Review: Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead

Series: Georgina Kincaid Book #1

Format: ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from the Library

Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Publisher: Kensington

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

When it comes to jobs in hell, being a succubus seems pretty glamorous. A girl can be anything she wants, the wardrobe is killer, and mortal men will do anything just for a touch. Granted, they often pay with their souls, but why get technical? 

But Seattle succubus Georgina Kincaid's life is far less exotic. At least there's her day job at a local bookstore--free books;all the white chocolate mochas she can drink;and easy access to bestselling, sexy writer, Seth Mortensen, aka He Whom She Would Give Anything to Touch but Can't. 

But dreaming about Seth will have to wait. Something wicked is at work in Seattle's demon underground. And for once, all of her hot charms and drop-dead one-liners won't help because Georgina's about to discover there are some creatures out there that both heaven and hell want to deny. . . 

Review

A few years ago I had heard of this series. And I really enjoyed Richelle Mead's other books, especially the Bloodlines series. So, I finally got this from the library.

Generally, I would say I enjoyed this story. But it is nothing like I had expected.

There is a lot of serious stuff going on, but there was also a lot of humor. Georgina has a good amount of sass to her. There's also a strong ensemble of side characters.

I haven't ever read a story about a succubus. I have watched the TV show Lost Girl. The mythology is interesting and I'm eager to learn more about the world and characters.

There is a romance-which I expect to have a slow burn. However, there wasn't a lot of actual burn. There was banter, but I'm really only seeing the romance because of the synopsis. But I'm not opposed to Georgina and that guy getting together.

I've already gotten the rest of the series from the library and am eager to see where the story goes.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Hot & Badgered by Shelly Laurenston

Series: Honey Badger Chronicles Book #1

Format: ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher:Kensington

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

It’s not every day that a beautiful naked woman falls out of the sky and lands face-first on grizzly shifter Berg Dunn’s hotel balcony. Definitely they don’t usually hop up and demand his best gun. Berg gives the lady a grizzly-sized t-shirt and his cell phone, too, just on style points. And then she’s gone, taking his XXXL heart with her. By the time he figures out she’s a honey badger shifter, it’s too late.

Honey badgers are survivors. Brutal, vicious, ill-tempered survivors. Or maybe Charlie Taylor-MacKilligan is just pissed that her useless father is trying to get them all killed again, and won’t even tell her how. Protecting her little sisters has always been her job, and she’s not about to let some pesky giant grizzly protection specialist with a network of every shifter in Manhattan get in her way. Wait. He’s trying to help? Why would he want to do that? He’s cute enough that she just might let him tag along—that is, if he can keep up . . .

Review

This book is a whole bunch of crazy-in a good way. I mean it's full of all kinds of shape-shifters and the main character and one of her sisters are both people of color.

It was also very funny. Both the dialogue is funny and there's situational comedy. There are still pretty serious situations along with some suspense, but the humor was really fun. One of the sisters kept hiding in cabinets and it was interesting to see where/when she would show up. 

The romance was pretty subtle and very cute. It was always the secondary story line, but you still felt the chemistry between Berg and Charlie. Sometimes, in paranormal romances-especially shifter stories-the romance can feel forced or rushed. Ms. Laurenston included characteristics from their animals, while also making the romance believable.

My only issue was that I would get confused sometimes. There are so many different types of shifters and characters constantly coming or going. I would have just liked a list of characteristics and their relationships to one another to keep them straight. 

I don't know when the next book will come out, but I'll read it. I assume the series will be at least 3 books-each one featuring one of the sisters. They are interesting in their own ways so I'm curious to know more about them.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: The Chosen By J.R. Ward

Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood Book #15

Format: Ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Xcor, leader of the Band of Bastards, convicted of treason against the Blind King, is facing a brutal interrogation and torturous death at the hands of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Yet after a life marked by cruelty and evil deeds, he accepts his soldier’s fate, his sole regret the loss of a sacred female who was never his: the Chosen Layla.

Layla alone knows the truth that will save Xcor’s life. But revealing his sacrifice and his hidden heritage will expose them both and destroy everything Layla holds dear—even her role of mother to her precious young. Torn between love and loyalty, she must summon the courage to stand up against the only family she has for the only man she will ever love. Yet even if Xcor is somehow granted a reprieve, he and Layla would have to confront a graver challenge: bridging the chasm that divides their worlds without paving the way for a future of even greater war, desolation, and death.
As a dangerous old enemy returns to Caldwell, and the identity of a new deity is revealed, nothing is certain or safe in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, not even true love . . . or destinies that have long seemed set in stone.

Review

I have so many thoughts. And this may come across as a lot of complaints, but I did really enjoy this.

Also: spoilers.

I'm going to talk about what happened throughout the book.

You've been warned.

Coming in I wasn't particularly invested in Xcor and Layla. I don't dislike their story like Sola and Assail, but I've never cared. But now I do. I was hooked and couldn't put this down because I needed to know what happened to them. I just couldn't believe they would ever be able to have a happily ever after.

Then, there were the other storylines/POVs. I couldn't stand the Throe chapters. They were like torture to read and I just skimmed them. I'm cautiously intrigued by the Trez/Terese thing. I want Trez to be happy, but it feels fast to move on. And whether she's Selena reincarnated or not I don't see how it won't be awkward.

And Quihnn was such a douche. I have always been a Blay/Quihnn supporter, but his behavior was too much. The way he spoke to Layla and Blay was pretty unforgivable. And then he just moped about Blay standing up to him. Honestly, I'm not sued I'll ever be able to look at him the same way again. I don't hate him, but I am disappointed in him.

Finally, we have this bullshit with V. I thought we had moved past this. If he cheats on Jane I may be done with this series. They were one of my favorite couples and I can't watch to end.

I have very little interest in the next book because Sola and Assail=😝. But I will read reviews to see what happens to Trez, Jane, and V. If I'm happy with what I see I'll pick it up.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: The Proposal by Meg Cabot

Series: The Mediator Book 6.5

Format: Ebook

Rating: 3 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)

Genre: Romance, Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Avon Impulse

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

The last place Suze Simon expects to find herself during Valentine’s Day is a cemetery. But that’s what happens when you’re a mediator – cursed with the “gift” of communicating with the dead.

That’s how Suze has ended up at the graves of a pair of NCDPs - Non-Compliant Deceased Persons – whose drama didn’t end with death. It’s Suze’s job to make sure they move on—for good.

But the NCDPs aren’t the only ones with problems. The reason Suze is spending her Valentine’s Day with the undead instead of her boyfriend, Jesse, is because he’s having so much trouble adjusting to life after death . . . not surprising, considering the fact that he used to be an NCDP himself, and now his girlfriend busts his former kind for a living, while he tries to cure his kind of what used to ail him.

Can Suze use her mediating skills to propose a mutual resolution, and bring all these young lovers together - including Jesse and herself - especially on the night Saint Valentine declared sacred to romance?

Or will she end up alone—and possibly undead—herself?

Review

This was a cute little novella and it definitely got me excited to read Remembrance. It was nice to see Suze a little more grown up. And it is always a pleasure to see Jesse. Suze's voice had the same humor-although there was a little more sex under it. I hope that continues as their relationship grows/evolves.

The ghost story line felt a little thrown together. This was especially so at the end. It was like Ms. Cabot realized this was a novella instead of a full-length book so everything had to be tied up real fast.

But I'm still glad I read it, because these are fun characters.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Blood Fury by J.R. Ward

Series: Black Dagger Legacy Book #3

Format: eBook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)

Genre:Paranormal Romance, Vampires

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

A vampire aristocrat of the Glymera, Peyton is well aware of his duty to his bloodline: mate with an appropriate female of his class and carry on his family’s traditions. And he thought he’d found his perfect match in Paradise—until she fell in love with someone else. When his split-second decision in a battle with the enemy endangers the life of another trainee, Peyton has to face the idea that his future, and his heart, actually lie with another.

Novo, as a female in the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training program, feels like she has to prove herself to everybody—and she has no interest in being distracted by falling in love. But when Peyton proves to be so much more than a rich playboy, she is forced to confront the tragedy that has broken her soul and closed her off from love.

As the two grapple with Novo’s past and Peyton’s present, another couple must contend with an erotic connection that is unparalleled—and potentially scandalous.

Saxton, who has had his heart broken, discovers in himself a deep-seated attraction to Ruhn, a new member of the household. But will the other male explore the connection? Or will he close his mind and his heart to what could be true love . . . and cost Saxton everything?

Review

I'm so glad I was able to get this from Overdrive so quickly. It was my favorite book in this spin-off series. Both romances and all four POVs were well-developed and engaging.

Going in I actually knew very little about this book. I definitely didn't know about Ruhn and Saxton so that was a nice surprise. I'm glad Saxton finally got his HEA. And Ruhn was so different from the alpha males Ms. Ward normally writes. It's great to read someone more calm and simple. I mean simple in a nice way.

Of course the romances were fast, but it works well here unlike some of the others in these two series. I wanted both couples and to be happy and I would get that anxious feeling in my stomach when things would go badly for them.

Novo especially got to me. Her story made me cry a little. And I loved reading her growth and grieving process.

This reminded me again why I like the BDB books/world. J.R. Ward still has that magic.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: The Darkest Promise by Gena Showalter

Series: Lords of hte Underworld Book #13

Format: Ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from the Library (Overdrive)

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Harlequin

 

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 
Possessed by the demon of Misery, Cameo isn't allowed to experience joy. If she dares, her memory is wiped clean. With no other recourse, she sneaks into a land more fantastical than any fairy tale, determined to find the one man with the key to her redemption.

Lazarus the Cruel and Unusual rules his kingdom with a single unwavering focus: to build his army and annihilate his enemies. Nothing distracts him - until Cameo. He is relentless in his quest to make her smile and seduce her into his bed.

As dark forces conspire against them, threatening to destroy the fragile bond they've forged, the once-calm Lazarus grows crazed. Every heart-stopping kiss and wicked touch causes Cameo to teeter on the brink of happiness. But if she falls, she risks forgetting him forever

 

 Review

 

Cameo has been a kind of mysterious character throughout this series so I was eager to read her story. And I was quickly invested in her story with Lazarus. But I will say this series is getting a little too big for me. Generally, I'm enjoying myself, but I'm forgetting who everone is and their relationships.

The romance was a bit too sexual for me. I've been saying that a lot lately, so I'm starting to wonder if it's me. I could tell they cared about each other and was cheering them on, but I did wish they would talk about sex less.

Lazarus was kind of a nice surprise. He had shown up earlier, but he was really developed here. And I found myself excited for chapters in his POV. not, that I didn't like Cameo, because I did.

Speaking of surprises-Viola. She came out swinging in this one. I know I complained about this series being too big, but I do want a book for her. this book. With just what I got in this book, she seems to be an interestingly complex character. Ms. Showalter does seem to be good at leaving bread crumbs like that.

I'm glad I read this and it was better than the previous book. I'm curious to see what happens in the next couple books. But I think I'm going to just focus on the romances instead of trying to keep track of the larger plot lines, like the Pandora's box stuff.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Blood Vow by J.R. Ward

Series: Black Dagger Legacy
Format: Ebook
Rating: 3 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Ballantine Books

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

The Black Dagger Brotherhood continues to train the best of the best to join them in the deadly battle against the Lessening Society. Among the new recruits, Axe proves to be a cunning and vicious fighter—and also a loner isolated because of personal tragedy. When an aristocratic female needs a bodyguard, Axe takes the job, though he’s unprepared for the animal attraction that flares between him and the one he is sworn to protect.

For Elise, who lost her first cousin to a grisly murder, Axe’s dangerous appeal is enticing—and possibly a distraction from her grief. But as they delve deeper into her cousin’s death, and their physical connection grows into so much more, Axe fears that the secrets he keeps and his tortured conscience will tear them apart.

Rhage, the Brother with the biggest heart, knows all about self-punishing, and he wants to help Axe reach his full potential. But when an unexpected arrival threatens Rhage and Mary’s new family, he finds himself back in the trenches again, fighting against a destiny that will destroy all he holds most dear.

As Axe’s past becomes known, and fate seems to be turning against Rhage, both males must reach deep—and pray that love, rather than anger, will be their lantern in the darkness.

Review

This was a good book, but it let me down a little bit. The romance was rushed-which is normal for these books. I liked the characters-especially Elise. My main problem is that I cared more about the Rhage and Mary storyline than the Axe and Elise one. This should be about Axe and Elsie, in my opinion. The problem is that I've been wrapped up in Rhage and Mary's story for like 10+ books so it isn't hard to feel that way. I wasn't as emotionally invested in the romance between Elise and Axe. I'm glad they're happy and everything but it just didn't quite grip me.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: The Darkest Torment by Gena Showalter

Series: Lords of the Underworld Book #12
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from Overdrive
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Harlequin

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

Driven to his death by the demon of Distrust, Baden spent centuries in purgatory. Now he's back, but at what cost? Bound to the king of the underworld, an even darker force, he's unable to withstand the touch of another and he's quickly devolving into a heartless assassin with an uncontrollable temper. Things only get worse when a mission goes awry and he finds himself saddled with a bride just not his own.

Famed dog trainer Katarina Joelle is forced to marry a monster to protect her loved ones. When she's taken hostage by the ruthless, beautiful Baden immediately after the ceremony, she's plunged into a war between two evilswith a protector more dangerous than the monsters he hunts. They are meant to be enemies, but neither can resist the passion burning between them and all too soon the biggest threat is to her heart.

But as Baden slips deeper into the abyss, she'll have to teach him to love or lose him forever.

Review

I haven't been doing reviews of these. Mostly this is because I plan to do a series review on my YouTube channel when I'm done. But this one felt a little different.

Katarina actually didn't just fall all over Baden. Oftentimes instalove just happens with paranormal romance. This used to not bother me, but now it does. So, her determination to take care of herself was admirable. And it actually made me care more about them as a couple when they did get together.

And I love dogs so that was a nice bonus. It added extra dimension to Katarina's character. But I didn't like that she was trying to "train" Baden. I get it, but it felt kind of calculating.

This was actually one of the strongest books in the series. That's kind of weird becasue normally romance series get weaken when they become this big. I'm pretty excited for Cameo's book and am even interested in Pandora's story now-if that's a thing.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

January Wrap-Up (2017)

January was a very busy and stressful month for me. Mostly that was caused by work. I took on some extra responsibilites for most of the month that left me incredibly worn out and exhausted. But I was still able to read 8 books (or 7 books and 1 novella) and I'm incredibly grateful for that.

I've been re-reading a paranormal series I read while I was in college. So, I don't remember a lot but it also doesn't require a ton of my concentration or energy to read and enjoy. I do plan on doing a series review on my YouTube channel in the next few months.

Speaking of which, I'm actually getting more on top of my YouTube content. I've caught back on my posting which has taken a lot of the pressure off. I've also been focusing on posting ahead of time and taking my time with developing my content instead of bulldozing my way through.

All but one of the books I read got a 4 star rating so it was a fantastic reading month from that perspective as well.

These are the books I read and the ratings I gave them.

The Darkest Kiss-4 Stars

The Darkest Pleasure-3 Stars

Hard Hitter-4 Stars

The Grift of the Magi-4 Stars

The Darkest Whisper-4 Stars

The Darkest Passion-4 Stars

Roman Crazy-4 Stars

The Darkest Lie-4 Stars


Thanks for reading!
Holly

December Wrap-Up (2016)

The month and year are over. I read a pretty good amount of books and I'm happy with them. I picked up some re-reads which always makes me happy.

But I didn't finish my Goodreads challenge. I did actually read more than the 100 book goal I set myself, but they don't count re-reads. I thought I found a work around but couldn't get it to work every time.

This was a very exhausting month-just like the year. So after all this craziness I'm happy with my reading for the year and month. 

Here are the books I read and their ratings.

Unspoken-4 Stars

 

 

Perfect Chemistry-5 Stars

Rules of Attraction-5 Stars

 

Untold-4 Stars

Unmade-4 Stars

It Happened One Autumn-4 Stars

 

Devil in Winter-5 Stars

Reason to Breathe-5 Stars

The Queen-4 Stars

Deeper-4 Stars

The Darkest Touch-3 Stars

The Darkest Night-4 Stars

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: The Shadows by J.R. Ward

Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood Book #13
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 590
Rating: 4 Stars 
How I Got It: Borrowed from the library
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Vampires
Publisher: Signet

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

Trez “Latimer” doesn’t really exist. And not just because the identity was created so that a Shadow could function in the underbelly of the human world. Sold by his parents to the Queen of the S’Hsibe as a child, Trez escaped the Territory and has been a pimp and an enforcer in Caldwell, NY for years- all the while on the run from a destiny of sexual servitude. He’s never had anyone he could totally rely on... except for his brother, iAm.

iAm’s sole goal has always been to keep his brother from self-destructing- and he knows he’s failed. It’s not until the Chosen Serena enters Trez’s life that the male begins to turn things around... but by then it’s too late. The pledge to mate the Queen’s daughter comes due and there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no negotiating.

Trapped between his heart and a fate he never volunteered for, Trez must decide whether to endanger himself and others- or forever leave behind the female he’s in love with. But then an unimaginable tragedy strikes and changes everything. Staring out over an emotional abyss, Trez must find a reason to go on or risk losing himself and his soul forever. And iAm, in the name of brotherly love, is faced with making the ultimate sacrifice...

Review

I knew how I was going to rate this until the last 100 pages. Then, I was thrown for a loop.

My thing about this and the previous couple of books is how many storylines there are. It gets confusing and then some seem to disappear. It also felt like a lot of set-up for The Beast and Blood Kiss.

About half-way in I started to really enjoy it. I got very invested in Trez and iAm. And Paradise-I'm very excited to read her story.

Trez and iAm have always interested in me. They've been kind of mysterious figures so it was great to get into their heads. It would be easy to compare them to the other brothers-Z and Phury. They do have some similarities, but this is a different story.

There were definitely some serious romantic relationships going on here. And I was actually invested in all of them. Which was actually a writing accomplishment. Without spoilers let me say this: it was one hell of a roller-coaster.

I felt like these books were getting a little boring, but I'm now fully invested again. I need the next book ASAP and wanted to go in for a re-read of the earlier books especially Rhage and Mary's book.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward

Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood Book #2
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 441
Rating: 5 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Signet

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetites. He's the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover-for inside him burns a ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin. Owned by this dark side, Rhage fears the time when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him.

Mary Luce, a survivor of many hardships is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world and reliant on Rhage's protection. With a life-threatening curse of her own, Mary is not looking for love. She lost her faith in miracles years ago. But when Rhage's intense animal attraction turns into something more emotional, he knows that he must make Mary his alone. And while their enemies close in, Mary fights desperately to gain life eternal with the one she loves... 

Review

After reading some of the more recent books J.R. Ward books I was feeling like a re-read. Especially after The Beast I wanted to go back to the beginning of Rhage and Mary's relationship. Now, to be honest, whenever I re-read these I typically skip the Lesser sections. I'm here for the inter-personal relationships.

I actually forgot a lot about this book. Mary is a really great heroine who has to go through a lot. But she truly cares about other people and it's nice to see how intrinsic that is to her character. Definitely, an alpha who is super-protective, but that's expected in this world.

Reading this made me want to re-read Lover Awakened, too. First, there's just something so beautiful about these early books and the relationships between the Brotherhood. Plus, the chemistry between Zsadist and Bella is so strong.

I freaking love these books.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: The Beast by J.R. Ward

Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood Book #14
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 508
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from Library
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: NAL

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Nothing is as it used to be for the Black Dagger Brotherhood. After avoiding war with the Shadows, alliances have shifted and lines have been drawn. The slayers of the Lessening Society are stronger than ever, preying on human weakness to acquire more money, more weapons, more power. But as the Brotherhood readies for an all-out attack on them, one of their own fights a battle within himself…

For Rhage, the Brother with the biggest appetites, but also the biggest heart, life was supposed to be perfect—or at the very least, perfectly enjoyable. Mary, his beloved shellan, is by his side and his King and his brothers are thriving. But Rhage can’t understand—or control—the panic and insecurity that plague him…

And that terrifies him—as well as distances him from his mate. After suffering mortal injury in battle, Rhage must reassess his priorities—and the answer, when it comes to him, rocks his world...and Mary’s. But Mary is on a journey of her own, one that will either bring them closer together or cause a split that neither will recover from... 

Review

I love Rhage and Mary. They are my second favorite couple in the series, so I was super excited about this book. But I was a teeny bit let down. It was kind of slow and had too many unresolved things for me.

Even though this was slow, I liked how parenthood is explored. There is definitely baby fever running through the mansion. Seeing Rhage and Mary work through their inability to have kids is one of the best parts of the story. But Ms. Ward also explored a couple who doesn't want children and was showed as a valid life choice.

The relationship between Bitty and Rhage was so adorable. I hope this series continues for years just to see her turn into a teenage girl.

I'm actually getting really into the Layla/Xcor story line. I read the next book will be about them and I'm curious to see how this progresses. I'm also finally liking Assail. I have not idea what will happen with him, but I'm curious to find out.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: The Blood Kiss by J.R. Ward

Series: Black Dagger Legacy Book #1
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 397
Rating: 4 stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from Library
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Signet

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Paradise, blooded daughter of the king’s First Advisor, is ready to break free from the restrictive life of an aristocratic female. Her strategy? Join the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training center program and learn to fight for herself, think for herself…be herself. It’s a good plan, until everything goes wrong. The schooling is unfathomably difficult, the other recruits feel more like enemies than allies, and it’s very clear that the Brother in charge, Butch O’Neal, a.k.a. the Dhestroyer, is having serious problems in his own life.

And that’s before she falls in love with a fellow classmate. Craeg, a common civilian, is nothing her father would ever want for her, but everything she could ask for in a male. As an act of violence threatens to tear apart the entire program, and the erotic pull between them grows irresistible, Paradise is tested in ways she never anticipated—and left wondering whether she’s strong enough to claim her own power…on the field, and off.

 
Review

This actually reminded me a lot of the early Black Dagger Brotherhood books. I don't know what the spin is, but I wouldn't read this without reading the first BDB books.There's the obvious spoilers, but I actually don't think those are that bad. I think you would need more backstory on the world than this provides.

There are three kind of overlapping plots--it's kind of like a three-circle Venn Diagram. The most minor is a murder-mystery. It was kind of just thrown together and was very predictable.

I actually kind of liked the Butch/Marissa story line. They have never been my favorite couple, but this kind of raised their stock. And they faced some very real relationship struggles. Ms. Ward seems to be doing this more which I liked. It makes the couples feel more developed.

Then, there's the Paradise/Craeg romance. This is what I actually came for and probably is my favorite. It's definitely insta-lovey, but that's how these vampires actually work. The chemistry was spot-on. And Paradise is great. She has a physical strength which is built on a strong mental will. And she has so much generosity. Her  relationship with her dad also melts my heart. Craeg is also interesting, but she just overshadows him.

I'm very excited about the potential of this series. There is so much groundwork for this to turn into another found-family series. I love those and nothing would make me happier than to see that happen.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Top 10 Tuesday: Freebie-Paranormal Romance (10/27)

 

Top 10 Tuesday was created by the Broke and the Bookish. You can find more information here

Paranormal Romance was the last of what I see as the big three sub-genres I read. And I don’t think I’ve explored this genre as much as I should. There are definitely some big-time authors I haven’t read yet. That being said these are some of my favorites. Actually, most of them are part of series.

1)      Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward

2)      Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost

3)      Halfway to the Grave by Jeanine Frost

 

4)      Vampire Mine by Kerrelyn Sparks

5)      The Darkest Lie by Gena Showalter

I can only come up with 5. Sorry.

Thanks for reading!