Review: Goddess With A Blade

By Lauren Dane
Releases June 6, 2011
Source: Review copy provided by NetGalley for review.

Armed with a blessed blade and blood from a goddess, Rowan Summerwaite’s got a divine mission. Embodying a Vampire’s worst nightmare is a big job, but someone’s got to do it.

Freshly returned from a political firestorm that erupted after she’d executed the last Scion, Rowan hopes for a period of peace and quiet with the new replacement.

But before long, human women are being found in and around Las Vegas and it’s clear to her the killer is a Vampire. Clive Stewart rules his Vampires with an iron fist in the wake of a spectacular failure on the part of his predecessor. He doesn’t make the mistake of underestimating The Hunter. He knows she’s a predator just like him so he agrees to help her investigation. Within limits.

But nothing between Clive and Rowan stays within the lines and before long, things are tangled and dangerous both personally and professionallyLauren Dane should write more Urban Fantasy books if this is any indication on how captivating she does it. I fell in love with this group of fun characters that are involved in Rowan’s life. She is the vessel of a real life goddess who is still worshipped in Ireland. Many in her paranormal circles know who is she and respect and fear her if they are vampires because she is also a hunter. A hunter’s job is to make sure vampires uphold to the laws in the treaty.

The events in this book take place in Las Vegas months after Rowan killed the last head vampire of Vegas so vampires are wary to have her back, especially the new head ‘prick’ vampire Clive Stewart. Clive has predetermined opinions of the hunter Rowan but none of those matters when these two get within inches of each other. The explosive chemistry between them can’t be fought no matter how stubborn both Clive and Rowan are. Their banter conversations make their interactions so much fun.

Rowan has such a wide variety of friends and acquaintances that make her life so interesting. Her foster father is the First, the head vampire of everywhere, so he is intimating yet loves and cares for Rowan in his way. The crazy cabbie that shows up to drive Rowan around while giving her cryptic messages adds to Rowan’s dramatic life. She has a human cop best friend that does not know what she really is but knows she has secrets.

I really hope Lauren Dane will write a sequel or make it a series. The ending has potential for more Rowan and Clive’s relationship and with crossed fingers I will wait for more hopefully.

WOW: Wolfsbane

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event I am joining, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read selection is:
Wolfsbane (Nightshade, #2)
Andrea Cremer
Releases July 26, 2011

This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended–Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer–one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack–and the man–she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

Review: Savor the Danger (#3 Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor Series)

By Lori Foster
Releases June 28, 2011
Source: Review copy provided by NetGalley for review.

The one woman he couldn't have was the only woman he desired…
She may be aloof, and more pretty than gorgeous, but Alani Rivers is the kind of woman a hot-blooded mercenary can't forget, no matter how hard he tries. So when Jackson Savor wakes up next to the naked, sleeping beauty—with no memory of what happened—he knows he's been drugged… even if Alani doesn't.

After she was kidnapped, Alani swore she'd never trust another man again. Still, something about this strong, sexy hero with the tender touch makes her want to believe him. As Jackson hunts downs a mysterious intruder, he swears he'll move heaven and earth to keep Alani safe. But what really happened that night? And will the truth bring them closer than they ever thought possible—or put Alani squarely in harm's way again?

We met and learned Alani’s horrible human trafficking story in When You Dare which basically started this whole series. Alani is loved by her big over protective brother Trace and his pseudo-big brother Dare and they are doing all they can to take out anyone involved in the human trafficking circles. One of their partners in crime is the sexy, cocky Jackson Savor. So many questions readers wanted to know in Trace of Fever when Jackson made his appearance with his entertaining banter with Priss are answered in Savor the Danger.

Can’t really stay much because it is such a great book that I would hate to spoil it for anyone. In Trace of Fever readers easily see Jackson has had a thing for Alani. Readers also know something will happen between them but not so quickly. The opening scene is Jackson wakes up in bed with a naked Alani. Alani is in next-morning bliss until she realizes Jackson doesn’t remember anything. How horrible for her, how horrible for him. He has been trying to get in Alani’s pants and now he succeeds, he can’t remember any of it. Why can’t he remember? What happened to him? Is Alani safe with him?

There are some new characters, a feisty twenty year old bad ass with a trucker’s mouth. I love the dangerous, mysterious man who is immediately interested in this chickie. Some very fun scenes involving these two readers will greatly enjoy. I hope they have a book next.

Favorite Quotes:
“We have to figure this out, Jackson, so leash the lust.”
His chin went up as he stared down at her. “Woman, you ask the impossible.”
“Do it anyway!”

Review: Trace of Fever (#2 Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor Series)

By Lori Foster
Releases June 2011
Source: Review copy provided by NetGalley for review.

Undercover mercenary Trace Rivers loves the adrenaline rush of a well-planned mission. First he'll earn the trust of corrupt businessman Murray Coburn, then gather the proof he needs to shut down the man's dirty smuggling operation. It's a perfect scheme—until Coburn's long-lost daughter saunters in with her own deadly plan for revenge.

With a smile like an angel and fire in her eyes, Priscilla Patterson isn't who she seems to be. But neither is the gorgeous bodyguard who ignites all her senses. Joining forces to plot Coburn's downfall, Priss and Trace must fight the undeniable heat between them. For one wrong move, one lingering embrace, will expose them to the wrath of a merciless opponent….

After Trace’s sister was taken by human traffickers he has made it his mission in life to kill all involved. He is very protective of all women; he doesn’t want any to suffer like Alani did. He uses his skills to become the number one bodyguard for the evil Murray Coburn. He is very good at his job because being around Murray tests one’s control and skills. He is a sick, twisted individual with an equally sick, twisted girlfriend, Hell. Yes a very appropriate name for her. It was extremely easy to hate these two.

A major wrench in Trace’s plans is a woman who claims to be Murray’s daughter, Priss. Trace tries everything to protect her but she is determined to kill Murray and is not going anywhere. Unlike the other women in this series, she wasn’t taken by human traffickers, her mother was. She wants revenge for her mother. Trace and Priss have major chemistry and even when Murray orders Trace to find out personally if Priss is as innocent as she seems Trace won’t disrespect her. He plays his role well by getting Priss slutty clothes and takes a picture just to get under her skin. Hopefully to scare her off to get her away from trouble, it doesn’t work Priss is determined.

Priss drives Trace absolutely nuts, the way only a man in love can be by the women he loves. Priss is brave and puts herself in danger. He tells her to stay and she moves, he tells her to shh and she talks. I love their relationship. Priss had a sheltered childhood so Trace is her first for many things. However, Matt, the gay hairdresser is her first dance. I love Priss and Matt’s friendship even though Trace might kill him. Trace is surprised by his possessiveness but cannot stop. Poor Matt, I do love him.

We get introduced to the cocky Jackson Savor who we can already tell has a thing for Trace’s little sister Alani. Jackson looks like a beautiful beach bum but he’s just as dangerous as his partners, Dare and Trace. He is reliable backup for Trace when he needs it for Priss. One of the funniest scenes is Jackson saving Priss right out of the shower. Oh yes! I am very excited for Jackson’s book Savor the Danger.

Quotes:
Trace asked Jackson, “Why the hell are you even here?”
Jackson looked far too uneasy for Trace’s peace of mind. “I know you didn’t want me here. I got the message loud and clear when you cut the call. Thing is, your little lady was damned insistent that I do something.”
“Like get stunned and tied up?”
“You try planning with a hellcat breathing fire in your ear, making demands, prodding you-“
“Priss?”
“She’s a terror. That name doesn’t suit her at all.”

Happy Memorial Day!!!

Happy Memorial Day to All!!!

Thanks to all who fight to keep us at home

safe and gives us our freedom!!!

When you Dare (#1 Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor Series)

By Lori Foster
Releases May 2011
Source: Review copy provided by NetGalley for review.

The tougher they are, the harder they fall…

Professional mercenary Dare Macintosh lives by one hard and fast rule: business should never be personal. If a cause appeals to him and the price is right, he'll take the mission he's offered. But then the lovely Molly Alexander asks him to help her track down the men who'd had her kidnapped—and for the first time, Dare's tempted to combine work with pleasure.

Fiercely independent, Molly vows to trust no one until she's uncovered the truth. Could the enemy be her powerful, estranged father? The ex-fiancé who still holds a grudge? Or the not-so-shy fan of her bestselling novels? As the danger heats up around them, the only anchor Molly has is Dare himself. But what she feels for him just might be the most frightening thing of all…

We now know where Natalie’s sister is. Continuing the untold story of what happened to Molly and her cryptic email she sent her sister Natalie about going away to have some fun for awhile and will call later. It felt wrong to Natalie because it was wrong, Molly didn’t go away, she was kidnapped. Why? She would love to know. Who? She needs to find out to feel safe again. How? The only man to find out is the man who saved her. Dare goes on a job to find a friend, Trace, and comes back with a ‘complication’. Molly is that complication.

Very quickly, it becomes obvious to both that something very strong was between Dare and Molly. My favorite scenes were narratored by Chris, Dare’s gay best friend/housekeeper. He knows everything about Dare and notices anything important in Dare’s behavior. Dare’s behavior around Molly is protective, possessive, and something more. Chris is my favorite character with his not subtle comments that he knows all.

Dare is an amazing guy. He wants to be with Molly but knows she has been through hell and wants to give her time to come to terms with what has happened to her. He can read Molly like an open book and knows it has to be on her time. He is very patient and tries to change Molly’s bad memories with good ones of pleasure not pain and humiliation. Also, when he is with his girls you see how sweet, this strong, hard man can be.

The heroine in the story is a woman who is strong, not physically but in many other ways. She has no idea why she was kidnapped but she won’t let those men take more from her than they already have. She wants her life back, in order to do that she needs answers. She is an independent woman who has her own successful career, so she wants to hire and pay Dare to find those answers. Molly doesn’t act like a woman who has been through hell. She doesn’t find or be all clingy to her savior. She tries to be as unobtrusive as possible. I really enjoyed her.

Natalie and Jett make an appearance while trying to find out where Molly was. Jett ends up on the floor under Dare’s gun. Yes, a great way to meet your sister’s new boyfriend. It was a tension-filled, fun scene and my favorite quote came from it. Maybe it because I can see my sister being Natalie in the same situation. It made me giggle.

Quotes:
Emotion choked her. “Since meeting you you’ve made me feel a lot of things. But not guilt. Not even when I kicked you.”
He smiled. “Glad to hear it. So what do you say we go check on your sister? I can almost picture her with her ear to the door.”
Through the door, Natalie said. “Damn right. Now bring my sister back out her.”

Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor Series By Lori Foster

The Guy Next Door Anthology starts this new series with a prequel story "Ready, Set, Jett" about Jett and Natalie Alexander. They have their own story to tell. Jett has a no-strings-attached sex only relationship with his hottie of a neighbor Natalie. Jett is about to change the rules of their relationship. First by tying her to the bed so they can talk. He wants so much more from her. Plus, learn her secrets like her family.

Her sister Molly is also not answering Natalie’s calls and that sets the story for the first full length novel of this new series.

Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor Series
.5.) The Guy Next Door
1.) When You Dare
2.) Trace of Fever
3.) Savor the Danger

Cover Love: Clockwork Prince

Cassandra Clare reveals at BEA the cover of her second book

in the Infernal Devices: The Clockwork Prince.

Jem is quite stunning in this new cover.

Due to release December 6, 2011.

Waiting on Wednesday: Feel the Heat

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event I am joining, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read selection is:
Feel The Heat
By Lorie O’Clare, P.J. Mellor and Lydia Parks
Releases June 1, 2011

Brave, brawny, and ready for action, these firefighters know how to set their women ablaze. . .

"Fight Fire with Fire" by Lorie O'Clare
Mary Hamilton has had a crush on Nate Armstrong since they were kids. But she's told herself to get over it—as a firefighter Nate is in mortal danger every day. But when their friend and Nate's fellow firefighter dies young in a suspicious house fire, Mary decides life is too short to let cold fear beat out hot desire.

"Heat Wave" by P.J. Mellor
Summer Wadsworth is dangerously close to overheating. Her house has burned down, and Thorne Paxton, the firefighter who rescues her from the flames, is blazing hot. She's ready to call him in for a little off-duty fun. But "duty" has a nasty way of following him home. And with a man like Thorne, the pleasure can't hide how easy it is to get burned. . .

"Smoldering Lust" by Lydia Parks
Local girl Hannah Hayward has made a name for herself in the mayor's office. But when her town's new fire chief turns out to be bad boy Lee Evans, back after fourteen years and looking even sexier than she remembers, she's got more to worry about than his budget requests. He's too good to believe. . . and too hot to deny.

Waiting on Wednesday: Wild & Steamy

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event I am joining, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read selection is:
Wild & Steamy (Includes: Iron Seas, #1.5; Midnight Liasons, #0.5; The Disillusionists Trilogy, #2.5)
Releases June 2011

Kitten-tiger & the Monk by Carolyn Crane - A Disillusionists novella #2.5: Sophia Sidway, Midcity's most dangerous memory revisionist, seeks out the mysterious Monk in the wasteland beneath the Tangle turnpike, hoping for redemption...but it turns out that the Monk is not all that pious, and the turnpike is no turnpike at all.

Mina Wentworth and the Blushing Bounder by Meljean Brook - An Iron Seas novella #1.5: Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth isn't pleased when she discovers that her new assistant is the prudish Constable Newberry. With a brutal murder to solve, the last thing she needs is to be shadowed by a disapproving bounder. But while the search for the killer puts their lives in danger, Constable Newberry faces a danger of another kind: to his heart, by the woman forced to marry him. What will it take for this prudish bounder to convince his wife to stay?

Vixen by Jill Myles - A Midnight Liaisons novella #0.5: Miko's denied her were-fox nature for far too long and turned her back on her vixen heritage. But when she meets two very sexy cat-shifters, she has to decide if she truly wants to give up on her frisky side, or embrace it. Because the were-fox in her doesn't want to choose between both men...it wants them both.