{Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway} Royally Bitten by Lexi C. Foss

Royally Bitten by Lexi C. Foss

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
GENRE: Paranormal Romance
THEME: Vampires / Werewolves

Royally Bitten (Blood Alliance #2)

by Lexi C. Foss

4.68 · 82 Ratings · 54 Reviews

BLURB:

Once upon a time, humankind ruled the world while lycans and vampires lived in secret.
This is no longer that time.

Rae

Blood Day--the culmination of my training. The day I find out my fate.
I will not cry. I will not beg. I will remain calm.
Emotions are for the weak, and I am not weak.
My name is Rae and I will survive this.
But I never expected him to call my name...

Kylan

Someone wants to frame me for immortal insanity? Be my guest, darling.
I'll just pick a fighter as my bait, a consort with a hint of defiance.
And when the culprit attempts to bite, I'll be the one who bites back.
Because no one touches what's mine, including the fiery redhead at my side.

Welcome to Kylan City.
I dare you all to come out and play.

REVIEW:

This was my first introduction to the blood Alliance series and author Lexi C. Foss. The concept was really intriguing to me and a bit scary, which was a nice change from what I've been reading. I really wanted to find a new paranormal romance and I found a great one. Imagine living in a world where humans were ruled by vampires and werewolves, used for what they needed and treated horribly. This was an intense, emotional and steamy story of one woman who wanted to survive and found an ally in an enemy.

Royally Bitten follow Rae who is about to find out where she will be places on Blood Day. Hoping that all her training and high scores earn her a spot to fight for immortality. But her plans change when she catches the eye of one of the royal leaders, Kylan. She knows his reputation for killing his harem and that he's the worst of the worst of the leaders. But as Rae gets pulled into Kylans world she realizes its nothing like she thought and that Kylan is the complete opposite of the stories told about him.

Rae is smart, tough, and determined to not let her new owner Kylan win, she wont let him break her. Rae is definitely stubborn and frankly brave because most of the other royals or leaders would of killed her already for her defiance, but Kylan is actually tired of the way things are and she learns that he's not the only one.

Kylan finds a fighter in Rae someone who will keep him on his toes and someone who might survive whoever is trying to destroy his reputation. He wasn't prepared for her and is constantly challenged and surprised by her.

Overall I loved the world building, even though it was scary and I couldn't imagine the horror of what some of the humans had to go through, it was a nice change from the other paranormal romances i've read where most paranormals are in hiding. The romance was smoking hot, I loved the chemistry between Rae and Kylan, especially the angst. There were a lot of surprises and intense moments where I wasn't sure who the villains were because there are so many. In the end I look forward to reading the first one and continuing the series.

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Amazon:

http://geni.us/RoyallyBitten   

Lexi C. Foss is an award winning and bestselling author of paranormal romance. She loves complex plots, twists and turns, and writing fantasy with strong, realistic elements. Many of her readers comment on how her worlds feel real, and she not-so-secretly wishes they were—at least some of them.

Website: http://lexicfoss.com/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/LexiCFoss

Facebook: https://www.fb.com/LexiCFoss

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LexiCFoss

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16270110.Lexi_C_Foss

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lexi-c-foss

GIVEAWAY

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{Review} Burn Falls by Kimberly Knight

Burn Falls by Kimberly Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE: Paranormal Romance
THEME: Vampires / Mystery

BLURB:

After Draven Delano fled his coven, he vowed he’d never take an innocent human’s life again. To survive on his own, he became a doctor, allowing himself easy access to blood bags and a means of survival without harming a soul. But an immortal can never stay in one place for too long. And he can never fall in love. When he moves to the sleepy town of Burn Falls, he thinks he’s found the perfect place to temporarily settle.

Until he meets the one woman who could change everything.

Calla O’Bannion believed monsters lived only in fairy tales. The night her father was attacked and left to die, Calla knew that monsters were real. When the inevitable happens, Calla makes the decision to move home to Burn Falls and take over the family’s distillery. As fate would have it, she begins a relationship with the only one who can protect her from the thing she fears the most.

Until she finds out what Draven’s been hiding.

Evil has chased Draven for eighty-six years. Soon, he’ll be forced to face those demons and break his vow—a decision that could save both him and Calla. Or it could kill them both.

REVIEW:

I’ve been out of the paranormal romance game for a while, only sneaking back in when a new Patricia Briggs book comes out. I’ve missed it so much and was excited to try a new author to me, Kimberly Knight with her twist on the vampire mythology. I love the idea of mafia vampires, the insert of al copone was a nice addition. This story goes in nice detail about our hero and how he came to be, how he got involved with the wrong people and now he’s trying to keep hidden so they don’t find him again. The author jumps back into the past to connect all the dots until the big twist, which I figured out but it was still a cool way to connect the two leads.

Burn Falls follows Calla who is home for the holidays with her family when tragedy hits. Calla is comforted by a doctor who knows exactly what happened but is trying to keep innocent humans from being involved with dangerous vampire, since well… he is one of them. Draven is a doctor in Burn Falls and is on call when Calla’s family is dealing with the injury of a family member. He is drawn to Calla and even more so when he realizes she can’t be compelled. But as he starts to connect the dots it brings Calla’s life in more danger and both of them closer.

Draven is a man or vampire on the run, never staying in any town long enough to realize he’s not ageing. Also because he doesn’t want to be found by his maker, a dangerous vampire with ties to the mafia. He was sweet, lost, and really needed to find some happiness. I felt for the guy his past was awful, the love of his life killed and his family. When he got free he was always looking over his shoulders. With Calla coming into his life, he wants to keep her there especially when she finds out his secrets.

Calla is dealt with the hard blow of losing a family member, someone who held the family together. But she is stuck on why and how it happened, it wasn’t an accident. Calla works with Draven and his friend another vampire to track down why her family was targeting and if it has any connection to Draven. She actually takes the existence of vampire a little too well for my liking as I feel most would be in freak out mode for some time. But I still like her attitude and determination to get the truth.

Overall this was a great introduction to Knight and I always love seeing someone else take of vampires. There is a lot of mystery and twist, as well as humor with some secondary characters. Be prepared for a lot of emotion ups and downs with reading Dravens past and Calla’s family. I look forward to trying more books from knight, her writing and characters were well developed and even though some areas felt a bit slow, I was keep wanting to know what happened.

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{Review} A Ghoul's Kiss by J.M.Stoneback

A Ghoul's Kiss by J.M.Stoneback

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

GENRE: Urban Fantasy
THEME: Romance, Paranormal, Vampires, Ghouls
RECEIVED: Publisher

BLURB:

She has the key.
He steals her heart.

Oncologist Sarah Clemons's world is about to get turned upside down. Going on a blind date seemed like a good idea until a tragic incident lands her--injured--in Ghoul King Eric Faye's mansion.

Eric doesn't trust humans. After all, ghouls have never found a reason to need humans in their lives. The closer he gets to Sarah, the more he realizes how important she truly is: Sarah holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the mystical book, The Zenith, which can change the path of his people forever. Eric and Sarah set out to find the book together, the journey leading them on perilous paths as they try to deny their passion and desire for one another. Can they let go of the fears of their pasts to find a future together?

REVIEW:

I’ve been stuck in the contemporary romance genre for so long, that I didn’t know how much I missed a good Urban Fantasy. Ghouls Kisses was a great quick read that introduced a unique world of vampires, trolls, ghouls and many more paranormal beings. I’ve never really picture ghouls as being sexy, but Stoneback makes them beautiful and powerful, especially the lead male Eric, who readers will love this Alpha male.

A Ghouls Kiss follows Sarah Clemons who after one terrible date ended with her waking up in a random mansion, she is sucked into a world she never thought existed. Sarah is held “captive” in the mansion of the Ghoul King, Eric, who is fascinated by her because she holds the key, literally, to unlocking a book that can defeat evil. Together they go on a action packed journey to find this missing book as well as discover more about each other and their growing affections.

This was a great first introduction, it did take me a while to warm up to Sarah, but once the story really picked up on the action she was great. The majority of the story really focused on the romance, it built on Sarah trying to come to terms with this new world and the fact she and Eric had some off the charts chemistry. Eric is an interesting Alpha male, he’s a determined leader and becomes pretty protective of Sarah right off the bat. I really enjoyed every scene they had together, the banter, the romance, and the suspenseful moments.

Overall I always enjoy a quick read, this was a nice refreshing new story, my fist into the world where Ghouls were this powerful. I do wish we had a bit more world building as I did get confused at some points, because something wasn’t as detailed when it was explained. Some of the dialogue did feel a bit forced and could use a bit of freshening up. But I can already see how the plot and twist that happen are going towards something really magical. I would recommend this to paranormal lovers who would like to see a change of paranormal lead, from the overfilled pool of werewolves and vampires, give the Ghouls a try.

Thanks again to the very sweet author for giving me the chance to read her work and write my review.

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{Review + Guest Post} of Legally Undead by Margo Bond Collins

Legally Undead by Margo Bond Collins
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

GENRE: Urban Fantasy
THEME: Vampires, Humor, Paranormal
RECEIVED: Author

BLURB:

A reluctant vampire hunter, stalking New York City as only a scorned bride can.

Elle Dupree has her life all figured out: first a wedding, then her Ph.D., then swank faculty parties where she’ll serve wine and cheese and introduce people to her husband the lawyer.

But those plans disintegrate when she walks in on a vampire sucking the blood from her fiancé, Greg. Horrified, she screams and runs—not away from the vampire, but toward it, brandishing a wooden letter opener.

As she slams the improvised stake into the vampire’s heart, a team of black-clad men bursts into the apartment. Turning to face them, Elle realizes Greg’s body is gone—and her perfect life falls apart.

REVIEW:

This was a fun and one of a kind Urban Fantasy on vampires, I love that this isnt the romantic sexy vampire story. No this is about an average girl who learns the ins and outs of kicking butt and killing some seriously bad and creepy vampires.

Legally Undead follows Elle Dupree who has just walked in on her fiancé being drained by a vampire… yep that’s what she sees. And unlike like any other person who might freak out when witnessing this, Elle does the opposite. She runs straight at the vampire in full rage. Once she “kills” it, she is surrounded by a group of men who hunt vampires. Elle is soon drawn into the world of vampires, learning how to kill, hunt and live among the dead. But she’s on a mission to find out why her now vampire ex-fiancé is after her and how to stop a nest full of vampires from expanding.

Elle is a quirky woman who learns about the existence of vampires in a not so fun way, but she also learns she very good at killing them. She’s really smart and has a ton of attitude even when she’s face to face with some major baddies. What I liked the most is that she isnt anything special, she’s not the “chosen one” she’s just an average Jane wanting to kill some vamps after ruining her normal life. I really enjoyed that she becomes one of the guys, joining the kick butt group of men lead by Nick. He teaches her about the vamp world and how to defend herself, even though her rage moments totally need no help. Elle also meets and gets help from Malcolm (a human), who gets caught up in the mix and she has to get all buffy mode to rescue him.

Overall I loved the fact that the vampires are deadly and not at all romantic, they are truly bad. My only issue was the romance, I love my romance and always need my romance, but it was so forced that is actually bothered me. Plus I’m a fan of Nick and would of rather have Elle with the kick but vampire hunter. The pace was great its full of action, so its consistent and always kept my attention. There is some humor too, the snarky attitude that Elle give her ex Greg is so funny, she despises him and make sure that in the end he fear her. She’s so awesome! Lastly the end! Oh boy! I loved the twist and wasn’t expecting it but I think I like where this is heading. It’s not a cliffhanger per say but an exciting continuation to seeing Elle get more involved in the vampire world.

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Character Profile from Legally Undead, by Margo Bond Collins

Greg Parham Age: 25

Physical description from the book: Greg’s eyes were open, but not seeing anything. There was blood everywhere--on the front of the man’s suit, smeared across his face, trickling down Greg’s side, dripping onto the carpet below the spot where Greg’s feet barely brushed back and forth as he swung from the man’s grip.

Quote that fits his personality: “Did you think I wouldn’t recognize you? You might look different, but you smell exactly the same.”

Best quality: He’s committed to his career as an attorney.

Worst quality: He thinks that the best way to get ahead in his career is to become a bloodsucking fiend of a vampire.

Legally Undead

A reluctant vampire hunter, stalking New York City as only a scorned bride can.

Elle Dupree has her life all figured out: first a wedding, then her Ph.D., then swank faculty parties where she’ll serve wine and cheese and introduce people to her husband the lawyer.

But those plans disintegrate when she walks in on a vampire draining the blood from her fiancé Greg. Horrified, she screams and runs--not away from the vampire, but toward it, brandishing a wooden letter opener.

As she slams the improvised stake into the vampire’s heart, a team of black-clad men bursts into the apartment. Turning around to face them, Elle discovers that Greg’s body is gone—and her perfect life falls apart.

Buy Links: Amazon Kindle | B & N Nook | AmazonPaperback | Kobo

About the Author

Margo Bond Collins is the author of a number of novels, including Waking Up Dead, Fairy, Texas, and Legally Undead (forthcoming May 27, 2014). She lives in Texas with her husband, their daughter, and several spoiled pets. She teaches college-level English courses online, though writing fiction is her first love. She enjoys reading urban fantasy and paranormal fiction of any genre and spends most of her free time daydreaming about vampires, ghosts, zombies, werewolves, and other monsters.

_____________________________________________

Connect with Margo

AmazonAuthor | Email | Website | Blog | Twitter | Google+

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Be sure to add Legally Undead to your Goodreads bookshelves: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18366353-legally-undead

{Blog Tour: Review + Excerpt} of Touched by A.J. Aalto

Touched by A.J. Aalto
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE: Paranormal
THEME: Horror, Romance, Vampires
RECEIVED: Netgalley

BLURB:

The media has a nickname for Marnie Baranuik, though she’d rather they didn’t; they call her the Great White Shark, a rare dual-talented forensic psychic. Twice-Touched by the Blue Sense--which gives her the ability to feel the emotions of others, and read impressions left behind on objects--Marnie also has a doctorate in preternatural biology and a working knowledge of the dark arts. She is considered without peer in the psychic community.

Then her first big FBI case ended with a bullet in one shoulder and a chip on the other, a queasy heart and a serial killer in the wind, leaving her a public flop and a private wreck. When the FBI’s preternatural crimes unit tracks her down at a remote mountain lodge for her insight on a local case, her quiet retirement is promptly besieged by a stab-happy starlet, a rampaging ghoul, and a vampire-hunting jackass in tight Wranglers. Marnie figures the only real mystery is which one will kill her first.

Too mean to die young, backed up by friends in cold places, and running with a mouth as demure as a cannon’s blast, Marnie Baranuik is about to discover that there’s no such thing as quitting time when you’re Touched.

REVIEW:

Touched is a wonderful paranormal package of awesomeness, with some kick butt characters, horror aspects, vampires both humorous and scary, along with hints of romance. Be prepared for a fast pace plot and a female heroine with a snarky but vulnerable persona that I easily connected too.

I loved every bit of this story but my favorite had to be Marnie the female lead. She is the most developed and it’s so intruding to see how she starts with not wanting to help the FBI to being trust back into it with force. I loved the originality of what she is, being a Daysitter aka powerful psychic who inherited a Revenant (vampire) named Henry. Their dynamic is so much fun and Harry is described as Fred Astaire type of man (who I adored!). Marnie in the beginning just wants to be left alone but being pulled back only because the case hits close to home for her.

Mark Batten is Marnie’s opposite; there is extreme tension and past lust between the two right off the back. They have history but their love hate relationship is very clear. I didn’t know how to react to Batten, of course he was sexy and bad boyish, but with Marnie’s interesting thoughts from her POV about him, I didn’t know if I should hate him or love him. Overall my heart leans more toward Henry than Mark for her, but both these boys have such an interesting dynamic with Marnie.

Overall this was a seriously captivating and intense paranormal thriller, every moment I was engrossed in the case along with the characters. I never knew what to expect and even with some of the eerie moments that will give people Goosebumps. The writing was spot on; I never had a moment where I was bored or confused. I can’t wait to see what happens next with Marnie and learn more about this intruding world that Aalto has created.

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EXERPT:

Harry was smiling, showing lots of white teeth, no fang. Batten averted his eyes like he always did; I think he was afraid that if he saw fangs he’d have no choice but to face that, no matter how many revenants he’d dusted, he was intimidated by this one. I’m not sure he could live with that. Or maybe he sensed Harry might try to mindfuck him with his unearthly gaze; Batten should know I wouldn’t allow that. Not in public, anyway.
As though egged-on by Batten’s discomfort, Harry’s aura did a cold boil, a visible phenomenon. More than just his otherworldly presence filled the room: as always I could smell menthol cigarettes under his light, clean-smelling 4711 cologne. As he approached the bed with impossible refinement, I knew he was showing off. Harry didn’t have to move like that. It was a conscious choice and he was making a point: here comes power infernal and immortal. How could any human compare?
Harry was dressed like he’d been back on his Kawasaki so I guessed it wasn’t impounded. Big motorcycle boots, this time the leather as shiny and clean as the buckles. I wondered how long he’d been in the lobby shining the street salt off of them. His mid-length over coat flapped open to reveal black Levis hugging lean powerful legs. Black leather biking gloves looked so startlingly like part of a murderer’s kill kit on his death-pale hands that I could all but feel them squeezing my throat. A grey cashmere scarf snaked several times around his neck reflected the battleship grey of his eyes. I wondered where his helmet was. Undead or not, you crack your skull open and sandpaper the road with brain tissue, story-time’s over.
“Agent Batten. Bon nuit, trou du cul,” Harry greeted, mock-tipping an invisible hat. I couldn’t be sure, as my French is not good, but I thought Harry called Batten an asshole. He turned and performed a low, sweeping bow at the bed. “How does my lady?”
“I does spiffy, and you?”
“Apart from being heartily distressed by your atrocious grammar, I do very well indeed. As visiting hours have long flown, I cannot stay long. It is pure luck the nurse let me in at all.”
Luck, my ass. It was more likely terror; it wasn’t like Harry was putting any effort into blending in. The poor nurse was probably twisting security’s arms to come flush him back out. I wondered if there had ever been a revenant in this hospital before. Or any hospital in Colorado for that matter; revenant emergencies don’t require human doctors.
Harry handed me the thermos, and palmed two round white vitamins into my hand. “Doppio espresso macchiato, dash of cinnamon.”
“And suddenly, life is fabulous.”
“Because of me, or because of the caffeine?” He knew exactly how relieved I was to see that he was intact and healthy.
I humored him anyway, downing my pills then beaming up at him. Having his answer, he put his hand inside his coat and pulled out a jubilant bouquet of tulips in a rainbow of petal pink, spring yellow, and the vivid orange of tangerine peels.
“Tulips in January?” I exclaimed.
He laid them beside the bed. “For my beloved pet, most anything is possible. Surely fetching her favorite flower is no great task. Am I …interrupting?” Harry aimed the bristly indictment in Batten’s direction.
“Whether you’re here or not makes no difference to me, vamp.” Batten propped his elbows on the chair’s arms and steepled his fingers in front of his mouth.
“After some examination of the evidence, I should think you’ll discover how little I care about your existence as well, lad.”
“Funny,” Batten said with a calm smile. “Got the impression you’re threatened by me.”
Harry threw back his head and laughed with gusto. The sound of it raised goose bumps and then rubbed them with velvet. Despite the smiling and laughing, the moment was anything but friendly.

{Book Tour: Review + Giveaway} of Unrequited by Emily Shaffer

Seeing Night Reviews is the next stop in the Unrequited book tour for Emily Shaffer. I have to say I absolutely love the book cover! It doesn't scream vampire book but it makes you really think!

Unrequited by Emily Shaffer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

GENRE: YA/NA
THEME: Romance/Vampires
RECEIVED: Tour
Unrequited
BLURB:

In the town of Belle Ridge there are doctors, lawyers and teachers... but there is only one vampire. Will Leighton has become an expert in making a life for himself amongst the unsuspecting small-town inhabitants, as the high school history teacher. He has spent hundreds of years crafting an identity and routine that make him feel almost human, but he is always missing that important final element, love.

Ashton Wallace is beautiful, smart, and angry. She was forced into an eternal existence, and now her family has moved her away from everything and everyone she knows. In Belle Ridge she is supposed to finish high school and start her life again, but how do you make plans for the next several centuries?

Will has never met another of his kind, and is immediately intrigued by Ashton. He longs to show her that the perceived vampire lifestyle, so popular in storybooks, is far from reality...but will she let him be a friend and guide in this new existence? Can Ashton accept Will into her life, or will she be led astray by a dark stranger with whom she shares an unknown connection?

REVIEW:

Even though I love my shifter books I always have a soft spot for vampires, especially when there is romance and some unique storytelling. Lets just say Shaffer is pretty awesome not taking the typical vampire story, but kicking it up a notch having vampires be pretty much human. Vampires in this book don’t sparkle or hiss at the sight of a cross, nope these guys are pretty much like ninjas; they are hiding among the humans pretending to be normal.

So here is the real twist, Will our lead male vampire believed he’s the only one of his kind that exist. But then he meets Ashton, thus an interested teacher student relationship begins. Will is very, very old and thought he’d spend the rest of his life alone, but with Ashton appearing, the two get to know each other. Even with all the tension (thus Will being the one falling for Ashton more), their chemistry is undeniable,. I liked these two together, even though Will is the easier one to connect too. I think Ashton will start to grow on me but I had a few issues with how she treated Will. All in all Ashton has to go through a lot, her life changes in a terrible way to begin with and reading from her point of view I could just imagine how hard it is to have your life suddenly change.

Overall there is a lot that happens in this first book, I almost wish this was a bit longer and we got more details and background to each of the characters. Especially with the introduction to Griffin, I can’t wait to know more about him. Now don’t get me wrong I adore Will, but I always love the bad boys, especially the ones I can tell the readers are suppose to hate. But nonetheless Griffin has come into the picture and created the dreaded love triangle, but I’m hoping Ashton comes to terms with what her heart really wants. Or at least let Will find a love that will cherish him a bit more than she has shown. The best tidbits about this was reading from Will’s point of view, as you do get Ashton, I loved how Shaffer created the voice for Will and it was interesting to see from his perspective.

In the end this was a quick read with a nice twist to the vampire genre, the ending was a bit of a killer and not sure how I felt about it. But it does get me curious to see what’s going to happen next.

RECOMMENDATION:

This is a young adult/new adult paranormal novel. Fans of the Vampire Academy series and the Morganville Vampire series will enjoy this interesting romantic take on vampire with Unrequited by Emily Shaffer.

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Buy Links:

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About the Author

Whether writing stories to entertain her younger siblings, or typing up an essay for a class, Emily Shaffer has been a writer for as long as she can remember.  Her stories may have changed from talking cartoon frogs to angsty young adults, but her goal to write a compelling story remains the same.  When not writing, she lives in Nashville and enjoys all the music, food, and excitement that city has to offer.  Her first novel, the well-received chick-lit title That Time of the Month was self-published on Amazon in 2012.  Her latest novel, as the others before, are fueled by diet soda and pie.

Author Links:

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{Review} of Heart of Iron by Bec McMaster

Heart of Iron by Bec McMaster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE: Steampunk
THEME: Romance and Vampires
RECEIVED: Bought

BLURB:

n Victorian London, if you’re not a blue blood of the Echelon then you’re nothing at all. The Great Houses rule the city with an iron fist, imposing their strict ‘blood taxes’ on the nation, and the Queen is merely a puppet on a string…

Lena Todd makes the perfect spy. Nobody suspects the flirtatious debutante could be a sympathizer for the humanist movement haunting London’s vicious blue blood elite. Not even the ruthless Will Carver, the one man she can’t twist around her little finger, and the one man whose kiss she can’t forget…

Stricken with the loupe and considered little more than a slave-without-a-collar to the blue bloods, Will wants nothing to do with the Echelon or the dangerous beauty who drives him to the very edge of control. But when he finds a coded letter on Lena—a code that matches one he saw on a fire-bombing suspect—he realizes she’s in trouble. To protect her, he must seduce the truth from her.

With the humanists looking to start a war with the Echelon, Lena and Will must race against time—and an automaton army—to stop the humanist plot before it’s too late. But as they fight to save a city on the brink of revolution, the greatest danger might just be to their hearts…

REVIEW:
I couldn’t wait to read the next in the London Steampunk series by Bec McMaster. After falling for Blade and Honoria, the power couple, I couldn’t wait to see what will happen with Will and Lena.

Heat of Iron picks up right where Kiss of Steel left off, Honoria and Blade are now together and living a somewhat normal life. But Lena Honoria’s younger sister moved back to the life she was use to with her half brother. After an incident with Will, Blades second and command she couldn’t live with her sister any longer. But when she gets stuck in the middle of the very outspoken humanist group and the powerful blue elites, Will steps in to make sure she stays out of trouble.

Lena is a lot like her sister, tough, independent and is closed off to the one guy who makes her heart skip a beat. After a kiss with Will went very wrong, she has always felt a longing for the connection. But moving forward is her new focus until she makes a mistake that puts her in too much danger. Luckily Will figures out what she’s in the middle of a decided to stay by her side while learning the proper ways of a gentleman. I loved the tension between Lena and Will; they are always heated both in passion and anger. Lena also is a bit blind to the fact that Will is trying to stay away from her in the romantic sense for a very good reason. My favorite tidbit about Lena is that she has a mechanical touch. Where he sister was good with science, Lena can build amazing trinkets.

Will, also known as the beast and Blades right hand guy, is not what many would picture as a passionate person. But Will is full of fire, protectiveness, and a passion to care for one woman whom he cant get out of his head. Will is a hard-core fighter and werewolf, he is also a former slave and wishes for the freedom of his kind. When a chance to protect Lena and free his people comes into play, he’ll do anything to see it through. I adored Will, no matter his aggressive side; he is a sweet and loving person. He prides himself of his family and friends; he’ll do anything to keep them safe. But he fears the possibility of hearting Lena because of his nature. I liked that his heart and instinct kept pulling him in all directions but his heart just wanted what he most feared.

Overall this was a fantastic second installment, I liked that I got the vampire side in the first book and a werewolf side in the second. Plus it was great to see the progression of Honoria and Blade; there were some great surprises with them. But Lena and Will stole the show; there are some steamy scenes that were very hot and heavy. The readers will also get some insight on the Humanist, a group of people who are against the blue bloods, as well as introducing the next characters in the series. In the end I love this world more and more, it’s dark, gritty and dangerous but the anti-heroes are strong and great to follow.

RECOMMENDATION:
This is a paranormal steampunk romance story with mature sexual content. Fans of the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger and Bitter Spirits by Jenn Bennett will love Hear of Iron by Bec McMaster.

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{Review} of Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster

Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE: Steampunk
THEME: Romance and Vampires
RECEIVED: Bought

BLURB:

There's a big curse in little China
When Nowhere Is Safe

Most people avoid the dreaded Whitechapel district. For Honoria Todd, it's the last safe haven. But at what price?

Blade is known as the master of the rookeries—no one dares cross him. It's been said he faced down the Echelon's army single-handedly, that ever since being infected by the blood-craving he's been quicker, stronger, and almost immortal.

When Honoria shows up at his door, his tenuous control comes close to snapping. She's so...innocent. He doesn't see her backbone of steel—or that she could be the very salvation he's been seeking.

REVIEW:

I’ve read a few steampunk novels here and there but loved the concept of the vampires in this series. Bec McMaster created a unique and very dark world, where the rich are powerful and oblivious. The poor are protected by an immortal man and his gang of unruly men against evil and the rich.

Kiss of Steel follows Honoria Todd, whose life has change and taken her to the Whitechapel district, run by the Rookeries. The Rookeries are a group run by Blade, an immortal with a deadly reputation who protects his district. He comes across the newest resident in his distract Honoria, who is either hiding from someone or up to no good. But their first meeting ends up starting a unique relationship, where they end up helping each other against something far more dangerous than the Echelon (Wealthy Blue blood( army.

Honoria grew up knowing the richer side of things, but after her father discovered something important and was killed, she and her brother and sister had to hide in safety. A dangerous man seeks her out and she must hide in the most dangerous of districts to keep her family safe. Luckily she makes a deal with the master of the Rookeries, Blade, who grants her protection. Their relationship is rocky at first as Honoria is both intrigued and terrified of him. But they slowly start to open up to each other and realize they need to work together to stop the darker evil that’s roaming in their district. I both loved and hated Honoria, she just didn’t seem to grasp that Blade was seriously helping her way more than she realized. She kept treating him terribly because she was mad at herself for being attracted to him. But in the end I’m glad she finally sees that he he’s a good guy and really looking out for his people. However I did like her relationship and dedication to keep her brother and sister safe, she would risk anything and everything for them. Her broth is going through quite a change that Honoria will need Blade’s help more than she realizes.

Blade is a man that has lost a lot as well as being a Blue Blood; he has a dark side inside of him that may take control anytime. But once he meets Honoria, whom he cant get out of his head, he begins changing. Overall Blade is someone who is a born protector, losing his sister makes him protective of those who work with him and those who give him things he needs. Honoria becomes on of those people and then some. Their relationship is hilarious with their bickering and he stubbornly pushes her, just to see how far she allow him to go. It was definitely a cat and mouse game between the two. In the end he’s the character who won me over, with his wit, snark, stubborn charm that was ready to fight and protect anyone and everyone.

Overall this was a great start to this series, lots of characters were introduced that I’m looking forward to learning more about. The world building is solid and really different, I liked the mix of steampunk, vampires and political hierarchy. The romance was steamy and fiery, both characters wanting something more but teetering on not knowing if they should or shouldn’t. Lastly, the action was fantastic, a lot of suspenseful scene and twist to add some tension between the characters. I would highly recommend giving this one a try and guarantee you’ll enjoy McMaster’s writing.

RECOMMENDATION:

This is a paranormal steampunk romance story with mature sexual content. Fans of the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger and Bitter Spirits by Jenn Bennette will love Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster.

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{Review} of Fire Kin by M.J. Scott

Fire Kin by M.J. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE: Urban Fantasy
THEME: Fae, Magic, Werewolves
RECEIVED: Publisher

BLURB:

Imagine a city divided…a city readying itself for a war. The vampire Blood and the shape-shifting Beast Kind seek to seize control now that the treaty is broken. Only the humans stand in their way…but they stand without their Fae allies…and they desperately need help....

I chose to stay with the humans when the Fae withdrew from the City. I am a healer, and they need me. I know the odds are against them. I know they need reinforcements. But I never expected them to turn and seek aid from the depths of my past. Asharic is a powerful Fae, exiled by the Veiled Queen thirty years ago. Leaving me behind. But now the queen is dead and the throne is vacant, and Ash is returning to the City—my City—with his mercenary army.

It would be false to deny that there is still a spark between us, but I will not be taken in again. And I’m not the only one disturbed by his return. A Blood lord is poised to conquer the Half-Light City, and other enemies new and old are gathering to eliminate the threat Ash poses. To save the City, we will have to join forces. And pray we’re not the ones who burn…

REVIEW:

It’s been way too long since I got sucked back into the world of The Half-light City. I adored the first and second and missed the third, but since I did read the first two I wasn’t lost at all stepping into the fourth book in the series. The whole gang is back, my two favorite boys Guy and Simon, along with their kick butt ladies are back in action. But this time the plot focuses on the death of the fae queen and the possibility of vampires and werewolves taking over control. The new couple in focus is Asharic an exiled fae and the healer Bryony.

Fire Kin follows right where the third book left off, which helped me understand what happened in the third that I missed. It follows Asharic a powerful fae who can now return to the City since the queen’s death. Byrony and Asharic have a long history and with him being back tension rises between the two. But Asharic wont give up on Bryony and knows that there is a connection and no matter how much she denies it, they belong together. With a war on the verge or coming to the city they must work together with the fae and templar knights to stop the vampires and werewolves from taking over once and for all.

Bryony is passionate about helping others and is not at all happy to have Asharic back in her life. I had a hard time with Bryony’s character, as she was a little too stubborn and pushy for my liking. It frustrated me when she pushed Asharic into doing something he never wanted in the first place. However M.J. Scott knows how to make her female characters strong and always on the verge of sacrificing their happiness, it just went to show Bryony was only thinking of the city and not love.

Asharic was fantastic; he is a warrior and has a good head on his shoulders, which helps the Templar Knights plan how to stop their enemies. His background was fascinating, he is also so very powerful, but doesn’t seem to care much about it as he only wants to help and get Bryony back into his life. I love his persona of passion and charm, frustrating Bryony to not ends, which makes her cave at some points. In the end he has to make a tough decision that I made me love him even more.

Overall I loved coming back into this world; there is always so much excitement and danger that I never know what going to happen. It was also great seeing how the characters from the other books are progressing. I’m definitely going to step back and read book three now that I’m all caught up, the last duo had a lot happened to them. Again this is one Urban Fantasy series that I will continue to come back too and look forward to seeing where Scott takes them next.

RECOMMENDATION:

This is an adult novel with some violence and adult situations. Fans of authors Christina Henry of the Madeline Black series and Keri Arthur of the Dark Angels series will love The Half-Light City series Blood Kin by M.J. Scott.

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{Review} of Don't Blackmail the Vampire by Tiffany Allee

Don't Blackmail the Vampire by Tiffany Allee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE: Paranormal Romance
THEME: Vampire, Humor
RECEIVED: Publisher

BLURB:

Rachel Davis will do anything to get her sister out of a bad relationship with her fiancé. Even if it involves a few fibs, a little breaking-and-entering, and blackmailing the fiancé's potential boss, Charles, for his help. So what if the handsome Charles happens to be a vampire?

Charles Wright has found the perfect way to trap the man threatening his brother's wife: cozy up to him, get invited along on the skiing trip, and then search for incriminating evidence. How much better that audacious but gorgeous Rachel is just as eager to nail the bastard. As far as he's concerned, there's nothing wrong with a little blackmail between two consenting adults. Especially when it's time for Rachel to pay up.

REVIEW:

Allee does it again! The second book in the Sons of Kane series is just as good as the first! I easily stepped back into this fun filled romance series that is full of all the humor and fantastic character I could of asked for.

Don’t Blackmail the Vampire follows Rachel Davis who is on a trip with her sister and her horrible soon to be husband Brent. Rachel however is on a mission, to break up her sister and Brent, because she doesn’t want her sister to be with this cheating jerk. With her luck she meets Charles Wright, a so-called businessman trying to make a deal with Brent. But Charles has a secret which Rachel witness…he’s a vampire. Rachel is desperate for any help she can get and decides Charles is the key. Together they embark on some humorous encounters, along with romances and a case to solve.

Rachel is very different from the heroine Alice in the first book; she is a bit of a spaz who seems to get herself in a lot of trouble. Luckily blackmailing a vampire has its bonuses since Charles is always there to save the day. I liked how Rachel only wanted the best for her sister, but in a way I wished she would of done everything a little less harmful to her poor sisters heart. Good intension sometimes results in someone getting hurt. Charles and Rachel’s chemistry was perfect; there was so much humor and a lot of sparks. But my favorite was their first encounter and how cool Rachel was about his secret.

Charles is the brother of Noah, from the first book; he is on a mission to uncover who is threatening Noah’s girl Alice. They all believe its Brent, Alices’ ex and jerk of a fiancé to Rachel’s sister. Charles may have been on a specific mission but with Rachel always seeming to have something new to try and danger to put herself into, Charles gets majorly sidetracked. Luckily for him she also is a big help to his answers and opens up his heart. The romance between them is smoking hot but also has those cute moments.

Overall this was a great sequel, the setting is right after the cruise in the first book and Brent being a jerk in trying to get Alice back. I liked how closely tied the plot was and it made it easy for me to jump right back into this series. The secondary characters were only Brent and Rachel’s sister; I still don’t understand why she was with such a guy. I have a feeling we will be seeing much more of her in the future. In the end I’ll definitely be continuing this series and look forward to more funny and sizzling encounters that Allee comes up with next.

RECOMMENDATION:

This is a paranormal romance that has some spicy scene that are meant for a mature audience. Fans of Molly Harpers Naked Werewolf series and Lynsay Sands Argeneau series will love Don’t Blackmail the Vampire by Tiffany Allee.

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