[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Witches With the Enemy

Like most writers, Barb Hendee worked at many jobs in her life, including teaching pre-school until she completed her master’s degree in Composition Theory. Between 1993 and 2006, she taught college English while writing fiction on the side, some independently and some with her husband and life-long partner J.C.

Over the years, they’ve lived in Washington State, Idaho, Colorado, and now moved just south of Portland, Oregon. She loves the Northwest, and says it’s a great place to write.

They have a lovely and talented daughter, Jaclyn, who lives in Houston, Texas along with their wonderful and talented son-in-law, Paul.

The duo sold “Dhampir”, book #1 of their NOBLE DEAD SAGA in 2001, which changed their lives considerably. It was published in January 2003, and they’ve published a book in the Noble Dead Saga every year since. In May of 2006, they were both able to quit their teaching jobs and move into full time writing.

In 2008, Barb sold the idea for her VAMPIRE MEMORIES series to their editor, Susan Allison, at Roc Books. She’s very grateful that their books have found an audience because they love to write fiction more than anything else in the world… and Barb says she’s not really good at anything else. :)

Now, Barb is bringing us the new MIST TORN WITCHES series, which takes place in the Noble Dead world, but with new and amazing characters like she gave us in her VAMPIRE MEMORIES series.

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Witches With the Enemy

MIST-TORN WITCHES #3

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When seers Céline and Amelie Fawe fled Shetâna under threat of death, they vowed never to return. Yet, less than a year later, they are summoned back—to aid the man who once tried to kill them…

The cruel prince Damek is on the verge of closing marriage negotiations with the powerful family of a young noblewoman when his intended’s sister is murdered. To keep the engagement from falling through, Damek must expose the killer quickly—and he needs the seers’ powers to do so. Though the Fawes’ patron, Prince Anton, fears that bringing Céline and Amelie to Shetâna places them in grave danger, he is honor-bound to help his brother Damek.

Only none of them is prepared for the peril that awaits them at Castle Kimovesk&mdas;for someone in the court is determined to prevent the marriage from happening, no matter how deadly the cost…

When seers Céline and Amelie Fawe fled Shetâna under threat of death, they vowed never to return. Yet, less than a year later, they are summoned back—to aid the man who once tried to kill them…

The cruel prince Damek is on the verge of closing marriage negotiations with the powerful family of a young noblewoman when his intended’s sister is murdered. To keep the engagement from falling through, Damek must expose the killer quickly—and he needs the seers’ powers to do so. Though the Fawes’ patron, Prince Anton, fears that bringing Céline and Amelie to Shetâna places them in grave danger, he is honor-bound to help his brother Damek.

Only none of them is prepared for the peril that awaits them at Castle Kimovesk&mdas;for someone in the court is determined to prevent the marriage from happening, no matter how deadly the cost…

When seers Céline and Amelie Fawe fled Shetâna under threat of death, they vowed never to return. Yet, less than a year later, they are summoned back—to aid the man who once tried to kill them.…

The cruel prince Damek is on the verge of closing marriage negotiations with the powerful family of a young noblewoman when his intended’s sister is murdered. To keep the engagement from falling through, Damek must expose the killer quickly—and he needs the seers’ powers to do so. Though the Fawes’ patron, Prince Anton, fears that bringing Céline and Amelie to Shetâna places them in grave danger, he is honor-bound to help his brother Damek.

Only none of them is prepared for the peril that awaits them at Castle Kimovesk—for someone in the court is determined to prevent the marriage from happening, no matter how deadly the cost.…

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review...


Witches with the Enemy is the 3rd installment in Barb Hendee's Mist-Torn Witches series and this was my favorite of the series so far. Like all Hendee books, Witches With the Enemy was engaging, entertaining, and well written, all revolving around two super strong heroines that you can't help but love.


Celine and Amelie assist Prince Anton in solving mysteries in the realm, specifically those surrounding his wicked brother Prince Damek. In this installment, the ladies join Prince Anton in Damek's territory and tensions run high.

Book #3 continues our flirty relationship between Celine and Anton. You see how much he cares for Celine and how much she longs for him, but theirs is not a relationship that can be because she is not noble, and he could potentially be High Prince some day. There is also continued flirtations between Amelia and Jaromir, which I have been rooting for the entire time.

With all of that said, however, I wouldn't classify the Mist-Torn witch series as paranormal romance. It's fantasy, and a fantastic one at that. If you're looking for a suspensful fantasy mystery, then Mist-Torn is a wonderful series to pick up. I highly recommend it!

In a similiar world as the Hendees' Noble Dead saga, the world is utterly fascinating and Barb knows how to write some incredible characters, especially kicka$ heroines.

While I do believe that Witches With the Enemy could stand on its own, as a fan and reader I suggest starting with Mist-Torn Witches, book #1, and enjoying the journey the sisters have taken so far to fully enjoy the series.

In short, my favorite of the series so far. The character development in this one was wonderful to read, and as always, Barb spins a beautiful tale of intrigue.

Witches With the Enemy

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of A Leopard's Path

Lia Davis is a mother to two young adults and two very special kitties, a wife to her soul mate, a paranormal romance author, and co-owner to Fated Desires Publishing, LLC. She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers. But it’s her home and she loves it!

An accounting major, Lia has always been a dreamer with a very activity imagination. The wheels in her head never stop. She ventured into the world of writing and publishing in 2008 and loves it more than she imagined. Writing is stress reliever that allows her to go off in her corner of the house and enter into another world that she created, leaving real life where it belongs.

Her favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties.

Connect with Lia online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.

A Leopard's Path

ASHWOOD FALLS Book #5

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Stolen from her family as an infant, Ana Darwin-Andrews has to piece together her past and present. Her whole life is a lie. There’s only one man she feels she can trust, but even he has secrets.

Kieran Michaels keeps a tight lid on his past, but the Onyx Alpha knows his darkest secrets. Kieran will stop at nothing to destroy the rogue before the past is revealed. Ana can never discover his hands are as bloodstained as their enemy’s, because life without her is not an option.
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

A Leopard's Path was my first foray into Ashwood Falls and I have to say, I'm a little bit hooked. With that said, ALP can be read as a standalone, BUT... I definitely feel that it would be enjoyed even more if you knew a bit more about Ana and Kieran's history and those of the Pack members around them and what led up to the start of A Leopard's Path when Ana ends up at Ashwood.

Stolen from her true family as an infant, Ana was raised with the crazy Alpha of the Onyx Pack. In A Leopard's Path, you will get hints of what happened in previous books - the Onyx Pack was destroyed, Felix set out in search of his mate, Ana's adoptive sister sets out on her own, etc.

Ana and Kieran obviously have some major history. While I didn't know it all going in, I could feel the heartache, and even as a first time reader, wanted nothing more than Ana and Kieran's happily ever after. They certainly fight for it, and those who have been with them on their entire journey will no double adore this book even more than those, who like me, were just getting to know them.

Outside of Ana and Kieran's romance, the story is action-packed as the Pack sets out to defend against an enemy set on their destruction for a long time. There's plenty of tension and you can't help but sit on the edge of your seat and root for the good guys.

Ashwood Falls fans will no doubt be completely won over by A Leopard's Path, but I think that new readers will find it utterly enjoyable, as well, and want more from this intriguing and beguiling world.

A Leopard's Path

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Swerve

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Vicki Pettersson is a Las Vegas native who has always loved to read and write. Whether working in the paranormal or straight thriller genre, a hallmark of a Pettersson novel is a strong female protagonist, and today Vicki continues to write about the women who defy the odds, women who refuse to be written off. In short …

Women Who Thrill.

Keep up with Vicki online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.

Swerve

COMING 7/7/15!

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The first riveting psychological thriller from the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author! It’s high summer in the Mojave Desert, and Kristine Rush and her fiancé, Daniel, are en route from Las Vegas to Lake Arrowhead, California, for the July Fourth holiday weekend. But when Daniel is abducted from a desolate rest stop, Kristine is forced to choose: return home unharmed, but never to see her fiancé again, or plunge forward into the searing desert to find him…where a killer lies in wait. One road. One woman. One killer. Sprinting against the clock, and uncertain if danger lies ahead or behind, Kristine must blaze an epic path through the gaudy flash of roadside casinos, abandoned highway stops, and a landscape rife with horrors never before imagined. Desperate to save her doomed husband-to-be, Kristine must summon long forgotten resources if she’s to go head-to-head against this unpredictable killer. And she’d better hurry. Because she only has twenty-four hours…to make one hell of a trip.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

Vicki Pettersson is one of my favorite authors, her fantasy romance is amazing, but she knocked it out of the park with Swerve, 5 skulls is not nearly enough for this epic thrill-ride.

In the vein of Dean Koontz with a little Deaver thrown in for good measure, Pettersson takes us on an action-packed rollercoaster ride of action, suspense, and drama, delving into the twisted miasma of the human psyche and the overwhelming darkness living and breeding within for some.

Carefully planned and brilliantly executed character development, story arc, and captivating prose lend to a beautifully rendered--and highly disturbing--action thriller that was instantly shelved as a re-read for me. I will admit that I guessed the whodunit before it was revealed (probably because these books are my favorites and I read tons of them), but I don't think most will, and despite having a gut feeling about who it was, the WHYs behind it.. Completely shocked, surprised and unnerved me (and as a horror/thriller aficionado, that is very difficult to do).

This book will stick with me for a very long while--something that hasn't happened in quite some time despite the copious amounts of reading I do--and I would HIGHLY recommend it to psychological horror and thriller lovers far and wide. If you like movies like SAW or The Collector, and love those deep, disturbing, and action-packed tales by authors such as Dean Koontz, John Saul, Jeffery Deaver, and James Patterson, I think you will really enjoy Swerve.

Swerve

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of The Shadow Throne

Django Wexler graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh with degrees in creative writing and computer science, and worked for the university in artificial intelligence research. Eventually he migrated to Microsoft in Seattle, where he now lives with two cats and a teetering mountain of books. When not writing, he wrangles computers, paints tiny soldiers, and plays games of all sorts.

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The Shadow Throne

SHADOW CAMPAIGNS Book #2

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Anyone can plot a coup or fire an assassin’s bullet. But in a world of muskets and magic, it takes considerably more to seize the throne.

The ailing King of the Vordan lies on his deathbed. When he dies, his daughter, Raesinia Orboan, will become the first Queen Regnant in centuries—and a ripe target for the ambitious men who seek to control her. The most dangerous of these is Duke Orlanko, Minister of Information and master of the secret police. Having meticulously silenced his adversaries through intimidation, imprisonment, and execution, Orlanko is the most feared man in the kingdom.

And he knows an arcane secret that puts Raesinia completely at his mercy.

Exposure would mean ruin, but Raesinia is determined to find a way to break herself—and her country—out of Orlanko’s iron grip. She finds unlikely allies in the returning war hero Janus bet Vhalnich, fresh from a brilliant campaign in the colony of Khandar, and his loyal deputies, Captain Marcus d’Ivoire and Lieutenant Winter Ihernglass.

As Marcus and Winter struggle to find their places in the home they never thought they would see again, they help Janus and Raesinia set in motion events that could free Vordan from Orlanko’s influence—at the price of throwing the nation into chaos. But with the people suffering under the Duke’s tyranny, they intend to protect the kingdom with every power they can command, earthly or otherwise.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Scholastic Siren - Sara (edited by Chelle):
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

This is the second book of Django Wexler's Shadow Campaign series and was a new read for me and LITERAL ADDICTION.

The genre is Flintlock Fantasy, but I would have just called it fantasy. The world building is wonderful! There are four main POV characters, all with intersecting storylines. Wexler plots beautifully, and there is no confusion as to whom is speaking or where you are. The story is full of court intrigue and interpersonal relationships. Big plot lines dealing with the major story arc, and secondary plotlines with characters you really come to care about.

I did not read The Thousand Names, book one in the series, but I did not feel lost, nor did I feel like I was missing anything. The book stands well on its own.

I definitely recommend this book, and am anxious to read more from Mr. Wexler.

The Shadow Throne

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Shadow of Elysium

Django Wexler graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh with degrees in creative writing and computer science, and worked for the university in artificial intelligence research. Eventually he migrated to Microsoft in Seattle, where he now lives with two cats and a teetering mountain of books. When not writing, he wrangles computers, paints tiny soldiers, and plays games of all sorts.

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The Shadow of Elysium

SHADOW CHRONICLES #2.5

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From the author of The Price of Valor, The Shadow Throne, and The Thousand Names comes a new novella set in the world of the Shadow Campaigns—"a world of dust and bayonets and muskets...and magic."*
The wagons travel north across the mountains, carrying cargo of great value: Hamveltai glass and porcelain; Deslandai jewelry in heavy iron strongboxes; fine cloth from the cities of the Old Coast. And Abraham.
Bound and tied, guarded day and night, Abraham has been stolen from his village, from the arms of the man he loved. He is being sent to the fortress-city of Elysium to serve a dark and ancient order, the Priests of the Black. They have discovered the secret he kept all his life: that inside him dwells a demon which allows him to heal…and to kill.
But Abraham is not alone. A young woman named Alex, similarly possessed, rides with him. And as a bond grows between them, they begin to wonder if they can turn the demons that have damned them into their salvation.

INCLUDES AN EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW OF THE PRICE OF VALOR

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Scholastic Siren - Sara:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

--Actual rating, 4.5 Skulls

This is a wonderful story! It is fast paced and well written. Set in the world of The Shadow Campaigns, this is a nice entry point to the series or a tidbit to tide you over until The Prince of Valor comes out. Either way, you will be left ready for more!

This is a first person story told from the point of view of a young man who is a prisoner being transported to Elysium. There are flashbacks about his life leading up to his capture, as well as present day interactions with his guards and a fellow prisoner, a young girl named Alex. I am unfamiliar with these characters, but I understand they are favorites from the series. I can't wait to read more about them!

The Shadow of Elysium

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Witches Be Burned

Stacey Kennedy is an urban fantasy lover at heart, but she also enjoys losing herself in dark and sensual worlds. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who gave her a happily-ever-after. Together, they have two small children who can always make her smile, and who will never be allowed to read Mommy’s books. If she’s not plugging away at a new story, you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Sons of Anarchy and Game of Thrones.

CONNECT WITH STACEY: Website | Facebook | Facebook Fan Page | Twitter | GoodReads

Witches Be Burned
MAGIC & MAYHEM Book #2

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In Stacey Kennedy’s paranormal romance novel, a rookie guardian sworn to protect the undead risks life and love in a world of violence, witchcraft, and seduction.

Nexi Jones has lost her family, she’s been stripped of her guardian duties, and she’s still learning the ins and outs of white magic. At least she has Kyden, the smoldering hot elite guardian who’s been there for her every step of the way. But just as Nexi completes her training, tragedy strikes the Otherworld when a fellow guardian is murdered by a group of rogue vampires. Ready or not, she and Kyden trek into the Earthworld to hunt down a killer—and Nexi alone will be put to the ultimate test.

Although Kyden knows that Nexi must fight her own battles, his guardian instincts are raging as he struggles to keep her close. The ruthlessness of these vampires is like nothing he’s ever seen. And at their helm is the Black Witch Astoria, a demon with one burning desire: to shed Nexi’s blood in the name of vengeance. What troubles Kyden even more, though, is the warlock who covets Nexi’s heart. Let the devil do his worst... all Kyden can do is love and protect Nexi until his last breath.


OUR REVIEW, BY LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

Witches Be Burned was another thrilling installment in Stacey Kennedy's Magic & Mayhem series. I didn't love it quite as much as Werewolves Be Damned, but it was utterly captivating nonetheless.

Having read these before they were re-released, I was very excited to see what Stacey did with the rewrites. I think things turned out beautifully, and I am so excited that new readers get a chance to enjoy her PNR.

Still learning about her birthright, Nexi is coming to terms with her new life and her new relationship with the ever-sexy Kyden. Being a Guardian's mate isn't easy, however, since Kyden's protective instincts are off the chart and she's finding it a bit difficult to do her job.

When another rash of murders happens in the human realm, Nexi is thrown into the world of the vampires once again as she investigates, as well as the darker side of her witch heritage. Oh, and did I mention that she finally discovers that the Underworld exists, meets someone who would desperately love to lure her away from her job and her love, and gets a new, er, um, pet. Definitely not a dull time for Nexi. :)

If you like sexy, action-packed stories, Stacey knows how to do them right. While Witches Be Burned is the second of the series, it stands well on its own, though I would suggest reading from Werewolves Be Damned to get the best grasp of the world building and cast of characters. There are some amazing ones outside of Nexi and Kyden and you don't want to miss out. Not to mention, WBD was an incredible read!

If you like a little mayhem with your magic and romance, then I highly suggest Witches Be Burned and the entire Magic & Mayhem series!

Witches Be Burned

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Beck & Call

Emma Holly is the USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty very hot romantic books featuring werewolves, faeries, and just plain extraordinary ordinary folks. Her favorite things are reading, coffee, long daydreamy walks, plus whatever show she's currently infatuated with on tv. She loves sinking into the worlds of her stories and hopes you do too!

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Beck & Call

THE BILIONAIRES #2

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The man everybody wants. The woman he can't resist. The dom who masters both.

Women can’t keep their hands off billionaire Damien Call. The mysterious mogul has it all: fast cars, killer looks, and a brain that just might be his best asset.

Mia Beck loves her job at a PI firm. Her coworker Jake stars in most of her daydreams, so seeing him everyday is no hardship.

Jake hasn’t believed in human goodness since he worked black ops for the CIA. Romancing innocent Mia is unthinkable, no matter how enticingly submissive she seems to be. Then a case of corporate espionage forces them to pose as a dom/sub duo, to catch the eye of accused wrongdoer Damien. No fantasy is off limits for this voyeur—until the attraction the pair exerts lures him to go hands on . . .

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Vivacious Valkyrie - Marta:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

I think it's fair to say that I'm a traditional romance reader who looks forward to happy endings with the possibility of the couple riding off into the sunset together with their happiness a forgone conclusion. So when I was asked if I wanted to read this book it was with great interest that I said yes but also a little trepidation. I've thoroughly enjoyed Ms Holly's Demon World Series with its mixture of steam and paranormal world building, but alas had avoided the authors more erotic work. Whilst I don't usually read an awful lot of ménage and tend to avoid M/M stories, the synopsis for this book piqued my interest and boy was it a rewarding read!

I found the idea of a voyeur being targeted to be a unique one amongst the various BDSM and ménage books touted by various authors. Mia is a natural submissive who has long held fantasies that star her coworker Jake, but a new assignment sees them taking their professional relationship much much further. The dreams Mia has had are nothing compared to the reality though, as Jake is an infamous Dom and their assignment means getting close to Damien Call a man suspected of stealing plans that could potentially damage the Pentagon.

Call has a weakness though and it involves watching and directing as others perform "scenes". Capturing his attention is only the start of things, though, as like some sacrificial iamb Mia has to put her trust in Jake and as he likes to be a hands on kind of guy she's about to learn first hand just what a Dom is really capable of!

This was a humdinger of a book that completely surprised me. To be blunt, so many erotic books are just filled with sex scenes that add little to the plot, but from the first scene at the club Ms Holly creates such tension that it's palpable. Never has a simple kiss evoked such a reaction. To say that Mia is playful would be an underestimate because that girl is finally getting all she dreamt of and a lot more besides. Add in the enigmatic Damien, who is overjoyed at being able to pull his new toy's strings and it's a captivating ride that leads the reader to discover just what makes these characters tick.

Yes, this is a sexy story, but it's an intelligent tale of espionage, although I confess I struggled a tad with Mia's ability . The passion these three characters experience drives the storyline and it had an interesting twist as Mia became more involved with the kink that the two dominant males enjoy. She is trusting and open but it's Jake who has closed himself off. As for Damien well that is one man running away from reality and it's impossible not to feel for him.

The journey these characters take was gripping and watching all three of them release control made for a fabulous love story. When I started, I wasn't sure that I could believe in the power of their sensual romance, but by the end the author had me convinced. Seeing them all learn to trust each other was totally captivating and together they really are stronger.

My first ménage by Ms Holly and what a fabulous baptism it was!

Beck & Call