Review - Shadows of Doubt by Mell Corcoran

Title: Shadows of Doubt
Author: Mell Corcoran
Source: Author Furnished
Genre: PNR/Thriller mix
Length: Novel - approx 420 pgs
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks

NOTE: This is my last review on BittenByParanormalRomance as I have been asked NOT to post any further reviews. Hope I have helped some of you find exceptional reading or to avoid the poorly written ones. - Douglas C. Meeks - 4/18/2013

Summary:

Humans sit comfortably at the summit of the food chain; rarely does any other animal get the advantage. But other people? Now there’s something to fear. In Mell Corcoran’s thrilling crime novel debut, Shadows of Doubt, women are being hunted, tortured, killed and their assailant leaves the same clue on each of them but it has no scientific explanation. Detective Lou Donovan (because nobody better call her Tallulah) must figure out this killer’s signature because he’s escalating and no one knows where he will strike next.

When the first victim appears in Shadows of Doubt, neither Lou nor her partner wants the case but it’s dropped in their laps. As soon as they make some progress, however, the case is taken from them and the explanation is weak at best. Lou won’t let go and tries to work below the radar but she’s foiled at every turn. It’s as if someone is watching her and knows her every move.

Shadows of Doubt is an exciting ride. It has everything a good crime book needs: a fiery detective with a bloodhound’s sense, dark figures with dark pasts, twists, turns, and action. And then there’s the tall, gorgeous man. Lou and this mysterious stranger keep crossing paths and his presence disarms her. What she doesn’t know is that her effect on him is the same and therein lies the rub. If he can’t think straight, Lou will die.

Review - Death's Servant

Title: Death's Servant (The V V Inn, First Prequel Book)
Author: C.J. Ellisson
Source: Author Furnished
Genre: Urabn Fantasy
Length: Novella - approx 120 pgs
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks

Summary:

Jonathan Winchester has clashed with his alpha one too many times. After another argument he leaves the Manitoba pack, his only home since the werewolf attack that changed his life. He returns to his home state of Virginia to start a new life free of pack politics. Jon finds work and meets a young waitress, Raine, who appears to be a lone werewolf, too.

As their relationship progresses, Jon’s embroiled in more intrigue than he bargained for and a danger bigger than he can handle. He's running scared until his own alpha tendencies surface, making him unable to leave the pretty werewolf’s problems behind. The young man is desperate to save Raine—even if his efforts may lead him straight to death.

Journey along in this first prequel novel involving the favorite characters from the bestselling V V Inn series. Written at reader demand, this stand-alone story explains how the beloved Jonathan came to serve the deadly redheaded vampire, Dria.

Dark Wolf - Kate Douglas - 4 Stars - Should Have Been 5 Stars

Title: Dark Wolf (Spirit Wild) Will release on 30 April 2013
Author: Kate Douglas
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Erotic PNR/Thriller mix
Length: Novel - approx 350 pgs
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks

Summary:

It is a new beginning for the Chanku. For so long they kept their shapeshifting ability secret, but now they have assimilated into the world in ways they once never thought possible. Still there are those who want to destroy them, with dark powers of their own...

A Bold New Beginning

The CEO of Cheval International, Lily Cheval chooses to live alone, but a series of rapes and murders leave her wary and worried for her fellow Chanku. Then she meets Sebastian Xenakis and the connection is intense and immediate. The son of a charismatic cult leader, Sebastian is a mysteriously sensual man who uses magic to shift into wolf form. He and Lily come together in a moment of supreme ecstasy, succumbing to a primal passion that leaves Lily shaken but utterly alive. Is Sebastian her lifetime mate or is he her worst enemy?

Sebastian Xenakis is still coming into his power as a wizard. He can shapeshift by magical means and runs as a wolf using the power he draws from the elements. But young women are dying—raped by a human and then slaughtered by a wolf. Suspicion falls on the shapeshifting Chanku, but Sebastian wonders if he might somehow be guilty of the crimes.

Then he meets Lily Cheval, the uncrowned princess of the powerful Chanku, and realizes he will do whatever it takes to clear his name and win her love. But evil walks where Sebastian goes, and there are mysteries neither Lily nor her father, the powerful wizard, Anton Cheval, cannot unravel. Is Sebastian the perfect mate for Lily, or is he instead, one she should fear?

Review - Araneae Nation - 5 Star PNR/Fantasy Mix

Title: Araneae Nation Series
Author: Hailey Edwards
Source: Author Furnished
Genre: PNR/Fantasy mix
Length: 2 Novels/1 Novella/1 To Be Released - approx 700-900 pgs
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks

Reading order: The Araneae Nation Series
A Hint of Frost (Araneae Nation 1)
A Feast of Souls (Araneae Nation 2)
A Cast of Shadows (Araneae Nation 2.5)
A Time of Dying (Araneae Nation 3) July 2013 Release

Summary:

Araneae Nation, Book 1
When the head of the Araneidae clan is found poisoned in her nest, her eldest daughter, Lourdes, becomes their clan’s new maven. If her clan is to survive, she has but one choice: she must marry before her nest is seized. All she needs is a warrior fierce enough to protect her city and safeguard her clansmen. Such a male is Rhys the Cold.

The only things Rhys has to his name are his sword and his mercenary reputation. His clan is starving, but they are unwelcome dinner guests. Torn between loyalty to his clan and fascination with his future bride, Rhys’s first taste of Lourdes threatens to melt the cold encasing his heart.

Amid the chaos of battle, Lourdes’s sister disappears and is feared captured. Lourdes and Rhys pursue their enemies into the southlands, where they discover an odd plague ravaging southern clans as it travels north.

Araneae Nation, Book 2
Born with the ability to communicate with the dead, few things take Mana by surprise, but when an animal announces himself as Vaughn’s long-dead father, she’s shocked. To make matters worse, he has a dire warning.

Now Mana must face Vaughn, the male who inspired one too many girlish fantasies, and impart a spirit’s message—without acknowledging her source—so the soul can be laid to rest.

The last thing Vaughn needs is for an innocent to get caught in the crosshairs of combat, but the woman he remembers as an awkward girl refuses to leave his side until he’s heard her out. That’s not the only change in her that calls to him. Her kindness soothes his battle-scarred soul—and he craves her in ways a warrior shouldn’t.

When they are both captured, they learn of an even greater threat. The plague devastating the southlands has come to his clan home. And his best—and only—chance to keep his people alive is the female who walks among the dead.

An Araneae Nation Novella
Daraja has grown up watching her brothers journey down the river on their rite of passage. Each returned with riches from their travels, and lovers with whom to share their lives.

She is expected to sit patiently, weave her nets and wait for the river to bring a husband to her.
Patience, however, has never been her strong suit.

Brynmor haunts the forest surrounding the city of Cathis roaming his lands. Until the day he stumbles across a brazen trespasser in his woods.

Brynmor fears he has lost a piece of his ragged soul to the feisty, adventure-seeking female. At some point, he is forced to choose which life to sacrifice. Hers…or his own.

Promise Me Series Review - 5 Stars

Title: The Promise Series
Author: Tara Fox Hall
Source: Author Furnished
Genre: UF/PNR/Thriller/Drama mix
Length: 3 Novels + 1 About To Be Released - approx 800-900 pgs
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks

Reading order: The Promise Series
Promise Me #1
Broken Promise #2
Taken in the Night #3
Taken For His Own #4 (Release Date: May 2013)

(NOTE: At least 3 more books are planned for release)

Summary:

This is the Promise series. An eclectic mix of Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance/Thriller/Drama with a supporting cast of vampires, various shifters, half demons and some we may not have seen yet. The series for the most part covers the life of recently widowed Sarelle McGarran.

When young widow Sarelle McGarran finds the vampire Danial Racklan unconscious and hurt in her woods, intuitive concern quickly becomes passionate love. Together Danial and Sar work to overcome their own past heartbreaks, their vastly different lifestyles, and Danial's relentless enemies.

Yet Danial needs more; an Oath of forever. But Sar is surprised by a betrayal of her trust in Danial. Shocked at Danial's betrayal, Sarelle returns to her old home to consider her options. Yet even as Sar plans a reconciliation with Danial, things take a turn when Terian (another life she has saved) arrives, confessing his desire.

When Theo witnesses Terian and Sar kiss, he angrily confronts Sar, leading to startling consequences which complicates her love life even more.

When Theo disappears, Sar is left bereft, the uncertain guardian of Theo's newly born werecougar daughter, Elle. As months pass, clues emerge about Theo's disappearance, yet the twisting trail ends repeatedly without answer.

In her grief, Sar turns to Danial and hesitantly begins to build a life with him and Elle. The search for Theo will ultimately yield some answers but what other dangers are still following Sar that she has forgotten about …

Review - Deadly Sting (Elemental Assassin) - Jennifer Estep

Title: Deadly Sting (Elemental Assassin)
Author: Jennifer Estep
Source: Edelweiss
Genre: Urban Fantasy/thriller
Length: Novel - 384 pgs
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks

Summary:

Red is definitely my color. Good thing, because in my line of work, I end up wearing it a lot.

Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me — Gin Blanco, aka the Spider — it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’ priceless possessions is not only the place to be seen, but the place to be robbed and taken hostage at gunpoint as well. No sooner did I get my champagne than a bunch of the unluckiest thieves ever burst into the museum and started looting the place.

Unlucky why? Because I brought along a couple of knives in addition to my killer dress. Add these to my Ice and Stone magic, and nothing makes me happier than showing the bad guys why red really is my color

Against her better judgment, Gin is coerced into attending a high society gala with the rest of Ashland's elite underworld. On display: the priceless art collection of her deceased nemesis, Mab Monroe, and an excess of crime boss swagger. While not comfortable in her fancy attire, Gin gets vastly more interested in the evening’s events when a group of thieves bursts in and tries to seize the valuable, dangerous gems. Facing a Die Hard-esque scenario in which she must free hostage party-goers while herself trapped in the museum, things get a little bit messy when the bloodshed begins. Let's just say that Gin should have chosen the red gown…

Review - Let The Dead Sleep by Heather Graham

Title: Let The Dead Sleep
Author: Heather Graham
Source: Edelweiss
Genre: PNR Mystery/Thriller
Length: Novel (400 pgs)
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks
Release Date: 26 Mar 2013

Summary:

An object of desire? or of fear?
It was stolen from a New Orleans grave-the centuries-old bust of an evil man, a demonic man. It's an object desired by collectors-and by those with wickedness in their hearts.

One day, its current owner shows up at Danni Cafferty's antiques shop on Royal Street, the shop she inherited from her father. But before Danni can buy the statue, it disappears, the owner is found dead...and Danni discovers that she's inherited much more than she realized. In the store is a book filled with secret writing: instructions for defeating evil entities. She'd dismissed it as a curiosity...until the arrival of this statue, with its long history of evil and even longer trail of death.

Michael Quinn, former cop and now private investigator, is a man with an unusual past. He believes that doing the right thing isn't a job-it's a way of life. And the right thing to do is find and destroy this object weighted with malevolent powers. He and Danni are drawn together in their search for the missing statue, following it through sultry New Orleans nights to hidden places in the French Quarter and secret ceremonies on abandoned plantations.

Cafferty and Quinn already know that trust in others can be misplaced, that love can be temporary. And yet their connection is primal. Mesmerizing. They also know that their story won't end when this case is closed and the dead rest in peace once again.

FREE BOOK GIVE-AWAY THIS WEEK ONLY

The author of the Emerald Seer series has reduced the price of book 1 in her series (Ryder on the Storm) to ZERO for the Kindle version this week on Amazon, get it and decide if you want the rest and read my review of the series here : Emerald Seer Series


Click here for the link to the free book Ryder on the Storm

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Series Review - Emerald Seer by Violet Patterson - 5 Stars

Title: The Emerald Seer Series
Author: Violet Patterson
Source: Author Furnished/Self Purchase
Genre: UF/PNR mix
Length: 3 Novels/1 Novella/1 To Be Released - approx 700-900 pgs
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks

NOTICE!! - FIRST BOOK OF THE SERIES IS FREE 18 MAR - 22 MAR ON AMAZON Ryder on the Storm

Reading order: The Emerald Seer Series
Ryder on the Storm (Emerald Seer 1)
Light My Fire (Emerald Seer 2)
Whiskey, Mystics, and Men (Emerald Seer 2.5)
Love Her Madly (Emerald Seer 3)
A novel finale will be released May 2013 titled End of the Night

(NOTE: You might notice that the titles are all songs by The Doors which appealed to me before I ever read a page, well done hook)

Summary:

This is the Emerald Seer series. An urban fantasy with a supporting cast of Immortals, Seraphs, and Deities the series covers the life of the Emerald Seer - Storm Sullivan.

Storm Sullivan is a Seer from an ancient line forced to return home after the brutal murder of her aunt. But Storm finds she’s inherited more than just the family estate.

Ryder Cohen is an Immortal, a former enforcer commissioned to eradicate the Sullivan line and prevent the rise of the Emerald. But Ryder has come to question his mission and the reasons behind it.

Storm Sullivan's life has changed drastically - married, pregnant and attempting to master her new, unpredictable powers while bracing for the next supernatural attack.

In addition to the many other problems piling up, Lucian has not been completely honest with his friends- about his personal mission against the witches, the depth of his burden, or Sophia Bedeaux.

Everything comes to a head when Lucian's past collides with his present and threatens all he has come to care for. If he can manage to trust in Storm’s abilities, Lucian could find his way out of the curse and back to the only woman he could ever love.

Storm Sullivan's problems exacerbate as secrets and prophecies are unraveled to reveal her true enemy. After a devastating betrayal, Storm and her friends are forced to reevaluate their plans and reinforce their alliances.

Interwoven with Storm’s struggles is Damarra and Roane's love story spanning a time before written word through the improbable birth of their child who would one day come to be known as the Anomaly, Storm's father.

It began with Storm and Ryder in RYDER ON THE STORM, continued with Lucian’s fiery past and a stunning rebirth in LIGHT MY FIRE, do not miss out on LOVE HER MADLY, the penultimate novel in the Emerald Seer Series. The thrilling conclusion, END OF THE NIGHT, is slated for a May 2013 release.

Review - Bittersweet Blood - Nina Croft - 5 Stars

Title: Bittersweet Blood (The Order)
Author: Nina Croft
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Urban Fantasy/PNR/thriller combo
Length: Novel - 246 pgs
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks

Summary:

Tara Collins just wants to be normal. Everyone else wants her dead.

Tara’s eccentric aunt raised her to be fearful of the world and follow the rules. But after her aunt’s death, Tara is ready to take control and experience life for the first time. But she quickly discovers that everything she’s been told is a web of lies. Determined to solve the mystery of who she is truly, she hires private investigator to help her uncover the truth.

Christian Roth is more than your average PI. A vampire and ex-demon hunter, Christian lives among the humans, trying to be “normal.” But recently, things seem to be falling apart. There’s a crazed demon hell-bent on revenge hunting him down, and a fae assassin on the loose with an unknown target. And the Order he abandoned desperately needs his help.

As the secrets of Tara’s past collide with the problems in Christian’s present, she finds herself fighting her attraction to the dark and mysterious investigator. Falling in love does not fit into her plans at all, but Tara soon learns that some rules are meant to be broken.

Steal This Book! 5 Stars - Written In Red - Anne Bishop

Title: Written In Red
Author: Anne Bishop
Source: Edelweiss
Genre: UF/thriller/mystery
Length: Novel (448 pgs)
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks
Release Date: 5 Mar 2013

Summary:

Summary:
As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut—a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg’s Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard—a business district operated by the Others.

Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she’s keeping a secret, and second, she doesn’t smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide if she’s worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.

5 Star Review - Shifting Dreams: A Cambio Springs Mystery

Title: Shifting Dreams: A Cambio Springs Mystery
Author: Elizabeth Hunter
Source: ARC from Author
Genre: Urban Fantasy/PNR/thriller combo
Length: Novel - 277 pgs
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks

Summary:
REVIEWER NOTE: FOR MAXIMUM ENJOYMENT READ THE SHORT STORY LONG RIDE HOME FIRST (99 CENTS)CLICK HERE

Caleb wanted a new start and Cambio Springs would give him that new start.
Jena was doing much the same thing but for different reasons.

Some days, Jena Crowe just can’t get a break. Work at her diner never ends, her two boys are bundles of energy, and she’s pretty sure her oldest is about to shift into something furry or feathery. Added to that, changes seem to be coming to the tiny town of Cambio Springs, big changes that not everyone in the isolated town of shapeshifters is thrilled about.

Caleb Gilbert was looking for change, and the quiet desert town seemed just the ticket for a more peaceful life. He never counted on violence finding him, nor could he have predicted just how crazy his new life would become.

When murder rocks their small community, Caleb and Jena will have to work together. And when the new Chief of Police isn’t put off by any of her usual defenses, Jena may be faced with the most frightening change of all: lowering the defenses around her carefully guarded heart.

Shifting Dreams is the first novel in Cambio Springs, the new paranormal romance series from Elizabeth Hunter, author of the best-selling Elemental Mysteries.

Hellsbane - A True 5 Star Story

Title: Hellsbane (A Hellsbane Book)
Author: Paige Cuccaro
Source: NetGalley/Purchase
Genre: Urban Fantasy/thriller
Length: Novel - 258 pgs
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks

Summary:

Summary:
Twenty-three-year-old Emma Jane Hellsbane just found out she’s not human—or, at least, not only human. She’s half angel, too, and now Heaven’s got a job for her: round up all the Fallen angels and their red-skinned, horned devil-demon minions and boot their butts back into the abyss. Only problem? The demons and their Fallen masters fight back…and they don’t fight fair.

Luckily for Emma, she can put a stop to the constant threat of having her head hacked off if she figures out which Fallen angel is her father—and then kill him before he kills her. Of course, in the meantime, she’ll have to avoid accidentally seducing her angelic mentor, help an old friend conquer his own Fallen sperm donor, and basically save the world from a cataclysmic divine smack down.

No one said being Heaven’s bounty hunter would be easy. But with a name like Hellsbane, Emma Jane was born for the job.

Series Review - Diaries of an Urban Panther - 5 Star

Title: Diaries Of An Urban Panther Series
Author: Amanda Arista
Source: Self Purchase
Genre: Urban Fantasy/thriller/bit of PNR
Length: 3 Novels - approx 1200 pgs
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks

Reading Diaries of an Urban Panther Series
Diaries of an Urban Panther Book 1
Claws and Effect Book 2
Nine Lives of an Urban Panther Book 3
A followup story from this world but not officially part of the trilogy "First Dates Are Hell" from Vampires Gone Wild

Summary:

Violet Jordan Rule #1 of being a superhero: No tights.
Violet Jordan Rule #2 of being a superhero: Find reliable sidekicks.
Violet Jordan‘s Rule #3 of being a superhero: Family first, fur second.

Dear Diary,
By now you know I'm hardly a normal girl. Last night I woke up naked in an alley after fighting off some werewolves. All in a day's work, I guess. I thought I was dealing pretty well with the whole Werepanther thing: the training, the apocalyptic prophecies. And the hot guy following me around, protecting me at every turn is definitely a bonus. I'm even starting to become accustomed to the bloodshed and the violence—and that's what scares me. What will tomorrow bring…

I thought life was going to get better. After four assassination attempts, I'm thinking not so much. The pack needs a new leader, and I've just about run out of reasons why I'm not right for the job.

Besides, having loyal followers would definitely help me fight off whoever's out for my blood. Especially since my boyfriend is always busy playing White Hat to every wanderer except me. I'm glad he thinks I'm tough enough to handle my own business, but a little extra backup would be nice.

With new supernatural creatures popping up at every turn (Ghouls? Really?), the city divided, and my long-lost cousin blazing into town, I've got a lot on my mind. Oh, not to mention I'm supposed to be planning a wedding. Chaz has got to be the best, most patient (and probably clinically insane) boyfriend around.

But defeating my sworn enemy in a battle for the souls of Dallas is going to require more than just my full attention. It means learning to depend on everyone—especially Chaz—if any of us are going to make it out of this alive. Because if Plan A doesn't work, I'm going to need them for Plan B. And Plan C . .

Dual ARC Review: Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian

Title: Edge of Dawn (Midnight Breed, #11)
Author: Lara Adrian
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel (288 kindle pages) 
Release Date: Feb 26 2013
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks and CaroleDee

Twenty years after the terror of First Dawn—when mankind learned that vampires lived secretly among them—the threat of violence reigns as the two species struggle to coexist. The only group preserving the fragile harmony is the Order, an elite cadre of Breed warriors dedicated to protecting humans and vampires alike. And in this precarious world of torn loyalties and shattered trust, Mira, a fiery squad captain, finds that every fight bears an intensely personal cost.

Raised among the Order, Mira has always believed in the warrior’s code of swift—and even lethal—justice. But the one thing she desires more than the Order’s hard-won acceptance is Kellan Archer, a sexy but troubled Breed fighter. In love with him since childhood, Mira once broke through his tough exterior during an unexpected night of rapture, but the next day he mysteriously disappeared, never to return.

Kellan didn’t think he would ever see Mira again—or have to confront the truth of why he left. After abandoning the Order years ago, he now leads a band of human rebels intent on carrying out their own vigilante rule of law. Yet a high-profile kidnapping assignment brings him face-to-face with the past he sought to avoid, and the striking woman he has tried desperately to forget. And as tensions mount and the risk of bloodshed grows, Kellan and Mira must take sides—between the competing missions that dominate their lives, and the electrifying passion that claims their hearts.

We've got a special treat for you today on Bitten, a dual review!  Doug and I have very similar tastes when it comes to paranormal romance, and with the release Lara Adrian's of Edge of Dawn approaching we couldn't decide who got to review it! Left at an impasse we decided to both read it and see where we stood.
Enjoy!

Best 99 Cents Or Less You Will Spend Today - How To Have A Perfect Marriage

Title: How To Have A Perfect Marriage
Author: Dicey Grenor
Source: Author Furnished
Genre: Fictional Dark Humor
Length: Novel - 35 pgs
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks

Summary:

Penola and Lennon have the perfect marriage because they follow twenty rules that ensure marital bliss. Controversial fiction author, Dicey Grenor, has released these rules so that couples everywhere can benefit from them. In case you’re wondering—DUH! - of course, it’s fiction…just like the “perfect” marriage.

Review - Winterblaze (Darkest London) by Kristen Callihan

Title: Winterblaze (Darkest London)
Author: Kristen Callihan
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Urban Fantasy/thriller w/ a bit of Steampunk
Length: Novel - 448 pgs
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks

Reading Order for Darkest London Series
Firelight (Darkest London) Book 1
Moonglow (Darkest London) Book 2
Winterblaze (Darkest London) Book 3

Summary:

Once blissfully in love . . .

Poppy Lane is keeping secrets. Her powerful gift has earned her membership in the Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals, but she must keep both her ability and her alliance with the Society from her husband, Winston. Yet when Winston is brutally attacked by a werewolf, Poppy's secrets are revealed, leaving Winston's trust in her as broken as his body. Now Poppy will do anything to win back his affections . . .

Their relationship is now put to the ultimate test.

Winston Lane soon regains his physical strength but his face and heart still bear the scars of the vicious attack. Drawn into the darkest depths of London, Winston must fight an evil demon that wants to take away the last hope of reconciliation with his wife. As a former police inspector, Winston has intelligence and logic on his side. But it will take the strength of Poppy's love for him to defeat the forces that threaten to tear them apart.

Review BloodSworn by Stacey Brutger

Title: BloodSworn
Author: Stacey Brutger
Source: Author Request
Genre: PNR/UF Mystery/Thriller
Length: Novel (282 pgs)
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks
Release Date: February 1, 2013

Summary:

Ten years after they bound her powers and banished her, Trina Weyebridge had successfully carved out a new existence in the human world. She put her life as a witch behind her. But, her magic would not be denied, the bindings holding them in check are weakening. Vampires who crave a taste of the powers stored in her blood are hunting her with deadly force and have kidnapped her sister to lure her out. In a desperate bid to free her sister and gain her own freedom, Trina bargains with the all-too-tempting lion shifter who calls out the long forgotten wild side in her...she would be his concubine in return for pack protection. She’d be safe…until they found out the truth.

UNDENIABLE DESIRE. FORBIDDEN LOVE. INESCAPABLE DESTINY.

When Merrick spots a female intruder living on his property, he’s intrigued by her daring. Curious to find out more, he follows her and comes to her aid when she falls prey to an attack. After weeks of unnatural silence, his beast awakens at her touch, and he suspects that she might be the only one able to save his race from a disease killing his kind. Not willing to take the chance of losing her, he binds her to him the only way he knows how…by claiming her as his own. All he has to do to save her is uncover the secrets of her past, stop a pack revolt, convince her that she’s desperately in love with him in return, and prevent a war.

Review - Mistakenly Mated by Sonnet O'Dell

Title: Mistakenly Mated
Author: Sonnet O'Dell
Source: Author Request
Genre: Mix of PNR/Urban Fantasy/thriller
Length: Short Novel - 120 pgs
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks

Summary of Mistakenly Mated by Sonnet O'Dell:

Curiosity only kills cats, right?

Kerry never expected to have a mate among her own kind. White wolves, like her, are considered cursed.

When curiosity gets the better of Kerry, she becomes the mate of the handsome Caleb and her future takes a dramatic turn. They crave each other through a bond that after a month will be unbreakable and they have till then to get to know each other.

Surviving that month is the only problem! Someone is out to kill Kerry, but who and why?

Love of My Other Life - Traci L. Slatton

Title: The Love of My (Other) Life
Author: Traci L. Slatton
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Mix of PNR/UF/SCI-FI
Length: Novel - 238 pgs
Reviewed by Douglas C. Meeks

Summary:

What worlds would you move to be with your soul mate?

Painter Tessa Barnum is struggling. Her husband left, she's broke, about to be evicted and has made some serious missteps in her career.

When scruffy Brian Tennyson explodes into her life, claiming to be from an alternate universe, Tessa thinks he's a crazy vagabond - albeit one with mysterious and undeniable appeal.

Then he informs her that in his world, they're married.

Tessa's universe is turned upside down as the truth of love and loss, victory and humiliation, and second chances come back to her. She has to choose love over logic to reach that state of anticipation where miracles unfold.

The secret to her own life was always in her heart.