[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Perfect Reflection

Jana Leigh grew up Iowa and got a Masters in Social Work from Iowa State University. She married the love of her life 17 years ago and then retired from Social Work to be a stay at home mom for her three wonderful children. She has always had a love of reading and as the children grew, she discovered that she had another passion, writing. She has published several different series which are available around the world in many different formats. She now lives in Colorado with her family and loves nothing better than to cozy up to her fireplace and write.

Bryce Evans is a mother, a writer, and a wife who loves to escape to the world she built in the Ashland Pack. She burst onto the publishing scene with a hit in The Trinity. Soon, she will be releasing the second in the series, and a new series. 

Perfect Reflection, book #1 of the SHIFTER JUSTICE series
by Jana Leigh and Bryce Evans

Synopsis:
Jewel Campbell is a cop through and through; she is also a female wolf shifter. She loves it, lives it, and breaths it. When a series of murders begins in Atlanta, Jewel and her best friend and partner Vander catch the case.

Just when they thought they had a grasp on who the suspect is, Jewel is thrown for a loop when she finds the suspect to be her mate—along with his best friend.

Retten is the Alpha of the New York Pack, sexy, powerful, and rich. Retten is the whole package. His Beta, Lex, works in the New York Police Department. They are shocked to find out Retten is the prime suspect in a serial murder case.

When they all meet, a wave of shock rolls through them as they discover Jewel is their mate. Only the happiness for the men is short lived when Jewel informs them she’s having no part of two men as her mates. Especially if one is a murderer, she doesn’t care how wealthy he is.

However, after some strange facts arise which make Jewel question her mates innocence, they must work together to find a way to prove it all. What happens if it can’t be proven that Retten isn’t responsible? How can she love someone she is going to have to put away forever?

Enjoy the twists and turns that will leave you on the end of your seat, while the story makes you question the old saying, “Love can conquer all.”

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Associate Reviewer - Marta C:
*eBook Gifted to Reviewer by LITERAL ADDICTION in exchange for an honest review

Perfect Reflection is the first book I have read by the authors Jana Leigh and Bryce Evans and is also the first in their Shifter Justice series.

It's the tale of police detective Jewel Campbell (a werewolf) and her case involving a serial killer who murders women in both Atlanta and New York. During her investigation she meets Retten(New York Alpha) and Lex(his Beta)and realizes that they are both her destined Mates. Strong evidence points to Retten being the killer and the attraction between them makes it vital that Jewel get to the truth and catch the murderer as her life is also in danger.

This is a book that ticks a lot of boxes really. It's essentially a shifter tale but its also a mystery and could even be referred to as romantic suspense as there is a very strong storyline. It also features ménage which could put it in the erotica category.

Red herrings are thrown around enough that the fast paced story keeps the pages turning and the passion between the threesome will please many readers.The epilogue sets up nicely for the next instalment which hopefully will feature Jewels partner Vander Collins.

For me, the writing was a little jumpy at times and perhaps did not flow as easily as some books do. I really wanted Retten to be more Alpha male also, but understand that the authors wanted to get across that he was prepared to share the love of his life with his best friend.

LITERAL ADDICTION's Guest Reviewer thoroughly enjoyed this tale, will be looking out for the next book in the series, and gives Perfect Reflection 4 Skulls.
Perfect Reflection

 

 

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Darkness Unmasked

Keri Arthur author of the New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson, Guardian series, has now written more than 25 books. She's received several nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category of the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards, and recently won RT's Career Achievement Award for urban fantasy. She lives in Melbourne with her daughter and two crazy dogs.

Darkness Unmasked, DARK ANGELS Book #5

by Keri Arthur

Synopsis:

Shortly after her fight on the astral plane, Risa receives a phone call from Madeline Hunter, the leader of the vampire council, ordering her to investigate the death of Hunter's close friend and lover - Wolfgang Schmidt. His body has been discovered wrapped in a web-like substance and has been completely drained. As the body count continues to grow, Risa must summon her gifts to find the dark spirit before it strikes again.

Meanwhile, as the search for the keys that keep the gate to Hell closed grows more intense, Risa begins to unravel mysteries that will have startling consequences for her.

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

Keri Arthur has woven another compelling web of action, intrigue, mystery and suspense with Darkness Unmasked!

Being a chronic reader, it is my personal opinion that one of the highest compliments a book can receive is when it doesn't matter what you should be doing, you'd rather be reading. And an even greater testament to the utter captivating nature of the tale when that statement is turned to action, wherein everything in 'real life' is pushed aside for the opportunity to be totally immersed in the magic of the story. This series has done that to me 5 times over now - the outside world simply disappears when I have a DARK ANGELS book in hand, and I don't move until that last incredible page is turned...

This release is slightly darker and grittier than the previous installments. There's just as much action, but the violence is more intense, the villainy more sinister, and the emotions more raw. The romance is slightly different as well. It was simply written, leaving much to the imagination.

With the journey this series has taken it is almost impossible to write a plot driven review without spoilers, and because I don't do that, I will simply tell you that while a lot of series start to lag at the 5 book mark, somehow I feel like this thrill-ride is just getting started. There was a quote that about sums things up: Risa is at the climax of the story and is told, "Be careful, Risa Jones, there are more games being played than you realize." :). I'll also say that the twists that were introduced in this part of the story arc were diabolical in their brilliance & served to just further the emotional bond that Keri has been able to forge between her characters and the reader, as well as the characters themselves. No other books elicit the type of emotional response that these do for me; I always feel like I'm right there with them, and every single book has become a new favorite, leaving me emotionally spent and yet only wanting more. Darkness Unmasked easily scored another 5 Skull rating from me. I highly recommend it, and the entire DARK ANGELS series - to everyone. These books have everything you want in a perfectly written Urban Fantasy - strong and well developed characters, superb world building, suspense and mystery with plenty of surprises, heart pumping action and intrigue, and just enough romance and witty dialogue to smooth out the edges.

Darkness Unmasked

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Woman on the Run

Lisa Marie Rice is eternally 30 years old and will never age. She is tall and willowy and beautiful. Men drop at her feet like ripe pears. She has won every major book prize in the world. She is a black belt with advanced degrees in archaeology, nuclear physics, and Tibetan literature. She is a concert pianist. Did I mention her Nobel Prize? Of course, Lisa Marie Rice is a virtual woman and exists only at the keyboard when writing erotic romance. She disappears when the monitor winks off.

Woman on the Run

by Lisa Marie Rice

Synopsis:

What's a girl to do? Sophisticated urbanite Julia Devaux loves her life. What's not to love? A fabulous job in publishing, wonderful friends, gorgeous apartment, the company of her beautiful though temperamental Siamese cat, Federico Fellini-she's got it made. And then Julia has the bad luck to witness a Mob murder and her life goes straight down the toilet. Under the Witness Security program, Julia is relocated to the boondocks, a hundred miles from the nearest bookstore and Estee Lauder outlet, where the only fast food is deer and the only entertainment is sex with a laconic local rancher. Luckily, talking isn't what Sam Cooper does best... Former SEAL Sam Cooper can't believe his luck when mystery woman Sally Anderson hits town. Simpson, Idaho, can't even offer a decent cup of coffee let alone gorgeous new grade school teachers. The instant Cooper sees Sally, he stakes her out as his own. Granted, he's not much good at talking, but he does his best to keep her happy. When he discovers her life is in danger, he'll stop at nothing to keep her safe and with him. He's not alone. The whole town of Simpson wants to keep her. Publisher's Note: This is a rewritten and expanded version of a story previously published elsewhere under the title Pursued.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Associate Reviewer - Marta C:
*eARC received in exchange for an honest review

Fabulous book!

I haven't read a lot of romantic suspense novels and certainly never one from this author but confess to being blown away by it! I really wasn't that intrigued by the idea of a woman on witness protection acting as a teacher whilst meeting and falling for an ex Navy Seal but boy was I in for a very pleasant surprise!

From their first meeting which was hilarious and involved the heroine Julia Devaux hitting Sam Cooper(Coop) over the head with a pumpkin of all things to their very steamy and passionate relationship there was nothing that I didn't like. This hero puts the T in taciturn! Truly a man of few words but boy did he provide action! A sensitive and caring heroine and well fleshed out supporting characters made this an interesting story.

I will confess that I realized who the "bad guy" was, but then I do read an awful lot of fiction and I am sure many readers will be pleasantly surprised by the ending of this book and the epilogue was especially sweet! I will also admit that I just sat and read this in one sitting and ignored housework as it was that good. :)

Would I recommend this book? Definitely! Will I try more from this author? Silly question as the answer is one hundred percent yes!

LITERAL ADDICTION's Associate Reviewer gives Woman on the Run 5 Skulls.

Woman on the Run

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

Deborah Harkness is an American scholar, novelist and wine enthusiast, best known as a historian and the author of New York Times best selling novel A Discovery of Witches and its sequel Shadow of Night.


Shadow of Night, book #2 of THE LOST SOULS TRILOGY
by Deborah Harkness

Synopsis:IT BEGAN WITH A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES.

Historian Diana Bishop, descended from a line of powerful witches, and long-lived vampire Matthew Clairmont have broken the laws dividing creatures. When Diana discovered a significant alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library,she sparked a struggle in which she became bound to Matthew. Now the fragile coexistence of witches, daemons, vampires and humans is dangerously threatened.

Seeking safety, Diana and Matthew travel back in time to London, 1590. But they soon realise that the past may not provide a haven. Reclaiming his former identity as poet and spy for Queen Elizabeth, the vampire falls back in with a group of radicals known as the School of Night. Many are unruly daemons, the creative minds of the age, including playwright Christopher Marlowe and mathematician Thomas Harriot.

Together Matthew and Diana scour Tudor London for the elusive manuscript Ashmole 782, and search for the witch who will teach Diana how to control her remarkable powers...

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

Shadow of Night, the second installment of Deborah Harkness’s ALL SOULS TRILOGY was a wonderful pastiche of factual history and entertaining fiction, all woven together to create a work of art worthy of any intellectual reader.

Shadow of Night picks up where A Discovery of Witches leaves off, though new readers who are jumping in to this book without having enjoyed the debut novel will have no problems catching on.

Written in several parts, the novel follows Matthew and Diana as they travel back to Matthew’s past in 1590 in search of several things – a witch skilled enough to instruct Diana and hopefully give some answers regarding the incongruence of her magic, and the complete ‘book of origins’ being the main two. As they assimilate themselves in Elizabethan times, some big secrets are revealed, relationships and loyalties are both forged and tested, and they undergo the delicate dance of completing their mission without utterly altering the present reality.

It’s very difficult to write a comprehensive review for this book without spoilers, so I’ll just keep it surface level and say that Shadow of Night is not a light-hearted, quick read (especially not at 584 pages). It’s a well developed, beautifully written, and intricate tale built around some incredible factual research and set in a complex yet compelling world of wonder. The characters are well developed and the twisted facts in the fiction had me doing research into the true lives of the individuals Deborah bases her characters on days after finishing the book, smiling all the while in acknowledgement of the sheer creative cleverness involved.

So in short, LITERAL ADDICTION gives Shadow of Night 4 ½ Skulls. If you’re looking for a book that mixes fact with fantasy fiction, utterly entertains and yet intellectually challenges, and sticks with you long after you’ve turned the last page, this series is definitely for you.

Shadow of Night

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of A Discovery of Witches

Deborah Harkness is an American scholar, novelist and wine enthusiast, best known as a historian and the author of New York Times best selling novel A Discovery of Witches and its sequel Shadow of Night.

A Discovery of Witches, book #1 of THE LOST SOULS TRILOGY

by Deborah Harkness

Synopsis:

A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Guest Reviewer, Cheryl W:

I was lucky enough to win one of the advanced reader copy versions of Deborah Harkness' A Discovery of Witches, to be released in 02/2011. When I completed the first chapter and woke up the next morning I decided that I had to write my thoughts for the review as they occurred. One of the things that crossed my mind when I first heard about this book was wow. This book is written by a scholar. I researched the author via her university home page because I was curious about her background. When I finished the first chapter I was still in the wow stage and my thoughts were; this is a bridge between scholars and great urban fantasy writers. I love when I get to have both! I wish as a techie scholar I could combine my two loves of computers and urban fantasy. This book was everything I hoped it would be!

I read this slowly despite how I typically devour most books. With some books I slow down intentionally because I realize that I do not want it to end quickly. A Discovery of Witches is that type of book. It is the type of book you develop a relationship with as you read it. I think that there will be people that will fall in love with it as they read it just as I did. I hope that even those that feel that it may not be for them still find something that they can take from the book. It is very intricate. The story is well developed, extremely well written and the characters are very well developed. But, it was not a quick read for me because, I did not want it go fast. For me it is a book that you spend time with and do not forget the places it takes you as the characters are being drawn. The history it discusses is thought-provoking. One of the things I liked was how Diana developed with regard to her powers and her family. Politics were a strong part of the story. With regard to the politics one of the most intriguing things I found was who is involved in the politics. I am trying to keep this review spoiler free. But, as the blurb on the back states we have multiple beings involved in this book and they have a very long history with each other. One of the things that make this book so amazing is the historical backdrop for all of the creatures. I found myself looking forward to learning more about all of the beings. I really look forward to more written by Deb Harkness. I had a hard time deciding how to end my review but it does not spoil anything to shout; “I can’t wait to see what happens next”!

A Discovery of Witches

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Inferno

Dan Brown is the author of numerous #1 bestselling novels, including The Da Vinci Code, which has become one of the best selling novels of all time as well as the subject of intellectual debate among readers and scholars. Brown’s novels are published in 52 languages around the world with 200 million copies in print.

In 2005, Brown was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by TIME Magazine, whose editors credited him with “keeping the publishing industry afloat; renewed interest in Leonardo da Vinci and early Christian history; spiking tourism to Paris and Rome; a growing membership in secret societies; the ire of Cardinals in Rome; eight books denying the claims of the novel and seven guides to read along with it; a flood of historical thrillers; and a major motion picture franchise.”

The son of a mathematics teacher and a church organist, Brown was raised on a prep school campus where he developed a fascination with the paradoxical interplay between science and religion. These themes eventually formed the backdrop for his books. He is a graduate of Amherst College and Phillips Exeter Academy, where he later returned to teach English before focusing his attention full time to writing.

Brown is currently at work on a new book as well as the Columbia Pictures film version of his most recent novel.

Inferno - ROBERT LANGDON Series #4

by Dan Brown

Synopsis:

In the heart of Italy, Harvard professor of symbology Robert Langdon is drawn into a harrowing world centered on one of history’s most enduring and mysterious literary masterpieces . . . Dante’s Inferno.

Against this backdrop, Langdon battles a chilling adversary and grapples with an ingenious riddle that pulls him into a landscape of classic art, secret passageways, and futuristic science. Drawing from Dante’s dark epic poem, Langdon races to find answers and decide whom to trust . . . before the world is irrevocably altered.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
I'm a Dan Brown fan... I've read all of his works, not just the Robert Langdon series - Digital Fortress is probably my favorite work of his. Anyway, being a fan, I was excited to hear that he was coming out with a new book, had Inferno pre-ordered, and actually waited up until after midnight on release day so I could start it immediately keeping the next day free of commitments so I could dedicate it to reading. Sadly, the only thought that kept running through my head while reading was "Oh Dan, where is the heart!!?" :-/

I like Brown's writing style despite the harsh critique it's received. I enjoy how his books are layered with codes and mysteries, how they're incredibly fast-paced & often surprising, & how he takes facts and then pulls and twists them like taffy as far as they'll go without breaking to turn them into riveting fiction.

I don't even mind the repeated format within the Robert Langdon series - professor and expert on symbology and iconography finds himself embroiled in the middle of a high-stakes mystery, teams up with an attractive, smart and capable foreign woman who helps fill in the gaps and challenges him, and the two cement alliances, skirt villains, and undergo a hair raising adventure to save the world's (or the world itself).

With all that said, Inferno just fell flat for me. It had the expected format as mentioned above. It had the twisted facts as also mentioned above. What it didn't have was any of the action packed thrills and gasp inducing surprises I've come to know and love in Dan Brown's books. In addition, those style critiques I mentioned were very evident in this book to me, where I hadn't even noticed them before: foreign languages used during dialogue - a lot of times without clarification leaving holes for those of us who don't speak fluent Italian or Latin, references that make no sense - a train of thought referral to Dutch city where MC Escher lived (who cares if that's where the artist lived, it has no bearing in the story & took 3 sentences to tell!), simile & hyperbole used in the weirdest of places without much order, etc.

I wanted to love this book. I really, really did, especially given my fascination with and deep appreciation for Dante and all of the other art and literature his Divine Comedy spawned, but alas I just couldn't, and am giving my very first ever 2 Skull review. *sigh*

Inferno

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of The Descendant

Kelley Grealis was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She has a B.A. in Accounting from Baldwin-Wallace College and a Masters of Businss Administration from Cleveland State University.

She has loved all things vampire since she was a little girl, and it was that passion combined with thirteen years of Catholic schooling, that inspired her to write THE DESCENDANT.

Kelley lives in a Cleveland suburb with her husband.

The Descendant

by Kelley Grealis

Synopsis:

Allison Carmichael wakes from a car wreck with no memory of the past three years. She doesn’t recall her husband’s death or how she alienated her friends, and she definitely doesn’t remember anything about her new boyfriend Vincent Drake – a charismatic man with a penchant for rare and unique possessions. In fact, the only things familiar to Allison are her seemingly common ailments – insomnia, lack of appetite, erratic body temperature – which have gone undiagnosed and are worsening.

But Vincent knows exactly who, and what, Allison is – a mortal descendant of the first vampire. He is a vampire who has watched over Allison and her ancestors since the biblical times of Cain and Abel ensuring their secret is kept. Once he realizes Allison’s symptoms are accelerating and transforming her, he’ll stop at nothing to have her.

Allison discovers that she is a descendant and the first of her kind to exhibit signs of vampirism. She must decide between risking her mortal death if she cannot control her symptoms or fully transforming into a vampire and damning her soul for eternity. A decision made even more difficult when Allison discovers that Vincent has manipulated her life, and everyone in it, so that he can have the one thing no one else in the world has – the first descendant-turned-vampire.

THE DESCENDANT – A Vampire Tale of Biblical Proportions

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
I keep saying that I hate doing this - making comparisons to other series and shows - but I seem to be doing it more and more often in my reviews lately if the thought strikes me upon finishing a book, only because it just seems like it would be helpful for readers, and references to well known others is a decent way to do it. Obviously this is all just my opinion... With that said, this story had a very Vampire Diaries (the show), meets Twilight (for grown-ups), meets the Marked series 'feel' for me. HOWEVER, it was incredibly unique in its history and set up; I'm only referring to the 'feel' of the read.

Kelley introduces the vampires in this story as having ties to Biblical figures, and I found that fascinating. In addition, the plot was interesting, and the mystery, suspense and intrigue were well written.

Our heroine begins the book thinking she's going through a massive mid-life crisis and nothing seems to be filling the hole she feels in her soul. While dealing with that and some major health issues that the doctors just can't figure out, her life starts to turn upside down and her mercurial moods are affecting things at work and at home. And then things get really good...

She wakes up in the hospital having fragmented memories of both her past and what happened to get her there, but with the help of her best friend and our hero, Vincent, she starts to regain the life she's lost. Only things aren't quite adding up the way she thinks they should in her head, and the weirdness just keeps multiplying.

I would love to tell you more but I just can't without spoilers, so I can only tell you to take the plunge and read The Descendant. A side note: this book is not a fluffy vampire tale. I found myself angry for most of the story, and would say that Kelley can make a reader tap into a character's feelings betrayal like no other. ;)

LITERAL ADDICTION gives The Descendant 4 Skulls and would recommend it if you're a vampire lover looking for a refreshing spin on the norm.

The Descendant

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Wicked As They Come

Delilah S. Dawson comes from a long line of Roswell, GA natives. WICKED AS THEY COME is the first in her Blud series for Pocket/S&S, and a creepy paranormal YA, SERVANTS OF THE STORM, will be out with Simon Pulse in 2014. Delilah is a member of the Romance Writers of America and the Georgia Romance Writers. She is also an Associate Editor at www.CoolMomPicks.com and www.CoolMomTech.com, where she is given the more eccentric and geeky products to cover. Delilah lives with her husband, two small children, and two cats in Atlanta. Find out more at www.delilahsdawson.com.

Wicked As They Come, book #1 of the BLUD series

by Delilah S. Dawson

Synopsis:

First in a steampunk-tinged paranormal romance series in which a woman is transported to a world filled with vampires and magic. When nurse Tish Everett forced open the pesky but lovely locket she found at an estate sale, she had no idea she was answering the call of Criminy Stain, from the far off land of Sang. He’d cast a spell for her, but when she’s transported right to him, she’s not so sure she’s ready to be under the spell of another man. (It didn’t go so well last time with controlling, abusive, domineering Jeff.) If only Criminy wasn’t so deliciously rakish….

Half the inhabitants of Sang are Pinkies—human—and the other half are Bludmen, who in Tish’s world would be called vampires. But they don’t mess with any of the bat/coffin/no sunlight nonsense. They’re rather like you and me, just more fabulous, long living, and mostly indestructible. (They're also very good kissers.) But when the evil Mayor of Manchester (formerly Bludchester) redoubles his efforts to rid Sang of the Bludmen once and for all, stealing Tish’s locket in hopes of traveling back to her world himself for reinforcements, Criminy and Tish must battle ghosts, sea monsters, wayward submarines, a secret cabal, and thundering Bludmares to get the locket back and allow Tish to return home…but has she found love with Criminy? Could she stay in Sang forever?

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Guest Reviewer - Tanya C:

Wicked as They Come is the first book in the Blud series by Delilah Dawson.

I was instantly drawn into the wonderfully magical world Delilah Dawson has created. I loved the character of Criminy Stain who was like a steampunk version of The Mad Hatter from the classic Alice in Wonderland.

The story itself was very well paced and did not lack action and intrigue at all. The way the two worlds in Wicked as They Come were so intertwined was what really hooked me, and quickly made me a forever fan.

LITERAL ADDICTION's Guest Reviewer gives Wicked As They Come 5 Skulls and would definitely recommend it.

Wicked As They Come

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Bayou Legend

Janet Breakfield is a paranormal and erotic romance author. A southern girl that loves all things mystical and scary including myth, legend and old horror movies. The smell of leather bound books puts me in a writing mood, and she's a fan of all kinds of music.

Bayou Legend, book #1 of the BAYOU LEGEND series

by Janet Breakfield

Synopsis:

Passion, Voodoo and Curses abound in this thrilling, supernatural story of life in the swamps and bayous of South Louisiana.
The responsibility of being the newest "Treater" rest soley on Emily's shoulders. She has never loved a man until she reunites with her childhood friend, Tanner Guidry. Little does she know that she is his salvation made flesh.
The curse of "Loup Garou" is like a second skin attached to Tanner thanks to Ursulla, the wicked VooDoo witch that cursed his family when she couldn't have his Grandfather years earlier. Now all of the men in Tanner's family carry the curse.
Will Emily's love and magic be enough to save Tanner from the curse and the Witch that wants to destroy him? Will Ursulla's secret be revealed as she tries to destroy Tanner and Emily? Or will her love spell using Tristan to seduce Emily be enough temptation to tear them apart?

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Guest Reviewer - Marta C:
Let me start this review by saying I usually read a mix of paranormal romance and urban fantasy so was very pleased to be asked to review this book as it is by a new author for me, and who wouldn't want to be gifted with such an opportunity?

This story is about a girl called Emily who has spent much of her life growing up in the Bayou and learning from her Gran how to be a treater [healer] and upon her eighteenth birthday comes into her powers.These powers include hearing thoughts and having the ability to heal those who need it.

Her Gran also tells her the story of Loup Garou [the werewolf legend] and how it affects a local family which includes Tanner, who unbeknownst to Emily, has always loved her.The curse that effects him has been passed down on the male side of his family by a witch who felt shunned by his grandfather.

Emily feels his pain one night and goes to him. They spend a night of passion which is sensed by Ursula- the witch who cursed Tanner's family. The witch vows to separate the young lovers, and sets events in motion that could prove fatal.

So what did I think? It is a unique approach , as the author swaps from Emily's point of view to Tanner's occasionally, which enables the reader to actually get both of their thoughts and viewpoints. This might irritate some readers, but I found that it added to the story.

Bayou Legend does contain scenes of a sexual nature, but I thought it was a sensual romance between two passionate young people and not hard core erotica. It was romantic without being overly graphic, and I didn't feel as if the author was describing a gynecological procedure, nor any crude terms or childish names.

LITERAL ADDICTION's Guest Reviewer gives the tale a solid 4 skulls and would definitely read more from Ms. Breakfield..Magic, Werewolves and passion definitely worth a read. Recommended!

Bayou Legend

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Sacred Bayou

Janet Breakfield is a paranormal and erotic romance author. A southern girl that loves all things mystical and scary including myth, legend and old horror movies. The smell of leather bound books puts me in a writing mood, and she's  a fan of all kinds of music.

Sacred Bayou, book #2 of the BAYOU LEGEND series

by Janet Breakfield

Synopsis:

Just when Emily Bougouis think she has her life and future figured out, all hell breaks loose. Betrayal by the only man she has ever loved is bitter on her tongue as she loses all she holds dear to her heart.
Even though her world is crumbling down around her, she still performs her duty as the "Treater" or healer of the people on the bayou.

The Houmas Indians come to Emily for help to save their
ancient burial grounds. Strange mystical, and frightening forces surround the mounds. Emily has to find her courage, and also a way to stop the destruction coming from a
construction company's demolition plans. By destroying the burial mounds, evil skinwalkers would be able to claim the souls of the dead buried there, denying them entrance to the afterlife. She needs help fighting them and she finds it in the strangest place.

Emily is star struck when she meets Merrick Talbot, who just happens to be the head of the construction company bent on destroying the burial mounds. The handsome stranger has a shadowed past and Emily doesn't trust him. But soon the flames of passion begin to wash away her doubt. The heat between Emily and Merrick is unbelievable, and
she can't help but lose all control around him.
But can she trust him with her life? Can the love and
passion she feels be enough to get her through the biggest heartache she has ever suffered? And will she be able to get revenge on those who stole part of her life away?

She must overcome her fears, and stop the evil destruction at the same time that she is falling in love with Merrick. Life can be a real bitch for a Psychic Healer!

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Guest Reviewer - Marta C:

This is the follow up to Bayou Legend, and continues the story of Emily who has the gift of healing and psychic abilities.

She is deeply in love with Tanner and expecting their first child when cruelly betrayed by him and a local Voodoo Priestess. Heart broken and almost without hope, Emily must find a way to carry on with her life and continue to act as a treater( healer) .

Emily Is approached by a tribe of local native Americans to aid them in saving their sacred burial grounds from demolition by a group of developers who have bought the land.They believe that evil Skinwalkers want to steal the souls of their dead ancestors, and they need Emily's to help prevent this.

Having agreed, she visits the site and meets Merrick Talbot who is in charge of the construction and convinces him to listen to the fears of the Houmas tribe. The attraction she feels for him is immediate and confusing, but Emily is a confident woman and unafraid of her own sexuality. The passion lights up the page as the couple become more and more entangled in their heated relationship. Merrick has secrets and can Emily really trust him? Will her feelings be tested yet again? She will have to trust Merrick with her life but can she trust him with her heart?

I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and actually thought that Emily had grown up quite a lot. She is a confident and passionate woman with bags of courage. My only criticism is the length as I do prefer longer tales with passion that build up. That being said, I was eager to turn the pages and find out how Emily's journey would end. Magic, Skinwalkers, Fallen Angels and hot sweaty passion will keep you turning the pages too! I look forward to more from this author.

LITERAL ADDICTION's Guest Reviewer rates this book a very solid four skulls, and actually would have give it five if it were just a bit longer.

Sacred Bayou

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Dead Letter Day

Eileen Rendahl is the author of the Downtown Press novels Balancing in High Heels and Do Me, Do My Roots, which was nominated for a RITA Award. Her short fiction appears in the New Year's story collection In One Year and Out the Other. She lives near her tight-knit family in California.

Dead Letter Day, Book #3 of the MESSENGER series

by Eileen Rendahl

Synopsis:

Melina Markowitz, messenger for the underworld, delivers the goods for the supernatural beings in our midst—no questions asked. It’s more than a job; it’s a mission. Safety be damned.

Melina’s missing friend, Paul, could just be taking a little werewolf “me time,” but her investigation yields something more sinister. Suspicions first fall on Paul’s wolf-pack rival. But that wouldn’t explain the sudden windstorms rattling Melina’s nerves—or the ominous, shrieking crows that keep appearing.

The clues lead Melina to a mermaid, a damaged and possibly deranged police officer and patterns for Norwegian doilies—finally bringing her to the realization that she may be dealing with the most powerful enemy she has ever faced.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Associate Reviewer - Kathy M:
*Copy received from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review

First off I must confess that I was unfamiliar with Eileen Rendahl’s Messenger series. So I didn’t know what to expect with Dead Letter Day, the third book. I can honestly say that by the second chapter, I knew that I would be ordering the first two books, pronto.

The heroine, Melina, is a messenger for the supernatural beings that live among the unsuspecting mundanes (people with little or no arcane abilities). When her werewolf friend goes missing - and his pack does not seem concerned - Melina, with the help of her boyfriend and friends, goes on the hunt to save him. And nothing, not demonic cows, crazy gods, cranky werewolves and a very unexpected personal development, will stop her.

I really enjoyed this book.

LITERAL ADDICTION's Associate Reviewer fives Dead Letter Day 4 1/2 skulls & is looking forward to more Messenger books.

Dead Letter Day

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of The Golden Age of Death

AMBER BENSON co-wrote and directed the animated web-series, Ghosts of Albion, (with Christopher Golden) for the BBC. The duo then novelized the series in two books for Random House. Her first solo novel, Death's Daughter, was published by Penguin in 2009 with a children's book for Simon and Schuster called, Among The Ghosts, to follow later that year. As an actress, Benson spent three seasons as Tara Maclay on the cult show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She has also written, produced, and directed three feature films, including her latest, Drones, which she co-directed with Adam Busch and will be released later this year.

The Golden Age of Death, book #5 of the CALLIOPE REAPER-JONES series

by Amber Benson

Synopsis:

Meet Amber Benson's "authentically original creation"(Locus)…

My name is Calliope Reaper-Jones (Callie to my friends). I’m Death’s Daughter and—as of very recently—the (reluctant) head of my father’s company, Death, Inc.

I was gradually learning how to be a businesswoman. Had the power suits and shoes down, though the day to day was slow going. Then I was blindsided by Enemies Unknown and sent off to I-don’t-know-where. Not a good thing.

Now not only must my friends and family be frantic, but without a CEO, Death, Inc., can’t function. With the newly deceased left free to roam the Earth, it’s the zombie apocalypse come true.

I’ve got to get back—for my sake and the sake of, oh, all humanity…

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Associate Reviewer - Kathy M:
*Copy received from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Callie, the dark and funny protagonist in Amber Benson’s Calliope Reaper-Jones series, just can’t get a break!

Due to the untimely death of her father (murdered), Callie must now run the family business, Death, Inc. and try to find time for romance with her boyfriend Daniel, the former right hand of the devil.

The Golden Age Of Death is a wonderful mix of macabre humor, witty dialogue, horror and hairpin twists and turns. And without giving anything away, I’ve got to say that the ending completely blindsided me. I enjoyed this book very much.

LITERAL ADDICTION's Associate Reviewer gives The Golden Age of Death 4 1/2 skulls.

The Golden Age of Death

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Agave Kiss

Ann Aguirre is a USA Today bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. She likes all kinds of books, emo music, action movies and Doctor Who. She writes all kind of fiction in multiple genres, both YA and for adults.

Agave Kiss, book #5 of the CORINE SOLOMON series

by Ann Aguirre

Synopsis:

Chance was gone; he’d sacrificed himself so Shannon and I could escape Sheol. We’d raised him on Shan’s spirit radio, which meant his soul wasn’t wholly destroyed by the demon gate….

Once Corine Solomon only had the touch—the ability to read an object’s past by handling it. Then she inherited her mother’s magick, and that ended up being a hell of a burden. But if Corine can wrestle a demon queen and win, she can bring back her lover Chance after he’s made the ultimate sacrifice. Can’t she? All Corine knows is that she can’t leave Chance behind if there’s anything she can do about it.

But the clock is ticking—and she still has to deal with debt-collecting demons and a maniacal archangel who’s running a recruitment drive. The stakes have never been so high…and this time it’s truly Corine’s last chance to save the love of her life.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Associate Reviewer - Kathy M:
*Copy received from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Agave Kiss, Ann Aguirre’s 5th book in her Corine Solomon Novel series, is an action packed, emotional ride that keeps the readers on the edge of their seats.

Corine has a lot to do and only a short amount of time in which to do it. Somehow she must find a way to release a friend from a curse, rescue her guardian angel, and bring her lover back from the dead. Oh, and she has to do it without her magic. Needless to say,Corine has her hands full. And if she can keep herself from getting killed in the process, just maybe she will be able to accomplish it all and find her HEA.

Agave Kiss has a lot of stuff packed into 309 pages. As Corine finds herself overwhelmed, I found myself sometimes also overwhelmed. But despite that fact, I did enjoy this book.

LITERAL ADDICTION's Associate Reviewer gives Agave Kiss 4 skulls.

Agave Kiss

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Immortal Eclipse

Sherry Soule is the bestselling author of the acclaimed YA Spellbound series. She writes urban fantasy, an odd hybrid of the horror genre that includes elements of mystery, romance, fantasy, and suspense for teens and adults. Sherry lives with her family and one very spoiled black cat in California’s San Francisco Bay Area.

Immortal Eclipse

by Sherry Soule

Synopsis:

MYSTERY, MURDER, and MANOLO BLAHNIK....

A devoted fashionata and practical New Yorker, Skylar Blackwell doesn’t believe in the supernatural—until she inherits Summerwind Mansion. . . .
When her uncle is brutally murdered, and the cops seem uninterested in following up the case, Skylar journeys to California to seek answers. Her search for clues is soon overshadowed by haunting nightmares of a young woman also murdered in the house.

Now the inhabitants of Summerwind are mysteriously dying, leaving no evidence as to how or why, and Skylar finds herself in a deadly race against time to expose the killer—before they strike again.

Armed with only wit and Pradas, Skylar begins questioning the servants, but the growing list of suspects includes the sexy and brooding caretaker, Dorian Delacroix, a man desperately trying to forget his tragic past. And a major distraction for Skylar.

Determined to play detective—instead of the fashion police—and unravel the dark history of the mansion, Skylar is plunged into an otherworldly mystery that not even she can explain away. As the boundaries between reality and dreams blur, Skylar’s greatest challenge is to stay alive long enough to learn the truth.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Guest Reviewer - Cheryl:

I received Immortal Eclipse as an eBook for review on behalf Literal Addiction. I read the blurb and was really looking forward to it but have to admit that I tend to stay away from ghost stories and haunted house stories. But, I honor my obligations so I tucked in yesterday to see what this story had to offer. Skylar is a gifted photographer who has had photos on the cover of some of the best fashion magazines published. She also spends more than her fair share of money on designer shoes and clothes. Her glamorous life takes a turn and she is suddenly without direction. She has received several calls from her recently deceased uncle's attornet to handle his estate which was left to her when her Uncle died recently. She decides it is as good a time as any to go to California and see how the investigation into his death is proceeding and handle his estate.

From the moment she arrives in California she is warned away, harassed, haunted and threatened. Everyone she has met that works at her uncle’s mansion, now her mansion, seems to dislike her. Oddly enough she expected better treatment from those that depended upon her for their livelihood. She finds that it is hard to trust any of them and some openly distrust her though they just met her. That is one of the things that is great about this book, the character development. You have no trouble seeing who the bad guys are but, there is some difficulty determining if those that seem like good guys really are good guys because everyone there has secrets and some of them involve Skylar though she is not aware of the secrets. One of the other things about Immortal Eclipse is the story line. Though ghost story/hauntings are not usually to my taste this one was well told and held my interest. Honestly at times it kind of crept me out which might be why I stay away from them. Skylar has to decide if risking her life is worth determining who killed her uncle since the police have already closed the case as a suicide or going back to New York and trying to rebuild her life. She sticks it out until it is too late and she has no choice but to push on and find out the secrets of her uncle’s home. I will be looking out for more titles by Sherry Soule!

LITERAL ADDICTION's Guest Reviewer gives Immortal Eclipse 4 Skulls.

Immortal Eclipse

[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