Review: After the Storm by Maya Banks

Publish Date: January 7, 2014
Mass Market Paperback {p.392}
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: KGI #8
Source: Personal Library
Eve, Donovan Kelly

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.

Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.

Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t…

Over the years, Donovan Kelly has fought relentlessly for justice, women and children always holding a special place in his heart. Working side by side with his brothers, Donovan has witnessed firsthand the toll it’s taken—physically, mentally, and emotionally—on his loved ones, and the innocent lives caught in the crossfire. What he never expects is for his next mission to happen right on his home turf—or for it to take a very personal turn.

Picturesque Kentucky Lake is the perfect place for a soul in search of safe harbor. A beautiful stranger has arrived—desperate, breathless, and on the run from a dark past closing in on her and the younger siblings she has vowed to protect. Donovan must now draw on every resource at his disposal—if he wants to save a woman and the children who may prove to be his destiny.

This installment of KGI featured an insta-love relationship. At least on the part of Donovan, the male lead. Only in a Maya Banks novel do you find it's the man that's head over heels upon first sight, and already planning the wedding.

KGI is an elite group that go out on missions and pretty much save the day. This installment of the series I think is the first one in which there is no mission. Yes, at the very end they had to go recover Eve, but they didn't really. Someone else did it for them and KGI pretty much just followed that person. Not really sure if you should call this romantic suspense since there was very little suspense.

Not only did Donovan fall for her and believe every word from her, but so did his family. No questions asked of Eve. No one thought to check and see if her story truly checked out or anything. Donovan's constant declaration that Eve, Cammie and Travis were "his" was over the top. That read more like a shape-shifter paranormal read than that of a contemporary setting.

I liked Donovan and I liked Eve and her family. I just would have preferred that the relationship between all of them developed over time instead of upon their first couple of interactions.

Review: Bared to You by Sylvia Day

Publish Date: June 12, 2012
Trade Paperback {p.334}
Genre: Erotica
Series: Bared to You #1
Source: Personal Library
Eva Trammell, Gideon Cross

Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness… He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I’d never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily… Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other’s most private wounds…and desires. The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart...

I was so excited to read this series because I heard such great things about it. If this first installment is any indication, I hope it gets better from here.

Eva's constant running away from situations become entirely too much. Yes, she acknowledged that she did run when situations became to much instead of dealing with them, but she did nothing to try and correct it. And that simple fact is why I quickly became bored with the whole story.

Both Eva and Gideon had messed up childhoods. We find out Eva's story early on in their relationship, but Gideon never truly shared the extent of his. We received glimpses of what may have happened and were left to draw our own conclusions.

They were both extremely jealous people who didn't have much going on with each other outside of sex. I never really warmed to Eva, her whole wishy-washy personality made it very difficult. Gideon was okay, I found that I kept reading hoping that the mystery of him would be uncovered.

Most likely I will be continuing on with the series because I already bought all three books before reading the first one. Although I won't be in a major hurry to do so.

Review: Drawn Together by Lauren Dane

Publish Date: October 1, 2013
Trade Paperback {p.290}
Genre: Erotica
Series: Brown Siblings #6
Source: Personal Library
Raven Smith, Jonah Warner

Beauty is more than skin-deep…

Tattoo artist Raven Smith is blunt and hard, broken and jaded, dark and beautiful. While she doesn’t hide her painful past, she does keep a wall around her heart. She’s free sexually—but no one gets to the real Raven beneath the prickly exterior.

With a voice like smoke, Jonah Warner is a smooth-talking, highly successful attorney, with a body that should never be hidden by a suit. He’s the kind of man who never takes no for an answer and always gets what he wants. And what he wants is Raven. She’s a survivor, and he finds that incredibly alluring.

Jonah gets under her skin in a way Raven has never experienced. He makes her break all her rules—including her no-monogamy rule.

But when a figure from Raven’s past shows up at the tattoo parlor and drops a bomb into her life, their relationship will face the ultimate challenge…

I really enjoyed this book; especially meeting all the Warner brothers. I hope they eventually get their own books, mainly Malachi. Unfortunately according to Ms. Dane's website that won't be happening, at least not anytime soon if at all.

Anyway, moving on... Raven didn't seem as bad as everyone made her out to be in the previous books. Jonah on the other hand, I never really figured out. He was likeable enough, more than likeable, but I didn't see him as the type to get a full back tattoo. I just seen him as the straight-laced lawyer type who was a little kinky in the bedroom. Plus, I didn't remember him as being that old. (Old enough to have a child heading to college.)

What I truly loved about Raven in this book is her interaction with all the Brown children and definitely her interaction with Jonah's daughter Carrie.

Raven and Jonah did seem to fall in love rather quickly and never seemed to have any kind of arguments or disagreements. That took away from the believability of the overall story. Who gets along all the time with no disagreements whatsoever? Jonah was just a bit too perfect, and not at all who I would have seen pick someone like Raven. But the two of them seem to make it work. With all the Brown siblings finished now, and no Warner siblings books on the horizon, I wonder if we'll ever see what becomes of them. I'd like to know if they have kids of their own, because Raven seems to be great with kids so it would be nice if she had some of her own.

The secondary characters were great  and at times more interesting than the lead two. From reading this one, I think I enjoyed the Warner family more than the Browns or the ladies of Delicious series. Even Jonah's grandmother was enjoyable to read. The only bad thing I can think of about this book is that it left me wanting more of these people, but this is the last installment so there is no more.

Review: Forged in Steele by Maya Banks

Publish Date: June 25, 2013
Mass Market Paperback {p. 372}
Genre: Suspense
Series: KGI #7
Source: Personal Library
Maren Scofield, Jackson Steele

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business. Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background. Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t…

Steele, a KGI team leader, is an enigma not even his team mates understand. His emotions are tightly locked down and nothing can break that icy exterior. Nothing except Maren Scofield, a doctor on a mission, a woman who has gotten under Steele’s skin and threatens to crack that unflappable cool he’s legendary for.

Steele is determined not to allow Maren past his carefully guarded defenses, but when she’s in danger, there’s no way he’ll allow anyone else to protect her. She’s hiding something. He’s sure of it. But he isn’t prepared for the shocking discovery her secrets reveal. Or how they will forever alter the course of his destiny. He has a decision to make. Hold tight and shut her out. Or take a chance on something more powerful than he’s ever faced. Love.

First off, I truly enjoyed Steele and Maren's story, although it had a rather sudden beginning. But what I truly enjoyed was Hancock; he totally stole the show. I truly hope Maya decides to give Hancock his own book.

Maren and Steele got off to a rather abrupt start. While on a medical layover from one of their missions, he propositions Maren and she agrees. Cue the start of a beautiful relationship. I liked them both even with their sudden "in love" storyline. With the suddenness of their love, that clears the way of there being any of that back and forth in love out love that some storylines follow. I guess my only request would have been that Maren knew Steele's name before she fell in love with him. True, people sleep together all the time without know each others name, but I would have thought you would know it before you were in love.

I rarely saw the "iceman" Steele that causes everyone to quake in his presence. This Steele was a big teddy bear, and I loved it. But don't let that fool you, Steele still continued to be a badass when it counted. There was still plenty of action to keep the storyline moving along; from the rescue of a spoiled socialite-esque to plan crashes. With the whole Kelly crew on deck there was never a dull moment.

Review: Baby It's Cold Outside by Addison Fox



Publish Date: November 1, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p. 365}
Genre: Contemporary
Source: Personal Library
Sloan McKinley, Walker Montgomery

After a frantic call, Sloan McKinley travels to the heart of the Alaskan wilderness to be there for her best friend, who's just inherited property in the small town of Indigo. The last thing she expects is to be lured by the town's matriarchs into their annual contest to get their grandsons married off.

But Sloan can't deny the appeal of the rugged local men-Walker Montgomery in particular. Soon she finds herself falling in love with the wild outdoors...and with one of Indigo's most beloved residents. There's just one question that remains: is the town's most confirmed bachelor ready to get caught?

I was enthralled with this book and it's characters from page one. The is the first book I've read from this author (upon seeing this YouTube video) and I've already purchased book two and pre-ordered book three in this series.

Of the ladies in Indigo, Alaska, I have to say Sloan, Avery, Amanda and Jessica were my favorites. Although Grier is Sloan's best friend and the reason she came to Alaska, I didn't really like her at times. I just couldn't figure what her problem was.

Walker, Mick and Jack were great men as well, but they took a backseat to the women in this book, or at least that's the way it felt to me. What I truly loved was how the author made the town come alive on the pages. The vivid picture she painted of Alaska made me want to visit, and I hate the cold.

Walker had his butthole moments, but nothing that would make him unredeemable to me. Although he did act like a complete jerk the night of the bachelor auction. Of course in the end Walker and Sloan manage to get their acts together, and the author sets up the next couple of books in this one as well. But aside from the leads of the next two novels, I'm most interested in seeing what becomes of Jessica and her love interest. And if anything comes of Dr. Cloud and his.

Review: The Submissive by Tara Sue Me



Publish Date: February 7, 2013
Kindle {p. 304}
Genre: BDSM, Erotica
Source: NetGalley
Abby King, Nathaniel West

Abby King has a secret fantasy.

New York knows Nathaniel West as the brilliant and handsome CEO of West Industries, but Abby knows he’s more: a sexy and skilled dominant who is looking for a new submissive. Yearning to experience a world of pleasure beyond her simple life as a librarian, Abby offers herself to Nathaniel, to fulfill her most hidden desires.

After only one weekend with the Master, Abby knows she needs more, and fully submits to Nathaniel’s terms. But despite the pleasure he takes in Abby’s willing spirit, the Nathaniel hidden behind the rules remains cold and distant.

As Abby falls deeper into his tantalizing world of power and passion, she fears that Nathaniel’s heart may be beyond her reach—and that her own might be beyond saving…

To me The Submissive is a better written version of 50 Shades. People rave about that book, I however never finished it because the writing was just that bad. So I like to think this was what E.L. was trying to get across to her readers.

Abigail wanted to be submissive, but only to Nathaniel. To me their relationship was a bit cold and clinical, but that could just be the way D/s relationships are. He showed her no affection or warmth but he was always saying how it was his responsibility to take care of her. To me that would entail her emotional care as well.

He does come around in the end so that helped. Even though he was cold and detached, I never disliked him. I never felt that that he humiliated her any way. They had some very hot times, as well as some times that I wouldn't go for, but to each their own.

As far as the secondary characters go, I didn't care for Abby's BFF Felicia. she seemed very annoying. Scenes with her I tended to want to skip over them. But other than that, I enjoyed the read once I removed myself from the characters and just read it like I was on the outside watching instead of being a part of the characters living it.

Review: Rush by Maya Banks

Publish Date: February 5, 2013
Kindle {p. 396}
Genre: Erotica, BDSM
Series: Breathless #1
Source: Personal Library
Mia Crestwell, Gabe Hamilton

Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking...

When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.

Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.

As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.

The book took a while for me to warm up to, mostly because I don't really care for the whole domination to the point of humilation. I got that type of feel from the way Gabe behaved at times. He did some really crappy things that made me dislike him.

Mia chose to go along with it, so I can't fault Gabe entirely. I didn't feel there was a true love connection between Gabe and Mia. More like a crush on Mia's part and ownership on Gabe's. Some of the things he had her doing made me wonder how he could truly love her and treat her that way.

Review: Whispers in the Dark by Maya Bank

Publish Date: January 7, 2012
Mass Market Paperback {p.333}
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: KGI #4
Source: Personal Library
Shea Peterson, Nathan Kelly

She came to him when he needed her the most.

She came to him at his lowest point. The voice of an angel, a whisper in the dark. She's the only thing that gets Nathan Kelly through his captivity, the endless days of torture and the fear that he'll never return to his family. With her help, he's able to escape. But he isn't truly free, because now she's disappeared and he's left with an all-consuming emptiness as he struggles to pick up the pieces of his life. Did he imagine his angel? Or is she out there, needing his help as he'd once needed hers?

Now he rushes to save her before it's too late.

Shea has been on the run from people who will stop at nothing to exploit her unique abilities. She never wanted to drag Nathan, who'd already suffered so much, into danger, but she doesn't have a choice so she reaches out to him for help. Finally face-to-face after having already formed a soul-deep bond in hell, their emotional connection is even more powerful than their telepathic one. Nathan refuses to consider ever letting her go again, but she worries they can never have a life free of the dangers that dog her every step. He'll protect her with his every breath, but can he convince her that they are meant to face these threats together?

This one was different for the KG I series. I wasn't expecting the paranormal aspect of this, since none of the previous ones had that aspect. Okay with it, although a bit skeptical. I liked the characters but they want my favorites. Some of the dialogue tended to get on my nerves a bit.

Nathan's military buddy, Swanny, is a bit of a mystery to me. I still don't know exactly how he fits in. I was glad however to see that Rusty seem to have matured a lot. As for Nathan, I don’t really think I got to know him as a person outside of him and Shea. I don't recall him being a strong presence in the previous installments, and then in this one he seemed a shell of himself during that in between time before he connected Shea.

Review: Delicious by Shayla Black

Publish Date: March 2, 2010
Trade Paperback {p.368}
Genre: Erotica, Contemporary
Series: Wicked Lovers #3
Source: Personal Library
Alyssa Devereaux, Luke Traverson

He can’t control his desire.

Luc Traverson’s entire future is planned out—but there is one very sexy obstacle in his path: Alyssa Devereaux . She’s a former exotic dancer turned strip club owner and restaurateur. Recently, Alyssa and Luc shared one night of wild abandon that left Luc terrified by his loss of self-control—and Alyssa desperate for more.

And that’s just the way she wants it.

Fulfilling a promise, Luc is the guest chef for Alyssa’s restaurant debut. The sight of her makes Luc wild, so how can he survive a week without letting loose and ravaging her—especially when she’s begging for it? Luc’s desire for her explodes when he realizes he isn’t the only man desperate to have her. But one of the others is deadly. And that’s not the end of Alyssa’s secrets…which are as dark and mysterious and enticing as her fantasies.

Both characters I did not care for. Luke was ass the bulk of the book always thinking Alyssa was sleeping with all of Louisiana. And Alyssa seemed to be doing everything possible to prove him right. She was constantly parading around half dressed or naked in front of Tyler, her bouncer, or letting him touch and kiss on her. Luke even found her asleep in Tyler's bed, but she wonders why Luke thinks she's cheating.

Alyssa and Luke's entire relationships seem to be built on lies and manipulation. They never really opened up and truly talked to each other. And the only time they really got along was in bed together.

Tyler was a welcome distraction from Luke and Alyssa's drama. He, Hunter, and the characters from the previous two books were pretty much the saving grace for this one. The only thing that kept me from giving up on this book completely, was the fact that is part of a series that I'd like to continue. Hopefully the next additions will be better.

Review: The Chase by Erin McCarthy

The Chase
Erin McCarthy
Series: Fast Track #4
Publisher: Berkley
Publish Date: April 5, 2011
Mass Market Paperback {p. 280}
Source: Personal Library
Genre: Contemporary
Kendall Holbrook, Evan Monroe
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

Kendall Holbrook is determined to make it to the top, even with the challenge of being a woman on the male-dominated racing circuit. She doesn't have time for romance-especially not with racing rival Evan Monroe, the man who nearly crushed her dream years ago. Tricked into meeting him, Kendall is experiencing all those old feelings again-and she can't deny that they still have enough chemistry to set fire to the track.

The Chase was just an okay read for me; I guess I expected more from this series. Both characters, Kendall and Evan, seemed like they had great promise. But upon getting to know Kendall better, I really didn't care for the way she treated Evan. Years ago as well as present-day, she shut him out of her life went all it would have taken was a bit of communication between the two. I could see her acting that way at the age of 18, but as an adult I would have expected her to have matured a little bit more.

With that being said, I'm not saying Evan was an angel but he clearly came across to me as the reader as loving Kendall more then she loved him. I truly tried to become invested and interested in these characters but I just couldn't. I was more interested in what was going on with Tuesday, Kendall's BF F, then either Kendall or Evan. Both characters came across a little immature. One would run away from their problems, and the other seemed to be a bit of a hothead.

I will be continuing this series because I liked the previous installments, and I want to know what's going to become of Tuesday.

Review: Never Enough by Lauren Dane

Never Enough
Lauren Dane
Series: Brown Siblings #4
Publisher: Berkley Heat
Publish Date: November 6, 2011
Trade Paperback {p.310}
Source: Personal Library
Genre: Contemporary, Erotica
Gillian Forrester, Adrian Brown
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

ALL THE RIGHT NOTES…

Gillian Forrester spent most of her life running from who and what she came from. Until Miles came along. From the moment she held the tiny newborn her older sister didn't want, Gillian stopped running and began to build a life for herself and her adopted son. Now, thirteen years later, as Gillian's sister lay dying, she reveals the father's identity and makes Gillian promise to find him.

Adrian Brown is the epitome of the successful rock star. He's seen and done it all, with few regrets. It takes a lot to shock him but the bombshell that he has a thirteen-year-old son rocks his world. And Adrian is even more surprised when the buttoned-up, elegant woman who's raising Miles snags his erotic and romantic attention.

The last thing Gillian expected was to find herself getting hot and heavy with a person like Adrian. But as much as she wants to open up and give herself fully to this amazing man, she's afraid the secrets of her past and Adrian's problems with trusting people may keep them apart for good. If love isn't enough can they find the trust they need?

Never Enough takes you on the journey of an adoptive mother reuniting her son with his biological father. Of course the two of them fall in love along the way.

Adrian and Gillian's relationship was great on the surface, but I didn't feel it had any real depth. Sure, in the words of Adrian, they burned it up between the sheets, but that's about the only place. I never felt that they ever really got to know each other out of the bedroom.

The relationship Adrian was building with his son seemed to be going well, although as the reader you only get glimpses of it. Adrian's family is around a lot in this one, which is a great bonus. They were needed to get the full impact of Adrian making his son a part of his family. One thing that tended to bother me was how everyone seemed to overtalk every little thing. I found myself saying, "Really? Guys talk like this to each other?" Especially during some of the conversations Adrian was having with Cope and Todd.

Gillian and Adrian have their conflict in the end with her inability to open up and need to keep secrets. With Adrian's place in the entertainment business I can understand why he's wary of people who aren't truthful and upfront with him. Although they make up in the end, I still felt nothing was resolved. It just felt incomplete to me.

Review: Copper Beach by Jayne Ann Krentz

Copper Beach
Jayne Ann Krentz
Series: Dark Legacy #1
Publisher: Putnam Adult
Publish Date: January 10, 2012
Hardcover {p.352}
Source: Public Library
Genre: Paranormal
Abby Radwell, Sam Coppersmith
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

rare book. An ancient code. An all-new novel from the New York Times-bestselling master of passion and the paranormal.
Within the pages of very rare books some centuries old lie the secrets of the paranormal. Abby Radwell's unusual psychic talent has made her an expert in such volumes-and sometimes taken her into dangerous territory. After a deadly incident in the private library of an obsessive collector, Abby receives a blackmail threat, and rumors swirl that an old alchemical text known as The Key has reappeared on the black market.

Convinced that she needs an investigator who can also play bodyguard, she hires Sam Coppersmith, a specialist in paranormal crystals and amber-"hot rocks." Passion flares immediately between them, but neither entirely trusts the other. When it comes to dealing with a killer who has paranormal abilities, and a blackmailer who will stop at nothing to obtain an ancient alchemical code, no one is safe.

Abby and Sam are your typical quirky Krentz characters. I liked both of them from the beginning. Their connection was immediate and fast paced.
The book had its suspense moments, but my favorites were the comedic ones. Especially the book signing event. Abby’s family was even more unusual than her, but they all considered her to be the strange one.

The suspense portion wasn’t all that suspenseful. I felt that the bad guys were handled a little to easily. There was no kind of real effort involved in getting rid of them. No struggle at all, like they just gave themselves up.

With all that said, I still enjoyed the book because of the chemistry between Sam and Abby. That’s what kept me engaged in the overall story.

Review: Lawe's Justice by Lora Leigh

Lawe's Justice
Lora Leigh
Series: Breeds #26
Publisher: Berkley
Publish Date: December 6, 2011
Audio Book {11 hrs 25 min}
Source: Public Library
Genre: Paranormal
Diane Broen, Lawe Justice
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

In Lora Leigh's scorching new Breed novel, two adversaries are destined to explore the only thing they have in common: an irresistible mating heat...

Diane Broen's lived to protect her younger sister Rachel from harm. But now that Rachel has been mated off, Diane's occupied herself with less fulfilling tasks at the Genetics Council--until she's paired with a new team member, a Breed male notorious for his attitude, and a touch that makes her recoil.

Lawe isn't thrilled with her either. A lion at heart, he prefers a lair of solitude. When it comes to females, he'd rather snarl than purr. And while fate may have paired them to fight on the same team, neither is willing to admit to the obvious: the mating heat between them is positively incinerating.

It's only when danger threatens that they make a hotter-than-hell connection--one so explosive it could destroy them. Or, as providence reveals, bind them together, forever.

The overall story was enjoyable in regards to the action portion. I got caught up in the feral breed storyline and the changes little Amber was going through. She seemed like a very adorable little girl with all her purring.

Lawe was the typical Lora Leigh alpha male that wanted his woman sitting at home. Diane was the exact opposite of the sitting at home type. And she refused to bend or compromise on that matter. The only time these two weren’t fighting or arguing about her giving up her work, was when they were having sex. And a lot they had.

It wasn’t until the end that Lawe ended up compromising for her. Which I didn’t like that she didn’t meet him half way so that it at least would look like she loved him enough to give some instead of Lawe being the only one.

Usually Lora Leigh’s books tend to be heavy on the sex and short on the characters, and this one wasn’t that far off. But I will say that in this one the only character that fell short to me was Diane. I didn’t care for her throughout much of her interaction with Lawe. The only time I did like her was during the time she spent with Amber. Her time with the infant was the only time she seemed to show any signs of love.

Read by Briana Bronte
Duration: 11 hours 25 minutes
Penguin Audio

Narration: B
Briana handled both the male and female voices well. With Lora's books, there tends to be some crude, vulgar language from time to time, but Briana managed to handle that as well. She didn't distract me from the book with her grasp of the character voices like some narrators tend to do.

Review: Dark Predator by Christine Feehan

Dark Predator
Christine Feehan
Series: Carpathians #22
Publisher: Berkley
Published: September 6, 2011
Audio Book {13hrs}
Source: Personal Library
Genre: Paranormal
Maguarita Fernandez, Zacarias de la Cruz
Challenge: 100+
Buy the Book: Amazon

Enter the world of the Carpathians: an immortal race of beings with animal instincts whose males, without their lifemate's light, only have one option ...turning vampire. Zacarias de la Cruz has finally found his lifemate, but is it too late? Is he too close to turning into a vampire to turn back?

As brutal as the undead he hunted, Zacarias De La Cruz was a master executioner. Over the long, dark centuries, he plunged into so many battles they blurred into an endless lifetime of evil that hardened the soul of this merciless, ruthless and implacable dark predator.

Now his stark and savage journey is over. After a thousand years in a gray world, he has accomplished everything he set out to do. His brothers are safeguarded. Each has found a woman who completes them. And they are at peace. For his brothers, Zacarias has walked the edge of madness, but with centuries as a killing machine now left to the past and without a hunt to define him, Zacarias wonders, for the first time in his life, who he really is.

The answer awaits him back home in Peru , in the betrayal of a woman who is readying her trap, in the vengeance of an old enemy, in the inevitable consequences of a bloody family legacy, and in the deliverance of a lifemate he never could have imagined.

I was disappointed in this installment of the series. I really love the Carpathians, but I didn’t love Zacarias. I know he’s very very ancient, like no other, and has chosen a path of solitude, but his interaction with Maguarita was not that great to me.

His constant referring to her as a “lunatic” was not endearing although I know it was meant as an endearment. I didn’t feel that these two had any kind of depth or emotional connection. She was just his lifemate but not the love of his life. I didn’t feel that there was any more to it.

Their story I don’t feel added anything to the overall series and could have been a novella in an anthology instead of dedicating an entire book to these two. I kept stopping and starting with this one because I just couldn’t get into the two of them as a couple. I just finished this one to stay current with the series, but I think I could have skipped this one and still been able to pick up the next installment without being lost.

Definitely not my favorite of the series.

Read by Erik Bergmann, Kristine Ryan
Duration: 13 hours
Recorded Books

Narration: C-

The male narrator was okay, but the female narrator was a little whiny. I'm not sure if the narrators played a part in my dislike of this novel or not, but they did not help.

Review: Canyons of Night by Jayne Castle

Canyons of Night
Jayne Castle
Series: Looking Glass #3; Arcane #11
Publisher: Jove
Publish Date: August 30, 2011
Kindle {p.237}
Source: Public Library
Genre: Paranormal
Charlotte Enright, Slade Attridge
Challenge: 100+, Sci-Fi
Buy the Book: Amazon

Charlotte Enright, owner of a small antiques shop called Looking Glass Antiques on Rainshadow Island, and Slade Attridge, the community's new chief of police, both have something in common: they possess strong paranormal talents.

They met several years ago when they were in their teens spending the summer on the island. Slade saved Charlotte from a gang of drunken toughs, but then at the end of the summer Slade and Charlotte went their separate ways and started their adult lives.

Now, fifteen years later, they have both been drawn back to Rainshadow Island. They will discover the adult passion they have for each other and start to explore some of the mysteries of the forbidden section of the island known only as the Preserve.

Charlotte has had a crush on Slade since the night he saved her from her attackers when she was a teen. The two of them have always had some sort of connection, but Charlotte’s talent has made it somewhat difficult for her to be in relationships. That is until Slade.

Both were the perfect match for the other. They were these quirky characters that had just the right amount of chemistry. I really liked both Slade and Charlotte from the beginning. I liked all the residents of the island.

The mystery aspect was interesting enough. I didn’t suspect the culprit at all. That person was never really on my radar.

A nice addition to the series.

Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door
Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton
Publish Date: September 29, 2011
Hardcover {p.354}
Source: Public Library
Genre: Young Adult
Lola Nolan, Cricket Bell
Challenge: 100+, YA Romance
Buy the Book: Amazon

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

I loved Cricket! He was quirky and charming in a way all of his own. Not the same fun-loving charm of Etienne, but none the less engaging.
And as always, Perkins manages to paint such descriptive detail of the city, that it feels like one of the lead characters.

Lola and Cricket were the perfect match for one another. Even their style complimented each other. Although at times I did feel as if Lola’s boyfriend Max had a point about Lola and her costumes. I was always wondering who she was going to be today.

The addition of Anna and Etienne was a very welcome surprise. I knew that they would be in this one, but I didn’t know they would be in it so much. They’re still my favorite. I also loved Lola’s BFF Lindsey. She was the perfect side-kick to Lola.

Lola and the Boy Next Door was a very fun, heartwarming read. Of course there were a few tearjerker moments (happy tears), but more laughs than tears.

Read Pink™ for Breast Cancer

Join Penguin’s Read Pink™ campaign this October, to raise awareness and benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation!

Eight bestselling titles by some of Penguin Group's (USA) most beloved female authors will be printed featuring Read Pink seals on the covers. In addition, Penguin Group (USA) is including information in the back of each book in an effort to make readers aware of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and encourage them to become actively involved in supporting the organization.


PENGUIN GROUP (USA) IS IN THE PINK FOR

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

It’s time to think pink to shrink cancer

What’s black and white and pink all over? The initiative by the Penguin Group (USA) called Read Pink™ in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This literary embrace of a life-saving cause last year resulted in nearly 400,000 best-selling romances shipped with Read Pink seals and information about the charity it supports – the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. In 2010 and 2011, some 12,000 floor displays also carried the Read Pink message. The result raised awareness for BCRF, the only cancer organization to receive A+ from the Institute for Philanthropy.

“We are delighted to be able to continue this initiative in support of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation for a second time. We hope that awareness for the Foundation’s work will only grow by bringing more attention to this important cause,” said Leslie Gelbman, President of Mass Market Publishing, Penguin Group (USA). To mark the occasion, Penguin Group (USA) is again making a $25,000 donation to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

“The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is very grateful to be part of Penguin’s Read Pink program again this year,” said Myra J. Biblowit, President, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. “This visible initiative will certainly raise awareness about BCRF.”

The donation provides vital funds to support the mission of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. As Dr. Laura J. Esserman, director of the Carole Franc Buck Breast Cancer Center at the University of California at San Francisco said,. “[BCRF] awards support leaders in translational science and assume that they will be able to best dispense the funds. This is invaluable. Most grants require a year’s lead time before ideas can be funded. The BCRF funds allow you to plan ideas a few months ahead, and are flexible in support. The awards also come with the promise of continuity to explore new ideas as they arise. I also really appreciate the annual awards ceremony and the expression of thanks to the scientists. We don’t often get that and it really is rewarding and inspiring to see that people appreciate us, even if we don’t come up with all of the answers. It is an expression of thanks for the efforts we put forward to try to find answers.”

The novels chosen for Read Pink 2011 are eight bestselling mass market titles by some of Penguin Group (USA)’s most beloved female authors. Included this year are Nora Roberts, Catherine Anderson, Christina Dodd, Jillian Hunter, Lynn Kurland, Amanda Quick, Bertrice Small and Lauren Willig. More than 300,000 copies of the special editions will be printed featuring Read Pink seals on the covers. In addition, Penguin Group (USA) is including information in the back of each book in an effort to make readers aware of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and encourage them to become actively involved in supporting the organization.

For more details about the Read Pink initiative and to view a complete list of the participating retail outlets, please visit www.penguin.com/readpink.

How to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

• To make a tax-deductible donation online to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation you can visit: www.bcrfcure.org
• You can also call their toll-free number, 1-866-FIND-A-CURE (346-3228), anytime between 9 A.M. and 5 P.M. EST, Monday through Friday.

About The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder as an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translational research. In October 2011, BCRF will award $36.5 million to 186 scientists across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and China. Currently, more than 90 cents of every dollar donated is directed to breast cancer research and awareness programs. With exceptionally low administrative costs, BCRF continues to be one of the most efficient organizations in the country. BCRF has received an“A+” from The American Institute of Philanthropy. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

About Penguin Group (USA)

Penguin Group (USA) Inc. is the U.S. member of the internationally renowned Penguin Group. Penguin Group (USA) is one of the leading U.S. adult and children's trade book publishers, owning a wide range of imprints and trademarks, including Viking, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, The Penguin Press, Riverhead Books, Dutton, Penguin Books, Berkley Books, Gotham Books, Portfolio, New American Library, Plume, Tarcher, Philomel, Grosset & Dunlap, Puffin, and Frederick Warne, among others. The Penguin Group (www.penguin.com) is part of Pearson plc, the international media company.