I Am the Wild by Karpov Kinrade

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Recently had the wonderful opportunity to meet the lovely authors behind this book. I’m a huge fan of their other series- Vampire Girl. During our conversation, Lux asked me if I had read I Am The Wild– which I had not yet had the pleasure. Fast forward a week and I’m basking in my post book consumption glow.

This book starts out with an odd job advertisement that Eve oddly feels drawn to. (Ladies, in real life I HIGHLY discourage you from taking a newspaper offered by a transient and going to a job interview with no description. That’s how you end up dead in a dumpster.) Alas, this is paranormal awesomeness so Eve ends up with an AMAZING job offer instead of what would happen to us normal folks.

At this point I would be remiss if I didn’t introduce you to the Night brothers. All smoking hot, mysterious, and successful lawyers. Sebastian is the first brother to be introduced and in the story and therefore I felt drawn to his character compared to the other 3.

I don’t want to share too much and accidentally rob you of discovering the characters and surprises yourself. There were a few “what the heck” surprises including one MAJOR (yes, I had to type that in all caps to emphasize) plot twist at the end. Actually, perhaps it’s more of a cliff hanger? I’m not sure which is the appropriate term but when you read it you’ll know what I’m referring to.

While I love the authors and this book I wanted to share two thoughts. They are very, very minor complaints and perhaps once you read the book you’ll disagree with me. First, I felt like there was a bunch of name dropping that wasn’t necessary. For example, Count Dracula and Albert Einstein. I didn’t feel they were necessary and in the case of Count Dracula I would have enjoyed a new character verses relying on the mystic and myths that accompany Dracula’s persona. Second complaint- part of vampire lore that I enjoy the most is the mystery, secrecy, and cunning abilities vampires have crafted over centuries of experiences. Within a few days of being hired Eve is welcomed into the Night brother’s home and most important business affairs. It would have been more realistic had they kept some separation. In regards to the cunning abilities it’s Eve who “saves the day” with her higher level thinking. Where were the intelligent, highly successful vampires who have been attorneys for ions?!?



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V Games: Dead Before Dawn by Caroline Peckham

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I think of writing as an art form- painting a picture for readers using words that soak your soul in colors, emotions, and images. A good artist/author creates characters that evoke emotion -may that be anywhere on the spectrum between adoration and repulsion.

I can honestly say this book raised my blood pressure over and over. Ulvic- such a complicated character. In love with his tormentor- hiding his sexuality- his fascination with wolves…THIS guy drove me fucking nuts. My skin crawled every time he made an appearance in the book. A character so well written that he has haunted me since the second book in the series.

More great writing- the relationship between Varick and Selena. These two just don’t have it easy! Try overcoming the 200+ years of torture (poor Varick), the years of abuse from her stepfather (Selena), the absolute mind fuck and emotional scarring brought on my the V games, and now being an “interracial couple”… these characters own my heart.

Loved this book and as a result my emotions are in a tizzy.

I happily offer this honest review and am grateful the author honored me with an early copy.



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V Games: Fresh From The Grave by Caroline Peckham

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is full of girl power and vampire awesomeness! I’m struggling to offer a review that will communicate why I loved the story so much without spoiling the many surprises along the way.

The bloody, tortured, and completely endearing cast of characters expanded in this story in the best way possible. We got a closer look at the werewolves that helped the contestants during the first book… which reminds me that I need to announce the addition of Jameson the werewolf to my ever growing list of book boyfriends. I’m not sure what I like best about Jameson. Perhaps it’s his loyalty to Varick and his pack, his perpetually positive attitude even in the most terrible of times, or maybe it’s his smoking hot body and his amazing ability to transform from man to werewolf.

Selena is my hero. From the first book her character, strength, beauty and honor were refreshing and uplifting. That same spirit continued and grew in this installment. I slipped through the pages and found myself cheering her on as she rallied against the deplorable conditions.

One of the signs of a truly good book is when it evokes strong emotions from its readers. (I can assure you that this is a phenomenal book!) While I loved the fast paced and dramatic challenges I could.not.stand. Ulvic (the Hunter turned werewolf enthusiast). I’ll be watching the reviews as more people read this book to see what other readers say about him.

I happily offer this honest review and am grateful the author honored me with an early copy. Now the countdown for the next book begins…



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V Games by Caroline Peckham

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Holy Mother of Awesomeness! This book is the perfect mixture of mystery, conflict, girl power with a splash of romance and vampires! I repeat…VAMPIRES!

Think The Hunger Games, The Testing, and Vampire Academy…but BETTER. You read that correctly! This book surpasses some of my favorite books of all time! Color me very, very pleasantly surprised!

Selena Gray was 18 when she’d had enough of her stepfather’s horrific abuse and defended herself. Now labeled a murderer she’s looking at a lengthy prison sentence with a heartbroken mother left back at home. In prison she shares a cell with “Cass” who introduces herself as an arson but something about her seems far more menacing. After only a short stay in jail she’s kidnapped by a mysterious man and finds herself on-board a ship headed to an island so vile I pray nothing similar exists in real life.

Upon Selena’s arrival on this arctic island Selena discovers she’s part of a sick game for rich a$$holes. Selena, Cass, Kite (psycho from the jail) and 22 other former female convicts are thrust into a “game” where survival is king and treachery, backstabbing, and thirsty vampires reign supreme.

Insert Varick who’s a vampire forced to oversee the contestants. He sees in Selena something he admires and a most unlikely friendship begins.

This book had absolutely everything you could want!
1) Girl Power- Selena shows strength, intelligence, compassion and cunning. Needless to say Selena kicks ass and I loved every minute of it!
2) Mystery- Who are the Helsing family (sick psychos) who run this vile island and insist on these twisted games? What “experiments” are they running? How much power do they have- both on this island and throughout the world?
3) Excitement- Heart pounding, heart racing, gripping my bed sheets… This author sure knows how to amp up the anticipation as these characters race to survive. So enjoyable!
4) If you’ve been snoozing during this review WAKE UP because I’m talking about SEXY VAMPIRES for goodness sake! Varick is described as in-humanly handsome. More likely to be seen on the cover of Vogue than running a psycho human v.s. starved vampire game in the arctic. Don’t let his beautiful and frosty demeanor fool you! He’s passionate, loyal, strong and patient. Waiting for the right time to strike.
5) Romance (see item #4) This wasn’t the main theme but definitely sweetened the story for me. Amongst the muck and mire of this sick sport there rose a truly beautiful (and highly unlikely) alliance. Human convict and Vampire/former pirate = GREAT STORY

I absolutely can’t wait until the next book is released! If it’s anything like it’s predecessor it’s a MUST READ!

*I’m happy to volunteer this review after receiving an ARC for this book and look forward to reading anything and everything she creates in the future!



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Wicked Soul by Nora Ash

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Looking for a tasty paranormal story to sate your romance thirst? Look no further! Olivia “Liv” and Warin are a winning pair and will keep you enthralled as all the supernatural creatures come out to play.

Liv is a mouthy, nerdy, oh-so-casual chick who works odd jobs and moves frequently. Warin is an ancient vampire with vast powers, loyal subjects, and a rather bleak outlook on life. After being mistaken for a vampire hussy the pair are thrown together in a twisted world of witchcraft, shapeshifters, and vampire hierarchy. At times Liv’s inability or unwillingness to grasp the serious of situations was annoying. Also- Warin is described as a 6ft muscular vampire. When Liv’s clothes were damaged she attempts to put on Warin’s pants but can’t get them past her thighs… yet the top fit fine. Am I to assume Liv is significantly pear-shaped? I spent several moments trying to imagine what she looks like and nothing comes up smelling like roses.



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The Stars Afire by Elizabeth Hunter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Looooooved this series! The first 4 books were available on Amazon Unlimited (score!) but this one cost $4.99 if my memory serves me correctly. It’s my least favorite of the series (especially the last installment) but still 5 stars because of my love and loyalty for the “cast and crew” figuratively speaking.




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My Guardian by Alanea Alder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you ever needed proof that life isn’t fair- remind yourself that Aiden McKenzie is NOT your mate. Take a few seconds to let that depressing thought sink in…

Book 6 of the Bewitched and Bewildered series featured several of our beloved characters from previous installments while adding in a few new characters to keep things interesting.

If you’re reading this review I’m assuming you’ve been following the series and are familiar with the main players.
Aiden McKenzie- Bear shifter, commander and overall bada$$ who’s mated to quirky Meryn.
Meryn- Nerdlette who hit the mate lottery with Aiden McKenzie, zero fashion sense with an obsession for technology and Facebook farming games.
Elizabeth “Beth”- Clutzy (perhaps due to a curse) yet organized and beautiful…when not in motion
Gavriel- Old, powerful and incredibly handsome vampire

NEW PLAYERS:
Adriel Aristaios- Unit leader of Noctem Falls (Vampire city), Clipboard manic, yoga and health nut
Eva Mae Miller- Tiger shifter who runs a cowboy bar, tall and gorgeous

You’ll notice I’ve awarded this installment 5 out of 5 stars. The rating is based on the continuation of the character and plot development that’s been building since book 1. Unlike the previous stories this book takes places in the vampire city called Noctem Falls. I enjoyed discovering this new setting and learning more about the paranormal culture that Alanea Alder has created. With that being said I do want to mention that there were parts of this story that I didn’t enjoy.

It must be said that some of my favorite scenes of the past 5 books have been the unit members’ visits to the human grocery store called “Duck In”. Because this story takes place in a different city readers missed out on the hilarity and enrichment those visits previously had contributed.

Also, I felt the featured hero and heroine were lacking in chemistry and charisma. One might assume that as the unit commander for the vampire city Adriel would be imposing and the epitome of alpha male. Instead, what I found was a granola eating, yogi who is inept at politics and managing his unit. How could he have garnered such a prestigious position and yet be so obtuse with how his actions were being portrayed by the units under his command?

Eva Mae Miller’s character was too imposing and “larger than life” to jive with the other females thus far. I was also uncomfortable when she (in tiger form) slept with Meryn and licked her all over. Seems like the actions of a besotted mate instead of a protective mama tigress.

I’m anxiously awaiting the next installment to this series.

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My Protector by Alanea Alder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 2 of the “Bewitched and Bewildered” series. This installment features our elegant, hunky vampire Gavriel and the klutzy Elizabeth.

Overall I’m pleased with the pace and content of the book and characters. Elizabeth “Beth” Monroe is blonde and elegant…when not in motion. When she IS walking she takes tumbles and is quite awkward (for lack of better description). Picture a newborn foal trying to move about a pasture…that’s Elizabeth. Cute but certainly no sex appeal. Gavriel Ambrosios is poetry in motion. He’s muscular, intelligent and poised. Let me sum it up for you folks- He’s got class and an amazing ass! What more could you ask for? Oh, I should probably mention that when we are first introduced to our hunky hero he’s undergoing a vampiric transition and therefore vulnerable.

Minor pet peeve that will follow me throughout the series is Meryn’s “Fan Club”. While Elizabeth and Gavriel should be focusing on each other and their newly minted relationship the focus of the household seems to revolve around tiny, kooky Meryn and her antics. I enjoyed Meryn’s character in the first book but felt it was time to focus on the new couple and not keep fawning over Meryn.

Second thought I’ll share is Elizabeth’s accident prone adventures. As the story progresses and Gavriel discovers from her relatives- Beth’s injuries stem from a larger issue than just clumsy behavior. BUT WE NEVER DISCOVER WHAT IT IS…. Has she been cursed? Is there an entity or witch trying to cause her harm? Are their protective spells to ward against injury? This series is predicated on a mating system where the male is overprotective and obsessed with the welfare of their lover. Taking that into consideration PLEASE explain to me how Gavriel (nearly ageless, super vampire) just accepts the tormenting accidents and injuries his mate suffers without being proactive in protecting her!!!

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