I chose two urban fantasies this week. Both books sounded so good, I had a hard time deciding which one to select. I read the first chapter of each and came to the conclusion that I must read them both. First up is:

Title: Full Blooded (Jessica McClain)

Author: Amanda Carlson

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Orbit

Release date: September 2012

Pages: 352

ISBN-10: 0316205206

ISBN-13: 978-0316205207

Rating:  

DESCRIPTION:

REVIEW:

The blurb didn’t really wow me. I ran across Full Blooded on a review site, and the fabulous reviews made me decided to pick up a copy. And I’m glad I did! This author totally blew me away, both with the story and the characters. As soon as I finished reading, I went online and added the rest of the series to my wish list. I’m not sure I can wait for my next order to get my greedy little hands on Hot Blooded, book two in the series.

Jessica McClain came from a long line of werewolves…only they were all males. When she was born, rumors spread like wildfire that she would be the death of their race. After puberty hit and she didn’t shift, the rumors died down, security relaxed and Jessica fought for a life outside of the pack. A chance to be normal. Just when she thought she was safe, her life flipped upside down and her wolf makes herself know with a vengeance. Now, everyone wants a piece of her, including an assassin sent to capture and deliver her to the highest bidder. Only, after spending a few hours together, he can’t bear to release her.

I’ll stop to avoid spoilers, but the tension on each page kept me coming back for more. The romance was light, but enough that I thoroughly enjoyed each second. The action was fast paced, Jessica being no wilting flower waiting to be rescued. And though the book ended on a cliffhanger, the story stopped in a logical spot that it didn’t make me curse. If you’re looking for a new and edgy author on the Urban Fantasy scene, check out Amanda Carlson’s Full Blooded.

For reaching one of my goals, I’m rewarded myself by reading a book. I need to re-charge my batteries and gain perspective with all the editing I’ve been doing.  And what sounds better than a good Urban Fantasy?

Here are the blurbs:

Full Blooded (Jessica McClain)~

I fell in love with this series when I ran across the first book, Bitter Night, and devoured it in one sitting. I’ve even pre-ordered this book. I’ve only done that for one other author. When I learned that Blood Winter was the last book in the series, I mourned. Then I delayed reading it because I didn’t want it to ever end. This was my choice for last week’s face-off. Be warned, this is a very dark urban fantasy. Delicious!

Title: Blood Winter (Horngate Witches)

Author: Diana Pharaoh Francis

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Pocket Books

Release date: December 2012

Pages: 400

ISBN-10: 1451613865

ISBN-13: 978-1451613865

Rating:  

DESCRIPTION:
NEW GAME. SAME RULES. SHE FIGHTS. THEY DIE.

Max always does her job, no matter how brutal and bloody. That’s how it’s been ever since she was enslaved by a witch, turned into a supernatural warrior, and assigned to protect the coven of Horngate. But her job just got harder. . . .

Waves of wild magic have returned much of the world to a time when fairy tales were real and danger now lurks behind every tree and bush. As winter descends and food, heat, and water are harder to come by, many have turned to Benjamin Sterling for protection. Leader of the Earth’s Last Stand cult, Sterling claims to be the Hand of God, but his power and charisma secretly come from a dark and terrible source. With devout followers eager to do his sadistic bidding, he has his eyes on Horngate and its magical inhabitants. To save those she loves, Max will knowingly walk into a trap. But when the cult strips Max’s soul bare for all to see, will even Alexander—her lover and her strength—remain? And if she were to lose him, what does it matter if she gains the whole world…

REVIEW:

There is something about the Horngate Witches series that captured me from the first book. The covers were great, but it’s what’s between the pages that kept me coming back. The author sets us up with unique characters and unforgettable world building. Each book built upon the last, and I loved revisiting the characters.

Max is an alpha female at her best, determined to do whatever it takes to keep her people safe. Her counterpart, Alex, is the perfect hero…tough, compassionate and just as deadly. I loved them as a couple, though I wish I could’ve seen them together more. Then you have the angels – they are two bad-ass macho men who can kick some serious ass! And the rest of her coven is just as memorable. I loved how magic was portrayed in the story…so very different from everything else I’ve read that I eagerly turned the pages. I enjoyed how the tension grew into a big crescendo then watched as the character had to dig their way out of the shit-storm.

This book wasn’t perfect, though, not that I was expecting it, but there were spots that disappointed me a little. Max seemed consumed with her feelings for Alex, almost to the detriment of the story. I also thought the story went too quickly, the action scenes cut a little too short. There were threads in the overlying arch of the series that were left dangling. Despite all that, if the author ever came out with another Horngate Witches book, I would snatch it up in a heartbeat! 

Previous books in the series:

I love reading series. I’m in the middle of at least a dozen, maybe more. This week I chose two series out of some of my favorites.

Here are the blurbs:

Blood Winter (Horngate Witches)~

Isn’t this cover just gorgeous! I didn’t even read the back blurb before I snatched the book up in my greedy little hands and hurried toward the check-out.

Title: Last Kiss Goodnight: An Otherworld Assassin Novel

Author: Gena Showalter

Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Pocket Books

Release date: December 2012

Pages: 436

ISBN-10: 1451671598

ISBN-13: 978-1451671599

Rating:  

DESCRIPTION:

THE SWEETEST TEMPTATION . . .

Black ops agent Solomon Judah awakens caged and bound in a twisted zoo where otherworlders are the main attraction. Vika Lukas, the owner’s daughter, is tasked with Solo’s care and feeding. The monster inside him yearns to kill her on sight, even though she holds the key to his escape. But the human side of him realizes the beautiful deaf girl is more than she seems—she’s his.

THE ULTIMATE PRICE . . .

Vika endures the captives’ taunts and loathing, hoping to keep them alive even if she can’t free them. Only, Solo is different— he protects her. But as hostility turns to forbidden romance, his feelings for her will be used against him . . . and he’ll be put to a killer test.

REVIEW:

I’ve enjoyed Gena Showalter’s writing in the past, so I didn’t hesitate to purchase this book. After reading it though, I’m actually torn on how to feel. I loved the hero and the romance between the main characters, but the book just didn’t flow like a normal Showalter. The first chapter was a little choppy for me, and I found it jarring to start a story from someone else’s point of view other than the main characters. And while the plot was unique, I’m not sure I believed in the story enough to suspend my disbelief, which is a real shame.

What saved the book for me was the romance between the main characters. Both Solo and Vika are tortured people, yearning for something more, but not sure they really deserve to be saved. They didn’t immediately fall in love, they had doubts, but each knew that they wanted to give their love a chance…even if it cost them. I also liked the uniqueness of all the characters, even the villains. I’m not sure I’ll purchase the next book, but I might borrow it.

I first read Jory Strong in an anthology and loved her work. When I placed my last book order, I added this book to my list because of the blurb. Sounds like something right up my alley.

Title: Healer’s Choice

Author: Jory Strong

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Fantasy

Publisher: Berkley

Release date: September 2010

Pages: 377

ISBN-13: 978-0425236536

Rating:  

DESCRIPTION:

Born into a world of violence and paid-for sex, Rebekka longs for a family of her own and dreams of freeing those trapped in the shapeshifter brothels of the red zone. A witch’s prophecy claims she’ll one day use her gift to heal the Weres made outcast by their mixed human-animal forms.  
 
 
But Rebekka knows that everything comes at a cost. A plea to save five children sends her into the arms of Aryck, a Jaguar enforcer-and into territory controlled by pure Weres. It’s a place where humans and outcasts aren’t welcomed, where plague threatens and the fate of the Weres hangs in the balance. And where the choices Rebekka and Aryck make are paid for with their hearts…if not their souls.

Review:

It wasn’t long after the first chapter that I ran across a little snag. This is book three in a series. I hate reading books out of order, but the blurb was so interesting that I kept reading.

I found myself drawn to Rebekka and her unique magic. Her almost compulsive need to help others drew me into her world. I enjoyed the first meet between the characters and their instant attraction. Aryck was a wonderful alpha hero and the perfect match for Rebekka. He could be an ass, but when he realized his mistakes, he was quick to make amends. Their opposing view points on some issues kept the tension steady through the book. I loved the way shifters and outcasts were depicted. The world building was fascinating, while the different threads of the book kept me interested in what would happen next.

Unfortunately, when an issue came up for Rebekka, people from past books magically appeared and took care of some of her problems. The funny thing was that Rebekka didn’t question that the problem just went away. After the first few times, it became a little annoying and took away from what could have been a more compeling story. I had a love/hate relationship with this book. There were characteristics of the book that I adored, but others parts were I felt cheated out of the whole stroy. Maybe reading the books in order would solve my qualms? Hmmmm…

I’m always on the lookout for something a little bit different from my normal reading habits, so when I was offered a chance to review this book, I jumped on it. Look at that cover! Isn’t it gorgeous?

Title: Gambling On A Secret (Colter Gamblers)

Author: Sara Walter Ellwood

Genre: Contemporary Western

Publisher: Lyrical Press, Inc.

Release date: December 2012

Pages: 276

ASIN : B00AVLL4XA

Rating:  

DESCRIPTION:
Colter Gamblers, #1

When Charli bets everything on a secret, will she find the deck stacked against her?

Former runaway-turned heiress Charli Monroe is hiding her sordid past and planning a future in Colton, Texas. Attending the local college for a degree in social work, she intends to raise cattle on her newly purchased ranch, which she plans to open as a home for troubled teens. Only a few glitches, the Victorian mansion is crumbling, the barn needs a roof, and her oilman neighbor wants more than friendship. When she meets Dylan Quinn, Charli is willing to take a chance on the town drunk to help her rebuild the rundown ranch.

Dylan has his demons, too. The former Special Forces commander can’t get past his ex-wife’s betrayal and the botched mission that left him with much more than a bad limp. Certain the greedy oilman next door to Charli wants much more than just her heart, Dylan’s even willing to stop drinking in order to protect her.

When things get dangerous and secrets of the past are revealed, is he only looking out for his new employer, or is she the new start he so desperately needs?

CONTENT WARNING: Details abuse of a minor, drug abuse, alcoholism, swearing, spicy sex, murder.

REVIEW:

I read the blurb on the back cover, and couldn’t wait to dig into this book. The story reminded me of the old Harlequin books I’d devoured by the hundreds in my earlier years. I adored Dylan. He was far from perfect, but he was perfect for the heroine. There’s just something about a deeply wounded man that I can’t resist. He’s had more than a couple of hard knocks, and it took one determine woman to shake him up to the world around him.

Though Charli had a rough childhood, she managed to overcome her past, but not without collecting a few scars along the way. I liked her spunk, and her determination to make a better life for herself. Unfortunately, I didn’t sink into her life the way I did with Dylan.

The story itself was structured perfectly for a Texas cattle ranch setting, and I could easily envision the details described. The beginning of the book unfolded like a western family saga, where you’re submerged in the town and generations of family. The only drawback was the romance took second place to it at times. There were a number of plots in the story. I didn’t feel overwhelmed, but my sense of disbelieve began to wear thin in places. Overall, if you like a slow build to your suspense and romance, a good old-fashion western, pick up a copy of Gambling on a Secret.

I accidentally purchased book 5 in the Mercy Thompson Series. Accidentally meaning that it drives me nuts not to be able to read books in order. So when I found books 1-4 really cheap, I jumped on them.

Title: 

Moon Called (Book 1)

Blood Bound (Book 2)

Iron Kissed (Book 3)

Bone Crossed (Book 4)

DESCRIPTION:

Book 1~

Werewolves can be dangerous if you get in their way, but they’ll leave you alone if you are careful. They are very good at hiding their natures from the human population but I’m not human. I know them when I meet them, and they know me, too.

Mercy Thompson’s sexy next—door neighbor is a werewolf.

Book 2~

Under the rule of science, there are no witch burnings allowed, no water trials or public lynchings. In return, the average law-abiding, solid citizens has little to worry about from the things that go bump in the night. Sometimes I wish I was an average citizen…

Mechanic Mercy Thompson has friends in low places-and in dark ones. And now she owes one of them a favor. Since she can shapeshift at will, she agrees to act as some extra muscle when her vampire friend Stefan goes to deliver a message to another of his kind.

But this new vampire is hardly ordinary-and neither is the demon inside of him.

Book 3~

I could smell her fear, and it satisfied something deep inside me that had been writhing under her cool, superior gaze. I curled my upper lip so she could get a good look at my sharp teeth. I might only weigh thirty or so pounds in my coyote shape, but I was a predator…

Mechanic Mercy Thompson can shift her shape – but not her loyalty. When her former boss and mentor is arrested for murder and left to rot behind bars by his own kind, it’s up to Mercy to clear his name, whether he wants her to or not.

Mercy’s loyalty is under pressure from other directions, too. Werewolves are not known for their patience, and if Mercy can’t decide between the two she cares for, Sam and Adam may make the choice fir her…

Book 4~

As a shapeshifter with some unique talents, ace car mechanic Mercy has had to maintain a tenuous harmony between the human and the not so human within the Tri-Cities of Eastern Washington on more than one occasion. But this time she may be in over her head.

Marsilia, the local vampire queen, has learned that Mercy crossed her by slaying a member of her clan. Now, she’s out for blood. But since Mercy is protected from direct reprisal by the werewolf pack-and her relationship with its sexy Alpha-it’s not Mercy’s blood Marsilia is after…

It’s her friends’.

Review:

I’m a huge fan of urban fantasy books, so when I heard about Patricia Briggs, I decided to give her a try. I picked up an anthology and ready a short story from her. I liked the story, but wasn’t blown away. A year later, I stumbled across the Mercy Thompson Series and decided to give her another try (despite being written in first person). I’m so glad I did! I was hook by the first chapter and couldn’t put the books down.

As soon as I finished one book, I immediately had to start the next. I read four books in four days and loved each one. The writing was engaging, the world-building consuming, not to mention the wonderful characters…vampires, werewolves, fey and so much more. I loved the diversity. I laughed (ignoring the funny looks my husband cast my way) and one book was so emotionally heart-wrenching that I even cried. My husband is a mechanic and confirmed the car facts I quized him on.

I have one book left to read in the series…the next one doesn’t come out until March and only in hard cover. I want to save the last book, wait to read it until it’s closer to the next release, but I’m not sure I will be able to hold back.  Yes, they’re that good. If you like action, adventure, a couple of hot love interests, unforgettable characters and engulfing stories, I would highly recommend giving this series a try. Very much worth it!

I read the first book in The Darkest London Series last year and fell in love with the world and the writing. I HAD to read book two. I mean, look at the covers. They’re gorgeous!

Title: Moonglow (Darkest London)

Author: Kristen Callihan

Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Forever

Release date: July 2012

Pages: 432

ISBN-10: 1455508586

ISBN-13: 978-1455508587

Rating:  

DESCRIPTION:
Once the seeds of desire are sown . . .
 
Finally free of her suffocating marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore is ready to embrace the pleasures of life that have long been denied her. Yet her new-found freedom is short lived. A string of unexplained murders has brought danger to Daisy’s door, forcing her to turn to the most unlikely of saviors . . .
 
 
Their growing passion knows no bounds . . .
 
Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, has spent lifetimes hiding his primal nature from London society. But now a vicious killer threatens to expose his secrets. Ian must step out of the shadows and protect the beautiful, fearless Daisy, who awakens in him desires he thought long dead. As their quest to unmask the villain draws them closer together, Daisy has no choice but to reveal her own startling secret, and Ian must face the undeniable truth: Losing his heart to Daisy may be the only way to save his soul.
 
 
 
REVIEW:

I’m a huge fan of Kristen Callihan and couldn’t wait to read this book. Ian did an about-face from the first book. He so wanted to be in love, that I immediately empathized with him and his fight to be normal. Daisy came off a little different for me. She was brash and stubborn and determined to find a place for herself in the world. Unfortunately, she didn’t always come off as favorable. She never really softened or changed enough for me. The last scene in the book proved that…what she did to Ian wrenched my heart and could’ve been solved by talking.

Although I enjoyed the writing, there were significant flaws in the story (the results of Daisy being bitten, anyone?) and world-building that were never answered. The flow of the story came in fits and starts, the last thirty pages rushed and very one-sided. Kristen Callihan has some serious talent. With a little more work, this book could have been as good as the first.

Previous books in the series:

Prequel is only available as a digital book.

Are you surprised I didn’t pick the paranormal book or did you guess which one I’d choose?

Title: Partials

Author: Dan Wells

Genre: Young Adult/Science Fiction

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Release date: February 2013

Pages: 528

ISBN-10: 006207105X

ISBN-13: 978-0062071057

Rating:  

DESCRIPTION:

The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials—engineered organic beings identical to humans—has decimated the population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out.

Kira, a sixteen-year-old medic-in-training, is on the front lines of this battle, seeing RM ravage the community while mandatory pregnancy laws have pushed what’s left of humanity to the brink of civil war, and she’s not content to stand by and watch. But as she makes a desperate decision to save the last of her race, she will find that the survival of humans and Partials alike rests in her attempts to uncover the connections between them—connections that humanity has forgotten, or perhaps never even knew were there.

Review:

I loved the dystopian feel of this novel. It’s what made me purchase it in the first place…well, that and all the wonderful reviews. And I’m going to have to agree with them. The world-building wasn’t that involved, but it slowing unfurled and captured me the further I read. No, what grabbed me on this book was the characters, Kira in particular. She’s clever, brave and flawed…the perfect combination for a novel.

The adults in the books do not come off in a favorable light. A few of them are okay, but you can tell the book was written strickly from the point of view of a teenager. The plot deals with some heavy issues…manditory teenage pregnancy, the near military settlement they were forced to live in to survive. The world is a fearsome place. Dangerous. One wrong move, and the human race could be destroyed before they can even rebuild. It automatically added tension to the book. 

If you allow yourself to be pulled into the story, you’ll enjoy it. If you study it a little too hard, you might see some slight issues. In the end, I liked the quest the characters had to endure, the comradery and their determination to do what they felt was right despite the risks. The light romance crumbled around the edges a little, but the science fiction overtone of the book won me over. I’ll be reading book two when it’s released.