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Liked It “Things haven't been easy for Jessica lately. With the way her life has been turned upside down, it is hard for her to imagine that only a week ago she was still mostly human. Now however, it looks like not only is she the only female werewolf ever known to have exist, but she also just might be...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“3.5 stars. A lot goes on in this book, almost too much. It is action driven, which I love, but there was something about the plot in Hot Blooded that felt off. Jessica is an amazing character - loyal, outspoken, courageous, and endearing. However, her developing super powers make everything too easy and Mary Sue-ish. I need a character who has to work hard to overcome obstacles. When each conflict started, I KNEW Jess would be the victor. I still love her character, and I absolutely love the secondary characters! I will definitely pick up Cold Blooded when it comes out.”
Kathryn wrote this review 11 hours ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Things haven't been easy for Jessica lately. With the way her life has been turned upside down, it is hard for her to imagine that only a week ago she was still mostly human. Now however, it looks like not only is she the only female werewolf ever known to have exist, but she also just might be the most powerful. And that has caused more than a few ruffled feathers. In fact an angry Immortal Goddess has captured her mate, Roarke, determined to make him her own. Jessica is determined to get him back at all costs, no matter the odds. So she sets out with a few friends and temporary allies to bring down the Goddess once and for all.
Kt from A Book Obsession.. wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
I really love Jessica's character! She doesn't let anything stand in her way of her determination to do what she feels is right. But, she is also rather humble considering the circumstances. She's not power hungry, and doesn't want to be put in the middle of all of the conflicts. Quite honestly, she'd be happy to be left alone, but since that isn't in the cards, I do think she handles it quite well considering the circumstances. I also admire her for not shrinking behind her father as it would have been so easy to let her Alpha take over. In fact, she took things a step further, and risked her very place in the pack due to go after her mate. Granted, her father shouldn't have put her in the position of having to choose between her mate and her pack, but in the end, he and Jessica are both doing the best they can with the realization that she doesn't have to follow his orders. In fact, there has been a great deal of growing pains with all of Jessica's friends as they have all had to try and dampen down their protective instincts of her. I have a feeling things will only get more interesting once Roarke's own protective instincts come into play.
One of my biggest pet peeves in Urban Fantasy is when the protagonist has seemingly unlimited power. It just makes it harder to find the threats facing the character to be, well threatening. I mean if they will just miraculously have a new power to overcome every new threat without a whole lot of consequences, then it just doesn't feel real to me. I just think there should be some sort of price involved with great power as it helps to keep them level. Now, I wouldn't say this is quite the case with Jessica, but things do seem to be headed towards that path. I understand that Jessica is supposed to be this wildcard, potentially being the one to unite all of the races, so of course she needs to be incredibly powerful. I just wish that power would come with more of a cost, especially when she's just blundering through things blindly. Then again, I guess when you take a step back to really look at things, while there doesn't seem to be a direct personal cost involved with her powers, the threat to the people she cares about is very real as has already been demonstrated. And while Jessica may seem to be unbeatable, one of these times I have a feeling even that won't be enough to save whoever is at risk. So I guess in the end there's a pretty good checks and balance system after all.
I really enjoyed HOT BLOODED, although I have to admit I would have preferred there to have been a bit more time spent together between Roarke and Jessica. Their total time together has only accounted for a very brief amount of time so far, and I really would like to see things become more developed. Here's to hoping we finally get some smexy time in the next book. Also, just as a forewarning, this one ends in another nasty cliffhanger, just like the first installment. I'll definitely be counting down the days until COLD BLOODED is released in October 2013. A great second installment in the Jessica McClain series, HOT BLOODED is a roller coaster ride from start to finish that is not to be missed!”
“And my favorite violet-eyed werewolf heroince, Jessica McClain, is back to kick some serious Goddess ass! Nobody messes with this Lycan and gets away with it especially when it's her mate's hiney, werecat, Rourke, on the line. In Full Blooded, Amanda Carlson gave us an amazing story with a unique were myth and Jessica being the ONLY female werewolf in the world is both a gift and a curse. Soon after her birth, she found herself in this bizarre adventure that had me losing sleep because I simply can't put the darn book down! Full Blooded wrapped up with Jessica finding her mate but just as soon as they found each other, Rourke was abducted by his ex-lover, Selene, a Goddess and now Jessica won't rest until the bitch is dead and Rourke is safe and tucked in her arms.
Braine wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
In the tradition of EPIC tales, laborious tests, hero-making, loyalty and undying love, HOT BLOODED did not disappoint! Throughout the novel I felt like I was reading a modern version of The Odyssey or Jason and the Argonauts (you know, those high adrenalin classic Greek epic tales where the heroes are put to the mortal test) because ACarlson sure put Jessica through the physical and emotional wringer! From the moment Jessica, Tyler, the lovable Brit heartthrob, Danny, and the vampire twins, Eamon and Naomi, reached the psycho-bitch Goddess Selene's backyard, they've been faced with close to impossible hurdles. They've battled venomous bats, Naiads, giant Scorpio, trolls and a bunch of spells designed to kill and/or deter them from their mission. Luckily Jessica is a worthy opponent and her companions cunning so they managed to breach Selene's lair.
But Jessica is growing to her powers and it looks like the prophecies are really about her. Long story short, they were able to accomplish their mission but not without major damage. As Jessica is warming up to her powers and learning to wield it along the way, she's forging unlikely allegiances and finding new adversaries all at the same time. I guess being the sole female werewolf who's prophesied to be kick ass and downright powerful is making the Otherworld's hackles rise. Can't blame them, I don't want to be on Jessica's bad side either *shudders*.
I love how unassuming Jessica is and I find it utterly adorable that she's downplaying her potential and how she's trying in vain to keep things normal and grounded. *shakes head* Girl, you better get used to your infamy, keep up with the times, life as you know it ended a book ago. Normal is nothing but a memory for you now.
HOT BLOODED essentially is about Jessica's rescuing Rourke. In a way I felt like this is a filler novel of sorts but the non-stop action balanced the Sequel Curse. I'm surprised that Ray (human cop) barely survived (?) his ordeal, I'm eager to see what his storyline is going to be come Cold Blooded (Jessica McClain 3, October 8, 2013). I disliked the dude in Full Blooded but I have to say he kind of grew on me. I'm so happy that Tyler, MY Tyler, is a main character here and I love how his relationship with Jessica is evolving. There's some powerplay involved as Tyler is a natural Alpha but since him and Jessica are not on the same wolf category, it was quite interesting how he's protective, supportive and wary of Jessica's wolf. And of course the super adorbs Danny provided the funnies and most definitely upped the male hotness factor.
HOT BLOODED tied the Goddess story arc in a nice little bow, I'm a little sorry that we didn't get some sexy time with Rourke but the premise for Cold Blooded sounds super delish! Remember James? The super hot beta? Well he's involved in some very unexpected mess involving witches and warlocks so I'm pretty sure we're in for another epic adventure soon.
”
“MY REVIEW
Sandra "Jeanz" & Rachel wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
I downloaded a free e-copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I love the cover as it has the main character of Jessica on the front and fits really well with the other book covers in the series. There's the byline of Hunt To Kill which is what is happening to Jessica and her gang as they go to attempt to rescue Rourke. I don't like the quote from another author about the book, my feelings are that such quotes should go on the back of the book or on an inside cover perhaps.
Would the cover make me pick it up in a book store? Yes definitely. Though as I have read part of the series I would have been looking for this book too.
The blurb tells the reader enough to entice without giving too much away and also saves the odd twist and turn for a surprise to the reader.
So the book picks up literally where the other one left off. Jessica, her brother Tyler and pack member Danny set off with the vampire guides to find the hidden lair of the goddess who is holding Rourke against his will. Oh yeah and there's a late addition to the travelling party of Ray, the cop who has recently discovered what Jessica is!
They come across many challenges in the form of strange beastie's and life forms that they have to kill or subdue to gain the final access to the Goddess Selena's lair.
There were definitely times when I thought Mmm I didn't see that one coming, and the odd wow what the heck! moments too. I love the characters and how we get to explore some of them in more depth. I enjoyed Ray's funny side, the way he injected some humor into the darkest of plights. I loved Naomi, her tragic existence at the hands of Selena, then her escape yet she still had the willingness to help Jessica seek out Selena. I think Naomi's loyalty was well written and depicted in the book too. I love the twin-bond that exists between Tyler and Jessica, and wow Tyler sound sooo gorgeous too! I'm thinking the type of actor that could play him in a movie would be similarly built and look a little like Kellan Lutz (though maybe Kellan is a little too well known as Emmett Cullen). We also learn a littel more about Danny's cheeky chappy kind of personality, he make joke around but is totally loyal to the pack and helping Tyler protect Jessica to the point of giving his own life if needed.
The book is fast paced, full of action, drama and angst, with fantastic fight scenes towards the end of the book. There's a good cliffhanger at the end of the book which will no doubt present the basic plot for the next great book in this excellent series.
To sum up then, Did I enjoy the book? Yes, I enjoyed it a lot! Would I recommend it? Yes, in particular to fans of Kelley Armstrong's "Women Of The Otherworld" and Rachel Vincents Shifter Series. I would say I'd recommend to fans of shifter books but this is so much more than a shifter series, it has many different supernatural races featured within it's pages. Would I read more in the series? Er. . Yes please! Would I read other books by Amanda Carlson? Yes I enjoy the style of writing along with the plot etc.”
“4.5 Stars
Under The Covers Book Blog wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
~This UTC Team Review is also posted at Under the Covers Book Blog
We’re baaaack with another annoyingly long, but hopefully fun team review with the UTC Maidens. Suz, Angela and I all adore this series so here’s our thoughts on the very latest, and greatest from Amanda Carlson and the Jessica McClain series…
Describe Hot Blooded in three words:
Suz: Action packed fun!
Annie: [a] kick ass adventure!
Angela: Kick Ass Heroine
This is the second book in the Jessica McClain series, how do you think it compared to the first?
Suz: I think I liked this book a little bit more, I felt more into the story and the characters, the world building was great as we set to see how the supernatural world of vampires, werewolves and witches work. There were also some interesting curve balls thrown at us to spice the plot up. I am definitely excited to read on and see what will happen next.
Annie: HOT BLOODED is red hot! Readers will see more of the world and the paranormal creatures that Carlson has in this book floored me. So intriguing and unique, I loved how this book opened up the world to all the different paranormal elements. This book feels bigger and better than the first!
Angela: I equally love FULL BLOODED and HOT BLOODED. Ms. Carlson is consistent with providing an amazingly elaborate world building and well developed characters. She kept me glued to every page attempting to absorb the details of the story. The intrigues of the pack business, politics with the vampires, witches and most importantly Jessica’s maturity into her status made this book such an exciting read.
What would you have liked to see more or less of in this book?
Suz: I would have liked to see more of the romance between Rourke and Jess, I have to say I don’t 100% feel their romance as we haven’t seen them together that much, something which I imagine will change alot in the next installment of the series. Also, the action part of the book got a little bit repetitive I just wanted to hurry them up to the final showdown so we could see Rourke again! Also one teensy tiny irritation with me was Danny the English werewolf… as an English person I really hope people don’t think I talk like that lol!
Annie: I would have loved to see more of Rourke. Call me a Rourke hussy, it’s just the truth. Since most of this book is spent on Jessica finding Rourke, they don’t have much time together but when they do, it’s magic! I want a whole book on Rourke…preferably with some nekkid time.
Also, I love the humor that Carlson infuses into her books. More of that would be nice, especially since Jessica kicks ass while saying something especially witty and smart.
Angela: I really had to think about this question and I could not find anything I would like to see less of. But I would definitely would love to see more of Rourke. He just made such a big impact on Jessica’s life, the pack and me as a romance reader. After Full Blooded, I could not wait to see more of them together as I was rooting for their love to progress further. Unfortunately, due to circumstances of the story there just was not enough of him here. And when Roarke made his appearance, I just ate up the pages like an addict in need. Something about him exudes power and lust that’s just waiting to be explored.
What do you think of Jess and Rourke?
Suz: I like them! I think potentially they will make a fabulous couple and I can’t wait to see more of them being together in Cold Blooded the next book in the series.
Annie: I think they are amazing together! I only wished there was more time together in this book! They have amazing chemistry and whenever Rourke says something especially sexy, I melt!
I also really like the way Jessica’s character is developing. Her human side and her wolf side sometimes clash so seeing that struggle is entertaining and makes for some fun interactions. I can’t wait to see her come into her skin more fully.
Angela: Ms. Carlson knows how to provide a true kick-ass-heroine because Jessica McClain is all that and then some. She had truly grown to be a strong woman in the midst of war in a man’s world. And the progress of her very being just intrigued me…as it is in the “prophecy’ and in her “blood”. I get goose bumps to think what she can be and what she can do. As far as Roarke, well, we all know he is very special to Jessica. He is with power, sex appeal and experience, unfortunately, we did not get to witness most of it as he was detained. The romance, well, there’s just something about shifters being mated. Through Jessica’s eyes, we experience how she truly feels for him. Not only that she is mated to Colin Rourke, she is utterly in love with him.
If there was a spin off book, which character would you like to see?
Suz: Jessica’s brother Tyler, I have a soft spot for him!
Annie: ooohhh, good one! Yes, I love love love Tyler and would definitely read that series is Carlson should decide to write about him!
Angela: I really would love, love to see Rourke’s POV on his experience while in captive. That thought strikes my curiousity. During the time he was gone, we really didn’t see what was done to him, what he was thinking and how he survived it all.
Annie: OH GOOD ONE ANG!!!
Any final thoughts? Are you going to be reading the next book in the series?
Suz: I really liked this book, it was action packed and full of excitement I will definitely be reading the next book in this series
Annie: Hell yeah I am! I need to know what happens next! That ending has me anxious for the next book! HOT BLOODED is a solid instalment to the series. Bringing forth magic and mayhem, this series continues to shine in a sea of sameness.
Angela:
Jessica McClain is one of the best UF shifter series out there and I’m expecting more great reads from Ms Carlson. I will be reading the next installment, no doubt about that!
*ARC provided by author
”
“My Rating:4 stars: Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Twimom227 wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
The second book in Ms. Carlson’s Jessica McClain series starts of in the thick of things just days after the conclusion of the first book, Full Blooded. Jessica is busy fighting an imp and discovers yet another prophecy supposedly about her. After discussing it with her dad, it appears there may be some truth that she is the One True Lycan who will overcome the world’s evil. Jessica and her dad have a wonderful rapport, and their heart-to-heart is just one of the many moments I thoroughly enjoyed in Hot Blooded.
Jessica, her brother twin Tyler, and friend Danny are preparing to search for Jessica's mate, Roarke, who was captured by the evil goddess Selena at the end of the last book. They will be working with two vampire trackers (all part of a deal brokered in the first book). In addition, Jessica is responsible for a human police officer, Ray: a man who hounded Jessica when she was human. By pack laws he needs to be killed since he knows about the paranormal. However Jessica doesn't feel that's right and fights to allow him to live, but she has to convince Ray to join them willingly and work for the pack. It's an excellent twist that allows Jessica to grow into a stronger, righteous woman that just may be the One True Lycan.
I really enjoyed Hot Blooded, especially after loving the premise but being a little disappointed with the first book. This time around, the plot and writing flow smoothly, and the book stays focused on the story, which didn’t always happen in the the first one.
Jessica is a wonderful urban fantasy heroine. She has come into her own; she is assertive and aggressive but caring. The fact that she wants Ray to live and doesn't want to kill any being in cold blood is a testament to this. When reading Full Blooded, there was something about Jessica that bothered me; however that nagging feeling of something I didn't like is gone. She is smart, witty, and she embraces her new role and powers with confidence. Although the story begins shortly after the first book, it feels like an eternity. Jess is focused and mature. Also, I really like how Jessica and her wolf are two separate consciousnesses. They have to work together, which wonderfully demonstrates how she thinks and works through situations. I enjoy that the wolf knows things Jessica doesn't; however, I do wonder how the wolf knows so much.
In the world of Jessica McClain, the different factions of supernatural beings do not get along. Despite this, or maybe because of it, the team and their vampire guide, Naomi, develop an exciting and refreshing relationship. Danny and Naomi have a wonderful connection, and I throughly enjoyed their banter and dialogue (and wonder where things may be headed *waggles eyebrows*). Overall, the group dynamics are entertaining and at times heart-warming. There is Ray (human) and Eamon (Naomi’s vampire brother) on the far sides of the fence with Naomi, Jessica, Tyler and Danny working for common ground in the middle. Their cooperation and information sharing all in the name of taking down the evil goddess Selena is fun to witness.
The journey to Selena’s lair to rescue Roarke is filled with difficult tasks and unnerving pitfalls. For the most part, the intensity remained high and the action was exciting. I enjoyed the demonstrations of Jessica’s new found abilities, but also her developing leadership skills and capacity to work with a team. There were a lot of traps and obstacles to overcome, and by the final hurdle, I was ready to move on, so I would say there was just the right amount of conflict.
Once the gang finally makes it into the lair, things are pretty dire. The story is violent without being overtly graphic. The final battle reveals some interesting developments and twists, and I for one cannot wait to find out what comes next for Jessica and her ragtag group.
Overall, I thoroughly adored Hot Blooded. The journey was exciting and kept my heart racing. I enjoyed the camaraderie of Jessica and her companions - something missing from the first book. Although there is a “cliff-hangerish” type ending, it is more about the start of the next story rather than leaving this one unfinished. It reminded me of how the TV show Quantum Leap always ended. I look forward to learning more about the mysterious prophecy, but also watching the budding relationships (both romantic and platonic) develop and mature. Balancing action and plot with romance and friendship is a sign of an excellent urban fantasy story, and that is what we see with Jessica McClain.”
“Jessica's been having it rough. Supes are out to get her, attacking her at about ever turn. And it's taking all she has to not run off to find and save Rourke, but she knows she has to be prepared and get information first. There are rumors flying among the Supe world about her, or who she could be and what's to come - prophecies. One Imp attacker tells her they will find her. The demons do not want her to rule and they are hunting her. Everyone in the supernatural world 'knows' of Jessica, except Jessica. She's still trying to adjust to just the wolf part and so much more as it surfaces as Jessica gets her lead on the goddess who's holding Rourke and she fights her way through hell's demons to get to him.
Melissa wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Quick start right back into the world with Jessica. Jessica starts right off throwing punches as she has always done all her life. Fighting to survive. Love the heart racing start early on, and holds to it through out.
Jessica's mind is made up and she won't let anyone stop her. The drive is pushing her. She will go through any and all sorts of hell to find and get Rourke, her mate, back. Jessica is so different and learning of the supernatural world, along with herself, as she goes. Even the world of demons, which the werewolves have never dealt with. New beings and creatures are going to come at the top-of-the-food-chain wolves, and they are going to have to get ready for it. With Jessica at their side.
Jessica is more powerful than she ever even imagined. And others are taking all this in along with what they can learn from the prophecies. Demons are surfacing, and in the end have Jessica on their short list.
Jessica makes new allies. Ones she might be grateful to have, but also ones that might cause a stir in the werewolf world, and maybe even the supernatural world as a whole. I really liked the new friends we come across here, and how they open up the supe world to us sharing knowledge. Wonderful new bonds created.
We end the book with questions of a few, but the story of finding Rourke is completed here. There are new happenings to come, and the ending sets those up to come. Dang, can't wait for Cold Blooded!!
Constant heart-racing read, keeping the heart pounding with fevered worry and anticipation as Jessica fights for her love, friends, and her life.”
“This book was non-stop action from beginning to end. It picked up right after the first book, Full Blooded. We had Jessica, Tyler, Danny and Ray but we also added two new characters, the sibling vampire duo of Eamon and Naomi. This group of may not be on the best of terms, but they do learn to work together to rescue Rourke and make it back alive.
Angie D wrote this review 4 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
I really liked the new beasties we were introduced to in this book and look forward to what we'll see in the next book. The group was always on their toes to see what was coming at them next. And the final showdown was pretty intense. I kept looking for clues to see how they planned on taking Selene down.
This group definitely needs a vacation, but I see next up is the Vampire Queen's party so that's not going to happen anytime soon. Maybe in the next book Jessica and Rourke can have at least a day or two when they can actually relax.
Can't wait for the next book. Would also love to see a spin-off series cause these guys (James, Danny, Tyler and even Callum) need a little lovin' too. ”
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