who instill fear and dread in their enemies. Having them use the word"outtie" diminishes them, makes the sounds like some misbehaving teenagers and is completely out of character and unbelievable.

Also the use of so many acronyms/abbreviations. Sure they are useful but not everyone hangs out with people who constantly use acronyms/abbreviations as a part of every day life. Having to figure what in the heck MMA stands for makes for breaks in the flow of the story being told.

Keeper?: Yes. Although it's a hardcover and throws off all my neat little rows, I'm keeping it because it's autographed.

Recommendation: Read the series in order. There is just too much of the back-story details that are needed to fully enjoy the book.

Grade: B
Series Grade to Date: B

Review: Dawnkeepers by Jessica Andersen

Published: January 2009 by Signet Eclipse

Number of Pages: 455

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Stand Alone/Series: Book 2 of The Final Prophecy

Why This Book: Read book 1 and enjoyed it. And I have series OCD! *g* Beside I want to know how the world ends.

From the Author Site: The final four-year countdown to the end of days has begun. According to ancient Maya prophecy, demons from the underworld will arise on December 21, 2012. Only the Nightkeepers, mortal descendants of an ancient race of magic-wielding warrior-priests, can prevent the apocalypse by stopping the demons from bringing the old legends to life.

Unlike his fellow Nightkeepers, Nate Blackhawk isn’t about to let the gods determine his destiny- especially when it comes to his feelings for Alexis Gray, his ex-lover and nemesis. But when they’re forced to work together, racing to recover seven antiquities before the demons get their claws on the vital artifacts, Nate and Alexis will have to face their feelings- and their past- in order to defeat a dire and ancient enemy.

Read excerpt here.

Hero: Nate Blackhawk, unlike the rest of the Nightkeepers, grew up without his winikin (guardian and blood bound servant). His winikin died from the wounds he'd gotten during the Solstice massacre and left Nate to grow up without knowing his heritage. So unlike the rest Nate was completely unprepared to become a Nightkeeper and Nate's determined not to let the prophecy determine his fate. Unfortunately for him, Alexis is the very model of his dream girl and both his magic and subconscious has foreordained her as his mate. While he may accept her as his mate, he is determined not to like it one bit.

Heroine: Alexis Gray is the perfect Nightkeeper, at least on the outside. She's become a warrior-princess as well as a mage. But on the inside she still needs the approval of her godmother, Izzie. She's determined to walk the path the gods have written for her, which includes Nate as her mate even if she has to drag him along with her. After repeatedly offering herself up to Nate and getting shot down she finally learns that she has to accept herself as she is and not something that someone expects her to be.

Other Notables:
Izzie: Alexis's winikin and godmother. Alexis needs and lives for her approval.

Carlos: Nate's replacement winikin. Carlos is steady and relentless, like the tide. He wants Nate to accept and take his place within the Nightkeepers.

Review: Jessica Andersen picks up right where she left off. The Nightkeepers are racing to fill the gaps in their knowledge of what to expect in the final years of the countdown. Unfortunately for them, their ancestors sold off key artifacts for funds, which has left them completely uninformed on how to avert certain prophecies. Just as they get lucky in their search, an old enemy of the Nightkeepers resurfaces.

The countdown continues and the number enemies determined to usher in the apocalypse grows. The world is doomed. Got to love that. *g*

What I liked best: The new temple (see Wikipedia entry here). I love when reality is mixed in seamlessly with a story. The use of real people, historical events or ancient places just make a story sing for me. I probably should have majored in history or archeology just so I could be surrounded by old moldy texts and ancient legends.

What I least liked: The whole Anna, her husband and her boss love triangle. Its not that I don't like love triangles but this one seems to be completely pointless. There could have been a way to make the necessary plot points work without the messy and inane triangle.

Keeper?: Yes. And it's autographed to yours truly! *g*

Recommendation: This series should be read in order otherwise there are way too many spoilers. The first book outlines the prophecy, introduces each character and does a lot of the world building. Without it the reader may founder and find many of the plot points confusing.

Grade: B-
Series Grade to date: B

I recently reviewed the third installment of this series over at Babbling About Books. See here for my review of Skykeepers.

TBR Challenge 2009: Nightkeepers by Jessica Andersen

Published: June 2008 by Signet Eclipse

Number of Pages: 443

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Stand Alone/Series: Book 1 of The Final Prophecy

Why This Book: I find that whole end of the world scenarios fascinating. This endgame scenario has been a particular favorite since I heard/read about it as a teenager.

From the Author Site: According to the Mayan doomsday prophecy, time ends on December 21, 2012. In Nightkeepers, the last king of an ancient race of magi must team up with a sexy Miami-Dade narcotics detective in order to reunite his scattered warriors and fight the gods of the Mayan underworld. Wielding ancestral blood magic, the king must choose between his duty to avert the 2012 apocalypse and his love for the woman who is the gods' destined sacrifice.

Read excerpt here.

Hero: Striking Jaguar, aka Strike, is the last king of the Nightkeepers. A very reluctant king, since the prophecy foretells that the king will have his greatest sacrifice in the final five years of the countdown. For 24 years he thought there were only three Nightkeepers, including himself, and thus his throne and crown were a pretty empty honor and position. But the barrier fell and now he must lead Nightkeepers to victory or see the end of the world. Now he is faced with the unpalatable choice between following his heart and possibly dooming the world to annihilation or following the dictates of his kingship and the prophecy.

Heroine: Leah Daniels is after out for vengeance. Her younger brother was murdered by the Survivor2012 cult and Leah holds its leader, Zipacna, responsible. She'll do anything for the chance to kill Zipacna, which is very bad thing for a Miami-Dade police officer to want. When the very people she is hunting kidnap her, the man of her dreams rescues her. Literally. She'd been having hot, steamy dreams of a black-haired, blue-eyed man only to have him pop into existence near her as she lays on a sacrificial alter.

Other Notables:
Jox: The royal family's winikin (guardian and blood bound servant). For 24 years his has kept the secret of the other Nightkeepers from Strike and Red-Boar, hoping that this knowledge would never be needed. He and the other winikins hid the babies Nightkeepers that survived the Solstice to keep them safe and as a last defense against the demons. Now that the barrier has reactivated, he must make a king out of Strike and see the Nightkeepers' final charge fulfilled.

Red-Boar: The only adult Nightkeeper to have survived the Solstice massacre. He lost his beloved wife and twin sons. For a while after the massacre he disappeared into the jungle only to come out with a son. He is bitter and broken man.

Rabbit: Red-Boar's son. He has only known contempt from his father. He is a teenager who only wants to belong but is rejected at every turn. He means the best but his very biology, and unknown heritage (on his mother's side), works against him.

Review: Jessica Andersen has taken a doomsday prophecy and given it life. According to the Mayan end date calendar, the world is going to end on December 21, 2012 during the Great Conjunction, when the earth, sun and moon align at the exact center of our galaxy. During the Great Conjunction the barrier between the earth and underworld, Banol Kax, falls and demons are free to walk the earth. This occurs every 26,000 year. During the last Great Conjunction Atlantis was sunk before the demons could be pushed back and the barrier reactivates. The Atlantean survivors created the Nightkeepers, warrior mages, and charged them to protect mankind from annihilation when the barrier falls during the next Great Conjunction.

Strike's father destroyed the Nightkeepers in hopes of circumventing the doomsday prophecy. Only three Nightkeepers, Strike, his sister Anna and Read-Boar, survived. For 24 years it looks like the barrier had been sealed but during the summer solstice, just five years before the apocalypse, the barrier is once again active. The countdown is still on and only Strike and a few untrained Nightkeepers is all that stand between all the demons in the underworld and the earth. Time is running out and evil has the upper hand.

Okay so the REM song "Its the end of the world as we know it" keeps playing in my mind and it seem appropriate for this book. For Strike, Leah, Rabbit and all rest of the Nightkeepers, who had thought the Nightkeepers were a bedtime story, it’s true but they don't feel fine. Its more on the lines of "Its the end of the world as we know and you want me to do WHAT?"

This is a good start to what I hope will be a fascinating saga that will only get better as the end date approaches. Ms Andersen as outlined the world and its possibilities as well as its rules, in the form of prophecies, with an excellent amount of detail, which definitely delights my analytical mind. The test will be in keeping them all straight and building it towards its eventually climax of the final battle on December 21, 2012.

What I liked best: Rabbit. I like him. The underdog, under-appreciated, unwanted by his father and a completely screw-up. He's a disaster waiting to happen and what a disaster he makes. He's like a tornado, unstoppable and destroying everything in his path, even when he means the best.

What I least liked: Red-Boar's treatment of his only living son. Okay so he had issues with his son's mother, but did he really have to take it out on the kid. Its not like Rabbit chose to be born with a mixed heritage. And frankly his whole attitude basically sucks.

Keeper?: Yes

Recommendation: If you like doomsday prophecies this is the book for you. Ms Andersen has created a wonderfully rich world within the framework of some known archaeological and historical facts. She has taken a bit of archeology added a bit of magic and a prophecy of the end of the world and created a world of possibilities.

Grade: B+
Series Grade to Date: B+

Review: Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh

Published: July 2009 by Berkeley Sensation

Number of Pages: 345

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Stand Alone/Series: Psy-Changeling Book 6
1: Slave to Sensation
2: Visions of Heat
3: Caressed by Ice
4: Mine to Possess
5: Hostage to Pleasure

Why This Book: It's Nalini Singh!

From the Author Site: Though DarkRiver sentinel Mercy is feeling the pressure to mate, she savagely resists when Riley Kincaid, a lieutenant from the SnowDancer pack, tries to possess her. The problem is not simply that he pushes her buttons; the problem is that he’s a wolf, she’s a cat, and they’re both used to being on top.

But when a brilliant changeling researcher is kidnapped from DarkRiver territory, Mercy and Riley must work together to track the young man—before his shadowy captors decide he’s no longer useful. Along the way, the two dominants may find that submitting to one another uncovers not just a deadly conspiracy, but a passion so raw that it’ll leave them both branded by fire…

Read excerpt here.

Hero: Riley Kincaid, aka Mr. Mud Stick aka The Wall, is the SnowDancers' top lieutenant. Solid, dependable, unmovable, unemotional and boring may be words that have been used to describe him in the past. But with Mercy he feels the wild side of the his beast and definitely is out to get a piece of the cat that's been tempting him and annoying him for over a year. Riley dreams of mating the nice girl next door, a homemaker and someone who will stay safe and out of the danger. Too bad all he wants is Mercy, who is exactly the opposite of his dream mate.

Heroine: Mercy Smith aka Melisande (but don't call her that or she'll kick your ass), is a DarkRiver Sentinel and a woman who knows what she wants. Its just too bad her beast doesn't want to lay down for just anyone. Especially not some staid, emotionless wolf, even if he is totally hot and dominate enough to be acceptable to her cat.

Review: Nalini Singh just keeps the best-sellers coming. In over six books she's not missed a single beat. Each page turner of a book is perfectly crafted to ensnare the reader in a captivating tale that takes life right before the reader's eyes. And this one starts with a sizzle guaranteed to fog up your glasses.

The DarkRiver/SnowDancer alliance is solid but it takes constant work to keep the alliance from falling apart. Mercy and Riley are the ones responsible for maintaining that daily balance between the packs. In addition to their usual tasks as dominate members of their packs, they have to deal with each other and all the messy details of building and maintaining an alliance. The juveniles are still jocking for position within the mixed pack structure, the Psy are up to something mysteriously violent and the Human Alliance has come out of the woodwork shooting to kill.

Ms Singh tells a wonderful story and each is a delight to read. Really there isn't much more to say. I could sit here and gush on and on about how wonderful writer she is and what delightful characters she has created, but I'm not going to do that. I have only one thing to say. Go buy/borrow her books and read them for yourselves. You'll not be disappointed.

What I liked best: Mercy's ploy to get rid of her brother's girlfriend. Even though the scene is less than half a page, it had me giggling until I was in tears. The "tool" was just the final bit of perfection that made the whole scene irresistible.

What I least liked: I can't really think of the single scene that I didn't like. All the characters stay true to themselves, no great leaps of belief required and the Psy world is going to hell in a hand basket. Who could ask for more?

Okay I need more. More Kaleb, more Vasic, more Hawke and Sienna, just give me more story and a grandmother who will send me hotties (^_^)!

Keeper?: Most definitely

Recommendation: The series has progressed to the point where it must be read in order. Although it is probably still very enjoyable there is just too much of the back story to cover, even briefly, to bring the reader up-to-date.

Grade: A+
Series Grade to Date: A

Review: Hidden Currents by Christine Feehan

Published: July 2009 by Jove

Number of Pages: 441

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Stand Alone/Series: Drake Sisters 7
1: Magic in the Wind
2: Twilight Before Christmas
3: Oceans of Fire
4: Dangerous Tides
5: Safe Habor
6: Turbulent Sea

Why This Book: Because I has series OCD and I have Christine Feehan OCD. Just can't stop myself.

From the Author Site: From afar, Sheriff Jackson Deveau has always loved Elle Drake, the youngest telepath of seven sisters. After a long time away she’s finally returning home to the small coastal village of Sea Haven. But someone has been following Elle, someone who doesn’t want her to make it back. And when Elle fails to arrive, her disappearance strikes fear in the hearts of everyone who loves her. Now it’s left to Jackson to uncover the mystery of Elle’s vanishing, and rescue her from an unseen danger. But Sea Haven is no longer safe for anyone, and it’ll take the powers of all the Drake sisters and their men to survive the coming storm.

Read excerpt here:

Hero: Jackson Deveau is an ex-Ranger who has settled down in Sea Haven which was home to his only friends, Jonas Harrington and Matt Granite. He is gifted with physic powers of his own and doesn't want that heritage for his children since he fears his gifts. But Elle saved him when he was in an hopeless situation and now he must accept his gifts and Elle and hope for the best.

Heroine: Elle Drake is the seventh daughter of the seventh daughter and charged with passing on the Drake family gifts to the next generation. But the man who seems to be destined for her doesn't want her heritage. So she takes on one last undercover job which goes wrong. After being tortured she's not sure she can be who Jackson need and doesn't know if she should pass on her gifts.

Review: What to say. It was okay. Certainly not Christine Feehan's best work but it was still better than most of the series. Why does Ms. Feehan take heroines that could be so kick-ass and turn them into little weepy, clingy creatures? Elle Drake had a lot of potential but after a brief inprisonment and some torture she's suddenly unable rely on her gifts and her own strength.

I get that torture changes a person. But if that person was strong to begin with wouldn't she still be strong in the end as long as her will wasn't broken? Even then can't she fight to remake her life? This confuses me greatly.

Jackson's wishy-washy feeling also doesn't make for a good story either. Up until Elle disappears he seems quite happy to keep her at a distance. But when she suddenly goes missing, he arranging a rescue party and risky life and limb to get her out. Then he decides that they are meant to be and everything turns out as he wishes. Alpha heroes are good but they should always get their way. Makes them to damn domineering and unbearably bossy as well as makes for a boring story.

What I liked best: That is the end of a series! Yay! One less to keep track of and one less I HAVE to pick up.

What I least liked: There's a lot. In particular I didn't the beginning of the book. Elle being kidnapped and held for breeding by an evil physic. Blah!

Keeper?: Still thinking about it.

Recommendation: The series was okay. Not the best by a long shot and probably not the worse. But it did have a clear beginning and a end which makes me happy.

Grade: C
Series Grade: C-

Review: Coyote's Mate by Lora Leigh

Published: February 2009 by Berkeley Sensation

Number of Pages: 341

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Stand Alone/Series: Breed #17
See here for complete list and order.

Why This Book: I have series OCD and I like Lora Leigh and her steamy sex scenes.

From the Author Site: For six years Anya Korbin worked with Del-Rey Delgado—the genetically altered rebel known as the Coyote Ghost—to free a group of coyote women kept in her father’s lab. As Anya matured into a woman, she and Del-Rey grew close…but then he broke his promise and killed her father. Now she must deal with her animalistic desire for the one who betrayed her.

Read excerpt here.

Hero: Del-Rey Delgado, aka Ghost, is leader of the Coyote Pack, Coyote Prime. For years he watched and waited for Anya to grow old enough for him to take as a lover. When she was old enough he freed her friends and took her captive not knowing she was his Mate. After on fateful sexual encounter they are locked together by fate and now he must regain the trust he callously threw away.

Heroine: Anya Kobrin was a young 16-year-old security guard when she first contacted Ghost in hopes of freeing her friends from the Genetic Council. For six years she helped him plot their escape only to be betrayed then taken captive. When she finds out that she is bound to him by a cruel fate she has to make a new life. One that will include Del-Ray. As mate to the Coyote Prime she holds the title of Coya.

Review: Another wonderfully crafted story by Lora Leigh. Lots and lots of steamy sex and angst along with a nice devilish plot in which everyones life is in jeopardy.

Del-Rey knew that he was going to betray and kidnap Anya he just never told her his complete plan. He knew that he would have to would her family so that the Genetic Council would not kill them for failing to stop to rescue. Anya was very innocent to believe everything he promised. This set up had the tension going right from the start. He had done her wrong and now he had to win her favor once more. Added to sexual tension of being Mated, this made for a great beginning.

Again there is nothing deep or dark about this story. Lots of fun and tension with a happy ending. But when I pick up a Lora Leigh book that is what I am expecting so I was a happy little reader.

What I liked best: Lots and lots of steamy sex! But then that's what I've come to expect from Lora Leigh. And Anya's bodyguards are so cute. Deadly but cute.

What I least liked: Del-Ray was a complete jerk. But it didn't keep me from enjoying the book. Anya does get him back and he does reform so its not all bad.

Keeper?: Yes

Recommendation: I like Lora Leigh. I usually pick up one of her books when I'm in the mood for steamy. Although they are a series, I think you could probably read these in any order you like.

Grade: B+
Series Grade to Date: B

Review: Burning Wild by Christine Feehan

Published: April 2009 by Jove

Number of Pages: 443

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Stand Alone/Series: Book 3 of the Leopards but can be read as a stand alone
Book 1: Novella The Awakening in the Fantasy Anthology or Fever Anthology
Book 2: Wild Rain or in Fever Anthology

Why This Book: Because its Christine Feehan and I have this horrible series OCD that makes me keep reading a series I started. *sigh*

From the Author Site: Born into a world of twisted monsters, Jake Bannaconni is shaped and molded into a cold, revenge driven man. Honed in the fires of hell, he controls his world and rules with an iron hand. He has everything and anything money can buy. He’s ruthless, merciless and considered a man to leave alone. His hidden legacy, that of a shapeshifter, makes him doubly dangerous in the corporate world.

Emma Reynolds is a woman who knows how to love and love well. When their two worlds collide, Jake’s plans for a complete take over, may just come tumbling down.

Read except here.

Hero: Jake Bannaconni was bred. His parents want to control a shapeshifter and they thought they could make one. When he was a disappointment to them, they tortured him and tried to use him to breed a shapeshifter. Jake always knew there was another being inside him and when he was finally free of his parent he was able to let that side out. Although he has everything money can buy, he needs those thing that cannot be bought: true freedom from his parents and the love of a good woman.

Heroine: Emma Reynolds has a mysterious past. On the surface she is a pregnant widow who had been a newly wed. But there is something that is irresistible about her that draws Jake's leopard to the surface.

Review: I quite enjoyed this book. I really like Wild Rain when it came out and kept wondering if Christine Feehan was going to write more. I was a bit disappointed that it didn't take place in the jungle as the other had but was appeased with the appearance to support characters from the Jungle.

It was what I've come to expect from Ms. Feehan but with a nice edgier heroine. A wounded hero meets heroine who has that undefinable something that makes her irresistble to the hero. The heroine then "heals" the hero. Meanwhile evil someones are attacking/chasing them and it climaxes to a big huge fight where the bad guys all die horribly and the hero and heroine are free to live their lives happily ever after, sort of.

Her recent heroines haven't been much to my liking but Emma has a nice edge to her and isn't one to lay down and let people walk over her, even though she does seem to let the hero get away with way too much.

Ms. Feehan write good stories but they just don't have the edge or excitement that many of the newer authors have. I don't know what is missing but there is something that makes her stories just miss the mark. They are enjoyable but not rave-worthy. But I will no doubt keep reading her as long as she keeps writing them.

What I liked best: Jake's employees. Although Jake has a very ruthless reputation in the business world, all his employees are "damaged" in some way and he seems to be collecting all these "wounded birds" and giving them a chance to succeed. The softer side that doesn't otherwise show through.

What I least liked: The heroine's matter of fact attitude towards finding out Jake is a shapeshifter and her whole mysterious past. It seemed to pop out of no where. But it did work with the overall storyline.

Keeper?: Yes

Recommendation: If you enjoyed Wild Rain, you will probably enjoy this one as well.

Grade: B-
Series Grade to Date: B-

TBR Challenge 2009: Sherrilyn Kenyon

I'm off to the RWA conference in DC. Will tell you all about and hopeful escape without any photographic proof that I was there since I am allergic to pictures of myself. But for your reading pleasure I give you the following reviews:

I was bad and didn't write up my review for the TBR challenge last month so here's three books by Sherrilyn Kenyon to make up for it.

Title: Upon a Midnight Clear

Published: October 2007 by St. Martin's

Number of Pages: 282

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Stand Alone/Series: Book 20. See here for reading list and reading order.

Why This Book: Because I'm a series junkie and that stupid OCD thing keeps making me buy and read this seemingly endless series.

From the Author Site: Ever think Scrooge had it right before the ghosts ruined his life and left him vulnerable?

At one time Aidan O’Conner was a world renowned celebrity who gave of himself and his money without wanting anything in return. Until those around him took without asking. Bitter betrayal came at him from all directions. Even those closest to him. Now he’s a man who wants nothing of the world or anyone who’s a part of it.

Until the night he finds a stranger on his doorstep that he’s seen before... in his dreams.

Born on Olympus as a goddess, Leta knows nothing of the human world. But a ruthless enemy has driven her from the world of dreams, into the home of the only man she knows. Her immortal powers are derived from human emotions and Aidan’s anger and hostility are just the fuel she needs to defend herself.

One cold winter’s night that will change both their lives

Trapped together by a storm, the two of them must do the one thing they swore they never would. Trust.

Hero: Aidan O'Conner a bitter A-list movie star whom everyone has turned against because his cousin Donnie paid/convinced them that Aidan was not a nice person.

Heroine: Leta a dream hunter who's nemesis is Dolor, the god of pain. When they last tangled she trapped him. Now he is loose and she must corral him once more.

Review: This really should have been a short story in a Christmas anthology. There just wasn't enough of the story to make it a full length book. The publisher certainly tried. Although the length of the book in relation to the number of pages seems sufficient, the reality is that they used a really LARGE print to make it look like a full sized book.

As to the story, it would have made a great short story with a little editing. This is a short story that was fluffed into a bad almost full length novel. A bit of cutting and pruning would have done wonders for the story.

What I liked best: Nothing. There was nothing I enjoyed about this book. *sigh*

What I least liked: Too many to list. Probably would have been better off not reading this story. It didn't add much to the overall storyline.

Keeper?: Probably not. But I'm a junkie so I may keep it for awhile.

Recommendation: Skip it. Nothing needed to move the overall storyline forward. The only useful fact is that the curse Zeus put on the Oneroi to not feel seems to be fading. But this was also covered in The Dream-Hunter, book 18 of the series.

Grade: D

Title: Dream Chaser

Published: February 2008 by St. Martin's

Number of Pages: 359

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Stand Alone/Series: Book 21. See here for reading list and reading order.

Why This Book: Because I'm a series junkie and that stupid OCD thing keeps making me buy and read this seemingly endless series.

From the Author Site: Dreaming was never so deadly or exciting...

Hades doesn't often give second chances.

Xypher has one month on Earth as a human to redeem himself through one good deed or be condemned to eternal torture in Tartarus.

Simone Dubois is a woman with a secret even she doesn't know. She's never understood why the dead haunt her, especially her sidekick who will never leave her alone. But over the years she's learned to cope. At least until an intriguing and lethal stranger walks into her life.

Now the fate of the world hangs in their hands...

It was bad enough when just the dead relied in her. Now there's Xypher who needs Simone to open a portal to hell.

And you thought you had bad days...

Hero: Xypher is a Skoti, a dream-hunter gone bad. For centuries, he has been in Tartarus, atoning for his crimes. But he made a deal which forces Hades to give Xypher a chance at a second chance. Xypher really doesn't want a second chance. He wants a chance at vengeance. Kill the person responsible for him being in Tartarus, the one who made him a Skoti. Got love this bad boy. He all gruff and rude as hell but on the inside he's really a nice guy.

Heroine: Simone Dubois seems to be your average "I see dead people" physic. But there is more to her than what is on the surface. As a medical examiner she sees a lot of dead people and sometime she see their ghosts and is able to provide them closure of a sort. She has been alone except for her constant companion, Jesse, a teenage ghost who died in the late 1980s.

Review: I liked Xypher from the point he first showed up in the series (The Devil May Cry). He definitely had "bad boy with a streak of goodness" written all over him. Just the fact that he was willing to help for a chance at vengeance, though he hid his reasons for holding up his end of the bargain. He's a straight shooter and doesn't hide what he is and what he wants. He reminded me very much like Zarek. I would have wanted a better heroine for him than Simone.

Simone is a goody-goody and seems to spend much of her time helping others, and in Xypher's case, even if they don't want it. Maybe because she has all those annoying ghost floating in and out of her life. Or maybe its do to the twist that Ms Kenyon made about 3/4 of the way through the book. But whatever it was, she's just annoying.

Ms Kenyon lately has had a lot of WTF going on with her storyline. It seems like every book since Unleash the Night (book 13) had something strange, unaccepted and just plain weird going on. Who knows what she's going to do next. It has made the series a bit disjointed and hard to keep up with since she keeps asking the reader to make all these leaps with her and accept all this new ideas/concepts into the world she has created.

What I liked best: The relationship between Jesse and Simone. Okay so if I were stuck with a 1980s teenager I probably would have tried to have him exorcised. But Simone and Jesse are family. A bit of a strange one, but they keep each other sane and love each other no matter what.

What I least liked: The mystery of Jaden. Is he human or is he demon? And if he isn't either, what in the hell is he? And exactly who is holding his chain. Ms. Kenyon does a wonderful job with bad boys gone good so Jaden's story should be interesting. And you know I'll probably still be buying her books. Just perhaps not new.

Keeper?: Yes

Recommendation: Could be read as a stand alone but there are tie-ins to the great story and much of the terminology of the world would need some explaining so it would be better to read as a part of the series. It picks up a loose end from the Devil May Cry (book 19 of series) and ties it up in a pretty little bow.

Grade: B-

Title: Acheron

Published: August 2008 by St. Martin's

Number of Pages: 816 (mass market paperback)

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Stand Alone/Series: Book 22. See here for reading list and reading order.

Why This Book: Because I'm a series junkie and that stupid OCD thing keeps making me buy and read this seemingly endless series. And this is Acheron's story and I've been waiting for it since book 2!

From the Author Site: Even though he was the youngest when he died, Acheron was the first Dark-Hunter ever appointed. He is also the writer of the Dark-Hunter Creed and of the Code we abide by.

Because of his Dark-Hunter age and the fact that he fought the Daimons alone for thousands of years, he is more phantom than real. He interacts with the other Dark-Hunters on a whim, and his sage advice is often sought.

Eccentric and idiosyncratic to the extreme, he is a legend among legends. The Dark-Hunters never know what to expect when Acheron enters a scene. He runs the full gamut from friendly to intimidating to downright scary.

It is said of him that there has never been a mortal born who could equal his physical perfection. He possesses a raw, rare kind of charisma.

To look at him is to want him. To see him is to ache to touch him.

Hero: Acheron, aka Ash, the leader of the Dark-Hunters. He is the oldest Dark-Hunter, having had this job since Apollo cursed the Apollites and Daimons were born. Although he did not get this calling from Artemis, who created all the other Dark-Hunters, she controls him because she controls the Dark-Hunter. He is a god and his word is law and he controls the final fate of the world.

Heroine: Soteria Kafieri, aka Tory, is a professor of archeology and has spent her life trying prove that Atlantis existed and reclaim her family's honor in the eyes of the academic community.

Review: Acheron has been a walking mystery up until Sins of the Night (book 11). We knew he was the last of his kind. At first is was the fact that he was Atlantean. But in Sins we find out he's a God, the last of the Atlantean pantheon still free to walk the earth. His mother, Apollymi the Great Destroyer, is the only other Atlantean god left but trapped and if freed will destroy the world.

The first half of the book deals with Acheron's mortal life and the beginning of the Dark-Hunters The short, the Beginning, is included vertatim, at the appropriate place in the storyline. I would have thought Ms Kenyon would have reworked it so that it would be fresh or left it out completely, but unfortunately it was a retelling of the same story. Acheron is definitely in the running for the most tortured hero. He certainly had hell on earth and then it followed him into his immortal existence thanks to Artemis.

The second half of the book is the love story between Acheron and Tory with Artemis and Stryker as the villians. It wasn't the best but it also wasn't the worst. I'm not sure that it was worth all the hype and waiting. An interesting story with only a couple of WTFs to take in. It was nice to see some of the others from earlier in the series but it also left some loose ends to tie up. But thats to be expected as this seems to be the never-ending series.

What I liked best: Simi. What's there not to like about Simi. Barbeque sauce toting, eat everything in sight and loves Acheron unconditionally. Need I say more. I like that she is so literal. She'll do exactly as Ash tell her to do. No more, no less. And there misunderstandings about her instructions make for great fun.

What I least liked: Artemis and Apollo. They have no redeeming qualities. I don't understand why they can't be killed off. Sure she's the goddess of the moon and he's the god of the sun but why can't someone take over for them. And really with all the different pantheons running around this series, why isn't there another god/goddess of the moon and sun around to take over that way Simi could have herself a great ol' feast. And that would be really fun to watch/read.

Keeper?: Yes

Recommendation: Well worth reading. It has much of the flavor of the older books, which in my opinion were better, and less of WTF of the newer books. But the series is just getting too long. Especially if Acheron is the middle of the series as Ms Kenyon had once indicated. I don't know if I can make it another 20 or so books. She should just wrap it up and start something new. I wished she would write more the the Lords of Avalon series. She only wrote two and there is much to enjoy about them and there seems to be so much more to tell.

Grade: B
Series Grade to Date: C

Review: Burning Alive by Shannon K Butcher

Title: Burning Alive

Author: Shannon K. Butcher

Published: May 2009, Onyx (Penguin)

Number of Pages: 358

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Stand Alone/Series: The Sentinel Wars #1

Why This Book: Read the excerpt (here) because I saw the pretty cover on Kmont's blog and next thing I know I'm buying it! *dang kmont*

From the Author Site: They are the Sentinels. Three races descended from ancient guardians of mankind, each possessing unique abilities in their battle to protect humanity against their eternal foes--the Synestryn. Now, one warrior must fight his own desire if he is to discover the power that lies within his one true love...

For too long, Helen Day has been haunted by visions of her own death, surrounded by flames as a dark-haired man watches her burn. So when she sees the man of her nightmares staring at her across a diner, she attempts to flee--and ends up in the man's arms. There, she awakens a force more powerful and enticing than she could ever imagine.

The instant the Theronai warrior Drake touches Helen, the anguish he has borne for years fades away. He is determined to know why this beautiful, fearful woman has such power over him. The answer lies in his very blood--and in Helen's as well. For together, they may become more than lovers--they may become a weapon of light that could tip the balance of the war--and save Drake's people...

The Cast:
Theronai: One of the Sentinel races. All Theronai men absorb magical energy but cannot channel it. A Theonai woman can channel the power from their bonded man. The build up of power slowly kills the men's souls over several centuries and when their souls die they loose the ability to tell right from wrong. The rate of soul death in different for each man. The men are also are born with a lifemark, a giant tree tattoo, which a visual gauge of their souls health, the more leaves the tree has the better the soul's health. Two centuries ago most of the Theronai women were killed and the men became sterile. Zach, Thomas, Nicholas, Paul, Angus are some of the Theronai warriors. Jacob Rayd is their leader. Gilda aka Lady Grey is a Theronai woman.

Sanguinar: One of the Sentinel races. They blood drinkers and cannot be in sunlight. They are also the most powerful healers among the Sentinel races. They have been starving for centuries because the strength of the blood they have had access to is not strong enough to satisfy their needs. They are working on a mysterious project called Lullaby. Logan is one of the Sanguinar. Tynan is their leader.

Gerai: Not sure if they are the third Sentinel race or not. They are basically descendants of humans and Athanasians. Athanasia is the world the Sentinels are protecting and earth is the only gateway to Anthanasia.

Synestryn: Monsters, demons, whatever you want to call them. They are the bad guys that want to conquer Anthanasia. They come in many different forms. Each has its own strength and weakness. They can only come out after sunset and usually den in caves, abandon mines, etc.

Helen Day: All her life she has had a vision of her death. That of being burned alive while a man watches her with a smile. One day she meets him in a diner and is promptly kidnapped by him and his friends.

Lexi: Waitress at diner and Helen's friend with a mysterious past.

Miss Mabel: An unfortunate senior citizen. Helen's friend and fellow abductee.

Drake Asher: A Theronai warrior. While on a hunt he meets Helen and when he touches her the all his pain disappears. When he stops touching her all his pain returns. He doesn't know why this happens so he kidnaps her.

Review: The story grabs you at the beginning with the chance meeting of Helen and the man who Helen thinks will be her murder, Drake, in a diner. But rest of the book just didn't seem to be as engaging. As far as plots go, it was okay. Hero meet heroine who is his "savior". Hero abducts heroine because he needs her. Heroine learns she is "gifted" and "saves" hero. And as far as the greater plot, it isn't all that original either: supernatural warriors, with problems, must keep supernatural monsters from invading/taking whatever they are protecting. But all that taken into account, the story was still interesting enough to keep me entertained.

The world building was okay. There is a lot of information to convey. But the way it was presented was a bit confusing since we get bits and pieces from each character and that made it a bit disjointed. I felt like I was missing something. There is a lot going on and there are definite mysteries that I hope will be explained in the future. Given all that, I'm not sure how it could have been better presented. Maybe if the story hadn't skipped around to so many different points of view it would have been easier to absorb.

What I liked best: I think its the Lexi subplot. Lexi is one cool customer. A petite package of dynamite waiting for her fuse to be lit. She has a mysterious past and it involves the Sentinels somehow. I hope we see more of her in the future.

What I least liked: Sibyl the foreseer. I really hate the whole child prophet route. I also hate the mysterious prophet too.

Keeper?: Yes

Recommendation: An interesting read once you get your head around all the information presented. I'm looking forward to the Zach/Lexi story.

Grade: B

Review: Dark Desires After Dusk

Title: Dark desires After Dark

Author: Kresley Cole

Published: May 2008

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Stand Alone/Series: Immortals After Dark #6
Book 1: The Warlord Wants Forever (Playing Easy to Get anthology)
Book 2: A Hunger Like No Other
Book 3: No Rest for the Wicked
Book 4: Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
Book 5: Dark Needs at Night's Edge

From the Author Site: A ruthless demon mercenary. A lovely young halfling. In the dark, he'll find her. A seductive beauty he can never have, yet can't resist...

Cade of the rage demons will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past.

A tormented warrior she should fear, but can't deny...

Raised as a human, Holly Ashwin never knew that some frightening legends are real until she encounters a brutal demon who inexplicably guards her like a treasure. Thrust into a sensual new world of myth and power, with him as her protector, she begins to crave the demon’s wicked touch.

Surrender to dark desires...

Yet just when he earns Holly’s trust, will Cade be forced to betray the only woman who can sate his wildest needs—and claim his heart?

Hero: Cadeon Woede the Kingmaker, Rage Demon. For nine hundred years Cade has lived with the guilt of losing his brother's throne to the evil sorcerer, Omort the Deathless, and the death of his foster family at the hands of Omort's army. And for all that time he has been trying to help his brother Rydstrom re-gain his throne. Now its down to one last chance. It's either the weapon that can kill Omort the Deathless or his one and only mate, Holly Ashwin. He's definitely going on the list of favorite heroes. All that boyish charm and wickedness (not to mention the lickable horns and all), it's just too hard to pass up.

Heroine: Holly Ashwin, halfling Valkyrie and the Vessel formerly a math teacher. Poor Holly's had a really nasty week. First kidnapped by demons, then struck by lightening, then shot at by vampires, then chased through a swamp, then thrown into an OCD's nightmare of an apartment, and then learned that she was changing into an immortal being. And that was just the first night. She went from uninteresting mortal (she taught math to jocks) into the most popular girl in the Lore (everyone wants to either breed with her or kill her). Talk about life altering changes.

Review: Loved it. Another great read. This book is definitely action-packed as well as earlier ones in the series. And Kresley Cole must have a great time making titles for everyone: Cade the Kingmaker, Nix the Ever-Knowing, Omort the Deathless, etc. Everyone should have one, it certainly makes it fun to read.

Kresley Cole knows how to do write sexual tension and this one is as full of it as the ones before. Cade can't have sex with Holly at first because she's mortal and then later won't because he has to trade her for the sword that will kill Omort and restore Rydstrom's throne but it certainly doesn't stop him from teasing and flirting. He's just shameless! (Love it!) And Holly won't have sex at first because she'd in denial about everything (being immortal, liking Cade, etc.) and by the time she's will, Cade won't cooperate.

Still loving Valkyrie Soothsayer, Nucking Futs Nix the best. Not only does she have the best T-shirts, she has the inside scoop on everything. But of course she wouldn't tell you anything really juicy without a price.

There are unanswered questions at the end of this book... just what did happen to Rydstrom? Definite foreshadowing for the next book.

Oh and still waiting for the Garreth the Werewolf and Lucia the Valkyrie huntress story.

Keeper?: Yes

Recommendation: a

Rating: A

Review: Kiss of a Demon King

Title: Kiss of a Demon King

Author: Kresley Cole

Published: January 2009

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Stand Alone/Series: Immortals After Dark #7
Book 1: The Warlord Wants Forever (Playing Easy to Get anthology)
Book 2: A Hunger Like No Other
Book 3: No Rest for the Wicked
Book 4: Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
Book 5: Dark Needs at Night's Edge
Book 6: Dark Desire After Dusk

From the Author Site: With one kiss, he knew she'd be his queen...

From New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole comes this spellbinding story of a demon king fighting to reclaim his crown and the wicked sorceress who dares to use his most secret desires to thwart him.

His obsession: the enchantress who surrenders her body, but not her heart.

After Sabine, the Queen of Illusions, lures and traps Rydstrom Woede in her lair, the ruthless warrior fights to resist her seduction.But his fierce demon nature lusts for her delicate body and won’t be denied. Even as Rydstrom plots to escape, he still intends to claim Sabine as his own—on his terms.

Her downfall: the battle-scarred demon who vows to keep her at all costs.

When Rydstrom breaks free, her abducts Sabine, turning the tables. Now she’s the one struggling to resist his delicious torment. With each relentless encounter, Sabine hungers more for her merciless adversary.

They were never supposed to want each other this much…

If they can defeat the sinister enemy that stands between them, will Sabine make the ultimate sacrifice to save her demon? Or will the proud king lay down his crown and arms to keep his sorceress?

Hero: Rydstrom, King of the Rage Demons. So he lost his throne (and whole dang country/plane) nine hundred years ago and has been trying to win it back. So his down to his last chance (per Nucking Futs Nix... oh gotta love her!) and he gets kidnapped by the enemy. Talk about bad luck. And then to find out his one true mate it sister of his greatest enemy, Omort the Deathless, was just another big "Ouch". To save he was pushed out of his comfort-zone is putting it mildly.

Heroine: Sabine, Queen of Illusions. Wicked, evil woman with a heart, and that would be her sister, Melanthe, for the most of the book. And like all wicked, evil women, she's looking to take over and Rydstrom's son and heir is the key (again was predicted by a soothsayer, but not our favorite Nix). So now she has to get pregnant but also has to get Rydstrom to marry otherwise the baby wouldn't be the heir. She definitely knows how to torture her captive male. And she's definitely got the best costume award so far.

Review: First off, the cover is great. Definitely won't be mistaking this one with the others in the series. Have to say that it was a relief to see the cover and to see that it didn't look like the others. Not saying that they were bad covers, just that they were too much of the same.

With that said, I didn't enjoy this one as much as I liked the others. I think the whole torture each other was a bit to overdone. They spend way to much time on how to make each other crazy and the whole revenge thing didn't hold my interest. Yeah, she was mean (well she kinda had to be, after all she was batting for team evil) but his whole need to do the same. *sigh*

I did enjoy Sabine's interaction with rage demons, Puck in particular. She was hoot and I enjoyed how Kresley kept her consistent through. There was no suddenly see the error of her ways, just an acceptance of being Queen to Rydstrom but continuing her wicked ways.

Nix is still great. All her scenes continue to make me laugh. Melanthe is definitely interesting and I'm looking to learning more about her. I thinking that evil-angel guy is her man, but we'll have to wait and see what Kresley pulls out of the bag.

Keeper?: Yes

Recommendation: I think that the series has gotten to a point that reading the previous books in the series is required to fully enjoy the book. But it's still fairly good as a stand alone. Kresley Cole does a great job of keeping just enough background in each installment so that a new reader won't be completely lost.

Rating: B+

ARC Review: Angels' Blood

This review is brought to you thanks to my book fairy (you know who you are)! I know it comes out next week but I was totally impatient and couldn't wait. And sure, I have it on pre-order but had to read it NOW! And it's GREAT! On to the review...

Title: Angels' Blood

Author: Nalini Singh

Published: March 2009

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Stand Alone/Series: Guild Hunters Book #1
Novella (ebook only): Angels' Pawn

From the Author Site: Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux knows she's the best—but she doesn't know if she's good enough for this job. Hired by the dangerously beautiful Archangel Raphael, a being so lethal that no mortal wants his attention, only one thing is clear—failure is not an option...even if the task is impossible.

Because this time, it's not a wayward vamp she has to track. It's an archangel gone bad.

The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other…and pull her to the razor's edge of passion. Even if the hunt doesn't destroy her, succumbing to Raphael's seductive touch just may. For when archangels play, mortals break…

Hero: Raphael, Archangel of New York. Dangerously beautiful, ruthless, lethal, seductive and alluring. He is definitely not one of those "nice" angel. He has the dangerous allure, the kind that has you fascinated from afar wishing you had the bravery to snuggle him up close and very personal. And as to his angel dust... he can dust me anytime he'd like, especially with that special blend of his! The quote that definitely sums up Raphael is:

“Don’t fail, Elena.” His eyes were mild but his smile, it spoke of things better not said aloud. “You intrigue me—I’d hate to have to punish you.”

Her mind flashed to that image of the vampire in Times Square, that broken mess that had once been a person… Raphael’s definition of punishment.

Heroine: Elena Deveraux, Guild Hunter. She is definitely gusty and stubborn as well as a bit reckless when it comes to Raphael. Elena is one of the hunter-born, born with skills that help her track vampire, and has probably the strongest set of those skills therefore when the Cadre of Ten (the Archangels) needs that special someone to track the impossible (Archangel gone bad), she's their gal. Like all good urban fantasy heroine's, she not afraid of the fight (even against the impossible), has a smart mouth (that only gets her into more trouble), is constantly armed and is more likely to kick ass and take numbers than wait for her hero to come get her out of the mess she's in. The quote that sums Elena up best is:

"Great." Elena walked out from behind Rahael. "Join the queue."

Micheala folded her arms across her front, plumping up her breast. "Do tell. It might be entertaining to see who gets to you first."

"Excuse me if entertaining you isn't at the top of my agenda." Oh, she could be brave now, when Raphael needed her. After... well, she had so many other problems, it didn't seem worth the effort to mollify a pissy archangel.

Review: Loved it! Nalini Singh definitely has another best seller on her hands as well as another great series. This is her first book in her new Guild Hunters series as well as her debut into the urban fantasy genre. Unlike other recent urban fantasy novels, this is told in the third person with some first person insights from the heroine, hero and villain. The style is in keeping with what one has come to expects from Ms. Nalini: a wonderfully crafted story with intriguing characters that take one out of the mundane world and into the fantastic. Her worlds are rich with fantastic character and situation while keeping everything believable.

The story is fast paced, packed full of action and tension right up to the end. It opens with Elena on a vampire hunt which leads her to a breakfast meeting with Raphael, Archangel of New York, and her latest, even if it is unwanted, gig of hunting down a rogue archangel with Raphael where failure, or quitting, is NOT an option.

The tension between Elena and Raphael is sublime. Elena can't help but be attracted by Raphael even though it's probably going to cost her her life. And Raphael is intrigued by Elena, something that doesn't happen frequently to this immortal, and she keeps telling him something he does not hear often, if ever, which is "No." They simple sizzle.

Angels in this story are not your nice, friendly, caring angels. They are a group of ruthless immortals who make and control vampires. They are ruled by the Cadre of Ten. The Cadre of Ten is definitely not a group to piss off. Basically they are the ten archangels who rule the world. Getting in on their bad side is worse than fatal. I think the maxin "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely" works well for these angels and archangels.

The cast of secondary characters is fantastic. You have Elena's best friends: Sara and Ransom. Then you have Raphael's guys: Dimitri, Venom, Illium and Jason. As well as the other archangels in the Cadre of Ten. Can't wait to read more about them in the future adventures of Elena and Raphael. I would love to see the back story on Sara and her tracker husband, Deacon, as well as that of Archangel Elijah and Angel Hannah.

The only part I didn't enjoy was the bit confusing part/interaction with Elena's family. Didn't think it really added much to the story, other than a bit of "huh?" and the affirmation that Elena's family is a bunch of self-centered losers who don't care about Elena is the least.

The book also has some great teasers included. The steamy excerpt from Nalini Singh's next Psy/Changling book, Branded by Fire and a sneak teaser into Angels' Kiss the next book in the Guild Hunters series.

Keeper?: Yes

Recommendation: A must read for all Nalini Singh fans. And if you haven't read any Nalini Singh, well here's your chance.

Rating: A

Review: Dark Needs at Night's Edge

Title: Dark Needs at Night's Edge

Author: Kresley Cole

Published: April 2008

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Stand Alone/Series: Immortals After Dark #5
Book 1: The Warlord Wants Forever (Playing Easy to Get anthology)
Book 2: A Hunger Like No Other
Book 3: No Rest for the Wicked
Book 4: Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night

From the Author Site: A vampire warrior consumed by madness, trapped in the lair of an otherworldly temptress only he can see. The beauty wants him gone--the warrior can't leave.

Let the games begin...

Néomi Laress, a famous ballerina in the early 1900s, became a phantom the night she was murdered. Imbued with powers, but invisible to the living, she haunts her beloved home, scaring away any trespassers--until she encounters a ruthless immortal even more terrifying than Néomi herself.

To prevent him from harming others, Conrad Wroth's brothers imprison him in an abandoned manor. There only Conrad can see the dancer with wild raven hair--who seems determined to drive him further into madness. The exquisite creature inflames him with desire, leaving his body racked with lust and his soul torn as he finds himself coveting her for his own.

Yet even if Conrad can win Néomi and claim her completely, evil still surrounds her. Once he returns to the brutality of his past to protect her, will he succumb to the dark needs seething inside him?

Hero: Conrad Wroth: Vampire... Crazy, evil vampire turned good by love. Conrad's spent hundreds of years as one of the most brutal assassins in the Lore as well as one of the most hated beings, a vampire. Which makes him the ultimate loner. And since he has been drinking his victim dry as they die, he has gained their knowledge and memories which has made him both powerful as well as crazy. When his brothers final catch him, they imprison him in estate which is haunted by a ghost only he can see and hear.

Heroine: Neomi Laress: Ghost... While alive Neomi was a prima ballerina who loved to dance and party. The girl just loved to party. 80 years ago, she was murdered in her new home and has been haunting it ever since. For that whole time she has been alone, no one to could see her or hear her until this crazy vampire is imprisoned in her home. And since he's the only one she can interact with, she befriends him.

Review: Another great read from Kresley Cole. The loner hero who shuns everyone and everything (except the people he kills) and the very social heroine who can't interact with anyone seem like a unlikely pair, but Kresley makes it work. She makes us feel Neomi's yearning for company and someone to be with and Conrad's need to for someone to care for and protect to help him out of his insane rages.

This book is full of tension considering the hero and heroine can't touch each other for 2/3rd of the story. As a ghost, Neomi is noncorporeal and cannot touch or be touched. Kresley certainly makes you feel their need. And not only that, but he's the virgin while she's the one with experience, gotta love that twist. Not a whole lot of hawt virgin heroes out there. And Neomi definitely knows how to catch a guy's eye. Shower scene! Enough said.

Gotta love Nucking Futs Nix, the Ever-Knowing, Proto-Valkyrie and Soothsayer. She's powerful, crazy and naughty. What's not to like about her? The rage demon brothers Rydstrom and Cade make another apperance much to my delight.

Keeper?: Yes

Recommendation: Although this is book 5 in the series it can be read out of order and still have full understanding of the story and most of the background. Kresley Cole does a wonderful job in keep her Lore world alive throughout the series.

Rating: A

TBR Challenge 2009: Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night

HA! Read something off the TBR! (not mentioning that I had to go buy books 5 and 6 because of it... nope... not mentioning of them... dang that Kresley Cole!)

Title: Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night

Author: Kresley Cole

Published: October 2007

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Stand Alone/Series: Immortals After Dark #4
Book 1: The Warlord Wants Forever (Playing Easy to Get anthology)
Book 2: A Hunger Like No Other
Book 3: No Rest for the Wicked

From the Author Site: A brutal Highland werewolf. An exquisite young witch. Immortal enemies … forbidden temptations.

Her breathless kiss haunts him.

Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed—until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive.

His slow, hot touch is irresistible.

Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It’s rumored that no one can tempt Bowen’s hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go.

No deed is too wicked for her seduction.

If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul—or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?

Hero: Bowen MacRieve: Werewolf... Goes from brooding (gotta love that), alcohol-loving werewolf to totally awesome hottie who'd do anything for his mate. We first met Bowen in A Hunger Like No Other as Lachlain's best friend and cousin who lost his mate nearly 200 year earlier and is still in mourning for her. So there he was brooding away about his lost mate (and basically trying to drink himself to death - which is impossible for an immortal to do) when he's told of a way to go back in time - the prize of the Talisman Hie. Naturally he would do anything to win. In his ruthless attempt to win he ended up burying several very important players, one of them being Mariketa, in a tomb from which they never got out. So in order to avert a war in which the Lycae where sure to lose, he has to get them out asap. During the rescue (and even during the Hie) he is strangely attracted to Mariketa even though she is a witch. Once he makes up his mind not only is he protective but also wolf-ishly charming.

Heroine: Mariketa the Awaited: Leader (to-be) of the Witches... She's the most powerful witch alive and one long awaited (don't find out what she was awaited for until the end) but unfortunately can't control her powers. When Bowen comes to rescue her and her compatriots (from the tomb he buried them in), she naturally a bit upset and tries to kill him (like what girl wouldn't) even though she thought of him as totally hawt. But his wolf-ish charm and general hawtness, she can't help but fall for him.

Review: Another page turner. Kresley takes us deeper still into the world of the Lore and adds more wonderful layers to her rich magical world. After taking us back through the Talisman Hie, from Mariketa's and Bowen's view, it's off through the jungle as Mariketa and Bowen's love story unfolds. I loved Mariketa's description of Bowen being someone who "made Indiana Jones look like a poser pretty boy" (it went well with the scene in a tomb while hunting for the treasure).

Lots and lots of tension since Bowen chases Mariketa and then when it looks like he has her he says something make her do a 180 and so the chase continues and builds. And Cade, the rage demon bad-boy, is around put Bowen on edge while Rystrom tries to keep everyone on an even keel.

Okay so Lachlain's brother, Garreth, is still off chasing Lucia the Valkyrie huntress, so want that story. Love Nix and Regin. Cade and Rystrom sound totally hot. Can't wait to see what Krelsey will do next (since I, uh, "didn't" buy those other books).

Keeper?: Yes

Recommendation: Although it's the third book in the series, readers will have no problems with reading this one out of order.

Rating: A

Review: No Rest for the Wicked

Title: No Rest for the Wicked

Author: Kresley Cole

Published: October 2006

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Stand Alone/Series: Immortals After Dark #3
Book 1: The Warlord Wants Forever (Playing Easy to Get Anthology)
Book 2: A Hunger Like No Other

From the Author Site:

A vampire soldier weary of life...

Centuries ago, Sebastian Wroth was turned into a vampire—a nightmare in his mind—against his will. Burdened with hatred and alone for ages, he sees little reason to live. Until an exquisite, fey creature comes to kill him, inadvertently saving him instead.

A Valkyrie assassin dispatched to destroy him...

When Kaderin the Cold Hearted lost her two beloved sisters to a vampire attack long ago, a benevolent force deadened her sorrow—accidentally extinguishing all of her emotions. Yet whenever she encounters Sebastian, her feelings—particularly lust—emerge multiplied. For the first time, she’s unable to complete a kill.

Become competitors in a legendary hunt...

The prize of the month-long contest is powerful enough to change history, and Kaderin will do anything to win it for her sisters. Wanting only to win her, forever, Sebastian competes as well, taking every opportunity--as they travel to ancient tombs and through catacombs, seeking relics around the world--to use her new feelings to seduce her. But when forced to choose between the vampire she's falling for and reuniting her family, how can Kaderin live without either?

Hero: Sebastian Wroth. Turned into a vampire against he will by his older brothers, Nikolai and Murdoch, to save his life. The transformation was successful, but Sebastian resents his new life and his older brothers. That is until a beautiful woman comes to kill him and heart once again beats and air again flows though his lungs. With sudden focus, he starts the chase to capture Kaderin as his own. This means entering in the Talisman's Hie, an immortal treasure hunt.

Heroine: Kaderin the Cold Hearted is a Valkyrie without emotions. Long ago she granted mercy to a vampire and later in that same battle saw him murder her two blood sisters. The pain and guilt of their deaths made Kaderin pray to be without emotion and that prayer was granted. She became the perfect assassin fearless and coldly logical. Until she went to kill Sebastian Wroth. Her emotional shield begins to fall apart. But her only chance to save her sisters is the Talisman's Hie, and immortal's version of the great race, and its ultimate prize, Thrane's Key, a key that opens a door way to the past.

Review: As action packed as the first. Kresley Cole once again takes us into a world of wonder. More interesting characters are seen. The treasure hunts were great. Makes one think of Indiana Jones, except that he would have been a Lykae or a demon or something.

The chemistry between the two just didn't spark. Sure there was load of tension and some sparkles, but no real blaze. I'm not sure what was missing, but there was something. Maybe he seemed too weak to handle Kaderin. Or that Kaderin is at times so emotionless that I don't know what to think of her. Should she be more excited about getting her sisters back or should she be more infatuated with Sebastian? I don't know.

But I do know that it was great read and I really enjoyed it. Particularly the treasure hunting portions.

Keeper?: Yes

Recommendation: It can be read as a stand alone, what the reader needs to understand what went on before is explained and is smoothly done so that there is no gap in the storyline.

Rating: B+