Desires Unleashed

(Knights of the Darkness Chronicles #1)

by: D.N. Simmons

Publishing Date: 8/3/12 (first published 8/19/04)

Publisher: Rushmore Publishing

Genre: Paranormal Romance (with UF elements)

Source: Personal Copy (Bought @ Amazon)

Description:

Desires Unleashed is the first novel in the riveting, highly-addictive and sexually-charged Knights of the Darkness Chronicles. Experience the heart-pounding thrill of the chase in this electrifying page-turner as you uncover the mystery behind the series of gruesome killings that have been terrorizing the citizens of Chicago. When a grisly decapitated corpse pops up on a Chicago Street, drained of blood, the highly-trained, government-funded special police force assigned two of their best detectives to the case. S.U.I.T. Detectives Warren Davis and Matthew Eric delve deep into their investigation to discover just who or what is leaving mutilated bodies in public places. They soon realize that the killer or killers is one step ahead of them and if they are going to stop the menace before another innocent human is viciously attack, they are going to need help. Natasha Hemingway liked her life just the way it was... normal and supernatural-free. The vampires and shape-shifters were just where she wanted them to be--far away from her. All was going well until an unfortunate accident landed her in the hospital. It was then that she discovered she had an ability that could help her save countless lives. All of a sudden, she finds herself thrust into the dangerous and alluring world of the supernatural and into the arms of two very sexy and deadly vampires. Original, gritty and sprinkled with just the right amount of humor and wit, the Knights of the Darkness Chronicles will suck you in and take you for a ride you won't forget. You don't want to miss out on this amazing series! This book has been previously published and has been substantially revised from its original release.

My Review:
I have a feeling I will be putting off other books to read this series because after reading the first book, I am intrigued by the characters from Desires Unleashed.  I need more of Darien and Xavier.  I also need more of Matthew and Warren.  I love the idea of this series and how D.N. Simmons introduced the characters in the first book.

D.N. Simmons did a superb job opening up the series with Desires Unleashed and how she captured my attention from the beginning of the book and kept that attention towards the very end.  The only reason why I am leaving off a half of star is because I did get a little confused on certain areas of the book because it would continuously switch from different characters getting their limelight in the story.
I would go from being in Darien's head...from going to Natasha, to Xavier, and then to one of the Detectives.  It took me a while to get used to, but once I got the hang of it...the book went quickly for me.

I loved some characters over others the minute they were first introduced. Darien, I was a little skeptical at first until Natasha stood up to him.  (He has a dark side...but he also has a good side) Darien is one character that definitely grew on me.

Xander because he is just described as someone, who I typically would fall for in a male character.  He got entranced by Natasha first and he entranced me first as a reader.

Warren intrigued me because he works for S.U.I.T and he is able to hide his secret.  He also has his past problems that are coming back to haunt him.

Natasha is a character I want to know more of after learning about her abilities.  She went up against a vampire and even got into several other sticky situations, but she was able to get out of them.

I definitely believe I will have to put off other books to read more about these paranormal creatures in the Knights of Darkness Chronicles.  D.N. Simmons gave me a taste of what S.U.I.T does in this book (Matthew & Warren).  She also just touch based on the shifters and vampires.  I want more.  I actually need more.

I give this book 4.5 moons and highly recommend it to paranormal romance and urban fantasy readers out there.

I look forward to reading the next installment real soon and so glad I do not have to wait for the next installment or the following ones after that.  I would go crazy.

~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~

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Shadow Hunter

(Execution Underground #0.5)

by: Kait Ballenger

Publishing Date: 6/25/13

Publisher: Harlequin

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Source: Provided by the Author

Description:

Vampire hunter Damon Brock's first assignment with the Execution Underground is Rochester, New York, a city crawling with the undead. But he isn't the only hunter in town gunning for vamp blood. Tiffany Solow is fierce and ruthless when it comes to slaying the monsters that destroyed her family-and she works solo. But being alone is no longer so desirable when she meets the mysterious hunter who wants more than just her turf. As they work to massacre the local covens, the line between good and evil blurs when they are forced to decide between their lifelong beliefs... and their newfound hearts.

My Review:

(I am only reviewing Shadow Hunter from After Dark)  

I read Gena Showalter's The Darkest Angel back three years ago and loved it...and I was excited to read the debut novel of Kait Ballenger's upcoming Execution Underground series.  

Shadow Hunter is the debut novel of the series and it definitely gives you insight on what is to come in the series.  Kait Ballenger does a superb job introducing Damon Brock, who happens to be a vampire hunter and has his work cut out of him in Rochester, New York.  She lets you know what is going on ahead of time in Rochester and why Execution Underground has gotten a team there.  Damon Brock blames himself for what happened to his partner when they tried to raid a vampire nest, but he finds something else that is worst than death to what happened to his partner / best friend.  He ends up meeting Mark's baby sister, who Damon used to write to constantly, but never met in person and now she is in too deep with the big name vampire in Rochester and it is up to Damon to protect her.  Tiffany Solow is not going to make it easy for him at all.

Kait Ballenger definitely has a way of keeping a reader turning the pages to find out what happens next and she of course leaves a cliffhanger at the end.  I loved Damon and Tiffany in this book.  Kait even introduces just a smidgen of the other E.U. members that are to come.  This is definitely a book that must be read before you start the first full-length book that comes out later on.  You will definitely want to know about the dark and sexy Damon Brock  ( I just love his name ).

Kait Ballenger gives you not only vampires, but she also makes sure to let you know that there are other supernaturals that are going to be in the series as well.  Be prepared for some steamy sex scenes and action packed adventures in this book.  It may be short, but it opens up the series very well.

I recommend this book to PNR lovers out there everywhere.  I give this book 4.5 moons and I look forward to reading Twilight Hunter when it comes out.  

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Avoiding Mr. Right

(A Walk on the Wild Side #2)

by: C.J. Ellisson

Publishing Date: 6/3/13

Publisher: Red Hot Publishing

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Personal Copy (Bought at Amazon)

Description:

Carla Johnson thinks issuing orders to a lover will keep her heart safe and leave her in charge of her own destiny. Afraid for Carla’s future, her best friend Heather implores her to change her self-centered ways, handing her a list of love life mistakes to steer clear of: 

1. Casual Sex 

2. Friends with Benefits 

3. Avoidance of Intimacy 

Carla ignores the list—unwilling to face she might have a commitment problem. Until she invites a co-worker to her place one night. She instantly regrets the hum-drum sexual encounter and discourages the accountant from pursuing her. 

Andy Shea refuses to become another lover the feisty blonde dumps. It'll take a patient man with a strong hand to unlock Carla's sexual awareness and win her heart. He’s up for the challenge to convince her he’s the one—and eager to prove this number cruncher won’t make a boring bedmate

My Review:

Avoiding Mr. Right is the second book in the a Walk on the Wild Side series by C.J. Ellisson and it definitely was another scorcher.  It is already about 90 degrees here in Florida in the summer time and to read this book, let's just say, you may want to read it during the night time when it is cooler, otherwise you will feel like you are on fire.  I think my body temperature went up about ten degrees while reading this book and I needed a glass of cold water to cool down...(mostly thrown on me).

Let me get this off my chest first...I would have given Avoiding Mr. Right five stars but the only reason why I gave it 4.5 stars is that I did not click with Carla, like I did with Heather in the first book.  In fact, I thought Carla was a little difficult and I definitely know why she felt the need to avoid men, but she assumed every man out there was the same and the ending is the only reason why I started to like her, but not too much.  I clicked better with Heather for some reason.  Although, I do like the fact that Carla gave over control in this book and became submissive towards Andy.

Without giving too much away, the main things I loved about this book.  The first and main reason is that C.J. Ellisson has a very addicting writing style that draws the reader in from the first page.  It also helps when C.J. can put together a very well-written book with an amazing storyline between characters that make you want to know more about them.  Oh...and let me not forget about the hot sexual scenes between Carla and Andrew.  Oh my!  *Fanning myself right now to cool down*  

-One of my favorite scenes between them are when Andy gives Carla two gifts that they can use...and one them Carla can use on herself.  *seriously is it getting hot in here again*  =)

Andrew is the character that surprised me.  He's the accountant that knows how to woo women and Carla did not give him a chance at first and maybe that is another reason why I could not click with her.  Do not every estimate the guy or gal that may look boring or less appealing...because they may have some cards up their sleeves, like Andrew did.  He definitely was very sworn-worthy in my eyes.  *sigh*

Andrew definitely knows how to tame Carla and it amazed me on how he finally got her to open up at the end.  Andrew does not have it easy anyways, and he is going through a lot, but he is a very strong character.

If you love the contemporary romance genre, you definitely need to read this book, but I highly recommend you read the first book in the series, Vanilla on Top.  

I give this book 4.5 moons and recommend anyone who reads it to be prepared for a cold shower afterwards.  

I definitely look forward to the next installment in the series and I definitely want more than four books.  =)  I need me some more of C.J. Ellisson's highly addictive books and my hubby even says he loves when I read her books too.  =)  

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Ruby

(Facets of Passion #3)

by: Jeffe Kennedy

Publishing Date: May 2013

Publisher: Carina Press

Genre: Romance, Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance, BDSM

ISBN: 978-14268-9548-7

Description:

Danielle Sosna has no problem denying herself in order to achieve her goals—after all, that attitude landed her a dream job at Vogue Paris. But in New Orleans for one last assignment before heading overseas, she's faced with the most decadent of temptations. Seductive Cajun chef Bobby Prejean takes Dani's strength of will as a challenge, and offers her a night of wild indulgence—if she will agree to obey his every command…

Dani can't resist Prejean's invitation to join him in a world of carnal desire, complete with fetish costumes and masks. Determined to keep her emotional distance, she gives Prejean everything but her name. A night becomes a week, as she spends Mardi Gras suspended…in the delicious space where pleasure meets pain.

Too late, she realizes the cloak of anonymity has not protected her—and that chasing her dream might come at the expense of her heart.

For more Facets of Passion, check out Sapphire and Platinum, available now!

My Review:
I love this series from Jeffe Kennedy and I am so glad she is continuously creating new stories for it.

Ruby may be my favorite book in the series so far, not only because it is set in New Orleans, but because of Bobby Prejean.  *sigh* He won me over in this book.
He's a bad boy with a strong, sexy commanding voice, who knows how to cook.  Oh...boy...does he know how to cook.  My mouth was watering every time food was mentioned in this book that he cooked and it made me want to visit New Orleans even more now.

Danielle Sosna ends up meeting Bobby Prejean when he refuses to cook the way she wanted in his restaurant.  She then meets up with him and ends up doing things she never thought she would be comfortable doing, but did I mention that Bobby is very persuasive.  How could she resist the sexy, dangerous Cajun cook...who will make a woman literally fall to her knees with his smoldering eyes and his very commanding voice.  He may be fictional, but the way Jeffe wrote him...I was melting whenever he was mentioned in the book.  Yes...I had it that bad for him.

This story definitely had two very different characters...which is another reason why I think I loved this story more.  Danielle was so difficult, and she loved to test Bobby's patience.  Bobby was very controlling when it came to having fun and doing things that put Danielle on the spot.

This book includes a lot of BDSM in it and some food play...and even some scenes you may or may not feel comfortable with.  I literally felt Danielle's skepticism a few times when Bobby put her in certain predicaments....but he opened her up and made her realize her potential.  She even made him realize what he had to fix to move on with his life that kind of freaked me out about him.

Jeffe Kennedy definitely made me hot and bothered while reading this book (in a definite GOOD way).    Her writing style when it comes to erotica is FREAKING awesome.  She was actually the one author who got me reading even more erotica and BDSM. Sapphire the first book in her Facets of Passion series was my first erotic book I ever read and now I am highly addicted.

I give this book 4.5 moons and highly recommend it to erotica and contemporary romance readers out there.  If you love reading a book that has BDSM in it, anal play and even food play...then this is the book for you.

I highly recommend reading the first two books as well...but they do not need to be read in order.

I received a complimentary copy of the book for the blog tour in exchange for an honest review.
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His Clockwork Canary

(The Glorious Victorious Darcys #2)

by: Beth Ciotta

Publishing Date: 6/4/13

Publisher: Signet

Genre: Steampunk Romance

Source: Provided by Publisher via Netgalley

Description:

History is repeating itself. 

For ambitious engineer Simon Darcy, winning Queen Victoria’s competition to recover lost inventions of historical significance is a matter of pride—and redemption. After all, it was Simon’s failed monorail project that left his family destitute, and winning the tournament would surely restore the Darcys’ reputation. 

Simon sets his sights high, targeting no less than the infamous time-travel device that forever changed the world by transporting scientists, engineers, and artists from the twentieth century. The Mod technology was banned and supposedly destroyed, but Simon is sure he can re-create it. 

His daring plan draws the attention of Willie G., the Clockwork Canary, London’s sensationalist reporter. Simon soon discovers that Willie is a male guise for Wilhemina Goodenough, the love of his youth, who left him jilted and bitter. He questions her motives even as he falls prey to her unique charm. As the attraction between the two reignites, Simon realizes that this vixen from his past has secrets that could be the key to his future…as long as he can put their history behind him.

My Review:

I was introduced to the Steampunk genre thanks to Beth Ciotta's first book in the Glorious Victorious Darcys Series and now it has become one genre I must read more often.  I was definitely looking forward to Simon Darcy's story and, who he ended up being with.

First, let me just say I have loved the covers of this series and I plan on buying these books in print soon because these books will definitely look great on my book shelves at home.

Beth Ciotta brings you yet another riveting story, and this time it is about Simon Darcy, who is determined to win Queen Victoria's competition with an invention that will definitely have him winning. Simon was one character, who was trying to find a lot of answers in this book, and he ends up hooking up with the one person he should despise due to the person telling a story about his father's demise.  Willie G., otherwise known as the Clockwork Canary is known to be a famous reporter, but what people do not know is that he really is a she and she's just trying to be normal.  If she does not act like a guy and look normal, she will be seen for what she really is.  She is a freak due to what she is and what her parents did.  She can do things normal people cannot.  She has rainbow colored eyes and she never expected her next story to be her past love, Simon Darcy.  She broke his heart and now she has to keep her biggest secret from him still.  

Wilhemina Goodenough is definitely a favorite from His Clockwork Canary.  She's strong-willed, determined, and down-right stubborn at times in the book.  I just adored her.  She put herself into such a big dilemma and what I loved most about her is that she ends up proving women can do what men do....and most definitely better.  

She puts Simon in his place several times...and I have to say Simon puts her in her place as well.  He put her in the place over one thing that I had to agree with him.  Do not let family interfere with love and scare you away from what you really want.  

Poor Willie was hooked with Simon for one reason and ends up doing something completely different at the end.  I am so glad she did not do what she originally was supposed to do.

Beth Ciotta leaves me hanging quite a bit in this story though.  I am now fascinated with Simon's twin, Jules and what he is up to.  I get a little taste at the end of the previous characters Amelia and her Sky Cowboy. I loved their story. They played a significant part in this book. =) 

Poor Simon and Willie G. went through a lot in this book and Willie G actually has to make adjustments to what happened to her.  (I have to give her props because she saved Simon in this book)  Have I said it enough, how much I adored her in this book.  

I definitely liked her better than Simon.  Simon had his moments where he was a pain, but he had his reasons.  I feel bad for him because he found out secrets in this book that he thought he knew his twin better and his family better.

I look forward to the next installment in this series.  I want to know more about Jules and several other characters.

I give this book 4.5 moons and highly recommend it to steampunk readers out there.  This definitely is one book that will intrigue you from the first page to the last page.  

Beth Ciotta did a fabulous job again in the second book in the Glorious Victorious Darcys books.  I cannot wait for Jules story. He definitely sounds like he may become a favorite Darcy of mine due to what I found out about him in this book.  =)

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Blood Prophecy

(Sons of Navarus #4)

by: Gabrielle Bisset

Publishing Date: 5/11/13

Publisher: Self Published

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Source: Provided by Author

Description:

I am everything you fear. I am vampire. 

As the two Sons chosen to decipher the Prophecy of Idolas, Ramiel and Thane journey to find the key to defeating the Archons. Together with Noele, a born vampire, they confront their fates as they fulfill their duty to their world. Along the way, they'll find love, but death and betrayal lurk in the shadows, threatening everything dear to them. 

Descended from the gods and warriors all, each Son's loyalty will be tested. Every action has consequences, and the choices they make now seal their fates. Alliances as old as the vampire world itself are reforged, and the Sons' duty is clear. Stop the Archons. Or die trying.

My Review:

I knew I was warned before I read this book to be prepared for something different...and I definitely should have had the tissues ready...but I did not listen.  

After reading Blood Prophecy, I now I have a second favorite son, Thane.  He stole my heart in this story. Do not get me wrong, I like Ramiel...but Thane stole a piece of my heart.  I am still a big fan of Saint..and this story made me cry for him too.  

Oh...Gabrielle...you made me cry several times in this book.  I feel for ALL of the Sons of Navarus in this book.  This book definitely had some happy moments, but then it had a lot of sad ones.  

If there is one thing I adore about Gabrielle is how she can make you feel like you are there with the characters feeling what they feel.  I also love how she is very descriptive in details with the locations, the fight scenes, and the sad moments (of course).  I now want to travel to Rome, Italy and take a mini-vacation there.

In this book the Sons of Navarus are still trying to figure out the Prophecy and Ramiel and Thane are picked to find a born vampire girl...but when they find her, she's not a little girl.  Instead she's grown up and her destiny is a big one.  Ramiel ends up falling for the beautiful born vampire named Noele (I LOVE her name).  

There is so much going on in this story...and I do not want to spoil this book.  Let's just say...if you have read the previous books, you will get some of Vasilije, Sasa, Solene, Kali, Sion, Dante, Terek and even the bad guys in this story. (Grrr...to the bad guys...I am so MAD at one of them...HOW DARE he!!!)

The one part of the story that I did not click with was Vasilije and Sasa.  Let's just say Sasa did something unthinkable and I did not know what to believe with Vasilije.  I will say this...I feel for Vasilije towards the end.  He handled it very well on what happened.  I was expecting him to go completely off and crazy, but he handled it better than others assumed.  Sasa kind of let me down in this story....and I was unhappy with her decision.  I was even peeved with Thane, but he had his reasons and that is why I cannot really hate Thane or Sasa...but she should have listened to Vasilije.  I had mixed feelings, but I cannot really hate them.  Vasilije is definitely one difficult character to understand because he can been seen to do one thing...but he is actually doing something different.

Then there's my man, Saint.  I feel terrible for him and I just want to hold him and hug him to comfort him and tell him it will be okay.  =(

I give this book 4.5 moons and highly recommend it to paranormal romance readers and even urban fantasy readers out there.

I do highly recommend if you have not the other books, you need to read those first.  Gabrielle has each book start from the other left off.  I do not recommend reading out of order in this series.  You will want to know each Son for your own.  You may like one over the other or you may like every one of them.

I still have my heart for Saint and always will...but I know another Son could end up stealing that title from him.  Thane almost did.  

The saddest part of the book....oh no...I am not giving that way...let's just say...be prepared to have the tissues on hand.  I had to read that one scene over and over again to verify what Gabrielle did.  I was in shock.  

Gabrielle is one of my favorite indie authors and this book definitely did me in..and I adore her for it.  Here's hoping I remember to have the tissues for the next book.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.  This review is my own opinion and I was not influenced in anyway or compensated.  

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Title: Araya’s Addiction

Author: Jocelyn Dex

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