{Review} The Alchemist and an Amaretto by Annette Marie

The Alchemist and an Amaretto by Annette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
GENRE: Paranormal
THEME: Werewolves, Mages, Fae

The Alchemist and an Amaretto (The Guild Codex: Spellbound, #5)

by Annette Marie

4.48 · 703 Ratings · 117 Reviews

BLURB:

As a guild bartender, I can handle pretty much anything--mages, sorcerers, witches, the occasional demon. But show me anything family-related and I'd rather run for the hills. It doesn't even have to be my family.

So I have no idea why I thought spending the holidays with Aaron's mom and pop was a good idea.

Meeting his famous parents is already terrifying enough, but I've got a bigger problem. Students of his family's renowned mage academy are being attacked on the grounds--and somehow no one has seen a single assailant? Unexplained tracks litter the nearby woods, rumors of forbidden alchemy are circulating the campus...and Ezra has been acting strangely since we arrived.

Something deadly is brewing in the shadow of Sinclair Academy, and the longer we take to uncover it, the more dangerous it becomes. But no matter the risk, we'll protect the students.

And Aaron's parents too, I suppose. If we have to.

REVIEW:

EZRA!!! I love this guy so freaking much! This book was all his, I swear so much else goes on but my heart and all the feels just keeping coming back to this poor guy. Give him some love Marie!

Anywho this book follows our favorite trio of Mage with Tori to Aarons family home and academy. Along with Sin, Tori is mesmerized by the Sinclairs castle, yes its a castle. The students and staff are prudish and Tori must hold back as much as she can so that she doesn't punch a kid in the face. But the snobbishness isn't the only problem, there are beast scaring and attacking people around the castle and when one of their own is threatened Trio and the gang get ready for battle one of their strongest foes.

There was so much I loved about this book, this series is one of my top three favorite paranormal series to date. I love the sass of Tori, the girl power bffness with her and Sin. How much the friendship Aaron, Kai and Eza mean to each other, these guys will do anything to protect strangers but each other they will go through hell and back. Plus those boys adore Tori to pieces, friend goals!! I liked seeing more about how much Aaron has grown, how his family always seems to trigger something in him. The team works together to fight his "demons" and Ezras. But what captured me the most about this book was Ezra, Marie is getting deep into his demon side this time around and also showing the connection he and Tori have. I'm a big shipper for this two, I have wanted them together since the beginning so I'm holding out hope for these two.

The big bads are crazy dangerous and I felt were even scarier that the demons and crazy mages they have fought. I liked the plot twist and the scary moment the group has because, boy the close calls had me cleaning on the my kindle hard. It's all action packed, family drama and friendship goodness. I can't wait for the next one, I need me some more Ezra!

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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} Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs

Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

GENRE: Urban Fantasy
THEME: Werewolves, Vampires, Romance
RECEIVED: NetGalley

BLURB:

Attacked and abducted in her home territory, Mercy finds herself in the clutches of the most powerful vampire in the world, taken as a weapon to use against alpha werewolf Adam and the ruler of the Tri-Cities vampires. In coyote form, Mercy escapes only to find herself without money, without clothing, and alone in the heart of Europe...

Unable to contact Adam and the rest of the pack, Mercy has allies to find and enemies to fight, and she needs to figure out which is which. Ancient powers stir, and Mercy must be her agile best to avoid causing a war between vampires and werewolves, and between werewolves and werewolves. And in the heart of the ancient city of Prague, old ghosts rise...

REVIEW:
Patricia Briggs always knows how to keep me wanting more. The Mercy Thompson series hits number 10 and is the only long running Urban Fantasy that never gets repetitive or boring. I love every minute of seeing how much more her characters have grown and what next villain comes along to try and come between Mercy and her pack and alpha.

Mercy is put in another sticky situation that takes her all the way to Europe and very far away from her mate and pack. Ever since Mercy announced that she and her pack would be a save zone for anyone, they have been targeted. Now taken to Europe she comes face to face with some strange vampires who believe she’s is very powerful. But the head vampire is one scary baddie and she makes her escape or so she thinks. Now alone in Europe with no real connection she is being hunted by his crazy wolf and might find help with another bad wolf.

There was non stop suspense, Mercy’s connection to he mate Adam is cut because of the distance but those two are so strongly connected, nothing can come between them. I loved seeing more of Adams POV, his love for Mercy makes me love him and he always risks so much for her. Adam has to partner up with Stefan, Queen of vamps Marsilla and the powerful witch Elizaveta to get to Europe and take on one powerful vamp.

We get a little more insight into Mercy’s coyote side, her ability to speak to the dead really helps her connect and fight a really powerful creature (not that baddie vamp). I love how her abilities grow a little more each time, I almost feel like her powers are growing and getting ready ffor something big. I say this every time but if you haven’t read this series yet, it’s one that shouldn’t be missed, even the spin offs are fantastic!

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{Review} of Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs

Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

GENRE: Urban Fantasy
THEME: Shifters, Werewolves, Fae, Romance
RECEIVED: Publisher

BLURB:

Tensions between the fae and humans are coming to a head. And when coyote shapeshifter Mercy and her Alpha werewolf mate, Adam, are called upon to stop a rampaging troll, they find themselves with something that could be used to make the fae back down and forestall out-and-out war: a human child stolen long ago by the fae.

Defying the most powerful werewolf in the country, the humans, and the fae, Mercy, Adam, and their pack choose to protect the boy no matter what the cost. But who will protect them from a boy who is fire touched?

REVIEW:

Briggs seems to always know what I’m looking for in her Mercy Thompson series, as this urban fantasy is the one that I’ve stuck with from the beginning for a very good reason. The reason? It’s not just the fantastic writing, it’s the characters, they have progressed so much, they have been challenged, heartbroken, loved and lost through the nine books and they just keep getting stronger and better with each one.

Fire Touched continues from with the tension between the fae, but this time the fae puts lives in danger whom mercy and her husbands pack are sworn to protect. After a troll rampages on a bridge, putting human lives in danger, Mercy and her pack risk their lives to stop it. Luckily working together and getting help from old friend Zee and his son Tad, they are able to stop it. But with their reappearance from the fae world, they brought along a young boy who is anything but young and human. Aiden is fire touched and can help the packs newest member control his fire beast. But the fae want Aiden and Mercy makes a oath for protecting those in need, which causes a big stir among the paranormals.

Mercy is her usual bad ass self, devoted to her husband and pack and always wanting to help those in need. But she puts herself in a bit of a pickle by declaring safety for those in need in the paranormal world, which causes the Marrok to cut ties with Adams pack. It also puts a big target on their heads. Mercy has to deal with a lot of fae drama, which brought back zee and Tad whom I love. Zee is a stubborn old fae, and his interaction with Mercy are always classic, it reminds me of the first few books with Mercy working in the shop.

This book is super heavy on the fae war, the pack has to deal with the backlash of Mercy’s declaration, which introduces a ton of new and familiar faes. I loved the Adam and Mercy moments that we did get, especially when Jesse’s friend brings her mother to their house and tries to sell Mercy oils. There is a hilarious moment with an oil that’s suppose to help in the bedroom, of course the whole pack can hear their conversation and Adam thinks its hilarious. Obviously Mercy and Adam don’t need help in the bedroom.

Anyways the main focus is the pack and Mercy protecting Aiden, who was once human but was taken by fae and changed. He has a unique ability with fire. Along the way the meet some interesting Gray Lords and a very powerful female fae who doesn’t want to join her people in their war. I enjoyed the move forward with the fae and I’m super interested to see how the pack does now that they have been separated from the Marrok. If he will take them back or now that the pack as a few non werewolves in it, does this add a new dynamic to the meaning of packs. I cant wait to see what happens next with Mercy. As always I’m never disappointed and wish this book never ended.

Thank you to ACE publishing for sending me a copy to read and review.

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{Review} of The Unleashing by Shelly Laurenston

The Unleashing by Shelly Laurenston
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

GENRE: Paranormal
THEME: Myth, Romance
RECEIVED: NetGalley

BLURB:

WINGING IT

Kera Watson never expected to face death behind a Los Angeles coffee shop. Not after surviving two tours lugging an M16 around the Middle East. If it wasn’t for her hot Viking customer showing up too late to help, nobody would even see her die.

In uncountable years of service to the Allfather Odin, Ludvig “Vig” Rundstrom has never seen anyone kick ass with quite as much style as Kera. He knows one way to save her life—but she might not like it. Signing up with the Crows will get Kera a new set of battle buddies: cackling, gossiping, squabbling, party-hearty women. With wings. So not the Marines.

But Vig can’t give up on someone as special as Kera. With a storm of oh-crap magic speeding straight for L.A., survival will depend on combining their strengths: Kera’s discipline, Vig’s loyalty… and the Crows’ sheer love of battle. Boy, are they in trouble.

REVIEW:

I’m a big fan of Shelly Laurenston’s Pride and Magnus Pack series, they always had great story arcs and tough alpha males, so I was super excited for some tough Vikings and an even tougher female lead. The back-story and connection to the Nordic and Greek mythology was by far the best part of this first installment.

The Unleashing follows Kera Watson a military veteran who works as a waitress in Los Angeles. But one night while trying to help a woman in an alley leads to her being stabbed. She is given a second chance and brought back as a different version of herself. Kera is now a Crow, apart of a group of powerful woman who fight for their god and given special abilities to handle dangerous beings and people. Along with the Crows there are many clans, such as the Ravens who are Vikings fight for their god. But something is causing trouble and Kera is thought to be the cause. No Kera and her sister crows along with Vig, work together to figure out what’s really happening.

Kera is a major hard ass, she is tough because of her military experience and has a battle ready attitude. She is trying to grasp her new life as a Crow, which doesn’t come easy due to her clashing with some of her fellow “sisters”. I loved every minute that Kera had with the rest of the Crows, Erin being her mentor clashes with her immediately. But nonetheless they need each other when it comes to battles and Kera has to learn their ways. Kera does struggle with her new life, I kind of wished she would listen to the others instead of being more of an irritation at first. But she does come to terms with her new self after Vig explains their life. Another dynamic that was extremely strong was that of Kera and her dog Brodie who was her best friend in her first life and even more of her protector in her second. She because apart of the crows with Kera and even powerful. In the end Kera is given a major task, I have a feeling Kera’s importance is just beginning and her role among the gods is going to change the Crows’ future.

Vig is a fellow member of The Ravens, who are Viking men that take on Odins tasks. He is also the man who has for Kera to have a second chance, for a long time he has come to the coffee shop where she worked and was treated with kindness. Vig is a big softy when it comes to Kera and has wanted her for a long time. My main issue with him is that he was made out to be kind of a fool who wanted to sleep with her. Later on his character grew on me but I like my alpha males not so childish. I did however like his relationship with his sister who is a valkyrie, she also has a good head on her shoulders and helps her brother with Kera.

Overall this was a great start, I loved the world building of all the clans and their god, as well as how the Crows become what they are. My only trouble was how much was introduced; I had a bit of a hard time keeping up with all the characters and the clans, along with the gods. I was able to grasp most of it by the end and re-reading bits when I got a little lost. The characters however do make the story because they were a colorful bunch, especially the Crows. Each woman was so different, their lives, careers, deaths, and power made them a force to be reckoned with. So I’ll definitely be coming back to this series because I want to see how each Crow grows.

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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

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

{Spotlight: Excerpt + Giveaway} of A Fistful of Evil by Rebecca Chastain

BLURB:

Madison Fox just learned that her ability to see souls is more than a sight: It’s a weapon for fighting evil. The only problem is she doesn’t have a clue what she’s doing.

On the positive side, her money problems are over, she’s possibly discovered her purpose in life, and her coworker is smoking hot. On the negative side, evil creatures now actively hunt her, and deadly experiences are becoming the norm.

When she thinks it couldn’t get worse, a powerful evil sets up shop at a local hotel’s video game convention, and it’s got its eye on more than the gaming geeks: it is hungry for Madison’s soul. Madison needs to become an expert illuminant enforcer overnight to save her job, her region . . . and her life.

Where A Fistful of Evil can be found:
Amazon, US | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBook

Author Bio:
Rebecca Chastain is the author of MAGIC OF THE GARGOYLES, a fantasy novella, and A FISTFUL OF EVIL, an Amazon Top 100 Fantasy Bestseller in the United States, Australia, and Canada. She has found seven four-leaf clovers to date, won a purebred Arabian horse in a drawing, and once tamed a blackbird for a day. Dreaming up the absurd and writing stories designed to amuse and entertain has been her passion since she was eleven years old. She lives in northern California with her wonderful husband and two bossy cats.

Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Excerpt:

“I can’t look around in soul—in Primordium while driving! I would crash.”

“You’re definitely going to have to get over that, Madison,” Rose said with absolutely no compassion. “Not while I’m in the car, though. Pull over here. You look for evil, I’ll look for firemen.”

“That’s hardly fair,” I grumbled. I pulled over in a turn-around space near a fire station. We both got out. I studied the scenery. A few homes across the road. A lot of BMWs, Corvettes, and Cadillacs zooming past on Auburn-Folsom Boulevard. A field behind the fire station with a couple of hedges and a patch of blackberry brambles. I did my own quick search for firemen. I could really do with a dose of handsome.

“Is there some evil, maybe over there?” Rose gestured to the fire station. “Maybe we should take a closer look.”

“What would we tell them we’re doing?”

“I think your car was sounding funny.”

“No, it wasn’t—oh. I see where you’re going with that.”

“You’re a quick one.” She rolled her eyes at me.

I blinked. Primordium replaced color, daylight, and familiarity. I braced my hands on my knees and stared at the gray dirt at my feet until gravity rebalanced itself. I took a quick peek at the sky. The cerulean cloudless expanse had been swapped with black—solid, unrelieved black. I could still feel the sun on my face, though I couldn’t see it in the sky. For all I knew, I was looking straight at it.

I shuddered and made a point not to look up again. Instead, I scanned the fire house. There were people upstairs and something small and white just inside the bay doors. A cat? I turned to look at Rose. She glowed a pretty, opaque white. It was nice to know that not everyone who worked for the CIA looked like they had a sun stuck up their butt. Unlike Kyle, Rose’s features looked like they were cast out of pure white marble, not radiating light. She was also in possession of one of the cleanest souls I’d seen in a long time, aside from my own and Kyle’s. Even if I was dangerously deep in a world I knew nothing about, it was reassuring that I was on the good side.

Now why hadn’t I thought to look at Mr. Pitt’s soul?

Because you’re trying not to use this sight, remember?

Too late for that.

I scanned the field. Only the blackberry brambles glowed. They were bright white, a mound of light with tendrils stretching across the dead field. Normally blackberry bushes tended to look sinister with all their thorns and the tenacious, mindless way they choked out other plant life. Now they looked like a beautiful oasis in a field of death.

I knew there had to be wildlife moving among the dead grasses, but the dark stalks were too dense for the small white bodies of rodents and birds to be visible from a distance.

I was about to switch back to normal vision when I saw it. Close to the edge of the fire station, hopping along unaware of my presence, was an imp. It was a little field mouse of an imp; I would have missed it if I hadn’t been looking so hard.

“There’s an imp over there.” I pointed.

“Oh, goodie. Maybe I can peek in a window. And maybe they’ll be having a naked wrestling contest.”

Rose sashayed across the gravel, heading straight for the imp.

“You can’t see it, right?”

“Nope. Take your time.”

I trailed after her. In its own dark and sinister way, the imp was remarkably cute. The ones in the restaurant had looked like chinchillas, and this one was a baby one. Adorable. I flashed back on the prominent memory of the creatures jumping at Kyle. Maybe I’d overreacted. He hadn’t seem the least bit frightened. Maybe they were just cute. All I would have to do was . . . whatever it was that Kyle had done. Squint or something. Instincts would kick in, and poof, no more imp.

Unfortunately, the only instincts babbling in my head were the ones telling me I needed to go the other way, not toward the harmless-looking fluff of evil. Don’t quit before you try, I scolded. You got this job because people knew you could do it. Get busy proving them right. I tiptoed closer.

Rose was oblivious in her hunt for more tangible prey. I was starting to believe my own hype, too. It’s so small. How bad can it be?

GIVEAWAY

Prize: 2 winners 1 ebook of A Fistful of Evil

International

{Review} of Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs

Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

GENRE: Urban Fantasy
THEME: Werewolves, Fae, Romance
RECEIVED: NetGalley

BLURB:

For once, mated werewolves Charles and Anna are not traveling because of Charles’s role as his father’s enforcer. This time, their trip to Arizona is purely personal, as Charles plans to buy Anna a horse for her birthday. Or at least it starts out that way...

Charles and Anna soon discover that a dangerous Fae being is on the loose, replacing human children with simulacrums. The Fae’s cold war with humanity is about to heat up—and Charles and Anna are in the cross fire.

REVIEW:

I love stepping into Patricia Briggs’ magical world of werewolves, vampires, fae and all paranormal creatures alike. When I was first introduced to Anna and Charles I loved how different this pair was to Adam and Mercy. Charles is far older, wiser and a lot more broken, as Anna is his strength in keeping him collected as well as she is still learning about her unique ability. They have grown so much together since Charles found Anna, their bond and ability to adapt to dangerous situations makes them an unstoppable duo.

Dead Heat follows Charles and Anna to Arizona, where Charles wants to introduce his wife to an old friend whose old age is taking its toll, as well as pick out a horse for her birthday. While they are visiting Charles’ friend’s family, a Fae who has injured and targeted children threatens them. Charles will do anything to help his friend and stop the Fae who seem to be taking things into their own hands.

Anna as always is a calm collected and strong woman, she is always supportive of her mate but is a powerful omega in her own right. I’ve enjoyed seeing her grow stronger from the terrible situation she was in from her old pact. I love how Charles cherishes her, Brother Wolf too listens and is always ready to protect Anna. It was nice to see her learn more about her mate, he has lived lifetimes compared to her, met so many people and lost just as many. Meeting Charles’ friend Joseph and his family shows her another side of him, his love for horses and people who helped him grow.

Charles has always been a bit of a mystery to me, his magic, Brother Wolf and closed of demeanor has always intrigued me to know more about him. I loved seeing a different and more cheerful side to him; even though his friend only had a few more days left they shared such great memories while he was there. The readers will be thrilled to get some flashback stories and seeing Charles use his magic.

Overall I loved the continued development behind the fae danger. Since the fae went into “hiding” after everything that happened its been tense. I know something is building up and Charles and Anna know that the threat that they took on in Arizona is only the beginning. It was great to see the growth of Anna and Charles bond and it was sweet of Charles to show her a bit of his past and enjoy their love for horses together. I cant wait to see what they will have to overcome next.

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{Cover Reveal} Witches Be Burned by Stacey Kennedy

WITCHES BE BURNED 

by STACEY KENNEDY

In Stacey Kennedy’s steamy paranormal romance novel, a rookie guardian sworn to combat the undead risks life and love in a world of violence, witchcraft, and seduction.

Title: Witches Be Burned, a Magic & Mayhem novel

Author: Stacey Kennedy

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Release Date: May 5, 2015

Publisher: Loveswept by Random House

Format: Digital eBook

BLURB:

Nexi Jones has lost her family, she’s been stripped of her guardian duties, and she’s still learning the ins and outs of white magic. At least she has Kyden, the smoldering hot elite guardian who’s been there for her every step of the way. But just as Nexi completes her training, tragedy strikes the Otherworld when a fellow guardian is murdered by a group of rogue vampires. Ready or not, she and Kyden trek into the Earthworld to hunt down a killer—and Nexi alone will be put to the ultimate test.

Although Kyden knows that Nexi must fight her own battles, his guardian instincts are raging as he struggles to keep her close. The ruthlessness of these vampires is like nothing he’s ever seen. And at their helm is the Black Witch Astoria, a demon with one burning desire: to shed Nexi’s blood in the name of vengeance. What troubles Kyden even more, though, is the warlock who covets Nexi’s heart. Let the devil do his worst . . . all Kyden can do is love and protect Nexi until his last breath.

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Author Bio

STACEY KENNEDY is the USA Today bestselling author of the CLUB SIN series. Growing up, Stacey’s mind wandered the path less traveled and that path most often led to love. She has always broken rules and she continues to feed off emotion – staying true to her heart. Those traits are now the bones of her stories. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who puts any of the heroes in her books to shame, and their two young children. If she’s not on mom duty or plugging away at a new story, you’ll find Stacey camping in the summer, hibernating in the winter and obsessing over Penny Dreadful, Game of Thrones and Sons of Anarchy. 

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{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.

{Review} of Shifting Shadows: Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs

Shifting Shadows: Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

GENRE: Urban Fantasy
THEME: Werewolves, Fae, Vampires, Ghost
RECEIVED: Publisher

BLURB:

Mercy Thompson’s world just got a whole lot bigger…

A collection of all-new and previously published short stories featuring Mercy Thompson, “one of the best heroines in the urban fantasy genre today” (Fiction Vixen Book Reviews), and the characters she calls friends…

Includes the new stories…
“Silver”
“Roses in Winter”
“Redemption”
“Hollow”

…and reader favorites
“Fairy Gifts”
“Gray”
“Alpha and Omega”
“Seeing Eye”
“The Star of David”
“In Red, with Pearls”

REVIEW:

The Mercy world is one I love to step into whenever I get the chance, I cant even count how many times I’ve re-read the series because I love it so much. Patricia Briggs knows what her fans enjoy and in this short story set Briggs takes her readers into the lives of some of our favorite secondary characters, Samuel, Bran, Asil and my all time favorite, Ben. Plus a Mercy story with Mercy and Adam! I also loved re-reading older short story favorites that I haven’t read in a while and I was actually quite happy that Alpha and Omega was in this because I hadn’t read that one. (Loved it!)

Since some of these were already published I’ll talk about the ones that are brand new and seriously were awesome! I’m never disappointed and always love to know more about everyone in the Mercy world.

Silver is a story about Brand and Samuel, it follows their lives from when they became werewolves and it was not a good or easy life for either of them. I loved seeing so many interactions between Bran and his son, they are dealt with a hard blow when Brans mother turns them into monsters. I have to say Brans mother is intense and quite terrifying. She makes them live a life which she controls and it actually has them end up meeting Ariana, whom if you have read the Mercy books you know how important she is. In the end the readers will be thrilled to know the background story of Bran and Samuel, as well as how Ariana grew up and tough life too. Such an emotional story however, so be prepared for one heck of a journey.

Roses in Winter was fantastic, I ladored Asil and was so very curious about Kara, the youngest werewolf. Kara is such a unique case, being so young she has to grow up fast and Asil is the only one who can help her. I loved Asil in the story; he is old, wise and someone not to mess with. He also has a big heart when it comes to Kara and he helps Bran with patients and understanding when it comes to someone like her. Anyone who enjoyed Asil before will go crazy over this story.

Redemption was actually hilarious to me because I work for a computer and design company, so I loved the office banter. But mostly because Ben is such an angry fellow and totally a good guy at the same time, it was fun too see him in his computer techy setting. Ben is shown outside the pack, an office environment surrounded by humans whom he gets irritated with very quickly. He actually stands up for his offices’ secretary who is being harassed by her boss, but doesn’t really do it with grace. It was great to see how he handles the office staff and how he has a lot of alpha in him.

Hollow is all Mercy and of course she’s at her best. This story takes place after Night Broken so we all know Mercy has gone through a lot. In this story Mercy is approached by a woman who is in need of getting rid of a Ghost, who is haunted her boss and love. But this isn’t any normal ghost and Mercy who is still a bit injured is going to take on more than she should. Of course we get some awesome banter and I liked getting to know the new wolf Zack. But the murder mystery of the man Mercy is help was actually really cool and creepy. Of course I wont forget the readers do get some Adam in the mix, as he isn’t too far when Mercy gets herself in trouble.

Overall this was a fantastic bundle of new and old stories, it’s a mix of all the characters the fans have grown to love over the years. But the best part is being able to see the characters in a different setting as well as some background. Also I loved the outtakes from other books in the series, it was nice to see what happened in parts of the stories where I felt I wanted to know more. If you’re a Mercy fan you’ll love this and you should have this in your collection. If you’re new to Mercy, it’s a bit harder to understand but you’ll still get sucked into this series and should start it!

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