Review: Born in Blood by Alexandra Ivy

Title: Born in Blood
Author: Alexandra Ivy
Series: Book One in the Sentinels Series
Published By: Zebra Books (December 31, 2013)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 3 Stars!

Book Description:
In a stunning new paranormal romance series—even edgier than her bestselling Guardians of Eternity books—New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Ivy lures readers into the dark, seductive world of the Sentinels—humans outcast by their hidden abilities, treading the line between life and death, good and evil, pleasure and pain… 

Born In Blood

Sergeant Duncan O’Conner has seen it all before. A beautiful erotic dancer is found murdered in her home—no suspect, no motive. But there’s one clue: she’s missing her heart. It’s enough to make the hard-bitten Kansas City cop enlist the help of a necro—one of the dead-channeling freaks who live in the domed city of nearby Valhalla. It’s a long shot, but desperate crimes call for desperate measures. 

Unlike the other “high-bloods” in Valhalla, Callie Brown considers her abilities a gift, not a curse. But when she reads the dancer’s final thoughts, she senses a powerful presence blocking her vision. This is no ordinary homicide. This is the work of a legendary necromancer who controls souls. A ravenous force that will put Callie’s skills to the test, O’Conner’s career at risk, and both their hearts on the line…literally.

*Amazon*Barnes and Noble*

This is my first Alexandra Ivy book and I will be honest, I mainly picked this up because I was in desperate need of something new and fresh to read. 

And Ms. Ivy doesn't mess around. From the very first pages we are immediately thrust into the world she created with a murder to solve, magic and mischief in the air, sexual tension already present and evil afoot. This is not a leisurely stroll in the park but rather a wild roller coaster of a ride that you need to be strapped in for. 

I liked Callie from the get go and Duncan not long after. It is very evident that they have an attraction for one another and maybe even something more even though they both grew up in very different places and under very different circumstances.

The world building was slow as to not dump too much information on you at once which I appreciated. The feel of the world and characters she created was very much original in concept and design. The characters were nicely done although not quite as fleshed out as I would have liked.

The bad guy was evil with a twist I didn’t see coming and the good guys were good with all that comes between fighting the age old battle of good versus evil. 

While the storyline wasn't anything unique or anything that blew me away, the characters and setting were, with the world of Valhalla, sentinels, soul seers, necromancers and many others that made the plot enjoyable and worth the read. The sexual tension was hot HOT and the steamy romance scenes even more so.


The secondary characters of Mave, Fane and Serra added a lot to the dynamic and feel of the book and overall this was a nice read with lots of action and romance as well as originality to make it a worthwhile read.

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Review: Breath of Frost by Alyxandra Harvey

Title: Breath of Frost
Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Series: Book One in the Lovegrove Legacy
Published By: Walker Children's (January 7, 2014)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Paranormal
My Rating: 4 Stars!

Book Description:
In 1814, three cousins-Gretchen, Emma, and Penelope-discover their unknown family lineage of witchcraft. Beyond the familiar manicured gardens and ballrooms of Regency London, a dangerous, alluring new underworld visible only to those with power is now open to the cousins. 
But unbeknownst to them, by claiming their power, the three cousins have inadvertently opened the gates to the Underworld. 
Now the dead, ghouls, hellhounds-and the most terrifying of all: the spirits of dark witches known as the Greymalkin Sisters-are hunting and killing young debutante witches for their powers. 
And, somehow, Emma is connected to the murders...because she keeps finding the bodies. 
Can the cousins unravel the clues and mystery behind their heritage and power before their gifts are stripped away ...or even worse, another witch is killed?

*Amazon*Barnes and Noble*

Already being a fan of Ms. Harvey I knew opening this that I was going to get a fun read with lovable characters and an enjoyable plot, and not only that but my nerdy side was super excited about getting a paranormal set in the early 1800's as well. What is not to love about that time and era with grand balls and huge manor houses, debutantes and a time when men were charming and gentlemanly? Oh and did I mention the gorgeous dresses and horse drawn carriages and dancing the night away in grand ballrooms?

No? Well I should have because not only is this filled with three cousins I instantly fell in love with but all of the above mentioned as well. What's not to love?

Emma was feisty and headstrong and I knew she and I would be friends immediately. Penelope and Gretchen too were so smart, witty, and full of fire that I couldn’t help but warm up to them as well. I am a sucker for a heroine who isn't afraid to speak her mind and kick a little butt along the way to get the job done and these three cousins were the epitome of kick butt women, especially for their time and station on life.

It is no wonder after writing about vampires so well that Ms. Harvey would be able to transition into witches so seamlessly, she did an amazing job. Not only did she move into the folk lore of witches quite nicely but she pulled off multiple points of view just as well, which, let's face it doesn't always happen with dual point of views let alone with four.

This was such a fun entertaining read, with secondary characters as well set up and fleshed out as the main characters, and all just as lovable. 

I love Cormac and his crazy sisters and Moira and One Eyed Joe almost as much as Emma and her cousins. Not to mention Theodora (in her spells and lucid moments), Ewan and the aunts as well. Truly this has a whole cast of characters that will get under your skin and refuse to be ignored. 

The characters aren't the only great thing about this story, the plot, mystery and action are a huge bonus. Honestly I would have been over joyed just having a fun story with great characters but to actually have the mystery, danger, murders, romance and adventure as well gave this story a huge advantage and pushed it right up there to be one of my favorite YA reads this year. 

I am so impressed with the start of this series, the writing skills Ms. Harvey has always had really came out and shined bright and I can say with utmost confidence that I will eagerly be awaiting the release of the next book in the series. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Release Day Review and Giveaway: Sin City Goddess by Barbra Annino

Title: Sin City Goddess
Author: Barbra Annino
Series: Book One in the Secret Goddess Series
Published By: Thomas & Mercer (December 10, 2014)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 3.5 Stars!

Book Description:
Tisiphone loves spending her days playing poker in the underworld, far away from mortals and all the trouble they cause—and all the terrible mistakes they make. Unfortunately for this goddess, her sister Alecto has vanished in Las Vegas—and the gods of Olympus believe only Tisi can find her and bring her back. To make matters worse, they force her to partner up with a mortal: recently deceased FBI agent Archer Mays. With all these challenges, how can a Fury keep her temper?

On their quest to track down the missing goddess, Tisi and Archer battle danger, demons, and even their simmering attraction to one another— until a sinister plot unfolds that could devastate humans and gods alike. Now, Tisiphone must set everything right within a few days, or find herself trapped in the mortal world she despises…forever.

From the author of the enchanting Stacy Justice series comes the first book in her brand-new Secret Goddess series: a book that proves hell hath no Fury, because she’s in Las Vegas.

*Amazon*Barnes and Noble*

I fell in love with Barbra's writing after reading her Stacy Justice series and I knew that after that I would read anything she had to write.

I was so very happy to see that she was coming out with a new series that I didn't even hesitate to pick this one up and dive right in. 

Goddesses, gods, demons, monsters and a murderer on the loose, all in Sin City? What’s not to love?

I really enjoyed this, it was a lot of fun. It had just the right amount of intrigue, action, romance, mythology lore and of course danger.

I loved how Barbra incorporated her Stacy Justice series into this with glimpses of Stacy and Chance and I really liked Tisi's hard as nails no nonsense attitude but the fact that she still had a softer side.

The banter between the gods and goddesses was great and I loved the dynamic of the group. 

Archer was wonderful and I liked the chemistry between him and Tisi. Once again it was wonderful to see a canine companion in this novel, Cerberus was a fun addition and he reminded me a lot of Thor from Stacy's books. 

I really think this series has a lot of potential. I am really looking forward to future installments. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour and Book Review: Shadows of Asphodel by Karen Kincy

Title: Shadows of Asphodel

Author: Karen Kincy

Series: Book One

Published: September 13, 2013

Genre: Dieselpunk Romance

Tour Run by CBB Book Promotions

Book Description:

When Ardis discovers a man bleeding to death on the battlefield, she knows she has to walk away.

1913. In her work as a mercenary for Austria-Hungary, Ardis has killed many men without hesitation. One more man shouldn’t matter, even if he manages to be a charming bastard while he stands dying in the snow. 

But when he raises the dead to fight for him, she realizes she must save his life.

If a necromancer like Wendel dies, he will return as a monster—or so the rumors say. Ardis decides to play it safe and rescues him. What she doesn’t expect is Wendel falling to one knee and swearing fealty. Ardis never asked for the undying loyalty of a necromancer, but it’s too late now.

Ardis and Wendel forge an uneasy alliance underscored with sexual tension. Together, they confront rebels, assassins, and a conspiracy involving a military secret: robotically-enhanced soldiers for a world on the brink of war. But as Ardis starts to fall for Wendel, she realizes the scars from his past run more deeply than she ever imagined. Can Ardis stop Wendel before his thirst for revenge destroys him and everyone else around him?

(Dieselpunk romance. Recommended for ages 17 & up.)

For a full list of all Blog Tour Stops please click HERE. 

*Amazon*Barnes and Noble*

About the Author:

Karen Kincy (Redmond, Washington) lives among countless trees, some of which—her pet kumquats and oranges—have lovingly invaded her apartment. Unlike her characters, she has never been on the run from the law or bitten by a werewolf, though she has been known to howl at the moon. Karen has BA in Linguistics and Literature from The Evergreen State College, and is studying toward a Master’s in Computational Linguistics.

Website

Facebook

This is my first experiences with dieselpunk. I love steampunk so I just knew this was something that I really needed to try. Throw in the fact that it came highly recommended by trusted blogging friends and you have yourself a sure thing.

And I really did love the imaginative world that the author created, not to mention the action packed non stop fun that was Shadows of Asphodel. Oh, and did I mention the steamy romance?

Ardis and Wendel were kick butt characters in their own right and couldn't have been more perfect for each other in almost every way. Both a little damaged and both left wondering about their family, background and abilities. 

The author did a great job with the chemistry between the two, it was believable and filled with just enough tension and just enough action to back it up.

While this is a world we are not familiar with the author does a good job of not dumping a bunch of information on us all at once about how it works and how it is run. Instead we are told in small parts here and there about the Archmages and the Asphodel. Just enough to whet the appetite but still leave you with lots of questions that will hopefully be more fleshed out and answered in the second installment. 

Instead of looking for all the answers right away we are swept up in the storyline and held captive by the action, romance and truths that are slowly unfolded and revealed. 

This really did a great job of gaining my attention and holding on to it.  I look forward to seeing where the author will take Ardis and Wendel in their next adventure together. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or tour host. I was not compensated for this review.*

Giveaway: 5 ARC Copies of Darkest Day by Emi Gayle!

J. Taylor Publishing are giving away FIVE ARCs of Darkest Day by Emi Gayle!

Check it out!

Mac Thorne’s time as a Changeling is coming to an end. It may have taken eighteen years, but Mac did finally manage to do what the Council wanted: she chose a teacher and renounced the in-between. There’s just one last step. She must say goodbye to her human. Forever. After being challenged in every way possible, Mac leaves what she thought would be the easiest task for the last possible moment. As midnight on July fourth draws near, though, she hasn’t found a way to give up Winn Thomas. Nor does she want to. With time running out, Mac stands at a literal crossroads. Choose Winn, and she’ll be stripped of the only family she’s ever known — vampires, dragons, and her favorite demon. Even her own mother. Accept her position on the Council and rule as an equal to her twelve peers, and she’ll forget Winn ever existed. Independence and freedom have never before been so limiting. In this final chapter of the 19th Year Trilogy, it’s time for Mac to decide. Responsibility? Or Love?

DARKEST DAY is the third installment in the 19^th Year Trilogy, featuring Changeling Mac Thorne and her hot-geeky boyfriend Winn Thomas. And J. Taylor Publishing is giving away FIVE ARC copies.

To YOU!

You don’t even have to be a book blogger!

Nope, so long as you are willing to leave an honest review between the dates December 23^rd 2013 – January 6^th 2014, you are eligible to enter.

Interested?

Then just fill out the form and keep your fingers crossed.

Enter Here!

~~~~~

Other books in the series:





  About Emi Gayle: Emi Gayle just wants to be young again. She lives vicariously through her youthful characters, while simultaneously acting as chief-Mom to her teenaged son and searching for a way to keep her two daughters from ever reaching the dreaded teen years. Ironically, those years were some of Emi's favorite times. She met the man of her dreams at 14, was engaged to him at 19, married him at 20 and she's still in love with him to this day. She'll never forget what it was like to fall in love at such a young age — emotions she wants everyone to feel.

Book Spotlight, Excerpt and Review: Grimnirs by Ednah Walters

Title: Grimnirs

Author: Ednah Walters

Series: Novella (#2.5) in the Runes Series

Genre: YA Fantasy

Published:

Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Tour Organization
Presented By: As You Wish Tours

Book Description:

Straight out of the psych ward, Cora just wants her life to be normal. She doesn’t want to see souls or the reapers collecting them. The guy she’s loved from a distance for years moves away without saying goodbye. So yes, she’s nursing a serious heartbreak. It’s no wonder love is the last thing on her mind when Echo storms into her life. 

The chemistry between them is mind-blowing.The connection defies logic. Even better, the souls leave her alone when he is around.

Too bad Echo is the poster boy for everything she hates in a guy—hot, beautiful,and cocky. He is also a soul reaper. A Grimnir.

The very beings she wants out of her life. Maybe normal is overrated because Cora wants it all. Answers. Love. A life.

*Amazon*Amazon Paperback*

About the Author:

EDNAH WALTERS grew up reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and dreaming of one day writing her own stories. She is a stay-at-home mother of five humans and two American short-hair cats (one of which has ADHD) and a husband. When she is not writing, she’s at the gym doing Zumba or doing things with her family, reading, traveling or online chatting with fans.

Ednah is the author of The Guardian Legacy series, a YA fantasy series about children of the fallen angels, who fight demons and protect mankind. AWAKENED, the prequel was released by Pill Hill Press in September 2010 with rave reviews. BETRAYED, book one in the series was released by her new publisher Spencer Hill Press in June 2012 and HUNTED, the third installment, will be released April 2013. She’s working on the next book in the series, FORGOTTEN. Visit her at www.ednahwalters.com

Ednah also writes YA paranormal romance. RUNES is the first book in her new series. IMMORTALS is book 2. She is presently working on book 3, GRIMNIRS (Release date TBA). Read more about this series and the world she's created here www.runestheseries.com

Under the pseudonym E. B. Walters, Ednah writes contemporary romance. SLOW BURN, the first contemporary romance with suspense, was released in April 2011. It is the first book in the Fitzgerald family series. Since then she has published four more books in this series. She's presently working on book six. You can visit her online at or www.ebwalters.com.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Excerpt:

“You, doll-face. Why are you having a shitty day?”

I glared ahead. “Because you are screwing with my head. How come you keep saying things I don’t remember?”

“I told you. The Norns put a whammy on you.”

“Norns?”

“Deities of destiny. Mean, bitter hags. They control the destiny of all beings—Mortals, Immortals, even the gods. Interestingly, I just found out why they targeted you and erased your memories.”

“Why?” Not that I believed his rambling.

“Say please.”

I was tempted to ignore him, but something weird had happened to me and I wanted answers. I eased the car into a parking spot across from my school, switched off the engine, and turned to look at Echo. He was dressed in all leather again today. I realized that what I’d assumed was a leather shirt was actually a vest of some kind. Once again, he wore fingerless gloves and silver Gothic rings with weird markings.

“Please,” I said through clenched teeth.

He touched his lips. “I want a kiss, too.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Why are you such a tool all the time? You think this is fun for me? Not remembering things? Waking up one morning and seeing souls? Ending up in a psych ward, where they pumped me full of drugs, then coming home only to be met by you, a reaper?”

“Grimnir,” he corrected then frowned. “Are those the fake memories the Norns gave you? Psych ward? That’s just wrong.”

“I was in a psych ward,” I snapped.

He raised his hands. “Okay. No need to be snippy.”

“I’m not—”

He covered my mouth then smirked when I bit his hand. I bore down until I tasted blood. He didn’t even wince. His grin broadened instead.

“Drink my blood, doll-face. Bond with me for eternity.”

The thought was scary. I pushed his hand away and wiped my mouth. “Ew. Can your blood do that?”

He laughed.

“Will you be serious for even a second?” I asked.

“Don’t you want to be mine forever?”


“Ew, no.” I made a face. “I don’t even like you.”

I absolutely love this series and even though I knew this next book would not be about Torin and Raine I was eager to learn more about Eirik and of course to learn what happened to Cora during the second book. 

I won't go into too much detail about that because I don't want to give any spoilers away for the next book but I knew that Cora's story had to be an interesting one and I wanted every juicy detail and also, if I am being completely truthful here, I just wanted more of the world Ms. Walters created because I can't seem to get enough of it and I will take what I can get, Torin or no Torin. 

And just when I think I couldn't possibly enjoy this series more..Walters goes and throws another twist into the storyline and did I mention another hottie to drool over? Echo. Yes Echo.

Move over Torin, you have competition!

I should be hanging my head in shame. I mean really, another cocky, smart mouthed bad boy that I just can't resist? I really am shameless. But there you have it, Walters knows how to write 'em so you fall in love with them, arrogant or not. And oh boy did I love Echo!!

He is everything I would hate in person but everything I seem to love in a book boyfriend. I know, I know, I am a walking contradiction. I can't help it. I love the sexual tension they create, I love their possessiveness, the heart of gold buried deep down and that when they do finally love, it is full force unstoppable would do anything for you type of love. 

I love that we got more background on Grimnirs, Valkyries, Immortals, Norns and even the gods. This wasn't a middle book syndrome kind of story. It packed full of action, romance and lots of answers to all those questions we had in the first two books and even though Raine and Torin weren't the focus of this one, they had big enough roles in it to sooth the loss of them not being the main characters. I love Cora even more now that we got this intimate glimpse into her life, her thoughts and her feelings. I already loved her as a secondary characters but she rocked as a main.

We also get a whole lot of Andris (who I am just loving more and more as this series goes), Ingrid and Lavina and while there wasn't as much of Eirik as I was hoping for (appearances at the beginning and end of the story mainly) I did get enough of him to know that I want a book all his own. I want more of his family history, background, his training and his powers. Not to mention that I want him to finally be loved by someone. I couldn't help but feel for him by the end of the story and want more for him. 

All in all, this was a fabulous addition to the series and just proves that Walters knows what she is doing and she is doing it well. This is one series that I will continue to read until Ms. Walters has nothing more to write. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Mini Review: Winter Kisses by Addison Moore

Title: Winter Kisses
Author: Addison Moore
Series: Novella in the 3:AM Kisses Series
Published: November 1, 2013
Source: Purchased
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 3.5 Stars!



Book Description:
Having a one-night stand with your ex is never easy. She thinks its revenge sex. He thinks its make-up sex. Things can only go wrong from here.

*Amazon*Barnes and Noble*

I loved 3:AM Kisses and knew after meeting all the characters that I would read any other novel in the series Moore wanted to create. The humor, the characters, the sweet storyline, it was all fabulous. 

I was super excited when I found out that the next story would in fact be Laney and Ryder's because I knew from the first book, that it was going to be one heck of a story and I was ready for it. Throw in a little Christmas theme to go great with this time of year and you have a win win.


And oh boy did Laney and Ryder have a story. A sweet one, a passionate one, a steamy one. This was the perfect blend of romance, passion, humor and Christmas sweetness with all the characters I fell in love with in 3:AM Kisses. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*