{REVIEW} Lover Reborn by J. R. Ward

Lover Reborn (Black Dagger Brotherhood #10) by J.R. Ward
My Rating: 3.5 of 5
Publication Date: Mar 27, 2012
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

Ever since the death of his shellan, Tohrment is a heartbroken shadow of the vampire leader he once was. Brought back to the Brotherhood by a self-serving fallen angel, he fights again with ruthless vengeance- and is unprepared for a new tragedy. Seeing his beloved in dreams—trapped in a cold, desolate netherworld—he turns to the angel to save his former mate, only to despair at the path he himself must take to set her free. As war with the lessers rages, and a new clan of vampires vies for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between an unforgettable past, and a future that he doesn’t know he can live with… but can’t seem to turn away from. (SOURCE)

I'm a huge fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I have been reading these books since just before the release of book 3 (my favorite) so I look forward to every new release. As the books go deeper into the world Ward has created things get more detailed and more and more secondary characters pop up. Sometimes that distracts from what I really want to read about (which is the couple that the book is suppose to be about). I'm slightly use to that with these books though and I believe that it helps with future growth of the series.

That said, sometimes it can be overwhelming, so I'm torn on whether or not I want less details or not. I'd have liked to have "seen" more of Tohr and No'One getting to know one another. There was a lot of skipping time, which I understand because the progression of Tohr's getting back to some semblance of his old self was needed. But I felt like I missed out on a lot too because there was so much other stuff going on in the book.

I enjoyed the character of No'One. I could see her growing as a person, finally coming out of the shell she'd put herself in so long ago. Tohr had a lot to do with that of course, but there were a few moments when I really just wanted to punch him really hard. His desire to keep himself cut off from emotions by hurting No'One was uncalled for, in my opinion. She'd done nothing but try to help him and atone for the past wrongs she felt she'd dealt him. Grrr.

I liked that Xhex and No'One slowly became bonded. I'd really hoped that would happen for them eventually. They both needed that connection so badly, for different reasons obviously, but it was still important. I don't know how I felt about the conflicts that Xhex and John Michael were going through though. It was understandable how they both felt and I completely sympathized. Though I really wanted to see things go smoothly for them after they'd been mated.

One thing I missed was Qhuinn and Blay. I'm a huge shipper of them and one of the things I look forward to most in the books is more interaction between the two of them. I take every little scrap I can get but there wasn't really much in Lover Reborn, especially considering the amount of content that wasn't based on Tohr and No'One that was in the book. I'd have rather had more Qhuay and Tohr/No'One than the other extras.

As if the Lessers aren't enough of a problem for the BDB, we now have the Band of Bastards too. I almost feel like they could be their own series, instead of throwing them into the Black Dagger books.

While this wasn't one of my favorites of the series I did enjoy it. I just felt that some parts were too long and some parts not long enough. I was left with an overwhelming desire to say "Please ma'am, may I have some more?" With the announcement of whose book will be next, I'm looking forward to book 11.


These are only my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{LAUNCH PARTY} Streamline by Jennifer Lane

STREAMLINE launch party!
Publish Date: Mar 27, 2012
Publisher: Omnific

Seems like Leo Scott has it all: looks, brains, and athletic talent. He’s captain of his high school swim team with a bright future in college and beyond. But Leo has secrets. His mother’s crippling car accident has devastated his family and left Leo to deal with his father’s abuse, battered and alone.  Leo’s girlfriend Audrey Rose is poised for her own share of success. As one of Florida’s top high school swimmers, Audrey dreams of college swimming stardom. But there’s an obstacle to her glorious rise to the top. Her number-one supporter--her father--is in prison for murder.  Part murder mystery, part tale of young love in a military family, this gripping story takes readers on a journey from Pensacola to Annapolis. Leo and Audrey must band together to rise above the adversity they encounter and find their true selves in the process. When everything’s on the line . . . streamline. (SOURCE)

You can enter to win a copy here! Or swing on by Omnific Publishing to grab a copy. It will also be sold by Amazon!


I love Jennifer Lane's story telling and am so excited about this book! I hope you'll grab a copy of your own. Be sure to drop by Jennifer's blog and check out the other sites that have joined the launch party!

{REVIEW} Cursing Athena (Order of Seven) by Lisa Sanchez

Cursing Athena (Order of Seven) by Lisa Sanchez
My Rating:  3.5 of 5
Publication Date: Mar 6, 2012
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

For Danika, the only thing worse than going commando while wearing a fugly, silver bodysuit, was dealing with her deadbeat, ex-husband James. Catcalls, unwanted groping and lecherous stares weren’t really her cup of tea either, but she’d endure all of it and more if her new job serving cocktails at Masquerade meant ridding herself of his mountain of debt. It was just a job, after all, and what choice did she have with James' creditors breathing down her neck? What she didn't bargain for, however, was falling heels-over-head in lust with a two-hundred-plus pound, shape-shifting immortal from Ancient Greece.
On a mission to take down a parasitic demon, Ty doesn't have time for distraction. Not even when that distraction could prove to be his possible lifemate in the form of sweet, innocent, yet sexy-as-hell Danika. But when the leech he’s hunting goes after the cocktail waitress, all bets are off. Unable to resist her siren call any longer, Ty surrenders himself to Danika, body and soul, treating them both to a night they'll never forget. (SOURCE)

First off, I really love Lisa's writing! This is the second book of hers I've read and enjoyed immensely. Cursing Athena is a bit short but it doesn't take away from how great the story is. Their is a supernatural aspect that boosts the romantic.

Ty is party of Athena's army of elite seven. They protect humans from demons. These men are hand picked by Athena to serve her. But Ty is also cursed to be a shape shifer. He is the perfect weapon-- powerful, lethal and nearly indestructible.

Danika is newly divorced and struggling to support herself by working two jobs. One of which is a server in a popular night club. A place that has a skeazy boss and questionable goings on. But she needs the job to pay off the debt left for her by an ex-husband.

Ty is on the hunt for a particularly vicious demon when he sees Danika. He is instantly attracted to her, unable to keep his eyes off of her across the room. Danika feels it, her body reacting instantly, even before she sees him. I loved that piece of the story-- how aware she was of him without even knowing what she was reacting to.

When she approaches Ty's table, he is cold. He is a man unwilling to let himself get distracted until he finds the demon he's after. That is, until Danika's disgusting boss comes to her, demanding she give a lap dance to an equally disgusting patron. Ty decides to step in and Danika thinks that just maybe, he might be interested in her after all.

Ty defends Danika, intimidates her boss and demands he buy her time himself. When Danika's soon to be ex-husband shows up she tries to get him to leave, fearing he will cause her to lose the job she needs. Things with him heat up and he drags her to a back room. He's a violent man and Danika is in danger. She manages to get away from him but he's not done yet.

Danika losing her job because of her ex forces Ty to realize he needs to help her. The connection he feels for her is undeniable. When she leaves the club Ty follows her, keeping her out of harms way when someone attacks. It made my heart pound because Ty shifts into his animal. He could tear her to pieces even though he was only following her so he cold make sure she was safe. Once Ty takes care of the attacker he takes Danika back to his place... where he explains his life to her. Giving her the chance to walk away if she wants to. (Really, who would?)

The vulnerability he shows really tugged at my heart. And the tension and chemistry between the two is off the charts. Cursing Athena left me wanting more, which is not a bad thing, especially given that it's not a stand alone book. I'm really curious to see where the next book goes and to find out more about the shifters and their purpose. I like the twist Ms. Sanchez used to create her little universe.

Cursing Athena is available in ebook only and it's priced at a steal. Go. Read. Now.






These are only my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{REVIEW} No Dress Required by Cari Quinn

No Dress Required by Cary Quinn
My Rating: 3.5 of 5
Publication Date: Dec 25, 2011
Publisher: Entangled
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

After years of ho-hum dating, Noelle Gregory is tired of fooling around. There’s only ever been one guy for her—Jake Conroy, her best friend’s older brother. Now that Jake’s back in town, she’s headed to his sister’s New Year’s Eve party to make her move. Purse full of condoms? Check. Sparkly dress guaranteed to show Jake the sexy woman she’s become? Check. Carjacker that makes off with both two hours before the party? Check.  When Jake finds Noelle stranded on the side of the road—looking sexier than ever in her striped socks and silly holiday shirt, damn it—he’s glad for the snowstorm that cancels his sister’s party. His and Noelle’s friendship has tormented him for years, and now, Jake wonders if he should dare to sample what he’s always wanted…and if he’ll be able to walk away when it’s over. (SOURCE)

This was my first Cari Quinn book and while it was short, it was cute and delicious. The "I'm in love with my best friends older brother" story always reels me in. Always.

Noelle has it all planned out. She's bought a sexy dress, and a strapless bra to make the girls perky. She's going to make Jake want her -- to finally see her as more than just his kid sisters friend. Until she gets stranded on the side of the road, at least. She's stuck without her purse, and more importantly, her dress for the New Years Eve party.

Then Jake shows up to help her out. Little did Noelle know, but he was on his way to see her. The two stand in the road and argue. That is one of my favorite scenes because you can just feel the energy between them and just know that whatever happens, it's gonna be scorching hot.

The pair end up spending the evening together, watching the ball drop on tv. Their exploration of one another is incredibly delicious. So much so that I really wanted this to be a full length book. I'd have loved to have been able to see how things progressed for them.

I gave No Dress Required three and a half stars only because it was short and I would have liked to had more fleshing out of some things. But, since it was meant to be short, the lack of details was understandable.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find another Cari Quinn to read.



These are only my personal observations and thoughts regarding this book. Any and all books blogged about here are paid for with my personal money unless otherwise specified within the review. If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

{WoW} An Heir of Deception by Beverley Kendall

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme brought to us by BreakingTheSpine. Check out the other WoW posts to see what others are looking forward to reading in the future.

An Heir of Deception (The Elusive Lords #3) by Beverley Kendall
Publisher: The Season Publishing
Publish Date: Apr 10, 2012

After three years of carousing and debauchery, Alex Cartwright, heir to the Duke of Hastings, has put his life back in order. Having embraced sobriety for two years, he has no intention of revisiting the past or risking his heart again. But the return of the very woman who introduced him to the darkest side of hell brings not only the painful, haunting memories of bittersweet love and abandonment, but the son he never knew he had...

A woman silenced by secrets

Threatened by the revelation of a secret that could destroy her family’s place in society and forever tarnish a dukedom, Charlotte fled England on her wedding day five years ago. Now, although it appears that secret is safe, when Alex discovers her other secret—their son—Charlotte has an altogether different battle ahead. She must now fight one love to hold onto the other—the man whose touch still makes her burn, for the child who is her very world. (SOURCE)

I'm a huge fan of Beverley Kendall's Elusive Lords books! The Hero and heroine in this one made appearances in the previous two books so I'm excited to see their story unfold. Below are links to the first two full length novels (#1 Sinful Surrender, #2 A Taste of Desire) and the novela (#2.5 All's Fair in Love & Seduction) which is free on kindle.

{REVIEW} Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers

Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers
My Rating: 5 of 5
Series: His Fair Assassin #1
Publication Date: Apr 3, 2012
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Author Twitter - Author GoodReads

Blurb:  Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf? Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others. Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart? (SOURCE)

I don't even know where to begin with this review. I started out taking notes as I read, but I became so wrapped up in the story they fell by the wayside. I received Grave Mercy through netgalley after getting a mass email from them. It sounded intriguing but I wasn't 100% that it was my kind of book. But since I wanted to read something different, I decided to give it a go. Boy am I glad I did.


When you first meet Ismae, she is very young. The reader learns a little of how her life has been, how she is 'given' to a horrible man and forced to marry him. But then she's spirited away by someone from her past and hand delivered to a convent.

This convent is like no other convent. It is the house of Saint Mortain's assassins. He marques them and his lovely young girls are sent on missions to track down murderers, those that have committed treason and so on. Ismae is put through three years of training before she stars going on missions herself.

She is sent to infiltrate court and help protect the duchess of Brittany. Gavriel Duval escorts her, quite reluctantly, I might add. He's suspicious of her, just as she's suspicious of him. And my my but the sparks do fly. They are both strong and intense characters that pulled me right into the story. She's meant to spy on Duval, but he's not what she and the convent thought he might be. As Ismae gets to know him more, and as Duval learns what the Death maiden's are truly all about, it's obvious there is so much more than what meets the eye.

From chapter one I was intrigued and curious. The scenes are so beautifully written that you can see them, as if you're watching a movie, not reading a book.That's always (for me) a sign of a great book.

As the story moves along there are so many questions. They keep piling up, and even when you get answers, it just makes more questions pop up. It's also full of intrigue and action. The plot, the antagonists, protagonists, secondary characters-- they are all great, well rounded characters that make this story what it is. The lure and myth behind the book is fascinating and gets your brain really going. Ms. LaFevers built a whole world that just amazed me and made me crave more.

Oh... and Grave Mercy is a young adult book. Huh. I'm still not sure how to wrap my brain around that one. The whole time I was reading I kept thinking "isn't this YA?? I thought it was YA." Seriously, it reads so differently than any YA I've ever read. The sizzle was off the charts. I dare say it's the only YA I've read that did not leave me saying "stupid fade to black" even when it faded to black. The story is so layered that I don't even miss that part. Because I admit, I read YA but it's not my main focus, because well-- I like the smut. With this book I didn't feel like I was missing out on things.

I can't rave about this book enough. Like I said, I did get it from netgalley and since it will expire on my kindle, I'm planning to buy. As a matter of fact, I think I'm going to pre-order now.

Now to wait for Spring 2013 for the second book, Dark Triumph. What in the world?!

{DESPERATELY WANTING WEDNESDAY} The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts

The Last Boyfriend (Book 2 of Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy) by Nora Roberts 
Reading level: Ages 18 and up 
Paperback: 352 pages 
Publisher: Berkley Trade; Original edition (May 1, 2012)

Owen is the organizer of the Montgomery clan, running the family's construction business with an iron fist - and an even less flexible spreadsheet. And though his brothers bust on his compulsive list-making, the Inn BoonsBoro is about to open right on schedule. The only thing Owen didn't plan for was Avery McTavish

Avery's popular pizza place is right across the street from the inn, giving her a first-hand look at its amazing renovation - and a newfound appreciation for Owen. Since he was her first boyfriend when they were kids, Owen has never been far from Avery's thoughts. But the attraction she's feeling for him now is far from innocent.

As Avery and Owen cautiously take their relationship to another level, the opening of the inn gives the whole town of Boonsboro a reason to celebrate. But Owen's hard work has only begun. Getting Avery to let down her guard is going to take longer than he expected - and so will getting her to realize that her first boyfriend is going to be her last... (SOURCE)