Book Review: Succubus Shadows by Richelle Mead

Series: Georgina Kincaid Book #5

Format: ebook

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library

Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Publisher: Kensington

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Georgina Kincaid has formidable powers. Immortality, seduction, shape-shifting into any human form she desires, walking in heels that would cripple mere mortals -- all child's play to a succubus like her.

Helping to plan her ex-boyfriend's wedding is a different story. Georgina isn't sure which is worse -- that Seth is marrying another woman, or that Georgina has to run all over Seattle trying on bridesmaid dresses. Still, there are distractions. Georgina's roommate, Roman, is cluttering her apartment with sexual tension. Then there's Simone, the new succubus in town, who's intent on corrupting Seth.

But the real danger lies in the mysterious force that's visiting her thoughts, trying to draw her into a dark, otherworldly realm. Sooner or later, Georgina knows she'll be too weak to resist. And when that happens, she'll discover who she can trust, who she can't -- and that Hell is far from the worst place to spend eternity.

Review

I have a love-hate relationship with this series. Like I can't stop reading and care about these characters. But there is so much about the content in them that is a pet peeve of mine. Naturally, I will continue to read because I am invested.

There was some serious movement in Georgina's personal story. Including her history-which was where I got really emotional. And the ending almost had me in tears.

Really, I just want to talk my desires for the last book.

So, maybe spoilers ahead.

I really want more information on Carter. Why do these types of stories always have mysterious angels? I am sucker for them. And Georgina's dream better be like the epilogue or something.

I guess this wasn't much of a review. Sorry, I just had to get my thoughts out in the world.

Thanks for reading!

Holly 

Book Review: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines Book #3

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 401

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Publisher: Razorbill

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets--and human lives."

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

Review

Apparently, I never reviewed this one when I first read it. So, now that I'm re-reading the series I will.

I believe this was my favorite in the series. So far in this re-read, I would say it is still my favorite. 

And Ms. Mead puts so much into this book. Looking back, it's hard to believe there was so much. There's movement with the larger plot and an individual plot. Plus, the romance gets some real love. I love Sydrian so much and they aren't disappointing on a re-read.

The character development is also good. Of course there is Sydney and Adrian who are growing perfectly-I love reading Sydney's evolution. But the other characters as well. I don't remember being as intrigued by Jill as I am. She isn't in the story a lot, but she does have an interesting story. She's also growing and developing a maturity. I remember very little about her so I'm interested in seeing what happens to her.

Oh, and I totally forgot about Hopper. Seeing Sydney and Adrian as "parents" is so adorable. I'm team Hopper-more Hopper-all Hopper all the time.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Book Review: Succubus Heat by Richelle Mead

Series: Georgina Kincaid Book #4

Format: E-Book

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from the Library

Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Publisher: Kensington

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Georgina Kincaid has been a bad, bad succubus. . .

. . .which should be a good thing. But lately, thanks to her foul mood over breaking up with bestselling writer Seth Mortensen, she's been so wicked that Seattle's über-demon Jerome, decides to "outsource " Georgina to a rival—and have her spy for him in the process.

Being exiled to the frozen north—okay, Vancouver—and leaving Seth in the cozy clutches of his new girlfriend is unpleasant enough. Then Jerome is kidnapped, and all immortals under his control mysteriously lose their powers. One bright spot: with her life-sucking ability gone, there's nothing to keep Georgina from getting down and dirty with Seth—nothing apart from his girlfriend that is. Now, as the supernatural population starts turning on itself, a newly mortal Georgina must rescue her boss and figure out who's been playing them—or all hell will break loose. 

Review

I have a love-hate relationship with these books. There is a lot of stuff that bothers me in them. Now, I knew this going in because Georgina is a succubus, but it still bothers me. And I couldn't put this book down.

I'm getting stressed by the romance(s?) in this series. I just feel like there's no way I can be satisfied by a resolution to it. I am hopeful but unsure.

I do really enjoy the supernatural intrigue and story line. The specific events in this one were predictable-like I called every "reveal." But it was still fun to read. And I am interested in the overall story. Especially Carter-he is so mysterious and intriguing.

I will definitely keep reading this series even though it gives me serious agita. I need to know what happens next-especially after that ending.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Succubus Dreams by Richelle Mead

Series: Georgina Kincaid Book #3

Format: ebook

Rating: 4 stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from the Library

Genre: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Kensington

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

First, Georgina Kincaid, a shape-shifting succubus who gets her energy from seducing men, can't have sex with her gorgeous bestselling author boyfriend Seth Mortensen--in case she inadvertently kills him. Second, Georgina's under demonic orders to mentor the new (and surprisingly inept) succubus on the block. Third, someone's manipulating her dreams, draining her energy and supplying eerie visions of her future. Georgina seeks answers from Dante, a dream interpreter with ties to the underworld, but his flirtatious charm only leaves her more confused--especially as the situation with Seth reaches a crisis point. Georgina needs to rein in her out-of-control love life and go toe-to-toe with an enemy capable of wreaking serious havoc among mankind. Otherwise, Georgina, and the entire mortal world, may never sleep easy again.

Review

I wasn't planning on reviewing this, but it's eating me a live. I saw the ending coming and it really pisses me off. I understand drama and tension is needed, but I hate this particular version of that.

OK, I'm going to stop avoiding spoilers.

Spoilers ahead!!!

The minute Maddie showed up I I knew it would turn into some sort of love triangle. I literally stopped reading for a couple weeks because this type of storyline just really bothers me.

And honestly, I'm really mad at Seth. I'm assuming this is going to be some sort of "I hurt you to protect you" thing. But right now I'm really angry.

There are still three books to go. I want to keep reading, but I'm not sure I have the mental ability to handle this twisted love triangle for three books.

This was probably less review and more vent session.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

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

The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines (Book #6)

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 348

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

I can’t believe this is over. And if I’m being honest-I hope it isn’t. I have theories/thoughts on what she could do if she wanted to continue writing in this world. And to be clear-I’d buy those books in a second.

I actually had to force myself to read this because I knew I would put it off. I’m a firm believer that if you don’t read the last book in a series it isn’t actually over. And I wasn’t disappointed. The book is shorter than the others, but she still neatly tied up the plot.

Adrian and Sydney were their normal awesome selves. Seeing them deal even with normal couple things was great. For me, those things help me really get invested in a couple. I’ve seen some people complain about Adrian’s behavior, but he didn’t bother me. He did walk the line of creating drama by not talking to Sydney, but it was fine. The shorter book probably helped with this.

The plot and twists were also spectacular. Talking about anything would be a spoiler, but I liked what Ms. Mead did with the characters and the situations she put them in. If you’ve read the book: I loved Declan and what he brought to the story.

This wasn’t my favorite-The Indigo Spell, if you want to know. But I was satisfied with the conclusion. And I’ll be honest, if I’m satisfied with the last book in a series I LOVE I’ll usually give it five stars even if there are a few minor problems. If you’ve enjoyed the rest of the series I think you would like this book.

I do with Abe had shown up. I love him and would’ve liked a last look at him.

Thanks for reading!

~Holly

Most Anticipated Books of 2015

These are the books I’m most anxious to read in 2015. Off course there are other books I’m planning on reading and buying, but these are the most exciting. Most of these are part of a series I’ve been reading. And I broke them down by month.

January

Bound by Flames by Jeaniene Frost (Night Prince Series)

Last Call by Alice Clayton  (Cocktail Series)

February

The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead (Bloodlines Series)

March

Fall With Me by J. Lynn (With Me Series)

Confess by Colleen Hoover

May

Nowhere but Here by Katie McGarry (The first in a new series)

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (The first in a new series)

The Heir by Kiera Cass (The Selection Series)

September

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare (The Dark Artifices)

Sweet Temptation by Wendy Higgins (Sweet Series from Kaidan’s perspective)

Unknown

The Boy Most Likely by Huntely Fitzpatrick (This follows one of my favorite side characters from My Life Next Door)

I also did a video talking about this. You can check it out here:

Are there any books you can’t wait to get your hands on?

Thanks for reading!

Holly 

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines (Book 4)

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 420

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

                I read the first three books in the Bloodlines series earlier this year, but had to take a break. I was enjoying the books, but could sense emotional turmoil coming and the final book didn’t have a publication date at the time. Honestly, I wish I could’ve held out even longer, but Adrian was calling to me.

                For some reason I LOVE the Bloodlines books. I did really like Vampire Academy but these books connect to me in a more intense way. And I loved that we get both Sydney and Adrian’s POV in this book. Of course, I loved Adrian before, but being in his head made it a million times better. How have we never been blessed with his perspective before?

                I think some people might think this book was a little slow because there wasn’t a lot of action. But I think there was a bunch of development when it comes to the inter-personal relationships. And I loved seeing Adrian and Sydney’s relationship continue to grow and evolve. Although, every time they would be happy I would get anxious and worry that something terrible would happen. Really this book was putting down a bunch of groundwork for the next two books. Or, at least, that’s how it felt to me. And Ms. Mead’s writing is so good I’m definitely okay with that.

                I want to talk about Adrian some more, but it’s going to be spoilery.

                Being in his head was fantastic. It helped me understand him and the effects of spirit even more.  When Tatiana was “talking” to him was so emotional. I also really liked seeing his struggle with going on medication. It’s a decision people struggle with every day and being a vampire is such a small part of it for him. Ms. Mead does an excellent job of including mental illness (for lack of a better phrase) in her books.

                I knew the ending was coming. I think that’s why I didn’t cry. And I don’t mean knew like I was spoiled, but there was a crap-ton of foreshadowing. And it was a spectacularly written ending. Adrian was so emotionally raw and then Sydney at the end-amazing. The thing that got me the most was when they kept talking about “the center will hold.” I don’t know why but that hit a cord with me for some reason. And Hopper-always Hopper. I love that little dragon guy.  

~Thanks for reading!

Holly