The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter

Description:

His powers - Inhuman...

His passion - Beyond immortal... 

All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she'll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member -- a man trapped in a hell of his own.

Neither can resist the instant hunger than calms their torments... and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction -- and a soul-shattering test of love...
Though they carry an eternal curse, the Lords of the Underworld are irresistibly seductive -- and unimaginably powerful...

Review:

The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter

5 out of 5

First off, I LOVE Gena Showalter's books... I've been addicted to them since the first time I read Ecstasy in Darkness. Now with that being said, I LOVED this book!  Definitely a new favorite of mine!

Ashlyn is such a strong character... Then again, she kinda had to be.  Being isolated due to her gift, and having no family to care and love her, she had to be strong.  Otherwise, she would have stopped living.  But she is more than just strong of spirit.  She is strong in how she loves, how she lives, and in how she determines what will happen in her life.  I like that about her.  

Maddox is a man burdened with guilt, regret, and violence.  But with the "gift" that Ashlyn, some of that changes.  Yes, he still struggles with all those things, but he doesn't let those things control him.  

I like the idea that the demon mark is a butterfly.  Not something I would normally think of as demonic.  But, maybe you need something beautiful to give hope for something that is both dark and dangerous.  

Now, I will say that there are some confusing things.  We start out with Pain, Violence, Death, Promiscuity, Disease, and Wrath.  Yet half way through the book, we discover that there are also Doubt, Misery, Destruction, Lies, Secrets, and Defeat.  That are a lot of demons to keep track of, especially when they keep switching between their names and their demon's names.

The idea of the institute and the hunters definitely add something.  An organization that feels like they are helping save the world against evil is not unusual.  The fact that the organization has started to loose its moral compass isn't unusual either, but the idea that this is an ancient one that has turned scientific is.  They still seek to rid the world of evil, but testing and experimenting is something new, fun, and exciting.  

I love the use of Greek mythos.  Stories that I grew up reading have now become so much better when Ms. Showalter writes it out.  

I love how this story feels like a very adult Beauty and the Beast.  I love that story, so I kinda automatically love this one.  

The search for Pandora's box seems to be what will drive this series (besides the hot sex).  I'm looking forward to seeing that storyline to the end.

Overall, this is a great story.  I'm looking forward to reading the rest in this series!  I highly recommend it.
Happy Reading!

Cana

A Witch's Handbook of Kisses & Curses by Molly Harper

Description:

Nola Leary would have been content to stay in Kilcairy, Ireland, healing villagers at her family’s clinic with a mix of magic and modern medicine. But a series of ill-timed omens and a deathbed promise to her grandmother have sent her on a quest to Half-Moon Hollow, Kentucky, to secure her family’s magical potency for the next generation. Her supernatural task? To unearth four artifacts hidden by her grandfather before a rival magical family beats her to it.

Complication One: Her grandfather was Mr. Wainwright and the artifacts are lost somewhere in what is now Jane Jameson's book shop. 

Complication Two: her new neighbor, Jed Trudeau, who keeps turning up half naked at the strangest times, a distraction Nola doesn't need. And teaming up with a real-life Adonis is as dangerous as it sounds, especially when he’s got the face of an angel and the abs of a washboard—can Nola complete her mission before falling completely under his spell?

Review:

A Witch's Handbook of Kisses & Curses by Molly Harper

5 out of 5

The first sentence mad em laugh out loud!  It was hilarious!  And my co-workers didn't seem to appreciate it or its humor like I did, but their opinion really doesn't count, now does it :-P

The way Nola described Mama Ginger's Precious Moments collection was too funny for words.  I never thought of them as porcelain machete-welding creatures... But now I think I agree.

The seance was a bit interesting.  Between Andrea, Nola, and Jane, I couldn't help but giggle at the use of the die and the Ouija board.  Never would have thought of that, but it is pretty ingenious.  

Jed... The Greek-statue-come-to-life... What a great character!  He is a mystery & sweet tea with a slice of pecan pie kind of character... So just plain yummy!  And his "curse" was so interesting, so unique.  I don't think that I have ever read of a curse that was like that... So very cool.

What a twist about Nola's mother!  Didn't see that one coming.  I love it when an author can surprise me!

Overall, this is a great little book!  I highly recommend it, even if you haven't read the other books!
Happy Reading!

Cana

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Description:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, Tris also learns that her secret might help her save the ones she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Review:

Divergent by Veronica Roth

5+ out of 5

So, my friend Kelly insisted for a while that I need to read this book.... Actually, she insisted everyone to read this book.  And for a while I didn't listen.  Then my wonderful boyfriend got me the book, and I am now officially like my friend Kelly.  You really need to read this book.  

I find the idea of the different factions to be interesting.  To completely devote your life to one thing, one limiting thing, would be so hard.  Unfortunately, I think I'd be the one who would be one of the factionless.  

So, there were a lot of things that I found interesting and/or surprising.  

1. Like how Tris had never had a hamburger before!  OMGoodness, I love hamburgers!  I can't imagine growing up without ever having eaten one before.  I would never consider a a hamburger a luxury or an extravagance.  
2. I found it iteresting that Tobias is also divergant, but his level is a lower degree of divergent.  I definitely wasn't expecting that there are varying degrees of it.  
3. The biggest surprise came when it was revealed that Tris' mom was orginally dautless.  But the bigger mystery is what she wants Tris and her brother Caleb to do.  And then we find out that she is divergent as well.  Which makes me wonder if being divergent is genetic?

Divergent... It is something dangerous in this society, something free, something different.  But we really don't understand what it really means to be divergent or what it means for that society.  What we do know is that divergent means death.

For being Tobias from Abnegation was kind of expected.  But the fact that he ends up caring for Tris was not.  He is everythig that Tris needs, which helps balance out everything about Tris.  

I didn't trust the Erudites from the get go.  I knew that they were hiding something.  And I don't like people hiding things... It puts me on edge.  

Poor Al!  He struggled from the beginning with being Dauntless the way Eric thinks it should be.  But the fact that he helps Peter to do that horrible thing, and then commits suicide causes mixed feelings.  Either way, I agree with Tris that becoming factionless is better than being dead.  

I could not stand Peter!  He is a horrible little maggot.... and I kind of hoped that something horrible would happen to him. 

The loss of Tris' mom, dad, and will are just the sound bells of all the losses that anyone feel s when they are at war.  But that doesn't make it easier.  I find it incredibly brave and selfless that Tris was able to continue.  

Overall, this is an amazing book!  I love it!  And I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Happy Reading!

Cana

One Bite With A Stranger by Christine Warren

Description:

When Regina’s friends insist on setting her up a “Fantasy Fix” to help her get over her cheating ex, she dreams up some kinky out-of-this-world encounters that they could never possibly bring to life. But the next thing Regina knows, her friends have got her laced into a shiny black corset, tight leather pants, and a sexy pair of stilettos. It’s time for some downtown vampire-fantasy fun. . . .

The Vampire Ball in Manhattan’s East Village isn’t really Dmitri Vidâme’s idea of a good time, but as a member of the Council that governs the Others, he has to keep an eye on all the young vamps who prey on the pretenders. After he feasts his dark eyes on fiery Regina at the bar, he knows that he must have her. But for the first time Dmitri meets a woman who is more than a match for his indomitable will. And he may be the fantasy Regina hoped for… until she—and her feisty friends—discover her sexy new lover’s bloodsucking secret

Review:

One Bite With A Stranger by Christine Warren

4 out of 5

If you want to read a rich book full of hot-chocolate-&-whipped-cream moments, this is the book for you!  And just know that unlike a lot of the paranormal romance (para-smut as I like to call it), this one just jumped right in... Like I mean by like page 50, the hot moments began and didn't end.  

Regina (aka Reggie) is an interesting character.  She seems like a generic, normal woman.  But she has secret desires that she would like to be fulfilled... Which, what woman doesn't?   But unlike other women, she gets her chance with Dmitri.

Dmitri is a delightfully medieval-turned-modern man/vampire.  He seemed wonderfully delicious, wonderfully alpha, and absolutely unrealistic.  Doesn't mean I don't like him.  

So, there really wasn't a mystery, twist or anything like that.  This story was really about the chemistry and lust between Reggie & Dmitri.  But that is ok... If you are looking for a steamy, no-brainer, this book for you!

So, personally, I found Reggie's friends hilarious!  I was rolling on the floor with their antics and the idea of the fantasy fix was hilarious... But I'm glad that I don't have friends like that.  

Overall, this is a good book.  And I recommend it for anyone who is looking for a fun, no-brainer, summer beach read.  
Happy Reading!

Cana

Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews

Description:

Atlanta is a city plagued by magical problems. Kate Daniels will fight to solve them—no matter the cost.

Mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate, Curran, the Beast Lord, are struggling to solve a heartbreaking crisis. Unable to control their beasts, many of the Pack’s shapeshifting children fail to survive to adulthood. While there is a medicine that can help, the secret to its making is closely guarded by the European packs, and there’s little available in Atlanta.

Kate can’t bear to watch innocents suffer, but the solution she and Curran have found threatens to be even more painful. The European shapeshifters who once outmaneuvered the Beast Lord have asked him to arbitrate a dispute—and they’ll pay him in medicine. With the young people’s survival and the Pack’s future at stake, Kate and Curran know they must accept the offer—but they have little doubt that they’re heading straight into a trap.

Review:

Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews

5 out of 5

Curran & Kate seem to have a few more issues here in this book... Much more so than the other books.  In some ways, I kept getting the feeling about how this will effect the relationship from here on.  

Astamur & Atsany are a wonderful pair.  They are like the quiet moment after the storm.  It was nice.  They gave great information and helped give a calm moment after a lot of action.  

Lammasu: Never heard of them before, but I found the introduction to them to be interesting.  I must admit that I would consider them to be the creepiest creatures that I have ever read about in a while.  Not because of what they are, but because of how they become such creatures.

Hugh d'Ambray... Half the time I couldn't tell if he was trying to kill or seduce Kate.  

Mahon... What a change of opinion for him about Kate.  I have been so use to him kinda not liking Kate since she isn't a shapeshifter.

Lorelei was such a bitch!  I could not stand her!  Urgh!

Poor Aunt B!  I was ready to cry for her.  She sacrificed so much to save her son, Andrea, & the rest of the escaping party. 

The battle with Hugh had me on the edge of my seat the entire time!  Omgoodness!  I was so worried on who was going to win.  

Astarmur is definitely more than he appeared.  And his warning about the ancient ones waking definitely has me thinking there won't be much peace for Kate.  

Desandra was an interesting character.  I can only imagine what her blending into the pack will do.  I'm sure it will be interesting.  

Overall, this is the best book so far!  Can't wait to read more! I highly recommend this book and series.  
Happy Reading!

Cana

Magic Gifts by Ilona Andrews

Description:

This novella takes place at the same time as Andrea’s book, right after MAGIC SLAYS, and the two stories intersect.

A dinner date after a hard day at work sounds heavenly. Of course, when that date is between the Beast Lord and Kate Daniels, things don’t go as planned. Before you know it, undead are running amok, heads are being chopped off, lawyers are deployed and used with extereme prejudice, and drunk vikings are calling people out.

Read at your own risk.

Review:

Magic Gifts by Ilona Andrews

5 out of 5

I loved the jelly fish bit... Gross, but really funny!

So glad that Roderick made it safely through the story!  And that he gets to live with his grandfather makes this a wonderfully happy ending for this novella.

So glad that Aurellia got what she deserved.  She was a horrible woman, and her punishment seemed pretty fair.  

Another clue on Kate fighting her father came to light when Kate made a bet with Ghastek.  I do wonder how her experimenting goes.

I loved this quick novella.  It definitely helped to flesh out Andrea's story.  Though, I kinda wish I could have read the novella & Gunmetal Magic together. 

Though it is a novella, this one packs a quick and yummy punch of Kate & Curran.  :-) I highly recommend this novel.  
Happy Reading!

Cana

Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews

Description:

The New York Times bestselling Kate Daniels novels have been hailed as “top-notch urban fantasy” (Monsters and Critics). Now, Ilona Andrews delves deeper into Kate’s world, and reveals its untold stories…
After being kicked out of the Order of the Knights of Merciful Aid, Andrea’s whole existence is in shambles. She tries to put herself back together by working for Cutting Edge, a small investigative firm owned by her best friend. When several shapeshifters working for Raphael Medrano—the male alpha of the Clan Bouda, and Andrea’s former lover—die unexpectedly at a dig site, Andrea is assigned to investigate. Now she must work with Raphael as her search for the killer leads into the secret underbelly of supernatural Atlanta. And dealing with her feelings for him might have to take a back seat to saving the world…

Review:

Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews

5 out of 5

So, at first, I was a bit disappointed with Andrea... She is a bit of a whiner.  But, FINALLY, she got her act together and became a character I liked.

Raphael is really one of my favorite guys... Coming in as a 2nd to Gurran.  He was creative to show Andrea that he likes her, and he cherishes her as much as he can (once he gets his head out of his ass).  

We only get a bit of Kate & Curran (which makes me sad! I know this is Andrea's book, but I really am a bigger fan of Kate & Curran), but we do get it re-itterated that they are just awesome!

Anapa is one big ASS.  I couldn't stand him and was glad that he got what he deserved (and by the jackels too!  How appropriate).

We really get an idea and a better explanation of what happened to Andrea as a child.  We had a glimpse of it from the other books, but the details in this book explains why she has become what she is. 

I think Julie & Ascanio should get together.  I think they would be uber cute together.  

I loved getting to know Ascanio better.  Plus we finally get to meet his mom and learn more about her.  Definitely made him more understandable.  

I was so proud that Andre a made her decision and became Beta.  She is someone who needs to belong, and I think Aunt B's pack is the best thing for her.

Overall, this is a good book... But not necessarily my favorite out of the series, but still a good one!

Happy Reading!

Cana