[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Struck

Amanda Carlson:  I’m a Minnesota girl, born and bred. I started writing stories about teenage girls and their social missteps when I was in high school. I still have the handwritten spiral notebooks to prove it.

I started writing FULL BLOODED. because kickass heroines rock and I love shifters of all kinds. There aren’t enough warm-blooded girls to go around, in my opinion. I fell into Jessica’s story and had such a great time writing it and now I couldn’t imagine writing anything other than urban fantasy and paranormal romance. When you’re creating a story in this fantastic genre, it can contain almost any elements you can dream up. Creatively, for me, there’s nothing better.

Amanda is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, with a BA in both Speech and Hearing Science & Child Development. She went on to get an A.A.S in Sign Language Interpreting and worked as an interpreter until her first child was born. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and three kids.

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

Struck

Phoebe Meadows Book #1

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When Phoebe Meadows gets struck by a strange light in the stockroom of Macy’s, life as she knows it flies out the window. As if being hit by lightning isn’t bad enough, she’s accosted in the subway by a man with a missing hand, arrives home to find a raven on her kitchen counter, and her neighbor, Ingrid, shows up dressed like a gladiator hell-bent on protecting her.

Before Ingrid can shuttle her to safety, Phoebe is kidnapped and tossed into one of the Nine Worlds where she’s quickly forced to come to terms with what she is: A valkyrie. The only problem is, she has no idea what that means.

After a narrow escape, she finds an unlikely ally in Loki’s son, Fenrir. Together the valkyrie and the wolf must battle their way back to New York City and reach the valkyrie stronghold where Ingrid is waiting for her. But with danger and obstacles at every turn, she might not live long enough to learn the full truth about who and what she really is…

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Nocturnal Nymph - Michelle:
*eARC gifted in exchange for an honest review

Phoebe Meadows thinks she is just a normal small town girl living in NYC until she is struck by lightning in the storage room at Macy's. When she gets home, she finds that her neighbor, Ingrid, is actually her aunt, and they need to get out because someone is after Phoebe. After that, Amanda Carlson takes us on an incredible journey filled with Norse Mythology, Valkyries, gods and demigods. But that isn't all that is involved in this story. Phoebe's character is one kickass heroine, she isn't afraid to get in there and fight. And I loved that she was sarcastic, witty, strong, and wasn't afraid to fall for Fen, the demigod she just happened to encounter.

From the very beginning of this book, we had twists and turns, action and sarcasm. This was seriously a fun book to get lost in. I love books where there is so much action going on that you literally can't put the book down. That is what happens with Struck. You don't want to do anything else but see what these characters will get into next, or see what happens to them. The spin Amanda put on the mythology was perfect, I don't know much about it, but the information she gives along with the character's stories makes you want to know more.

I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens with Phoebe, Fen, and Fen's brother, and her human friend Sam.

Struck

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Allegiance of Honor

From the author Nalini Singh: I've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.

I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).

So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.

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

Allegiance of Honor

Psy-Changeling Book #15

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The “unparalleled romantic adventure”* of Nalini Singh’s New York Times bestselling series continues as a new dawn begins for the Psy-Changeling world…

The Psy-Changeling world has undergone a staggering transformation and now stands at a crossroads. The Trinity Accord promises a new era of cooperation between disparate races and groups. It is a beacon of hope held together by many hands: Old enemies. New allies. Wary loners.

But a century of distrust and suspicion can’t be so easily forgotten and threatens to shatter Trinity from within at any moment. As rival members vie for dominance, chaos and evil gather in the shadows and a kidnapped woman’s cry for help washes up in San Francisco, while the Consortium turns its murderous gaze toward a child who is the embodiment of change, of love, of piercing hope: A child who is both Psy…and changeling.

To find the lost, protect the vulnerable—and save Trinity—no one can stand alone. This is a time of loyalty across divisions, of bonds woven into the heart and the soul, of heroes known and unknown standing back to back and holding the line. But is an allegiance of honor even possible with traitors lurking in their midst?

Our review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Reckless Reaper - Shawnie:
*eARC received to give an honest review.

My total admiration of Nalini Singh had no standing on my personal feelings for the book. I can't really write too much without making this into a spoiler review and I have those types of reviews so this is not going to be a long review.

When I started Allegiance I went in knowing that it was going to be multiple P.O.V. I also knew it was going to be a complete Psy/Changeling novel, no short stories. What I did not know was that Ms. Singh was going to pack this book to the brim with all the characters that we have come to know and love. Now I won't lie all the switching gave me a headache, until I realized that is she still running the same plotline throughout all the different points of view. She also does an amazing job of running the plot line while catching us up on everything that is happening with the various couples. I found myself eagerly awaiting the next pov switch - who would give me the next piece of information and character update. I truly believe though that the best parts and also the most informative were the letters that were sprinkled throughout the entire book, but didn't take anything away from the bottom storyline, because Singh made sure everything connected - everything. We finally get some back story on the human that was best friends with two very dangerously powerful Psy.

There was never a dull moment in the book, there was also a lot happening but that just underlined one very important thing that I think brought the whole purpose of the book to the forefront... The Psy, the Changeling and the humans were working together to get to a place were they could coexist without issues. Yes, there was your usual suspects that were firmly against the unification of the races, but the love, respect and pure stubbornness that our good guys possess was enough to eclipse all the hate. The title of the book pretty much sums it up with no issues ALLEGIANCE OF HONOR. These races gave their allegiance to one another nothing and no one is going to take that a way from them. Their honor will not let them back down or turn a blind eye to the happenings in the world because it all affects them in some way shape or form. They are united and they refuse to go back to what they were. Sascha I think said it a best... "I believe in us... All of us. I believe we'll find a way out of the darkness. The consortium won't won-and in beating it, we'll forge bonds no one will be able to break." She had it right, except for one thing. The bonds are already forged, they just have to reinforce them with hardened steel wrapped in love, understanding and acceptance.

Allegiance Of Honor is the book that gave us all hope that things would be great, that the races could survive with help from one another. Allegiance is the book that put it all in prospective for them all and gave off one simple statement from our many hero's (even if some don't think they are) in my opinion - YOU ARE EITHER WITH US OR AGAINST US AND WE DON'T PLAN ON LOSING.

Allegiance of Honor

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Awakened by Fire

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.

Awakened by Fire

DRAGONS OF BLOODFIRE Book #2

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Get lost in a world of danger, secrets, and desire in the newest installment of bestselling author Erin Kellison’s action-packed Dragons of Bloodfire series.

Billionaire dragon shifter and Bloodkin Triad member Warrick Voclain is no stranger to power. But when his trusted steward’s beautiful granddaughter—all grown up and successful in her own right—seems to be using illegal magic in his presence, he is thrown for a loop. And the fact that she’s doing so to protect him? Alarming.

Samantha Vine needs to stay under the radar, or her secret gift will get her and her granddad killed. She didn’t intend for her quick visit home to stretch into weeks in Warrick’s company, but anyone striking at Warrick would also hurt her granddad. Only she has the ability to see what’s coming…though she’ll need Warrick’s help to stop it.

The use of such magic is punishable by death, and Warrick’s position on the Triad requires that he adhere to the rule of law. But the attraction between them is electric, stirring his blood and straining his control.

Adversaries wait in every shadow, and the easiest way to strike down a powerful dragon is to go for the heart…in Warrick’s case, Samantha. With fire and blood, he’ll reshape the world into one that’s safe for her. And those that don’t bend to his will? They will burn.

75k words / no cliffhanger

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

Erin captivates once again with her latest installment of the Dragons of Bloodfire series!

Samantha Vine left the world of dragons to pursue her independence and stay off the radar, but one step back on Voclain property and her world is changed forever. Her secret is out, she's basically being blackmailed, and to top it all off, she has to spend every day with the dragon who sets her heart ablaze.

Warrick has his hands full being lord of the Reds and trying to find a replacement for Godric Tredan on the Council. Even though he's probably the most modern of dragons alive--despite being older than dirt--he finds himself embroiled in the fallout of plots from eons ago. And it's all compounded by the interference of his steward and his steward's granddaughter, the one woman Warrick knows he should only protect, but can't help but desire above all others.

Awakened by Fire delivers a twist-filled miasma of wonderfulness full of danger, deceit, revenge, and passion, perfectly balanced with light-hearted dialogue and captivating characters that you won't want to leave when the last page is turned.

If you're a dragon shifter fan, I HIGHLY recommend this book. It is book #2 of the series (book #1 is Tempted by Fire), but stands perfectly well on its own.

I've followed Erin's journey since her very first book, Shadow Bound. And her Reveler series has grabbed (and kept) a place in my top 5 favorite series of all time list. But this...this book just might be my favorite of Erin's to-date!

Awakened by Fire

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Rogue

A daydreamer at heart, Patricia A. Rasey, resides in her native town in Northwest Ohio with her husband, Mark, and her lovable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Todd.

Ms. Rasey is a three-time recipient of the Word Weaving Award for Literary Excellence and a three-time winner of the prestigious RIO Award Of Excellence. She is also a three-time EPPIE finalist and was a 2001 nominee for Romantic Times Magazine's Best Electronic Book. Additionally, Twilight Obsessions and Twilight Visions, two anthologies she was a part of, was nominated for the PEARL, the Paranormal Excellence Award in Romantic Literature, in the Best Anthology category. Her short story, In The Mind of Darkness won the P&E 2002 Horror short story category.

When not behind her computer, you can find Patricia working, reading, watching movies or MMA. She also enjoys spending her free time at the river camping with her husband and two sons. Ms. Rasey is currently a third degree Black Belt in American Freestyle Karate.


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

Rogue
SONS OF SANGUE #4

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Vampire MC member Anton “Rogue” Balan, aka Blondy, has turned his back on the powerful Sons of Sangue, betraying the brotherhood he once considered his family. Or so his vampire brethren think. Changing his appearance, his persona, and signing up with rival gang, the Devils, Rogue has gone deep undercover to catch the La Paz Cartel’s kingpin. Having lost a woman he once thought he would spend eternity with, Rogue now feels he has nothing left to lose . . . that is until a temptation named Kimber James invades his dangerous world.

Strait-laced Kimber has a problem and his name is Anton Balan. After an impulsive night of passion with him more than a year ago, the small-town librarian still has the hots for the sexy biker next door. She can’t deny her desire for Anton, even though she suspects he’s hiding a secret even darker than his affiliation with an outlaw MC. As for Rogue, no matter how much he tries to refuse the scorching need he has for Kimber—as much as his duty depends on it—he’s powerless to deny his rising feelings for her. And when a blindside by an enemy he once trusted puts Kimber’s life at risk, Rogue’s tarnished honor is put to the ultimate test.

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

Like the rest of the Sons of Sangue series, Rogue grabs hold and doesn't let go.

Anton “Rogue” Balan, who used to be "Blondy" is working undercover with the police and Feds to catch the Cartel's leader. Unfortunately, that means lying to his brothers and everyone else, and getting involved with a rival MC that has an agenda he doesn't agree with. Not even a little. His life gets more complicated as the days pass, and that's made even worse when he returns home and runs into the ever-tempting Kimber.

Kimber and Anton had a relationship, but it didn't have time to go far before he was yanked away on his mission. Despite the time and distance and gossip, however, Kimber can't stop thinking about the sexy guy. She knows deep down, he's probably not good for her, but she wants him with an unending passion.

And the feelings are mutual. Anton can't stay away from Kimber, despite the danger and lies and evil that follow him. He's pulled in many directions, but one thing remains constant. His need to have the sexy librarian in his life.

Anton earned my heart in the 3rd book of the series, Gypsy. And quickly become one of my favorite heroes by the end of Rogue. With danger, intrigue, action, subterfuge, and a whole lotta sexy times, Patricia hit it out of the park with this installment of the Sons of Sangue.

I highly recommend this series to vampire romance and MC fiction readers, but I think just about anyone would be swept away by Patricia's writing and the entertainment she provides.

Rogue