ARC Review: Chaos Burning by Lauren Dane

Chaos Burning

by Lauren Dane

(Bound by Magick # 2)

Well, I've been waiting not so patiently for this book for a couple of reasons. First and foremost for the sexy-as-all-sin hero, Simon. He's Lycian, and yes I have a thing for Ms. Dane's shifters, but Lycians are not the same as her regular shifters (as in Cascadia and De La Vega) they are a bit more.

Simon is no different, he's a sexy and successful, very good looking guy, who happens to be part owner of Heart of Darkness, Dominic's club. He's also a bartender and lets face it...a man who can make a good martini before he asks me to jump in the hot tub is my kind of man.

When he is assigned the task of picking up Lark (strange, quirky witch warrior extraordinaire) they actually become great friends. This was my favorite part of the story. Their relationship developed slowly going from first friendship all the way to loving and mating, but it felt like it had solid roots.

Lark is a solid chick, she's independent, kick ass and a hunter. Yes she's also a powerful witch. No wilting flower. Simon understands that and doesn't over-protect.  So my favorite type of heroine and the perfect hero in my opinion for her.

In reference to the ongoing storyline of turned witches stealing power and there's a bit more to that story in this one, with maybe an ancient power coming into play, I feel there wasn't A LOT of forward progress in the overall story arc. I would've liked to see a bit more conflict maybe in regards to the world.

I do feel this book fell a bit short of my expectations just because I was expecting it to blow my socks off.  Even though Lark and Simon were sexy, there wasn't a lot of action (in any sense of the word), and somehow I expected more from them (I mean Simon is hot as hell and I wanted more of him ;). Still it was an interesting installment of this series, with the small cameo appearance of the enforcer of the Cascadia pack which is working with the Owen Clan for this one. I'd like to see more of those interactions in the future!  That was great!!

Can't wait to see what Ms. Dane has in store for us next.

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: Heart of Darkness by Lauren Dane

Heart of Darkness

by Lauren Dane

(Bound by Magick # 1)



I was so excited to get to this book!! Ahhh!!! I've been a fan of Lauren Dane's work for a while and I remember being introduced to the magical world that this book follows back with the Cascadia Wolves and De La Vega Cats series. Of course in those books, the Clans were the bad guys. So it was fun to see that world from their perspective now.

Meriel is a great heroine. She's next in line to rule Clan Owen, in the Seattle area. She's a powerful witch, even though she's young, she's smart, educated, has innovative ideas for the future of the Clan. Her mother has always been a bit tough, but Meriel is not resentful of this, she still loves and respects her mother and her authority.

Dominic on the other hand was raised outside of a Clan. He has very little knowledge about his own powers, other than some basic info and skills. But he is powerful all the same. And oh so sexy!

I have to mention that I recently read a post by Lauren Dane and saw that she pictures Emma Stone as Meriel and Michael Fassbender as Dominic. I can totally see him as the sleek, mysterious, sexy nightclub owner!





OK back to business. The story is suspenseful and full of hot naughtiness. Basically there's a group of mages that have been kidnapping witches and draining them of their powers, thus killing them. Kendra from Revelation was one of the witches this group tried to kidnap, of course she got away. Meriel as an integral part of Clan Owen is assigned to investigate this.

After meeting Dominic and realizing immediately he is her mate, sparks fly (and clothes do as well). Their connection is instant, hot, like bees to the honey. He wants to take things slow and she is willing to give him that space. But neither can deny their attraction and their love for each other.

With some surprises up ahead and some twists of fate for where their future together will take them, they manage to face the obstacles together. I think that was my favorite part of the story. Dominic is there for her, he doesn't do any asshole type things to push her away. He doesn't fight how he feels. And he is there to protect her.

Another part I loved was the connection between the Clan witches. Meriel's best friend, and sort of boss, Nell. She's a trip and I love them together. As well as Dominic and his buddy Simon. *cue massive drooling for the hot alpha were*

I've mentioned that this is basically a spin off of a spin off series, but don't be alarmed! You can jump in this book and enjoy it 100% without reading the previous books. The magick topics in them was not the main plot, and this is the first time everything was explained in detail. Also, along with the hotness and sexiness you can expect snarky comments, great personalities, and just the type of girl you'd want to hang out with. Ms. Dane is great at that! Now if only we could get Simon's book already! Simon will be book 2. He's a were, and he will be taken for a ride by Meriel's half sister, also a witch. I can't wait!

 



Purchase Links: Amazon