Tuesday, September 15, 2015

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Scrape


Erin Kellison stories have always been a central part of Erin's life. She attempted her first book in the 6th grade, a dark fantasy adventure, and still has those early hand-written chapters. She graduated summa cum laude with a degree in English Language and Literature, and went on for a masters in Cultural Anthropology, focusing on oral storytelling. When she had children, nothing scared her anymore, so her focus shifted to writing fiction. She lives in Arizona with her two beloved daughters and husband, and she will have a dog (breed undetermined) when her youngest turns five. 

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


Scrape
REVELER Book #8


The last battle will be a nightmare…

The Sandman has broken through to the waking world, bringing with Him a monster of a storm. Mirren Lambert and Vince Blackman set out to force him back into his own realm, while Malcolm Rook and Jordan Lane are cornered by an old enemy intent on revenge. They learn that there are no rules when fighting for the ones you love.

In the midst of the chaos, Harlen Fawkes is charged with finding a way to make dreaming safe again. As nightmares lurk in the fringes, waiting to attack, he is driven to a bold decision that will change the world Darkside forever. All the while, his heart is with Sera—will the love of his life ever wake again?

Steve Coll must come to grips with his altered nature. His passion for Maisie Lane transcends the darkness, and he becomes both a fearsome nightmare and the hero humanity so desperately needs. Armed with hope and love, he strikes out to defeat a powerful god. But will it be enough? Or has dreaming just become too dangerous?

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

How do I even write this review?? This is super-duper bittersweet for me. Reveler quickly became one of my top 5 all-time favorite series and holds a place in my heart that may be hard to fill, so coming to the end of this journey was something I both looked forward to and dreaded.

Erin Kellison, in my personal opinion, is a master of dark urban fantasy/paranormal romance. I hesitate to even call her books "paranormal romance" sometimes because they feel more like urban fantasy with romantic elements to me--EXACTLY what I love. She never, ever stays "in the box" with her world building and storylines, she always knows how to push the envelope juuuuust enough, and between all of that, she has relatable characters that will stay with you forever, edge of your seat action and suspense, and just a touch of super steam romance. It's the ultimate book lover/paranormal junkie's dream.

O.K, enough gushing, on to thoughts on the finale...

As the serial built, we saw the world Darkside get increasingly more dangerous and our cast of characters fighting tooth and nail to protect those they loved and those who could not fight for themselves. Each book had a bit of everyone, but generally focused on a "main" character couple. Scrape is one big dark, dangerous, action-packed, crazy rollercoaster of epic proportions, and each and every couple not only plays their part but gets their HEA (though not without one hell of a battle). I sat there shaking my head going "how did she even do that and make me satisfied?"

I'm not sure I can break this down properly without spoilers, but I will try. The individuals in the waking world that want to make Darkside the 'new normal' have started to rise up and take power, paving the way for their god, the Sandman, to reign. The Sandman has risen, and is now wreaking havoc in the waking world while his nightmares terrorize revelers Darkside. Each and every couple dives in headfirst in a battle of strength and wits to attempt their defeat of the Oneiros and the Sandman, while protecting each other as they are able. The battle is not without casualties, however, and there are losses on both sides. How catastrophic those losses and changes are, ultimately, isn't known initially, and gradually works itself out as the book progresses.

Now that all of the books are out, even if you're not an episodic serial fan, I HIGHLY suggest this series. I cannot emphasize how much I recommend it. You won't even have to wait for the next installment. :) It's rife with amazing characters, unbelievable action, thrilling drama and suspense, some super sexy (yet admittedly subtle at times) romance, and a world and concept that you won't be able to shake because it's unique, amazing, and totally captivating.

Take a chance. Dream dangerously. I can say with confidence that you won't be disappointed...

Scrape

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Abandoned and Unseen



Carrie Ann Ryan is a bestselling paranormal and contemporary romance author. After spending too much time behind a lab bench, she decided to dive into the romance world and find her werewolf mate – even if it’s just in her books. Happy endings are always near – even if you have to get over the challenges of falling in love first.

Carrie Ann’s Redwood Pack series is a bestselling series that has made the shifter world even more real to her and has allowed the Dante’s Circle and Holiday, Montana series to be born. She’s also an avid reader and lover of romance and fiction novels. She loves meeting new authors and new worlds. Any recommendations you have are appreciated. Carrie Ann lives in New England with her husband and two kittens.

Feel free to stalk Carrie Ann at the following places online –
Facebook, Twitter, Website, Blog, Goodreads, Amazon Author Page and Pinterest.

Alexandra Ivy is the New York Times bestselling author of the GUARDIANS OF ETERNITY, SENTINELS and IMMORTAL ROGUES series.

Alexandra graduated from Truman University with a degree in theatre before deciding she preferred to bring her characters to life on paper rather than stage. She currently lives in Missouri with her extraordinarily patient husband and teenage sons.

Connect with Alexandra: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads


Abandoned and Unseen
BRANDED PACK Book #2


Branded Packs Book 2

Abandoned

When bear shifter, Anya Tucker fell in love with the wrong man, the only thing she left with was a broken heart—and her two bear cubs. Now she’s mended her wounds and learned that in order to raise her babies she can only trust herself. When her sons meet the lazy cat next door and fall heads over tails for him, she’ll do whatever she takes to protect them—even from a past she’d thought she’d left behind.

Cole McDermott is a jaguar on a mission. Long naps, a willing woman, and a full stomach is usually all he needs when it comes to relaxing after a long day of protecting his Pack. Then he meets Anya and the burn of temptation is silky and tantalizing indeed. When a horror from Anya’s past threatens everything she loves, Cole will put everything aside and fight for her family—as well as his own.

Unseen

Nicole Bradley had no reason to live after the humans murdered her son. Not until she learns to hunt down those responsible for his death. Shifting into her wolf form at night, she slips out of the compound, determined to do as much damage as possible. The last thing she expected was to discover secrets that could destroy the SAU.

Polar shifter, Tucker Stone, lives off the grid. It’s the only way the Unseen can avoid being rounded up by the humans and tossed into a compound. Besides, he’s a loner by nature. But he can’t walk away when he sees the pretty female wolf in danger. Risking exposure, he takes her to his hidden den and tries to heal her wounds.

Can a reclusive polar bear and a wolf with a death wish find happiness together?

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

O.K, I am going to preface this review by saying that I don't normally like collaborative series. It's just too difficult to make them feel seamless to me. Add in the fact that in order to hit proper page count they normally have to be novella length for each piece--which usually means those insta-lust and love situations that always make me cringe--and I don't always set out to buy them. With the Branded Pack series, however, I don't feel ANY of that, none of it, and after each and every installment, all I'm left with is a deep desire for more!

Abandoned and Unseen are stories 3 and 4 (book #2) of the Branded Pack series, and while it is a running series, they can absolutely be read as standalones. The worldbuilding is set up enough in each story that even if you were to pick this up without having read Stolen and Forgiven you would be just fine.

The series just keeps getting better and better... More deep and intriguing characters, more compelling storylines...

In Abandoned, we fine all 3 Packs being forced into the same compound. Not only do each of the shifter Packs have to deal with being forced into captivity, now they have to deal with sharing their very limited space with other predators and people with very differing personalities, habits, etc. Anya is a single mother raising her 2 adorable bear cubs, and her territory border butts up against that of an aggravating--if insanely sexy--jaguar, Cole. Despite Anya's very apparent dislike of Cole (mostly stemming from the fact that she wants him and doesn't WANT to want him) they're forced to work together when Anya's children are kidnapped.

The chemistry between Anya and Cole was undeniable, but it was fun to see them both try until they could no longer fight the pull and simply let the fireworks happen. And boy did they ever...

In Unseen, we get our first glimpse into the Unseen Pack--those rare shifters who avoided capture and captivity by the humans. Those without the brands and the collar. And they're all just a little bit...more, as well. Nicole is a wolf shifter still grieving the loss of her son. The main goal in the pit of her being is revenge. Some way, somehow. When she finally thinks her moment has arrived--on the anniversary of her son's death no less--she's thwarted by a very persistent and utterly captivating (and rare) polar bear shifter. Tucker knows immediately that Nicole is meant for him, and he will do anything to make it happen. Even let her put herself into danger, something that goes against every bone in his very large and sexy body.

Outside of the amazing story between Tucker and Nicole, we get glimpses into what I HOPE will be our next tale(s)--Mira and Sinclair, some more SAU secrets, a deeper understanding into how everything happened with the shifters' captivity in the first place, and more.

Abandoned and Unseen were fantastic installments in the Branded series and I cannot wait to see what happens next. Carrie Ann and Alexandra have a winner with this series. #happyshifterlover

Abandoned and Unseen

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Breaking Fate



Georgia Lyn Hunter loves to create characters who’ll take you to the far and beyond to unforgettable adventures, steamy encounters and heart-stopping love stories…

She grew up in the tropical climate of South Africa and currently lives abroad with her family.
When she's not writing or plotting her next novel, she loves trolling flea markets, buying things because they're so pretty, travelling, and being with her family.

She'd love to hear from readers.


Breaking Fate
FALLEN GUARDIANS Book #2


Amazon

An immortal without a soul is bad enough. But when his only tether to remaining honorable is his addiction to bone-crushing pain, it makes Blaéz a dangerously loose cannon.

A Guardian sworn to protect mortals from supernatural evil, Blaéz straddles the edge of darkness as his needs grow. When a good deed brings him to the doorstep of a female unlike any other, one whose touch ignites emotions long lost in the hellish pits of Tartarus, he’s determined not to lose her. She belongs to him. But she’s human. Forbidden. And bringing her into his life may just destroy them both.

Darci Callahan has given up on love. But when a lethally handsome stranger suddenly appears late one night, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to the captivating man with the pale, empty eyes—a man who awakens in her a desire she never believed possible. Except Blaéz brings more than unexpected passion to her life, he brings danger.

In this treacherous new world of gods and demons, Darci soon discovers a heart-shattering truth and the twisted games the gods play. Caught in the crosshairs, she’s forced to accept that, sometimes, no matter how much you love someone, you have to love them enough to let them go...

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

An enchanting world of danger and darkness, Hunter captivates with her sexy tale of fallen gods, demons, and forbidden love that conquers all.

Imagine if you will a broken hero (you know the ones we all love!!), one that was tortured for ages and left a shell of a man. One who goes out of his way to hurt himself just so he can FEEL. That is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Blaez. He was left an emotionless shell, a Guardian with a single purpose--to kill. Now, imagine trying to write that! A hero without emotion. One with a very, very important job, with people who depend on him, and all the while he can only pretend... I was worried. After all, how do you properly portray a hero who has no soul, no emotion? I shouldn't have worried! I instantly liked Blaez, and when he me finally meets Darci and he literally blossoms it was something truly magickal to behold!

And then there's Darci. She never really felt whole herself. Sequestering herself away with her books, keeping almost everyone at arm's length. And then her quiet, ordered, proper life gets blown to hell by this sexy as sin Immortal, who quite frankly, is an a$h*le. Watching her fight and claw to keep her order, but letting herself feel what just seemed to come naturally between her and Blaez was awesome. I really related to Darci, and I think a lot of other readers will, as well.

So all in all, what do you get with Breaking Fate? I pretty much said it all in my opening sentence, but it will definitely tug at your emotions. All of them. I laughed, I raged, I worried, I swooned (seriously, the quote-worthiness of this book is insane!) and when all was said and done, I felt utterly satisfied, and that's what you want when you read a good book, right? Some readers might not like the tennis match of emotions, but that's what I look for in a good read. I WANT to be made to feel, and all sorts of things...

I'm enchanted by Ms. Hunter's Fallen Guardians world and I cannot wait for more.

Breaking Fate