Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione

Title: Lethal Rider
Author: Larissa Ione
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Review: Best in the series so far as the Demonic Apocalypse plot reaches a climax and the romance finally lives up to its potential.    Fast paced and action packed from the outset, Lethal Rider begins exactly where Immortal Rider left off with Thanatos bent on revenge and Regan guilt ridden but determined to protect herself and her child. Thankfully, their love-hate relationship is relatively angst free as they slowly come to forgive, trust and love one another.    

The politics and machinations of the Underworld and its denizens continue although this installment is not as violent or gruesome as the last, and Ione illustrates once again that morality is never black and white and so-called good people can commit heinous atrocities supposedly in the name of doing what is right.  The only weak point involves the inclusion of the Daywalkers vs. Nightwalkers subplot, which is insufficiently developed and contributes little to the story or Thanatos's characterization.   

Finally, there are interesting developments in the Pestilence/Reseph storyline and some intriguing hints at things to come with Reaver and Harvester. Looking forward to what Ione has up her sleeve for the next installments.

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Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione

Title: Immortal Rider
Author: Larissa Ione
Rating: 3.5 Stars


Synopsis: Betrothed to the Prince of Lies, the only horsewoman of the apocalypse, Limos or famine, will be forced into marriage if she succumbs to passion of any kind. Enter Arik Wagner who never thought that stealing a kiss from Limos would land him in Hell - literally!

Review: The romance and chemistry between Limos and Arik is an improvement on book #1 although there is still something missing in their connection perhaps due to the emphasis on lies and secret keeping; a trope that has put me off contemporary romance and it is out of place in PNR. Moreover, Limos and Arik are not exactly a power couple - he is pretty one-dimensional and nondescript and she is too self-absorbed to be a completely likable heroine.

The plot is also far fetched and disjointed. The descriptions of excruciating torture, rapid healing and death in large numbers is not only excessive and unrealistic (even for PNR) but also serve to desensitize the reader to the atrocities committed within the pages and to undermine the threat of the approaching apocalypse.

In addition, the subplots between Reaver & Havester and Thanatos & Regan, while better developed and more interesting than the primary storyline, tend to overshadow the search for Limos's agimortus - a supposedly significant plot point that takes back seat to all the secret keeping and angst.

As mentioned, the developments in the secondary relationships are the highlights of the book. Pestilence is a despicable villain and even though his redemption is obviously in the works, Ione may have to pull a rabbit out of the hat to make it believable.

Reaver and Harvester are another compelling "opposites attract" couple but once again, it is difficult to see how Ione will overcome the obstacles to their romance, particularly the fact that Harvester is almost as evil as Pestilence.

Finally, Thanatos and Regan are the most entrancing pair in the series. Yes, there is some controversy over their sexual encounter but to me it cannot be removed from the context of the Demonica world in which good and evil are not black and white but shades of gray nor can the mitigating circumstances and the issue of intent be ignored.  Nevertheless, the consequences of Regan's actions make the inevitable HEA with Thanatos particularly intriguing and I look forward to seeing what happens next.

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Running Hot by Jayne Ann Krentz

Title: Running Hot

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz

Series: The Arcane Society (book #5)

Previous in series: The Third Circle

Next in series: The Perfect Poison

My rating: 3.5 Stars

Synopsis:

Working as a librarian for the Arcane Society, Grace Renquist has secrets she is desperate to keep. Assigned to partner former police officer, Luther Malone, who shares her ability to read auras, Grace fears that her past will return to haunt her. Caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse with operatives from the renegade group known only as Nightshade, Grace and Luther must think on their feet and combine their resources if they are to survive dangerously potent powers enhanced by the founder's formula.

Review:

A fun read but not as suspenseful as some of the others in the series.

Luther and Grace are a typical Krentz couple. She is intelligent, feisty and damaged in some way while he is tough, sexy and absolutely irresistible. They have intense chemistry and their paranormal abilities complement each other - Grace profiles auras while Luther manipulates them. Nevertheless, their romantic relationship materializes too rapidly with very little development. 

The writing and dialogue are smooth as usual, however, the suspense plot is ultimately predictable and the threat posed by the villains is scarcely threatening. Moreover, the pacing is a little off with numerous superfluous explanations that fill in gaps rather than developing the story and characterization. The Nightshade plot is overly complex and even though some questions from previous books are answered, there is insufficient information on the origins and progression of the organization. 

The secondary characters are entertaining such as the band of misfits Luther hangs out with in Hawaii and Fallon Jones who seems to have bitten off more than he can chew. His character is very intriguing and I look forward to his book. 

All in all, quite entertaining for those times when you want an uncomplicated read.

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Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

Title: Slave to Sensation

Author: Nalini Singh

Series: Psy-Changeling (book #1)

Next in series: Visions of Heat

My Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis: In order to curtail their violent tendencies, the Psy race has been indoctrinated to feel nothing – no anger, no jealousy, no hatred and certainly no love. But Sascha Duncan is different and can no longer restrain her emotions once she meets Lucas Hunter, the leader of a Changeling pack. With the ability to shapeshift into animals, the Changelings are true predators and they hunt a Psy who has been butchering their women. Lucas believes Sascha may be his ticket into the Psy world but both he and his animal are fascinated by her. Can Sascha and Lucas resolve their differences in order to catch a killer? Are they willing to sacrifice everything for a taste of the ultimate temptation?

Review: Slave to Sensation starts out a little slow but grows into an exciting story once it gets going.

The romance is intense and the love between the main characters is irrefutable. Sascha is an intriguing character. She is feisty and courageous and succeeds in concealing her flaws from her own people. She nevertheless yearns for a place to belong, which she finds with Lucas. On his part, Lucas is a dominant and possessive alpha, but never hesitates to accept Sascha for who she is despite their differences. He is even willing to sacrifice himself and the welfare of his pack to a certain extent. The fact that their mating develops over time rather than as the result of immediate and intense attraction further contributes to their relationship. 

The serial killer plot adds a sense of urgency to the action and highlights the profound differences between the Psy, who are reminiscent of the Vulcans from Star Trek with their cold and analytical logic as well as the Borg with their hive mind, and the Changelings who focus on emotion, physicality and sensuality.

Singh's writing is fluid and her world building unique, interesting and entertaining. The dream sequences are particularly good (shared dreams are a favorite plot device of mine and these are written very well).

The secondary characters are appealing in their own right and their stories should be enjoyable. Overall, a solid beginning to the series and I look forward to continuing with it.

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Inferno's Kiss by Monica Burns

Title: Inferno’s Kiss
Author: Monica Burns
Series: The Order of the Sicari (book #3)
Previous in series: Assassin’s Heart

My rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis: As the heir to the Sicari Lords, Dante Condellaire is willing to make any sacrifice to be a good leader until the moment he meets Cleopatra Vorenus and his willpower is tested beyond its limits. Cleo is a fierce assassin for the Order but has always seen herself as an outsider. Now with Dante, Cleo feels she may have finally found a place to belong, but can she fit into his world, and can they overcome the threats to their happiness both from within and without.

Review: This is a highly entertaining series and I hope that it continues. I’m actually surprised that there hasn’t been more hype about it.

Cleo is a tough, no-nonsense woman who has been hurt in the past and must learn to trust again. Dante is very much in control of his actions and emotions, and finds it difficult to cope with the new and intense feelings that he experiences with Cleo. They are an amazing couple who has incredible sexual tension and explosive chemistry. Their ability to communicate with and without words adds another intense layer to their relationship and marks them as unique among the couples in the series. The side story of Marcus and Atia's steamy reconciliation is also compelling and enjoyable.

The overall plot is interesting but it lacks the twists and turns that characterized the other installments in the series. The ideas behind the Tyet of Isis and the search for Alexander’s potion are not developed any further, which is unfortunate, and the identity of the traitor within the Order is obvious early on. Moreover, when the villain from book #2 gets his comeuppance, it is not as impressive and satisfying as it could have been.

In sum, Inferno’s Kiss has everything one needs in a paranormal romance – well-developed characters, sizzling romance, gripping action scenes and an intelligent plot. The series should be read in order so that readers can gain a complete understanding of Burns’s exceptional world and the characters that populate it.

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Deeper than Midnight by Lara Adrian

Title: Deeper than Midnight
Author: Lara Adrian
Series: Midnight Breed (book #9)
Previous in series: Taken by Midnight
Next in series: Darker than Midnight

My rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis: At the age of 18, Corinne Bishop’s life was shattered when she was kidnapped and subjected to horrifying experiments at the hands of the monstrous Breed known as Dragos. Now that she has been rescued, Corinne only want to return home and get on with her life. Accompanied by the most enigmatic of the warriors of the Order, Hunter, Corrine arrives home only to discover that things are not as they appear and that her life and heart may be in even more danger than before.

Review: Wow! What an intense ride

Hunter and Corinne are a great couple. They are both terribly scarred and have so much to overcome in order to love and trust again. The development of their relationship is slow but consistent with their characterization, and even though it is not as steamy as in previous books, it is just as romantic and perhaps even more so.

Hunter has always been one of my favorite characters with his hard and harsh exterior but his softness and need to protect others on the inside. This is never more apparent than in his interaction with Corrine. For her part, Corrine is an amazing woman with an inner strength that defies all logic. I love the fact that Hunter finds a mate who is worthy and accepting of him and vice versa.

More details are provided with regard to Chase’s mental and physical deterioration. He has always been an ambiguous character, and while one cannot help but feel for what he has suffered, he is also a jerk and wallows too much in self-pity. It will be interesting to see what happens in his book, and I have no doubt that he will redeem himself and get his own HEA.

In terms of the writing, the first half of the book progresses more slowly - possibly because the parts with Chase descending into Bloodlust distract from the development of Hunter and Corrine's story - but the second half is intense with excellent action scenes and exciting revelations.

The book ends on a small cliffhanger and I am very happy that I don’t have to wait too long for the next installment.

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Taken by Midnight by Lara Adrian

Title: Taken by Midnight
Author: Lara Adrian
Series: Midnight Breed (book #8)
Previous in series: Shades of Midnight
Next in series: Deeper than Midnight

My rating: 3.5 Stars

Synopsis: After being attacked by the Ancient, Jenna Darrow finds herself struggling to understand the changes going on around and inside her. Not only must she come to terms with the changes occurring within her own body and with the existence of vampires in the world but also with her inexplicable attraction to Brock, a Breed warrior who has the power either to heal or destroy her heart forever…

Review: The last two books in the series have been hit or miss for me (Ashes was a miss but Shades was an amazing hit). Unfortunately, Taken by Midnight is more miss than hit, although there are some highlights such as the continuing story of the battle against Dragos and the search for the missing Breedmates. I really enjoyed the fact that the women of the Order take an active role in the story and are not merely window dressing.

Another positive aspect is the information provided regarding Hunter, the cold and logical warrior who has fascinated me from book 5, and Chase who seems to be coping with some serious issues. I am eagerly awaiting their stories.

The romance is the most disappointing aspect of the book because, even though Jenna and Brock are interesting as individual characters, their relationship lacks the chemistry and intensity of connection that characterizes the other couples in the series. While you cannot help but sympathize with Jenna’s suffering, it is difficult to completely identify with someone who is completely immersed in their pain and guilt to the extent that they have almost lost the will to live. Brock, on the other hand, is an amazing hero, loving, patient and protective but his attraction to Jenna didn’t mesh with me.

Overall, the writing flows and the action scenes are excellent. However, many questions remain unanswered regarding Jenna’s transformation and I hope that details will be forthcoming in the next installments.

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Night Play by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Title: Night Play
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Series: Dark Hunters (book #5)
Previous in series: Kiss of the Night
Next in series: Seize the Night

My rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis: Deadly and tortured, Vane Kattalakis is a Were-Hunter with the ability to transform into a wolf. Pursued by his enemies, Vane is not looking for love and is staggered to learn that the Fates have marked Bride McTierney, a human woman, as his mate. Bride has been hurt in the past and Vane must work his way past her insecurities to convince her that she can trust him not only with her life but with her heart as well.

**Note**: This is book six in the Dark Hunter series but the first book to explore the world of the Were-Hunters and is this respect it provides many new and interesting details, especially regarding the distinction between the Arcadians and Katagaria.

Review: Vane and Bride are a sweet and likeable couple, and their romance is engaging. Nevertheless, Bride’s preoccupation with her physical size, while understandable, becomes tiresome after a while, especially considering the fact that Vane could not care less and sees her as sexy and voluptuous. Vane is gorgeous both inside and out, and he is among my favorite characters in the series.

While the plot is predictable and clichéd, the book has some great laugh-out-loud dialogue and exceptional secondary characters (gotta love Ash and Simi, Valerius and Otto) that more than make up for it. The contrast between Vane and Fury’s characterization is another highlight of the story.

Backstory and world building are Kenyon's strong suit and Night Play is no exception. The writing flows and the descriptions are detailed and intriguing even if her characters are a little too good to be true.

I am slowly working my way through this series and enjoying every minute. I do suggest that the books be read in order so as not to miss out on any of the interesting tidbits.

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Tall, Dark & Wolfish by Lydia Dare

Title: Tall, Dark and Wolfish
Author: Lydia Dare
Series: Westfield Wolves (book #2)
Previous in series: A Certain Wolfish Charm
Next in series: The Wolf next Door

My rating: 3.5 Stars

Synopsis: Benjamin Westfield has a little problem…his ability to transform into his Lycan form has vanished and he feels compelled to seek out a witch who can heal him and restore his inner beast. However, when Ben finds the beautiful Elspeth Campbell, she is not what he expects and he finds himself wanting more than just her healing arts…

Review: A good premise and a sweet romance but not as compelling as the first book in the series.

Ellie and Ben are a cute couple and have great interaction and dialogue but their chemistry is more subdued. Ellie is engaging and spirited, and Ben is gorgeous, protective and sympathetic but can be obtuse at times.

The main plot is very straightforward with no real conflict, which results in a light and easy read. The inclusion of several subplots makes for some interesting side stories and excellent characterization of secondary characters. Caitrin, one of the witches in Elli’s coven, is particularly well developed and is also the heroine in book #4 of the series.

The writing flows and the story is well-paced. Nevertheless, the frequent use of Scottish dialect, i.e., lots of “ye” instead of “you”, “ken” instead of “know” and “doona” instead of “do not”, was a little distracting at the beginning. It’s been a while since I read a book with this type of accent and it took me a while to get used to it again.

In sum, a charming and amusing read for when you are in the mood for something lighter. Will and Prisca’s book is next and I’m really looking forward to it.

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A Certain Wolfish Charm by Lydia Dare

Title: A Certain Wolfish Charm
Author: Lydia Dare
Series: Westfield Wolves (book #1)
Next in series: Tall, Dark and Wolfish

My rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis: Simon Westfield, the Duke of Blackmoor, is rich, powerful and devastatingly handsome but he has a secret that causes him to keep women at arm’s length. That is until Lily Rutledge arrives on his doorstep to ask for help with her nephew whose behavior is becoming increasingly wild and inexplicable. Can Simon withstand the call of his own nature or will he give in to the desire he feels for Lily?

Review: A successful amalgamation of my two of my favorite genres - historical and paranormal romance.

The writing flows smoothly and the pages almost turn themselves. The story is completely charming and the characters engaging.

The main characters have a captivating chemistry and make a wonderful couple. Simon is a typical alpha who finds it difficult to control is true nature and keeps himself at a distance out of fear. Lily is strong willed and stubborn but with a sweet and loving nature.

I found the dynamic between the secondary characters, Simon’s brother Will and Lily’s friend Prisca, to be particularly compelling and look forward to reading their book.

Overall, this is an extremely entertaining read for lovers of light and sexy romances.

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Living Nightmare by Shannon K. Butcher

Title: Living Nightmare
Author: Shannon K. Butcher
Series: The Sentinel Wars (book #4)
Previous in series: Running Scared
Next in series: Blood Hunt

My rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis: Nika Madison has been trapped in a nightmare for nine years but now she is slowly coming out of it and has one goal – to save her younger sister from the monstrous Synestryn holding her captive. Unfortunately, Nika’s psychic connection to her sister is fading and only one person has power to help Nika re-forge that bond: Madoc, a Sentinel Warrior with a bare lifemark who wants nothing to do with Nika.

Review: Amazing read that keeps you turning the pages!

As in the previous books, the overall story arc continues to develop and there are some surprising twists and turns. There is a large cast of characters to keep track of, but each has a compelling personality and story that grabs you and won’t let go.

Nika and Madoc are both tortured and damaged but find themselves irrevocably drawn to each other. Their chemistry is simply mesmerizing and they share some of the most romantic moments in the series. Madoc is hanging on to his humanity and honor by a thread, and is terrified of the danger that he poses to others, especially Nika. He tries to keep himself at a distance but finds it difficult to fight against the temptation that she poses. Nika is stubborn and determined with a strength of will and capacity for love that makes her impossible to resist.

Overall, an exciting and action packed story but be forewarned that there are several dark and disturbing scenes that may make some readers uncomfortable. The next book is Logan’s and I am looking forward to seeing things from a Sanguinar's perspective.

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Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost

Title: Eternal Kiss of Darkness
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Huntress World (book #2)
Previous in series: First Drop of Crimson

My rating: 3.5 Stars

Synopsis: Kira Graceling is a private investigator struggling to make ends meet until the night she is thrust into a nightmarish world of vampires and ghouls. Stumbling across the scene of a horrific attack, Kira risks her life to save a stranger only to discover that he is a vampire. Mencheres, a Master vampire, is both shocked and intrigued by the fearless human who braves death to rescue him, and must soon return the favor in order to defeat his oldest enemy and save the woman he craves more than life.

Review: It took me quite a while to get into this book, which only livens up in the last 100 pages. The plot is completely unoriginal and the relationship between the primary characters lacks sizzle and steam.

Yes, Mencheres is powerful, enigmatic and sexy but aren't all vampires these days. Moreover, he spends an inordinate amount of time lamenting the loss of his visions and wallowing in self-pity. Kira is a strong and likeable character but she is far too accepting of her sudden transition into vampirism.

The secondary characters are more engaging, particularly Vlad, who will apparently be getting his own series soon. It is a pity that Ian does not make an appearance in this book as his wit and sarcasm are sorely missed.

While the Night Huntress World is well developed and the internal rules of the vampire community are interesting and unique, it was difficult to become completely immersed in the story and I felt no emotional attachment to the characters. As this was not a problem in First Drop of Crimson, I can only assume that the writing in this book was not up to scratch.

On a final note, there were some aspects of the story that appealed to the literary analyst in me, namely, the symbolism of Kira's name, the ritualistic elements toward the end and the historical background to Mencheres and Radjadef's past.

If Frost decided to publish another book in the series, I will probably read it.

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Running Scared by Shannon K. Butcher

Title: Running Scared

Author: Shannon K. Butcher
Series: The Sentinel Wars (book #3)

Previous in series: Finding the Lost

Next in series: Living Nightmare

My rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis: Lexi Johns has been raised to believe that the Sentinel Warriors are a dangerous threat and will do anything to rescue her best friend from them. Zach is a Sentinel with only one goal: to convince Lexi that her destiny is intertwined with his and that she is the only one with the ability to channel the power that can destroy him.

Review: Intricate and detailed world building combined with an intense plot that contains one or two shocking revelations and some spine tingling moments. One of the best aspects of this series is that the female characters play an important role in the battle against evil. They are not merely damsels in distress in need of rescue.

Zach and Lexi’s romance is fantastic and their relationship builds and grows on every page. Lexi’s intentions are pure but she is a little naïve regarding the consequences of her actions. Moreover, her trust issues make it difficult to let others in and she struggles not only with attraction to Zach but also with the growing awareness that her entire belief system has been based on lies. Zach is an admirable hero with infinite patience and acceptance of Lexi’s distrust.

The story is a complex amalgamation of several subplots including Lexi’s strategy for rescuing Helen, the Sanguinars’ secret plans to save their people, a spy within the Sentinel compound, and a race of princely beings who have been visiting earth, not to mention the monstrous Synestryn who have their own agenda for the planet. Some of these are resolved in this book and others will have to wait for subsequent installments.  

There are numerous secondary characters but all are well-developed and interesting. The most compelling are Madoc and Nika whose intense connection is just spellbinding and I can’t wait to read their book next.  

The Sentinel Wars is an engrossing series. It is, however, necessary to read the books in order otherwise it is virtually impossible to understand what is going on in the overall story arc.

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When Blood Calls by J. K. Beck

Title: When Blood Calls
Author: J. K. Beck
Series: The Shadow Keepers (book #1)
Next in series: When Pleasure Rules

My rating: 3 Stars

Synopsis: Prosecuting attorney Sara Constantine has just been promoted and will now be prosecuting vampires and other supernatural beings. Unfortunately, the suspect in her first case just happens to be Lucius Dragos, the sexy stranger with whom she shared a night of unbridled passion. Is Luke guilty of killing the retired judge or is he protecting someone he loves? Will Sara live to find out the truth?

Review: Good world building with a compelling premise based on the idea that supernatural beings needing to be policed and prosecuted. Nevertheless, the actual story is predictable and the ending anti-climactic. The ultimate explanation for the murder and the identity of the villain is so obvious it makes me cringe.

Moreover, none of the characters are particularly interesting and the romance is uninspired. Sara constant shifting between her desire for Luke and her need to convict him becomes annoying after a while. Also, her fear of him is irrational given that he has had plenty opportunity to kill her if he so desired.

Luke is not a particularly likeable character. I love a dangerous hero as much as the next person and I don’t have any problems with the moral shades of grey that often permeate paranormal romance (see my review of Blood on Silk) but within Beck’s world it is difficult to escape the fact that Luke is a killer with some questionable motives and past behaviors.

The writing is descriptive but drawn out in places to the extent that I had a hard time finishing the book. I can't see myself continuing with the series.

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Edge of Hunger by Rhyannon Byrd

Title: Edge of Hunger
Author: Rhyannon Byrd
Series: Primal Instinct (book #1)
Next in series: Edge of Danger

My rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis: Constantly on edge with the darkness that lives within him, Ian Buchanan only wants to lead a normal life, but then Molly Stratton arrives on his doorstep with a message from Ian's deceased mother and nothing will ever be normal again. Now, Ian and Molly find themselves sharing the same intense and sensual nightmares, and soon discover that they are the prey to an unspeakably evil creature bent on their destruction.

Review: Intense and exciting from the first pages. The plot is intriguing and the characters compelling.

The world building is comprehensive and absorbing with a unique mythology involving original creatures uncommon in existing paranormal romance. The precise details regarding Ian’s true nature and that of the creature stalking him are revealed as the story progresses and there are enticing hints of an all-encompassing battle to come between the forces of good and evil.

The writing is descriptive and well-paced. However, there is some repetitious word usage, such as variations of “rasp” and “rasping” but this does not distract from the storytelling.

Ian is a perfectly flawed and tortured hero who has a difficult time coming to terms with his identity and abilities. Some readers may find him terse and uncaring, however, in my opinion, this only adds to his appeal and to the strength of his feelings for the heroine. Molly is strong and determined, and never allows Ian’s surliness to deter her in any way. Their chemistry is sizzling in its intensity, and their banter is one of the highlights of the book.

The secondary characters, most of whom form a secret society known as “The Watchmen”, are also appealing and will appear in the own books down the line. The villain is suitably despicable and the scenes told from his perspective serve well to ratchet up the tension and suspense. The final encounter between the hero and villain is one of the most exciting that I’ve read recently.

Overall, this is a thoroughly entertaining read that I found hard to put down and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

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Shades of Midnight by Lara Adrian

Title: Shades of Midnight
Author: Lara Adrian
Series: Midnight Breed (book #7) 
Previous in series: Ashes of Midnight 
Next in series: Taken by Midnight

My rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis: In the frozen wilderness of Alaska, bush pilot Alexandra Macquire comes across the mutilated bodies of an entire family. The killings stir up horrific memories from her childhood until the arrival of a seductive stranger who makes her feel safe. Kade is a vampire warrior hiding a shameful secret that threatens his fragile bond with Alex. Can he confront his personal demons and protect the woman he loves from an unspeakable evil that threatens to destroy them both?

Review: A significant improvement over the last book. The story is gripping from the start and the romance is one of the most intense in the series. 

Kade has just been added to my list of favorite vampires. He is one of the new additions to the Breed warriors and very little is known about him at the outset. The gaps are soon filled in and he is revealed to be sexy, sensitive and honorable. He is the first warrior whose family features prominently in the series, and it is interesting to see the dynamic between the members as well as how Kade copes with the secret he has been keeping from them. 

Alex is an independent and determined heroine, and the way in which her relationship with Kade develops and strengthens is simply perfect. As someone who has been exposed to rogue vampires in the past, it is not surprising that she has conflicting feelings once she discovers who he truly is. Her reactions are believable and compelling, and the way in which things work themselves out is intriguing. I do feel that her special ability could have been woven better into the storyline but this is a very small nitpick.

The secondary plots and characters add action and suspense to the main story arc. The appearance of the other warriors toward the end adds extra energy and the scenes presented from the Ancient's perspective actually had me feeling for him. He has suffered at the hands of his captors and cannot really be blamed for what he is or for his natural instincts. Brock’s story is set up well and I look forward to seeing where his connection with Jenna is going, as from what I can gather, she is not a breedmate.

Overall, this is a wonderful series that I wholeheartedly recommend to lovers of paranormal romance.

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Kiss of the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Title: Kiss of the Night
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Series: Dark Hunters (Book #4)
Previous in series: Dance with the Devil
Next in series: Kiss of the Night

My rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis: Wulf Tryggvasen is a Dark Hunter cursed with inducing amnesia in others. No one remembers him for more than five minutes, which means he will never find true love or regain his soul. Luckily, Wulf finally meets Cassandra Peters, the one woman who can remember him. Unfortunately, she belongs to the cursed race he is sworn to destroy. Can Wulf and Cassie overcome ancient curses, prophecies and meddling Gods to find true happiness?

Review: An entertaining addition to the series. It should be noted that in terms of the timeline, this installment takes place in parallel to the events in Night Embrace and Dance with the Devil. Consequently, the other Dark Hunters are engaged elsewhere for most of the book and Cassie and Wulf are left to their own devices.

The world building continues with more intricate details about the Apollites and the Daimons as well as additional tantalizing hints regarding Acheron’s true nature and identity. Intriguing questions are also raised concerning some of the new characters such as Cassandra’s bodyguard, Kat.

The one problem is the overabundance of new characters and groups, which can be overwhelming and distracting because it is difficult to keep track of everyone.

Nevertheless, the story is engaging and the main characters are well-developed. Cassie and Wulf have great chemistry and their relationship is more emotional than in the earlier books. Of course, I am a sucker for the forbidden loves/opposites attract plot device. The dream sequences were a little weird but mesh well with the overall story.

Cassandra is a wonderful heroine. The way in which she copes with her eminent death demonstrates and incredible strength of will. Wulf is also an appealing character. It was interesting to see him come to terms with Cassie’s heritage and realize that the Apollites are people suffering under a terrible curse. His banter with Chris contributes to some of the funniest moments in the book.

The villain is one of the most dangerous and threatening in the series so far. He has some vicious tendencies and it will be interesting to see what happens with him in future books.

In sum, the Dark Hunters is a well-written series with one of the most fascinating mythologies in the genre of paranormal romance. I look forward to continuing on to the next books.

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Finding the Lost by Shannon K. Butcher

Title: Finding the Lost
Author: Shannon K. Butcher
Series: The Sentinel Wars (book #2)
Previous in series: Burning Alive
Next in series: Running Scared
 
My rating: 3.5 Stars
 
Synopsis: Her family torn apart by the Synestryn, Andra Madison has dedicated her life to rescuing children who fall prey to these grotesque monsters. On one such mission, Andra encounters Paul, a Theronian warrior, searching for the woman who can save his life. As one of these rare women, Andra agrees to join Paul in order to seek a cure for her traumatized sister, and the two set out on a journey fraught with danger and the possibility of true love.
 
Review: A good sequel with some excellent action scenes and interesting detail added to the world building. However, the romance is weak with the hero and heroine lacking the chemistry and intensity of connection that characterized the couple in the first book.
 
Paul and Andra’s relationship fails to resonate perhaps because each is preoccupied with their own problems – Paul with his need to find a compatible mate and keep her once he has, and Andra with her overwhelming desire to save her sister.
 
Neither character is completely sympathetic. Even though Andra is attracted to Paul on a physical level, she remains distant and aloof. She initially comes across as strong-willed and self-confident, but devolves as the story progresses and becomes insecure and hesitant to love because she feels that her failures make her undeserving. Similarly, Paul is never completely honest with Andra and the impression you get from him is that any woman would suffice to fulfill his requirements. Furthermore, the idea that he would force Andra to be with him against her will is repellent.
 
In terms of the plot, Butcher has created a fascinating world with a multitude of layers and several interlocking storylines. The writing is fast-paced and interspersed with hints of events to come. One of the best aspects of the book is the inclusion of compelling secondary characters, especially Madoc and Nika, who are a far more appealing couple than Paul and Andra. I look forward to reading their book as well as that of the other couple from book one – Zach and Lexi.

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Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison

Title: Dragon Bound
Author: Thea Harrison
Series: The Elder Races (book #1)
Next in series: Storm’s Heart

My rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis: Half-human and half-wyr, Pio Giovanni has spent her life on the run from unknown forces. After inadvertently revealing her abilities, Pia is blackmailed into stealing a coin from the most powerful of the Elder Races – Dragos, whose fury knows no bounds and who will stop at nothing to find and keep the one who stole from him.

Review: A book that definitely lives up to the hype. Dragon Bound has a gripping story, fantastic characters and an amazing romance.

The world building is incredibly detailed and intricate. The author’s knowledge of various mythological creatures and her skill at incorporating these elements into the plot and characterization is commendable. For example, the fact that Dragos hoards beautiful things is traditional of dragons in western culture and books such as Smaug in The Hobbit and the dragons guarding Gringotts in Harry Potter.

The romance is absorbing. Pia and Dragos’s chemistry is intense and kept me turning the pages. I just didn’t want their story to end. Some readers may find Dragos overly domineering and possessive but this aspect of his character is consistent with the fact that he is, in fact, a dragon albeit in the form of a man. Pia is spunky, intelligent and resourceful. She is more than capable of holding her own against all the male characters in the book (and the female as well) from her obnoxious ex-boyfriend to the spiteful fae king and the dragon himself. The mystery revolving around her wyr-form (i.e., the creature that she can shift into) is intriguing and the ultimate revelation of her identity is one of my favorite scenes. 

My one small nitpick is that the villain of the piece is a little generic and never really constitutes a real threat. He is easily thwarted and his ultimate demise is anti-climactic. Nevertheless, this plot point never detracted from my enjoyment of the story.

The secondary characters are also well developed and interesting with each of Dragos’s friends having their own distinct personalities and opinions. The series continues with some of these characters taking the lead and I look forward to reading future installments as well as re-reading this one quite soon.

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