Showing posts with label dark urban fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dark urban fantasy. Show all posts

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Mortal Sins by Eileen Wilks



5 Stars.

Another excellent paranormal by Eileen Wilkes. This one takes up right where the last ended and even though it's been a year since the last story you will find yourself quickly brought up to speed. You could probably read this book as a stand - alone but I really wouldn't recommend it. For one thing you would miss out on some really good reading and to get the most from the series you should start with the first story.

Tempting Danger (The World of the Lupi, Book 1)

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Demon's Hunger by Eve Silver



5 stars.

A recommended read.

I've been waiting quite a while for this book to come out and I have to say that it's well worth the wait. In fact it's even better than the first. Be sure that you have a little extra time when you start reading it because there is no way that you'll want to put it down for quite some time. This is a fun,sexy, and action packed book that could be read as a stand-alone but I'm pretty sure that if you haven't already, you're going to want to go back and read Demon's Kiss...

Dr. Vivien Cairn is afraid that she may be losing her mind, for some time now she has been blacking out and losing hours at a time with no knowledge of where she's been or what she's done. Things only get worse when she opens the door to find a sexy stranger standing there. Within a matter of moments Vivien is attacked by a demon and finds herself on the run with only the powerful Sorcerer Dain Hawkins standing between her and an unspeakable evil...

The Compact of Sorcerers, a brotherhood sworn to protect the wall between the human and demon realms, is thrust into battle with an unseen evil that threatens to destroy them all...


Forensic anthropologist Vivien Cairn fears she's losing her mind. Her libido has kicked into overdrive, and she's blacking out, leaving hours of her life unaccounted for and no memory of where she's been or what she's done. But when a sexy stranger rescues her from a demon attack, Vivien realizes there's more than just her sanity at stake.


A seductive killer is luring victims, and Sorcerer Dain Hawkins finds himself walking a dangerous line between ancient duty and sizzling desire when the brotherhood--and Vivien herself--begins to suspect that her mysterious symptoms may connect her to the crimes. Can Dain save Vivien from the evil that threatens to claim her? Or will they both succumb to...


DEMON'S HUNGER

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Scions Revelation



5 Stars.
A recommend read.

They just keep getting better and better, I know that I've said this before but this is definitely my favorite in The Scions series of books. When it comes to good solid entertainment Patrice Michelle never fails to deliver and Scions Revelation is no exception. The story is filled with action, hot romance, and so many interesting twists and turns that you'll find yourself completely riveted...

If you've not read the first two books in the series I would recommend that you do so. Not because it's necessary to understand this story, but because if you don't you're going to be missing out on a couple of awesome stories...

Emma Gray is a nice normal young woman still living at home with her aunt and working at a cafe. True she does have a few unusual talents such as an extremely sharp sense of smell. But overall she's just an ordinary young woman. Until the day that her Aunt is kidnapped and Emma's nice ordinary world is turned upside down in ways that she's never imagined...

Caine Grennard is a werewolf, living among humans and lacking purpose—until the night he meets a woman with an exotic, irresistible scent. A woman who might be his deadliest enemy...

When her aunt is kidnapped, Emma Gray swears she'll do anything to get the older woman back. Even if it means trusting the mysterious—and sexy—stranger named Caine.

But more is at stake than one woman's life: Emma's past holds the last key to unlocking a prophecy Caine's clan is depending on. The fates of both their clans rest on Caine and Emma trusting the impossible, electric connection between them, even in the midst of betrayal.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

The Darkest Pleasure by Gena Showalter



5 Stars.

The Darkest Pleasure by Gena Showalter is book three in the Lords Of The Underworld series and in my personal opinion also the best. This story is about the ancient warrior Reyes, who lives a tortured existence because he is also possessed by the demon of pain. Reyes' demon forces him to constantly harm himself and he can know no peace until the day that he meets the beautiful Danika, the one woman who can calm his demon...

It's been a while since Danika Ford has known any peace herself. Her nice normal life has turned into a horrible nightmare with no end in sight. For some reason Cronos the King of the Titans has put out a contract on her life and that of her family...

I know that I described The Lords of the Underworld books as my newest guilty pleasure and this book is no exception. I love all three of the books for this series but this one is my favorite for several reasons. 1. the world building is already done so the author was more able to concentrate on the characters. 2. The character of Danika is just so well done, she is one of the most likable characters that I've read about in a very long time. 3. Even though the book is 368 pages long I really wasn't ready for it to end...

Reyes is a man possessed. Bound by the demon of pain, he is forbidden to know pleasure. Yet he craves a mortal woman, Danika Ford, more than breath and will do anything to claim her—even defy the gods.

Danika is on the run. For months she's eluded the Lords of the Underworld, immortal warriors who won't rest until she and her family have been destroyed. But her dreams are haunted by Reyes, the warrior whose searing touch she can't forget. Yet a future together could mean death to all they both hold dear.…

Monday, July 28, 2008

The Iron Hunt by Marjorie M. Liu



5 Stars.

A recommended read.

The Iron Hunt by Marjorie M. Liu is an awesome roller coaster of an read with a tough kick-butt heroine and some extremely fascinating secondary characters. In my opinion the author has really out done herself with this novel the writing is so beautifully poetic and darkly intense.

But if you're looking light romance then this isn't the book for you, I would describe it as a dark urban fantasy with more of an emphasis on the actual story than a romance. Which is a lot like Karen Marie Moning has done with her Faefever series...

If you've not already done so I would very much recommend that you read that you read the prequel Hunter Kiss first,otherwise you may find the story to be a little confusing at first. You can find Hunter Kiss in the novella Wild Thing which is also available on amazon...

Demon hunter Maxine Kiss wears her armor as tattoos, which unwind from her body to take on forms of their own at night. They stand between her and her enemies, just as Maxine stands between humanity and the demons breaking out from behind the prison veils. It is a life lacking in love, reveling in death, until one moment—and one man— changes everything.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Angel of Death by Leigh Savage



3.9 Stars

Leigh Savage comes through with a solid effort in her first novel, Angel of Death. This paranormal/vampire story contains interesting characters that I grew fond of. This was the first vampire story that I have read and I did find the genre enjoyable in this book. Leigh's imagination took flight while writing this book and took us on Mika's and Domonic's journey. She leaves the door wide open for a sequel story with some of the secondary characters introduced in this book.

Reviewed by Rachel E.Moniz for Kasey's View...

The task at hand? Save the elder vampires from the plague of "the endless sleep." As a hired assassin, Mika Shadow knows not to let emotions get in the way. Given her skills and gifts, she's known as the Chosen One amongst her people. During her mission to steal the formula for anti-aging, and the elixir of life for the vampires, Mika finds herself facing the kidnappers who shattered her world as a young girl and abducted her from her mother. Her past comes roaring back to life! As she is dealing with those demons, Mika also finds herself falling for her target. She only has four strict rules for selecting a mission or dismissing it. The fourth and final one - No emotions allowed - falls flat the minute she meets Domonic.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Night Life by Elizabeth Guest



4. Stars...

Night Life is book one of the interesting new Pharaoh's Rising series by Elizabeth Guest. The story which is a quick read starts with the Pharaoh's death in 1192 B.C.E. and quickly fast forwards to modern times when he awakens to face an old enemy...

Some of the things that I enjoyed about the story is all of the information about the Egyptian culture. The author's vivid descriptions of an ancient world really brings the story to life. And the character development of the dark and powerful Adrian King is excellent, I truly believed that he could have been a great Pharaoh who was betrayed and murdered by someone who should have been above reproach...

The story is enjoyable and I'm looking forward to reading the sequels but it could easily have been a five star story except for a couple of things. First the reader is left with some questions that are never answered, for one thing what causes the ancient Egyptians to change into vampires in the first place? And is Christine really the soul gatherer ? If so just who is She-Who-Must-Be-Feared? It is sometimes difficult to answer all the questions in the first book of a new series but hopefully they will all be answered in book two which is due to release on July 1 2008...

Ancient Egypt takes a bite out of modern-day Las Vegas.

Once a pharaoh, Adrian King has awakened thousands of years later-as a vampire. Now the owner of the Royal Palace in Vegas, he is falling for Egyptologist Christine Day. But others have awakened who will not rest until Adrian is destroyed again, even if it means taking the only true love he's ever known.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Darkness Everlasting by Alexandra Ivy



5 Stars...

A recommended read...

Darkness Everlasting is book three of the very enjoyable Guardians Of Eternity series by Alexandra Ivy. In this story Styx, the sexy Aztec leader of the vampires will do whatever it takes to keep the weres under control even going so far as to kidnap a woman right out from under the very nose of the werewolf King Salvatore Giuliani. This story is so well written that it's not really necessary for you to read the previous books. But I would recommend that you do so just for the fact that you will miss out on some amazing stories...

Each of the main characters are very interesting and appealing in their own way, Styx for his sense of loyalty and gentleness with Darcy. Darcy for her levelheaded strength and wit, and Salvatore for his honor, at a time when he's fighting for the very survival of his race...

Two Men...

Darcy Smith always sensed she was different from everyone else--if only she knew how different. Possessing a secret strong enough to end an entire race of demons, Darcy unwittingly becomes a pawn in an epic battle between the vampires and the Weres as she discovers a new world filled with ecstasy--and dark passions.

One Desires Her Love...

Consumed with lust for Darcy, Styx--the Anasso of vampires--will do everything in his powers to keep her out of the lair of Salvatore Giuliani, the deadly leader of the Weres. But protecting the woman he loves could cost Styx the ultimate price...

The Other...Her Life.

Salvatore Giuliani knows time is running out for the Weres. Pushed to the brink of extinction, he will stop at nothing to make Darcy his ultimate conquest and queen--for she alone holds the key to his survival. But which of these men can Darcy trust? For all it takes is one bite to plunge her into a lifetime of servitude--or a lifetime of pleasure.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Scions Insurrection by Patrice Michelle

Five Stars...

A recommended read.

Scions Insurrection book two of the Scions series by Patrice Michelle takes up where Scions Resurrection left off. Only this story is focusing more on the sexy werewolf PI. Landon Rourke whom we first met in the earlier story. If possible this story is even better than the first, the characters especially that of Landon, the ultimate alpha male are extremely likable and well- rounded. The story line is especially interesting and while it would be helpful to read Scions Resurrection first this story is so well written that it could also be a stand-alone. There is also a very interesting twist to the story, that I would love to but can't divulge...

When Kaitlyn McKinney teams up with PI Landon Rourke to solve a difficult case she gets quite a bit more than she bargained for in more ways than one. Not only does she have an instant attraction to him but he also happens to be a werewolf...

Humanity had reason to fear Vampires. But they didn't know about Werewolves. Yet.

When Detective Kaitlyn McKinney responds to a call about a strange, burned body, she discovers something far more complicated-and dangerous.

Landon Rourke is a werewolf, exiled from his pack and dedicated to keeping a protective watch over Kaitlyn. A prophecy has said that his kind and vampires would one day come to a truce. But that day has yet to come.
Landon has his own past to deal with, too, involving Kaitie herself. A dark truth that has kept them apart for years. When Kaitlyn get caught in the battle between vampires and werewolves, the long-simmering attraction that she shares with Landon ignites. And in that attraction they find the secret that will bring them together...

Monday, March 24, 2008

Predatory Game by Christine Feehan

4.5 stars...
Predatory Game is book six of the ghost walker series about a group of almost at times super-human warriors. Whose abilities were enhanced by Dr.Whitney an evil genius trying to create the perfect soldier.

I found it to be a very enjoyable read and well worth waiting for . The plot is still really interesting in spite of the fact that this story has already been done, several times in fact. Like the other ghost walker stories it's filled with lot's of action and adventure, romance and suspense along with a little hot sex sex thrown in.

Unlike some of the previous stories this one does focus more on the developing relationship between Jess, a ghostwalker who was injured on a previous mission and can no longer walk. But still manages to be a force to be reckoned with when under attack . And Saber, who is one of the orphan girls that Dr. Whitney first used in his experiments. Sabre has one of the most deadly skills ever seen in a ghostwalker, she can kill with a touch. Something that makes the other ghostwalkers more than a little leery around her. I found the author to be accurate in her portrayal of Sabre who is very likable but at times seems a little young and childish. Which when you think about it is to be expected, after all she didn't have the typical upbringing. She was isolated and used from a very young age as an assassin and that's not exactly conductive to learning social skills...


Saber Wynter is running from her past when she meets ex-Navy SEAL and Ghostwalker Jess Calhoun. But the riddles of both their pasts are about to collide, shattering the promise of their future with the ultimate betrayal.






Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Scions Resurrection by Patrice Michelle

I give it five stars...


Ariel Swanson's entire family was slaughtered by Vampires and in an attempt to conquer her fears she wrote a novel about Vampires. A book that brought her to the attention of the very creatures she so feared and hated.

Scions Resurrection is book one of a hot & sexy new paranormal series by Patrice Michelle.
This story takes place in a world much like our own, but much darker. In this reality vampires were created by humans in an attempt to create a superior race. And then later destroyed when the experiment failed, or so they thought...

I found Scions Resurrection to be a thoroughly enjoyable read, the action is intense and at times almost non-stop. The world building is masterfully done and the chemistry between the two main characters is so beautifully written. Jachin Black portrays the perfect alpha male who unwillingly finds himself drawn to the beautiful and feisty Ariel even though he despises humans as weak and pathetic creatures. And spunky Ariel Swanson is the perfect heroine, who finds the courage to face her fears and in the process finds a lasting love.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Forgotten Kisses by Rena Marks

I give it five stars...

Angelia Romere is one lucky lady, because she has not one but two very hot and sexy paranormals pursuing her. Her only problem is which one should she choose?
Forgotten Kisses by Rena Marks is a fascinating and fast paced erotic story that starts off with a bang. So hold on tight, because the action never ends right up until the end. The characters are so well written and interesting that this is one story you won't be able to put down. Not only is the story line written along a very unique angle,but the world building is also extremely well done. So if you enjoy stories about hot & sexy vampires and hunky werewolf's you're sure to love Forgotten Kisses.

Anjelia Romere falls in love with a vampire, yet is pursued relentlessly by his rival, the werewolf king. Her life is turned upside down when she realizes her vampire betrayed her by erasing her memory of being the wolf queen.

Now she wonders whether the vampires are the good guys and if the werewolves are really the villains.

Tied for life as a human servant to the master vampire, yet destined to be the wolf king’s mate, Anjelia wonders: Whom shall she choose? For one option is death; the other, insanity.

Forgotten Kisses is due to be released March 26 2008 by Elloras Cave

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Night Hunter by Cathy McDavid

Four stars.

Twenty five years ago Gillian's mother was brutally murdered by an unspeakable beast, and now after all these years the monster is back...
Night Hunter by Cathy McDavid is an interesting and very unique dark paranormal romance, that just gets better the deeper into the story you are. The evil beast Cadamus along with the gothic and horror elements add to the overall darkness of the story which ends with an unexpected twist that will hopefully lead to a sequel....

Every Twenty-five years the cycle begins anew-a legendary creature reawakens and preys upon the innocent. The police refuse to believe such a monster exists. But Gillian knows it's real. When she was seven, she watched in horror as it killed her mother. Now the beast is back... for her.

As the chosen Hunter, Nick is the only one who can destroy the creature. Yet a gorgeous psychology proffeesor keeps pushing her way into his investigation and into his most intimate fantasies. For her own protection, Nick's determined to stay by Gillian's side , every day and each delicious night. And meanwhile, the monster bides it's time...

Author Cathy McDavid
ISBN 978-0505527226
Publisher Love Spell
Page Count 336 Pages

Sunday, January 20, 2008

The Black Dragon by Allyson James

I give it five stars.

The Black Dragon by the prolific author Allyson James is book two of The Dragon Series. This story starts out eight months after the first story. Malcolm the seductive black dragon has returned to dragonspace leaving Saba Watanabe his love slave behind. But when Saba is brutally assaulted by a white dragon in human form a furious Malcolm returns to defend his Saba, the beautiful witch who holds his heart.

A simply delightful read....
The Black Dragon is a fast paced story filled with fascinating and interesting characters. The sex is scorching and the love tender and heartfelt. If you enjoy stories about dragons, shifters, witches and magic then you can't afford to miss The Black Dragon.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Unbreakable by Sydney Somers

I give it five stars.

Unbreakable by Sydney Somers is a fantastic action filled story, in the tradition of Buffy The Vampire Slayer that I found almost impossible to put down. The chemistry between the main characters as well as the secondary ones is outstanding.
When the story first starts Jordan and her partner / lover Gage are brutally attacked by a war demon and in the process the fatally injured Gage ends up dying in her arms.
Fast forward five years into the future, Jordan is still a cop by day but by night she's an ass kicking demon slayer with an attitude! So imagine her anger and hurt when she discovers that Gage didn't really die that night. Instead he's stayed away for the last five years in a misguided attempt to protect her from the shadow demons that she hunts and slays every night.

This book is definitely a keeper. If you love stories about demons, heroes, hot sex and a great love that won't be denied then you are sure to love Unbreakable.


Unbreakable Shadow Destroyers Book One.
Jordan McAdam leads an unusual double life. Police Officer by day, vigilante by night. But Jordan isn't interested in the average criminal, She stalks Shadow Demons, creatures who prey on the innocent, creatures whom she suspects are responsible for a string of bizarre sacrificial murders. Creatures who killed her partner and lover.

Gage Campbell has spent the last few years on a elite team of Shadow Destroyers, hunting down the demons who changed his life-and his DNA. Then an assignment leads him straight back to the woman he hasn't been able to stop thinking about for five long years. The woman he had no choice but to leave behind.

Is the man before her a mimic demon bent on tormenting her, or is it Gage returned from the dead? All Jordan knows is that the raging desire between them is real. Standing between them are years of secrets and hurt, and a love that just might have the power to bring them together. If the murder case they're working on doesn't separate them ...permanently.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Return Of The Warrior by Rebecca York

I give it four stars.

Return of the Warrior from the 43 Light Street series by Rebecca York is a fast paced and highly enjoyable read of the age old story of good versus evil. I found the characters to be interesting, and likable as well as believable. It's also interesting how Sidney finds herself attracted to Luke and at the same time to Zabastian, the warrior who possesses Luke's body.



The moment Luke McMillan opened the antique box, the mild-mannered computer expert gave way to a brazen warrior.

A warrior whose spirit had been locked away for centuries, now unleashed, he spoke of curses and world destruction- unless Luke and Sidney Weston could bring the artifact back to it's rightful place.

However, their journey was plagued by a band of thieves seeking the relic for their own dark purposes. Sidney had suspected it's power, but the way it changed Luke both frightened and aroused her. Empowered with strength greater than any mortal's, Luke found it difficult to balance his needs with the fiery warrior's. Until both spirits found solace in Sidney. But when it came time to take a stand, whose spirit would emerge from the battle? Luke's or the warrior's?

Saturday, January 12, 2008

A Lick Of Frost by Laurell K. Hamilton

My grade four+ stars

A Lick Of Frost is book six in the continuing saga of the faerie princess Meredith Gentry by the very prolific writer Laurell K. Hamilton. This book quickly picks up right where the last story ended but is even more enjoyable and well focused. I found it to be a delightful read filled with lots of turns, surprises, and twists. And that's not even mentioning the plotting and intrigue.
If you enjoy stories about faeries, politics, and dark intrigue, then you'll love A Lick Of Frost.


I am Meredith Gentry, princess and heir apparent to the throne in the realm of faerie, onetime private investigator in the mortal world.

To be crowned queen, I must first continue the royal bloodline and give birth to an heir of my own. If I fail, my aunt Queen Andais, will be free to do what she most desires: install her twisted son, Cel, as monarch... and kill me.
My royal guards surround me, and my best loved - my Darkness and my Killing Frost - are always beside me, sworn to protect and make love to me. But still the threat grows greater. For despite all my carnal efforts, I remain childless, while the machinations of my sinister, sadistic Queen and her confederates remain tireless. So my bodyguards and I have slipped back into Los Angeles, hoping to outrun the gathering shadows of court intrigue. But even exile isn't enough to escape the grasp of those with dark designs.
Now King Taranis, powerful and vainglorious ruler of Faerie's Seelie Court, has leveled accusations against my noble guards of a heinous crime - and has gone so far as to ask the mortal authorities to prosecute. If ye succeeds, my men face extradition to faerie and the hideous penalties that await them there. But I know that Taranis's charges are baseless, and I sense that his true target is me. He tried to kill me when I was a child. Now I fear his intentions are far more terrifying.



Thursday, December 27, 2007

Devil Inside by Jenna Black

Devil Inside is the latest book by the very prolific writer Jenna Black. I found the book to be very well written and interesting. If you enjoy books about strong tough women and sexy demons. Then you will most likely enjoy Devil Inside.
Now for the parts that I didn't enjoy. When the book first starts Morgan is a strong kick-ass Exorcist but about halfway through the book she ends up being more wimpy than anything else. Which just didn't seem to jibe with her character
At times the sex is just a little too much and ends up detracting instead of adding to the story. Please note this book does contain violence, bondage, and some scenes of male lovers. So it may not be some peoples cup of tea. In future sequels I would enjoy more character development and maybe a little less sex.

Grade:***+
Morgan Kingsley is in Topeka Kansas for an exorcism job when she finds that she herself is possessed. And not by just any demon. Lugh the demon King is six feet five inches of dark delicious temptation. Which is more temptation than most women could take.