Review: Vicious Moon by Lee Roland

Title: Vicious Moon: A Novel of the Earth Witches
Series: Earth Witches, #3
Author: Lee Roland
Published: July 2, 2013
Pages: 320
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher (Signet)
Rating: B-
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “Of course I’m supportive. I haven’t tried to kill you yet.”

summary from Goodreads
Ex-soldier and earth witch Nyx Ianira is working as a PI in San Francisco when she sees the last thing she ever wants to see: the Sisters of Justice—the mysterious earth witch police force. A Triad of Sisters usually means an execution mission, but the Sisters’ only goal is to capture and escort Nyx across the country.

Nyx is badly needed back in Twitch Crossing, Georgia, the place she ran away from ten years ago to escape the stiff rules and duties of being a true witch. She wanted a life of her own. Now she’s being dragged back to her swampy hometown because another life is in danger: Her little sister is missing, and Nyx is the only one who can track her down in Duivel, Missouri.

But the key to finding her may lie with dark and tempting Etienne—a sinister criminal with a fearsome reputation, a ruthless attitude, and a total immunity to magic...

Review: Falling Blind by Shannon K. Butcher

Title: Falling Blind: The Sentinel Wars
Series: Sentinel Wars, #7
Author: Shannon K. Butcher
Published: April 2, 2013
Pages: 370
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher (Signet)
Rating: C
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “Gorgeous men are supposed to be deeply flawed and relatively helpless. You’re neither, which gives you an unfair advantage over the entire man-loving population.”

summary from Goodreads
A beautiful, independent Theronai, Rory Rainey knows that her attempts to be a warrior are futile—unless she can stop the demonic visions that torment her. Determined to be free, Rory sets out to find the mysterious guardian who can cure her, before she loses her sight—or her life. But Rory’s journey brings its own dangers when she is attacked by a pack of Synestryn sent by the demon lord Raygh.

Cornered and desperate, Rory narrowly escapes with the help of a sword-wielding stranger. Cain knows that Rory needs his protection to survive, just as he knows that her power is compatible with his own. And when Rory binds herself to Cain, the warrior knows he will do anything to keep her safe from the threat of the demon lord that pursues her...

Review: Rising Darkness by Thea Harrison

Title: Rising Darkness (A GAME OF SHADOWS NOVEL)
Series: Game of Shadows, #1
Author: Thea Harrison
Published: April 2, 2013
Pages: 304
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher (Berkley Sensation)
Rating: C
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “Don’t do something stupid. Don’t be the heroine and go in the basement where you know the vampires are.”

summary from Goodreads
In the hospital ER where she works, Mary is used to chaos. But lately, every aspect of her life seems adrift. She’s feeling disconnected from herself. Voices appear in her head. And the vivid, disturbing dreams she’s had all her life are becoming more intense. Then she meets Michael. He’s handsome, enigmatic and knows more than he can say. In his company, she slowly remembers the truth about herself…

Thousands of years ago, there were eight of them. The one called the Deceiver came to destroy the world, and the other seven followed to stop him. Reincarnated over and over, they carry on—and Mary finds herself drawn into the battle once again. And the more she learns, the more she realizes that Michael will go to any lengths to destroy the Deceiver.

Then she remembers who killed her during her last life, nine hundred years ago…Michael.

Review: Grave Secret by Sierra Dean

Title: Grave Secret
Series: Secret McQueen, #5
Author: Sierra Dean
Published: March 19, 2013
Pages: 301
Source: Author
Publisher: Samhain
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: B
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "And last night...she let her humanity slip."

summary from Goodreads
Sometimes a secret goes to the grave. Sometimes Secret puts you there.

It’s been a hell of a year for Secret McQueen, and the last thing in the world she wants is to get caught up in werewolf drama. But when her former fiancé Lucas Rain shows up asking for her help, she knows there’s no easy way out.

After making it known she wants nothing to do with him, Secret agrees to help find Lucas’s wayward sister Kellen. After all, how much trouble could one socialite get into in the city that never sleeps?

Unless that socialite has been spirited away by fairies.

Trying to track down a missing girl in an alternate reality is just the start of Secret’s problems, though. Someone appears to be killing teenagers, and the MO looks eerily similar to something for which the half-fairy oracle, Calliope, might be responsible. Throw in a rogue wolf pack claiming allegiance to Secret’s mother, Mercy, and she’ll have miles to go before she rests.

Review: Crave the Darkness by Amanda Bonilla

Title: Crave the Darkness
Series: Shaede Assassin, #3
Author: Amanda Bonilla
Published: March 5, 2013
Pages: 336
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher (Signet Eclipse)
Rating: A
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “The thought of returning to my life as it had been-detached, lonely, without compassion or companionship, without love and tenderness-made my head spin.”

summary from Goodreads
Nothing comes easy for Darian. Her heightened powers make her indispensable to the Shaede Nation, but dangerous missions have driven her lover, Tyler, to his breaking point. Darian must salvage their bond, but a new assignment to protect Anya—a fellow Shaede and the first of their kind to become pregnant in centuries—stands in their way.

It doesn’t help that the two Shaedes are longtime rivals and share nothing besides mutual hatred. But when it becomes clear that someone—or something—is bent on destroying the expectant mother and her unborn child, Darian must put her feelings aside and track down Anya’s would-be assassin.

As she probes into Anya’s past, Darian digs up long-buried secrets—and a connection between Tyler and the mission that could destroy everything between them…

Review: Going Under by Lauren Dane

Title: Going Under
Series: Bound by Magick, #3

Author: Lauren Dane

Published: February 5, 2013

Pages: 320

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Source: Publisher (Berkley Sensation)

Rating: B

Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “A woman with my taste in shoes would never eat a kitten.”

summary from Goodreads
In the wake of the Magister’s rampage, chaos rules. Left reeling, the Others and the humans scramble to create a some sort of unity in the face of growing unrest and violence from anti-Other hate groups federation—and ruthless PR guru Molly Ryan is the witch who can do it. She grew up in the human world but there’s nothing left for her there. She’s lost her PR firm, her friends and she’s decided to put all her fight toward aiding the Others in this dark, new reality. If there’s anything left for her there, she’s going to fight for it. But Gage Garrity, one of the few Others who survived the massacre, fears that the crusade will expose Molly to greater dangers than ever before.

Now, together, with magick on their side, they’re on the road in a desperate struggle to unite a torn world. From state houses to television news to legislative conference rooms across the country, they’re fighting the good fight. And it’s bringing out a passion in both of them they never expected—one as volatile, intense, and all-consuming as their relentless battle for world unity. A battle that could be their undoing…

---

Ellie's thoughts:
Molly Ryan didn’t know she was a witch until she was thirteen years old and has spent the majority of her life surrounded by and living with humans. After the Magister entered the world and half of Others have died, including Molly’s adoptive father and sister, the humans in the world have started attacking Others. Molly is fired from her job as a partner at a PR firm she help build for no reason but being a witch and she refuses to be bullied anymore. Molly joins Clan Owen as their new PR person and soon meets Gage Garrity, head of security. Gage and Molly form a bond that grows over time and soon they realize they need each other more than they ever want to admit.

To say that I’m obsessed with the Bound by Magick series actually doesn’t even describe how much I love these books. I am a big fan of all of Lauren Dane’s but there’s something about these that take the cake as far as I’m concerned. Going Under is much darker than the previous two books and picks up not long after Chaos Burning ends. Half of the Others of the world have perished and the ones that remain are being hunted, discriminated against and stripped of all of their rights as citizens. The world is a dark place filled with hate and bigotry.

Molly Ryan is one kick ass female and she refuses to be treated like a second class citizen just because she is a witch. Molly takes heat from both the humans trying to strip Others of their rights and by Others who think she’s too pro-human. Add in that many people are trying to kill her and Molly’s not having an easy time right now. Gage is the only person who Molly can let down her guard and cry to when she’s had a bad day and the two form a friendship over time.

I have loved Gage ever since we first met him in Heart of Darkness and I was so excited to get his story. One of the things that I love about this series is that the characters take their time to get to know each other and most start out as friends first and slowly fall in love. Gage and Molly know each other for a while before they start their relationship and even at the beginning they take things super slow. It’s refreshing to watch the characters grow into their love for each other and fight and bicker like a real couple. Things aren't perfect in this world of Others but that’s what makes it so perfect for the readers.

My only issue was that I didn’t feel like anything really got resolved with the Other-Human situation and felt that things were a little anticlimactic towards the end. I guess the fight for equal rights will continue into the next book but from a different angle. I would have liked to see things either get resolved or a war begin but I can’t get everything that I want. What I do need is for the next book and Faine and Helena’s story ASAP. I love this world Mrs. Dane has created and I can’t wait until I get to visit it next.

Review: Fire in the Blood by Robyn Bachar

Title: Fire in the Blood
Series: Bad Witch, #3
Author: Robyn Bachar
Release Date: November 20, 2012
Pages: 132
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: Bewitching Book Tours
Publisher: Samhain
Rating: C
Reviewed by: Marq

summary from Goodreads
It’s good to be bad…

A Bad Witch story

Patience Roberts is the last summoner standing between magiciankind and certain demon invasion. After banishing two or three demons a day for too long, gods know she’d like nothing better than a little down time with her number one distraction—Faust.

But with vampires, hunters and assassins lined up to take her out, who has the time? Still, she has to admit her resistance to the amorous faerie is wearing thin. Not that she’ll ever let on—after all, faeries are notorious for their short romantic attention spans.

Faust, a Shadowspawn faerie, watched as his outcast clan dwindled to nothing. Determined to hold on to the woman he loves, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect Patience. And one day build a life with her.

When an old demon enemy punches through the barrier between the worlds, Patience must draw on every ounce of her reputation as a cast-iron bitch to temporarily banish him. To get rid of him for good, she’ll have to sacrifice one too many pieces of her soul to leave room for love…

---

Marq's thoughts:
Fire in the Blood is the first book I've read by Robyn Bachar and the first book I've read in the Bad Witch series.

I enjoyed Fire in the Blood a lot. I was surprised since this is the third book in the series and went into it, with no knowledge of the series whatsoever. Patience is a great character. She's snarky, funny and she's tough. I thought the series was about her as the heroine of the series, but when I went back and read the blurbs for the previous two books, I realized that she isn't.

Patience is a witch who is the last man standing. Her lover is a faerie named Faust and she has a demon employee named Harvey. I really liked Harvey. He's a gamer and he's loyal to Patience. I liked how Patience interacted with Faust and Harvey.

I definitely recommend reading the previous two books because I was a little confused while reading Fire in the Blood. The confrontations and tension between the characters didn't mean anything to me because I didn't know their history. Even though the author provided some background story about what happened to lead the characters to be where they are at this point in the novella, I still couldn't get the full picture or the impact of the characters actions.

I liked Fire in the Blood and I am definitely going to read the first two books in the series. I will have to readjust my mind so that I won't expect Patience to be the focus of the books. I do recommend reading Blood Smoke and Mirrors and Bewitched Blooded and Bewildered before reading Fire in the Blood.

Review: ICED by Karen Marie Moning

Title: ICED
Series: Fever, #6
Author: Karen Marie Moning
Published: October 30, 2012
Pages: 512
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchased
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Rating: A
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "One day, kid, you'll be willing to mortgage your fucking soul for somebody."

summary from Goodreads
The year is 1 AWC—After the Wall Crash. The Fae are free and hunting us. It’s a war zone out there, and no two days are alike. I’m Dani O’Malley, the chaos-filled streets of Dublin are my home, and there’s no place I’d rather be.

Dani “Mega” O’Malley plays by her own set of rules—and in a world overrun by Dark Fae, her biggest rule is: Do what it takes to survive. Possessing rare talents and the all-powerful Sword of Light, Dani is more than equipped for the task. In fact, she’s one of the rare humans who can defend themselves against the Unseelie. But now, amid the pandemonium, her greatest gifts have turned into serious liabilities.

Dani’s ex–best friend, MacKayla Lane, wants her dead, the terrifying Unseelie princes have put a price on her head, and Inspector Jayne, the head of the police force, is after her sword and will stop at nothing to get it. What’s more, people are being mysteriously frozen to death all over the city, encased on the spot in sub-zero, icy tableaux.

When Dublin’s most seductive nightclub gets blanketed in hoarfrost, Dani finds herself at the mercy of Ryodan, the club’s ruthless, immortal owner. He needs her quick wit and exceptional skill to figure out what’s freezing Fae and humans dead in their tracks—and Ryodan will do anything to ensure her compliance.

---

Marq's thoughts:

**contains spoilers if you haven't read books 1-5 of the Fever series and minor spoilers if you haven't read ICED**

Like everyone else, I was so worried when KMM announced that she was doing a trilogy in the Fever World with Dani as the heroine. Say what? Dani was so annoying in the Fever books. And she's 14. The big questions were: Is this book going to be YA? And can Dani 'Mega' O'Malley be a likable heroine that can carry an entire book? Will Ryodan be her love interest? Why oh why did I doubt KMM? We should know by now that she knows what she's doing. I will never doubt her again.

The first thing that blew me away was that I actually liked Dani! Yes she still had her annoying moments (they increased in frequency towards the end of the book) but I had to remind myself that she's only 14. She was kept in a cage and neglected by her mother and then she lived in the abbey with Rowena (ugh) and the other sidhe-seers. Dani doesn't know what it's like to be normal - have friends, love and affection from adults, to just be. So some of her actions were selfish and frustrating and wanted her to be knocked down a pedestal or two. Her bravado became annoying but then I realize she doesn't know how to be any other way. She has seen and done a lot in her young life but at heart, she's still a kid.

Here's a rundown of how I felt about the major players:

Ryodan - He *could* give Barrons a run for his money. Ryodan is intense and methodical. He pushes Dani and doesn't take her shit. The big question is will Ryodan be Dani's HEA? I can say after reading ICED, that I don't see it...yet. Right now I see Ryodan as someone who is using Dani to get what he wants (like Barrons did Mac) and he is her mentor in an odd, fecked up way. He protects Dani but he pushes her as well. We'll just have to wait and see where their relationship is headed. The only way I can accept them in a non-platonic relationship is if KMM fast forwards 4 or more years to where Dani is an adult. I really like Ryodan. He's very sexy and intense and he doesn't wear underwear because it....chafes.

Christian MacKeltar - I loved Christian in the Fever books but he started changing in Shadowfever when Mac fed him Unseelie to save his life. Being a Druid, the Unseelie flesh started turning Christian into an Unseelie Prince. In ICED, Christian is still changing and he is obsessed with Dani. Like psychotic, stalker obsessed. By the end of ICED, Christian is pretty much batshit crazy. LOL! Whenever he was around Dani, he made me uncomfortable. He is now full on Unseelie Prince. He has his black wings and he can sift. Is there no going back for Christian? I don't see how he can change back. All I know is, he's loco in la cabeza and Dani needs to get her distance before he buys her a White Mansion! *inside joke*

Lor - One of Ryodan's men, Lor was surprisingly an interesting and funny character. He's like Ryodan; he don't take no shit. But he's the eyes and he sees things that no one else sees. Lor has a front row seat to everything that's going on between Ryodan and Dani and Ryodan and Jo. Lor is going for providing some levity and humor and insight.

Jo - I never paid much attention to the other sidhe-seers in the series. Jo showed up at Chester's to rescue Dani and ends up working in the subclub and becomes Ryodan's lover. I don't know what's Jo's purpose? Right now she seems to be nothing but a warm body for Ryodan and Dani's personal punching bag. I did feel sorry for Jo when Dani went all psycho bitch on her. I don't see Jo as a compelling character and maybe it's time to send her back to the abbey.

Dancer - He was mentioned in Shadowfever. He's Dani's friend and about 3 years older than her but he treats her like an equal. He's smart, resourceful and Dani trusts him implicitly. They have a strong friendship but I'm wondering if Dancer is Dani's eventual love interest. There's one thing I do know, there's more to Dancer than meets the eye. I can't wait to find out more about him in the upcoming books.

Kat - Kat is the new Grand Mistress (now that Rowena is dead) and she doesn't want the job. But the girls are counting on her to lead. But she can't lead properly if she's constantly doubting herself and sexing up Cruce in her sleep. Yep. The Unseelie Prince, even though he's imprisoned underneath the abbey, has found his way to Kat in her sleep. She's fighting falling under his spell but her utter lack of confidence in herself is making her easy bait for Cruce.

Mac and Barrons - We have glimpses and mentions of Mac and Barrons. During the entire book, Mac is looking for Dani. And we know why. At least we think we know. In Shadowfever, Mac finds out that Dani led Alana to the alley where she was killed by Unseelie. Dani is positive that Mac is looking for her in order to kill her. I honestly don't know. I wouldn't mind seeing a showdown between the two.

Inspector Jayne - He's an asshole.

Cruce - Up to his old tricks and I won't be surprise if he escapes his prison in the next book.

I loved ICED. I enjoyed it from start to finish. I love being back in the Fever World. I enjoyed the multiple POVs. Ryodan is HOT! Lor is hilarious! Dani is a great heroine despite being annoying at times. I can't wait to read book 2. Write faster KMM! Write. Faster.

Audiobook Review: Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones

Title: Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
Series: Charley Davidson, #4
Author: Darynda Jones
Audible Release Date: 10-30-12
Length: 9 hrs 28 mins
Narrator: Lorelei King
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Source: Purchased
Rating: C+
Reviewed by: Marq

summary from Audible
Sometimes being the grim reaper really is that. Grim. And since Charley’s last case went so awry, she has taken a couple months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above. Or at least get dressed. She quickly realizes something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she’s insane. The more they refute the woman’s story, the more Charley believes it.

In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, has been cleared of all charges. He is out of prison and out of Charley’s life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved. Just when life was returning to normal, Charley is thrust back into the world of crime, punishment, and the devil in blue jeans.

---

Marq's thoughts:
I don't think I would have enjoyed the Charley Davidson books if I'd read them. There's something about Lorelei King's narration that brings the characters and the story to life.

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet was my favorite book of the series despite some of the issues I had with Charley. It's a few months later and Charley is holed up in her apartment, making out credit cards buying useless items from Home Shopping Channels. Since her attack, Charley has been suffering from PTSD although she doesn't want to admit it. Cookie slowly tries to get Charley to leave the apartment and to stop shopping. A new case shows up at Charley's doorstep and that propels Charley to finally get out of her funk. But like any Charley Davidson story, there's not just the case she has to deal with but there's also demons, her family, bank robbers and Reyes.

As much as I enjoyed FGBMF, I felt like there was too much going on! My first issue was with the case that Charley took, Harper, who's being harassed by someone. I felt that it was unnecessary since it was put on the back burner throughout most of the book. And then to throw in Charley being caught in the middle of a bank robbery? What was the point? There should have been a better way to display Charley's powers without adding another plot point. There are demons trying to kill Charley! Why aren't we focusing on the demons?!?!?!?! That in itself is enough to get the plot interesting.

I'm also tired of Charley's family. Can they go to therapy and move on please? Or cut them off. Do something. Let's hope everything is resolved for the next book.

I love Charley's humor but she kicked it into overdrive to the point that it was annoying and felt forced. The naming of furniture and body parts was the first time I heard it but after the fifth time, it starts to lose it's cuteness. Charley's humor needs to scale back because it overpowered everything else.

My favorite parts of the book involved Reyes and the demons - which should be the focus in my opinion. Let's stop with the 2 and 3 plots going on at the same time. It takes away from the Big Bad.

All of the men in Charley's life suck, except for Uncle Bob. And yes, that includes sexy ass Reyes. I'd do him but I don't have to like him. ;-)

Cookie is my favorite character in this book. She seems to be the only one with some sense.

I did enjoy this book (I know it may not seem like it) and it's mainly thanks to the narrator. Lorelei King kept me entertained from start to finish even when I was rolling my eyes when Charley called her gun 'Margaret'.

Review: Full Blooded by Amanda Carlson

Title: Full Blooded (Jessica McClain)
Series: Jessica McClain, #1
Author: Amanda Carlson
Published: September 11, 2012
Pages: 346
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: NetGalley
Publisher: Orbit
Rating: C+
Reviewed by: Marq

summary from Goodreads
Born the only female in an all male race, Jessica McClain isn’t just different—she’s feared.

After living under the radar for the last twenty-six years, Jessica is thrust unexpectedly into her first change, a full ten years late. She wakes up and finds she’s in the middle of a storm. Now that she’s become the only female full-blooded werewolf in town, the supernatural world is already clamoring to take a bite out of her and her new Pack must rise up and protect her.

---

Marq's thoughts:
I love werewolves and was anxious to read Full Blooded after hearing the positive early buzz.

Jessica McClain is the only female werewolf. Members of her Pack fear her thanks to the Cain Myth which states that she's going to bring down the Pack and bring death upon the wolves. Jessica is sent away, for her own protection, at the age of 19. Full Blooded starts 7 years later where Jessica experiences her first shift. Trying to keep it on the down low proves futile and the quiet, anonymous life she built for herself implodes.

After her first shift, Jessica's life completely changes. She has a cop, Ray Hart, who is out to get her and with strange occurrences happening at her apartment, he is more determined than ever to see her behind bars. Jessica used to be a cop but ended up quitting due to Ray's harassment. Now he's after her like a dog with a bone. Someone in the Pack is out to kill Jessica. Even though her shift is a secret, the secret is out and now Jessica is running for her life. And while all of this is going on, she meets a werecat, Rourke, who she isn't sure is friend or foe.

There's a lot going on in Full Blooded and because there is, I think the book suffered a little. I read the prequel novella (Blooded) that established Jessica's history and why she had to be sent away. In Full Blooded, I would have liked to see Jessica's life once she left the Pack. The book starts with Jessica experiencing her first shift so we are just told about what she's been doing the last seven years. Once she goes through the shift, all hell breaks loose and there's so much going on that I felt that some parts of the story fell apart. In the first half of the book Ray Hart was a huge presence and then he just fell off and then shows up at the end. I felt that the middle of the book slowed down with the explanation of the Pack politics, the Cain Myth and the discussion of protecting Jessica from whoever is after her.

Jessica is an anomaly. She's strong, she can control her shift and she can freeze her shift. The one thing that kind of bothered me was that her father and brother and the Pack worked to constantly protect her. I felt that Jessica is strong enough to join in the fight since it is her life that is being threatened. I didn't like her being coddled and hope that in future books, she will be on equal footing along with the male werewolves.

I don't know how I feel about Jessica's love interest. It came out of nowhere and didn't have anytime to develop before the book ended with a cliffhanger. I honestly didn't see that coming and was hoping that she would have more chances to burn off some sexual steam with James.

Overall, I think Full Blooded is a good start to the series. I will definitely be reading the next book, Hot Blooded, because of the cliffhanger and I'm interested in finding out where the series is headed. I like all the characters individually and I like Jessica's voice. It's just that at times when they come together, it's a little muddled.

Review: The Ripple Effect by J.A. Saare

Title: The Ripple Effect
Series: Rhiannon's Law, #3
Author: J.A. Saare
Published: July 31, 2012
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Mundania Press
Source: Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Rating: A-
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "There is always something to lose. You might not know what it is, but there is always something they can find to take away from you."


summary from Goodreads
There is always a price to pay…

Rhiannon Murphy visited the future, witnessed hell on earth and made choices to change things for the greater good. Unfortunately there are consequences for her actions, the penalties for her interference possibly more than she can bear. Determined to sever her debt with a fallen angel, she pushes everything aside, focusing on locating Marigold Vesta’s resting place.

Until death comes knocking at her door.

When Disco’s maker arrives in New York, he resents Rhiannon on a level she can’t begin to comprehend. Yet Marius isn’t her most dangerous adversary, not by a long shot. Marius’s sire -- a half-demon -- is determined to see the necromancer who stunned the vampire world on her knees. If she won’t bend, he’ll do everything in his power to make her break. No price is too high, meaning no one is safe -- including Disco and Paine.

Dealt a blow from which she can never recover, Rhiannon turns to the only person who can help her: the fallen angel who is relying on Rhiannon to save her soul. Bartering with a creature from Heaven is probably just as dangerous as starting a war with a demon from Hell, but with nothing to lose it’s no longer about life or death.

It’s about getting even.

---

**contains spoilers if you have not read the previous two books in the series**

Marq's thoughts:
Wow. Just...wow. I was scared to read The Ripple Effect after the events that took place in The Renfield Syndrome. When J.A. Saare sent me the e-galley and told me that I might not like it because TRE is "pretty dark stuff", I was nervous yet anxious to read it. Nervous because I had a feeling I wouldn't like what happens and anxious because I couldn't wait to read what happens.

The Ripple Effect takes place a couple of weeks after Disco betrays Rhiannon and she pretty much writes him off. She still loves him but she can not and will not forgive him. Rhiannon is still searching for the burial spot of Marigold, so that she can resurrect her. Meanwhile, strippers are being murdered and rape and Disco's maker, Marius, decides to pay them a visit. There's never a dull moment in Rhiannon's world.

I love that J.A. Saare is not afraid to have her characters do things that we are not going to like. Rhiannon pissed me off for most of the book. It was all about her ego. She'd gone rogue in a sense, becoming dependent on the amulet and Sucker (the knife that she used to kill a demon in the previous book) and her hold onto Sucker is going to have consequences and is one of the reasons Marius is visiting. Rhiannon being in possession of that night is making the half-demons nervous. They don't want a necromancer to have that much power. Unfortunately, Rhiannon isn't listening to the people around her. Disco has sheltered her from the real vampire world and she has no idea how ugly and dirty it's gonna get.

"God help you, Rhiannon. You should have brought him the knife. Your reckless decisions are about to catch up to you."

The Ripple Effect is all about Rhiannon's actions and how her stubbornness and her ego comes back and bites her in the ass. Not only does she suffer, but those she around her suffer as well. Like I said, Ms. Saare does not pull any punches. I was so pissed at Rhiannon throughout the book. Her decisions and actions were so selfish and all about what worked best for her. But the one thing I did trust is that Ms. Saare put us and Rhiannon through the ringer for a reason.

Rhiannon needed her life to fall apart in order to grow. She had to hit rock bottom. Up until now, Rhiannon did Rhiannon. She was status quo, not changing and not evolving. The events in The Ripple Effect finally forces her to grow the f*ck up and realize that there are consequences, serious big time consequences.

The Ripple Effect was beyond my expectation. It was dark, gritty, and intense. I truly didn't know what would happen from one moment to the next. My heart broke (can't tell why) but I managed to pull it together and continue reading. Disco finally mans up and takes a stand (even though I still don't like him). We're introduced to a new and mysterious character, Bane. Will his association with Rhiannon be a help or a hindrance?

The Ripple Effect is one of my favorite books of the year. I love this series and it continues to get better with each book.

I highly recommend this series. Highly. Recommend.

Review: Keeping Secret by Sierra Dean

Title: Keeping Secret
Series: Secret McQueen, #4
Author: Sierra Dean
Published: July 10, 2012
Pages: 256
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Publisher: Samhain
Rating: B
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "Choice is a lie we tell ourselves when we do things we feel people won't like."


summary from Goodreads
It’s a nice day for a white wedding. At least that’s what Secret McQueen is hoping for, with her poofy-princess-dress marriage to a werewolf king looming closer and closer by the day. But as ever, nothing can be that easy for a vampire/werewolf hybrid for whom someone still harbors a death wish.

Summoned to the south by her werewolf uncle, who makes no bones about the fact her mate bond with Lucas doesn’t pass muster, Secret learns her furry heritage looks more like a tangled vine than a family tree. Getting her royal uncle’s blessing hinges on finding one of the missing twigs. Even with vampire sentry Holden Chancery at her side, she manages to land up to her neck in a swamp of trouble.

As an assassin’s scope zeroes in, family dramas boil up and a fast-collapsing love square threatens to bury her alive, making it to the church on time could be the least of Secret’s problems.

---

Marq's thoughts:
I love this series to death but Keeping Secret nearly gave me a coronary. I had a feeling I wasn't going to like the events that take place in this book and I was right. It's bad enough that Secret is marrying that werewolf King but Secret, in my opinion, does some really idiotic things in this book that had me so frustrated with her by the end. I do know one thing, I'm tired of the love triangle (sometimes quadrangle when Holden is feeling frisky). Firmly on the side of Team Desmond/Team Lime, Keeping Secret completely did me in. I don't know where Secret or Lucas, Desmond or Holden go from here. I'm a little scared to find out.

As Secret prepares to wed Lucas Rain, someone is out to kill her. It must be Tuesday because that's nothing new. While being the blushing bride and trying to find out who's out to get her, Secret is summoned by her uncle to visit his territory in Louisiana. In a show of solidarity and to get her uncle's approval, Secret and Lucas head to Louisiana. There, Secret is kidnapped by the werewolf version of "Deliverance", becomes acquainted with family she never knew she had and finally takes a step towards accepting her werewolf half. A lot happens in Keeping Secret and Ms. Dean keeps us entertained and on our toes.

What I love about Secret is that she kicks major ass, she's snarky and she's an all around bad ass. I've noticed that once she became soul-bonded with Lucas and Desmond, Secret lost a little bit of her edge. Some of it came back in this book but I still miss the Secret we were introduced to in book 1. The one thing that bothered me since book 3 is how Secret accepts what Lucas tells her at face value. She'll question for a hot second and then all Lucas has to do is say "trust me" or look at her sexually and she gives in. I'm ready for Secret to stand her ground. In book 3, she realized that Lucas is not only the werewolf King but he's also the King of Half Truths and Lies. Why she continues to let him run roughshod all over her is beyond me. Regardless of whether or not what they are doing is good for the pack, she needs to stand up to him and demand to know everything up front. Not at the last minute, when it's a matter of life and death and she can't make an informed decision.

Secret also isn't making the best decisions either judging by how Keeping Secret ended. I wanted to throw my Kindle against the wall and scream. I feel like the romance issue won't be resolved any time soon and I don't know how I feel about that. Yes, I do. I hate it. I'm ready for Secret to fly solo and just do her job and continue to mentor Brittany and just be a bad ass with no men to distract her. I don't expect an immediate HEA but the romance is tiring. I don't like Lucas - obviously. Desmond is my man and I think he needs to move on. Secret does not deserve him. I don't care if she loves him or not because she does not put him first and when his feelings are hurt and he reacts, she has the nerve to be mad at him. What does she expect? You can only be jerked around for so long before you're tired of being on someone's leash. I really don't have any feelings about Holden. He's a good friend and I think that it needs to stay that way. Trust a man to ruin a great friendship with sex.

Once again, Sierra Dean managed to stress me the hell out while reading this book. I still love this series but I think Secret needs a swift kick in the arse and a reality check so that she can get her shizz together. There's only so much I can take. I can't wait to see where the next book takes us.

Quickie Review: Fever Moon by Karen M. Moning

Title: Fever Moon (Graphic Novel)
Author: Karen Marie Moning
Published: July 10 (print), July 25 (digital)
Pages: 144
Genre: Graphic Novel (UF)
Source: Purchased
Rating: C
Reviewed by: Marq

summary from Goodreads
In Fever Moon, we meet the most ancient and deadly Unseelie ever created, the Fear Dorcha. For eons, he’s traveled worlds with the Unseelie king, leaving behind him a path of mutilation and destruction. Now he’s hunting Dublin, and no one Mac loves is safe.


Dublin is a war zone. The walls between humans and Fae are down. A third of the world’s population is dead and chaos reigns. Imprisoned over half a million years ago, the Unseelie are free and each one Mac meets is worse than the last. Human weapons don’t stand a chance against them.

With a blood moon hanging low over the city, something dark and sinister begins to hunt the streets of Temple Bar, choosing its victims by targeting those closest to Mac. Armed only with the Spear of Destiny and Jericho Barrons, she must face her most terrifying enemy yet.

---

Marq's thoughts:
I didn't know what to expect. I loved revisiting Barrons and Mac and the Fever World. The artwork is fantastic. I was worried about reading the graphic novel because we all have our own ideas as to how the characters look. Barrons doesn't look how I pictured him. He kinda reminds of Steven Seagal. Ewww. And he has a mullet! I expected Barrons to look more neat and put together. But Inspector Jayne is sexay! I pictured him as an older, pot-bellied fellow. So glad I got that wrong. Mac was drawn very curvy and sexy. She looked like a Playboy Playmate. I kinda wish this wasn't hardcover as it made it a little difficult to read the dialog that was close to the spine. The graphic novel needed to be broken in a little while reading it.

The overall plot was nothing spectacular. We met the Fear Dorcha in Shadowfever so nothing in Fever Moon is new if you've already read Shadowfever. It's the usual Barrons and Mac banter with bitchy Rowena thrown into the mix. Now that I see how sexy Inspector Jayne is, I hope to see more of him in the spin-off series.

All in all, it Fever Moon was okay. It took less than an hour to read. It was entertaining but not what I expected. If she publishes another graphic novel, I don't know if I'll buy it. I'm not a graphic novel person so maybe I can't appreciate it like a true aficionado. I bought Fever Moon because I love this series and KMM and needed a Barrons fix. It's a pretty book to add to my bookshelf.

Review: Fire Kissed by Erin Kellison

Title: Fire Kissed (Shadow Kissed)
Series: Shadow, #4
Author: Erin Kellison
Published: July 3, 2012
Pages: 353
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher (Zebra)
Rating: B-
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “The wet night misted around her, like steam to her fire. She was doing her goddess thing, above it all, untouchable.”

summary from Goodreads
Fae Fire
It is Kaye Brand's power to wield. But outcast from her kind, she's been selling herself to the highest bidder—money for her survival in exchange for a magic glimpse into the flames of the future.

Angel Ice
One of the angelic Order, Jack Bastian has no use for a female like Kaye, as provocative and unexpected as her blazing beauty. Yet he has no choice but to hire her to uncover the secrets of his sworn enemy and her former fiancé, Ferrol Grey.

Magekind
War is inevitable between the defenders of the Order and the mage Houses who threaten to engulf the world in Shadow. For Jack, mage-born Kaye is off limits, no matter how hot the impossible attraction between them. But in the coming darkness, beset by danger and desire, everything is about to change...

---

Ellie's thoughts:
When Kaye Brand was just fifteen years old she was supposed to marry Ferrol Grey, a mage from the most powerful house of the Mage Council and because she herself had no power yet she had no choice in the matter. All things changed after Kaye discovered “her” wedding gift to her fiance in her father’s basement and refused to go through with the marriage. Kaye’s firepower made itself known at this point and she burnt down her house while fighting off a wraith. Kaye has spent the last ten years on the run from other mages and selling her gift of firepower to earn a living but her skills are needed by a group who are actually mage’s enemies and without her help mankind is in for a dark age.

Jack Bastian is an angel and works for The Order, a group whose sole purpose is to bring down mages and their dark power. Jack does not trust Kaye or want her help but times have gotten worse in the war between the two groups and his superiors believe she is the only hope they have. Being an angel Jack hasn’t felt real feelings since he was a man over a thousand years ago but Kaye awakens something in him and soon she becomes more important than his mission or the Order.

With the blurb on the back cover and on Goodreads being very short and vague I wasn’t sure what to expect from Fire Kissed, especially since it’s the fourth book in a series and I had no idea what genre it was. I came to find out the it’s mostly urban fantasy, with some paranormal romance squeezed in and the story is amazing. I read this book of a flight from Denver to Chicago and was so enamored by it I couldn’t put it down the entire flight not even to ask for a beverage. The writing is amazing and will keep you hooked until the very last page.

Fire Kissed does not follow the normal romance rules which makes it so interesting. Kaye is out for revenge and even though she loves Jack she doesn’t let that love get in the way of what she has to do to bring down her former fiance. Kaye is a very strong character and she grows a lot in this book, all for the better. Her relationship with Jack is great but my only problem with the whole book is that on minute they have all this chemistry but jack refuses to even like Kaye and then the next minute he’s professing his love for her. I felt like I missed something important in their relationship and it bothered me a lot.

There are a lot of characters from the previous books but I had no trouble reading Fire Kissed as a stand alone. I really enjoyed the world that Mrs. Kellison created and am very interested to see what happens next. The mages and the Order have a long war ahead of them and I plan on being front row for all future battles and power plays.

Review: Blood Before Sunrise by Amanda Bonilla

Title: Blood Before Sunrise: A Shaede Assassin Novel
Series: Shaede Assassin, #2
Author: Amanda Bonilla
Published: July 3, 2012
Pages: 336
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher (NAL/Signet Eclipse)
Rating: A
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “And when I’ve been offended, I’m not a runaway-and-cry-in-my-pillow type of girl. I’m a jab-someone-with something-sharp kind of girl, and is he wanted to be with me, he’d just have to get used to that.”


summary from Goodreads

For months Darian and her Shaede guardian Raif have searched for the Oracle who attempted to overthrow the Shaede Nation—and kill Darian in the bargain. But now that they’ve finally found the half-crazed Oracle, for their efforts they are granted a possibility too painful for Raif to imagine, and too enticing for Darian to ignore.

Darian is determined to reunite Raif and the daughter he thought was dead, but her mission quickly proves dangerous when her lover Tyler is almost killed. And when a brooding and mysterious Fae warrior offers his guidance—at an extraordinary price—Darian finds herself willing to risk everything. As her single-minded hunt turns into an obsession, and she and Tyler grow further apart, Darian finds herself caught between the man she loves like a brother, and the man whose love she can’t live without…

---

Ellie's thoughts:
Blood Before Sunrise is the second book in Amanda Bonilla’s amazing urban fantasy series Shaede Assassin and her heroine Darian. This books picks up a few months after Shaedes of Grey with Darian, Raif and Tyler still looking for the Oracle who escaped them and may hold information on the whereabouts of Raif’s long lost daughter. When catching the Oracle turns out to be too easy, Darian learns of a bigger force looking for her that will make her old enemies look like kittens. Darian has never had a family before or friends and she is determined to find Raif’s daughter for him even if it ruins her own happiness.

Blood Before Sunrise is not only the best urban fantasy book I’ve read this year but it tops my list for favorite book of 2012 so far. Darian has grown a lot since we first met her but she still has trust issues and is horrible about asking people for help. This comes back to bite her a lot in this book and even though I understand why she was acting that way it still drove me crazy. Amanda Bonilla is great at making you love and hate Darian at the same time. I love that she’s not perfect, is very flawed but would do anything for someone that she cares about.

Darian is determined to find Raif’s daughter and she is even willing to put her life in danger to do so. The journey that Darian goes on in this book not an easy one and it will twist with your heart strings over and over again. I love the relationship that Darian and Raif have and it seems to only grow stronger as time goes on. I did wish that there was more Xhander just because he has such a great way of getting to Darian and their banter is hilarious.

Darian’s relationship with Tyler is still going on but someone or thing is messing with their bond. The only times that Darian acts like a complete idiot is when she’s dealing with her relationship with Tyler. I was so happy that these two got together but it obvious that Darian still has issues and they come out in full force. I think what I love so much about this series is that the characters don’t have perfect lives or relationships. They are all fighting to be happy but no one is used to being happy and it’s a very big struggle.

The Shaede Assassin series is one of the best that I have read in a very long time and I am so sad that we don’t get the third book until March 2013. Amanda Bonilla has created a world and characters that are violent and dangerous but also fiercely loyal and loveable. Darian might not be the easiest person to like at times but she always means well and will fight to the death to save those she loves. Blood Before Sunrise is an brilliantly written book that all urban fantasy readers will love.

Review: The Taken by Vicki Pettersson

Title: The Taken: Celestial Blues
Series: Celestial Blues, #1
Author: Vicki Pettersson
Published: June 12, 2012
Pages: 432
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher (Harper Collins)
Rating: C+
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “A rockabilly lifestyle, a sting involving truckers, young girls, possibly pimps. An anonymous woman who’d written the names of the city’s movers and shakers on a list that had drawn Nicole to her death. Was that all?”


summary from Goodreads
Griffin Shaw used to be a PI, but that was back when gumshoes hoofed the streets . . . and he was still alive. Fifty years later, he's an angel, but that doesn't make him a saint. One small mistake has altered fate, and now he's been dumped back onto the mortal mudflat to collect another soul--Katherine "Kit" Craig, a journalist whose latest investigation is about to get her clipped.

Bucking heavenly orders, Grif refuses to let the sable-haired siren come to harm. Besides, protecting her offers a chance to solve the mystery of his own unsolved murder--and dole out some overdue payback for the death of his beloved wife, Evie.

Joining forces, Kit and Grif's search for answers leads beyond the blinding lights of the Strip into the dark heart of an evil conspiracy. But a ruthless killer determined to destroy them isn't Grif's biggest threat. His growing attraction to Kit could cost them both their lives, along with the answer to the haunting question of his long afterlife . . .

---

Ellie's thoughts:
Griffin Shaw is back in Las Vegas fifty years after he and his wife were murdered but now as a Centurion, a type of angel that helps murdered victims after their death move on. After breaking a big rule with a new soul Griffin is sent back to Earth but this time as a human and his job is to collect a new soul. Griffin has other plans now that he’s back in the flesh and they all revolve around finding who killed him and his beloved Evie all those years ago. Griffin never imagined he would encounter Kit Craig, a journalist, rockabilly girl and the best friend of the soul that he got sent back to Earth for, or that he would be helping her find her best friend’s murder. Together they might be able to solve the case but that won’t stop the powers that be from trying to take them both back to Heaven.

The Taken is the first book in a new series from Vicki Pettersson and it really sparked my interest at first . We first meet former P.I. and now angel Griffin Shaw as he’s getting ready to take a new murdered soul to heaven. People who have been murdered are escorted to heaven and put in incubation until they can forget what happened to them and move on. Some of these souls become Centurion angels who help other souls move on. Griffin is taught a lesson and sent back to Earth as a human where his next assignment is to help bring back Kit Craig.

Kit Craig lives a rockabilly lifestyle where she and her friends love all things vintage and try to live like people did fifty years ago. Griffin fits right in to Kit’s world and when he saves her instead of carrying out his assignment, they both find themselves trying to stay alive and solve who killed Nicole, Kit’s best friend. There is a lot going on in this book and a lot of different characters. Kit is by far my favorite and she keeps the book from getting boring or too dark.

Griffin drove me crazy the entire book. He is very distraught about his late wife’s death fifty years ago and refuses to move on from it. I did like that he struggles for his feelings for Kit and that it takes awhile for them to act on their attraction but I hated that he was constantly comparing the two women. Griffin also liked to use his wife to keep Kit at a distance or to hurt her which made me want to throw my book a couple of times.

I really enjoyed the mystery of who killed Nicole and who was behind the truckers and young girls. This book doesn’t shy away from killing off big characters or throwing a loop here or there. It keeps you on your toes and guessing until the very end which I loved. My big problem I had was with Anne, also and angel, who did nothing but piss me off and slow down the story. I could have done without her completely and had more of Sarg, an angel I did like.

This book starts off very good but does slow way down in the middle. There were a few times when I struggled to keep reading. Between struggling at times to keep my interest, my dislike of Griffin and the fact that not every mystery gets solved I had to give this book a C+. I am hoping that as the series progresses it finds its rhythm and works out the kinks. I also hope that Griffin can lose some of the attitude which would make reading about him a whole lot easier. I am eager for the next book just so everything can be solved and I will stop trying to guess who killed Griffin and Evie fifty years earlier.

Review: Chasing Magic by Stacia Kane

Title: Chasing Magic (Downside)
Series: Downside Ghosts, #5
Author: Stacia Kane
Published: June 26, 2012
Pages: 416
Source: NetGalley
Publisher: Del Rey
Rating: A
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: 
 “Shit. You so fucking pretty, Chessie. True thing. So.....ain’t even can breath sometimes.” 


“What was the record for number of people fucked over in a single day, because she was pretty fucking sure nobody could beat her at that one.” 


“Rather be with you here. So whyn’t you make sure you stay yourself alive, dig? Don’t get dead Chessiebomb.”


summary from Goodreads

A DEADLY HIGH

Magic-wielding Churchwitch and secret addict Chess Putnam knows better than anyone just how high a price people are willing to pay for a chemical rush. But when someone with money to burn and a penchant for black magic starts tampering with Downside’s drug supply, Chess realizes that the unlucky customers are paying with their souls—and taking the innocent with them, as the magic-infused speed compels them to kill in the most gruesome ways possible.

As if the streets weren’t scary enough, the looming war between the two men in her life explodes, taking even more casualties and putting Chess squarely in the middle. Downside could become a literal ghost town if Chess doesn’t find a way to stop both the war and the dark wave of death-magic, and the only way to do that is to use both her addiction and her power to enter the spell and chase the magic all the way back to its malevolent source. Too bad that doing so will probably kill Chess—if the war doesn’t first destroy the man who’s become her reason for living.

---

Ellie's thoughts:

Usually I struggle to find one quote that perfectly sums up a book but with Chasing Magic there were so many that I finally settled on the three above. Sorry about the cursing but that’s how they talk in Downside. Chasing Magic is the fifth, and in my opinion best book in the Downside Ghosts series so far. This book picks up right were the last one left off and things are definitely changing in Downside. Lex is now in charge after his father’s death and has openly declared war on Bump and Terrible, much to Chessie’s dismay. Chess is still working for the church but her major goal at the moment is to find out who is behind the tainting of Downsides drug supply and how to keep Terrible safe and alive.

Chess and Terrible are still growing strong but still hiding their relationship from everyone except Bump, Lex and people at the Church. The best thing about Chasing Magic is the amount of Terrible that we get. He gets a much larger role and is actually a huge part of the plot line. Chess is still a junkie and still messing up left and right but the one thing that I love is that she always fights to stay with Terrible and there is no doubt that he loves Chessie more then anyone or anything. Chess and Terrible finally take their relationship public at a wedding and it made me want them to take it public in Downside.

There is a lot of crazy dark magic happening in Downside and it’s up to Chess and Terrible to stop it. I had no idea who was behind the tainting of Downsides drug supply and was actually very shocked  when everything is revealed. There are not many times when I’m kept guessing about what’s going on until the very end of a book but this book is that good. Between the suspense and mystery of the dark witch and the growing relationship between Chess and Terrible I could not put this book down. Bump makes a lot of cameos to provide some much needed laughs and he never fails to amaze me with his crass humor and horrible disregard for Chess. I have a great hate/love relationship with our drug lord and I would love to see a novella of how Terrible came to work for Bump.

I touched on this before but I had a big problem with Chess in this book. She is still a junkie and I felt that she was popping pills and doing lines a lot more then usual. Chess just couldn’t keep it together in this book and really pissed me off. There was actually one scene where I wanted to throw my kindle but was talked down by other book bloggers. There were even a few times when I was angry at Terrible for putting up with her lying and drug use. If it wasn’t for Terrible and the fact that he makes me swoon like no one else, I don’t think I could read a Downside book without him at this point. He keeps me reading when I really am angry at Chess and have given up on her. There are some talk about things changing but we will see if she actually pulls it off.

Even though I had major problems with Chess in this book, Chasing Magic was amazing and I loved it. As a fan of the series it gave me exactly what I wanted which was lots and lots of Terrible. I think I would read just about anything with him in it just to hear him tell Chess is his crazy jive talk how much he loves her and to hear him call her Chessiebomb. I am not sure what’s in the future for Downside but I am eagerly anticipating the hunt for more ghosts, maybe a trip to the City and lots of Terrible and Chess.

Review: Chaos Burning by Lauren Dane

Title: Chaos Burning
Series: Bound by Magick, #2
Author: Lauren Dane
Published: June 5, 2012
Pages: 320
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher (Berkley Sensation)
Rating: B
Reviewed by: Ellie

Favorite quote: “All these years, we sought out the ladies for how they looked but when you get right down to it, it’s who they are, the magick they throw off like pixie dust that gets to a man.”


summary from Goodreads

he life of Lark Jaansen, hunter in Clan Gennessee, has been shaped by violence and unrest—and it defines her future. Well-trained and resilient, she’s met her militaristic match in Simon Leviathan, a warrior not of this world. Locked in mutual admiration, and a desire so hot it burns, Lark and Simon have something else in common: they love the dark, and as a shadow is cast over their world, they’re each coming into their own.

A mysterious war has been waged among the Others. As witches and humans turn against each other, as faes retreat in fear, and as vampires rise, Lark and Simon discover that an unseen force is behind it. A single, hungry entity older than recorded history has returned to gorge on the magick of his victims. It is the Magister, nothing less than the end of time. Finding it is Lark and Simon’s first hope. Surviving it is their last.

---

Ellie's thoughts:
Lark Jaansen is hoping that the time she spends in Seattle will help heal the rift between her and her sister but she is also hoping that she can help solve the mystery of Others who are going missing in the area. As more and more Others are vanishing, Lark is getting more and more worried, especially when rumors of a name, one so old it was thought to be a story, are whispered and those who can are fleeing Earth. Lycian Simon Leviathan turns out to not just be a friend but he might be able to help Lark discover where the Others are going and who's behind the kidnappings.

Simon Leviathan is a third son in his Lycian family and has chosen to cross the Veil and make his life in Seattle. Simon is intrigued by Lark, the witch helping the clan in his area, but he immediately puts her in the friend category but that soon changes as he witnesses first hand her fighting skills and determination to find the missing Others. Simon knows what he wants but it will take some time to convince Lark to be his mate and with a new superpower in town they must fight for a future together or all might be lost.

Chaos Burning in the second book in Lauren Dane’s Bound by Magick series and it can be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading the books in order to really understand what is going on. Others are the witches, shifters, vampires and other supernatural beings on Earth and many are going missing all over the pacific northwest. Lark is a badass who has been running her clans hunters and is now on loan to help the Seattle clan with their problem. I really liked Lark a lot and I found her to be everything I like in a female heroine: strong, funny and unwilling to back down when innocent people are getting hurt. She is a little on the eccentric side but that just added another great layer to her already colorful personality.

Simon is a six hundred year old Lycian who is happily content to be a bachelor. I really loved that Lark and Simon didn’t have an instant connection and were friends for a while before either of them developed feelings for the other. I got a little worried at first that they were going to just stay buddies and I wasn’t sure how Mrs. Dane was going to take these friends and make them lovers but she did a great job and I was so happy with their relationship. We get to see Simon’s home on the other side of the Veil and it was hands down the best part of the book. I’m really hoping for a book that takes place with one of his brothers or an entire spin off series with the Lycians. There is a lot going on besides Simon’s family and I was so happy how everything tied together. Lauren Dane is great at building suspense and writing scenes that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat biting your fingernails to the bone. I really enjoyed this book and Lark and Simon’s relationship was a breath of fresh air in a crowded and boring group of cookie cutter couples in paranormal romance books.

Once again Lauren Dane has written a great book, in a great series that I think will soon be a must read for all romance readers. Her characters are full of life and always highly entertaining. Chaos Burning is one of the best paranormal romance novels I’ve read in 2012 so far and I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

Review: A Blood Seduction by Pamela Palmer

Title: A Blood Seduction
Series: Vamp City, #1
Author: Pamela Palmer
Published: May 29, 2012
Pages: 384
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Edelweiss
Publisher: Avon
Rating: C+
Reviewed by: Marq

Favorite quote: "Even the 'good' ones are monsters, Quinn. The sooner you understand that, the better off you'll be. There's no such thing as a good vampire."

summary from Goodreads

Vampires live only for lust and pleasure in the eternal twilight of Vamp City. But the city’s magic is dying. The only person who can restore it? A beautiful woman from the mortal world...one who knows nothing of the power she wields.

Quinn Lennox is searching for a missing friend when she stumbles into a dark otherworld that only she can see—and finds herself at the mercy of Arturo Mazza, a dangerously handsome vampire whose wicked kiss will save her, enslave her, bewitch her, and betray her.

What Arturo can’t do is forget about her—any more than Quinn can control her own feelings for him. Neither one can let desire get in the way of their mission—his to save his people, hers to save herself.
But there is no escape from desire in a city built for seduction, where passion flows hot and blood-red. Welcome to Vamp City...

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Marq's thoughts:
I didn't know what to expect when I started reading A Blood Seduction. I did know that this is definitely not a paranormal romance. The world is dark, gritty. The vampires are not nice and sparkly. They are true villains and are very evil. Humans are nothing but a commodity for the vampires to own and enjoy at their whim. The hero, Arturo, does not apologize for who and what he is. He is very comfortable living his life in Vamp City.

The citizens of Washington D.C. have gone missing without a trace. Quinn Lennox has always been different. She sees things that others cannot. When her brother, Zack, friend Lily becomes one of the missing, they set out to look for her and mistakenly get drawn into Washington, V.C. Vamp City was created in the 1800s by a sorcerer. The magic that created the city is starting to fail. Vamp City is an alternate world and cannot be seen by normal people. But Quinn isn't normal and she has been seeing pieces of the city from her apartment window. When Quinn and Zack are drawn into Vamp City, they get separated. Quinn lands in the arms of vampire Arturo. She's to be his slave and his lover. Quinn's only goal is to survive long enough for her to escape, find Zack and to leave Vamp City far behind.

Quinn for all her book smarts was pretty dumb throughout most of the book. She was courageous and brave and stood up for herself but with vampires. Creatures with superhuman strength and speed that have no conscience and consider humans as the bottom of the food chain. Quinn was so mouthy, asking so many questions and was so defiant that it drove me batty. She made it known that she was looking for her brother, that she would do anything to find him and that she was going to escape. Way to show your hand, Quinn. She would make an awful poker player. And she constantly trusted and believed Arturo. Even though he's not as sadistic as the other vamps, he's still a vampire and he made his intentions known by saying that he wants Quinn as his slave and lover who he'd visit every 4th day for sex and blood. He constantly lied to her. He put his loyalty to his sire above everything and yet with each deceit, Quinn is surprised that Arturo lied. I got the feeling that Quinn was trying to "save" Arturo, to make him want to be a better man. What she fails to realize is that Arturo is perfectly happy with who and what he is.

I actually liked Arturo even with all his deception, lies and half-truths. He is not your typical hero. He's sexy, of course, but I liked that we couldn't figure out if he was good or bad. I wondered if Arturo was one of the "good" ones but his motives and which side he is on is very ambiguous. He walks that fine line and I liked that. He may not be one of the nastier vamps in V.C. but he has his own motives behind his actions and they're not always in Quinn's best interest. I liked that he gave the "appearance" of helping her while really helping himself and the vamps of Vamp City.

I enjoyed reading A Blood Seduction. I loved the premise and the world-building. I liked that the vampires weren't shiny, happy, redeemable vampires. They were nasty and mean and used humans for their enjoyment and entertainment. I liked the way the book ended. For Quinn, she had her HEA but we find out that Arturo has other ideas and once again, shows that Quinn is too quick to trust his words and actions. I'm excited to see what's next in this series.