Review: Wicked Weekend by Gillian Archer

Wicked Weekend by: Gillian Archer 
Source: NetGalley
(Carina Press March 12, 2012)


Blurb:

Why did Lauren Vaughn introduce her sister to the man she herself was crazy about? Now Lauren is watching the happy couple at their combined bachelor/bachelorette party—while Lauren sits all alone at the bar. Until she spots a hot stranger with the telltale black handkerchief in his pocket: the signal for "seeks no-strings affair with sexy submissive." Lauren can't take her eyes off him. So when he comes over, she kicks her inner good girl to the curb and follows Jamie Forman to his room, where he makes her scream with pleasure all night long.
But Jamie is a complicated man. He can't handle how desperately he wants her in his bed—and his life. It's up to Lauren to teach him how to make all night last forever.

Review:
I really enjoyed this book. Really, really enjoyed it. Jamie, as the alpha dom, and Lauren, as the insecure submissive, worked the story from beginning to end. Even though it's short at 25,000 words, I don't feel like any part of story was left out. The sex scenes were exciting and it was an interesting look at what an introduction into the BDSM lifestyle would be like. This is the first book I've read by this author and I plan to read her other published books and keep an eye out for anything new she has. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a short, sexy, satisfying read.

Sexual Content: m/f


At A Glance:
1= Could not finish the book

2= A struggle to read to the finish

3=Meh. Average with all the elements I like in a book but nothing notable

4= I ended it with a smile on my face

5=Excellent. I want to read everything this author has ever written and when I
finish all the books on my wishlist I will reread it.

Challenges: 

Review: Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

Dearly, Departed by: Lia Habel
Source: NetGalley
(Del Rey 2011, 480 pages)

Blurb:

Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?
The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.
But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.
In Dearly, Departed, romance meets walking-dead thriller, spawning a madly imaginative novel of rip-roaring adventure, spine-tingling suspense, and macabre comedy that forever redefines the concept of undying love.

Review:
Dearly, Departed is the first zombie love story I have ever read and the best introduction into an interesting genre that I could have ever imagined. I requested this book to review because the stunning cover caught my eye and the blurb (above) snagged my interest. Though I am not a prolific reader of young adult books, I have read most of the popular publications (i.e. Harry Potter, Twilight, The Hunger Games), and I am glad I decided to read this one.
I love the world the author created. This is one of those books that while you read it you keep saying to yourself, "Wow, this would be great as a movie!" It would be interesting to see how this steampunk / zombie / dystopia society would look on 'the big screen.'
The main characters felt genuine and I feel like I was able to watch them grow and learn as the story progressed and the love story that blossomed during impossible circumstances made my heart ache while I followed their courageous decisions.
I highly recommend for anyone looking for a unique, imaginative, and tender story that will keep you up past your bed time.


At A Glance:
1= Could not finish the book

2= A struggle to read to the finish

3=Meh. Average with all the elements I like in a book but nothing notable

4= I ended it with a smile on my face

5=Excellent. I want to read everything this author has ever written and when I
finish all the books on my wishlist I will reread it.

Challenges: 

Review: Rush of Darkness by Rhyannon Byrd

Rush of Darkness by: Rhyannon Byrd
Source: NetGalley
(HQN Books 2011, 384 pages)

Blurb:

Raine Spenser is on the brink. Held prisoner because of her abilities, Raine—a powerful psychic as well as vampire—desperately needed a savior. But the last one she expected was the green-eyed soldier who'd once hunted her kind. Since her rescue, she's tried to forget Seth McConnell, unable to cope with the strange, simmering attraction that draws her to the compelling human.

But their goals—find the Kraven who held Raine captive and destroy him—are the same. The ever-growing web of danger surrounding them draws these two unlikely allies closer together, and anger slowly turns into an explosive passion they're finding harder and harder to deny….

Review:
This book is the seventh in the Primal Instinct Series but the first I've read by this author. I have to say that I really enjoyed the book. Though, the back story could have been developed a little more and fell flat without the excitement of the romance between Raine and Seth, their romance was more than enough to push through the plot and caused me a couple of late nights to read their story. The book holds its own in the series and I had no problem catching up with the back story. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a series to dive into and if you've never read anything by Rhyannon Byrd definitely give her books a try. I plan to add the rest of the series to my wish list and can't wait to dive in. 

Sexual Content: m/f


At A Glance:
1= Could not finish the book

2= A struggle to read to the finish

3=Meh. Average with all the elements I like in a book but nothing notable

4= I ended it with a smile on my face

5=Excellent. I want to read everything this author has ever written and when I
finish all the books on my wishlist I will reread it.

Challenges:

 

Review: Bond With Me by Anne Marsh

Bond With Me by: Anne Marsh
Source: NetGalley
(DP 2011, 320 pages)

Blurb:

They rule Moscow's seedy underworld, promising untold pleasure to the females who date to mate them. That promise—and Brends Duranov's own raw sexual power—has hopefuls mobbing the velvet rope outside his elite club G2's. But Mischka Baran has no intention of hooking up with one of the Fallen. Not even after Brends gives her an unforgettable taste of the sin and seduction he can deliver with those wicked lips.

Review:
This book gave me everything I enjoy reading in a paranormal romance novel. I enjoyed the creatures the author created and the romance between the Brends and Mischka was hot. Typical alpha male and typical submissive female leads put together with entertaining action and story line really hit the spot for me. I'll definitely be checking out the rest of the books by this author.

Sexual Content: m/f


At A Glance:
1= Could not finish the book

2= A struggle to read to the finish

3=Meh. Average with all the elements I like in a book but nothing notable

4= I ended it with a smile on my face

5=Excellent. I want to read everything this author has ever written and when I
finish all the books on my wishlist I will reread it.

Challenges: 

Review: A SEAL in Wolf's Clothing by Terry Spear

A SEAL in Wolf's Clothing by: Terry Spear
Source: NetGalley
(Sourcebooks Casablanca 2012, 352 pages)

Blurb:

With the ultimate alpha male hero-werewolf Finn Emerson, Navy SEAL-bestselling author Terry Spear ratchets up the heat in the new installment in her hugely popular paranormal romance series.
While her brother is away, Meara Greymere intends to play-she just has to find the right alpha male. But when old friend Finn Emerson arrives, she's horrified he'll tell her brother what she's been up to.
Finn Emerson is on the trail of a murderous gray werewolf and fears his friend's sister is in grave danger. He's just going to have to settle in and keep the sexy woman out of trouble.

Review:
This is book 9 in Terry Spear's Werewolf Romance series. BOOK NINE... I just realized how far in this series this title is and really... I have to say that I am impressed. I am impressed that the author was able to tell an enjoyable story about the attraction between the two characters while doing a great job of building the world the character's live in. I understood the plot, got a glimpse of the history, and even though I could tell there was more to the story than was being told in this book (hence it being a series) I didn't feel like I was missing anything big enough to ruin the read. Finn was great great as the alpha male and fun to read about and I love that Meara was a strong feminine match for him. I haven't read any other books by Terry Spear but I am definitely putting the first book on my wishlist. 

Sexual Content: m/f


At A Glance:
1= Could not finish the book

2= A struggle to read to the finish

3=Meh. Average with all the elements I like in a book but nothing notable

4= I ended it with a smile on my face

5=Excellent. I want to read everything this author has ever written and when I
finish all the books on my wishlist I will reread it.

Challenges: 

Deliver Me From Darkness by Tes Hilaire

Deliver Me From Darkness by: Tes Hilaire
Source: NetGalley
(Sourcebooks Casablanca 2012, 352 pages)

Blurb:

A STRANGER IN THE NIGHT...
He had once been a warrior of the Light, one of the revered Paladin. A protector. But now he lives in darkness, and the shadows are his sanctuary. Every day is a struggle to overcome the bloodlust. Especially the day Karissa shows up at his doorstep.
COMES KNOCKING ON THE DOOR
She is light and bright and everything beautiful—despite her scratches and torn clothes. Every creature of the night is after her. So is every male Paladin. Because Karissa is the last female of their kind. But she is his. He may not have a soul, but he can't deny his heart.

Review:
I finished this one in one night. I definitely recommend and I will be keeping an eye out for the next in the series. The story hit all the high notes for me and had all the elements of what I like in a paranormal romance. The love story was achingly sweet and I was able to connect with both characters and I am looking forward to finding out who will star in the next book.
I could see this becoming a favorite series and I am hungry for more.

Sexual Content: m/f


At A Glance:
1= Could not finish the book

2= A struggle to read to the finish

3=Meh. Average with all the elements I like in a book but nothing notable

4= I ended it with a smile on my face

5=Excellent. I want to read everything this author has ever written and when I
finish all the books on my wishlist I will reread it.

Challenges: 

Review: The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark

The Demon Lover by: Juliet Dark
Source: NetGalley
(Ballantine Books 2011, 448 pages)

Blurb:
Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of her having written the bestselling book The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she’s found herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.
But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: Her incubus is not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the demon, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this supernatural lover from her heart.
Review:
It has taken a while for me to write this review because I have a lot of mixed feelings about the book. When I picked the book I was under the mistaken impression that it was a young adult book. It seems that a lot of readers have had a similar impression. The cover was probably a bad choice since it really does not go along with the flavor of the book at all and gives the impression of an innocent story despite the title of the book. This book is more along the line of an urban fantasy / paranormal romance with some erotica thrown in. Some of the scenes are very sexually graphic but I think they balance out with the story eventually.
The world Juliet Dark was able to build was very imaginative. I liked how she wasn't afraid of letting her characters become scary or unlikable even if they seemed to be something else early on. One of the main problems I had with this book though was how Callie seemed to take all of the discoveries she made with such an amazingly calm attitude. Despite learning about a whole new world that she had seemingly wished for all her life with her obsession about Myths and fairy tales, she never showed any excitement or amazement or fear or any O-M-G-IS-THIS-REALLY-HAPPENING moments. She took it all in stride. As if to say, "Oh yeah. I knew that would happen.Can we move on now?"
The romance was sweet and my urge to throw my nook across the room when I finished the book was probably just a side effect of wanting to find out how their story ends and not necessarily a reflection on the book as a whole. Needless to say, I'll be keeping my eye out for the next in the series.  

Sexual Content: m/f


At A Glance:
1= Could not finish the book

2= A struggle to read to the finish

3=Meh. Average with all the elements I like in a book but nothing notable

4= I ended it with a smile on my face (kind of)

5=Excellent. I want to read everything this author has ever written and when I
finish all the books on my wishlist I will reread it.

Challenges: 

Review: Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs

Bone Crossed by: Patricia Briggs
 Source: Ebook - Library
 (Ace 2010, 304 pages)


Blurb:
Marsilia, the local vampire queen, has learned that Mercy crossed her by slaying a member of her clan. Now, she's out for blood. But since Mercy is protected from direct reprisal by the werewolf pack-and her relationship with its sexy Alpha-it's not Mercy's blood Marsilia is after...
Review:
I am really enjoying this series. Urban fantasy isn't my usual go-to genre but this has just enough romance to get the heart pumping. The action is, as always, fantastic and the story has remained consistent with the rules that govern the world Patricia Briggs has created. A great read but if you start the series I definitely recommend starting at the beginning with Moon Called.


At A Glance:
1= Could not finish the book

2= A struggle to read to the finish

3=Meh. Average with all the elements I like in a book but nothing notable

4= I ended it with a smile on my face

5=Excellent. I want to read everything this author has ever written and when I
finish all the books on my wishlist I will reread it.

Challenges: 

Review: Sins of the Highlander by Connie Mason

Sins of the Highlander by: Connie Mason
 Source: NetGalley
 (Sourcebooks Casablanca 2012 ,352 pages)



Blurb:
ABDUCTION
Never had Elspeth Stewart imagined her wedding would be interrupted by a dark-haired stranger charging in on a black stallion, scooping her into his arms, and carrying her off across the wild Scottish highlands. Pressed against his hard chest and nestled between his strong thighs, she ought to have feared for her life. But her captor silenced all protests with a soul-searing kiss, giving Elspeth a glimpse of the pain behind his passion—a pain only she could ease.
OBSESSION
"Mad Rob" MacLaren thought stealing his rival's bride-to-be was the perfect revenge. But Rob never reckoned that this beautiful, innocent lass would awaken the part of him he thought dead and buried with his wife. Against all reason, he longed to introduce the luscious Elspeth to the pleasures of the flesh, to make her his, and only his, forever.
With two clans against them burning for battle, they must find a way to join together—body, breath, and soul. Or both will be made to pay for the...
SINS OF THE HIGHLANDER

Review:
I really enjoyed this book. It had a bit of everything I enjoy in a romance novel. A little bit of the paranormal, a little bit of the helpless female, a little bit of the alpha male who needs a woman to help him heal. Yes, it's been done before. It's nothing new. But when it's done well, oh boy! It becomes one of those stories that lurks in the back of your mind and reminds you of that gushy feeling you get when you finish a good romance. Definitely worth the read.
   
Sexual Content: m/f


At A Glance:
1= Could not finish the book

2= A struggle to read to the finish

3=Meh. Average with all the elements I like in a book but nothing notable

4= I ended it with a smile on my face

5=Excellent. I want to read everything this author has ever written and when I
finish all the books on my wishlist I will reread it.

Challenges: 

Review: Her Dark Knight by Sharon Cullen

Her Dark Knight by: Sharon Cullen
Cost: Galley from Carina Press
(Carina Press, 11/28/11, 84,000 words)


Blurb:

Madelaine Alexander is on a mission. When her boss sends her to the hottest nightclub in town to meet with the owner, she won't be deterred, even if that means standing in line for fifty-eight minutes in torturous heels while she'd rather be home in her pj's with a bowl of popcorn.

A Knight of the Templar, Christien Chevalier was given immortality along with the responsibility of protecting the treasure of the Templars. He's been unwavering in his task for centuries until his one true love-who died seven hundred years ago-shows up in his club, demanding his attention.

Christien couldn't protect Madelaine when they first fell in love. She was married to a lord and he was simply a knight. Now, through some unknown miracle, she stands before him again and they have a second chance. But Christien fears that Madelaine is being used as a pawn in a dangerous game, a game of good versus evil that could affect all of mankind...

Review:
I am so glad I was able to get this book to review. I really enjoyed it and thought the way the author told the story was very interesting. The story of Christien's first love from seven hundred years ago was blended together with the discovery of his new love after living without for centuries. Both love stories are intense and my heart ached for what Christien and Madelaine had to go through in all the years they suffered. The book goes back and forth between both stories with flashbacks and dreams and it feels like you are alternating between two stories. One a historical romance and the other a mystery / paranormal romance. Reading this book was like being able to enjoy both genres.
   
Sexual Content: m/f


At A Glance:
1= Could not finish the book

2= A struggle to read to the finish

3=Meh. Average with all the elements I like in a book but nothing notable

4= I ended it with a smile on my face

5=Excellent. I want to read everything this author has ever written and when I
finish all the books on my wishlist I will reread it.

Review: No Holds Barred by Callie Croix

No Holds Barred by: Callie Croix
Cost: Galley from Carina Press
(Carina Press, 2011, 17,000 words)


Blurb:

During a playful talk about fantasies, Caitlin’s fiancé offers to give her a threesome—with his best friend, Liam, who’s coming to spend the weekend. At first Cait is shocked that Nathan could entertain the thought of sharing her with another man, but once he’s planted the idea her imagination runs wild, leaving her deeply aroused—yet still unsure about what the implications could be for her and Nate’s relationship.

Nathan’s watched Cait struggle to hide her attraction to Liam for years. He knows she’s nervous, but he also knows that by making her most intimate fantasies come true he can bring her to heights of pleasure she’s only imagined, and strengthen their bond. There’s only one way to help her overcome her inhibitions—by planning a night of ecstasy she’ll never forget…

Review:
This short novella was a refreshingly honest and delightfully erotic story about Nathan and Callie's first time inviting another to join them in some bedroom play. Though they never technically made it to the bedroom. Cait is apprehensive when Nathan mentions inviting their mutual friend, Liam, to join them, but Nathan knows how much she would enjoy the experience and is able to ease her into the situation.
I like how the author wasn't afraid to show the reasons why Callie would feel apprehensive about this situation. A lot of times I feel like most authors gloss over the details (especially with short stories) that would have to be dealt with in real life. Callie Croix did a wonderful job of being realistic while still keeping it sexy. If you like dominant, alpha males with some menage mixed in then you'll enjoy this.


Sexual Content: m/f/m


At A Glance:
1= Could not finish the book

2= A struggle to read to the finish

3=Meh. Average with all the elements I like in a book but nothing notable

4= I ended it with a smile on my face

5=Excellent. I want to read everything this author has ever written and when I
finish all the books on my wishlist I will reread it.

Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by: Suzanne Collins
(Scholastic Press 2010, 384 pg)
Cost: Free, ebookfling.com


Blurb:

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

Review:
It took me a while to get around to reading this book but I really wanted to get it done before the movie comes out along with all the spoilers on the story line. 
I enjoyed the book. It was great. Of course I was expecting that after practically everyone I know asking me if I have read it yet and suffering through their shocked exclamations after they found out I hadn't. The general public reads one book and suddenly they become book snobs. (I kid, I kid)
As young adult books go, this one hit all the right spots. It was charming in its innocence, with a dash of rebellion on the side. A budding romance keeps the reader wondering and the action scenes were exciting but not too graphic. The story reminds me of a book I read a long, long time ago by Stephen King's alter ego, Richard Bachman, called The Long Walk. The two books have a very similar theme, though I read The Long Walk at an impressionable age which probably accounts for why I'm not as impressed with Suzanne Collins book. It seems The Hunger Games is making quite an impression for a younger generation today based on the popularity of the book. Whatever gets kids reading I applaud.
I'll eventually get around to reading the other two books in the series. Eventually. But at least for now I can scratch that title off my 'read-it-because-everyone-else-has' list and move on.


At A Glance:
1= Could not finish the book
2= A struggle to read to the finish
3=Meh. Average with all the elements I like in a book but nothing notable
4= I ended it with a smile on my face
5=Excellent. I want to read everything this author has ever written and when I finish all the books on my wishlist I will reread it.