ARC Review: Dark Swan (Otherworld Assassin #3) by Gena Showalter

Dark Swan

The Otherword Assassin #2.5

by Gena Showalter

*ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Blurb via Goodreads:

The Alien Huntress series is back with fan favorite AIR agent Dallas Gutierrez from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling paranormal romance author Gena Showalter, who doesn’t disappoint with this sizzling hot alpha hero.

Lilica Swan isn’t quite human or otherworlder; she is the best—and worst—of both.

She is willing to do whatever proves necessary to save her sister from the seductive and deadly Alien Investigation and Removal agent, Dallas Gutierrez, even bonding her lifeforce to his by effectively marrying him. But the bond will fade without consummation. Can Dallas resist his insatiable desire for the powerful beauty? Or will she lead to his ultimate downfall?

About the Author

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in paranormal and contemporary romances, as well as young adult novels. Her series include White Rabbit Chronicles, Angels of the Dark, Otherworld Assassins, Lords of the Underworld, Alien Huntress and Intertwined.

Her novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Seventeen Magazine, and have been translated all over the world. The critics have called her books "sizzling page-turners" and "utterly spellbinding stories", while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise”. 

Connect with Gena:   Facebook    Twitter     Goodreads     Website 

Grab Your Copy

Amazon

B&N

My Review

I was hesitant to start Dark Swan because it's been so long since I've read the others books in the Otherworld Assassin series. I'm so glad I jumped right back to it. It was so easy to just fall right back into the world that Gena created in this series. The characters are so magnetic, aggressive but charming in this... gritty sort of way. Lilica (such an awesome name) is such a well crafted, head strong character. You want her to conquer the world. Save her sister who has lost her way. She and her sisters lived one hell of a life... if you can even call it a living. Lab rats basically. Enter Dallas... sigh worthy, gritty, sexy Dallas. He lived a hellish life as well. They make an add pairing but you can't seem to get enough of them when Lilica accidentally bonds them together.

Steamy, sexy, gritty, heart-stopping.... I couldn't get enough.

I was sad that this wasn't a long, full length novel. Being a 2.5, these were two characters that I would've read a 500 page novel on just because I couldn't seem to get enough of them.

Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars
Cover Rating: 3 Stars
Plot: 5 Stars - Plenty of ups, downs, highs & lows. You cheer & you rail for and at the characters.
Climax: 5 Stars! Crazy how the power was there all along.
Ending: 5 Stars (I was so sad that it was wrapping up and ending. Pretty sure I pouted aloud as I read the last few pages.)

Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: Wanted by Annika James

Wanted

by Annika James

YA Paranormal Romance

First Published Jan 1, 2013

*Ebook obtained in exchange for an honest review

 as part of the tour*

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Attacked as a young witch and left for dead, Ashlinn is deathly afraid of being bitten again. Having survived until she’s almost eighteen without donating blood to any of her vamp friends, Ashlinn figures she’ll continue to live bite-free. After her crush reveals how powerful she is, however, the Vampire Council declares she be claimed as a familiar, which requires biting. Ashlinn doesn’t want to be owned, even by hot vamp, Conor. Luckily, her best friend, Matt, volunteers for the job. She is given one week to choose her protector, and the list of willing biters keeps growing. Will she go with best friend Matt, hot vamp Conor, or someone else to protect her? Will she be able to get her power under control by then? Will she overcome her phobia of being bitten? And who says she needs to be protected, anyhow?

 Grab Your Copy:     Amazon      Barnes & Noble

Annika James lives in small-town Wisconsin with her husband and two beautiful kiddos. She spends her days working to pay the bills and her nights dreaming of more fun ways to do so. Her passions include writing, reading, music and traveling with her family. She dreams of a world where vampires and powerful witches really exist, because life would be so much more interesting.

Website Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, MuseItUp, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

I could tell he was still looking down at me. His hand rested on the shelf next

to my head and his other hand came up on the other side, trapping me between his arms. I looked up shyly. How many times had I pictured being alone with Conor? It was like a dream, and I was frozen, unsure of what to do, unsure of what he wanted from me. What was he playing at?

He leaned toward me, holding my gaze with his. I forgot how to breathe, how

to think. Then his lips touched mine, electricity exploding up and down my body.

Soft and gentle, they probed, tasting, testing. I didn’t move to touch him, just

remained frozen. There was only the kiss. His mouth moved to my jaw, kissing his

way down to my neck. His teeth grazed my skin.

I unfroze and found my voice. “No!” I felt a surge of power push through me.

Conor flew backward across the room. He crashed into a bookcase, sending an

avalanche of books over him as he fell to the floor. He slumped there, holding his head, dazed. He looked up in confusion, mouth opened ready to speak. At that moment, my muscles remembered how to move and I ran for the door. It opened in front of me, not of my power, and Matt appeared. He’d probably felt my surge of power. I hadn’t meant to throw Conor. Panic had overtaken me and I had lost control for an instant.

I flew into Matt’s arms and he embraced me. Matt was my rock. His presence

calmed me, it always did. He was like a protective big brother. I knew he

understood the whole scene in the seconds before I’d found his arms. I buried my

face in the T-shirt pulled tight across his strong chest, and breathed in his scent, a

mix of fabric softener and cologne. It was familiarity, it was home, and it helped to center me. I peeked out at Conor. He stepped out of the pile of books and

straightened his clothing.

Wanted pulled me in from the synopsis so I was very excited to dig into this novel. During the first few chapters, I wasn't pulled right in though. It took a few chapters before I became really invested in the story. I'm not sure why that was exactly... it may have just simply been getting used to the setting. Overall, this seemed like a short read. I read the entire thing in one sitting because once I was invested in the characters, I didn't want to stop reading.

Ashlinn goes to a school where there are vampires, witches, and humans mingling together. Her best friends are both vampires and she's a witch. I really enjoyed Cora & Matt. They were both great characters. Conor...swoon. Of course he's the guy who holds Ashlinn's attention - The vampire who she's had a crush so deep that it's hard for her to explain why she feels such a connection with him. 

The story takes an unexpected twist that throws everyone into a serious whirlwind of action. In order to ensure vampires from all over don't begin to basically throw themselves on Ashlinn, she must become a vampire's familiar by the end of the week. It's awesome that she was realizing that she was obviously quite powerful....however, it came with the cost of having to become a familiar. I thought it was an interesting plot twist and I couldn't wait to see how it turned out. 

And...enter the triangle of sorts... Ashlinn must decide if she's going to become Matt's familiar (her trusty best friend / protector) or Conor's (hot crush who is trying to prove his honestly and gain her trust). Cora is her anchor through everything and I really appreciated having her character there (even though she wasn't a huge focal point). Conor tries to prove himself to Ashlinn and, honestly, I thought it was going to be a ruse and there would be something sinister behind his intent. Matt, her best friend and protector, tries to separate his emotions from the situation and give Ashlinn what he thinks she wants overall... but things just don't go the way any of them are expecting :)

Now, the story was full of plot twists and huge surprises. I won't ruin them for everyone so I'll just say that they were GREAT surprises - even the ones that were related to negative events. 

The ending... Holy freaking crap. Seriously??!?! That's where it ended?!?! I want to know if this novel is going to be part of a series? I'll be honest and say that one premonition and then the ending, suggested that this novel could be a fabulous New Adult, more mature YA, nearly adult type novel that I would totally swoon over. Jeewiz. Seriously? I can't believe it ended where it did. I kept trying to flip the ebook's page but it was the end!!!!


Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars
Cover Rating: 4 Stars
Characters: 5 Stars
Plot: 4 Stars
Climax: 5 Stars 
Ending: 1 Star - KIDDING!!!! Totally kidding. I only kid because it seriously left me hanging on the edge of my seat wanting MORE. Soooo...4.5 Stars. 

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DAC Review: The Collector (Dante Walker #1) by Victoria Scott

The Collector

Dante Walker #1

by Victoria Scott

YA Paranormal Romance

Published March 25, 2013

 

*Ebook Obtained via NetGalley in

exchange for an honest review*

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence has made him one of Hell’s best — a soul collector. His job is simple, weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal opportunity collector and doesn’t want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment: Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within 10 days.

Dante doesn’t know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of Hell. But after Dante meets the quirky, Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect—he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector, and uncover emotions long ago buried.

Grab Your Copy:

(Go Ahead & Pre-Order Bk 2 from Amazon while you're at it) ^_^

 

Barnes & Noble

 

About the Author:

Victoria Scott is a teen fiction writer represented by Sara Crowe. She's the author of THE COLLECTOR trilogy (Entangled Teen) and the FIRE & FLOOD series (Scholastic). Victoria lives in Dallas with her husband and hearts cotton candy something fierce.


Connect with Victoria: 
 Goodreads    Website    Twitter    Facebook



My Review:

Oh my my my... Dante Walker is such an ass - he's conceited, totally full of himself, thinks he is above everyone else, shallow as hell, and totally a prick.... You totally hate him because he's such a bad guy.

However, you can't help but fall totally, madly in love with him - he's hot, dresses amazing, is full of confidence, has a conscience that he tries to hide, suffered from a horrible accident that took his life, misses his family, and has always done what he had to in order to look out for himself and survive the wrath of his Boss Man...

Dante is given the task of bringing the Boss Man Charlie's soul. He thinks that it'll be easy-peasy but he doesn't like the fact that he knows the name of his next target - it makes it too personal. Little does Dante know - this will be the hardest task of his entire afterlife profession.

I loved this novel. At first, it took a bit of reaching to grasp the concept of the whole marking the soul thing... Once you get it, you totally get it though.

Ug, I totally wanted to smack Dante when he kept talking about how ugly Charlie was. I was totally pissed at him. Seriously - dude was totally shallow. But then he starts to change... his conscience starts showing and he starts to feel guilty for his actions. He starts to see the bigger picture and decides, for once, he has to look out for more people than just himself. I wanted to hug him, and cry, and hug him again and again - you know, post smacking him upside his head. LoL

I really enjoyed this novel - great YA Debut. I read it in 2 days because I couldn't put it down. I loved the twists and adored all of the characters.

Great paranormal read and I cannot wait to get the second book in my hands!!!

Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars
Cover Rating: 5 Stars
Characters: 5 Stars
Plot: 4 Stars
Climax: 4.5 Stars
Ending: 4.5 Stars

Review: Dare You To (Pushing the Limits #2) by Katie McGarry

Dare You To

Pushing the Limits #2

by Katie McGarry

YA Contemporary Romance

Expected Publication: May 28, 2013 by Harlequin Teen

 

*ARC Copy Obtained Via NetGalley in

Exchange for an Honest Review*

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."

"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....

"I dare you..."

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all....

Grab Your Copy:

 

Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

KATIE MCGARRY was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings, and reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan.

Connect With Katie:   Goodreads    Website    Twitter    Facebook

My Review:

This was an emotional, heart pounding thrill ride where I felt like I crashed and was brought back again.

I totally loved Pushing The Limits - but this novel exceeded everything I assumed might happen.

Knowing that this novel was about Beth made me excited from the start. I wanted to see her back story & where her life was going to go. She was a character in book 1 that I felt bad for... she was stuck living in the basement with the guys at her Aunt's house because her mom is a total douche. Learning more about her actual situation with her mother made my heart ache. The event that pushes Beth into taking the fall for her mother was it for me. I just wanted to jump through the book, smack Beth upside the head for caring about her mother's well-being and then hug her because she, well, loved her mom too much when all her mom cared about was her POS boyfriend. Beth was stuck being the parent when her actual mom was too wasted to take care of her. She ends up going to live with Scott - her uncle who she feels deserted her years ago instead of coming back for her like he said he would. She has a tough time trusting him at all since, in her mind, he could've come back for her sooner. He can obviously provide a life for her that she never would have the opportunity for otherwise. Scott, being a professional baseball player, has a nice house, a fancy wife (who definitely doesn't get along with Beth all too well), and has high expectations for Beth to turn around her life. He sets rules for her to follow and tries to encourage her to change her life for the better. Of course, he has to hold the outcome of her mother over her head to get her to comply. She does so, not really willingly, but plots to run away and save her mom the first chance she gets.

Ryan, oh sweet Ryan. I adored him. He isn't your typical male lead character. Yes, he appears to have the perfect life - baseball star, model parents, great house, great friends, great future ahead of him.... but then when you really get the chance to see what's hidden behind the facade, you learn there's so much more. Ryan deals with his own home-life problems. His dad is a total ass-hat - trying to deviate Ryan's life with his "baseball or boot" attitude. His brother has been kicked out of the house because he came out and told his parents that he's gay. Ryan is torn between his love for his brother and following his father's commands.

The first meeting between Ryan and Beth had me cracking up. She was such a hard-ass and he was just trying to win a bet by getting her number. Totally cracked me up. In order to help out his idol, Scott, Ryan agrees to help out Scott's niece by showing her around, helping her get used to the school & town, and introducing her to friends. Boy was Ryan in for a surprise when he comes to learn that the "niece" was the one and only Beth. Ha. Loved it.

Last, but not least, I have to touch on Isaiah. He's in the picture but I can't say more because I don't want to mark this as having spoilers. ^_^ You know you love me for that. For those wondering, he's in the book... a lot. You know he loves Beth but does she love him too? He's her best friend. He's the one person that she's ALWAYS been able to count on to help her. He ends up saving her butt a few times in this novel. I love Isaiah and can't wait to see what's next from Katie!

Honestly, I could go on and on about this novel.

 I adored the characters, the drama, the struggle of opening up and leaning how to trust and let your guard down.

Great novel! Can't wait to read Isaiah's story!


Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars
Cover Rating: 4 Stars
Characters: 5 Stars
Plot: 4.5 Stars
Climax: 5 Stars
Ending: 5 Stars

Review: Bonds of Need (Wicked Play #2) by Lynda Aicher

Bonds of Needs

Wicked Play #2

by Lynda Aicher

Erotica/Romance/BDSM

Published March 4, 2013

by Carina Press

*Ebook obtained via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Synopsis via Goodreads:

When Kendra Morgan attends a party at an exclusive sex club, she's not driven by mere curiosity. Hoping to prove she's put the past behind her, Kendra must instead face up to needs she's denied for too long. Despite her lingering fears, she can't resist the temptation to play…

Deklan Winters has had his eye on his attractive neighbor for months, but only senses Kendra is no stranger to the BDSM scene when she walks into his club. And he can tell that's not her only secret. What surprises him is his own overwhelming desire to give her what she craves—and to show her a side to the Dom/sub relationship she's never known.

With Deklan's guidance, Kendra begins to accept her forbidden needs and to recognize the fine line between pleasure and pain. But when her former Master returns to reclaim her, it will take all her courage—and all of Deklan's love—to defy her past.

For more tales from The Den check out Bonds of Trust.

Grab Your Copy:

Barnes & Noble

About the Author Per Her Goodreads Profile:

I love to read. It's a simple fact that has been true since I discovered the worlds of Judy Blume at the age of ten. After years of weekly travel as a consultant implementing computer software into global companies, I ended my nomadic lifestyle to raise my two children. Now, my imagination is my only limitation on where I can go and my writing lets me escape from the daily duties of being a mom, wife, chauffer, scheduler, cook, teacher, cleaner, and mediator.

If writing wasn't a priority, it would never get done.

Connect with Lynda:  Goodreads   Website    Twitter

My Review:

After reading & loving Bonds of Trust, book 1 in this series, I knew I had to read this second novel. I was so excited when I read the synopsis and realized that this novel would be Kendra & Deklan's story. Each of the characters, for the most part, were in book #1. I loved the strength and power that Deklan showed in book 1 so I couldn't wait to read more about him. Kendra - she was a mysterious character in book 1. You didn't know much about her except that she was obviously hiding a few secrets of her own... 

Bonds of Need definitely didn't disappoint! I loved the connection between Deklan & Kendra. They had a chemistry to die for! 

Kendra, oh god, poor thing. She was stuck in a horrible relationship and he took advantage of her submissive nature and need for pain. He took the role of a Dom and completely warped it into abuse. There was nothing caring or controlled in the way that he treated Kendra. I felt horrible that she went through such an event but I felt even worse because she couldn't seem to get away from it. 

Deklan takes such amazing care of Kendra. He wants to help her understand that her needs, although not common, are nothing to be ashamed of. However, he knows that there is a right way and a wrong way of meeting the needs that Kendra has. Their time together, although beginning as part of a contract and only a contract, built Kendra's acceptance of her needs up to where she knew that she was mistreated... she was able to understand the difference between her previous submissive relationship and what Deklan brought into her life. 

I absolutely melted when Deklan waited outside of Kendra's parent's house - just so she could see that he was there to support her when she was ready. LOVE Him! 

I could honestly keep talking... but I don't want to spoil all of the fun. 

Note that this is a BDSM novel... they are in a BDSM Club through a lot of the novel. If that isn't the type of novel you're interested in, then this won't be for you. However, it's an amazing novel for those that do. 

I can't wait to read Wicked Play #3! I know that it'll be just as great as 1 & 2 have been! 


Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars
Cover Rating: 4 Stars
Character Rating: 5 Stars
Plot: 5 Stars
Climax: 5 Stars
Ending: 4.5 Stars

Review: Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Walking Disaster

Beautiful #2

by Jamie McGuire

Contemporary Romance

Published April 2, 2013

*Self-Purchased E-book*

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Finally, the highly anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Beautiful Disaster. Can you love someone too much?
Travis Maddox learned two things from his mother before she died: Love hard. Fight harder.

In Walking Disaster, the life of Travis is full of fast women, underground gambling, and violence. But just when he thinks he is invincible, Abby Abernathy brings him to his knees.

Every story has two sides. In Beautiful Disaster, Abby had her say. Now it’s time to see the story through Travis’s eyes.

Grab Your Copy:

Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

Jamie McGuire was born in Tulsa, OK. She was raised by her mother Brenda in Blackwell, OK, where she graduated high school in 1997. Jamie attended the Northern Oklahoma College, the University of Central Oklahoma, and Autry Technology Center where she graduated with a degree in Radiography.

Jamie now lives in Enid, OK with her three children and husband Jeff, who is a real, live cowboy. They share their 30 acres with four horses, four dogs, and Rooster the cat.

Books published by Jamie include the Providence trilogy, and The New York Times best seller Beautiful Disaster, a contemporary romance. When she’s not writing, Jamie spends her days letting her four dogs in and out.

Connect with Jamie:  Goodreads   Website    Twitter    Facebook

My Review:

Oh Jamie! You did it again! I loved reading from Travis' POV. I was able to understand exactly what he was thinking during scenes in Beautiful Disaster that left me wondering how much I should really love the guy... Reading from Abby's POV left you hanging on the insight in what the heck Travis is thinking when he pulls the crazy stunts that he pulls. I loved the insight & eye opening moments from conversations we missed in Beautiful Disaster. 

I can't help but think how if these were both combined into one long novel, I would've been an emotional mess! LoL A good emotional mess though. 

I adore each character in Beautiful Disaster & Walking Disaster. They now hold a special little place in my heart and I end up thinking about them long after I'm finished reading the novel. 

Honestly, I could go and on but here's what it boils down to - If you loved Beautiful Disaster, then you'll adore & love Walking Disaster!

Yay for the epilogue too!! <3


Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars 
Cover Rating: 4.5 Stars
Ending: 5 Stars! Oooh the epilogue... sigh... thanks for that Jamie! ^_^

ARC Review: Breaking the Wrong (Sloan Brothers #2) by Calia Read

Breaking the Wrong

Sloan Brothers #2

by Calia Read

NA Romance / Mature

Published March 16, 2013

*ARC Ebook obtained directly from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Emilia Wentworth would do anything for her sister.

For three years, Emilia has lived in the past, feeling her sister's pain and hating those who are to blame, including one of the Sloan brothers.

Finally, she has had enough. The only way to be free is to create a Burn List with all the people who have ever hurt her sister.

As she crosses each name off, she gets closer and closer to her final target. But, things aren't always as they seem.

Loyalties are tested.

Boundaries are crossed.

And the truth is revealed.

Grab Your Copy:

About the Author Per Her Goodreads Profile:

College seemed like too much stress for me. Traveling across the world, getting married, and having three kids seemed much more relaxing.

Yeah, I’m still waiting for the relaxing part to kick in...

I change addresses every other year. It’s not by choice but it is my reality.
While the crazies of life kept me busy, the stories in my head decided to bubble to the surface. They were dying to be told and and I was dying to tell them.

That was four years ago. Soon, the stories will be shared with you. I hope you’ll enjoy escaping to the crazy world of these characters with me!!

I'm constantly on Facebook. 'Like' me there so we can gush and talk about everything books!

Connect with the Author:   Goodreads   Website   Twitter   Facebook



My Review:

Wow!!! Amazing Continuation to Book 1 of the Sloan Brothers.  Calia made me love the character I disliked so much in book 1. I saw a whole new side to Macsen & I loved him! This story picked up after book 1 & took off in the complete opposite direction I was expecting. At the conclusion of book 1, I expected things to take off in a completely different direction so this was a great surprise. Calia brings Emilia into book 1 and towards the end, I felt like the was going to be villain with horrible motives. I was right & wrong. Per the synopsis, we know that she has a list of people she's getting revenge on. I won't go into full detail because I hate marking my reviews as containing spoilers. LoL Let's just say, she has the motive and I can't say that I blame her. Although, it takes a while for you to learn what her sister did and why, it takes you by storm when revealed. I felt horrible for Emilia. :( With that being said, it's hard to write a really detailed review. >_< I don't want to let you in on the surprises!! Okay so the plot moves steadily... I loved the ups and downs. I honestly wasn't expecting the truth that came out. I was completely taken by surprise. Nothing led me to think that this person was the one who did...well, the bad thing that they talk about throughout the book. Sorry for being vague. :) I adored the characters & I'm glad that Thayer, Seb & Chris are in this novel still. The love scenes were hottttt & I'm so glad that the V-card didn't take front & center. It was a nice change! I can't wait to see what else Calia does!!!! Overall Rating: Solid 4.5 Stars Cover Rating: 5 Stars - I love the new cover but I really liked the other version too, LoL Characters: 5 Stars Plot: 4.5 Stars Climax: 4.5 Stars Ending: 5 Stars