A Fresh Set of Eyes by Liz Strange

A mother turns to David to help free her son and another young man from prison, where they have spent the last ten years for a double murder many feel they did not commit. The police investigation was spotty, the evidence non-existent, and yet someone had to pay for the vicious assault on two young brothers. Never one to shy away from a tough situation David agrees to look into the case, despite the tense situation with his partner's family and the physical and emotional needs of the former-prostitute he's taken under his wing.



With so many lives on the line, David must find a way to help them all without hurting the most important person - himself (courtesy of goodreads)

Book 2 in the David Lloyd Investigations series by Liz Strange

In this sequel, Strange bases our mystery of a famous injustice case where we can find one mistake can corrupt a judgement on a murder case. 

David and Jamie are moving their relationship forward and Jenny is cleaned up and things can only keep moving in that direction.  David uses his heart to help pick cases where he can make a difference.  He has a sense for wrong and right.  Strange doesn't put David so close to the line of fire in this case as in Book 1. 

I thought that Strange took a case from the 'real' world and truly let it unfold.  I thought I was part of the investigation of the actual case.  Her investigative writing is very CSI and the suspense really twists in your gut.  We get to see how our previous characters from Book 1 are panning out.  Jamie has a lot to tackle with his family and with his coming out.  Fricking Jeremy gets a little of what he has coming to him. 

I am anxious to see where the David Lloyd series is going, I think David has quite a future in solving crimes :)

Missing Daughter, Shattered Family by Liz Strange

When a brutal homophobic attack ended David Lloyd's career as a police officer, his life was changed forever. Five years later David is running his own private detective agency, where a missing person's case comes to his attention. Digging into the circumstances of her disappearance forces David to realize he has not dealt with what happened to him, and that he can no loner deal with his long-time partner's fear of being honest about their relationship.


Solving the case might not only bring peace to a shattered family, but could finally put David's own demons to rest. (courtesy of goodreads)
 
This is book 1 in the David Lloyd Investigations series by Liz Strange.
 
 
One of the best things about the was Liz Strange can write is that she has a knack for bring in a M/M relationship as instinctive and fluid.  Her books focus on the relationship as ordinary as it should be and not forced or for shock.  That's not what this review is about but I wanted to say that I love how Liz writes the relationships, true and just like it should be.  We open up to a horrible attack on our lead character.  Leaving his career from injuries David has become a private investigator.  He is in a relationship with real problems he has to work through when a case walks through his door. 
 
As soon as David here's the case he's wrapped up in it.  Strange manages to keep you on your toes trying to guess what the out come will be.  As I was reading this book, I literally couldn't wait to figure out our mystery.  David is a classic character, I could just picture him sitting on my couch hanging out, some one I could be close friends with.  He's tough on that outside with a heart of gold on the inside.  The more and more he unravels about this case, the crazier the events happen to him.  Someone definitely doesn't want him to find out where the missing daughter is.  Strange also manages to rope in the reality of life, relationships are not easy, they require work. 
 
Strange gives David the answer to his mystery - and it's one heck of a twist.  David also inherits some family along the way.  Strange gives you a natrual story that flows for our lead character as if you are a spectator on the side lines, you're on a roller coaster as you figure out the mystery, wilder than the Hulk at Universal :)
 
 
 

Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs

Once again, I’m catching up on reading existing series as well as pushing together a review of the series instead of each book individually.

Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series was a big one to read on my list because once again, it’s mostly shifters :)

Briggs gives you a strong female living on her own as a ….mechanic. She’s a loner coyote raised by werewolves. She’s forced herself to be independent and doesn’t cow down to the local wolf pack or their Alpha who just happens to live behind her. She finds herself in interesting situations throughout the series when she really just wanted to be left alone. Briggs brings in the difficult politics of a wolf pack and the world of the paranormal as Mercy tries to navigate. 

 
Being the lower end of her where she was raised, Mercy has worked hard to take self-defense classes and ground herself to being strong. She’s constantly driving the alpha mad in a both humorous ways as well as sensual. Mercy finds herself in trouble several times throughout the series, but she works to get herself out. Very determined to keep that independent streak. Briggs brings in the romantic twist as her alpha wolf can’t deny her, just when things would start to align, she tosses in a triangle to keep you on your toes.  Briggs turns up the heat and adds some fun play with dating.

I enjoyed the banter as well as the feelings Mercy has to deal with to figure out her life. A favorite, as I’ve said before, I love when the series revolves around the main characters in every book. In the third book, Mercy has already battled the vamps and won, the fae and won, but now she battles an emotional tragedy when she is held captive. There are videos to prove what she’s gone through and her alpha has seen them. It’s a rough go but Briggs did this book so well. The reality of things just don’t go away over night and Mercy really has to work through them just was frankly well done. Supporting characters really show their true colors as they help Mercy heal (loved Ben, with out him who knows what would have happened). As Mercy navigates being the 2nd in the wolf pack betrayals will happen. Through it all she fights to defend herself.

Briggs takes every turn and brings in an interesting paranormal mystery, she pulls in every form of other there is and it just blends so well. I look forward to the next in the series (6 Books so far- in order-, Moon Called, Blood Bound, Iron Kissed, Bone Crossed, Silver Borne, River Marked). I’d say books 2, 3 and 4 were may favorites so far in the series.  Excited to see where Adam and Mercy end up next and what happens with Samuel and Stefan.

4 slices for the series

Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn

A WHOLE LOT OF KITTY!

There are so many series/authors I missed while I was ‘not reading’ after I finished school. I can never thank Amy enough for getting me back into reading 3 years ago. That being said, I’m playing catch up and finding great paranormal authors that have been out long before the “Twilight” craze.

Carrie Vaughn is one of those authors I had on my “To Be Read” list. I finally got the chance to start her Kitty Norville series. As you know I’m a fan of the shifters/weres, while I love all the fae, vamps, witches, etc, shifters remain my favorite. I’m going to combine the reviews for the books as one for the series. I read the 9 books (plus short stories) in about a week so the line between what happens in each is a little blurry for me.

Starting out with Kitty and the Midnight Hour we meet our radio talk show host. Kitty Norville is the ost of the late night talk show and dives into the paranormal talking to callers about their wacky experiences. Guess what….KITTY is a werewolf. Yep, that’s right, her name is Kitty and she’s a dog one night a month, and thus you can see Vaughn sets up a humorous line that keeps you smiling throughout the series. Of course, the radio public starts out having no idea she is a wolf. It’s all taken with a grain to the ‘norms’ of the world as she talks freely about the world of Others and only she has to deal with the angry vamps and weres. As Vaughn sets up the characters, book 1 started out just a little slow, but definitely takes off about midway through. Kitty is in a dysfunctional pack. Vaughn manages to give us a female character that isn’t very tough at all and has been a dependent wolf, but you just instantly like her. Tricky Vaughn pulls Kitty into fighting for her place and building her up to be our heroine. And then, some one puts a hit out on her which comes to light right on her show and the world learns she’s a wolf. Of course, just like you will be, America (and her would be assassin) adores their talk show host and they only want more of her.

Vaughn resolves the hit against Kitty and Book 1 ends with a very violent, emotional end. Kitty is a lone wolf roaming America doing her show once a week at various sister radio stations. As book 2 starts, she’s formed an interesting bond with her former assassin and his cousin, her now lawyer. Vaughn keeps the books packed with humor and action. So far, there is just a little heat tossed in. I will say, I truly love a series where the main character is the main character in all the books, you get to know them and watch their character evolve. (The Hollows, Anita Blake, Merry Gentry, Kate Daniels, World of the Lupi, just to name a few) Vaughn definitely does that here, you are watching Kitty go from a terrified wolf to a loner. Kitty ends up in Washington, and just as her wolf secret was outed before publicly, she is yet in another horrible situation. There is always a main mystery/plot and a few subplots to keep you going in Vaughn’s books. Don’t forget, a little humor and a little heat, which we start seeing much more from Kitty here in book 2 and the remaining books.

I won’t take you through a summary of the other 7 books currently out (book 10 due out July 2012) but these first 2 truly set up Kitty’s character with the crucial events surrounding her wolf. Vaughn further develops Kitty into an Alpha, she ends up treating a turned wolf (and close friend), falling in love, getting married, and all while defending her place in the world. Vaughn doesn’t give you the expected in those scenarios either. Vaughn also doesn’t let everything just ‘work out’, just as in reality, there are things Kitty can’t control and she’s not above the law, you also get aggravated when she doesn’t think some things through. Kitty works with vamps, meets odd packs, has a couple more attempts on her life, and works hard to not lose herself.  As I said, action is not lacking in these books, there a win all around. 

 I give the series 4 slices – Start book 1 and I think you will be pleased and looking for more of this little wolf they call Kitty.

A Taste of Midnight by Lara Adrian

A shimmering holiday gala lights up an ancient castle in the Scottish Highlands, but beautiful widowed Breedmate Danika MacConn feels alone in the crowd. Even among the friends and festivity of the Darkhaven celebration, she can’t forget her lost love, a fallen warrior of the Order. Her brief return to her mate’s homeland has become treacherous after rejecting the advances of a dangerous Edinburgh crime boss with a taste for blood sport.

As Danika seeks to expose the vampire and his dark trade, she discovers an unexpected ally in his forbidding, enigmatic henchman, Brannoc, a man who exudes heat, danger, and dark menace--and seems somehow achingly familiar. Bran has his own reasons for wanting to keep Dani out of his employer’s business . . . and his own secrets he means to keep buried. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a woman who tempts the wildest part of his Breed nature--especially when that woman is Danika MacConn, the one woman capable of bringing him to his knees. (courtesy of laraadrian.com)

This is a novella set to work with the Midnight Breed series, although it does not wrap into the plot as a necessary read.  Adrian was kind enough to give us a 'taste' of the breed before book 10 releases on 1/24/2012 (TUESDAY!!)

While it may not be around the Order we know and love, there is some reference to the series and having known the series, you can fall right into this book and know exactly what the background is.  Adrian keeps the story moving along for the European side of the Order and Breed.  It's amazing how your body will always recognize the one you love.  Danika feels the connection as soon as she sees Bran.  

As a quick read, Adrian doesn't leave out any action.  Of course, we all love the erotic intensity.  Adrian doesn't leave us with out.  I was overjoyed that this came out to give us a break in our wait time, and it surely made me ready for Darker After Midnight just bringing in her writing style and our Breed.  

4 Slices

What a Goddess Wants by Stephanie Julian

In his arms, her magic powers are on the rise...

Tessa, Etruscan Goddess of the Dawn, is desperately fighting off a malicious god, but her powers are weakening. She needs a hero and fast, because only sexual energy can give her strength. So she seeks out Caligo, whose sexual prowess is legendary...

And she's the only one how can bring him into the light...

Caligo is a fabled Cimmerian warrior determined to stay away from spoiled goddesses who trample hearts after they've had their fun. But there's something irresistibly hot and inviting about Tessa, and he knows he's her only chance to escape the encroaching darkness...(courtesy of back cover, amazon.com)

My First Stephanie Julian – and it will not be my last.  Julian brings us fresh fantasy with a whole lotta hot loving….

This is the first book in the Forgotten Goddesses series.  Julian introduces us to a new level of Goddesses that are hidden among us.  Losing powers from being ‘forgotten’ these Goddesses are no longer worshipped as they should be. 

We meet Tessa and Cal who wind up tied together when neither one expected it.  Almost instantly, Julian sets up the heat between the characters.  Definitely a book that possesses well done, erotic romance with a plot.  Not only are Cal and Tessa very ‘compatible’ but they have to save Tessa from being captured and help deliver twins! 

Fun, sexy read with the basis for more – scenes are tastefully intense, but not for the shy, and I am diving into book 2 – How to Worship a Goddess.

4 slices

Snag it on Kindle

The Hollows Insider by Kim Harrison

In the Hollows, the supernatural Inderlanders rule, and humanity must abide by their conventions, or else.


To survive among vampires, witches, Weres, gargoyles, trolls, fairies, and banshees—to say nothing of demons—humanity needs a guide. And now, written by Kim Harrison herself, here is an insider’s look at the supernatural world of the Hollows, from an overarching new story to character profiles, maps, spell guides, charm recipes, secret correspondence from the elusive Trent Kalamack, and much more.(courtesy of amazon)


This 'insider' guide has to be one of the best I've seen.  It truly recaps the series to give you and insight into the different types of "supernatural" characters Harrison has created in the "Hollows".  I love how she kicks it off with a hand written note.  The pages are so unique.  I especially enjoyed the letters from Trent.  It helps alot if you have read the series, but if nothing else, it will leave you wanting to grab the rest of the books in the series if you have not already.


There was a lot of love that went into making this book.  Thank you so much Ms Harrison

Bunny and the Bear by Eve Langlais

What's a poor bear to do when all he wants is some sweet, bunny pie?

Bears and bunnies aren't supposed to mix, or that's what Chase keeps telling himself when his bouncy new neighbor won't stay out of his business--and his mind. However, the more he gets to know his overly perky neighbor, the more he craves her--naked in his grasp--a desire worse than his addiction to honey and pie.

Miranda's on a mission for the Furry United Coalition, and it involves secretly guarding one grumpy ol' bear. Staying focused on the job isn't easy when all she can think about is turning his frown upside down, a task made harder when she gets a glimpse of his passion. When she hears about his theory on woodland creatures and predators not mixing, she thinks all is lost, but she didn't count on a bear's curious nature--and possessive need.

When an evil force abducts Chase, Miranda unleashes her bunny in order to save him, but the revelation of her shifter side puts her in danger. Is one ornery bear enough to save her from a mad scientist? And if he does, can a bear forget her woodland creature status long enough to love her and make her his mate?

Warning: A sense of humor is required for this erotic paranormal romance. This is a character driven story with a long build up to the erotic parts. Please note, that while no bunnies were permanently harmed in the making of this story, the prognosis isn't so good for the pie.(courtesy of Amazon)

Holy Cow!  Or did I mean bear?  This story is flirtatiously fun and scandalously sexy!  I was so interested in this book the minute I saw the Furry United Coalition was involved  - LOL - : ) – (those of you that know me will understand) and if you can’t figure it out – think acronym – F U C … ok, moving on…

Who doesn’t love a bunny in a battle?  Well, Langlais created some unique shifters in her book.  She has a heartening, fast-paced writing style.  Langlais’ humor and steam mix will leave you smoldering while giving you action and a good plot line just in case the heat wasn’t enough to keep you going.  

I really enjoyed this book, in fact, I went and purchased a few more of hers immediately after finishing.  

Dragons Oath by P C Cast - Kristin Cast

The first in an enthralling new mini-series of novellas from the #1 bestselling authors of the House of Night, Dragon’s Oath tells the story behind the House of Night’s formidable fencing instructor – the love that will transform him, and the promise that will haunt him

In early 19th century England, long before he’s a professor at the Tulsa House of Night, Bryan Lankford is a troublesome yet talented human teen who thinks he can get away with anything… until his father, a wealthy nobleman, has finally had enough, and banishes him to America. When Bryan is Marked on the docks and given the choice between the London House of Night and the dragon-prowed ship to America, he chooses the Dragon – and a brand new fate.

Becoming a Fledgling may be exciting, but it opens a door to a dangerous world.... In 1830’s St. Louis, the Gateway to the West, Dragon Lankford becomes a Sword Master, and soon realizes there are both frightening challenges and beautiful perks. Like Anastasia, the captivating young Professor of Spells and Rituals at the Tower Grove House of Night, who really should have nothing to do with a fledgling…

But when a dark power threatens, Dragon is caught in its focus. Though his uncanny fighting skills make him a powerful fledgling, is he strong enough to ward off evil, while protecting Anastasia as well? Will his choices save her—or destroy them all? (courtesy of Amazon)

As we wait for Destined to come out, this book was just perfect.  A look back at Dragon and how he became and fell in love.  This really is important to the story line so don’t pass it up. (A quick read for sure)

I think the Casts have a tremendously emotional and descriptive writing style, and this book was a prime example of it.  I found that I was so involved now in Dragon.  


I am so amazed at the past for Dragon and Anastasia and Destined, being released in October, has to wrap these pieces in even further.  I can't wait for more Zoey and Stark.  

Zombies Sold Separately by Cheyenne McCray

Nyx hates Zombies. Seriously. Hates. Zombies. Ever since she was a youngling, she’s been haunted by them. And even though she’s a big girl now—a half-human, half-Drow private eye, to be precise—Nyx bristles at the mere thought of the walking dead.  
Meanwhile, the corpses of humans and paranorms alike are turning up all over New York City. Now it’s up to Nyx to find out who—or what—is behind this series of horrific attacks. But it’s only a matter of time before Nyx is drawn deeper into her darkest fears…and her worst nightmare about meeting a real, flesh-and-blood-hungry, body-snatching Zombie comes blindingly to life. Or death…(courtesy of Amazon)

I had a roller coaster of emotions in this book.  I love Cheyenne McCray and her kick butt chicks.  Adam was 'so so' for me in this series, but Nyx is super-great.  So pair her up with someone not ‘so so’ and oooh damn am I even more interested. 

McCray creates characters that you can’t help but connect with, they have their quirks or their crazy pets, or both.  Regardless, when I open one of her books (and I’ve done 3 of her series so far) you just fall in place and go.  I was intrigued in some of this book, devastated, and hopeful, all while trying to save the city.  And who doesn’t love a guy that will go shopping with you at Victoria Secret and hold the bag??  - AND he can kick ass - Sign me up! Amazing back story on Nyx past with the Zombies.

As the Night Tracker series continues on, this book was one of those pivotal books, where the story moves along, but the direction could be changing.  McCray hasn’t done me wrong yet, so I’m on pins and needles for the next one.  I gotta see where Nyx is going and with who!

Twilight Prophecy by Maggie Shayne

According to ancient prophecy, there's only one chance to avert the complete annihilation of the Undead. Twins James William and Brigit Poe, part human, part vampire, believe that they are that chance. In truth, the key lies with the reclusive—and mortal—scholar Lucy Lanfair.


As Armageddon approaches, antivampire sentiment fuels a war neither side can win, driving James to abandon his moral code and draw Lucy into a deadly battle she wants no part of.


But Lucy soon realizes that she holds this powerful immortal's soul in her hands and that it's her destiny not only to stop a war but to save him from his inner darkness. If she fails, his race will die—and so will her heart. Is the power of love strong enough to save the world?(courtesy of Amazon) 

Wings in the Night - Children of Twilight

Intense new read in the Wings in the Night series! More about the twins – love it! First having boy/girl twins, I’m partial to stories about them anyway. Maggie Shayne does our twins well. It’s too they are forever connected and they are the completion of each other.


Shayne gives the twins their halves – in this book we dive more in to JW – James, the good twin. Or so he thinks…

Shayne has a very creative mind. This book takes her origins of vampires to another level and brings on their potential end. Constant running for survival, defending themselves, and still trying to keep hope and love alive, all a roller coaster of excitement.

Each piece and part fit just so well. I think the ending wrapped a little quicker than I hoped, but it definitely left me ready for Twilight Fulfilled – Brigit’s story – the other twin :)

Start from the beginning with this series, there are about 20 books total and these series is very well done. Shayne reps vampires and the paranormal, she’s an original to the genre. I had the pleasure of seeing her at a RWA signing event and she is a very nice person on top of it, she embodies the Wiccan element.

 

 
 
 
 

Demon Slayer times 3 - reviews on 3 by Angie Fox

The Accidental Demon Slayer

It's never a good day when an ancient demon shows up on your toilet bowl. For Lizzie Brown, that's just the beginning. Soon her hyperactive terrier starts talking, and her long-lost biker witch Grandma is hurling Smuckers jars filled with magic. Just when she thinks she's seen it all, Lizzie learns she's a demon slayer-and all hell is after her. Of course, that's not the only thing after her. Dimitri Kallinikos, a devastatingly handsome shape-shifting griffin needs Lizzie to slay a demon of his own. But how do you talk a girl you've never met into going straight to the underworld? Lie. And if that doesn't work, how dangerous could a little seduction be...?(Courtesy of Amazon)

The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers

Demon slaying powers should come with an instruction book ...

Seriously. Why does a new hair dryer have a twelve-page how-to manual, but when it comes to ancient demon-fighting hocus-pocus, my biker witch granny gives me just half a dozen switch stars and a rah-rah speech? Oh, and a talking terrier, but that's another story. It's not like my job as a preschool teacher prepared me for this kind of thing.

So I've decided to write my own manual, The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers, because no one tells me anything. Dimitri, my "protector," may be one stud of a shape-shifting griffin, but he always thinks he can handle everything by himself. Only he's no match for the soul-stealing succubi taking over Las Vegas. If I can't figure out how to save him - and Sin City - there'll be hell to pay.(Courtesy of Amazon)

The Tale of Two Demon Slayers

Last month, I was a single preschool teacher whose greatest thrill consisted of color-coding my lesson plans. That was before I learned I was a slayer. Now, it's up to me to face curse-hurling imps, vengeful demons, and any other supernatural uglies that crop up. And, to top it off, a hunk of a shape-shifting griffin has invited me to Greece to meet his family. But it's not all sun, sand, and ouzo. Someone has created a dark-magic version of me with my powers and my knowledge--and it wants to kill me and everyone I know. Of course, this evil twin doesn't have Grandma's gang of biker witches, a talking Jack Russell terrier, or an eccentric necromancer on its side. In the ultimate showdown for survival, may the best demon slayer win.(Courtesy of Amazon)

Ok, I have to do these reviews together, because I snagged these up at a sale, and blew through them all in one weekend, so it was like one big fun book all together. 

The story line was a little reminiscent of Katie MacAlister’s Aisling Grey series, which I LOVE.  Our poor girl, gets sucked into a world she didn’t know anything about, her dog starts talking and she has a gorgeous shifter.  Fox definitely kept it fun. 

In Book 1, Fox tosses you right into Lizzie, and the craziness kicks up in full gear.  She’s running to keep safe, and she has no idea what she’s doing.  Fox heats it up between Lizzie and Dimitri and twists up the plot.  I was having so much fun I didn’t want it to end.

Thankfully, Book 2 was waiting right by my side.  Lizzie and Dimitri pick up and fall right into trouble again.  I thought Fox’s ‘manual’ for demon slayers was fun as just about each chapter starts out with a tidbit from the manuscript.  I was hoping for Lizzie to conquer all and keep hooking up with her hottie. 

Open up Book 3, finally some time with our couple – yeah right.  Lizzie’s life isn’t that easy and Fox keeps you jumping.  In steps some competition for our leading lady.  This was one of the favs of the three for me. 

Now Book 4 is out – The Last of the Demon Slayers, it’s on my Kindle – getting to it soon!

and LOVE the covers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rebel by Jessica Bird

Nate Walker has never shied away from the hard road. Even when it meant leaving behind his family's wealth… and the fiancée who only wanted a rich man. Nothing was going to stop him from opening his own five-star restaurant.
And he was on his way—until his car broke down on a dark road in the Adirondacks, leading him right to White Caps Inn… and Frankie Moorehouse.
Suddenly Nate has a job he doesn't really need—and an affair that has to end when summer does. Except Frankie has a way about her. She gets under his skin. She even makes him want to do what he never thought he could: stay forever. (courtesy of Amazon)


A great romance! Struggling for years to keep her family taken care off, Frankie’s at her wits end, and to top it off her cook quits. But what could be better than a chef to be stranded when his car breaks down. So classic, yet so not when it comes to Bird (J R Ward), you can just feel the drive behind her writing. This is J R Ward’s other name :), Jessica Bird and she represents the steam but gives us a stubborn woman for the man to work out (literally).


This was a quick read and a no brainer for me. I’ve got to get the companion books, An Unforgettable Lady and An Irresitble Bachelor read before the next one, The Player comes out! Once in a while, I like to step out of the paranormal world, especially when it’s a pen name of a favorite of mine :)

Supernaturally by Kiersten White

Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be... kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.



But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself. (courtesy of Amazon)

As we pick back up with Evie, she’s still a maturing high school student. Of course, she’s had to grow up about so many things, but having a ‘normal’ life was never in her grasp. It can’t stay normal in a book titled “Supernaturally”, book 2 in the Paranormalcy series by Kiersten White! (may contain slight spoilers)


White brings Evie right back into the world she wanted out of, and unfortunately Evie needs it, because we all know normal IS boring. But book 2 is not boring at all. There seems to be quite a lot going on for Evie, and she’s trying to balance it all on her own. Her first mistake, I imagine.

White keeps the story moving with many missions and creepy twists. I will say I figured out a little of the plot ahead of time, but White is pulling in so many key points into this book. Like we get to meet Evie’s dad? Wow! You can’t help but not put it down.

I thought this was a well done sequel, Paranormalcy wrapped me in a little better, but I am still ready for Book 3. I love Lend, and still can’t figure out Reth, who am I kidding?  I'm so hooked.

Dark Descendant by Jenna Black

Nikki Glass can track down any man. But when her latest client turns out to be a true descendant of Hades, Nikki now discovers she can’t die. . . . Crazy as it sounds, Nikki’s manhunting skills are literally god-given. She’s a living, breathing descendant of Artemis who has stepped right into a trap set by the children of the gods. Nikki’s new “friends” include a descendant of Eros, who uses sex as a weapon; a descendant of Loki, whose tricks are no laughing matter; and a half-mad descendant of Kali who thinks she’s a spy. But most powerful of all are the Olympians, a rival clan of immortals seeking to destroy all Descendants who refuse to bow down to them. In the eternal battle of good god/bad god, Nikki would make a divine weapon. But if they think she’ll surrender without a fight, the gods must be crazy. . . .(courtesy of Amazon) 


Jenna Black commands her worlds. This is the third series I’ve done with her and I have to say she sets the scene. Black doesn’t over do the descriptions but when you’re reading one of her books, it’s as if you are there.

I thoroughly enjoy how Black develops her leading female bad-asses. Dark Descendant is no different. Nikki may have thought she was just a PI, but when she is driven into this crazy world, she reps it! With a new basis twist in the genre, I hope this series continues.  You're instantly thrown in Nikki's world, and it comes crashing down on her in the first few pages.  Who do you trust when you have no one to go to? 

There was a ton of action in this book, and yet, through it all Black sets up the story and the world around you.  There isn't the typical romance story in here, it's packed full.  Black throws our leading lady in a bind where she has to work for her protection.  Not only is she fighting off the other guys, but someone thinks she's a spy.  Some intense emotions as they work through it, trying not to 'spoil' it for you, just say this, not everything always gets caught in time, some times the bad guys get one of the battles.  So far I hear book 2, Deadly Descendant is due out in May 2012, and like the rest of her books, I'll be ready. 

 

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.


But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal. (courtesy of Amazon)



I heard nothing but awesome buzz about this book, so I had to grab it, the buzz was definitely right on. Kiersten White is taking on the Young Adult with a strong force.


Policing the paranormals seems like such the right thing for our leading girl Evie, but she starts to doubt her world when she meets her handsome hunk, Lend, or is he a chunky old man, or maybe a business class woman? All of the above, thankfully Evie can see straight through it, through everyone. So fresh! I love how Evie discovers the world she’s had around her and all her misconceptions are brought out. I thought that this made the book, as Evie is learning the world, you’re already in it, and definitely captivated. And then, there is her beau, oh Lend, so awesome and perfect.

Well done Ms. White. The chemistry gives off just the right amount of romance between the two. Of course, there’s always Reth, faerie’s at their best, or worst. Just to keep the mix interesting, White gives Evie just another special talent. And this talent is all too tempting.  Good thing she has Lend to keep her calm. 

I enjoyed this first in the series and luckily the second just came out, so I get another taste and I didn't have to wait as long. LOL