Aug 31, 2012

Coveted by Shawntelle Madison

Coveted by Shawntelle Madison
Genre:        Urban Fantasy
Published:   April 24, 2012 by Ballantine Books
Source:      Paperback via publisher (Goodreads First Reads)



Ratings: 4 STARS!

Goodreads


Goodreads Synopsis:  For werewolf Natalya Stravinsky, the supernatural is nothing extraordinary. What does seem strange is that she's stuck in her hometown of South Toms River, New Jersey, the outcast of her pack, selling antiques to finicky magical creatures. Restless and recovering from her split with gorgeous ex-boyfriend, Thorn, Nat finds comfort in an unusual place: her obsessively collected stash of holiday trinkets. But complications pile up faster than her ornaments when Thorn returns home-and the two discover that the sparks between them remains intense.

Before Nat can sort out their relationship, she must face a more immediate and dangerous problem. Her pack is under attack from the savage Long Island werewolves - and Nat is their first target in a turf war. Toss in a handsome wizard vying for her affection, a therapy group for the anxious and enchanted, and the South Toms River pack leader ready to throw her to the wolves, and it's enough to give anybody a panic attack. With the stakes as high as the full moon, Nat must summon all her strength to save her pack and, ultimately, herself.

My Reivew: I loved this book! My true profession is social work.  So you can imagine I loved the concept of a werewolf with a mental illness - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In the majority of books, the heroine is portrayed as a confident, kick ass supernatural being but not in Coveted.  I found Nat's character refreshing.  She developed unhealthy coping skills after a breakup with her boyfriend, Thorn. She coped by starting a collection of Christmas ornaments and decorations. Soon, she turned from collector to hoarder.  Due to Nat's mental illness, her pack viewed her as inferior.  Her family just didn't know how to help her and seemed embarrassed by her behavior.

Thorn, the ex-boyfriend. I loved the scenes between him and Nat.  Even after  five years, they were attracted to each other. Their interactions always kept me wanting more. I'd be screaming at Nat and Thorn to just give in and be together.

Nat's participation in therapy offered some of my favorite scenes, especially when she had to give an ornament to a friend, the handsome wizard. The author's description of Nat's panic attacks and anxiety were very, very realistic.  By the way, the handsome wizard...he's exactly what Nat needs.  He's supportive and understands her in a way Thorn will never be able too.

Throughout the book, Nat's character grew and gained more self-confidence.  I'm looking forward to reading the next book, Kept (being published in November). Will Nat overcome her OCD? Will there be a love triangle? Will she be accepted by the pack? Hurry up November...I can't wait!

To purchase: 


Aug 21, 2012

Intangible by J. Meyers

Intangible by J. Meyers
Genre:        YA paranormal
Published:   January 31, 2012 by J. Meyers
Source:       Paperback via author (Goodreads First Reads)



Ratings:  5 STARS!!



Goodreads Synopsis:  Twins Sera and Luke Raine have a well-kept secret - she heals with a touch of her hand, he sees the future. All their lives they've helped those in need on the sly. They've always thought of their abilities as being a gift. 

Then Luke has a vision that Sera is killed. That gift they've always cherished begins to feel an awful lot like a curse. Because the thing about Luke's ability? He's always right. And he can't do anything about it.

My Review:  The story revolves around teenage twins, Sera and Luke. Sera is able to heal others by touching them and Luke is able to see the future.  They keep their powers secret from their friends and family. When others in the paranormal realm recognize them as the children of the prophecy, they fear their powers and seek out to kill them.  Sera and Luke's friends seek to protect them. I don't want to give away any spoilers but will tell you that the story involves action and fighting.  

The story of the characters were well developed. From the bullying to the feelings of being a freak, the story of Sera and Luke portrays a realistic view of teenage desire to belong. This is what makes Intangible standout from other young adult books. Not only is it a great paranormal story but young adults can learn from the characters regarding friendships and accepting yourself for who you are, including all your strengths and all your flaws. 

I highly recommend this book!  Book two cannot arrive soon enough.
 
I rated Intangible 5 STARS!!

To purchase the book.



Aug 14, 2012

Kindred by Nicola Claire

Kindred (Kindred, #1)
Kindred by Nicola Claire
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Published: May 7, 2012 by Nicola Claire
Source: ebook from the author

Ratings: 4 STARS!


Goodreads


Goodreads Synopsis: Vampires, shape shifters, ghouls, and magic users abound in a world where the Norms, (those humans without paranormal abilities) are ignorant of the creatures of the night and the supernatural species that live alongside them.

Lucinda Monk is a bank teller by day and a vampire hunter by night, but she wasn't always a part of this world. Thrown into a heady mix of powerful people and sensual beings, she's had to find her way practically blindfolded in amongst the creatures of the night. But she's a capable and realistic kind of girl. Her motto: never show fear. But, there's something different about Lucinda, something those creatures she hunts, wants. In order to stay one step ahead of the enemy she has to let the enemy in. In all his compelling, seductive and delicious ways. Sleeping with the enemy has never meant so much before. But, can she trust him?

From the urban streets of the city, to the dark alleys and sinful bars that promise a wickedness a girl from the farm has never before been exposed to Lucinda gets drawn irreversibly into the dark side of life. And if the Master of the City had his way, she would always be his. For eternity.

My Review: Kindred is the first book in the Kindred Series by Nicola Claire.  WOW, what a start!

I love the character of Lucinda Monk. She is a feisty, kick ass, vampire hunter. Lucinda knows she is a vampire hunter with supernatural abilities. However, she does not know why she is different and why she feels a pull toward vampires preying on innocent humans.  Throughout the book, Lucinda makes discoveries about her family history and her fate.  Telling the story from Lucinda’s POV enhanced my connection to her character.  I really enjoyed her internal monologue and her sense of humor.

Now, what can I say about Michel?  Sexy, Sexy, Sexy Vampire!   He is the master vampire, who feels a connection to Lucinda.  His goal is to protect Lucinda and make her his.  I adored Michel; however, Michel’s characteristics caused me to flashback to Jean Claude of the Anita Blake Series. Michel is the Master Vampire of the city, he originated from France, had a pet name for Lucinda and was determined to make Lucinda join with him.   I wished Michel’s character would have been a little more original. 

I loved the originality of Lucinda’s best friend, Rick.  He is a Taniwha shape shifter.  This type of shape shifter is original to me.   In so many books, the shape shifter is a werewolf.  I really appreciated learning about the Taniwha’s appearance, supernatural abilities, and their connection to Lucinda.

Oh Nero.  I wish you would train me!  Nero is Lucinda’s friend, who teaches her about her heritage and abilities.  Her description of him is so intriguing.   I’m really hoping for a love triangle between Lucinda, Michel and Nero. 

I appreciated the glossary of terms provided by Claire. It enhanced the reading experience because I understood the terminology being used. It also allowed me to easily flip back to refresh my memory, as needed.

I highly recommend this book to adults.  The writing flowed nicely and kept me wanting more.   I found myself staying up late to read.  When I finished the book, it remained with me.  I would find myself daydreaming about the characters and the Kindred world. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series titled, Blood Life Seeker. I think I’ve located my new favorite series!

I rated The Kindred 4 STARS!  

Special thanks to Nicola Claire for providing me with a copy of The Kindred for review.  I loved it!  Looking forward to staying up late and reading the other books in the series.

To purchase the book:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Nicola Claire's Website
Nicola Claire's Facebook Page


Aug 6, 2012

Charade by Cambria Hebert




Charade (Heven and Hell, #2)


Charade by Cambria Hebert
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Published May 18, 2012 by Otherworld Publications
Source: ARC ebook from author via Goodreads Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy Fanatics Group

Rating:  5 STARS

Goodreads


Goodreads Synopsis:  Dying at the hands of a psycho was a shock. Having my ife returned to me by an angel was incredible. Being named a Supernatural Treasure and being given Sam as my guard was pretty darn awesome. Acquiring a debt for it all - well, I should have seen it coming. Now here we are, fighting demons from hell, caring for a boy that I just don't trust and traveling to faraway places to return a treasure to its rightful place. Nothing is as it seems. Everyone wears a mask, everyone puts on a charade. It's up to us to separate the truth from the lies and reality from fiction. A hard task when my new reality involves fallen angels, witches and dragons...and did I mention hell? Anchoring me down through it all is Sam. Sam who must face tragedies of his own and is put to the test again and again. If we fail in our task, life as we know it - life as you know it - will end. Forever.

My Review: Charade is the second book in the Heven and Hell Series.  I loved Masquerade the first book in the series. So many times the second book disappoints me.  WOW, Charade didn’t disappoint me at all!  It totally blew me away.

The writing flowed smoothly making the book a fast read.  The author has the ability to draw you into the story and the character development is amazing.  There was plenty of action and adventure with Heven and Sam’s mission to return the scroll to the catacombs in Rome. Heven and Sam’s relationship is so sweet, loving, and protective.  Who wouldn’t want a boyfriend like Sam?

I didn’t know where the relationship between Cole and Heven was going…is it a love triangle, or something else? Then, the author revealed the twist.  Typically, I see the twist coming in the book and can figure them out before the big reveal.  Not in Charade, I was floored by the revelation of Cole and Heven’s relationship.

Charade introduced us to new characters: Gemma and Logan.  I’m dying to know more about Gemma, a fallen angel.  She is a great addition to the story. She’s tough and obviously has feelings for Cole.  I cannot wait to find out more about the reason she lost her wings and was banished from heaven. I look forward to seeing Gemma and Cole’s relationship develop.  Now Logan, I had mixed feelings about him.  I don’t think he added anything to the story.  Yes, he is Sam’s brother and makes attempt after attempt to cause a rift in Sam and Heven’s relationship.  I don't think I would have missed his absence from the story.

Now to the cliff hanger….I wanted to scream no, no, no…you can’t do this to them!  I don’t want to give away any spoilers. Now, I have to wait until the release of the next book.

I highly recommend this book for young adults and adults.

To purchase the book:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Cambria Hebert website