Marked by the Vampire

Olivia Maddox has made studying paranormal killers her life's work.  So when she is given the opportunity to interview paranormal prisoners at the maximum security prison, Purgatory, she jumps at the chance. Only Olivia has no way of knowing what exactly she signed up for.

On her way to Purgatory she meets Shane.  A very sexy, alpha vampire.  However, the only problem is that Shane is a prisoner being transferred to the infamous prison Purgatory.  But all is not what it seems and Olivia is slowly learning that fact.

I liked the character of Olivia.  She seemed competent and didn't suffer from insta love.  But what she did suffer from was head-in-sand-distressed-need-a-man-to-rescue-me syndrome.  Which detracted from what would have been a strong leading female character.  She has her own secrets and dark side.  Ok fine, I can deal with that. As a matter of fact, I kinda like that. Her flaws gave her more depth and likability.

Now on to Shane.  Yum!  Shane is an alpha vampire.  When I say alpha I mean ALPHA!!!!!  I can't say much more about him without giving things way.  But I will say Shane is the ultimate BAMF!  If you ever find yourself at a maximum security paranormal prison Shane is the type of guy to have on your side.

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a quick fun read that satisfied my need for a paranormal romance. Marked by the Vampire is the second book in the Purgatory series.  But fear not, it can be read as a stand alone novel.

Melting Ms. Frost

Melting Ms. Frost left me very cold.  This is a story about an determined business woman that is in desperate need of loosening that tight bun along with her uptight personality.  This is an erotica novel there is no doubt about that, so if that is not your cup of tea then you need to look elsewhere.

This book just didn't do it for me.  I love a good story about a very capable woman letting her freak flag fly.  So I looked forward to reading about how Aidan was going the melt the ice in Annabel's panties.  But I just couldn't make it through.  I didn't connect with the characters and I just found the story a little boring.

Now, that being said, Melting Ms. Frost is very well written.  The author does an excellent job showing the reader and not telling.  She is able to paint a picture that the reader can enjoy.  Her writing style is excellent and it truly enhanced the story.  The story takes place in Britain and that added a certain uniqueness to the story.  I liked the different story setting and felt the characters were enriched because of it.

The character development or growth was slow and gradual.  Just as it should be.  Annabel isn't going to break down her emotional walls overnight.  Along with her relationships with Aidan and her mother.  Things do not change instantly and I think the author did an excellent job in this aspect.

But I just couldn't connect to the story.  But I truly feel this is a case of its not you, its me.  The reviews for this book are largely favorable.  So check it out for yourself and see if you like it.  Don't pass it by because of this cranky reviewer.

Awakened a Paranormal Romance

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This is the second book by Virna DePaul that I have read and yet again I am not disappointed.  I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.  This newest installment in the Belladonna Agency series focuses on Barrett an ex-soldier and former lover of partner in arms Nick.  Barrett and Nick once upon a time had a very passionate love affair.  However, it cooled when Barrett walked away in order to save herself from potential heartbreak.  Now Barrett is force to seek Nick's help when her best friend's daughter is kidnapped and taken into a sex ring.  I liked the aspect of the kidnapped girls forced into a sex ring.  It allowed each of the characters to get past their own bullshit and work toward achieving a common goal.

I found myself enjoying this second installment much more than the first book.  The foundation and vampire lore had already been established and DePaul doesn't spend much time rehashing that.  Which I loved!!!  DePaul trusted that her readers had a smidgen of intelligence and could either re-read the previous book or um use Goodreads..HELLO!  So the story isn't bogged down in an effort to remind readers what they should already know.  That being said, you really need to read the first book before attempting this one.  It will not make as much sense to you and you will have wasted your time and money attempting to read it.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys paranormal romance and I cannot wait until the next installment!  Happy reading!!

Indecent Proposal

Indecent Proposal is number 4 in the Boys of Bishop series. But I had absolutely no clue of this before I read the book. I received this ARC in exchange for a honest review. I have to say I really enjoyed this book. O’Keefe does a great job of showing how these damaged and struggling individuals find themselves in each other.

Ryan is a model whose life has not turned out according to plan. After a less then stellar modeling career and a failed marriage, she finds herself in New York tending bar. It is here she meets Harry. A little bit of flirty chat later, Ryan ends up spending the night in Harry’s hotel room. While Ryan, may not know Harry’s last name there is also one other key piece of information she doesn’t know about her fabulous one night stand; that he is actually Harrison Montgomery a political hopeful running for office.

In the style of the Kennedy’s the Montgomery family only knows one thing..politics. Harrison Montgomery was groomed for office since the day he was born. It is all he knows. So needless to say his life has been lacking an element of warmth and honest. That is what he finds in Ryan.

I really liked how this story was written. You get a semi-HEA because life isn’t perfect. The perfection lies in what you make of it. That is what you get. Two people finding themselves and how to make their lives better while opening themselves to the possibility of happiness with another person. I highly recommend this book and I will be looking into O’Keefe’s other works

In Your Corner by Sarah Castille

With the second installment in the Redemption series, Sarah Castille doesn't disappoint. While I highly recommend you read the first book in this series before beginning this one, it is not absolutely necessary. You should be able to follow the story and put together the pieces without reading the first book in the series. While it does bring back characters and settings seen in the first book, it is a stand-alone with a definite conclusion. NO CLIFFHANGERS!

This installment focuses on the relationship between Jake and Amanda. (view spoiler) Jake is a MMA fighter that is torn between family obligations and his true desires. Amanda is a strong-willed lawyer that has a very hard time with true intimacy.


This book also highlights the societal double standard when it comes to a sexually active woman. Amanda has been around the block and makes no qualms about her experience. HALLE-FREAKIN-LUJAH! Too many times in the romance/erotica genre we are force fed the virginal heroine that needs to be saved and educated by the strong, well-experienced alpha male. This is not the case. Amanda has needs and doesn't feel ashamed by those needs. She knows what she likes and isn't afraid to ask for it.


The storyline progresses well. Although Jake and Amanda's one step forward two steps back relationship, does cause the story to feel a bit bogged down at times. That being said, I feel the progression and regression of these two is needed to allow for character growth. Amanda has to learn to deal with her fears of intimacy and Jake has to learn how to be patient with her; and this takes time. There are no immediate fixes for these two. Each one has to work through their own issues.

I really enjoyed Sarah Castille's latest and would highly recommend it. You get a definite conclusion and the HEA you hunger for. Happy reading!!

Reflection by Elene Sallinger

Sallinger's latest installment doesn't disappoint.  True to her style, Sallinger delivers a dark and delicious tale of two souls who seek each other out in order to find healing.
Bridget is a woman with a tormented past.  Having gone through a traumatic event, she finds it hard to connect with the opposite sex.  However, when she meets Conner she finds a man that is willing to move slowly and give her what she needs.
Conner also suffers from his past.  He is instantly taken by Bridget and wants to get to know her.  Only, he's finding it difficulty to get past Bridget's walls. 

I love the way Sallinger delivers a realistic erotica novel.  There is no love at first sight, no lets move off and have babies either.  It is two people that have to overcome the haunting of their past in order to move forward.  This is the second book I have read by Sallinger and I find myself enjoying it just as much as the first.  I definitely recommend.

MMA + Angst = In Your Corner by Sarah Castille

 

With the second installment in the Redemption series, Sarah Castille doesn't disappoint.  While I highly recommend you read the first book in this series before beginning this one, it is not absolutely necessary.  You should be able to follow the story and put together the pieces without reading the first book in the series.  While it does bring back characters and settings seen in the first book, it is a stand-alone with a definite conclusion.  NO CLIFFHANGERS!  

This installment focuses on the relationship between Jake and Amanda. Seen breaking up in the first book, Against the Ropes, this is the story of their reunion two years later.   Jake is a MMA fighter that is torn between family obligations and his true desires.  Amanda is a strong-willed lawyer that has a very hard time with true intimacy. 

This book also highlights the societal double standard when it comes to a sexually active woman.  Amanda has been around the block and makes no qualms about her experience.  HALLE-FREAKIN-LUJAH!  Too many times in the romance/erotica genre we are force fed the virginal heroine that needs to be saved and educated by the strong, well-experienced alpha male.  This is not the case.  Amanda has needs and doesn't feel ashamed by those needs. She knows what she likes and isn't afraid to ask for it. 

The storyline progresses well.  Although Jake and Amanda's one step forward two steps back relationship, does cause the story to feel a bit bogged down at times.  That being said, I feel the progression and regression of these two is needed to allow for character growth.  Amanda has to learn to deal with her fears of intimacy and Jake has to learn how to be patient with her; and this takes time.  There are no immediate fixes for these two.  Each one has to work through their own issues.

I really enjoyed Sarah Castille's latest and would highly recommend it.  You get a definite conclusion and the HEA you hunger for.  Happy reading!!

Unique and Interesting

This is not your typical romance novel. There are no white knights in shining armor. No one running in to save the damsel in distress. This is a story of two damaged people finding comfort in one another.

Emma is heartbroken. Her marriage has fallen apart and she has returned home. Her days are filled with teaching at a Catholic school and her nights lonely. Eric is a man with an addition. He craves the physical release of being with a woman. Through their own darkness they find a light in each other.

This is not a flowers and romance book. It is dark and very real. With a deeply religious vein running through the novel, each individual looks for their own salvation. How they find it is not typical.

I was very surprised and pleased when I read this book. I enjoyed the writing style. The author allowed the reader to see the inner struggles of each character. The character development, plot, and writing style were very well written and kept me interested. What I enjoyed the most was the uniqueness of the story. It was not formulaic.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a different type of romance novel. I give this book four stars.

Turned

Turned is the first installment in the Belladonna series. But have no fear the story comes to a definite conclusion.

In a world where the government sanctions turning humans into vampires, Ty Duncan and others are a part of a secret agency that is fighting that very agenda. A group known as Rouges are going against their own kind and turning innocent humans into vampires against their will. The Belladonna agency was formed to fight and take down these vampires. To meet their goal, HBIC Carly, decides they need to diversify their membership.

This leads Ty to Ana. Ana has a shady past that will come in handy and further the agency's agenda. Trying hard to rebuild her life and stay away from trouble, Ana is hesitant to help Ty and join the Belladonna agency. But Ty (insert mafioso voice here) makes her an offer she can't refuse, a chance to see her sister again.

The writing was done well. It transitioned well into each character's own thoughts and actions without becoming repetitive. You get a chance to see what makes the characters tick. Ty is often conflicted by the wants and needs of his new vampiric nature and his humanity. You know, your typical brooding vampire. While Ana is fighting to overcome her past and the actions she had to take to ensure the survival of herself and her baby sister.

The story line is an oldie but goodie. Boy meets girl. Feels an instant attraction. Girl meets boy. Feels an instant attraction. Add in a dash of angst and misunderstood actions and intentions and you have a paranormal romance story. While the storyline wasn't terribly unique, the writing style and character development compensate well.

There are several questions that were left unanswered for me. But I am assuming all the loose ends will be tied up in the books to come. Overall, I give the book 3 1/2 stars.

War of Wings

I was drawn by the book's concept.  I love an interesting good vs. evil story.  This wasn't exactly what I got, but I'm not disappointed.  This book's premise is the events leading to Lucifer's uprising and his subsequent ejection from heaven.

The book's story is told through the angel Gabriel and Lucifer's points of view.  This gives the reader a definite contrast and allows the story to flow more smoothly.  I enjoyed reading Lucifer's inner thoughts and the events as seen through his eyes. 

Many of the supporting characters aren't given much depth.  The primary focus being on Lucifer and Gabriel.  In the beginning Gabriel is the archetypical troublesome little brother; always fighting with his older brother and rebelling against his wishes.  Because others have not placed much responsibility on him, he really doesn't take any.  He enjoys more leisurely activities and doesn't take much responsibility for his purpose in God's plan.  Tired of the perfect existence he has been given, Gabriel constantly seeks out imperfection.

Lucifer is the highest of all God' angels.  He is the most beautiful, the most powerful, and the most exalted.  He feels his natural place is at God's side and cannot wait for the day he receives his just reward.  However, God's plan for a Son soon throws a wrench into his plans.  Lucifer quickly becomes angry at God and launches a rebellion. 

This is when we see the book's characters begin to transform and grow.  Gabriel has the most character growth throughout the book.  Changing from a disgruntled worker bee to an inspiring leader. 

The book has an interesting look at God's angels and the origination of all things born of Satan.  The thing I liked the most was that each angel was flawed in some way.  They were not the emotionless automatons we typically see.  They felt, they loved, they grieved, and they loved (this ability to love is an important catalyst in the book). 

I found this book to be an easy read.  The story flowed nicely and was pushed along by each characters' development.  Overall I enjoyed the book and give it three stars. 

The second book in the Layers Trilogy picks up immediately where the first book, Layers Deep, leaves off.  The book comes to a great ending.  I don't want to give too much away but there is no cliffhanger ending, like the first book.  The characters do get their HEA.

The first books ends with Tristan firing Allie.  But you find out why immediately.  Put the pitchforks down, it's o.k.  Allie also clues Tristan into her little "surprise".  The book continues with their journey together.  There is little to no angst and all the ghosts of the past are laid to rest. 

Allie deals with some of her issues.  But she seems to do it in a way that is risky.  She makes a few questionable decisions that I felt were leading things in the wrong direction. 

We get a better look at the relationship between the brothers and Kendra's role in both their lives.  I could have lived without Kendra.  I just found her character flat.  She didn't really add any interest to the story, just a focus of tension and a source of jealousy for Allie. 

The next book will be from Kendra's view point and will involve both the brothers.  I am not a fan of Kendra so I am not sure I will read the next installment.  However, Layers Peeled came to a definite ending that should make most readers happy.

The third installment in the Blood Hunter series focuses on Konrad, the ex-leader of a team of vampire hunters. As a fan of Marie Treanor, the book doesn't disappoint.  The relationship between Maggie and Konrad draws in the reader.

Konrad doesn't agree with the current temperament toward vampire-human relations.  He believes the alliance between the two is a mistake and will lead to the downfall of humanity.  So, Konrad leaves his job and begins his own vigilante crusade. 

In his pursuit to gain allies to his cause and a device that magnifies power, Konrad meets Maggie.  Maggie is a great character and I found I liked her very much. 

I wasn't  very interested in learning about Konrad.  Much of the book I found myself despising him. You learn a little bit more about his past and why he is the monumental jerk that he is.

While the book is the third in the series, it does come to a definite end.  I loved this book and will be reading the next one immediately. 

Istvan is a hunter recuperating from a recent battle where he was severely wounded.  More science geek than rampage warrior, Istvan is on a mission to find and harness power.  Power than could help hunters and vampires alike. 

Angyalka is a beautiful vampiress and owner of the bar Angel.  She suffers from agoraphobia and hasn't been outside in well over a hundred years.  She runs and controls her world from within the walls of her bar.  It is within this very bar that she meets Istvan.  Istvan is the only man that has been able to overpower Angyalka and she likes it. 

The chemistry between the two characters is great.  They are drawn to each other and trade flirtations.  Angyalka doesn't like for anyone to have the upper hand.  So she constantly reminds Istvan of her strength and vampire nature.  However, it is Istvan's own strong and commanding nature that is attractive to her.  Istvan recognizes Angylka's need to be dominated and rises to the occasion superbly.

We are introduced to new characters while catching up with some old ones.  I do wish there had been more Maximillian but we do get some glimpses of Mihaela and Robbie. 

This is the second book in the series and does come to a definite conclusion while setting up events for the next book.  I am happy to have discovered this series and will definitely be reading the next one.

 Kate has finished her job assignment for Dominic.  They both left and agreed to go their separate ways, ending both their business and personal relationships.  Now they are both miserable.

Dominic wants Kate back.  He's doing nothing but pining away for Kate.  He can't eat, can't sleep, and has been quite a son of a bitch to everyone around him.  He finally decides that he needs her and must have her back.  After securing a job for her in Singapore, he "accidentally" runs into her at a bar.

Kate has been wallowing in misery since she left Dominic.  Surrounded by empty fast food containers and junk food wrappers, Kate gets a call for a new job in Singapore.  Deciding to get on with her life, she takes the job and moves to Singapore.

Kate and Dominic decide to get back together and take a serious approach to their relationship.  I don't want to give anything else away but I will say the book ends on a sort of cliffhanger.  There is a definite situation that needs resolving. 

I really liked the first book in this series, but the second one just didn't do it for me.  Kate was a whiny child most of the time.  I just wanted to slap her.  The major conflict for them came from outside influences, so to speak.  For me, the story just fizzled out. 

I liked the first book in the series, but I have to say the second one fell a little short for me.  The additional point of views, from supporting characters, was nice; but it just seemed a little repetitive.  Each one of the different characters kept saying the same thing.  Yes, we know Dominic doesn't take long-term girlfriends.  Yes, we know you are shocked.  Blah, blah, blah. I will probably read the next one in the series, just because I am a glutton for punishment.  that and I can't stand not knowing how a story ends.  Yes, I know.  I am aware I may benefit from a very talented psychiatrist. 

His to Possess is all six books of the His to Possess series all rolled up into one.  

Out of a job, running low on money, and nursing a broken heart Jessica goes to a neighboring city hoping to find a job so she can start a new life.  There she meets Dane Rainier after she mistakes him for her ex-boyfriend Storm.  Dane is her port in a storm, literally. While she is standing in the pouring rain and trying to hail a cab, he offers her a ride in his limo to a job fair.

Dane seeks her out to have dinner with her.  Sparks immediately fly.  Jessica decides Dane is exactly what she needs to get over Storm and decides to take him back to her motel room.  


As luck would have it, the job fair yields a job offer for one of the most respectable businesses in the city.  Now, just go ahead and take a guess who her boss is.  Come on....guess!  Yup,  Dane Rainier is now her new boss.

They go through the whole we work together we couldn't possibly sleep together thing, only to end up having nooners in his office.  Things are going well between them until Storm shows up.  Storm has decided that Jessica is the jelly to his peanut butter and can't live without her.  Bing, bop, boom, Jessica ends up being in the middle of a love triangle.

 If you are looking for an easy read with only a dash of angst, then this book is for you.     

I have to say that I liked this book much more than I thought I would. While the book is part of a series, it comes to a definite end and can be read as a stand-alone novel.

In a world where vampires are known only as a myth, Mihaela is a hunter. She hunts and kills vampires in an attempt to keep society safe. She began training as a little girl, after her parents and baby sister were killed by a vampire. She doesn't like or trust vampires. But with the awakening of an ancient vampire, it is suddenly a new world.

Vampires are now working with hunters and human deaths by vampire have drastically dropped. It is because of this new detente that Mihaela finds herself working with the notorious vampire Maximilian.

Mihaela and Maximilian do not trust each other but can't deny the sexual attraction between them. Mihaela is driven by years of hatred toward vampires and can't seem to completely trust Maximilian, with good reason. Maximilian, aka, Maximilian the Betrayer has betrayed those he loved the most.

I really found myself enjoying the story and liked the lore Marie Treanor established. Her vampires aren't all powerful but believably flawed. Of course there is a big, bad enemy they must defeat. But I see the need for a villain, as it drives the lore and plot line.

I gave it four stars and recommend the book as a pleasant read

Becca has a thrilling weekend with a Marine, named Zac, that she meets at her sister's wedding.  They have a great time and part ways.  However, Becca is left with a lot more than just steamy memories.  Nine months later she is raising a their child alone, as Becca believes that Zac has been killed in the line of duty.   

Flash forward seven years later.  Becca walks into apartment to find Zac fighting with their so-called nanny.  Becca's world is turned upside down as she is thrown in a world of secret espionage. 

Zac has been watching Becca and their son Parker from afar (only slightly creepy).  He has secretly been providing for them throughout the years through various avenues; a great apartment that has unbelievably cheap rent, money found in the elevator, winning a car, etc.  It was the only way he could provide financially for them without Becca becoming suspicious.  He has stayed away to ensure their safety, until he realizes they are in danger and he must save them.

Now, one interesting turn in this book is that Zac has um....supernatural or psychic abilities.  He intuition is always spot on and he has out of body experiences during times of extreme stress.  It also seems that Parker has inherited some of his dad's supernatural mojo.  At first I was intrigued how this would play out in the story, only to be let down in the end.  It went nowhere.  Zac has these abilities, only for them to fail fantastically when he needs them the most. Okay.  So why even bother if it doesn't drive or add to the story?  In my opinion, the whole psychic thing was a dead end that only detracted from the story. 

The lemony scenes were....alright.  Becca has a spanking fetish.  Since she has no man to speak of, she surfs the internet and lives vicariously through spanking and submission websites/blogs.  To feel sexually satisfied she takes matters into her own hands so to speak.  How do we, as the reader,  know this? Well not dead, psychic, creepy stalker Zac has placed some cameras in her apartment and monitors her "cummings" and goings frequently.  That's just weird.  The sex scenes were somewhat awkwardly placed.   It almost read as the story was written and the sex scenes were added as an afterthought. 

I really wanted to like this book, but it just didn't do it for me.  I give it 2.5 stars.