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 ~ Caged ~ Amber Lynn Natusch

Caged by Amber Lynn Natusch
Caged #1
Release Date: December 15, 2011
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Source: Freebie on Nook
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
"I stood in the middle of the room, unmoving - I barely breathed. My life had just become surreal, impossible, and one enormous lie. I needed to go, to run somewhere, anywhere to beat back the reality that was rapidly closing in around me. The image of him was burned into my retina, flashing over and over again like a warning. He was trapped somewhere between human and decidedly not, and I realized that was my new reality. I was too."

After the death of her parents, Ruby awakens from a lifetime of shadows and finds herself alone, thrust into a world of lies, deceit, betrayal and the supernatural.

As her quest for truth continues to come up short, she realizes that maybe some questions really are best left unanswered.

When her true identity is finally unveiled, she is forced to choose between two of the mysterious men who continually seem to crop up in her life.

She chooses poorly.

Now abandoned, Ruby must learn to call on the darkness within to survive, or spend a hellish eternity imprisoned because of it.

Caged came as a recommendation from Lorna @RabidReads so it came as no surprise that I was immediately captivated. The prologue teased me just enough to have my curiosity piqued. There were some freaky things that Ruby endured and she was equally as in the dark, so to speak, as to what was going on as I was.

The story picks up ~9 months after the prologue and Ruby is settling into her life "after". I enjoyed getting to know her - seeing her creativity and her love for dance as well as the way she's embracing her newfound, if undesired, freedom juxtaposed with the images of her childhood. Natusch did well developing Ruby's character in this way, showing us how she'd been and how recent events had affected her and were shaping who she was becoming. This was the first time she was really able to figure out who she is, define herself, etc. She has a fun sense of humor and is intelligent.

Sean is this enigmatic character who keeps showing up when Ruby most needs him. I didn't feel like I got to know him well enough to have a real connection with him - which might be purposeful - but for whatever reason, I felt he always had Ruby's best interests at heart. Eric, on the other hand, always felt slimy to me. I didn't get that acquainted with him either but I still felt like he showed his true colors and they didn't color him trustworthy.

Without being spoilery, I'll just say that Natusch developed an intriguing mythology of her own and despite this being the introduction to the series, it wasn't an info dump in world building. However, we really only know the bones right now so I'm anxious to learn more.

My issues with Caged were in the details about Ruby. I understand why she was the way she was but I felt that at times she was too trusting and she behaved immaturely. She also had an interesting fascination with fashion considering where she was 9 months ago. One other tiny complaint is that Sean was so enigmatic. I felt some things he said were confusing - so Ruby was also understandably confused by him.

Overall though, Caged held my interest and has my curiosity piqued enough that I'm looking forward to continuing the series, seeing how Ruby continues to mature and learn more about this all-new world she's found herself in.

My TBR List Review ~ November ~ Fair Game ~ Patricia Briggs #MyTBRList

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



Fair Game by Patricia Briggs
Alpha and Omega #3
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Source: Library
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
It is said that opposites attract. And in the case of werewolves Anna Latham and Charles Cornick, they mate. The son-and enforcer-of the leader of the North American werewolves, Charles is a dominant Alpha, while Anna, an Omega, has the rare ability to calm others of her kind.

When the FBI requests the pack's help on a local serial-killer case, Charles and Anna are sent to Boston to join the investigation. It soon becomes clear that someone is targeting the preternatural. And now Anna and Charles have put themselves right in the killer's sights...

Oh good golly did I enjoy this! PBriggs always amazes me with how quickly she can draw me right back into a story and keep me riveted for the duration. Fair Game was exciting and gut-wrenching and left me chomping at the bit for more!

Highlights

• Charles and Anna
  I've adored these two from the beginning and I'm fascinated and delighted to witness them continue to evolve as individuals and as a couple. Fair Game sees Charles struggling with something significant but keeping it from Anna for fear of hurting her or worse, losing her. Anna is struggling with being unable to figure out a way to help him. Then they are sent to aid the FBI with a serial killer hunt which may bring them together across the divide or may drive the wedge between them deeper.
• Secondary Cast
  PBriggs excels at creating a cast of characters that is so well developed you feel as though they've always been around. They're also characters you can love or hate or somewhere in between but they always evoke emotion.
• Plot
  Fair Game's two main plot threads wove together seamlessly, one helping resolve the other. PBriggs adeptly paralleled tensions in today's society using her preternaturals. The ending was explosive and I'm eager to see where she takes this series - what the consequences will be.
• Action/Mystery
  The majority of the story takes place over like 3 days and much happened during that time. The action and mystery - Charles and Anna working with law enforcement as well as werewolves, witches, and fae to find and stop the serial killer - kept the pace quick and me on the edge of my seat. PBriggs doesn't shy away from gritty and gruesome either which only added to the atmosphere.
• Romance
  The romance took a back seat to the action but the bond between Charles and Anna was important nonetheless.

Fair Game was an excellent installment in the Alpha and Omega series. I seriously adore Charles and Anna!

My TBR List ~ November ~ 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...


Fair Game
Alpha and Omega #3

Synopsis
It is said that opposites attract. And in the case of werewolves Anna Latham and Charles Cornick, they mate. The son-and enforcer-of the leader of the North American werewolves, Charles is a dominant Alpha, while Anna, an Omega, has the rare ability to calm others of her kind.

When the FBI requests the pack's help on a local serial-killer case, Charles and Anna are sent to Boston to join the investigation. It soon becomes clear that someone is targeting the preternatural. And now Anna and Charles have put themselves right in the killer's sights...

This one won hands down, y'all! Thanks so much for voting! :)

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 ~ Werewolves of Chicago: Curragh ~ Faleena Hopkins

Werewolves of Chicago: Curragh by Faleena Hopkins
Werewolves of Chicago #1
Release Date: January 21, 2016
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance, Suspense, Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2106NewRelease, #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
The tight black dress.
The booze in her hand.
The soft-brown bedroom eyes.
The acceptance of his invitation to join him in the bar's locked bathroom right after they meet.
None of these things could have warned him she was a f-ing off-duty cop and after the same bad dude her was. Fuhhhhhhhck.

Detective Kara Monaghan and wolf Curragh Dominion are after the same guy, but by very different means. When they meet as strangers in a bar and chemistry flies, they have NO idea they're on different sides of the law until after they've had the delicious fill of each other. He wants her to go away AND come closer. What's a stubborn beast to do when his wolf has a mind of its own?

Ah, the backstory I missed by reading Howard first. I quite enjoyed being able to become acquainted with Curragh as well as seeing how he and Kara came to be together.

Curragh is sort of alpha of his pack of three - probably because he's the grumpiest. *wink* This pack is looking out for the residents of Chicago, taking the law into their own hands when necessary. There seems to be a general dislike and distrust of the police but I was never made to understand why. But it did make it humorous that Curragh would find the one in a cop.

Kara has recently relocated to Chicago from NYC. She's a good detective but finds it difficult to be taken seriously in a male-dominated profession. She decides to prove her worth on a case that's been haunting the CPD for over a decade. This hunt for this criminal puts her on a path to collide with Curragh.

I liked the romance between Curragh and Kara even if it was fast. Of course, the one mate thing helped to smooth over the quick pace they took to love. The banter and interactions between them were a lot of fun though. I enjoyed Curragh's "Mr. Grumpy Pants" meeting his match.

The mystery of the leader of the Russian mafia was shocking and rather gritty. There were some plot elements used that I thought were a bit easy but overall, I was enthralled, needing to know what would happen.

So far, I'm impressed with Hopkins' storytelling and am eager for Xavier's story. I'm interested to see how it's all tied up.

Review ~ Werewolves of Chicago: Howard: The Underdog ~ Faleena Hopkins

Werewolves of Chicago: Howard by Faleena Hopkins
Werewolves of Chicago #2
Release Date: March 27, 2016
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
Curragh, Xavier and Draik made me prove myself. And I changed into something extraordinary.

The strength and speed.
The night vision.
Hearing through walls and even into heartbeats.

All this is new. Strange. FANTASTIC.

Because I'm about to meet HER. The blue-haired girl. Around her, I act totally out of character. I would never hurt her, but HE might. Not every wolf gets a cool name. Not until they've earned it.

A werewolf who's scrawny? Small in stature and has no supernatural abilities to speak of? A coroner? And named Howard?!? An underdog indeed but I find I tend to root for underdogs. ;)

Howard was exciting, funny, and suspenseful. The premise grabbed me and Howard, his pack mates, and Alisa drew me in. Hopkins' writing is inherently readable and the story was well constructed and nicely paced.

I loved Howard! He's such a gentle and sweet guy. He's recently undergone a dramatic physical change but it didn't change him. Alisa is quirky and fun. You gotta admire a girl with blue hair. She is definitely courageous and although she put up all kinds of emotional barriers, she melted for Howard. Both Howard and Alisa have similar upbringing which left them with emotional scars. I liked that there was something about them both that pulled at the other. They complemented each other well.

The secondary cast is fantastic. I read this out of order, which I hate doing, but although I would have felt I knew them all better, I didn't feel it took away from the story. I will, of course, be reading Curragh ASAP. And then Xavier. And Hopkins' other werewolf series as well. And probably her other works too because I have a feeling she's going on my favorite authors list. I'll keep y'all posted. ;)

Audio Review ~ Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night ~ Kresley Cole

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night by Kresley Cole
Immortals After Dark #4
Narrated by: Robert Petkoff
Release Date: June 5, 2012 by Simon and Schuster Audio
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: Audible credit
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Her breathless kiss haunts him...
Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed--until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive.

His slow, hot touch is irresistible...
Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It's rumored that no one can tempt Bowen's hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go.

No deed is too wicked for her seduction...
If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul--or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?

This series just keeps getting better and Robert Petkoff's narration plays a huge role in my enjoyment! He's amazing - keeping all the voices separate and distinct as well as keeping the pace perfect - he's at the top of the list of my favorite narrators.

I was thrilled right off the bat when I started Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night not only because it's Bowen's story but also because it went back to The High - the Lore's version of The Amazing Race - which was the setting for the previous book. Here, rather than seeing only the repercussions, we got to see what actually went down between Bowen and Mari during The High and afterwards.

The intensity and suspense Cole created with the race to return Mari as well as solving a few mysteries - like is Mari really Bowen's mate? - was superb. I went right along thinking one thing and was shocked to find out the truth and to see the layers/levels of deceit that had convoluted Bowen's long life as well as Mari's much shorter one. I also appreciated the importance placed on words - you must be paying attention to every word - especially when Nyx is the speaker. ;)

Being witness to Bowen shaking off the rust on his charm and wooing skills was entertaining. Mari was not easily swayed with words along though watching her fight her attraction to Bowen was fun. But hearing the hurt in her voice when he let her down was heartbreaking.

I think this couple fought hardest for one another - in the series so far - and the payoff was worth it. They each battled insecurity, prejudices, and outside elements like magic. They fought hard and bravely though.

Bowen and Mari might be my favorite couple so far. But I've enjoyed them all. And I really like how Cole seems to be delivering an underlying message about prejudice. I'm extremely eager to get to listening to the next in the IAD series. It's Conrad Wroth's story. :D

New Release Review ~ Awakened by the Wolf ~ Kristal Hollis

Awakened by the Wolf by Kristal Hollis
The Wahyas of Walker's Run #1
Release Date: June 1, 2016
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, #CleanSweep
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
Who's been sleeping the the Alpha's bed?

Exiled from his pack by his father, Brice Walker has secretly come home to visit his ailing grandmother only to discover a human and very desirable female sleeping in his bed. Their attraction is instant. But his new bed buddy seems determined to resist his Southern charm and Alpha allure.

For Brice, fiercely independent Cassie not only represents a chance to build a new life in Walker's Run but is also his one true mate. Cassie's reluctance dissolves when a rogue shifter kidnaps her, and now she and Brice must work together to save his pack. But once she witnesses the savagery of wolfan justice, can Cassie accept Brice as man, beast and her true love?

Awakened by the Wolf is a fantastic debut from a promising new voice in paranormal romance. It's also an exciting introduction to a new series featuring some of my favorite supes - Wahyas. Never heard of them? Tsk-tsk. ;) They're wolf shifters - not to be confused with werewolves. And Hollis' Wayha mythos is one I'm anxious to learn more about.

Here are a few of my favorite things about Awakened by the Wolf:

• Hollis' character development. Both Cassie and Brice have been hurt emotionally (physically as well for Brice) and suffered traumatic losses. Both have their reasons for avoiding commitment. Hollis allowed me inside both their heads so I could feel their turmoil and pain, understand their logic, and sympathize with the emotions they bring out in each other. The supporting cast was also well fleshed out and I look forward to spending more time in Walker's Run.
• The Wahya mythology. Hollis put her own spin on these shifters and I liked it. There are pack dynamics, politics, etc., but my favorite was that even though a Wahya can find their 'one true mate', it doesn't equal insta-love. Cassie and Brice took the time to get to know one another and fall in love - not just give into the pull of a bond and fall into bed.
• The intrigue/mystery. Hollis did a nice job of creating tension using pack dynamics and inter-pack politics. There was some subterfuge, some well-intentioned wrongs, and some downright scary bad guys. I was honestly shocked at what all went down and was thrilled Hollis didn't shy away from the darker side of shifters.

All in all, I was delighted with Awakened by the Wolf. I think my only complaint would be the unnecessary angst caused by lack of communication. But then, with Brice's and Cassie's pasts, it was understandable and forgivable. I don't know what's up next for the Wahyas of Walker's Run but I'm more than eager to find out.

Audio Review ~ No Rest for the Wicked ~ Kresley Cole

No Rest for the Wicked by Kresley Cole
Immortals After Dark #3
Narrated by: Robert Petkoff
Release Date: March 20, 2012
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: Audible
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove 2015
Goodreads

Synopsis
Centuries ago, Sebastian Wroth was turned into a vampire - a nightmare in his mind - against his will. Burdened with hatred and alone for ages, he sees little reason to live - until an exquisite, fey creature comes to kill him, inadvertently saving him instead.

When Kaderin the Cold Hearted lost her two beloved sisters to a vampire attack long ago, a benevolent forced deadened her sorrow - accidentally extinguishing all of her emotions. Yet whenever she encounters Sebastian, her feelings - particularly lust - emerge multiplied. For the first time, she's unable to complete a kill.

The prize of a month-long contest is powerful enough to change history, and Kaderin will do anything to win it for her sisters. Wanting only to win her, forever, Sebastian competes as well, taking every opportunity - as they travel to ancient tombs and through catacombs, seeking relics around the world - to use her new feelings to seduce her. But when forced to choose between the vampire she's falling for and reuniting her family, how can Kaderin live without either?

No Rest for the Wicked is my favorite in the IAD series so far. The action and suspense was gut-wrenching, and the interactions between Kaderin and Sebastian were by turns smoldering and humorous. This series keeps getting better.

Kaderin and Sebastian only meet because she heard of a vampire haunting a castle. Since Kaderin is Valkyrie and the Valkyerie have made it a mission to rid the world of vampires, she doesn't mind gong out of her way to dust one. Too bad the one she'd thought to dust is her mate.

Sebastian has lived secluded for centuries so knows nothing of the Lore or the modern world. Kaderin pulls him into the present quickly. Lucky for him, he's a quick study.

That Ms. Cole had Kaderin and Sebastian competing in a Lore contest, The High, was brilliant. Here Sebastian, and the reader, meet other species in the Lore. We also got a glimpse at the lengths some within the Lore would go to in order to win the prize - Kaderin included. The competition added much tension with the danger the contest tasks represented as well as the danger the other contestants posed. And then, of course, there was Sebastian fighting to prove himself worthy of his Bride while she did everything possible to thwart him. 

The other Valkyrie once again provided a lot of comic relief, Regin in particular. I enjoyed getting Kaderin's and Sebastian's history as well as watching them fall for one another despite the draw of being mates. I think that, along with the intense action of The High, are what made this my favorite of the series so far.

Robert Petkoff is amazing. All his accents are spot on. I knew he could rock a Scottish brogue but he nails a Russian accent as well. His pacing and the emotion he conveys had me covered in goosebumps, gasping aloud, crying, and laughing. He's amazing.

I believe the next story is Bowen's and I'm eager to hear it. I know I'm really late to the IAD party but I'm so happy I finally arrived! :D

My TBR List Review ~ Frost Burned ~ Patricia Briggs

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 sorry my review is late, y'all. April was a busy month and it slowed down my reading. Actually, I ended up listening to Frost Burned because I wasn't going to have time to get it read. So note that my review is of the audio version. I finished it this morning around 1:00 a.m. as I waited for my girls to get home from prom. Mercy had no problem keeping me awake!


Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs
Mercy Thompson #7
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Release Date: March 5, 2013 by Penguin Audio
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchased Hardcover (B&N) and Audio (Audible)
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Mercy Thompson's life has undergone a seismic change. Becoming the mate of Adam Hauptman - the charismatic Alpha of the local werewolf pack - has made her a stepmother to his daughter Jesse, a relationship that brings moments of blissful normalcy to Mercy's life. But on the edges of humanity, a minor mishap on an ordinary day can turn into so much more. After an accident in bumper-to-bumper traffic, Mercy and Jesse can't reach Adam - or anyone else in the pack for that matter. They've all been abducted. Through their mating bond, all Mercy knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. Outclasses and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from the most unlikely of allies: the vampire seethe.

It's been too long since I read Mercy. There were a few things I'd forgotten - Samuel's mate? For the most part though, it felt comfortable and familiar, and I slipped right back into Mercy's world. And I was reminded why I've enjoyed spending time here.

• Mercy - she and her coyote are strong no matter what they're having to face. Mercy is brave and smart and cunning. She's always able to figure things out - find her way out of a situation. She's also loyal - to her pack, to her friends, to humanity - and noble - she's always going to do the right thing.
• Action/Mystery - Briggs did a fabulous job with pacing. The action is always nail-biting and perfectly timed. It didn't matter if it was a fight scene or a scene where Mercy's doing something to care for Adam and the pack, I was holding my breath in anxious anticipation of the outcome. I also liked that in Frost Burned once I thought the mystery had been solved, Briggs threw a curve ball to let me know things hadn't been resolved at all.
• Characters - I adore that in spite of this being Mercy's story, we always spend time with the many colorful characters that inhabit her world. Getting to spend time with Zee and Tad, Gabriel and the Sandoval family, Stephan, Warren and Kyle...well, you get the picture. They're a part of Mercy's life and integral to her story. I also appreciated Asil's appearance in Frost Burned. And I was so happy to have already made his acquaintance in the Alpha & Omega series.

I think the only thing I didn't like about Frost Burned was Adam's absence. Well, he wasn't absent but his presence was reduced, what with his kidnapping and dealing with the fallout from that. But I'd been warned, so I knew that was coming and it made it less painful. ;)

This was my first listen with Lorelei King. It took me a few chapters to warm up to her but then she showed me her range and her ability to keep all the voices distinct so that by the end, she was Mercy. I wouldn't hesitate to listen further into this series or listen to anything else from her.

I'm going to be caught up with Mercy and Adam by the end of 2016!

New Release Blitz & #Giveaway ~ Werewolves of Chicago: Howard ~ Faleena Hopkins

Werewolves of Chicago: Howard:
New Release Sale and Kindle Fire Giveaway Blitz!

Not every wolf gets a cool name. some of them have to earn it. An action-packed tale of courage, love, good vs. evil, and leaps of faith. 

In the wake of taking down the Russian mafia, runt wolf Howard has finally come into his own. And now that he's falling for a blue-haired girl, he has to discover what it means to be powerful before facing the greatest challenge of all, his past. 

Bonus Content: the novel Werewolves of Chicago: Curragh is included in this Limited Release eBook Edition. Available in Kindle Unlimited or on sale for .99 during this blitz.

FROM THE BOOK

Who am I trying to kid? 

I slow down as I near the end.

"HOWARD!!" Xavier yells, pissed off. 

I grab onto the chain-link fence and bend over, panting and humiliated. "I can't." 

Draik mutters really quietly, "He can't do it," so I know I wasn't meant to hear it. And the thing is, had it been a couple months ago, I wouldn't have been able to. But I did hear it. And it makes me angry. 

He. Can't. Do. It. All my life I've been hearing that. My whole fucking life.

A heat launches into me. One I've not felt since that night at Kruglov's, and never before then. I don't have a name for it because it's foreign, but it feels like there is literal fire in my chest as a voice inside my guts says, I can and I will. 

The dirty fence clatters behind me as I push off from it, running with gaining speed. My hair starts to tingle, wind whipping though it. The exposed parts of my skin feel cold from the sudden sting of the chilled night air. My muscles come alive, burning and expanding like they're growing with every hit to the sidewalk even though my feet feel separate from me. I let go of my mind and allow my body to show
me what it can do. My arms pound back and forth, maintaining my balance. I start to make a sound I've never made. 

I hear Xavier say, "That's it," from a faraway place. "He's feeling it." 

I make it to the fence, whip around and race back in the other direction, pushing myself to cut however little time that took, in half. My chest feels like it's going to explode in volcanic ash. 

I'm pure energy. Possibility. I'm ALIVE. 

I run so fast that, unable to stop my velocity, I hit the fence with a loud SLAM. 

Falling in a heap on the ground, I begin to laugh. 

Draik and Xavier stroll up to loom over me, and I'm still laughing. They've got grins on their faces bigger than I've ever seen. 

"You found it," Xavier says.

I pant, "What? What did I find?" smiling wide. 

Draik tips his head up. "Courage."

  CLICK HERE TO BUY OR BORROW IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

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AN INTERESTING BIT ABOUT HOW THIS BOOK CAME ABOUT, by AUTHOR FALEENA HOPKINS

I've written seventeen novels, and six of them are about werewolves. In my books it's real life. The world does not know they exist. But they do. Never did I anticipate writing about a wolf named Howard. But there he was, showing up in Werewolves of Chicago: Curragh (also included in this one download for a limited time, since you really should read it first). Howard was then a scrawny wolf who just wanted to play with the big boys, and who they called upon for help since he's a doctor. Then from out of nowhere he did something so brave that he grew into the wolf he was always meant to be - one like them. All muscle and power. I never planned that. I don't plan plots and never know where a story is going or how it will end, when I begin it. After releasing Curragh's book, fans wanted to know more about this sweet, unassuming and courageous wolf, as did I. Werewolves of Chicago: Howard was born.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

"The first book I ever wrote I tied with yarn, illustrated with crayon, and sold to my parents for a buck. I was about five years old. Ever since, stories of love and redemption have always struck a cord in me." An actress and director, too, Faleena Hopkins currently lives in Atlanta, GA, where she loves the unpredictable weather patterns after having lived in LA for twenty years. "Last night a thunder storm, today 75 degrees, tomorrow snowflakes drifting in the night sky. Can't beat it." 

Learn more about her filmmaking career at: http://imdb.me/faleenahopkins

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