BOOK REVIEW- Crimson Debt by Evangeline Anderson

Crimson Debt (Born to Darkness, #1)Crimson Debt by Evangeline Anderson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

There’s been times that I’ve finished a book and immediately rushed to the computer to craft a review worthy of the book I’ve so recently devoured. Then there are other times that the plot and/or characters are underwhelming and I’ll submit a review more out of obligation than a genuine interest. This review is going to be one of the later.

I’ve skimmed my review a time or two and don’t feel that I’ve included any spoilers. But let’s get real people…with this genre and the cover art is there REALLY any secret how the book will end? I’m pretty sure you can draw your own conclusions to this little ditty. 😉

Addison Godwin is our leading lady in this story and she’s described as red hair, short stature, smaller breasts with ample thighs and derrière. While there was no mention of her intelligence I have to surmise that she is lacking in that aspect. For someone supposedly trained in handling and monitoring the vampire community she was brash and reactive. Often her behavior was excused away with the explanation that she was passionate or defending her friend Taylor. Instead it read as a “how to get murdered by vampires” play-by-play. What Corbin saw in this gal I’ll never know. Wake up Corbin! Red hair be damned, you just signed yourself up for a lifetime of playing “muzzle the idiot”.

Speaking of Corbin…in comparison with tweedle dee (my nickname for Addision) he comes up smelling like roses. However he still had some questionable reactions that made the book cheesy. For example, while attempting to heal extensive damage and bruising on Addison’s vagina he refers to it as her “cunt” and proceeded to dirty talk. Let me say that there’s most definitely a time and a place for dirty talk but this was not one of them. After realizing how ignorant Addison was to vampire politics he also did nothing to educate her until she was in front of his superiors and their lives were on the line. Jigga-What?!?!? For a centuries-old vampire he sure handled that responsibility like a hungover frat boy.

My one accolade for this book is how they handled the dangers of sex with vampires. I’m a huge fan of this genre and have read more than my fair share of vampire sex scenes. Most times the intimacy is romanticized or the hazards are swept under the rug. This book not only mentioned the dangers but nearly beat a dead horse with the concept.

At this time I feel my obligation to submit a review has been sated. By all means tuck into this book if you’re hard up for vampire sex and willing to forgive major character flaws.

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BOOK REVIEW- Taming the Wolf by Stephanie Nelson

Taming the Wolf (Anna Avery, #1)Taming the Wolf by Stephanie Nelson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Well, well, well…look what the wolf dragged in…a sexually charged, down & dirty paranormal story.

I picked up “Taming the Wolf” by Stephanie Nelson to indulge in as a guilty pleasure. While on a jog in the Big Horn Mountains Anna Avery is attacked by a wolf and poof! She’s a werewolf with amnesia about her attack. As the newest pack member she’s stuck with the most mundane of chores all while resisting the sexual advances of her pack mates.

The book contains an almost glutenous amount of sexual tension but not much else. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy smut as much as the next over-30 lady 😉 but found myself wanting more substance. I’ve read my fair share of werewolf stories and I’ll be the first to acknowledge that the setting has to be remote due to their lifestyle, diet, and to elude prying eyes. With that being said the characters in this story came across to me as “back woods” and “hicks” instead of mysterious and elusive. For werewolf stories to resonate with me I need the characters to have more of a wild majestic quality or perhaps a tad more polish to reflect the dignity of their race.

Also, wondering minds want to know…are Stephanie Nelson’s werewolves immortal? This subject was never broached to my chagrin. There was mention of an older, disgustingly abusive werewolf so perhaps not?

Le sigh. It was a quick read and satisfied my itch but I won’t be continuing the series.

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BOOK REVIEW- Midnight Star by Karpov Kinrade

Midnight Star (Vampire Girl, #2)Midnight Star by Karpov Kinrade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Talk about a cliff hanger! Wowzers! Ladies and gents…buckle up because this book will send you on a bumpy ride!

Picking right up where Vampire Girl left off we follow Arianna as she immerses herself more and more into worlds she never knew existed. King Lucian is not only alive but he’s shrouded himself in layer upon layer of lies and manipulation. Using anyone an everyone he comes near as a pawn to further his own gains.

Arianna once again proves she’s worth her weight in salt. (Did anyone else’s dad use that saying? If not, I highly recommend you pick up that saying and spread it like wildfire.) Her actions prove that compassion, loyalty and friendship are the most powerful tools one can possess.

Unlike it’s predecessor this book is much more battle focused and I felt myself going through “Fen-withdrawals” (it’s a real thing, trust me!). Although I’m feeling sated after devouring the awesomeness that was this book I would have definitely liked to see a little more sexiness sprinkled into the story. POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT- For example…when Fen and Ari spend the night together they merely snuggle and fall asleep. Am I the only warm blooded women that was mentally chanting for something more to happen? Come of Ari! You have handsome-as-heck Fen in bed with you and you’re going to waste you time by sleeping?!? Le sigh…

My review wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the authors. Their words swept me in and enchanted me. Descriptions of these worlds and creatures were so vivid I couldn’t help but imagine myself on the front lines along with the characters. Gorgeous writing, captivating story and charming characters. Bravo!

Needless to say I’m delighted with this latest installment and anxiously await the next book in the series. Karpov Kinrade Please take pity on me and include something steamy in the next book! I’ll use your own words against you… Dum Spiro Spero. While I breathe, I hope that the next installment will include some more romantic friction between Ari and Fen. 😉

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BOOK REVIEW- My commander by Alanea Alder

My Commander (Bewitched and Bewildered, #1)My Commander by Alanea Alder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I say about this book? Reading it was pure fun. Admittedly there were a few plot holes and I had to make a “leap of faith” to follow some of the story but nonetheless it was absolutely a blast to read!

Nerdy pixie Meryn answers fate’s call and finds herself in the middle of nowhere surrounded by hunky military men. (The absolutely opposite of a problem in my not-so-humble opinion.) Their commander Aiden McKenzie recognizes her as the girl from his dreams and, in typical alpha bravado, whisks her away with little to no explanation.

CONS:
At times I felt the dialog was choppy or unnatural. Several of the characters weren’t developed enough for me to find them realistic. When Meryn learns how old Aiden is she just rolls with it. Ummm, come again?!? For someone unaware of the paranormal realm she seems to accept that with no hesitation. Certainly you’d have a few moments of shock and follow up questions?

PROS:
Humorous book especially if you’re a fangirl to some of the more popular fandoms. The tampon scene is also adorable and endearing. Usually I shy away from that type of humor (period jokes always remind me of junior high kids) but this was different. The scene was comical without being too crude.

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BOOK REVIEW- Vanish by Sophie Jordan

Vanish (Firelight, #2)Vanish by Sophie Jordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 2, book 2… Oh how much I enjoyed reading you!

Thank the heavens for small mercies! This book picks right up where the first one ended. In no time at all I was swept back into the rich, angsty story. Jacinda (fire breathing dragon-extraordinaire) finds herself shunned by the draki community and isolated from the heart throb from book 1. But fear not my friends! Another hunky character from book 1 swoops in to tug at your heartstrings. Let me tell you… Jacinda may be struggling with the political pressures within the draki community but she’s knee-deep in boys vying for her affections. Lucky gal!

Alas, my complaints from book 1 continue to torment me in this story as well. Plenty of steamy make out sessions but no sex. What in the hizzle?!?! For goodness sakes they are freaking dragons!!!! Surely with so much passion they would succumb to their animal urges and “make the beast with two backs” (Admit it! That’s the best possible use of a Shakespeare reference you’ve read today! Go ahead… Admit it!)

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BOOK REVIEW- Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Firelight (Firelight, #1)Firelight by Sophie Jordan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I confess that I’m a book addict with a certain penchant for paranormal romances. Vampires, werewolves, fairies, Angels…you name it and I’ve read about it. That is to say until I stumbled upon this series. A girl dragon?!? Yes please!

With equal parts eagerness and apprehension (dragons? Magically sexy or weird reptilian fetish???) I dove into a vivid world of draki, hunters with a splash of high school drama.

Now that I’ve finished the book I can assure you it’s magically delicious! My only complaint is that there wasn’t a steamy sex scene. Alas I’ll have to survive off the heated make-out sessions until book 2! I have my fingers crossed that in the next book few of these beautiful, muscular characters decide to take off their clothes and make some bad decisions.

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BOOK REVIEW- Until November by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Until November (Until, #1)Until November by Aurora Rose Reynolds
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book reminds me a lot of a glass full of fireball whiskey. It’s doesn’t take itself too seriously, is enjoyable and after no time at all you realize it’s finished! Read this book in a few hours and had fun doing it! If you like the typical trashy romances with a manwhore love interest who leaves his wild life behind for a doe-eyed beauty this is the book for you. Did it change my life or give me a new perspective to consider? No. But what it did do is allow me to escape for a few hours from the rat race I call life. And for that I’m grateful.

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BOOK REVIEW- Wild and Free by Kristen Ashley

Wild and Free (The Three, #3)Wild and Free by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What’s new pussycat? Whoa, Whoa
What’s new pussycat? Whoa, Whoa
(FACT- If you did NOT sing those lyrics in your head in Tom Jones’ voice I don’t think we can be book buddies.)

This book held such promise! A sexy vampire-werewolf hybrid (Abel Jin) finds his mate, Delilah Johnson amidst supernatural political turbulence. With insatiable sexual appetites, beautiful bodies and character features from the first 2 books in the series?!? Swoon! I couldn’t download this book on my kindle fast enough!

Perhaps my expectations were too high because the story fell short for me. Truth be told there’s not much I liked about this book. In fact, the best part was hearing the “What’s new pussycat” song every time Abel used this term of endearment…which was a lot. As I dug deeper and deeper into the story I found my interest waning. There was sex, lots and lots of sex but it came across as “overkill”. Abel and Delilah have waited their whole lives to find their other half and yet when they find each other they spend all their time screwing instead of talking. Don’t get me wrong! If given the opportunity I’d be jumping into bed with Abel myself but after the first fling I’d want to find out more. Here they were blessed with this precious gift of a partner and they do nothing to cultivate that relationship.

Alas, at 55% of the way through I set the story aside and haven’t returned since.

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BOOK REVIEW- With Everything I Am by Kristen Ashley

With Everything I Am (The Three, #2)With Everything I Am by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well hello there baby doll! (cringes while writing this) If that term of endearment drives you batty this book most definitely will crazy!

Once again I’m grateful that Kristen Ashley continues to grace her avid readers with such fantastic stories. I truly enjoy her writing style and *almost* always enjoy the characters and plot line.

“With Everything I Am” was fun to read but this series in particular has started to grate on my nerves a teensy-tiny bit. Thus far in the series both Leah (Until the Sun Falls from the Sky, Book#1) and Sonia (With Everything I Am, Book #2) are both larger women and their size is discussed more frequently than necessary (in my humble opinion). For example, in “Until the Sun Falls from the Sky” Leah attempts to purchase a dress but none were made large enough. Therefore she purchases 2 and sews them together in order for it to fit her body. Now, before you let my comments ruffle your feathers give me a chance to explain. In no uncertain terms do I think female love interest has to be stick-skinny! Imperfections can be endearing and bring a sense of realism to the story. But, in this case I had a hard time immersing myself in the romance and the story when their weight was mentioned every few pages.

“Wild and Free” is the third book in this series and I’m hoping that Kristen Ashley changes up the looks and body style of her female characters. Just like real life, people come in all shapes and sizes.

Now that I’ve got that off my chest let’s discuss the other aspects of the book.

First, let’s take a moment of silence to thank the heavens above for sexy werewolves. Next, I’d like to mention how much I loved Sonia’s personality. Her obsession with all things Christmas-related was endearing. As a reader I truly understood how magical that time of year was for her. Callum was so bossy and I kept hoping that Sonia would get feisty and put him in his place.

Last thought- his brothers seemed so charming and I’d like to read more about them in the future.

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BOOK REVIEW- Sempre by J.M. Darhower

Sempre (Forever, #1)Sempre by J.M. Darhower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well color me surprised! Sempre by J.M. Darhower exceeded my expectations and added a few new twists on the classic mobster romance. With all of the seedy characters, vendettas and intrigue this series has the potential to continue through several more books while retaining their audience.

First, to even explain these characters and give a fair review I may be giving away some minor spoilers. Rest assured that these facts would have been discovered within the first few pages in the book so I don’t feel too guilty.

Haven Antonelli is a slave. She grew up in the middle of the desert, sleeping in a filthy barn and was repeatedly physically, mentally and emotionally abused. Through a series of events she’s sold to Dr. DeMarco and meets his youngest son, Carmine. For the first time in her life she sleeps indoors, in her own room and on an actual bed. Take a moment to wrap your head around the change in her circumstances and how ignorant (through no fault of her own) she would have been to everyday life. Now here’s where my first complaint comes into play. Upon walking into Dr DeMarco’s office at the hospital this was her reaction…”It was orderly, books lining a shelf and folders neatly stacked on his desk. There weren’t any personal items, no family pictures or World’s Greatest Dad coffee mugs.” How in the world would Haven even have an opinion about his office. Based on her own admission she had never been off the farm. She wasn’t allowed to watch TV or read books. Therefore she would have no form or reference in which to ascertain that his office was anything other than normal. Several more times through the book Haven’s reactions seemed outlandish for someone who had been so abused and sheltered.

Tess, Tess, Tess…who are you? Carmine’s older brother, Dominic has a long term girlfriend named Tess. She’s mentioned several times throughout the story but we never know much more than her name. I would have like a little more information about her and her involvement with the DeMarco family. It’s mentioned that she’s less than thrilled that her boyfriend has a girl living in his house but nothing more develops. Who wouldn’t have enjoyed a little snarky banter between Tess and Haven?

Now let’s address the romance aspect of the book. Even though there was an aspect of “insta-love” that some readers dread it wasn’t overdone. Yes, both characters have an immediate attraction to each other but I LOVED the slow burn and progression of their feelings that J.M. Darhower created. The intimacy was handled very elegantly by being described but avoiding the raunchy factor that some books have. Carmine’s cheeky comments regarding his physical relationship with Haven kept things fun.

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