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

ARC Review: Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Deity

(Covenant 3)

by Jennifer Armentrout

DEITY is book three in the Covenant series and Armentrout saves all the heartbreak, all the drama, all the romance and the betrayal for this one book. As Alex’s birthday draws near, becoming the Apollyon is evitable. She continues to train with Seth and even as those sessions become hot and steamy, her heart still lies with someone else. Readers will be pleased to see that major advancements happen between Aiden and Alex. Though I wasn’t completely engrossed by those scenes, there is still no denying that Aiden and Alex do share something that is greater than Fate. I can’t wait to see how Armentrout further explores this.

However, Armentrout takes a different route in this book that completely blindsided me and I DID NOT LIKE IT ONE BIT! In previous reviews I have not so eloquently expressed my love for all things Seth and the route Armentrout takes in this book breaks my heart into tiny little pieces. Though a master at weaving scenes that will hook you right in, I found myself dragging my feet through some scenes because I couldn’t bear to find out what happens to Seth! However, this is not to say that I disliked the book. I loved it, but I think it’s always tough to read your favorite characters go through tough times. Armentrout puts her characters through the wringer and I am desperate to find out what happens on the other end.

I am keeping this review intentionally vague because I cannot bear to release a detail that may be considered to be spoilery to some. Instead, just be prepared for the wild ride that Ms. Armentrout will take you on. The events of this book will break your heart, but like Alex, you just have to keep your faith.

 I just realized that this is going to be the last Convenant book released this year. APOLLYON and SENTINEL will release in 2013. That leaves only Aiden’s novella, ELIXIR to be devoured. Oh how this series tortures me! With that ending, you can be sure I’ll be all over Seth – er, the book when it comes out!

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: Reversal by Cara McKenna

Reversal

(Curio #3)

by Cara McKenna

Cara McKenna takes readers back into the sensual world of Caroly and Didier. REVERSAL is written from Didier’s POV and it’s always my favorite place to be. Readers learn firsthand of his struggle with agoraphobia and experience the lingering effects that one terrible trip has caused him. But in the safe harbor of his home, Didier is slowly able to rein in his anxiety and panic to the point where he feels human again.

Caroly returns with more than just a smile and good faith in him. Whenever Didier sees Caroly, it’s as if a blanket of comfort is draped over him. He immediately feels more at peace. But Didier wants more and wishes to completely lose himself, to submerge into the fantasy that Caroly’s presence brings forth. This time Caroly resists, telling him that she doesn’t wish to become the means in which he hides from his problems. So together, they face his fears united and stronger than before.

REVERSAL is another agonizingly sweet love story for Caroly and Didier that delves deeper than before. McKenna first weaves an intricate web that Didier must find the strength within himself to escape from, then slowly unravels that to reveal a vulnerability that is striking and real. A story about unparalleled trust, inner strength and courage, McKenna simply shines with this series of vignettes.

*Review Copy 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

Review: Whisper Falls by Toni Blake

Whisper Falls

(Destiny #3)

by Toni Blake

For Tessa Sheridan, keeping afloat is her number one priority. With money tight and no means to really make more after her opportunity to be an interior designer fell through, Tessa is in a tight spot. However, the roaring sounds of Harleys next door manage to distract her from her financial problems just for a minute. There she finds not the typical boy-next-door, but the most notorious bad boy biker that has ever set foot in Destiny.

 After disappearing years ago, Lucky Romo is back and the people of Destiny are starting to take notice. Especially the sweet and shy Tessa Sheridan whom he remembers from high school. As he becomes Tessa’s first client, Lucky soon discovers that people are not always how they seem to be and that notion could not be more true if he applied it to himself.

WHISPER FALLS is a story about forgiveness and taking apart first impressions to simply get to know another person better. Appearances are not all that it seems in this book and Blake really captures the beauty of learning about someone in a way that is romantic and revealing, making for a perfect backdrop for a romance to bloom.

 One of the things I love about this series is that Blake often writes heroines who are at a crossroads. They need to make a decision in their life or they have somewhere they wish to reach in their life. I love this because it gives so much room for the heroines to grow. We see Tessa expand her horizons and let more people into her life. And I think the same goes for Lucky as well. He’s so good at keeping to himself but when he makes the conscious decision to be with Tessa, it’s truly a great thing to read about.

I’ve been enjoying this series immensely and feel that Blake is able to bring forth substance to her stories. There’s a life lesson in each of her books and if you’re not reading for the amazing characters or the smoking hot sex, then that’s another reason why you should try this series. A story with substance is never a thing that should be passed up.

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC Review: Midnight's Seduction by Donna Grant

Midnight's Seduction

(Dark Warriors #3)

by Donna Grant

Coveted greatly because of the fact that she is a Seer – a true rarity in the Druid world, many would do anything in order to have Saffron Fletcher in their possession. However, Camdyn MacKenna has had his nights on Saffron for some time now. His desire for her is barely leashed...

Saffron has recently got her life back. Three years ago, she suffered from a tragedy where true evil blinded her. Living life without sight became a setback for Saffron, yet she still remained strong and independent. Now, with the power of magic, the veil has been lifted from Saffron and she has gained her sight back. However, the world around her doesn’t look the way it did before. As she acclimates to these sudden changes, she notices that there is one Warrior that captures her eye.

Camdyn and Saffron are a great match for each other. Though I thought that the romance was slow to begin with, so much other stuff occurs that you hardly notice it. This is understandable because Camdyn isn’t a forceful suitor. He’s much more laid back, however, this desire for Saffron grows by the minute as he sees how much more beautiful and strong she is in times of dire need. As Saffron deals with her personal problems with her mother, Camdyn slowly gains her trust in a way that bloom wonderfully.

I have to say that Saffron has become one of my favorite heroines in this series. Danielle and Ian are my favorite couple, but Saffron and Camdyn are in second place. I just adore it when authors have a character, whether the hero or heroine, come back from a particular setback bigger and better than before. And Saffron’s transformation in this book is an amazing one. She really became the best thing about this book, and the fact that Camdyn is her support makes this book turn from good to great! As I said earlier, Grant makes some major leaps and bounds in MIDNIGHT’S SEDUCTION. This is definitely not a book to be missed. Everything that readers have been waiting for comes down to this one moment where the Warriors can truly prevail over Declan and Deirdre. However, will their plan backfire before it even begins?

MIDNIGHT’S SEDUCTION is another fantastic addition to the Dark Warrior series that melds sexy paranormal with a touch of historical making it a darkly magical tale to remember.

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon