BookingIt

Posted By katie on March 8, 2010

Witches are deadly to vampires, or so Nikolaus Drake discovered first hand.  After barely surviving an encounter with the witch Ravin and her poisonous blood, he decided to take revenge and kill her.  He attacked Ravin the night she was making a love potion and the potion accidentally spilled on Nikolaus.  Immediately, he fell madly in love with Ravin.  On the other hand, Ravin tried to push him away, but she soon found that Nikolaus could be very persuasive.

Neither Ravin nor Nikolaus formed an emotional attachment with me.  I did not dislike them, but I didn’t like either of them.  Their relationship was so odd that I felt it didn’t worked well.  By the ending, the relationship felt better to me, though.

Interestingly, I enjoyed the first half this book, even with the odd relationship.  The pacing worked well and I could understand the character motivations.  Unfortunately, the second half of the book slowed and I did not understand the character’s actions.  For example, I had a difficult time understanding the third deal Ravin made with Himself, the devil.  Then, this seems to be forgotten when Nikolaus makes a similar pact with Himself.  Some confusion.

Kiss Me Deadly was pretty good, especially the first half.  In general, I believe this book is simply too long.

BookingIt Grade:  C+

• Publisher:  Silhouette Nocturne
• Pages:  288
• Release Date:  September 1, 2007

Posted By katie on March 6, 2010

Spoiler Alert:  If you haven’t read the first book, Angel’s Blood, I would skip this review.  Also, the description on the back of Archangel’s Kiss has spoilers for Angel’s Blood.

After the first book, Elena was seriously injured.  Luckily, Raphael saved her, but only after a year did she wake from a healing coma to discover she had been transformed into an angel.  She must learn to exist in a new society and live with Raphael who is all but a stranger.  Soon, news of her transformation spreads throughout the angels and she catches the eye of Lijuan, an ancient angel with unsettling powers.  Lijuan plans to hold a ball in Elena’s honor, but the public display is to parade Elena in front of the angels and show that she is Raphael’s greatest weakness; a weakness that could be used for power hungry individuals.

Elena is easily liked and has a remarkably strong character.  When faced with her new existence, she embraces it.  She takes on the challenge of using her new body and learning her new culture without whining about what she lost.  On the other hand, Raphael is sometimes difficult to like.  He’s pushy and accustomed to bossing others around.  But, his love for Elena is apparent in how he treats her.  Though, two stubborn people living together is always a challenge.

Together, Elena and Raphael shared a memorable, yet short, scene where they exchanged gifts towards the end, which instantly became my favorite part of the book.  I think this scene embodies their relationship.

Other than Elena and Raphael, there are other plots including angels vying for power and Lijuan’s creepy nature.  Interestingly, Elena’s nightmares come to the forefront and are tied more to this story than I thought possible.  An interesting twist!

I liked Archangel’s Kiss, but the nothing in the book made me want to keep reading it.  Yes, I wanted to know the ending, but the urge to finish wasn’t there for me.  Honestly, there was nothing I disliked about it, but the hook to keep me reading never happened.  Therefore, the story and pacing were fine, but I felt the story was missing that extra something to keep me reading.

BookingIt Grade:  B

• Publisher:  Berkley
• Pages:  323
• Release Date:  February 2, 2010

Posted By katie on February 28, 2010

In this debut dark fantasy novel by Ms. White we are introduced to a new world of fallen angels, who have many of the same characteristics of vampires.  We follow the story of the fallen angel Olivia.  She is tired of her life as a fallen angel because she desperately wants to feel something.  The only way the Fallen feel any sensation or emotion other than hunger is to drink human blood.  But, she can only feed on people that desire or fear her.

Dominic is a superb, yet maverick, neuroscientist who is studying memory.  His interest in the field is not just academic because he experiences memories from his past since he is one of the Reborn.  He does not believe he is Reborn, though, but is certain that his flashes of the past are due to a mental disorder and not a paranormal event.

Dominic and Olivia cross paths in the L’Otel Matillide, an underground hellish hotel that serves as a refuge for those with paranormal gifts.   From the moment they see each other, their relationship begins a tremulous journey that keeps the reader guessing to what is to happen next.

From page one, this book caught my interest.  Olivia’s character is immediately, well, messed up.  Then, a completely different story seems to occur when we meet Dominic.  Ms. White then weaves a story together with these two characters that appear to be completely different from each other.

Also, from the first page, I noticed the poetic nature of the book.  Although the language is very modern, at times I felt as if I were reading an older book like The Great Gatsby because the prose is poetic and seems to hold hidden meaning.  Since I felt the writing held more meaning than I was getting from the book, I found myself re-reading parts because I kept feeling like I missed something.  I found myself thinking.  A lot.

Not only was I thinking about the meaning behind the words, I felt this book messed with my head.  By the end, I started to question the world in this book.  Normally, I would say this is a bad thing, but the world in and Falling, Fly and plot places these questions in your head.  I’m still thinking about it.

Did I like and Falling, Fly?  Honestly, I’m not sure.  I found the language hard to follow at times.  But, I read the book quickly and I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between Olivia and Dominic even though I didn’t necessarily like either of the characters.  Very rarely does a fantasy/paranormal book make me think this much.  Therefore, and Falling, Fly is definitely unique and something I think others should read simply for the unusual journey the readers embark when opening this book.

BookingIt Grade:  B+

• Publisher:  Berkley
• Pages:  335
• Release Date:  March 2, 2010

Posted By katie on February 25, 2010

The newest Anita Blake book gives the readers a peak into Anita’s daily life.  Most interesting, we see Anita at work as an animator, something that many of the recent books have ignored.  Then, Nathaniel, Micah, and Jason take Anita out to lunch where Anita learns an interesting lesson about flirtation.  Since flirtation can be subtle, Anita does not do it well because there isn’t much subtle about her.

Unfortunately, her seemingly innocent lunch with her boys turns dangerous when a client will not take “no” for an answer.

Flirt is a return to the Anita we have grown to love.  I enjoyed watching her with the boys in a relaxed environment.  Although her relationships are complicated, somehow she makes them work and everyone is happy.  Of course, she still must make difficult decisions and push her personal comfort zone.

The biggest complaint I have is the length of the book.  Yes, I enjoyed it, but the actual story is only 150 pages.  I do not feel this length warrants the hardcover price.  Instead, I wish the publisher had released this book in paperback.  But, I did find it interesting that Ms. Hamilton described in the afterward how she composes her books and the muse that birthed Flirt.

In general, Flirt is a novella, but likable.  I wonder if the happenings during Flirt will impact Anita in future installments, though.  But, this book will appeal to fans of Anita Blake although the story only follows Anita on a very stressful day at work.

BookingIt Grade:  B+

• Publisher:  Berkley
• Pages:  158
• Release Date:  February 2, 2010

Posted By katie on February 23, 2010

Lore is a half-demon, half-human assassin who has almost fulfilled his contract.  Unfortunately, the last job he has been given pushes his perosnal limits of morality because he is put in a difficult situation between protecting his twin sister and killing his brothers’ friend, Kynan.

The earthbound angel Idess has been given the duty to protect the human Kynan by any means necessary.  If she is successful in this last quest, she will earn her wings and Ascend.  When she becomes in entangled with Lore, he strains her vows and she discovers that the difference between right and wrong is very gray.

Can Lore and Idess find a way to fulfill their duty and fight their impossible attraction?

I had high hopes for the fourth book of the Demonica series.  After Passion Unleashed, this book had a lot to live up to.  Did Ecstasy Unveiled live up to the standards of the previous installment?  Not quite, but this book is still really good.  I felt like Passion Unleashed finished a plot arch, therefore Ecstasy Unveiled read more like the first in a series since it set up another arching storyline.

We were introduced to Lore in previous installments, but we really get to know him in this book.  At first, he seems the hard assassin, but we learn that he has a soft spot for his sister, Sin, and quickly develops one for Idess.  His character is consistent and extremely likable.  On the other hand, Idess appears to have a “more holy than thou” air about her, but the reader soon realizes that she definitely has a wild side she attempts to keep in check.  I adore how Lore makes her relax her guard and she is able to be herself.

The plot twists and turns, moving pretty well towards the excellent ending.  As with all of Ms. Ione’s stories, the story is interesting and very emotional.  Some parts slowed slightly, but I thought the addition of Sin’s story was a perfect touch, setting up the next novel in the series.

Ecstasy Unveiled is very enjoyable and will be liked by fans of the Demonica series.

BookingIt Grade:  A-

• Publisher:  Grand Central
• Pages:  400
• Release Date:  February 1, 2010

Posted By katie on February 22, 2010

This review was written for and published by www.paranormalromance.org

Immensely enjoyable scorching hot vampire short story

In the Blood-Vine series, only the men become vampires.  On the other hand, the women of the same race chose their life long mates during an ancient ritual.  Bound by Deception begins with Anna who is undergoing the ritual.  She must choose between one of three goblets of blood.  The one she chooses will be her mate, whether she loves him or not.  She is unsure, although one goblet draws her attention more than the others.

Dimitiri sits and watches Anna.  His goblet is one of the three and his entire being craves for Anna to pick him.  When she does pick him, she appears to be angry, but his urge to claim her is undeniable.  Unfortunately, it is Anna’s prerogative if she is to become his mate.

Holy smokes!  Grab your fans because you’re going to need to cool off after reading this short story.  Anna and Dimitri light up the pages with their relationship, even if Anna needed a bit of coaxing.  The story moves quickly.  I did not even noticing turning pages until I got to the end.  Also, other characters hint at possible sequels and I look forward to more of the Blood-Vine series.  Highly recommended!

BookingIt Grade:  A

• Publisher:  Liquid Silver
• Pages:  39
• Release Date:  October 12, 2009

Posted By katie on February 20, 2010

This review is written for and published by www.paranormalromance.org.

Endearing characters shine in this short story that is hotter than… uh, Hell.

Lani is a librarian in the small town of Demon, Arizona.  In her mind, the quirky town needed more information about demons and witchcraft in their library.  So, she headed to a paranormal convention to gather books for the Demon library.  During the convention, she accidentally falls through a portal to Hell and, quite literally, lands in the lap of the most handsome man she ever saw.  Thinking she fell and hit her head, she goes with the “dream”, acting on her sudden and all-encompassing attraction to Meryk.  Soon enough, Lani realizes she wants a lasting relationship with Meryk, but can she figure out a way to bridge the realm so they can be together?

Hotter Than Hell is an enjoyable, tidy short story.  I felt the short length of the story is perfect, telling an entire tale.  If the story were longer, I believe the pacing would have suffered and my interest would have waned.  The story is long enough to produce likable and multi-dimensional characters.  Since Lani is a bit goofy and Meryk still has issues with his father, these traits endear the characters more to the reader.   When they come together, Lani and Meryk burn hotter than… uh, Hell.

Pick up this short story if you’re in the mood for an entertaining fast, read.  You won’t be disappointed.

BookingIt Grade:  A

• Publisher:  Liquid Silver
• Pages:  36
• Published:  December 2009

Posted By katie on February 15, 2010

The Courtship Wars series continues with the youngest Loring sister, Lilian.  The most scorned and headstrong, Lilian is dead-set against marrying after she saw the destruction of her parents’ marriage.  When Heath, the devastatingly handsome and wealthy Marquess of Claybourne, decides to pursue her, Lilian runs away to a friend in London.  While there, Lilian discovers her calling in life:  to aide young women who have fallen on hard times.  Eventually, Heath finds Lilian and courts her, but she tries everything to dissuade Heath.  Unfortunately, her attempts may work too well, especially when Heath worms his way into her heart.

At first, Lilian seems very young.  She craves the big adventure in life and being independent.  I liked watching her grow with the help Heath and her friend Fanny.  But, she has a difficult time trusting anyone, especially Heath.  On the other hand, after meeting Lilian, Heath knows that she is special.  Immediately, he jumps in to get what he wants, but Lilian is a force to be reckoned with.

The courtship war between Lilian and Heath is interesting to read.  Although, at times, I felt the pacing was slow and the book dragged.  Fortunately, the ending is nice and not as I expected.

Overall, To Seduce a Bride is a solid installment in this historical series.  Although the plot is slow at times, the ending is very nice and leaves the reader feeling satisfied.

BookingIt Grade:  B

• Publisher:  Ballantine
• Pages:  409
• Release Date:  March 25, 2008

Posted By katie on February 13, 2010

The second Pendragon Legacy series starts with Rion, one of Lucan’s friends from the first book, and his attraction to Marisa, Lucan’s sister.  Their attraction is immediate and intense, but when Marisa feels strong emotion, such as when she is intimate with Rion, her telepathic emotions extended to other dragonshifters.  After discovering her talent, Rion kidnaps Marisa and takes her back to his home world of Honor where most of the dragonshapers are enslaved or imprisoned.

Can Rion save the people of Honor?  Will Marisa ever forgive him?

I adored how this story began.  The complicated love story between Marisa and Rion began immediately, catching my attention from the start.  Then, suddenly there is a change in environment.  A new world appears full of new creatures, new styles, and technology.  The tie between the world as we know it and the off-world cultures is something about this book I enjoyed thoroughly.  The author urges the reader to push our imaginations and welcomes us to these the new worlds.

I believe many women readers can relate to Marisa.  She is strong, yet not too strong.  Also, she stands up for herself, but she is too nice.  I think many of these qualities represent the traits we women all share.  Therefore, when Rion comes at her full force, it is hard to deny his attraction and seductions.  Although Rion takes advantage of Marisa, I never disliked him.  He has reasons for his actions, is a rational character, and very likable.  You will fall hard for Rion.  Guaranteed.  Marisa never stood a chance.

Although I thought some portions of the story were slow, the beginning and the end are incredible.  I have only read Lucan and Rion by Ms. Kearney, but her consistency is commendable.  She catches the reader early on and ends the story strongly.  Therefore, some parts of the plot may seem slow, but awards wait for those that are patient.

Overall, I recommend the Pendragon Legacy series.  Interestingly, I believe Rion can be read without reading his predecessor Lucan, but I highly suggest reading the first in the series.  Both are good stories and strong installments in an up-and-coming paranormal series.  Luckily, Jordan arrives at the end of February so we don’t need to wait much longer!

BookingIt Grade:  B+

• Publisher:  Grand Central
• Pages:  345
• Release Date:  December 1, 2009

Posted By katie on February 9, 2010

This odd installment of the Primes series is set in a futuristic, sci-fi world.  On a diplomatic mission to moderate peace talks, Zoe Pappas, the heir to the Byzant throne, is captured.  She and many other humans are sent to a POW camp on an alien planet.  She entered the underground prison and decided to hide her identity to protect the other humans in the camp.

Matthias Raven (“Doc”) is the camp leader, military general, and physician.  He helps maintain a level of peace within the camp and attempts to keep moral from falling.  When he meets the outspoken Zoe, he knows she is something special and more than she appears.   Immediately, his secret Prime vampire side wants Zoe for himself.

Can Zoe and Matthias act on their mutual attraction while keeping their secrets and protecting the other prisoners?

Readers beware:  For those expecting a book that is a continuation of the Prime series, you will be disappointed.  Yes, Matthias is a Prime vampire, but this book starts a new, spin-off series.  Don’t let this deter you from reading Dark Stranger because this book is quite good.

In general, I give all books a hundred page minimum to grab my attention.  If a book I am reading for pleasure does not interest me by that point, I give up. Honestly, I had a difficult time reading the first fifty pages of this book, but I’m glad I stuck by my one hundred-page rule since the rest of the book is fabulous.  After this point, the pacing is much better and the story tells itself smoothly and logically.

Zoe and Matthias are much alike.  They are both strong willed leaders who have a difficult time holding their tongues.  This trait in Zoe made her stand out in the crowd and be noticed by Matthias.  They work together well and their romance is hot and emotional.

Even though the first bit of the book is slow, I do recommend Dark Stranger to fans of Susan Sizemore.  Although some people might be turned-off by the sci-fi setting, the book is truly a romance at heart and, in my mind, the setting is no different than many of the paranormal romances available on the market today.

BookingIt Grade:  B+

• Publisher:  Pocket Star
• Pages:  351
• Release Date:  October 27, 2009

Posted By katie on February 7, 2010

Although her fiancé dumped her a few weeks before the wedding, Samantha decided to take the non-refundable honeymoon in Italy by herself.  Suddenly, the handsome Irishman Keirnan walks up to her in a Venetian café.  She jumps at the adventure Keirnan presents to her, but soon finds herself intertwined in a dangerous situation.

Since a group of men held Kiernan’s sister random, Kiernan was desperate to find the Jewels of Madonna somewhere in Venice.   He uses the single Samantha to deter his followers, but discovers he feels a connection with the intelligent librarian.  Knowing the situation is dangerous, he tries to push her away, but neither Kiernan nor Samantha can deny their attraction.

The Treasures of Venice hooked me in the very first chapter.  I found the story interesting because not only is the book told in the perspectives of Samantha and Kiernan, but also flashbacks to fifteenth-century Venice tell the history of the Jewels of Madonna.  Therefore, the story is well rounded and feels complete, especially since the background of the Jewels is made apparent to the readers.

I feel sorry for Samantha because she had no chance of protecting herself from the smooth-talking, sexy Kiernan.  I enjoyed watching their relationship change and grow to a point they became reliant on each other.  Their romance was sweet and felt appropriate within this story, especially how their story paralleled the story of the Jewels.

Also, the pacing was done quite well.  There is a sense of urgency throughout the story, which pushes the storyline forward with few lulls in pacing.

I recommend The Treasures of Venice for anyone wanting a contemporary, suspenseful romance with a historical romantic twist.  A truly wonderful story!

BookingIt Grade:  A

• Publisher:  Sourcebooks
• Pages:  318
• Release Date:  September 1, 2009

Posted By katie on February 3, 2010

Having lived by the saying “No good deed goes unpunished”, Annie thought that her life was finally turning around for the better.  She was engaged, had a good job, and a place of her own.  Then, she catches her fiancé cheating with her neighbor.  After a harrowing night at the police station, Annie parks her car in the garage but a portal to Hell has opened right under her feet.

Namtar, an ancient Sumerian god, comes through the portal and needs to find a sacrifice so that he may regain his powers and claim his throne in the Underworld.  Annie is conveniently present for his uses, but he soon develops a snag in his plan:  he actually likes Annie.  Now, he is drawn into the dramatic events of her life as well as fighting his own demons.  Literally.

At first, I did not like Annie.  She was a complete pushover.  Luckily, spending time with Namtar seemed to help her grow a spine.  Unfortunately, Namtar is a bit old-fashioned in his ways, which makes him slightly annoying at times.  Also, he keeps Annie in the dark far longer than I would have expected.  But, when Annie and Namtar are together, they burn hot and bright.

I felt the pacing of this story was very slow.  I did not quite understand why Annie’s ex-fiancé went off the deep end, especially since he was the one cheating on her.  Also, some of the plot points seemed too convenient and, in my mind, not necessarily rational.  Luckily, the end the story picks up becomes more believable.  Also, by this point, I actually like Annie.

Overall, Devil Take Me has an interesting premise.  I enjoyed Annie’s secret background and watching her grow from someone I found annoying to a character I could respect.  Unfortunately, the story does not make sense at times and moves slowly which, for some readers, may overshadow many of the good aspects of this story.

BookingIt Grade:  C+

• Publisher:  Samhain Publishing
• Pages:  240
• Release Date:  May 1, 2009

Posted By katie on February 1, 2010

This review is written for published by www.paranormalromance.org

Highland werewolf romance of love and deception.  Highly recommended!

Unbeknownst to Abigail, she has been betrothed to Talorc, the werewolf leader of the Sinclair Clan.  Abigail must take the place of her sister, who did not marry Talorc, but chose the leader of another clan instead.  Although she wants to get away from her abusive mother, she is afraid of Talorc and what will happen to her when his clan discovers her secret:  she is deaf.  Most of the English find her deafness a sign of demon possession.  Even though she hides it well, she is considered unfit as a bride for most English marriages.  Hence, she has been promised to the Scot Highlander.

Talorc is not happy about being forced into marriage.  The previous attempt by his king to marry him off turned disastrous.  When he meets Abigail, he immediately feels the need to protect her and soon a strong bond is formed between them.  Unfortunately, he does not believe he can trust her with his deepest secret:  he is a werewolf.

Can their relationship survive their deceit?  Will their budding love be enough to keep them together?

First things first, I loved this book!  Abigail is a lovely character, full of strength and delicacy.  She is continually faced with adversity, but holds her head high with confidence.  When meeting Talorc, she needs all the confidence she has as he is staggeringly handsome, but scary.  On the other, Talorc is definitely the alpha male.  His affection for Abigail is very sweet and soon enough he falls hard for Abigail.

As well as having strong, likable characters, the pacing of Moon Craving is well done.  The story pushes towards resolution with few, if any, slow parts.  My only complaint is I wanted Abigail to be more upset with Talorc when she discovers he is a werewolf.  But, Abigail handles the situation in a fashion that is consistent with her character.  Therefore, this complaint is minimal and does not take away from the overall story.

As I said before and will say again:  I loved this book!  The central plot of the relationship between Talorc and Abigail is thoroughly enjoyable and more than enough to fill the pages of a book.  I highly recommend Moon Craving and eagerly look forward to future stories in this series.

BookingIt Grade:  A

• Publisher:  Berekley Sensation
• Pages:  293
• Release Date:  February 2, 2010

Posted By katie on January 31, 2010

Rene and his partner are looking for Natalie, a suspect in a series of murders.  They find her easily, as she is not necessarily hiding from the police, but discover that unusual things happen around her.  When Rene takes her home to shelter her, Natalie feels needs that she never experienced before.  An intense evening begins an irreversible chain of events that Rene or Natalie have no control.

At heart, this book is a vampire story even though the description does not make this point clear.  Natalie begins a transition to a vampire and Rene becomes entangled with her, both being forced into a new world they did not know existed.

Rene is the perfect alpha male who is put into an impossible situation.  Natalie seems weak and confused at the beginning, but grows into her skin throughout the book.  The two of them together light the pages on fire.

Although the middle of this book is slow, I enjoyed the ending where a new vampire world opens up to the readers.  Therefore, Into the Darkness begins a new series that has several books that have been published since the release of this book.

Overall, I felt the plot moved slowly at times, but the book is enjoyable.  Ms. Devlin writes intriguing characters and very intense erotic scenes.  Therefore, if you’re in the mood for a slightly different erotic vampire book, give this one a try.

BookingIt Grade:  B

• Publisher:  Avon
• Pages:  307
• Release Date:  June 26, 2007

Posted By katie on January 27, 2010

On a quest to find a specific plant that may treat her epilepsy, Carrie flies across the Atlantic to Wales to confront Professor Matthias Throne.  His property contains the special plant, but he is brisk and rude, pushing Carrie away.  Not to be deterred, she trespasses on his property that night.  She is caught by Matthias, but decides to run and continue her desperate search for the plant.  Matthias chases after her, calling for her to stop, and they find themselves in an ancient stone circle, which transports them to thirteenth century Wales.

Matthias tried to stop Carrie knowing what might happen if she found the stone circle.  Nine years in the past, Matthias had been escaping a horrible past and found himself transported from his home in thirteenth century Wales to modern day.  Although he had tried to return to his home, he couldn’t until he chased Carrie.

Now, they must pretend they are married to survive in his brother’s fortress.  Can Carrie learn to live in the Middle Ages and with the grouchy Matthias?

What an enjoyable book!  Carrie is the perfect balance of strength and weakness, showing the potential of a modern woman fitting into a past culture.  Matthias is incredibly endearing, although old-fashioned as one would expect, and haunted by his past.  Together, they have a frustrating, yet intriguing story of learning to have faith and trust.

Overall, I liked this book immensely.  Carrie and Matthias are wonderful characters.  Although I felt some parts of the story were slow, I still wanted to find out how the story ended.  If you’re in the mood for a sweet, time-travel romance, read this book!

BookingIt Grade:  B+

• Publisher:  Wild Rose Press
• Pages:  357
• Release Date:  August 20, 2009