Kiss of Darkness by Loribelle Hunt

Title: Kiss of Darkness
Author: Loribelle Hunt
Kindle Edition
Published: January 24th, 2011 by Carina Press
Read: January 10th, 2011
(Note: This book may not be appropriate for younger audiences as it contains many scenes of sensuality)

Synopsis: Winter, a hybrid, has spent her life at war. A group of humans who are part demon, the hybrids, along with the lupines and nightwalkers, have dedicated their lives to defeating demons and protecting humanity. Yet, despite their united cause, the three groups share an uneasy alliance.

When hybrid military compounds come under attack from demon insurgents, Winter has no choice but to turn to the lupines and nightwalkers for assistance. It's a partnership based on necessity and she has no intention of letting down her guard with either group.

Marcus, the nightwalker Lord, has other plans. The immediate attraction between him and Winter promises a passion he can't ignore. To claim her as his own, he'll not only have to fight the demons who seem hell-bent on destroying her, but her own misconceptions about him and the nightwalker race. It's a battle he refuses to lose. (from goodreads.com)

This one was a hard one for me. Overall, I would say I enjoyed the book, but I had some things that upset me (frustrated me).

I found the concept for the book super interesting. I mean, binding one's soul with that of a demon's is pretty cool. I think that's why I picked it up in the first place, there aren't a lot of books I've read about hybrids and such. So it was fun in that respect. I did like Winter. She was stubborn and strong and could fight and keep up with the rest of them. I'm always about females who can push to the front of the lines and keep their place there.

The hardship I had with this book came in the form of one Nightwalker/vampire. Yeah, he was sexy and downright scintillating, but I have a super hard time with possession and those who must posses their loved ones. I have a hard time with possession because I've been there and it sucks. And although I get the need of vampires and werewolves to be possessive of their mates, this book seemed to bring it in a kind of crazy dose. Like Marcus, the sexy vampire, wanted her submissive and tamed. At first it sounded like he wanted to be able to give her orders and her immediately obey like a little puppy. That bothered me.

I simply cannot stand orders being given, no matter how much someone may love or care about you. It's just not cool, to say the least. I will say this though, in the end, I think Marcus realizes that he won't be able to completely reign her in and he seems okay with it. Winter seems to calm down herself and want to be reigned in a little bit. I didn't believe it as a whole because no one turns around that fast, but it was believable to an extent.

Overall, the book had good pacing and action and I enjoyed different plot points. The writing was good even if I didn't enjoy some of the character traits. But, I will say that I really do want to read the sequel because I would like to find out what happens to some of the other characters. And, the book was definitely action packed and a fun read with demon hunts, war lords, sparring with werewolves and some steamy scenes.

Rating:

I received this book free of charge from Carina Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Tempest's Legacy (Jane True No.3) by Nicole Peeler

Title: Tempest's Legacy (Jane True No.3)
Author: Nicole Peeler
Pages: 368
Published: January 1, 2011 by Orbit
ISBN: 9780316056601

Summary: After a peaceful hiatus at home in Rockabill, Jane True thinks that her worst problem is that she still throws like a girl - at least while throwing fireballs. Her peace of mind ends, however, when Anyan arrives one night with terrible news . . . news that will rock Jane's world to its very core.

After demanding to help investigate a series of gruesome attacks on females -- supernatural, halfling, and human -- Jane quickly finds herself forced to confront her darkest nightmares as well as her deepest desires.

And she's not sure which she finds more frightening. (from NetGalley.com)

I have three words for you all...Oh. My. Gosh. Yes, profound, I know, but this book was absolutely, positively freaking Amazing with a capital "A". All my dear readers, you know my love and complete unadulterated obsession with my dearest Jane True. As you also know that includes her wonderful consorts *clears throat*....namely a sexy hell hound...and if you don't, then you should. (Or you can remind yourself by checking out my review of book one HERE and book two HERE) Because I'm telling you, there is nothing like the deliciousness of Jane True the half selkie!

Each book so far has had it's own beauty, it's own lovely developing version of the heroin, Jane True. In book one, we see her realize her worth, in book two, we see her realize she can take care of herself, and in book three....well...we see her realize her strengths. And, I don't think the fights between her libido and her virtue will ever get old. Maybe because I can relate. Especially while reading this book can I relate. Although, I think I side with her libido when I say, can I ride a motorcycle with the Barghest?!

Mmmmm, yummy, the smexy Anyan Barghest. I mean, I currently feel like licking my lips over an over just at the thought of him. *grrrruff* Oh yeah, that is one hot piece of hell hound. Seriously, just sitting here in this chair, recalling the deliciousness of his keister. I think he is currently my favorite fictional boyfriend. I can hear my libido and virtue now:

Libido: Come on Jen, just lick him a bit. A little bit down the abs, maybe he'll throw you against a wall...

Virtue: Jen, don't do it. Think, you're married and well....he exists in Kindle format only...

Damn my virtue!

On a more literary note though, I do think that Peeler has created brilliant characters and using her miraculous author skills, has developed them into a lovely cast of awesomeness. Plus, her plot content was absolutely amazing and pulled me right in to the craziness that is Jane True. I just love the way that Peeler can write the story like she does with all the uniqueness and beauty inserted and all the annoying kornyness kept out. She makes you feel like you are right there, in the action with all of the characters. Up close and personal and amazingly done.

This third book in the series, if you haven't figured it out yet, was absolutely marvelous and wonderful all contained in 368 pages of yumminess. And, with an absolutely friggin' amazing plot that will swerve and careen you into a world of fantasy that you will never want to leave what else can you do but pick up your very own copy. I mean, what could be better than furry brownies, science gone awry, mage balls run amuck and the sexiest damn man/hell hound alive, you just can't go wrong.

Rating:

Quotes:

...He'd let my sleeping body know he was there to protect me, and my sleeping brain had thanked him by making him the star of one of the most explicit erotic dreams I'd ever had. And I'm someone who dreams dirty.

"Everything 'pony' is better. Especially pony-style."(Trill the Kelpie)

I laid my head back down, squeezing my eyes shut. "ohmigod, are you talking about pony sex? 'Cause if you are, I think you may have ruined me for life."

I stood in front of my closet, completely at a loss. What do you pack for a vengeance quest? I didn't have time to rewatch my Tarantino, and from what I remembered, Uma's wardrobe wasn't going to work on me. Imagine yellow pleather on a girl who was half-seal rather than pure Viking. Notpretty.

...From there, our team would "bring the pain"...and hopefully rescue the hostages held inside the lab.

"I was with you right up until you said, 'Bring the pain.' I've only ever brought cookies, or the occasional casserole."

Anyan's big nose twitched. "Well, for your first time, you can just bring a minor irritant."

..."Nothing's going to happen, Jules. Can I call you Jules?"

"Only if I can slap you each and every time you do.".... (Jillian - a guy)

..."Did you take your sassy pills tonight, Jules?"

"Seriously, Jane. I will cut a bitch."

"Where did you even learn that expression? Have you been watching RuPaul's Drag Race again?"

I received this book free of charge from Orbit and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Y by Bonnie Rozanski - A Book Review

Title: Y
Author: Bonnie Rozanski
Pages: 231 (e-book)
Published: August 29th, 2010
Read: November 21st, 2010

Synopsis: The year is 2011, the place, New York City. A mysterious microbe has begun to infect women of child-bearing age. Though the medical establishment writes it off as a simple flu, and the epidemic appears to be dying out, a young New York obstetrician confronts a conundrum. In the past year, the ratio of boys to girls born in her practice has declined precipitously. Dr. Deborah Kruger suspects the truth: that infected women are no longer able to give birth to male children. With the help of her husband Larry, a computer analyst, Deborah tracks the epicenter to New York City, from which the infection is already bursting forth. And, as years pass, despite hundreds of laboratories at work on it, the microbe continues to overrun borders and envelop the Earth. With Science unable to stop it, and the contagion rippling worldwide in an AIDS-like pandemic, how will society cope in an increasingly female world?(from Goodreads.com)

So this particular review will be a duet between me and the lovely Black Disaster Fairy. As you can see from the summary above, this is a science fiction novel of epic proportion. Because seriously, what could be more epic than the major loss of the male species. Yes, yes, I may complain about Hubby, but it would be terribly sad if they died
out. I mean, so much less to stare at *wink wink*

Luckily we do have authors who have a special knack for creating the most drool worthy fictional boyfriends for those of us who do not have a Hubby! LOL! However, it would be sad to lose the whole male species but I do quiet nicely without them. This book was amazing. It was like a science book on crack for me. I do love science and my wheels were turning around every problem that presented itself in the book. But I must say that the science aspect is broken down nicely so if you don't know anything about chromosomes or microbes then no worries!!

When I started this book, I really had no idea what to expect. I mean, yeah, I knew the background of the story, but I had never read anything by Bonnie Rozanski. And after the prologue, I was even more nervous. But, turns out that the first chapter starts off magnificently and the rest of the book lives up to it. The whole book was a lovely display of science in action and not only did it hold my attention, I kept thinking about it whenever I wasn't reading it. I mean, there was crazy ideas stuck in my head of cloning and the death of the male species and all sorts of other things, I even dreamed about it. (yeah, I may have issues).

My love Jen hits some very good points. I had no clue what this book was about. But I'm like that with most every book because if you know me I do not read the synopsis of a story before I decide to read. *gasps* Yeah I know, I do end up with some stinky ones.

The prologue was horrible. It made me want to turn off the e-book and knit! If it was a book I would of threw it a few times before starting chapter one. Even after finishing the book and rereading the prologue I still hated it!!

Take out the prologue the story was beautiful. It unfolded in the most wonderful way and the characters had this way of making the twists wrap and intertwine into beautiful circles. Sometimes you knew where the author was going and well, sometimes she shocked the Fairy right out of me.

Which brings us to our character portion of this review! This book follows several different families throughout the ordeal. My 2 favorite characters were Deborah and Larry who happen to also be husband and wife. Deborah is an OBGYN (for all those who don't know what that means, it's a woman's doctor) and Larry is a database analyst. Deborah was smart and strong and didn't give up on her ideas and Larry was like the ultimate genius who was also an awesome husband...even if he might have been stuck at his computer for days...*big grin* A little later on, we also have their son, Stephen.

Deborah was great, though that is my mothers name so no matter how she wrote her I pictured my mother through the whole book. Which surprisingly didn't turn me off but made me like her even more, especially with the idea that my mom knows anything about science. Yeah, right! Larry was great but he was too ideal of a man. Oh my!! I loved Sam... he was interesting and well he shocked the Fairy tremendously later on in the book. It was great to get that jolt of excitement. However, I cannot lie when I say he got what was coming to him or not.

Then there was Bill, what an a$$!! He is a man that will make you barf all over John the other a$$ of the book.

Agreed!!! Bill was so overly sexist, I wanted to murder him. John, the cheating slug, deserved to be kicked in the lower extremities. For me, there was also Victoria, John's spouse (*clears throat* X-Spouse) who was self-absorbed and vindictive, and in the end Willa. Although, Willa was a very complex character to me. I mean, I felt beyond bad for her and what she had to go through during her teen years (I think there was gagging involved on my part), but what happens at the end of the book had me up in arms. I'm not going to tell you, so if you want to know you'll read the book. *mwah ha ha ha*

Well, look at that you also do not approve of Bill and John! The Fairy is so not shocked about that. But what would be a book without characters we love and hate?? They work so well together making the story work in that crazy wonderful way.

I know exactly what you mean. What would a good book be without an exciting cast of the good, the bad and the ugly, a thrilling scientific plot of genes, cloning and the Y chromosome, a take over by woman everywhere in addition to crazy actresses, bombings and nature at it's best, you won't be disappointed with this book. So, all those who are looking for something that makes you think, pick up Bonnie Rozanski's "Y".

I loved this book so much! (minus that darn prologue). If you want to read about a world going to the female population and what happens to the people in it, the process of scientific research, & personal development then this book has it all. Really a Scientific Fiction novel smashed into a dystopian book makes the Fairy really happy.

Quotes:

She looked around her at the pulsing, coursing flow of people, and thought, it's like one giant bloodstream, all of us feeding the same organism, New York City. - pg 5

Anyway, figure out how many females the average male can reproduce with, - let's say 40 times... "40?" Steven repeated incredulously. - pg 214

Recommended for those who like: Adult Science Fiction, Gene Therapy, Genetics, Cloning, Futuristic Societies

Rating:

We received this ebook free of charge from the author, Bonnie Rozanski, in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected our review or opinion of this book.

Twenty Boy Summer - Book Review

Twenty Boy Summer

By: Sarah Ockler

Publisher: June 1st 2009 by Little Brown & Co

Pages: 290

Read: 7/4/2010

Genre: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age

First Line: Frankie Perino and I were lucky that day. Lucky to be alive - that’s what everyone said.

I am notorious for not reading the synopsis before I open a book (ask Jen), this time I pulled it up on my nook. However, I must admit I am extremely happy that I did not. The shock, happiness, and sadness that wrapped around me was purely from the words on the paper in front of me. Ockler also had me recommending this book to others by page 11. Yes, I really did!

~Warning~ if you are expecting this book to be a fluffy fun beach read you need to stop! Read the synopsis or take my advice. This book mainly deals with grief. Don't get me wrong. There are a few wonderful beachy romance scenes that made me crave the smell of salt water and the feel of hot sand under my toes.

The story of secrets started off with a cute adorable cake fight between Anna and her neighbor Matt. They were washing Anna's 15th birthday cake frosting off themselves, Matt kissed Anna. Lets toss in a twist, Matt happens to be the brother of Frankie, Anna's best friend. They have been neighbors for years, the three of them formed a tight bond. Sort of a three musketeers thing.

BAM! Now things are different. Cute perfection does not last long. This book is surrounded by the loss of Matt. He died of a broken heart, a hole that no one knew about until it was too late. Frankie and her family are dealing with this loss. Anna is dealing with her grief on her own, she promised Matt that she would not tell his sister. However, Matt never had the chance to tell his sister before he died.

It is a year later and the loss is still heavy around everyone. Due to the fact that they are all trying to move on, Frankie's parents decided to invite Anna on their yearly vacation to Cali. Frankie comes up with a brilliant plan. After all, Anna needs to loose her virginity, AKA the albatross. Twenty boys in one summer and she is bound to find the right guy. This will be the BEST summer ever!

Throughout the summer in Cali the girls film their vacation, sneak out of the beach house, and of course, one of them gets a huge sun burn. Naturally, there were boys. Boys, Boys, and more Boys. Their friendship is tested, along with the anxiety of being at the beach house for the first time without Matt. Anna is afraid of erasing all of her memories of Matt. Will she let loose and enjoy the Twenty Boys Summer?

The book is deep and tender as Ockler touches the taboo subject of death and loss. I loved this debut novel and I cannot wait to read more from her!

Rating:

Quotes:

"As I lick a runaway line of meting cherry chocolate ripple from my hand, I become hyperaware of our surroundings. The back-and-forth ancient lull of the tide. The cry of seagulls passing overhead. The smell of salt and fish carried on the warm breeze. With each step along the old wooden planks of the pier, tiny grains of sand that hitchhiked from the beach below are pulverized under our heels. Sand that traveled a millions of miles over billions of years across shifting continents and churning oceans, surviving plate tectonics, erosion, and sedimentary deposition is crushed by our new sandals. The cosmos can be so cruel."

"He's probably wondering why the women in this family are so certifiably nuts."

"'Hungry?' I ask. 'We could make chocolate chip pancakes'. It's not psychotherapy, but chocolate chip pancakes work for a lot of things."

Mona Lisa Awakening By Sunny - Book Review

By: Sunny

Publisher: Berkley Trade, 2006
Pages: 288, Paperback
Read: November 2009
Genre: Erotica, Paranormal Romance, Adult Romance

First Line: Sickness and death was in the air - women crying, men cursing, unwashed bodies.

Review: Just to be clear... the synopsis on the back of the book really does not do this amazing Dark Erotic Paranormal Romance justice!

Lisa grew up in a New York City orphanage. She is a lonely single nurse who has some unique qualities to her. Lisa just has not been able to create a connection with any man she has come across. She thought they were all failed relationships. When she meets the hot yummy Gryphon in the hospital she is automatically pulled to him. I mean, whew, who would not be drawn to that piece of male flesh. Exquisite! Soon, he helps her realize that she is apart of a world she would never have dreamed about. However, Lisa does seem to accept her new heritage rather easily. If I was told that I was from an ancient race from the moon I might sputter and hit the brakes for a moment. This small problem is just that, small and inconsequential.

I must say that this author packs a punch in such a tiny package! Shifters, vampires, and demons. Hot sex, explicit scenes, sexual violence, and did I mention some Smoking Hot Sex? Oh my! In a great Goodness way! *Licks Lips* Shapeshifter Gryphon and his skills will have you drooling from the moment you lay eyes on his description. *Majorly drooling* I would so take a huge bite out of this guy! Don't forget about all of the other men, just scrumptious. I should also mention that there is some sexual violence to be found.

Lisa does discover that she is a Monere Queen, the first ever mixed blood Queen, now dubbed Mona Lisa. (All queens take the title of Mona.) Mona Lisa is to take over the New Orleans territory. As she learns about the area, the heritage of the children of the moon, and the people under her we learn with her. It is so nice to be distributed information as you go instead of at once. She does find herself in many unlikely situations. Other Queens would like to get rid of her, I mean would love to get rid of her! The plot twists were many and fantastic at the same time.

The part that I am sure hooked many of readers is when she finds out that offering her self to the men that protect her will heal them. Yup, she has a magical healing power that she passes to others through sex. The Magic Healing Box, if you will ;)

Sunny's writing style is something I have never encounter before. She is able to start painting a picture and allow you to fill it in with your own details. Sunny allows you to create a world of wonder in a way that does not require so many words. It is almost lyrical.

Rating:

First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost - Book Review

Title: First Drop of Crimson (Night Huntress World No.1)
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Pages: 371
Published: February 9th, 2010
Read: August 24th, 2010

Synopsis: The night is not safe for mortals. Denise MacGregor knows all too well what lurks in the shadows - her best friend is half-vampire Cat Crawfield - and she has already lost more than the average human could bear. But her family's dark past is wrapped in secrets and shrouded in darkness - and a demon shapeshifter has marked Denise as prey. Now her survival depends on an immortal who craves a taste of her.

He is Spade, a powerful, mysterious vampire who has walked the earth for centuries and is now duty-bound to protect this endangered, alluring human - even if it means destroying his own kind. Denise may arouse his deepest hungers, but Spade knows he must fight his urge to have her as they face the demon nightmare together...

Because once the first drop of crimson falls, they will both be lost.(From Goodreads.com)

This particular book by Jeaniene Frost, for all those who don't know, is an offshoot of her Night Huntress series starring Cat and Bones. Now, I have been dying for more ever since I'd finished the 4th book in the series so I picked up this little baby from the library.

Might I say it was quite fabulous. The writing was very much as good as the Night Huntress series, albeit, with a lot more Spade. I do love Frost's writing because I always know what to expect. She delivers an interesting plot full of sexy vampires and hot scenes... well, not as hot as chapter 32 in the Night Huntress series, but still.

My very very favorite part of this particular book was Spade's shower seduction scene... poor Denise never had a chance! I mean, a perfectly chiseled body like his all covered in a cascading shower of water....I'm sweating just thinking of it.

I do love Frost's love scenes though. I know exactly what I'm getting from her books when I read them, which is why I read them. She gives me sexy vampires with plenty of hot sweaty yumminess in the bedroom. What could be better than that?!

You say that it is a spin off... Do we see Cat and Bones in this book/series? Can you tell me a bit more about that cascading shower? LOL! How did I miss this? *Checks Shelf* Yup, I do own this book. It will have to go to the top of the TBR list!

It is a spin off, and OH YES do we get to see Cat and Bones, but not til the end of the book and only a bit. This story is told from Spade and Denise's point of views and it is quite fascinating. I do love Spade I've decided.

The shower scene is one of my favorite. It's Spade alone, in the shower, in the middle of a Las Vegas hotel suite dripping with water. Denise is in the bed attempting to not be turned on. It's quite fabulous because we all know he is using his naught body to seduce her. It's just such a wonderful scene!

Rating: