Book reviews written by Lori A

“Dark, dangerous, romantic and captivating! My favorite new read for 2012!

Miranda Ellis hides a secret ability that she has no control over and that has cost her family everything. She knows she will never have a "normal" life, so when the mysterious and dark Lord Benjamin Archer asks for her hand in marriage, Miranda is forced into marriage with the brooding Lord to save the only family she has, her father.

While her mind tells her to fear her new husband, her heart is saying something different. Miranda finds herself charmed by the man who is considered a beast by everyone else, with him she feels at home and hopes to tame Archer and his sometimes brutish ways. Lord Archer has a secret of his own, one he hides behind the mask he wears, one that constantly haunts him. Cursed by his past, he now lives in the shadows, looking for a cure and is determined to find one at any cost. Feared by most women in London society, Archer is anything but the ladies' man, but just one look from Miranda ignites a passion unlike any he's ever known. As fate would have it, Archer soon falls for the beautiful woman under his roof which can prove a deadly mistake, but to keep her he is willing to risk his very soul.

This story will bewitch you and draw you in until the very last word! In Firelight we meet two complex characters, Miranda and Archer, two tortured souls who find acceptance and love in each other. Their romance has a real "Phantom of the Opera" feel to it that is dark, gothic and incredibly romantic. Miranda is a brave woman and not your average naive Victorian heroine. She hasn't had the greatest upbringing, but still has plenty of heart and compassion for others, her character really tugged at my heart strings.

As much as I love our heroine Miranda, the true star of this book is Lord Benjamin Archer. From the moment he speaks I was glued to the pages and the mystery surrounding him is enough to keep you guessing and reading. The romance between Archer and Miranda is pure and beautiful, I adore these two together and love that their relationship developed throughout the book, I couldn't get enough of their flirting and sexual tension building slowly into an explosive passion! Ms. Callihan's intricate and alluring writing takes you into the dark side of Victorian London, where secret societies and science meet in a sexy, yet thrilling romance! Her depiction of Lord Benjamin Archer was so moving I never once saw him as a monster but as a beautiful, tortured creature yearning for love, he's beyond swoon-worthy.

Firelight is everything I want in a love story. With outstanding world building, character development and a suspenseful plot, it truly is a magnificent debut. Great books stay with you far beyond the last page, and that's exactly what Firelight accomplished. Prepare to be blown away by Miranda and Archer!”

Lori A wrote this review 20 hours ago. ( reply | permalink )

Risking Eternity

by Gwenan Haines

Rated 4 stars

“A dark and sinister tale of revenge and romance!

Hayden Farell is a skeptic cop who believes only in what she sees. To catch the serial killer targeting young prostitutes killed under strange circumstances, Hayden must trust a stranger, Valentin Grigorievich, who seems to know a lot more about the killer than he leads on. What Hayden doesn't know is that Valentin is a vampire who has been tracking the killer for centuries, dating back a hundred years in London, where it all started. Seeking revenge for a loss suffered at the hands of the killer, Valentin joins forces with Hayden to hunt the killer down, but his plans of vengeance are questioned when he realizes the dark but pulling connection to Hayden may prove more important.

This is a thriller combined with a little bit of history and paranormal elements mixed in. The plot is quite unique and I love the blending of vampires and Jack the Ripper. While I expected a bit more romance, Risking Eternity falls more into the urban fantasy category with its dark undertones and strong suspense.

Valentin isn't the hero you fall for instantly, but his dark side and air of mystery make him extremely appealing (I love me a bad boy!). You never know who's side he's really on and it's this constant guessing that kept me intrigued. Hayden is a strong heroine who has a hard time trusting others and is dedicated to her profession. I was moved by her dedication and the way she tried her best to resist her attraction to Valentin at every turn, it made for an interesting pairing of characters. We also meet the third party in this story, the dreaded villain, who plays his part well and adds a little more action and mystery along the way.

If you're looking for a sweet and strong paranormal romance with a perfect happily ever after, you won't find it in Risking Eternity. Instead you'll find a dark paranormal romance with a gothic feel that will keep you engaged with Ms. Haines' edgy writing style. I'm usually not a fan of cliffhangers but I'll settle for one if it means more of Hayden and Valentin is to come!”

Lori A wrote this review 10 days ago. ( reply | permalink )

Don't Bite the Messenger

by Regan Summers

Rated 4 stars

“An outstanding, original vampire novella you'll read in one sitting!

Sydney Kildare, known as Mary to the world, lives a life of constant change. As a vampire courier, she is constantly on the move and has remained alive due to her discretion and chameleon ways. Even a night out can be dangerous in her line of work, needless to say, Sydney's social life is near non-existent. While having some drinks with her fellow couriers, Sydney is spotted by vampires and soon is caught in a life threatening situation. In walks the charming Malcolm Kelly ,who rushes as her knight in shining armor, "rescues" her from being dinner, and leaves her wanting with a searing kiss before his departure.

Ready to give up her life of running, Sydney is set on retiring far away from Alaska, where she plans to live a normal life. Before she can do that she gets a job, one last gig before retirement can't hurt, right? Wrong. Sydney has a special ability that she keeps secret but plays a huge role in her line of work, she cannot be enthralled by a vampire. When her secret is discovered, she is caught in the middle of a vampire turf war and will need to seek the help of her "dark knight" in order to live another day.

I'm a vampire junkie, if it's about vampires, I've either read it or going to read it. After reading so many books on the subject of vampires you feel you've read it all...I must say, Don't Bite the Messenger totally caught me off guard and I was deeply immersed in the dark, yet romantic world of Ms. Summers. Our heroine is my favorite kind, she's smart, ballsy and sometimes vulnerable. She's confident and her voice really shines in this story; I instantly liked her and loved her by the last chapter. Malcolm has an aura of mystery and a suave personality that make him a swoon-worthy hero. I truly adore that there is undeniable attraction between these two from the start but not the "I know we just met but I'm in love with you" that we often see. Their pairing is smart and just fits. Although I wanted more sexy scenes between these two, I was satisfied with the carnal passion Sydney and Malcolm share.

Don't Bite the Messenger is a quick-paced, action packed urban fantasy with a touch of romance. The author introduces her fascinating world of vampires politics and their human courier "pawns" in the perfect setting for the paranormal, Alaska. A well developed plot and captivating characters draw you into an original story but unfortunately ends too soon. I must praise Ms. Summers for bringing our couple back together but there are some loose ends I want answered. I'm hoping this is the beginning of a series and that I haven't seen the last of Sydney and Malcolm yet. This is a must read for anyone who loves a thrill ride with a kick a** heroine and a sexy leading man! ”

Lori A wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )

Banshee Charmer (From the Files of the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency)

by Tiffany Allee

Rated 4 stars

“A charming, sexy murder mystery!

While working her latest case, detective (and half-banshee) Kiera "Mac" McLoughlin is convinced the two murdered victims are the work of a serial killer, an incubus to be exact. The only problem with her theory, incubi have been extinct for years. When her partner becomes the third victim of the serial killer, Mac is taken off the case but refuses to walk away from the investigation. With no solid leads, Mac's chances of finding the killer before he strikes again seem slim, until she meets the intriguing and handsome Aidan Byrne, an investigator for the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency. Mac knows her only option is to accept Aidan's help, but working close to the sexy investigator will prove far more dangerous than the killer she seeks.

Banshee Charmer is an entertaining story filled with a bit of mystery, humor and a sizzling romance! Tiffany Allee's world where humans and paranormals exist, side by side, is a fresh new take I really enjoyed. Mac is a solid heroine, she's tough and daring, but comes off as insecure sometimes...which I wanted to scream at her for, I mean she's a cop for crying out loud! Aidan is smooth, calm and collective, I love his swagger and feisty personality instantly! These two really bring out the best in each other and the sparks between them are electrifying. I couldn't get enough of their interaction before things really heat up, these two are great together. Although the story deals with the very sexual beings that are succubi and incubi, this element is written in a very tasteful way that fits well into the plot.

With the perfect blend of supernatural and suspense, Banshee Charmer weaves a little urban fantasy into a paranormal romance for a stellar debut! Fun characters, intriguing mystery and a hot romance make this a great lazy afternoon short read. I'm looking forward to getting to know the "other worlders" in Ms. Allee's developing supernatural world!
”

Lori A wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )

Bannockburn Binding

by Tracy Cooper-Posey

Rated 3 stars

“A scorchingly hot paranormal time travel romance!

In a world where vampires and time travel are a common occurrence, vampire Natalia works as a traveller and tour guide for the Chronometric Conservation Agency. Her latest client has requested to travel back to medieval Scotland but things go from smooth to awry when Tally is discovered by Robert MacKenzie who mistakes her for an English noblewoman and holds her captive for ransom.

Tally sees Rob as nothing more than a Scottish brute but the more she's in his presence, the more she's attracted to the warrior Scotsman. Time is running out for Tally and when the Agency decides to send help, it comes in the form of her ex-lover, vampire Christian Lee Hamilton. Christian is determined to bring Tally back at any cost, but when he meets Rob MacKenzie, he stirs feelings in him he's only felt for Tally. In this trip to the past, Christian and Tally will get a chance to rekindle their love for each other while finding new love.

Bannockburn Binding is a story that goes beyond your usual time travel romance! The story successfully intertwines elements of the paranormal, time travel and sci-fi into one cohesive plot. Tally and Rob are a great pairing, their chemistry is sultry and when Christian comes into the picture it's ultra hot! While most of the story takes place in the past, we also get a glimpse of the Agency and some of its members that provide a backstory of why time travel came to be. The world building is unique and the characters are solid, but I would have preferred a bit more background on the main characters.

This isn't just an erotic romance, it's a unique love story that transcends time, literally. With intense action and constant twists and turns you'll want to finish it in one sitting! The ending comes together seamlessly and I love that the author avoided a cliffhanger and gives the reader a happy ending. Tracy Cooper-Posey's intriguing characters will quickly make their way into your hearts and wanting more of her time traveling vampires!
”

Lori A wrote this review 4 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )

A Demon Does It Better

by Linda Wisdom

Rated 4 stars

“Witty, sexy and fun!

Liliana is a witch and doctor who specializes in healing. When her friend Sera who worked at the Crying Souls Hospital and Asylum suddenly goes missing, Lili vows to get answers. To do that, she takes a position at Crying Souls, hoping to learn what happened to her friend and others who've gone missing. What Lili finds while working with the secretive Dr. Mortimer is a "dungeon" of mentally ill patients under the worst conditions. It's there she meets patient 1172, Jared, a demon and the "most dangerous" inmate at Crying Souls, according to Dr. Mortimer. Lili isn't afraid of Jared, in fact she's extremely attracted by the sexy demon. The more time she spends treating Jared, the more she realizes not everyone is who they seem at the hospital. Soon Lili finds herself trusting the one person she was told to stay away from and thrown into a dark world of secrets and magick she never imagined.

I was enthralled by Linda Wisdom's supernatural world from the first page. The story wastes no time in jumping right into the action. The mystery surrounding the sexy demon Jared had me hooked, I couldn't read fast enough to find out more about him. He comes off as if he has ulterior motives with Lili but you soon learn he's just a demon with a heart! Jared was a refreshing new hero who wears his heart on his sleeve and isn't less of an Alpha for doing so, I love his charisma, his seductive ways and selflessness.

Lili is a strong and opinionated heroine who sometimes lacks the extra confidence to speak her mind but is still brave when the moment calls for it. Lili and Jared make a great couple and I enjoyed watching their relationship blossom instead of the instant love you sometimes get in books. They bring out the best in each other and their passion is both sexy and romantic. The book also has some great supporting characters you can't help but love, like Cleo, Lili's familiar who happens to be Queen Cleopatra incarnated in a cat! Cleo is feisty and moody but always comes to Lili's aid and gives her some great advice when it comes to matters of the heart.

A Demon Does It Better is a noteworthy paranormal romance with tons of emotion and a little dark side. The characters are well developed and the world building is quite original and intriguing. It's the kind of book you go into thinking you'll enjoy but just can't seem to put down once you start. It's difficult not to become invested in the characters and story with Linda's vivid and emotional writing. It's not usual for me to read a series out of order but I was able to follow the story without any holes or questions. After reading A Demon Does it Better I'll be adding book one and all others to follow onto my list!

{ebook courtesy of NetGalley}

Original Romancing the Darkside Review:
http://romancingthedarkside.blogspot.com...”

Lori A wrote this review Sunday, January 15, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

Snowy Fate

by Marissa Dobson

Rated 3 stars

“Never fully recovering from her father abruptly leaving when she was just a child, Aspyn Layton must face her past with her father's recent passing. She visits her father's home to deal with his estate and hoping to put the past behind her but instead finds a handsome stranger and a journal that holds long kept secrets and the truth behind her father's absence.

Damon Andrews knew all about Aspyn's father's secrets and has a few of his own. He has been busy building a home and patiently awaiting the arrival of his true mate. When he meets Aspyn, he knows fate has finally brought his mate to him. He feels the attraction to Aspyn instantly, but knows that his greatest challenge will be convincing her of what she truly is, even if he has to take matters into his own hands and show her himself.

Snowy Fate is a short novella with a little paranormal twist and romance. While I would have loved a little more background on the characters and a developing romance instead of an instant one, the story was short but entertaining. I hope Ms. Dobson gives us another look into the lives of Aspyn and Damon in the near future!
”

Lori A wrote this review Thursday, January 12, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

Covet

by Felicity Heaton

Rated 4 stars

“Forbidden love and unbridled passion come together in Felicity Heaton's sexy new release Covet!

For two years, Lilah and Javier have worked together at the Vampirerotique Theatre, their attraction for each other growing every day. When he leaves the theatre on family business, Javier thinks he can finally get the beautiful Lilah out of his thoughts, but absence only makes the heart grow fonder. Upon his return, Javier can no longer hold back his lustful feelings for Lilah and vows to make her his. The vampires at the Vampirerotique Theatre indulge in their dark desires every night but always following one rule, never touch another vampire's human servant. But for Javier, the beautiful human Lilah who he's longed for, is worth every risk and he intends to break all the rules to have her, even if for one night.

Covet is set in a dark yet sensual world of vampires, sex and voyeurism. Lilah is a strong leading lady who knows what she wants and gives in to her desires instead of suppressing them, I love her boldness. While she's not your usual kick ass heroine, she's determined and leads with her heart. Javier is sexy as hell with a very wicked tongue that will make you blush! Even with his naughty side he's chivalrous and is a strong hero throughout the story. The chemistry between Javier and Lilah is hot enough to melt the North Pole and I loved every one of their sensual encounters! These two have been harboring their feelings for each other for a while so their union is that more gratifying.

While there are some supporting characters who briefly make an appearance, this story revolves around the main characters of Javier and Lilah, but like any good paranormal romance, there's also a villain who tries to break the happy couple apart. With a unique plot and some of the most erotic scenes I've read (and I've read my fair share of them!), Covet is not for the shy but definitely for the smut lover. If you're new to Ms. Heaton's work, this book will make her an instant favorite, and if you're just looking for a spicy novella to get you out of a reading funk, this book will no doubt do the trick!
”

Lori A wrote this review Tuesday, January 10, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

An Alpha's Path

by Carrie Ann Ryan

Rated 3 stars

“A short but sexy shifter paranormal romance!

Melanie has spent most her days and nights studying for her PhD in nuclear chemistry and has missed out on having a social life. When her best friends sets her up on a blind date, Melanie reluctantly agrees, a girl has to have some fun, right? Nothing could prepare her for the sexy man she would encounter on her one night out. Kade, like Melanie, has traded love life for more important responsibilities. When this Alpha werewolf meets Melanie he instantly sees mate material. This one night of fun soon turns into something more when secrets are revealed and hearts are forever intertwined.

An Alpha's Path is a fast paced novella of two souls brought together by the ones they love. Melanie is not my ideal heroine (I like a more feisty personality), but she's funny, outspoken and smart. She was too indecisive for my tastes but I'd probably be a little hesitant too if a gorgeous guy told me he was a werewolf and I was his intended mate!

Kade, on the other hand is a dream. He's your typical Alpha male (in every sense of the word) and has a romantic side to him that melts your heart...he's a real keeper! The interaction between these two characters is fun and sexy. In just a short span of time you learn a lot about their personalities, enough to make you want the story to be a full novel. There are also some great supporting characters that add a bit more spark to the story. I'm anxious to find out what other hot Alpha's we'll meet in the pack as the series evolves (crossing my fingers for it to be Jasper!).

Carrie Ann Ryan goes in for the kill with her debut in paranormal romance and has definitely succeeded in her introduction of the Redwood Pack! The supernatural world and appealing characters are effortlessly brought to life by her talent to detail and imagery. Her sexy werewolves will have you all hot and bothered in no time!”

Lori A wrote this review Monday, January 9, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

Scent of a White Rose

by Tish Thawer

Rated 5 stars

“An enchanting debut worthy of praise!

Rose is a young woman who is trying to cope with the sudden death of her dear mother. Tired of being treated as an innocent young girl and being under her father's constant vigilance, she seeks refuge in the arms of the dark and mysterious vampire Christian. His identity has been kept a secret from Rose while he waits for the day to reveal himself and share the gift of immortality with his true love. But Christian isn't the only one with a secret, Rose has a few of her own that will put their love to the ultimate test and forever change their lives.

I was drawn into Rose and Christian's story from the first page. You won't find any sulking or brooding blood drinkers here, instead we are introduced to a new hierarchy of light and dark vampires who live among humans by concealing their identities, while following a code of ethics among them. Rose is a admirable heroine, even for her young years. She's had her share of tragedy and never lets that stop her from trying to live her life to the fullest. Rose is sweet, smart, outspoken and a character you can really identify with, I love her optimism and determination.

Christian, her love interest might look like a bad boy, but he's quite the gentleman and romantic. His love for Rose is pure and will stop at nothing to protect her, what more could you want in a hero? Christian is the perfect leading man, he's sexy, protective and loyal, he'll have you wrapped around his finger in no time with his chivalrous ways! Another character that really made an impression on me was the vampire Terrance. He's mysterious, dark and definitely a tortured hero who has lost his way but still has some good in him, I can't wait to learn more about his character in future books.

In Scent of a White Rose, Tish Thawer crafts a seductive vampire tale with her eloquent writing style and keen sense of romance that simply entrances! The story line of vampire guy falls in love with human girl might sound familiar, but don't let that deter you from getting your hands on this book. The author's take of the vampire myth is fresh, exciting and engaging. Scent of a White Rose has all the essential elements of a paranormal romance: a suspenseful plot that will keep you on edge, solid characters, a beautiful love story and a climactic ending that will leave you begging for more of Rose and Christian! A great beginning to a promising new series by a new and gifted author you won't want to miss.”

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Reviews

Firelight

by Kristen Callihan