ARC Review: Infinite Betrayal by Robyn Mackenzie and Gayle Donnelly

 Infinite Betrayal

by Gayle Donnelly and Robyn Mackenzie
(Infinity # 1)

Mina Roarke is in mourning over the loss of her mother, her only family member. Having been brought up in the Pacific Northwest believing she had no one left but her friend Chloe she is distraught. When she finds letters written from her presumed dead father to her mother, she is stunned enough to travel to Germany to attempt to find something out about the man who took no part in her life. At Chloe's coaxing, Mina takes the journey. What she discovers on her travels rocks her very existence.

When Mathias, a very tall dark and sexy shifter of a race called the Coteri, is sent by Roderick, Mina's father and King of the secret shifter Coteri race, to protect her, sparks fly between the bodyguard and his charge. As Roderick's trusted General, Mathias is entrusted with protecting Mina with his own life if necessary, but protecting her means staying close to her and that proves dangerous. Aside from the Coteri being unknown to the human race, they have enemies, namely a former Coteri , Valencia and her demented son Luca, who belong to the Valta, the nemesis of the Coteri who's ultimate goal is to rule over humanity, not co-exist with it as the Coteri do.

Regardless of Coteri law forbidding a shifter to fraternize with humans, Mathias is so drawn to Mina he cannot help himself and one kiss has him ignite a fire deep inside She in turn is completely taken with him before she finds out about the Coteri and being a half breed herself. Mathias struggles with the budding relationship, knowing that his King would probably kill him for touching his daughter. Ultimately what the pair feel for each other creates fireworks and trouble taking the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotion. When Mina discovers the mystery of her birth she is confused and shaken. Will Mina comes to terms with the fact other races exist and she belongs to one? Will the dominant Mathias succeed in his quest to shelter Mina from the danger that is very much on her tail? Once again.. you're going to have to read to find out.

I loved INFINITE BETRAYAL! The creation of this shifter race by Gayle Donnelly and Robyn Mackenzie has shaken things up. I find myself imagining all the awesome tales to come from these amazing shifters. You feel the passion that Matthias and Mina have for each other, you become part of their world. The secondary characters only add to the drama with hunky shifters Talon and Tre, who pick on each other adding a bit of laughter and the super intelligent Isla who holds the Coteri history and knowledge dear. This story runs the gamut of emotions with the passion and desire to horror and disdain. I cannot wait for the second installment of this series hoping there are plans for several more! I highly recommend INFINITE BETRAYAL to all, it does not disappoint!

*ARC provided by author

 You can find more of Kimberly's reviews at Book Obsessed Chicks.

Review: Edge of Oblivion by J.T. Geissinger

Edge of Oblivion

by J.T. Geissinger

(Night Prowler # 2) 

The second installment in the Night Prowler series , J.T Geissinger has left me of the edge of my seat with this one. Ok so I love a good shifter book like many of you but PANTHERS...YES!! From the first page I was hooked, I read this book in two days, might have been one if I didn't have to work. I swear work gets in the way of my reading time LOL.

I love how Geissinger portrayed her shifters. Each shifter has his or her own unique talent. With just one touch Morgan can persuade anyone to do anything she tells them. Now Xanders talent is COOL, he can turn into vapor. Yes, that's right, vapor! And he can walk through solid objects.

Morgan Montgomery is awaiting her verdict. In the Ikati, an ancient tribe of shape-shifters, law states any member who betrays the pack is sentenced to death. With one chance to prove herself innocent to the tribe Morgan takes it.  If she can track down the headquarters of the Expurgari then she will be allowed to live. The only problem is the Expurgari have been hidden successfully for centuries. With the help of Xander Luna, the tribes most feared enforcer, if Morgan doesn't succeed Xander has to kill her. 

The chemistry between these two characters was HOT, from the first touch you could tell they were hooked on one another.

The secondary characters were interesting as well and I hope that we get to see more of them in the next book. I really enjoyed Edge of Oblivion and I would recommend this book to anyone looking for action, with lots of romance.

*Review copy provided by author

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC Review: Darkness Hunts by Keri Arthur

Darkness Hunts

(Dark Angels #4)

by Keri Arthur

In the fourth book of the Dark Angels series, Arthur takes a slightly different approach to the storyline. Yes, the keys are needed to make everything right in the world. However, there is a more pressing matter that Risa and Azriel have to attend to. On the astral plane, there is a killer who likes to play games. He claims that it is his duty to rid the world of its evil, so one by one, he is killing off women. To make things even more drastic is the fact that this killer has no face. On the astral plane, his features don’t exist, which makes it even more difficult for Risa to pin him down. Also, he aims to make this a game by contacting Risa and giving her enough incentive to go searching for these victims until their time is up. In a way, Risa is a pawn in a deadly game of chess. But never count Risa out. She has her eyes set on winning.

In the process, Uncle Rhoan is there to guide her and Azriel is there to protect her. But even then, sometimes Risa is too late. More and more people are dying and she is always one step away from saving them. Jak and Lucian have a considerable amount of page time in this book. Risa explores her relationships with both of them and for one of them, the ties are completely severed because of one act that dissolved her trust in him. You need to read the book to find out who and why.

It seems that Risa has chosen one of the guys to be with. Azriel and Risa have had this chemistry from the very beginning so it’s really no spoiler when I say that they have decided that this thing between them in different than what they have with others. However, it’s not all flowery things and happy endings yet. Arthur explores their relationship, both the ups and downs, in a way that keeps readers riveted to the pages. She teases you and coaxes a few smiles because of the sweetness of some scenes, but then there is also heartbreak and sadness as well. Risa and Azriel are learning how to be together. When one person is a celestial being while the other is flesh and bone, having a “normal” relationship has a slightly different meaning to them. With the way Arthur ends this book, she gives those romantic readers some hope that there is a chance to see something good come out of this relationship. But, as is the case with all relationships, it’s about the journey of getting to that happily-ever-after that is part of the ride as well.

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: Iced by Karen Marie Moning

Iced

(Fever #6)

by Karen Marie Moning 

If you haven’t read the first five books of the Fever series, I strongly suggest you reconsider starting with this book. It’s not a spin-off. ICED is book 6 of the series. The events of ICED occur after some events in SHADOWFEVER. In ICED, you will encounter spoilers that will spoil the first five books, so you’ve been warned.

Readers say goodbye to Mac and Barrons (for now) and are introduced to the World of the Mega. Dani O’Malley is her name and don’t you forget it! Since the walls came down, the streets of Dublin are littered with Fae and violence. This is just one of the trubs that Dani is faced with. Dani is juggling a myriad of problems: Her ex best friend, Mac, is out to seek retribution, the Unseelie princes are dead set on killing her and Inspector Jayne has taken her sword, the only protection and weapon she has against the Fae. Like it could get any worse? KMM adds another weight to the Mega’s shoulder. Mysterious happenings are appearing all over Dublin where people are dying as they are frozen in spot, like some creepy version of freeze tag. It’s up to Dani to save what’s left of her city before it becomes too late.

I had the same concerns that I’m sure everyone else had about Dani. She’s young. 14 years old. Where does KMM think she’s going to take this story? But not surprisingly, KMM does a remarkable job of writing Dani’s POV so that it stands out without being too loud or rambunctious. There are times when Dani freaks out like a normal teen. It happens usually when she’s angry or stressed out. But I would rather have a heroine who is reacts rather than just lets things fly over her. KMM straddles the line. ICED is definitely not YA and by no means should be the norm for a young teenage girl. But that’s the thing I think people need to remember. Dani isn’t your average teen. At 14, she has seen and experienced things that have carved her into who she is today. The events from her past make her into a mouthy, independent superhero who doesn’t take shit from anyone. And I love it!

While I was reading this book, someone asked me if I was OK with all the sex that happens in this book, considering how young Dani is. My answer is: Would it really make a huge difference if she was of legal age? I doubt it. KMM’s writing is infused with rich depictions of sex and passion. If she had toned that down simply because of Dani’s age, I think readers would be furious. And if she had made Dani older, we wouldn’t have gotten the true story that KMM planned for Dani. Moning’s writing tends to cause strong reader reaction. Controversy is conflict. Needless to say, sex keeps the series interesting. And Dani’s age doesn’t define her. She has already proven that she can keep her legs closed until she decides she is ready.

Ryodan is the new man of the hour and oh my, he can nod at me anytime! Sleek and sophisticated, Ryodan’s got everything he needs to knock Barrons off that Top Alpha spot! There is so much more to learn about the boss of Chester’s and I’m definitely willing to wait another year just to find out!

I think it’s too soon to decipher who Dani will have her HEA with. But Ryodan, Christian and Dancer are definitely not bad candidates. Naturally, Ryodan gets my vote. I’m already a complete puddle of goo for him. Christian would be a good fit too but with the way he is now, I doubt the story would take the simplest route. Christian already believes that he is in love with her. If Dani suddenly decides that the she wants him, where would the story go? Dancer is like home for Dani. When she is with Dancer, she isn’t Mega the super-fast, super-smart superhero who is going to save Dublin. She’s just Dani. I’m just glad that all three of them know not just how amazing she will be when she is older, but also appreciate who she is now.

ICED just may be my favorite book of the year. Terrifyingly addictive, Karen Marie Moning has ruined me for any other author or book out there. Introducing Dani to an audience who are so passionate about the series was a risk, yet Moning has proven time and again that she is one of the premier authors of Urban Fantasy. ICED is an absolute must read!

Favorite Quote:

"This ain't no fecking campfire and cuddle!"

I was thinking along the same lines as she was. Dani just says what I'm thinking.

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC review: Rescue My Heart by Jill Shalvis

Rescue My Heart

(Animal Magnetism #3)

by Jill Shalvis

Adam Connelly returns from a successful S&R where he is finally able to get some much needed rest. However, upon his return, Adam is bombarded by all the things that need to be done at the animal shelter that he and his brothers own. Exhausted from lack of sleep and in a bad mood because of injury he acquired, Adam pushes everyone who wants to help him back, telling others not to bother with him. He can handle himself. But when an unexpected visitor comes back from his past, Adam is caught off guard.

Holly, his teenage love, is in his room, asking for a very big favor. Her father has gone missing in the Bitterroot Mountains and there is only one person able to track him down. Unfortunately for Holly, Adam Connelly is the last person she wants to see again. Laying eyes on him could very well break her heart...again.

Jill Shalvis is having a stellar year! With her fantastic Lucky Harbor series, she is able to transfer readers into a whole new world. I used to say that her Lucky Harbor series was my favorite of her work, but with RESCUE MY HEART, she completely blew my mind. Adam is definitely my favorite of the Animal Magnetism series so far.

The thing about Adam is that he is content with himself. He never lets his true emotions show. He experiences some panic attacks that are normal for someone who has spent time in Afghanistan. Small triggers can set him off, causing him to spiral out uncontrollably. Yet he never asks for help. I loved his stoicism because Holly does a fantastic job of slowly chipping away at that icy exterior, revealing a man worthy of love underneath. Adam Connelly is hands down my favorite hero of the series so far.

Similarly, Holly was the perfect blend of cute and feisty. I loved her attitude towards life and that even though Adam pushed her away, she never let that deter her from what she truly wanted. Shalvis has a true talent of creating dialogue between characters that is sure to make you laugh out loud and warm your hearts. It takes a talented author to set a book in the icy mountains and still have warmth and love infused throughout. RESCUE MY HEART is filled to the brim with laughter and good times. It’s the perfect feel-good read!

But despite the humor and the lightness of the book, Shalvis is still able to bring substance to her books. She addresses real-life conditions that can burden a person’s life, yet she looks at it positively, bringing hope for the readers and the characters. With her words, Jill Shalvis is able to bring forth happiness with all of her books. RESCUE MY HEART is no exception. I love it!

*ARC provided by publisher

ARC Review: A Trace of Moonlight by Allison Pang

A Trace of Moonlight
(Abby Sinclair #3)
by Allison Pang

I have rated A Brush of Darkness and A Sliver of Shadow 5 stars and now another well deserved 5 stars for A Trace of Moonlight. Ms. Pang has kept me engaged with every twist and turn she had created for this installment. I found myself either covering my mouth with surprise and excitement, or clutching my chest with sorrow from the turn of events.

 This book takes off shortly after the A Sliver of Shadow had ended. Abby had sacrificed herself to save the ones she loves. Isn’t that always the case with her? She is a strong heroine but she seems to put herself on the line each time. Everything she does is for the “otherworld” or her friends or her lovers and never taking any for herself. The result of her sacrifice (this time around), left her with amnesia, separated from her world, gravely injured and married to Talivar. From book one, Abby just keeps getting her ass kicked and always left with heartache or unresolved issues. One thing is for sure, she may not be a kick ass heroine but a strong one indeed.

The love triangle between Abby, Brystion, and Talivar continues however, at the end of this book, it is clear whom she will pick. She may be torn between two lovers, love and lust them equally but her heart, and soul only belongs to one man. These kind of relationships are never easy and no one ever walks away unscathed. I really felt bad for Talivar. I feel like Abby was stringing Talivar along until Ion comes back. Poor guy, my heart ached for him. He loved Abby so much that he is willing to take what he can get no matter how little or much it hurts to see her with another. I’m glad Ms. Pang finally gave this disfigured Prince the long overdue and well deserved recognition.

I have been team Brystion from the start and I still am. He is super sexy, super talented, but he can be selfish and demanding. Now that he finally found love, he thinks he is undeserving of Abby’s love. Oh but he is dead wrong because love is not given because one deserves it, it is freely given because of what one feels for the other. And Abby feels deeply for him. No amnesia or even death can change that.

I am thrilled with how this book ended. Many issues were solved and some uncertainties were revealed. It is clear that Abby, Brystion and Talivar has grown and had began to accept what they are to each other and the world around them. The battle between the Seellie and Unseelie court seems to be ending. However, something tells me this is not the end of this world. Many avenues are left open for possibilities of a spin off or more installments to this series *crossing fingers*

 Ms. Pang has an amazingly vivid imagination and she has me invested in all her characters and the plot of this story. If you have not read the first two books, I highly suggest you do so. There is just so much that you would be robbing yourself of a good read.

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC Review: Dangerous Games by Jamie Brenner

Dangerous Games

by Jamie Brenner

(The Gin Lovers # 5)

This serial just keeps getting better and better.  Every new episode has me biting my nails and on the edge of my seat.  I can't wait to see how it's all going to turn out.

DANGEROUS GAMES, much like the last installment, was full of intrigue and revelations.  Things are moving full speed ahead and getting more tangled by the minute.

Jake Larkin might be going to jail, Mae might be marrying, and Charlotte...well, she's in the worst spot of them all right now.  Married and not able to trust her husband but with little choice on what to do about it.  Loving Jake and trying as best as she can to save him.

It almost brought me to tears and the writing was so well done that for the amount of time that it took me to read this, I was living in this world.  I think that's what I'm liking the most about it.  Other than the danger and mystery and overall sex appeal of the era this is set in, I love how the writing just flows and involves you, draws you in and holds your attention until you finish it.

Of course, then you are only just so much more anxious to get to the next installment to find out what happens next.  Great endings for each one!  Now bring on the last chapter!

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon