Review: Raphael (Vampire's In America #1) by D.B. Reynolds

Raphael by D.B. Reynolds

Series: Vampire's In America #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: ImaJinn Books (December 10, 2013)

Pages: 224

Format:

Source: Bought

 

Amazon / Goodreads

 

Malibu, California-home to rock-and-roll gods and movie stars, the beautiful, the rich... and vampires.

Powerful and charismatic, Raphael is a Vampire Lord, one of the few who hold the power of life and death over every vampire in existence. Thousands call him Master and have pledged absolute loyalty on their very lives. But when, in a brazen and deadly daylight attack, a gang of human killers kidnaps the one female vampire he'd give his life for, Raphael turns to a human investigator to find his enemies before it's too late.

Cynthia Leighton is smart, tough and sexy, a private investigator and former cop who's tired of spying on cheating spouses and digging out old bank accounts. When Raphael asks for her help in tracking down the kidnappers, Cyn's happy to accept. But she soon realizes her greatest danger comes not from the humans, but from Raphael himself.

Battling Russian mobsters and treacherous vampires, and betrayed by those they trusted, Cyn and Raphael find themselves fighting for their lives while caught up in a passion of blood and violence that is destined to destroy them both.

Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It

 

I have a new Vampire crush and another favorite couple. Raphael is A Powerful Vampire Lord who is  head of all Vamps in his territory. No one betrays Raphael even his vampires or human workers and not pay a price. Every one that knows him or heard of him fears him as they should. Love that readers are shown how powerful Raphael is. He is to the point and has no patience for mistakes. He is protective of all his vampires. Loved that I got enough details on Raphael's past.

 

Cyn has a strong backbone but at the same time has personal issues like everyone else. Has no problem protecting herself from a vampire if it came down to it. She might fear Raphael and his vampires but she sure as not going to show it. She can hold her own with Raphael but also knows when to back off.

 

The Romance was not front and center or love at first sight. Their relationship develops right a long with the story. This worked just fine for me as I got to see Raphael slowly be intrigue with Cyn. Especially since Raphael and other Vampires see Humans weak. The more time Raphael spends with Cyn he does not see her this way.

 

Had some good secondary characters loved Duncan and Lonnie. Duncan is Raphael right hand Vamp. Lonnie is the head of the Feedlot for the vampires also is some what a friend with Cyn. His character did bring some humor to the book.

 

He shrugged and smoothed his hair back with hands that were shaking worse than hers. "I had no choice, Cyn. When Raphael says jump, I say, "Please don’t hurt me, Master."

 

The world building  was easy and right along with Cyn  I was learning about the Vampires ways. Most Vampires do not interact with humans more so in a business dealing. Loved that humans do know Vampires exist but some who have not met any think they are just rumors.

 

Plot was interesting with the kidnapping of Raphael's female vamp. Nice twist I did not see coming. Cyn did have me on the edge of my seat especially with one scene. I was so nervous and not sure how everything was going to work out for her.

 

D.B. Reynolds easy story telling has me wanting more. I think I might of found a new Vampire series.

 

Double Quickie Review: Water Bound / Bound Together by Christine Feehan

Read these last year and never gotten around to do a review. I had no plans of finishing Sisters Of The Heart Series anytime soon.  Love my Biker reads and was so excited one of my favorite authors Christine Feehan was coming out with a Biker series Torpedo Ink. Bound Together the last book in Sisters Of The Heart series introduces readers to the Torpedo Ink MC. I had to read it before I started Torpedo Ink series. Personally for me I have no problems reading any Christine Feehan books out of order. Some might so if not sure I would definitely check other reviews. I did feel the last book gave me enough details to what has been happening with the characters that I am curious about.

Water Bound By Christine Feehan

Series: Sisters Of The Heart #1

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Berkley Books on July 21, 2010

Pages: 480

Format: Paperback

Source: Bought

Amazon / Goodreads

The last thing Lev Prakenskii remembered was being lost in the swirling currents of the ocean and getting sucked deeper into the nothingness of a freezing black eddy off the coastal town of Sea Haven. Just as quickly, just a miraculously, he was saved—pulled ashore by a beautiful stranger. But Lev has no memory of who he is—or why he seems to possess the violent instincts of a trained killer. All he knows is that he fears for his life, and for the life of his unexpected savior.

Her name is Rikki, a sea~urchin diver in Sea Haven. She has always felt an affinity for the ocean, and for the seductive pull of the tides. And now she feels drawn in the same way to the enigmatic man she rescued. But soon they will be bound by something even stronger, and their tantalizing secrets will engulf them both in a whirlpool of dizzying passion and inescapable danger.

Rating: 3 Stars - Liked It

Thoughts: I really wanted to like this book more. I did not hate it but did not love it either. Rikki has some personal issues do not remember what exactly was wrong with her. I did feel for her struggles in life as Christine Feehan portrayed her personal issue good.  But was also frustrated as the story became repetitive with her personal issue. If a fan of Christine Feehan you will understand how she likes to go into every detail of her books. Usually in her books do not bother me but this time less would of been better for me.

 

Loved Lev as he was Christine Feehans typical alpha male hero. He was so patient with Rikki and her needs.

Bound Together by Christine Feehan

Series: Romantic Suspense, Paranormal Romance, Biker Romance

Genre: Sisters Of The Heart #6

Publisher: Jove on March 21, 2017

Pages: 416

Format: Paperback

Source: Bought

Amazon / Goodreads

For five years, Viktor Prakenskii has put his life on hold in order to take down the world’s most feared motorcycle club from the inside. But carrying out the insane violence and seeing the club’s exploitation of the innocent has brought his traumatic past roaring back. And there’s only one cure: to see the wife he left behind...

Blythe Daniels thought she’d never see Viktor again after he murdered her stepfather and left without a word. She rebuilt her life without him, becoming a personal trainer and physical therapist...becoming strong enough for others to lean on. But when Viktor comes back to Sea Haven, he’ll make Blythe question everything she thought she knew about good and evil—and the dark desires of the heart...

Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It

 

Thoughts: I think Viktor might be one of Christine Feehans most stubborn heroes she has created and loved it. Blythe definitely had her hands full with him. Loved her character and thought she was perfect for him and his crew. The secondary characters were amazing. Really do not know how to live a normal life because of their past. It was nice to see them try to  fit in socially thanks to Blythe who becomes like a mother to them all.

Review: Wolf's Mate by Celia Kyle

Wolf's Mate by Celia Kyle

Series: Shifter Rogues #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Forever (March 27, 2018)

Pages: 352

Format: Paperback

Source: Bought

 

Amazon / Goodreads

 

Danger shouldn't be this sexy...

Cougar shifter Abby Carter always plays it safe. That's why she's an accountant--no excitement, no danger, and no cocky alpha males. She loves her quiet life, but fate has other plans. When Abby uncovers the shady dealings of an anti-shifter organization, she'll have to trust the too-sexy-for-her-peace-of-mind werewolf Declan Reed... or end up six feet under.

Declan Reed is starting over. After two years with Shifter Operations Command, it's time to put his past behind him. Now Declan is the only thing standing between the gorgeous Abby and an early grave, and if he's going to have any chance of keeping her alive, he'll have to embrace the darkness he's fought to keep at bay. But first he has to convince Abby that there's no safer place in the world than the arms of a big bad werewolf.

Rating: 3 Stars - Liked It

POV: 3rd

Thoughts: Oh Declan (wolf shifter) you had me the moment you defied orders to go after your mate. I just love a crazy ass alpha male shifter who does not care of the consequences. The slow burn romance was good. 

 

Declan is part of the SHOC (Shifter Operations Command). A group of different shifters enlisted not by choice to help the shifter community. Wow what a group of shifters. Loved that all the secondary characters had their own voice and personality. Play a good role in the book that makes me interested for their stories. They all had some great bickering and fun banter moments that had me smiling. 

 

While I loved the interaction with the secondary characters I did also felt at times it was a little over the top. Sometimes less is better. It almost at times felt childish and was more annoying than fun.

 

I am thinking this series is more on the fun, kind of quirky side. Celia Kyle is a new to me author and I do want to see how book two plays out.

 

Sweet Temptation: Judgement Road by Christine Feehan

 

Sweet Temptation is a feature on Wickedly Delicious Book Blog. That centers around books that have caught my attention. Whether it be a quote, snippet, teaser, excerpt, synopsis or a review.

Judgment Road by Christine Feehan

Series: Torpedo Ink #1

Release Date: January 23, 2018

Goodreads

An outlaw motorcycle club sets up shop next door to Sea Haven in the dangerously sexy new series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

As the enforcer of the Torpedo Ink motorcycle club, Reaper lives for riding and fighting. He's a stone-cold killer who turns his wrath on those who deserve it. Feelings are a weakness he can't afford--until a gorgeous bartender gets under his skin...

Near Sea Haven, the small town of Caspar has given Anya Rafferty a new lease on life. And she's desperate to hold on to her job at the biker bar, even if the scariest member of the club seems to have it out for her. But Reaper's imposing presence and smoldering looks just ratchet up the heat.

Anya's touch is everything Reaper doesn't want--and it brands him to the bone. But when her secrets catch up to her, Reaper will have to choose between Anya and his club--his heart and his soul.

Thoughts: Love Christine Feehan and Bikers. She already has her own voice and story telling with Vampires, Shifters and  Enhanced Soldiers. Look Foward to see how she does with a Biker Novel.

Real Life: Crazy Short Wearing & Flip-Flops Kind Of Day

Happy Sunday everyone. What a gorgeous weekend we are having in my little corner of the world here in MI. Crazy it is winter and was in the mid 60's today. All our patio stuff is tucked away but hubby was able to get to our lounge chairs. It was nice, got to sit out in the sun on the front porch and relax. Well hubby had on shorts and flip-flops. Not me, ha ha I am not there yet. It was nice to get some reading done outside in my worn out jeans, comfy slippers, baseball hat and no make up.

Love quotes and teasers. Here is one from Shadow Rider by Christine Feehan.

 

"Text me, Francesca. I won't be happy if you forget."

 

"We all endeavor to make you happy," she murmured softly, and smiled innocently up at him.

 

Stefano is bossy and Francesca can be a tad bit sassy.

 

Add To Goodreads

 

Hope you all had a beautiful weekend.

 

 

 

Review / Swoon: Marked by Rebecca Zanetti

Rating: 5 Stars - Amazing

Series: Dark Protectors #7

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: eKensington

Publication Date:

Format: Kindle

Pages: 304

Source: Bought

Amazon / Goodreads

Synopsis by Goodreads:

Janie Kayrs has known Zane almost her whole life. He was her friend in the dream world. She trusted him. But that was before he kidnapped her, spiriting her away to an isolated cabin to learn what her dreams never told her. Like how dangerous he looks. How he got on the wrong side of the negotiating table. And how much sexier he is in real life. . .

Zane is a battle-hardened warrior, used to command and solitude. But Janie has drawn him from the minute they met. His need for her could destroy everything he's worked for, but the risk is too sweet not to take it. They call her the Chosen One. But when it comes down to the questions of peace or war, life or death, safety or passion, it will be Janie who makes the choice. . .

Love is about to start conquering. . .

What I love most about Zane and Janie was his protectiveness and her feistiness. Left for some fun banter.

 

Oh, hell no. Zane grasped both her arms and set her behind him. Then he held up a finger to Talen Kayrs. "Give me a minute." Turning his back on one of the most dangerous vampires in history, he glared down at her. "Never, and I mean fucking never, get between me and somebody who wants to hit me. Got it?"

 

Blue flashed hard and pissed in her gorgeous eyes. "Right now I want to hit you."

Blush Alert: Burning Wild by Christine Feehan

Today my Blush Alert is a "Desk" Sexy Snippet from Burning Wild by Christine Feehan. No Dirty Talkers here but I love her shifters.  What I love most about Christine Feehan  novels is that I never know what the sex scenes will be like. This is one of my favorite scenes that got me hot and bothered. Lets just say he was not playing fair while he was working and loved that she was able to pay him back. Have to read the book to find out how the scene starts and how it ends. Enjoy! Jake and Emmas book was all kinds of amazing. I had a lot of different emotions with their story. It had a refreshing plot. Review coming soon.

 

 

Sexy Snippet

...Her throat was sore from his size and he controlled every move, which was just a little frightening, but also vaguely exciting to her. His fists were tight on either side of her head, as he slid in and out of her mouth, holding himself deep for a few moments and then pulling back just enough so she could breathe.

 

The phone rang and Emma froze. Jake released one hand from her hair and hit the speaker phone before gripping her hair again and thrusting more gently this time, urging Emma to continue.

 

"Yes?" His voice was gruff.

 

Emma smiled, relieved he wasn't casual and unaffected as he acted. Deliberately she swirled her tongue around the flared head, teasing the underside. If he could try to keep his mind on his business while she lay naked, sprawled out on his desk with his shaft sliding erotically down her throat, she was going to make certain it wasn't going to be easy for him.

 

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Teaser Tuesday: Burn For Me by Cynthia Eden

 

"You smell like fucking candy..."

 

She stilled. Now her heartbeat was the one racing too fast.

 

"You make me..." His voice dropped, but she caught the ragged growl of  "hungry"

 

Add To Goodreads

 

Burn For Me ( Phoenix Fire #1)

by Cynthia Eden

 

Review: Tamed by Rebecca Zanetti

Tamed (Dark Protectors #6.5)

by Rebecca Zanetti

Paranormal Romance

Bought

Hot ~ Fan Yourself

 

Blurb

Caleb Donovan was never meant to be a prophet. At heart he's a conqueror, his appetites far more carnal than spiritual. He's not inclined to repress his passions and surrender to fate. After all, that's what cost him Lily—three centuries ago. She married another, because it was ordained. Now that he's in the same benighted calling—and forced into proximity with her—all the old desires are roaring back to life. . .

After widowhood and centuries of celibacy, Lily is eager to explore the wild side of life, except now she's vulnerable to another forced relationship, with an enemy. But this time she's determined to choose her own path. And if hot, furious Caleb comes charging to the rescue, it might just change both their destinies. . .

Love is about to start conquering. . .

Loved Caleb and Lily together and thought they were a good match for eachother. Caleb is another yummy alpha male hero written well like all others in this series. I did swoon a bit over him as he was more  gentle than others in this series.

 

Review / Quote-tastic: Omega Mine by Aline Hunter

Omega Mine (Alpha and Omega #1)
by Aline Hunter

Synopsis
A bond forged in blood. Fealty given to the one he desires above all others.

Graced with the ability to shift into any form, Diskant Black is the absolute authority when it comes to New York shifters, and as the Omega of the city, his word is law. Protecting the shifter races is more than a job, it's a predisposition ingrained since birth--nothing is more important. Until a chance encounter with a tiny female sets fire to his blood, brings him to his knees and turns his world upside down. Ava Brisbane is more than he bargained for in a mate--beautiful, fragile...human. If he wants to keep her by his side, he'll have to sacrifice a portion of his soul to establish a bond that can never be broken.

Unfortunately, the timing couldn't be worse. Shepherds--hunters of all the shifter races--have arrived in New York. To protect the woman he can't live without, Diskant will have to stand against those who have come to start a war.

Join us every Monday and share a favorite quote that's grabbed ya for one reason or another.
Everyone's welcome to join in. Authors, bloggers, readers. The more the merrier! Herding Cats & Burning Soup.

Review: A Certain Wolfish Charm by Lydia Dare

A Certain Wolfish Charm (Westfield Wolves #1)                

by Lydia Dare

 

Synopsis

In Lydia dare's debut trilogy, Regency England has gone to the wolves!

 

He gets crankier and crankier as the moon gets full...

 

The rules of Society can be beastly-especially when you're a werewolf and it's that irritating time of the month. Simon Westfield, the Duke of Blackmoor, is rich, powerful, and sinfully handsome, and has spent his entire life creating scandal and mayhem. It doesn't help his wolfish temper at all that Miss Lily Rutledge seems not the least bit afraid of him, and in fact, may be as untamable as he is...

 

A woman whose charm is stronger than the moon...

 

When Lily's beloved nephew's behavior becomes inexplicably wild, she turns to Simon, the boy's cousin and guardian, for help. But Simon's idea of assistance is far different than hers, and Lily finds herself ensconced in his house and engaged to the rogue.

 

They both may have bitten off more than they can chew when each begins to discover the other's darkest secrets...

 

Lusting For Covers: Stone Cold Lover by Christine Warren

Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers. This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ’s Book Palace.

Lusting For Covers: Knight Avenged by Coreene Callahan

Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers. This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ’s Book Palace.

Lusting For Covers: #165 Storm's Heart by Thea Harrison

Lusting For Covers is a weekly meme hosted by TBQ's Book Palace . Lusting For Covers is held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers. It can be new, old, a reprint, or even a book that is not yet out-- it's all up to you! Join in on the fun, head over to TBQ's Book Palace and list your Lusting For Covers candidate.

Storm's Heart (Elder Races #2)

by Thea Harrison

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

He's a Wyr warrior, a god of storms. She's the heir to the Dark Fae throne. But desire will bring both to their knees in this all-new Novel of the Elder Races.

During the rule of her murderous Dark Fae uncle, Thistle "Tricks" Periwinkle found sanctuary among the Wyr in New York. Her ethereal beauty and sparkling personality won the hearts of the public, but after her uncle's death, there are those who don't want to see her ascend to the throne.

Able to wield thunder and lightning, Wyr sentinel Tiago Black Eagle has ruled the skies for centuries. His massive build and thunderous power make him one of the Wyr's best weapons. And he's sent to protect Tricks when she's almost assassinated in Chicago.

Soon, both Tiago and Tricks will fall prey to the stormy hunger that engulfs them—a passion that will shake the very foundation of all the worlds.

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Thoughts:

Shirtless Hero: Check, Dragon shifter: Check,  Sexy Tatts: Check,  Badass stance: Check. Did I miss anything?

 

Storm's Heart is going to be Shifter A Thon~Read A Long, March Read. TBQ's Book Palace and I have decided we are going to continue the Elder Races series by Thea Harrison for the rest of Shifter A Thon~Read A Long 2014.  More info coming soon. If interested in joining stop here or click on the link below.

 

https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/98550-shifter-a-thon-read-a-long

 

Mark your calendar, discussion date for Storm's Heart is March 30th.

 

 

Quote-Tastic: Visions Of Heat by Nalini Singh

Quote-Tastic is a meme hold on Mondays by Herding Casts & Burning Soup.  Join them  every Monday and share a favorite quote that's grabbed ya for one reason or another.

I am enjoying Vaughn in Visions Of Heat (Psy-Changeling) by Nalini Singh more the second time around. Sorry all could not help my self with just one quote. All most half way through and too many yummy quotes from the sexy playful Vaughn. I get all giggly when he teases Faith. Sorry going to be late joining the  discussion I am such a dork and thought it was on Feb. 15th.

Enjoy lovelies!

 

 

 

 

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Visions of Heat (Psy-Changeling #2)

by Nalini Singh

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

Hailed as a major new talent in paranormal romance, Nalini Singh takes us deeper into the world of the Psy and the changelings in her latest extraordinary novel, where a gifted woman sees passion in her future - a passion that is absolutely forbidden by her kind...

 

Used to cold silence, Faith NightStar is suddenly being tormented by dark visions of blood and murder. A bad sign for anyone, but worse for Faith, an F-Psy with the highly sought after ability to predict the future. Then the visions show her something even more dangerous - aching need...exquisite pleasure. But so powerful is her sight, so fragile the state of her mind, that the very emotions she yearns to embrace could be the end of her.

 

Changeling Vaughn D'Angelo can take the form of either man or jaguar, but it is his animal side that is overwhelmingly drawn to Faith. The jaguar's instinct is to claim this woman it finds so utterly fascinating and the man has no argument. But while Vaughn craves sensation and hungers to pleasure Faith in every way, desire is a danger that could snap the last threads of her sanity. And there are Psy who need Faith's sight for their own purposes. They must keep her silenced - and keep her from Vaughn.

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Review: Slave To Sensation by Nalini Singh

Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changeling #1)

by Nalini Singh

Purchase Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble

Source: Own

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

THE HOT NEW NAME IN PARANORMAL ROMANCE.

 

Nalini Singh dives into a world torn apart by a powerful race with phenomenal powers of the mind-and none of the heart.

 

In a world that denies emotions, where the ruling Psy punish any sign of desire, Sascha Duncan must conceal the feelings that brand her as flawed. To reveal them would be to sentence herself to the horror of "rehabilitation" - the complete psychic erasure of everything she ever was...

 

Both human and animal, Lucas Hunter is a changeling hungry for the very sensations the Psy disdain. After centuries of uneasy coexistence, these two races are now on the verge of war over the brutal murders of several changeling women. Lucas is determined to find the Psy killer who butchered his packmate, and Sascha is his ticket into their closely guarded society. But he soon discovers that this ice-cold Psy is very capable of passion - and that the animal in him is fascinated by her. Caught between their conflicting worlds, Lucas and Sascha must remain bound to their identities - or sacrifice everything for a taste of darkest temptation...

 

 

Spoil Free Review

Back when I started Psy-Changeling series I was and still am a huge Christine Feehan fan and it was her quote on the cover ("I love this book! It's a must read for all my fans.") that got me interested in wanting to read this series. Instantly fell in love with Psy-Changeling series and Nalini Singh writing style.

Slave To Sensation is one of those novels I would love to go back and read for the first time and experience the unique world between Changeling's and Psy that Nalini Singh has brilliantly created. Loved that she brought a mixture of sci fi and paranormal together. For me I have never and still have not read anything like this.

Loved the layers that were peeled away little by little in Sascha's character. She starts off emotionless and a bit spineless. But that is how she was raised. Enjoyed how she gradually showed her emotions and for sure got a backbone especially when it came to Lucas. Sascha is a sweetheart once it came to Lucas pack.

Now Lucas is what I love in my cat shifter heroes. He is protective of the ones he loves but is also a sweetheart. Working side by side with Sascha his cat and him become infatuated with her. He becomes possessive and protective of her. He  has an alpha male attitude but knows when to take down a notch when it comes to her. I loved that there is no insta love, readers are right along with these characters getting to know each other and rooting for them to become a couple and once they do they are hot fan your-self together.

 

Nalini Singh does an outstanding job at bringing many characters together with out taking away from the main characters. I love in my novels secondary characters and when done right add so much to the story line. All secondary characters play into her story line and she never bombards readers with too much info on them. She gives readers just  enough info to where readers want to know more about them. All the different characters with the mixed breeds, wolf and cat shifters and even the psy bring Slave To Sensation to life. Everyone has their own voice and personality. Even though this novel is Paranormal Romance her characters and world feel real. I love how they are all known to the world and live everyday life like real families.  For me I love mix breeds and the journey with Cat and Wolf Shifters working together to find the killer was at times a hoot.

 

Nalini Singh is the queen of Alpha Male heroes. I loved that there are many alpha males in her story and they never feel out of place. I have fallen a tad behind in Psy-Changeling series and excited I am able to partake in 2014 Psy-Changeling read a long hosted by Herding Cats & Burning Soup and Aly Miscellany. Look for forward to next up for Feb. Vaughn story in Visions of Heat (Psy-Changeling #2).

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Lusting For Covers: #159 Assassin's Heart by Monica Burns

Lusting For Covers is a weekly meme hosted by TBQ's Book Palace . Lusting For Covers is held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers. It can be new, old, a reprint, or even a book that is not yet out-- it's all up to you! Join in on the fun, head over to TBQ's Book Palace and list your Lusting For Covers candidate.

          

Assassin's Heart (Order of the Sicari #2)

by Monica Burns

blurb by Goodreads

The truth of the soul.

Lysander Condellarie never understood why he had telepathic and telekinetic powers until the night his Praetorian father tortured him and left him for dead. Now, the half-angelic, half-demonic face he sees in the mirror is a reminder of the monster he must keep hidden or face expulsion from the order of assassins know as the Sicari. But his dreams of Ancient Rome hint at a destiny he finds hard to accept, especially when it involves the woman he loves, but can never have.

The consequences of desire.

A gifted healer in the Order, Phaedra DeLuca witnessed her mother’s murder when she was just a little girl. The haunting memory makes her loathe everything Praetorian. When she travels to Rome in search of an ancient artifact, she must work alongside a man who once cruelly rejected her love and healing touch. But her dreams of Ancient Rome tell of an irreversible and possibly dangerous future. For the distant past and present are about to collide--with the one man she is destined to love.

Thoughts:

Good afternoon lovelies. I think I am in love with the hero on the cover. Loving right from his jewelry (necklace and bracelet) right down to his leather pants. The open shirt with his not to big chest is perfect. Well this cover caught my attention with the male hotness and the colors and the background enough I want to try this series. This sounds good and so does the first novel Assassin's Honor (Order of the Sicari #1).

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Quote-Tastic: Branded By Fire by Nalini Singh

Quote-Tastic is a meme hold on Mondays by Herding Casts & Burning Soup.  Join them  every Monday and share a favorite quote that's grabbed ya for one reason or another.

One of my favorite for shifter novels is mix breeds. If done right you will be in for a good novel getting a Feline and Wolf. Nalini Singh nailed it with Mercy (Cat shifter) and Riley (Wolf Shifter) in Branded By Fire. They are one of my favorite book couples. Love their banter through out the novel.

Quote: 1

Fun Banter

 

“I don't need a mate,” she muttered, staring up at the bright circle of the early autumn moon. “But can't you send me a nice, sexy, strong male to dance with? Pretty please?” She hadn't had a lover for close to eight months now, and it was starting to hurt on every level. “He doesn't even have to be smart, just good between the sheets.” Good enough to unsnap the tension in her body, allow her to function again. Because sex wasn't simply about pleasure for a cat like her—it was about affection, about trust, about everything good. “Though right this second, I'd take plain old hot sex.”

That was when Riley walked out of the shadows. “Got an itch, kitty?” .......................................................................................

..................................................................................................

..................................................................................................

“So what, you followed me hoping I’d lower my standards and sleep with a wolf?” She intentionally made “wolf” sound about as appetizing as “reptile.”

Riley’s jaw tightened under a shadow of stubble a shade darker than the deep chestnut of his hair. “You want to claw at me, kitty-cat? Come on.”

 

Her hands clenched. She really wasn’t this much of a bitch. But goddamn Riley had a way of lighting her fuse. “Sorry, I don’t beat defenseless puppies.”
 

He laughed. He actually laughed. She hissed at him. “What’s so funny?”

“We both know who’s the dominant here...and you’re not it.”

 

Quote: 2

Sexual Banter

 

A hand in her hair, wrenching back her head. "What's my name?"

She scratched trails down his back. He didn't even wince. "My name, kitty. Say my name."

"Mr. Mud Stick, Muddie for short," she said, even as she rubbed herself against the hard thrust of his denim-covered erection, the roughness of the fabric an exquisite sensation. She would've liked naked skin even more, but he wasn't budging.

"Say it, or no cock for you today."

Her mouth fell open. "Fuck you."

"You'll be doing that shortly.”  

 

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Book Info:

Branded by Fire (Psy-Changeling #6)  

by Nalini Singh

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

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…

Review: Halfway To The Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress #1)

by Jeaniene Frost

Purchase Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father—the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership.

In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner—are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat.

Spoil Free Review

Starting the New Year right with a Wicked read and hands down one of the best book couples, Cat and Bones.  Halfway To The Grave has been many re-reads through out the years for me. I can't seem to get enough of Jeaniene Frost writing style and wonderful characters she has brought to life.

I loved that I got a kick butt heroine Cat who is not over the top and a building romance. I still find Halfway To The Grave refreshing and to date I do not think I have found another Paranormal Romance that the main character is a woman. It seems novels with the main character being the heroine tend to be in Urban Fantasy. With Urban Fantasy the romance tend to be not so much and not as hot as romance novels. Jeaniene Frost brought to readers a nice blend. Love that Cat is strong will, a smart mouth but still has her moments of weakness. She is known to act before think and at times kill before ask questions.

Bones rolled his eyes and clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m glad you’re still upright, Charles, and the only reason you are is because she didn’t have any silver. She’d have staked you right and proper otherwise. She has a tendency to shrivel someone first and then introduce herself afterwards.”

Now Bones is a yummy alpha male Vampire that still get's me all giddy with "Hello Kitten".  He is possessive and at times a bit jealous.

“Nice to meet you, mate, and here's some advice: Don't even think about it. You try anything with her and I'll neuter you with my bare hands. ”

Loved his smart remarks with everyone and his sense of humor through out the story.

Bones held me upright. I would have protested, but I couldn’t remember how to. “What are you saying?”

“Winston poltergeisted my panties, that’s what!” I announced with a loud hiccup.

“Why, you scurvy, lecherous spook!” Bones yelled in the direction of the cemetery. “If my pipes still worked, I’d go right back there and piss on your grave!”


Overall Bones is wickedly delicious.

“I can’t wait to find out how you taste, and you won’t want me to stop even after I’ve completely exhausted you. You’ll think you were on fire, your skin will burn. I’ll suck all of your juices out of you. And then I’ll drink your blood.”

Their relationship starts off as friends and he trains her to be a better hunter. Their chemistry is hot and Jeaniene Frost knows how to tease her readers with some yummy scenes. My favorite scenes are the training and of course the bar scene with Crispin. They have to work on their relationship and at times do have to come across some obstacles.  I loved the pacing of their relationship with fun and playful  banter.

"Is that a stake, Bones, or are you just happy with my new dress?”

“In this case, it’s a stake. You could always feel around for something more, though. See what comes up.”  

Loved all the secondary characters as they add so much to the storyline. Her mom is a hoot and love the interaction with her, Bones and Cat. Halfway To The Grave is a fun, hot read with a delicious Bones. It will have readers giggling, can not wait to see what happens next, unpredictable and wanting more of Cat and Bones.  Halfway To The Grave is a novel that I wish I can go back and experience for the first time.


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Have you read The Night Huntress Series and are you a huge fan of Cat and Bones?  Do you have a review up on your blog? Leave me a link with your review. Would love to see your thoughts on Halfway To The Grave.