SERIES REVIEW: The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

Series: The Infernal Devices
Books in Series: Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, Clockwork Princess
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genres: Young Adult, Historical, Fantasy, Steampunk, Paranormal, Supernatural, Romance
Source: Amazon & BookOutlet

Cassandra Clare | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Clockwork Angel Summary:

In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.

The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them...

After I first finished The Mortal Instruments I didn't think there'd be any way possible for any other books set in this world to touch that feeling that they left me with. I knew everyone would always say that The Infernal Devices is so much better, it's their favorite, etc. But I felt so strongly over the fact that this wouldn't be the case with me. I mean I was on such a Shadowhunter high after I got done with City of Heavenly Fire it just seemed impossible.

I'm not afraid to admit when I'm wrong. (That was me admitting it...)

First off, let me just say, the emotional turmoil that I suffered throughout this series, most especially through Clockwork Princess, was just unreal. I can honestly say that I have never cried so much over a book as I did with that one. Do you think I can get Cassandra Clare to foot the bill for therapy? No? 

I love how this series was not only set in a different country but also it's a step back in time. Getting to see some of the history of these strong Shadowhunter families and how they've been entwined together over a century. Connecting events or people or objects from both the past and the present. Seeing family heirlooms from where they originated and the deeper meanings behind them. I found myself, well, giddy for lack of a better word whenever connections were made.

While I was completely obsessed with all the characters from TMI series, the ones in TID were just that much more for me. And I'm not just talking about the holy trinity that is Tessa, Will and Jem. I mean all of them. The ones who made me hate them and absolutely insane with rage. The ones who made me love them and experience their highs and lows with them. 

Of course I had my one character who stood out from the rest and I know that most people are very much Team Will, Team Herondale but...now I loved Will I truly, truly did...but I fell irrevocably and completely in love with Jem. Sigh. It was instant and unstoppable. I honestly see the appeal everyone has for Will because I truly felt that either direction that Tessa's heart went, had it been Will or had it been Jem, I would never have been too upset about it. Okay maybe just a little. But I would've been at peace either way.

The whole sort of steampunk aspect to this book was just the coolest. I loved the mix of clockwork things in a historical London setting. Plus it made for some truly "how in the heck are they gonna get out of this?" types of situations. I was on the edge of my seat...a lot.

It was also interesting, yet completely horrifying, to see or at least understand better a little bit of the history between the Shadowhunter world and the downworlders. To really understand where this hate and mistrust comes from between the different groups of supernaturals and the nephilim. Some of the stories made me absolutely sick and then hate some of the old school Shadowhunter generation myself!

I am thoroughly obsessed with the Shadowhunter world and this series has brought my obsession to a whole new level. I know there may be some people who will disagree with me but I do not want Cassandra Clare to ever stop putting out books set in this world. I feel like I'll probably go through a major bout of depression when she's finally done for good. Though thankfully that seems like it's not going to be for a while yet.

I loved this jump back in history. I loved the steampunk influence. I loved all of the connections between both series. Most of all I loved this new bunch of characters. And finally...Jem is everything. Your arguments mean nothing. :)

SERIES REVIEW: The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

Series: The Mortal Instruments
Books in Series: City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls, City of Heavenly Fire
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Source: Amazon & BookOutlet

★★★★★ (5/5) Stars!!!

Cassandra Clare | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

City of Bones Summary:

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder― much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know... 

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

I'm not even sure where to begin with reviewing this series. The Mortal Instruments quickly became my all time favorite series this January when I finally sat down and binged the entire thing. The world building, the characters (both those loved and hated), the storyline, the danger, the intensity, the keep you on the edge of your seat situations, just everything. It was all just so perfect. I feel like this is definitely one of those series where people are generally very firmly in one camp or the other. They're either completely in love with it, or can't stand it. As you can tell, I'm obviously in the former. I've given each book a 5 star rating and I can guarantee that it'll be a series I reread hopefully often.

I am usually, more so than the world or storyline, hugely drawn in by characters. Characters can really make or break a book for me. You can write the most beautiful story, the story to beat all other stories, but if I don't like your characters, there are no words in the world that will make up that difference or make me like your book. This series has that perfect blend of characters that I loved or that I loved how much Cassandra Clare made me hate them. Hating a character isn't always a negative thing. Especially in this case.

Does that mean I liked every single character from the very beginning? No. In fact the first time I read City of Bones way back in 2012 and once again this past month I found Simon, Isabelle and Alec all to be absolutely annoying. I know! I'm sorry! Don't hate on me! But I did and now I look at my past self and wonder what on earth I was thinking. That's the thing though, it just goes to show the incredible growth and changes, the evolution of all of these characters from the series start to the series end.

(If I had to pick a favorite character from the series? Easy. Magnus Bane. With Jace and Alec nipping closely at his heels.)

What I really loved was how on edge this series kept me. Every time I would stop and think that things couldn't possibly get any worse Cassandra Clare would show me just exactly how wrong I was. These books constantly kept me guessing or second guessing the story. Any time a new character would make an appearance I was filled with dread because sometimes the evilest of intentions would hide behind a charming smile. But I loved that. I loved that my feelings were in a constant state of chaos that had me doubting my first, second and even third impressions of people.

I loved how even though the romances, yes that is plural, were huge parts of the story they were done so that it didn't overshadow everything else that was going on. On that same note what I also loved was how there was this incredibly intensity to the way all these characters felt towards one another and how so often love was used as a weapon against them, whether it was a romantic love of more of a familial love. It made for some very messed up situations and times when I had to wonder how on earth can everything turn out okay in the end and still allow me to have everyone I love still alive. How is that even going to be possible?

I really feel like I should probably stop here and just leave this review as is. I mean there are like a bunch of little things that I'd love to gush and talk about but sometimes even the smallest of things would or could spoil something for someone so I'm not exactly sure where to go from here. I'm obsessed with the Shadowhunter world and I'm ready to read every spin-off/prequel/what have you both that's already out there in the world now or to come in the future.

Yep. I'm a total fangirl and I'm not ashamed to admit it. And now I'm off to keep myself immersed in Shadowhunter land and start on The Infernal Devices! Eeep!

ARC REVIEW: The Moonshadow's Daughter (Wolfe Creek #3) by Kaylie Newell

Title: The Moonshadow's Daughter
Series: Wolfe Creek #3
Author: Kaylie Newell
Publisher: Entangled Covet
Published: October 26th 2015
Format: eARC | Pages: 182
Genres: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
★★★★✩ (4.5/5) Stars!

Kaylie Newell | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

A paranormal category romance from Entangled's Covet imprint...

Some secrets can kill. Others bite...

To the citizens of Wolfe Creek, Aimee Styles is dead. What they don’t know is she’s alive...and a werewolf. After she was bitten two years ago, Aimee isolated herself away from the town, determined to keep them safe. But all it takes is an icy winter evening—and an incredibly virulent flu—to interrupt her self-imposed exile.

Nothing prepared doctor and single dad Jake Blackstock for the sight of Wolfe Creek's missing girl, or her delicate beauty. He's instantly and fiercely attracted to her, despite her secrets and the shadows in her near-black eyes. Jake's falling hard. He knows nothing about Aimee...or what she really is.

But something else lurks in Wolfe Creek's shadows. Something malevolent. Something that won't hesitate to rip apart their life and new love…

I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating!

Shifter/werewolf books are always hard for me to pick up. They either try to replace substance with a lot of sex or they're filled with insta-love and someone finding their "one true mate" where they instantly fall into feelings and emotions. And let's face it add more sex over substance. Having previously read the second book in this series though, and really enjoying it, I felt no hesitation picking up The Moonshadow's Daughter and jumping back into this series. Kaylie Newell actually knows how to write a really intriguing story that will keep you on the edge of your seat filled with tension and danger and a really good love story. I will never hesitate to pick up one of her books in the future, especially after finishing this one!

So I've read this series sort of out of order. I read book two back in June when it released and really loved it but I still haven't gone back and read  the first one. Something I plan on fixing just as soon as I finish typing this up! But Aimee's story was one that I really couldn't wait to dive into. I've been intrigued by her ever since learning of her "death" back in Hunter of Her Heart and then having her suddenly pop up in that one. I couldn't wait to really find out all the details of what her life had been like. Plus she seemed so isolated and alone and even though I didn't know her I really wanted her to find some peace and happiness.

This book was everything I was hoping it would be and so much more. I mean I fell head over heels in love with these characters and this story. The thing I've discovered that Kaylie Newell is absolutely brilliant at his making you feel everything. I really do mean everything. She can write fear and tension in a way that makes you feel as if you are living through it right along side of the characters. For most of the book you don't see this thing that she's building up towards but when she's describing the feeling of being watched the hairs on your arm and the back of your neck stand up right along side the character you're living it through. You get that creepy feeling as if you yourself are being watched. It was amazing! It's intense and I couldn't have put this book down if I wanted to. I devoured it as I held my breath and turned the pages as fast as I can.

I was so excited to see that Jake and his absolutely adorable son Daniel were set to bring Aimee into their lives for this book. I remember both of them from the previous book and their story was also one that I was intrigued by. Daniel is just the sweetest little thing and I wanted him to be real so I could snuggle him in my arms and carry him around with me. And I always lose my heart the fastest to the really devoted single dad type characters. They're like my kryptonite. I am quite smitten with this little group of characters. They're the types of characters that have you desperately wanting them to be real.

I am just completely in love with this book. It's got danger, heartbreak, intensity, passion, and a love story that will melt your heart. In a way I am so happy that I haven't read book one, Lone Wolfe Protector, yet because I'm not ready to be done with Wolfe Creek and it's people this evening. I want more! Though it's going to be hard to top this one I'm still very much looking forward to getting to know Koda and Maggie better. Love this book. Love this series!!

Huge thanks to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!

REVIEW: Lone Wolfe Protector (Wolfe Creek #1) by Kaylie Newell

Title: Lone Wolfe Protector
Series: Wolfe Creek #1
Author: Kaylie Newell
Publisher: Entangled Covet
Published: August 25th 2014
Format: eBook | Pages: 201
Genres: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: Amazon
★★★★✩ (4.5/5) Stars!

Kaylie Newell | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Maggie Sullivan is back in Wolfe Creek, determined to find out why her best friend vanished one fog-shrouded night a year ago. But it quickly becomes clear that if the folks in the secluded mountain town know what happened to her friend, they aren't talking...

Seasoned sheriff's deputy Koda Wolfe reluctantly agrees to help this beautiful woman, even as he tries to convince her to leave for her own good. Soon he's compelled to protect Maggie from herself, his family's ancient curse, and a killer who could strike again.The nights heat up in more ways than one as Maggie and Koda begin a fiery relationship. But as they delve deeper into the disappearance, the eerie woods come alive with secrets bound to tear them apart. 

And someone is watching their every move...

So I've kind of read this series out of order, started off with two and three then finished off with book one. But regardless of the order I read them in this series has quickly become a favorite of mine. It's so hard to find paranormal romances that aren't cheesy or repetitive or a number of other complaints I could put out there. The Wolfe Creek series, though, felt really fresh and unique, it was intense and had a dangerous edge. Filled with complex characters that are full of depth and that you wish were real. Plus an intriguing setting full of mystery and legend and magic. Each book is just as strong as the next one, pulls you in just as deeply and keeps you just as much on the edge of your seat as the others.

In a way I'm kind of glad that I wound up reading this book last. Mostly because Koda was the character I was really looking forward to the most. He seemed very intense and serious when I came across him in his brother, Zane's, book. I couldn't wait to peel back the layers and discover more about him and what makes him tick. He didn't disappoint at all. Besides, there's just something about a man in uniform.

I was surprised with how much I liked Maggie. I really couldn't get a very good read on her from the other books so I didn't go in with any feelings either way. She ended up being so much fun though. She wasn't anything like I expected her to be. She was very brave and bold and didn't allow her grief over her missing friend completely consume her. Sure she had closed herself off a bit, but she's a fighter and I loved how she never once gave up on her friend and was determined to find out the truth behind what happened to her. She was a very strong female character for everything she's gone through and I thought that was awesome.

I also really liked how the romance between Maggie and Koda progressed. How they started off wanting to strangle each other but ended with wanting to rip their clothes off instead. I love when characters start out with that kind of love/hate thing going on. Well it's more so a hate or strong dislike. They're always the most fun romances to follow. They ended up being my favorite couple from the series. They were intense and incredibly sweet and of course oh so steamy.

While I feel like the mystery and the "big bad danger" that was in this book was probably the easiest for me to figure out it didn't take away any of my enjoyment from the story. Even though I was pretty sure I knew what was going on during this book I was still just as on the edge of my seat as I was with the others. I've said it in my review for book three and I'll say it again here, Kaylie Newell is really good at making you feel everything. Everything. The danger, the intensity, the romance. I felt it all.

I loved this book and this entire series. It's been a lot of fun and so nice to be in an intriguing paranormal world that I can actually fall in love with. I look forward to reading more from Kaylie Newell in the future!

ARC REVIEW: Beauty and the Werewolf (San Francisco Wolf Pack #2) by Kristin Miller

Title: Beauty and the Werewolf
Series: San Francisco Wolf Pack #2
Author: Kristin Miller
Publisher: Entangled Covet
Published: August 25th 2015
Format: eARC | Pages: 176
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Source: Publisher
★★★ (3/5) Stars!

Kristin Miller | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

A paranormal category romance from Entangled's Covet imprint...

This lone wolf falls hard...for his enemy.

Unmated werewolves don't normally live past three hundred years old...and billionaire Jack MacGrath is cutting it close. Sure, he has almost everything-the respect of his peers, a mansion in San Francisco, a private jet, and fast cars. But without a mate, Jack's in trouble. Then he sees her. Gorgeous, proud...and his enemy.

Isabelle Connelly is good at hiding things from her father. Like her success as a painter, or the incredibly intense attraction she has to Jack MacGrath. After all, she's royalty and falling for anyone lesser-to say nothing of a rival pack-would be, er, unseemly. Now she must choose between her duty to her family and her pack...or her perfect fated mate.

I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating!

I felt the need to throw a little paranormal romance into my life to break up the huge amounts of contemporaries I've been stuck on lately. After reading the blurb for Beauty and the Wolf, it seemed like the perfect book for the job. Now, I wasn't exactly blown away, but as I whipped my way through this story I found myself drawn in deeply and filled with a need to know how Jack and Isabelle's story would end.

I became very fascinated with the lore of this world. The fact that werewolves don't normally live past 300 unless they find the one. The mate they're fated to be with. I was intrigued by all the possible "what ifs" that presented.

Jack's character was like a breath of fresh air when it comes to the normal werewolf male characters. I mean, sure he had a very powerful alpha like air about him but that side of him was minuscule compared to how sweet and kind hearted he was.

I'm always immediately drawn in to a good forbidden type of a romance. It was the huge draw that this book in particular had on me. It wasn't quite everything I had hoped it would be in that area, but it was fun all the same. I guess I had hoped there would be more of a backstory where the two families were concerned that would cause lots of back and forth. Some big, dark family secret that would be nearly impossible for either side to get past and make Jack and Isabelle's feelings seem more taboo. Even though that's not how it played out, I was still pulled in and didn't want to put the book down.

There was a lot of chemistry and sizzle between Jack and Isabelle. The only problem, which is pretty much what I expected to happen, was the whole insta-love thing. It's generally what makes me unsure about picking up a shifter/werewolf book. Romances always seem to be filled with "the one", "the fated mate" type of a situation and with that comes that instant connection and instant feelings. It's a bit frustrating, well maybe a lot frustrating, when you have a really good and pretty solid story...only to have the premature I love yous put a smudge on what is an otherwise pretty fantastic story.

Regardless of the insta-love and my desire for Jack and Isabelle's story to be filled with more roadblocks, it was a very sweet and heartwarming read. It was quick and steamy and lots of fun. Exactly the type of book I needed to mix up my reading schedule!

Thanks to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!

ARC REVIEW: Baby's Got Bite (Take it Like a Vamp #2) by Candace Havens

Title: Baby's Got Bite
Series: Take it Like a Vamp #2
Author: Candace Havens
Publisher: Entangled Covet
Published: July 28th 2015
Format: eARC | Pages: 166
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Romance
Source: Publisher
★★★✩ (3.5/5) Stars!

Candace Havens | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Some consequences bite . . . big time.

Bennett Langdon has a firm no-relationships policy. Still, it doesn't stop her from hooking up with a super-sexy bad boy at her best friend's wedding. After all, it's only one night—what harm could it do? Ten weeks later, a pregnant Bennett has her answer...

Linc Monahan can't believe it. This wasn't supposed to happen. He's a werewolf, and shouldn't be able to father a child with a human. Now Linc has to find some way to tell Bennett that not only do werewolves exist, but she's about to have a baby with one.

But when word of their surprise conception gets out, the fur hits the fan. There are people who don't want this baby to be born—even if it means killing. Now Bennett and Linc aren't just fighting each other . . . they're fighting for their lives.

I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating.

Werewolves, and vampires, and accidental pregnancies oh my! Well the first book in this series, Take it Like a Vamp, has been sitting in my Kindle for what seems like forever. But when Baby's Got Bite came along, I knew after reading that blurb that I needed to put my procrastinating to an end and at least read this one. I had quite a bit of fun reading this book. Though most things did work well for me, I will say there were one or two that didn't.

This book basically had me from the very beginning. The opening was the perfect mixture of absolutely hilarious and deliciously steamy. Bennett and Linc have a really great antagonistic type of chemistry. The kind where it seems like the only thing they would ever agree on would be the undeniable attraction between them. Oh how I love relationships that start out like this!

Linc is every bit the alpha male you would expect from a werewolf/shifter. He's the fiercely protective lone wolf. I loved how he comes off as very upbeat and playful but when you dig beneath the layers there's also  a bit of sadness and loneliness to him as well. He was quite surprising and swoon worthy.

Bennett on the other hand I both liked and disliked. She had lots of moments when she was funny and sweet and adorable, the kind of chic I'd even love to be friends with. Then there were the things that bugged me. Like the fact that all the supernaturals in the book spoke in a very polished manner. I mean, I guess it's also from the fact that most of them have been around for hundreds of years, but it's the fact that the two "humans" in the story, Bennett and her best friend Casey who's from the first book, both came off as, well, less than polished. Sure, Bennett's "potty mouth" was part of her character and how she was trying to clean up her act now that she was pregnant. I thought that was actually cute and funny at first but when every thing was "eff off" or "shove it up your a" it got less funny. And Casey was nearly as bad. I just thought it reflected negative on the human aspect and, to me at least, it screamed humans were white trash compared to all the sups.

I think that my biggest complaint though, would have to be the fact that there was so much build up and alluding to danger for Linc, Bennett and the baby for very good and very intriguing reasons. Allusions that, sadly, went no where. I was practically on the edge of my seat waiting for something to happen. Almost craving something to happen but nothing really did. 

Regardless of those few disappointments, I'd have to say I still really enjoyed this book. I love how there's a huge mix of supernaturals in it. I'm talking shifters, vampires, fae, witches, etc. It definitely scratched the paranormal/supernatural itch that's been nagging at me for a while now. Can't wait to see what else is in store for this series!

Thanks to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!!

ARC REVIEW: Hunter of Her Heart (Wolfe Creek #2) by Kaylie Newell

Title: Hunter of Her Heart
Series: Wolfe Creek #2
Author: Kaylie Newell
Publisher: Entangled Covet
Published: June 23rd 2015
Format: eARC | Pages: 173
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Source: Publisher
★★★★ (4/5) Stars!

Bad boy Zane Wolfe has always been wild and reckless. Even though he’s hot for his high school sweetheart, Candi Brooks, settling down has never been in his plans. Beyond that, he’s changing in strange ways—and begins to wonder if there's truth to the local folklore that claims his family is cursed to be werewolves...

There's never been a time when waitress Candi didn't have a serious weakness for Zane and his intense, dark sex appeal. She craves him. But after her life changes dramatically, and Zane won’t commit, Candi’s reached her limit. She can't wait forever...so she's taking her heart off the table before it gets good and broken.

Something mysterious is going on in Wolfe Creek, and danger stalks Candi. Zane will do anything he can to protect her. But the one person she needs protection from might just be him…

I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. In no way did this sway either my review or my rating!

I'm always so nervous about starting a new shifter/werewolf book or series. I love paranormal books but it always seems that the one creature from that genre that produces the most cringe-worthy books are the shifters. Every once in a while you come across a really good one. But let's be honest, most of the time they're either overdone, totally cheesy, or make up for a lack of content and quality with an overabundance of sex. Because we all know that sex fixes all plot holes... Luckily, Hunter of Her Heart, had none of those issues. It was intriguing, exciting, filled with tension and danger, steamy and so much more. In fact, immediately upon finishing I went straight to Amazon to get the first book in the series! I'm very much looking forward to going back and reading Koda's story.

The lore revolving around Wolfe Creek and the Wolfe family was great. I'm enjoying how that's playing out in the story. It's like this legend, this scary story you tell each other or your kids growing up that seems to be just that. A legend. Until it affects you and then it's like surprise...those stories are real. It was so nice though to have that small tiny twist on most shifter stories. Where normally they change and are this uncontrollable creature who wouldn't know friend from foe and they go on a slaughter spree. This one isn't at all like that. And I won't say much else because it was a very pleasant surprise for me.

The really liked the characters of Zane and Candi instantly. They're relationship was as sweet and swoon worthy as it was incredibly frustrating. But that good kind of frustrating. The kind that's so full of angst and the bittersweet.  There was never a time where I didn't root for these two I just found myself constantly wanting to bonk their heads together and yell communicate!

Sure it was easy to immediately figure out where the danger that's stalking Candi is coming from. They were all surprised by it while I was thinking come on guys I figured this out back in chapter two! (Err...wherever he first appears.) That in no way took away any of the enjoyment I had reading this.

It's fun, it's interesting. it's different. The sexual situations or the alluding to such actually fit in with what's going on in story, it's not just pointless and fluffy. There's a bit of darkness and danger within it all as well. It kept me turning the pages as I perched on the edge of my seat that's for sure! If you like the paranormal/supernatural with the werewolves/shifters then I recommend giving this series a read. This one read perfectly fine as a standalone as I haven't read Lone Wolfe Protector yet. Though I can't fully guarantee that anything could've been missed in not starting there. Still I suggest giving this one a try!

Thanks to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

ARC REVIEW: Beauty and the Wolf (The Cursed Princes #1) by Marina Myles

Title/Series: Beauty and the Wolf | The Cursed Princes #1
Author: Marina Myles
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp
Expected publication: June 6th 2013
Format: eBook | Pages: 224
Genre: Paranormal, Historical, Romance
Source: NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
★★★★★ (5/5) Stars!

Marina Myles | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

A Union Of Curses

Isabella Farrington’s marriage was hasty. For all her new husband’s riches, Lord Draven Winthrop is whispered about, avoided, and feared. Yet Isabella is drawn to Draven’s dark good looks, his strength, the charm he can turn on as easily as she can blink. The impoverished daughter of an Egyptologist, she knows there are rumors about her, too, and the amulet she wears. Nothing more than superstitious babble…

But when Isabella returns to Draven’s remote coastal manor, she senses there is something more at work in the grim gardens of Thorncliff Towers than superstition. Draven is passionate and seductive, but he has a brutal, uncontrolled side too, and a history of secrets. To live in peace she must discover the reasons behind a gypsy curse and a mother’s scorn. Especially when she learns Draven believes his sweet young bride is doomed to a fate even darker than his own…

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Beauty and the Wolf was exactly how I thought it was going to be and it lived up to every one of my expectations. In part it was every bit the historical romance book that I loved to read and exclusively read for years. The castle like estate, the moody Lord of the manor, a marriage of convenience. All that delicious historical appeal. And then in another part we have the enchanting retelling of a well known fairytale.

And let me just tell you while putting her own spin on the tale of Beauty and the Beast it never lost that feel of it's original tale, but with our beast turning into a werewolf. Yet laced throughout the story you still saw glimpses of that original telling inside of this adaptation. It was such a fun read. With gypsy curses and betrayals and both murder and attempted murders you never know what's going to happen with each turn of the page and I was truly captivated. There were actually two curses going on throughout this book simultaneously. One being the gypsy curse and another, an Egyptian curse. Both with very fascinating lore that you learned about through the progress of the book. They added a unique spin to this classic tale.

Draven was your ideal, true to form historical hero. He was moody and had a temper. People talked about him and rumors swirled. He was pretty much a womanizing outcast who didn't know how to love anyone but himself, but you know there's something there beneath that surface. It all tied in well with the werewolf side to him and I liked him a lot. Then we have Isabella. Impoverished former governess who wants nothing more than to take care of her father and have a family of her own.

The love story. Ahhh the love story. Sigh. It was completely swoon worthy. Just enough will they, won't they conflict to keep you on your toes. Just enough steam to leave you wanting more. It was easy to become attached to these two and watch as they drift apart and then together through a mess of emotions ultimately to find that deep passionate love. Because it isn't worth it in the end if Beauty doesn't get her Beast right?

I couldn't have been more pleased with this book. Having been stuck in a rut of books with weak heroines who had absolutely no backbone and absolutely irredeemable heroes. I was desperately needing something to bounce back with and I put all my faith in Beauty and the Wolf...and it delivered without disappointment. AND eeep I'm so excited!! At the end there's an author's note saying that if we liked Beauty and the Wolf, in December to look for Snow White and the Vampire. Are you kidding me?! Ahhh I am so jumping on board with that one!

I'd like to thank Kensington Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!

REVIEW: Dark Wolf (Spirit Wild #1) by Kate Douglas

Title/Series: Dark Wolf | Spirit Wild #1
Author: Kate Douglas
Publisher: Aphrodisia
Published: April 30th 2013
Format: eBook | Pages: 352
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Source: NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
★★ (2/5) Stars!

Kate Douglas | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Sebastian Xenakis is still coming into his power as a wizard. He can shapeshift by magical means and runs as a wolf using the power he draws from the elements. But young women are dying—raped by a human and then slaughtered by a wolf. Suspicion falls on the shapeshifting Chanku, but Sebastian wonders if he might somehow be guilty of the crimes. 

Then he meets Lily Cheval, the uncrowned princess of the powerful Chanku, and realizes he will do whatever it takes to clear his name and win her love. But evil walks where Sebastian goes, and there are mysteries neither Lily nor her father, the powerful wizard, Anton Cheval, cannot unravel. Is Sebastian the perfect mate for Lily, or is he instead, one she should fear?

As humorous as I find the fact that I'm saying this, it's pretty true, sometimes they can ruin a pretty good book with too much sex. But then again that's not even really the problem. I think had it just been... sex it wouldn't have been such a big deal. But this was all just a bit too...open, "free love" for my taste. So it just left me feeling awkward and a bit dirty. I'm far from being prudish and I love a good steamy book just as much as the next person. But the actual STORY within this book was extremely interesting to me and I found myself thinking on occasion "Okay, enough of the nakedness can we find out more about the murders please and thank you?" Bit frustrating.

But it wasn't just the excessive sexuality of the book that was frustrating, it was also, often very repetitive. When I'm explained, at great length...at least two to three pages worth of length, about the fact that Lily loved her friend Alex. That she was all but betrothed to him from the crib. Neither of them truly loved each other in the way you would a mate though. She loved him like a friend just as he loved her like a friend. The sex was good but that's all it really was. It was nothing like the instant, intense connection she felt with Sebastian. Okay see? I got it. It's in my brain. Yet Every time Alex was brought up in Lily's head or we were even inside Alex's head, I had to hear all the details. All over again. by 37% I had heard it at least four times in great detail. I may not be brilliant but I won't forget from the last 10% of the book that I just read the significance of their relationship.

I had all that detail about the inner workings of the Lily-Alex-Platonic-Love-Fiasco, yet I struggled to understand the workings of the world within this book. I think possibly this is maybe a spinoff series from Wolf Tales? I saw that somewhere when I was trying to research and understand what the heck I was reading. It was overwhelming and confusing. I'm thrown all these terms that I suppose I should just know, but really am I going to have to read 12 books of a different series in order to understand this new one? I would have liked to been clued in a bit more. Maybe just touch at it here and there at the beginning.

At one point, about 73% I thought I was going to finally start getting some answers. Lily starts thinking back to when she was a child and met the "Ancient Ones" and how they explained the Chanku history to her and she's glossing over these thoughts but not really explaining a lot to me then BAM. I got so sidetracked in the story trying to find understanding....I'd forgotten she and Sebastian were in the middle of a nice little kitchen encounter, if....yanno what I mean. I mean it goes from her contemplating why she couldn't be with him if he was a human to the very first sentence in the next paragraph being "He thrust harder." I was like what?! Oh yeah....they were-- Hmm...Which only goes to prove what I said earlier. Sometimes they ruin a perfectly good story with too much sex. :(

In a nutshell? At the end of this book I'm just as confused as I was at the start. And I feel like I need to take a Brillo Pad to my brain. I'm thankful for the fact that the storyline that I was sucked into, with all the young women being slaughtered, was fully resolved by the end of this book. Because between orgies and a couple of wolf sex scenes, oh yeah, did I not mention? Couple of them. Skipped right over those nasty bits. I'm sorry but if the idea of a couple of wolves mating is exciting to you...I just don't even want to think about it. And I don't care that they're "shifters" in wolf form. They were doing it AS WOLVES. Yeah I won't be moving on to book 2. I kind of wish I could erase this one from my head. 

REVIEW: Bittersweet Blood (The Order #1) by Nina Croft

Title/Series: Bittersweet Blood | The Order #1
Author: Nina Croft
Publisher: Entangled Edge
Published: February 17th 2013
Format: eBook | Pages: 300
Genre: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Source: NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
★★★★ (4/5) Stars!

Nina Croft | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Tara Collins just wants to be normal. Everyone else wants her dead.

Tara’s eccentric aunt raised her to be fearful of the world and follow the rules. But after her aunt’s death, Tara is ready to take control and experience life for the first time. But she quickly discovers that everything she’s been told is a web of lies. Determined to solve the mystery of who she is truly, she hires private investigator to help her uncover the truth.

Christian Roth is more than your average PI. A vampire and ex-demon hunter, Christian lives among the humans, trying to be “normal.” But recently, things seem to be falling apart. There’s a crazed demon hell-bent on revenge hunting him down, and a fae assassin on the loose with an unknown target. And the Order he abandoned desperately needs his help.

As the secrets of Tara’s past collide with the problems in Christian’s present, she finds herself fighting her attraction to the dark and mysterious investigator. Falling in love does not fit into her plans at all, but Tara soon learns that some rules are meant to be broken.

My reading interests are normally more geared toward the Young Adult and New Adult categories. That's not to say that I never branch out, like now. I received an email from NetGalley about Entangled Edge, a new branch of the Entangled publishing team, and there were a few books suggested. Bittersweet Blood being one of them. The description had me very interested so I sent in a request. The world of vampires is very intriguing to me. I've generally stayed in the very tame and shallow end of the vampire world. And this was definitely not that. This was darker, more sensual. And highly addicting.

Christian Roth.  When I say that name in my head, it's even said with a sigh in there. He is everything you could possibly want a vampire to be. Tall, pale, moves like a predator and oh so sexy. Well, if you're into 500 year old guys with fangs. (Yes, please!) Tara is great too. Going from being sheltered and controlled, in a loving protective sort of way, to being thrown into a world of the supernatural and paranormal all she wants is a normal life. But as they uncover who she really is, normal just doesn't seem possible.

This book was so good. I couldn't put it down. It had a little bit of everything. Vampires, demons, fae, werewolves, shifters, hellhounds. I mean it was paranormal reader heaven. There were times it left me breathless, sometimes with surprised shock, sometimes with laughter, sometimes from the anticipation of the dangerous situation and of course sometimes from the very passionate encounters between Tara and Christian. A bit more descriptive than I'm used to, so it was kind of like...whoa *fans self*. But it was written tastefully.

As my first time reading a book by Nina Croft, I very much enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of her work in the future!