Lion's Share by Rachel Vincent - 5 Stars!

Title: Lion's Share
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Wildcats #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 270 Pages
Published:  February 23rd 2015 by Smashwords
Rating: 5/5

Abby Wade has a dangerous secret.
Two months ago, she disobeyed an order, but instead of kicking her out of the Pride, Jace offered her a job. Since then, she’s been battling a completely inappropriate crush on the young, hot Alpha. But when accepting his job offer seems like the only way to keep her skeletons safely in their closet, Abby doesn’t hesitate.

Jace Hammond has a big problem.
A rogue is slaughtering humans in his territory, and he must eliminate the threat before the entire shifter species is exposed. There could not be a worse time for Abby to accept a job he only offered as a boost to her confidence. Abby is smart, beautiful, and resilient—more than enough to distract any man from the mission. Unfortunately, she may just be the worst enforcer ever to hold the title.

As they hunt the killer, Abby’s secret becomes a threat to Jace’s authority and to her own life. But the real danger is the grip she has on his twice-shy heart.

Rachel Vincent has done it again! Lion's Share is an edge of your seat, shocking, gripping, thrilling, sexy-as-hell paranormal romance both Shifters fans and new readers will love.

Abby and Jace's story brought everything I loved about the Shifters series to the table but with even more steam--and a killer murder mystery (pun intended) to boot. The chemistry between the two werecats is tangible and addictive. Abby was just the right mix of defiant and tripping over her own feet to make me like her from the get-go, and Jace....oh Jace. I will always have him ranked as one of my favourite male protagonists. He's sexy, charming, dedicated, strong and everything an alpha male should be.

As these two followed the bread crumbs in a series of "wild animal" killings and stumbled over their forbidden feelings for each other, I got caught up completely in their world until I was smiling from ear to ear as I read the final line.

If you haven't read Rachel's other books you are seriously missing out, and her newest book is no exception.

You'll like this series if you liked

The Shifters Series by Rachel Vincent, Bitten by Kelley Armstrong, or the Mercy Thompson series
by Patricia Briggs.

Links 4 More:

Purchase on amazon: Lion's Share (Wildcats Book 1)

Lord of the Abyss - 5/5 Stars

Title: Lord of the Abyss
Author: NALINI SINGH
Series: Royal House of Shadows: Book 4
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Page Count: 288 Pages
Pub. Date: Paperback, to be released on 11/29/2011 by Harlequin Nocturne

*ARC received from publisher through NetGalley*
Rating: 5/5

Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out…

As the Dark Lord who condemns souls to damnation in the Abyss, Micah is nothing but a feared monster wrapped in impenetrable black armor. He has no idea he is the last heir of Elden, its last hope. Only one woman knows—the daughter of his enemy. Liliana is nothing like her father, the Blood Sorcerer who’d cursed Micah. She sees past Micah’s armor to the prince inside. A prince whose sinful touch she craves. But first she has to brave his dark, dangerous lair and help him remember. Because they only have till midnight to save Elden.

Once upon a dark time, they were the only hope to bring their kingdom back to the light!

~ My Review ~

I think that this was my favourite in the series. Nalini's writing style is just my cup of tea :) The kinks were ironed out, the seams mended, and one heck of a romance unfolded between the lost prince and the ugly blood sorcerer's daughter.

I liked the setting change in Lord of the Abyss. The Black Castle was mysterious and full of danger. But having Lily choose to be there gave the story a whole new depth. Which brings me to the other thing I liked, the difference in Micah in comparison to his siblings. In the other three books the child of Elden is in need of saving, of someone to make them stronger or set them free - but Micah is this bad-ass Dark Lord with so much power and all he needs is to remember who he is.

I loved the relationship that Lily and Micah form in the book, especially with both of them being so used to rejection and learning to accept the others attention. I thought the play off of Cinderella was subtle in the story, and I had more of the feel that Lily was both Cinderella and the stepsisters and it gave a great dynamic to the story - hated and ugly, with an evil father and an absent mother, never chosen for who she was, and fighting to race the timepiece before it hits midnight - genius!

I don't have time to read Desert Warrior (the bonus story paired in with Lord of the Abyss) but if I do, I will post a review - I wanted to review the last of the Royal House of Shadows separately. It was a great read and really rounded out the series for me.

My Rating: 5/5

~ Other books in this series ~

Royal House of Shadows series:

Book I: Lord of the Vampires by Gena Showalter (August 2011)

Book II: Lord of Rage by Jill Monre (September 2011)

Book III: Lord of the Wolfyn by Jessica Andersen (October 2011)

Book IV: Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh (November 2011)

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~
Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward, Guild Hunter Series by Nalini Singh or Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning


~Links 4 More~
Author Website: here
Read about this series here : here
*NEW. Watch the series book trailer! : here
Add to your Shelfari: here
Add to your Goodreads: here
Buy it at Bookdepository (Free Shipping): here

B.J. Kenney

Lord of the Wolfyn - 4.5/5 Stars

Title: Lord of the Wolfyn
Author: Jessica Andersen
Series: Royal House of Shadows: Book 3
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 288 Pages
Pub. Date: 10/18/2011 by Harlequin Nocturne
Rating: 4.5/5
*ARC received from publisher through NetGalley*

Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out…

For practical Reda Weston, nothing could explain how reading a sexy version of “Little Red Riding Hood” catapulted her into another realm—face-to-fang with the legendary wolf-creature who seduced women. A wolf who transformed into a dark, virile man…

Dayn cursed the Sorcerer that turned him wolfyn and damned him to a lonely fate. As a beast, he mated with women to gain strength. Strength he needed to rescue his royal parents. But as a man, he craved Reda’s heated, sizzling touch. With little time left, Dayn had to either embrace his wolf to save his kingdom…or fight it to save his woman.

~My Review~

Another great story, with another new voice to tell it. I liked Dayn's character in this book. He was self deprecating but in a way that worked. I hate it when characters go on and on about their mistakes - but Dayn knew what he did wrong, felt responsible/bad/sad and decided to do something about it.

Dayn, like his siblings, was transported away from their kingdom. He awoke in not only another country, but a whole other realm. Where he had to live amongst his enemies, the Wolfyn, hiding his true identity for fear of death should they find out his true heritage - that of the vampires, who hunted down their kind in the Magical realm, believing them to be only beasts.

Reda is a human cop who froze on the job, causing the death of her partner. She is lost to her own guilt and grief, until she stumbles upon a book she thought long lost. As she reads the ancient fairytale of Little Red Riding Hood she remembers her longing for the the woodsman that has been plaguing her dreams. She starts to remember the tales her grandmother told her of the hero and is transported into the Wolfyn realm to rescue Dayn and lead him to his homeland, but can he convince her that it's not all just a figment of her imagination?

The blurb on the back of the book gives away far too much if you ask me. I didn't read it until after, and I am glad I didn't. I liked some of the surprises they threw in there. I think that the only thing I didn't like about Lord of the Wolfyn was that it wasn't cohesive with Lord of the Vampires (book 1). They are all set apart in that the siblings were sent to different kingdoms or realms, but in the first book Nicolai is in contact with Dayn through their blood bond, and it isn't mentioned at all in Lord of the Wolfyn. I thought that was odd, but other than that I quite enjoyed the book and am interested to see Jessica Andersen's other work.

My Rating: 4.5/5

~ Other books in this series ~

Royal House of Shadows series:

Book I: Lord of the Vampires by Gena Showalter (August 2011)

Book II: Lord of Rage by Jill Monre (September 2011)

Book III: Lord of the Wolfyn by Jessica Andersen (October 2011)

Book IV: Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh (November 2011)

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~
Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward, Guild Hunter Series by Nalini Singh or Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning


~Links 4 More~
Author Website: here
Read about this series here : here
*NEW. Watch the series book trailer! : here
Add to your Shelfari: here
Add to your Goodreads: here
Buy it at Bookdepository (Free Shipping): here

Lord of Rage: 4.5/5 Stars

Title: Lord of Rage

Author: Jill Monroe

Series: Royal House of Shadows: Book #2

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Page Count: 288 Pages (Kindle)

Pub. Date: Published September 2011 by Harlequin Nocturne

Rating: 4.5/5

*ARC received from publisher through NetGalley*

Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out…

Princess Breena had been dreaming of her warrior lover when she was ripped from her Elden castle and thrown into a strange, dangerous realm. Lost and alone, she prayed for survival and vengeance for her stolen kingdom. She found both in a woodland cottage…in a dark bear of a man.

The golden-haired beauty had eaten his food and slept in his bed when Osborn found her. Though he wanted to awaken his virgin princess to carnal pleasures, Breena wanted more—including his warrior skills. Skills the once-legendary mercenary had long buried. Now Osborn had a choice—risk his life or deny his princess her fairy-tale ending...

~ My Review ~

Goldilocks and the Three Bears was the inspiration behind this one. I loved the chemistry between Breena and Osborn, but I hated their names - I found it distracting throughout the book and preferred it when she called him Warrior. I found the timeline a little confusing in respect to the first book, but that melted away amid their love story. I loved that Breena thought she needed a Warrior to fight for her, and learned to become one instead. A quick and fun read.

The writing style was different from the first book (obviously) but I really liked that fact. Breena has a very different story and a unique voice that was portrayed well by Jill Monroe. I am loving this series and have already started Dayn's story "Lord of the Wolfyn"

I have read a lot of anthologies lately and was enjoying the different authors take on a common thread, but I love what this series is doing in collaborating four great authors to tell four different stories within the same world. It is fun and refreshing. I hope to see more of this type of thing in the future.

My Rating: 4.5/5

~ Other books in this series ~

Royal House of Shadows series:

Book I: Lord of the Vampires by Gena Showalter (September 2011)

Book II: Lord of Rage by Jill Monre (October 2011)

Book III: Lord of the Wolfyn by Jessica Andersen (November 2011)

Book IV: Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh (December 2011)

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward, Guild Hunter Series by Nalini Singh or Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning

~ Links 4 More ~

Author Website: here

Read about this series here : here

*NEW. Watch the series book trailer! : here

Add to your Shelfari: here

Add to your Goodreads: here

Buy it at BookDepository (free shipping): here

NetGalley Review - Lord of the Vampires

Title: Lord of the Vampires

Author: Gena Showalter

Series: Royal House of Shadows: Book #1

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Page Count: 288 Pages (Kindle)

Pub. Date: Published September 2011 by Harlequin Nocturne

Rating: 5/5

*ARC received from publisher through NetGalley*

Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out…

Nicolai the Vampire was renowned for his virility, but in a twist of fate “The Dark Seducer” had become a sex slave in the kingdom of Delfina—stripped of his precious timepiece and his memory. All that remained was a primal need for freedom, revenge—and the only woman who could help him.

In her dreams, a wanton vampire called to Jane Parker, drawing her to his dark sexuality and his magical realm. But for a human, all was not a fairy tale in Delfina. Jane was the key to Nicolai’s memory…but exploiting her meant dooming the only mortal he craved...

~ My Review ~

My first Gena Showalter book, and now I see what all the fuss is about. I loved her writing style and character development. The plot was seamless and kept me riveted. This is the first book in a multi-author series that is fast becoming a new favourite of mine.

One of my favourite things about Lord of the Vampires was Jane. Finally a strong smart female lead! It was a breath of fresh air to not once have to ask "how can't she see this?" There was the element of self-doubt when it came to Jane and Nicolai's future, but they were believable and not overdone.

Nicolai was a fantastic hero in this one. He was strong and powerful, but bound by his captors. Like waiting for a bomb to explode you could feel the anticipation of what he would be able to do once he was released. He killed without qualms and the possessive drive to protect was perfect for the alpha male.

The villains of the story were painted perfectly so that you wanted them to be destroyed. The "Queen of Hearts" and her daughters are revolting and powerful, giving a worthy opponent to the powerful duo that Jane and Nicolai have the potential to become.

I loved the references to Alice and Wonderland, and the undertones of fairy tale that were laced through the framework of the story. I can't wait to start Lord of Rage and see Jill Monroe's continuation from Breena's side of the story.

My Rating: 5/5

~ Other books in this series ~

Royal House of Shadows series:

Book I: Lord of the Vampires by Gena Showalter (September 2011)

Book II: Lord of Rage by Jill Monre (October 2011)

Book III: Lord of the Wolfyn by Jessica Andersen (November 2011)

Book IV: Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh (December 2011)

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward, Guild Hunter Series by Nalini Singh or Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning

~ Links 4 More ~

Author Website: here

Read about this series here : here

*NEW. Watch the series book trailer! : here

Add to your Shelfari: here

Add to your Goodreads: here

Buy it at BookDepository (free shipping): here

Queen of Dragons - 4 Stars

Title: Queen of Dragons

Author: Shana Abé

Series: Drakon - #3

Genre: H

istorical Fiction, Paranormal Romance

Page Count: 336 Pages (MMP)

Pub. Date: Published in 2008 by Bantam Books

Rating: 4/5

They are the stuff of glittering legend, supersensual creatures able to shape-shift from human to smoke to dragon. Now they face an enemy determined to destroy their dazzling world of magic and passion.

It’s a stunning claim: the existence of a lost drákon tribe. And it comes from an intriguing source: a woman calling herself Princess Maricara of Transylvania. Alpha lord Kimber Langford, Earl of Chasen, can’t ignore the possibility. For whoever this unknown princess may be, she’s dangerous enough to know about his existence—and where to find him. And indeed, it isn’t long before Maricara breaches the defenses of Darkfrith and the walls around Kimber’s heart.

Yet the princess arrives with urgent news: a mysterious serial killer is targeting the entire drákon race. To save their kind, Kimber and Mari must ally themselves body and soul in a battle that can spell their salvation, their extinction…or both.

~My Review~

Not my favourite in the series, but still a good book. The heroin being the princess from the castle in the mountains we have been reading about in glimpses since book one was a refreshing change. She had a different feel to her than the two women from Smoke Thief and Dream Thief - I loved that she challenged everything that the Alpha and counsel threw at her.

My favourite part about Queen of Dragons was the introduction of a real enemy to the race. I won't spoil anything, but I was tired of these powerful beings living in fear from an unseen enemy, it made the story that much more riveting to finally have an opponent worth fearing.

Another great historical para-romance. The next has something to do with time travel wich I am eager to read about.

My Rating: 4/5

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, The Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger, The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook, or Destiny Kills by Keri Arthur

~Links 4 More~

Author Website: here

Add to your Shelfari: here

Add to your Goodreads: here

Buy it at BookDepository (free shipping): here

The Dream Thief - A Quick Review

Title: The Dream Thief

Author: Shana Abé

Series: Drakon - #2

Genre: Historical Fiction, Paranormal Romance

Page Count: 368 Pages (MMP)

Pub. Date: Published in 2007 by Bantam Books

Rating: 5/5

In the remote hills of northern England lives a powerful clan with a centuries-old secret. They are the drákon, shape-shifters who possess the ability to Turn—changing from human to smoke to dragon. And from the very stones of the earth, they hear hypnotic songs of beauty and wonder. But there is one stone they fear....

Buried deep within the bowels of the Carpathian Mountains lies the legendary dreaming diamond known as Draumr, the only gem with the power to enslave the drákon. Since childhood, Lady Amalia Langford, daughter of the clan’s Alpha, has heard its haunting ballad but kept it secret, along with another rare Gift....

Lia can hear the future, much in the way she hears the call of Draumr. And in that future, she realizes that the diamond—along with the fate of the drákon—rests in the hands of a human man, one who straddles two worlds. Ruthlessly clever, Zane has risen through London’s criminal underworld to become its ruler. Once a street urchin saved by Lia’s mother, Zane is also privy to the secrets of the clan—and is the only human they trust to bring them Draumr. But he does nothing selflessly. Zane’s hunt for the gem takes him to Hungary, where he is shocked to encounter a bold, beautiful young noblewoman: Lia. She has broken every rule of the drákon to join him, driven by the urgent song of Draumr—and her visions of Zane.

In one future, he is her ally. In another, her overlord. In both, he is her lover. Now, to protect her tribe, Lia must tie her fate to Zane’s, to the one man capable of stealing her future—and destroying her heart....

~My Review~

I was a little disappointed when I first started this book, because it focuses on Rue's daughter and I wanted more of Rue's story - but I quickly forgot as I was drawn into Lia's whirlwind adventure.

She has always known her future - the one she would fall in love with, and who would ultimately destroy her. She hears him in her dreams every night. Lia is fighting fate, trying to get to Draumr before it's too late. Will falling in love with Zane seal her fate, or help to shift it?

Another great book in the series. Well written and painted in a beautifully crafted world. I am on to the next!

My Rating: 5/5

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, The Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger, The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook, or Destiny Kills by Keri Arthur

~Links 4 More~

Author Website: here

Add to your Shelfari: here

Add to your Goodreads: here

Buy it at BookDepository (free shipping): here

Short Review: The Smoke Thief by Shana Abé

Title: The Smoke Thief

Author: Shana Abé

Series: Drakon - #1

Genre: Historical Fiction, Paranormal Romance

Page Count: 324 Pages (MMP)

Pub. Date: Published January 1st 2006 by Bantam Bks

Rating: 5/5

For centuries they’ve lived in secret among northern England’s green and misted hills. Creatures of extraordinary beauty, power, and sensuality, they possess the ability to shape-shift from human to dragon and back again. Now their secret–and their survival–is threatened by a temptation that will break every boundary....
Dubbed the Smoke Thief, a daring jewel thief is confounding the London police. His wealthy victims claim the master burglar can walk through walls and vanish into thin air. But Christoff, the charismatic Marquess of Langford, knows the truth: the thief is no ordinary human but a “runner” who’s fled Darkfrith without permission. As Alpha leader of the dra´kon, it’s Kit’s duty to capture the fugitive before the secrets of the tribe are revealed to mortals. But not even Kit suspects that the Smoke Thief could be a woman.
Clarissa Rue Hawthorne knew her dangerous exploits would attract the attention of the dra´kon. But she didn’t expect Christoff himself to come to London, dangling the tribe’s most valuable jewel–the Langford Diamond–as bait. For as long as she could remember, Rue had lived the life of a halfling–half dra´kon, half mortal–and an outcast in both worlds. She’d always loved the handsome and willful Kit from the only place it was safe: from afar. But now she was no longer the shy, timid girl she’d once been. She was the first woman capable of making the Turn in four generations. So why did she still feel the same dizzying sense of vulnerability whenever he was near?
From the moment he saw her, Kit knew that the alluring and powerful beauty was every bit his Alpha equal and destined to be his bride. And by the harsh laws of the dra´kon, Rue knew that she was the property of the marquess. But they will risk banishment and worse for a chance at something greater. For now Rue is his prisoner, the diamond has disappeared, and she’s made the kind of dangerous proposition a man like Kit cannot resist....In this bewitching novel, Shana Abé transports us into a world of exhilarating romance and magic.

~My Review~

I haven't read historical fiction in a while, so having this tale of shapeshifting dragons set in Old World London was fantastic. I got to have the corsets and hoop-skirts, swords and balls, right along side an ancient battle to keep the secret of a people who can shift into Drakon. Great read, it kept me gripped with the action of the story, and had a romantic vein throughout. I'm definitely going to read the next book in the series.

My Rating: 5/5

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, The Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger, The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook, or Destiny Kills by Keri Arthur

~Links 4 More~

Author Website: here

Add to your Shelfari: here

Add to your Goodreads: here

Buy it at BookDepository (free shipping): here

Mona Lisa Eclipsing

Title: Mona Lisa Eclipsing
Author: Sunny
Series: Monére, Children of the Moon - Book 5
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 320 Pages
Pub. Date: Published May 2011 by Berkley Trade
Rating: 5/5

~Book's Description~
From the time she was an orphan, Mona Lisa knew she was different. As a Mixed-Blood daughter of the Monère, she rules her domain in the Louisiana Bayou. But she’s about to become the hunted as her mind begins playing tricks, and no one is who they seem.

Roberto Carderas, a dangerous drug lord of mixed Monère heritage, arrives in Cozumel to eliminate a rival. But the jaguar-shifter has encountered a much more valuable prize on the island: Mona Lisa, the first female Monère he’s ever met—and one especially vulnerable in that she has lost her memory. Now, with all knowledge of her real life as stripped away as her defenses, Mona Lisa can be manipulated into believing…anything.

Convinced that Roberto is her kind and sensual protector, Mona Lisa thwarts all attempts at her rescue—including those made by her desperate lover Dante. As Roberto’s devious scheme gets underway, Dante can only hope that the touch of his warm flesh will reignite total recall in the body and mind of the woman he loves. But escape for both of them could be as forever elusive as Mona Lisa’s past.

~My Review~

I love that there were no spoilers for the last quarter of the book, it took me by complete surprise and I loved it. I was starting to wonder what more trouble this poor girl could get herself in without it being overkill, but as usual Sunny has a way of keeping things fresh and exciting. I love where the series is headed with this new plot-line.

The mexican memory loss craziness of the majority of the book was thrilling and I loved getting Dante back in the picture. It had been awhile since I last read the other books (a year since I read them all back-to-back) so I was drawing blanks right along side Mona Lisa, which was fun. But if you want the effect of knowing when she doesn't, you may want a refresher.

Great job Sunny, as always :)

You can read the first chapter on Sunny's website here

My Rating: 5/5

~ Other books in this series ~
#1 Mona Lisa Awakening, #2 Mona Lisa Blossoming, #3 Mona Lisa Craving, #4 Mona Lisa Darkening. Also there are two short stories in anthologies: Over The Moon “Mona Lisa Three” (Set between 2 and 3), On The Prowl “Mona Lisa Betwining” (Set between 3 and 4)


~ You'll like this series if you liked ~
Demon Princess Chronicles by Sunny, Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward, or The Demonica Series by Larissa Ione.


~Links 4 More~
Author Website: here
Add to your Shelfari: here
Add to your Goodreads: here
Buy it at Bookdepository (Free Shipping): here

B.J. Kenney

Lover Unleashed

Title: Lover Unleashed
Author: J.R. Ward
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood: Book 9
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 512 Pages
Pub. Date: Published March 29th 2011 by NAL Hardcover
Rating: 5/5

Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, warrior cloth as her brother: A fighter by nature, and a maverick when it comes to the traditional role of Chosen females, there is no place for her on the Far Side… and no role for her on the front lines of the war, either.
When she suffers a paralyzing injury, human surgeon Dr. Manuel Manello is called in to treat her as only he can- and he soon gets sucked into her dangerous, secret world. Although he never before believed in things that go bump in the night- like vampires- he finds himself more than willing to be seduced by the powerful female who marks both his body and his soul.
As the two find so much more than an erotic connection, the human and vampire worlds collide … just as a centuries old score catches up with Payne and puts both her love and her life in deadly jeopardy.

~My Review~

I just love this series. I find myself with only a few pages left, wishing that each book wouldn't stop. When I am reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood books I am so taken by the characters, that I get utterly annoyed that they have such a hard time with their lives, and with love - but in the end I'm glad for the struggles and hardships, they make the story richer. J.R. Ward always manages to give me a happy ending while leaving so much to look forward to in the next book.

In Lover Unleashed we get a lot more of V and Jane working out the kinks in their relationship, and we are introduced to an awkward and awesome relationship between Payne and Manny. Of course V still dislikes Manny from his brief time with Jane, but his hate is flared up in this story, and made for quite a few entertaining scenes between them.

I liked the switch-up of having the bloodletter's gang introduced as another antagonist, it helps to keep the Lessers from getting to be old news. They also seem to have interesting dynamics going on with the second in command having such compassion for humans.

There are a couple of background stories; one with Quinn struggling with his feelings for Blay, and another following Butch's old partner as he tries to solve a case with his new partner. I really want a happy ending for both Quinn and for Layla, those two just seem to get their hearts stamped on over and over again.

Lover Unleashed was a great read filled with twists, turns, revelations and cliffhangers, and I can't wait for the next book (Tohrment's story!) to come out.

My Rating: 5/5

~ Other books in this series ~

#1 Dark Lover, #2 Lover Eternal, #3 Lover Awakened, #4 Lover Revealed, #5 Lover Unbound, #6 Lover Enshrined, #7 Lover Avenged, #8 Lover Mine, and #6.5 The Black Dagger Brotherhood - An Insider's Guide

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

The Fallen Angels Series by J.R. Ward, The Southern Vampire Mysteries (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood) By Charlaine Harris, Midnight Breed Series by Lara Adrian, or The Demonica Series by Larissa Ione

~Links 4 More~

Author Website: here
Add to your Shelfari: here
Add to your Goodreads: here
Buy it at Bookdepository (Free Shipping): here
Buy it at Amazon: here

True Believers by Maria Zannini

Title: True Believers
Author: Maria Zannini
Genre: Sci-Fi/Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 295 Pages
Pub. Date: 10/18/2010
Rating: 5/5

*Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

~Book’s Description From NetGalley~

Something is killing off immortals, one by one.
Taelen Jessit is an alien emissary on a mission sanctioned by the U.S. government to search for ancient gods. His hunt leads him to a dig headed by archaeologist Rachel Cruz. When his military entourage forces Rachel's team out of the cave they were exploring, a flash flood hits the riverbed and threatens to tear them through the ravine.
In the aftermath of the flood, Taelen witnesses the incredible healing of Rachel's broken ankle and believes his gods have blessed her. He is inexplicably drawn to her, and she to him.
What Taelen doesn't know is that Rachel is Nephilim-a descendant of the gods his people worship-masquerading as a human to find the god-killer and destroy it. Rachel needs help to bring down the tech that is manipulating the Earth's magnetosphere and frying her people alive. She's given Taelen her heart, but can she trust him with her secret?

~My Review~

True Believers blew my expectations out of the water! It is a thrilling sci-fi romance that is story driven and intense until the very end. Masterfully crafted characters and settings keep you immersed and connected to the story.


Rachel is Nephilim - a powerful race that had been hiding in plain sight on our world for centuries. They are close to being found by another alien race that sees them as Gods and has traced them across the universe in search of divinity.


The humans want them dead, the Altruians want to worship them, and Rachel...well she's not sure what she wants, but she is drawn to commander Taelen like no other.

I love it when a romance is so gripping and full of adventure that you forget you're reading in the genre. This is definitely one of the best sci-fi romanaces I have ever read, and it makes me want to read more of them.

My Rating: 5/5

~You'll like this series if you liked~

Alien Tango by Gini Koc or The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Shifters #6

I finally got to read ALPHA *deep breath* here's what I thought...

Title: Alpha
Author: Rachel Vincent

Series: SHIFTERS, book 6
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 480 Pages
Rating: 5/5

The unscrupulous new Council chair has charged Jace, Marc and me with trespassing, kidnapping, murder and treason. Yeah, we've been busy. But now it's time to take justice into our own hands. We must avenge my brother's death and carve out the rot at the heart of the Council.
It's not going to be easy, and loss seems unavoidable, but I have promised to protect my Pride, no matter what. With a target on my back and Marc at my side, I'm heading for a final showdown that can—that will—change everything forever. A showdown I'm not sure I'm ready for.
But life never waits until you're ready.

~My Review~

Wow, just wow! I can't even express how much I have loved this series. I am beyond sad that Alpha is the end of Faythe's story (at least what we see of it). Rachel Vincent is one of very few authors that I will buy a book just because her name is on it. I fell in love with her writing when I first read SHIFT and I haven't been able to get enough of it since. If you haven't read the SHIFTERS series or her YA series SOUL SCREAMERS you are definitely missing out on some amazing story telling, and some of my favourite fictional characters.

Now to review Alpha...

I find it hard to review this one without spoilers, but I shall try. Alpha was bursting at the seems with everything that I have loved about the previous books in this series: the feisty main character, swoon-worthy boys, non-stop action, unexpected plot twists, and both heart-wrenching and heart-warming moments. I laughed, I cried and I gasped aloud (startling the other people in the room) and never left the edge of my proverbial seat.

Faythe finally gets to face off with Calvin Malone and his allies, but not without the inevitable obstacles, and allies of her own. We follow her fight both politically and literally, riding the roller-coaster of events that lead to the biggest showdown Faythe and her pride has had to face yet.

I have to leave it there. There were so many things that I was thrilled and utterly depressed about in ALPHA and those moments need to be experienced first hand. Great job Rachel and I look forward to reading your new secret novel.

My Rating For Alpha: 5/5My Rating for the SHIFTERS series: 5/5

Other books in this series (click to read review):

#1 Stray, #2 Rogue, #3 Pride, #4 Prey, #5 Shift

~You'll like this series if you liked~

The Soul Screamers Series by Rachel Vincent, Riley Jensen Series by Keri Arthur, or Bitten by Kelley Armstrong.

Shifters #5

Continuing with my re-read of the Shifters series before I finally get to read ALPHA - here is book 5...

Title: Shift
Author: Rachel Vincent

Series: SHIFTERS, book 5
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 400 Pages
Rating: 5/5

TROUBLE IS IN THE AIR...
Being the first female werecat enforcer isn’t easy. Scars accumulate, but I’m stronger in so many ways.
As for my personal life? It’s complicated. Choices worth making always are. Ever since my brother’s death and my father’s impeachment, it’s all I can do to prevent more blood
from spilling. Now our Pride is under attack by a flight of vicious thunderbirds. And making peace with our new enemies may be the only way to get the best of our old foe.
With the body count rising and treachery everywhere, my instincts tell me to look before I leap. But sometimes a leap of faith is the only real option...

My Review:

Ah she gets me every time! I couldn't put it down, read all night to finish it. I have loved the way that Calvin is a constant annoyance and threat throughout the series but there are always more pressing issues and unavoidable bad guys popping up to keep him in the background.

I loved the thunderbirds, the aspect of the unknown and the mystery behind them and why they are attacking. The giant eagle-like birds formed a new and formidable foe that created real danger for Faythe's pride forcing them to delay the much anticipated war with Calvin. I found myself itching for the fight along with them.

The story unfolded perfectly and the crazy tension between Jace, Marc and Faythe was deliciously complicated. My heart was breaking for the three of them and the impossible position they are stuck in. Jace totally stepped up to bat in SHIFT and it only made me love him more, now if only I could smother my love for Marc too. I sympathize with Faythe and have no idea what I want her to do - my love for both boys makes me want to see them both get a happily ever after. *sigh* One of my favourite things about this series is the emotional roller-coaster from the very start.

Rachel was quite witty as usual, I had to stifle my laughter so I wouldn't wake my husband quite a few times during my all-night-read :) Two very enthusiastic thumbs up!

My Rating: 5/5

Other books in this series:

#1 Stray, #2 Rogue, #3 Pride, #4 Prey, #6 Alpha

You'll like this series if you liked:

The Soul Screamers Series by Rachel Vincent, Riley Jensen Series by Keri Arthur, or Bitten by Kelley Armstrong.

*SIDEBAR*

I read pretty much straight through yesterday till this morning to finish ALPHA as well so I should be posting that review in the next couple of days. FYI it was fantastic!

Shifters #4

Continuing with my re-read of the Shifters series here is book 4...

Title: Prey

Author: Rachel Vincent

Series: SHIFTERS, #4

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Page Count: 400 Pages

Rating: 5/5

Sometimes playing cat and mouse is no game… Play? Right. My Pride is under fire from all sides, my father's authority is in question and my lover is in exile. Which means I haven't laid eyes on Marc's gorgeous face in months. And with a new mother and an I-know-everything teenager under my protection, I don't exactly have time to fantasize about ever seeing him again. Then our long-awaited reunion is ruined by a vicious ambush by strays. Now our group is under attack, Marc is missing and I will need every bit of skill and smarts to keep my family from being torn apart. Forever.

My Review:

My thoughts from the first time around pretty much mirror how I felt the second time, so I'm just going to expand on them.

Heartbreaking! I am still sad from reading this one, don't get me wrong I loved every minute of it but, wow that was tear jerker.


I don't think that I've ever been this "team conflicted" either. I can always totally side with one guy over the other but I just can't choose between Jace and Marc, it's rough times. I don't know how Rachel is going make her choose but I can't wait to read Shift!

Faythe (which by the way every time I type comes out "fayther" because my brain thinks I'm typing father...random I know but it happens a lot) is let off the hook for infecting and then killing her ex-boyfriend, but at a cost - Marc is exiled to the free territory. When their brief re-union is abruptly interrupted by a gang of strays it sets off a war Faythe isn't prepared for and a series of losses that may well cripple her pride.

I couldn't put this one down either time I read it and it still had me crying real tears. How can one book be my favourite and least favourite in a series? I don't know but Prey managed to accomplish the task :)

My Rating: 5/5

Other books in this series:

#1 Stray, #2 Rogue, #3 Pride, #5 Shift, #6 Alpha

You'll like this series if you liked:

The Soul Screamers Series by Rachel Vincent, Riley Jensen Series by Keri Arthur, or Bitten by Kelley Armstrong.

Shifters #3

Continuing with my re-read of the Shifters series here is book 3...

Title: Pride

Author: 

Rachel Vincent

Series: SHIFTERS, #3

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Page Count: 400 Pages

Rating: 4/5

I'm on trial for my life. Falsely accused of infecting my human ex-boyfriend—and killing him to cover up the crime. Infecting a human is one of three capital offenses recognized by the Pride—along with murder and disclosure of our existence to a human. I'm two for three. A goner. Now we've discovered a rogue stray terrorizing the mountainside, hunting a wild teenage tabbycat. It's up to us to find and stop him before a human discovers us. With my lover Marc's help, I think I can protect the vulnerable girl from both the ambitious rogue and the scheming of the territorial council. If I survive my own trial…

My Review:

My thoughts from the first time around: "The trial, the tabby, and the coup...

Again, I loved the book but it wasn't my favourite because I spent most of it totally annoyed at the Alphas and the whole trial fiasco, which I know was the point but I like a book that leaves me happy, or expectant, not annoyed. All that said I still give it 2 thumbs up."

Calvin Malone makes me grate my teeth and shake my fist in the air. We meet him and a couple more Alpha's in this book. In the previous two books the council and their rules are touched on but we get a front row seat for one of their trials as Faythe stands trial for murder and infecting stray.

In the background of the trial there are some trouble-making strays and enough sneakiness to make your toes curl. I was so angry with the unjust council I wanted to throw my book - but then I cuddled it to my chest and promised it I would never do that! I can't be mad that this book is consistant with the first two in keeping me aligned with Faythe's feelings, and she feels enraged and impotent by the trial too.

The story of the strays and missing humans keeps the length of the trial from becoming too much, and we get to meet a Bruin which I quite enjoyed. I hope we see more of him in the future.

Overall not my favourite book in the series but it was most definitely a needed chapter in Faythe's story and still a great and exciting read.

My Rating: 4/5

Other books in this series:

#1 Stray, #2 Rogue, #4 Prey, #5 Shift, #6 Alpha

You'll like this series if you liked:

The Soul Screamers Series by Rachel Vincent, Riley Jensen Series by Keri Arthur, or Bitten by Kelley Armstrong.

Shifters #2

Continuing with my re-read of the Shifters series here is book 2...

Title: Rogue

Author: Rachel Vincent

Series: SHIFTERS, #2

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Page Count: 400 Pages

Rating: 5/5

Okay, so cats don t always land on their feet. I know that better than most. Since rejoining the Pride, I ve made big decisions and even bigger mistakes: the kind paid for with innocent lives. As the first and only female enforcer, I have plenty to prove to my father, the Pride, and myself. And with murdered toms turning up in our territory, I m working harder than ever, though I always find the energy for a little after-hours recreation with Marc, my partner both on- and off-duty. But not all of my mistakes are behind me. We re beginning to suspect that the dead are connected to a rash of missing human women and that they can all be laid at my feet--two or four, take your pick. And one horrible indiscretion may yet cost me more than I can bear...

My Review:

My thoughts from the first time around: "Strays are dying, strippers are disappearing and Faythe is training...Really great read. Faythe is still too stubborn for me to really relate to her but I enjoyed this story and was glad Marc finally let her have it." Which I still agree with the second time reading it.

Faythe Sanders is now the first female werecat enforcer, working for her father's pride as part of a deal she made for her freedom. She and Marc are investigating the murder of toms in their territory when they stumble upon a chain of missing human strippers as well. Faythe has to use all of her skills to track down the attackers and figure out what is connecting it all.

There was lots of action in this one and I liked seeing Marc and Faythe working together. There isn't much growth in her yet but she's on her way. This book brings in new mysteries as well as tying up some loose ends from SHIFT.

Another exciting book in the series, but I must say I liked this one much better the second time through now that I know where all of Faythe's stumblings are going to lead her. That said I remember loving the not-knowing just as much :)

My Rating: 5/5

Other books in this series:

#1 Stray, #3 Pride, #4 Prey, #5 Shift, #6 Alpha

You'll like this series if you liked:

The Soul Screamers Series by Rachel Vincent, Riley Jensen Series by Keri Arthur, or Bitten by Kelley Armstrong.

Shifters #1

Title: Stray

Author: Rachel Vincent

Series: SHIFTERS, book 1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 624 Pages
Rating: 5/5

There are only eight breeding female werecats left . . . And I'm one of them. I look like an all-American grad student, but I am a werecat, a shape-shifter, and I live in two worlds. Despite reservations from my family and my Pride, I escaped the pressure to continue my species and carved out a normal life for myself...Until the night a Stray attacked.

I'd been warned about Strays -- werecats without a Pride, constantly on the lookout for someone like me: attractive, female, and fertile. I fought him off, but then learned two of my fellow tabbies had disappeared.

This brush with danger was all my Pride needed to summon me back . . . for my own protection. ..Yeah, right. But I'm no meek kitty. I'll take on whatever -- and whoever -- I have to in order to find my friends.  Watch out, Strays -- 'cause I got claws, and I'm not afraid to use them . . .

My Review:
I find it hard to channel my earlier thoughts of this book after having read the next four. I checked my Shelfari from the first time around and all I had in there was "I wasn't expecting such a thrilling read. Couldn't put it down." Which was true enough even the second time through!

Katherine 'Faythe' Sanders is a female werecat who is trying to live a "normal" life, which is next to impossible with a community of male werecats hell-bent on protecting her. Faythe may hate the pressure being put on her by her family as one of the few tabbies in North America to keep the race alive, but she is forced to accept their help when her fellow tabbies start to disappear - along with her freedom.

I loved to hate Faythe, she's stubborn but secretly wants approval, clever but surprisingly blind to her surroundings, and tries to act as if she has it all together when really she's lost and confused. I enjoyed watching her step outside of herself and start her journey toward understanding her place in the world instead of running from it.

The were-cat world was well developed and I loved delving into their messed-up politics and hierarchies. The way the women are treated, with the intention of being cherished and protected - but realistically being controlled and over-lorded - was equal parts understandable and infuriating to me. Rachel did a great job of letting the reader work through the issues with Faythe - I didn't feel like I had it all figured out and was waiting for her to catch up.

The drama of Faythe and Marc's relationship was a bit confusing but I liked it, I think that the reader is kept in the same place that Faythe is, and she is confused too. The element of Jace the third boy in the love triangle was only touched on, but just the few glimpses of him were enough for me to want more.

I don't want to be spoilery but I will say that once the crisis hits it gets pretty graphic. I didn't find any of it to be over-the-top, it was needed to show the seriousness and depravity of the situation.

A great start to one of my favourite series!

*side note: I have seen a lot of reviews nagging on the similarities between Stray and Bitten (by Kelley Armstrong). I personally have read both - and liked them both - and didn't find much overlap besides the obvious (girl shifter). I liked what one reviewer said: "Yes, I see some parallels to Bitten by Kelley Armstrong, no I am not bothered. When you read a book about Vampires, you can't call it a copy of Anne Rice...Similar is not the same." S.P. (click here for her full 5 star review)

My Rating: 5/5

Other books in this series:
#2 Rogue, #3 Pride, #4 Prey, #5 Shift, #6 Alpha

You'll like this series if you liked:
The Soul Screamers Series by Rachel Vincent, Riley Jensen Series by Keri Arthur, and ironically: Bitten by Kelley Armstrong.