Blood Law (Blood Moon Rising Trilogy #1)

Blood Law
Author: Karin Tabke
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)

Synopsis

For all eternity, only one thing shall separate them—until the Blood Law is avenged…The coming of the Blood Moon will lead two Lycan packs into war, spur two rival brothers into conflict, and spark an act of vengeance so evil that its effects will be felt for generations. One woman stands at the center of it all.  As undisputed Alpha, Rafael must choose a life mate to preserve the dominance of his Lycan pack. He never suspected, his mate would be a human, the same wounded, girl-woman he seduces from the brink of death. Falon is a dangerous combination of Lycan and Slayer—beings bred to destroy his kind. Even more, she’s a mesmerizing beauty whose sensuality tempts the seasoned warrior to take unnecessary risks. The primal heat between them is irresistible, yet surrendering to it could destroy them both…for a vengeful foe stands ready in the shadows to fulfill what is rightfully his by Blood Law.


Falon always knew she was different but didn't know why.  Having grown up in the foster care system she was no stranger to abuse and poverty.  As an adult Falon got away from that life and was determined to make her life her own and choose her fate.  Fate was waiting for her in Mr. D's deli.  On her weekly trip to Mr. D's for her 5 finger discount, fate stepped in in the form of 2 slayers.  Believing that Falon was the chosen one that they have been waiting for, Falon wanted nothing to do with it.  When destiny brought Rafael to save her that night her life changed forever.  Falon finding herself mated to an Alpha werewolf, and a prisoner to Rafael's pack, she desperately wants to find out what's so special about herself.  Falon finds herself caught in between a Blood Law between 2 brothers where her life would be given to end the feud.  Rafael soon finds that he can't give Falon over that easily and must find a way to save her from his brother Luc.  Falon finds herself with Rafael's pack, she is a werewolf too, but with a whole lot more power.  When the counsel finds that she is too important to allow Luc to kill her, they agree to settle the feud by giving Falon to Luc to become his mate.  This book is the perfect description of what you would imagine an actual werewolf pack would be.  It has some steamy scenes and intense action.  It was a great read and I am excited to continue with the next book.

Rating 5 out of 5    

Pretty When She Dies (Pretty When She Dies #1)

Pretty When She Dies
Author: Rhiannon Frater
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)

Synopsis

Amaliya wakes under the forest floor, disoriented, famished and confused. She digs out of the shallow grave and realizes she is hungry...... in a new, horrific, unimaginable way...
Sating her great hunger, she discovers that she is now a vampire, the bloodthirsty creature of legend. She has no choice but to flee from her old life and travels across Texas. Her new hunger spurs her to leave a wake of death and blood behind her as she struggles with her new nature.
All the while, her creator is watching. He is ancient, he is powerful, and what's worse is that he's a necromancer. He has the power to force the dead to do his bidding. Amaliya realizes she is but a pawn in a twisted game, and her only hope for survival is to seek out one of her own kind.
But if Amaliya finds another vampire, will it mean her salvation... or her death?


What an unexpected good story.  When I first began reading this I was a little worried it would fall short, but I really liked it.  This was one of the darker vampire stories I have read.  More killing and blood than romance which was a change, but a good change for me.  Amaliya was a college student with a bad home life trying to discover herself.  When one of her attractive college professors invites her to have coffee she has no idea that he was a very old vampire wanting to use her for his own entertainment.  When she wakes up and realizes she is a vampire herself, she is left alone with no one to help guide her.  This is where Amaliya's story takes off on her adventure to find help.  I won't give out much more detail because it is a longer story but each day there is an adventure for Amaylia and you feel such excitement to see what's going to happen next for her or where is she going to go.  I am excited to see where she goes in the next book.

Rating 4 out of 5

 

Moonsong

Moonsong
Author: Lisa Olsen
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)

Synopsis

After werewolves attack her family, Amelia Singer escapes to Cutter's Folly in search of her long lost grandmother. There she finds the strangest revelation yet: not only is she descended from a long line of shapeshifters; Amelia's firstborn is destined to lead the pack to dominion over all others. Now power hungry shifters everywhere will stop at nothing to share in that prophecy. Choosing a mate is the only way to end the violence, but how can she be expected to choose a man she's known for less than a week? At the heart of this struggle, Amelia is torn between Chase, who makes her pulse race with a single sultry glance, and Cutter, a reclusive but tempting loner with secrets of his own. Can fiercely independent Amelia find happiness with the pack, or will she rebel under the pressure and take her chances on her own.

This is Lisa's new werewolf paranormal romance story.  I must say I did enjoy it.  I am a huge fan of Lisa's ever since I read "Wake Me When The Sun Goes Down".  It is one of my top favorites.  Ok, back to Moonsong.  Amelia and her family are attacked by werewolves, killing her parents and barely escaping herself, Amelia runs to the only family she has left, her grandmother.  She has never met her before but desperately needs her help.  Amelia finds out that everyone in her family are shifters, including her but she is unable to actually change shape.  Not only is she a shifter but she is the one the prophecy believes to unite all the shifters.  In order for the prophecy to come to pass, she must choose a mate and conceive a child.  That child will become a great leader.  She meets Chase, whom she feels an instant attraction to, and considers him to maybe be her mate.  If he could only get over his dominate personality.  Walking through the woods one day, Amelia is attacked by a mountain lion, that's when she meets Cutter.  She can't figure out why this man who pushes her away and wants nothing to do with her, intrigues her so.  Cutter has a past that would break any woman's heart and Amelia is determined to no let him push her away.  If Amelia and Cutter are to be together, Cutter will have to fight for her with Chase.  All along Amelia finds betrayal from the one person she thought she could trust, her grandmother.  With her on plans for Amelia, she is determined to make sure Chase is her mate, even if it means hurting Amelia. 
If you like shifter stories then you will like this.  Its cute, its exciting, its sad, it pulls at each part of you.  I am excited to continue to read more stories from Lisa.

Rating 4 out of 5

The Sands of Time (The Witching Pen Novellas #2)

The Sands of Time
Author: Dianna Hardy
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)

Synopsis

Seven days ago, Elizabeth May tried to commit suicide. She was found by Paul, her husband, who took her under his wing and back to their home. But the attempted suicide is not Elizabeth's main problem -- Elizabeth can't remember who she is, or a single thing about her life beyond the past week.  Plagued by nightmares about a familiar black panther, and a terrifying snow leopard, she is convinced that the dreams are trying to show her something important, and is determined to regain her memories, one way or another.  Meanwhile, Pueblo -- the demon blood-bonded to the witch, Amy -- is going insane trying to find her. Amy disappeared one week ago, and it seems not even their bond is strong enough to penetrate whatever magic hides her.  As Pueblo enlists the help of angels and demons alike, Elizabeth begins to piece together parts of her forgotten life. But what she uncovers may just have her wanting to turn away from who she really is ... for good.

In book two, we pick up with everyone still trying to find Amy.  Poor Pueblo, you’re heart just goes out for him.  In an effort to find answers to where Amy is, they travel to a demon world to find the Brujii demon, Queen Katarra.  Elena finds out that there is always a price for help with demons.  Since Amy’s memory has been wiped she is desperately trying to remember not only who she is but why she keeps dreaming of a panther.  She knows something is missing, but will have to rely on a stranger to give her answers. During a dream meeting with Pueblo, Amy discovers she’s not just a witch, but a shapeshifter as well.  When Amy is rescued by Pueblo, she finds out that there is a lot more to Etienne than she knew.

 Mary, Mary, Mary… she is that character that you just can’t figure her out but love her spunk.  When Mary becomes the blame for several murders and is put in jail, Gwain is the only one that can help keep her from going crazy because of her dreams.   With everyone focused on saving Amy, Mary is taken into another dimension and Gwain is the only one who can save her. 

This book was better than the first for me.  I just love the camaraderie between the characters and Dianna adds so much mystery and excitement in her book that just gets you hooked.  I am very excited for the next one.

Rating 5 out of 5

Defiance (Significance #3)

Definance
Author: Shelly Crane
YA Book
(Amy's Review)

Synopsis

In the third installment of the Significance series, we begin with Maggie and Caleb in the clutches of a new enemy; the Virtuoso council. Not only do they have to deal with the consequences of taking the lives of the Watsons and the council attempting to take Maggie away to keep their precious Visionary safe, but they must deal with Marla as well. All are determined to undermine, control and use Caleb and Maggie's rare gifts for their own uses, some wish to destroy them entirely. Then Maggie's father and Bish are threatened but the council forbids the presense of humans. Peter and the family fight and stand beside them every step of the way to save Maggie's father, to keep Caleb and Maggie together when the corrupted council is so set on keeping them apart and to stop Marla and whatever she has up her sleeve. Then Maggie has the shock of her life when she discovers something about her real father. It may change everything for everyone. Stay tuned as the story continues.

Just when you think that it can't get any better, you read this.  This book blew me away!  I was a bit skepitcal in the beginning. I was worried that this was going to be all about politics and Caleb and Maggie fighting to be together.  It was and it wasn’t.  I was happy to read in the beginning that they overcome that little obstacle and finally put their foot down.  This book gives you so many things right at the end it leaves you screaming YES!  I loved meeting the new characters and returning characters.  I think there are 4 big reveals in this book that I never saw coming.  With that being said I have to give it to Shelly for being able to do that.  Usually I can guess what is going to happen, well not with this one.  She got me and she got me good J  Kudos to you.  If you are going to read this book, start in the early morning, it is a long book and you will not want to stop reading until you finish every word.  That’s what I did.  If you liked that other 2 books than you will love this one.  I am so excited to read Independence to see how Shelly is going to surprise me this time. 

Rating 5 out of 5

The Witching Pen (Witching Pen Novellas #1)

The Witching Pen
Author: Dianna Hardy
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)

Synopsis

It's hard being the most powerful witch on the planet. It's even harder when you're a twenty-five year old virgin who'll lose all of that power the moment you sleep with someone ... that's why Elena's never slept with her best friend and flatmate, Karl, despite the true feelings they harbour for each other. Elena's about to discover that there are even more difficult things in life to deal with. One of them comes in the form of a pen she discovers one day, a pen that allows anything she writes to come to pass... Suddenly, it's not just her powers or her heart that's at stake, but her very soul, as a dream demon with a seductive pull uses the pen to try and turn her away from her reality, and from Karl.  But the pen is just the beginning. Everything Elena has believed in is a lie, and her world is about to fall apart...

As if its not bad enough learning to be a witch but learning that by being a very special witch you can never have a sexual relationship with someone without it costing your powers would really suck.  Elena's a 13th generation witch who lives with her best friend Karl.  Karl has loved Elena since grade school, and will always be with her, even if they can't really be "together".  Elena starts to get a visitor in her dreams.  This demon visitor wants to posses not only Elena's powers but Elena as well.  This demon is the demon king of the Shanka Demons.  He has given Elena the witching pen, that when used makes what she has written come true.  Karl is the only person who can bring Elena back from these horrible nightmares.  When one night, Elena is willing to give up her powers to Karl just to be with him intimately, the most horrible thing happens....(sorry can't tell you). This puts Elena over the edge for vengeance.  She learns learns that she is half witch half demon succubus and plans on taking out her revenge on every Shanka demon herself even if it kills her.
Elena is that down to earth character that everyone likes.  Karl is the boy next door that is a girls best friend, and the perfect boyfriend.  I was so impressed with the creativity of this story.  The world Dianna has created is like nothing I have read before which is refreshing.  All the characters in the story are intriguing and it makes you want to read more about all of them.  I really enjoyed this novella and would definitely recommend it.

Rating 4 out of 5

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles, #1)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

 Cinder

 Author: Marissa Meyer
 YA Book
 (Annette's Review)

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, the ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Even though I had read reviews myself when ordering Cinder, I somehow missed that there were going to be more books.  I guess The Lunar Chronicles somehow didn’t resonate with me… Imagine my surprise then when I got to the end, and it left me hanging!  I was so disappointed but excited too because if I like a particular character or characters, then I don’t want to stop reading about them.  This is how I felt about Cinder.  Cinder, as the name implies, is a futuristic version of the classic tale Cinderella.  In this version, Cinder does still have two step-sisters and a step-mother, but Cinder herself is half human and half cyborg which I thought was a pretty interesting twist.  The story takes place in a far off future in New Bejing, 126 years after World War IV. Cinder is known around New Bejing as one of the best mechanics and instead of her animal critter friends, Cinder has Iko the android as her sidekick.  While at the market where her work booth is set up, Cinder is visited by Prince Kai who wants her to fix his android.  Cinder is curious as to why the Prince wants the android fixed instead of updating to a newer and more current model.  Prince Kai jokes about the android having information that is top secret, but Cinder guesses there is some truth in his tale.  There is a deadly plague killing off the human population at an alarming speed, and when Cinder’s step-sister and closest friend, Peony, becomes sick, she will do everything she can to find a cure.  Cinder’s step-mother offers up Cinder as a research subject and it is discovered that Cinder is somehow immune to the plague.  The doctor in charge of researching the plague becomes a surprising ally and convinces Cinder that they must keep her immunity a secret for the time being.  Cinder goes along with him and continues to work on a plan of escape from her wicked stepmother. The evil Queen, Levana, from Luna a moon colony whose inhabitants are known as Lunars and have special powers to make others believe and see what they want them to, wants to marry the Prince so she may become ruler of all the Earthen colonies.  The people on Earth are very distrustful and a bit scared of the Lunars because of their abilities. As the story unfolds, it isn’t too difficult to clue into where it is heading and put some of the puzzle pieces together.  Even so, I found the story to be entertaining and enjoyable and it was easy to get through.  Cinder is a tough character and stands up for herself against her stepmother and doesn’t generally care what others think about her although she does try to hide the fact that she is cyborg from the Prince.  Iko adds a nice mix of humor as her sidekick and has a sarcastic side which is entertaining coming from an android.   I loved the story and look forward to reading the next book. 

Rating: 4 out of 5

Masquerade By: F E Heaton

The next vampire romance novel in the Vampires Realm series by F E Heaton is available now in ebook.

MASQUERADE
(Vampires Realm Romance Series #10)
By F E Heaton

Ten years have passed since Sophis and Vivek, two vampires of the Venia bloodline, came close to death at the hands of twin hunters Aleksis and Izabella Romanov. The events of that night turned Sophis and Vivek against each other, shattering their close friendship and driving them apart.

Now, on the eve of a centenary Creator Day masquerade and at a time when things between them are dangerously close to separating them forever, they uncover a small army of vampire hunters in Saint Petersburg, led by their nemeses, Aleksis and Izabella.

With the safety of the rulers of the seven pure vampire bloodlines in their hands and their chance for vengeance hanging in the balance, can Sophis and Vivek face their past and overcome their differences? Will they realise their true feelings for each other before it’s too late or will the hunters finally claim their lives as their deadly plot to destroy the bloodlines unfolds?


Books in the Vampires Realm romance series stand alone and do not need to be read in order to gain maximum enjoyment

Click here to read an excerpt of Masquerade

Or learn more about the series by visiting the official Vampires Realm website

Masquerade is available now in e-book from:
Author's website
Amazon.com Kindle Store
Amazon.co.uk Kindle Store
Smashwords
All Romance eBooks

Coming soon in ebook to BN Nook, Apple iBooks, Kobo and Sony, and also in paperback

The Gathering (Night Breeds #2)

The Gathering (Night Breeds #2)
Author: Lily Graison
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)

Synopsis:

Rayna Ford didn’t believe in monsters, until she became one herself. As a newly turned werewolf awaiting her first shift, Rayna puts all her trust in Garrett Kincaid, the man who accidentally infected her and changed her life forever. But when old enemies resurface and take her from the one man who vowed to protect her, Rayna must face her fears alone.  The Collective, the Breed leaders of all the preternatural species, haven’t abandoned the dream of announcing their presence to the world and they still want Rayna to be the one who integrate them into human society. Her only chance at survival is to reveal the secret the breed leaders want her to show the world, but in doing so, she may alienate the very creatures she wants to protect and endanger her own life in the process.

I was very pleased with the way this story ended about Rayna and Garrett.  I'm sure their adventures will continue and hope we will hear about them in future writings.  As this is the second book for Night Breeds, it picks up with Rayna still haven't had her first shift yet when the awful Carmen returns and stirs the pot yet again.  Now wanting to fight Rayna for the position of Alpha female and mate to Garrett, the only option given to Rayna is to leave or be Garrett's mistress.  During a weak moment for Rayna she is kidnapped by the oh so delicious Sabriel.  With the plans still in motion to out the supernatural creatures using Rayna to out them, Rayna will have to keep her wolf at bay to keep their secret.  Victor, the Breed leader of the werewolves has plans to make her wolf come whether she wants to or not.  Garrett will need the help of old friends and new ones to save Rayna from Victor and Carmen.  During the reveal Rayna has to battle Carmen herself, and I was pleased to see Rayna a lot stronger than she realizes.  The end leaves this question of Rayna and Sabriel, there is something there but we never find out the answer.  I can only hope in future books we get some answers about him.

Rating 4 out of 5 

Laney (The Brookehaven Vampires #1)

Laney (The Brookehaven Vampires #1)
Author: Joann Martin Sowles
Older YA Book
(Amy's Review)

Synopsis:

In a small college town in Northern California, Laney Alexander leads a regular, uneventful life-that is, until the charming and alluring Oliver Knight enters her world. Who is this gorgeous and mysterious stranger? Or, rather, what is he? As Laney's sophomore year of college begins, so does an unbelievable adventure-including a love she didn't know she longed for. She soon learns that Oliver is not ordinary, nor is the rest of his family, including a sister who openly hates her and a brother who will stop at nothing for revenge. As she fights for her life, and Oliver's love, Laney discovers that the fictional world of vampires isn't so fictional after all. Nobody is safe, especially Laney, Oliver's most important priority, and he will stop at nothing to protect her. With her mortality at risk, and a commitment revealed that she, without a doubt, knows she wants, Laney's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn.

I liked this story although it was very frustrating when it ended.  Be prepared that as you are reading it you will be left with a lot of unanswered questions.  It is about Laney who is in college, meets a guy who happens to be a vampire.  She learns that there are other creatures that go bump in the night besides vampires.  I can't really say much else without giving away the story, but I would recommend it.  I hope book two has some answers.

Rating 3 out of 5

Shaken (Mind Reader Series)

Shaken

Author: Susan Hatler

YA Book

(Amy’s Review)

Synopsis:

High school junior, Kylie Bates, can suddenly read minds. When she touches people’s hands, she’s able to see their deepest thoughts. As if that’s not freaky enough, her dad sends her to help hottie detective, Sam Williams, track down a missing girl. Way too much pressure, especially for a girl who can’t watch Scream without getting nightmares.  Then, finding the missing girl leads to much more than Kylie’s prepared for. Like discovering that her dad has been lying to her. That she has a family she never knew about. That the girls have powers similar to hers. Oh yeah, and that someone is out to get her.  When the detective’s teenage wanna-be-cop cousin, Trip Williams, approaches Kylie at school insisting she help him solve the case, she discovers Trip might be the only one she can trust, and the only one to help her unravel the secrets behind her mysterious gift.

This book was very cute and very well written.  It is a book for all ages, not just young adults.  This story is about Kylie who thinks she is a normal teenager living with her dad.  Kylie finds out she has mind reading abilities one day when a stranger comes knocking at her door.  This is where Kylie’s adventure begins.  Kylie is asked to work with the local police and assistant detective Trip, on finding Amanda, a kidnapping victim by using her abilities.  Kylie not only helps find Amanda but also finds long lost relatives she had no idea she had.  While working with the police to catch the kidnappers, Kylie realizes she really likes Trip but doesn’t know if the feelings are mutual.  When Kylie comes face to face with the man behind the kidnappings, her world is turned upside down finding out that not only is that man her real dad but he has been looking for her.  In this first book, the story is about Kylie getting her abilities and finding out about the kidnapping.  You don’t find out too much information about her mother and where these abilities come from or why her mother ran away from her real father.  This book leaves you with a lot of unanswered questions.  I am hoping that you find out more in the next book.  I will definitely continue to read.

Rating 4 out of 5   

Once Bitten By Trina Lee

Once Bitten

Author: Trina Lee

Adult Book

(Amy’s Review)

Synopsis

Alexa O'Brien is a professional huntress and a werewolf with the ability to conduct and manipulate metaphysical energy. When she is inexplicably drawn to the enigmatic vampire Arys Knight, the dangerous power they create together becomes more than either of them anticipated. As a result of their actions Alexa risks the loss of more than her remaining humanity, she risks losing the very person who holds her heart, Shaz Richardson.  When her former lover and Alpha pack member Raoul is framed for murder, he comes to her for help and Alexa is forced to face past emotions and betrayals that were never laid to rest. As the murders continue she is torn between past hurts and present loves. Amidst the rush of power and the struggle for control, Alexa must dig deep within herself to discover where her heart truly belongs. As secrets are revealed and lies exposed, she comes to discover that not everyone is who you think they are and the greatest loves are undying.

This book is about Alexa, who happens to be a werewolf with special powers.  There are 2 novella’s that come before this story that give some background on Alexa, Arys and Raoul.  They are not needed but give you insight to the relationships described in this story.  Alexa is one of those characters where the more you read about her, the more you understand her personality.  She has depth and extreme loyalty.  With her profession, you wouldn’t expect that, but she does surprise you.  Alexa has a magical pull towards Arys who is a vampire.  Neither of them understands the pull but in one night they become bound to each other until death.  Arys character is that of a typical bachelor and womanizer.  When he interacts with Alexa you see a different side of him that I think will grow in the next books.  Alexa also has Shaz wanting her attention, who is one of her pack mates.  He is the good guy that Alexa needs and wants but the bond with Arys might just kill any chance of them being together. Raoul is the alpha of their pack who just so happens to be framed for murder.  Raoul is crazy.  His actions and emotions are all over the place.  I think that the novella might clear up any questions about him.  I think if I had read the novella I might have felt more over the ending with Raoul. 

Rating 3 out of 5