Review: Obsession by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Published May 31st, 2013
Entangled Publishing
370 pages (eBook)

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He’s arrogant, domineering, and... To. Die. For.

Hunter is a ruthless killer. And the Department of Defense has him firmly in their grasp, which usually doesn’t chafe too badly because he gets to kill bad guys. Most of the time he enjoys his job. That is, until he’s saddled with something he’s never had to do before: protect a human from his mortal enemy.

Serena Cross didn’t believe her best friend when she claimed to have seen the son of a powerful senator turn into something... unnatural. Who would? But then she witnesses her friend’s murder at the hands of what can only be an alien, thrusting her into a world that will kill to protect their secret.  Hunter stirs Serena’s temper and her lust despite their differences. Soon he’s doing the unthinkable—breaking the rules he’s lived by, going against the government to keep Serena safe. But are the aliens and the government the biggest threats to Serena’s life… or is it Hunter? (From Goodreads)

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Hunter wears leather pants.  That is all.

This series continues on the world built in JLA's Lux novels.  It's a world I love, and Obsession gives us a fresh perspective.  I was a little leery, but it was actually interesting to see the world from the side of the Arum.  If you're already a fan of the Lux series though, a lot of this book is just refresher.  Since this is NOT a Lux novel, much of that world is explained again for new readers.

These are my type of characters.  Snarky with some serious attitude.  I didn't love Serena, but I liked her enough to enjoy her narration.  I loved Hunter, and I loved the banter between the two.  The both obnoxiously stubborn, and that really drives their relationship.  I kind of felt insta-love-y, but could have been a lot worse.  There wasn't a lot in the way of secondary characters involved here.  Most end up dead or only involved for a brief period.

I enjoyed Obsession and thought that it was a great addition to the Lux/Arum tale.  Remember, this is an ADULT title.  If you're into that, I recommend giving this book a read. 

Review: Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian

Published February 26th, 2013
Delacorte Press
273 pages (Hardcover)

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Twenty years after the terror of First Dawn—when mankind learned that vampires lived secretly among them—the threat of violence reigns as the two species struggle to coexist. The only group preserving the fragile harmony is the Order, an elite cadre of Breed warriors dedicated to protecting humans and vampires alike. And in this precarious world of torn loyalties and shattered trust, Mira, a fiery squad captain, finds that every fight bears an intensely personal cost. 
 
Raised among the Order, Mira has always believed in the warrior’s code of swift—and even lethal—justice. But the one thing she desires more than the Order’s hard-won acceptance is Kellan Archer, a sexy but troubled Breed fighter. In love with him since childhood, Mira once broke through his tough exterior during an unexpected night of rapture, but the next day he mysteriously disappeared, never to return.
 Kellan didn’t think he would ever see Mira again—or have to confront the truth of why he left. After abandoning the Order years ago, he now leads a band of human rebels intent on carrying out their own vigilante rule of law. Yet a high-profile kidnapping assignment brings him face-to-face with the past he sought to avoid, and the striking woman he has tried desperately to forget. And as tensions mount and the risk of bloodshed grows, Kellan and Mira must take sides—between the competing missions that dominate their lives, and the electrifying passion that claims their hearts. (From Goodreads)

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Edge of Dawn is book 11 in the Midnight Breed series, but is a fresh start of sorts, beginning the stories of the original set of character's children.  This book follows Kellan and Mira, two characters we have been previously introduced to, now all grown up!

This book is setting the scene for the next several books in the series, to the point that it felt as if it could have been the first in a series.  The re-establishement of the world, which has changed a lot since we left off, left me a little disappointed.  The world-building is balanced nicely with tons of action and a decent bit of sexy-time.

I had a difficult time keeping track of all the characters.  This book features a lot of names.  Half of them are from previous books.  The remainder are there children, plus new warriors.  This makes for a lot of names, and while some are only briefly mentioned, they are likely to come up again and I feel like I should have made a reference guide or something.

Mira is already well known in the series, and I don't think anyone would be surprised that she grew up into a little bit of a badass.  Kellan was also in previous books.  However, I found myself more interested in Nathan, a former hunter from the Hunter's story, and Dare, Lucan's son.  I hope their story's will be coming up soon.

If you're interested in giving an adult paranormal series a try, this is one that I fully recommend.  My tip is to start back at book one, Kiss of Midnight, or here with Edge of Dawn.  Overall, I really enjoy this series and can't wait to see where it goes next.

Book Review: Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

Published March 26th, 2013
NAL Hardcover
591 pages (Hardcover)

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one. (From Goodreads)

My love for the Black Dagger Brotherhood novels is no secret.  They have found their way onto almost every top ten list ever.  When I found out book 11 was going to finally be about Blay and Qhuinn, I was pumped.

I hate to have to admit how disappointed I was with this book.

I know that Ward was trying to set up for the next few books, but Lover At Last felt like it was lacking in pretty much everything.

I want to make it clear that my opinion has nothing to do with the fact that this romance involves two males.  I'm all for it, and had been anxiously awaiting this story.  There has been so much build up to this story, and I don't think that hype helped at all.

The book lacked action, which is what the series is built on.  It somehow tried to follow more of a dramatic path, but stumbled a lot.  There were also way too many plot lines going on.  You've got Blay and Qhuinn's story, plus everthing going on with Qhuinn and Layla.  Then add a new plot involving the shadow Trez (which left a lot of questions, and I would suspect a future book).  Plus Assail is still around, now with his very own stalker/assassin.  And don't forget Xcor and the Band of Bastards.  There was just too much happening, but nothing happening at the same time, if that makes sense.

While Lover At Last didn't meet my expectations, I still love this series and will still recommend it to everyone.  It's clear Ward has some good stuff planned for the future, and you know I will be devouring it.

Much love, Samantha
PS. It was announced that book 12, The King, would be another book about Wrath and Beth.  I could not be happier about this.  Expected publication is March 25th, 2014.

"Waiting On" Lover At Last

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating!

This week I am excited for...

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one. (From Goodreads)

I know this isn't YA, but you all need to read the Black Dagger Brotherhood novels.  These novels are HOT.  As in OMG-so-much-testosterone-and-knives-and-leather HOT!  J.R. Ward has been building up to this book forever, and I am so excited for it.    If you start now, you can be ready for Lover at Last when it gets released on March 26th, 2013!

Much love, Samantha
PS. Vishous will forever be my favourite.

Book Review: Entwined by Elisabeth Naughton

Published July 27th, 2010

Love Spell

322 pages (Mass Market Paperback)

Forces of daemons are gathering and have broken through the barriers of the Underworld. Now more than ever the Eternal Guardians are needed to protect both their own realm and the human world. Zander can't afford to think about what might have been with the bewitching physician he once regarded as his soul mate. But with eternity stretching out before him, he also can't fathom spending his life without the one woman who makes him feel most alive. Perhaps he's found his weakness, after all . . . (From Goodreads)

 ***Warning: This is an adult novel, and does contain adult and sexual content.

What stood out to me from the start with Entwined was the romance.  It may have been predictable, but was a change from the classic boy-meets-girl, insta-love story.

Zander and Callia were in love far before the beginning of the story, but thanks to a series of white lies and misleadings, went their seperate ways.  The novel begins 10 years later, and follows the not so ideal circumstances that bring them back together.

Ultimately, the story is kind of predictable, which makes the several chapters after the climax of the story difficult to push through.  They dragged out their "I love you"'s for what felt like an eternity.

While I didn't enjoy Entwined as much as Marked (read my review here), I plan to continue on with the series.  I'm still hoping for Orpheus' or Demetrius' story.

Much love, Samantha

Book Review: Seduced by Blood by Laurie London

Published July 24th, 2012
Harlequin HQN
379 pages (Mass Market Paperback)

Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, the battle for supremacy rages on between two vampire coalitions:Guardian enforcers sworn to protect humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors…

Hot-blooded and hard-edged, Tristan Santiago has an uncanny ability to see beneath the surface—a skill that serves him well as the Guardians' region commander. But when a deadly plot against his fellow vampires is uncovered, he must turn to the one woman he can't read: the beautiful yet mysterious Roxanne Reynolds, whose sensual presence soothes his tormented memories.

Roxy had put love before duty once before, with devastating results. But to root out a dangerous traitor in their midst, she must put her faith in Santiago, the one man skilled enough to break through her defenses. Posing as lovers, Santiago and Roxy work side by side—and discover a powerful craving that threatens to consume them both…. (From Goodreads)

First off, hot cover alert!!!

I'm a huge fan of this series, but will admit that I wasn't excited for Santiago's story.  I must not have been thinking straight.  The impression we get of him, throughout the first three books, didn't exactly leave me craving his story.

I found myself relating to Santiago more than I'd like to admit.  His ability to torture himself over things that are not his fault sounds oddly familiar.  Even if this weren't the case, Laurie London writes awesome characters that suck you into the story.

The plot of this almost felt a little like a cliche romance novel.  Roxy and Santiago are forced to work together, refuse to admit they're in love because they've both been hurt, but eventually succumb to their feelings.  Frankly, I don't care.  It's my opinion that Laurie London writes a strong enough character to make a cliche plot work well.

The setting helps too.  Some people like the beach, I like tranquil forests.  The series is set along the pacific coast, through Washington state and British Columbia.  The mystery and tranquility of this setting suits these vampires well.  Laurie London also did something unique with this series, and worked this setting, and the lack of UV rays that reach us, here in the Great White North, into how these vampires function and survive.  I just thought that was a great touch.

If you're new to the world of adult paranormal romance, I completely recommend the Sweetblood series.  Her take on vampires isn't overly complex, her characters are hot, and her books are awesome.

Much love, Samantha

Book Review: Marked by Elisabeth Naughton

April 23rd, 2010
Love Spell
321 pages (Mass Market Paperback)

THERON—Dark haired, duty bound and deceptively deadly. He’s the leader of the Argonauts, an elite group of guardians that defends the immortal realm from threats of the Underworld.

From the moment he walked into the club, Casey knew this guy was different. Men like that just didn’t exist in real life—silky shoulder-length hair, chest impossibly broad, and a predatory manner that just screamed dark and dangerous. He was looking for something. Her.

She was the one. She had the mark. Casey had to die so his kind could live, and it was Theron’s duty to bring her in. But even as a 200-year-old descendent of Hercules, he wasn’t strong enough to resist the pull in her fathomless eyes, to tear himself away from the heat of her body.

As war with the Underworld nears, someone will have to make the ultimate sacrifice. (From Goodreads)

Woah.  Did I like this book?  Yes.  Yes, I did.

The plot of this book was well done.  It was complex enough to keep you guessing, but not so much so that it made your brain hurt.  Greek mythology is something I know very little about, so I have no idea how accurate parts of this book were, but, frankly, I don't care.  This worked perfectly for me.

The writing reminded me of J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood books, and Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed series.  If you've been following me for a while, you may know I adore those books.

And can you say SEXUAL TENSION?!?!  The relationship between Casey and Theron was very well written.  This was most definitely an adult read.  So I'm just gonna throw a couple (not really) teasers in here...

"She just chose to omit the fact that fact that the idea of sex with him scared the crap out of her."

"You know what they say about Canadian men.  Everything's bigger up north."

I was really intrigued by Orpheus.  He only makes a breif appearance in this book, but I hope he gets his own book.

'Cause you know I will be reading the next three that have been released.

Much love, Samantha  

Book Review: Atlantis Awakening by Alyssa Day

Published November 6th, 2007
Berkley
284 pages (Mass Market Paperback)

To rescue the world from an overwhelming evil, Poseidon's warriors have risen from Atlantis. Chief among them is Ven, serving as the King's Vengeance by birthright and by battle challenge. None can conquer him-except perhaps for one human female.  (From GoodReads)

This is the 2nd book in the Warriors of Poseidon series.  I read the first book way back last summer.  I don't know why I never went on to read any more until now.

This was a good book overall.  Although I didn't quite understand the whole gem singer thing.  Does she just wear a million rings?  I don't get it.

I wasn't fond of the ending.  It took forever to build up to it, and kind of dragged on, then all of a sudden, the book is done.  It just seemed to take forever developing, and wrap up really quickly.

Atlantis Awakening had some good one liners though!  Ven and Erin were equally sarcastic and snarky.

"I'm secure enough in my manhood to drink froufrou coffee drinks."

"To use a term you warrior types might understand, I'm the one with the giant sword getting ready to try and fit in my sheath."

Hehe, yeah...

Much love, Samantha 

Book Review: Crave by J.R. Ward

Published October 5th, 2010 by Signet
454 pages (Mass Market Paperback)

Seven deadly sins. Seven souls that must be saved. One more no-holds- barred battle between a fallen angel with a hardened heart and a demon with everything to lose. 

Isaac Rothe is a black ops soldier with a dark past and a grim future. The target of an assassin, he finds himself behind bars, his fate in the hands of his gorgeous public defender Grier Childe. His hot attraction to her can only lead to trouble-and that's before Jim Heron tells him his soul is in danger. Caught up in a wicked game with the demon who shadows Jim, Isaac must decide whether the soldier in him can believe that true love is the ultimate weapon against evil. (From GoodReads)

This is the sequel to Covet, which you can see my review of here.  I trusted my Mom, and took a chance on the second book.  Let's not tell her, but she was right.

Crave is much more like the J.R. Ward I adore.  I think that, since the storyline was set up from Covet, it was much easier to get into and enjoy.  The book remains focused on Jim, making the actual romance almost secondary.  And Isaac and Grier were so much more interesting of a pair.  This may or may not have to do with Isaac being involved with an elite secret military group (I have a weakness...).

That being said, the middle of the book got really friggin' slow and I got a little bored.  The ending had a couple of good twists, but it felt like forever getting there.  

I have a copy of the next book in the series sitting beside me, but I'd be lying if I said I was in a rush to pick it up.  Sorry.

Much love, Samantha

Book Review: When Blood Calls by J.K. Beck

Publication Date: August 31st, 2010
Published By: Bantam
388 pages (Mass Market Paperback)

Attorney Sara Constantine is thrilled with her promotion—until she finds out that she must now prosecute vampires and werewolves. The first defendant she’ll be trying to put away? Lucius Dragos, the sexy stranger with whom she recently shared an explosive night of ecstasy.

When Lucius kisses a beautiful woman sitting next to him at the bar, he’s hoping only to avoid the perceptive gaze of the man he’s planning to kill. But what starts as a simple kiss ignites into an all-consuming passion. Charged with murder, Luke knows that Sara is determined to see him locked away—unless he can convince her that he’s not a monster. And that might mean making the ultimate sacrifice.  (From GoodReads)

 I can sum this book up in one word:  Meh.

That's really all there is to say.  I just don't understand how a book that mixes the paranormal with a legal drama could be so dull.  Even the sex was boring!  Seriously, I'm actually struggling to find words right now to express my disappointment.

It wasn't all bad.  The character of Ryan Doyle was actually pretty entertaining.  If the whole book had been about him, you'd have had me sold.  And Tasha had this Dru a la Buffy the Vampire Slayer feel going on that I liked.  Waiting for those two to pop in and out of the story is likely what kept me going.

Overall, I was disappointed.  Sorry, but that's about it.  I will not be continuing on in the series.

Much love, Samantha