#Audiobook Review: A Witch’s Handbook to Kisses and Curses by Molly Harper

A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses 

by Molly Harper

(Half Moon Hollow #2) 

Narrated by Amanda Ronconi

Source: Purchased at Audible.com

Nola Leary would have been content to stay in Kilcairy, Ireland, healing villagers at her family’s clinic with a mix of magic and modern medicine. But a series of ill-timed omens and a deathbed promise to her grandmother have sent her on a quest to Half-Moon Hollow, Kentucky, to secure her family’s magical potency for the next generation. Her supernatural task? To unearth four artifacts hidden by her grandfather before a rival magical family beats her to it.

Complication One: Her grandfather was Mr. Wainwright and the artifacts are lost somewhere in what is now Jane Jameson's book shop.

Complication Two: her new neighbor, Jed Trudeau, who keeps turning up half naked at the strangest times, a distraction Nola doesn't need. And teaming up with a real-life Adonis is as dangerous as it sounds, especially when he’s got the face of an angel and the abs of a washboard—can Nola complete her mission before falling completely under his spell?

REVIEW:

They’re back…. The team of Molly Harper and Amanda Ronconi never fails to entertain me. Between Harper’s witty writing and Ronconi’s spot on narration, A Witch’s Handbook to Kisses and Curses is full of flirty fun between an out-of-town witch, Nola Leary and a sexy handyman, Jed Trudeau.

Nola, moved to Ireland from Boston after the death of her father at a young age. So she has an interesting mix of accents (which Ronconi pulls it off beautifully). Nola’s Irish side of the family has been in a feud with Kerrigans (they’re not ice skaters) another witch family for centuries. Because of this feud Nola returns to the States to find 4 magical artifacts that her family was tasked with guarding from the other family. This brings her to Half Moon Hollow, Kentucky. For such a small town it has a rather large supernatural population. There are vampires and werewolves and now a witch. Who knows what other supes could be found in the hollow……

After Nola moves into a rental she meets her sexy and often without a shirt neighbor, Jed. He and a small crew is working on the house they both rent from none other than Dick Chaney (the vampire not the former vice president). One thing leaves to another and the budding friend/romance takes place. But don’t think this is a sweet romance; it’s a Molly Harper book after all. Harper loves putting her characters through some of the most funny and embarrassing situations. Case in point the two meet while Nola climbing Jed like a tree while running from some scary creature in her kitchen cabinets, wearing only her bath towel.

So in true Harper fashion there are funny one-liners about pop culture from the freaky sleeping stalker, Edward Cullen to Black Dagger Brotherhood references and even a tip of the hat to one of Harper’s other series, you know the one about werewolf romance set in Alaska. ;)

Also Jane Jameson series might be done but Jane fans will be delighted to know that her motley crew shows up quite a bit in this newest installment in the Half Moon Hollow series helping Nola in her quest to find the 4 magical items she came to the hollow for.

If you’re looking for a side splitting read/listen you NEED to check out Molly Harper. I highly recommend ALL of her books. Oh in case you are ordering this series could be read in order but I recommend you starting with the Jane Jameson series just so you will have a better understanding of the background on those characters since the pop up throughout this series.

Audio Review: A Little Night Magic by Lucy March

A Little Night Magic

by Lucy March

Narrated by Amanda Ronconi

Olivia Kiskey needs a change. She’s been working at the same Nodaway Falls, New York, waffle house since she was a teenager; not a lot of upward mobility there. She’s been in love with Tobias, the cook, for the last four years; he’s never made a move. Every Saturday night, she gathers with her three best friends—Peach, Millie, and Stacy—and drinks the same margaritas while listening to the same old stories. Intent on shaking things up, she puts her house on the market, buys a one-way ticket to Europe, and announces her plans to her friends . . . but then she meets Davina Granville, a strange and mystical Southern woman who shows Olivia that there is more to her life than she ever dreamed. As Liv’s latent magical powers come to the surface, she discovers that having an interesting life is maybe not all it’s cracked up to be. The dark side of someone else’s magic is taking over good people in town, and changing them into vessels of malevolence. Unwilling to cede her home to darkness, she battles the demons of her familial past and her magical present, with those she loves at her side . . . and in the cross fire. Can the most important things in life—friendship, love, magic, and waffles—get her through the worst that the universe can throw at her?

Quick Thought: OMG, it's like Molly Harper and Darynda Jones had a love child. Pleasantly surprised!

Why I Listened: A Little Night Magic was a total impuse buy from Audible.com. It was on sale for $4.95 and I saw that Amanda Ronconi was the narrator and love her narration job on Molly Harper's books and after reading the summary it sounded like a cute, light listen so I went for it.

What I Liked: Everything really. Much like Harper and Jones, March wrote a loveable herione and fun secondary charatcters. Olivia is a qurky waitress in a small town where nothing happens. She is wans to make a big chance in her life and decides to move to Europe but her gang of gal pals are not liking the idea that she won't be coming back. And the sexy cook at the dinner Olivia works at is starting to set up and take notice when he finds out that she is planning on leaving town.

"I don't care what Edward did in the Twilight books. Watching a girl sleep is just creepy." He smiled. "You weren't sleeping."    "Don't think you're breeze by on a technicality, Shoop, you go all Cullen on me, I'm staking you through the heart."

What I Didn't Like: Nothing. I really enjoyed this listen. I have to admit though, I wonder if I would give it 4 stars if I read it instead of listening to it. I think this a book that really lends itself well to the audio format.

Final Thought: A Little Night Magic is full of funny one liners, crazy secondary characters and an even crazier bad guy. Olivia and gang will never be the same now that they know that magic is real. I can't wait for the next book, That Touch of Magic. There is no cover or blurp for it but I'm hoping it will be about Olivia's friend and the super moody Kane.

Narration: I feel like I was listening to a Molly Harper book because Amanda Ronconi narrates all of Harper's books. I kept telling myself this is not Jane (the main character in the Jane Jameson series). Ronconi is a great narrator for snarky, fun books. She brings just the enough amount of sassy and cheeky to the characters.

Review: Kiss of Pride by Sandra Hall

Kiss of Pride 

by Sandra Hall 

(Deadly Angels #1)

OME MEN ARE TOO BAD TO BE TRUE...

Is he really a Viking with a vampire’s bite? An angel with the body of a thunder god? A lone wolf with love on his mind? Alexandra Kelly, his prey, thinks Vikar Sigurdsson is either flat-out crazy or he’s trying to maneuver her into his bed--which is hardly where a professional reporter should conduct an interview, tempting as that prospect might be.

SOME MEN ARE TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE...

Until Vikar does something a teensy bit unexpected, and Alex begins to wonder whether her mystery man could really be everything he says he is: a Viking Vampire Angel on a thousand-year-long mission with his pack of sinful brothers—and a man who’s finally found the woman of his dreams. By then, Vikar is already wrapping his chiseled arms around Alex’s body...and sinking his wicked fangs right into her neck. If this is sin, why does it feel so good?

REVIEW:

Whoa. There is so much going on with this book/premise I don't really even know where to begin. The hero is a Viking turned vampire/angel by the archangel, Michael. These Vangels also have the ability to travel through time and is a SEAL from time to time...Yeah. Its a lot.

I must say, this was an original idea, which is what snagged my interest in the beginning. The hero, Vikar, has purchased a large manor in Transylvania, Pennsylvania - a town that is vampire crazy! The heroine, Alexandra (Alex for short) is a reporter. She is sent to write a story about the vampire obsession in the small town. She was not prepared to meet a Viking vampire angel or to be ensnared in his crazy world. Together, they fend off real vampire attacks, skirt the edge of sin with their "near-sex" and stand tall before Michael when he comes to pass judgement on all the Vangels.

The characters worked well together, I enjoyed Alex's snark and Vikar's rouge personality. However, the two together did not mesh for me. I didn't feel like they were a natural couple nor did I feel that either one really came to life. They did have back stories, but they did not have enough depth more me and neither did their relationship. I did not feel the emotion. Also, I felt this book was unnecessarily long and there were a lot of characters introduced - all 6 of Vikar's brothers plus other Vangels.

Overall, I did enjoy the book. Some of the side characters did capture my interest and I'm interested in their stories. This is a different idea and take on vampires. I will give the second book a try.

Quickie Review: A Dark Kiss of Rapture by Sylvia Day

A Dark Kiss of Rapture 

by Sylvia Day

 (Renegade Angels 0.5) 

ebook, 60 pages

 

Of all the Fallen, Raze's hungers are some of the darkest and most insatiable. His brazen seductions cost him his wings, leaving him soulless and immortal, the most dangerous of seducers. He has roamed the earth for eons, hunting the rogues of his kind and protecting the humans who provide him with blood and sex. He is content with his life and the transient pleasures that flow through it... until one night and one woman change everything.

Kimberly McAdams is smart, beautiful, and wealthy. She can have any man she wants, but the moment she sets eyes on the lethally stunning Raze she knows he's the man she needs. As one searingly erotic night burns into something deeper and far more vital than either of them expected, an adversary from Raze's past sees a chance for revenge. Twisted by hatred, she will take from Raze what was taken from her—the precious gift of love.

Review:

A Dark Kiss of Rapture is the prelude to A Touch of Crimson and the rest of the Renegade Angel series. I really enjoyed the idea behind this book: fallen angels turned vampire! Such an original thought.

Raze is a smoke'n hot fallen angel vampire. He has had a tough couple f days of hunting, fighting, and killing and needs to unwind.Raze is looking for a quick, rough (straight to the point) one night stand. But, he is drawn to bar that isn't like his usual haunts and immediately finds the type of woman he is looking for - the bartender.

Kimberly is having a few drinks with her friends after work. She has never done anything reckless or dangerous in her life. She is cautious by nature, having grown up in a home full of cops. But when she sees Raze, she becomes bold and knows that he is exactly what she needs to take her mind of a recent tragedy. Now, all she has to do is convince him that she is the girl he wants.

Raze can tell just by looking at Kim that she is not his sort, but he can't deny his instant, intense attraction to her and decides a night with her is better than a quickie in the back ally with the bartender he had been chatting up. Naturally, neither of the main characters expects their one night of passion will change their lives.

This was a quick read, filled with excitement, heat, and unexpected tender moments. I thought the characters matched well and wished that the book was bit longer. However, it did its job and I'm definitely going to purchase A Touch of Crimson Renegade #1. I'm really interested to see what Ms. Day is going to do with this series and all the characters that she has introduced.

Quickie Review: Bloodwine by Cera DuBois

Bloodwine 

by Cera DuBois 

Short Story Approx 25 pages 

Fifty years of war with the humans and the loss of his lifemate has jaded newly crowned vampire King Darius Constantinos. At a reception for the new king, the beautiful Queen Anastasia approaches Darius with an offer he can’t accept without betraying his heart, but how can he refuse the peace she promises?

Review:

Bloodwine is a short story at approximately 25 pages. I have become a huge fan of short stories and novellas lately since I life has been so busy. If you enjoy quick reads or just don't have the time to dedicate to a full length novel, you should pick this up.

Darius has just been crowned the king of the vampires in the U.S. and it is at his coronation party that he and Queen Anastasia meet up. Darius was once her person guard and even though they were attracted to each other social standing kept them separate. Now, hundreds of years after they first met, they can be together.

I must say that Ms. DuBois did a fantastic job with this short story. She has done more with 25 pages than some authors can do with 25 chapters. This snippet of paranormal romance was wonderful and it left me wanting more. So, if you are busy and/or stressed out and did a little reading fix, download this to your e-reader.

Audio Review: Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh

Hostage to Pleasure 

by Nalini Singh
 (Psy-Changeling #5) 

Narrated by Angela Dawe 

  

Separated from her son and forced to create a neural implant that will mean the effective enslavement of her psychically gifted race, Ashaya Aleine is the perfect Psy: cool, calm, emotionless... at least on the surface. Inside, she's fighting a desperate battle to save her son and escape the vicious cold of the PsyNet. Yet when escape comes, it leads not to safety but to the lethal danger of a sniper's embrace.

DarkRiver sniper Dorian Christensen lost his sister to a Psy killer. Though he lacks the changeling ability to shift into animal form, his leopard lives within. And that leopard's rage at the brutal loss is a clawing darkness that hungers for vengeance. Falling for a Psy has never been on Dorian's agenda. But charged with protecting Ashaya and her son, he discovers that passion has a way of changing the rules.


REVIEW:

I've been waiting for Dorian's story but I have to say that Hostage to Pleasure was a little disappointing. Sure it has a hot alpha and a head strong heroine. But really this series as very predictable formula like so many PNR books do.

I'm just not feeling this series at the moment. It's not the writing I just this it's my mood. I think I just need to take a break from it. And come back to see if it can get my attention again when my reading mood has changed.

But in any case Dorian was hot and his Psy woman was like the others, cold until he melted her panties. Meh. I don't have anything else to say about the book. But I think I enjoy the wolves in this series more than the cats.

Audio Review: Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh

Mine to Possess 

by Nalini Singh 

(Psy-Changeling #4) 

Clay Bennett is a powerful DarkRiver sentinel, but he grew up in the slums with his human mother, never knowing his changeling father. As a young boy without the bonds of Pack, he tried to stifle his animal nature. He failed...and committed the most extreme act of violence, killing a man and losing his best friend, Talin, in the bloody aftermath. Everything good in him died the day he was told that she, too, was dead.

Talin McKade barely survived a childhood drenched in bloodshed and terror. Now a new nightmare is stalking her life--the street children she works to protect are disappearing and turning up dead. Determined to keep them safe, she unlocks the darkest secret in her heart and returns to ask the help of the strongest man she knows...

Clay lost Talin once. He will not let her go again, his hunger to possess her, a clawing need born of the leopard within. As they race to save the innocent, Clay and Talin must face the violent truths of their past...or lose everything that ever mattered.

REVIEW:

I've said this before but I'll say it again, I really enjoy it when the couple has a history instead of falling in love/lust after only knowing each other for a day. Mine to Possess is the first combo of Changeling and human mating. Clay is a leopard that joined the DarkRiver pack after growing up away from other Changelings. He didn't know anything about his animal side and it made his younger years hard. Tally is the human in the relationship and Clay thought her to be dead for about 20 years.

Tally has been scared of Clay every since the day he killed her foster father but not in the way Clay thinks. Tally finds herself lusting after her childhood protector even after their 20 years of separation.  But she must fight it in order to get Clay's help with a missing teen she is over seeing.

Tally and Clay have a lot of things to work out from their pasts in order to reach their HEA. Both had a hard childhood and they were the others rock during that dark time and sometimes a claiming can take place at a young age. They were each others before they knew what a mating was and now they are all grown up and their heat is consuming them both.

I've got to say this series is not my favorite but each couple is better than the last IMO. And the story of Tally and Clay is both heartbreaking and beautiful. So far they are my favorite story in the series.

Click on images to see other reviews in the series:

    


Simliar series:

Lora Leigh's Breeds

PNR Audio Review: Caressed by Ice by Nalini Singh

 

Caressed By Ice 
(Psy-Changeling #3)
by Nalini Singh, Angela Dawe (Narrator)
2 Parts / 11 hour(s) and 26 min.
Published June 22nd 2011 by Tantor Audio
★★★★
Nalini Singh explores new heights of sensuality, returning to the world of the Psy - where two people who know evil intimately must unlock the good within their icy hearts...

As an Arrow, an elite soldier in the Psy Council ranks, Judd Lauren was forced to do terrible things in the name of his people. Now he is a defector, and his dark abilities have made him the most deadly of assassins - cold, pitiless, unfeeling. Until he meets Brenna...

Brenna Shane Kincaid was an innocent before she was abducted - and had her mind violated - by a serial killer. Her sense of evil runs so deep, she fears she could become a killer herself. Then the first dead body is found, victim of a familiar madness. Judd is her only hope, yet her sensual changeling side rebels against the inhuman chill of his personality, even as desire explodes between them. Shocking and raw, their passion is a danger that threatens not only their hearts, but their very lives...



REVIEW:

I was wondering how Judd, “The Ice Man” would be thawed. I mean so far the Psy in the couples have been women and all they needed as the touch of the hot Changeling men. A man like Judd would need more. But Brenna had just the right amount of heat to bring Judd to his knees.

After Brenna’s ordeal in the last book, she really needed someone like Judd instead of a Changeling. She needed his coldness to get her through some rough times; a like of tough love.

Judd might be Psy but he has feelings deep down and the ones that came out to play first was he need to protect Brenna like he did his family. Even though he didn’t realize at first that was an emotion. He believed he was just doing his job. But after he started having more feelings for Brenna, like being jealous of other males he knew he was doomed.

The Silence of the Psy was much strong with Judd that the past Psy we have seen. Judd was breed to be an assassin for the Psy Council and he was very good at his job. Hawke used him to get answers out of captives.

He believed that was all he was and all he had to offer. He knew that Brenna needed more than he could give but once he reached the point where he knew she was his; he was not going to let her go no matter what.

It was well over half the book before anything physical really happened between Brenna and Judd but when it did…..HOT. Brenna teased Judd about him being a virgin and he told her that technically he was one. When asked him what that meant, he told her he did research. And boy howdy did that research pay off.

If you enough reading about a cold as ice tough guy with the ability to kill anyone to keep his female safe then you need to read Caressed by Ice and see how hot Judd can be.

Cover Note: About 50% of the time the audio book will have a different cover than the book. Not sure why they do it. Sometimes I like the audio cover more. I like this cover vs the book cover but I'm not loving the mullet and whoever did the animal print on Judd's arm clearly didn't read the book. Brenna is the "shifter" and she's a wolf not a large cat. Sorry but things like that bug the crap out of me.

Book Cover

PNR Review: Bound by Night by Amanda Ashley

Bound by Night
by Amanda Ashley
Mass Market Paperback, 340 pages
Published August 30th 2011 by Zebra
★★★ 1/2

A Vampire's Kiss Is Forever. . . Once featured in a horror movie, the crumbling Wolfram estate is said to be haunted by ghosts, witches, and worse. But Elena doesn't believe a word of it—until she spends the night and wakes up in the arms of a compelling stranger. .

Tall, dark, and disturbingly handsome, Drake is the most beautiful man Elena has ever seen. For centuries, he has lived alone, and Elena is the first woman to enter his lair—and survive. And Drake is the first man to touch her heart and soul. By the time she discovers who he really is—and what he craves—it's too late. Blood lust has turned to love, and Elena is deeply under Drake's spell. But forever comes at a price for each of them. . .



REVIEW:

Bound by Night is the first book in Amanda Ashley’s two part Bound Series. It is also my first time reading this author and I enjoyed the story enough that I will be reading the other book in the series, Bound by Blood.

Bound by Night is an enjoyable paranormal romance with some suspense thrown in the mix. Even though the plot is set in modern day, it reads more like a historical. I think the fact that Drake is a 500 plus year old vamp living in a castle in Transylvanian, Romania has a little to something to do with the old world feeling. I didn’t feel like Elena was a modern young woman but then I had to remind myself that she was living in Romania and how their cultural is different than ours and they may still have some old fashion ways.

Elena is an American girl that went to live with her aunt in Romania after losing her parents at a young age. She grows up living with her aunt, uncle and cousin but soon it’s just her and the uncle. The uncle is the chief of police for the village and a real douche bag. So after he tells Elena that she should marry him and give him a son, she runs away. But she doesn’t have anyone or anywhere to go so she finds herself in the “haunted” castle near her uncle's home.

That’s where she meets Drake. The yummy and mysterious man that she later finds out is a vampire. But Bound by Night is not you run of the mill vampire love story. Well some parts are, but the mythologies of vampires are a little different. There was an element or two to their mythology I’ve not read before, which was nice and refreshing.

Drake and Elena’s love story was a little like Romeo and Juliet in the way that their worlds instead of family are trying to keep them apart. Humans are sheep to vampires, food and nothing else. Oh, sure they might get a little friendly with their food but vampires and humans are not allowed to marry each other.

I had an “I knew it” moment that was fun while reading. Well, actually two moments but even though some of the plot was a little predictable I still enjoyed Bound by Night and will be digging into Bound by Blood very soon.

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PNR Review: Driving Mr. Dead by Molly Harper

Driving Mr. Dead 

by Molly Harper

(Dead Moon Hollow #1)
ebook, 192 pages
Published January 31st 2012 by Pocket Star

★★★★

HELL ON WHEELS

After failing as a magician's assistant, a photographer, and most recently, a bride, Miranda Puckett takes a position as a driver for Beeline, Half-Moon Hollow's premiere vampire concierge service.

Miranda's assignment? Driving Collin Sutherland, the world's most fastidious vampire from Washington to Kentucky, so he can deliver a mysterious black case to Council official Ophelia Lambert.

Collin, a paranoid, aristocratic vampire with a debilitating fear of flying, refuses to let the case out of his sight. Miranda needs this time on the road to decide whether to permanently cut her ties with the fiance that had an "emotional affair" with a childhood pal, but Collin’s neatnik tendencies are driving her around the bend. The man acts as if leaving a fast food wrapped on the passenger seat is reason for a full-on CDC de-contamination scrub-down of the car. All she can do is promise to stop intentionally doing the things that make his stiff upper lip twitch with irritation. 

As more and more mishaps occur on the road trip from hell, Miranda and Collin work together to meet his delivery deadline. Hotel rooms are destroyed. Beloved cars are defiled. And somewhere along the line, client-driver hostilities become snarky flirtation.

Will Collin and Miranda make it to the Hollow in one piece? And if they do, will Miranda leave old, safe relationships behind for something new and well, just plain weird? (pic and summary grabbed from Goodreads)

REVIEW:

Driving Mr. Dead is a great fast read with Harper’s usual mix of humor and sexiness. Fans of the Jane Jameson series will want to check out the novella. We get a short and funny scene with Dick and a few mentions of Jane. But if you have not read the JJ series you can still read Driving Mr. Dead and not be lost.

Miranda Puckett is a fun loving gal that is having a bad time deciding wither to get back with her ex-fiance. In order to get a little alone time and space from him to think, she takes a job with her friend’s transport company. They just happen to transport vampires.

Miranda’s first client, Collin, is an anal-retentive, shut-in vampire that lives in the middle of no where. And in true Miranda style she is late picking him up for his cross country trip from Washington State to Half-Moon Hollow, KY.

The trip is full of funny mishaps and a budding romance between “wild child” Miranda and the up tied but still sexy, Collin. I couldn’t help but think of the movie Due Date while reading this novella, like in the movie everything that could go wrong on this road trip happened. If you are looking for a fun and romantic read with a little bite then give Molly Harper’s Driving Mr. Dead a spin.

Funny Quote:

“Did they make Adam's apple porn? Was that a thing? Would I be scarred for life if I Googled it? And if I couldnt find any pictures, could I take my own?”

Next book in the series:

The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires
by Molly Harper
(Dead Moon Hollow #2)
Goodreads
REVIEW COMING SOON





 

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PNR Audio Review: Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night 
(Immortals After Dark #4)
by Kresley Cole, Robert Petkoff (Narrator)
Buy: Amazon - Audible - B&N
RATING: ★★★★

Her breathless kiss haunts him... Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed--until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive. 

His slow, hot touch is irresistible... Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It's rumored that no one can tempt Bowen's hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go. 

No deed is too wicked for her seduction... If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul--or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?(Summary and pic taken from Goodreads.)

REVIEW:

I loved this series!! Wicked Deeds starts with us seeing some of the later scenes in No Rest of the Wicked during the end of the Hide but through Bowe’s eyes. We see why the little witch cursed him and how they spent their time at the end of the game.

Both Bowe and Mariketa spent weeks locked up in separate caves vowing to kill the other for what they had done to each other. But once Bowe gets free and learns that Mari is still trapped and in danger all he can think about it getting to her to save her.

During a long trip in the jungle to get Mariketa to home and safety, the two get to know each other and have a hard time fighting their growing attraction. Bowe thinks that Mari has hexed him into thinking she is his mate but she can’t say for 100% that she didn’t. They both go through the emotional ringer trying to figure things out and reliving their pasts. And in true lykae form, Bowe is a sexy male with a caveman attitude. He hates witches and believes that they practice magic by choice and tries to force Mariketa into giving up magic.

After many life and death ordeals the two finally get their HEA. And let me tell Cole really knows how to build the sexual tension and when Bowe and Mariketa finally do the deed, man it’s HAWT. Sigh, if only I could find my own lykae caveman to pass the winter nights with.

Favorite Quote:

"Double, double toil and trouble mother fuckers, you just got cursed." 

PNR Review: The Ghost Hunter by Lori Brighton

 

The Ghost Hunter

by Lori Brighton 

(The Hunter #1)
ebook

Published by Smashwords September 11th 2010
RATING: ★★★★

When Ashley Hunter inherits the Inn where her father mysteriously vanished years ago, she jumps at the chance to finally uncover the truth about his disappearance. But soon after taking ownership of the decrepit building, Ashley realizes she’s in for far more than she bargained. Not only has she inherited answers to many sought-after questions, she’s also inherited spirits, demons and even fallen angels! Then Cristian arrives, a gorgeous man who insists he merely needs a room to rent. She believes him, until one by one her ghosts start disappearing... As a fallen angel destined for a life of servitude, Cristian Lucius is relegated to protecting earth from unwanted spirits. But he can’t accomplish this daunting task alone. He requires assistance from the very woman who frustrates him as much as she intrigues him. Cristian is determined to ignore his intense attraction for Ashley, and focus on his mission. If they don’t work together, they won’t have a chance in hell of defeating the demon threatening their lives. The problem is getting Ashley to trust him. No easy task, considering Cristian is the very man responsible for her father’s disappearance. (From Goodreads)

Review: 

Cristian Lucius is an angel who is literally fighting to earn his way back into Heaven and he needs the help of a Seer. Ashley Hunter has just inherited her aunt's haunted pub. She can see ghosts and denies her powers. But she can't even attempt to deny she is attracted to Cristian.

I really enjoyed this book!

Cristian was wonderful and I liked Ashely's character (besides her constant denial of her powers and then how she gets angry when she finds out new info on ghosts and other strange things that are taking place within her pub. Her "why didn't you tell me" or "you knew all this time?" got old)

The romance/relationship grew over the course of the book, both struggled against their attraction to each other, which was a plus for me. It is nice to have a slow building romance sometimes.

This book was filled with supernatural creatures: ghosts, angels, demons, vampires, werewolves, leprechauns - Wow!

This book was so much fun and gives the reader a lot to look forward to.

 The Ghost Hunter is available at:

Amazon

B&N
Smashwords


Other cover:

PNR Review: Alien Revealed by Lilly Cain

Alien Revealed

by Lilly Cain 

The Confederacy Treaty

Book One 

Buy: Carina Press - Amazon - B&N

RATING: ★★★


Inarrii agent Alinna Gaerrii was tasked with observing the Starforce base on Earth. Crash landing her observation pod onto the base was not part of her mission briefing. Neither was making m’ittar—mind contact—with Major David Brown, the human who discovered her amongst the wreckage.

David thinks she’s a psychologist sent to evaluate his Special Forces team, and Alinna goes along with his misconception, seizing the opportunity to observe humans up close. But their daily contact has unexpected side effects, and Alinna soon invades David’s dreams. Through their intimate mental connection she allows him to express his forbidden physical desires. 


Alinna delights in the sensory exploration and grows excited by the prospect of a treaty with the humans and a potential life mate in David. But an attack from an unknown ship sends the base into chaos, and Alinna may be forced to reveal her lie, erasing all hope of a successful treaty, and driving David away forever…


REVIEW:

I must admit I began reading this book with some reluctance as science fiction is one of those genres I've had better experience watching on film or television. The science tends to confound me but if I have a visual depiction, I don't get bogged down trying to figure things out. Fortunately, this story doesn't waste a lot of time creating new gadgets or space ships to analyze. They're mentioned and it was left up to me to form an image and that worked for me, letting me focus on the story and characters. And, it seemed credible (mind you, I'm not the expert here but nothing stood out as absurd).

There's not a lot of detail provided about Alinna and David's backstories but surprisingly, I felt I knew them pretty well by the time I reached the end of the story. They were plausible in their roles as trusted, ranking officers in their respective worlds and the heated attraction didn't feel forced, not immediately jumping each other, which would have seemed silly given their levels of responsibilities.

 I thought the premise of the book was pretty creative, once I got past my sci-fi fears. It was an interesting and unique approach to use for a seduction, and this one was done quite well. Alinna and David come from separate worlds but they had enough in common physically for it not to be weird and where they were different it provided intrigue. And speaking of seductions, the sexual encounters were highly erotic using metaphysical connections as a means to form relationship and trust. I LOVED this aspect and it helped suspend reality when they developed deep feelings fairly quickly. It's a good device and was extremely effective and arousing. Not only were they able to scratch those itches but had some new and provocative discoveries about themselves in the process. The encounters were sexy, steamy and had absolutely delicious amounts of naughtiness that caught me by surprise. You'll need to discover that on your own.

There was, however, a bit too much repetition sometimes. David's concerns in being assigned to the upcoming mission to the new space station, his team needing to pass a psych evaluation in order to be approved...both were reiterated too often. Same goes for Alinna being worried about her discovery; a valid concern but one I got without needing to be told over and over. And, once both of their scents were described, a reference to it would have been enough instead of alliterating it time and again. This bogged down the story somewhat.

There were a couple of very interesting characters that were standouts and I'm sure we will see them later in the series. They were fleshed out just enough for me to want to know more.

Overall, an interesting concept, story and created world with really good erotica to wrap around. A common complaint with the genre is it's sex looking for a story and you won't find that here. I wish the ending could have been a little more elaborate but it's one I can live with.

PNR Audio Review: Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh

 

Visions of Heat

by Nalini Singh 

(Psy-Changeling #2)
Angela Dawe (Narrator)
Audiobook, Unabridged
Published May 30th 2011 by Tantor Media, Inc.
RATING:  ★★★

Go deeper into the world of the Psy and the changelings, where a gifted woman sees passion in her future-a passion that is absolutely forbidden by her kind...

Used to cold silence, Faith NightStar is suddenly being tormented by dark visions of blood and murder. A bad sign for anyone, but worse for Faith, an F-Psy with the highly sought after ability to predict the future. Then the visions show her something even more dangerous-aching need...exquisite pleasure. But so powerful is her sight, so fragile the state of her mind, that the very emotions she yearns to embrace could be the end of her.

Changeling Vaughn D'Angelo can take either man or jaguar form, but it is his animal side that is overwhelmingly drawn to Faith. The jaguar's instinct is to claim this woman it finds so utterly fascinating and the man has no argument. But while Vaughn craves sensation and hungers to pleasure Faith in every way, desire is a danger that could snap the last threads of her sanity. And there are Psy who need Faith's sight for their own purposes. They must keep her silenced-and keep her from Vaughn...

REVIEW:

I don't know what difference, if any was, about the production of this audio verse the first book on audio but the narrator did a much better job with the male voices this time around; helping me enjoy the listen more.

While the narration was MUCH better this time, the story level was about the same in Visions of Heat as it was in Slave to Sensation. By that I mean, I enjoy the concept of the Psy-Changeling world but the main characters that have been introduced so far are just lacking something. There are some secondary characters I am more interested in, so I can’t wait to get to their respective books.

I liked the couple well enough but I wanted more. Faith was a little more damsel in need than Sasha was in the first book but that’s only be she lived a more sheltered life. The Psy keeps their F-Psy “locked” away from the rest of the world because they are more imbalanced mentally and emotionally. A high percentage of them go crazy by the time they hit their 50s. Also the F-Psy makes tons of money for the Psy world with their predictions so they are seen as property.

Vaughan is your average good guy, dark alpha that has a hard time letting people get too close to him. Yes, he is sexy but I’ve seen this character type too many times to be really impressed with him as a lead.

I don’t know if it’s truly that I’m not loving this series or if it’s just that I’m having a PNR burn out. I do plan to continue this series but I’m going to take a little break and come back and maybe have a fresh ear when I listen to the next audio.

 Visions of Heat is available at:

Amazon ׀ B&N ׀ Audible.com

I bought my copy at Audible.com

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PNR Audio Review: Slave to Sensation

Slave to Sensation

by Nalini Singh 

(Psy-Changeling #1)
Angela Dawe (Narrator)
Audiobook, Unabridged
Published April 28th 2011 by Tantor Audio
RATING:  ★★★
 

Nalini Singh dives into a world torn apart by a powerful race with phenomenal powers of the mind—and none of the heart. Born a Psy, Sascha Duncan must hide the emotions which mark her as flawed. But a passionate Changeling will tempt her to reveal everything—and risk her very soul.

REVIEW:

I’ve had this series on my TBR list for a long time. So when Audible.com was having a sale I grabbed books 1, 2 and 4, 5 (yes I don’t have 3 in audio but I have it in ebook). I really wish I had only used one of my credits on this series. I didn’t love the narrator. IMO she didn’t change her voice enough for the male characters and I found myself a little confused from time to time about who was speaking or thinking. But since I have the others I will continue to listen to them. But I can’t help but think I would have enjoyed reading Slave to Sensation more than I did listening to it.

While I didn’t love the narration of the book I did enjoy the story and the idea behind the world that Nalini Singh built. It felt like a mix between Lora Leigh’s Breeds Series and the Matrix.

Within the Psy-Changeling world you have three races; human, Changeling (weres/shifters) and the Psy. The Psy are engineered beings that have over the years learned to live without any emotions. They only live by what is logical. (Think Vulcans from Star Trek)

PsyNet made me think of the Matrix where people plugged into each other but as where a person that dies in the Matrix will die in real life; a Psy will die without being connected to the PsyNet. Their brain will not work without.

So when Sascha starts feeling emotions she is afraid that her shields in her mind that she has made over the years will break and the rest of the Psy will learn that she is “broken”. And because the Psy believe they cannot leave the Net, she knows that her days are numbered.

After Sascha is paired with a Lucas, the alpha of a Changeling Leopard pack, her emotions really start to take off. Lucas shows Sascha the ways of lust and passion. After she learns what it’s like enjoy the feel of Lucas’ touch she learns what it means to be pack and to get a different kind of touch through the other Changelings.

Over all the plot and characters were descent, I’m hoping that Slave to Sensation just fell into the first book in a series trap and that I will enjoy book two, Visions of Heat, more.

 Slave to Sensation is available at:

Amazon ׀ B&N ׀ Audible.com

I bought my copy at Audible.com

PNR Review: Blood of a Red Rose by Tish Thawer

 

Blood of a Red Rose

by Tish Thawer

(The Rose Trilogy #2)
Publication: May 8th 2012 by Amber Leaf Publishing
RATING:★★★★

Doubt blooms...
Someone bleeds...
Change is coming...time to take heed.

A paranormal romance that continues to surprise with a heroine that’s embracing her darker side, a vampire whose love starts to waver, and a vampire clan whose new Sire is filled with doubt.

 ~ ROSE ~

I'm Rose Reynolds. I’ve shared my secret and ruined lives. I’m no longer welcome in my childhood home. And, I’ve recently threatened to kill my best friend. I warned you - I'm not as innocent as everyone thinks…

 ~ CHRISTIAN ~

I'm Christian and I’m worried about Rose. She’s changed and I’m not sure that’s a good thing. She knows my secret and loves me still. This I know, because I’m starting to hear whispers wherever I go…

REVIEW:

Blood of a Red Rose takes place about 4 months after Scent of a White Rose. And again we see the story through multiple first person narratives. I've not read many authors that use this style of writing but it works when it's written well and Tish does a great job at keeping each characters' voice separate. Also the use of the multiple narratives gives the story a more "rounder" feel to it.

We join Rose after the events that took place SWR where she and Christian are in hiding after Rose killed someone in self defense. Rose has not seen or spoke to her father or friends in 4 months. Everyone is worried sick about her not knowing where she is and how she is doing.

Rose is keeping secrets from everyone in her life from her father about not telling him where she is to Christian and not telling him what she is. She is caught between a rock and hard place; wanting to have the happily ever after with the man she loves and knowing that they can never have it.

Christian feels Rose is unhappy and pulling away. He is desperate to get them back to their happy place but he doesn't know what to do, until he gets some help from an unlikely source.

Then there is Jeremy, Rose's father. He is living in his own world of secrets and heart ache. He misses Rose and feels a little guilty at having found happiness with his girlfriend so soon after his wife's death. But Jeremy soon finds out that not all is what it seems in his life.

Tish Thawer does another great job at putting a twist on the vampire story and builds on a great debut series. The war between vampires and demons is heating up and I can't wait to read the last book in the trilogy after the cliffhanger that Thawer leaves us with. Luckily I only have to wait to September to get the next installment, Death of a Black Rose.

 Blood of a Red Rose is available at:

Amazon | B&N

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