Review: Hunted

Reviewed by Jen
 

It's not easy being mated to one of the Kayrs brothers.  Sure, they love you to the moon and back, but they aren't afraid to bully or muscle their way into winning an argument. Admittedly, none has been worse than Talen, the hero of the first book. But we see hints of the alpha-hole in them all.

I had hoped Conn would be better.  After all, when he accidentally mated Moira a century ago, he actually acquiesced to her request for time apart so she could train as a witch.  He let her do what she needed as a witch with a powerful potential in her line.  Which made it all the more disappointing when he started pulling the caveman routine here.  He isn't nearly as bad as Talen, thank goodness, but I had hoped he would give his mate a bit more credit. She is a lethal enforcer for her coven --a trained killer-- but he still tries to put her in a bubble to "protect" her. It annoyed me.

I still enjoyed the book, despite my annoyance with Conn.  That's thanks to the great world-building and the fascinating series storyline. There is a lot happening in this installment. The primary plot involves the witches. Someone is using magic to take out members of the ruling council. Moira is on the hit list --and she wants to figure out who is targeting them --and why. This, as the witches consider aligning with the demons against the vampires. That puts Moira in the terrible position of potentially having to choose between her family and her mate.

Meanwhile, we're seeing the set-up for Katie and Jordan's book.  Katie still can't shift, prompting her to take desperate measures. --And we're seeing more of the Kalin-Zane-Janie interaction.  It's amazing how their scenes always manage to steal every book for me! I know Kalin is bad, bad, bad, but there is just something about him that makes me want to see his redemption.  (Maybe I need my head examined.)

The sex is hot and the characters are well defined.  Conn does make some progress before the story is over, but he doesn't quite hit the mark for me.  I struggle with imbalance of power in the relationships in these books.  Even with Moira being the most kick-ass of witches, Conn still has to win.  At least she gets a couple of small victories.  I guess that's progress.

Rating: B

Click to purchase: Amazon

Hunted

by Rebecca Zanetti

Release Date: April 24, 2012

Publisher: Kensington

Review: One for the Wicked

Reviewed by Jen
 

Karina Cooper wraps up her Dark Mission series in grand fashion with this final installment.  It's a romance, yes, but it's more than that.  Cooper brings back all the characters and couples of previous stories to wrap up the overall arc involving the mission, the church, the witches, and the genetic puzzle that's been causing so many to die.

But let's start with the love story.  Our hero is Shawn, a member of the resistance.  His life's mission is to destroy the man who killed his parents: Laurence Lauderdale, head of the Order.  Now he has his chance to get even. The resistance is planning to kidnap Lauderdale's daughter Kayleigh, hoping the brilliant doctor can help them with the cure to what's causing the witches/ missionaries to degenerate.  Instead, Shawn uses the opportunity to snatch her for his own gains.

Before the kidnapping, though, Shawn masquerades as Kayleigh's bodyguard.  And despite the hatred he bears for her family, there is a sizzling connection between them.  There are even a few, er, physical interludes.  But when the chips fall, Shawn goes forward with his plan.

Kayleigh feels understandably betrayed when her sexy bodyguard goes from kissing her to taking her prisoner.  The two of them go round and round, from passion to fury and back again. The sexual tension is always right there, simmering at the surface.  Sometimes, I questioned how Kayleigh could keep wanting him, the way he runs hot and cold with her.  But no matter how often he pushes her away, she keep giving in when he pulls her back.

The bigger arc explodes when Kayleigh's dad sets his master plan in motion.  Not only must Kayleigh and Shawn end up working together to save New Seattle, but they are also joined by Silas and Jessie, Naomi and Phin, Caleb and Juliet, Parker and Simon, & Danny and Jonas.  Each has a part to play in averting another apocalypse.  It's kind of epic, and I am glad that Cooper didn't rush the climax.  It was, however, difficult at times to remember all of the people and threads from the previous books.  Even one, admittedly, left me scratching my head when the book was over. (If you catch the subtle nod to May's parentage, I bow down to your excellent memory and attention to detail.)

All that being said, you may want to even consider a series re-read before you start this one.  (Don't forget Before the Witches either.) Part of me wishes I had done that.  By the same token, if you are a new reader, you could probably still catch on to the romance, but the rest will leave you majorly confused.  I suggest you start the series at the beginning for maximum enjoyment.

Overall, it wasn't my favorite romance in the series, but it was definitely a worthy end to the Dark Mission saga.

Rating: B

*ARC Provided by Avon

Click to purchase: Amazon

One for the Wicked

by Karina Cooper

Release Date: April 30, 2013

Publisher: Avon

Review: Werewolves Be Damned

Reviewed by Jen
 

Nexi thought she was just a regular human woman.  She didn't even know supernatural creatures existed... until werewolves attacked her home and killed her parents. That's when her life changed forever.  The Guardians who arrived on the scene filled her in on the missing pieces.  Not only are there paranormal beings; she is one, herself.

Nexi is actually part Guardian, part witch.  When her mother was killed, her father opted to bind her abilities and have her raised in the human world.  But once the secret is exposed, Nexi opts to embrace her true heritage --her gifts and her magic-- so she can wreak vengeance on the wolves who killed the couple who raised her.

Kyden is one of the Guardians who rushed to save Nexi that fateful night. And ever since, he has been drawn to her iron will and take-no-prisoners attitude.  When the opportunity arises for him to train her, he jumps at the chance. Suddenly, their cantankerous relationship turns into something more fiery.

As Nexi trains and gets stronger, we learn about some malevolent force rallying supernaturals to great violence.  Nexi's parents were only the beginning. She must work with Kyden to figure out who is behind it all --and why it feels like it all has something to do with her.

I had mixed feelings about the book. I thought the world-building was interesting and I liked the premise.  Stacey Kennedy does a good job setting up the Otherworld and its various factions.  I found some of the secondary characters intriguing and I'd like to see more of them... (Valor, anyone?)  The sexual tension between Nexi and Kyden is hot... and though it took forever for them to seal the deal, the sex is pretty good.

However, I never felt a deep connection to the main character.  Nexi seems kind of one-note throughout the book: revenge at all costs... which eventually morphs into the two-notes of revenge at all costs plus I love Kyden.  I know there is more to her than that; and I would have liked to see it. On top of that, I felt like her relationship with Kyden progressed really fast, making the depth of their connection hard for me to believe entirely.  In fact, a lot of things seemed to develop quickly or easily, like Nexi's ability to accept the supernatural; her ability to fight; and her friendships and connections to other members of the Otherworld.

There were obviously some sexual developments that happened between Nexi and Kyden off-page, which were alluded to when we jumped from their initial contact to even more intimate terrain. And while we're talking sex... I never got a satisfying explanation on why Nexi was a 25 year-old virgin.  She's hot and there's nothing apparently wrong with her; plus she doesn't have any moral or religious reasons we know of.  I just don't buy it.

Overall, I found the book a pretty good read.  I liked it, but I didn't love it.  I'm curious if future books in the series will continue to focus on Nexi or on other characters in the Otherworld.

Rating: B-

*ARC Provided by Entangled 

Click to purchase: Amazon

Werewolves Be Damned

by Stacey Kennedy

Release Date: April 15, 2013

Publisher: Entangled

Review: Crystal Cove

Reviewed by Jen
 

I'll tell you a little secret. This is my first Lisa Kleypas book.  I generally don't read contemporary romance, but the description on this felt a little PNR-ish and I have long heard positive things about this author. So I figured this was a great opportunity to give her a try.  Here's the blurb:

ONE WOMAN WHO HAS BEEN CURSED NEVER TO FIND LOVE . . .

ONE MAN WITHOUT A SOUL WHO WANTS HER MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF . . .

THEY MEET IN A SMALL ISLAND TOWN IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, WHERE MAGIC IS IN THE AIR AND FATE IS A FORCE TOO POWERFUL TO DEFY. . . .

In New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas's Crystal Cove, Justine Hoffman has made a comfortable life for herself on the island of Friday Harbor. She is the proprietor of a successful boutique hotel, and she has the safe, predictable life she has always wanted. Growing up with her flighty, nomadic mother, Marigold, has instilled in her a deep longing for stability. But in spite of everything Justine has achieved, there is still something missing. Love. And after years of waiting and dreaming, she is willing to do whatever it takes to change her destiny.

What Justine soon discovers is that someone cast a spell on her when she was born, with the result that she will never find her soul mate. Determined to change her fate, Justine finds a way to break the enchantment, never dreaming of the dangerous complications that will follow.

And when Justine meets the mysterious Jason Black, she accidentally unleashes a storm of desire and danger that threaten everything she holds dear . . . because Jason has secrets of his own, and he wants more from her than fate will ever allow.

Frankly, she had me at Man-Without-A-Soul.  Unfortunately, when I actually started reading, I was sorely disappointed.  I think the description of the story is accurate, but let me tell you about some of the things it leaves out.

This is not PNR.  Maybe everyone else already familiar with Lisa Kleypas knew that.  This is a contemporary romance with paranormal elements.  That may sound nitpicky, but for lack of a better explanation, the two genres have a very different feel.  And I'm not sure who the audience is supposed to be.  Readers looking for PNR are going to unsatisfied, and I am not sure that anyone looking for a contemporary will love the magic woven in.  It's an uncomfortable blend.

The hero is a conceited, self-absorbed ass.  He is heavy handed. He lies to Justine. He makes choices that satisfy his own needs, and she is expected to just get over it and accept it.  Then... she does... which goes on to frustrate me even more.  Yeah, he tried to make a noble sacrifice at the end, but it was still to get what he wanted, which --by then-- was Justine.

There are BDSM elements in the story, which both surprised and perturbed me. I don't like BDSM and actively avoid it.  I am a strong believer that if it's part of a book, the blurb or cover art or SOMETHING needs to tip me off that it's in there.   Folks on Twitter and Goodreads asked me if I was sure Kleypas was writing BDSM. I'll tell you what I told them... he trusses her up in a hemp rope like a turkey at Thanksgiving, and went at her while she couldn't move.  --Yes, definitely bondage, and in the other scenes, he's still clearly dominating.  Let's look at the cover and read the blurb again.  Did I miss something??

There was absolutely no reason to believe that these two are in love.  Jason goes from wanting Justine for her magic to being in love with her instantly.  There was no basis for it and they were proclaiming their love within just a few days.

I just couldn't invest in the romance. I didn't like the hero. And I didn't enjoy the sex.  Not a winner for me.

Rating: D+

*ARC Provided by St Martin's Griffin

Click to purchase: Amazon

Crystal Cove

by Lisa Keypas

Release Date: February 5, 2013

Publisher: St Martin's Griffin

Review: Ever After

Reviewed by Jen
 

This is my absolute favorite installment of the Hollows series to date.  The best book I have read in months.  I loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.  It's as though Kim Harrison made this book to order, handpicking all of my favorite elements of the series and letting them shine.  Tons of Trent.  Al.  Jenks. And, of course, the ever after.  It's light on Ivy, the vampire culture, witches and werewolves.  And we actually see real growth in Rachel.  It's like Christmas and my birthday all at once.

The story feels more like a follow up to Pale Demon than A Perfect Blood.  We're experiencing a lot of repercussions from that book.  The ley line Rachel accidentally made is leaking --and slowly destroying the ever after.  Of course, she is blamed, but it's really Ku'Sox who is setting her up. He exacerbated the problems with the lines to put Rachel in the crosshairs --and he'll only fix the problem if she takes the curse off of him that keeps him away from her reality.

Ku'Sox is also gunning for Trent. He's been kidnapping Rosewood babies and he wants Trent to manipulate their genes to make more day-walking demons like Rachel. Ku'Sox wants control of the babies to boost his power among the demons.  Trent won't budge, so Ku'Sox takes desperate action.  Trent and Rachel must work together to best Ku'Sox, as the demon endangers those near and dear to both of their hearts... and all of demonkind.

There is a ton of action in this book. I was pulled in from the very beginning and I did not want to put it down until the last page.  It is unpredictable.  Remember the kind of shockers Kim Harrison delivered in some of the earlier books in the series?  Oh yeah, those are back.  At right about the halfway mark, she kicked me in the gut --hard.  No punches are pulled. No easy roads are taken.  It had me by the seat of my pants the whole time.

One of the things I love about these books is the continuity. Harrison never tries to ignore past events. Instead, she weaves them into current stories, reminding us of those things that built the characters into who they are.  From the rat fights to the doctor Trent killed --from Rachel's failed romances to Denon's death and the boat explosion.  It's all there and then some... all kinds of little Easter Eggs for longtime fans.

We continue to learn more about the demons --and their history.  We meet more gargoyles. Learn more about the ever after. Plot Ellsbeth's death (wait... maybe that last part was just me.)  And we get movement on the whole Rachel and Trent will-they or won't-they dance.  I won't spoil it.  But it's a pretty big story thread, or at least, a major current throughout the book.

I am forcing myself to stop gushing now, before I tell you everything that happened.  Just know that if you were on the fence about continuing this series after A Perfect Blood, please take my advice and read this book. If it doesn't make you fall in love with The Hollows again, I don't know what will.

Rating: A

*ARC Provided by Harper Collins 

Click to purchase: Amazon

Ever After

by Kim Harrison

Release Date: January 22, 2013

Publisher: Harper Collins

Review: Sealed With a Curse

Reviewed by Jen
 

Celia is the oldest of four sisters, who each carry within them a different brand of magic.  They've spent their entire lives laying low, trying to avoid the supernatural community. But now they no longer have a the anonymity they have enjoyed for so long.  One of the sisters, Taran, had an unfortunate encounter with a vampire that ended with his death. Now, Misha, the dead vamp's master, wants to hold all four women accountable for his demise.  So he has them called in front of a group of vampire judges for justice.

It turns out the sisters had no choice but to off the vampire. But through their trial they are outed to their fellow supes.  And they are drawn in to a major problem plaguing the vamps.  There is a bloodlust sickening them.  As each vampire is infected, they keep eating and eating, growing larger, mindless, and more dangerous with each kill.  Misha reaches out for their help and despite the fact that he almost had them killed, Celia accepts.

In the meantime, the sisters end up falling for a group of werewolves.  Celia has it bad for Aric, the alpha.  She, herself, is a shifter... only she turns into a tigress.  She doesn't have a lot of experience with men, but all of a sudden she finds herself the object of desire for both Aric and Misha.  Though it's only Aric she wants, there are obstacles in the way.  The story follows Celia and her sisters as they try to solve the mystery of the vampire infections while they find love with werewolves in Aric's pack.

Overall, I liked the story. But there were a few things that kept me from loving it.  One, is that in the beginning, I sort of felt like I was jumping into a story already in progress.  Not only with the dead vamp, but just these women in general. So much so, that I went online to see if I had missed an earlier book in the series.  It turns out, there was a prequel, and maybe I would not have had the same nagging feeling had I read "The Weird Girls."

Problem number two: the romances.  Not so much the one between Aric and Celia, but the ones involving her sisters.  The other three just so happen to run into Liam, Gem, and Koda in a bar.  Then they all match up into happy little couples and it's all HEA for them from that point on.  It was a little too convenient for me.  Fortunately, the progression of Celia's relationship with Aric took a more winding road... with even the hint of a triangle with Misha.

Oh, and problem three: I figured out the bad guy in the first quarter of the book.

I know that probably sounds like a lot of complaints.  But it was generally an enjoyable read.  I liked the Wird sisters. Their personalities, voices, and talents were all distinct and developed enough that they did not run together.  The world-building was straightforward and easy to follow.  And I liked the action and the plot.  It was a fun read. No sex, but I have hope for the future. --I definitely plan to read A Cursed Embrace to see where the story goes next.

Rating: B

*ARC Provided by Signet Eclipse

Click to purchase: Amazon

Sealed With a Curse

by Cecy Robson

Release Date: December 31, 2012

Publisher: Signet Eclipse

 

Review: King of the Damned

Reviewed by Jen
 

The more I read from Juliana Stone, the more I enjoy her books.  This story centers around the fallen angel Azaiel and a witch named Rowan.

We've met Azaiel before.  He's part of the League of Guardians, a supernatural consortium that tries to keep the balance between good and evil.  But before that, he was an angel who betrayed his kind for the affections of a beautiful woman who eventually betrayed him --then was held captive for countless years in hell. Now, he's on a mission for his brother --the leader of the League-- who wants him to investigate the death of an old witch, Rowan's grandmother.

Rowan has spent the past six years of her life away from her hometown of Salem, trying to hide herself from a demon who has marked her as part of a family curse.  But when her grandmother calls, she returns home, only to find the old woman has died.  The demon has marked her whole coven in an effort to find her and now she realizes that it's time to take a stand and end the curse, once and for all.

Azaiel was at her grandmother's home when Rowan learned what happened to the old woman and she recognizes the power in him. So when he offers to help with her cause, she accepts.  Azaiel knows the demon who is after her is very powerful, so he calls the League for reinforcement --and Nico and Priest show up to lend aid.  From there, the story follows Rowan and the three men from the League as they work to reunite her coven and vanquish the demon.

The action was really good and the storyline was easy to follow. Even though this is the second book in the League of Guardians (which was a spinoff of the Jaguar books,) I think this would still work as a standalone.  The wordbuilding is solid and the pacing is good.  The real draw, though, is the romance.

Azaiel doesn't believe he can ever trust a woman again after what happened in his past. He is attracted to Rowan but doesn't want to act on it.  The more time he spends with her, the more she wears down his resolve.  She is a woman who is not afraid to go after what she wants.  And it's hard not to want Azaiel. It really takes a long time for these two to really act on their feelings, but the sexual tension between them is very hot. It's cool to see the woman be the aggressor here and I was very pleased with the payoff.

Azaiel makes a great reformed hero.  I like watching his struggle and his demons from the past.  Rowan is pretty bad ass too. She's a very tough and take no prisoners kind of chick. There's a great wealth of secondary characters too... I definitely want to know more about Priest and there seems to be a side romance brewing for Nico (maybe we'll see it from his perspective in another book?) I've got my fingers crossed.  --All this and a very satisfying ending.

Rating: B+

*ARC Provided by Avon

Click to purchase: Amazon

King of the Damned

by Juliana Stone

Release Date: November 27, 2012

Publisher: Avon

Review: Mark of the Witch

Reviewed by Jen
 

Night after night, Indira has the same nightmare.  She is being killed for practicing witchcraft, along with her three sisters.  Only, it's no dream. It's a memory of her past life.

Tomas is priest who has trained his entire adult life for a single mission: to stop a witch from freeing a demon from hell.  When his sister Rayne calls him to consult about the strange dreams one of her sister witches is having, he realizes the nightmares match the circumstances of his calling. Right away, he sets out find Indira.

Both Tomas and Indira have been feeling disconnected from their faith. Indira had already stepped away from Wicca and Tomas turned in papers to leave the priesthood.  But once they are thrown together, they both begin to reconnect with their beliefs.  The effects of Indy's dreams are beginning to manifest physically and together, they work to find the amulet and the portal necessary to free the demon. Of course, they do this with the plan to keep the demon safely locked away.

It's only a matter of time before these two are drawn to each other, but are the feelings real or remnants of their past life together?  Is Tomas's mentor a true believer or a crazed zealot?  Who are the heroes and who are the villains in this story?  It's hard to tell until the very end.

It took me a little while to invest in the story.  Tomas was really kind of a waffler.  It took too long for him and Indira to get together and I thought the sexual tension could have been better in the meantime.  I usually really like the whole forbidden priest relationships, but this one was just ok.  I understand he had to let go of some long-held beliefs but I wanted to shake him more than once for how long her bought into the lies he was told.

I will give the book credit for an unpredictable plot. There was nothing obvious about the direction the story would take... and I liked how it all played out.  And I'm intrigued about the potential reunion story between Indy's sister Lilia and her man.  I will definitely read that story.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. The romance just fell a little short of its potential.

Rating: B-

*ARC Provided by Mira via NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Mark of the Witch

by Maggie Shayne

Release Date: September 18, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Mira

Review: Into the Woods

Reviewed by Jen
 

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories by Kim Harrison. I had read more than half of them already in previously released books. But the anthology included one all new Hollows short story and four stories outside of the Hollows world.

“Undead in the Garden of Good & Evil” (originally released in Dates from Hell)
Ever wonder what Ivy was like before she met Rachel? We get a little peek in this short story. It’s set a couple of years before the events in Dead Witch Walking.  Ivy has been a Homicide Investigator at the I.S. for about 6 months. She is living with Kisten and they are in a relationship. This is before her blood-fast… she is still giving and taking blood. But she is very confused about what it means to her.  She tries not to equate a blood exchange with anything emotionally meaningful, unless it involves sexual intimacy. And her boss, Art, wants both from her.  If she doesn’t give in, he’ll never promote her.  But she doesn’t like the man and if she gives in, it will be a huge blow to her self-respect.  This novella is great for Hollows fans because it shows us the Kisten/Ivy relationship that has been referenced all along in the series.  It shows us the events that lead to Ivy abstaining from blood and gives us a better insight into her struggle with what her vampiric needs mean for her. And it introduces Art. He comes back to bite our friends in a big way down the road.  This story sets the stage for why he hates them so much.

“Dirty Magic” (originally released in Hotter Than Hell)
This story doesn’t directly involve any of the main characters in the Hollows, but instead, focuses on a banshee named Mia. We met her in “Undead in the Garden of Good & Evil,” when she was called in to help with a case Ivy was working on. She was the one who helped Ivy realize should could change her life. And we learn here what happened to that wish Rachel gave Ivy in Dead Witch Walking. She gave it to Mia.  The banshee has since gone on to marry and have a banshee baby named Holly. And now, she is having an affair with a human named Tom. She is soaking up his love like a sponge, but in the process she is killing him.  Can her wish give her the lasting relationship no banshee has ever been able to maintain?  –This story is very short… only about 30 pages. And I didn’t like the twist at the end.  You could skip this one… but we do see Mia and her clan again in a later story.

“The Bridges of Eden Park” (originally released in For a Few Demons More)
It was very bittersweet to get this short story about Kisten and Rachel after the tragic end of For a Few Demons More.  It’s probably set chronologically, just before that book’s beginning.  Our couple is having a picnic at the park, when they are interrupted by Kisten’s sister and his nephew, Audric. The child’s father is trying to kidnap him and sends thugs to get the job done.  Kisten and Rachel work together to stop them. This story is only 12 pages long, but it reminds me how much I love Kisten.

“Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel” (originally released in Holidays are Hell)
We get a blast from Rachel’s past in this novella. It takes place when she is just 18 years-old and has decided she wants to join the I.S. Her big brother Robbie is against the plan, sure she is not strong enough.  But he agrees that if she can do a spell to ask their father’s ghost –and he gives his blessing– Robbie will support her. When Rachel does the spell, though, she brings forth the ghost of a witch named Pierce, who hunted evil vamps over 100 years ago. He quickly realizes that a vampire he once hunted is kidnapping girls in the present day. He and Rachel work together to bring him down and save the child.  This story gives us a chance to meet Rachel while she still feels the effects of her illness. But she already has that fire we love about her. There are definite sparks between her and Pierce –and we haven’t seen the last of him yet.

“The Bespelled” (originally released in The Outlaw Demon Wails)
This quick, 9 page read, gives us the backstory of how Ceri became Al’s familiar.  It seems that unlike any other would-be familiar he has brought across the lines, Ceri was willing to go. After 7 years of summoning Al, she had fallen in love with him. And he seemed strangely enamoured of her as well. Though it was not enough to keep him from breaking her will and torturing her for 1000 years.

“Ley Line Drifter” (originally released in Unbound)
Jenks gets his very own story in this novella.  Another pixy comes to him, asking for help when a statue in his garden seems to be possessed by an evil force.  The statue is endangering his babies and he doesn’t know what to do. So Jenks and Bis come to the rescue.  It turns out that it’s a Druid trapped in the stone… and a nymph has been tasked with keeping him bound there.  Jenks struggles to determine who is the good guy and who is the bad, so he can help the young pixy family in need.  It was great to see things from Jenks’ perspective while we get a closer look at pixy culture.  Somehow, I think we’ll see Sylvan the Druid again someday.

"Million Dollar Baby" - This is the story you will buy the book for. And it will be worth it.  I loved this story. Loved, loved, loved.  We get to see, firsthand, the adventure of Trent and Jenks as they kidnap baby Lucy from Ellsbeth. I think what really makes it sing is that it is in Trent's POV. We get to finally have a little peek as to what is going on inside his head.  Unfortunately, there is no big Rachel reveal, but it's still really interesting stuff.

We get a glimpse of how Trent sees himself and about the kind of man he wants to be.  And we see the camaraderie build between him and Jenks. This story makes me 10x more hungry for Ever After than A Perfect Blood ever did.  More Trent!!!

"Pet Shop Boys" - This short story is set in a world where vampires and the Fae live in a realm parallel to humanity. Cooper, a 20-something pet shop employee finds out about their existence the hard way. It all starts when a strange young girl and her beautiful mother enter his shop to buy a cat. The woman invites him to an exclusive club where he quickly discovers all is not as it seems. There is something sinister behind the ratio of beautiful people to average-Joe's.  Can he get away or was his fate sealed the moment he entered the door?

This story was ok. I never really got what made Cooper so special that Felicity would want him the way that she did... especially after such a short time in his company.  I also thought the world-building was really hazy here. The premise was interesting, but I think it needed a lot more fleshing out to really work.

"Temson Estates" - Will travels across the ocean to claim his inheritance when his grandfather dies.  It's a huge plot of woods and he realizes he can sell the land for logging. He could really use the money to help in his life.  But his grandfather's sister has other ideas. She knows there are dryads (tree spirits) inhabiting the woods.  So she sets out to help him learn the truth about the family land.

The story flew by pretty fast. The dryad mythology was interesting and Will seems like a good guy, It's not very deep, but for 15 pages, what can you expect?

"Spider's Silk" - I thought this one was really cool, with an awesome/ horrible twist at the end.  For her entire life, Lilly's mother has told her stories of the spirit Penn that lives in the trees. It wears the guise of a young man, hoping to lure girls into the woods for his own nefarious ends.  Her mother says she trapped Penn inside a tree in her youth, but now he's back and he is targeting Lilly's daughter.

Of course, Lilly initially thinks her mother is crazy, but as the story progresses, she becomes less and less sure. Then, it seems Penn has set his interest on her. Is she strong enough to fight his lure, when he knows exactly what she needs?  This one is kind of creepy, but I liked it.

"Grace" - This was my favorite of the four "non-Hollows" stories.  It's title character is a "throw" --a person who can manipulate energy. Her job is to collect young people with the same abilities, so that her employer, The Strand, can either teach them how to control their powers or burn them out to prevent a danger to society at large.

This story follows Grace on a particularly tough run, one that will test her skills and her moral compass. Making an already difficult situation worse is the re-emergence of an old flame into her life. The world-build here is very intriguing. Grace is very likable and I'd really like to see her story continue beyond this.  Especially with Jason.  (*fingers crossed*)

Overall, this is a good anthology. Especially for readers who haven't read all of the previously released novellas.  The Trent novella alone makes it a must-read for any Hollows fan.

Rating: B

*ARC Provided by Harper Collins

Click to purchase: Amazon

Into the Woods

by Kim Harrison

Release Date: October 9, 2012

Publisher: Harper Collins

Review: Sacrifice the Wicked

Reviewed by Jen

If you still have a copy of All Things Wicked sitting on your bookshelf, heed my advice and reacquaint yourself with it before you pick up this book.  I didn't and I wish I had.  If you've never read a Dark Mission book before, I suggest you start with Blood of the Wicked. Otherwise, you'll have no idea what is going on here.

This book draws heavily on the events of the previous installment and while there is a little bit of recap, there is not much.  So I spent a little too much time, straining my brain to remember who, for instance, Nadia Parrish was, and where the hero fit in to the Eve project.  The book assumes a working knowledge of the world-building and of past events.

All that being said, I think this is my favorite book in the series.  The romance was smoking hot.  Phenomenal sexual tension and sweltering bedroom action. (*fans self*)

Simon Wells is an agent for the mission, but he is also a genetically engineered witch.  He's been placed in the mission as a spy for another sector of the Order.  There are, in fact, other witches who have been placed in similar positions.  But their DNA is degenerating. And it's Simon's job to take them out cleanly, before they die an ugly death and expose the program.

Parker is the Mission's director and she takes her job seriously. She knows there is something amiss with Simon and Sector Three, but she has no idea how deep it goes.  The fact that she is wildly attracted to Simon only makes matters worse.

When Parker's name appears on Simon's hit list, he decides enough is enough. He won't kill this loyal, amazing and dedicated woman, just because she is getting too close to the truth. So the two of them go on the run... trying to get one step ahead of Sector Three and the timebomb of Simon's faulty DNA that's ready to blow at any moment.

Parker is this amazingly put together woman, who maintains absolute control at all times. Except with Simon.  There is a sinful dominating quality about him that simply makes her melt.  (And me too!!) He reduces her to her most feminine and pliant... and he is so sexy and growly and... It's just really hot.  She fights it and fights it, which makes it all the more satisfying when they finally get together. Rraw!

I'm not going to say too much more except to warn you that there is a big, wet, sticky cliffhanger.  None of the other books ended this way, so when I got to the last page, I was unprepared for the story to end without resolution.  Boo!!!!  Clearly, I will be reading book 5 to see what the hell happens next.

Rating: B

*ARC Provided by Avon

Click to purchase: Amazon

Sacrifice the Wicked

by Karina Cooper

Release Date: September 25, 2012

Publisher: Avon

Review: The Burning Bush

Reviewed by Jen

I didn't love every single thing about this book. But I still thought it was very, very good.  I really like the series. The world building fascinates me. It's dark and disturbing, but very compelling.  The main character is a contradiction, but one that makes sense. She is flawed but powerful; maligned yet idolized; loyal but conflicted.  I like her. I want her to be happy. I want her to beat the odds. (I want her to be with Zulu.  --But we'll get to that later.)

Basically, the story picks up where Fire Baptized left off.  Lanore is in a relationship with Zulu and helping him with the MFE.  MeShack is still a part of her life, as they raise little Ben together.  But he opposes how she and Zulu are fighting the war against the vampire Dante.  MFE is working with a more radical organization and they've bombed one of Dante's factories.

The bombing gives a crooked cop ammunition against Lanore, to force her to help him solve a murder case.  Someone has killed a shifter and a Mixie, and hung each body on a magically burning bush. Either Lanore figures out the identity of the killer or the cop fingers her for the bombing.  The story follows Lanore as she works to solve the case.

Of course, there is much more going on. There is the dangerous feud with Dante... a wealth of strong secondary characters.  And the love triangle.  The damn love triangle is killing me.  I am firmly and completely Team Zulu.  MeShack is a whore. He is unapologetic. He doesn't hide it. He simply blames the biology of his "season" and expects Lenore to be there waiting for him when he gets tired of humping every female in a 50 mile radius.  It bothers me tremendously that even as we see Lanore move forward with Zulu, it feels like a foregone conclusion that MeShack is the endgame.  And I DO NOT WANT that.  I could go on and on about this, but I'll spare you.

What you can tell about my small rant is that I actually care about these characters a lot.  There is no way I could say that this book is "meh." Even when I yelled at it (and I did,) I was completely engrossed in it. Invested.  And not just in the relationships --though that part gave me the most angst.  I was wrapped up in the murder mystery.  And the politics. And the horrible racist (species-ist?) atmosphere in which the story is set.  I can see Lenore becoming something so much more than what her society relegates her to. It all just... speaks to me. It affects me.

Then there is the ending.  To call it a cliffhanger would be kind.  I read the Epilogue and said out loud, "What the actual fuck was that?"  I don't know what the hell happened to two of the major characters.  I think I would have preferred if there had been no Epilogue at all. We would still have the same questions unanswered, but I wouldn't feel so confused.

That aside, this is a book (and a series) I would wholeheartedly recommend.  It's just captivating. And different.  Worth a read.

Rating: B+

*ARC provided by author for review

Click to purchase: Amazon

The Burning Bush

by Kenya Wright

Release Date: September 19, 2012

Publisher: Dragonfairy Press

Review: Chosen

Reviewed by Jen
 

The Dark Breeds series has changed a lot over the course of three books.  Or maybe it's just that the main character has utterly transformed --from a maligned mixed breed to a goddess of the Greek pantheon. 

This third installment begins with Kyana ensconced in Olympus as the new goddess of the hunt.  She is happy with Ryker and learning more about her new abilities.  Her best friend Haven is recovering from her possession by Cronus. And all seems well until Haven begins having prophetic dreams about Cronus coming back to punish his enemies and regain his power.  It turns out that Cronus is resurrecting the dead to become his minions and it's a race to see if Kyana and the other gods can stop him before he achieves his goals.

Honestly, I think I preferred the Kyana of old. She was so damaged and gritty and angry.  The first half of this book, I just wasn't feeling the pull.  I remember thinking to myself as I read that it just wasn't dark anymore. Then, I swear to you, about two pages later, horrors unfold for Kyana that I never dreamed of. Things picked up at that point.  The action was fast and the team takes at least one brutal emotional hit. And yet I just didn't love this one.  I was, indeed, shocked by the gruesome attack on Kyana and suitably saddened by the Really Bad Thing that happened, but overall, I was kind of meh on the book.

The ending felt like a series finale, but there are threads left hanging. Like how did Cronus escape the island?  (This is pretty significant, as it's kind of the whole starting point for the book.)  Why was Henry with the bad souls? (He seemed like a good man.) And while I'm talking about Henry, I felt like there should have been more in that reunion. There could have been more emotional resonance there --and with the Bad Thing that happened.  I felt like the Haven resolution was abrupt. Poor Silas was just left hanging. I felt like there was untapped potential across the board.  And except in a couple of powerful moments, it all felt kind of superficial.

Eh. I wanted to like it more than I did.  I just don't feel like the series ended with the same feel in which it began.  Even the romance lacked oomph, despite the fact that it finds a HEA. It's a shame, because I liked the first two books.

Rating: C 

*ARC Provided by Avon

Click to purchase: Amazon

Chosen

by Sable Grace

Release Date: August 28, 2012

Publisher: Avon

Review: Thirteen

Reviewed by Jen
 

I've been a fan of the Otherworld series ever since I picked up Bitten and fell in love with the hot, complicated and largely dysfunctional romance between Clay Danvers and Elena Michaels.  Over the years, I have liked some stories more than others. Some had better narrators, others had a stronger story arc, and yet others appealed more to the romance lover in me.  But these last two Otherworld books took the series to an entirely different level.  Thirteen was everything I wanted... everything I needed... for a fitting farewell to these characters I have come to care so much about.

I will do my very best to keep from spoiling you on the particulars.  In broad strokes, I can tell you that the story picks up where Spell Bound left off.  It follows Savannah on her journey to recover her powers and stop the faction of supernaturals trying to out themselves to the human world. This, of course, as she tries to finally snag the man she has loved all her life.

But while Savannah is the anchor of the story, this book belongs in part to everyone we have come to know in the Otherworld universe. We spend time with Elena, Paige, Eve, Hope, Jaime, Cassandra and the men who love them.  We get bits and pieces in their POVs --enough for me to remember who I love and why.  We see how far everyone has come, the evolution of their lives, but all folded seamlessly into the framework of this current crisis.

And it is a crisis.  The action is almost non-stop. The danger is very real.  In fact, there is one heart stopping moment, where I felt like Kelley Armstrong stabbed me in the heart with a rusty butterknife. It was that wrenching.  It's also a testament to how deeply connected I feel to these characters and their lives.

Armstrong weaves together so many threads from so many of her previous books. We see (or at least hear about) all the major players that have shaped the series.  Some, I never thought we would ever see. Some I thought we had seen the last of.  They're all connected by our core cast of characters either by blood, by friendship or by feud.  It's brilliant.

I wouldn't change a thing.  Well, that's not entirely true. I would have liked to see a page or two of payoff on the relationship we have waited on between Savannah and Adam.  I didn't need (or even want) the romance to take over the story, but I felt robbed with a love scene that fades to black.  Armstrong has given us good love scenes in the past, but here, for whatever reason, she opts not to.

When all is said and done, our characters lives are still a work in progress.  But we have enough closure that I was very satisfied. And a little sad. I will miss this series... but at least it went out with a bang instead of a whimper.

Rating: A-

*ARC Provided by Dutton

Click to purchase: Amazon

Thirteen

by Kelley Armstrong

Release Date: July 24, 2012

Publisher: Dutton

Review: The Darkest Day

Reviewed by Jen
 

This book reminded me a lot of the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole.  I have somewhat mixed feelings about that.  I'm a big fan of those books, and many of the things I like about them, I liked about this.  But at the same time, it bothered me just a little every time I saw a parallel.

The story follows Izel, a descendant of the Campbell clan of Immortals.  She has gone to visit her Grandfather, a great magician.  But when she arrives at his home, he is gone.  In his place is a hulking warrior named Kelvin.  He is member of the Pookah race, sworn enemies of the Campbells. He is there to kill who he expects to be the last son of his old rival.  Instead, obviously, he finds a daughter.

Though she is descended from magic, Izel is really quite weak. She is plain and has never felt emotions. But as Kelvin advances on her, everything changes.  A powerful spell that was cast on her long ago, drops away. She is revealed to be beautiful --and mortal. The last remaining human on earth.  And all those emotions she has never felt, coming rushing in with a vengeance.

Kelvin is shocked by what is revealed.  Even more shocking, he realizes she is likely his fated female. That is some pretty unwelcome news, considering she is his family's enemy.  The only way he can be sure, however, is if he "attempts" her on the Solstice that comes once a year. Translation = has sex with her (much like the demons in IAD.)  He decides to bring her back to his people as he tries to figure out what to do with her.

In the meantime, all the immortal races are preparing for the Court of Contention, a time of chaos and war among all the factions (much like the Ascension in IAD.)  Kelvin's brother and cousins are doing their part to fight the races of the lower realm.  They even have their very own ever-knowing, snarky yet slightly crazy witch helping them with visions of the future (much like the loveable Nix in IAD.)  Obviously, they are dealing with their own fated mates off-page, in stories I suspect we will see in the same time frame through different perspectives in future books (much like IAD books 1,2, & 3.)

Anyway, Kelvin and Izel must deal with their growing attraction to one another over the course of their journey.  This is hard for Izel because she is overwhelmed by her new emotions --and it's tough for Kelvin because his feelings fly in the face of his family honor. There's a lot of spark in their relationship. They've got a fun battle of wits and wills going on. The sexual tension is great --and it was weird to find myself hoping they WOULDN'T have sex because it wasn't the Solstice yet.  Kelvin is keeping some pretty big secrets and it becomes a waiting game to see how long it will take before they blow up in his face and then to see how much damage they will do.

I liked it. It was funny. It was sexy. The Pookah's had a fantastic brogue.   And there is a great glossary that could help with the world-building. Unfortunately, it was at the end of my ebook, so I didn't see it until after I read the story, but I encourage you to check it out first. I think it you'll be glad you did.  It's a good book... just some of the elements felt a little familiar.

Rating: B

*ARC Provided by NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

The Darkest Day

by Britt Bury

Release Date: July 3, 2012

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Review: Chasing Magic

Reviewed by Jen
 

It's no secret that I am a big fan of this series. I love the world-building. I love the originality. I LOVE the hero. And this was a good book. It wasn't my favorite in the series, though, and I'll get to why in just a minute.

The story begins as Sacrificial Magic did: with Chess and Terrible happy and in love. As someone who has seen what they've gone through to get to this point, it's so satisfying. Chess knows the treasure that she has in him; she acknowledges that he's her everything. And while she struggles with her lack of self-worth, it seems she has learned some lessons about trying to trust in his love for her.

There are two main problems she has to deal with here. One is fact that Lex is the new head of his family's drug turf, putting him more at odds with Terrible than ever before. The other, is that some really dark magic has started infecting the people of Downside, turning them into zombie-like entities, nearly impossible to kill. Of course, with her magic abilities, Chess is really the only one who can stop them.

The first half of the book is pretty low key. It moves along quickly and comfortably. Then Chess shows her true colors again, leaving me feeling punched in the gut. I won't get into the specifics, but at this point, I feel like the books have developed a pattern: 1) There is a problem only Chess can solve. 2) Terrible is her rock and she doesn't know what he sees in her. 3) She screws up royally in her personal life. 4) She saves the day.

Don't get me wrong, there are really, really good things in this book and no way would I tell a Downside fan to skip it. What I am saying though, is that I need to see more growth from Chessie soon. Every time she betrays Terrible, she hurts me. She creates this horrible knot in my stomach that makes me want to shut the book. I don't WANT to want to shut the book, Stacia Kane. I want to glory in lines like "Love you right, Chessiebomb." That doesn't mean I can't handle some angst. The side arc with Elder Griffin was heartbreaking, but still masterfully done. I just don't want to see Chess sabotage herself the same way yet again.

Terrible continues to be one of my favorite book-heroes of all time --taking his awesomeness to even greater heights with his latest promises and assertions of love.  Even in his darkest and most intense moments (and boy does he have one here,) it's like he has this gravity that pulls me deeper and deeper into his orbit.  But as we learn more about the repercussions of Chessie's actions, I'm scared for where the future will take him.

I suppose that all my really strong feelings are a true testament to how insanely talented Stacia Kane really is. I am anxious and excited and nervous and jumble of all kinds of other emotions as I think about what may be coming next.   Chess, please don't let me down.

Rating: B


*ARC Provided by NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Chasing Magic

by Stacia Kane

Release Date: June 26, 2012

Publisher: Del Rey

Review: Embrace Me at Dawn

Reviewed by Jen
 

It's been ages since I've read one of Shayla Black's Doomsday Brethren books, but it all came rushing back as soon as I settled into the story.  This book has been a long time coming.  It was several books back that the evil Mathias kidnapped Anka from the home she shared with Lucan. He tortured her, raped her, and forced her to break her mate bond with the man she loved.  When she finally escaped him, she had no memory of Lucan or their life together. She ran to her childhood sweetheart Shock for comfort and protection.

Breaking the mate bond drove Lucan insane. Though Anka eventually remembered him and cast a spell to help him heal, he still is not himself.  He misses Anka but believes she has chosen Shock over him.  And in a way, she has, but I'll get back to that in a minute.

As this book begins, Anka is on a quest for vengeance.  She wants to join the Doomsday Brethren to fight Mathias and repay him for all the things he took from her. The only way that the leader, Bram, will let her in, is if she agrees to train with Lucan.  That, of course, makes it even harder to fight her old feelings.

So if he loves her and she loves him... why fight it?  The short answer is that she thinks she is unworthy of him.  Not just for what happened when she was with Mathias, but also because the trauma brought out some submissive needs from her in the bedroom. Shock has no problem meeting her dark desires, but she fears Lucan will never understand.

It's no secret that I'm not a fan of BDSM, but I felt like (with the notable exception of one scene with a whip toward the end) Lucan approached the issue with care and respect for Anka. So it didn't bother me the way the genre so often does.  What did bother me was Anka.  Yes, she has been through a horrible ordeal. And it is not her fault that Mathias forced her to break her bond or that she forgot Lucan as a result.  Yet I still felt like she jerked Shock and Lucan around in epic proportions.  She made an unbearable situation even worse with her selfish behavior.  This started long before her kidnapping. Poor Shock has been pulled around on a string for a century.  True, he's no gentle flower, but what Anka has done to him is not ok. Her ridiculous hang-ups about social status made me want to shake the stupid out of her.  And as the story went on, she just made it worse and worse.

I actually did like the book in spite of Anka.  Both Lucan and Shock are great characters.  They held up the absurd triangle.  In the meantime, there is great movement on the ongoing Mathias and Morganna storyline --with a very big ending.

Reading this reminded me why I like these books. Now I'm pining away for my boy Shock to find a HEA.  And to let me in on some of his secrets. Like now.

Rating: B

*ARC provided by author for review

Click to purchase: Amazon

Embrace Me at Dawn

by Shayla Black

Release Date: May 29, 2012

Review: The Werewolf's Wife

As the new head of his werewolf pack, Ridge realizes that it's time for him to find a mate and start a family.  But before he can do that, he needs to get a divorce from the woman he married in Vegas during a one-night stand 13 years ago.  As hot as their drunken roll in the hay was, it ended very badly when he started to shift in bed --and the fiery witch responded with a powerful zap to his gut.  He hasn't seen her since.

Just as Ridge shows up on Abigail's doorstep, her son is kidnapped.  The mysterious abductor demands that she track down a particular vampire to trade for the boy's life.  Ridge agrees to help her get her son back.  And as they work together, all the old sparks start flying again.

My biggest complaint about this book is that it's predictable.  Basic math skills tip off the possibility of the child's paternity from the get-go.  We know that Ridge is starved for family and what better payoff could there be, other than one that's ready made?  The identity of the kidnapper is pretty transparent as well.

My other beef?  The very idea that Abigail could reignite this relationship while her son's in mortal danger.  Sure, I can see her leaning on this stalwart man and reaching out for his goodness and strength. But I just don't buy any mom putting her terror on hold to get laid.  Nope.  Her son has been kidnapped; his life is in jeopardy and she's going down on wolfman.  And then some.

The book is part of Michele Hauf's Beautiful Creatures world and references events and characters in the Wicked Games series.  You don't have to read those books to understand what's going on, but as a new reader, I could definitely feel I had missed something, with the large amount of backstory we're filled in on.  Also, as someone unfamiliar with the world-building, I got a little confused about what Ridge's were-form was.  It was explained, but not until very far in the book, that it's part-man, part-beast.  And then I got a little squicked out thinking about him having sex that way.

The book was ok reading in parts.  I liked Ridge and I wanted him to get his HEA.  But overall, it wasn't great.

Rating: C-

*ARC Provided by NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

The Werewolf's Wife

by Michele Hauf

Release Date: March 20, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne

Review: Sacrificial Magic

This book is amazing. This series is phenomenal. The characters are so very deeply flawed: filled with insecurities, addiction, rage, lust and sorrow. But through that, they so are so very real. I read most of this book with a knot in my stomach. In turns, I felt hopeless and crushed, joyous and elated. Because that is what Chess felt. And Stacia Kane masterfully put me inside of her head.

The story picks up shortly after the ending of City of Ghosts. Chess and Terrible are in love, but there are no guarantees for their future. And no one knows that better than Chess. Kane never takes the easy way out. It would be so satisfying to see Chess just begin to rebuild herself with the love of this amazing man. But the truth is, she is still Chess. Even though she sees Terrible for the gift that he is, what is just as important is how she sees herself: as unworthy of him. And with dread and inevitability, we watch her obsessive fears become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Of course, there is much more happening in the book. Primarily, Chess is on a case from the Church which coincides with an investigation she has going on for Bump. Lex is back, bringing more complications. Chess faces danger from humans and ghosts alike. It's exciting and unpredictable. But the truth is, the internal conflict is far more interesting than the external one.

It's like watching a star explode: It's beautiful and destructive and you can't take your eyes off of it. And before I convince you that it's all heartwrenching sadness, remember that joy and elation I talked about earlier. It's not all one way or another. This book took my emotions on a roller coaster. When it was over, my heart was in my throat; I felt satisfied and exhausted; and I'm already dying to get back on the ride. If you have never read this series or if you gave up on it early, you are truly missing out.  5 stars.

*ARC Provided by NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Sacrificial Magic

by Stacia Kane

Release Date: March 27, 2012

Publisher: Del Rey

Review: Fair Game

Oh Anna and Charles, I love you so much. From the very first Alpha and Omega novella, Patricia Briggs has given this hero and heroine such depth of character, that I feel like I know them. They are flawed, brave, loyal, insecure, and violent. But above and beyond all that, they always love one other.

This book may be my favorite yet in the series. I was surprised at the onset to see how much time had passed since the events of Hunting Ground. While it's not spelled out precisely, it's been a few years. (Events from River Marked are referenced and we know the first two books take place roughly around the same time as Moon Called.) But what's interesting is that Charles and Anna have changed very little with the passage of time. I would have expected that with a love like theirs, a few years would find these two in the happiest place they've ever been. But things are harder than ever.

Charles has always been his father's sword of justice. But now that the werewolves are "out" to human society, it's vital to keep a lid on werewolf violence. So Bran's sending Charles out to kill their misbehaving brethren in record numbers. It's wearing on Charles; breaking his spirit; and driving him to cut himself off from Anna. He's haunted by the ghosts of his prey. To give him a reprieve, Bran sends Charles and Anna to Boston to help human investigators solve a serial killer case.

The killer has been torturing and murdering victims for decades. And in recent years, he's moved onto Fae and werewolf targets. Details of the killer's depravity were disturbing at times, but it was really a captivating case. The mystery introduces us to new characters, like Leslie, a tough human FBI agent; Isaac, the Alpha of the Boston pack; and Beauclaire, a fascinating Fae whose daughter was among the abducted. I won't spoil all the amazing twists and turns, but I can say that it was unpredictable and kept me on the edge of my seat.

The world-building is flawless and merges seamlessly with the Mercy Thompson series. I love the effortless way I can sink back into these books. But most of all, I love unfailing way that Charles and Anna love each other. It baffles me that either one can still manage to question their worth to the other, when it's so obvious how deep their love runs. But it's gratifying to see them prove that love over and over again.

I give the book extra points for giving me a little peek inside Bran's head.  And double bonus points for a spectacular ending, guaranteed to bring repercussions into future books in this series and the Mercy Thompson one. I can't wait to see what happens next. 4 1/2 stars.

*ARC Provided by Ace

Click to purchase: Amazon

Fair Game

by Patricia Briggs

Release Date: March 6, 2012

Publisher: Ace

Review: Hunting Ground

I love Charles and Anna Cornick. They are both powerful and flawed; both effectual and socially awkward. Each is engaging and interesting as an individual, but together, they are so much more than the sum of their parts. Together they are magic.

This story picks up just a few weeks after the events of Cry Wolf. Anna and Charles are happy together, but still learning their way around their relationship. Bran is making plans to expose werewolves to the human world and not all of his fellow wolves are on board with the plan. So he organizes an international conference to address their concerns. Charles and Anna travel to Seattle to mediate the talks.

They must deal with conflicts right away, both from the inside and out. Internally, Anna is still struggling to overcome the damage caused by the abuse from her first pack. It's getting in the way of the relationship she wants to have with Charles. And on top of that, she is still trying to figure out what it means for her to be an Omega wolf. Meanwhile, Charles is struggling with his protective nature and his fear that Anna will one day see him for the killer he is and reject him.

As for the external problems, there are plenty. From quelling fights between the packs... to dealing with the murderous European Alpha, Charles already had his work cut out for him. And that was before a group of vampires showed up targeting Anna and other vulnerable prey. Toss in a volatile Fae and a wolf who thinks he's King Arthur and you've got yourself a tangle of trouble.

The plot is fast moving and the world-building remains solid, but the book is really character driven. Even while one crisis pops up after another, Briggs never lets us lose sight that this book is about Anna and Charles. The two are so different, but they compliment each other beautifully. They build each other up and are unwavering in their love and devotion to one another.

A great romance, set against a roller coast ride of action and a suspenseful who-dunnit. A little more than 4 stars.

Click to purchase: Amazon

Hunting Ground

by Patricia Briggs

Release Date: September 1, 2009

Publisher: Ace