Review: Burn For Me

Author Ilona Andrews

Format ebook
Print Length 400 pages
Publisher Avon
Published October 28, 2014

#1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews launches a brand new Hidden Legacy series, in which one woman must place her trust in a seductive, dangerous man who sets off an even more dangerous desire…

Nevada Baylor is faced with the most challenging case of her detective career—a suicide mission to bring in a suspect in a volatile case. Nevada isn’t sure she has the chops. Her quarry is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, who can set anyone and anything on fire.

Then she’s kidnapped by Connor “Mad” Rogan—a darkly tempting billionaire with equally devastating powers. Torn between wanting to run or surrender to their overwhelming attraction, Nevada must join forces with Rogan to stay alive.

Rogan’s after the same target, so he needs Nevada. But she’s getting under his skin, making him care about someone other than himself for a change. And, as Rogan has learned, love can be as perilous as death, especially in the magic world.

My Opinion

Nevada Baylor inherited the Baylor Investigative Agency from her dad, she runs it with the help of various family members. House Montgomery now owns the agency, Nevada still operates it. They pretty much force her to take a job she doesn’t want to take. She has been tasked with the job of bring Adam Pierce in, after he sets off a chain of events that harm both the human and magic communities. Adam is a pyrokinetic magic user of Prime status- translation he is hot and dangerous. Conner “Mad” Rogan is trying to find his cousin’s son, Gavin. He was with Adam when Adam committed a bank heist that killed some people. The entire city is after Adam, yet Nevada is the only person to make contact with him. Rogan is hoping to use this to get to Gavin. Conner got his reputation for being “Mad” by acting different than that of other magical houses.

The chemistry between Nevada and “Mad” Rogan are off the charts. The tension and banter between these two had me reading will into the night. Nevada is a smart, strong-willed woman. She knows that she is her family’s only mean of survival and she will do anything in her power to protect them. Going after Adam protects them, working with Rogan protects them. Nevada labels Rogan as a psychopath. A lot of readers may label Mad Rogan as a sociopath- I cannot jump on that bandwagon. Yes, he does has some extreme antisocial behaviors- for the good of society. (He knows he is dangerous, his magic is dangerous.) He had to use his magic in the military and he has seen what it can do. A sociopath also is without a conscious. That is not Mad Rogan at all. He hires ex-military members to be on his team. Members that were left to fend for themselves and were failing at that.

There are going to be some people that think the attraction between Mad Rogan and Nevada is far reaching. He did kidnap her, before he actually met her and there was some bit of magic foreplay that others would call torture. The reality is though that Mad Rogan needs someone who balances him. Nevada does that, she doesn’t let him push her around. More importantly she reminds him what it means to be human. Which in his case, he needs a lot of reminding. The chemistry and tension between these two characters is HOTT! (Yeah, totally worth the extra T.)

Burn for me is a fascinating paranormal romance. This one is different in that it deals solely with magic, no shifters/vamps for this world. The author takes enough time world building that you don’t get lost. The world built is interesting; I could read several books about different people in this world alone. As it is, I am still waiting for the second book in this series.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Would you like to be carried away?”

Other People
Penelope- Nevada’s mom, sharp shooter
Grandma Frida- granny gots mad skills and connections
Bern- cousin, computer wiz

Review: Of Flame and Promise

Author Cecy Robson
Format e-ARC
Print Length 180 pages

Publisher Loveswept
Published January 12, 2016

Cursed by a spell meant to destroy them, Taran Wird and her sisters instead developed unique magical talents. With the power of fire and lightning literally at her fingertips, Taran doesn’t fear much. Demons, vamps, whatever—bring ’em on! Only one thing terrifies her: commitment.

Taran is crazy about her boyfriend, Gemini, a sexy were with the incredible ability to split into two separate wolves. But after watching her sister go through heartbreak with the pack’s Alpha, Taran knows not to count on happily ever after—despite Gemini’s desire to claim her as his mate. Reluctantly, she agrees to meet his very traditional and conservative parents. Taran’s a badass with a mouth to match, and Gemini loves her for it. She’s just not positive these attributes will please Mom and Dad.

Unsurprisingly, every attempt by Taran to bond with Gemini’s folks proves disastrous. But in the end, Taran finds that winning them over means unleashing her powers . . . and proving that this foul-mouthed fire-starter is a force to be reckoned with.

My Opinion

Oh my goodness- this book is slap your momma good! It has it all: action packed, passion filled and of course sisterly love. The kind that slaps you in the face with truth and protects you like a momma bear from all other harm.

Of Flame and Promise is the sixth book in the Weird Girls series. The other five books are Ceclia’s story, this kick-starts Taran’s tale. Although published after the Cursed by Destiny, it should be read before it if you want to fall the stories in “order” of events that occur.

Taran and her sisters were cursed by a crazy lady, who just so happens to be related to them. This curse has given them different powers- Taran is the power of fire. She can wield it just by thought, or emotions. Taran’s boyfriend is Tomo, known as Gemini (when he shifts he splits into two wolves not just one). Gemini wants to claim Taran as his mate- this is extremely important in the shifter world. Celia’s relationship issues with Aric, has given Taran frost bite cold feet in regards to becoming Gemini’s mate. Taran has always had bit of a commitment phobia, watching Celia’s pain (brought on by her mate, Aric) has made her totally against the idea.

While she keeps putting off the bonding ceremony, Gemini decides that it’s time for her to meet his parents. Those of you who know Taran know that she is not parent material. She is not the gal you take home introduce her to your momma and your papa. She is opinionated, loud, and well has a vocabulary that would make a sailor blush. The very thought of meeting his parents terrifies her. Yet, she agrees.

Gemini’s parents are old school. Which is another reason that Taran has a hard time impressing them. She so wants to make a good impression, to show Gemini how much she loves him. Taran tries so hard to make good impression on Gemini’s parents. She wants them to like her, but well…What occurs is like a horrible sitcom or a train wreck. That is until she decides to be herself again and screw it. Then the awesomeness of Taran emerges.

Taran is as much of a power force as Celia is. She has been through pretty much the same as Celia, the only difference is that humans were not terrified of her. So instead of avoiding her they would do the exact opposite. This has left a toll on Taran just as isolation had on Celia. It also explains how Taran because the loud personality that she is. It makes her…. well her. Gemini’s love for Taran shines through in this story. I was literally awestruck by his support of her, his believe in her and his desire for her to be his mate. I already thought that he was more swoon-worthy than Aric, this tale seals the deal.

The threat to Gemini, his parents and Taran is very real. The action was fast paced. There were moments where I felt my heart literally stop. Would they all make it out alive? Would they all make it out whole? Heck, would his parents ever accept her?

Of Flame and Promise is the perfect start for Taran and Gemini’s tale. It allows us to see their love for each other. It allows us to see how hard emotional entanglements are for Taran. It reinforces the bond of the sisters- how much they depend on each other. I am literally on the edge of the couch waiting for announcements of when the next installment into the Weird Girls world will come out.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “When adoration runs that deep, so does its torment.”

Other People

Aric- Alpha of Gemini’s pack
Celia- Taran’s oldest sister, shifter
Emme- Taran’s youngest sister, healer
Shayna- Taran’s younger sister, metal manipulator
Genevieve- Head witch of the local coven
Mrs. Mancuso- elderly neighbor and the bane of Taran’s existence

Swoon Thursday (48)

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.

"Look outside your window."

I got up and snuck to the window, trying not to wake Bern. Brilliant red carnations filled the parking lot. Some bright red, some dark, almost purple, they rose from planters- hundreds, no probably thousands, illuminated by small red lights thrust between the planters blending together into one giant beautiful carnation flower.

Burn for Me Kindle location 4298

I didn't know why he'd given them to me. It was probably a trap or some sort of manipulation. Maybe it was an apology. I had no idea, but I was sure that no matter how long I lived, no man would ever give me five thousand carnations again.

Burn for Me Kindle Location 4318

You gotta hand it to Mad Rogan, he sure knows how to make his intentions known. Too bad Nevada is so bad at understanding them. Maybe she won't give him too hard of a time saying "I'm sorry."

Waiting on Wednesday (48) Bookishly Ever After

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.

In a perfect world, sixteen-year-old Phoebe Martins’ life would be a book. Preferably a YA novel with magic and a hot paranormal love

interest. Unfortunately, her life probably wouldn’t even qualify for a quiet contemporary. But when Phoebe finds out that Dev, the hottest guy in the clarinet section, might actually have a crush on her, she turns to her favorite books for advice. Phoebe overhauls her personality to become as awesome as her favorite heroines and win Dev’s heart. But if her plan fails, can she go back to her happy world of fictional boys after falling for the real thing?

Why am I waiting?

The thought of this one is just so sweet. Sometimes it would be better to live in books. Sometimes we turn to our favorites for advice. Sometimes books are enough.

Teaser Tuesday (48) Of Flame and Promise

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!

"No, Taran. What's your problem? Jeez, you can be so completely selfish. Here you sit, all upset because the guy who's madly in love with you- who treats you like angels dropped you in his arms-

wants to commit to you forever."

Of Flame and Promise Kindle Location 559

Sometimes a gal needs a little tough love from her sister.

Review: His Witch to Keep

Author Zoe Forward
Format e-book
Print Length 205 pages

Publisher Entangled: Covet
Published November 9, 2015

A paranormal category romance from Entangled's Covet imprint...

Wanting her was one thing. Keeping her was another...

Serenity Danssaert was already in way over her head. Not even her MI6 training or her powers as one of the seven Pleiades witches is going to save her sister. Then Alexi Jovec shows up. A secret operative working for unknown forces, he's impossibly sexy and dangerous...and the guy who bailed on Serenity after a red-hot, racy night.

So bonding to him as her destined—the One—is so very wrong.

While Alexi’s need to own Serenity—body, soul, and beyond—is nearly unbearable, it's also forbidden. He's the last man who could ever be her destined. Besides, Hades's right-hand man cannot bond with a chosen Pleiades witch. He may be the one man who can protect her, but she can never be his to keep.

My Opinion

Alexi is a reaper who has been Serenity’s guardian angel for the last decade. He notices that Serenity has been taking risk this past week and wonders why. Serenity is a Pleiades witch who is suppose to be breeding the next generation of witches. She can’t seem to find her mate- he is expected to be a Sentry druid. She instead lusts after Alexi and does special ops missions. These missions have made her a target, as does her status as a Pleiades witch. When a price goes out for her head, Alexi must find out why. He must also protect her, at all cost.

Serenity’s little sister has been kidnapped. It is up to her to find out who the kidnappers are and save her sister. She is all the family Serenity has left. Serenity is willing to give up her own life for that of her little sister. Alexi is not so willing to lose Serenity- her sister would be a poor replacement for her.

This story is told in dual perspectives, it flips between Serenity and Alexi. Alexi’s voice is more entertaining than that of Serenity. The story centers around their relationship or lack there of. Yes, saving her sister and getting the price off of her head are always at the forefront but their relationship is the driving force of the story. While their desire is obvious, their trust of each other is not. Both are keeping secrets- that could get either of them killed.

His Witch to Keep is the second book in the Keepers of the Veil series. I recommend reading the first book before reading this one. Yes, the main characters are different but the first book has more world building in it. An entertaining read, if you have time to add it into your reading pile.

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Women are a dangerous distraction.”

Other People

Eli- Serenity’s best friend
Nikolai- Alexi’s brother

Review: Magic Shifts

Author Ilona Andrews
Format e-book

Print Length 342 pages
Publisher Ace
Published August 2, 2015

In the latest Kate Daniels novel from #1 New York Timesbestselling author Ilona Andrews, magic is coming and going in waves in post-Shift Atlanta—and each crest leaves danger in its wake…

After breaking from life with the Pack, mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate—former Beast Lord Curran Lennart—are adjusting to a very different pace. While they’re thrilled to escape all the infighting, Curran misses the constant challenges of leading the shapeshifters.

So when the Pack offers him its stake in the Mercenary Guild, Curran seizes the opportunity—too bad the Guild wants nothing to do with him and Kate. Luckily, as a veteran merc, Kate can take over any of the Guild’s unfinished jobs in order to bring in money and build their reputation. But what Kate and Curran don’t realize is that the odd jobs they’ve been working are all connected.

An ancient enemy has arisen, and Kate and Curran are the only ones who can stop it—before it takes their city apart piece by piece…

My Opinion

Curran is no longer Beast Lord and Kate is no longer Consort of the Pack. Those positions are now held by Jim and Dali. George comes to Kate to help her find Eduardo a werebuffalo that she has come to love. George is Mahon’s daughter, she was raised with Curran as her brother. Mahon doesn’t want his daughter to be with Eduardo and so is refusing to search for him. Eduardo was working for the Mercenary Guild, Kate’s old employer- when he disappeared.

Once they start investigating Kate realizes that there is more to this than just Edwardo disappearing. He was targeted on purpose. She must find out why, and how to prevent the destruction that will occur if the evil force has enough power.

It was interesting to see Kate and Curran as a “normal” couple. No longer having the responsibility of the Pack and Curran’s status as borders to their life. They handle the transition fairly well, bringing Julie along for the ride. Their chemistry and love for each other is prevalent throughout the book. Yet the book was more about Kate and Curran’s relationship with everyone else verses each other. They are solid together, there are swoony moments.

Magic Shifts was a good addition to a great series. Unfortunately, that is how I thought of it. As an addition. It didn’t really add to the series, or take away from the series. Just seemed more like a side story.

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “The moment you start speaking, you become less scary, and I had no intention of being less scary."

Other People

Derek- wolf shifter, Kate’s trusty side-kick
Julie- Kate’s ward
Mahon- Alpha of Clan Heavy
Barabas- Curran’s lawyer
Ghastek- Master of the Dead
Roland- Kate’s daddy, kinda evil

Book Trailer Saturday (37) Anomaly

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...


Reality is only an illusion.
Except for those who can control it… 
Worst. Birthday. Ever. 

My first boyfriend dumped me—happy birthday, Josie!—my dad is who knows where, I have some weird virus that makes me want to hurl, and now my ex is licking another girl’s tonsils. Oh, and I’m officially the same age as my brother was when he died. Yeah, today is about as fun-filled as the swamps of Dagobah. But then weird things start happening…

Like I make something materialize just by thinking about it.

When hottily-hot badass Reid Wentworth shows up on a motorcycle, everything changes. Like, everything. Who I am. My family. What really happened to my brother. Existence. I am Oculi, and I have the ability to change reality with my thoughts. Now Reid, in all his hotness, is charged with guiding and protecting me as I begin learning how to bend reality. And he’s the only thing standing between me and the secret organization that wants me dead…(less)

Review: Revenge

Author Sonya Weiss
Format e-ARC

Print Length 208 pages
Publisher Lyrical Press, Inc
Published December 22, 2015

Their love is a ticking time bomb.

Juliet Sawyer was born to save the world. Gifted with incredible powers, she’s the only one standing in the way of The Great Extinction, the prophesied battle between Supernaturals and humans. In order to keep her sister safe and avenge her father’s murder, she’ll have to infiltrate the ranks of the Supernatural leaders who wish to destroy her. But the one thing she didn’t count on was falling in love…with someone who wants her dead.

The gorgeous and dangerous son of one of the Supernatural leaders, Riley West is in charge of training the group for war—now including Juliet, whose father is responsible for killing his family. But the more they train together, the more intensely their passion for each other burns. The deeper Riley is drawn in by Juliet’s beauty, the closer he gets to the secrets she keeps: one that will challenge everything he believes in—and one that could lead to her death. Together, can their forbidden love help stop the war? Or will one of them be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice?

My Opinion

Humans and Supernaturals live together not in perfect harmony more like mutual wariness. Juliet has been living as a human. She isn’t one though. Her daddy was a scientist and well let’s just say her DNA is not normal- for humans or Supernaturals. Her dad was in charge of the rebellion, he died. Juliet has taken up his cause, even protecting mix blood children. All Supernaturals have a service requirement, Juliet is about to be drafted.

Riley West is the head of the Probation Officers, his dad happened to be the leader that Juliet’s dad opposed. It falls to him to train Juliet. Juliet’s dad is responsible for the deaths of Riley’s mom and brother. Riley’s dad is who killed Juliet’s dad. Riley is next in line to be king. Since Juliet’s daddy was not loyal to the king she has to train away from her family at “The Camp.” There is a lot of animosity between these two.

Juliet is a strong female character with high moral values and does not deviate from them. She very clearly sees right and wrong. Because of this, she is willing to risk her life to save that of the mixed bloods. She would also risk her life for that of her sister, Maisy. Maisy is in hiding since she is a mixed blood- a royal decree mandated that she be killed.

It is interesting to watch her relationship with Riley develop. While the physical attraction is instant, the emotional attraction is a slow burn. It is nice to see that these two high school students don’t just jump into a relationship. They have a lot of mistrust for each other- a lot of warranted mistrust. Riley fights the attraction even hard than Juliet.

With the threat of the Ragespawns, the threat of the humans and the threat of the council this dynamic duo have a lot on their hands. Sacrfices will be made, lives will be lost. Will Riley and Juliet be on the same side? Or will the war forever separate them?

Revenge is an engaging tale. It does end in a bit of a cliffhanger. One that leaves you satisfied with the first book and wondering about the next one.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Bitterness is a poison, you know.”

Other People

Gordon- Juliet’s best friend
Andrea- Juliet’s cousin, mediator
Stone- Supernatural, protector of the mixed bloods
Maisy- Juliet’s sister
Rick Simmon- FBI agent, Friendly Alien Division
Rebecca- mean gal, in lust with Riley
Ide- Riley’s brother

Swoon Thursday (47) Magic Shifts

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.

The strength of the arms wrapped around me. His eyes. The way he looked at me... "Stay with me, Kate," he said.

"I will," I promised.

Magic Shifts page 177

"It's okay," I told him.

"I know." His voice was quiet. "I will always be there. I will walk across the whole planet if I have to."

Magic Shifts page 188

I know you don't know what is going on. These two scenes are swoon-worthy in the context in which they are given. Curran is begging her to stay- that had my eyes filled with tears. His support of her over the series is just awe inspiring.

Waiting on Wednesday (47) Truthwitch

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.

On a continent ruled by three empires, some are born with a “witchery”, a magical skill that sets them apart from others.

In the Witchlands, there are almost as many types of magic as there are ways to get in trouble—as

two desperate young women know all too well.

Safiya is a Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lie. It’s a powerful magic that many would kill to have on their side, especially amongst the nobility to which Safi was born. So Safi must keep her gift hidden, lest she be used as a pawn in the struggle between empires.

Iseult, a Threadwitch, can see the invisible ties that bind and entangle the lives around her—but she cannot see the bonds that touch her own heart. Her unlikely friendship with Safi has taken her from life as an outcast into one of reckless adventure, where she is a cool, wary balance to Safi’s hotheaded impulsiveness.

Safi and Iseult just want to be free to live their own lives, but war is coming to the Witchlands. With the help of the cunning Prince Merik (a Windwitch and ship’s captain) and the hindrance of a Bloodwitch bent on revenge, the friends must fight emperors, princes, and mercenaries alike, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch. 

Why am I waiting?

Umm haven’t you seen the hype on this book. There are a bunch of people waiting on it. So yes… I am jumping on the bandwagon. On a more serious note, all the book trailers for this one is oh my goodness!

Teaser Tuesday (47) Revenge

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!

"Uh-huh, maybe. Maybe the sky is green. Maybe I'll fall crazy in love with you, and we'll live

happily ever after. Maybe the Ragespawn bite because they're misunderstood."

"You don't have to get sarcastic."

Revenge Kindle Location 1140

"You're quick and I'm assuming you're smart, so I'm going to give you a tip to help you out." She slipped a hand into her lab coat. "You need to forget your crush on Riley."

"I don't have a crush on Riley," I said, knowing it was a lie.

"He's mine."

Revenge Kindle Location 1471

The first teaser is between Riley and Juliet. Riley is the one being funny.

The second one is between Juliet and Rebecca. I am thinking that Rebecca has staked her claim but does Riley know?