Blood Hunt

Here's the official summary:

They are the Sentinels. Three races, ancient guardians of mankind, each possessing unique abilities to protect humanity against their eternal foes: the Synestryn. Now, for one Sentinel, the only way to reclaim her forgotten past is to follow the blood.

Hope appeared out of nowhere, naked and alone, a woman without past. The only thing she knows is that she is imbued with a strange power. It's in her blood. And two men want to possess it.

One is Logan, a Sanguinar demon-fighter who needs Hope's essence to survive. As a vampire he's well-equipped to find her a like-blooded mate whose progeny could sustain his race for generations. The other is Krag, a Synestryn lord whose desire is to enslave Hope, and drain her of the lifeforce. With it he could control humanity forever.

When Hope and Logan both fall prey to Krag, a powerful desire grows between them. But is it enough to thwart their captor's diabolical plan and his demon warriors, and survive a vampire's destiny written in blood?

Review

The Sentinel Wars is by far one of my favorite series. Butcher has built an amazing and complex world where aliens have left behind three races whose sole purpose is to protect human kind from soulless demons known as Synestryns.  The story line is completely original, intense and dark. Every book in this series gripped me from the first page and I couldn’t stop reading until the last.

The first four books of this series focused on the Theroni, a group of male warriors that work in tandem with female magic users.  In Blood Hunt the focus switches to the Sanguiner, a vampiric race of healers, that are presented up to now as cold, untrustworthy and always with their own agenda. I liked the change in prospective and enjoyed learning more about the Sanguiner.

Blood Hunt focuses on the Sanguinar blood hunter Logan and the mysterious Hope. Hope has no memory of who she is, but she does know that she has power in her blood. Because of her blood Logan wants her to help his starving race and a Synestryn lord want her life force to obtain her power. I was so happy that Logan got his own book. He has been an important secondary character throughout the series, but we never know much about him. I loved the Logan’s inner conflict between his love for Hope and duty to his race.

I can’t wait for the next book to come out!

I gave this book 5 out of 5

Title: Blood Hunt

Author: Shannon K. Butcher
Publisher: Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: August 2011
Series: Sentinel Wars Series #5

For more information visit Shannon K. Butcher’s website, http://www.shannonkbutcher.com/index.php?id=68

Spotlight Author for August *Shannon K. Butcher*

Biography (From her web-site)

A lot of authors knew they wanted to write books from the time they were little. Their heads were full of fanciful stories that they yearned to commit to paper with a passion that only grew as they did. They spent hours reading fiction, voraciously absorbing every kind of story they could get their hands on.

I’m not one of them.

When I was little, I wanted to be a daddy. When I learned the anatomical improbability of that happening, I decided instead to become what my dad was: an Industrial Engineer. So that’s what I did. I never once changed majors or veered from my path. After I graduated, I went to work for a big telecom company earning a steady paycheck while my husband pursued his dream to become a published author.

For those of you who might not know, my husband is Jim Butcher, fantasy and sci-fi author extraordinaire. I learned to write in an effort to help him improve his own work and as soon as I discovered that writing was more a learned skill than a natural talent I knew I had to give it a try. I couldn’t resist the challenge of taking the pieces of a story apart and putting them back together again. It’s the kind of puzzle that made me want to be an engineer to begin with – to learn how things work and why. I thought I’d write the same kind of thing Jim did, but then I picked up my first romance in 1998 and was hooked. Somehow, stories about how two people come to love each other made everything else seem shallow in comparison. Maybe it was just my hormones talking, but whatever it was, it was loud, so I listened and I started writing romances. I wrote great heaping piles of suckfulness – like most new writers – but eventually my work sucked less and hopefully that trend will continue as I learn more. Heaven knows I have a great teacher. Thanks, Jim.

A family of geeks to the core, we live in Independence, Missouri with our teenage son and a dog who is only one four-foot stick away from being a dust mop.

Series

Paranormal Romance

Sentinel Wars

1. Burning Alive

2. Finding the Lost
3. Running Scared
4. Living Nightmare
5. Blood Hunt

Edge

1. Living on the Edge

Romantic Suspense

Delta Force
1. No Regrets
2. No Control
3. No Escape 

Novels

Love You to Death
Dark and Stormy Knights
On the Hunt (with Jessica Andersen, Deidre Knight and Gena Showalter)

For more information on Shannon K. Butcher, go to

http://www.shannonkbutcher.com/

Books Coming Out In August...

Here is a list of books coming out in August.

Please add your favorite books and authors to the list.

(Aug 2, 2011) Blood Cursed by Erica Hayes (Book 4 in the Shadowfae series)

(Aug 2, 2011) Master of Shadows by Angela Knight (Book 8 in the Mageverse series)
(Aug 2, 2011) Bloodhunt by Shannon K. Butcher (Book 5 in the Sentinel Wars series)
(Aug 2, 2011) Downpour by Kat Richardson (Book 5 in the Greywalker series)
(Aug 2, 2011) Retribution by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Book 28 in the Dark-Hunter series)
(Aug 2, 2011) Storm's Heart by Thea Harrison (Book 2 in the Elder Races series)
(Aug 2, 2011) The Watchtower by Lee Carroll (book 2 after Black Swan Rising)

(Aug 2, 2011) Working Stiff by Rachel Caine (Book 1 in the Revivalist series)

(Aug 3, 2011) The Last Oracle by Patricia Simpson (Book 3 in the Forbidden Tarot series)
(Aug 8, 2011) Shadow Bound by Erin Kellison (Book 1 in the Shadow series)
(Aug 9, 2011) Thirst No. 4 (omnibus) by Christopher Pike (Book 4 in the Last Vampire series)
(Aug 9, 2011) The Lantern by Deborah Lawrenson
(Aug 16, 2011) Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones (Book 2 in the Charley Davidson series)
(Aug 16, 2011) The Tempering of Men by Elizabeth Bear and Sarah Monette (Book 2 in the Iskryne World series
(Aug 16, 2011) Kitty's Greatest Hits by Carrie Vaughn – story collection featuring Kitty Norville
(Aug 23, 2011) Bloodlines by Richelle Mead (Book 1 in the Bloodlines series)
(Aug 23, 2011) The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore (Book 2 in the Lorien Legacies series)
(Aug 23, 2011) Body of Sin by Eve Silver (Book 4 the Otherkin series)
(Aug 23, 2011) Lord of the Vampires (Nocturne) by Gena Showalter (Book 1 in the Royal House of Shadows series)
(Aug 23, 2011) Dark Taste of Rapture by Gena Showalter (Book 9 in the Alien Huntress series)
(Aug 23, 2011) Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent (Book 1 in the Unbound series)
(Aug 23, 2011) Knight's Curse by Karen Duvall
(Aug 23, 2011) Where Demons Fear to Tread by Stephanie Chong
(Aug 30, 2011) Wings of Fire by Caris Roane (Book 3 in the World of Ascension series)
(Aug 30, 2011) One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost (Book 6 in the Night Huntress series)
(Aug 30, 2011) Crossroads by Jeanne C. Stein (Book 7 in the Anna Strong Chronicles)
(Aug 30, 2011) Night Falls on the Wicked by Sharie Kohler (Book 5 in the Moon Chasers series)
(Aug. 30 2011) Enemy Mine by Karin Harlow (Book 2 in the L.O.S.T series)
(Aug. 30 2011) Aftermath by Ann Aguirre (Book 5 in the Sirantha Jax series)

THE SOOKIE STACKHOUSE aka SOUTHERN VAMPIRE SERIES

Here's the official summary:

Harris created The Sookie Stackhouse urban fantasy series about a telepathic waitress named Sookie Stackhouse who works in a bar in the fictional Northern Louisiana town of Bon Temps. Each book follows Sookie through her adventures involving vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures. As of now there are elven books in this series: Dead Until Dark, Living Dead in Dallas, Club Dead, Dead to the World, Dead as a Doornail, Definitely Dead, All Together Dead, From Dead to Worse, Dead and Gone, Dead in the Family, Dead Reckoning.

Review

Normally I would write a review for each book, however since I read all the books in this series at once, I decided to write a series review. I’m a huge fan of the TV series True Blood.  I was hesitant to read the books because usually I end up liking the books more than the show or movie and I didn’t want to end up not liking True Blood. The exception would be the Vampire Dairies. I love the show and the books were one of the worse books series I’ve ever tried to read. However, Charlaine Harris just came to my home town for a book signing and after meeting her I decided I had to read her books. She was so much fun and had a great sense of humor, which is something I love in an author.

This is what I thought of the series as a whole. I loved the world building, the characters were fantastic, I enjoyed watching Sookie grow as a person and of course I loved all the sexing men in her life. However, I found some of the books to be slow and anti-climactic. The books that really stood out to me were Dead to the World, Definitely Dead, Dead and Gone and Dead Reckoning. Those books made it were worth reading the whole series.  My least favorite books of the series were All Together Dead and Dead in the Family.

As a whole I enjoyed reading about the adventures of Sookie and I will continue to read this series. The book series didn’t stop me from loving True Blood!

I gave this series 3.5 out of 5

Title: The Sookie Stackhouse Series
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: May 2001 to May 2011
Series: Series: The Sookie Stackhouse Series, 1 through 11

For more information visit Charlaine Harris’s website, http://www.charlaineharris.com/

Heart of the Highland Wolf

Here's the official summary:

Ian McNeill, laird of Argent Castle finds his capital squandered through unwise investments and the wolf clan's home that has been theirs for centuries is in danger of being forfeit for nonpayment of taxes. When a movie producer contacts him with the notion of using his castle to produce a movie, Ian abhores the idea, but it's his only salvation. Even worse, his people become extras in this epic Highland movie. But when one American werewolf romance author, Julia Wildthorn, slips into the castle under the guise of being with the movie company, except she is trying to jumpstart her muse with writing a book set in old-world Scotland--specifically about his castle and his people as the characters in her newest book venture--she and Ian tangle.

Review

This is the seventh book in Spear’s Werewolf series, though she does write each book so it can be read as a standalone. However I have enjoyed reading them as a series and there are some characters that show up in more than one book. I have loved this series as a whole. She does a good job tying in true wolf behavior with her version of the Weres. Combine that with action, intrigue, compelling characters, and magic you have an all-around good read.

This was my least favorite book of the series. Her other books had well developed characters and a lot of mystery with a romantic background. Heart of the Highland Wolf seemed to be a light humorous romance. It just didn’t have the edgy quality the other books had. That being said, it was still a fun read and I’m looking forward to Dreaming of the Wolf due out in December 2011.

I gave this book 3 out of 5

Title: Heart of the Highland Wolf

Author: Terry Spear
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Incorporated
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: June 2011
Series: Series: Werewolf Series, #7

For more information visit Terry Spear’s website, http://www.terryspear.com/id51.html

Spotlight Author for July * Lori Handeland *

Biography (From her web-site)

Lori Handeland is a New York Times, USA Today, Waldenbooks and Bookscan Bestselling Author and the recipient of many industry awards, including two RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America for Best Paranormal (BLUE MOON) and Best Long Contemporary Romance (THE MOMMY QUEST), a Romantic Times Award for Best Harlequin Superromance (A SOLDIER'S QUEST), the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, the Write Touch Readers Award, the National Readers Choice Award and the Prism Award.Â

Lori is published world wide in several genres--historical, contemporary, series and paranormal romance, as well as urban fantasy and historical fantasy--by such publishers as: Dorchester, Kensington, Harlequin, St. Martin's Press, Harper-Collins, Simon and Schuster and Penguin/Putnam.

Series

Urban Fantasy

Phoenix Chronicles

1. Any Given Doomsday
2. Doomsday Can Wait
3. Apocalypse Happens
4. Chaos Bites

Paranormal Romance

Night Creature

1. Blue Moon

2. Hunter's Moon
3. Dark Moon
4. Crescent Moon
5. Midnight Moon
6. Rising Moon
7. Hidden Moon
8. Thunder Moon
9. Marked By The Moon
10. Moon Cursed
11. Crave The Moon

For more information on Lori Handeland, go to

http://www.lorihandeland.com/index.php

Books Coming Out In July...

Here is a list of books coming out in July.

Please add your favorite books and authors to the list.

            

(July 1) DARK AWAKENING by Kendra Leigh Castle – Book 1 in the Dark Dynasties series
(July 1) In the Heat of the Bite by Lydia Dare – Book 2 in the Gentleman Vampires series
(July 1) Never Cry Wolf by Cynthia Eden – Book 4 in the Night Watch series
(July 1) Touch If You Dare by Stephanie Rowe – Book 2 in the Soulfire series
(July 5) Sirensong by Jenna Black – Book 3 in the Faeriewalker series
(July 5) Bloodlust by Michelle Rowen – Book 2 in the Nightshade series
(July 5) Revelation by Lauren Dane – Book 2 the De La Vega Cats series
(July 5) Grave Dance by Kalayna Price - Book 2 in the Grave Witch Series
(July 19) Code of the Wolf by Susan Krinard - Book 8 in the 19th Century Werewolf series
(July 26) Rush of Pleasure by Rhyannon Byrd – Book 8 in the Primal Instinct series
(July 26) Seduce Me in Flames by Jacquelyn Frank – Book 2 in the Three Worlds series
(July 26) Bound By Moonlight by Nancy Gideon – Book 4 in the Moonlight series
(July 26) Another Kind of Dead by Kelly Meding – Book 3 in the Dreg City series
(July 26) Spell Bound by Kelley Armstrong – Book 12 in the Women of the Otherworld series
(July 26) Kill the Dead by Richard Kadrey - Book 2 in the Sandman Slim series
(July 27) Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep – Book 1 in the Mythos Academy series

Chosen By Blood

Here's the official summary:

United by fate. Bound by desire.

Five years after the Second Civil War ends, humans and otherborn— humanlike creatures with superhuman DNA—still struggle for peace. To ensure the continued rights of both, the FBI forms a Para-Ops team with a unique set of skills.

CHOSEN BY BLOOD

Leader of an Otherborn clan, half-breed vampire Knox Devereaux would do anything to find a cure for the anti-vamp vaccine slowly starving his people into extinction. When the FBI contacts him about leading a team of hand-selected Others on a mission to reclaim the stolen antidote, Knox accepts. His new assignment places him in direct contact with Special Agent Felicia Locke, the beautiful human he’s craved since their very first meeting.

Review:

What a great start to a new series. The story was richly detailed and exceptionally written. I love worlds where human and paranormal beings live knowingly among each other. I liked the concept of the FBI Para-Ops team consisting of various Otherborn and humans for the good of the world. The combination of all of these elements allows for action, fighting, conspiracy, and turmoil. The Para-Op team kept me extremely entertained. The author put together a great cast of characters. I loved that each team member was so different and that they didn’t easily get along together.

Felicia and Knox were great core characters. They were both leaders, stubborn, and their chemistry was smoking hot. After reading the prologue I know this would not be a typical romance and I was right. Although I was not comfortable with the friend and wife being a stepping stone to their happiness, I enjoyed the struggle between the characters. They have a very complicated history. Vampires and humans have very different beliefs and live very different lives, this just adds to the tension and conflict between these two characters.

I enjoyed how fresh and different this story was. I loved all the Para-Op team characters and can’t wait to learn more about them.

I gave this book 4 out of 5

Title: Chosen by Blood

Author: Virna DePaul
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: May 2011
Series: Series: A Para-Ops Novel Series, #1

For more information visit Vina DePaul’s website, http://www.virnadepaul.com/books_paranormal.shtml

Magic Bleeds

Here's the official summary:

Kate Daniels works for the Order of the Knights of Merciful Aid, officially as a liaison with the mercenary guild. Unofficially, she cleans up the paranormal problems no one else wants to handle—especially if they involve Atlanta’s shapeshifting community.

When she’s called in to investigate a fight at the Steel Horse, a bar midway between the territories of the shapeshifters and the necromancers, Kate quickly discovers there’s a new player in town. One who’s been around for thousands of years—and rode to war at the side of Kate’s father.

This foe may be too much even for Kate and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, to handle. Because this time, Kate will be taking on family…

Review

This is my favorite book in the series to date. I think that Ilona and her husband Gordon really hit their stride in this book and have something special to offer readers. The worldbuilding and character development is so imaginative and descriptive, it’s just outstanding. The secondary characters are just as awesome as the primary. With each book you can’t help but to become more emotionally invested in in the story and the characters.

Magic Bleeds reveals many details including more about Kate’s past and her destiny. It raises the stakes, putting us that much closer to the confrontation with her family. We are also treated to some awesome fight scenes and great emotional development between Curran and Kate. It is one big rollercoaster ride of excitement, magic and romance.

Speaking of romance, the relationship between Curran and Kate has never been so intense and full of passion. Whether they are in a battle of wills, kick each other’s asses or making out. I really enjoyed see Kate in a much more emotional setting.  

I gave this book 5 out of 5

Title: Magic Bleeds

Author: Ilona Andrews
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: May 2010
Series: Series: Kate Daniels Series #4

For more information visit Ilona Andrews website, http://www.ilona-andrews.com/kate-daniels/

The Darkness Beyond

Here's the official summary:

An online game of cat and mouse leads a Paladin warrior on a deadly rescue mission to claim the irresistible lover who should be his greatest enemy.

D. J. Clayborne has finally met his match. After weeks of playing cyber tag, a mysterious hacker bests D.J. at his own game. His nemesis downloads a top-secret history of the Paladins, forcing him to go on the hunt. The trail leads D.J. straight to Regina Morrison, a woman who is as sexy as she is talented in the cyber world.

Reggie has been working around the clock to stop a legendary computer hacker from accessing her clients' files. She just hasn't told her boss she found the intriguing culprit weeks ago. The last thing she expects to have D.J. show up on her doorstep and that he's even sexier than his evasive avatar. Now they're flirting with a dangerous line between duty and desire.

Reggie's deep investigation gets her kidnapped by the Others and forced across the hostile energy barrier into an alien world. Now it's up to D.J. to track down the captivating woman whose ability to break through his firewalls is also breaking through to his warrior's heart.

Review:

I have to say that this was one of my favorite books of the series. I've been waiting forever for D.J. to get his own story, and I was delighted to see him get paired with a woman who can hold her own, especially on his own turf, cyber space. You got to love a cyberqueen that can out hack the legendary computer hacker, Knightwalker.

I could not get enough of D.J.’s character. His humor is contagious and he has a geeky charm to him, despite being over 6 feet tall and built like a warrior. Not to mention he would go to any lengths to save Reggie when she gets herself mixed up his dangerous world.

The idea of the Paladins is new and creative, and I found the plot in The Darkness Beyond to be intriguing and exciting. Over the course of this series I have enjoyed learning about alien worlds, corrupt officials and the courageous warriors that fight for humanity.   

I gave this book 5 out of 5

Title: The Darkness Beyond

Author: Alexis Morgan
Publisher: Pocket
Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Release Date: June 2011
Series: Paladins- #8

For more information visit Alexis Morgan’s, http://www.alexismorgan.com/paladins.html

Vampire in Atlantis

Here's the official summary:

The most unexpected of all allies to Poseidon’s warriors has proven to be the fiercest—Daniel, a vampire and Night Guild mage. But even the strongest alliance can be destroyed when an 11,000 year-old desire is reborn…

A vampire’s oath, a maiden’s quest…

Daniel, vampire and ally of the Warriors of Poseidon, has fought on the side of humanity—even against his fellow creatures of the night—for more than 11,000 years.  But the crushing weight of futility and the reality of always being starkly, utterly alone has forced him to finally give into despair. He took the first step into the sunlight that would destroy him—and instead walked into Atlantis.

And the blackest of magic that could consume them both…

Eleven thousand years ago, Serai was one of a group who agreed to be placed into magical stasis to ensure the future of the Atlantean race. When a dark sorceress steals the gemstone that protects her sleeping sisters, she awakens to a vastly changed world—and the one man she could never, ever forget. And with an ancient evil tracking their every step, the long-lost lovers must battle both the darkest of magic and the treacheries of their own hearts.

Review

I have waited for a long time for Daniel’s story and I was not disappointed. His story is about love, redemption, betrayal, and is filled with suspense and action. Throughout this series we have watched Daniel go from enemy to an uneasy alliance with the Warriors of Poseidon.

A millennia ago Daniel lost his one true love and was turned into a vampire. Since then Daniel's whole existence has been about atoning for the first years of being a vampire when he was lost to sorrow and blood lust. After finding Serai again he knows he doesn’t deserve her, for she is all that is good and he has done horrible things in his past but he still wants her. This story is about love, sacrifice, and the power of redemption.  

This book is a fun light read and if you are a fan of the Warriors of Poseidon you will love is book.

I gave this book 3 out of 5

Title: Vampire in Atlantis

Author: Alyssa Day
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: June 2011
Series: Warriors of Poseidon - #7

For more information visit Alyssa Day’s, http://www.alyssaday.com/VampireinAtlantis.html

Blood Law

Here's the official summary:

For all eternity, only one thing shall separate them—until the Blood Law is avenged…

The coming of the Blood Moon will lead two Lycan packs into war, spur two rival brothers into conflict, and spark an act of vengeance so evil that its effects will be felt for generations.

One woman stands at the center of it all…

As undisputed Alpha, Rafael must choose a life mate to preserve the dominance of his Lycan pack. He never suspected, his mate would be a human, the same wounded, girl-woman he seduces from the brink of death. Falon is a dangerous combination of Lycan and Slayer—beings bred to destroy his kind. Even more, she’s a mesmerizing beauty whose sensuality tempts the seasoned warrior to take unnecessary risks. The primal heat between them is irresistible, yet surrendering to it could destroy them both…for a vengeful foe stands ready in the shadows to fulfill what is rightfully his by Blood Law.

Review

Blood Law is a great start to a fascinating series. While the sexual tension is intense and the romance is deeply moving, the strongest element of this story is the mythology. I absolutely loved the deep rooted history with the Lycans and the Slayers, it is riveting and complex. The Lycans have been hunted by the Slayers since medieval times and have had to constantly defend their bloodlines.

Blood Law is surprising story steeped in emotion, filled with tension, betrayal, treachery and danger as loyalties are tested, and the lines between justice and vengeance are blurred. Tabke succeeds in delivering complex characters and a fresh take on Lycan mythology. But be warned this book ends in a monumental sized cliffhanger.

I gave this book 4 out of 5

Title: Blood Law

Author: Karin Tabke
Publisher: Berkley Heat
Genre: Erotic Paranormal
Release Date: May 2011
Series: Blood Moon Trilogy #1

 For more information visit Karin Tabke’s website, http://karintabke.com/books/blood-law/

Magic Bites

Here's the official summary:

Atlanta would be a nice place to live, if it weren’t for magic… One moment magic dominates, and cars stall and guns fail. The next, technology takes over and the defensive spells no longer protect your house from monsters. Here skyscrapers topple under onslaught of magic; werebears and werehyenas prowl through the ruined streets; and the Masters of the Dead, necromancers driven by their thirst of knowledge and wealth, pilot blood-crazed vampires with their minds. In this world lives Kate Daniels. Kate likes her sword a little too much and has a hard time controlling her mouth. The magic in her blood makes her a target, and she spent most of her life hiding in plain sight. But when Kate’s guardian is murdered, she must choose to do nothing and remain safe or to pursue his preternatural killer. Hiding is easy, but the right choice is rarely easy…

Review

 Ilona Andrews, a pseudonymous moniker for the husband-and-wife writing duo of Andrew and Ilona Gordon. The underlying tone of this story is dark, gritty, and atmospheric and the world is complex. Andrews offers readers a fresh take on vampires, magic and the supernatural elements are unique. I fell in love with Kate Daniels character from the start and I find Curran to be extremely fascinating. My only issue with the book is the writing style. It is a bit rough and does not flow in some spots. This may be due to the co-authors combining their writing styles together.  

Magic Bites is a promising start to a brilliant series and look forward to reading the next book, Magic Strikes.

 I gave this book 3.5 out of 5

Title: Magic Bites

Author: Ilona Andrews
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: March 2007
Series: Series: Kate Daniels Series #1

For more information visit Ilona Andrews website, http://www.ilona-andrews.com/kate-daniels/

Urban Fantasy Couples

Who is your favorite super couple?  If your favorite couple is not on this list, please add them.

1)      Kate and Curran (Kate Daniels)

2)      Mercy and Adam (Mercy Thompson)

3)      Anita and Jean-Claude… and Nathaniel and Micah and… (Anita Blake)

4)      Sookie and Eric (Southern Vampire)

5)      Cat and Bones (Night Huntress)

6)      Georgina and Seth (Georgina Kincaid)

7)      Cassie and Mircea (Cassandra Palmer)

8)      Elena and Clay (Women of the Otherworld)

9)      Riley and Quinn (Riley Jenson Guardian)
10)   Mac and Barrons (Fever)

11)   Elena and Raphael (Guild Hunter)
12)   Carrie and Nathan (Blood Ties)
13)   Ellysetta and Rain (Tairen Soul)
14)   Merit and Ethan (Chicagoland Vampires)
15)   Faythe and Marc (Shifters)
16)   Anna and Charles (Alpha and Omega)

Assassin's Heart

Here's the official summary:

The truth of the soul.  

Lysander Condellaire 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 known 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.

Review

Assassin’s Heart is another wonderful adventure into the Sicari world packed with action and intrigue. It is rich and descriptive with awesome fight scenes with wicked villains. All of the Characters are just phenomenal.

The romance between Lysander and Phae is dark and tortured. Lysander tries to deals with his past and hopes to save the woman he loves, from the evil that lives within him.  Phaedra is determined to love Lysander, not realizing he is protecting her from the evil that haunts her past. Lysander and Phaedra’s journey is a difficult one, yet so romantic and moving.

This is one of those series that will just continue to get better and better. I eagerly look forward to more in this exciting series.

I gave this book 5 out of 5

Title: Assassin's Heart

Author: Monica Burns
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: September 2010
Series: Series: A Novel of the Order Series, #2

For more information visit Monica Burns website, http://www.monicaburns.com/BookshelfAssassinsHeart.htm

Assassin's Honor

Here's the official summary:

Archeologist Emma Zale sees the past when she touches ancient relics. It’s how she uncovered evidence of an ancient order of assassins—the Sicari. When a sinfully dark stranger shows up on her Chicago doorstep demanding an ancient artifact she doesn’t have, he drags her into a world where telekinesis and empaths are the norm. Now someone wants her dead, and her only hope of survival is an assassin who’s every bit as dangerous to her body as he is to her heart.

Ares DeLuca comes from an ancient Roman bloodline of telekinetic assassins. A Sicari, he’s honor bound to kill only in the name of justice. But when the woman he loved was murdered, Ares broke the Sicari code and used his sword for revenge. Love cost him dearly once before, and he’s not willing to pay the price again. At least not until hot, sweet, delectable Emma walked into his life. Not only does she hold the key to a valuable Sicari relic, she might just hold the key to his heart.

Review

Monica Burns introduces us to the Sicari, an order of assassins. It is an exciting adventure into a world of paranormal mystery and suspense. The world building is fantastic. Her characters are believable and you will love the hero and heroine as much as you hate the villains. The conflict between the Sicari and Praetorians adds an element of danger.

It is impossible not to like Ares. He’s dark, mysterious, honorable, loyal and dedicated to the order. When Ares and Emma first meet the attraction is immediate. The sexual tension that builds between these two is exciting and delicious. When they finally come together, it is worth the wait. The secondary characters in the Sicari are also quite intriguing and I am looking forward to reading more about them in future books.

Assassin's Honor is an intriguing start to a new series. I am fascinated by the world Burns has created. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary especially if you love paranormal/fantasy series then this the series is for you.

I gave this book 4 out of 5

 
Title: Assassin's Honor
Author: Monica Burns
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: June 2010
Series: Series: A Novel of the Order Series, #1

For more information visit Monica Burns website, http://www.monicaburns.com/BookshelfAssassinsHonor.htm

The Vampire Dimitri

Here's the official summary:

Dimitri, also known as the Earl of Corvindale, should be delighted that the headstrong Maia Woodmore is getting married. His mortal ward and houseguest has annoyed—and bewitched—the Dracule nobleman too long, and denying his animal cravings grows more excruciating by the day.

Miss Woodmore's family has a rather…complicated history with the immortals and she herself possesses a keen sensibility far beyond mere women's intuition. Marriage will give her safety, respectability and everything else a proper young lady could wish for. Everything, that is, except passion.

In the looming battle between Dracule factions, all pretenses will shatter as Maia and Dimitri come together in an unholy union of danger, desperation and fiercest desire.

Review

Colleen Gleason delivered with her regency vampire world. It is so lush and true to the period. The Vampire Dimitri has the same time line as The Vampire Voss. It was fascinating to read the same story from a totally different point of view. The characters from The Vampire Voss and the The Vampire Dimitri intersect and interact with each other as the stories progress. The more critical events were given more depth by the change in the narrative. When you think you know how a scene will play out based on the first book, it goes in a surprising direction that still fits within the confines of the overall plot. It was different way to approach writing a series. However, this only continues until about halfway through the book. After that a completely new content follows and it's filled with a lot of adventure.

There is a lot of adventure and a twist I did not expect. The characters are engaging and the love story crackles with passion and life.

I gave this book 4 out of 5

Title: The Vampire Dimitri

Author: Colleen Gleason
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: April 2011
Series: Series: Regency Draculia Series #2

For more information visit Colleen Gleason website, http://www.colleengleason.com/the-vampire-dimitri.html

Books Coming Out In June...

Here is a list of books coming out in June.

Please add your favorite books and authors to the list.

(June 1) Heart of the Highland Wolf by Terry Spear – Book 7 in the Heart of the Wolf series 

(June 1) My Dangerous Pleasure by Carolyn Jewel – Book 4 in the Immortal series

(June 7) Frostbound by Sharon Ashwood – Book 4 in the Dark Forgotten series

(June 7) STORM KISSED by Jessica Andersen – Book 7 in the Final Prophecy series

(June 7) Hit List by Laurell K. Hamilton – Book 20 in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series

(June 7) Hunt the Moon by Karen Chance – Book 5 in the Cassandra Palmer series

(June 7) Flying Blind by Deborah Cooke – Book 1 in the Dragon Diaries series

(June 7) Vampire in Atlantis by Alyssa Day – Book 9 in the Warriors of Poseidon series

(June 7) Shadow Walker by Allyson James – Book 3 in the Stormwalke series

(June 7) Everdark by Elle Jasper – Book 2 in the Dark Ink Chronicles series

(June 7) Everlasting by Alyson Noël – Book 6 in the Immortals series

(June 7) Hunter's Fall by Shiloh Walker – Book 13 in the Hunters series

(June 7) Jaded by Anya Bast – Book 2 in the Court of Edaeii series

(June 7) Forgotten Sea by Virginia Kantra – Book 5 in the Children of the Sea series

(June 7) Memories of Envy by Barb Hendee – Book 3 in the Vampire Memories series

(June 7) Lightborn by Alison Sinclair – Book 2 in the Darkborn Trilogy series

(June 21) Embraced by Blood by Laurie London - Book 2 in the Sweetblood series

(June 23) Taken by Fire by Sydney Croft – Book 6

(June 28) The Reluctant Vampire by Lynsay Sands – Book 16 in the Argeneau Family series

(June 28) Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian – Book 9 in the Midnight Breed series

(June 28) Crave The Moon by Lori Handeland – Book 11 in the Nightcreature series

(June 28) Mystical Warrior by Janet Chapman – Book 3 in the Midnight Bay series

(June 28) Black Heart Loa by Adrian Phoenix– Book 2 in the Hoodoo Series

Dragon Bound

Here's the official summary:

A Fiery Temper is Not Easily Extinguished

Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their Dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful–and passionate—of the Elder Races.

As the most feared and respected of the wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from him, much less succeed. And when he catches the thief, Dragos spares her life, claiming her as his own to further explore the desire they’ve ignited in one another.

Review

I loved this book. Once I started reading it I couldn’t stop. The world building is created, very complex and vivid. It has dragons, gryphons, gargoyles, elves, dark and light fae, goblins and witches. The secondary characters are just as awesome as the primary.

Pia is the heroine you can’t help but ardor. She is the perfect blend of vulnerability and kickass. She strong, outspoken, and stands up to the over-bearing Dragos. She’s a mystery throughout the story. I loved Dragos; he’s alpha, possessive, intense, dark and just a bad ass. Dragos is an ancient dragon shifter who rules his kingdom with an iron fist. He is extremely powerful, wealthy and demands loyalty and obedience from everyone in his control. Dragos and Pia’s chemistry lights up the pages. The dialogue between them is snappy and the tension sizzles. The romance is very erotic and just as intense as Dragos himself.

I highly recommended this book and can’t wait to read the next one!

I gave this book 5 out of 5

Title: Dragon Bound

Author: Thea Harrison

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Release Date: May 2011

Series: Series: The Elders Races Series, #1

For more information visit Thea Harrison’s website, http://www.theaharrison.com/

BLACK MAGIC WOMAN

Here's the official summary:

Daphanie Carter is thrilled that her sister Danice finally found her Prince Charming—even though he’s not quite, well, human. Daphanie is trying to keep an open mind. Which is why she jumps at the chance to enter the hidden world of The Others when a friendly imp invites her to a non-human nightclub. Daphanie’s curious to see how the Other half lives—and parties—but soon, one handsome stranger has her bewitched, bothered, and beside herself…

Enter Asher Grayson. As a Guardian, it’s his job to protect humans who get mixed up in the affairs of Others. When he spots Daphanie in a club, going head to head with a notorious witch doctor, he steps in to cool things off. Now the heat is on. Daphanie becomes the target of strange magical attacks, and Asher’s got to undo the voodoo before it’s too, too late. But soon he starts to wonder if this beautiful, beguiling mortal has put a spell on him—because every little thing she does is magic…

Review

Black Magic Woman is the eleventh book in Christine Warren’s Others series. However, this story is set early in the series - chronologically it is book four. Warren’s books are always a nice light read. This is not my favorite book in the series, but I did enjoy it. I liked the introduction of Voodoo into the series. There are not a lot of books written about Voodoo so it made an interesting read.

I was a little disappointed with the end of the book. With Asher being immortal and Daphanie being mortal, there was no resolution as to how their relationship was going to work. Could he somehow make it so she didn't age or was she just going to get old and die? I really wanted some resolution to that question.

I gave this book 3 out of 5

Title: Black Magic Woman

Author: Christine Warren

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Release Date: April 2011

Series: Series: Others Series #11

For more information visit Christine Warren’s website, http://www.christinewarren.net/

Burning Skies

Here's the official summary:

THE HUNGER WITHIN

A vampire warrior in exile, Marcus Amargi resists the call to return to the ranks of the Guardians who fight the death vamp armies. Here on Mortal Earth, Marcus has another battle on his hands—the seductive lure of Havily Morgan. The woman meant for him. Whose blood he craves. The one who comes to him in dreams—and demands his surrender…

THE FIRE UNLEASHED

A beautiful immortal with extraordinary powers, Havily lives in the realm of Second Earth but, in her fantasies, yearns for her winged lover Marcus. Soon, their bond will be put to the ultimate test. When their bloodthirsty enemies set the night on fire with sky-blazing weapons, Marcus and Havily must unite body and soul, to unleash the full power of their passion—and fight fire with fire…

Review

I really want to like this series. There are some parts that are so good, but I am not sure it outweighs the not so good. The world building is very interesting and I love the mythology. There are so many compelling possibilities for this storyline.

What interest me most are the multi-dimensional elements. For a man or woman to become a winged vampire they must ascend the next dimension. It’s imaginative and sensual with strong heroines and sexy heroes fighting a civil war. Add to that the breh-hedden and super preternatural powers. You have a dark, engaging tale of passion and war.

What bothered me is the consistent theme throughout the books of destined mates not wanting to be mates. The reasons for Havily and Marcus not wanting to be mates felt contrived. Havily cannot forgive Marcus for walked away from the Warriors, even though he had a compelling reason and came back. In the first book Ascension, Kerrick and Alison resisted becoming mates. The couple from the next book Wings of Fire, Parisa and Antony are supposed to be mates, but they don't want to be. This theme is old and I haven’t read Wings of Fire yet.

I will read the next book in hope that the story will continue to grow and get better.

I gave this book 3 out of 5

Title: Burning Skies

Author: Caris Roane

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Release Date: May 2011

Series: World of Ascension, #2

For more information visit Caris Roane website, http://www.carisroane.com/

Born of Shadows

Here's the official summary:

In a world where the League and its assassins rule, where betrayal and treachery are everywhere . . . the only survivors are those ones who are . . .

BORN OF SHADOWS

For Caillen Dagan, a defiant soldier of fortune, survival isn't a right, it's a brutal daily battle. Moving through the Ichidaian universe like a wraith, his brushes with the law and death are legendary. But when an act of rare heroism reveals his hidden birthright, he's forced into a world much more dangerous and cold-hearted than the bloody streets where he was raised-one of obscene wealth and lethal politics.

Ferocious and determined, Desideria serves as an official bodyguard for her queen. Born of questionable genetics, she will do anything to prove herself worthy of the weapons she carries and the position she's won by combat. But when she uncovers a ruthless plot to assassinate the queen and overthrow her country's government, Desideria is caught in the crosshairs.

With assassination contracts out on both of them, Caillen and Desideria must learn to fight together or die alone. And if they fail, their governments will fall into the hands of an unimaginable evil.

Review

Kenyon’s League Series is my favorite of her numerous series. One of my favorite things about Kenyon's books is her aptitude for creating the world. She seems to seamlessly connect one book to another. After only a few books in any of her series, we already know the characters. Kenyon has managed to encapsulate the full range of emotions needed to make not only the characters real, but the world as well.

The League series is about a universe that is governed by assassins, and misfortune to anyone who cross their path. Caillen's story returns us to the original cast of characters from in Born of Night and Born of Fire. I was glad because there were so many remarkable characters in the original group waiting to be explored.

This book starts with action and it never stops. There are many surprising twists and turns that keep the pages turning. The evil conspiracies the families plot are utterly shocking. Even though Caillen and Desideria come from two completely different worlds, it was fun to watch them learn to trust one another. Fans of Sci-Fi romance will enjoy this book!

I gave this book 4 out of 5

Title: Born of Shadows

Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Genre:  Science Fiction Romance

Release Date: April 2011

Series: League Series, #5

For more information visit Sherrilyn Kenyon’s website, http://www.sherrilynkenyon.com/series.php?id=10