Review: Words that Bind by Ash Krafton

Description :

Social worker Tam Kerish can’t keep her cool professionalism when steamy client Mr. Burns kindles a desire for more than a client-therapist relationship—so she drops him. However, they discover she’s the talisman to which Burns, an immortal djinn, has been bound since the days of King Solomon…and that makes it difficult.

Ethical guidelines are unequivocal when it comes to personal relationships with clients. However, the djinn has a thawing effect on the usually non-emotive Tam, who begins to feel true emotion whenever he is near. Tam has to make a difficult choice: to stay on the outside, forever looking in…or to turn her back on her entire world, just for the chance to finally experience what it means to fall in love. 


Review:

Words That  Bind  by Ash Krafton 

5 out of 5

For those of you who don't know, I love reading Ash Krafton's books!  To me they are the perfect anytime and anywhere reads.  So when I found out from Ms. Krafton that a new book was coming out, I was extremely excited... Like, jump up and down like a little girl excited. And then I got the book and devoured it like a 5 year old left alone with cake.... 
So what did I like?  Everything about this book was perfect, but let me explain why.
Tam, our social worker and lead character, is a great heroine.  I mean, she is strong, she is caring, and she is truthful by fault.  But, she wasn't the easiest character to like.  Now, once you did find out the wonderful reasons to like her, you just couldn't stop.  There were times her flip-floppy emotions as she learned to feel (read the book to understand this, people!), but I would imagine that it would be the same for me or anyone else in that same situation.  Now my one big question is, why in the world was she spellbound to not feel?  I mean, was that just a side effect?

Burns is my favorite man-candy, book boyfriend.... All fire, fury, and fun rolled into the amazing man/djinn/tiger/whirlwind... Hmmmm....  I think it was awesome that this is one of the few times I've read a book with a djinn in it.  I mean, I loved it, and would love to see more djinn in books.  Especially if Ms. Krafton writes them the way she wrote Burns.  

Sahir set off my villain radar the moment he entered the book.  How could Tam NOT see or sense trouble from him?  I mean it was so OBVIOUS!  So glad he got what was coming to him.

Now, I read a lot of paranormal romances, they are my genre of choice.  With that being said, I would like to say that this book has the most beautiful, intoxicating, and tasteful love scenes that I have ever read.  I mean, these scenes are what every girl and every grown woman hope and dream to get to one day experience.  Sigh!  And, what happens afterwards was just plot shocking!  I had to re-read it in hopes of seeing some form of salvation for the troubles coming for Tam & Burns.

Oh, the end almost killed me.  I mean, I held my breath thinking it was all over.  And then, lo and behold, Ms. Krafton saves the day by having Burns do the unexpected.  I loved it!

Overall, this is an amazing, awesome book, and you HAVE to read it.  I highly recommend this book.

Happy Reading!

Cana

Audio Review: I'm Dreaming of An Undead Christmas by Molly Harper

 

 

Description:

 

It's Christmas in Half-Moon Hollow and newly turned vampire Iris Scanlon-Calix wants to make Gigi's first visit home from college as normal and special as possible. It's taken months for Iris to work up the nerve to spend time around her baby sister after her vampire transition, so she enlists help from Jane Jameson and Company to keep her blood-thirst under control and assure Gigi's safety.

Gigi, on the other hand, has problems of her own, including the demise of her relationship with high school sweetheart, Ben, and a looming job interview with Ophelia Lambert, the scariest potential employer in the Hollow. And then there's the small matter of the handsome, frustrating vampire who keeps appearing in Gigi's peripheral vision, then disappearing before she can talk to him.

Can the Scanlon sisters negotiate romantic problems, vampire politics, and Christmas cookie disasters and enjoy a relatively normal holiday?

 

 

Review:

I'm Dreaming of An Undead Christmas by Molly Harper

4 out of 5



 

 

Ok, so I loved this short story.  8 chapters of fun, plus a bonus chapter of recipes!

 

I love Gigi, she is wonderfully snarky, just like most of the other women in Half-moon Hollow.  And I love how she is so quick on her feet.

 

Who is this mysterious man who seems to pretty much be stalking Gigi?  I mean, he sounds delicious… And I personally would love to know more about him.

 

Collin’s vision of the future sounds grim, but I wonder if it might change, especially now with this mysterious guy in Gigi’s life… Hmmm

 

Nothing like a family Christmas to make life more…. Interesting.  Yes, that is the word I’ll use to describe family and holidays.  And the antics of the “made it myself” family of vampires, werewolves, and humans is hilarious… I love the laughing at them. 

 

Ophelia and her sister are some of the creepiest characters that I’ve ever met, but I love how they made such a point to hang out with the Scanlons and friends…

 

Dick with his hamster ball…. LOL, that was wonderful and classic! 

 

Overall, this is a cute and quick read (listening) book.  I highly recommend reading this, especially if you want to hear what Jane says… “Pocket Vampire”…. LOL!

Happy Reading!


Cana

Throw Back Thursday and an Upcoming Book!

BOUND TO BE UP ALL NIGHT WITH

THROW BACK THURSDAY’S BOUND BY NIGHT!

Book I of The MoonBound Clan Vampire series

“Bound by Night was a fantastic start to this very promising new series…

a very tasty treat from a must be read author.  Happy reading everybody…you’re bound to love it.”

—Night Owl Reviews for Bound by Night

“The exceptionally entertaining Ione kicks off a sexy new vampire series…

Ione does what she does best: deliver paranormal romance with a sexy and dangerous bite!”

—RT Book Reviews ****HOT Review for Bound by Night

PREORDER CHAINED BY NIGHT

AND SAVOR YOUR TASTY TREAT ON 9/30!

Book II of The MoonBound Clan Vampires series

“Ione’s second MoonBound Vampires paranormal deftly uses a mixture of complex rivalries, primal violence, and sex to portray a society in which frequent vampire enslavement provokes a civil-rights dispute…Ione’s characters are relatable and sympathetic both because of and despite their id-drenched setting, and Ione’s flavor of vampirism produces a fascinating mixture of authoritarianism, atavism, and compassionate humanity that works on multiple levels.”

—Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW August 25^th

“Ione has created a fascinating vampire world steeped in Native American traditions and lore and developed a path to happiness for Hunter and Aylin that is fraught with potent and poignant internal and external conflicts. The action-packed plot and creative worldbuilding keep us enthralled; the romance and sexual tension keep us emotionally invested.”

—Kirkus Reviews August 28^th online, Sept. 15^th print

“Major talent Ione is back with the second installment in her gritty new MoonBound Clan Vampire series, where vampires live under the threat of enslavement and torture by humans.  Ione’s vampire world is made up of sometimes warring clans who fight against each other as well as humans.  Uniting the clans may be the vampires’ best hope for survival in the upcoming war with humans.  With so much at stake, these excellent character relationships are fraught with intense and conflicting emotions.  Hang on tight, as this is one exciting and dangerous world!”

—Romantic Times ****1/2 HOT

Happy Reading!

Cana

The Darkest Craving by Gena Showalter

Description:

Having endured weeks of torture in the bowels of hell, Kane wants nothing to do with his beautiful rescuer, Josephina Aisling. The half-Fae female threatens to awaken the demon of Disaster inside him—a beast he’s determined to kill, no matter the price. 

Josephina is hunted by a brutal enemy—her royal family—and Kane is her only source of protection. He’s also the only male to ever set her aflame, and even he succumbs to the heat. But as they navigate the treacherous world of the Fae, they are forced to make a choice: live apart…or die together.

Review:

The Darkest Craving by Gena Showalter

5 out of 5

This book starts out so dark.  The trauma that Kane has experienced was horrible.  The fact that he keeps having flashbacks makes it so much worse.  PTSD is such a bitch, especially when you've finally met the person you want to be with.  

I think meeting the fae was very interesting.  Their love of the Lords of the Underworld almost rivals my friends and my love for them!  LOL!  Only Ms. Showalter would give her fans a competition with other fictional characters for their love of her main fictional characters!  But beyond that, the rules, the statuses, the blood slaves, and the royalty of the fae are a far cry from what we would call normal.  The conniving backstabbing, the blatant flirting, and the rules of conduct will keep you guessing who to trust.  

OMGoodness!  Lazarus... The pairing rod... Cameo... Speechlessness!  But I do hope that a lot of good stuff will come from and with these shockers!

Leopold is such an ass.  But I do wonder why?  And when it is revealed why the king doesn't like him and why he feels so obsessed with Josephina explains a lot of his behavior.  And it makes me feel sorry for him.  

What the heck is Disaster's problem?  Argh!  I mean, all the other demons generally deal with the other women, why can't he?  Stupid demon!

Poor Torin!  Torturing himself with an hour a day for 24 days with this unnamed girl is beyond necessary.  I don't think he is being fair to himself, and then the worst can happen, and he freaks out.  I really can't wait to see what happens with his book, because I hope all of it works out.  

Josephina (aka Tink, which is what I prefer to call her) is kinda a cool character.  She has a Cinderella story, if Cinderella were spunky and half fae.  I did love the transformation of her character, it was absolutely beautiful.  

I will say the whole Queen thing was a shock.... Plus, what happens to White & the Rainbow Rejects was a shock too.  Kind of scary really, and it definitely added a twist to the story.  

Poor Gilly.  Her determination to be like the Lords and their ladies, her love for William, and her craving to be loved back is going to get her hurt.  But whether that will benefit her or not is yet to be seen.  I do hope it all works out.  

Poor, poor Kane.  I know I keep saying that, but it's true.  His desire to kill Disaster no matter the cost to himself is heartbreaking.  I did love how he would do anything for Tink.  And how he showed her how wonderful and beautiful she is, that made me smile.  

My only problem with this book was how quick after Hell that Kane got over his PTSD issues.  That didn't feel right.  

Awesome twist in the end.  So didn't see that coming.  Loved it!  

Overall, this is such an amazing & perfect read!  I highly recommend this book and this series!
Happy Reading!

Cana

The Darkest Seduction by Gena Showalter

Description:

Possessed by the demon of Promiscuity, immortal warrior Paris is irresistibly seductive, but his potent allure comes at a terrible price. Every night he must bed someone new, or weaken and die. And the woman he craves above all others is the one woman he thought was forever beyond his reach until now. 

Newly possessed by the demon of Wrath, Sienna Blackstone is racked by a ruthless need to punish those around her. Yet in Paris's arms, the vulnerable beauty finds soul-searing passion and incredible peace. Until a blood feud between ancient enemies heats up.

Will the battle against gods, angels and creatures of the night bind them eternally or tear them apart?

Review:

The Darkest Seduction by Gena Showalter

5 out of 5

Yay!  The book we had all been waiting for!  Yes, I know I'm 2 years late, but I've been waiting since Paris lost Sienna.  And let me tell you, I wasn't as disappointed as I was expecting.

On a side note to the publishing company about book covers:  Please, for the love of Pete, please, please, please actually try to get the art department descriptions of what the characters look like.  Don't put a violet-eyed, exotic looking woman on the cover when in the book she is a hazel-eyed, average looking woman.  Come on!  Get with it!

OMGoodness!  More is revealed about Galen... And I also don't know how I feel about him going after Legion or how he gets her.  But I do find it interesting what potentially might happen.  

I loved when William threatened Zacharel about feeding him his liver, and his response is that it is too salty... Hilarious!  I think it didn't work as planned by William, but it definitely made for an entertaining bit of conversation in this book.

Oh, the babies!  Wow!  I personally wasn't expecting them to be so potentially evil and undeniably cute... And their names are definitely unique.  Not names I would have picked, but definitely unique.  

Viola & her (male) vampiric Tasmanian devil, Princess Fluffykins was hilarious! I could not resist laughing at her.  Even though she is a self-absorbed (thanks to her demon), she brought a light-heartedness to the story that we definitely needed.  And even with that, I wonder, will she get her own story where we find out what she has forced herself to forget?

Gosh, I! Hate! Cronus! &! Rhea! Their bloody bickering hurt so many people unnecessarily.   But, I must say that I was pleased with what happened to them.  I mean, it was definitely a surprise with what happened to them... I never saw it coming. 

I'm so curious about the Unspoken Ones... What are they going to do?  Who are they going after?  And will they ever be restrained again?

So what a big turn of events for Sienna.  I do wonder how this will effect the coming war.

So, I really want to now read the angel spin-off series!   I'm kind of excited to see what will happen to Zacharel.   

Overall, this was a good book, a great end to the overlying story arc of Sienna & Paris, and to finally get some resolutions.  For all the Lord of the Underworlds fans, this is a must read!  I highly recommend it!

Happy Reading!

Cana

The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox

Description:

It's never a good day when an ancient demon shows up on your toilet bowl. For Lizzie Brown, that's just the beginning. Soon her hyperactive terrier starts talking, and her long-lost biker witch Grandma is hurling Smuckers jars filled with magic. Just when she thinks she's seen it all, Lizzie learns she's a demon slayer-and all hell is after her.

Of course, that's not the only thing after her. Dimitri Kallinikos, a devastatingly handsome shape-shifting griffin needs Lizzie to slay a demon of his own. But how do you talk a girl you've never met into going straight to the underworld? Lie. And if that doesn't work, how dangerous could a little seduction be...?

Review:

The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox

3.5 out of 5

I love how Lizzie Brown cusses.  It is quite a bit like listening to an angry child.  And when she finally does use a real, adult cuss word, I was kind of shocked.  It also made me giggle.

I think that Pirate is my favorite character of all time!  He is hyper-actively funny, absolutely adorable, extremely hungry, and surprisingly mouthy.  He definitely made me laugh the most, and he was really the most consistent character out of the whole book. 

The Panos was a very interesting piece of magic.  Just the way a single stone on a bracelet can become whatever you need it to be to protect yourself, I think it sounds really useful... Or, as Lizzie proved, it could be a giant pain in the ass.

I really think that all these problems occurred in this book because NO ONE was upfront with information or explaination... Granted, it did lead to a lot of hilarious moments.  I just wished that someone had sat everyone down and explained things earlier than they did, because even I, the reader, got pretty confused on the whys, whats, and hows of this story.

I did find that the switch stars really did sound like Frisbees of death... Though, when it really needed to work, I think it fell quite a bit short of its target.   

I really found Andrea to be an irritating bitch (tee-hee, just like Lizzie said!).  But otherwise, she really wasn't necessary to the story, except to irritate me.

Okay, so my biggest issue with this book is how Lizzie suddenly trusts Gertie so quickly, and as if she has had decades of emotional connection with her.  I mean, the dumpster speech is a great example of the bull that happened unbelievably.  Argh!  It doesn't make any sense!

So, Dimitri... What do I get to say about him... Hmmmm.  OMGoodness!  There is a Yummy Griffin Shifter Alert!  I can't help but love his alpha, I'm-going-to-protect-you-and-have-you-as-well attitude that he exudes.  Then again, he was a bit of an ass at times.  Like when he was refusing to explain things.  And it also didn't help that he was a liar on top of that... But I still loved him.

Vald, the mad scientist demon, was not what I was expecting.  Which is always a good thing when reading about a villain.  I like being surprised by the villain occasionally, and I definitely was with this.  

So between Gertie, Phoenix, and Lizzie's adoptive parents, I find it amazing that she turned out as well-adjusted as she did.  I mean, they are all crazy on different levels, and had the potential of making a psychopath.

Okay, the roadkill magic was just really gross!  And coming from this farm girl, that is saying something.

Overall, this is a cute book, though it could have been better.  I will try the next book to see if it does get better.  I recommend this book for a mindless read.  
Happy Reading!

Cana

The Darkest Prison by Gena Showalter

Description:

Once, Atlas, the Titan god of strength, was the Greek goddess Nike's slave. Now, he is her master. And soon these sworn enemies destined to destroy one another will be forced to risk everything for a chance at love….

Review:

The Darkest Prison by Gena Showalter

5 out of 5

So, this was such a good short story.  To see another god that wasn't Cronus or Rhea was perfect.

So, Nike is more of a warrior than a princess or lady.  But she has always longed to be treated as such (what girl doesn't).  After being a guard, being a prisoner isn't one thing she like.  She really longs for freedom and revenge.  Still, I loved how strong she is as a character.  

Atlas was originally out for revenge, but quickly it changes to nothing but pure desire for Nike.  And boy is that determination hot!  I kinda wish that Nike hadn't held out for so long!

I did love how the god of strength knew how to romance a woman.  Not something you normally see from a "manly" man like Atlas.  

Best part was both Atlas' and Nike's decisions.  Atlas' sacrifice in doing what he had to do because he loved Nike was really awesome.  But I think the biggest decision came when Nike saw what Atlas had done to his house.  I think that was the best part of all of it.  

Again, this is another short story about the world of the Lords.  Yet in this one, there isn't really much of a hint at the Lords or the demons (with a small exception in the prologue).  I did miss getting to see the demons/Lords.  They are so much fun...

I did love how this story ended.  It was such a happy ending.  

Overall, this is a good and quick read.  I recommend it for everything one needing their Lord of the Underworld fix.  

Happy Reading!

Cana

The Darkest Fire by Gena Showalter

Description:

He is the guardian of hell, more monster than man. She is the goddess of oppression, more angel than woman. Together they will enter the flames to battle a dangerous horde of demon lords -- and discover a passion unlike any other....

Don't miss this sizzling prequel to Gena Showalter's breathtaking new paranormal series, The Lords of the Underworld! Though they carry an eternal curse, the Lords of the Underworld are irresistibly seductive -- and unimaginably powerful.

Review:

The Darkest Fire by Gena Showalter

5 out of 5

OMGoodness!  Eekkk!  It is Beauty & the Beast in the Underworld!  Yay!  I mean, I love that fairytale, so of course I knew that I was going to love this story!

Geryon is more than he appears.  Though he looks like a monster, he creaves the life he gave up... Until Kadence comes into the picture.  Then he sees himself becoming a Guardian of the damned as a belssing, a gift.  And when he decides to save Kadence, it was a beautiful thing.  But it was also one of the saddest things.  

Kadence, though the Goddess of Oppression, is a very meek character.  Not what I would have expected.  It was almost as if she was oppressing herslef.  But when she finally does what she needs to do, to protect Geryon, she seems to finally find herself.  I did like that.  

This was one of the happiest and saddest happy-endings I've ever read.  Beautiful in all its happy/sad glory.  And I think that is what makes it so hard, that you already know what is going to happen before you even start this story.  

Overall, this is a wonderful short story that lets you see the beginning of the Lords of the Underworld.  Good story, and I highly recommend it!
Happy Reading!

Cana

The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness

Description:

After traveling through time in Shadow of Night, the second book in Deborah Harkness’s enchanting series, historian and witch Diana Bishop and vampire scientist Matthew Clairmont return to the present to face new crises and old enemies. At Matthew’s ancestral home at Sept-Tours, they reunite with the cast of characters from A Discovery of Witches—with one significant exception. But the real threat to their future has yet to be revealed, and when it is, the search for Ashmole 782 and its missing pages takes on even more urgency. In the trilogy’s final volume, Harkness deepens her themes of power and passion, family and caring, past deeds and their present consequences. In ancestral homes and university laboratories, using ancient knowledge and modern science, from the hills of the Auvergne to the palaces of Venice and beyond, the couple at last learn what the witches discovered so many centuries ago.

Review:

The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness

5+ out of 5

So, I was extra excited to read this book.  I mean, I had been waiting 2 years for this book, and I couldn't wait to start this book!  I loved it!  And what a great conclusion!

So the beginning was really big.  Learning so much about what happened to Emily, the knights of Lazarus, ghosts, and everything else that Diana & Matthew missed while timewalking.  It is almost an overload of information.  But in some ways I think that was the best, because you know that it was an overload for Diana and Matthew.  

Gosh, I disliked Baldwin!  The ass is a bigger ass than I first thought.  Ugh!  But then he suddenly was an awesome character.  I'm not sure what happened, but I will say that Baldwin became one big surprise by the end of this book... And I can honestly say by the end, I did like him.  

So many secrets in a vampire's life... It really is the bread and butter of the vampires.  It is so sad to learn some of those secrets:  Ysabeau's actual creation & the beginning of her vampiric life; the truth about blood rage; & Matthew's son Benjamin.  You can't help but wonder that if the life is eternal (for lack of a better term), why keep all those secrets and burdens to yourself?  

Now, for me, I have been wondering about Annie and Jack since the end of 2nd book.  And we finally get an answer.  Poor Annie will not be seen again, which does make me a bit sad.  But then there is Jack!  And I couldn't help but cheer.. But then, it became poor Jack... And then Damn it!  I hate Baldwin!  Argh!  

There was so much researching in this book, much more than in the previous books.  Between the library, the lab, all the auction houses, and the Book of Life itself, we learned a lot more about the supernatural than we have before.  I liked that.

Wow!  About 1/2 way through the book, we get the big reveal about Benjamin & who his children are.  It had me surprised and shocked, because I definitely was not expecting that.  And what made it worse was how much I more I hated Benjamin after that reveal.  

So, I never really liked Miriam before this book, but boy did she grow on me.  She is one sassy vampire with a dry sense of humor that I loved!

OMGoodness!  I love Gallowglass.  I mean, between him and Ysabeau, he is one of my favorite characters from this trilogy.  I love him and wouldn't mind having him as my personal bodyguard.  And then there was his big reveal about his feelings, about Diana... Wooow!  I do so hope that he finds someone that will love him too (wouldn't be nice if he got his own book.... Hmmmm, nice!)

Now on to my other favorite character from this trilogy: Ysabeau.  I absolutely love her.  She is so strong, is a kick-ass warrior, and a loving mother & grandmother.  It all was great, but even better was seeing how she evolved from a witch-hating vampire to the supportive rock that Diana needed to succeed in her mission to save her husband and children. 

I was excited and scared when Diana told Matthew to start his own Scion, primarily because she knew if she didn't, he would possibly be forced to kill his own children.  But who knew what would have happened, and what struggles would happen because of them being separated.  But I was so glad it happened.  

I liked meeting Fernando.  He strikes me as a sassy gay man... Which did get me thinking:  Were there sassy gay men in medieval Europe?  But beyond this question, I think that Fernando is the perfect balance for almost every character.  He is the best friend for Sarah.  He is the common sense for Matthew.  He is the protector & educator for Diana.  He is the older brother for Marcus. He seems to be exactly what everyone needs when they need it.  

I loved Philippe's big reveal... And I think that Diana was not surprised.  The fact that he knew that she would be the one to carry his burdens, that put a lot of his scheming into perspective.  

When we finally understand what (and who) the Book of Life is, what it means to witches, vampires, & daemons, and what it means to humans too, was just so cool.  And when we see how it is linked between Diana, the weavers, the bloodrage-afflicted vampires, and the children born of those unions, it is beyond amazing.  

This was one ultimate ending to such an amazing trilogy, and yet, I'm dying for more.  I want more stories of the Bishop-Clairmont clan, and of their friends & family.  Overall, this is an amazing book, and it was the best one yet.  I can't wait to read more by Ms. Harkness (hopefully one day soon!).  I highly recommend this book & this trilogy!

Happy Reading!

Cana

The Darkest Surrender by Gena Showalter

Description:

Possessed by the demon of Defeat, Strider cannot lose a challenge without suffering unimaginable pain. For him, nothing stands in the way of victory. Until Kaia, an enchanting Harpy, tempts him to the razor's edge of surrender.Known among her people as The Disappointment, Kaia must bring home the gold in the Harpy Games or die. Strider is a distraction she can't afford because he has an agenda of his own-steal first prize, an ancient godly artifact, before the winner can be named. But as the competition heats up, only one prize will matter-the love neither had thought possible.

Review:

The Darkest Surrender by Gena Showalter

4 out 5

So this was a cute book, a way to pass the time, but it wasn't exactly my favorite one out of this series.  

The Characters:

Kaia the Disappointment... Wow, what a horrible title.  I mean, I though her sister Gwen had a bad title, but nothing is worse than being known as the Disappointment of the family.  I think the reason she received it is really a harsh punishment.  The fact that her mother gave it to her because of a mistake I think made it worse.  

Kane seems to be a great guy, but he seems to just be really lonely, and he needs a safe hug... No electric static shocks, no colasping ceilings or crumbling floors.  Just a nice hug.  

The Moirai are so crazy & disturbing, but I can't help but laugh at the whole situation.  And the way they talk in circles towards Kane is hilarious!  But their question of Kane... OMGoodness!  If anyone would be the one to be asked that question, I would have expected it to be William.  

Sienna kinda irritated me in this book.  I mean, I think it is great that she is trying to be strong against her demon & then plans to give her life up to be free of it, but I feel like she is just hitting her head against a wall for all the results that she is achieving.  

Paris finally seems to be getting out of his drunken stupor and is finally doing something!  Though, I'm not sure if he is going about it the right way. Which makes me wonder, am I going to like Paris by the time we have his story?  

Juliette is an uber bitch!  And I really feel that she deserved more than she actually got.  But, maybe the loss of her consort will be painful enough to serve as a punishment.  

Tabitha the Vicious truly lives up to her name.  Plus being full of secrets, she definitely adds to the intrigue of the story.  

Neeka is a pretty cool harpy.  Even though she is deaf, she doesn't let that hold her back.  Though I wonder what she's got that the phoenixes would want... Hopefully this will be answered soon.

The fact that Lazarus is a bad guy turned good guy being forced to do the wrong thing definitely makes a twist to the story.  And with his past, it is easier to believe that he really is the bad guy... So when he finally makes the sacrifice that he did, he really became my favorite character of this book. 

My Favorite parts:

The Harpie Games.  It sounds like a life-or-death Olympics.  Which kind of sounds pretty exciting, dangerous, and just plain entertaining.  I wish we had gotten to see more of it in the book.

Can I just say that when William puts together the fact that he is/was crushing on one of his great-nieces, it was hilarious.... I kinda giggled for a good few minutes about it.  

Other Stuff:

Wow... a marriage.... and it kinda is a big surprise, especially since one of them was unconscious.  I did find it interesting the end result of the marriage... Telepathic communication between the spouses.  Not sure if I'd want that.  

For me, this story dragged on a bit.  I felt that certain parts dragged on because it felt forced.  Then there were the parts that seem to skip over key points that would make the story better.  There was little to keep my attention during the down times, and while the action scenes were good, there was almost too much in the action scenes.  

Overall, this is a good book, but it is not my favorite.  I do recommend this series, and this book.  
Happy Reading!

Cana

The Darkest Secret by Gena Showalter

Description:

In this sexy new installment of Showalter's bestselling Lords of the Underworld series, the haunted Amun meets a woman who tempts him like no other...

Keeper of the demon of Secrets, Amun can manipulate the darkest thoughts of anyone nearby. But when the immortal warrior is chained and isolated to protect those he loves, death is his only hope of release—until he meets Haidee, a fellow prisoner whose beauty and hidden vulnerability draw him into a reckless test of his loyalty.

Haidee is a demon-assassin, raised to despise Amun's kind. Yet how can she hate the man whose touch sets her aflame? But to save him, she must give herself body and soul...and face the wrath of a powerful adversary sworn to destroy her.
Review:

The Darkest Secret by Gena Showalter

5 out of 5

The first few chapters weren't my favorite.  And let me tell you why.  I honestly didn't like the beginning of this book because Strider is an ass, Amun is darkly evil, and Haidee is trying to escape.  Ugh... But thankfully, I kept reading, and the story FINALLY got better and caught my attention in its delicious clutches and refused to let me go!

So, again, we learn something new about William... I really feel that we are suppose to be putting together a board of all the clues we get about him, so that by the time we get to his book, we'll have everything figured out.  But back on subject, the fact that William can see dead people is kind of cool... But what a horrible way to find out.  And poor Paris... Its so NOT fair!  Can we get to Paris' sexily-ever-after already?

Oh, this book is really about a lot of secrets!  With Haidee, her's is the biggest secret of all.  It explains so much though. And when you finally find out what the secret is and what it means, you will be surprised... I mean, I didn't see it coming!

Wow, another journey through Hell, and this one is definitely different from the first.  I mean, this one was a bit less dreary, a lot more wit and action occurred, and it was extremely more colorful.  

Discovering Hate and then finally meeting him was interesting... So glad everything seems to be resolved with him... I don't know how much more I would have been able to take of him.  

Favorite part of the book:  The prank call was hilarious!  Even though it didn't turn out the way the guys wanted or planned it, it was still pretty funny.  

Okay, the whole Strider part of this story was not my favorite (again!).  I mean, Strider just kept getting on my nerves.  I really wish that Kaia would just kick his ass.  And yet, thankfully, Amun did it and that made me very happy!

OOOOH, I want more of the Horsemen.  They sound so interesting and potentially hilarious!  Can we get some Horsemen novels, Ms. Showalter?  Please?   I promise to be a good reader and read them all!

I LOVE (pun intended) what happened in the end for Haidee... And for Amun.  They both need a happily-ever-after.  

Overall, this is an AMAZING book.  I highly recommend this book and the series!Happy Reading!

Cana

The Darkest Lie by Gena Showalter

Description:

Forced to his knees in agony whenever he speaks the truth, Gideon can recognize any lie—until he captures Scarlet, a demon-possessed immortal who claims to be his long-lost wife. He doesn’t remember the beautiful female, much less wedding — or bedding — her. But he wants to . . . almost as much as he wants her.

But Scarlet is keeper of Nightmares, too dangerous to roam free, and a future with her could mean ultimate ruin. Especially as Gideon’s enemies draw closer . . . and the truth threatens to destroy all he’s come to love . . .

Review:

The Darkest Lie by Gena Showalter

5 out of 5

Be warned:  None of this is in Gideon-speak.  You are going to get the cold, honest truth about the keeper of Lies & the keeper of Nightmares... And You are going to love this book!

So Gideon is scared of spiders... But what is hilarious is his little girl attiude and reaction to them.  It is interesting though how he has a fear of spiders but doesn't know why, yet Scarlet has been around them because of Tartarus and isn't scared of them... Could there be a connection?

The whole story of Steel is heartbreaking... And I am with Scarlet and Gideon for wanting revenge.  I kinda want revenge too!

I'm glad that we finally get an explanation on the age-reversal that Cronus and Rhea are going through.  Amazing what happens when a curse is reversed.  

Mnemosyne (NeeMah will be used the rest of this review... I'm sure you understand why...) is a real piece of work.  Ugh!  She got what she deserved, though she really deserved far worse.  Though, I still have a feeling that she had more secrets to reveal... Unfortunately, I don't think we would get any answers from her.

Wow!  What a twist in who's memory was screwed with!  Though, I have a feeling it was really both, and more, but still!  Talk about heartbreaking... But I think a lot of what Gideon and Scarlet learned & the new memories they created helped to balance out all the memory loss that had happened.  

Gideon-speak is fun until you have to double back a couple of times to figure out what he is really saying (because they don't always translate for you)... 

Wasn't a big fan of Strider's portions of the book.  Which is so sad.  I was so hoping for a bit more of a spark of happy or humor from him like we had had in the previous books.

I felt horrible for poor Amun.  I just really wanted his life to get better, but when you walk into Hell willingly, it really isn't going to get better.  

OMGoodness... The infamous Hadiee who has become Haidee.  It will be interesting to see where this will go for her. 

So we always knew that William had a lot of secrets, but in this book we learn exactly what some of those secrets are.  Through the  hints, about what they are, I know that he has a lot more depth and potential than a lot of the other characters that we've met so far... Though I would love for him to get with Gilly.  It might be nice for the bad boy to actually end up (and stay) with the good girl. 

Oh, and can I say that discovering the genders of Nightmares & Lies was just hilarious.  But Gideon's actual reaction was funnier.  

So, the big last fight scene was really cool.... Was definitely entertaining reading about Cronus with a bowl of popcorn.  I mean, I know it is a chick fight, but really?  Popcorn?

Overall, this was an awesome book, actually, it was really one of my favorites from this series.  I highly recommend this book & series!

Happy Reading!

Cana

The Darkest Passion by Gena Showalter

Description:

For weeks, the immortal warrior Aeron has sensed an invisible female presence. An angel-demon-assassin has been sent to kill him. Or has she? Olivia claims she fell from the heavens, giving up immortality because she couldn't bear to harm him. But trusting - and falling for - Olivia will endanger them all. So how has this mortal with the huge blue eyes already unleashed Aeron's darkest passion?

With an enemy hot on his trail and his faithful demon companion determined to remove Olivia from his life, Aeron is trapped between duty and consuming desire. Worse still, a new executioner has been sent to do the job Olivia wouldn't...

Review:

The Darkest Passion by Gena Showalter

5 out of 5

Olivia is such an interesting character.  She is almost the perfect mix of innocent and worldly knowledge.  And a lot of her moments made me giggle at her thought process... Like how she was going to seduce Aeron.  Also the fact that she is obviously a Disney princess (i.e. the animals) is hilarious!

Aeron is such a whiny baby.  He really needed an ass kicking to get his head on straight.  Especially when he challenged the gods to send him a woman who he would want to chase (be careful what you pray for!)... Still, that part was pretty funny.  His sacrifice to save his friends, Legion, & Olivia did make me like him more.  

Poor Legion... Making a deal with the devil is always dangerous.  But her behavior, her desire to have Aeron no mater what, makes her an unlikeable character.  I can't say that she got what she deserved, but I hope she finds her happiness and the love that she craves one day.  Though, what happened to her and Galen does make me wonder...

OMGoodness!  The fact that the Titans are also Lords... I was kinda of expecting that, but Ack!  What a huge ball of trouble that will be coming as they figure out who is what.

Awe, Ashlyn and Maddox are having *Slaps hand over mouth!* Sorry, no spoilers, but still, what you find out when you read this book about the pregnancy is very exciting.  It sounds like a very good thing!

Poor, poor Gilly.  We find out why she was a runaway (though I was expecting something like this).  The confirmation of what happened to her is still heartbreaking.  I hope that she is healing from her past, not just trying to ignore it.  

Scarlet & Gideon... OMGoodness!  I don't know if I should be excited or scared.  But I can't wait to find out!

Gosh, why can't Aeron and Olivia catch a break!  If it isn't one of them being difficult, it is an external source causing the issues!  Like more frustrating issues than any of the others had. Ugh!

Wow! So, it was nice to finally meet Pandora and Baden.   Though it wasn't expected, I must admit that I like Baden and I would like to get to know him better.  He seemed to be pretty cool.  But I do agree with Baden about Pandora.  She is a real bitch, and I hope she is stuck there for forever.  Oh, and what an interesting twist that Pandora points out to us... Makes you wonder where this is leading.... Hmmm

I was so glad about the ending.  I was kind of scared of what was going to happen.  But Ms. Showalter saved the day and gave us a wonderful happy ending.  

And the funniest thing in the entire book was when Aeron starts cracking penis jokes during sex... A bit creepy, but hilarious.  

Overall, this was an awesome book!  I highly recommend it and the series.  



Happy Reading!

Cana

The Darkest Angel by Gena Showalter

Description:

Winged warrior Lysander has been alive for centuries, and yet he's never known desire-until he meets Bianka. Spawned from the bloodline of his enemy, the beautiful but deadly Harpy is determined to lead the untouched Lysander into temptation. He may try to evade her attempts, but even the most iron-willed demon assassin can resist for only so long.... 

Review:

The Darkest Angel by Gena Showalter

5 out of 5

So, I don't normally read a lot of short stories, primarily because they just frustrate me into wanting more!  But, I really did enjoy this one....

Lysander is an ASS!  And he really doesn't change that much through the story.  But I really did enjoy him groveling and apologizing to Bianka

OMGoodness!  The oil wrestling scene is hilarious!  Paris kinda perks up for the first time since the Sienna-is-dead part, and FINALLY someone tries to knock Lysander around a bit.  

What is Ashlyn's baby?  OMGoodness!  Why hint and then leave us hanging?  Why does Lysander hope they are ready?  What is wrong with it?  Argh!!!!!

I loved Legion during the wedding!  She is hilarious, and in a weird demonic sort of way, absolutely adorable.

I really liked Bianka.  She is such an interesting harpy.  From how she decides who to steal from to her decision to win Lysander, she has such an interesting perspective.  

Gwen being Bridezilla is hilarious, because I know exactly how her sisters feel... I just imagine that a harpy bridezilla is worse than my own human bridezilla sister is!

Overall, this novella is a cute filler between books.  Definitely leaves me wanting more, and I'm definitely going to read more of this series!  I highly recommend this short story!
Happy Reading!

Cana

The Darkest Whisper by Gena Showalter

Description:

He is the keeper of Doubt and his entire world’s about to be rocked.

Bound by the demon of Doubt, Sabin unintentionally destroys even the most confident of lovers. So the immortal warrior spends his time on the battlefield instead of the bedroom, victory his only concern…until he meets Gwendolyn the Timid. One taste of the beautiful redhead, and he craves more.

Gwen, an immortal herself, always thought she’d fall for a kind human who wouldn’t rouse her darker side. But when Sabin frees her from prison, battling their enemies for the claim to Pandora’s box turns out to be nothing compared to the battle Sabin and Gwen will wage against love…

Review:

The Darkest Whisper by Gena Showalter

5 out of 5 

So, I'll admit that I wasn't really excited about reading Sabin/Doubts book... It just seemed that he was a giant ass in the other books, which didn't make me want to rush and read his book.  And as much as I am surprised, I loved this book!  I can now even say that Sabin isn't as much of an ass as I thought.  Yes, he is an ass, but not as big a one as I had first thought.

What a descriptive name:  Gwendolyn the Timid.  Not a great nickname or title.  It doesn't strike fear or inspire people.  If anything, it creates an image of someone whimpering and hiding in a corner.  So for me, it is kind of a giggle moment that someone timid like Gwen is at the beginning should end up with such a bad-ass warrior like Sabin.  

Now, the rule here at Place of Reads is that I try not to give out spoilers... But, Oh My Goodness!  Galen is.... OMGoodness!  Was NOT expecting that!  OMGoodness!

I have discovered through Gwen and her sisters that I love harpies.  Smart-mouthed, bad-assed, glowing creatures that I absolutely adore! 

I really liked the mythology of the harpies. From origins to their own curse, it definitely makes them so much more than what Greek mythology made them.  

The hunters were already bad news before this book, but discovering what they are doing to the supernatural women is monstrous... I can't believe what they are doing, and I think they deserve everything the Lords throw at them.  

So, I think the hunter's academy is a scary prospect.  Imagine the fall out of that occurrence.  Even though the Lords know about it now, the repercussions of the school will be felt for a while.  

Poor Paris & Reyes.  Paris for mourning his loss of Sienna... & Reyes for the guilt he feels over Paris saving him.  Shesh!  When will all of this get fixed for them?  I can't take much more of their guilt & sadness.

I loved the hinting of another of my favorite series - Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark.  Gosh, I'd love a crossover between them... It would be full of all sorts of hotness and awesomeness!!!!

Overall, this is a pretty good book, and I am definitely already reading the next book!  I highly recommend it!
Happy Reading!

Cana

The Darkest Pleasure by Gena Showalter

Description:

Reyes is a man possessed. Bound by the demon of pain, he is forbidden to know pleasure. Yet he craves a mortal woman, Danika Ford, more than breath and will do anything to claim her--even defy the gods.Danika is on the run. For months she's eluded the Lords of the Underworld, immortal warriors who won't rest until she and her family have been destroyed. But her dreams are haunted by Reyes, the warrior whose searing touch she can't forget. Yet a future together could mean death to all they both hold dear..

Review:

The Darkest Pleasure by Gena Showalter

5 out of 5

If you aren't reading this series y'all, you better fix that mistake!  This delicious series is a must on your get-to-it-quick TBR list!

So, I'll be honest, I wasn't looking forward to reading Reyes's book.  He seems so tormented, and since he and Danika already had such a rocky start, I wasn't sure how well it would turn out.  Now, I regret that I was even hesitant to read this book, because it was awesome!

Can I just say that Ms. Showalter is one creative author!  I love how she has Hope as a demon.  Something so happy, light, and "hopeful" (for lack of a better word) being considered "evil" is hard to believe.  But the way Ms. Showalter described him, I can so see it.  

Reyes has dealt with and dealt out a lot of pain.  But no matter his attitude you still want him to have a happily-ever-after. 

Danika really grows as a character, even since the first book.  And I love when it happens and when the author makes it happen well.  She goes from a sheltered and gentle girl to a strong and wise woman.  

Cronus is such an ass!  But he seems to crave what it eans to be human.  Which could make things interesting.  

What a twist with who is running the Hunters!  I loved that!

It took several books, but (FINALLY) Aeron is finally back to being himself... Though you have to wonder how long it will be before the stress of what happened finally breaks him. 

I liked Ms. Showalters take on the All Seeing Eye... I had kinda expected a crystal ball or a mirror.  But what it actually turns out to be is so much better.  

Poor, poor Paris!  So close to a form of freedom, but he had to make that DAMNED sacrifice!  I wanted to yell, cry, and throw my book across the room!  Not fair!  But I'm sure Ms. Showalter will fix this... I hope that she will fix this... PLEASE FIX THIS!

I think it was amazing how Reyes wanted nothing but gentle kindness with Danika, but Danika proved to him that she could take anything he has to give.  

I think that my favorite stuff was how Reyes "rescued" Danika (with her help, of course).  And can I just say I appreciated that just because he was being transported by the portal/Eye, it wasn't a painless trip... Actually, it was kind of funny to just read what happened.   

Overall, this is a delicious book.  But be warned, there is mutilation involved with Pain.  Don't let that put you off because this book is a must read!

Happy Reading!

Cana