Review The Disciple by Jemma Chase

Title: The Disciple
Author: Jemma Chase
Source: Author Request
Format: eBook
Release Date: November 2, 2011

  

In the future vampires overrun the Earth, so a small cadre of vampire slayers are sent back to the pivotal moment when the vampire clans were contained to the European continent in hopes of destroying them in the past to save the future.

In the mid-24th century the vampire threat is so terrible that humanity is on the run and their numbers are dwindling. The only ones willing and able to fight the vampire plague are those in The Order.

In addition to creating specialized vampire-killing weapons, The Order has protected all the world’s leading scientists. They’re rewarded with the ultimate breakthrough: time travel. But there’s a catch -- if you return to your present time, your mind doesn’t come home with you.

Now a select team will be sent back to the Middle Ages, to stop the vampire threat before it can spread. They’re the best vampire slayers of their day and age, but once they go a thousand years into the past they’re strangers in a strange old land. Their perfect weapons aren’t working right, their numbers are too small, and the vampires seem to know who they are. It will take the ultimate leap of faith for the team to have a chance to complete their mission -- and survive.

Rating

Sexual- N/A

Review

A gripping novella from the start. The story is told by the main character, but you do not find out her name until the end. She has lost her whole family to vampires and is saved and taken in by The Order, a group trying to wipe out vampires and save humanity. After discovering time travel, The Order decides the best way to defeat vampires is to venture a thousand years into the past to stop the "plague" before it spreads. Seven people, including the main character, volunteer even though they know they can never return.

The way the story is told is an unusual approach that works really well. Since the main character can never return to the future, she has no way of knowing if her efforts in the past create a positive outcome in the future. Therefore, you are left wondering as well. With that said, I never felt as if I was left without an ending or with loose ends. I thought this story was very well written and would make a great foundation for a series.  

Spoiler:  I would not classify this as a Romance, hence the lack of a sexual rating. 

ARC Review Hunter of the Heart by Vanessa Jaye

Title: Hunter of the Heart
Author: Vanessa Jaye
Source: ARC Author Request
Genre: Paranormal/Shifter Romance
Format: eBook
Release Date: November 1, 2011

 

His darkest secret could be her only hope. 
 
Tessa Archer is sick of sitting on the sidelines of life, but the man she’s just met on her first Caribbean cruise is way out of her comfort zone. He’s dazzlingly handsome, compelling…and she swears she can hear his voice in her head before he speaks.

When Nathan Barcza touches Tessa’s hand, the jolt of recognition is unmistakable—and impossible. Werewolves mate only once—for life—and his mate was murdered by the creature he hunts, a Pithcus that hides somewhere aboard this ship. This is his final chance for vengeance.

The last thing he can afford is any distraction, but the siren call of Tessa’s open heart is irresistible. It also makes her a target of the creature who’s had a taste of her and wants more. To save her, Nate will have to unleash his last secret in a confrontation with no hope of survival.

For if the Pithcus doesn’t kill him, Nate’s partner is under orders to finish the job…

Warning: Contains a smoldering, sex-on-a-stick werewolf hero afraid to love again and a seriously annoyed heroine who can't figure out how she ended up as an appetizer on what feels like a raw-foods reality horror show. Includes graphic violence, explicit language, smoking-hot sex, squeeze-your-heart emotions and humor.

Rating

Sexual

Review
This is a short novel but it really packs a punch. Nate loses his mate to a horrendous creature/shifter called a Pithcus. Nate should have died as well since he was infected with it's poison, but somehow he beats the odds and survives. However he is now constantly fighting his own inner Pithcus who wants to take control. He has been paired up with Mitch to hunt and destroy the Pithcus and the hunt leads them to a cruise ship. When Nate comes across Tessa at the pool, he is only trying to be nice and get the meat head hitting on her to leave her alone. He soon realizes she is his long lost mate, or at least embodies some part of Beth's soul.

The story picks up quickly with Tessa thinking Nate is surely insane until she comes across the Pithcus herself. And what a disgusting creature it is! Mitch offers comic relief and I enjoyed the crude, totally man conversations between him and Nate. Mitch has quite the ego and is not very nice to Tessa. He sees her as a threat to Nate. I am not going to spoil anything, but I loved then scene when Mitch comes face to face with the Pithcus on the deck! I bet he didn't see that one coming!

This was a very creative story and not your typical shifter scenario.

 

Review Blue Blood For Life by Stacy Eaton

Title: Blue Blood For Life (My Blood Runs Blue, Book 2)
Author: Stacy Eaton
Source: Author Request
Format: eBook
Release Date: September 30, 2011

 

“You belong to me… for life…”

After a month off, Kristin comes back to work happier then she's been in a long time. Her new status in life has her solving crimes faster and better than she ever could before.
When Alex goes missing, Kristin finds she finally has to reveal the secrets of her life to her friends. Will they be able to stand beside her after they learn all that she has hidden from them?

Julian and Gabe stand beside her faithfully as they try to locate Alex. They are surprised to find Trent in Fawn Hollow, but know that Trent may be the only one to do what Alex has asked them to do. As one more choice is taken away from Kristin, she attempts to make the best of it, but finds herself drawn to Trent in a way Julian and Alexander could never compare to.

Trent goes to work with Kristin to keep her safe but will he be able to handle all that her police world entails? Can he handle the side of her that she reveals, the one that Alex and Julian know nothing about? When Kristin and Trent uncover the connection between her job and the kidnapping, they are finally able to put the pieces together, but can they get to Alex fast enough? Will Kristin be able to handle rescuing Alex and all that she learns in the process?

Join Kristin, Julian, Trent and Alexander as they dive into a new mystery that will have you turning the pages quickly to find out who is responsible and how Kristin’s life is forever changed once again.

Rating

Sexual

Review
I really enjoyed the first book, My Blood Runs Blue, and couldn't wait to start this one. It picks up right where the first book left off and the action starts right away. Alex is kidnapped and now it is up to Kristin and Julian to find him. A lot happens in this story and I do not want to give away any spoilers. Several new characters are introduced and I liked them all, especially Trent. He is the only one, other than Gabe, who sees Kristin as the independent and strong woman she is and does not constantly try to tell her what to do or what is best for her. Kristin is still struggling with trying to get all the men in her life to understand she is not going to sit back and let her life be planned out for her. While the last book did not end the way I would have liked, I understand why Kristin chose Alex over Julian. However, I was concerned with how he would handle her dedication to her job and her fierce independence. I was happy to see the author address these concerns in this novel and I was very happy with the ending.

 

Review My Blood Runs Blue by Stacy Eaton

Title: My Blood Runs Blue
Author: Stacy Eaton
Source: Author Request
Genre: Paranormal/Vampire Romance
Format: eBook
Release Date: April 11, 2011

 

Officer Kristin Greene has always felt that something was missing from her life. Although her job with the Fawn Hollow Township Police Department keeps her busy, she still feels like there is something else out there for her.

She soon finds herself investigating a homicide where a young woman has had her throat ripped out. When she has to give the death notification to the family, her investigative nature comes out fast and strong when the parents seem too accepting of their daughter's death and make comments that just don't fit.
When the family requests the assistance of the VMF Securities, Kristin is confused that they would think a security company could assist with the murder investigation. When Julian and Alexander arrive she quickly finds herself being pulled into a love triangle that has been going on longer then she has been alive. Why do they look at her as if they know her? And why do they keep talking about Calista?
Join Kristin as she fights to learn the truth about the recent murder, the seductive and blood drinking men that have entered into her life and the real truth about herself.

 Rating

Sexual

Review

Wow. What a fantastic start for a new series and new author. This novel is written in first person. While reading the same scene from each person's point of view can be a bit tiresome, it also adds a level of understanding for each character you would not have gotten otherwise. Julian and Alex's friendship ended years ago when they both loved the same woman, Calista. After her death, they both dealt with loss and guilt. Thirty five years later, Kristin is the reincarnation of Calista. Now the love triangle starts all over again. Through their memories, you feel how much both men truly loved her. Julian's memories of Calista's death are heart breaking. Now Kristin is faced with trying to sort through her feelings and everything she has learned to choose between the two. Have you ever wondered if you could go back and experience a major event in your life again, if you would make the same decisions? The answer to that question is what Julian and Alex both want and fear.

In the meantime, they still have to try to keep Kristin safe from the vampire intent on ridding the world of all female vampires/half breeds. I will openly admit I did not see the ending coming. I was surprised and I'm still processing how I feel. That is a sign of a good book! I can not wait to read the next one.

Review Demon Ryder by Tamara Hunter

Title: Demon Ryder
Author: Tamara Hunter
Source: Author Request
Format: eBook
Release Date: September 7, 2011

 

Retrieving an unauthorized alien from Demopolis, the demon city which lies beneath the streets of downtown Chicago, shouldn’t be a problem for Agent Camille Stevenson - not when she’s a former police officer and a telepath. But as soon as she sets foot underground, she discovers her first solo assignment will not be an easy one. Throw her ill-timed attraction to a secretive, sexy stranger in the mix and she’ll be lucky to escape with her life – let alone her heart.

Head of the peacekeeping force in Demopolis, Ryder Endemar has enough problems policing demons while making sure U.S. citizens remain unaware of the other world beneath their feet. A headstrong agent who believes she can handle herself in any situation is the last thing he needs – especially when she’s the boss’ s daughter and hot as Hell.

Rating

 Sexual

 Review

Camille is a Galactic Agent sent to Demopolis to retrieve an unauthorized alien. While there she comes across Ryder, a half human/half demon, who saves her from being kidnapped by a group of demon teens and then helps her escape during a demon uprising. The story was a little confusing at first and the conversations were a little odd. I did chuckle when Ryder mentions Demon uprisings under ground are the cause of Chicago's potholes. Majority of the story takes place over the course of one evening/night, so the relationship is rushed, which is very common in a novella. There just seemed to be something missing between Ryder and Camille and I can not put my finger on it.  Something just seemed to be lacking, more with Camille.  I wish their attraction to each other had more substance.  Ryder realizes he wants more from Camille from the beginning, but Camille never seems to show us more than how physically attractive she finds him.   

The story explains more towards the end but still leaves you with enough loose ends to set up for the next in the series. 

 

 

Review GunShy by Seleste deLaney

Title: GunShy
Author: Seleste deLaney
Source: Author Request
Format: eBook, Novella
Release Date: September 16, 2011

 

Banished from Olympus with orders to restore love to the world, Eros starts with a match no one sees coming. No one but him.

Straight-laced principal Kira isn’t looking for love, especially not right after getting dumped. Then a chance encounter leads her to Jesse, and damned if she isn’t drawn to the bad-boy with a heart of gold. A night of reckless abandon leaves her confused. Was there something there, or did she imagine the connection between them?

Jesse knows lying to Kira is a mistake, but she’s the first woman in a long time to see the man and not just the rock star. When his plan to come clean goes terribly wrong, Kira bolts, leaving Jesse in the dust.

Now Eros has to nudge the star-crossed lovers together and prove to Zeus that love does exist, even among the gun shy. 

Rating

Sexual

Review

Sometimes life gets stressful and hectic and you just can't find the energy or time to dive into a new series or a long book. Then along comes a wonderful, short novella that is just the pick me up you need. Gun Shy was exactly what I needed this week. It was a sweet story of taking a chance and finding love in the most unlikely places.

Eros has been banished to Earth for neglecting his job and allowing love among the humans to dissipate. Until he brings enough couples together he can't go back home. He starts with Kira, a high school principal who's less than classy boyfriend dumps her at the top of a Ferris wheel and Jesse, the bassist for a popular rock band who's tired of the partying and fast and fake lifestyle. Throw in a carnival, a fortune teller machine and a "wasp" sting and you find yourself pulled into a cute story that plays to the "rock star falls for everyday girl" fantasy in all of us. Now I think I'll go put on my favorite CD and pretend my rock star is a sweet as Jesse.

 

Review The Merzetti Effect By Norah Wilson

Title: The Merzetti Effect
Author: Norah Wilson
Source: Author Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance-Vampires
Format: ebook, 247 pages
Release Date: June 6, 2011

Delano Bowen has been a medical doctor for a very long time. More than 170 years, in fact. For much of that time, he’s been searching for a way to reverse the curse foisted on him by a vampress who sought to own him. With the emergence of medical technology, he now also aims to develop a vaccine to protect the vulnerable from predation by rogue vampires. After a century of searching, he thinks he's found the key to his vaccine – a surviving descendent of the Merzetti family. The Merzettis were virtually hunted to extinction over the years by rogue vampires who feared the anti-vampirism properties in their blood.

A foundling, nurse Ainsley Crawford has no idea that she carries a genetic gift, and Delano aims to keep it that way. He must keep her close, and ignorant, for he can leave nothing to chance. He manipulates events to ensure her unwitting cooperation. But when Delano's arch enemy Radak Janecek mounts an all-out assault to destroy Delano and the fruits of his research, Delano is forced to draw Ainsley even closer to protect her. Inevitably, the attraction that has sparked between them from the first flares hot and urgent. Ainsley sees no reason why that attraction shouldn't be consummated, but Delano knows succumbing to it is not just ill-advised; it could literally be the death of him.

Rating

Sexual

Review

This was not your typical vampire story. Delano Bowen is trying to create a vaccine to protect humans from rogue vampires and possibly find a "cure" to reverse vampirism. The answer lies in the genetic code carried in the blood of one family, thought to be long gone, hunted to extinction.

Being a vampire is looked at as an infection/virus and having it explained in medical terms makes it almost seem believable. I really enjoyed seeing the "scientific" side. Ainsley is of the long lost Merzetti family and her blood holds the answers for all of Delano's research. I felt bad for her being set up in the beginning, but I thought she handled the whole situation with grace. Delano is amazed by Ainsley's ability to accept everything that has happened to her and everything she has learned. He starts to develop deep feelings for her but he of course tries his hardest to keep his distance. While I would normally get tired of the whole "I love you but can't be with you because I know best" attitude, in this story I found myself totally agreeing with Delano. I wanted him and Ainsley to be together, but I also knew her blood could possibly kill him. In the few scenes where they lose control and let their hormones take over, I found myself cheering "Yes!" while at the same time yelling "NO!" I will admit there was one twist in the story I did not see coming.

This was a great book and I will be looking for the next one.

Review Seared By Desire by Jennifer T. Alli

Title: Seared By Desire
Author: Jennifer T. Alli
Source: Author Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: ebook-279 pages

A cold heart…
For centuries Lucian has battled on two fronts. Defeating the Malachites, all that stand between him and becoming King of the vampires and the demon within himself, battling desperately for release. His attention stretched thin he has no time for women but Sara, his fiery bride won’t be denied.

A burning touch…
With a deadly curse hanging over her head, Sara knows her time is short. Placing her life in Lucian's hands is a risk she knows she must take and one her innocent heart gladly makes for Lucian makes her body burn and her soul fly.

Never had hot and cold reacted so combustively.
Sara’s presence pushes Lucian to the brink of madness, her nearness making him crazed with the need for her blood. Though his fangs ache with longing, to bite her could condemn them both but the attraction between them is too strong to be denied. As they race headlong towards a fiery conclusion will they emerge unscathed to will the flames of desire consume them both?

Rating-

Sexual-

My Review:

-->Sara is a fire elemental whose body also houses the spirit of the fire element, Seraphina.  She is desperate to not be used as a tool of destruction by her village and to prevent the spirit from killing her. She flees to find the one who can save her. Lucian is the oldest vampire alive and is shocked to come across his bride.  He’s even more shocked when she forces her way into his world and demands his touch while agreeing to help his army in their fight.

I really enjoyed this story.  Sara was a fantastic heroine.  She was smart, rational and actually thought things through.  It was so refreshing to see a female lead who could stand on her own to feet from the start and earned respect from her actions.  Sara was a female character to be proud of. 

Lucian may have been Lord of the vampires but learns quickly he can’t, nor does he want, to change or control Sara.  He respects her compassion and inner strength and loves her all the more for it.  I liked that he gave Sara the chance to decide the fate of the ones who wronged her the most, when he could have easily disposed of them himself.  I look forward to more by this author.