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