Rabid Reads

Replica
Author: Jenna Black
Series: Replica Trilogy #1
Publisher: Tor Books
Published on: July 16, 2013
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Format: 368 pages, Paperback
Provided by: Library

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Breathtaking new YA SF from the author of the Faeriewalker series

Sixteen-year-old Nadia Lake comes from a high-class Executive family in the Corporate States. Her marriage has been arranged with the most powerful family in her state, which means she lives a life of privilege but also of public scrutiny, followed everywhere by photographers, every detail of her private life tabloid fodder. But her future is assured, as long as she can maintain her flawless public image — no easy feat when your betrothed is a notorious playboy.

Nathan Hayes is the heir of Paxco — controller of the former state of New York, and creator of human replication technology, science that every state and every country in the world would kill to have. Though Nadia and Nate aren’t in love, they’ve grown up close, and they (and the world) are happy enough with their match.

Until Nate turns up dead, and as far as everyone knows, Nadia was the last person to see him alive.

When the new Nate wakes up in the replication tanks, he knows he must have died, but with a memory that only reaches to his last memory backup, he doesn’t know what killed him. Together, Nadia and Nate must discover what really happened without revealing the secrets that those who run their world would kill to protect.

It is a known fact that I don’t read many young adult novels. However, there are some authors that I’ll try. Jenna Black is one of those authors. I’ve read her adult novels and even her other YA trilogy, The Faeriewalker Series. I’ve always enjoyed her books, so I thought I would give this one a try.

The world that is built here is very interesting. It takes place in the future and the government as we know has collapsed. This story takes place in what was once New York City. There is technology to not only clone humans, but also replicate their memories into that clone. If you die, they can bring you back. You will remember everything since the last time you were scanned.

We have two main characters in this book. Nate (18) and Nadia (16). They are engaged to be married, as arranged by their parents. Nate’s father is the chairman of Paxco, the largest corporation in this city. Nate is his father’s only son and heir. He is also gay, but is friends with Nadia. Nate has fallen in love with another boy from Basement, which is the really bad part of town. Nate is hiding his sexual preferences to prevent being “reprogrammed”. Nadia is the second daughter in her family, so she isn’t really heir to anything.

At the very beginning of Replica, Nate is murdered while at a party. The murder is pinned on Kurt Bishop, Nate’s lover and valet. Nadia is the last person who saw him alive. Nate is brought back as a Replica. His last scan was two weeks prior, so he doesn’t remember anything of the past two weeks when he wakes up. Nate and Nadia both agree that Kurt Bishop is not the real killer. They set out together to solve this murder. Can you imagine trying to be a detective in your own murder case??

In this world, status is very important and being heir to a great family can determine a lot about your life. There are Executives, Employees and Basement Dwellers. The majority of our characters are Executives or part of the family. We do meet some Basement Dwellers, but very few of the middle of the road Employees.

The characters in this story are not perfect. Nate and Nadia are both raised in an elitist society. They have always gotten what they’ve wanted, but have also lived a very sheltered life. While Nate is gay, he isn’t a stereotypical gay man. He is just a guy who likes other guys. He is a bit of a brat in the fact that he has always had everyone bow down to him as he will likely become the next Chairman of Paxco Industries. He doesn’t take things well when things don’t go his way.

Nadia is a girl who was raised in a society where she is just meant to be a pretty sidekick to her future husband. She isn’t a Kardashian though. She befriended the only black girl in her school, whose family just barely makes into Executive ranks. She abhors the other more traditional society girls.

Replica is very well written with a lot of twists and turns. There isn’t much of a love interest. There is the relationship between the two boys, but that isn’t pretty down played. There is also a potential love interest between Nadia and Dante, an employee that is assigned as a personal assistant, but is really a spy for the Chairman. I liked that this book didn’t have typical YA tropes of love triangles and teenage angst. I’ve very interested to see how book two of the series goes.
 

The Replica Trilogy

Feral Sins
Author: Suzanne Wright
Series: The Phoenix Pack #1
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Published on: February 19, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Werewolves
Format: 428 pages, eBook
Provided by: Purchased

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When female wolf shifter Taryn Warner first encounters Trey Coleman, an alpha male wolf shifter with a dangerous reputation, she’s determined to resist his charms. After all, Trey—who was only fourteen when he defeated his own father in a duel, winning the right to be alpha of his pack—can’t have anything to offer the talented healer besides trouble, or so she thinks. Taryn finds herself drawn in by Trey’s forceful demeanor and arctic-blue eyes, and she eventually agrees to enter an uneasy alliance with him. If the two succeed in convincing their respective packs that they’ve chosen each other as mates, Trey will win valuable political allies, while Taryn will escape an odious arranged mating.

But there are a lot of potential pitfalls to this plan—including the very real possibility that the wolf shifters, overwhelmed by their growing attraction to each other, will be unable to maintain the clear heads needed to pull off the deception.

So there is hot, and then, there is HOT! I think this book fits the HOT description, with no reservations. A wolf pack full of super hot guys? Yes, that’s part of what makes this hot-but it’s the sexy scenes that pushes it into HOT territory.

Taryn Warren is a wolf shifter that can’t shift. She’s the daughter of the alpha and since she is latent, he treats her horribly, and considers her an embarrassment to him. He’s arranged a mating for her with Roscoe, an alpha that gets his kicks from hurting women. When Taryn gets kidnapped out of the blue by Trey, the Alpha of the Phoenix Pack, and is given a chance to get out of mating Roscoe, she pretty much jumps at it. The fact that she has to pretend that Trey is her true mate just made it much easier since she is totally attracted to him, and so is her wolf.

I enjoyed the characters of Taryn and Trey. Taryn is a healer for her pack, and has sarcasm oozing out of her pores. Trey has a wolf that is so close under his skin that when he gets upset he goes feral, and nobody can calm him-except Taryn. He is so dominate that when he was fourteen he challenged, and won against his father. He left his pack, and started a new pack with several members of the old pack. Taryn is also an alpha even though she can’t shift. The two alphas together were nothing short of explosive. The rest of the Phoenix pack were all well realized as well. Marcus, the sweet womanizer, Dominic and his corny pickup lines, Dante, the hot beta, Tao, the head enforcer, and the one with a crush on Taryn, all become like friends before it’s all over. And then there is Trey’s grandmother, Greta. Sweet granny? Not even close. She is the bane of Taryn’s life, and the main object of Taryn’s sharp tongued sarcasm, and that was one of the funniest parts of the book for me. Of course there is a villain, Trey’s uncle. He has his own evil agenda when it comes to the Phoenix Pack.

To me the characters and the romance were the best part of this read. However, the author has done a ton of world building concerning shifters in this world where humans know about them, and are prejudiced against them. Mating rules are explored and expanded to included both true mates and imprinting-and there is a difference. Pack politics and alliances are all part of this story as well. There’s lots of violence, and pretty much an equal amount of sex scenes. The chemistry between Trey and Taryn is off the charts, and people that don’t enjoy erotica may have a problem with this read. Normally I am not a big erotica fan, but decided that since the story and romance were so good, that I was just going to go with it. It’s very explicit, but well written.

I read this in order to get background, and to better understand book four, Dark Instincts, which I have also read. I enjoyed both of these so much that I am probably going to go back and read books two and three. My review of Dark Instincts will post soon.

Just a heads up, I just read a review on Amazon that completely confused me. Evidently there was a graphic orgy/almost rape scene that readers hated, and it has since been deleted from the book. So if you do read other reviews keep that in mind. I think it made for a lot more bad reviews for a book that would have been rated higher-my opinion.

The Phoenix Pack Series

Another miss. The couple fought so much that it made their eventual HEA a tough sell, we didn't learn nearly enough about Cole's ice fey for my liking, and the sex scenes were in a lot of ways a repeat of DARK NEEDS AT NIGHT'S EDGE with the no touchie angle—which was my least fav installment BTW. And, that epilogue was just c-h-e-e-s-y. Full review to follow.

Garden of Dreams and Desires
Author: Kristen Painter
Series: Crescent City #3
Publisher: Orbit
Published on: April 7, 2015
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: 368 pages, eARC
Provided by: NetGalley
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Magic is twisted and chaos reigns in this climactic final novel in the Crescent City trilogy by award-winning author Kristen Painter.

New Orleans is on the brink of war.

Harlow is a ghost in her own body. She has no control, no power -- all she can do is watch as her twin sister Ava Mae lives recklessly and foolishly, slowly destroying everything Harlow has worked so hard for.

Augustine needs to focus on his new role as Guardian of New Orleans, as tourists mysteriously disappear off the streets, but all he can think of is rescuing Harlow -- Keeping his family safe.

As the Coven grows more powerful, control of the city hangs in the balance and if the witches prevail, no fae will survive.

I don’t know if it was the writing, Kristen Painter’s personal style, the characters, or what, but I’ve come to the conclusion that this trilogy just wasn’t my thing. CITY OF ETERNAL NIGHT showed the most promise out of all of the books (except for the ending); however this finale felt more like the author was going down a checklist than delivering Harlow & Augustine’s story in all its messy glory. Boy gets the girl: Check. Deal with the senator: Check. Usurp the prime: Check. Exorcise evil twin: Check. It was all business, and not enough Urban Fantasy.

GARDENS OF DREAMS AND DESIRES was a busy novel that could have easily been split up into two installments, and probably should have been. There were too many threads that needed to be settled, and too few pages to do it in which in turn forced Painter to get down to brass tacks, and to cut back on some of the aspects that first drew me to this series such as her geeky plugs, and Fae mischief. I found no info on the author’s website with regards to being dropped by her publisher, so I have to assume that this is the tale she intended to tell.

Harlow was starting to mature as a character, only to have her evil twin sister hijack her body in the last chapters of the previous book which by the way is a spoiler; however it’s mentioned in the blurb, so I saw no reason to tiptoe around it. I was still pissed at the heroine for making such a amateurish mistake in COEN, and wasn’t thrilled about her being eighty-sixed by Ava Mae. That was only the case until the 36% mark, but writing the lead female protagonist out of CRESCENT CITY’s conclusion was just bad form in my opinion.

There were several elements that were left up in the air, and others that were far too cleanly resolved. Is Olivia forever stuck on the Fae plane that’s home to the Claustrum? Giselle’s been dealt with, but what about Ian? Lally’s true purpose is now known by many, shouldn’t there be consequences, or at the very least questions raised? Harlow & Augustine’s HEA was rather mediocre, and elicited a that’s it? reaction from me as opposed to the fulfilled happy feeling that readers have come to expect from a final installment in a trilogy.

GARDENS OF DREAMS AND DESIRES was in all probability a case of it’s not you, it’s me; however if not, blargh sums it up nicely.

Crescent City Series
My Review	My Review

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The Dragon Reborn
Author: Robert Jordan
Series: The Wheel of Time #3
Publisher: Tor Books
Published on: October 15, 1992
Genre: Fantasy
Format: 635 pages, eBook
Provided by: Purchased

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The Dragon Reborn--the leader long prophesied who will save the world, but in the saving destroy it; the savior who will run mad and kill all those dearest to him--is on the run from his destiny.

Able to touch the One Power, but unable to control it, and with no one to teach him how--for no man has done it in three thousand years--Rand al'Thor knows only that he must face the Dark One. But how?

Winter has stopped the war-almost-yet men are dying, calling out for the Dragon. But where is he?

Perrin Aybara is in pursuit with Moiraine Sedai, her Warder Lan, and the Loial the Ogier. Bedeviled by dreams, Perrin is grappling with another deadly problem--how is her to escape the loss of his own humanity.

Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve are approaching Tar Valon, where Mat will be healed--if he lives until they arrive. But who will tell the Amyrlin their news--that the Black Ajah, long thought only a hideous rumor, is all too real? They cannot know that in Tar Valon far worse awaits...

Ahead, for all of them, in the Heart of the Stone, lies the next great test of the Dragon reborn...

The Dragon Reborn is where things really start getting good.

PLEASE NOTE that I am speaking strictly from the REREAD perspective. If you have never read the series before, the first two books are spectacular. Spectacular x5, even. It’s only knowing what’s coming and being impatient to get to the even better parts that makes books 1 and 2 merely enjoyable when compared to the depth of imagination and interconnectedness as the series progresses.

BUT. All of that epicness must have a solid foundation on which to build.

And book #3 is still very much a part of that early foundation-laying process.

However, TWO very important things happen in this installment:

1. Mat is healed from the taint of the Shadar Logoth dagger.
2. Perrin meets Faile.

I don’t know if prior-to-book 3-Mat was part of Jordan’s character growth process, or if he just got bored with the character—I certainly found the early version to be tiresome—but when Mat wakes from being Healed in Tar Valon, he’s almost a completely different person.

Oh, he’s still a rascal, but no longer a rascal of the juvenile variety. Instead, he becomes that kind of clever, scalawag, rogue-type character, who has always been one of my personal favorites.

In another life (HA!), he would have made an excellent pirate.

It’s the difference between telling a couple of younger boys a story about ghost hounds, then covering a few dogs in flour and loosing them on the village green, and betting Galad and Gawyn that he can beat them, his quarterstaff against their two swords, both b/c he needs the money to finance his escape, and also b/c “it would be fun.”

Then there’s Faile.

A lot of WoT fans aren’t particularly fond of Faile, and maybe I’ll change my mind after rereading some of the later installments . . . but I doubt it.

I just like her.

Firstly, she’s Saldaean, which is my second favorite people group (after the Aiel).

Secondly, almost all of the drama in her relationship with Perrin can be attributed to her nationality, and where others are simply exhausted by her and her antics, I chalk it up to cultural differences

And when she's not behaving in what a non-Saldaean would consider a ridiculous manner, her interactions with Perrin are positively delightful; I am full of delight.

Her appearance is also the first concrete manifestation (with long-term consequences) of one of Min's Viewings.

So yeah, those two things are where I turn the corner and stop fighting the urge to skim things I've read numerous times before.

This book is also where the Forsaken start to become real instead of flat boogiemen-type characters.

In The Eye of the World, we learned nothing beyond the fact that some of them were no longer imprisoned, and that there were two fewer of them in world. In The Great Hunt, the information was limited to Lanfear. But in The Dragon Reborn, we not only learn more about Lanfear, we also meet at least three others, and some of the mystery surrounding “Ba’alzamon” is . . . not revealed, per se, but I definitely felt I understood what the situation was by the time I finished the book.

And anytime we learn anything about the Age of Legends (from whence the Forsaken came), I am a happy camper.

Basically, I loved it.

PS: is it just me, or does Cover Dude bear a remarkable resemblance to Prince Harry?

ALSO, I’ll be keeping a spoiler-tagged record of the various bits of prophecy, things revealed about the Forsaken, etc. that accumulate along the way at the bottom of my Goodreads review. Fyi.

My Review	My Review

 
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Hey, guys! It’s no secret that I often get sucked into reading mediocre books b/c PRETTEH covers, so I’m trying something new. Here’s hoping I’ll be able to work the cover whore-ness out of my system by showcasing some of those covers as they’re revealed through Rabid Reads’ new feature: Fiction Police. *throws confetti in the air* *crowd goes wild*

 
Which is your favorite? I’m loving that DREAMSTRIDER cover myself, but I also really like the alternate UPROOTED cover, too. It’s full of whimsy. And bless the Andrews’ hearts . . . *snickers* They really do seem to be victims of the Bad Cover Curse, don’t they?
 

Definition: An Easter egg is an intentional inside joke, hidden message, or feature in a work such as a computer program, video game, movie, book, or crossword puzzle. The name has been said to evoke the idea of a traditional Easter egg hunt. —Wiki

I appreciate it whenever an author caters to their fans by referencing people or places from one of their other series. Not everyone will notice these little gems, but they are fun perks for die hard readers. There’s a certain amount of skill involved because Easter eggs need to be subtle so that they don’t confuse peeps that are unfamiliar with their origins while also being obvious enough that those in the known catch them.

Jennifer Estep tops my list of writers who love these colourful treats, plus I’ve read all of her books, so that helps too. If you pay close attention, you’ll catch Gwen Frost (MYTHOS ACADEMY) & Sam Sloane (BIGTIME) chowing down on grub from the Pork Pit (ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN), and I believe that Ashland is mentioned in her upcoming novel, COLD BURN OF MAGIC, although I own a physical copy which makes fact checking difficult. Estep frequently stalks my Question posts though, so maybe she’ll leave a comment to help fill in the blanks.

I’m always on the prowl for pop culture, and geeky Easter eggs too, because they make my inner fan-girl happy. A few of my go-to authors that use ‘em regularly include: Molly Harper, Kevin Hearne, and Jim Butcher. I also love quick shout-outs like Patricia Briggs’ hat tip to SUPERNATURAL in DEAD HEAT, or when Canadian places make an appearance in my novels given that for some reason the great white North isn’t a popular locale in Paranormal. Are we too nice for werewolves and vampires? I try to make a point of mentioning the tidbits that make me squee in my reviews like when Dianne Duvall brought up my home province of Québec in NIGHT UNBOUND.

Happy (almost) Easter!

#Listening

Dark Alchemy
Author: Laura Bickle
Publisher: Harper Voyager Impulse
Published on: March 24 2015
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: 271 pages, eARC
Provided by: Edelweiss

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Geologist Petra Dee arrives in Wyoming looking for clues to her father's disappearance years before. What she finds instead is Temperance, a dying Western town with a gold rush past and a meth-infested present. But under the town's dust and quiet, an old power is shifting. When bodies start turning up - desiccated and twisted skeletons that Petra can't scientifically explain - her investigations land her in the middle of a covert war between the town's most powerful interests. Petra's father wasn't the only one searching for the alchemical secrets of Temperance, and those still looking are now ready to kill. Armed with nothing but shaky alliances, a pair of antique guns, and a relic she doesn't understand, the only thing Petra knows for sure is that she and her coyote sidekick are going to have to move fast, or die next.

Temperence, Wyoming is an odd place . . .

That’s odd as in seriously creepy, not odd as in . . . a little bit different.

There’s meth cooker called “The Alchemist,” not to be confused with Lascaris, the alchemist whose “discoveries” of gold were the foundation of the town back in the Gold Rush . . .

It’s strongly implied that the “discoveries” were alchemical successes that none have been able to replicate—not for lack of trying—in the 100s of years since Lascaris’ untimely death in a fire that destroyed all of his belongings and research materials . . .

That’s either highly convenient or highly inconvenient, depending on your perspective.

Enter Petra Dee, a geologist searching for her father who happened to disappear 20(ish) years ago, last seen in Temperence, where she’s just accepted a new job.

Would you believe that Papa Dee had an interest in alchemy as well?

SMALL world.

Another strange coincidence would be the curiously familiar profile inside a mourning brooch Petra stumbles across in the town Pawn Shop/Historical Society to the tune of:

“Say . . . that looks like weird dude with the blood that glows who I watched get beat the hell up, but who had nary a scratch on him the very next day . . . ”

Like I said . . . ODD.

So the plot was interesting. But I had a few quibbles:

I picked this up b/c being set in the Midwest and having a bunch of crows on the cover, I figured there’s be a Native American angle, and there was, but alchemy was the bigger focus, which has never been a point of interest for me. YES, I know “alchemy” is in the title, but I was hoping there’d be more to it. There was . . . just not enough . . . for ME.

The Park Ranger is as overbearing as he’s supposed to be, but I’ve never understood the point of having faux love interests—if he’d been an old geezer, the role could have been filled just as well and without the awkwardness.

The message-from-beyond via Bobby Darin song was straight out of LOST.

Overall, better than meh, especially if you like the creepy side of Urban Fantasy. Dark Alchemy has creepy in spades (HA!). Between the aforementioned Alchemist who seems to ooze Mercury, the growing number of highly calcified and deformed almost corpses, and the ranch hands of the local BMOC who dangle underground from the roots of the “Hanging Tree” . . . Like I said . . . creeptastic.

Minus 0.5 stars for referring to a gun as a “toy.”

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Spring has sprung, and to celebrate I’m giving away ONE MILLION DOLLARS!!! No, not really, but this hop kicks off on April Fools Day, so I just couldn’t resist. This wonderful hop is hosted by BookHounds & I Am A Reader—don’t forget to follow these two lovely bloggers while you’re making the rounds trying to score some bookish goodies.

That being said, I think that a $50 GC is still a pretty decent haul. This giveaway is open internationally just so long as you can redeem from Amazon.com. Ooh, and did I mention that April is one of my FAVOURITE months because my birthday is in a couple of weeks!? YAAAY! Ok, enough of my babbling, I’ll let you get to it. Good luck!

Talk about down to the wire! Such an amazing conclusion to the Dean brothers' story, and if Zanetti wants to write a spin-off series with Chance & co, I'd be totally on board with that. Full review to follow.

I keep feeling like something big is brewing, and once I have all of the pieces the whole series will make sense, but right now I'm like a dog that's trying to catch its tail. Around, and around in circles we go... Full review to follow.

Omega
Author: SM Reine
Series: War of the Alphas #1
Publisher: Red Iris Books
Published on: April 2, 2015
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Werewolves
Format: 243 pages, eARC
Provided by: NetGalley

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Ten years ago, Deirdre Tombs died. When she was reborn the next day, Deirdre had become a shapeshifter who can’t shift shapes. Nobody knows what animal she’s supposed to be. She’s definitely not a werewolf. The Alpha, Rylie Gresham, can’t force her to transform like other members of her pack.

Now Deirdre is considered an omega, the weakest shapeshifter in the pack—a vulnerable position when Everton Stark demands tribute from Rylie. He wants to be the dominant Alpha. The only Alpha. And he plans to make her pack submit whether they want to or not. Stark can make every shapeshifter obey him by force of will alone.

Every shapeshifter except Deirdre.

The shifter who can’t shift is the only hope for Rylie to win the war against Stark. It will take everything Deirdre has to survive undercover in his den. But can an omega’s will be stronger than that of a charismatic, deadly Alpha like Everton Stark?

A version of a dystopian world that is new and different? Hard to imagine with so many to be had. This author’s imagining was such an original concept, but not so different that it took away from the characters. Because the characters were pretty great. From what I can tell, it’s a spin-off of The Ascension Series, which I haven’t read, and while I could tell that it probably had been a series, it didn’t take anything away from the read for me. In fact, I am intrigued enough that I may go back and read that series as well.

The year is 2025, and it’s been ten years since Genesis happened. Deirdre was a little girl when she died, and the rest of the world died right along with her. Some people made it back, but a lot didn’t. Deirdre was the only one of her family to make it back. Most that come back are changed-supernaturally. Deidre is a shifter, one that can’t shift, and has no idea what her animal is. Her roommate, Jolene, is a vampire-one that has never killed-and Deirdre works for a nightmare demon that is trying to kill her, rather then fire her, and pay unemployment benefits. Circumstances bring her to the attention of the leader of this new world, Rylie Gresham, a werewolf. There’s a faction that wants to overthrow Rylie, and Rylie thinks Deirdre is just the one to help stop the rebellion, because as an Omega, she can’t be compelled by the rebel leader.

Deidre has had a pretty horrible life in this new world. As a child, she was loved dearly, but all that goes away with Genesis. She has lived under a government assistance program that has kept her from ever getting ahead, or out of living in near squalor. She has been ridiculed and bullied because she can’t shift pretty much since the beginning of her new life. All that being said, she ended up being a total kick butt character. At the same time, she shows her vulnerability, especially when dealing with Gage. Gage works for Rylie also, and becomes Deidre’s undercover partner and love interest. He is pretty broken in his own way.The leader of the rebellion is the villain of this story. Stark was a really scary guy, and almost put me in mind of Hitler,for some reason. His henchman, Jacek was almost as bad. These are villains written so well that you want to get rid of them yourself!

There’s plenty of suspense, action, and scary moments to be had in this story. I loved the characters, the unique(to me at least)premise, and the excellent writing. It was a really fast read for me, because it was a total page turner. Keep in mind, this is not a feel good book, and there is quite a bit of violence in this story. I would not classify this as a paranormal romance. FYI-I can’t imagine reading the first chapter of this book and not getting completely sucked into the story. It’s that exciting.

I had read one other book by this author a few years back, but never went back to finish that series. With this book, I have completely done a complete 180 degrees about this author’s work, and can’t wait to see where this series is heading. Recommended!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher by way of Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Urban Fantasy:

Firestorm (Deadtown #6) by Nancy Holzner Urban Fantasy Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description They call it Deadtown: the city’s quarantined section for its inhuman and undead residents. Most humans stay far from its borders—but Victory Vaughn, Boston’s only professional demon slayer, isn’t exactly human… When Vicky allowed an ancient goddess to possess her, she had no regrets—it was the only way to protect the people she loved. But now Ceridwen, locked in a power struggle with the Hellion that long ago claimed Vicky with its mark, refuses to leave. Both beings believe controlling Vicky is the key to winning the coming war for the human realm. Despite the forces pulling her apart, Vicky needs all her wits about her. The demons of Hell are growing bold and she can barely keep up with the attacks plaguing the city: sirens in the Mystic River, goblins snarling traffic on Storrow Drive, imps tearing the gold from the State House dome. As the signs of war multiply and Hell threatens to overrun its boundaries, Vicky finds herself torn between her duty to save the world and her desire to save something of herself…

Hellbender (Fangborn #3) by Dana Cameron Urban Fantasy Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description I-Day is near at hand, and soon the Fangborn will reveal themselves to humankind. As a member of this secretive race of werewolves, vampires, and oracles, will archaeologist Zoe Miller be prepared? Still grappling with the newfound powers she gained after opening Pandora’s box, Zoe shares the responsibility of protecting “Normal” humans. Having long preferred to keep to the shadows, she knows the pending revelation of the Fangborn will set the world on fire. With Fangborn enemies in the Order of Nicomedia forcing their hand, Zoe and her supernatural Family have no choice but to step into the spotlight. But that decision has garnered the attention of the powerful and otherworldly beings known as the Makers. They claim to have created the Fangborn—not as saviors, but as predators. And it seems they have their own plans for Zoe…and for the fate of all the Fangborn.

Recurve (The Elemental Series #1) by Shannon Mayer Urban Fantasy Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description “My name is Larkspur, and I am an Elemental.” My people use the power of the earth to sustain life and defy our enemies. I should be at my father’s side as a royal princess. But as a half-breed, bastard child, that isn’t going to happen. I’ve been accused of attacking the queen, my wicked stepmother, and my life is suddenly on the line. I have only two options left to me: banishment, or training to become one of the King’s Elite Guards, an Ender. Option one will kill me. Option two is meant to break me, but is the only way to survive. Did I mention I have no power like the rest of the elementals, and my connection to the earth is worth next to nothing? Could things get any worse? Of course they can. Welcome to being an Elemental.

Deception (Vampires in America #9) by D.B. Reynolds Urban Fantasy Amazon GoodReads

Book Description Kauai, Hawaii—tropical paradise, vibrant jungle, turquoise sea… and sensuous nights that hide vampires so powerful they can change the world. Raphael—powerful, extraordinary, arrogant. He’s been eliminating rivals and gathering allies, determined not just to survive, but to demolish the Europeans who think they can steal what he’s worked for centuries to create. In a final bid to avert a war that seems inevitable, Raphael agrees to meet an enemy he knows of old. She is formidable, wily, and not to be trusted. But in his arrogance, Raphael believes he can foil whatever treachery she has brewing. Cynthia Leighton—Raphael’s human mate, beautiful, smart, and deadly when threatened. She doesn’t trust anyone, much less a powerful vampire claiming to want peace. So while Raphael prepares to negotiate a treaty, Cyn is preparing for the inevitable double-cross that she knows is coming. Raphael worries about saving thousands of vampire lives. She only cares about one, and she will do anything to keep him alive and in her arms. When Cyn is proven right, when it all falls apart and Raphael’s enemies draw on ancient magic to trap him, taking him away from Cyn and out of the war, it all falls to her—to find Raphael, to save the thousands of vampires who will die if she doesn’t succeed… and to kill every single being, human or vampire, who gets in her way.

Omega (War of the Alphas #1) by S.M. Reine Urban Fantasy Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description Ten years ago, Deirdre Tombs died. When she was reborn the next day, Deirdre had become a shapeshifter who can’t shift shapes. Nobody knows what animal she’s supposed to be. She’s definitely not a werewolf. The Alpha, Rylie Gresham, can’t force her to transform like other members of her pack. Now Deirdre is considered an omega, the weakest shapeshifter in the pack—a vulnerable position when Everton Stark demands tribute from Rylie. He wants to be the dominant Alpha. The only Alpha. And he plans to make her pack submit whether they want to or not. Stark can make every shapeshifter obey him by force of will alone. Every shapeshifter except Deirdre. The shifter who can’t shift is the only hope for Rylie to win the war against Stark. It will take everything Deirdre has to survive undercover in his den. But can an omega’s will be stronger than that of a charismatic, deadly Alpha like Everton Stark?

Science Fiction / Fantasy:

The Voyage of the Basilisk (Memoir by Lady Trent #3) by Marie Brennan Fantasy Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description The thrilling adventure of Lady Trent continues in Marie Brennan’s Voyage of the Basilisk . . . Devoted readers of Lady Trent’s earlier memoirs, A Natural History of Dragons and The Tropic of Serpents, may believe themselves already acquainted with the particulars of her historic voyage aboard the Royal Survey Ship Basilisk, but the true story of that illuminating, harrowing, and scandalous journey has never been revealed–until now. Six years after her perilous exploits in Eriga, Isabella embarks on her most ambitious expedition yet: a two-year trip around the world to study all manner of dragons in every place they might be found. From feathered serpents sunning themselves in the ruins of a fallen civilization to the mighty sea serpents of the tropics, these creatures are a source of both endless fascination and frequent peril. Accompanying her is not only her young son, Jake, but a chivalrous foreign archaeologist whose interests converge with Isabella’s in ways both professional and personal.Science is, of course, the primary objective of the voyage, but Isabella’s life is rarely so simple. She must cope with storms, shipwrecks, intrigue, and warfare, even as she makes a discovery that offers a revolutionary new insight into the ancient history of dragons.

The Skull Throne (Demon Cycle #4) by Peter V. Brett Fantasy Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description The Skull Throne of Krasia stands empty. Built from the skulls of fallen generals and demon princes, it is a seat of honor and ancient, powerful magic, keeping the demon corelings at bay. From atop the throne, Ahmann Jardir was meant to conquer the known world, forging its isolated peoples into a unified army to rise up and end the demon war once and for all. But Arlen Bales, the Warded Man, stood against this course, challenging Jardir to a duel he could not in honor refuse. Rather than risk defeat, Arlen cast them both from a precipice, leaving the world without a savior, and opening a struggle for succession that threatens to tear the Free Cities of Thesa apart. In the south, Inevera, Jardir’s first wife, must find a way to keep their sons from killing one another and plunging their people into civil war as they strive for glory enough to make a claim on the throne. In the north, Leesha Paper and Rojer Inn struggle to forge an alliance between the duchies of Angiers and Miln against the Krasians before it is too late. Caught in the crossfire is the duchy of Lakton—rich and unprotected, ripe for conquest. All the while, the corelings have been growing stronger, and without Arlen and Jardir there may be none strong enough to stop them. Only Renna Bales may know more about the fate of the missing men, but she, too, has disappeared. . . .

	Poison (Tales from the Kingdoms #1) by Sarah Pinborough Fantasy Amazon B&N GoodReads
Book Description An enticing contemporary retelling of the classic story of Snow White. While the the handsome prince, the jealous queen, the beautiful girl and of course the poison all appear, Sarah Pinborough’s charming and provocative spin on the story will captivate fans of the fairy tale all over again. The first of three brand-new retellings of classic fairy tales by Sarah Pinborough.

The Void (The Tanner Sequence #3) by Timothy S. Johnston Science Fiction Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description 2403 AD It would be easier to kill him than to trust him. Transporting a serial killer might seem like a simple job for CCF Homicide Investigator Kyle Tanner. After spending years apprehending murderers, he’s ready to hang up his pistol. Babysitting a prisoner will bring him to Alpha Centauri, where he can search for a way to escape the CCF forever. If he makes it. When his ship breaks down in deep space and a CCF research vessel comes to his aid, Tanner realizes he’s in terrible danger: the scientists on board have blocked his distress call. And when Tanner’s prisoner escapes, he begins to suspect that the proximity of the research vessel had nothing to do with luck and everything to do with the CCF’s relentless reach. Facing near-certain death by his own organization, Tanner must unravel a tangled skein of vengeance, duplicity and murder in deep space. But he’s being held at the will of master puppeteers, and if he can’t cut the strings, he’ll dance straight to a gruesome, excruciating death….

The Diamond Conspiracy (Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences #4) by Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris Science Fiction / Steampunk Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description For years, the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences has enjoyed the favor of Her Majesty the Queen. But even the oldest loyalties can turn in a moment… Having narrowly escaped the electrifying machinations of Thomas Edison, Books and Braun are looking forward to a relaxing and possibly romantic voyage home. But when Braun’s emergency signal goes off, all thoughts of recreation vanish. Braun’s street-wise team of child informants, the Ministry Seven, is in grave peril, and Books and Braun must return to England immediately. But when the intrepid agents finally arrive in London, the situation is even more dire than they imagined. The Ministry has been disavowed, and the Department of Imperial Inconveniences has been called in to decommission its agents in a most deadly fashion. The plan reeks of the Maestro’s dastardly scheming. Only, this time, he has a dangerous new ally—a duplicitous doctor whose pernicious poisons have infected the highest levels of society, reaching even the Queen herself…

Paranormal Romance:

Storm Warned (Grim #3) by Dani Harper Paranormal Romance Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description When Caris’s unearthly musical talent attracts the attention of the Wild Hunt, the Welsh farm girl is stolen away to serve as a faery grim, a herald of death. Two centuries later, she’s finally escaped back to the human world—and into the present-day life of a reclusive and heartbroken American musician. Music was Liam’s whole life—until a crushing betrayal left him desperate to flee the public eye. Yet long-dormant passions awaken within him after a powerful storm strands a beautiful, strong-willed woman on his isolated farm. When a fae prince bent on ruling both human and faery realms threatens Caris’s life, Liam must decide if he can finally believe in love again, not just for her sake—but for the sake of two worlds. From the bestselling author of Changeling Moon, this sweeping and passionate story of paranormal romance follows two souls from different centuries who lost everything…and found that only love can save them.

The Shadows (Black Dagger Brotherhood #13) by J.R. Ward Paranormal Romance Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description Two brothers bound by more than blood fight to change a brutal destiny in the heart-wrenching new novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood by #1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward. Trez “Latimer” doesn’t really exist. And not just because the identity was created so that a Shadow could function in the underbelly of the human world. Sold by his parents to the Queen of the S’Hsibe as a child, Trez escaped the Territory and has been a pimp and an enforcer in Caldwell, NY for years- all the while on the run from a destiny of sexual servitude. He’s never had anyone he could totally rely on… except for his brother, iAm. iAm’s sole goal has always been to keep his brother from self-destructing- and he knows he’s failed. It’s not until the Chosen Serena enters Trez’s life that the male begins to turn things around… but by then it’s too late. The pledge to mate the Queen’s daughter comes due and there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no negotiating. Trapped between his heart and a fate he never volunteered for, Trez must decide whether to endanger himself and others- or forever leave behind the female he’s in love with. But then an unimaginable tragedy strikes and changes everything. Staring out over an emotional abyss, Trez must find a reason to go on or risk losing himself and his soul forever. And iAm, in the name of brotherly love, is faced with making the ultimate sacrifice…

Total Surrender (Sin Brothers #4) by Rebecca Zanetti Paranormal Romance Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description A fight he must win . . . Piper Oliver knows she can’t trust him. They warned her that the tall, dark, and sexy black-ops soldier Jory Dean would try to win her over with his steel-gray eyes and deadly charm, but she won’t be conned by this man they call a traitor. All she has to do is figure out the science necessary to save his life, and she’s done. Something isn’t adding up, though, and she won’t rest until she uncovers the truth-even if it’s buried in his deep, dangerous kiss. A passion she can’t resist . . . Jory will do anything to reunite with and save his brothers-even kidnap the gorgeous woman who’s working to deactivate the deadly chip in their spines. But the forces determined to destroy his family won’t let them go so easily. Keeping Piper alive is more than he bargained for-and so is his burning desire for her. But with every second bringing him closer to certain death, can he afford to lose himself in her hot and willing embrace?

The Unleashing (Call of Crows #1) by Shelly Laurenston Paranormal Romance Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description Winging It Kera Watson never expected to face death behind a Los Angeles coffee shop. Not after surviving two tours lugging an M16 around the Middle East. If it wasn’t for her hot Viking customer showing up too late to help, nobody would even see her die. In uncountable years of service to the Allfather Odin, Ludvig “Vig” Rundstrom has never seen anyone kick ass with quite as much style as Kera. He knows one way to save her life–but she might not like it. Signing up with the Crows will get Kera a new set of battle buddies: cackling, gossiping, squabbling, party-hearty women. With wings. So not the Marines. But Vig can’t give up on someone as special as Kera. With a storm of oh-crap magic speeding straight for L.A., survival will depend on combining their strengths: Kera’s discipline, Vig’s loyalty… and the Crows’ sheer love of battle. Boy, are they in trouble.

Night’s Blaze (Dark Kings #5) by Donna Grant Paranormal Romance Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description That one simple kiss slayed him as nothing in his very, very long life had ever done. It physically hurt him to release her and turn his back on everything she offered, but it was for the best. A KING WHO WALKS IN DARKNESS The Rhys who has existed for centuries is gone. Stripped of his ability to shift forms, Rhys can no longer embody the majestic, powerful dragon he was at birth. Cut off from his heritage by one of his own, this Dragon King must remain a man, haunted by demons who torment his every waking moment. The darkness would swallow him whole . . . except a woman so beautiful and haunted becomes the one beam of light in his world… A DESIRE THAT WILL NOT BE DENIED Lily Ross is taking the first step in building a new life for herself. Still reeling from a relationship that nearly broke her spirit, Lily is wary of her attraction to brawny, brooding Rhys. The passion burning so brightly between them is a potent temptation, but any entanglement is destined to end in disaster. Yet when a spectre from Lily’s past threatens their growing bond, Rhys is forced to choose with his heart, or lose this woman who has become his one chance at salvation…

Hard as a Rock (Gargoyles #3) by Christine Warren Paranormal Romance Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description Bestselling author Christine Warren returns to a mesmerizing world in which the laws of attraction are never written in stone—and love knows no bounds… Her name is Wynn Powe. A woman of great instinct and inner resources—and insatiable beauty—Wynn has returned to Chicago to do what she does best: Locate Guardian statues. But the Order of Eternal Darkness has beat her to the punch, and the statue she’s come to investigate has been blown to smithereens. An elusive enemy is on her trail…and this time, she’s on her own. Until a mysterious package falls into Wynn’s hands—one that contains contain a chunk of old stone, along with instructions for the spell required to summon a new Guardian. HARD AS A ROCK Enter Knox. He’s a Guardian magically embued with the skills and memories of his race…and drop-dead, expertly-chiseled good looks. Bound to Wynn as his Warden, Knox vows to learn the truth about the destroyed Guardian—and protect Wynn at all costs. But he never could have imagined the fierce attraction that has taken hold of him, body and soul. Is his desire for Wynn worth the risk of being destroyed by the Order? The only thing he knows for sure is that he won’t go down without a fight. Nor will he pass up a night of pure blind passion…

Cursed by Ice (Immortal Brothers #2) by Jacquelyn Frank Paranormal Romance Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description From New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank comes the smoothly sensual second book in an exciting new series featuring four immortal warrior brothers who must stake their hearts against their fate. As punishment for plotting with his brothers to steal immortality, Garreth is suffering a freezing torment until the end of time. Again and again, his fierce fighter’s physique is frozen into a chiseled ice sculpture, his heart hardening like a diamond in his chest—only to thaw and resume the chilling torture. Until, like his older brother Dethan, he is offered a reprieve from a goddess—in exchange for his allegiance in a celestial civil war. Garreth lives to fight and fights to live. But while laying siege to an embattled city, he finds another reason to go on—a beautiful warrior woman named Sarielle, who commands a mythic beast through a mysterious and powerful bond. Terrified of her strength, the city rulers have kept her captive, and now she refuses to submit to a new master. As Garreth seeks to unleash her passion and melt the icy resistance of her heart, will he become her ultimate salvation—or lead them both to greater destruction?

Separation Zone (Immortal Ops #7) by Mandy M. Roth Paranormal Romance Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description Tiger-shifter Jonathon Reynell has spent a chunk of his immortal life serving his country. As an I-Op his life revolves around the next mission, the next natural high. A soldier sent into the deadliest of combats, he didn’t expect immortality to be an issue, to live on while everyone he knows and loves dies. When the toll begins to show and he finds himself at the bottom of another bottle, he decides to go back to his roots, back to his home to clear his head. Rock bottom is not where he expected to be when he found his mate with a rose in hand and his name on her lush lips. Tori is the very definition of perfection and beauty. She’s also in the crosshairs of the enemy. And if there is one thing this sniper knows, it’s that his sights are the only ones that should be set on her.

Savage Chains (Men in Chains #1.5-1.7) by Caris Roane Paranormal Romance Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description A VAMPIRE UNDERCOVER His name is Reyes. His mission is simple; his methods, extreme. He is hellbent on infiltrating—and destroying—a notorious sex-slave ring in the dangerous world of vampire clubs. A WOMAN UNCHAINED Her name is Angelica. Her beauty is incomparable; her body, for sale. She is the prize attraction in a human slave auction, and Reyes is prepared to pay any price to buy her—then free her. A PASSION UNLEASHED Disguised as a slaver, Reyes strikes a devil’s bargain to purchase the one woman who has stolen his heart. Angelica feels an irresistible erotic connection to this gorgeous, powerful vampire—but can she trust a man who trafficks in human flesh, even if his hungry gaze ignites her darkest desires? Reyes wants to prove she is more than a slave to him—but can he break the savage chains of destiny that bind his love-scarred soul forever?

Moonlight and Diamonds by Michele Hauf Paranormal Romance Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description The Werewolf and the Socialite. Two Different Worlds. One Shared Destiny. Like the jewels she stole, Paris socialite Blyss Sauveterre is someone to be handled carefully. Stryke Saint-Pierre discovered that when the beautiful thief used their attraction to pilfer an infamous diamond. But when they make love, Stryke senses that—just like the gems she covets—Blyss has more facets to her than meet the eye… Blyss cannot let the brutish werewolf know that these heists pay for an elixir to keep her wolf at bay. Until her latest theft puts a pack of deadly demons hot on her trail. Now the redneck werewolf is this socialite’s only salvation. But when the danger is past, dare Blyss succumb to the desire to let her inner wolf run wild with a man who represents all she could ever want?

Possessing the Witch by Elle James Paranormal Romance Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description A spirit witch and a recluse must unite to save their city Gryph Leone keeps a low profile because he considers himself a freak of nature. But when his powerful senses detect a woman in distress, his lion takes over. Before he knows it, he’s in a losing battle with a wolf shifter. And then a beautiful woman with bewitching eyes and her own secrets finds him. Selene Chattox didn’t know what—or who—she’d find when she followed her premonition to the river’s edge. When she discovers Gryph, the spirit witch brings the injured stranger home, determined to resist the intense desire he evokes in her. But as he heals, they know fate has brought them together as they track a ruthless killer through the tunnels of Chicago. And as their passion ignites, so does the danger…

Mystery:

Marked Fur Murder (Whiskey, Tango & Foxtrot Mystery #3) by Dixie Lyle Cozy Mystery Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description Deirdre “Foxtrot” Lancaster is fed up with all the goings-on at wacky billionaire Zelda Zoransky’s mansion. Running around like a chicken with her head cut off, she’s got a laundry-list of things to do. ZZ is hosting yet another one of her famous salons. Her nutty guests have more than their fair share of odd requests and strange demands. And now, friend Ben’s estranged sister has been found dead in Zelda’s pool, an apparent suicide, with a hairdryer floating beside her. Yet Foxtrot doesn’t buy it. Being a Thunderbird runs in Ben’s family, and as the old saying goes, “you can’t kill a Thunderbird with lightening.” It’s clear someone is trying to disguise a murder, but which of the guests could it be? Is it the renowned psychic who works with a painting dog? The slightly-schizophrenic transsexual writer of mysteries and children’s books? And if it’s the weather expert, what could the motive possibly be? It’s a tall task, but with her fuzzy, slinky sleuths and a little bit of luck, Foxtrot might just solve her biggest mystery yet…

A Ghostly Grave (Ghostly Southern Mysteries #2) by Tonya Kappes Cozy Mystery Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description There’s a ghost on the loose—and a fox in the henhouse. Four years ago, the Eternal Slumber Funeral Home put Chicken Teater in the ground. Now undertaker Emma Lee Raines is digging him back up. The whole scene is bad for business, especially with her granny running for mayor and a big festival setting up in town. But ever since Emma Lee started seeing ghosts, Chicken’s been pestering her to figure out who killed him. With her handsome boyfriend, Sheriff Jack Henry Ross, busy getting new forensics on the old corpse, Emma Lee has time to look into her first suspect. Chicken’s widow may be a former Miss Kentucky, but the love of his life was another beauty queen: Lady Cluckington, his prize-winning hen. Was Mrs. Teater the jealous type? Chicken seems to think so. Something’s definitely rotten in Sleepy Hollow—and Emma Lee just prays it’s not her luck.

The Dead Play On (Cafferty and Quinn #3) by Heather Graham Paranormal Mystery Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description Play a song for me… Musicians are being murdered in New Orleans. But Arnie Watson apparently died by his own hand. When Tyler Anderson plays the saxophone he inherited from Arnie, a soldier and musician who died soon after his return, he believes he sees visions of his friend’s life—and death. He becomes convinced Arnie was murdered and that the instrument had something to do with whatever happened, and with whatever’s happening all over the city… Tyler knows his theory sounds crazy to the police, so he approaches Danni Cafferty, hoping she and Michael Quinn will find out what the cops couldn’t. Or wouldn’t. After all, Cafferty and Quinn have become famous for solving unusual crimes. They’re partners in their personal lives, too. Quinn’s a private investigator and Danni works with him. When they look into the case, they discover a secret lover of Arnie’s and a history of jealousies and old hatreds that leads them back to the band Arnie once played with—and Tyler plays with now. They discover that sometimes, for some people, the line between passion and obsession is hard to draw. Only in uncovering the truth can they hope to save others—and themselves—from the deadly hands of a killer.

New Adult / Young Adult:

Spark X (Death Collectors #2.5) by Jessica Sorensen New Adult Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description Now that Ember is a Grim Angel, she’s facing the biggest challenge of her life. Not only does she have to decide if her heart lies with Asher or Cameron, but she has to make a choice that could alter the fate of the world. Good or Evil. Angels or Reapers. Which side will conquer? **Mature Content Warning** 17+ for language and sexual content.** (New adult paranormal version of my young adult book, Spark (Death Collectors, #3). It contains more violence and more sexual content.)

	Spark (Death Collectors #2.5) by Jessica Sorensen Young Adult Amazon GoodReads
Book Description Now that seventeen-year-old Ember is a Grim Angel, she’s facing the biggest challenge of her life. Not only does she have to decide if her heart lies in Asher or Cameron, but she has to make a choice that could alter the fate of the world. Good or Evil. Angels or Reapers. Which side will conquer? (This is the young adult version of Spark X (Death Collectors, #3)

Sea of Stars (Kricket #2) by Amy A. Bartol Young Adult Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description Eighteen-year-old Kricket Hollowell was looking for her place in the world when she discovered that the universe was bigger—and more dangerous—than she had ever dreamed. Now, whisked across space to the planet Ethar, Kricket learns that her genetic ability to see the future makes her a sought-after commodity…and the catalyst for war between her star-crossed parents’ clans. According to Alameedan prophecy, one house will rise to power and the other will be completely wiped out, and Kricket’s precognition is believed to be the weapon that will tip the scales. A target of both the Rafe and the Alameeda houses, Kricket finds protection—and a home—in the arms of Trey, her Etharian bodyguard-turned-boyfriend. But her visions of what’s to come disturb her deeply, especially since she must discover whether the gift of foresight will allow her to rewrite the future, or if her fate is as immovable as the stars.

Sisters of Blood and Spirit (Sisters of Blood and Spirit #1) by Kady Cross Young Adult Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description Wren Noble is dead—she was born that way. Vibrant, unlike other dead things, she craves those rare moments when her twin sister allows her to step inside her body and experience the world of the living. Lark Noble is alive but often feels she belongs in the muted Shadow Lands—the realm of the dead. Known as the crazy girl who talks to her dead sister, she doesn’t exactly fit in with the living, though a recent suicide attempt and time in a psych ward have proved to her she’s not ready to join her sister in the afterlife. Now the guy who saved Lark’s life needs her to repay the favor. He and his friends have been marked for death by the malevolent spirit of a vicious and long-dead serial killer, and the twins—who should know better than to mess with the dead—may be their only hope of staying alive.

Instinct (Chronicles of Nick #6) by Sherrilyn Kenyon Young Adult Amazon GoodReads

Book Description Zombies, demons, vampires, shapeshifters— another day in the life of Nick Gautier– and those are just his friends. But now that he’s accepted the demon that lives inside him, he must learn to control it and temper the very emotions that threaten the lives of everyone he cares for. Something that’s hard to do while trying to stay off the menus of those who want his head on a platter. And no one wants him more than the dark gods who created his race. Now that they know where he is, they will stop at nothing to reclaim him. And without knowing it, Nick has just embraced the one person he should never have trusted. The one person who will hand him over to his enemies to get back the life they lost. Nick has finally accepted his fate, now he must learn to defy his destiny, and the dark, deadly forces that will stop at nothing to destroy everyone he loves so that they can again return to the world of man and own it.

King (The Dragon King Chronicles #3) by Ellen Oh Young Adult / Fantasy Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description Girl warrior, demon slayer, Tiger spirit of the Yellow Eyes—Kira is ready for her final quest. In this thrilling finale to the Prophecy trilogy, fans will get even more of the fierce Kira and her quest to save her kingdom! All eyes are on her. Kira, once an outcast in her home village of Hansong, is now the only one with the power to save her kingdom. She must save her cousin, the boy fated to be the future king, uncover the third lost treasure, and face innumerable enemies in order to fulfill the famed prophecy. Kira braves a sea of tigers and battles armies of demons as she musters her inner strength and learns to trust herself, the romantic feelings for Jaewon that are growing within her, and the destiny that must be hers.

The Wicked Will Rise (Dorothy Must Die #2) by Danielle Paige Young Adult / Fantasy Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description In this sequel to the New York Times bestselling Dorothy Must Die, who is good—and who is actually Wicked? My name is Amy Gumm—and I’m the other girl from Kansas. After a tornado swept through my trailer park, I ended up in Oz. But it wasn’t like the Oz I knew from books and movies. Dorothy had returned, but she was now a ruthless dictator. Glinda could no longer be called the Good Witch. And the Wicked Witches who were left? They’d joined forces as the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked, and they wanted to recruit me. My mission? Kill Dorothy. Except my job as assassin didn’t work out as planned. Dorothy is still alive. The Order has vanished. And the home I couldn’t wait to leave behind might be in danger. Somehow, across a twisted and divided land, I have to find the Order, protect the true ruler of Oz, take Dorothy and her henchmen down—and try to figure out what I’m really doing here.

Etherworld (Elusion #2) by Claudia Gabel & Cheryl Klam Young Adult / Dystopian Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description Regan and her friend Josh now know the truth about Elusion—but they, along with Regan’s dad and other uses of Elusion, are stuck beyond the firewall in bleak Etherworld. They must fight Elusion from within, but the longer they stay, the less likely they’ll be able to return to the real world. And even if they do escape, the next battle to stop Elusion may be even more difficult. They’ll face corporate cover-ups, personal betrayals, and the terrifying realization that the danger may have grown beyond anyone’s control.

The Cemetery Boys by Heather Brewer Young Adult / Horror Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description Welcome to Spencer. Population: 814. It’s a backward town—and it’s hiding a terrible secret. When Stephen’s dad says they’re moving, Stephen knows it’s pointless to argue. They’re broke from paying Mom’s hospital bills, and now the only option left is to live with Stephen’s grandmother, a woman as bitter and stuck as the town of Spencer itself. Stephen’s summer starts looking up when he meets punk girl Cara and her charismatic twin brother, Devon. The twins have family problems of their own and aren’t exactly close, but Stephen is drawn to them, each for different reasons. With Cara, he feels safe and understood—and yeah, okay, she’s totally hot. In Devon and his group, he sees a chance at making real friends. Only, as the summer presses on, and harmless nights hanging out in the cemetery take a darker turn, Stephen starts to suspect that Devon is less a friend than a leader. And he might be leading them to a very sinister end.

Twist (Loop #2) by Karen Akins Young Adult / Science Fiction Amazon B&N GoodReads

Book Description Bree Bennis finally has it all—a non-comatose mother, an uber-hot (albeit anachronistic) boyfriend named Finn, and a newfound mission to protect the timeline from those who would skew it for their own gain. But when she leans over one day to smooch said boyfriend, her lips meet those of her arch-nemesis Wyck instead. The timeline has been altered, and Bree is caught in the crosshairs. But when she goes back to repair the damage, she is stopped by none other than her Future Self, who delivers an urgent message: Someone is kidnapping Shifters from the distant past. It’s up to Bree to stop them. But first, she has to figure out who…and why. To follow the trail of chronocrumbs, Bree reluctantly accepts her new undercover gig as Wyck’s girlfriend. Everything goes spiffy until Finn shows up in the 23rd century on the eager arm of a gorgeous fellow Shifter. Blark. Even as Bree struggles with jealousy, she battles the nagging dread that Finn might be better off with someone less chronologically complicated. Her worst fear is confirmed when Finn becomes the kidnapper’s next victim. As Bree zeroes in on the culprit, they unravel her life one timeline-change at a time. She realizes that she alone has the power to save herself and everyone she loves. But to do that, she may lose Finn forever.

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The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire
Author: Molly Harper
Series: Half-Moon Hollow #3
Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi
Publisher: Audible
Published on: March 24, 2015
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: 9 hrs & 13 mins, Audiobook
Provided by: Purchased
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In the next book in Molly Harper’s beloved Half Moon Hollow paranormal romance series, Gigi starts her first job (at Vampire Headquarters), gets over her first love, and may even fall for her first vampire!

Gigi is no longer an innocent teen. All grown up and looking for love, her family and friends worry she’ll go for the sexy, alluring vampire instead of a nice, safe human. But sexy and alluring, with a penchant for biting, could be just what Gigi wants...

Whenever I just want to sit back, and enjoy a quality audiobook, I turn to Molly Harper & Amanda Ronconi. My last listening session with them was in June 2014, so clearly I was in desperate need of a fix because I finished THE DANGERS OF DATING A REBOUND VAMPIRE in one day. As soon as I clicked ‘play’ my smile was locked into place thanks to the fun quotes from The Office After Dark: A Guide to Maintaining a Safe, Productive Vampire Workplace—this installment’s fictional how-to manual—and there it stayed.

We first met Gigi in I’M DREAMING OF AN UNDEAD CHRISTMAS, and it was nice to finally get the continuation of her story, and find out who her mysterious vampire stalker was. She’s the last human in the Jameson / Scanlon circle, so I was curious to see whether she’d stay that way, or join the rest of the HALF-MOON HOLLOW supes. She’s also the youngest POV to date which lightened Harper’s already breezy writing style even more, and made her character’s sometimes questionable decisions and go-with-the-flow attitude easier to grasp which is always beneficial in insta-love type situations.

The plot wasn’t a brain buster, but still kept me on my toes, and I really enjoyed seeing Ophelia get kicked off her high horse. My favourite secondary, Dick Cheney, didn’t have as much dialogue as I would have liked, although Nik was a pseudo Russian version of him which was an acceptable substitution. It was entertaining watching Iris in all of her overprotective big sister splendor, and how their group of friends banded together when Gigi’s life was in danger. Plus, this author’s latest batch of pop culture references were real winners: GAME OF THRONES & THE WALKING DEAD.

Amanda Ronconi pulled out all the stops once again with her exuberance, accents, voices, and sound effects. She’s a pro at pinning down the emotions that each scene calls for, and always gives her 100% in every performance. Harper’s sense of humour is increased tenfold by Ronconi’s narration, and because of that I ALWAYS opt to listen over reading. I can’t recommend Harconi enough; they are the benchmark by which I measure all Chick-Lit Paranormal Romance and a MUST for all audiobook junkies.

THE DANGERS OF DATING A REBOUND VAMPIRE was like riding a killer water slide, except the whee lasted for 9+ hours.

Half-Moon Hollow Series:
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