The fifth book in the Vampire Erotic Theater series is BEWITCH from Felicity Heaton.

I had the pleasure to review an ARC copy from the author, and having read the previous 4 books in the serious I was happy to get my hands on this newest addition.

All of the previous books have the background of the theater, but I was happy that the author decided to take the main character, Payne, to a different locale to tell his story. Payne embarks on a journey in the beginning of this story to help his friends, but ends up taking a journey that leads to discovering a path to his own acceptance. This journey is not taken alone. He is joined by the witch, Elissa, who turns out to be his mate, and destroys all his control. Payne has kept a secret, and control over the exact nature of what he is for years, until he meets the ‘bewitching” Elissa. She allows him to accept himself by her utter acceptance of whom and what he is from how he makes her feel.

I will have to say that this was my favorite book of the series so far, and I loved the chemistry between Elissa and Payne. The fact Payne was a half incubus, half vampire made the scenes between them throb with sensuality and heat. Payne’s tortured past plays heavily in his actions and his strong desire to protect everyone from his incubus side. Elissa has a promise to keep and realizes she needs Payne’s help to fulfill her mission. What starts as two individuals working together on a common journey, turns into two people facing show more their pasts and making a future with the new truth’s they find inside and out.

I encourage anyone to read the VET series for its unique ideas and sexy characters. If you already a fan, then you will love this newest addition and the explosive chemistry that develops as well the path that brings them together. show less

Review of
HER DEMONIC ANGEL
by Felicity Heaton
Written by
Sandy Lion

I received an ARC of the 5th book in the HER ANGEL series from a favorite author of mine, Felicity Heaton. HER DEMONIC ANGEL would have been the 1st book I would have actually read in the series, so being a series die-hard that I am, I had to at least read the 1st book in the series, HER DARK ANGEL, to make sure I could get a feel for the series and how it was heading. I also read excerpts of the other books hoping I would not make a mistake jumping to book 5 before reading books 2-4. I was extremely impressed with HER DARK ANGEL, and thought that I had a good enough handle on the series to go on to book 5, and think the book can be read as a stand alone if someone chooses that route. I HIGHLY suggest reading the entire series in order though, now that I have read book 1 and 5, because I will be going back to read 2-4. I think the missing stories held in those books will only enhance the reader’s experience when they get to HER DEMONIC ANGEL.

That being said, this book takes you on quite a journey that I truly did not see coming when I first started the opening chapters. The basic premise in the Her Angel series at this point in the series is Heaven and Hell use angels (heavenly and demonic one’s) as pawns in an endless or eternal game between the two kingdoms. As you could have guessed, in this story, the actual villains are god and the devil, who serve as the masters for the angels. They can force the show more angels, against their wills, by lies, deception, or memory enhancement, or reincarnation to do pretty much anything they want.

The main hero of our story is Veiron. He has been caught in and endless loop of good versus evil with another guardian angel, Marcus and an reincarnated version of the 1st angel, Amelia (Book 4, HER GUARDIAN ANGEL). Veiron is a demonic angel who is a fallen guardian angel that is tied to Amelia and has rebelled along with Marcus and others to not be pawns in the games of heaven and hell. As can be expected, he has some anger management issues and a vengeance mission for all his past.

Our heroine happens to be Erin. She is Amelia’s sister and in the beginning of the story has been kidnapped by the devil and imprisoned in hell. Amelia asks Verion to try to retrieve her and we begin what amounts to our twisted tale. Erin has enough attitudes throughout the rescue mission to worm her way under the skin of the dangerous Verion, as the fight off hell’s forces time and again even after they make it to earth and London. But when Erin gets seriously wounded, Verion realizes he is in over his head in how much he cares for the sassy mortal. He races her to friends for some healing, Einar and Taylor (Book 3, HER WARRIOR ANGEL)

It is after this injury that the chemistry and passion between these 2 characters really flares to life. Up until this point Erin and Verion are both doing the dance, “Does he care for me? Does she not? Should I run away? Should I not?” We all know, and sigh, love the dance if it is done properly. F. Heaton does a great job of not overplaying up the internal angst of the characters and their capitulation to their inner longings that keeps pulling them closer together.

Of course turmoil heads their way in the form of the unlikely form of her sister. When Verion and Erin meet up finally with Marcus and Amelia, issues of an unknown power, an unknown future, and overbearing, sisterly interference threaten to not only jeopardize their fresh union, but sends Verion, Einar, and Marcus on a mission to Hell for information. Erin has been having visions that speak of doom, but no one can prevent or predict the future for this couple.

It was at this point in the book, that I was slightly dizzy with the different turns the book takes with the story. F.Heaton focuses on the ideas of rebirth and vengeance as well as the definitions of good and evil that was introduced in the beginning. She takes them to a different level with Erin’s acceptance of herself and what she must do as well as her acceptance of Verion and what that means. I have to admit I was surprised at how the story unfurled and did not see how the last several chapters would play out to any extent. Its also was nice how there was a well placed balance between private, intense moments between the two characters and action packed intense plot twists or situations. F. Heaton also gets a “thumbs up” for a good ending, because I love an author who can use just the right words to end her book.
4.5 out of 5 star over all rating show less

“Savage Nature” is the 5th book in Christine Feehan’s leopard series and tells the tale about Drake Donovan. Drake has been in the Leopard series since the beginning and sustained a leg injured that made it impossible for him to shift. I the last novel his employer and friend, Jake Bannaconni had found surgeons to fix and graph Drake’s leg together to the point where he is able to shift again after 2 years. Drake is a dominant, alpha leopard and the need to be free and roam is overwhelming. Drake arrives to the swamps of the Mississippi river to investigate the claims of a shifter who is killing. An anonymous letter was sent to Jake from Fenton Marsh, property leased to 7 families by Jake’s grandfather that describes bodies killed by a leopard bite. When Drake arrives and meets his guide, Saria Boudreaux, and realizes she is his mate and is very close to The Han Vol Dan. The Han Vol Dan is when a female shifts for the first time and also goes into heat and accepts males in invitation for mating. Hopefully at this time she will be around her mate at the time since she will be throwing off strong sex hormones that entices other males to be more aggressive in order to fight for her. Saria seems rather oblivious to her nature. Drake also discovers that the town is a hidden leopard lair fun by a man by the name of Amos Jeanmard. He is one of the 7 families, who are all shifters, and there seems to be more to this investigation than a simple murder spree. Drake soon show more finds himself knee deep in trouble between family matters with Saria and her 5 brothers, the mismanagement of the lair and the 7 families, and the killer who shifts their focus to Saria, Drake and his team.

This book was fast paced and full of many different plot aspects that kept you guessing on where our characters would end up that the reader was always engaged. The characters took over this story with their actions and history and you grew to love them and want them all to succeed. Saria is a great female for our Drake who has been crying for his own story for many books. I love that there isn’t an overabundance of carnality or bearing your soul moments between the 2 characters. Christine Feehan achieves the perfect balance in this book of action; plot twists, romance, passion, and dialogue to keep your eyes on each line and the pages flying by. The beautiful descriptions of the wildlife and the environment and the passion the characters use for their home is palpable. I was slightly disappointed with the rather shortness in the end, but I felt the story rounded out nicely. Fans of the leopard series should be very excited with this edition. It was in my opinion the best novel to date in the series and I gave it 5 stars. I hope she continues to write about our leopard shifters because as a group they have many stories to tell. show less

“Blood Destiny” is the 1st novel in the Blood Curse Vampire series by Tessa Dawn and begins with an excellent twist on the origins of her vampire world. The story begins with 2 brothers, Jadon and Jaeger, who in ancient Romania they have been part of a terrible reign of terror. Because of their lust for power, they have been sacrificing women of their race indiscriminately until annihilation of all females has occurred. They have brought doom to a once strong people who were one with nature and the heavens and contained celestial blood in their veins. The Blood of their countless victims have rose up to punish the brothers and curse them for all eternity. Jaeger is truly evil and even in the face of this punishment shows his belief that the killing and rapes were nothing compared to his needs. Jadon, on the other hand, begs for mercy, and tells the celestial beings that even though he did not prevent it, he never participated in any of the death and rapes. The Celestial Beings create a Blood Curse for both Jadon and Jaeger, but make the curse different because of the mercy the show for Jadon. Both brothers end up becoming vampires and each will develop into their own unique bloodlines of that species.

The Sons of Jaeger are refer to as the “Dark Ones” and basically cannot walk in daylight, are evil, immortal, and drink blood to kill. They have red highlights interwoven into their dark hair and will never know the love or companionship of a mate. They can never have show more female children and will always have twins. All of the women who bear their children will die upon childbirth and the 1st born of the 2 must be sacrificed to the celestial beings. That is the blood curse.

The Sons of Jadon are referred to as the “Light Ones” and can walk in sunlight but prefer the night. They are not evil but are predators or animalistic because of the vampire nature. They drink blood and will kill their prey but pick victims that are evil or have done evil. They can also drink blood and not kill their victims. Their hair color varies. When the blood moon comes and the sky lights up with the stars with the constellation of their birth sign, their mate will be chosen for them by also having that sign on her person. They will then have 30 days to make her theirs, convert her and make her pregnant. They will never have females and only have twins. The first birth will always produce one “light” child and one “dark” child. The “dark” child must be sacrificed. If this does not all happen within 30 days of the blood moon, the Son of Jadon will die horribly. This is the blood curse.

Our 1st novel is about Jocelyn and Nathaniel’s trip down the mating lane, as it were. Jocelyn start off accidentally watching a dark vampire sacrifice a human female and child in order to satisfy the blood curse and to have a son. She is terrified. Nathaniel hears her crying in the forest and comes to make sure she is not injured and while walking her back to civilization, the blood moon rises. Both of the worlds become entwined and are forever changed. Nathaniel now has to convince Jocelyn that not all vampires are evil while he basically kidnaps her to keep her safe. Jocelyn is fighting her growing feelings for Nathaniel while trying to not lose her mind. If all of this wasn’t enough to taken into account, throw in some very domineering older siblings, werewolf hunters, and battles with the dark vampires and you wonder when will these two have time to get together. This novel was non-stop and extremely interesting. I loved every minute of the action and the premise behind the vampires is unique and makes for a great foundation. It is a solid 5 stars and I anxiously wait the next release. show less

“Dark Descendant” is the first book in a new series for Jenna Black and is an urban fantasy about Nikki Glass, a private investigator, whose entire world changes in one night. After agreeing to meet her current client, Emmitt, at the mansion where his girlfriend Maggie is being held by a cult, Nikki sees that the circumstances are not what she believes. After originally finding no sign of Emmitt, Nikki discovers that the mansion holds members of a world of immortal beings. Nikki is part of this world. Descendants of gods, each member has to choose sides between two warring factions based on a belied system. Of course, nothing is as easy as good versus evil with immortal godlike beings, now is it? Nikki and the people she cares about are caught in the middle of the supernatural game and she wonders if she ever really knows if she will recognize the game players not to mention the board itself. How will she ever win or be able to protect those she loves being an outsider to this new world?

Overall, I liked this 1st edition and found it fast paced and entertaining. The world of the Liberi Deorum, or more simply put, descendants of the gods, had enough fascinated accepts and characters to make it vast and start this first this edition out strong. There were gods from the greek line but also the other deities to choose from and there was also a good versus evil gang concept. The Olympians were the “evil” gang and purists who basically were the descendants who practiced show more racial purity and irradiated any non-greek immortals. The other group, which Nikki joins out of necessity for protection, is lead by Anderson Kane. They are a colorful cast of characters, but do not to be completely evil, so they are the lesser of two evils for Nikki. All the immortals and immortals to be sport a glyph marking them as being part of the deities’ bloodline. Nikki has an adoptive sister, Steph, who is blond, gorgeous, and lives off her charity work and trust fund. Nikki is always fighting the feeling of not fitting in and feeling abandoned, sports a very strong will and some self-defense mores, but her life has been fair. Her real mother left her in a church at a young age possibly to save her because of her heritage. Once she realizes she is an immortal descendant of Artemis, she is sought after by factions for her skills but also questioned for her loyalty.

I did observe that this story and the Signs of The Zodiac Series have several common elements in them to not be ignored. The heroine is plain and adopted with a rich, blonde, beautiful sister she envious but lives the world to protect. The glyphs, the transferring of powers upon killing a member, immortal strengths and bloodlines, all are very similar to the other series. We also have the 2 opposing forces that have very faded lives between good vs evil. So far there is no love interest in the story, but the author did sew seeds of interest into several characters to keep any reader guessing at to what a future could hold. I would like to see what book 2 would develop into since some changes occurred at the end of this novel. Book 2 always matures the characters initial impressions of her world, and Nikki needs to now adjust to all she has learned. Overall, a good 4 star effort. show less

Black magic Woman” is the latest installment of Christine Warren’s supernatural series The Others. This novel concerns Daphanie Carter, Danice Carter’s sister, and Asher Grayson, a Guardian. Before I get into describing what happens to our main characters, it would be wise to context the author’s note to the reader prior to reading the book. Most series are published in chronological order when there is reoccurring characters or a common story arc that transverses consecutive books. For Warren’s series, there was a set of 6 original stories that were release as e-books with a reoccurring theme. When the author began publishing the novels in print format, the decision was made to add material to the original 6 stories as well as publish additional new stories for those familiar with the older versions. The strange part of this decision is the original 6 re-mastered stories were slated for publication not inside the story’s chronological order. So Christine Warren has released in the beginning of this novel’s readers note, the correct chronological order of all the stories (original, re-mastered, and unreleased). She apologizes for the confusion and says she is a reformed author and that all the novels from this point on will contain events that take place in the same order in which the books are published. I personally was glad for her readers note but have always felt the decision to publish in this manner has taken something away from her series. Bouncing show more around chronologically each time you read a new book is confusing, like the author is on a different thought process or you made a mistake the last time you read a book.

As for “Black Magic Woman” we find ourselves at Danice and Mac’s reception with Danice’s sister feeling slightly upset with being left out of her sister’s new world. Looking to educate herself, she sees the uninvited imp, Quigley, as the perfect opportunity to get some knowledge about The Others. In this time line the only Others Daphanie is aware of is Missy and Graham, Raphael, and Dmitri and Reggi. The Others are still unknown to the human world. So she goes to an Others’ bar called Lurk with Quigley to check out all the different things in her world. While she is there, she bumps into a witch doctor and spills a drink on him. This results into quite an altercation of verbal quips. Luckily for her, before things get out of hand, Asher Grayson offers her protection. Asher is a Guardian. Guardians protect humans from Others. They are immortal and have wings when they chose to show them. The witch doctor Charles D’Abo tries to place a curse on Daphanie, but Asher stops him. Once they both leave the bar, it is clear that things between these two will never be the same again. Daphanie is under Asher’s protection and he takes his duties very seriously. How much danger is Daphanie in? Time proves that there was more to meet the eye when it comes to the possession of Daphanie’s heart, body and soul.

I enjoyed solving the mystery behind “Black Magic Woman” and the return of some of our “old” friends from previous stories lending a hand in solving the problem. As always, it takes me a minute to get my bearing in the story where we are chronologically. Who is the head of the council? Who is married at the moment? Does humanity know of the others? Once you get that down, it makes me the other characters actions better and their motivations. Daphanie (which I hate to admit, I hated the name the entire book) is a strong character. She has sass and strength and tries to make light of bad situations. Asher is so bent on thinking he will be alone and humans are unworthy he never sees her worm into his heart. His role of protector is fiercely threatened when he is helpless to save her from the evil consuming her soul. Asher has never broken a promise but Daphanie trusts him. That trust keeps her fighting. So does the love of her friends. The Others are always about the community of friends and loyalty and the see Daphanie and even Asher as theirs to help and protect. I felt that it all unfolded quite nicely until the very last chapter. There were some unanswered questions concerning what happened to the bokor? Then the question of mortality and immortality still dangled in the air between our mated pair and was left unanswered. I guess it didn’t mattered. 3.5 to 4 stars. show less

The 2nd novel of the Myth and Magic series is “Mercy Burns” and about Mercy Reynolds. Mercy is the sister of Trae from the 1st novel and a draman or human/dragon half-breed. While her and her best friend Rainey is investigating the disappearance/death of Rainey’s sister, they are struck head on by a truck and push off the road into a ravine. It is no accident. Rainey is killed and because she is a dragon in order for soul to move on from this world someone needs to pray for her before after her death. Since Mercy was unconscious during that time, in order for Rainey’s soul to move on Mercy must avenge Rainey’s death by killing those responsible in the next 7 days. Mercy leaves the hospital and sets up a meeting with a man who was the original contact for her and Rainey and is drugged and kidnapped. While she is being held in a dark, steel box, there is another captive inside. This captive is a male dragon and one considered a muerte by his kind. Muerte means “death” in Spanish and basically Damon is an assassin who enforces the edicts of the dragon council in order to keep the race safe. Damon and Mercy work together to escape their captors and then strike an unlikely alliance to solve the mystery of several town disappearances. Both motivated by personal reasons and their ever growing attraction, they find out their investigation will lead them down issues that can alter the structure of their very race.

I found this edition in the series more fluid in its show more story flow than book one and I highly enjoyed the issues are characters were facing. You cannot help but feel bad about how persecuted the draman race has been treated by the dragons and the trials Mercy herself has gone through in her young life. She has quite a chip on her shoulder with regards to full-blooded dragons and poor Damon is the unfortunate victim of her fury in many incidences. Damon’s position as an enforcer for the council has left some blinders on with regards to the abilities of her species as a whole and he becomes educated quickly by Mercy. The race issue between dramans and dragons is a pressure item for this story that is hard to contemplate our duo of conquering. I love Mercy’s knowledge that she is already Damon’s soul mate if he chooses to claim her, which shows her inner confidence shinning as brightly as her flame. Damon’s belief in being the solitary killer is absolute, but watching him slowly but surely fall for Mercy is tantalizing. He really never has a chance. I personally also enjoyed the final chapter cameo of Destiny and Trae, which gives us nice warmth to Mercy’s life after so much grief. I felt the novel was filled enough action and romance to merit 4 stars and a recommended read for any of Keri Artur’s work. show less

“Counterfeit Magic” is a short novella in The Otherworld series about Paige and Lucas and life for them after the deaths of Lucas’s 2 older brothers. Lucas and Paige are spending a lot of time a part because he needs to be helping his father Benicio with the Cortez Cabal leaving Paige to decide her best place to be supportive. She is having a hard time because having your own identity is not something that is possible for a female or a witch in the male, sorcerer dominated Cabal environment. Paige loves her husband and is forever supportive of Lucas, but the time apart along with her internal disappointments, which she hides from him, are putting a strain on the marriage. It is in this atmosphere that the 2 of them take on a case for Ava Cookson concerning the death of her brother after she looses a match during a supernatural fight club. Ava is more than infatuated with Lucas while dishing out some double helpings of bitch to Paige. Paige and Savannah decide to investigate the fight club leaving poor Lucas alone with Ms. Cookson to chase down the brother’s gambling debts. What Paige and Lucas haven’t realized is that nothing in this investigation will make sense until they start working together again.

This is the 2nd short novella that Kelley Armstong has done focusing on a back-story for a particular character. My overall impression on the tale was favorable and entertaining. I enjoyed the beginning and the premise along with the initial investigation. It was show more nice to see Paige’s point of view for Savannah and Adam’s relationship and her opinion of Savannah as a young adult. So as you start out and fly along, chapter per chapter, the easy rhythm and excellent writing Kelley is known for flows forth and you start to enjoy the tale. As we approach the end of the story, there is a surprise revelation for our main characters, which also I felt was well played. You almost smile to yourself when you realize what has happened because it makes the HEA a possibility. Unfortunately the final chapter falls short on the wrap up and is disappointing. Paige and Lucas deserve a little more than what they get in that last chapter, especially after the story we just read. Lastly, is my comment about the artwork for the novella. The artwork, no matter what version you have, is spectacular. I gave the story 4 stars because I would recommend this story to any fan of the series. show less

“This Side Of The Grave” is the 5th installment in the Night Huntress series from Jeaniene Frost and finds us 7 years into Cat and Bones relationship. That fact alone I think took me back as a reader, but I guess with the events over the last several books plus 2 world novels, the time fits. The new threat to our duo comes in the form of the ghoul, Apollyon, and his campaign to cause a vampire-ghoul war. It seems Cat’s past half-breed status, even now as a vampire, can be used to fuel the fires of rebellion. Based on past histories of similar circumstances, Cat’s ever changing powers due to her strange eating habits, and her weird schizophrenic heart-beat; Cat can be portrayed as someone who will tip the balance of power for the vampires. Ahhh, what would the world be like if Cat and Bones were not fighting for the right for her to exist and them to be together? It seems her whole life she has either been either been fighting for acceptance in one form or another. This new battle requires Cat and Bones to make another trip to New Orleans and visit our favorite Queen of the Ghouls, Majestic. The question always remains when visiting Marie. Will you live to have walk away with a powerful ally or will you die knowing the enemy’s smile.

As with every other novel in her series, I found this latest installment enjoyable from start to finish. The one thing about each installment of J. Frost’s novels is that each additional one reveals something different about the show more nature of our central characters allowing us, as readers, to appreciate them for all their nuisances. This novel shows us Cat and Bones as a more mature couple, who have had to survive many hardships, and have held on tight and strong. With this history, Cat still holds back a part of her feelings and fears, because the threat of death separating them is still fresh in her mind. But as Cat has to face the reality of death, she also has to realize that love is eternal, and her walls crash to the ground. Bones has always been a man comfortable with all his actions and emotions and it put a smile on my face to see Cat finally lose this last wall between them.

The novel also has many of our past characters coming out to play along with their new playmates. Spade and Denise make an appearance as husband and wife (nice) and show off some of her more otherworldly skills. Mencheres and Kira have a larger role in this book and I have to say it put a smile on my face to see that some of the starch was left out of Mencheres’ shirt since he started getting laid again. Vlad of course is ever present and has one of the best lines, ever. I think his wit gets sharper in each book and these nuggets of his personality are just so tasty. Cat emotionally has to deal with some hardships when comes to her family, her uncle and mom being the only people left in that circle. Her protective nature over the people she loves might not be her un-doing when there is no fight for Cat to battle. Fabian is back as our “team” ghost and his relationship with our group proves to be more prophetic as the battle with Apollyon and his loyal ghouls is fought. There was no lack of action in the book or emotional roller coasters to trace as Cat and bones try to make the supernatural world safe. I recommended the book and gave it 4 stars. show less

The 2nd book in The Night Huntress World Books “The Eternal Kiss Of Darkness” is about the elusive and all-powerful vampire, Mencheres, and his lifelong feud with another powerful vampire, Radjedef. Thrown into the middle of this battle is Kira, a human private investigator, who happens to become the most important person in Mencheres long life. We open this story with Kira basically saving Mencheres from his own suicide plan, which was “death by ghoul attack”. Mencheres could easily fight off a band of ghouls, but was allowing them to basically do what they want, until Kira showed up to save him. Mencheres is then required to save Kira as responsible for clearing her mind of all things supernatural. The problem occurs when Mencheres, over a week in Kira;s company, finds she is resistant to mind-control. He also finds he is extremely attracted to Kira, but believes he is destined for the grave. Mencheres has chosen this path feeling it will protect the ones he cares about and end the feud with Radjedef. The only problem is Kira makes him want to live.

I personally loved this book as much as her last one about Spade. Mencheres proves to be a complex character with a long history of decisions that he has made because of his visions and knowledge. He is a very isolated individual emotionally because of what he has done, and some of the people he care the most for doubt his motivations. The really tragedy is that Mencheres feels that very few people in his life are show more there because they truly want to be, but stay because they have something to gain. The exception is Kira. He sees Kira as the one person who looks at him as an individual and likes what she sees. Throughout the book she will leave him speechless with each new time she ‘sees’ him and only him.

Kira is a great heroine for this novel and enjoyed her fire and energy. She relies on her instincts and feelings, which eerily have never been wrong about situations or people. She meets Mencheres and her instincts says,” Mine”. She then goes out to find him, no matter what happens. She also deals with him being a vampire rather quickly, based on her instincts. Kira is strong and determined and loyal. She looks at Mencheres, a 4000 year old vampire, and tells him he is wrong and to trust her. Man, you got to love someone with this kind of confidence. I love the scene with Cat and Bones. Kira really shows her inner strength in front of 2 very strong individuals and people Mencheres needs and cares about. Kira also is practical and has confidence in Mencheres. She allows him to fight Radjedef, alone. Overall, I loved this book and give it my highest recommendation. I had only one complaint. I would have liked to seen and epilogue at the end of the book. How the book ended felt almost cut off, like there should have been something more. The ending was good, but adding an epilogue would have been the cherry on top of the sundae. 5 stars show less

“First Drop Of Crimson” is Jeaniene Frost’s first book in her new Night Huntress World series, which features characters other than Cat and Bones in the lead. This first book was about Cat and Bones’ best friends, Denise and Spade, and how through an event that has befallen Denise they find love with each other. It’s also a story about love loss, isolation, and moving forward along with acceptance. Both Spade and Denise have suffered great personal losses in their lives, people they loved deeply. Because of this, both of them have isolated themselves from the worlds those people belonged to, so that neither of them could feel that kind of pain again. This works for them until fate brings Spade and Denise together, and the attraction for each other causes them to break their rules of isolation wide open.

I was not able to put this book down. I love Spade’s character in the main series and find him very compelling. I was excited to learn more about him and this novel gives us incite into his background and personality. Frost also paints a better picture of the relationship between Ian, Bones and Spade; showing us the complex threads of these unlikely but loyal allies. Denise contacts Spade after several of Denise’s relatives have been mysteriously killed recently. When he arrives at Denise’s home, he discovers that a demon has marked Denise and requires her to find a run away relative, Nathaniel, who owes him a deal. If Denise does not do what the demon, show more Raum, requests, then he will start killing more of her family. Spade agrees to help her in her task, but soon realizes he will never let her go. Spade, in my opinion, has the same charisma as Bones when it comes to his allure and presence. He is enjoyable to watch as he struggles with his feelings with Denise one minute or expertly seducing the woman he loves the next. Spade risks everything to keep Denise and the book keeps you guessing on what will happen next.

Denise has had it rough after losing Randy. Now she is demon marked and fighting for her family, Denise has guilt that it is her fault that bad things happen to the people she loves. Frost walks a tricky line in portraying Denise with all the emotions she has to weed through to get her to finally except her fate with Spade. But just like with Cat, Frost is a genius in her ability to characterize people who are emotionally scarred in ways that makes us understand them. I never once started to dislike Denise’s character for her problems, and was excited over her ability to finally see Spade as her true love. The subject of prejudice in the novel is also an issue that both characters must overcome to achieve their happiness. Denise sees the entire vampire world as violent and blood thirsty while Spade sees humans as fragile and breakable. I love how through everything that happens, both characters accept what and who they are and what that means to each other. Five stars all the way for this book and a must read for any fan of the series. show less

“Destined For An Early Grave” is the 4th book in the NIGHT Huntress series and proves to be one of the toughest for our beloved couple, Cat and Bones. Cat has left her job with homeland security and Don’s group and the two of them have decided on some little R & R. Can anything be that simple? Cat starts dreaming of another vampire, Gregor, who may be from Cat’s past. Of course this past has been removed from her memories by Mencheres before Bones, and her real relationship with this vampire becomes an issue. Gregor wants Cat back in his life and is willing to challenge Bones for his rights to her as a vampire. It seems that nothing goes right for a couple as we watch them battle more with each other, then with Gregor. Cat cannot seem to help herself and second-guesses every action Bones makes. Her inability to trust in him and lack of faith in his abilities grows throughout the novel and finally reaches a pinnacle when she leaves Bones for Gregor.

This installment in the series was as difficult was as it was refreshing. With each new book in the Cat and Bones saga, we see not only a different adventure, but also a perspective on the characters as they develop. Cat to this point is not a flawless character, and she lacks the experience and maturity that decade of living brings to those around her. We all forget how young Cat is in age and what exactly that means in compared to her past and present. The girl’s trust issues are not just going to dissolve in a book show more or two, no matter how much we want to floor her. This book demonstrates that as patient as Bones has been, he is also a vampire, and he needs to be seen as one. The character portrayal for our couple shows us what can really break or make them. The supporting roles of the couple’s friends, Vlad and Spade, in particular, also showed this idea of trust that becomes the focus of our 4th installment. Like all the books before it, there was no turning back once I cracked its cover until the last word was read. I enjoyed every word knowing that at the end happiness and love was possible no matter how difficult a road traveled. 4 stars show less

“One Foot In The Grave” is the 2nd book in the NIGHT HUNTRESS series and is a roller coaster ride of a novel from the start to the finish. It has been 4 years since the end of the 1st novel, and Cat is running her own team of vampire slayers for Don’s secret government group. She is still madly in love with Bones but has maintained the distance to keep him and her mother safe. The decision she made to leave him still haunts her and she is trying to live some kind of life. We are introduced to her team of vampire slayers, all who have been hand picked and trained by Cat, and extremely loyal to her. One particular agent, Tate, we discover, has deeper feelings for Cat that he has been holding onto for some time. Cat also has a very good friend in her life, Denise, who she met saving from a vampire. They have grown close and when Denise meets Randy, she asks Cat to be in her wedding. Denis also encourages Cat to go out on a date with a local vet named Noah, who she finds sweet, but realizes that he could never fill any void in her life. Cat’s current life without Bones is mostly about her job and her job is about death. Cat’s only solace is that she is doing something important to protect others and the people she loves and cares about.

The opening of the novel starts with Cat showing mercy to a vampire because he is a friend of Bones. This will be the catalyst to several things future. We also find out that there is a contract out to assassinate Cat. The hunter show more becomes the hunted. Then, when she least suspects it, Bones appears in her life again. Yes, she resists at first, but lets face it, its Bones! Cat discovers how wrong she was in leaving him 4 years ago and what kind of vampire Bones really is capable of being. It is really fun to watch her resistance crumble. Once Cat has decided Bones should be back in her life, she has an entire list of problems to solve. She is being hunted, her mother, her job and team hate vampires, and there is a vampire who wants because she is a half-breed. Well, tackling each of these tasks leads us down such delicious adventures it is hard to believe it all. Bones blows will blow your mind in this novel with what you will learn about him. Cat’s actions are amazing as she starts to embrace her vampire side. There is several action packed scenes to tantalize your nerves on what is going to be the outcome. To add to the melee of excitement, some female vampires from Bones’ past, Annette and Belinda, make for some great drama. Cat and Bones eventually will succeed in coming out on top in the end, but the ride they take will make you smile. I thought this book was excellent, and a must read for any fan. show less

“At Grave’s End” is the 3rd book in the NIGHT HUNTRESS series and begins with a familiar scene with Cat playing bait to lure a vampire at a bar. From that scene forward, nothing goes as plan, since it becomes quite clear that Cat’s reputation, as the Red Reaper is becoming a problem. It seems to solve this problem; the team uses different bait, which leads to a cascade of problems that no one could have foreseen. Cat and her mother come very close to being killed. The experience reveals many truths to Cat and her mother. Tate decides to become a vampire, for a reason he will not name, which simmers of discontent for the future. Bones and Cat try to persuade him away from this path, but in the end, he is converted. While following up on a lead from the incident that happened to Cat, the entire team, including Bones, has a near miss at being eliminated. Tate was contacted to betray the team, because it is well known he desires Cat and hates Bones. This uncovers a plot to kill Bones and or Cat by a very powerful and old vampire.

This book takes you on quite a trip. I was not expecting the emotional landscapes or the situational backgrounds that would appear. There is more information in this book about vampire society and Bones’ relationships with other members of his bloodline. Frankly, it makes me only like him more and more. Frost’s character portrayal of Bones is mostly through the eyes of Cat, but the knowledge can be gained from his past. She hears from show more many other individuals who Bones is, and what he has done. Cat’s eyes in this novel are truly opened as well as her mind as to what it means to love someone else. In my opinion, it is about time, but as a reader, I am glad for the journey. We also see in this novel how Cat makes her mark as a vampire. Until now, she had decided that she was more human. Watching her relate to other vampires, how she earns their respect, and her actions, makes it clear that even though she is a half-breed, Cat is a strong vampire. Bones has given her the confidence through their love to believe in her abilities. Mencheres is also a big presence in this novel. His past and present actions will intertwine with Cat and Bones’ destiny. There are some celebrity sightings in this book as well, but I will not spoil the fun. Many of the characters from the past books will be back to help our duo fight this ancient foe, and some unresolved issues concerning them become resolved at the same time. There is loss and there is love in this book. There also is a bigger question of loyalty. In the end, when the battles are all over, we still have Cat and Bones, and I can tell you that is what I call a great ending. show less

This is the 1st book in the “Night Huntress” series and I was very impressed with Jeaniene Frost’s world. I have wanted to dive into her world of Cat and bones for months, and now that I have, I am hooked. This first book introduces us to our main characters of Catherine, “Cat”, Crawfield and Bones. Cat is ½ vampire and ½ human who is bent on vengeance against all vampires due to the fact her mother was raped and traumatized by such a creature in the past. She takes up the mantle of vampire slayer in order to please “dear ole ma” and in hopes of gaining her acceptance and love. Since most vampires cannot detect her as anything as human, she is a rather successful slayer until she runs into Bones. Bones is a 200 and change year old vampire and after watching dear old Cat in action, captures her and offers her a partnership instead. Bones is somewhat of a vampire hit-man and trains Cat to be used as bait to get to his targets. The main focus for him currently is an 11-year-old case. Cat decides to work with Bones so she can do what she loves best, killing vampires.

The chemistry between Cat and Bones is electric. From the beginning there is no doubt that these 2 are feeling the heat, it is just a question of when those flames will jump off the pages. Cat’s maturation as a character throughout the book is done gradually, as she sees her world through different eyes. I like that the author never pushes that “annoying heroine button” with Cat. She show more certainly can skate the edge of being obstinate, but then never goes too far in pushing Bones. Bones is such an excellent character. I loved the depth of his background and the fact he never disappoints us with his actions. He is all vampire but he is also an honorable man. He makes no excuses for whom he is and his acceptance of Cat will be what wins her love. The by-play between the two of them throughout the book put a smile on my face, knowing that their love story was just beginning.

The entire novel revolves around the concept of acceptance. Cat has to learn to accept who and what she is and this is essential to her relationship to others in her life. I could not put this book down. It was fast paced and had many elements that aimed to please. There was a new world to explain, an evil man and empire to track down, and love and heartache to boot. Who could ask for anything more, book 2 of course! show less

Navarro’s Promise centers on the problem around Micha’s and Navarro’s mating and what goes wrong with the mating heat. Since Navarro has recessed genetics, his mating hormones are not as abundant as normal Breeds. Once he does mate with Micha, he tries to hold back his emotions, because of his training. Unfortunately this decreases the mating hormone in his system, but not in hers. This comes across to Micha that Navarro is “running out or away” from the mating and she feels rejected. She feels rejected not just by his feelings but now by his body. As like all Breeds, for Navarro, this has to do with fighting the animal within. Once he lets his recessed genes surface, so does the mating hormones come out. But it is all or nothing, because apparently, he needs to bring emotions as well to make everything work for the HEA.

There is some insight into Cassie and Phillip Brandemore but the real focus is our main characters. There is a lot of heat in the book, little plot, very little on other characters or main story lines. The beginning starts strong but the ending is weaker and there are some major editing issues that make the end confusing. I found this a pleasant, enjoyable, read, but not one of her best.

The 2nd book in “The Mark of The Vampire” series from Laura Wright is “Eternal Kiss”. As the 1st book, “Eternal Hunger” was about the insatiable bloodlust or “hunger” that Alex Roman had for his mate Sara, this book’s title is also significant. “Eternal Kiss” is about our Nicholas Roman who is forced into maturity or morpho at the beginning of the book and his mating marks are lips or an eternal kiss, as it was. This means that Nicholas’s mate will also bear this mark. Nicholas is then request by The Order to complete the same task as his brother, Alex, failed to do, kill Ethan Dare. If he fails, Lucien will be morpho’d , and Nicholas cannot take that chance.

Kate Everborne watches over a boy, Ladd, as part of work release from the prison. She had 2 months left on a 10-year sentence. As the boy’s mother runs across the play yard to get to them, a man comes out of nowhere and kills her right in front of Kate and Ladd, and then flashes away. The mother whispers her dying wishes into Kate’s ear to take Ladd to his father. His father is one of The Roman Brothers. Kate will have to risk her freedom to take the boy to him. This is how she meets Nicholas.

I could not put this book down. There is so much going on, many different feelings, characters, and tangents to assimilate. It’s quite tasty to read, actually. There is more revealed concerning the larger evil at large in the vampire world and more character analysis into our vampire council, The show more Order. Nicholas is a much more complex individual than Alex was, and his past is more tainted. It shapes whom he is and how he reacts to the woman who presents him with a child claiming to be an heir. I loved the depths and emotions of Nicholas. I also liked the different portrayals of the women in this novel. Sara’s new roles as well as a Dillion’s performance were both refreshing. I saw the evolution of Kate’s feelings in the novel towards Nicholas a natural progression and very smooth. Lucien’s attitude and character attributes were also more natural here. The plot threads that lead out from him to our third novel had my heart accelerating. The developments surrounding Gray were tantalizing since this will round out what Laura seems to be trying to express about class inequality in the vampire society.

What was everyone fighting for: freedom. Nicholas cannot get free of his past or this image of himself. Nicholas needs the freedom to love. Kate needs physical freedom and emotional freedom. The Impures need the freedom to have equality. Gray needs the freedom to choose his own path. Lucien needs the freedom of his fate, to be The Breeding Male. This book had intrigue and was fast paced, and was great with character development. It built on the solid foundation of book 1, “Eternal Hunger”, and it is a sure bet as far as recommendations are concerned. show less

I was deeply impressed with Laura Wright’s new series, "Mark of The Vampire", and its debut novel, "Eternal Hunger". The concepts in this series have some old flavors to them, which all vampire/paranormal romance readers crave and some unique elements that will mark this world as unique. Our central characters are the Roman brothers who have the unfortunate genetics of being sons of what is known as a “Breeding Male”. If they are lucky, when they are “morphed” or become of the correct age to show the markings of what can only be described as a “fully matured or middle aged vampire”, those markings will have also their mates mark. This should happen at say, the ripe old age of 300 or so. If they are not so lucky, they will only have an empty mark or a circle and they will be these over-sexed animals that basically will be caged by their kind to protect the population, or service the females, whatever future you can imagine. So being a “Son of a Breeding Male” is sort of a pariah for an individual and the Romans have a history to match such a moniker. Through adversity and separation, the brothers have found each other and have made a life of unity.

"Eternal Hunger" introduces to the 1st Roman brother, Alexander, and the struggle he goes through as he battles himself, his past, The Order (the ruling vampire cabinet), and his desire for Sara Donohue. It seems The Order decides to morpho poor Alex 100 years early just to use him to get at a pesky insurgent show more to their tightly controlled society. Threatening to do the same to his other brothers unless he gets them results, Alex finds that he must pull his family back into the vampire world they tried very desperately to separate themselves from in the past. At the same time, he becomes unexplainable drawn to a human, a woman, Dr. Sara Donohue, who shows him kindness, when he has seen so little in his life. Sara possesses her own past that haunts her as represented with her brother Gray.

The themes of the book seem to be the impossible. Alex fights the impossible to posses a mate in Sara. Sara who seems to be perfect for him, but its an impossible match since she is human. Sara is fighting to fix her brother Gray and faces this impossible feat or the impossible solution. The Roman brothers’ fate at the hands of The Order becomes an impossible task when the morpho Alex. I really enjoyed this book and my heart got into the struggles taking place in its internal machinations. It set up many key elements for the future novels, such as the society the vampires lived in, their language, key characters for future novels and development, and of course the delicious story arc that transverses each book. I liked the villain in this book and the knowing there was more to come. The plot ebbed and flowed some, but I would say the dialogue and characters had a refreshing feel that kept me interested to the end. show less

This is an anthology of short stories with themes centered around, you guessed it, Vampires falling in love. The book was exclusive to Barnes and Noble. I have to say that all of the stories were very well written and each story was complete in its own right. I have read short stories in anthology novels that were part of larger series. Some of these stories can lack background content to the reader to make them understandable. This was not the case with this anthology. The few stories that were connected to larger series were sufficient in plot design.

If you haven't read other anthologies in the vampire or paranormal world, this is a nice choice. I personally have read several anthologies and this one contains at least 4 stories that are in other such copulations, which was rather disappointing for me. That finding a side, I enjoyed all the stories as pleasant tales of love, some more than others, and found this a pleasant read.

The Darkest Secret is a slice in the LOTU world that focuses mainly on the inner struggles of Amun, the keeper of Secrets and Haidee, the Demon assassin who will be the woman who can save him from the countless demon minions who possess him from his trip in hell. For fans of the LOTU, Amun has had very little page time, so this book has been a long await glimpse into the warrior. The novel also touches on Strider, who has brought Haidee into the fortress, and shows us slivers of the personality the warrior and demon possess. There is also some foreshadowing of Kaia’s interest in our demanding warrior. There are also some breadcrumbs for us to chew on about William and the tortured Paris, both of which are making very calculated actions with regards to future tales.

I will have to say; this was one of my favorite books in the series to date. To have a break from the story arc of the artifacts, the gods and goddesses, or even the plot with Galen and the hunters was kind of nice for a change. Amun sacrifices so much for those around him, even the ability to speak, just a simple tool to interact with others and bring those close to you. He becomes possessed with minion demons helping Aeron (last book) to save Legion and now is suffering from this possession. The angels are threatening to kill him because he cannot control the possession. He cannot even ask or scream for help. Amun refuses to spill the secrets he knows even to help himself. How can you not feel for this show more guy?

Strider has captured Haidee, Baden’s killer, and brought her to the fortress. She, of all people can hear and calm Amun. An angel, Zachariel, also has told Amun that if goes back to hell with Haidee, he can fee himself of the demons. As the saying goes, love is hell, and these 2 steams up the netherworld. I found great amusement over the amount of oral gratification in this relationship considering Amun cannot speak a word. He can only communicate telepathically with Haidee. So actions are always louder than words for him. Eventually, the key to Amun’s salvation is the revelation of Haidee’s secrets. Hate is replaced by love but in doing so everything they knew before has had to change. That change is devastating.

Darkest Secret truly is a love story for LOTU. When I look at all the sacrifices that Amun has given for those he loves, and the fact he has never made excuses for what he has done, maybe we owe him this tale. A life of a hunter is one filled with hate, and the problem with their organization is the hate is misplaced. Just like Ashlyn, Haidee realizes once she knows the person the demon possesses, that her actions may have been wrong. Actions speak louder the words. Amun personifies this since he has no words to give. Everyone, the other Lords and the readers, at the end are happy for Amun, for getting the girl. Nice. show less

I have always been a big fan of Larissa Ione's work, and her new Lords of Deliverance series; "Eternal Rider" keeps with the same flavor and passion of any previous works. As a first book in any series does, it has to introduce us to the vein of what the story arc and who the main characters that are a part in that tale. We are brought into the world of the 4 Horseman of the Apocalypse. Each of these Horseman are put in charge of protecting their seals, that if broken, will cause them to emulate the evil prophecies of death, war, famine, and pestilence. An agimortus, a person, event or object, is basically something that could break their seals and herald in the apocalypse. We begin with an event that occurred at the end of the last Demonica book (Sin Undone) that breaks the seal on Reseph's seal and turns him into the horseman, Pestilence.

This book is focused on our 2nd Horseman, Ares (War), and preventing his seal from breaking. His world is very focused on survival, existence, and protection but, not anything more. Ares can call upon a suit of armor, as can all of the Horseman, for protection. It also protects him from physical harm but also emotions, and the threads that would connect him to his lost humanity. Ares holds his immortality and demon origins as a shield so he can continue regardless of what battles await.

Ares is not prepared for the one weapon, a human named Cara, who inadvertently gets intertwined in their world, and becomes his agimortus. She show more represents his survival, on so many levels, and changes Ares world. Ares’ other siblings will struggle with these 2 to save the world from evil, which has become personified in their fallen brother, Pestilence. The other horseman will reveal their curses and facets to explore later of their existence. The story will flow like a river getting faster and faster till it crashes at the end scene, the big finale (a Larissa specialty). We get our HEA but evil is still lurking.

Overall, this is a tale of forgiveness and acceptance, which is the theme that dominates our character’s actions and emotions. Ares cannot forgive himself for not protecting his family and has locked himself up in his armor away from anything that reminds him of that past humanity. By accepting Cara, is also accepting he still has some humanity, and he has to forgive himself for what happened. Cara on the other hand has the opposite problem. She needs to forgive herself for being magical, or something that is more than human, when she kills in self-defense. By using her gifts again to protect others, she realizes that its part of whom she is and it is necessary. She accepts Ares, who kills, because she recognizes the same, the need to protect others. There is a scene where Ares thinks he has failed Cara, where this theme of forgiveness and acceptance is very strong. Ares cannot forgive himself and therefore he is rejecting Cara. We see themes of forgiveness and acceptance play out with Chaos and Ares as well. Cara also seeks out some acceptance with Thanatos. Lastly, we see that Limos has a secret that will not be forgiven if her brothers find out.

My lasting impressions are that the tale takes you on a very wild journey. Larissa Ione’s strengths for character development are in full force in this new series. The Horsemen are interesting individuals that are facing some heart wrenching moments in their current reality. The blending of the Demonica world with this one was a good fit and was not forced or had the feeling of “guest appearances”. The worlds overlap so knowing characters from that series helps color your understanding of this one. I truly liked the character development in this book. I found the plot threads that were laid down concerning the other horsemen tasty and it made it easy to anticipate additional developments in the future. My favorite aspects of the novel were the unique armor and horses of each horseman and how that relates to their personalities, the interesting places they live, and those lovable hellhounds. I also have to say personally, Thanatos intrigues me. The weaker element of the story, if I have to choose anything, was that final battle scene. I found it to be very reminiscent of other Ione battles, or in other words, it felt like I had been there before, but not exactly. Also, as a villain, Pestilence became a little “too” powerful at the end, and then he just “poofed”. It was slightly anti-climatic for such a powerful and evil presence. Lastly, I personally could not see Limos in a muumuu. Grandmas wear muumuus.

As with all of Larissa Ione’s novels, the book represented a raw and fantastic journey into a world of demons, evil, and the oh, so very, very good. A must read for her fans and an amazing start for the series. show less

** spoiler alert ** I am a big fan of JR Ward's work and especially the BDB so the anticipation for this book was off the charts, as it always is for any of her new releases. Wondering the direction she was going to take the book, since it was Payne, essentially a female brother, was also something that brought a lot of hype and mystery before cracking open that cover.

Immediately upon reading the first couple of pages, I will sat back and sighed because the dialogue of the BDB started to infuse into my system and made me smile. Any fan will tell you how much it warms your heart to hear that unique script that only we can get with a BDB novel. So now that I got my jones on, I started to enjoy the story of Payne and Manny.
So we see what type of male Manny really is in this book and we are shown how that will save Payne from herself.

But this story isn't just about Payne. Its very much about her twin, V. In fact, being the older brother, I would say he dominates her book as he does her life. We get a second chance to see into his relationships because of Payne's existence cracking open his mental doors. As much as Payne has been revealed to reality, so is V going to have to be real to the ones he love.

There is an underlining theme in this book about what life has "shunned" or "thrown away". The 2 main characters represent that because V was shunned by the Scribe Virgin when given to The Bloodletter who then in turn did it again by torturing him. Payne was shunned when she show more avenged that torture as well as shunned because she was not the ideal female but more warrior.
Quinn and Blay are present in this book to some extent. Quinn goes through a whole self examination stage of how he has been "thrown away" by his family. He has also thrown away his chance for love. Blay feels he has been shunned by Quinn for the love he feels for him. Stalemate.
The Band of Bastards walks into this book as a group of men that is shunned because their bloodline will not let them be anything better because of defects. They can't be brothers, there is something wrong with them, defective, so this is what they have chosen instead to do, to fight. Their honor system is as defective as what kept them from being brothers. We get to see some of their actions in this book.

My impressions overall were is the book has some high points with the revelations about V, Manny & Payne's relationship, the Band of Bastard's escapades, and some initial story arcs for the future. The lower points were that the other brothers were almost non-existent in this book, the scenes with Quinn and Blay just hovered, and the ending was thin. I loved this book for all that it encompassed, just like all the others in the series. show less