[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Black and Blue

Gena Showalter is a New York Times and national bestselling author of more than thirty novels in a wide range of genres that started writing at the age of 27. Her fiction has appeared in Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazines as well as on MTV, and has been nominated for the prestigious RITA, as well as the National Reader’s Choice Award.

She has always believed in love… An avid romance reader, she decided to try her hand at a story of her own, and is now the author of a multitude of white-hot paranormal romances, sexy contemporary novels, and thrilling young adult titles.

Gena’s wildly sensual page-turners have a mix of humor, danger, and wickedly hot sex – a combination that is sure to enthrall! After all, she is universally known to be “made of awesome” and “a star on the rise” and we couldn’t agree more! :)

Gena’s library of literary excellence consists of an amazing array of titles and series, including her Adult LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD, ALIEN HUNTRESS, ATLANTIS, ANGELS OF THE DARK, TALES OF AN EXTRAORDINARY GIRL, OTHERWORLD ASSASSIN and IMPERIA series, and her Young Adult ALIEN HUNTRESS, INTERTWINED and WHITE RABBIT CHRONICLES series. We highly suggest you check out her ENTIRE backlist HERE.

You can keep up with Gena online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.

Black and Blue, OTHERWORLD ASSASSIN Book #2

   by Gena Showalter

Buy from:  Amazon / B&N / BAM / iBooks / Simon & Schuster / Audible

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter’s pulse-pounding paranormal series continues with an electrifying story about the ultimate warrior and his prize: a beautiful woman he will do anything to possess.

HE IS EVERY WOMAN’S FANTASY . . .

Corbin Blue is a man of many talents. One of the most powerful otherworlders ever born, he is wealthy, a professional football star, and a legend in the bedroom. But only a select few know he is also a black ops agent . . . and there is no better killer. When he and his crew are attacked and separated, he’s forced to turn to his boss’s daughter for help—a woman with even more secrets than Blue.

SHE BECOMES HIS ONLY OBSESSION . . .

Evangeline Black has always been wary, guarded. No man has ever breached her walls. Until Blue. He has never been denied something he wants, and now he’s decided he wants her. As he sweeps her into his double life of seduction, intrigue, and danger, he helps her see beyond the darkness of her past. But as an enemy closes in, Blue will have to let Evie go to keep her safe—even though he’d rather die than live without her. . . .

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:
*Audiobook

Gena is back with Black and Blue and the OTHERWORLD ASSASSINS! This book had all of the wit, heat, action, heart and drama I've come to know, love and crave from Gena Showalter, and then some. I will even go so far as to say that Black and Blue became my 3rd favorite Showalter book of all time. :)

I loved the ALIEN HUNTRESS series, and after Last Kiss Goodnight, wasn't totally sure what my thoughts were on OTHERWORLD ASSASSIN. Black and Blue sucked me in to this new spin-off world and left me wanting more and more.

There was some overlap of timeframe between Last Kiss Goodnight and Black and Blue. Last Kiss was told from Solo's point of view, and Black and Blue is from Blue's.

Gena's writing in this book was phenomenal. You could tell that she became a part of her characters. They literally leapt off of the page and I was laughing out loud on so many occasions I finally had to stop listening in public. :)

The exceptionally witty dialogue, one-liners, and absurd nicknames from Corbin and Evie were stellar. And even with the light-heartedness, the drama, danger, and action was well thought out and integral to the storyline. Evie puts Blue in his place, shakes him to the core, they literally save the day, and fall in love besides.

I also loved the overlap of stories, and can only assume that the next book of the series will be for John No Last Name, the mysterious golden boy....

George did a wonderful job with the narration, and I will definitely be looking forward to listening to more from him. He has the perfect cadence and wry tone that these books need.

An easy 5 skulls and highly recommended for all paranormal romance readers. All Gena Showalter fans will adore this book...

Black and Blue

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Realm Crossing

Zack Kullis writes horror, dark paranormal, genre fiction, and occasionally fantasy.

His writing is a result of a person that grew up seeking and reading anything dark, scary and full of visceral escapism.

He works full time for the FBI, but we can’t ask him about it...

You can connect with Zack online at his Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.

Realm Crossing, book #2 of the SMITE THE DAMNED series

   by Zack Kullis

Buy from Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon Ca | B&N

Synopsis:

After fighting overwhelming odds, Keith Da Silva travels to a realm of brilliant light and immense darkness in search of an item that will help him in his fight. When intrigue and treachery bring his plan to the attention of his adversaries, demons and a powerful Nephilim lead Keith into a deadly trap.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:

Realm Crossing is deviously & deliciously wicked! :)

This book is most definitely not for the faint of heart; I actually highlighted a section and notated it as being "horrendously awesome", marked multiple sections as being absolutely gorgeous dark analogy and hyperbole, laughed, cheered, misted up a bit, and more.

Like its predecessor, Realm Crossing is a physiological horror that makes you think. It puts you into the minds of the characters and transports you to the worlds that Zack has created. It's dark, it's dangerous, and it will grab a hold and not let go. If you're anything like me, you'll be up well into the wee hours the morning pouring over the pages.

A definite winner of a follow-up to Zack's Smite the Damned, & a highly recommended read for fans of dark, psychological horror and action packed, blood and guts urban fantasy. LOVE!!

Realm Crossing

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Black Heart

Christina Henry is a Columbia College Chicago graduate, and still resides in Chicago with her husband and son. When she’s not writing, Christina loves long distance running, watching zombie, samurai, and/or foreign movies with subtitles, and reading just about anything.
To keep up with all things Christina and BLACK WINGS, make sure to bookmark Christina’s Website, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and GoodReads.

Black Heart, BLACK WINGS Book #6

by Christina Henry

Buy from Amazon / B&N / BAM / Powell's / iBooks

Synopsis:
As a former Agent of Death, Madeline Black is no stranger to witnessing violent ends. But being the one to cause them is an entirely different story…

Despite her having saved Chicago from a vampire invasion, the Agency wants to get Maddy off their payroll—permanently. With the deadly Retrievers hot on her trail, she has no choice but to trust Nathaniel to port her to safety. But even the exotic and dangerous world that she winds up in is not as peaceful as she would have hoped. Caught in a turf war between a group of fae and a disturbingly familiar foe, Maddy soon discovers that the twisted plots of her grandfather, Lucifer, and his brothers extend even into this unknown realm.

Now, with enemies gathering on all sides, Maddy’s fate is looking darker than ever. And to protect her unborn son from her adversaries, she may have to tap into a power she hoped never to access…

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:
*eARC received from the Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Another absolutely intoxicating read by Ms. Henry!

Black Heart wasn't quite as action packed as the last 2 installments of the BLACK WINGS series in my opinion, but it was gripping, dark, sexy, and utterly intriguing, with lots of new and different stuff to love and enjoy.

I said it wasn't as action packed, but that doesn't mean it was slow by any stretch of the imagination. This book just got more and more intense as the pages were turned, I couldn't wait to see what would happen next, and while I didn't think it possible, Christina has reached yet another level of 'wonderful' with her writing; the character evolution and growth was stellar, the world building superb, and the core the the story and series - its heart if you will - grabbed me and wouldn't let go.

So without spoiling things what do you have to look forward to? We're finally introduced to Puck and Lucifer's other brother Daharan, there's a whole new (and wonderful) sub-world to explore, Maddy embraces her dark side, there's a scene that long time fans will absolutely adore, and SO much more!

I've been saying (and RAVING about) it book after book, but Black Heart is dark, it's intense, and it's really a catalyst to the series (or even a possible spin-off if Christina decides to go that route).

This is an absolute must read for all BLACK WINGS fans, and I highly recommend it for all Urban Fantasy lovers. I do suggest reading the series in order though, especially with this book, there is just too much history you'd miss if you didn't. I promise you will not be disappointed you did!

As my quote on the cover states, this series just gets better and better!

Black Heart

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Shadowed

USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner - only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romances.

Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day--or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

Connect with Rebecca online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and at Goodreads.

Shadowed, DARK PROTECTORS Book #6
by Rebecca Zanetti

Buy from Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Synopsis:

Jase Kayrs was the fun brother. The warm, charming, easy-going brother of the vampire leaders. Until he was taken and tortured by demons with their evil mind tricks for nearly five years. Upon his return, he’s dark, violent, and not the man they all thought they knew. Not the man he once was. He’s haunted that the only reason the demons would have let him live was to use him as a weapon against his family—but he can’t figure out when or how he’ll explode. Plus, once again the demons are after Jase with a vengeance…or rather, a female demon he rejected is out to destroy him.

Then the king asks Jase for a favor…a big one. To mate with one of their allies in order to save her. She’s everything that’s good and light in the world…while he’s at home with darkness. Yet he agrees…knowing mating may be the only chance to save them both.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION’s Nocturnal Nymph – Michelle:
*eBook gifted by LITERAL ADDICTION in exchange for an honest review
--Actual Rating 4.5 Skulls

Jase Kayrs is the youngest brother, and was always the most fun loving and carefree out of all of the Kayrs'. That is until the Demons captured him and tortured him for 5 long years. Now he is out of captivity but he is not the fun loving brother that he once was. He wants revenge and he also wants his powers back. Brenna Dunne is his way to get those back and to also save her from the poison that is killing her. Mating is the only way that she can be saved because the doctors say there is nothing else they can do. But will the mating help either of them? And will Jase be able to deal with what happened to him with the Demons?

I love this series so much and I love that there are more members of the Dark Protectors to read about along with keeping up with past books and characters. There is nothing I love more than action with my romance story and Rebecca always has tons. It makes my heart race, keeps me on the edge of my seat and keeps my eyes on my Kindle. This book was hard to put down and I wanted to sneak my Kindle with me where ever I went at work! If you haven't read the Dark Protectors I can't recommend them enough and you should definitely read from the beginning.

I can't wait for the next book because I really want to know more about Lilly, after reading more about her in Shadowed inquiring minds want to know!!

Shadowed

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Cursed

S.J. Harper is the pen name for the writing team of Samantha Sommersby and Jeanne C. Stein, two friends who met at Comic-Con in San Diego and quickly bonded over a mutual love of good wine, edgy urban fantasy, and everything Joss Whedon.

Samantha Sommersby left what she used to call her “real life” day job in the psychiatric field to pursue writing full-time in 2007. She is the author of more than ten novels and novellas including the critically acclaimed Forbidden series. She currently lives with her husband and cocker spaniel, Buck, in a century old Southern California Craftsman. Sam happily spends her days immersed in a world where vampires, werewolves, and demons are real, myths and legends are revered, magic is possible, and love still conquers all.

Jeanne Stein is the national bestselling author of The Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles. She also has numerous short story credits, including most recently the novella, Blood Debt, from the New York Times bestselling anthology, Hexed. Her series has been picked up in three foreign countries and her short stories published in collections here in the US and the UK. She lives in Denver, CO where she finds gardening a challenge more daunting than navigating the world of mythical creatures.

Connect with the duo:  Website, Goodreads, Facebook

Cursed, FALLEN SIREN Book #1
by S.J Harper

Release Date October 1, 2013

Buy from Amazon / B&N

Synopsis:

Meet FBI Agents Emma Monroe and Zack Armstrong.

She’s cursed. He’s damned. Together, they make one hell of a team. Emma Monroe is a Siren, cursed by the gods and bound to earth to atone for an ancient failure. She’s had many names and many lives, but only one mission: redemption. Now that she works missing persons cases for the FBI, it could be just a rescue away. Unless her new partner leads her astray.

Special Agent Zack Armstrong just transferred into the San Diego Field Office. He’s a werewolf, doing his best to beat back the demons from his dark and dangerous past. As a former Black Ops sniper, he’s taken enough lives. Now he’s doing penance by saving them.

Emma and Zack’s very first case draws them deep into the realm of the paranormal and forces them to use their own supernatural abilities. But that leaves each of them vulnerable, and there are lines partners should not cross. As secrets are revealed and more women go missing, one thing becomes clear: as they race to save the victims, Emma and Zack risk losing themselves.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Devilish Diva - Shawnie:
*eBook gifted by LITERAL ADDICTION to write an honest review

Emma Monroe is an F.B.I. Agent with a twist - she's a cursed Siren. Cursed by the Gods to live for one thing... Redemption. Her siren abilities help her to solve the missing persons cases she is assigned and she is good at what she does. But her routine life is about to get a shake up with the help of Agent Zachary Armstrong. Her knew partner, in solving crime.

Zach is a werewolf, with a past darker than he wants it to be, and he too is on a path of redemption. When the chance to start over in a different state come to him, he transfers to the San Diego field office and doesn't look back. But there are fractions that don't want to let him go, and she has followed him to San Diego.

These two are similar in ways Emma doesn't want to admit, and there is no way she can or will admit to the attraction she feels towards Zach. The willing attraction between the two of them that has nothing to do with her powers. I was a disappointed with Emma because it just felt like she gave Zach the third degree about his life, but she refused to speak about hers. All her talk about trust, made me feel like she was bullsh*ting. There was many a times where I wanted to just stop reading.

Right off the bat you can tell Zach's a good guy, who'd been dealt a bad hand early in life, but he's making up for it. They click together like missing pieces of a puzzle, but Emma wants to keep their relationship strictly professional. She at times seems like a super b**ch the way she comes at Zach, but he holds his own and doesn't let her get away with anything when it comes to talking about their lives.

I warmed up to her once she got the stick out her butt, but that didn't even last long. She is so busy worrying about what others will think and do that she doesn't stop to think about what she does to people. The ending made me mad, and it took everything not to give this book a two star review off the ending alone. But that wouldn't have been fair. A nasty part of me hopes the decision she made comes back to bite her on the ass, in my humble opinion she doesn't deserve anything off that one act.

The case was amazing, it was unexpected and brilliantly written on and then explained. I couldn't have imagined any of it. I am going to patiently wait for book and two and hope it doesn't upset me like this one did. This is the first book though, it was bound to have some rough edges.

Cursed

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of The Art of Stealing Time

For as long as she can remember, Katie MacAlister has loved reading. Growing up in a family where a weekly visit to the library was a given, Katie spent much of her time with her nose buried in a book. Despite her love for novels, she didn't think of writing them until she was contracted to write a non-fiction book about software. Since her editor refused to allow her to include either witty dialogue or love scenes in the software book, Katie swiftly resolved to switch to fiction, where she could indulge in world building, tormenting characters, and falling madly in love with all her heroes.

Two years after she started writing novels, Katie sold her first romance, Noble Intentions. More than thirty books followed during the years after Noble's publication. Her novels have been translated into numerous languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards, and placed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She also writes for the young adult audience as Katie Maxwell, and for the mystery world as Kate Marsh.

Katie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her animals, and can often be found lurking around online.

Speaking of online, you can find her at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads too!

The Art of Stealing Time, TIME THIEF Book #2

     by Katie MacAlister

Buy from Amazon | B&N | BAM | Chapters | Indiebound | Powell’s

Synopsis:

Experts in the art of stealing time, Travellers live on the edge of both mortal and immortal realms. But a few fight their outlaw instincts…

Gwenhwyfar Byron Owens learned everything she knows about potions and spells from her two Wiccan moms, who are forbidden by Otherworld laws from teaching magic to mortals. But when their latest transgression results in the kidnapping of a mortal woman, Gwen figures the only place to hide them all is in Anwyn, the Welsh afterlife…

But Gregory Faa—a member of the Watch—is hot on their heels. A Traveller who has stolen time, he’s eager to prove himself worthy of the Watch, only he has a past with the dark-eyed Welsh beauty he’s been charged with bringing to justice. He’s tempted to just let Gwen disappear into Anwyn, until he realizes that she’s being pursued by a squad of goons and death’s minions.

Gwen is used to taking care of her moms and herself, so she can’t give in to her heart’s demand to trust Gregory, despite the fact that he’s as handsome as the day is long—and the days in Anwyn can last centuries…

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:

I was completely geared up for this book. I thoroughly enjoyed Time Thief, thought it was genius and fresh, and then after Time Crossed I was salivating because let's be honest, that was just a dirty tease. I'll be honest though, I got a good 30% into The Art of Stealing Time and was a bit worried. It just wasn't moving as fast as I had anticipated and I was waiting for something big to happen to kick things into gear. And then they entered Anwyn...

From that point on, it was the fantastic laugh-out-loud paranormal romance that I've come to know and love from the lovely Ms. MacAlister and I couldn't get enough!  

The TIME THIEF universe is incredibly unique to begin with, it's fresh, and multidimensional with subtle and overt nuances that make it decidedly its own. But in The Art of Stealing Time, Katie introduces another layer, the Welsh underworld, Anwyn and it's Alice-in-Wonderlandesque cast of characters.

Our heroine, Gwen, is an Alchemist with two trouble prone Wiccan mothers. While trying to clean up yet another of their messes, she finds herself a person of interest and target for several groups and her life becomes infinitely more complicated.  

Our hunky hero, Gregory, is the cousin of Peter Faa (the hero of book #1). He has just taken a probationary job with the Watch (sort of the supernatural police) when they're tipped off to some illicit activity that needs investigation. While doing so, Gregory crosses paths with Gwen and their lives and fates become inexplicably tangled.

MacAlister's books always make me laugh and this one is no exception. I enjoyed visiting the Welsh afterlife and can't wait to see where the next book in the Time Thief series will take me!

Anwyn was a trip! The place is crazy, the people even more so, and the magic and history that make up the very fabric of what Gwen and Gregory are thrown into is utterly fascinating. It was also so vividly written, and so perfectly entwined with the characters' stories, that I felt like I could literally see things as they happened and feel what went on as it did. I loved it!

The tension between Gregory and Gwen was stellar, and I think I enjoyed their tale so much because it was hard earned. There was no simply falling into bed for these two. There were trials, tribulations, bonds to break, trust to earn and so much more before they even gave it a go, and even then, things weren't completely balanced. It was anxiety riddled and fantastic to read.

Take that, add in some truly off the wall and loveable supporting characters, some epic one-liners and snark for the ages, heart pumping action, and PLENTY of surprise and you get The Art of Stealing Time.

I most definitely recommend this book, but I strongly suggest reading the series in order - Time Thief, Time Crossed and then The Art of Stealing Time - to get the most out of this novel. I also recommend that you stick it out through the slower set up pieces at the beginning of the book because once they hit Anwyn, it's non-stop goodness.

I can't wait to see what Katie has in store in Traveller-verse next...

The Art of Stealing Time

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Time Crossed

For as long as she can remember, Katie MacAlister has loved reading. Growing up in a family where a weekly visit to the library was a given, Katie spent much of her time with her nose buried in a book. Despite her love for novels, she didn't think of writing them until she was contracted to write a non-fiction book about software. Since her editor refused to allow her to include either witty dialogue or love scenes in the software book, Katie swiftly resolved to switch to fiction, where she could indulge in world building, tormenting characters, and falling madly in love with all her heroes.

Two years after she started writing novels, Katie sold her first romance, Noble Intentions. More than thirty books followed during the years after Noble's publication. Her novels have been translated into numerous languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards, and placed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She also writes for the young adult audience as Katie Maxwell, and for the mystery world as Kate Marsh.

Katie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her animals, and can often be found lurking around online.

Speaking of online, you can find her at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads too!

Time Crossed, TIME THIEF Book #1.5

     by Katie MacAlister

Buy from Amazon | B&N

Synopsis:

Stealing time. Cheating death. Breaking hearts. Gregory Faa is an Otherworldly man on a mission in the new Time Thief short story from New York Times bestselling author Katie MacAlister.

Gwenhwyfar Byron Owens is a Wiccan on the edge—of the law. With two mothers who excel on breaking the rules of the Otherworld’s Watch, Gwen is used to dealing with their troublesome situations. But when she’s snatched from the jaws of death itself, it’s not her moms who give her grief, it’s the drop-dead gorgeous man who saved her life.

Traveller Gregory Faa may be many things—time stealer, outlier, troublemaker—but there’s one thing he isn’t: hip to the fact that death has very little patience with people who don’t die when they’re supposed to.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:

Time Crossed is a Traveller novella in which we continue the story of Gregory Faa (cousin to the hero of book #1), and meet Gwen Owens, another spunky, spirited, and wackily witty Katie MacAlister heroine that you can't help but love, caught in a snapshot of time as their lives cross as fate intended...

Given the length of this novella, the fact that I don't do spoilers, and simply because it truly is just an introduction to the stars of The Art of Stealing Time, book #2, and a teaser of what we can expect in that book with these 2, this review is going to be very short and not very exciting, I'm afraid...

Suffice it to say that I can tell from this novella that book #2 is going to be super fun with snark aplenty, and that the cat and mouse between our hero and heroine will be quite exciting indeed! Readers should take this novella as it is though, it's not a full story. If you go in with that expectation you will be sorely disappointed. There isn't much plot development and it pretty much just ends. If you go into it looking at it as more of a combo epilogue of book #1/prologue to book #2, and realize that it's meant as a between full-length release teaser to be used as an introductory segue to book #2, you'll be much more pleased.

It was entertaining and most definitely had me wanting book #2 immediately, so I think it did its job. :)

Time Crossed

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Death and the Girl He Loves

Darynda Jones would pick up a pencil and paper and scribble nonsense on it even when she was a toddler, asking her mother to read her literary genius aloud. Soon after, she started writing plays for the neighborhood kids, making up stories for her brother, and creating age inappropriate fantastical stories for Barbie and Ken to enact. In high school she almost finished her first manuscript, and even then, was dabbling in romance and the paranormal. 

Darynda took a break from actively writing for several years, wherein she got married, had a couple children, graduated Summa cum Laude from UNM and got a job as a teacher and sign language translator. She missed writing though, and started up again in 2002 with the goal of getting a publishing contract securely in her mind’s eye. After 3 complete manuscripts, she finally landed an agent, a three book deal, and won the 2009 Golden Heart award for Best Paranormal Romance in 2009.

You can keep up with Darynda online at her Website, Facebook, Twitter, and GoodReads.

Death and the Girl He Loves, Book #3 of the DARKLIGHT series
     by Darynda Jones

Publication Date 10/8/13

Buy from Amazon | B&N | IndieBound | BAM | Powell’s | Book Depository

Synopsis:

The fate of the world is not something a girl wants on her shoulders, and that is especially true for Lorelei McAlister. Unfortunately for her, that is exactly where the world’s fate has decided to take up residence. Lorelei has seen firsthand the horrors that lie beneath our everyday world. And those horrors are getting her friends killed. Because of this, she agrees to leave the sanctity of her hometown and is sent to a different world entirely. A boarding school. But even here she is being watched. Someone knows what she is. What she carries inside her soul. And on top of that she’s seeing visions. This is nothing new for Lorelei. But these visions are something more: death, destruction, and the end of the world. Lorelei must face the fact that there are people who want her dead, and no matter where she goes, no matter how far she runs, the lives of her friends and family are in mortal peril. Lucky for her, her friends and family include the handsome Angel of Death, a fiercely protective half-angel, and a ragtag group of loyal supporters who aren’t afraid to get a little dirty in the name of fighting pure evil.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:
*ARC Received from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Death and the Girl He Loves was a nice conclusion to the DARKLIGHT trilogy. Was it my favorite of the series? No. Was it interesting, compelling, and worth recommending. Absolutely!

This installment was quite a bit more somber and serious than the previous two. Since the moment Lorelei found out about her heritage, she has known that she was the key to stopping a war, however, she never knew how, or when, and nobody could (or would) tell her. As the end draws near, Lorelei's stress ratchets ever higher, and her self doubt skyrockets. Add to that the fact that she's literally foreseen the deaths of everyone she loves and is convinced that she just CAN'T stop what's to come, and she's kind of a mess. As she and the rest of the gang try to come up with ways to literally stop the apocalypse and change fate, she systematically works through these complex layers and attempts to find her center. While I enjoyed all of that, found the seriousness necessary, and loved the journey and growth of the characters, I missed the snark and wit. There just weren't as many one liners, snippy comebacks, silly escapades and practical jokes as there were in the previous 2 books, and while my brain understood the necessity for the solemnity, my heart longed for the level of Darynda Jones snark and with that I've come to crave.

I will say this, where the book 'grew up' and swapped fun for seriousness in my opinion, it didn't turn into a stodgy old biddy shut in at home. The level of action was as great, if not better, than the previous 2 books. In addition, the suspense and surprise in this installment were amazing. The plot twist was very unexpected for me, and at first, I was honestly really confused. Then, as it was all laid out and explained, I thought it was kinda brilliant! :)

All in all, Death and the Girl He Loves was an engaging read that I would recommend. I do recommend reading the entire series in order, however, as there is just way too much history for the book to stand well on its own.

Death and the Girl He Loves

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Bound by Night

Air Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career as a meteorologist to pursue her passion of writing. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her U.S. Coast Guard husband, her teenage son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhound, a King Shepherd named Hexe.

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

Bound by Night, MOONBOUND CLAN VAMPIRES Book #1
   by Larissa Ione

Publication Date: 9/24/13

Buy from Amazon / B&N / BAM / Powell's / IndieBound

Synopsis:

A WOMAN OUT FOR BLOOD
Nicole Martin was only eight years old when the vampire slaves rose up in rebellion and killed her family. Now she devotes her life to finding a vaccine against vampirism, hoping to wipe out her memories—along with every bloodsucker on the planet. But there’s one thing she cannot destroy: her searing, undeniable attraction for the one man she should hate and fear the most . . .

A VAMPIRE OUT FOR REVENGE
A member of the renegade vampire MoonBound Clan, Riker is haunted by demons of his own. When he recognizes Nicole and remembers how her family enslaved his loved ones, his heart burns for vengeance. But when he kidnaps Nicole and holds her in a secret lair, his mortal enemy becomes his soul obsession, his greatest temptation, and, perhaps, his only salvation—a hot-blooded lover who could heal him with her touch . . . or bury him forever.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:
*eARC received from Edelwiess

I love delving into the imagination of Larissa Ione, and having a new world and new characters to get lost in was amazing. Did I love it as much as Demonica or Lords of Deliverance, no, but did I thoroughly enjoy it? Absolutely!!

Bound by Night has alpha males with attitude & snarkiness that we've come to know and love from Larissa, strong females, a world built on intricate history, a story rife with tension, emotion and drama... It was all there and more. Plus I absolutely loved how Larissa drew on her Native American roots with Vampires, when we generally only see that with Weres & Shifters.

All in all, my first impression thoughts here, I really enjoyed Bound by Night and will certainly be looking forward to the coming books of the series - there was so much opportunity set up in book one for some truly incredible characters' stories, it will be a joy to take their journeys when the time comes.

Definitely recommended and I am certainly looking forward to August of 2014 for Chained by Night, Hunter's book.

Bound by Night

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Desperate Surrender

Hildie McQueen writes Historical Western Romance as well as Paranormal Romance, with a touch of Historical here and there. She's also published eight Highlander Historical Erotic short stories. She's a member of Romance Writers of America, as well as Georgia Romance Writers and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapters of RWA.

For fun she spends a lot of time with her girlfriends. Her hubby is her partner in crime for traveling, and they love to jump in the car (or sometimes on his motorcycle) and head to the mountains, the city or the beach.

You can connect with Hildie online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.

Desperate Surrender, THE PROTECTORS Book #2

     by Hildie McQueen

Buy from Amazon / B&N

Synopsis:

Wendy O'Sullivan's life drastically changes upon discovering she is not human- and then she is charged with guarding the Key of Peace. To make matters more complicated, she reunites with the Protector she's dreamed of since the day he rescued her from a demon attack. Kieran Frasier, hasn't loved- much less kissed - a woman in over three hundred years with his heart firmly encased behind thick walls. The fierce immortal defends innocents from powerful demons, but can he defend himself from diminutive Wendy, who manages to get past all his barricades? Faced with arranged marriages to others and battling demons that will stop at nothing to capture Wendy, will they be forced to surrender their chance at true love for the greater good?

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION’s Bewitching Bella- Charity Costa:
*eARC received in exchange for an honest review 

O MY where do I begin, okay let’s start by ME taking a deep breath and trying to make this review sound professional…..WHO AM I KIDDING!?!?!?!? I AM OFFICIALLY A HILDIE MCQUEEN FANGIRL AND I HAVE A MASSIVE CRUSH ON THE PROTECTORS!!!!! Alright now that that’s out maybe I can pull myself together to give this book and the series some justice with my words.

Lets start with the World of the Protector’s, I have mentioned this before and I can not say it enough, it is well written and very well thought out, there are no questions left unanswered about the world Hildie has created. We have all read books where we were a little lost as to the ins and outs of the ‘world’ not here. 

Next let me touch on the characters from previous books and that seem to be poppin in this one as well mainly Julien, I remember reading the prequel to this series and thinking “people are not going to like him but I do.” In this novel we get a little more of Julien and the only thing I kept saying to myself was PLEASE PLEASE HILDIE GIVE HIM SOMEONE TO WARM HIS HEART!!! I can’t imagine Julien being such an important part of the Protectors and not one day feel the love that the Protectors are fighting for once they find it. (wink wink Hildie)

Onto the love that our Alpha Male fights for in Desperate Surrender, Kieran is an honorable Protector sworn to uphold his oath. After seeing 2 of his fellow protectors mated and the storm it kicked up with Julien, he is going to do his duty and marry who Julien chooses for him but he is not going to be happy about it.

In comes Wendy, well Wendy is from his past but I won’t ruin to much of that for you all. Wendy finds herself in Kieran’s care and all of a sudden Kieran is feeling things he should not feel and thinking about breaking his agreement to the arranged marriage. There is definitely some sexual tension going on and some cold showers needed.

We get to dive into the demon side of the world of the Protectors in this book which is nice because it mixes things up a bit.

I am happy to say that each book keeps getting better and better, I would strongly suggest starting with the prequel and working your way through the Protectors series in order. I read all 3 in the series in 2 days, I just couldn’t put them down.

I give Desperate Surrender 5 skulls and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment. (HURRY HILDIE)

Desperate Surrender

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Desperate Betrayal

Hildie McQueen writes Historical Western Romance as well as Paranormal Romance, with a touch of Historical here and there. She's also published eight Highlander Historical Erotic short stories. She's a member of Romance Writers of America, as well as Georgia Romance Writers and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapters of RWA.

For fun she spends a lot of time with her girlfriends. Her hubby is her partner in crime for traveling, and they love to jump in the car (or sometimes on his motorcycle) and head to the mountains, the city or the beach.

You can connect with Hildie online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.

Desperate Betrayal, THE PROTECTORS Book #1

     by Hildie McQueen

Buy from Amazon / B&N

Synopsis:

Cynden Frasier (Cyn) is a member of a group of immortal warriors, the Protectors, assigned to protect humans in Atlanta, Georgia, the epicenter of a major uprising in demon activity. When Cyn is approached by a beautiful woman in a dirty alley, he is intrigued by the fact that she can see him for what he is, a terrifying demon slayer, and still dares to approach him.

Emma Blake, a half-demon, has to convince Cyn to help rescue her sister from powerful demons. Terrified that the Protector will kill her if he realizes what she is, she still goes against every instinct and approaches Cyn for help. Despite knowing that she is leading them both into territory so wrought with treachery, neither of them may survive.

Can Cyn and Emma overcome betrayal, the ancient rules that prevent Protectors from taking a wife, unless she is his one true mate? And if they do, will it even matter?

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION’s Bewitching Bella- Charity Costa:
WOW!!!! What a world Hildie McQueen has created, very well thought out and different.

Desperate Betrayal was fast paced, enthralling you from chapter 1 and had twists and turns, just when you think it is about to end or you think you might know what is going to happen...nope here comes another twist. I loved it.

This book picks up 10 days after the prequel to this series ends. Which I was very happy about because I was left speechless at the end of Desperate Choices (the prequel to the Protector Series).

The title says it all and is perfect for the plot of this book. Desperate Betrayal, it says so much with only 2 words.

Our couple in book 1, Desperate Betrayal, is Cyn and Emma. Cyn is a Protector that has a pretty set idea of his future and has no plans of changing that, till Emma walks in from the shadows. I loved them together, I loved that their pains brought them together. My initial glimpse of Cyn from the prequel was that of the humorous character that would have me barking out laughter in his story that was not the case here, Cyn has a story to tell and it’s not a funny one.

We meet a lot of new characters in this book, Protectors and Demons. By far my favorite so far is Blue, I don't want to give any spoilers but I will say that if he ever gets his own story, I will be on my knees begging to get an early copy of it from Hildie :)

I give Desperate Betrayal 5 out of 5, because of the world that Hildie has created that is so enticing and very well thought out. She knows how to catch you from page one and have you begging for more. This is only the beginning of an amazing series and I for one cannot wait to see where Hildie takes the Protectors.

Desperate Betrayal

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Desperate Choices

Hildie McQueen writes Historical Western Romance as well as Paranormal Romance, with a touch of Historical here and there. She's also published eight Highlander Historical Erotic short stories. She's a member of Romance Writers of America, as well as Georgia Romance Writers and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Chapters of RWA.

For fun she spends a lot of time with her girlfriends. Her hubby is her partner in crime for traveling, and they love to jump in the car (or sometimes on his motorcycle) and head to the mountains, the city or the beach. 

You can connect with Hildie online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.

Desperate Choices, THE PROTECTORS Book #0.5

   by Hildie McQueen

Buy from Amazon

Synopsis:

When an Immortal demon slayer saves Rachel Andrews from certain death, her life changes forever. An unbreakable bond with the handsome Protector, drags her into a world she never believed existed and has no desire to be part of.

The actions of one night drastically alter the course of his long existence. Torn between his feelings for Rachel and his life's calling, Roderick Cronan comes face to face with the fact that he is losing both.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION’s Bewitching Bella- Charity Costa:
I was asked to read book 2 of this series for LITERAL ADDICTION, but after finding out that there were other books in the Protector Series I had to get them all and read them in order, I'm a little OCD like that :)

Unlike some, I started with this one (book 0.5) and not Book 1. I'm glad I did, because I felt that it set up the Protector world perfectly. From the very 1st paragraph I was happily sucked into this world.

Desperate Choices was a quick, very smooth read that left me wide eyed, mouth gaping and racing to my laptop to grab the next one to be sent to my kindle.

Rachel and Roderick are perfect together from the beginning, I love their instant chemistry. From a few reviews that I read from others who loved this novella I'll see Rachel and Roderick later ;) I had to make sure with an ending like that.

We are introduced to two other characters in this novella that I have a feeling we are going to see in the future (I haven't read any of the other books at this point yet so I'm just guessing here by the way Hildie sets up the world of the Protectors), one of them is Roderick's roommate Cyn, LOVE HIM, he made me giggle out loud a few times and brought the humor to this short novella. The other is Julian, I can imagine some won't like him because you know he is the boss and has to be the bad guy sometimes, but I really liked him.

I'm going to keep this review short and to the point because I have the next installment and I'm itching to read it :) All Around I am amazed that Hildie was able to entice me with so few pages into the world of the Protectors.

I give Desperate Choices 5 Skulls, never have I been so enticed by a series so easily and quickly and that's a feat in itself. Give this short novella a read, I doubt you won’t be finding yourself rushing to grab the next one just as I did.

Desperate Choices