Night of the Tiger

Ready & Willing

Description

Ava Garnier wants her father’s spot when he retires as Pack Alpha. She may be the middle child but she has what it takes to lead. The only thing standing in her way is Kaden Black, Pack Beta and her long time crush.

Only, she’s not crushing on him anymore. Not since he made it known that he isn’t going let her take over the pack. Neither werewolf will budge, tensions are running high, and they’re both trying to outdo each other.

But the Pack Alpha has already chosen the future path of the pack. And neither Ava or Kaden has a clue to how far they will have go to see their dream come true.

Excerpt:

Selena Blake writes erotic paranormal and contemporary romance. First published in 2008, her series Stormy Weather has been on the best seller lists and nominated for awards.  She's a fan of action movies, Diet Coke, Milky Way bars and thunderstorms, not necessarily in that order. Learn more about her online at http://www.selena-blake.com or catch her at facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorSelenaBlake or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/SelenaBlake

You can read my 4 Moon review HERE

Ava Garnier wants her father’s spot when he retires as Pack Alpha. She may be the middle child but she has what it takes to lead. The only thing standing in her way is Kaden Black, Pack Beta and her long time crush.

by: Karin Tabke

Publishing Date: 5/3/11

Publisher: Berkley Trade

Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance

Source: Library Book

Buy: Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Description:

 For all eternity, only one thing shall separate them—until the Blood Law is avenged… The coming of the Blood Moon will lead two Lycan packs into war, spur two rival brothers into conflict, and spark an act of vengeance so evil that its effects will be felt for generations. One woman stands at the center of it all. As undisputed Alpha, Rafael must choose a life mate to preserve the dominance of his Lycan pack. He never suspected, his mate would be a human, the same wounded, girl-woman he seduces from the brink of death. Falon is a dangerous combination of Lycan and Slayer—beings bred to destroy his kind. Even more, she’s a mesmerizing beauty whose sensuality tempts the seasoned warrior to take unnecessary risks. The primal heat between them is irresistible, yet surrendering to it could destroy them both…for a vengeful foe stands ready in the shadows to fulfill what is rightfully his by Blood Law.

My Review:

I finished this book October '11 and had to get it back to the library in a hurry. Thanks to my local library for ordering this book so I can read it. I gave it actually 4.5 stars. I enjoyed reading this book and think I will have to buy it eventually for my own collection at home.

 Now onto my opinion of the book. Let me just say I wasn't really into the book at the beginning. I thought it took awhile to get it up to some action and drama that I was used to reading. After a few chapters though, it got really interesting and I had a hard time putting it down. Especially, the sex scenes between the main characters Rafael and Falon. Wow!!!! It got really heated and steamy between them and I don't think I've ever read a book where the characters had so much love and sex with each other except maybe the Anita Blake Series by Laurell K. Hamilton. It even threw in a threesome almost in this book between the two brothers and Falon...but I won't get into how that happened. All I can say is Falon, the poor woman is going through a difficult time in this book and goes through hell...but she is ONE TOUGH CHICK. I loved the ending the most because it left such a KICKASS Cliffhanger that will piss you off. At least it pissed me off because I wasn't expecting it...but in a good way of pissing off. Again, poor Falon...that woman sure has gotten herself into a jam. 

Now onto the characters...my favorite character has to be Falon of course because she's one strong ass female character. In fact she's been the strongest female I've read since "Dark Taste of Rapture" by Gena Showalter. Noelle and Falon would get along very well together. She goes through a lot in this book which anyone would feel sorry for her. At least I definitely did. The woman didn't know who or what she was exactly, but she knew she was different. She's being tracked down by the Slayers, but ends up coming across the Lycans. That is when she meets Rafael who she doesn't think she can trust at first. She doesn't know what world she is landed in when she comes across the Slayers and Lycans, but she has to learn quickly how to survive in their two worlds. 

My thoughts on Rafael in this book is this guy definitely has had it hard too. Not only is he trying to save his pack, but he's also having to deal with his twin brother who has it out for him for killing his mate. Whoever Rafael decides to mate, his twin brother has a right to kill as per the Blood Law. Poor Rafael, if he meets his soulmate, he will be forced to turn her over to be killed by his brother. Who would want that? I almost want to hug him. He'll only know love for awhile...but what if he's willing to fight the Blood Law? Now that is when it gets really interesting. 

You will have to read this book to find out what the brothers are fighting about. I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it. I do want to read more about the twin brother though in the next book, which I know will happen. =) You'll also need to read the book to find out what Falon finds out about herself. Karin Tabke definitely knows how to make you sit on the edge of your seat. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and getting to know more about the characters and what happens next.

Linger

(The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2)

by: Maggie Stiefvater

Publishing Date: 7/13/10

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Genre: YA

Source: Kindle Edition ( Bought ) 

(Signed Copy of Paperback also)

Buy: Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Description:

In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

My Review:

(Originally Reviewed on Mrs. Papillion aka "The Book Worm in 2010)

Sorry for the Short Review on this book...but it was when I was still in the Navy and my work schedule was hectic at the time. 

I can't believe what is happening to Grace in this book. =( Grace keeps getting into trouble because she loves Sam, but her parents think it's just a fling she will outgrow. They do everything to keep her away from him. Sam is also going through some things in this book that is putting him through hell. He doesn't turn into a wolf anymore, so now he has to live his life like he always wanted. I love how Maggie kept going back and forth to each character to see what their point of view is in the book. Although, I could've dealt without Cole. He was a pain in the butt in the book. I just wanted to go into the book and smack him. I'm looking forward to the next book, "Forever". I want to see what the author does to Grace. I also want to see how Sam deals with his humanity.

Linger, I give 4 stars.

Seduced by the Wolf

(Heart of the Wolf # 5)

by: Terry Spear

Publishing Date: 8/1/10

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Source: Paperback ( Bought)

Buy: Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Description:

His first priority is to protect his pack...
Werewolf pack leader Leidolf Wildhaven has just taken over a demoralized pack. With rogue wolves on the loose causing havoc and the authorities from the zoo suddenly zeroing in on the local wolf population, the last thing he needs in his territory is a do-gooder female, no matter how beautiful and enticing she is...

She'll do anything to help wolves...
Biologist Cassie Roux has dedicated her life to protecting wolves in the wild. On a desperate mission to help a she-wolf with newborn pups, the last thing Cassie needs right now is a nosy and entirely too attractive werewolf pack leader trying to track her down...

With rogue wolves and hunters threatening at every turn, Cassie and Leidolf may find their attraction the most dangerous force of all...

My Review:

My opinion on the book is VERY high. I had a hard time putting down this book. Cassie and Leidolf are definitely the perfect match. They both have been loner wolfs and have lost someone(s) they love dearly. They both feel at fault for the deaths of their family members. Cassie has a hard time dealing with the fact she really wants to be a part of a pack, but doesn't want to lose anyone she loves again. From the moment Leidolf lays eyes on her, he is in love and will do anything to make Cassie his mate forever. The sticky situations they get themselves into and everything that happens at the end with Leidolfs pack...you'll definitely be surprised. I know I was. I give this book two thumbs up and 5 stars. Thanks Terry Spear for writing this book. You definitely have become one of my favorite authors. All thanks to the used book store around Pembroke area for introducing me to this wonderful author. I bought two books written by Terry Spear there at the store and fell in love with the wolf series. Now I can't get enough of this wolf stories and the world that Terry Spear has created for her characters.  Makes me wish they were real.  =)

Touch of Surrender

(Primal Instinct #5)

by: Rhyannon Byrd

Publishing Date: 5/1/10

Publisher: Harlequin

Source: Library Book

Genre: Paranormal Romance

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Description:

With his auburn hair and lean build, Kierland Scott looks more man than lycan. But his wolf instincts are aroused by the gray-eyed Morgan Cantrell. Not because of her beauty, but because of her long-ago betrayal, a fateful choice that made their love impossible.

Now, however, the two Watchmen must team up, leaving the placid Lake Country for the forests of Scandinavia. To rescue Kierland's brother, they must track a vampire—and use their combined shape-shifting sensitivities in a battle that will take them beyond death. As the two learn to seek together, they begin to understand the history that has driven them apart. But they will have to overcome death itself, if their shared passion is to have a chance.

My Review: 
The first book I finished in 2012.  =)  
I was determined to finish "Touch of Surrender" by the 1st of the year and I'm glad I did because I have a stack of books that I need to read in the next month.  
This was not my favorite book in the series at all and I think I'm being a little nice by giving this book 3 stars.  The only thing I enjoyed about this book was Morgan, the Heroine in the story and Ashe.  The Hero, Kierland, was pissing me off.  I wanted to go through the book and slap him like crazy.  He sounded like whiny B**** instead of a Man.  Grrr!!!
I also felt like the story was dragging and didn't really have much action to it.  It was mostly going back and forth to Morgan and Kierland's point of view.  Morgan would complain about Kierland's mean attentions and Kierland would say how difficult it was to work with and be with Morgan.   
There was a few times, I wanted to throw the book across the room.  The only thing that got me interested was when Morgan's ex-lover, and close friend, Ashe came into the book.  It was about time someone knocked some sense into Kierland and even Morgan.  
I was upset the book didn't have much of a storyline to it also.  It was focusing on Kellan's character, Kierland's brother and getting him back.  I do love Kellan though and I'm looking forward to his book...but Kierland didn't even many fight scenes like the previous books did.  He had more of a emotional drama instead of a physical one.  He just didn't know what he wanted until he almost lost Morgan and even then, he was being a big pain in the ass...not seeing the BIG Picture.  Gr!
I plan on reading the next book in the series and hopefully it will get me back to loving the series...but as of now...the only thing that saved this book was a Vampire who I wish I knew more about.  I was even hoping Morgan would hook back up with him instead of Kierland.  
I recommend this book who loves the series...and who actually adores Kierland in previous books...but for me...Kierland didn't live up to his potential like I thought he was. 

Ties to the Blood Moon

by: Robin P. Waldrop

Publishing Date: 11/1/11

Source: Provided by Author

Genre: YA

Buy: Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Description:

Genevieve is a teenage girl who moves in with her aunt in Alaska after the death of her mother. Soon after her arrival she learns the things she was raised to believe only existed in fairytales are in fact a big part of her history. When it gets to be too much she seeks refuge in the arms of her new boyfriend, William, only to find out he's not who she thought he was either.

My Review:

I always love reading books from new authors that I haven't tried out yet.  I came across Robin P. Waldrop at Goodreads.com...which is my fave site to be on.  Once I read the description of "Ties of the Blood Moon", I knew I had to see what it was all about.  

First off, this is my first book I've read that has it's location in Alaska.  Usually, when you read about Vampires it's in Louisiana or another southern state (except for Twilight of course).  Werewolves are usually in northern Washington, Colorado, etc.  It's time for a book to have most of it's action in Alaska.  One state I would love to visit.  

Robin P. Waldrop takes you into a different world of Werewolves and Vampires.  They work together, actually.  Well...kind of.  The werewolves have been waiting for their princess to come back and take the throne.  ***That's a storyline never used before...and I really enjoyed it***.  

She throws in twists and turns you weren't expecting...like the ending.  Really...Robin...that was not expected.  I kept thinking other things, but you really threw me off.  Sorry, everyone I'm not spoiling anything about this book.  If you want to find out what Robin does, you need to read it for yourself.  I hate giving out spoilers.  

Now for one of the things that I wasn't really fond of...in the beginning it just dragged on, with a love development story between the characters.  It did remind me a little bit about Twilight in the beginning, but after awhile, it took it a different turn...which made me like it again.  Sometimes, having too much of a development of romance in the characters and not enough action, makes me want to put down a book and stop reading it.  I can't stand heroines who also complain and whine.  Genevieve did irritate me in parts of the books, but that's because she's a teenager.  I remember being a teenager, but I'm glad I didn't act like her in certain parts of the book when she gave her Aunt a hard time. 

I will say this, Robin, definitely had me loving the characters, Joseph and Luna in the book.  I especially loved Joseph. There is just something about him, I like better than William. Luna of course is an amazing friend to Genevieve and I loved how Robin writes about the friendship between Luna and Genevieve.  You don't usually see that in books.  You usually just read about the romance, not friendship.

I recommend this to anyone who loves a different twist to the vampire/werewolf stories and who also loves twists and turns.  You'll definitely get a few "What the heck" and "No way" in this book.  

Thank you, Robin for giving me a chance to read/review your book.  I look forward to reading more about these characters and find out what their next adventure is.