Book Trailer Saturday (24) Shadow Rider

Some people believe you can fall in love at first sight. When it comes to books I believe those people. Book trailers are an excellent way to fall in love at first sight. I hope to feature a book trailer here every Saturday to help you fall in love at first sight..

The #1 New York Times bestselling “queen of paranormal romance”* is back with a sexy new series

starring a Chicago crime family that hides a dark, mystical secret...

Whether it’s fast cars or fast women, Stefano Ferraro gets what he wants. When he’s not fodder for the paparazzi, he commands Ferraro family businesses—both legitimate and illegitimate.

While their criminal activity is simply a rumor yet to be proven, no one knows the real truth. The Ferraros are a family of shadow riders capable of manipulating light and dark, an ability Stefano thought ran in his family alone—until now…

With little left to her name, Francesca Cappello has come to Chicago in hopes of a new life. She wasn’t expecting to attract the attention of a man with primal hunger in his eyes, driven to claim her as his to protect and to please. And if he discovers her secret, it could ruin her...

Review: Shadowdance

Author Kristen Callihan

Format e-book

Print Length 427 pages

Publisher Forever

Published Dec. 17, 2013

Once a heart is lost in shadow...

Life has been anything but kind to Mary Chase. But the Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals has given her purpose. Now she's been tasked with catching a vicious murderer dubbed the Bishop of Charing Cross. But someone is already on the case—and the last thing he relishes is a partner.

Only someone who lives in darkness can find it.

Jack Talent has been alone with his demons for many years. He never expected to have the willful Mary Chase assist him on the Bishop case. Their age-old rivalry reaches new heights—even as their desire for one another reaches a fever pitch. Though he aches to bring her close, Jack's dark secrets are a chasm between them. With dangerous enemies closing in, Jack must find the strength to face the past...or risk losing Mary forever.

My Opinion

Shadowdance is the fourth book in the series. You need to read this series in order as each book has roots in the previous novel. 

When we first met Jack, he was the valet to Ian Ranulf. He then moved into the role of protector for Winston Lane, and finally he has his own book. We get a glimpse of Mary early on in the series but she really came in her own in Winterblaze. As Poppy’s assistant we got to see a determined gal, who while technically a GIM, who is loyal to the SOS. The events of Winterblaze has changed Jack, he is harder now. Torture will do that to you I suppose. He is also meaner or at least with Mary he is. I truly didn’t understand why. She did save his life, why push her away. It took a long time for the big reveal on that to come about. By the time it did, I was so annoyed with him that it didn’t seem as big of a deal as it was to him.

Mary is partnered with Jack because he has made little progress with the Bishop of Charing Cross case. There is good reason for this, one I won’t tell. She is intuitive, intelligent and just as ruthless as Jack can be when catching a criminal. Is this one that the SOS can afford to catch? Then the copycat killer shows up, what is their agenda?

Both Jack and Mary have had hard lives already. Really both of their lives have been horrible. Both have been taken advantage of against their wills. It is a wonder that they have both come out of their situations relatively sane. With only one true aspect of their lives changed- that of relationships.

The relationship between Jack and Mary is one of animosity mixed with flirting, sprinkled with deep regret. Regret on both sides which may seem odd to the reader. I am not so sure I would have forgiven Jack. I would have for what was revealed. I just am not so sure I would have for his treatment of Mary during the last few years. I get his reasoning behind it, I just don’t like it. 

Shadowdance is the perfect blend of mystery, romance, paranormal. I liked this addition to the series. As to if it was the best so far in the series, I would have to say no, surprisingly. I liked Winterblaze a bit more than I did Shadowdance. I am looking forward to the next story as we were introduce to Will and Holly in this book.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “A thing is not defined by its limits, but by its potential to reach beyond them.”

Other People

Lucien Stone- kinda Mary’s creator

Holly- Mary’s bestie, and a genius

Will- Jack’s bestie, demon

Swoon Thursday (23) Evernight

The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. 

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound.

You put your hand in mine, keep me sane while I keep you safe. And then you shall put one foot in front of the other until you no longer have to count your steps, and I will not let you go.

page 125

"Tonight, I must let you go, keep my distance, for these men cannot see what you mean to me. Any weakness is assessed and preyed upon in an instant."

"I am your weakness." Guilt swamped her anew.

"And my strength."

page 269

Adam is such a swoon-worthy male/machine.  Holly a damaged genius.  Together they work.

Waiting on Wednesday (23) Deceived

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Luke Rogan's assignment is simple: secure young Elijah Scoffield
and his mother and bring them back to headquarters--just an ordinary mission for an operative of the Dark Alliance. But Elijah is no ordinary kid. He's the grandson of one of the country's most influential politicians--a man privy to the Alliance's most valuable secrets, including its centuries-long connection to the Knights Templar. And someone else is attempting to capture the boy--someone who's proven he doesn't give a damn about collateral damage. . .

Heartbroken at the lies that tore her world apart, Sarah Scoffield will do anything to protect her son--even if that means teaming up with a deadly stranger. But Sarah soon finds herself falling in love with her dark hero. And as danger stalks ever closer, the fiery desire that claims them awakens in Sarah passions she'd thought dead and buried long ago. . .

Why I am Waiting?

Ummm Kate SeRine wrote it. She is one of my all time favorite writers. So yeah, waiting on this one.

Teaser Tuesday (23) Shadowdance

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too

much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

He turned to storm off when she grabbed his lapel and hauled him back. 

Taking pleasure in the shock that parted his lips, she smiled. "I've seem your temper, Master Talent. You haven't been privy to mine."

With a lazy perusal, her gaze took in his heightened color and narrowed eyes. "While you'll be shouting about like a tot who's lost his lolly, I'll be the last you never saw coming."

It was quite satisfactory to leave him open-mouthed and silent- for once.

Shadowdance page 29

You gotta hand it to Mary. She sure knows how to threaten a guy. Even if said guy is suppose to be ten times as strong as her.  Plus, Talent kinda deserves her anger- he hasn't been nice.

Review: Winterblaze

Author Kristen Callihan

Format e-book

Print Length 422 pages

Publisher Grand Central Publishing

Published Feb. 26, 2013

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.

My Opinion

Wineterblaze picks up three months after the ending in Moonglow. The two most solidly in love characters of the series are apart. This one was a bit difficult to read at first, I didn’t realize that the book would have flashbacks in it or that it would be dual points of view. Once I got into the rhythm of it, it was awesomesauce.

The attack by a werewolf did not just damage Winston’s face it also ruined his marriage of fourteen years. His was a love match, the woman of his dreams yet her secrets destroyed his dreams. The attack on Winston caused Poppy’s other life to be revealed to him. The revelation- that his Poppy was not who he thought she was- sent him away more than his scars did. He is angry, rightfully so. Poppy so wanted to tell him, from the very beginning. It was not a matter of she wouldn’t instead that she couldn’t. An old enemy is messing with her mind, threatening her heart. Even though he left her, she will protect him.

Poppy is one kick butt gal. She is not afraid to protect what is hers. She knows she hurt Winston. She knows that she may have ruined their marriage beyond repair. Yet threaten what is hers and hell will have no match for what will rain down on you. She has had so much responsibility placed on her shoulders at an early age. This has made her seem stand-offish or even brutal to those around her. It is almost unfair how Winston reacts to the revelations. She takes full responsibility for the secrets she kept. Once those secrets were revealed though, the rationale behind keeping them is sound.

Winston, where on where did the logical police mind go? In the first two books, he was the analytical human eyes and ears. In this one, he is really emotional. I get that you were attacked, but three months man? That is a long time to be separated from someone you supposedly love, especially a self-inflicted exile. I get that he feels betrayed, I just thought he whined a little too much about it. Granted all the whine was internal, and we all tend to do that. Still, I felt horrible for his treatment of Poppy for about 3/4ths of the book. His internal dialog though makes me want to like him. He loves his wife, he is proud of his wife; he wants to protect his wife there is so much doubt standing in his way. 

The big baddie and what is revealed is a game changer, one that I welcomed with open arms. In fact, “how about them apples” popped up in my head. Although, I knew early on I would be cheering for Poppy in this one. Now I have even more reason to be on Team Poppy. 

Winterblaze is unique. It is a paranormal romance novel about a married couple who were deeply in love, can that love be found again? Before it is too late, or will one of them go to the land beyond. The threat is that deadly. Winterblaze brings the feels, from the first page to the last. You will get angry, you will laugh, you will sigh and you may even cry. Regardless, this is one emotional rollercoaster that you want to ride.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “If you fall, I will catch you.”

Other People

Mary- GIM, Poppy’s assistant

Talent- Winston’s valet (on loan from Ian)

Isley- demon

Jumping Genres in June Giveaway Hop!!!!

If you have been following the blog for any length of time you know that I tend to read paranormal romance novels, young adult or adult.  When Val at Stuck In Books decided to do a jumping Genre Giveaway Hop, I jumped at the chance.  I started looking for books that I normally wouldn't read but something called for me to try them out.  Some of these are the first in the series, others are not.  With Truthwitch and The Pages of the Mind, the covers are what drew me in.  With Romancing the Nerd it was the blurb.  With The Wedding Pact, the first book sealed the deal- I had to read this one.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There are a lot of hops to jump to! Here's hoping you have a hopping good time!

Review: The King Slayer

Author Virginia Boecker

Format e-ARC

Print Length 368 pages

Publisher Little, Brown Book for Young Readers

Published June 14, 2016

An action-packed and suspenseful sequel to The Witch Hunter, perfect for fans of Graceling and the Grisha Trilogy.

"I think, in time, you'll either be my greatest mistake or my greatest victory."

Former witch hunter Elizabeth Grey is hiding within the magically protected village of Harrow, evading the price put on her head by Lord Blackwell, the usurper king of Anglia. Their last encounter left Blackwell ruined, but his thirst 

for power grows stronger every day. He's readying for a war against those who would resist his rule--namely Elizabeth and the witches and wizards she now calls her allies.

Having lost her stigma, a magical source of protection and healing, Elizabeth's strength is tested both physically and emotionally. War always means sacrifice, and as the lines between good and evil blur once more, Elizabeth must decide just how far she'll go to save those she loves.

My Opinion

Thank you to Little, Brown Book for Young Readers and Netgalley for allowing me to review this novel. This in no way influenced my review.

The King Slayer picks up months after The Witch Hunter ended. Why months? 

**Spoiler alter for The Witch Hunter*** Elizabeth gave her stigma, the one that healed her and gave her strength, to John to save his life. This caused her healing process to slow to that of a regular human. No one but Nicholas, Peter, Fifer and Schuyler know what is going on. Blackwell cannot I repeat cannot find out. 

It took her literally months to heal from when she fought Blackwell. While she was healing, Blackwell was gaining power. He is also gathering an army of willing men and revenants. He wants Elizabeth back, why no one knows. He wants the Azoth back, for immortality. Mainly though he just wants power.

Elizabeth without her stigma is more vulnerable. Not just due to not having her strength or her healing ability. The stigma provided for her a sense of identity. Now she has none. She is no longer a witch hunter. This means she is going to have to train, she is going to have to regain her strength, she is going to have to trust those that she would rather not trust at all. She doesn’t regret giving up the stigma, but not knowing who you are is difficult for her. All she has left is her convictions. Some of which are is opposition with those that she loves. She is intelligent, she is tough. She does have one weakness though- her love for John.

Where The Witch Hunter was lacking in romance, The King Slayer makes up for it tenfold. I mean holy cowzier the swoony moments between John and Elizabeth are sigh…. John is still the sweet healer we knew and loved in The Witch Hunter. Months with the stigma though, is slowly changing him. As the book progresses, we notice these changes more and more. Sometimes change is not a good thing. In John the changes the stigma bring out are downright bad. The stigma was created with cruelty and dark magic, the very opposite of John. It takes some getting use to, this new John. 

The challenges that Elizabeth will face are going to be more difficult this time.  She will meet every challenge head on.  She is not afraid of death, for herself that is.  Her actions, although sometimes not the best, have good intentions yet she herself said "good intentions turn bad."  She will come face to face with her past- the former king Malcolm, the revenant Caleb, even John's ex.  How she handles each situation is well flawless and so Elizabeth.

What a fabulous ending for this duology. The King Slayer wraps up the story so well that you aren’t left with many questions. Instead it leaves you with a sigh of completion, a sense of happiness in a world where there was little to be happy about.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “It’s not enough to wait; it’s not enough to deny. Nor is it necessary to place blame, point finger, punish.”

Other People

Blackwell- King of Anglia

Nicholas- magic user

Fifer- Nicholas’ apprentice

Peter- John’s Dad

Schuyler- Fifer’s boyfriend,

Keagan- member of The Order

Book Trailer Saturday (23) True Born

Some people believe you can fall in love at first sight. When it comes to books I believe those people. Book trailers are an excellent way to fall in love at first sight. I hope to feature a book trailer here every Saturday to help you fall in love at first sight..

Welcome to Dominion City.

After the great Plague descended, the world population was decimated...and their genetics damaged

beyond repair.

The Lasters wait hopelessly for their genes to self-destruct. The Splicers pay for expensive treatments that might prolong their life. The plague-resistant True Borns are as mysterious as they are feared…

And then there's Lucy Fox and her identical twin sister, Margot. After endless tests, no one wants to reveal what they are.

When Margot disappears, a desperate Lucy has no choice but to put her faith in the True Borns, led by the charismatic Nolan Storm and the beautiful but deadly Jared Price. As Lucy and the True Borns set out to rescue her sister, they stumble upon a vast conspiracy stretching from Dominion’s street preachers to shady Russian tycoons. But why target the Fox sisters?

As they say in Dominion, it’s in the blood.

Review: Blood Lust

Author Alexandra Ivy

Format e-ARC

Print Length 352 pages

Publisher Zebra

Published May 31, 2016

Blessed and cursed by their hidden abilities, the Sentinels have no choice but to live, and love, on the edge of humanity…

The Sentinel assassin, Bas, is facing the greatest challenge of his outcast existence. His young daughter, Molly, has been kidnapped. But her disappearance has brought the return of her mother, Myst, whom Bas has never forgotten--or forgiven. 

Haunted by a vision that she's destined to create a weapon that will destroy thousands, Myst was never impulsive--until she met the irresistibly handsome Bas. But with the Brotherhood, the enemy of the high-bloods hunting for her, Myst had to stay on the run, to keep her child, and the world, safe. Now, with the most important thing in both their lives at stake, she and Bas must embark on a treacherous journey to save Molly, to confront the truth of Myst's fate--and to face their fierce desire for one another. 

My Opinion

Thank you to Zebra and Netgalley for allowing me to review this novel. This in no way influenced my review.

Blood Lust is the third book in the enticing Sentinel series. It picks up pretty much were the previous book, Blood Assassins ends.

Bas has his daughter Molly back. The last week has been heaven- taking care of her, holding her, never letting her out of his sight. Then walks in Myst, a woman who he hasn’t seen since the night Molly was conceived. Bas never knew but Molly has been able to connect mentally with Myst since before she was born. Myst left the security of her hiding place to keep a promise she made to Molly when she was kidnapped.

Bas finds out why Myst left Molly with him so soon after her birth. She is being hunted by the Brotherhood (human fanatic group). They believe she can destroy all the high-bloods, this of course includes Molly and him. She refuses to be used as a weapon and so has been in isolation for years. Bas decides that they need to confront the mystery of her foreseen future head on. He calls in the Mave of Valhalla for help, even though he is a wanted man. She agrees to help, as well as protect Molly until the threat is over.

When we first met Bas he was a powerful man, driven to desperate means due to his daughter being kidnapped. He literally would do anything, kill anyone to get his little girl back. It was his unconditional love for his daughter that makes him less of a villain even if his actions put him on Valhalla’s most wanted list. He has spent years looking for Myst, and is shocked to have her literally just walk up to his front door. He doesn’t know what to make of her- why would she leave them all those years ago? What does it mean that she has always talked to Molly mentally? There are so many questions that he wants the answers to. Yet, he is patient with Myst. He tries to be understanding and hold no resentment. It is hard though and at times he does get frustrated at the situation. His protective side, his assassin side comes out in full force. Bas on a normal day is hot, Bas on a day where he is in protective mad assassin mode is HOTT!

Myst was difficult for me to like at first. She did leave her baby on Bas’ bed. It was hard to understand how a person could do that. Then we find out, hello insta-love Myst you rock of awesomeness! She left Molly to protect her. She is tired of running, she is tired of hiding but most of all she is tired of not being with her family.

The chemistry between Bas and Myst are off the charts, always have been. It is the years of hurt that they have to overcome. Can they face the newest threat to their family together? Or will it tear them apart forever?

The best thing about this series is the side characters- Lana, Wolfe, Kaede. Each of them played an important role in the story. They each played an important role in the last book as well. When oh when will they get their own story? This series has the potential to be endless, as so far each new book is about another couple with in the Valhalla realm. 

Blood Lust was a thrilling ride from the first page to the last. I would recommend starting with the first book in the series, and reading the novellas that have been published. It will give you a better foundation for the world that the high-bloods and Sentinels live in. 

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Emotions are the enemy.”

Other People

Lana- Mave

Wolfe- Tagos, in charge of the Sentinels

Molly- Bas and Myst’s daughter

Calder- Master of Gifts

Kaede- Bas’ bestie, bodyguard

Stella- leader of the Brotherhood

Swoon Thursday (22) Winterblaze

The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. 

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound.

It did not matter if she could readily defend herself. She was his wife, which meant it was his duty to lay down his life to protect her. He'd say it was his right, but the uncomfortable truth that he'd walked out on her kept him from shouting that to the tops of the mainmast.

Winterblaze page 74

"You are my cornerstone."

"And you are my happiness. But we will both have to go on," she whispered, breaking his heart, tearing apart his soul.

Winterblaze page 147

Winston and Poppy have a lot of issues to work out. A lot. I so desperately hope that they do work them out though.

Waiting on Wednesday (22) The Wendigo Witchling

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Cassie is part of it now. Turns out, she may not want to join the
coven, but that’s exactly what she did when she bonded herself to Nate. Rather than face the ordeal of joining the clan, Cassie finds it’s time for a road trip with her best friend, Whitney. The road trip was to get away, maybe learn a bit more about night humans—it wasn’t to find a deep dark secret hidden in Whitney’s past, one that may hit a little closer to home than Cassie wants to admit. With their road trip cut short, it is time to confront everyone about the lies that had been their lives, but Cassie soon finds out home isn’t exactly how she left it.
Where have all the witches gone? She’s the only witch left in town when they return. Soon she is dragged into more than she bargained for and she has to make choices that will change everything. She’s finally given a choice: does she want to be a skinwalkers witch or a wendigo witch? Too bad there are more secrets than answers. Without all the facts, can she really choose her life’s direction? Time isn’t on her side as she has to make a choice. Now she just hopes it’s the right one.

Why I am Waiting?

I like Nate, Cassie is okay but I need to know that Nate is happy. Plus, will Whitney and Cassie’s cousin get along or is that a pipe dream.