[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Unforgiven

D. B. Reynolds is the RT Award-Winning author of the popular Vampires in America series of Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy and an Emmy-nominated television sound editor. She lives with her husband of many years in a flammable canyon near the Malibu coast, and when she’s not writing her own books, she can usually be found reading someone else’s. Visit her blog at www.dbreynolds.com for details on all of her books, for free stories and more.

D.B is the proud creator of the VAMPIRES IN AMERICA series.
Connect with D.B online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and onGoodReads.

Unforgiven

VAMPIRES IN AMERICA Book #7.5

Buy from Amazon / B&N

ALLEGIANCE . . . the ties that bind. Friendship, duty, blood.

TREACHERY . . . when friendship is abused, duty turns to burden, and blood is not enough.

UNFORGIVEN . . . because there are some things that can never be forgotten.

Allegiance . . . Treachery . . . Unforgiven.

War is imminent, and a spy has infiltrated Raphael’s estate. But his target is not Raphael; it’s his sister, Alexandra, whose earlier duplicity nearly cost Cyn her life. Raphael and Cyn are determined to play the spy’s game, traveling to Mexico to discover who their enemy is and just how far he’ll go to win. But once Raphael finds his sister, can he take the chance that she won’t betray him again?

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

Cyn and Raphael are back with another fast-paced and sexy read with beautiful continuation of the previous full-length novel, and wonderful setup for the one coming.

As usual, someone is out to eliminate Raphael, this time, it might be coming from across the border. Raphael and the other Lords have worked tirelessly to build a covert alliance, but there are still some that are not onboard with the changes, and the fragile power structure within those pockets are getting a little out of control.

These novellas are awesome and I think they're a great compliment to the series as a whole. I would not suggest reading the novellas without reading the full-length book of the series, however, as they jump right in with the thick of things and could leave some readers confused. Outside of that, I would highly recommend Unoforgiven for all ViA fans!

Unforgiven

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Black Spring

Christina Henry is the author of the BLACK WINGS series (Ace/Roc) featuring Madeline Black, an Agent of Death, and her popcorn-loving gargoyle sidekick Beezle: BLACK WINGS, BLACK NIGHT, BLACK HOWL, BLACK LAMENT, BLACK CITY, BLACK HEART and BLACK SPRING. She is also the author of the forthcoming dark fantasy ALICE (summer 2015).

Christina was born in New York and now lives on the North Side of Chicago with her husband and son. She sees no conflict in rooting for both the Yankees and the Cubs.
She also enjoys running long distances, eating large quantities of cinnamon rolls, reading anything she can get her hands on and watching movies with zombies, samurai and/or subtitles.

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

Black Spring

BLACK WINGS Book #7

Release Date 10/28/14

Buy from Amazon / B&N

A former Agent of death, Madeline Black now has everything to live for, most importantly, her unborn child. But Chicago has become ground zero in a struggle between ancient creatures, and only Maddy can stop the carnage…

The mayor of Chicago has announced a plan to round up the city’s supernatural beings and put them in camps. With her due date looming, Maddy’s best move would be to lay low for a while. But not everyone is willing to respect her privacy. Hounded by tentacled monsters, a rogue shapeshifter, and a tenacious blogger, Maddy turns to her most powerful ally, her uncle Daharan, only to find him missing.

Just when it seems like things can’t get any worse, Maddy gets an invitation in the mail—to Lucifer’s wedding. Turns out everyone has been invited, friends and enemies alike. And with that kind of guest list, it’s highly unlikely there will be a happily ever after.

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

This is probably going to be a terrible review... Despite the time that has passed since I finished reading, I STILL can't compile my thoughts properly to do this book justice. Black Spring is one of those books that completely tears you in two. You don't want to put it down, but yet you don't want to keep reading because you know it will end...

My stomach was in knots for a lot of the book - in anticipation, in joy, in a bit of shock; and while the darkness & grit that I've come to relish in the last few books was still most definitely there, there was that awesome build up to the HEA we've all been waiting for as well.


Suspense, intrigue, action, subterfuge and character redemption combine to create one heck of a read.


I love the Black Wings series so very much - I have said it's one of my top 5 favorite UF series - & I will desperately miss this world & characters. While there hasn't been any definitive word that this was the last book of the series, it did feel like an ending to me. There's definite room for a spin off here though, & if this is indeed the end, I SO hope Christina gives us more some day. While I am anxiously chomping at the bit for Christina's new series, it will still be a sad, sad state of events now without my yearly BW release to look forward to.


I wholeheartedly recommend this series for all urban fantasy fans. I do, however, suggest reading the series in order for maximum enjoyment. The first few could probably be read as standalones, but you will enjoy the world and character interaction/development so much more if you read the series in order. 


Christina Henry is a master storyteller, and Black Wings will hold strong as an upper echelon series for me. These characters and this world stay with me long after the most recent book is finished. If you haven't experienced Black Wings yet, take a chance! Black Spring just reinforced why these books hold a very special place in my heart.

Black Spring

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Her Forbidden Risk

National Bestselling author Tori St. Claire grew up writing. Hobby quickly turned into passion, and when she discovered the world of romance as a teen, poems and short stories gave way to full length novels with sexy heroes and heroines waiting to be swept off their feet. She wrote her first romance novel at seventeen.

While that manuscript gathered dust-bunnies beneath the bed, she went on to establish herself as a contemporary, historical, and paranormal author under the pen name, Claire Ashgrove. Additionally, she writes strictly historical romance as Sophia Garrett. Her writing, however, skirted a fine line between hot and steamy, and motivated by authors she admired, she pushed her boundaries and made the leap into erotica, using the darker side of human nature and on-the-edge suspense to drive grittier, sexier, stories.

Her erotic romantic suspense novels are searingly sensual experiences that unite passion with true emotion, and the all-consuming tie that binds -- love.

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

Her Forbidden Risk

RELEASE DATE 10/20/14

Buy from Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iTunes

She'll complicate his plans in the naughtiest ways...

I guess I'm not in Paris anymore. Emily Gardner has returned to her hometown in Kansas to collect her things after her mother's death. But the moment she steps back into the town, it's like the past has swallowed her up. Memories of her wild and reckless teenaged years. Of her father's disappointment. But it's her childhood crush who wakens something even deeper in Emily...

Mitch Taylor believes in having a Plan. His life, his business―all neat and orderly. But with Emily's return comes a whirlwind of feelings and temptations. Risk. Longing. And ultimately, a desire so strong that Mitch can't help but succumb to it. But Emily won't be tied down. Not to anything or anyone. And with one night of forbidden, sensual delight, all of Mitch's careful control will come completely undone...

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

Her Forbidden Risk is an Entangled: Brazen standalone book that should appeal to lovers of contemporary romance with a strong sensual twist. It's not aimed at those looking for a suspense-driven plot, but instead, gives readers a sweet story about misunderstandings and the mistakes we often make.

When young, we often dream and fantasize about what love could be, but growing up, the reality is often very different. If we are very lucky, it's possible that a second chance could change everything.

Emily grew up in a quiet, sleepy town full of twitching curtains and dare I say... nosey neighbors. It was the sort of place where conforming seemed like the right thing to do. But Emily was never going to be that sort of girl! No, Emily felt different right from the start. She yearned to explore the world beyond her front fence. She had never intended to rebel, but having a brother who was a perfect "A" student, and always feeling somewhat excluded meant that Emily occasionally acted reckless. Unfortunately, there's no way anyone in the small town will ever forget her teenage antics!

All grown up with a career she's proud of, she comes home to help pack up her late grandmother's things and ends up firmly back in the gossip monger's sights. Emily isn't staying that long though. She just wants to get in, get done, and get out! The problem is, her brother's best friend, Mitch, is still as tempting as ever...

Emily always had a soft spot for the gorgeous Mitch, but he never saw her as a woman. Or did he? Mitch may have kept his distance before, but when he meets Emily again, all bets are off. She may have been a bit of a hellion in the past, but Emily is all woman, and right now, Mitch would do anything to get her to notice him!

Tori St. Claire has written a sweet story about two people reconnecting and learning things about themselves and each other, while discovering things that perhaps they had avoided.

The hero and heroine are clearly meant for each other, but I personally struggled at times to really like Emily. She comes from a privileged background but does not seem to appreciate it, and this came across as slightly selfish to me as a reader.

Every good story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. In Her Forbidden Risk, much of the story depended on previous events, and that made it feel like some of the beginning was missing to me. Both Emily and Mitch are torn apart emotionally by the traumas that their mothers generated in their pasts, and it has profoundly impacted their lives and viewpoints. Emily's issues are somewhat skirted over as she struggles to reconnect with her father, and only Mitch seems to actually confront his feelings.

There is a happy ending, but I will admit that it wasn't quite the epilogue that I wanted. What has got me incredibly curious though, is Andre - Emily's friend and business partner. I'm hoping the author will explore him some more, and give readers his story!

Her Forbidden Risk is well-written and I found it very easy to follow. I confess to reading it in one sitting as I was interested to see how it would all turn out.

All in all, this was an enjoyable read and bound to be a hit with lovers of romance!

Her Forbidden Risk

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Ship of the Dead

John L. Campbell is the author of the zombie apocalypse series, OMEGA DAYS from Penguin Random House. Book One, "Omega Days," was an overnight Amazon Horror bestseller, and remained on the list for 17 weeks. In addition, he is the author of two collections of short horror stories, RED CIRCUS and IN THE FALLING LIGHT, and a novella based upon actual events, THE MANGROVES, which chronicles the most horrific crocodile massacre in recorded history. His short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies, literary magazines and ezines.

John has lived all over the U.S., and has worked as everything from a limo driver to professional investigator and executive. He currently resides with his family in New York, where he is hard at work on the next novel in his Omega Days series.

Campbell is an Active Member of the HWA; Horror Writer's Association, and is represented by the Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency in New York.

Coming soon, DRIFTERS.

Keep up with John online: Website / Facebook / Twitter / GoodReads

Ship of the Dead
OMEGA DAYS Book #2

Buy from Amazon / B&N / BAM

“Readers who enjoyed The Strain Trilogy, by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan, will find plenty to satisfy them here.”—San Francisco Book Review on Omega Days
In the weeks following the Omega Virus outbreak, survivors form desperate clusters, uniting to defend against hordes of the walking dead. But they can only hide for so long…

Father Xavier Church never wanted to be a leader. Nonetheless, he’s grown attached to his fellow survivors, and he won’t let anyone cause them harm—though he may be the one who inadvertently leads them to destruction…

Ex-con Bill Carnes may crave freedom, but he still prefers sticking with the group rather than fleeing to Mexico with his former cellmate TC. Maybe he’s changing. Or maybe the look in TC’s eyes is more dangerous than the undead…

EMT Rosa Escobedo gave up on hope after she watched the man she loved rise from the dead. But when a patient seems to start getting better, she can’t help but hope for a cure, even if it means risking her life…

As the numbers of the dead swell, the living are running out of safe havens—especially when the biggest threats lie within their own ranks. 

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

Book #2 of the OMEGA DAYS series picks up where book #1 left off in a ridiculous cliff-hanger that had me both ranting at the author and clamoring for Ship of the Dead.

After all ending up in the same place for the most part, all of our favorites (well MY favorites anyway) return in book #2, this time searching for a way to survive in what is exponentially becoming the end of days. As the unexplained and utterly confusing virus waves through the country decimating city after city, our ragtag group of survivors decide that if they're able to win a Navy warship, they just might make it. Like a small floating city, it has everything they need - provisions, electricity, a hospital, etc. The only problem, like everything else, it's overrun by the dead, and they'll need to make sacrifices and fight like hell in order to survive.

Slightly more zombie action driven than Omega Days (book #1) and more centrally storyline motivated (without constant shifts of POV between the different groups), there is tons of fabulously horrific gore, plenty of edge of your seat breath-holding moments, oodles of tragedy, action, suspense, and my favorite... the probing of the human psyche, which proves - unfortunately - that mankind may just be the worst monsters out there, especially when placed in a situation where morals are questionable, desperation abounds, and minds are easily lost.

I really enjoyed book #1 of the series, but Ship of the Dead drew me in even deeper, establishing even stronger bonds with some of the remaining cast and desperately making me want to know what happens next in Drifters (book #3 coming in January).

I know there have been mixed reviews with this series, but I really enjoy them, and I would totally recommend them for fans of zombie fiction. If you don't shy away from gore, utterly deplorable antagonists, and the darker side of reality, than take a chance with John L. Campbell and the OMEGA DAYS series. While not The Walking Dead, the books have a bit of that feel, and if you like the psychological side of TWD, I really do think you'll enjoy these books. Not everyone will agree with me, but take a chance and see for yourselves... :)

Ship of the Dead

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

Air Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career as a meteorologist to pursue her passion of writing. She has since published dozens of books, hit several bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today, and has been nominated for a RITA award. 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.

Keep up with Larissa online - Website / Facebook / Twitter / GoodReads

Chained by Night

MOONBOUND CLAN VAMPIRES Book #2

Release date 9/30/14!

Buy from Amazon / B&N / Indiebound / Borders / Powell's

THE FUTURE OF HIS TRIBE
Leader of the vampire clan MoonBound, Hunter will do what he must to save his people from extinction—or worse, a torturous eternity as vampire slaves and subjects of human experimentation. To keep his enemies at bay, he has agreed to mate a rival clan leader’s daughter in return for peace between the clans and an ally in the looming war with the humans.

THE LOVER OF HIS SOUL
But survival comes at a price. First, Hunter must break an ancient curse by successfully negotiating three deadly tests. Then he must resist the searing passions of the gorgeous vampire warrior he despises but is bound to mate. Will Hunter stay true to his word? Or will he risk everything for the woman he really loves: the vampire seductress’s identical twin sister?

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

Seriously, Larissa Ione can do no wrong... EXCELLENT read! I will admit that I didn't love book #1. Yes, I liked it, but after devouring her Demonica and LoD books like the world's most decadent treat, I wasn't sure if I was going to be in for the long haul with Moonbound Clan. I can tell you with 100% certainty now that I AM! :)

Picking up where Bound by Night (book #1) leaves off, Hunter is resigning himself to a lifetime commitment to a woman he doesn't even like, let alone love. In an effort to save his clan he made a deal with the clan chief of another to marry his daughter, thereby strengthening both clans. Unfortunately, this isn't the only hardship. The humans are coming out en masse to try and destroy the vampires and life for the foreseeable future is looking challenging.

Action-packed, sexy, and intriguing with a super strong female that I adored, an incredible alpha male just soft enough around the edges to entice, a hated antagonist group that sickened and a group of supporting cast that will have you loving and hating with equal measure, Chained by Night was a 'stay up extra hours' engaging read that had me wanting the next book of the series immediately.

Highly recommended! Though I do suggest reading the series in order for maximum enjoyment.

Chained by Night

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Beautifully Used

About Susan Griscom:

“I daydream often. If I didn’t write, I think my mind would explode from an overload of fantasy and weirdness. To the annoyance of my friends and family, my characters sometimes become a part of my world. During my childhood, I would frequently get in trouble in school for daydreaming. Eventually, my vivid imagination paid off and I had the privilege of writing and co-directing my sixth-grade class play—a dreadful disaster; though not from my writing, of course, I must blame it on the acting.

The craft of writing, although dormant for years, never really left me. Many years later, and with the help of technology, I let my imagination run wild again.

Born in a small town in Pennsylvania, I enjoy writing about characters living in small quaint towns. I tend to lean toward the unusual and spooky. I read all genres but I love reading paranormal romance and like writing in that genre.

My paranormal playing field delves into a different milieu, abandoning vampires and werewolves, but not discounting them. Someday I might like to write a novel about vamps and those furry creatures. But for now I like the bizarre mixed with romance. A strong hero or heroine confronted with extraordinary forces of nature, powers and capabilities gets my blood running.

I live in Northern California with my very romantic husband, my small yippy dog, Riley, and my humungous black cat, Saké. My family consists of his and her children; four wonderful sons and one beautiful daughter, six grandchildren and another on the way. My greatest love in life is my family and those large and ever growing holiday dinners.

I enjoy traveling. I hate running, but do it once in a while. Reading and writing are my favorite pastimes.”

Keep up with Susan online at her: Blog | Website | on Facebook | Twitter|Goodreads | and her Amazon Author Page.

Beautifully Used

BEAUMONT BROTHERS Book #2

Buy from Amazon / B&N / Kobo 

Contemporary Romance 18+ due to adult situations

A Beaumont Brothers Series stand-alone book 2

Suave, handsome Brodie Beaumont has a history of using and being used by women. A past he doesn’t like to talk about has turned him into the type of guy he is today, but he hasn’t really cared. Until the beautiful and feisty Gabrielle Demeres comes back into his life.

Gabrielle learned the hard way what type of guy Brodie was the first time she met him. His crude seduction attempt earned him a slap to his face, and Gabrielle wasn’t exactly looking forward to another encounter with the cad. Unfortunately, her best friend was marrying Brodie’s brother, and Gabrielle and Brodie would be forced to spend time together whether she liked it or not.

As things in the small, quiet town of Turtle Lake take a decidedly dark and dangerous turn, Gabrielle and Brodie only have each other to turn to. Will they be capable of overcoming their aversion to one another while coping with their own troubled pasts and dealing with the current dangers surrounding them? Or is their hostility just skating the fine line between love and hate?

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

Oh, I liked this one even more than Beautifully Wounded. Susan channels Gabby and Brodie beautifully, and the tension is great.

A bass playing, bar manager playboy meets singer/songwriter and aspiring author, each with tragic pasts to overcome, each with love to give... and each willing to work towards getting the HEA they're initially not sure they deserve.

While Beautifully Used still has its painfully dark moments, Susan proves that she's becoming a master at taking emotionally scarred characters and bringing them together to heal until they reach their HEA.

Most definitely recommended for contemporary romance readers looking for a fun and emotional story with some drama. Beautifully Used is book #2 of the BEAUMONT BROTHERS series but stands just fine on its own, however, once you meet Jackson and Lena, you're probably going to want to know more. Just sayin'. ;-)

Beautifully Used

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Dead New World

Growing up, Ryan Hill used to spend his time reading and writing instead of doing homework. This resulted in an obsession with becoming a writer, but also a gross incompetence in the fields of science and mathematics. A graduate of North Carolina State University, Ryan has been a film critic for over five years. He lives in Raleigh, NC, with his dog/shadow Maggie. Ryan also feels strange about referring to himself in the third person.

Connect with Ryan at:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Goodreads | Blog | Tumblr 

Dead New World
Release Date 10/13/14

Pre-Order HERE

Zombies aren’t mindless anymore.

Before the world fell into chaos, the undead existed only in the imagination. Now, more of them walk the earth

than living. Zombies move about freely, while humans entomb themselves inside concrete barricades to stay alive.

All that, while the leader of a powerful cult ­ known only as Reverend ­ becomes the next threat to the rebuilding United States. Believing zombies to be God’s latest creation, making humanity obsolete, he wants to give every man, woman, and child the chance to become one. With his combined army of humans and zombies, he may well get his wish.

Best friends Holt and Ambrose went up against the Reverend once. Holt lost a foot and a zombie bit Ambrose...though he survived the virus, only to become a human­-zombie hybrid, reviled by the living and unwelcome among the dead. When the Reverend kidnaps the woman Holt loves, the race is on to save her from a fate worse than death.

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

--Actual rating 3.5 skulls

Dead New World was pitched to me as Black Hawk Down meets The Walking Dead so I was really excited to give it a try.

In a world overrun by the walking dead, humanity is trying to get back to a sense of normal, but normal isn't possible when not only are there are infinitely multiplying zombies afoot, but a religious zealot who can mysteriously control the dead doing what he believes is 'God's work', as well.

There were several engaging and unique things about Dead New World that I thoroughly enjoyed. The wounded warrior/hybrid angle was unique and satisfying. It upped the conflict of the tale and made Ambrose's character more endearing. The zealot angle was interesting, as well, and the Reverend is a thoroughly deplorable antagonist.

There was plenty of action, a hint of romance, and a dark edge that fostered the intrigue.

If you're a zombie literature fan looking for a New Adult story of discovery in a post apocalyptic world with military undertones I think you'll enjoy Dead New World. It's not a super deep story. Aside from the obvious issues of dealing with change, loss, and human bias, there isn't a whole lot of human psyche conflict like The Walking Dead and the action isn't quite on par with Blackhawk Down, but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless and I think most readers will really enjoy it.

**It should be noted that there were some editing issues with the manuscript but I was reading an early release eCopy.

Dead New World