My TBR List Review *February* ~ Once Bitten, Twice Shy ~ C.C. Wood #COYER #MyTBRL #ShelfLove #TravelingtotheTerminus

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. 



Once Bitten, Twice Shy by C.C. Wood
Bitten #2
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
I used to think my life was boring. I resigned myself to the rut I was stuck in. Then my entire existence was turned upside down.

In the last six months, I've learned things that would get me committed to an asylum if I repeated them. First, I was kidnapped by vampires. Yes, vampires. Sounds crazy, right? My best friend, Donna, became one of the fanged after that little adventure and hooked up with a hot, Scottish vampire named Conner. They're even planning a wedding.

Secondly, I learned not all vampires are evil. In fact, some of them are downright sexy.

Alexander Dimitriades has it all. He's tall, dark, and handsome and manages to give me tingles in all the right places and also make me laugh. Unfortunately, to be with him, I would have to give up my humanity and I like being human. Then, there's the fact that the whole drinking blood thing gives me the heebie jeebies.

To make matters worse, there are plans in motion to change the place vampires hold in the human world. And I'm caught in the middle, between the vampire I'm falling in love with and a group that wants to create a vampire dictatorship, with humans as slaves.

Now, all I want is my calm, normal life back. As my friend, Ricki, likes to say, "Be careful what you wish for because it might come and bite you on the ass." I hate it when she's right.

*This work contains BDSM elements/themes, spanking, bondage, anal play, and a bossy, persistent Greek vampire.

I don't know why I put off reading more of this series. This was an exciting second installment and I had to scratch my head over why I took so long to pick it up. Time, I suppose. But I plan to read more - dare I say finish? - this series soon!

Highlights

• Lex & Ivie
  I enjoyed the romance between these two even if Ivie made me want to shake her at times. The differences between them due to length of living made for entertaining interplay. Since the story is told from Ivie's POV I felt I got to know her better and I liked being witness to her learning more about herself as she fell for Lex. I enjoyed the way Lex took care of Ivie - letting her get used to him and their bond slowly, not wanting to scare her off. He was gentle with her even when he wanted to strangle her.
• Secondary Cast
  Getting to spend time with Donna and Connor, from book #1, as well as their friends made for a more entertaining read. It also gave me glimpses into who they next couples might be.
• Plot
  Although Wood is focusing on a different couple in each book, their stories are all bound together with an overarching plot involving vampire politics. Wood is slowly disseminating the machinations behind what's brewing with the vampires and she incorporates it well with her world building using vampire history and a Dallas setting

This installment was exciting, entertaining, and steamy. BDSM is mentioned in the synopsis but don't let that scare you away. It's barely an element, the smexy scenes are more just your typical smokin' hot sexy vamp sex scenes, and the plot doesn't revolve around BDSM in any way. I really am anxious to read the next installment as I think it may involve a werewolf and his witch. *wink*

#COYER Review ~ The Red Lily ~ Juliette Cross (@Juliette__Cross)

The Red Lily by Juliette Cross
Vampire Blood #2
Release Date: June 19, 2017
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance, Fairytale
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
When Red falls for the Big Bad Vampire...

The Black Lily resistance needs a larger army if they are to defeat the vampire monarchy. In order to do so, former lieutenant and traitor to the vampire Crown, Nikolai must seek help from the red-hooded temptress he needs to avoid at all costs. The secret he carries could prove dangerous for her if she gets too close...even though keeping her close - very close - is the only thing on his mind.

Sienna will do anything for the Black Lily, and when Nikolai asks for her assistance to gain the trust of the commonwealth, it's the last thing she wants to do. The thought of leaving her woods and her wolves behind is terrifying...not to mention the danger being with Nikolai poses.

I can't exactly put my finger on it - although I'm going to try - but The Red Lily had that little something that really tripped my trigger. :)

The Red Lily was inspired by Little Red Riding Hood but in my opinion was more loosely based on that fairytale than either The Black Lily or The White Lily. However, it was creative and well-written and I adored the main characters!

Highlights:

• Characters
  Sienna gave up a life in society and leisure for a solitary one in Silvane Forest. She lived with her grandmother, learning to be a healer, until her grandmother died. That she leaves her solitude and security to recruit for the Black Lily says much about her character and her belief in that cause. Nikolai was a Legionnaire for the Vampire Crown but he grew up with and views Prince Marius as a brother. So it was natural he'd follow him and fight for the Black Lily. The fact he fights for the commonwealth speaks to his character because he's vampire and could've lived with the status quo. I liked seeing them come together through attempting to do what's right and noble. They're both strong, spirited, and loyal...and they fit.
• Vampire Mythology
  JCross doesn't ever specify anything like a "true mate" but it seems her vampires have one. And in this case, Sienna was also dreaming of Nikolai - vividly - which made me believe she felt it too. We learn a bit more about the sanguine furorem - blood madness - as well as vampires in general...how they're made, their strength, and history.
• Action/Suspense
  I think this is where The Red Lily excelled. There ware more fighting, subterfuge, description of torture, viewing of torture, etc., in this installment. Since Nikolai was a Legionnaire, this fit with him as a character and made the story more authentic. JCross didn't shy away from conveying the gritty violence either and that was a positive. This is a war after all.
• Other Mythology
  The Silvane Forest holds the magic of the hartstone - the stone of making - as well as the hartwolves. There was also magic in Sienna. I'm not sure where this mythology came from - if it's inspired by a different story, if there's more to Little Red than I know or if it's a product of JCross' imagination, but it added depth and complexity and helped push The Red Lily into the favorite position - so far - for this series.

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #74 ~ The Red Lily ~ Juliette Cross

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts is a weekly meme hosted by my blogger wife, Lexxie, @(un)Conventional Bookviews. It's a way to highlight a book using quotes that revolve around food and/or drinks. Every Thursday, post a line or two...or heck, a whole paragraph, that spoke to you in some way using food or drinks. *wink* Don't forget to link up!

My pick this week for Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts is from:

The Red Lily by Juliette Cross

I chose this passage despite the fact there isn't much mentioned as far as actual food or drink besides the tea because this scene was meaningful in how Nikolai looked after Sienna. They'd had a long journey, in the rain, that day. And even though he's a vampire and doesn't need food or drink, he made sure Sienna had both to ensure her comfort.

***

"There you are, my lady. Please come and have a warm cup of tea."

She upended the teacup that was facedown across from Nikolai and poured a steaming cup as Sienna made her way to them. He rose from his seat and watched her. She thought she was accustomed to the way Nikolai tracked her movements by now, but the heat in his gaze as he followed her from the door to his table nearly buckled her knees.

She sat across from him, her eyes on the tea. He took his seat again.

"I will bring a few refreshments in a moment," said the innkeeper with a smile before leaving them alone, for there was no one else in the parlor.

#COYER Review ~ The Black Lily ~ Juliette Cross (@Juliette__Cross)

The Black Lily by Juliette Cross
Vampire Blood #1
Release Date: March 27, 2017
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance, Fairytale
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Cinderella like you've never seen before...

With the threat of the vampire monarchy becoming stronger every day, the Black Lily must take drastic measures. As the leader of the underground resistance, Arabelle concocts the perfect idea to gain the attention of the Glass Tower. Her plan? Attend the vampire prince's blood ball and kill him. Fortunately for Prince Marius, her assassination goes awry, and Arabelle flees, leaving behind only her dagger.

Marius is desperate to find the woman whose kiss turned into attempted murder, hunting for the mysterious assassin he can't push out of his mind. But what he uncovers could change the course of his life forever...

After finishing The White Lily, #3 in the series, I knew I'd *need* to go back and read the first two...and the finale which releases this month. :)  I'm not much of a fairytale retelling reader but JCross hooked me with her vampire/fairytale blending. The Black Lily, a Cinderella retelling, was every bit as engaging as The White Lily.

The Black Lily is where it all started. This series revolves around a revolution - the peasant class tired of making life comfortable for the ruling vampires - started by a young woman named Arabelle. Arabelle has good reason for her long-held belief that all vampires are monsters. Meeting Prince Marius makes her rethink her stance a bit. Prince Marius has always envied the lower classes believing their lives simple and happy. He has his eyes opened to their plight when he meets Arabelle.

The Black Lily did well in setting the stage for the series without overwhelming world building. (these truly can be read standalone) All the characters are introduced and we're given the vampire mythology as well as the reasons behind the revolt. And don't worry - the bones of the Cinderella story are present as well. I admire how well all the elements - world building, character development, action, romance - are balanced. And the dialog between the characters, especially Arabelle and Marius, is sharp and compelling.

JCross did an excellent job of putting her own spin on this classic story and I'm anxious to get to The Red Lily - Little Red Riding Hood - before The Emerald Lily releases!

#COYER Review ~ Shine ~ Dannika Dark #ShelfLove #TravelingtotheTerminus

Shine by Dannika Dark
Mageri Series #5
Release Date: December 20, 2013
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
In the short span of a year, Silver has gone from becoming a Mage to discovering the truth about her unique genetics. Logan Cross went from her mortal enemy to her immortal lover, but a threat is fast approaching like an inevitable storm. Attacks are underway against the Mageri and one man is behind it - an elusive foe who is an unstoppable force. Nero is not Silver's only concern as someone close to her is arrested for treason. In the midst of chaos, Silver discovers she cannot protect everyone from the wrath of fate, including her own Ghuardian.

Justus finally opens his heart, but an unexpected turn of events could darken his soul forever. Secrets are revealed that will leave you reeling from one twist after the next. Would you sacrifice everything for love?

Destiny has set sail and once she alters her course, no one's life will ever be the same in this explosive conclusion to the Mageri Series.

I'm not sure I could have imagined a better ending for this series than Shine. Dark did an excellent job of driving us to where she wanted us, tying up some loose ends, but also leaving things in a way where we can dream up the direction certain things and certain characters go from here. And it was ALL worth the ride.

As I've said in most, if not all, my reviews for this series, I admire how Dark takes on certain relevant topics and explores them as they apply to the world of Breed. Things came to a head in Shine as an enemy of Silver pitted Breed against one another using said topics. The way things went down might not have been as exciting if not for the circumstances under which they happened and the revelations brought forth. However, it all combined for quite a bit of nail-biting and explosive excitement.

The way in which Dark wrapped up things for Silver and Logan, Adam, Justus and Page, Simon, Christian, and even Novis was very satisfying as well. That she was able to develop such a large cast of characters so well is a feat considering they are all different Breed and therefore it wasn't their Breed that brought them all together but their humanity. Dark had several themes running throughout the seires - humanity, doing the right thing, selflessness, fate, sacrifice - and one of the most gratifying elements of the series has been watching Silver mature and seeing how she and those close and important to her were affected by her and her beliefs...they all impacted each others' lives for the better.

I'm happy and a little sad to have finished the series. I know I have a novella and a companion novel yet to read and I will do that soon. I'm also very eager to start the Crossbreed series which is set in this same world. It'll be interesting to see where Dark takes things from here.

If you haven't met Silver and her friends, I highly recommend you do and SOON! :)

Review ~ Gravity ~ Dannika Dark #ShelfLove #TravelingtotheTerminus

Gravity by Dannika Dark
Mageri Series #4
Release Date: June 12, 2013
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
When a choice is made, it will forever alter the course of our destiny. It cannot be undone, for fate is a river changing direction and carving away the bed of our hearts like everlasting fractures.

A turbulent past has left Silver a broken woman, but she is learning to trust again through Logan Cross, a Chitah who has convinced her that a dangerous man can change. Their bond will be put to the ultimate test when an old nemesis reappears and flips her world upside down. Will Logan be able to tame the animal within, or will he succumb to his impulsive nature?

The ongoing investigation into Breed experiments unveils a shocking secret about Silver's past. Standing at a fork in the road, Silver is forced to make a decision. Each comes with a consequence, and there is no turning back.

"My eyes may not know all of you, but my heart does. I loved you before I was born, and I will love you long after I pass from this earth."

Gravity contains romance, passion, twists, and nail-biting drama.

Hooboy! This is getting interesting!

First, I want to reiterate how much I admire Dark for taking on topics like equality for women and racism and bigotry, using the context of the Breed. It's well done and an added complexity to the story.

In Gravity - which is an excellent title considering how this installment explores the gravity of decision making where the characters are concerned - we see Silver blossoming into her new life and as a person of note. There are revelations made about who and what she is and she makes tough decisions - decisions that enable her to protect the ones she loves though they'll never know about it. Gravity also allows us to become better acquainted with Justus. He's an honorable man, which was demonstrated when he took Silver in as his Learner. But we get to see a completely different side of him here - a more tender side. And it was incredible.

Gravity trades in some of the white-knuckle action for gut-wrenching emotion. I was shredded over some of the things that happened here. Logan, though, he ensured my love and loyalty towards him despite one thing he did. He proved his worthiness - well he and Silver proved their worthiness of each other.

As with all the books in this series, the supporting cast is stellar and invaluable. Spending time with them all is a treat. And although I hate to see the series end, I'm also anxious to see how everything shakes out.

New Release Review ~ The White Lily ~ Juliette Cross (@entangledpub @Juliette__Cross) #2017NewRelease

The White Lily by Juliette Cross
Vampire Blood #3
Release Date: October 23, 2017
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance, Fairy Tale
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
To the north of the Varis empire, a mysterious faction spreads propaganda against the vampire monarchy. Friedrich Volya, the Duke of Winter Hill, seeks to discover who they are before his uncle finds them first. King Dominik will punish the traitors with brutal force.

Local schoolteacher, the raven-haired Brennalyn, is on her own mission - to spy on the duke and discover what she can for the Black Lily.  She longs to help the commonwealth and bring justice to the many orphans left behind from the ravages of the blood madness, like the children she lovingly keeps in her care. What she doesn't plan for is the heart-pounding attraction she feels for the duke, enemy to the Black Lily.

But when Brennalyn's secret puts her life and the life of her children in danger, Friedrich steps in as her protector, she finds out there's more to the duke than she thought.

Although The White Lily can be read as a standalone (it's #3 in the series but I never felt lost) I think I'd have benefited from reading the previous installments first so that I had the full vision of the over-arching plot. However, I quite enjoyed my introduction to this series (and this author) and plan to go back and read the earlier books. 

Highlights

• Snow White and vampires
  Yep. I liked that JCross used Snow White for inspiration and wove in her own brand of vamps.
• Characters
  Friedrich and Brennalyn were well drawn. I could see they were good people who fought for their convictions. The dialog between them was fun and emotionally as well as sexually charged. And I delighted in watching them grow. Friedrich's relationships with Grant and Mikhail were entertaining and conveyed the respect and loyalty they held for one another. And Brennalyn's adopted brood was also fleshed out well enough that I was invested in  each of them. They also added depth to Brennalyn and the story.
• Parallels in class structure
  There were many parallels between the class structure in the story and the current societal structures in the world today - how it benefited the higher classes and hurt the lower ones. I liked how JCross made vampires the aristocracy, "sucking" the lifeblood - literally and figuratively - out of the lower classes. At least, vampires in general. There were exceptions, of course. *wink*
• Rebellion
  Oh boy did I admire that the rebellion was apparently started by a women and gained a staunch ally in Brennalyn Snow - yet another intelligent, strong-willed, and strong-minded woman.
• Romance
  The romance was dreamy and steamy. I admired that Friedrich yielded to loving Brennalyn in equal measure to desiring her capitulation to him. They each had reasons they were avoiding commitment but they fell hard and it was endearing to watch them fall.
• Nice Balance
  This was a romance but JCross balanced it well with the political intrigue and action. It kept the pace just right.

I'm grateful to Entangled Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read The White Lily but JCross enamored me. Her writing is engaging and her characters well developed. I've already purchased The Black Lily because I need to meet all the characters on the game board and get the full story. The final book in the series releases in January! *wink*

My TBR List Review ~ October ~ Lover Revealed ~ J.R. Ward #MyTBRList #TravelingtotheTerminus

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. 



Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward
Black Dagger Brotherhood #4
Release Date: March 6, 2007
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: Library
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard-living ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world-to engage in the turf war with the lessers. He's got nothing to lose. His heart belongs to a female vampire, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. If he can't have Marissa, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers...

Fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he's found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back. But even her love may not be enough to save him...

Confession: I started the Black Dagger Brotherhood series before I began blogging. Waaaay before. I couldn't remember where I'd stopped in this series but when I was reading through the synopses of the books, this one didn't sound familiar. After getting about a third of the way in, I realized that yeah, I'd read this one before. BUT it was about ten years ago so even though I remembered some things, there was more that I didn't. So this served as a nice reintroduction to the series.

Highlights:

• Plot
  Of course I remembered the basics - the Brotherhood, the Princeps Council, the lessers. But I enjoyed how the plot progression in this installment refreshed my memory. What Ward did with Butch and the prophecy was rather genius. It enabled Butch's role to make more sense or rather feel more realistic as well as rounding out his character.
• Characters
  Getting to spend time with Brothers I'd met previously (and remembered *wink*) and their mates was also memory refreshing. Butch, the hero of Lover Revealed, I'd always liked as well. He's a hard guy with a squishy center. Marissa was a female vampire I liked but felt she was a little weak. Seeing her find her backbone and her purpose after being made to feel "less than" her whole existence was inspiring and made me like her much more. I'm very curious about what's to come for Vishous and John though.
• Politics/Culture
  The politics among the vampires, the culture of the vampire aristocracy, and the politics among the lessers was interesting to watch in action. Particularly in regards to how the vampires treat women (in the aristocracy) and those they consider inferior among their own race.

So yeah, despite having read this previously, Lover Revealed reignited my enthusiasm for the series and I'm eager to continue.

#OctobeRecFest Review #5 ~ Impulse ~ Dannika Dark #ShelfLove #TravelingtotheTerminus

Impulse by Dannika Dark
Mageri Series #3
Release Date: March 20, 2013
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Source: Puchased paperback
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #OctobeRecFest, #ShelfLove
Recommended by: Lexxie @unConventional Bookviews and Lorna @RabidReads among others
Goodreads
 Synopsis
Almost one year ago, a Mage attacked Silver and changed the course of her destiny.
Immortals exist, and now she is one of them.

Within the dark and supernatural city of Cognito, Silver is living under the watchful eye of her Ghuardian and dating her mortal enemy. Neither man can protect her from a dark secret, one buried within the contents of a box. As rival factions struggle to gain control, she finds herself in the middle of a centuries-old feud that threatens to drive a wedge between her and Logan Cross, the man who intends to seduce her.

In an explosive turn of events, one life is saved and another is forever altered. Can Silver trust those around her, or are they hiding a dark secret of their own?

Impulse was an exciting read. The world Ms. Dark has created around her characters is complex with the different Breed and the politics surrounding them. I intend to finish this series by year's end.

Highlights

• Characters
  Ms. Dark is adept at developing strong characters and even though the story revolves around Silver, the entire cast is heavily involved and I feel like I know them and am invested in them equally. In Impulse, I got more of Justus' history and it was illuminating. More was also revealed about Silver - her history, childhood, etc., and it went towards explaining much about her personality. I liked getting this deeper look into her psyche and I'm keen to see where Ms. Dark is going to take some of the information. There were also some revelations about Logan and Simon which I appreciated...especially Logan because he's.... *sigh*
• Politics among Breed
  I find it extremely interesting that politics/tensions among Breed so closely parallel those in our own society. This is an element in Ms. Dark's writing I enjoy and admire because it's so thought-provoking. In Impulse, more was revealed about the intrigue surrounding the Mageri and I'm beginning to see where some things might be going. I also got to see the social structure within the Chitah, thanks to Logan and his brothers, and that was fascinating as well.

Overall, Impulse was kinda like unwrapping a present. There was something exciting or stunning every time I peeled back a layer. I learned so much about the characters and the world right alongside Silver. And I'm so curious to see where everyone goes from here. Ms. Dark really knows how to deliver complex characters, great plot, and a strong secondary cast which, when combined, makes for some fantastic reading.

My TBR List ~ October ~ And the Winner is... #MyTBRList

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

I'm continuing my quest, and working at one of my Bookish Resolutions to catch up on series (since I'm behind in 148 series) I'm once again having y'all decide which series I'm going to work at catching up on this month! :D

FYI, this will be my theme all year. And since I'm letting random.org choose from the list of series I'm behind in, you might see books show up more than once. ;)


And the Winner is:

Lover Revealed
Black Dagger Brotherhood #4

Synopsis
Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard-living ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world-to engage in the turf war with the lessers. He's got nothing to lose. His heart belongs to a female vampire, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. If he can't have Marissa, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers...

Fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he's found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back. But even her love may not be enough to save him...


Thanks for voting, y'all!

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #67 ~ Steal the Light ~ Lexi Blake

This week's scene is from Steal the Light, and it did a nice job of setting the tone for the story letting us get acquainted with Zoey and how she operates...

***

Discretion was why I usually held my client meetings at Canelli's. It was dumpy and trapped in the fifties, with its retro booths and tables with red and white checkered linens. The walls were covered in wood paneling that had seen better days, and the bar had a solid, well-used feel to it. It was the kind of bar where you ordered a martini - not some fruity apple or peartini, but a solid gin martini, just like Dino liked 'em. Canelli's had no windows, so there was a perpetual gloom to the dining area. Because there were no windows, there were also no prying eyes to look inside from the safety of the street. If you wanted to know what went on in Canelli's, you had to take a chance and enter the den. It looked like the set of a Martin Scorsese crime drama, and with good reason. It really was run by the mob, and they trained their staff well. They also made a kickass chicken piccata.

#OctobeRecFest Review #1 ~ Steal the Light ~ Lexi Blake #ShelfLove

Steal the Light by Lexi Blake
Thieves #1
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #OctobeRecFest, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
When dealing with demons, the devil's in the details...

Stealing mystical and arcane artifacts is a dangerous business, especially for a human, but Zoey Wharton is an exceptional thief. The trick to staying alive is having friends in all the wrong places. While having a witch and a werewolf on the payroll helps, being partners with a vampire really opens doors.

Zoey and Daniel were childhood sweethearts until a violent car crash took his life and left her shattered. When Daniel returned from the grave as a vampire, his only interest in Zoey was in keeping her safely apart from the secrets of his dark world. He has vowed to protect her, but his heart seems as cold as the night he calls home.

Five years later, a mysterious new client named Lucas Halfer offers Zoey a fortune to steal the Light of Alhorra. The search for the Light leads Zoey into the arms of an earthbound faery prince. Devinshea Quinn sweeps her off her feet, showing her everything the supernatural world has to offer, but Daniel still calls to her heart.

As the true nature of the Light is revealed, Zoey discovers Halfer is a demon an much more than money is at stake. Per her contract, she must give him the Light or spend an eternity in Hell. What's a girl to do except fight for her soul...and her heart.

Steal the Light has it all! Vampires, werewolves, witches, demons, and fae...intrigue, politics, mystery, magic, and romance...and ti's all blended beautifully! I picked up this series on Kristen's recommendation (@Metaphors and Moonlight) and it certainly lived up to my expectations!

Note: The author's note at the beginning is definitely worth the time. It provided a little insight into the characters in the story because the circumstances in Blake's life definitely impacted this project.

I went into this story blind, not having re-read the synopsis. So finding out it was paranormal, which shouldn't have surprised me seeing as it was Kristen's rec, was a surprise...a pleasant one. :) Zoey, though, is very human. She, along with her merry band of supernatural friends/co-workers "find" things...special things...for people for a fee. Zoey grew up around, well, thievery, her father being a renowned thief. It's only natural she'd go into the family business. Her business associates include:

Daniel - her childhood sweetheart-turned vampire who she's very much still in love with but HE won't go there.

Neil - a gay werewolf who's loyal, protective, and provides comic relief.

Sarah - a witch who's a good friend to Zoey

And Dev who comes on the scene after a wacky date with Zoey. He's a half-fae prince, a successful businessman, and one very hunky dude.

Zoey is hired to steal something by a demon. Of course, that has its own ramifications but after discovering more about this object, it's revealed there are even more ramifications and possibly life-altering consequences should Zoey follow through...or not.

Steal the Light is exciting, action-packed, romantic, poignant, and at times, hilarious. The story is well-crafted and all the characters are well-developed. There's even great character growth. Really, this story has it all. I can't wait to continue the series!

Review ~ Rises the Night ~ Colleen Gleason #TakeControlTBR #ShelfLove

Rises the Night by Colleen Gleason
Gardella Vampire Hunters #2
Release Date: June 5, 2007
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TakeControl, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
The saga of Victoria Gardella continues as the glorious nineteenth-century city of Rome gives rise to a new threat from the immortal undead...

Lady Victoria Gardella Grantworth de Lacy has been a vampire slayer for just over a year, balancing her life as a peer of Soceity with the dangerous role that takes her out on moonlit streets, stake in hand. She has learned brutal and heartbreaking lessons about the sacrifices that must be made in order to save humanity from the evil that secretly preys upon it, but she has not wavered in her vow to fight on.

Now, in Italy, a powerful vampire is amassing the power to control the souls of the dead. As Victoria races across Europe to stop what could be the most deadly army the Gardellas have ever faced, her unlikely companion is Sebastian Vioget--a man as tempting as he is untrustworthy.

But when Victoria discovers she has been betrayed by one of her most trusted allies, the truth will challenge all her powers as a Venator...and as a woman.

I was an instant fan of this series following the stellar first installment. Vampire hunters in Regency-era England? Yes, please. Rises the Night picks up almost a year after the end of book 1 - that heartbreaking ending. Rises the Night is every bit as exciting and fascinating, with intrigue, a new evil on the rise, and questionable loyalties.

This installment finds Victoria investigating and attempting to locate a new threat to humanity. No one has heard from Max in almost a year so Victoria relies on aid from Sebastian despite not knowing for certain if he's trustworthy.

There is danger almost at every turn - the introduction of new characters for whom it was thrilling to try to determine their allegiance, and the simmering sexual tension between Victoria and Sebastian hit the boiling point. There were also more than a few surprises, some of which left me bereft. Actually, I'm still feeling that way and am quite certain that I'll continue this series soon as I'm more that eager to know what is lying in wait for our heroine next.

As long as I'm rambling, I appreciated the change in locale for this installment. Rome and Venice allowed Victoria even more freedom as a woman and I also liked the description of the cities. Victoria also learns more about the Venators, which provided a little more history about the venerable group of hunters she's a part of. I also liked the lore used regarding this newest evil.

Overall, I'm simply enthralled. I'm anxious to learn, experience, immerse myself even more in this series!

#TravelingtotheTerminus Review ~ The Undead Pool ~ Kim Harrison

The Undead Pool by Kim Harrison
The Hollows #12
Release Date: February 25, 2014
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased Hardcover
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove, #TravelingtoTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
Witch and day-walking demon Rachel Morgan has managed to save the demonic ever after from shrinking, but at a high cost. Now strange magic is attacking Cincinnati and the Hollows, causing spells to backfire or go horribly wrong, and the truce between the races, between Inderlander and human, is shattering.

Rachel must stop the occurrences before the undead vampire masters who keep the rest of the undead under control are lost and it becomes all-out supernatural war. However, the only way to do so is through the ancient elven wild magic, which carries its own perils.

The Hollows is one of my favorite urban fantasy series so I can't believe I've consistently stayed behind in it. I love the characters and their development - evolution - over the course of the series. I enjoy the action and mystery in each installment. And I admire Harrison's take on social issues such as discrimination. The Undead Pool was quite a ride and I'm happy, and maybe a little sad, that there's only one book left in the series!

In The Undead Pool, Rachel, Trent, and the gang have to figure out why the master vampires are sleeping and therefore are letting the living vampires run amok. They also have to determine the what kind of magic is being used and who all is involved. On top of that, Trent and Rachel are trying to determine what, if anything, is between them. And the elves are putting a lot of pressure on Trent to do what they want. Should Rachel and Trent follow their hearts or do what's expected of them?

It was all very exciting. Every moment! The way Rachel can bring everyone together - even if she worries about their safety - is special. There were moments where I ooh'd, teared up, gasped. It was fantastic.

I want to mention that I had listened to the last two installments and although I adore Marguerite Gavin's narration, I feel like I had some holes - can't remember all the details. So I was thrilled to go back to reading this one. I'm a slow reader when it comes to Harrison but I savor every page. 

I'm arguing with myself over continuing on to the last book. I think I've decided to read something else but I *will* be read the final installment by year's end.

#TravelingtoTerminus Audio Review ~ Dark Deeds at Night's Edge ~ Kresley Cole

Dark Deeds at Night's Edge by Kresley Cole
Immortals After Dark #5
Narrated by: Robert Petkoff
Release Date: November 1, 2012
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased on Audible
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #TravelingtoTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
A RAVEN-HAIRED TEMPTRESS OF THE DARK... Neomi Laress, a famous ballerina from a past century, became a phantom the night she was murdered. Imbued with otherworldly powers but invisible to the living, she haunts her beloved home, scaring away trespassers -- until she encounters a ruthless immortal even more terrifying than Neomi herself. 
A VAMPIRE WARRIOR CONSUMED BY MADNESS... To prevent him from harming others, Conrad Wroth's brothers imprison him in an abandoned manor. But there, a female only he can see seems determined to drive him further into madness. The exquisite creature torments him with desire, leaving his body racked with lust and his soul torn as he finds himself coveting her for his own. 
HOW FAR WILL HE GO TO CLAIM HER? Yet even if Conrad can win Neomi, evil still surrounds her. Once he returns to the brutality of his past to protect her, will he succumb to the dark needs seething inside him?

I was rather looking forward to Conrad Wroth's story. A fallen vampire, I was curious how and if he could be "saved". Despite his story not being a favorite in the series, because of the lack of action, I was nonetheless happy with Conrad's tale.

Conrad has had a difficult vampiric life as he'd sworn his human life to hunting and killing vampires so becoming a thing he hated didn't sit well. Particularly when the group he'd sworn allegiance to turned their sights on him. In his 300 years as a vampire, he's become a highly skilled and feared assassin. And because of the lives he's taken, he's on the brink of madness - a state his brothers are determined to keep at bay. If only they could help him find his Bride.

Enter Neomi. Neomi is a ghost having been murdered in her hoe by a scorned lover. She's "lived" 80+ years in her home unable to leave and unable to speak to anyone...until Conrad. Conrad can see and hear her. At first, neither can understand why, but Conrad eventually determines it's because she's fated for him. Now, I don't typically enjoy a romance where part of the couple is a ghost. However, Kresley handled this situation in a way that worked. Well.

As for the lack of action, well, it made sense of course since Neomi was a ghost and couldn't leave her home. So I was forgiving of the lack of action, especially when we got some towards the end. I also delighted in seeing favorite characters from previous installments, getting hints as to what will come next, and of course, the humor provided through them - especially Nyx.

Robert Petkoff's narration is, as always, top notch and I'm sure a large part of the reason I'm enjoying this series in audio so much. His voices and accents, both male and female, are simply incredible. He keeps the pacing perfectly and he's able to convey emotions so well, he can give me goosebumps.

So even though I missed the action and was leery of a ghost as a love interest, Dark Deeds at Night's Edge was still an excellent installment. I'm anxious to dive into the next!