Review: Lay It Down (Desert Dogs #1) by Cara McKenna

Series: Desert Dogs #1

 

Series: Desert Dogs #1

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Signet Eclipse

Publication Date: 8/5/14

Format: eARC

Pages: 336

Source: Publisher

Rating: 3 stars

GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  BN

 

Backbreaking days, wild nights, and the hard hum of steel between your thighs... 

 

That’s a life well lived, according to the Desert Dogs—four friends who call Fortuity, Nevada, their badlands home. Vince Grossier is the self-crowned outlaw king around here. But when Fortuity’s slick new mayor invites a shady casino development to town, the invaders’ cutthroat takeover tactics quickly turn deadly. With police turning a suspiciously blind eye, it’s up to the locals to fight back, and Vince is on the front line. The pretty photographer hired by the developers might be the key to infiltrating the enemy. And a temptation too good to pass up.

 

Finally free of a controlling ex, Kim Paget’s not looking to be taken for a ride—not on the back of some tattooed roughneck’s bike and definitely not in his bed. But when she finds evidence that her bosses are rattlesnake-dangerous, Kim must entrust her safety to the man who threatens danger of a whole different kind.

My Review

 

No one will be more surprised than me that I did not love Lay It Down. I don't even personally know of another reader who was more anxious to read this book. It's possible that my expectations were too high, but I honestly don't think that's it. As much as I wanted to love this book, I didn't.

 

Here's why...

 

Cara McKenna is a master at writing stories with a bit of quirk. It can be that the character has an unexpected kink, personality or occupation. Or they story might revolve around an unusual circumstance. Whatever it is, I go into a McKenna book just knowing there will be some sort of hook that will have me dying of giddy as I read. Lay It Down didn't have that. It was mainstream, which is fine. I'm sure that this novel will find a huge audience for that very reason. But for some reason, deserved or not, I just felt somewhat let down.

 

Lay It Down is not an MC book. And fine, that doesn't really bother me, and it's not promised in the book description, but.... it's kind of implied. A lot of readers are going to look at that cover and assume. Vince Grossier is a dude who just happens to ride a bike while trying to solve a murder mystery and get into his favorite gal's pants.

 

Lay It Down read like a cross between a modern-day western and romantic suspense. The story is set in northern Nevada, with the townspeople, led by Vince, dismayed over a casino development. There's a lot of talk about the red dirt and quarries and shafts (not the fun kind). Though it's actually fit the story, it didn't turn my crank. The same for the romantic suspense element. There's an old murder, a new possible murder and bad guys who'll stop at nothing to get their way. The story does not end on a true cliffhanger, but there seems to be a big series arc. I just don't have a lot of luck with the sub-genre.

 

Something I love about McKenna's other work is her ability to make me believe in a couple, despite impossibilities. I've believed in a hermit alcoholic with a penchant for ropes and his sweet lady love. I've believed in a Parisian male prostitute and his virgin lover. I've always felt that connection. With Kim and Vince, I totally bought the physical, but didn't really understand why exactly they fell in love.

 

There's an element of magical realism in Lay It Down, and it just didn't work for me. Vince's mom and his brother both have "the sight". They're able to predict the future and it does play an important role in the story, at least on the mom's end. I don't know, it felt unnecessary, to me.

 

As long as I'm wearing my tightest pair of rantypants, let me just add one more issue. I love the swears. I use the swears a lot in real life. I like to mix things up which means I vary my swears. But geez, it felt like every other sentence started with the word "Goddamn..." I mean, I get it, it's a great swear word but what about the other greats? They were vastly underused. I swear, I got so annoyed that my eye started twitching every time another sentence started with that word.

 

 

Okay. I know this review is coming off as pretty negative, but I did like Lay It Down well enough. The main characters were fairly engaging, as were the secondary characters. I'm hoping future books will focus on different leads, particularly Rayna and Vince's brother Case. The story was interesting, it just didn't pull me in. My favorite part, to no one's surprise, was the sex. McKenna is always stellar at the physical interactions between her characters, and Lay It Down was no exception.

 

So. Do I recommend Lay It Down? I do, but long-time McKenna fans should be prepared for something completely different.

 

 

Favorite Quotes

 

 

  She spoke to his throat, watching the pulse tick there. "I want you to know, you're the most obnoxious man I've ever met."

  He nodded thoughtfully, looking not at all surprised. "That's why I dialed back my usual wooing tactics."

 

 

  "You banged a guy named Vince... Holy shit. That is so awesome. Are you his old lady now? Do you have to get his name tattooed on your cleavage?"

  "He's not in a gang you spaz. Though he is on parole..."

  A pause. Jesus Christ, Kimbo. I don't think I've seen you go through a major breakup before, but when you're in the market for a bad-idea rebound, you do not fuck around."

  "Apparently not."

  "You're my new hero. Tell me everything."

 

 

About Cara McKenna

 

Cara McKenna writes smart erotica—sexy stories with depth. A little dark, a little funny, always emotional. She also writes red-hot romance under the name Meg Maguire. Her wonderful publishers are Ellora's Cave, Harlequin Blaze, Loose-Id, Penguin / Intermix, and Samhain. She loves writing sexy, character-driven stories about strong-willed men and women who keep each other on their toes, and bring one another to their knees.

Cara was a 2010 Golden Heart finalist, a 2012 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award nominee, and a 2012 Golden Leaf finalist.

Cara is represented by Laura Bradford, of the Bradford Literary Agency.

Before becoming a purveyor of red-hot romance and smart erotica, Cara was a record store bitch, a lousy barista, a decent designer, and an overly enthusiastic penguin handler.

Cara now writes full-time and lives north of Boston with her bearded husband. When she's not trapped in her own head she can usually be found in the kitchen, the coffee shop, or jogging around the nearest duck-filled pond. She is a very proud member of the Romance Writers of America® and her local New England Chapter.

Website  |  Twitter  |  GoodReads

 

REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY: A BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION by KELSIE LEVERICH

Welcome to the blog tour for A Beautiful Distraction! I have a review and giveaway to share with you; thanks for stopping by! 

Series: Hard Feelings #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: NAL Trade

Publication Date: 5/6/14
Format: Paperback
Pages: 360
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5 stars

A brand new novel in the New York Times bestselling Hard Feelings series—where nothing’s more dangerous than a bad boy with a broken heart…

First Sergeant Rafe Murano did everything to the extreme. He trained harder, he fought harder, and, unfortunately, he loved harder. And falling for the wrong woman nearly destroyed him.

Home from a deployment, and without his missions to consume him, Murano is ravaged by memories of his heartbreak. So he drinks until he’s numb and drowns himself in meaningless one-night stands. But they only take the edge off…

Until he meets Fallon.

Haunted by her past, Fallon Kelly knows all too well about the desperate desire for an escape. So when she sees the tatted-up bad boy who’s one punch away from a ride in the back of a squad car, she offers a distraction—one that quickly becomes an addiction.

Little does she know, this bad boy can love so hard, it can break her…

"I know you, babe. I've memorized you. And if you'd let me, I'd memorize your heart. I know how to make it beat a little faster. Just tell me how to make it mine."

I've been so anxious to read A Beautiful Distraction since the moment Rafe Murano came on the page, in Feel the Rush, as one of Reed's fellow soldiers. Rafe was an intense guy, and it was clear that something heavy was eating away at him. When I found out what that was, I was initially put off. But gosh, when you see how torn up he is by the situation, it was quickly easy easy to cut the guy some slack. In A Beautiful Distraction, we've moved forward a few years with Rafe stationed in Colorado, home from his fourth deployment. Now that he no longer has the distractions that come with being 

deployed, Rafe is still trying to move on from the woman who destroyed his heart, and in the way of many dumb guys, he does this by booze and women. It's a solid plan that never fails, right? No. But don't worry, Rafe Murano's world is completely flipped when he lays eyes on Fallon Kelly.

Fallon is a real departure from the other women in the series. And you know, I appreciate that each of Leverich's leading ladies are dynamic and engaging. She's not an open, friendly person like Megan (Feel the Rush) or covered in hard edges like Roni (The Valentine's Arrangement), but she does have her own heavy issues. Fallon is a closed book, for sure, and it's not exactly clear what's put here there, besides the fact her parents were image-obsessed jerks who threw her out when she was seventeen. It is implied, though, that something much heavier weighs on Fallon, and helped contribute to the controlled woman she's become. The past has left Fallon with no desire to become close to anyone, but Rafe is not just anyone. He's the man who crumbles her walls with dark eyes and a crooked smile.

A Beautiful Distraction. The title of this book is absolutely perfect. Rafe and Fallon tentatively become involved because they are desperately attracted to each other, but also because they are each desperate for a distraction. From the past, the emptiness of the present. Rafe and Fallon simply fit, and I love how they acknowledge that, and don't fight the attraction, even if they fear the future. I love the honesty between them, the acceptance, and the strength. Especially when old, awful faces show back up. It was dramatic and draining and it was awesome. I loved every moment of this story, the ways in which Rafe and Fallon changed one another for the better, by simply loving each other. The story left me smiling, wiping away tears, and completely fulfilled.

And can I just say, the Murano family is just begging for a spin-off!

I have to say, Kelsie Leverich is such a talented writer. I enjoyed The Valentine's Arrangement very much, Feel the Rush even more, and in this book, her talent is stronger than ever. The prose is very well-written, focused, but also has a beauty that caused me to sometimes pause, then re-read a paragraph multiple times because it's just that good. Leverich has a secured me as a devoted reader.

The Hard Feelings series is one of intense, fast-moving relationships. Relationships between characters who aren't necessarily searching for more, or who may be searching for an ideal that they just haven't found yet. The relationships don't start our destined for forever, simply right now, but it's
inevitable. Leverich also gives respect and tribute to those in the Armed Services, and their family. I've really come to love this series. It's passionate, sexy, heartfelt, and delicious. I highly recommend
it.

 

Favorite Quotes

  He moaned into her mouth again, and the sound vibrated against her lips, numbing them and warming them at the same time. "I needed to taste you," he whispered, his lips still lingering over hers. "Had I known you would taste so good, I would have kissed you the moment you were in my reach." Then he kissed her again.

  Brushing his thumb over her bottom lip, he smiled. That one dexterous touch melted her. Her body warmed from the inside out. 

  "I want you," he whispered, his voice dripping with a desirous hunger as his lips tenderly swept over her jaw. When he raised his head back to look at her, his velvet eyes swam with a heady list that forced every nerve, every sense to sharpen and bind to him.

The Hard Feelings Series

     

(covers lead to GoodReads pages)

 

My Reviews

The Valentine's Arrangement | Feel the Rush

Purchase Links

  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

GIVEAWAY

I have one copy of A Beautiful Distraction up for grabs, courtesy of the publisher.

Must be 18+ years of age; open to US only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author

Kelsie Leverich grew up in the small town of St. Joseph Illinois before getting married and following her husband from one Army post to another. After eight years, they finally settled down in Avon, Indiana with two adorable knuckleheads that are better known as her kids. Kelsie's life revolves around her family (to include two dogs and a cat) and most of the time, actually all of the time, it’s a crazy mess—but that’s the way she loves it! When Kelsie’s not writing, you can usually find her snuggling on the couch with her kids and a good book or out on the lake with family and friends. Kelsie is not a morning person, has a soft spot for animals, loves musicals, hates seafood, and thinks laundry is the source of all evil.


Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Pinterest  |  GoodReads

TEASER TUESDAY: A BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION by KELSIE LEVERICH

 

 Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

·Grab your current read

·Open to a random page

·Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

·Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others.

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles.


 

Series: Hard Feelings #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: NAL Trade

Publication Date: 5/6/14

 

A brand new novel in the New York Times bestselling Hard Feelings series—where nothing’s more dangerous than a bad boy with a broken heart…

First Sergeant Rafe Murano did everything to the extreme. He trained harder, he fought harder, and, unfortunately, he loved harder. And falling for the wrong woman nearly destroyed him.

Home from a deployment, and without his missions to consume him, Murano is ravaged by memories of his heartbreak. So he drinks until he’s numb and drowns himself in meaningless one-night stands. But they only take the edge off…

Until he meets Fallon.

Haunted by her past, Fallon Kelly knows all too well about the desperate desire for an escape. So when she sees the tatted-up bad boy who’s one punch away from a ride in the back of a squad car, she offers a distraction—one that quickly becomes an addiction.

Little does she know, this bad boy can love so hard, it can break her…

 

 

 

My Teaser ~

 

 

  Lifting her hand to his mouth, he carefully and slowly brushed his lips against the inside of her wrist, undulating a shiver that coursed through her entire body. It was as if that thin spot had a direct line to every sensitive, feminine part of her that was begging to come alive.

 "I can do this for you too. I can be your distraction."

 

 

I loved this book! My review posts on Thursday.

 

 

SERIES REVIEW: BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD, #4-7 by J.R. WARD

Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #4
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Onyx
Publication Date: 3/6/07
Format: Paperback
Pages: 455
Source: Purchase
Rating: 4 stars

Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard living, ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world to engage in the turf war with the lessers. He's got nothing to lose. His heart belongs to a female vampire, Marissa, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. If he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers... When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead but found by a miracle, the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back, though even her love may not be enough to save him...

I wasn't particularly excited to start Lover Revealed. I was very excited to pick the series back up, but have never been especially into Butch or Marissa. I think it's likely due to how they're portrayed in Dark Lover. Butch wanted Beth, and Marissa was supposedly chosen for Wrath. And honestly? I wanted Butch with V.

I wasn't sure about Lover Revealed until I was halfway through. Butch is in a very bad place, morose over being a human in a vampire world. He can't feed the woman he loves, he can't sustain her, and he will die. It does become clear, though, that everything is about to change, and thank goodness for that. The turn the story takes was dangerous and surprising. Up until that turn, though, this book was a sad circle of self-loathing and wanting. Butch wants Marissa but doesn't feel worthy so he turns her away. Marissa wants Butch but doesn't understand why he keeps leaving her. Her inferiority-as-a-female complex didn't help things. The most interesting aspect was my hopes that everyone was playing an epic prank on me and Butch and V did, in fact, end up together. Boo.

Something I really love about the Black Dagger Brotherhood series is the fact I don't know how everything will go down and be resolved until the very end. Dark Lover was no exception. I was on the edge while reading the last one hundred pages. I have to say, I love how the story ended, and am excited to continue the series. I'm ready for Vishous.

Favorite Quotes

  V laughed in a short burst. "I can't decide whether you have serious balls or a death wish."
  "Never underestimate the power of self-hatred, V. It's a hell of a motivator. Besides, we both know what the only other option is."

  Yeah...it had all started here last summer...at this place. And yet as he felt the scratchy, damp bricks under his palm, he knew the real beginning was right now. His true nature was uncovered now. He was who he needed to be...now.



Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #5
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Onyx
Publication Date: 9/25/07
Format: Paperback
Pages: 502
Source: Purchase
Rating: 4 stars

In Caldwell, New York, war rages between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Now the cold heart of a cunning predator will be warmed against its will... Ruthless and brilliant, Vishous, son of the Bloodletter, possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a pretrans growing up in his father's war camp he was tormented and abused. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time-until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that cannot include her...

Lover Unbound is THE book I've been waiting for since I began the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Yeah, I am a V Girl (except I'm a closet Rhage Freak). So I went into this book a little scared and with ridiculously high expectations. Expectations like....are V and Butch gonna ditch the ladies and admit they are each other's one true love? Those kind of expectations. I mean, I didn't think it would actually happen, but a girl can dream.

It was nice, but definitely sad, to finally get Vishous' whole story. I thought Zsadist's past was beyond compare, and I still mostly believe that, but V's was just awful, too. I was very curious to see who could pull his romantic affections away from Butch, and I do think Jane was fairly worthy of his love. (If there's such a thing) Their love story was sad throughout, given V's destiny. I knew that Ward would pull something off at the last minute, that's definitely her style, and I was happy that the two could be together.

My only gripe? That ending! WTHell was that? I get it, I guess. But no. Actually, I did not like how Jane was saved. I mean, I know I'm about seven years too late on this, but still.

Other than that weirdness, I really liked Lover Unbound. I did also like learning more about Qhuinn, Blay and John Matthew. I've already correctly guess John's big secret. I can't wait to see that play out over the coming books.

Favorite Quotes

  Terrific. A bisexual dominant vampire with kidnapping expertise. Man, for so many reasons she shouldn't feel like she did about him.


  He looked at Jane curled up next to him and decided that, as far as he was concerned, tonight was when he'd finally lost his virginity. Though his body had done the act in many different ways to many different people, sex had always been an exchange of power-power that flowed in his direction... With Jane there had been an exchange: She had given something to him, and he had turned over a piece of himself in return.


  He pulled back and pressed his lips to hers. "I love you. And I'm going to keep loving you even after you don't know I exist."
 

  "You've always been there for me. Always. Even when I..."
  "Even when you what?"
  "You know."
  "What?"
  "Fuck. Even when I was in love with you. Or some shit."
  "[...]Here's the deal, V. You and me? We're in this life together, and not just because of my curse... but there's a reason why we met. And as for the whole you-being-in-love-with-me thing? It was probably more about you just caring about someone for the first time."




Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #5
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Onyx
Publication Date:
Format: Paperback
Pages: 534
Source: Purchase
Rating: 3 stars

In this "frighteningly addictive" paranormal romance saga there's a war raging between vampires and their slayers. Here are the stories of a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. And now a dutiful twin must choose between two lives... Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood's bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is obligated to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive, and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.

As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body, but his heart for herself. She is drawn to the noble responsibility behind the emotionally scarred male. But Phury has never allowed himself to know pleasure or joy. As the war with the Lessening Society grows grim, tragedy looms over the Brotherhood's mansion, and Phury must decide between duty and love....

Hey guys, I didn't hate this book. Kidding. I kind of did hate Lover Enshrined, despite the fact I was really looking forward to it. A couple of my friends (Amanda and Karen) warned me, but I thought there was no way I wouldn't love a BDB book. The reason? Phury and his MotherBleeping Wizard. Just...if any of you think Ana Steele's inner goddess was an annoying twat, just read this book with Phury and the wizard who lives in his head.

Now, having said that, I do get that the story did have some aspects going for it. It does have some good points on depression and addiction and how it destroys relationships. And I get that everything he goes through helps Phury bring about big changes with the Chosen. There's also a big shift with the disgusting lessers. So yeah, a lot happens, but Sad Sac Phury was the mother of all Debbie Downers.

The very best part of Lover Enshrined is John Matthew, Qhuinn, and Blay. I'm happy John finally goes through his transition, and am curious about his fixation on Xhex. But the biggie: Qhuinn and Blay. Now I know why readers lost their shit when Lover at Last came out. These two broke my little heart with their longing, acceptance, hesitation, denial and the true friendship. This is the ultimate example of the slow burn, and I hope it can power me through the rest of the series.

Favorite Quotes

  "Yeah. Go fig. Me in love with Qhuinn...a guy who, when he's not moody, is a slut and a smart-ass. Except you want to know what the most fucked-up thing is, though?... "He's right."
  "Yup," Blay said. "That's why I could never get into the females all that much. None of them compared to him. No other guys do either, by the way. So I'm fucked royal, but then, that's my biz and not his or yours."


  The yearning in the blue eyes staring up at him broke his heart. It totally did. And he couldn't imagine what it was that Blay saw in him that made him so special. "What is wrong with you," he whispered, "that you care so much about me?"
  Blay's sad smile added about a million years to his age..."What is wrong with you that you can't see why I would?"




Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #7
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Onyx
Publication Date: 11/24/09
Format: Paperback
Pages: 642
Source: Purchase
Rating: 4 stars

J. R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood novels have introduced readers to a "different, creative, dark, violent, and flat-out amazing" (All About Romance)world. Now, as the vampire warriors defend their race against their slayers, one male's loyalty to the Brotherhood will be tested-and his dangerous mixed blood revealed...

Caldwell, New York, has long been the battleground for the vampires and their enemies, the Lessening Society. It's also where Rehvenge has staked out his turf as a drug lord and owner of a notorious night club that caters to the rich and heavily armed. His shadowy reputation is exactly why he's approached to kill Wrath, the Blind King and leader of the Brotherhood.

Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the Brotherhood-even though his sister is married to a member, for he harbors a deadly secret that could make him a huge liability in their war against the lessers. As plots within and outside of the Brotherhood threaten to reveal the truth about Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in his darkening world, Ehlena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him-and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.

I really enjoyed Lover Avenged. Yay. I'm still not quite sure if it's because this book was just that good or that Lover Enshrined was so much of a let-down and anything after that would seem good. I'll go with the good and say that Lover Avenged was a really good book.

Rehv has been such a mystery throughout this series. He's always come across as a thug-with good reason-but it appears that the drug-dealing, prostitute-peddling half Sympath really does have a good heart. Of course, that good side is enhanced by Ehlena. Once again, we get another beyond perfect "female of worth". I like Ehlena, and appreciated how good she was with and how much she cared for Rehv. But...why are all the females the same? The males, too, for that matter. So far, the female vampires have all been pretty much perfect with not a lot to offer besides support to the Brothers. I get that the focus is on the Brothers, but would like to see some variety. I'm hoping the next two books with Xhex and Payne change things up on that front. And really, the same goes for the men. Every single brother talks the same, acts the same, thinks the same. The obsession on fine clothing and top-notch liquor is about to strum my last nerve.

So back on topic. Lover Avenged had a lot going for it, in my opinion. Mainly for two reasons: the legally corrupt but morally ambiguous (because he has reasons) Rehvenge; and the slow-brewing relationship between John Matthew and Xhex. Rehv's inner turmoil over the lies he's forced to tell, the self-loathing at the lengths he's forced to go to in order to protect his loved ones; and the way love seems to bring him out of the fog. And The Barb. Yeah.

I honestly don't know why the Xhex and John thing fascinates me like it does. Maybe because I know he has an unknown past that's likely closing to blowing up. I can't wait for that scene. Also, the fact that Xhex looks and acts kind of like a dude. I don't know what that says, if anything at all. It just seems like the half of the females (Beth, Bella, Marissa, Ehlena) are untouchable, perfect beauty and the other half (Jane, Xhex, Payne) are androgynous. There's, like, no middle ground here.

I should probably just stop over-thinking this series and take it for what it is: a sexy and intense paranormal series with super alpha heroes (with a love of swank clothing) backed by the women who stand by their man, ridiculous bad guys who aren't scary at all. The endings are always intense and in the end, the Brotherhood is the center.

Favorite Quote

  Later, much later, she would reflect that those four words were the precipice. Are you there, Ehlena? Truly it was the beginning of everything that followed, the starting line of a harrowing journey disguised in the form of a simple question. She was glad she didn't know where it would take her. Because sometimes the only thing that got you through hell was that you were in too deep to pull out.

  Ehlena turned away, and he opened the glass panel with his mind, not trusting himself to get too close to her. Oh, please don't go. Please don't, he thought. He just wanted to feel...clean for a little while.

  He found her face by touch, and as he ran his fingers over her cheeks and nose to her lips, he saw her with his hands and knew her with his heart.


  Xhex put the letter into Ehlena's palm and held on to it for a brief moment. In a choked voice, she said, "Rehvenge...has been my hero for years. He's a good male in spite of his sympath side, and he's worthy of what you feel for him. He deserves so much better than he's gotten out of life..." 

Purchase Links

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  iBooks

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: LAY IT DOWN by CARA MCKENNA

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine,that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


This week's WoW selection is...

 

 

 

Series: Desert Dogs #1

Publisher: Signet Eclipse

Publication Date: 8/14

 

Backbreaking days, wild nights, and the hard hum of steel between your thighs...

That’s a life well lived, according to the Desert Dogs—four friends who call Fortuity, Nevada, their badlands home. Vince Grossier is the self-crowned outlaw king around here. But when Fortuity’s slick new mayor invites a shady casino development to town, the invaders’ cutthroat takeover tactics quickly turn deadly. With police turning a suspiciously blind eye, it’s up to the locals to fight back, and Vince is on the front line. The pretty photographer hired by the developers might be the key to infiltrating the enemy. And a temptation too good to pass up.

Finally free of a controlling ex, Kim Paget’s not looking to be taken for a ride—not on the back of some tattooed roughneck’s bike and definitely not in his bed. But when she finds evidence that her bosses are rattlesnake-dangerous, Kim must entrust her safety to the man who threatens danger of a whole different kind.

 

Why I'm Waiting...  It doesn't matter who it's about, what it's about. It could be written an ode to the grapefruit. If McKenna writes it, I'm gonna read it.
 

 

(But seriously. THAT COVER. HOT BIKER OUTLAW SEXY TIMES. WOOOO!)

 

 

MY THOUGHTS ON: BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD (1-3, 6.5), NIGHT PRINCE (1-2)

Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Publication Date: 9/6/05
Format: Paperback
Pages: 393
Source: Bought

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.

Damn, boys. Where have you been all my life??

I'm probably one of the last of my book loving friends to read this series. And I gotta say, I feel like a chump. I have a confession: I started reading Dark Lover back in early-2009. I didn't like it at all. I thought it was weird and had too much sex. For those of you who know how much I now love the sexy times in my books, stop laughing. In my defense, at that time, I had a baby, a three year-old, and I had no time for funny business like that.

Thank god those days are over because Dark Lover was HOT. I loved Ward's sexy vampires, with their no bullshit attitude and their aggressiveness. The Brothers are the kind of sexy bad boys I loooove in my paranormal books. It's all about the fantasy, yeah?

I'll go ahead and give credit where it's due. Autumn, thank you for pushing me to give Dark Lover another chance. And the jury's still out until he gets his own book, but the fact that you immediately declared me a Vishous girl just proves that you know what I want in a book man more than anyone.

So yeah...I loved Dark Lover. I love the writing, the world Ward has created, the characters, and most of all the Brothers.

Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #2
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Publication Date: 3/7/06
Format: Paperback
Pages: 441
Source: Bought

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war raging between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret bound of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Possessed by a deadly beast Rhage is the most dangerous of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

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 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 to 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...

So after I read Dark Lover, I obviously wanted to dive into Lover Eternal. But, life got in the way, so I had to wait several weeks or so to begin. I loved the world and the characters, and wanted more, but I wasn't all that keen on Rhage's story. He's a cool character and all, but there were other Brothers higher on my radar.

At first, I was a little "meh" on Lover Eternal, but I can't exactly say why. Mary was alright, and so was Rhage. There was this whole other sub-plot with a new character, and at first I didn't pay a whole lot of attention, but about halfway through the story, I had a major lightbulb moment. I thought I just could not be right, my theory didn't make a lot of sense at all. But as it turns out, it's been confirmed that I am right, and I feel like a genius!

So anyway, about halfway through Lover Eternal, BAM, I fell in love. The story started really moving. I got to know Rhage better, and I loved learning more about his curse. Mary finally saw the light, and stopped fighting her love for Rhage, so then I loved her. We also get to know more about Phury and Zsadist. ZSADIST. I have a feeling his story is going to both break my heart and make me love him. (It's okay, Autumn, I know he's yours.)

The ending of Lover Eternal was just insane. Frantically reading, trying to flip the pages, wipe the tears and drink my beer at the same time was quite the challenge! Lover Eternal had one of the most intense endings I've read, and I loved it. I was literally shaking and holding my chest for about thirty minutes. Lover Awakened may kill me.

Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #3

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Publication Date: 9/5/06
Format: Paperback
Pages: 434
Source: Bought

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Of these, Zsadist is the most terrifying member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against Bella’s tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now, Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past, and find a future with her…

Ah, Zsadist... this is the story I was warned would break my heart. Zsadist was not a likeable character in the first two books of the series, and Lover Awakened explains exactly why. His backstory was way more brutal and horrific than I imagined, and yes, my heart did break for him. But the story was also very uplifting, thanks to the amazing Bella.

Bella and Zsadist had amazing chemistry in Lover Eternal. But she also had chemistry with his twin brother Phury. This had me worried that Lover Eternal was going to be the push-and-pull between the three characters. Though it had a few moments (poor Phury), thankfully that's not the route the story took. The story begins with the search for Bella after her abduction at the end of Lover Eternal, and Z's desperation to find her and refusal to give up. Once she's been rescued, that's when the heart of the story truly begins.

Lover Awakened was a gorgeous, and tough, love story. Bella knows she wants Z, but he is more than reluctant to become involved with her. Years as a blood slave abused his body and killed Z's spirit. He truly believes he is not worthy of Bella, and will taint her. Bella was a strong woman who refuses to accept his dismissal, knowing that he is a male of worth. Her love for Z was just really, really beautiful. I loved that she stood up to and for him.

Lover Awakened is also Z's reckoning with his past. Throughout the story, his story is told, clueing the reader into why he became so cold and deadly. Not only is it Z's story to be told, but also Phury's. Gosh, I felt so bad for him, and can't wait to see him find happiness, too.

As sad and romantic and scary as Lover Awakened was, it had the sweetest ending. I was left teary-eyed, smiling, and pumped to read Z and Bella's novella, Father Mine.

Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #6.5

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: NAL
Publication Date: 10/7/08
Format: Kindle
Pages: 91
Source: Gift

Readers met and fell in love with Zsadist and Bella in J. R. Ward's third New York Times bestselling novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Lover Awakened.
As a former blood slave, Zsadist bore the scars from a past filled with suffering and degradation until Bella came along and helped heal his emotional wounds. Now, though, with the birth of their child, the demons of his past have been resurrected, called forth by the innocent eyes of his beloved daughter, Nalla. Unless Bella and Nalla can bring him back with their love, he may be lost to them forever.

*happy sigh* I loved Father Mine! In fact, I will say that it is my favorite book of the series so far.
And yes, I read it out of order, I didn't realize until after I'd started. And yes, there were some spoilers, but I still loved it. Father Mine is what happens after Happily Ever After, the story that happens between the "end" of Lover Awakened and the epilogue that takes place sixteen months later.

I knew that Zsasdist had overcome his past enough to be with Bella, but I was very curious as to how that would play out in his daily life, and with a family. Father Mine was dark. It went more into his past as a Blood Slave, how he's still haunted by it, and his fears as to how it will play a part in the future. And even though this is about vampires, the family and marriage aspect of the story is one that is very relatable.

Father Mine was absolutely brilliant. It made me laugh, get steamed up at the hotness, and yeah, I cried. I loved it.

Series: Night Prince #1
Category/Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Harper Audio
Publication Date: 6/26/12
Narrator: Tavia Gilbert
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased

 She's a mortal with dark powers...

After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person's darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude...until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world's most infamous vampire...

He's the Prince of Night...

Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don't call him Dracula. Vlad's ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him—a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

As a huge fan of Jeaniene Frost, I am upset with myself for falling so behind on her books. I've owned the Once Burned audiobook since the day it release, and own a paperback, but just kept putting it off. Maybe it's because while I've always liked Vlad Tepesh as a secondary character, I wasn't sure that I was super excited to see him as a leading man?

Whatever the reason, I'm glad I finally listed to Once Burned. It always takes me a while to get fully invested in the spin-offs of the Night Huntress series, especially when each hero (Mencheres, Spade) gets only one book. But knowing that Vlad and his new lady Leila get three books helped me latch on to their story. Honestly, I really liked this story, but only the basics stuck with me. I'm not sure if that's because I listened over a long period of time, was easily distracted, or I just didn't fall overly in love with the story. This story basically goes along the same path as the Night Huntress World series books, vampire meets human, she's in danger, he takes her in, there's something physically "different"about her that makes her more adaptive to the supernatural world, they fall in love while battling the bad guys. In Leila's case, she can shock other's and can read thoughts. But still, this is Jeaniene Frost here, and I always enjoy her books.

I have to say, Tavia Gilbert is by far my favorite narrator. She always brings a sense of enthusiasm and life to the stories she narrates. She does a great job of differentiating the characters with her voice. Listening to Gilbert makes the audio even more enjoyable than physically reading the books, and that is  rare.

Even though I didn't love love Once Burned, I did like it a lot, and as soon as I finished, I opened up Twice Tempted.



Series: Night Prince #2
Category/Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Harper Audio
Publication Date: 3/26/13
Narrator: Tavia Gilbert
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased

Leila's psychic abilities have been failing her, and now she isn't sure what the future holds. If that weren't enough, her lover, Vlad, has been acting distant. Though Leila is a mere mortal, she's also a modern woman who refuses to accept the cold shoulder treatment forever–especially from the darkly handsome vampire who still won't admit that he loves her.

Like choosing between eternal love and a loveless eternity...

Soon circumstances send Leila back to the carnival circuit, where tragedy strikes. And when she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer who may be closer than she realizes, Leila must decide who to trust– the fiery vampire who arouses her passions like no other or the tortured knight who longs to be more than a friend? With danger stalking her every step of the way, all it takes is one wrong move to damn her for eternity.

 

I feel like a complete jerk saying this, but I just do not care about Vlad, Leila, or this series anymore. I didn't hate it. I didn't even find it to be poorly written or narrated. I just didn't care. I had to make myself listen to it while traveling. I was just bored.

 I will attribute some of that to not being a huge fan of Vlad's in any capacity, be it this series or Night Huntress. I can also say that Leila annoyed me. I am not easily annoyed by heroines. I just found her to be so grating. She left Vlad because he wouldn't say he loved her, then when he came back into her life, she guilted him endlessly. Then, when he said "Okay, I love you. Now let's get married," she was like "No. Wait! This is too sudden." At that point, I said "Enough."

It really pains me that I don't care that much for this series, because I am a huge fan of Jeaniene Frost's. Huge. But yeah, I think I may be done with this series. Or not. I guess time will tell...