e_bookpushers

Joint review originally posted on The Book Pushers, see source link below.

Publisher: Berkley
Publish Date: Out now!
How we got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley

Two opponents must confront the cause of their obsessive fury in the latest Novel of the Elder Races…

As a harpy, Sentinel Aryal is accustomed to dealing with hate, but Sentinel Quentin Caeravorn manages to inspire in her a burning ire unlike anything she’s ever known. Aryal believes the new Sentinel to be a criminal, and vows to take him out as soon as the opportunity arises. But the harpy’s incessant wrath has pushed Quentin to the limit, and forces him to make a deadly vow of his own.

To put an end to the conflict, Dragos, Lord of the Wyr, sends them on a reconnaissance mission to the Elven land of Numenlaur. Forced to work together, Aryal and Quentin’s mutual antagonism escalates. Each fight draws forth more passion—culminating in an explosively sexual confrontation. But when their quest reveals real danger, Aryal and Quentin must resolve their differences in ways beyond the physical, before the entire Wyr is threatened.
This blurb came from the author’s website.

1. Thoughts on the Hero

MinnChica: Oh man… Quentin. I think he might be one of my new favorite heroes in this series. If course, I think I say that about every hero Harrison has written. But seriously, Quentin was so amazing. I loved that he wasn’t afraid to fight with Aryal, even pound on her in the beginning. To go from literally wanting to kill her, to falling head over hells not even a week later was so great. Watching as his opinion of her changed and morphed. How they opened up to one another and were able to see so much more, it was just such a special treat! Plus, Quentin was wholly devoted to Aryal, even before they started their mating process, and that just melted my heart!

E: Quentin, wow. I think he is up on my list with Dragos and Khalil for my favorite Harrison heroes. He was so complicated and has so many layers that I found discovering him fascinating. I also have to admit that ever since Harrison introduced him in Dragon Bound I have been curious about him. Like MinnChica, I loved how fierce he was, that he didn’t take crap from anyone and how truly calculating he could be. I got such a kick out of his plan to make Aryal disappear permanently without anyone blaming him. Yet, I also loved how deeply he cared and what he would do for those he cared about. Watching him soften and open up while retaining his deadly edge was a treat.

Has: I am also firmly entrenched in Quentin’s fan club, but I always felt he would be an intriguing and interesting character. Kinked certainly illustrated the multi-faceted aspects of his character, and I really enjoyed learning more about his past and life, especially his conflicting emotions about Aryal which were beyond entertaining and fun to see play out. Their chemistry was amazing and definitely provided a different dynamic from Thea Harrison’s previous books in this series.

2. Thoughts on the Heroine

MinnChica: I was a little hesitant about reading Aryal in the heroine spotlight. She was so hard and cold and unattached as a supportive character. I was worried that she would come across just as difficult as a leading lady. Boy was I wrong. As we got to see the way Aryal’s mind works, she shocked me with how loyal and devoted and filled with emotion she really was. I just about died laughing when she realized how wrong she was about Quentin, and how fast she was to get over it when she found out that he wasn’t out to hurt anyone she cared for. I just loved the fact that Aryal was able to really blossom as not only a heroine, but also a person for me.

E: I have also anticipated Aryal’s story since the beginning when she was so furious about what Pia did to catch Dragos’ attention. Her not really hidden opinion of Pia that was slowly changing. How devoted and single-minded she was towards Dragos. The fact that once she was pointed towards a target she never gave up made the work Harrison did to get me to believe in their relationship really impressive. I also loved her ferocity and her reaction when she finally got some information out of Quentin made me laugh so hard. As fascinating as I found her love for physical exertion I enjoyed seeing her softer side as well. There is a scene when Quentin is thinking as he watches Aryal as she was in her Wyr form and leapt into the sky that so perfectly captured my image of her. She was proud, confident, and comfortable with who she was without any thoughts about changing or confirming. I really enjoyed getting to know Aryal and seeing her come to some harsh realizations and decide to consciously spread her loyalty.

Has: While I love Aryal’s character because she brings out interesting reactions from other characters and I really like how she can ruffle some feathers of other characters which can be fun, I did have some trepidation about her having her own book. However, Thea Harrison really delivered in this book and especially on the romance, which showed Aryal’s hidden depths such as her vulnerability from her usual snarky and cynical attitude. It was fantastic to see her grow and develop especially when she had to face up that her suspicions about Quentin may have been wrong and learning that he can be loyal and steadfast which blew away her preconceptions about him.

3. Favorite Scene

MinnChica: I think I would have to pick the scene at the very end as my favorite. Without giving too much away, Aryal and Quentin have been through literal hell together, and Aryal is about to find out if one very important aspect of her life is changed forever. I loved the support the Quentin gives her throughout the couple weeks leading up to the pivotal moment. How dedicated he was to supporting her in any and every way possible. Then seeing the joy from them both as Aryal accomplishes her goal. It was beautiful. Plus, we got the best line from a book ever. “You really do poop sparkly rainbows.”

E: Ooh those were great scenes I agree. However, I think I am going for the scene when they talk about the possibility of mating and what it would mean from both sides. Aryal said some lines to Quentin which made me reach for tissues because what they meant and signified was so heartfelt I knew if she decided to take that step it would seem as if the world shifted on its axis.

Has: Oh, that scene when she tells Quentin what it means to be mated and what she needed from her mate and what she would give in return was just beautiful. I absolutely agree there was many scenes in this book which were memorable and stood out for me, but since E picked out my favourite one – I will have to go for my second favourite scene which had the big confrontation and sparring scene with Quentin and Aryal working out their differences. It broke a barrier between them and became a catalyst which kick-started their romance and it was so true to their characters. I think it also illustrated that Quentin who held so much inside could let loose and be himself with Aryal which is something he can never be with anyone else and it also shows they were a perfect match which is a theme for them and it is oh so fitting.

4. Dislike about book

MinnChica: I think for me, with the mainstream of BDSM, I was a little worried about what direction this book would take. Especially since the title is Kinked! While I tried to keep the faith early on, hoping that Harrison wouldn’t let me down, there were a few times I was desperately concerned that I wouldn’t like it. But, I was glad to see that both Quentin and Aryal stayed on a path that I was okay with, and didn’t venture into too kinky territory. 

E: I was also a little worried about this as well given the personalities of both Aryal and Quentin but I absolutely loved how Harrison handled the potential complication. Their discussions added some marvelous levity and acted as extended foreplay.

Has: I also had similar feelings about the BDSM aspects but I do think Thea Harrison painted it perfectly for them because it was so true to their characters, and I liked how the themes of control and letting go played out in the book. I think the weakest aspect of the book, was the villain, I wished there was more information about them because they seemed interesting but a lot of it was glossed over although it is more of a minor quibble.

5. Any other misc. thoughts along with grade

MinnChica: All in all I think this is one of my favorites in the Elder Races series. I adored getting to know both Aryal and Quentin better, especially as they opened up to each other and really let their fears and insecurities show. The romance was beautiful, although it was a horribly bumpy ride. The plot was fantastic, so imaginative and heartbreaking and wonderful. Harrison continues to impress me more and more with every book. I can’t wait until the next one!
I give Kinked an A.

E: So… there are some books that I can reread often and Kinked has certainly made the list. Watching Aryal and Quentin move from deadly enemies to so much more was wonderful. They had to fight not just for love but for the future of all of those they cared about. The fight scenes and the results of the final one really had me worried. I also enjoyed how Aryal and Quentin worked through their emotional issues. Besides their relationship, the threat they faced was a very real one that had some serious consequences. Harrison built on the actions that have occurred throughout the series to create a believable threat. I thought the way she pulled threads from the beginning and casual references that ended up being not so casual showed why she is an auto-buy. Harrison provided action, intensity, danger, love, fighting, character growth, magic, and wonderful continued world-building. I can’t wait for the next story set in this world!
I give Kinked an A+

Has: I was taken by surprise by how much I really enjoyed Kinked because it developed in an unexpected way. I loved their romance which was full of sparks and snark as well as real emotional depth that really developed their characters. The side plot was also full of fast-paced action that continued some of the on-going plot threads from the last book. Everything came together with a breathless climactic ending which had me on tenterhooks! Overall, Kinked was a fantastic installment that had one of the best romances in this series and I really hope we get to see more of Aryal and Quentin in the future because they’re firmly entrenched as one of my favourite couples!
I give Kinked an A

Review originally posted on The Book Pushers, see source link below.

Publisher: Penguin
Publish Date: Nov 5th
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley

In the Highlands of Scotland, plays for power are fought without rules, treachery and intrigue hold court, and, in one woman’s heart, danger stirs as relentlessly as passion…

Wrongfully accused of murder and left to die in a hellish Highland dungeon, Ana Bisset has lost all hope of freedom. But the beautiful healer’s luck takes an unexpected turn when a hooded stranger appears as her rescuer. After a harrowing escape, Ana settles alone in a quiet village where no one knows her past or her reputation. The last thing she ever expects is to meet her mysterious savior again…

Niall MacCurran is no hero, but a warrior on a dangerous mission to expose a threat to the realm. After his decision to free Ana, he now realizes that it is he who needs her help—willing or no—to advance his quest. But his growing feelings for the delicate yet resilient beauty soon jeopardize their safety—and not even Ana’s healing gifts may be enough to protect their love, or their lives.
This blurb came from the author’s website.

It has been a while since I read a historical romance so when the blurb for Taming a Wild Scott looked intriguing I decided to give it a try. While I enjoyed the overall idea, unfortunately I had some issues with the execution. I found I had a difficult time following some of the characters, action, and understanding the logic used by both the hero and heroine at different times. This story started off with a great hook–the heroine is dying in a pit, accused of murder, and the hero reluctantly adds her to his rescue mission but only goes far enough to get her out of the castle. He gives her a knife and some water then goes his separate way. This certainly made me curious.

Two months later, Niall spotted Ana in a village and decided to gain her assistance either willingly or through blackmail. The first thing that I found questionable was that they ended up in the same village months later. This struck me as almost a bit too much of a coincidence but I let that slide because I wanted to know what was so important as to result in blackmail. I also had hopes that the blackmail thread would vanish as the two got to know each other and their respective motivating factors.

The action in this story flashed between the village and local keep, a hideaway in the forest, and back by the original castle grounds where Ana had been imprisoned. Niall and his band of men decided to split into two separate groups, each focused on a different aspect of the overall problem. Half of them hid out near the village and the other half went back to the castle. Each time the story jumped from the local area back to the castle, I found myself distracted from what was supposed to be the primary action and main characters. While I understood events were happening simultaneously, equal emphasis was placed on them, which detracted from the romance. I might have had an easier time following the action if I was already familiar with the characters and their relationships with each other. Unfortunately the way I was introduced to them and how their connections were fleshed out seemed rather haphazard instead of deliberate. I think I would have preferred to have a shorter story that focused primarily on Ana and Niall, then a second story taking place during some of the same time that focused on the second group.

I also struggled with the relationship between Ana and Niall. Both of them continued to either cling to or use the original thread of blackmail throughout the majority of the story. As a result, I did not buy into their love for each other because it seemed too sudden instead of growing over time. I thought that each took unnecessary risks, done out of desperation maybe, but without considering the effects of their actions. Niall kept insisting that Ana do things to help him regardless of the fact that she was already under suspicion. I also had the impression, for most of the story that once he succeeded in his mission and she was no longer useful, he would just leave her as he did after the initial rescue. For Ana’s part, there was one particular scene when she decided to use her healing powers that I thought was incredibly stupid given the fact that twice her cottage had been the subject of an unannounced search that included any fresh wounds on Niall. In my mind, she was practically daring them to come and see evidence that something unusual was happening.

I enjoyed the overall idea and loved the opening chapter but Taming a Wild Scottdid not live up to its potential for me. I struggled with several of the key elements, including the romance between Ana and Niall, and as a result, I found it extremely difficult to suspend disbelief regarding other elements. The inclusion of a secondary storyline that received almost as much attention also took away from my awareness of the primary romance. I think the amount of world-building and back-story included in Taming a Wild Scott was at the cost of the actual relationship-building. I hope that the second book has a much smoother focused delivery.

I give Taming a Wild Scott a C-

Ahh I have missed Zoe Archer.  I am so glad I took the time to read this.  I loved the setting, the goals, the characters, the complexity inside the characters.  Archer has such a great way of phrasing/saying things and dragging me so deeply in the story that I don't notice the passage of time.  I am actually going to provide full reviews for her novella and the next novel for this series over on the blog in the next couple of months.  

But basically if you haven't read this yet... you need to :D

Ohh such a good story.  The stress between Eve, Roarke and Summerset.  Peabody and her staunch loyalty.  McNabb's introduction **giggle**.  I am really enjoying revisiting my old favorites.  

And I think my favorite lines were when Mavis scolded Summerset for doubting Eve *melt* and one of the arguments between Eve and Roarke.

"Okay, you tell me.  You keep looking me dead in the eye and you tell me you wouldn't have done the same if it was me in jeopardy."

"That's entirely different."

"Why?" Her chin came up and her finger jabbed hard into his chest. "Because you have a penis?"

He opened his mouth, a dozen vile and furious words searing his tongue.  It was the cool, utterly confident gleam in her eyes that stopped him.  He turned away and braced both fists on the desk.  "I don't care for the fact that you have a point."

Absolutely love this scene because Eve points out an inconsistency in his logic and as upset as he is, Roarke hears her and takes her point <3.

Review originally posted on The Bookpushers, see source link below.

Publisher: Seventh Star Press, LLC
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher

HARK! to the sounds of battle. Mighty men and women who take their destinies with the strength of their arm and the sharpness of their blades. These are tales of warriors, reavers, barbarians, and kings. Lands of wonder populated with monsters, black-hearted sorcerors of Stygian power, and heroes who have blood on their hands and on their steel. This is SWORD AND SORCERY.
This blurb came from Goodreads

As promised when I reviewed the second volume, Sorcery, last month here are my thoughts on the first volume. I was looking forward to seeing how this with the focus on Swords differed from the other with a focus on Sorcery since swords were also present. I was also wondering if any of these stories would continue to remind me of working my way through my father’s collection of books.

The Horde by G. Jerome Henson
Very interesting opening story. It showed the visionary results of a leader planning a long game or strategy instead of a short quick one. The central battle was at least 20 years in the making and reminded me of some historical circumstances that were also part of a long strategy.

Paper Demons by James Requard
Unlike the first story, which was pure war, this had some elements of sorcery and mysticism. I found the unexpected twists fascinating. Yet like the first story each side felt they were superior to the other so they failed to take them seriously.

The Wolf and The Crow by D. T. Neal
So far this is one of my favorites in this volume because it reminds me the most of raiding the grown-up bookshelf. Lone warrior standing up against the evil conqueror and attempting to rescue the fair maiden **grin**. Granted she wasn’t a weeping wailing thing looking for rescue but determined to face whatever came her way with strength which was another reminder of the Conan era stories. The women in those stories tended to use whatever they could to survive and make their own way and this was reminiscent of that drive.

Forest of Shadows by John F. Allen
This one seemed disjointed to me. I had a hard time following the action because of the jumping between flashbacks and present time. I found it more like a collection of scenes than a short story. I also felt the inclusion of a certain character was very random and came out of nowhere.

Emissary by Marcella Burnard
Enjoyable read with a strong heroine. I liked the added twists so things were not completely straightforward. I also enjoyed the inclusion of big cats and the need for judgment calls instead of just taking action. Burnard also included a subtle hint of romance.

The Dogs of War by David J. West
Oh the Crusades, for glory and honor and loot and…yet in this particular story the struggle was more for personal loyalty and honor. It was an internal struggle so I found it fascinating that protagonist, amidst all the talk of glory and loot, was more focused on other things. Not that he was altruistic but he didn’t have the same motivations as the others in the story.

The Red Hand by Alexis A. Hunter
Oh wow. What a story of betrayal, anger, sadness, and more betrayal. I think this one had a stronger sorcery thread than the others but began and ended with the sword.

Where the Red Blossoms Weep by James R. Tuck
Umm so I need to check out Tuck’s backlist. The combination of battlefield gore, honor, death, and evil all came together in a vivid short story. I also enjoyed the touch of “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” Or does that make my enemy my friend?

Thief of Souls by Loriane Parker
This was a lot of fun to read. Love, revenge, sword-fighting, stealth the perfect combination in a short story. I need to check out Parker’s backlist.

The Gnawed Bone by W. E. Wertenberger
This one reminded me of soldiers anywhere full of jokes, stories, sometimes crude, and always looking for a way to avoid the rules. Only in this case it slightly back-fired.

All the Lands, Nowhere a Home by Stephen Zimmer
Loved the strong warrior woman and how she didn’t tolerate certain things. I also enjoyed the berserker aspect but found myself feeling cheated a bit by the hints of physical attraction and no action.

The Witch of Rymal Pass by J.S. Veter
Sometimes it is better not to swear to the gods. Veter wrote a very interesting twist on murder and revenge.

Like most anthologies, I tend to find some stories I really enjoy and others don’t work quite as well for me. I thought as a whole, this group of stories tended to have some rather interesting twists so the tropes used remained fresh. Another thing I found fascinating was that fewer stories in Volume 1 reminded me of stories of yore than Volume 2. Of course that could be a result of my gravitating more towards stories that contained both swords and sorcery as I grew up. Overall I enjoyed this two volume collection and the change in scenery from what I have been reading lately.

I give Thunder on the Battlefield Volume 1: Swords a C

Joint review originally posted on The Bookpushers see source link below.

Publisher: Penguin
Publish Date: 29 Oct
How e got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley

Angels are falling from the sky in New York, struck down by a vicious, unknown force.



Vampires are dying impossibly of disease.



Guild hunter Elena Deveraux and the Archangel Raphael must discover the source of the wave of death before it engulfs their city and their people, leaving New York a ruin and Raphael’s Tower under siege by enemy archangels.



Yet even as they fight desperately to save the city, an even darker force is stirring, its chill eyes trained on New York…and on Raphael. Rivers of crimson and nightmares given flesh, the world will never again be the same…

Blurb came from the author’s website.

1. Thoughts on the Hero

MinnChica: It’s always great to see Raphael again. He is so cocky, so sure of himself, and so SO sexy. I love the way that he treats Elena, that he treasures her above all else, that he watches over her every chance he gets, and that he desperately wants to be the kind of man that is deserving of her love. Watching him struggle with the influx of power that comes with the cascade was a special treat, because I think it showcased just how much he loves and cares about Elena. It showed how willing he was to do anything and everything for her, to be deserving of her.

E: Oh Raphael! It is so wonderful to see how he changes and yet doesn’t change in certain areas. I think this story did a great job of highlighting just how different he is with Elena and a few other exceptions versus how he views other humans. Yes, some of his decisions seemed ruthless and caused a few ripples in his relationship with Elena but he wasn’t deliberately trying to hurt her. On several occasions he insisted on discussing whatever was bothering her because her being upset was not acceptable. Like MinnChica, I loved seeing him struggle with the influx power and make a decision against his instincts out of love for Elena. Raphael demonstrated so many different levels of commitment, care, and ruthless leadership as he struggled against unexpected or unprecedented events. Raphael is one of my favorite heroes to revisit over time.

MiscJoy: What’s not to love about Raphael and Elena? I enjoyed the focus on their character progression and the solidification of their love and unbreakable heartbond. I really liked how both Raphael and Elena accepted each other and even when they disagreed, never lost sight of who the other was at the core level. Raphael had to reconcile his instinctive response to protect Elena by accepting her Hunter-born abilities as well as her warrior spirit. He knew she would never stay on the sidelines so he made sure she had access to everything she needed to prepare for the coming battle and life as his consort. His actions showed her that he had faith in her abilities and respect for her position. That didn’t stop him from being the Archangel — he still had to make seemingly harsh decisions to keep his people safe. However, Elena’s humanity, compassion, humor and love made him a better man and subsequently, a better Archangel. I also liked his perceptiveness towards Elena and the emotional wounds she still carried from her childhood and relationship with her father. He wouldn’t allow Elena to fold into herself when she felt the pain of that trauma, just like Elena wouldn’t let him be consumed by the power influx. Each one made stronger because of their love.

Has: I so totally agree! I loved the growth that Raphael developed and portrayed in this book, with each installment. However I think in this one, Nalini Singh really shines a light on the themes of mortality and immortality and what it really means to be immortal. I have always loved the other-worldliness that the angels have because they’re so scary and intense and seeing Raphael changing to due to the cascade really emphasized that. But I LOVED that Elena is his touchstone and helped to balance him without losing his sense of humanity. And I definitely loved the fact that Nalini turned this into a strength instead of a vulnerability. It really illustrated that even though Raphael is more powerful he is an equal with Elena who is the only one who can offer that.

2. Thoughts on the Heroine

MinnChica: Elena is one of the best heroines Singh’s ever written. She is strong and fierce and a warrior through and through. At the same time, she’s also timid and scared and weary. I liked getting to see a little more detail about her father, and her hunter background. Having to watch Elena realize that there is more to her father than a bitter and angry man was both devastating and heart-warming at the same time. I hope that we get to see more develop with her family as the series continues. I really do adore everything about Elena, from the way she pushes back on Raphael, to her kind treatment of the other archangel’s concubines, I just think she is the best.

E: Elena is awesome! She is a fierce warrior with a caring heart. She still struggles blending her roles as Raphael’s Consort, a Hunter, an estranged daughter, an older sister, and a best friend. Each of those tugged at her during this book creating a complex mixture of emotions. This was separate from her dealing with whatever was attacking Vampires and Angels or this power that was trying to change her Raphael. She also fought to keep her friends safe but didn’t dismiss what they had to offer in the defense of their home. Add to that what she did for her younger sisters and discovered about her father took me on such an emotional roller-coaster ride. Yet throughout the story the essence of who Elena was from the very beginning continued to shine through. She is another of my favorite heroines to revisit.

Has: Even though so many changes happened to Raphael, I think this book was focused more on Elena because she was integral to so many characters in this book. The revelations about her past and the emotional fallout which made her face up to some hidden truths was fantastic. It was hard to read those scenes when she was experiencing her flashbacks especially about her mother and sisters deaths and most especially her father. I found those scenes were powerful and heart-wrenching. I especially loved the big confrontation with her father, and the conflict over her younger sister who is hunter-born also absorbing. The evolution that Elena has experienced throughout the series culminates in this book and I loved the new changes this brought to her and I can’t wait to see what happens next for her and Raphael and the people around her.

3. Favorite Scene

MinnChica: Choosing one scene from ANY Nalini Singh book is virtually impossible. However, I think for me I would have to say my favorite scene was at Caliane’s party, when Elena befriends Mele, the concubine of archangel Astaad. I loved that Elena was being herself, friendly and inviting. She admitted to her new friend that Mele blew away her perceptions of what a “concubine” was. When Raphael revealed to Elena that she made an ally and friend in the fellow archangel, I loved that Elena was truly shocked that angel politics would ostracize the woman. To me, it showed just how much Elena didn’t know about angel political BS, and how much she really hated all the little nuances to the political game. I love knowing that Raphael has someone by his side that will keep him kind, keep him honest, and keep him in the land of the living.

E: Since I can’t pick just one scene I am going to go with a particular theme that showcases Singh’s ability to keep track of every single thread and also highlights how Elena is becoming an integral part of the angelic structure. One of the young angels briefly introduced in Angel’s Blood was injured when he fell out of the sky. When Elena visited him, he asked if he could become part of her guard. She agreed but it took Raphael explaining that he wanted to be the equivalent of his Seven for her, one of her Guards, until she realized just how important his request was. This meant when she told him on her follow-up visit his request required extra training with Raphael’s Seven then he knew she was serious and gave him motivation to progress through his painful healing. A later conversation with one of Raphael’s Seven about the first person she wanted as a vampire Guard really honed in on Elena’s realization of how she was shaping her role as Consort. I absolutely loved those scenes because they told me that Elena with her growing immortality and still mostly human outlook on life was accepted and considered part of what was supposed to be not just an anomaly.

MiscJoy: Just one? That’s hard. I really can’t say there wasn’t a favorite among the whole book. However, there are two poignant moments within the story that stand out for me. The first is the gift that Raphael gave to Elena. Even in the midst of battle preparations, he took the time to give Elena a very thoughtful gift that would lift her spirits, bolster her courage and let her know she was loved. The gift itself and what was carved on it showed that Raphael paid close attention to Elena and that he could turn something she said in passing into such a powerful message. The second is when Elena realized the full breadth of her role as consort and what that meant to her people. When she said to herself “if [redacted] could smile through his agony, she’d damn well find the guts to be what he needed her to be,” I cheered. It encapsulated the essence of her character. Additionally, while not a single “scene” per se, I really loved the action and pace in this installment. It just flew from page one, every scene building up to a crescendo that just kept going. I loved every minute of it!

Has: Oh I have to agree what the others have said because there are so many favourite scenes, I can’t really list them all because it will be spoilery too. But I have to say the ending which is beyond epic in scope and kept me on tenterhooks. I think Nalini surpassed herself, with the action set pieces and tension which was built up beautifully. I also loved how the ending and the fallout over that promises that the next book is going to be even better with the twists and turns Nalini has introduced into the series.

4. Dislike about book

MinnChica: This book had a lot of time spent on action and war. While I enjoyed it immensely, I find myself wishing for more one on one time between the hero and heroine. There are so many different aspects to Elena and Raphael’s relationship, and I always enjoying seeing those dynamics explored more. When more time is spent on Raphael’s Seven (which, OMG, YAY!), the ongoing vampire sickness, and angel problems, we don’t get the extra time to focus on the romance. That being said, holy cow was the plot fast paced and on the ball!!

E: My only complaint is that it ended *grin*.

MiscJoy: My fellow Book Pushers will probably kick me out of the club for saying this, but holy moley! There is a LOT of smex in this book. I mean, so much smex, I totally lost count. Now, don’t get me wrong, Singh writes some really good smex and this book is certainly no exception. But I guess, for me, perhaps less is more as too much seems to diminish the overall impact. Of course, on the other hand, it does showcase just how much Raphael and Elena care for each other and obviously can’t keep their hands off of the other. I loved the intimate one-on-one time they spent together and would have liked more of that and a tad bit less smex. Now, pardon me as I duck for cover. ::prepares to be smacked upside the head::  BP NOTE: No reviewers were harmed during the formatting of this review.

Has: I am with E, I LOVED everything in it, the pace was perfect for me, it had action, character development and I definitely enjoyed the smexing which I didn’t think overpower the plot.

5. Any other misc. thoughts

MinnChica: All in all I am so glad to be back with Elena and Raphael, especially as they deal with the unknown of the power cascade and forming of alliances and enemies. I can’t wait to see what happens next, especially given the way this book ended with Raphael’s new army. I loved getting to see and learn more about the Seven, and am dying to know more about Aodhan!

I give Archangel’s Legion a B+.

E: I absolutely loved this book. All of the developments and connections with threads established from the very beginning tied all of the events to pass so far together. I loved the insights Elena received into some of Raphael’s most secretive members of his Seven. Of course this also raised several questions that I can’t wait to see how they are answered. It was lovely seeing Elena and Raphael together again and having them work through some relationship issues. I have found that Singh’s work is complex, moving, and full of nuanced detail which is why I pre-order everything that she writes. I can’t wait for the next installment.

I give Archangel’s Legion an A+.

MiscJoy: I admire Singh’s storytelling ability and how she creates such multi-dimensional characters and stays true to each character’s unique voice. Raphael is still an Archangel and Elena still a Guild Hunter. The secondary characters are just as strongly developed and integral to the storyline. The Guild Hunter series is not set in a peaceful world and Singh doesn’t pull any punches. The non-stop action pulls me in, the deep character profiles and emotional connections keep me grounded, and the intricate storyline keeps me wanting more. As with E, anything Singh writes is an auto-buy for me.

I give Archangel’s Legion an A+.

Has I think this was the best installment yet in this series, I was swept away into the story which was epic in scope but at the same time, there were major and minor developments in the story and characters. I really didn’t know how much Nalini managed to pack so much in but, I honestly felt breathless with the events especially the ending. I also adored how the romance and relationship between Raphael and Elena evolved in this book, which was solidly strengthened and like MiscJoy stated – many of their scenes were sizzling. I also loved how the emotional and psychological elements which added so much more depth to the characters and further expanded the on-going plot. Archangel’s Legion was an amazing and engrossing entry in Nalini Singh’s rich and vibrant world. I want a time machine so I can travel to the future to read what comes up next!

I give Archangel’s Legion an A+

Review originally posted on The Bookpushers, see source link below.

Publisher: Berkley
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley (replaced by print edition due to formatting issues)

After leaving a restrictive religious community, Rachel Hill is on a mission to divest herself of her virginity. Newly independent and struggling to establish herself, she’s not looking for anything complicated. She bids on sexy SWAT officer Ben Harris at a bachelor auction, confident he’ll give her the night of her life and nothing more.

But Ben is jaded and detached, living his life in an endless cycle of danger-fueled adrenaline jags, drinking, and sex. When he misses the fact that his bachelor auction hookup is a virgin, he’s shocked by his obliviousness, and by the risk she took. To make amends, Ben offers Rachel all he can: a no-strings-attached sexual education.
Ben’s lessons introduce Rachel to down and dirty passion, but she’s searching for something more profound than sex, and she’s willing to walk away to find it. Ben can’t get Rachel out of his head, but will he come to terms with his troubled past and learn to love?
This blurb came from the author’s website.

I was introduced to Calhoun a couple of years ago and since that introduction I have been looking for the magic I found to return. Not that the stories she told since then were bad, they just didn’t resonate for me on the same level. I was slightly worried about Uncommon Passion because of the trend of missing the magic by just a little bit. So, I was very pleased to be sucked completely into Ben and Rachel’s story. When I finished reading I wrote a quick comment about how this was the Calhoun story I had been looking for ever since I read Liberating Lacey.

Rachel was not your standard heroine. She grew up in a very sheltered, strict, restrictive almost cult-like community. With very little experience or knowledge about the outside world, she broke away and began her journey to find herself. Growing up, any sort of contact between members of the opposite sex occurred only after an arranged marriage so one of the things she wanted to experience was sex. However, she wanted sex without any strings so she had the freedom to hopefully enjoy it without worrying about the restrictions/expectations of a relationship. With that in mind at a local fundraiser she bid on a date with a man who had a reputation for skill with women and an aversion to relationships. She thought they would have a frank discussion, followed by sex, and then she could get on with building her life. The first two events went almost as she had planned but Ben decided to add a complication to the rest of her plan – no not a secret baby.

Ben was basically walking sex. He worked in a high stress job as a SWAT member who managed that stress through drinking and sex. While he didn’t want any emotional entanglements, he did make sure that his sexual partners enjoyed themselves. However, he wasn’t completely self-centered and when he found out that not only had he been drunk but Rachel had been a virgin, he insisted on making amends. His idea of making amends included not only showing Rachel what her first experience should have been like but also broadening her horizons to a variety of different methods to give and receive sexual pleasure. They agreed to meet once a week for a few hours but there was no discussion of transitioning to a relationship.

Yet, with each successive planned or random encounter they started to learn more about each other beyond the physical. Ben found himself wanting to do and actually doing “date-like” things with Rachel. Rachel found herself relaxing and enjoying Ben’s company for more than the physical pleasure. Their growing awareness did not occur smoothly or without cost. Rachel found herself second-guessing her words and actions as she tried to make sure she wasn’t hinting at expectations beyond their agreement. At times Ben would deliberately say or do something that would have driven away most women who did not have Rachel’s background just to emphasize that what they had was NOT a relationship. When she failed to react the way he expected, he would remember that she meant exactly what she said and didn’t play games. They managed to get past most of those bumps but the time came when Ben finally managed to cross the line. I absolutely loved how Rachel made him see the light.

I loved their interaction and journey. Calhoun certainly has a skill in writing extremely hot sexy-times and Uncommon Passion had its fair share. In addition to Rachel learning about sex both, Rachel and Ben went through an emotional journey. Rachel continued to learn to stand up for herself, how to feel, acknowledge and express her feelings, and yet retain a sense of innocence free from calculation. Ben learned there was a lot more to life than adrenaline, sex, and alcohol as he dropped the walls between his emotions and the rest of the world. They both discovered what it meant to have friends who would encourage, stand up for or to each other when needed. Rachel’s transformation was more obvious than Ben’s but Ben’s growth was equally as important.

Calhoun sucked me into Rachel and Ben’s life from the opening pages and I don’t remember coming up to breathe. As I said in the beginning of this review, inUncommon Passion I think Calhoun has returned to what I found so magical when I first started reading her. I really hope she is able to continue to provide that something special in future books. This is one that will be staying on my keeper shelf.
I give Uncommon Passion an A+

Joint review originally posted on The Bookpushers see source link below.

Publisher: Penguin InterMix
Publish Date: Out Now
How we got this book: NetGalley

Audrey Petty’s always been the responsible one. The good twin.  Successful, dependable, and trustworthy–that’s Audrey. She’d be the perfect girlfriend for her childhood crush, billionaire Cade Archer…except that she’s pretty sure she’s not even on his radar. But when fate (and her chaotic twin) come together, Audrey finds out that she’ll be spending the next month with Cade at his remote cabin retreat. It’s a dream come true…

Until she meets her worst nightmare.

Billionaire playboy Reese Durham is used to seducing women to get what he wants. But when stiff, too-proper Audrey bursts into the private mountain lodge and scares his companion out the door, it’s time for a little revenge. It’s clear that Audrey’s in love with his buddy, Cade…and it’s clear to Reese that blackmailing Audrey with this information can get her to agree to just about anything. Like furtive kisses in the dark, or a secret rendezvous in the woods. Audrey may think she knows what she wants, but Reese is determined to show her what she needs.

And as Reese discovers the volatile minx behind the buttoned-up exterior, he starts to think maybe she’s just what he needs, too.
*Blurb from Goodreads*

Thoughts on the Hero

MinnChica: Reese, the playboy. Always has a smile on his face, always able to charm the pants off the ladies, and unable to crack the nut that is Audrey. I enjoyed the carefree attitude that Reese had throughout the story, it’s always fun to read about heroes that are not only strong and alpha in the bedroom, but can have a lot of fun out of it. He was so quick to smile and tease, and loved that he was able to bring out the fun and playful side of Audrey that was so often suppressed.

E: Oh Reese, he was such a cad at first. His only interest in women was what they could do for him sexually and/or for his business interests. Outside of that, they really didn’t matter. Growing up with nothing, he disguised his ruthless nature and drive to get what he wanted with his charm, smile, and ability to make people laugh. It also hid his insecurities about his less than privileged background and fears that he would never be as successful as his friends. When he initially started interacting with Audrey it was from a combination of annoyance and I think boredom but then he realized exactly how much she kept bottled up inside. It was effortless for him to provoke her into showing the other aspects of her personality and that teasing transformed into flirtation and foreplay. I loved how he demonstrated that inside was a really caring man who refused to let Audrey stay inside her bland shell.

Has: I bloody adored Reese! I found his character to be really charismatic and vivid and I loved that he was unashamedly roguish without falling into the arsey territory. I love, love, love heroes who has the rogue gene and Reese was a pure delight!
I loved how he managed to unsettle Audrey and bring out her hidden self, by niggling her. It made their scenes together dynamic and sparkling with sexual tension as well as just being plain fun! I also liked how Audrey affected Reese by making him face his own mistakes and presumptions and managed to help to influence him in making some decisions which wasn’t reckless or morally dubious. I loved how they helped to centre each other and by the end of the book they both grew as characters and developed due to their interactions with each other.

Thoughts on the Heroine

MinnChica – I really enjoyed Audrey in the last book, and was anxious to read her story. I think this is the first time ever where I went into a book absolutely loving a heroine, and ended up getting a tad bit annoyed with her throughout the story. Audrey isn’t shy or secretive to Reese about her crush on Cade, but I thought it went a little too far. For someone who claimed to be “in love” with one man, why on earth would she be doing all the things she did with Reese? I had a hard time believing in their courtship because of Audrey’s inability to face the facts not only about her feelings, but about almost everything in her life. I wanted to love Audrey, but unfortunately she just didn’t win me over at all.

E: I was about the exact opposite. I really disliked Audrey at the end of the last book and if I recall correctly, I said that Clare had some work to do to make me like her again. I thought her behavior in Beauty and the Billionaire in terms of what she enabled and condoned was unacceptable so I went into this one with some serious doubts. The flashback to her childhood did explain a lot of what Audrey did and her mindset but I still needed her to draw the line with her twin sister and hold to it because otherwise I thought she would never progress into someone who had a complete life. Based on her mixed up feelings and childhood I could understand why it seemed like there were two Audreys. One who had a total crush on Cade something a good twin would do and one who was attracted to and liked Reese something a bad twin would do. However, as I continued reading I felt more sympathetic towards Audrey and when she admitted to herself that maybe she needed to start letting more of herself out I started liking her again. I decided that Clare had completed Audrey’s redemption, at least for me, when she did draw a line and held it.

Has: I definitely agree! I liked Audrey’s character, but I agree about the longstanding crush she had on Cade, which she didn’t manage to say to anything all these years which I felt wasn’t that realistic. This especially felt jarring for me when the transition of her feelings for Cade were weak and quickly embarked on an affair with Reese. However I do think in a lot of ways, Audrey uses the good twin and bad twin dichotomy as a way to guard herself from falling into the same mistakes Daphne made. I think Reese saw through her true self and while Audrey likes being cool and organised, tempered with self control, deep down she’s more impulsive and wild. Reese when he riled her, triggered that her more wild side and I did love the aftermath when that happened because when she let go, it made her character so much more interesting.

Favorite Scene

MinnChica: I think my favorite scene would have to be one where Audrey and Daphne seem to finally be getting on some common ground. Daphne seems to really be trying to stay sober, and think about the other people in her life for a change. They talk about Audrey’s feelings about Reese and Cade, about Daphne’s selfish behavior, and how she really does want to change for her sister. Although things have to get worse before they get better for these two, it really showcased just how much the twins cared about one another.

E: I agree with MinnChica about that scene being critical but I have another scene that is my favorite. Reese was aware that Audrey was upset about something (intentionally vague to avoid spoilers) so he tracked her down and just held her until she released the strict control she had over her emotions and let them out. He didn’t make a single demand or insist that she tell him what was going on, he just let her know that she didn’t have to be the strong one around him. My heart was already breaking for Audrey and when this happened I completely believed in their relationship.

Has: There were many scenes I loved in this book, and I agree with the two scenes above as being highlights. But I have to go with one in the middle of the book when Reese dares Audrey to make her move to admit her feelings to Cade. If she didn’t do it by the end of the day they would have to skinny dip with each other. This scene was the start of the push and pull of their relationship as well as the basis of their romance. I really loved how they would challenge each other, and in doing so it provided a real balance between them because they both centred each other and it really showed by the end of the story.

Dislike about book

MinnChica: Like I said before, I had a really hard time connecting with Audrey, which led me to be a bit skeptical about her romance with Reese. I believed 100% that Reese was in it for all the right reasons, but Audrey’s motivations were so muddled, so unclear that their romance suffered a bit for me. I would have liked Audrey to come to the realization about her true feelings much sooner than she actually did.

E: The only thing that I had an issue with in this story was that compared to the other characters, Cade didn’t seem to grow or change any. This could have been because the other characters changed so much his was too subtle to really make an impact.

Has: I agree about the issue with Cade who I felt didn’t really shine for me and was more of a plot device for Audrey’s issue as well as a catalyst to drive her towards Reese. And even though it is hinted that Cade and Daphne may be a couple in an upcoming book, I think I may not be looking forward to his story as much as the others.

Misc. thoughts & grade

MinnChica: All in all I did end up liking this book, as Reese really made it all worthwhile for me. I loved his carefree attitude and fun outlook on life. Plus, Reese was such a dirty dog, always able to coax out the wildest and sexual side of Audrey. I hope we’ll get to see the rest of the Billionaires get their story, especially Cade!
I give The Wrong Billionaire’s Bed a B

E: Despite my trepidations before I started reading I was completely sucked into this story. The way Clare turned Aubrey around for me. Reese’s change in focus about what was really important and how to achieve his goals. The humor and sexytimes between Clare and Reese provided a great contrast to the seriousness of what brought them together. I enjoyed watching the growth in several of the characters as painful as it was for them to achieve. I think Clare tackled several challenging issues and while creating the path to the HEA, she did not cheapen the struggle required to change a lifetime of patterns. Really looking forward to more of Clare’s Billionaire stories.
I give The Wrong Billionaire’s Bed an A-

Has: This is the best book yet for me in the series. I adored the banter and snark between Audrey and Reese and their romance was just fun and sexy and I was engrossed with each page turn. I also agree about the darker issues with Daphne’s drug addiction was dealt well and realistically. But The Wrong Billionaire’s Bedwas a fantastic installment, with engaging and sexy characters and a wonderful and memorable romance. Psst it also has the best hot-tub smexxxing evah!
I give The Wrong Billionaire’s Bed an A!

Joint review originally posted on The Bookpushers, see source link below.

Publisher: Penguin InterMix
Publish Date: Out Now
How we got this book: NetGalley

Jessica Sweet thought going away to college would finally make her free of her parents’ constant judgments and insistence she play chastity club role model for their church events, but if anything, the freedom has made her realize she can’t go home and be a hypocrite anymore. Tired of dodging their questions, she stays at school over the summer and lands in an unexpected crash pad: Riley Mann’s house.

Sarcastic, cocky, and full of opinions, Riley is also sexy personified with tattoos and biceps earned from working as a roofer all day. Not the right guy for her even if Jessica was looking for a relationship, which she is definitely not. But Jessica knows that Riley hides the burden of having to raise his younger brothers behind that grin and as she helps him get his house in order for a custody hearing, they begin to fall hard for each other, and she is forced to question what she’s hiding herself.

Jessica has never had a problem getting naked with a guy, but when it comes to showing Riley how she truly feels inside, her fear of rejection may just ruin the best thing—the best guy—to ever happen to her…

*Blurb from Goodreads*

1. Thoughts on the Hero

MinnChica: Oh Riley, I have been waiting patiently for you, and you were absolutely NOT what I expected. I was thinking Riley was going to be this totally alpha, take-no-prisoners in bed kind of guy, and yet he surprised me by how sensitive and sweet he was. I thought for sure he and Jessica would spend a lot of this book getting naked and doing wicked things to each other, and yet it was Riley who was constantly holding back. He was the one who wanted to wait, to get to know Jessica better, to form a deeper connection emotionally before physically. And you know what, I loved him for it. That outlook on his relationship just endeared him to me that much more, and I was so glad to see them wait to make love. I think it made their relationship even more sturdy, deeper.

Lou: Riley was quite a surprise in terms of heroes in romance. He could be disgusting at times in his comments and behaviour but he was also caring and very sweet towards Jessica. They were so alike in behaviour that they were made for each other. But I had issues with Riley, and thought he was an ass at times with his jealousy towards the other guys Jessica had slept with in the past. He was quick to anger but he was also very quick to apologise afterwards and was sincere. But I only warmed up to Riley towards the second half of Sweet because his sweet nature came out in force.

E: Well unlike the other ladies who are participating in this review, Sweet was my introduction to McCarthy’s New Adult (NA) books so I didn’t have any previous expectations for Riley. I have to admit that I had some seriously mixed feelings about him. Initially he seemed like the annoying older brother who really wished his brothers’ friends would grow up and become more responsible but at the same time wasn’t mean enough to leave them hanging. Then once Jessica was around him all the time it was like a switch flipped and he became quite the ass. It didn’t seem to matter what Jessica said or did he found something wrong with it. Gradually over time and as he realized that she really did care about other people and want to help he let other aspects of his personality show. One thing I didn’t like about him throughout the entire story was his temper and how it seemed to manifest whenever he was forced to acknowledge that Jessica did have a sexual life before he entered the picture. However, he had some great redeeming qualities which I will address later in this review.

2. Thoughts on the Heroine

MinnChica: I was excited to learn more about Jessica, especially given the way I was a little unsure about her in the first book. I loved her. Given her backstory with her overbearing religious parents, I could totally see why she reacted the way she did once she got a little freedom. I loved that she was trying so hard to be a bad girl, when she was really just a good girl at heart. I loved the way she had to deal with the insecurities of a relationship with Riley that wasn’t physical, especially since it made her so uncomfortable, made her really take a good hard look at the woman she was becoming. It added such a strong dimension to her character. I absolutely love Jessica after reading this book.

Lou: Like Riley, it took me a while to warm up to Jessica. She whined. A lot. And she could also be very stupid when it came to guys. Between her and Riley acting like idiots in the first half, I nearly DNF but I trusted my bookpusher gals when they told me to keep on pushing ahead. I’m glad I did because I really liked Jessica in the second half when she took a good look at her behaviour and realised she was harming herself in pushing any emotions aside. She took quite the journey with ups and downs, but she did grow as a character. Jessica could be abrupt, rude but she was so loyal to her friends.

E: Like Lou I struggled with Jessica as well. Thankfully I knew that MinnChica had already finished and she didn’t hint at any serious issues so I continued to read. She initially struck me as shallow and uncaring but when I learned about her parents and saw what she tried to help Riley and his brothers accomplish she showed more depth. I started to like her as a character but she reverted a few times and her behavior made me want to reach through my kindle and give her a good shake. Thankfully after about the midway point it seemed like she started to realize that her rebellion was really only hurting herself. She had to decide what she was going to do with her life and with the surprising new opportunity she had. I was certainly rooting for her relationship with Riley to work out as the book progressed because they were both making a positive impact on each other.

3. Favorite Scene

MinnChica: Oh man…. picking just one is so hard! I think for me it would have to be when Riley and Jessica paint the kitchen together. It was one of the first moments when they dropped all pretenses and were just friends. They joked and laughed, they worked, they shared some of themselves, and they ended up having fun in the process. It was one of the moments when the hero and heroine realize just how good of friends they are, with or without the sex. I loved it.

Lou: I think my favourite scene was when Jessica was shitfaced drunk, and she realised that by being the complete opposite to what her parents had tried to mould her to be, she was harming herself in the long run. I loved how she embraced her sexuality and stood against the double standards between men and women when it came to sex. I also loved how she tried to make a better home for the Mann brothers.

E: I liked both of the scenes mentioned above but I think my favorite scene was one that I didn’t enjoy reading but it marked a real turning point in this book. It is the scene when Riley and Jessica get into a large argument regarding her past sexual life. To me this scene openly exposed the double standard about men and women regarding their sexual experience. Jessica’s reaction to Riley’s comments made it clear that what he said and thought was unacceptable. That in turn made Riley pause and think about his words and their underlying meaning, then he groveled. While this scene was very uncomfortable to read, it rang true and really signified the point when Riley started seeing beyond his fears for his family and Jessica started seeing that maybe there was more to life than drinking and sex.

4. Dislike about book

MinnChica: I’m kinda scared of the next book in the series, because of one of the things that happened with Jessica’s friend Robin. I have a feeling that the next book is going to be a “trigger” book for me, and one that isn’t going to sit well. Being that this book foreshadowed it a bit, I wasn’t a huge fan of those parts.

Lou: I really disliked a scene in the book where Jessica asks Riley is he pierced down below like Tyler. That chapter and how Jessica and Riley behaved towards each other is what made me nearly DNF. They came across as incredibly immature and I thought Jessica was dumb to think that Riley would be happy to learn that she had slept with his brother in the past. Riley’s reaction towards Jessica was so out of order that I wanted to hit him over the head.

I do hope that the next book does move on from the drinking and partying scene because I felt that this book concentrated a lot on those aspects and not enough on the emotional side of things with Riley and Jessica. I also felt the romance between Riley and Jessica developed pretty quickly and towards the beginning it didn’t feel genuine. I’m also worried about the next book because what Robin did goes against the girlfriend code.

I did think there was some privilege on show in this book that made me uncomfortable. The Mann brothers live in an area that is stricken down with poverty. Yet each character, other than Tyler and Riley, are made out to be poorly dressed, sloven, and pretty much lowlives. There was one scene on the bus where two young men were menacing and made a nuisance of themselves to Jessica. I got uncomfortable because the rest of the people in the neighbourhood weren’t shined upon in a positive light. I would have love to have seen characters from the neighbourhood to not be a potential threat. I know not everyone gets a chance to live in a nice neighbourhood but this seemed a little overkill for me. I don’t know if the author was aware of this while she was writing this book but it lowered the grade for me.

E: Like MinnChica I am worried about the next book. I also think it will contain some triggery items. Also like Lou it seemed as if the individuals outside of Jessica’s girlfriends and the Mann brothers were designed to be unlikeable. They seemed rather two dimensional and while that served as a foil it also detracted from the book because they were not fleshed out. It was really hard to believe that out of the entire community only a handful of people were decent.

5. Any other misc. thoughts along with grade

MinnChica: One thing that I think is really important to note is that this book had a vastly different tone than the first in the series. They were both really well done, but they also felt like totally different stories, that should be in different series, that happen to follow the same characters. When I put the book down I was almost shocked at just how different it was from True. But I found that it didn’t really color my like or dislike of the book at all.

All in all I thought Sweet was a wonderful second book to the True Believers series. I love the characters that McCarthy has created, and can’t wait to find out more about the mysterious Phoenix, our next True-cousin hero. I thought Jessica and Riley had a perfect romance, and hope we get to see more of them in books to come.
I give Sweet a B+

Lou: I agree with MinnChica. This book had a completely different tone and style to True. I didn’t like Sweet as much as True because I think Jessica and Riley’s romance sprang into existence so quickly without any build-up tension. But I really enjoyed the second part where Jessica learns a lot about herself, and the romance with Riley was very sweet. There were funny moments, and I’m so glad we saw the Mann family again and how Jessica learned to find herself a place in this very brotherly family. I also really disliked the privilege on show when it comes to poor people.

I give Sweet a C

E: This was an interesting read. I absolutely loved how Riley decided that he wanted to be not one of many but the one that Jessica remembered and stayed with. His extreme patience when it came to their sexual relationship was very touching and sweet. I also liked how they both grew up and relaxed into who they were. I thought Riley really proved who he was when he went with Jessica to her parents house instead of letting her go by herself and face whatever they had to say. I did have some issues as I mentioned earlier with the first half of the book and the main characters but once I got past that point it became enjoyable. I am think the relationship in the next book will be a good one but I think the issues they will have to face will be extremely painful for me to read.
I give Sweet a C+/B-

Publisher: Berkley Intermix
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley

J-Bar ranch foreman Malloy pretty much keeps to himself—slinking around the edges of everybody else like an old coyote, doing his job and staying private. That is until Crispin Carrasco shows up.

Lean, muscular, and with a motor mouth that won’t quit, Crispin sparks something in Malloy—something the foreman didn’t know was there. But how does a lone coyote approach the warmth of a fire?

And more important, what would happen if that fire burned?
This blurb came from the author’s website.

I have a weakness for the lone cowboy, probably as a result of voraciously reading westerns so when I read the blurb for this book I was curious. This was my first Z. A. Maxfield but I had heard good things about her writing before so I decided to give My Cowboy Heart a try. I didn’t really go into this with expectations as to how the story would go beyond the blurb so I was pleasantly surprised at how many layers Maxfield included in this story beyond Malloy and Crispin’s relationship.

Malloy had a special relationship with the owners of the J-Bar. After a very rough early childhood, he grew up on the farm as an older foster child who ended up becoming the ranch foreman. Mr. Jenkins, his wife and two daughters were the first good thing to happen to Malloy and they remained a constant fixture in his life. Because of his childhood Malloy never opened up to anyone outside the Jenkins family and even with them he kept them at a slight distance. As a result, he never developed a relationship outside of paying a woman for casual sex to scratch an itch. He even remained distant from the other two hands on the J-Bar Ranch. Then came Crispin, who seemed not to know the meaning of distance or silence.

Crispin was a shock to the ranch. He was young, energetic, had a huge soft spot for animals, and enjoyed taking care of people. He also managed to make all of the hands believe he was gay from his initial introduction. This ended up causing all sorts of issues but not exactly for the reasons you might imagine. I won’t spoil that part because the discovery is something that happens later in the book in bits and pieces for a reason. Yet for all of Crispin’s joy in life he had darkness in his past and was a lot stronger than anyone would have guessed.

I found My Cowboy Heart both enjoyable and touching. At certain points I had to pause and look around to make sure no one noticed I was struggling to hold onto my composure. Public transportation is not the place to need a tissue to dab your eyes. Crispin and Malloy didn’t have a smooth transition to friendship and then to lovers. It was a rather bumpy rollercoaster of a ride. Crispin made some assumptions about Malloy and then reacted harshly when he found out he was wrong. Malloy was bumbling and somewhat resisting his way though his first of many things. I loved the conversation he had with his doctor as he tried to figure things out. And then the conversation between Malloy and Mr. Jenkins later in the story **cue heart melt.**

As Malloy and Crispin were trying to find their way, the atmosphere with the other two hands remained tense and sometimes almost explosive. I have to admit that I wish Malloy would have confronted them on a couple of different occasions but given what happened when he did and his own taciturn nature I mostly understood his actions. But when the chips were down Malloy did everything that needed doing regardless of the consequences or his own personal feelings. Given that, it was fascinating to see the roles that he and Crispin filled in their relationship.

I enjoyed Malloy’s journey as he learned who he was and that he belonged. I didn’t see as much growth in Crispin but I think he did manage to exorcise some of his inner demons and he also matured when it came to commitment. I let out a little cheer when they decided to disregard the potential negative thoughts and opinions of others and instead focus on being openly happy together. I have decided that while My Cowboy Heart was my first Maxfield, it won’t be my last. I am looking forward to the sequel and reading her backlist.

I give My Cowboy Heart a B+

Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: 17 Sep
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher

Some memories are better off lost in the mist…

Eight months ago, British academic Paul Ansell lost his lover—and all the memories of their time together—in an accident at Iceland’s Gullfoss Falls. Returning to the misty island country to resume his study of the bloodthirsty Viking Egil Skallagrimsson is tough as he struggles to pull his life back together.

First, there’s his colleague, Mags, who treats him like glass, and summer student Alex, who peppers him with discomforting questions. Then there’s Icelandic jet-boat driver Viggo, a tattooed, modern-day Viking who won’t say much about how they know each other. Leaving Paul to wonder if their volcanic attraction is fuelled by a desire to make a fresh start, or desperation to forget the past.

As more fragments of his lost memories fall into place, Paul is unsure if he can trust himself, much less anyone around him. And he begins to suspect his accident was nothing of the kind.
Warning: Contains a modern-day Viking whose boat has V8 engines for oars, and a harsh land of hot springs and hotter passions that won’t forgive any false steps.
This blurb came from the author’s website.

I am sitting here sending a collective scowl to all of the people I know who enjoy reading m/m because they have failed in their pushing duties. Not one of them pushed J.L. Merrow on me and I am sorely disappointed in their lack of consideration. Fall hard is my first but not my last Merrow story. I picked this one up for two reasons. First, I had a vague memory of seeing Merrow’s name mentioned before in a positive context and second, I thought the blurb was rather intriguing. It mentioned Vikings, Iceland, amnesia, death under mysterious circumstances, and two men somehow linked to the forgotten past. I found this story intriguing, slightly creepy in places, and an enjoyable read overall.

Paul was lost. He was still recovering from some hideous injuries but had not regained about eight months of memory which included the events leading to his injuries. He was told that he and his lover fell off Gullfoss Falls and while Paul survived, Sven did not. But because of his lost memory he was not experiencing the grief or guilt that he thought he should. His return back to Iceland was as much for resuming his job and research as it was to try and regain his lost memory. Things didn’t exactly end up the way he expected.

I liked Paul and felt for him all at the same time. He had to deal with pitying looks from those who knew he lost his lover followed by speculative questions/looks because he wasn’t behaving as expected. People would also come up to him and start talking with a familiarity, which meant they had interacted before but Paul did not have a single reference point. Some things seemed like they were associated with his past but again without a reference he was left floundering. Paul’s inability to trust his brain meant that he was sometimes spooked by nothing and other times decided not to follow up on things that should have been questionable because he thought his brain was playing tricks on him. I am not really going to discuss the romance aspect other than to say that I enjoyed it because it is so closely linked to the secrets hidden in Paul’s mind about his past. I think Merrow did a great job interweaving it into the overall storyline.

The supporting cast was also interesting. Mags, his co-worker, wavered between playing mother/caretaker to friend to throwing him into situations with another man who appeared to be interested. She was also very reluctant to speak ill of the dead so while she had insight and history to share she was very careful about what she actually said. She seemed to care about Paul and wanted him to heal but at the same time she also liked the changes in his attitude. In a way, Mags represented the “normal” because she wanted her friend/co-worker back.

The two men certainly seemed to have more on their minds than just striking up or reestablishing a friendship/relationship with Paul. Alex posed a complication, half the time he appeared to be flirting or giving a hard come-on to Paul and the other half he seemed to be either messing with Paul’s head or maneuvering him into situations when the two of them were alone. For quite a while I thought Alex had something to do with the fall and was back to finish the job so every time he was alone with Paul I was concerned. I also didn’t like Alex because he seemed to ignore social niceties and continue to pressure Paul about spending time together even when Paul would make polite excuses. Viggo was another contradiction. He appeared to have a lot of familiarity with Paul, an almost intimate previous relationship but he remained relatively closed-lipped unless Paul questioned him directly. Even then his answers were as simple and non-revealing as possible but they in turn raised more questions in my mind.

I mentioned in the beginning that I found some aspects of Fall Hard a bit creepy. I lost about 24-48 hours of memory from a concussion and I know the sense of disconnect I felt afterwards so extrapolating that to cover all aspects of life for eight months and then going back to an environment and people I didn’t remember but remembered me was scary. I certainly had a lot of empathy for Paul and admired how he refused to stay in the safer areas of England. Watching Paul work his way through rebuilding his life complete with frustration, guilt, annoyance, suspicion, and some fear kept me captivated. I enjoyed the complex characters and the combination of vividness and starkness of the Iceland she described. I am hoping to find that same captivation when I explore Merrow’s backlist.

I give Fall Hard a B+/A-

Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the author

It’s more than chemistry, more than love: it’s electric.

Remy Davis does her best to live in the now, never sure when she’ll be forced to run again. She loves her work at Buchanan Investigations—there’s no better place for a woman with her special talent for controlling electricity—but she knows better than to let down her guard. And then everything changes when a man from her past, the man she never stopped loving, reappears in her life.

J.D. never thought he’d see the girl he’d once loved, the woman he thought had betrayed him. The chemistry he and Remy once felt is as strong as ever. Old wounds need time to heal, but time is running out on second chances.

A villain bent on returning them to his twisted experiments has resurfaced. But this time J.D. won’t let Remy face the madman alone: he’ll harness every ounce of his abilities to rescue the one woman who turns electric in his arms.

PRODUCT WARNINGS
There are misunderstandings, angst, and love lost and regained. Sparks fly when two special people with extraordinary abilities overcome science gone awry and some freakishly villainous bad guys.
This blurb came from the author’s website.

**potential trigger warning – sadistic guard and evidence of violence and torture**

I have to apologize to Marie Harte. She provided me with this book a few months ago and I lost track of it during my real life complications. I am so sorry for the delay. I am glad that I spotted it when I was going back through my emails. Harte has written in several of romance’s subgenres and I tend to enjoy her writing. Several of her paranormal series stem from scientific experiments either gone wrong or gone too right with the subjects facing elimination or future experimentation from someone who wants to go beyond what is acceptable. In this particular case, there are two different companies, known for quietly solving problems, extensive security, and employing those who have a bit extra. While competitors, the two companies had different limits on the sorts of jobs they tend to undertake. One company tends stick within US laws while the other just doesn’t leave any evidence behind that they went around the laws. Each tried to get a leg up on the other by hacking into their systems to gain access to records kept on individuals, corporations, or other things of interest. The previous book ended up forging a connection between the two companies, but they continued trying gain an advantage over the other.

Remy and J.D. had a shared past full of nightmares, guilt, and young love. They were both subjects of her uncle’s torture and experimentation as he tried to perfect the idea of a human battery. Not just a battery that could store energy and power other things but could also transfer their energy to another storage facility for later use. His original lab was destroyed in a suspicious fire that left both J.D. and Remy almost dead. That night was the last time the two of them had ever seen each other. Over the ensuring years, after healing and doing what was needed for survival they separately managed to find a relatively stable job while keeping their power concealed. Each ended up as an IT expert for one of the two companies.

Then came a request for protection from a wealthy man who had a few financial ties to an individual who seemed to be Remy’s uncle. In order to bring him down for good and not risk him ensnaring any other people who had paranormal gifts, Remy and J.D. needed to work together. Their first meeting was an explosive one, literally as they were set up by their respective companies without any forewarning. As they were forced into closer and closer contact it became evident that the sparks would always fly, it was just a question of how far were they willing to trust each other.

I enjoyed several things about this story but I also had a few problems with it. I loved the interaction between the guys of the two rival companies. Between the telepathy, the precognition, the ability to send an electric shock, and psychometry, it was very difficult to keep a thought or a feeling hidden. The business discussions and negotiations always made me grin. I also enjoyed the teasing and taunting between the guys.

On the other hand, I had a very hard time buying into the insta-lust between Remy and J.D. Going from J.D.’s extreme reaction when he first saw her and basically tried to kill her to an intense sexual encounter the next time they were in the same physical location gave me whiplash. His back and forth continued a few more times until another person verified that Remy was telling him the truth. I also had an issue with how he decided to assuage his guilt and let Remy “apologize” for her actions through another sexual encounter. It was almost as if in his mind sex cured all. I also had an issue with Remy, she seemed a mostly passive character when it came to her relationship with J.D. She was always reacting to something he did or something he said and continually apologizing for her methods in saving his life. She didn’t have a problem standing up to anyone else, including her uncle and his henchmen, so her behavior around J.D. struck me as awkward. As much as she did to protect him, I thought that J.D. needed to prove he was worth her sacrifice instead of the other way around.

Love in Electric Blue had its ups and downs for me. I had a hard time buying into the romance and wished Remy and J.D. spent more time re-learning each other before jumping into sexy times. I did really like the final confrontation when they were forced to trust each other and to trust their co-workers. The slightest amount of doubt and everything would have been lost. The male bonding rituals were also amusing but they served to highlight just how isolated Remy was compared to J.D. I certainly enjoyed seeing the bad guys get what was coming to them especially a certain individual who took pleasure in the pain and misery of the unwilling volunteers. While I found a satisfying ending, I was disappointed by the emotional set-up and interaction outside of the sexy times between Remy and J.D. I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the guys get dragged into love kicking and screaming I just hope I get to see more of the emotional connection in future installments.

I give Love in Electric Blue a C+

Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher

There’s more than one way to guard a body.

In the year since his car flew off a cliff, Detective Brennan McGuire has struggled to relearn the simplest tasks—like speaking without a stutter—and even more with trying to fill the gaping holes in his memory.

But when his daily visit to a local coffee shop turns into a melee of flying bullets, Brennan’s instincts take control.

So much for Keegan Monroe’s first day off after a long undercover assignment. One minute he’s relaxing over coffee, the next his cheek is kissing concrete. Question is, is the gorgeous man on top of him his savior, or the one who took a potshot at his head?

As Keegan shepherds the too-quiet, too-skinny Brennan through the investigation, attraction flares into nights of white-hot passion. But with each scorching encounter, more and more of Brennan’s memories shake loose…and it becomes clear someone doesn’t want him putting those pieces together.

With Keegan’s oath to protect and serve putting him squarely in the crosshairs of a murderer, now the question is, who is protecting whom?

Product Warnings
This book contains a good amount of stuttering, forgetting, remembering, danger, hot man love (cop style), and hordes of cuddly kittens.
This blurb came from Goodreads.

I decided to try McKenna’s writing when I read the blurb for this book. It looked so very different from the usual amnesia romance that I couldn’t resist. Burdencertainly proved to be different, no secret baby or prior relationship, but plenty of secrets. Keegan has lived a secret life for the past few years while working as an undercover police officer. The case was wrapped-up and arrests made so he had a chance to relax and catch up on life while he waited for the trials. He was enjoying coffee and conversation with his best friend when he found himself tackled to the ground by a very attractive stranger, hearing gunshots. Brennan was on his daily trek to the coffee shop, where he would struggle trying to order his coffee and pay without collapsing or fleeing in panic. While Brennan might not make his brain work the way he wanted, his cop instincts still existed so when he caught sight of a man aiming a weapon at a fellow customer he reacted and tackled the man to get him out of the line of fire. In the ensuing chaos, Brennan found himself cuffed and awaiting interrogation.

I thought that McKenna did a great job of portraying how circumstances, tension, and a hostile environment could be a challenge for anyone. Add in someone who knows what they should be saying and doing but they can’t and it had to be a living nightmare. I felt so bad for Brennan who did the right thing but couldn’t explain why. Even after his situation was explained, I could tell that Brennan still felt ashamed and that he was useless. Yet, on the drive back to his place, it again seemed as if his instincts were still sharp, he just couldn’t reason or think anything through. I found that dichotomy fascinating.

I also liked how McKenna flipped between Keegan and Brennan’s points of view so I could see the combination of attraction, puzzlement, curiosity, and frustration that they shared in common. I enjoyed watching the attraction grow between them even though a few pieces seemed a bit unfinished. For example, Brennan made a statement to the effect that he isn’t usually submissive so I was expecting one of their sexual encounters to have a more dominate Brennan. I was really looking forward to that scene because I wanted to see how that was going to play out with his mental and sometimes physical struggles. Unfortunately, that scene never materialized.

The suspense aspect of the story while initially strong became predictable towards the end of the story. The uncertainty about the actual target was or if both men were targeted for separate things did help. However, I figured out one of the bad guys was rather early on in the story which was slightly disappointing, I just didn’t know what his motivation was. McKenna did include an interesting twist when it came to the bad guys but overall I thought the suspense was the weakest aspect.

Burden was an enjoyable read with some flaws. I thought Brennan’s struggles to regain himself and his memory were the strongest aspect followed by his relationship with Keegan and than the suspense. I enjoyed Keegan’s best friend and wished I could have seen their interaction more because he seemed like a grounding influence. Given the description of his wife, I also wanted to see her reaction to Brennan. I loved Brennan’s Aunt Caroline and the four vicious kitties. While those were all enjoyable I did wish things had been fleshed out a bit more for Brennan’s character and that I could see some character growth in Keegan besides his attraction to Brennan.

I give Burden a C+/B-

Publisher: Berkley Intermix
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley

After spending another family wedding fielding questions about her non-existent love life, Kelsey Noble decides she’s tired of waiting around for things she could go out and get herself. What Kelsey wants is a baby, and she doesn’t see any point waiting for a husband she’s not even sure she wants. But a mix-up at the fertility clinic lands her with a hassle she didn’t count on. A big, muscular hassle in a Stetson and cowboy boots.

Cole Mitchell is shocked to discover that a grand gesture from years past has come back to haunt him. Now, thanks to a clerical error, a woman he’s never met is having his baby—and there’s no way he’s going to walk away and forget he has a child.

Trying to make nice with the unexpected father of her baby lands Kelsey in Silver Creek, Oregon, dealing with the kind of small town life she left behind years ago. Even worse is dealing with the burning attraction she feels for Cole. She knows adding sex to the mix is a very bad idea, but she’s not sure how long she can resist falling for the last man she ever expected…
This blurb came from the author’s website.

After reading and enjoying, Unbuttoned, the initial novella in Yates’ Silver Creek series I knew that I wanted more. So I made sure to grab a copy ofUnexpected when I saw that it was available. The only thing that connected the two stories was that they were both set in Silver Creek even though Unexpectedspent more time outside the town than inside. I also thought that some of the issues addressed in this story, while still serious and touching, were significantly different than ones I have seen in other small town romances. I found the twists that Yates used in the tropes she selected fascinating and certainly a way to continue to keep my interest.

Kelsey wanted a family of her own so she underwent artificial insemination without telling anyone in her family or her best friend. During the early stages of pregnancy when she was having serious issues keeping, any food down there was a knock at her door and she met the father of her unborn child. I really enjoyed Kelsey because she had issues and knew it but she also went after what she wanted in life. She wasn’t content to conform to what her family expected as much as she would have preferred to openly receive their approval. I also liked her because even though the donor was never supposed to find out, once he did she was open-minded and fair enough to take the time to both get to know him and to mutually decide on his involvement. She really didn’t have to do that so her decision made me like her that much more.

Cole, the poor tough guy. He really was having a series of rough years that seemed to culminate with the discovery that his banked sperm had been used instead of stored. I am not exactly sure why, and I don’t think he really knew why, he decided to meet the recipient and future mother of his biological child. I enjoyed how he insisted that he had some sort of responsibility and wasn’t quite sure to what degree but he wanted to find out. I thought his gesture of inviting Kelsey out to his family’s ranch as a guest so they could start to get to know each other and work through how they were going to handle parenting and to what extent was pretty incredible. Even more so given it wasn’t his intention to ever have a child, let alone with someone he didn’t know. Cole tried so hard to do the right thing and live up to his ideal even after he became forcibly disillusioned about that same ideal. He had a very hard time expressing his feelings or even admitting that he had feelings because of the multitude of severe disappointments in his life yet it was evident that he was both a nurturer and a protector as much as he tried to deny it. He was so much fun to get to know.

I really enjoyed not just the interactions between Kelsey and Cole as their romance slowly grew as they became more familiar with each other and with the situation but also the supporting cast and their interactions. Cole’s family dynamic, Kelsey’s best friend and her “thing” with Cole’s employee, and their cross interaction provided a great sense of completeness to the setting and characters. I also thought the stark contrast between the atmosphere and interaction on the ranch compared to the interaction with Kelsey’s family was a deft touch that emphasized how different she felt from the rest of her family. I also enjoyed the arguments because they signified an emotional investment and an attempt to change things, not just a misunderstanding that could have been solved through communication. Both Kelsey and Cole had to make some changes in their point of view with the help of tough love from those they trusted before a HEA looked feasible.

Unexpected provided me with some food for thought along with an enjoyable romance. As I mentioned earlier I really appreciated the twists that Yates took with her particular tropes because her story stayed fresh while I was reading. I also want to thank Yates for not taking what looked like the easy way during a particular scene but forcing the two characters to continue to grow and develop. That technique certainly increased my overall enjoyment. I have high hopes that she will provide a story for several of the characters that I met in this installment because the depth and complexity they showed as supporting characters really made me curious about the rest of their stories.

I give Unexpected a B+

Publisher: Pocket

Publish Date: September 24th

How we got this book: Edelweiss

 

A WOMAN OUT FOR BLOOD
Nicole Martin was only eight years old when the vampire slaves rose up in rebellion and killed her family. Now she devotes her life to finding a vaccine against vampirism, hoping to wipe out her memories—along with every bloodsucker on the planet. But there’s one thing she cannot destroy: her searing, undeniable attraction for the one man she should hate and fear the most . . .

A VAMPIRE OUT FOR REVENGE
A member of the renegade vampire MoonBound Clan, Riker is haunted by demons of his own. When he recognizes Nicole and remembers how her family enslaved his loved ones, his heart burns for vengeance. But when he kidnaps Nicole and holds her in a secret lair, his mortal enemy becomes his soul obsession, his greatest temptation, and, perhaps, his only salvation—a hot-blooded lover who could heal him with her touch . . . or bury him forever.
*Blurb from Goodreads*

MinnChica: Ever since I picked up my first Ione book, I’ve been hooked. I’ll admit I was a little leery about the new vampire series (because I’m just a little burnt out on vampires), but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved this book. I picked it up after I put the baby to bed, and found myself shutting down my eReader at 1 in the morning. The characters were so engaging, the world was so unique, and the romance was tumultuous, to say the least! I can’t wait for more in this series!

E: I have been addicted to reading about vampires since elementary school or junior high. I was attracted to the danger, the menace, the air of the forbidden, the subtle or overt sensuality, extra senses coming into play during “critical moments”, paranormal powers, and I could keep going but lately vampires appear watered down, missing their umph. I still have my favorite authors whose vampires still inspire the combination of fear and attraction but I have become increasingly wary of trying new ones out of disappointment. I have read her Demonica/Lords of Deliverance series and really enjoyed the spin she placed on demons, shifters, angels and the like so when I found out that she was starting a new series and that it involved vampires I had to give it a try. I am so glad that I did because Ione brought back everything that was missing and then some! I was so engrossed in the story that anyone who wanted my attention had to physically touch me because I didn’t hear or see anything that was going on around me. I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2.

Has: When I heard that Larissa Ione has started a new PNR series featuring vampires, I was very intrigued. I think she’s one of the best authors who writes in the genre and like E I was feeling a bit tired on Vampires. But I loved the rich and gritty tone of the Demonica series, I knew BOUND BY NIGHT would hopefully live to my expectations and it certainly did!
The setting and premise behind the vampire mythos that Larissa Ione created was different and fresh and I loved how she set up a world where vampires were enslaved due to their abilities by humans. I felt this brought a fresh take to the mythos and I really liked how that was developed throughout the book, especially how it tied in with Native American mythology.

MinnChica: I absolutely adored Riker. He was strong and sexy and yet totally vulnerable at the same time. Dealing with the guilt surrounding his mate’s death was so wonderful to see, especially as Nicole had to deal with some of the same issues. I loved the way they started as enemies, that they were hesitant around each other, and gradually started a friendship, a partnership, and then so much more. The romance was absolutely brilliant, and the characters fabulous. Plus, Ione knocked it out of the park with the secondary characters. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!

E: Riker was a lot of fun. His thoughts, memories, guilt, and how he punished himself for years was very intriguing. I also liked how Nicole had her thoughts, memories, guilt, and fear of him personally not to mention as a species to deal with. Their interactions together were never quiet and peaceful yet each had a reluctance to permanently damage the other. I loved the scenes when Nicole decided to step up and either take what she wanted or to make a stand once and for all. One of my favorites was the “Thank you” scene. Like MinnChica I enjoyed the secondary characters as well. Not only am I looking forward to the next book but I really want Myne’s story. He was such an ass in the beginning but by the end of the book I was cheering for him.

Has: Oh man that scene *fans self* it was definitely up there in my favourite scenes in the book! I also really liked Riker, he stood out for me as a hero and I liked he didn’t have the hole element in the alphahole. Even though he was on opposing sides with Nicole, who was human and the company that she owned was responsible for the enslavement and torture of the vampire race – Riker never became unlikeable or overbearing when he interacted with her. And I liked how loyal and protective towards his clan but still hung-up over the death of his mate. It was a nice twist on the tables with Nicole who chases him and I really liked the scenes when she unapologetic seduces him and is open with her sexuality. That was so refreshing!

Nicole also really surprised me because I thought she would be more passive in dealing with the aftermath of her abduction. But I loved how defiant and smart she became especially when she learned of the truth of her family’s involvement with the company and its secret experimentation towards the vampires. She never fell into the TSTL pitfalls or being too whiny with the fate she ends up with. She focuses on the things she could change especially when she learns how badly the vampires are faring due to humans and helps them with her scientific background.

One of my favourite scenes in the book, is when she took charge in the lab where they were torturing the captured vampires and surprised Riker who let her lead. It cemented the romance for me because even though it was early days in their relationship, but I liked how Riker admired Nicole which helped to overcome his suspicious feelings about her and her past. Although I do think they fell in love a bit too quickly, their sexual and emotional chemistry was sizzling and vivid! And their love scenes – and I have to salute Larissa Ione over the Thank You scene was very very memorable!

MinnChica: All in all I thought this was such a wonderful and fabulous new series by Ione. I loved the world, the different take on vampires, and the cast of characters are so vibrant, that I can’t wait to read more. While I love all the Demonica books, I think this new series may have surpassed it in my mind. The world building is so fun and unique and I’m anxious to see how the clan resolves all their ongoing issues. The romance was so well done, each and every character was one I fell in love with even more, and I think I’ve found a new series that I’m going to be chomping at the bit to get!
I give Bound by Night an A

E: I really enjoyed reading Bound by Night. Ione’s vampires had their share of suitable evilness, menacing ability, and sexuality yet they also had a caring side. I also enjoyed how the humans were portrayed from the vampire perspective. Both sides had some preconceived notions about the other which were in turn reinforced by behavior on both sides. As mentioned earlier I enjoyed the interaction between not just Nicole and Riker but also between the secondary characters. Ione has created a very fascinating world and characters that I am excited to continue exploring.
I give Bound by Night an A.

Has: The supporting characters were also vibrant and colourful, such Myne and Hunter, as well as the eerie and scary leader of the ShadowSpawn clan who gave me the chills. The world that Larissa Ione was gritty and dark, and I loved the idea of the enslaved vampires and the conflict it brings when they try to break free from their enslavement. But the rich characters and mythology especially on the origins of the vampires made this a fantastic start to the series. I was left wanting more especially towards the end which promises to be a fun followup with Hunter, the leader of the vampire clan as the main lead.

Bound by Night for me was a great start for a brand new series. I felt that Larissa Ione’s take on vampires in this book, was different and added a new twist to the genre. But it had her trademarks of fast paced action, memorable characters, sexy chemistry and rich world-building. This is a new winner of a series for me!

I give Bound by Night a B+

Publisher: Seventh Star Press
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher

I vividly recall making my way through my father’s collection of de Camp, Burroughs, Howard, and Moorcock. I found myself fascinated by the fights, the life and death struggle, the importance of keeping your word, the value of revenge or justice, and of course the spoils of war. As a result when I was given the opportunity to review Thunder on the Battlefield whose forward says it was inspired by some of those same authors I had to say yes. I decided to start with Volume Two because a key element of each story is Sorcery which with a little stretch could apply to Science Fiction/Fantasy. Each of these stories also has a person or people doing incredible things for love, ok so it might not be love for a significant other like romance usually included but love nonetheless. Therefore, if you follow my mildly twisted logic this does fit in with our SFR Month. Volume One with the central theme of Swords will be reviewed next month.

NEGOTIATION by Jeffe Kennedy
This was unexpected. I found the choices the heroine made fascinating and logical given the options that were open to her. This was certainly an example of playing the long game instead of reaching for a quick short victory. I am super curious to see if/how she will get around one of the stipulations and the results. I think I need to check out this series because it looks like it contains some very interesting aspects.

THE FOURTH RULE by Alex Hughes
Ooh the price of command, trust, stubbornness, errors in judgment, and how fickle the willingness to follow through hard times really is. This was a short very poignant story and I think it is a good thing the heroine is determined because she has a rough path ahead of her.

THE RUINS OF ST. LOUIS by Selah Janel
Very fascinating world and adventure. Again, there was betrayal but there was also comradeship and adventure. I really enjoyed the twist at the beginning and the sense of hope as well as forbidden romance that was threaded throughout this novella. I need to find out if Janel has written more in this world with these characters because this really caught my attention.

MARK OF THE WARRIOR Steven Grassie
Sometimes it is the battle we fight on our own that means the most. The hero’s sacrifice will never be known to those he sacrificed for but he knew why and that is what matters sometimes. A very touching story.

ANGELS OF SCRAWL by James R. Tuck
And now I completely understand why one of our other reviewers enjoys Tuck’s writing. This novella really did take me back to the days when I first found several of the authors that Tuck mentions in his forward. I enjoyed the twists and the strength of family.

THE CHERUBIAN, THE LINDWORM, AND THE PORTAL by M.B. Weston
A very interesting look at a perspective of how humanity is protected from outside evil. In this particular case it was without betrayal but still involved the pain of command and sacrifice for something other than self. In this particular case I do wish I knew more about this particular world before jumping into the battle. It took me a while to figure out that some of the main characters were angels and not people fighting.

GRINDING THE GEARS by Brady Allen
This one also reminded me of the Conan stories but it was written more like someone recounting the story of a legend that then merged into the actual event complete with the hero’s thoughts/feelings. As a result, I had a hard time believing in the altruism of the hero. I really wanted to know what was it in for him.

BLACK ICE by S.H. Roddey
Very interesting. Once again we have a heroine and sidekick battling against terrible odds to try to save her people even though she never quite fit the role they wanted her to take. She had a lot of trust and faith in her sidekick even though she was blatantly the more dominant of the two. There was a sudden about-face at the end that I am not quite sure I believe is a true change. The potential is there but at this stage I am taking that individual skeptically.

THE TWO FIRES by Steven S. Long:
This was a different take on sorcery as power from the Gods. It took a couple of different aspects and combined them together. Well written but not my favorite because there was mention of errors made during the crusades but no attempt to rectify them. Only the certainty that the victors had the more powerful God. I did like the manifestation of power but I think I like the idea of the victors becoming a bit corrupted by the civilization they conquer. I also thought a certain individual changed his mind a bit too easily about providing troops.

ACROSS THE WILDS by D.A. Adams
A very fascinating almost coming of age story. I enjoyed the drive that the hero had as well as everything he faced on his journey. The descriptions were very interesting and I enjoyed the different micro-ecosystems. This is another world that I hope the author either has or will continue to write in.

DARK GENESIS by Mark Taverna:
Oh magic and the power and corruption that you bring. An intriguing take on what someone will do when their existence is threatened and then what they will do when they realize what they have done. Not an entirely pleasant story to read but very moving.

WHORE OF JERICHO by Steven L. Shrewsbury:
Some serious twists in this story. I enjoyed the well thought out justice. The antagonists certainly had it coming. And the final twist was perfect. This really was a great way to end this anthology. It provided a link from the barbarians of the fictional past to a much more recent past.

Like any anthology, Thunder on the Battlefield: Sorcery had some stories I enjoyed more than others. I enjoyed reading it overall because it was both a nice change from what has become my usual reading and a reminder of what inspired my imagination as a child. I have also found some authors whose backlist I need to explore which always makes an anthology a win.

I give Thunder on the Battlefield: Sorcery a B