[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Edge of Dawn

Lara Adrian As a child, Lara Adrian used to sleep with the covers up around her neck, afraid she might become the midnight prey of deadly vampires. Later on, under the influence of Bram Stoker and Anne Rice, she had to wonder if her fear wasn't actually something else: a secret desire to walk in a darker world, to live a dangerous and sensual dream with a man of seductive, preternatural power. It is that twining of fear and desire that fuels Lara's own fantasies today, and the idea that she explores in her New York Times bestselling Midnight Breed series of vampire romance novels from Bantam Dell Books.

With an ancestry stretching back to the Mayflower and the court of King Henry VIII, Lara Adrian lives with her husband in coastal New England, surrounded by centuries-old graveyards, hip urban comforts, and the endless inspiration of the broody Atlantic Ocean.

Edge of Dawn, book #11 of the MIDNIGHT BREED series

by Lara Adrian

Synopsis:

In this pulse-pounding and thrillingly sensual novel, New York Timesbestselling author Lara Adrian returns to the mesmerizing world of the Midnight Breed, following new characters into a dark future where an uneasy peace can unravel into war—and a great betrayal can mask an all-consuming love.

Twenty years after the terror of First Dawn—when mankind learned that vampires lived secretly among them—the threat of violence reigns as the two species struggle to coexist. The only group preserving the fragile harmony is the Order, an elite cadre of Breed warriors dedicated to protecting humans and vampires alike. And in this precarious world of torn loyalties and shattered trust, Mira, a fiery squad captain, finds that every fight bears an intensely personal cost.

Raised among the Order, Mira has always believed in the warrior’s code of swift—and even lethal—justice. But the one thing she desires more than the Order’s hard-won acceptance is Kellan Archer, a sexy but troubled Breed fighter. In love with him since childhood, Mira once broke through his tough exterior during an unexpected night of rapture, but the next day he mysteriously disappeared, never to return.

Kellan didn’t think he would ever see Mira again—or have to confront the truth of why he left. After abandoning the Order years ago, he now leads a band of human rebels intent on carrying out their own vigilante rule of law. Yet a high-profile kidnapping assignment brings him face-to-face with the past he sought to avoid, and the striking woman he has tried desperately to forget. And as tensions mount and the risk of bloodshed grows, Kellan and Mira must take sides—between the competing missions that dominate their lives, and the electrifying passion that claims their hearts.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
*ARC received from NetGalley

MIDNIGHT BREED is one of my very favorite Paranormal Romance series and I auto-pre-order each new release. After finishing Sterling's book and hearing that Mira's book was next, I was both excited and a bit scared... I just wasn't sure how a spin-off would sit with me, and yet I wasn't ready to leave the world by any stretch of the imagination either. When I got the ARC from NetGalley and finally had a chance to sit down with it I breathed a sigh of relief, and shouldn't have been worried at all in the first place. Not only did Lara deliver an amazing book, Edge of Dawn is quite possibly my favorite Breed novel to date. It was wonderful!

Having known Mira since Renata brought her to the Compound as a little girl, seeing her all grown up as the captain of one of the Order's main fighting groups brought both a sense of wonder and pride. Not only is she a Breedmate, and therefore human, not Breed, but she's female as well and being that highly ranked is just something that doesn't happen.

The interim events with Kellan were a bit of a surprise. I sort of had a feeling that Mira might end up with him despite their age difference back in the earlier books, but I was very shocked at the dark turn Lara took with the story and how she unveiled and unraveled it all in Edge of Dawn. It was gripping, emotional, frustrating, maddening, and romantic all at the same time.

I liked how the world was changed in this book as well - humans know about the breed now, wars have been waged because of it and lives on all sides have been lost, there is a tentative kind of truce amongst the many factions and yet, as usual, an evil lurks, threatening to cause even more upheaval. All of the changes allowed for me as a diehard MIDNIGHT BREED fan to have something a little bit different, but still have some closure and a bit of a fix with the reappearance and new positions of my favorites as well.

I really enjoyed the heavier, darker, more intense MIDNIGHT BREED and cannot wait to see where Lara takes us with this new generation and their fight against the new big bad!

LITERAL ADDICTION gives Edge of Dawn 5 Skulls.

Edge of Dawn

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Mystically Bound

Stacey Kennedy loves the paranormal genre and loves a series even more! Nothing can hook her more than adventure and one that keeps on going.
Her novels are lighthearted fantasy, heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even a good chuckle every new and again.
She’s not a planner, she doesn’t write with a set idea because no matter what she plans, the characters’ voices always come through and demand that she listen to them.
Her journey as a writer began when she was a teen and wrote poetry, which still to this day she pulls out for a good laugh. Later, she tried a couple of times to put together a book with no luck until she was exposed to the paranormal world and the ideas came quickly.
She’s a thirty one year old wife, mom, house cleaner, cook, teacher, play-doh extraordinaire, swing pusher, toddler chaster after – who loves outdoors, curling up with the latest flick and if she’s not plugging away at a new novel, she’s not her nose buried deep in a good book.

Mystically Bound, Book #3 of the FROSTBITE series

by Stacey Kennedy

Synopsis:

Tess Jennings’ life is in chaos. Her ghost lover, Kipp McGowen, vanished into the Netherworld without a trace. Now, she finds herself in White Castle, Louisiana, surrounded by the Animus—a secret society of the supernaturally gifted. To make matters
worse, they present her with an offer she cannot refuse.

If she helps solve the murder of their Grand Master, they will assist her in saving Kipp. Soon, Tess will land herself lost in another mystery she doesn’t want. But she will have to trust her enemies to gain what she most desires—a life with Kipp.

Only problem? People are hiding secrets and dark pasts. Tess will soon discover that nothing is as it seems. She might want to save Kipp from his ghostly state, but someone has decided it’s better for her to join him…

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION'S Pack Alpha - Michelle L Olson:

It's a well known fact that I am a Stacey Kennedy groupie and that I love the FROSTBITE series. So, of course I had this book pre-ordered, and jumped on it immediately.

Now when I heard that the final installment of Frostbite ended up being split into two books, I figured that Stacey might leave us with a cliffhanger, but JUST as she got my heart rate fluttering, there were no more pages to be had...

I wanted to rant, but the book was a great set up & first 1/2, and just left me wanting more, so I can't be too upset. ;-)

It's a bit different than the first three books of the series, and I think that's because it was this massive build up for the final grand finale. It doesn't have quite the amount of character interaction that we got in the first several installments, but the mystery is intense, insane and incredible!

Tess is stuck between a rock and a hard place in this release. She remains her feisty stubborn, independent self, but is basically bullied into helping the Animus - a secret society of supernaturals - solve the murder of their leader by trying to make contact with his ghost and therefore find out who murdered him, in exchange for them helping her find Kipp. Like all things in Tess's life thus far though, it's not easy, and nothing goes according to plan.

There are a bunch of awesome surprises in this book, some long awaited (and utterly enjoyable) romantic moments, some fabulous character evolution, and lots and lots of dark mystery, intrigue, suspense and action.

I absolutely cannot wait for the final book of the series to see how Stacey wraps it all up. FROSTBITE is incredible, and I still completely stand by my suggestion that everyone should read this! it's not just a paranormal romance. It's not just a romantic suspense. It's not just a ghost story.... it's all of the above and more, and each and every book of the saga will make you want to call in sick to work to finish reading them. ;-)

LITERAL ADDICTION gives Mystically Bound 4 Skulls and hopes that you will all check out it and its predecessors ASAP.

Mystically Bound

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Mated to the Devil

Hello, my name is Eve Langlais. I'm a stay at home mom who works as a webmistress/customer service rep. In between juggling my three kids, hubby, and housework, I write romance--usually with werewolves or aliens lol.

Born in British Columbia, as a military brat, I have lived a little bit everywhere--Quebec, New Brunswick, Labrador, Virginia (USA) and finally, Ontario. My family and I currently live just outside Ottawa.

I love to write, and while I don't always know what my mind is going to come up with next, I can promise it will be fun, probably humorous and most of all romantic, because I love a HEA.

Thanks so much for coming by and checking me out. If you'd like to know more, read some excerpts or find out what's coming next, then please visit me at www.EveLanglais.com

Mated to the Devil

by Eve Langlais

Synopsis:

Not all pleasures are a sin...

Mina wants to put her seduction by a golden-eyed devil behind her, but the birth of her son, Jacques, renders that impossible. She tries to forget the only man who ever roused her passion, but when she notices her son exhibiting strange behavior—and less-than-human characteristics—she must face her past and learn to trust, and love, again.

Howling drunk, the one thing Remy clearly remembers is seducing Mina. A pity he didn’t think to get her address, especially since he marks her as his mate. When she disappears, he’s got plenty of time to regret, but he doesn’t get a chance to atone until she comes back into his life with an unexpected surprise.

Thrust into the role of father, Remy works to bond with his son while gaining forgiveness. But will he get the chance to truly make Mina his mate before danger threatens their fragile happiness?

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

Oh, it has been much too long since I read an Eve Langlais book. I had forgotten how incredible they are. What an amazing story!!

Our heroine, Mina, ends up at a frat party with her cousins and quickly feels out of place. She's from an incredibly religious household, and it's hard for her to let go of the conditioning. But after getting a glimpse of a guy that turns her inside out, she's a bit confused.

Our hero, Remy, wasn't looking for his mate, but after catching one whiff of her his instincts kick in - both the dark and the light.

The circumstances of their eventual meeting were very dark, and led to some very intense moments - opposites attract, sparks flew, and the emotions made things even sexier. The circumstances following their encounter, however, were some of the most heart-felt I have read in a book in awhile and I was absolutely hooked from beginning to end.

I would love to tell you more, but I refuse to spoil it. You simply must read it yourself! Let me just say that Mina and Remy together are amazing - each providing what the other is missing and completing each other and their family on a way that neither had even hoped for.

LITERAL ADDICTION gives Mated to the Devil an easy 5 Skulls and can say it was one of the most gripping dark PNR books I have read in a good long while. I highly recommend it to Paranormal Romance readers and Eve Langlais fans far and wide!

Mated to the Devil

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of One for the Wicked

Karina Cooper 

After writing happily ever afters for all of her friends in school, Karina Cooper eventually grew up (sort of), went to work in the real world (kind of), where she decided that making stuff up was way more fun (true!). She is the author of dark and sexy paranormal romance, steampunk urban fantasy, and writes across multiple genres with mad glee.

One part glamour, one part dork and all imagination, Karina is also a gamer, an airship captain’s wife, and a steampunk fashionista. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with a husband, a menagerie, a severe coffee habit, and a passel of adopted gamer geeks. Visit her at www.karinacooper.com, because she says so.

One for the Wicked, book #5 of the DARK MISSION series

by Karina Cooper

Synopsis:

In this thrilling finale to Karina Cooper's Dark Mission series, New Seattle's witches will rise again…or fall forever.

Dr. Kayleigh Lauderdale possesses the only cure for what's killing the city's witches. Desperate to acquire it, the resistance sends their best agent, but Shawn Lowe has his own agenda, and it doesn't include saving anyone—least of all, the daughter of his sworn enemy. He has to ignore the blistering attraction he feels the instant they meet, because he can't give in until he gets what he wants. He just never counted on wanting her…

Kayleigh can't believe how out of control Shawn makes her feel. He lies to her with one breath and excites her beyond reason the next. A reckless encounter could steal her heart, while the danger hovering over the city may prove too much for either of them to handle. When the world turns upside down, it will take everything Kayleigh and Shawn have to hold on…to life, to hope, to each other.


Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
*eARC provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review

Oh Karina, way to go out with a bang! So intense, so HOT, so...absolutely amazing!! While I am super sad to see the series end, I am beyond honored to have been able to enjoy the ride, and thank you for leaving us all with this epic piece of your imagination. :)

So, how to sum up for those reading this review who have yet to take the DARK MISSION plunge? The series is set in a delightfully dark & somewhat dystopian world where it's church against 'other' and prejudice and bias have left the witches fighting for their lives. However, it's so much more than just the church bigots and the witches, and each and every book of the series revealed more and more complexity, mystery, and mayhem - all thrown together with some seriously emotional moments and incredible romance.

Our hero has been hell bent on revenge against our heroine's father - the man solely responsible for turning his life upside down sixteen years previously, so when he's presented with the opportunity to use his enemy's daughter as leverage, he jumps at the chance.

Unfortunately, it's not as easy as all that... Kaleigh and Shawn have an instant attraction, and no matter how much either of them fight against it, knowing that giving in goes against everything they've respectively been taught throughout their lives, nature takes its course and shakes things up (in more ways than one).

So how does it all end? Oh come on, I can't tell you that! You're just going to have to read it for yourself. I CAN tell you that Karina wraps things up beautifully with a strong couple who fights hard for their HEA while fighting just as hard to stay true to themselves, she brings back previous characters, which allows the reader necessary closure and ties up some lose ends from earlier installments, and she delivers it all in an action packed, intriguing, romantic, emotional, and utterly entertaining read that she should be very, very proud of.

LITERAL ADDICTION gives One for the Wicked an easy 5 Skulls and would highly recommend it. And while the books can be read as stand-alones, I do strongly suggest that you read the series from the beginning - in order - starting with the prequel novella, Before the Witches. Trust me, it makes things even better! :)

Oh, and random side note...I will never look at my studded leather cuff bracelets the same way ever again! ;-) [Now if that didn't make you want to read it just to see what the heck I'm talking about, I don't know what will!] Take the DARK MISSION plunge, you won't be disappointed.

One for the Wicked

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Dead Man's Deal

Jocelynn Drake The oldest of three kids, Jocelynn grew up and continues to reside in the Cincinnati, Ohio region. She started writing when she was 12, spending all of one summer re-writing the story of Robin Hood in the battered remains of a notebook. While life has brought many changes and surprises, the love of writing and a good story has been a constant. When not writing she can be found buried in a good book, wandering through the woods with her camera cradled protectively against her body, traveling to interesting locations or relaxing with her family.

Dead Man's Deal, book #2 of the ASYLUM TALES series

by Jocelynn Drake

Synopsis:

The dark and dangerous follow-up that continues the adventures of a magical tattoo artist begun in Angel's Ink

In a world where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and vampires swim free in a sea of humanity, sometimes you need an edge. Looking for a little love? Need some luck? Desperate for revenge? Gage can give you what you need. The most talented tattoo artist in town, he knows the right symbol and the right mix of ingredients and ink to achieve your heart's desire. One tattoo is all it takes. But remember, everything has its price. . . .

Gage learned that lesson long ago, in ways he'd rather not remember. But the cruel and powerful wizards in the dreaded Ivory Towers he escaped aren't about to let him forget. Though Gage has managed to stay out of sight, he can't outrun the past forever.

The wizards know Gage is using forbidden magic, and they intend to punish him for his transgressions. Too bad if innocent humans and monsters-entire cities-get in the way. They will quell a nascent magical uprising and Gage will be the sacrifice they need. First, though, they have to find him . . .

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
*eARC received from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review

Jocelynn Drake delivers another mind blowing read with the 2nd installment of The Asylum Tales, and continues some of the most fantastic world building I have ever encountered!

As the conflict between the Towers and the rest of the world escalates, Gage and his loved ones are once again caught up in the midst of the chaos. Per usual, loyal, selfless, protective, absolutely lovable Gage lays everything on the line to protect those he loves and the lives of the innocent. Jocelynn is so in tune with her leading man and writes so vividly, that as he fights tooth and nail and sacrifices just about anything & everything he can, you can't help but be caught up in the story and cheer him on, feeling as if you were right there with him.

The tone and pacing of the plot were fantastic, and the arc of the story is evolving spectacularly. Amidst the magic and mayhem we get some delicious sneak peeks into what might be, as well as some delightful regressions into what was, all adding up to a fast paced, action packed Urban Fantasy that is also incredibly touching and full of heart.

I am thoroughly obsessed with this unique and gripping series and highly recommend it! While Dead Man's Deal can be read as a stand-alone, I highly suggest reading the 2 prequel novellas and Angel's Ink beforehand. The added history and character development story you will gain will make Dead Man's Deal just that much more enjoyable (and that's saying a lot).

LITERAL ADDICTION gives Dead Man's Deal a well earned 5 Skulls.

Dead Man's Deal

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Behind the Lies

Robin Perini’s love of heart-stopping suspense and poignant romance, coupled with her adoration of high tech weaponry and covert ops, encouraged her secret inner commando to take on the challenge of writing romantic suspense novels. Her mission's motto: "when danger and romance collide, no heart is safe."

As a writer, Robin is devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high stakes adventures with a love story sure to melt their hearts. Robin’s strong characters and tightly woven plots have garnered her seven prestigious Romance Writers of America Golden Heart® finals. Her 2011 Golden Heart Winner, Stolen Lullaby, will be published by Harlequin Intrigue in May, 2012. Her 2011 Golden Heart Finalist, In Her Sights, will be published by Amazon's Montlake Romance November 29, 2011.

By day, she works for an advanced technology corporation, and in her spare time, you might find her giving one of her many nationally acclaimed writing workshops or find her training in competitive small-bore rifle silhouette shooting. She's a voracious reader and a die-hard fan of the T.V. series, BONES.

Robin loves to interact with readers. You can catch her by sending a comment on her website,www.robinperini.com, or interacting with her via Facebook (www.facebook.com/RobinPeriniAuthor), Goodreads or Twitter(@RobinPerini).

Behind the Lies, Book #2 of the MONTGOMERY JUSTICE series

by Robin Perini

Synopsis:

Of the six Montgomery brothers, golden-boy Zach has always walked on the wild side. He rocketed to fame playing a hero in a movie, but offscreen he's living in the shadows. Zach's dark secret: he leads a double life as a CIA operative. When a mission to stalk a terrorist goes horribly wrong, Zach's cover is blown. He's on the run and fighting to stay alive long enough to discover whom he can trust and who betrayed him.

Jenna Walters thought she'd married the 'perfect man' until she unearthed his terrible secret. Now, desperate to escape his crosshairs, she and her son take refuge in Zach's secret hideaway. Sparks fly between Zach and Jenna even as danger explodes around them.

From Afghanistan to Turkey to the mountains of Colorado, assassins track them and are closing in. Not only is Zach's life at stake, but now Jenna and her son are targets in this high stakes game.

Golden Heart Winner and seven-time finalist, Robin Perini offers up another page-turner.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
*ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review

I'm not generally a Romantic Suspense reader (I read Paranormals, Fantasy, Horror & Mystery). In fact, Behind the Lies was only the 3rd RS I've read. Ever. With that said, it was like the best action/drama movie on paper and utterly thrilled!

Zach, oour hero, is the assumed slacker & wild child of the Montgomery clan - a well known actor, but also an infamous CIA Agent. His cover gets blown, there's a price on his head, and things just wtart to spiral out of control.

Our heroine is an abused wife and devoted mother trying desperately to find a way to make a new life for herself and her son. in attempting to escape her psycopathic husbamd she ends up in her superstar neighbor's pool house, irrevocably meshing their fates.

Behind the Lies was 'Truth, Justice and the Montgomery way', where blood is always thicker, and rules were meant to be broken! :) it was tense, action-packed, and thrilling, and while I did see some of the outcomes, it was no less fun getting there.

LITERAL ADDICTION gives Behind the Lies 5 Skulls and would definitely recommend it!

Behind the Lies

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Portrait of a Dead Guy

Larissa Reinhart loves small town characters with big attitudes, particularly sassy women with a penchant for trouble. Her Cherry Tucker Mystery series, beginning with PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY (Henery Press), received a 5/5 Star review from the Examiner.com, is a 2012 Daphne du Maurier finalist, a 2012 The Emily finalist, and a 2011 Dixie Kane Memorial finalist. The second book, STILL LIFE IN BRUNSWICK STEW, arrives in May 2013 followed by HIJACK IN ABSTRACT. A Cherry Tucker prequel will appear in a December 2013 mystery anthology, THE HEARTACHE MOTEL.

After moving around the midwest, the South and Japan, Larissa now lives in Georgia with her husband, daughters, and Biscuit, a Cairn Terrier. When she's not writing about Southern fried chicken, she writes about Asian fried chicken at her blog about life as an ex-expat athttp://theexpatreturneth.blogspot.com. You can find Larissa chatting on Facebook on her author page; on Twitter as RisWrites; and on Goodreads. She loves pinning on her Cherry Tucker and other boards at Pinterest.

Portrait of a Dead Guy, A CHERRY TUCKER MYSTERY Book #1

by Larissa Reinhart

Synopsis:

In Halo, Georgia, folks know Cherry Tucker as big in mouth, small in stature, and able to sketch a portrait faster than buckshot rips from a ten gauge -- but commissions are scarce. So when the well-heeled Branson family wants to memorialize their murdered son in a coffin portrait, Cherry scrambles to win their patronage from her small town rival.

As the clock ticks toward the deadline, Cherry faces more trouble than just a controversial subject. Between ex-boyfriends, her flaky family, an illegal gambling ring, and outwitting a killer on a spree, Cherry finds herself painted into a corner she’ll be lucky to survive.

Our Review by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

Portrait of a Dead Guy is a delightful, light-hearted Southern mystery with lovable characters, fantastic dialogue and a truly fun story!

Beyond the fun mystery, my favorite part of the book was the undeniably 'real' cast - A strong, independent and quirky leading lady who will make you shake your head at the binds she gets herself into without even trying, the two men after her heart - the heartthrob rocker who may or may not be adorably clueless, and the sexy rich boy who may or may not have a heart of gold underneath the spoiled brat facade, Cherry's loving yet dysfunctional family, and the delightful residents of the small town who round out the charming setting perfectly.

The story itself is fast-paced with plenty of twists and turns, and yet steady enough to not cause confusion. I did ultimately figure out the 'who-dun-it' myself, but it was gradual, and completely enjoyable as each new secret was unveiled. It was also incredibly refreshing, unique and engaging from the very beginning.

While I generally don't like to do comparisons, especially if the book was beautiful in its own right (which this one was!), I think it might help readers... The book had a bit of a 'Stephanie Plum', or Lexi George (without the paranormal) feel.

Portrait of a Dead Guy really has everything a good book should have and I would definitely recommend it.

LITERAL ADDICTION gives book #1 of this exciting new series 4 Skulls.

Portrait of a Dead Guy