Guardian is the first story in the Creepy Hollow series by Rachel Morgan, these short stories will be published as ebooks on a monthly basis with the second story Labyrinth already available. What I really like about this kind of serialised story is that you never have too long to wait for the next instalment. They also make great quick reads for when you don't have the time to get stuck into a full length book and you just want something that you can read in one sitting.
According to Amazon UK Guardian has approximately 47 pages so it doesn't take long to read but for such a short story the author does a good job of pulling you into the world she has created. I don't want to go into too much detail about the plot because it would be easy to spoil it for you but basically the main character Violet is a 17-year-old faerie who is in training as a guardian to protect humans from the dangerous creatures who escape from the fae realm. There are only 2 rules that Violet must stick to - never reveal yourself to a human and never bring a human back to the fae realm - so things go horribly wrong for her when her assignment Nate is not only able to see her but also manages to follow her home.
The story is fast paced and I liked both of the main characters. Violet is spunky and has a great snarky sense of humour plus you can never go wrong with purple hair! Nate we don't know so much about yet but he seems quite cute and I liked his reactions to Violet and the fae realm he suddenly finds himself in. I also enjoyed the banter between Violet and Ryn who is her main competition for top of the class in her guardian training.
Guardian is a great introduction to the series and left me eager to get started on Labyrinth. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next for Violet and Nate....more
1st Read August 2012 - Rating 4 * 2nd Read February 2014 3rd Read December 2015 4th Read January 2017 - Rating increased to 5 * 5th Read January 2018
Orig1st Read August 2012 - Rating 4 * 2nd Read February 2014 3rd Read December 2015 4th Read January 2017 - Rating increased to 5 * 5th Read January 2018
Original Review
Although Cry Wolf is the first full length novel in the Alpha and Omega series I would strongly recommend reading the novella in the On the Prowl anthology before starting this book. You could probably pick things up without reading the novella but you really would be missing out by not seeing how Anna and Charles first met and experiencing first hand the things that Anna goes through at the hands of her previous pack members. This is shaping up to be a fantastic series though so I would highly recommend giving it a try, especially if you are already a fan of the Mercy Thompson books (but you can read these books even if you've not read anything by Patricia Briggs before).
Anna didn't even know werewolves existed until she was turned into one during a brutal attack. Ever since then she has been treated as the lowest member of her pack, used and abused by all of the others with the full consent of her alpha. She hates what she was turned into, she has been given very little information about the rules of her new life and she has developed a deep distrust of any other werewolves - particularly the dominant males. Charles is the son of Bran, the leader of the North American werewolves, and works for his father as the pack enforcer. He met Anna when he was asked to investigate her pack and his wolf instantly recognised her as his mate. He was horrified by what he witnessed of Anna's abuse and rescued her from the Chicago pack and took her home with him. Now Charles has been asked to investigate werewolf attacks close to his home but as he is still recovering from the injuries sustained during Anna's rescue he is going to need Anna's help to take down the rogue werewolf.
Anna was always told that she was the most submissive member of her pack, she was treated as the lowest of the low and her self confidence is through the floor. But Anna isn't a natural submissive at all and Charles immediately recognised her as a very rare omega wolf, someone with the ability to calm the wolves around her and someone who would be an important member of any pack. He is determined to help her build her confidence and show her just how special she is. He is equally determined to show her that she has nothing to fear from him and that if she'll let him he will always be there as her mate to protect her. Having seen how badly Anna has been treated it is impossible not to feel sorry for the way she was brought into her new life but she isn't a character who is looking for sympathy. As much as she is wary of trusting people she is also a very strong woman - she had to be to have survived for as long as she did. She is understandably nervous around strangers but she instinctively knows that she can trust Charles not to hurt her. As she gets to know him better she becomes much braver at standing up to him when she knows he putting himself at risk and I was really pleased to see that she has an important role to play in the investigation of the werewolf attacks. Anna is never going to be the kind of woman who sits at home waiting for her man while he is out facing something dangerous which makes her perfect for Charles.
Charles is a great hero and someone who is incredibly protective of his friends and family but it doesn't take him long to realise that Anna is going to be the most important person in his life from now onwards. He never once pushes her though and is so patient and caring with her that it is a joy to watch. Charles is an old and incredibly powerful werewolf but he also has magic that was passed down to him from his Native American mother and I'll be really interested to learn more about his abilities. He isn't very good at expressing his emotions and as someone who has always been a bit of a loner words aren't his strong point which leads to some misunderstandings between him and Anna but I was glad they were able to resolve things in this first book so we aren't going to have a whole series of will they / won't they.
Anna and Charles are such a fab couple but the romance isn't actually the main focus of the story and there is plenty of action and intrigue to keep urban fantasy fans happy. The story kept me turning the pages and if I hadn't been in the middle of moving house I would have happily devoured this book in one sitting. Patricia Briggs is one of my favourite urban fantasy authors and I would highly recommend not only this book but also her entire Mercy Thompson series. I'm looking forward to spending more time with Anna and Charles when I pick up Hunting Ground.
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2nd Read
Buddy read with Ange, we're working our way through the whole series & it'll be my first time reading all of the books in the correct order (mixing the Mercy and Alpha & Omega books)
Since it's been nearly 2 years since Ange & I buddy read this series last we decided we're well overdue another read in the run up to the release of Fire Touched next March.
I love this series so much! The characters, the world building just everything about these books makes them a comfort read for me. Along with Ilona Andrews's Kate Daniels series this is probably my most reread series & I never get tired of it.
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4th Read
Why have I only rated this book 4* in the past? It definitely deserves 5!! I just adore Anna and Charles and the way their relationship develops across this series. Add in the extra time we get with Bran (who we don't see as much of in the Mercy books) and this is just perfect :o)...more
I have read this story every Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember, it's always been part of our Christmas traditions and it will always have a I have read this story every Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember, it's always been part of our Christmas traditions and it will always have a special place in my part because of that.
I don't think there are many people out there that aren't familiar with this poem by Clement C. Moore that was originally published in 1823. Theres a reason it's a classic and that's because it captures the magic of Christmas. We've had many versions of the book over the years but the one we read from now is beautifully illustrated by Richard Johnson, this is such a gorgeous book and I can't imagine a Christmas without it!
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN! On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my hand, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!
1st read March 2012 - 4 stars 2nd read December 2015 - 4 stars 3rd read - November 2017
1st read
I totally need to go back and re-read the first book now 1st read March 2012 - 4 stars 2nd read December 2015 - 4 stars 3rd read - November 2017
1st read
I totally need to go back and re-read the first book now before I carry on with the series. I can't believe I'd forgotten how much I like Barrons and that I never finished reading the books!
I have to mention the narrator on the audiobook - I loved his voice *swoon* had a bit of a hot flush listening to this one!! Am now tempted to buy the rest of the series as audiobooks.
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2nd read
Yes Barron's can be an arsehole but no I don't care! I love him anyway :o)
I have no desire to sleep with you. I want to fuck you. And there is no such thing as perfectly good sex. If it’s “perfectly good,” I mock in falsetto, “he should be shot in the head and put out of everyone’s misery. Sex either blows your fucking mind, or it’s not good enough. You want me to blow your fucking mind, Ms. Lane? Come on. Do it. Be a big girl....more
Stephanie has lost her job, she's completely broke and is about to lose both h1st read - January 2012 2nd read - November 2015
Original Review:
4.5 Stars
Stephanie has lost her job, she's completely broke and is about to lose both her car and her apartment so she needs money and she needs it quickly. Desperate she turns to her cousin Vinnie for a job at his bail bond company and finds herself thrown in at the deep end when she is asked to bring in Joe Morelli. Stephanie and Morelli may have history but it isn't going to be easy to capture a cop who is up on a murder charge. Then when Stephanie finds herself getting unwanted attention from boxer Benito it looks like Morelli may be the only person who can keep her safe.
I first discovered the Stephanie Plum series years ago and I must be on at least my third re-read of the series by now (well for the earlier books anyway). I'm a massive fan of Janet Evanovich and with the film version of One for the Money coming out in the UK in February I thought it was about time I picked up the series again. This is one of my favourite series, especially when I'm looking for something light hearted and pure fun that never fails to have me in tears of laughter.
Stephanie is like the Bridget Jones of the bounty hunting world and she skips from one disaster to the next in hilarious fashion. Along with her sidekicks Lula (an ex hooker with a love of all things Lycra, a heart of gold and a big attitude) and Grandma Mazur (a completely kooky old lady who loves guns and dreams of becoming a hot shot bounty hunter like her granddaughter) she manages to get herself into all sorts of trouble. Luckily she has two hot men to call on for back up - the sexy cop Morelli and the deliciously mysterious bounty hunter extraordinaire Ranger. 10 years and more than 15 books since I started reading this series and I still can't make up my mind which of these guys I love the most!
One for the Money is a fabulous introduction to Stephanie's world - you meet one of my favourite casts of characters, the plot is fast paced, the mystery keeps you guessing right to the end and the story will have you snorting with laughter. I can't recommend this series highly enough!
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2nd Read
The humour in these books never fails to make me laugh out loud (even on what must be at least my 4th read of this book!), I love Stephanie and her clumsiness, her crazy family and both of the men in her life. I STILL can't decide who I like best - Morelli or Ranger so I think I'll just have to keep both of them in my harem!
Series group read with Buddies, Books & Baubles starts 1st November. We're planning on reading one book a month so it'll be easy to keep up with if anyone else wants to join us :o)...more
I love Gena Showalter's adult books and I love the original Alice in Wonderland story so there was no way I could resist reading Alice in Zombieland! I have to admit that I was expecting a retelling of the original tale with added zombies but I really enjoyed the way Gena Showalter has come up with something unique and original but with hints at the original story woven throughout. I love a book about scary, people eating zombies (I can't be doing with this new trend for zombie romances!) and these zombies are particularly frightening. I don't want to spoil things by explaining what makes them unique so you'll have to read the book to get the details but trust me it won't be what you're expecting!
Alice has led a very sheltered life thanks to an incredibly overprotective father who claims that there are monsters out to get them. The rest of the family think her father is crazy but they have to be very careful to stick to his rules to keep the peace. After a losing her family in a tragic accident Alice has to move in with her grandparents. She is devastated by her loss and starting at a new school where she doesn't know anyone only makes things worse. As more and more strange things start to occur around her Alice starts to question her sanity - has she inherited her fathers madness or was he right all along?
I don't want to say too much about the story so I'm going to talk about why I loved the characters instead. Alice is a great heroine, she is smart and determined and although she is devastated by her loss she picks herself up and keeps going. It isn't easy to start over but once school starts she makes an effort to find friends. She has a very supportive friendship with Kat and I loved the way they stood by each other no matter what happened. Alice's grandparents were two of my favourite characters in the book - they tried so hard to make Alice feel welcome and their attempted use of teenage slang was hilarious. They never manage to get their words quite right but their attempts were so sweet. Parents I advise you to take notes as they interview Alice's date before he takes her out - that is how you scare boys senseless!!
Now this wouldn't be one of my favourite books if it didn't have an excellent romance and anyone who has read anything by Gena Showalter before will know how good she is at creating heroes to fall for! The first time Alice sets eyes on bad boy Cole something strange starts to happen to her, no it isn't a case of instant love - it's much more unusual than that! Cole is a bit of a moody bastard, he is constantly skipping school and when he does turn up he is covered in bruises from fighting. He isn't the kind of boy that Alice would usually be interested in but he might be the only person who can give her the answers she needs. I love the fact that they have such a love / hate relationship, they spent a lot of their time bickering but you just know the chemistry between them will be off the charts when they do get together. Although Cole can be arrogant and standoffish he does have a much softer and very caring side. He is protective when it comes to those he cares about and will do whatever it takes to keep his friends safe. Alice may be drawn to Cole and she may have the hots for him but that doesn't turn her into someone who is willing to go along with whatever he tells her to do, in fact there are plenty of times where she does the exact opposite. In Alice's words "I wasn't going to jump when he said jump. I was more likely to give him the finger." I do love a heroine who stands up for herself!
Although there is a hint of romance that is by no means the main focus of the book. The story is action packed and left me breathless. It's the kind of book that makes you irritated when real life intrudes and you have to put it down even for a minute. From beginning to end I was hooked on Alice in Zombieland and I will be buying my copy of Through the Zombie Glass the moment it becomes available!
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2nd Read
I'm so glad I decided to reread this before continuing the series because I'd forgotten pretty much the entire story! I didn't love it quite enough to rate it 5 stars the second time around but it's still a really good story and I'm excited to continue with the series....more
Please bear in mind that Shadowfever is the fifth (and currently the last although I know Ka1st Read - May 2012 2nd Read - December 2015
Original Review
Please bear in mind that Shadowfever is the fifth (and currently the last although I know Karen Marie Moning plans to come back to this world after writing the spin off trilogy about Dani) book in the Fever series. I have really enjoyed all of these books and would highly recommend them but you need to read the books in order starting with Darkfever, if you're not up to date with the series then you should stop reading this review now in case of spoilers.
Mac's story continues immediately after events in Dreamfever but I don't really want to go into details about the plot because I'd hate to spoil it for anyone. I will say it is packed with action, full of shocking twists and turns and will answer nearly all of the questions that we've had throughout the series. We finally find out what Barrons is and what he needs the book for, Mac finds out who was behind her sister's murder and the truth about her family and we discover how the Sinsar Dubh managed to escape from the Sidhe Seers in the first place. There really is so much going on that although this is a long book (671 pages in my paperback version) I still whizzed through it and didn't want to put it down for a second.
It's been a while since I discovered a series where each of the books are so consistently good and I thought Shadowfever was a fantastic ending to Mac's journey. I loved the way she has changed so much throughout the series, everything she has been through in such a short period of time has impacted dramatically on her and the changes continued in this book. Her grief makes her even harder than she was before, she will do whatever it takes to get her hands on the book so she can use it for her own agenda. It has been fun watching her go from a pink wearing, beach loving party girl to a fierce warrior in black leather and full of attitude. I'm pleased that she hasn't completely lost her inner girlie side though.
I absolutely love the way things ended between Mac and Barrons, I have been a massive Barrons fan since the first book and their relationship has been an intense (if sometimes frustrating) ride! As much as I'm looking forward to the spin off series about Dani I am really pleased that the author is planning on writing more books about Mac & Barrons in the future. I'm not ready to say goodbye to the couple yet so as much as their story has reached a satisfying conclusion for now I just want more!
Karen Marie Moning has definitely been added to my list of auto-buy authors, I can't wait to read Iced but I'm also very pleased to have her Highlander books to work my way through in the meantime. I've already ordered a copy of Beyond the Highland Mist!
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2nd Read
I'm loving this series even more the second time around! I'm not going to write a second review so I'll just share a couple of favourite quotes:
He pulls me around and kisses me. "You're Mac," he says. "And I'm Jericho. And nothing else matters. Never will. You exist in a place that is beyond all rules for me. Do you understand that?" I do. Jericho Barrons just told me he loves me.
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"They'll try to kill you." "Good thing I'm hard to kill." Only one thing concerned me. "Will you?" "Never. I'm the one who will always watch over you. Always be there to fuck you back to your senses when you need it, the one who will never let you die."
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He looked at me and I shivered. I never get enough of him. Never will.
He lives.
I breathe.
I want. Him. Always.
Fire to my ice. Ice to my fever. _________________________
The great MacHalo Fever reread starts in October! It's been over 4 years since I read these books and I still haven't read Iced or Burned so I'm VERY excited about this! Anyone is more than welcome to join us - whether you're a JZB superfan or a Fever virgin!
1st read May 2012 - 4 stars 2nd read December 2015 - 5 stars
Original Review
Bloodfever is the fourth book in Karen Marie Moning's Fever series starring 1st read May 2012 - 4 stars 2nd read December 2015 - 5 stars
Original Review
Bloodfever is the fourth book in Karen Marie Moning's Fever series starring Sidhe-Seer MacKayla Lane so this review may contain spoilers for the previous books. The story picks up right after the ending of Faefever - the walls between the Fae and mortal realms have failed allowing the unseelie prisoners to escape and leaving Dublin under attack. Worse still Mac has been turned pri-ya by the unseelie princes and has become completely obsessed with her physical needs not even able to remember her own name. Can she come back from the brink of madness to help put a stop to the Lord Master's plans?
I've been really enjoying the Fever series but I have to say I think Dreamfever was my favourite instalment yet. I'm so relieved that I already have my copy of Shadowfever though because the cliffhanger would probably have killed me if I had to wait a year for it! Poor Mac has been through so much since she arrived in Dublin and that pretty, sun loving, pink wearing & flirty young girl is no more - she has had to toughen up to cope with everything that life has thrown at her and she is now all black leather and sharp edges. You have to admire her just for surviving - I don't think many people would have the strength of character to go through everything she has and come out the other side with her sanity intact (well almost anyway lol).
It is so hard for her to know who to trust, she is afraid to even trust her own instincts any more. She feels that both Barrons and V'lane let her down by not coming to her rescue before the princes captured her and she is determined never to allow herself to rely on anyone again. I can completely understand why she feels like that but sometimes I do find myself wishing she would let people help her a bit more. I'm still desperate to find out more about Barrons - what the heck is he? - and I loved the way things played out between him and Mac in this book (particularly at the beginning of the story - I feel like I've waited FOREVER for that!).
It's been really interesting watching how things have played out with the Sidhe-Seers - I really can't stand Rowena and there were times I wanted to reach into the book and slap her but to give the wily old bird her dues she certainly knows how to play the political game and get people on her side! It was great to see the friendship between Mac and Dani grow though and I enjoyed seeing things from Dani's point of view for a few chapters at the beginning - that has made me excited about the spin off series staring her that comes out later this year (starting with Iced). I'm hoping we get to see Mac and Dani team up more in Shadowfever because I think they work so well together.
The story has been getting darker and darker with every instalment which makes for very intense reading. It's going to be very interesting to see how Karen Marie Moning finishes this part of the series - I'm really hoping that Mac gets to have some kind of happiness by the end because I think she's earned at least a bit of a break!
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2nd Read
I'm loving this series even more the second time around! I'm not going to write a second review so I'll just share a couple of favourite quotes:
“Open your eyes and say my name.”
I squeeze them shut more tightly.
“It would make my cock hard to hear you say my name.”
My eyes pop open. “Jericho Barrons,” I say sweetly.
He makes a pained sound. “Bloody hell, woman, I think a part of me wants to keep you this way.”
I touch his face. “I like how I am. I like how you are, too. When you are…What is that word you used? Cooperating.”
“Tell me to fuck you.”
I smile and comply. We’re back in territory I understand.
“You didn’t say my name. Say my name when you tell me to fuck you.”
“Fuck me, Jerricho Barrons.”
“From now on, you will call me Jericho Barrons every time you speak to me.”
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Our sex is fierce. We will both be bruised.
"I want it to always be like this," I tell him.
"Try holding onto that thought."
"I do not need to try. I will never feel differently."
His laughter is as dark and cold as the place of which I dream, "One day you will wonder if it's possible to hate me more.”
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“You're leaving me, Rainbow Girl.”
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When he comes, he makes a noise deep in his throat that is so raw and animal and sexual that I think if he merely looked at me and made that noise, I might explode in an orgasm.
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Although love could grow in times of peace, it tempered in battle. Daddy told me once - when I'd said something about how perfect his relationship with Mom was - that I should have seen the first five years of their marriage, that they'd fought like hellions, crashed into each other like two giant stones. That eventually they'd eroded each other into the perfect fit, become a single wall, nestled into each other's curves and hollows, her strengths chinking his weaknesses, her weaknesses reinforced by his strengths.
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The great MacHalo Fever reread starts in October! It's been over 4 years since I read these books and I still haven't read Iced or Burned so I'm VERY excited about this! Anyone is more than welcome to join us - whether you're a JZB superfan or a Fever virgin!
1st read May 2012 - 4 stars 2nd read November 2015 - 5 stars 3rd read january 2018
Original Review
Faefever is the third book in Karen Marie Moning's Fev1st read May 2012 - 4 stars 2nd read November 2015 - 5 stars 3rd read january 2018
Original Review
Faefever is the third book in Karen Marie Moning's Fever series starring Sidhe-Seer MacKayla Lane. The story picks up right after the ending of Bloodfever - Mac is still searching for the Sinsar Dubh (an ancient book that is supposed to contain Fae secrets) although that is proving difficult when getting anywhere near it causes her incredible pain. She is also determined to track down her sister's murderer and figure out who has Alina's missing journal and why they are sending random pages to her. As Samhain approaches and the walls between the Fae and human realms get ever weaker Mac must decide who she can trust to help her stop them falling completely.
This series seems to get more and more addictive with every book I read. The cliffhangers also seem to get worse and worse with every book though so I'm very glad I waited until all 5 books were already available before I started reading them - if I had to wait a whole year for the next book I might have started screaming when I reached the end of Faefever!
This series definitely falls on the darker side of urban fantasy, the things that Mac has been through (and continues to go through) don't always make for comfortable reading. She has grown up a lot since the first book though and you have to admire her for her determination to not just survive but also to protect innocents and to get vengeance for her sister. She has proved to be a lot tougher than I ever thought she would be considering how girlie she was at the start of the series. I do like the fact that she still has that softer side though, the side that likes to dress in pretty clothes and flirt with handsome men - Mac proves that women don't have to act like men all of the time to be kick ass.
I also like the fact that she no longer blindly trusts anyone, given her history with Barrons, V'lane and even her fellow Sidhe-Seers she has learnt to always look for hidden motives in people's actions. Talking of the other characters I still can't get enough of Barrons, yes he can be a bit of a bastard at times but there is still something about him that just leaves you begging for more. I love the intensity of the relationship between him and Mac and although they are keeping me waiting I know they will be an explosive combination when they finally give into their mutual lust! V'lane is another interesting character and one who I find myself liking a little more with each book, I still don't trust him (I don't actually trust Barrons either) but I do think that most of the time he is looking out for Mac's best interests. It was great to see more of Christian MacKeltar, we had met him briefly in the previous book but I'm even more intrigued now I know a bit more about him and his family. Fingers crossed they have a part in the next book too.
I know I had been warned that this series had killer cliffhangers but OMG that was worse than anything I could have expected! Karen Marie Moning managed to shock the heck out of me and has left me desperate to find out what happens next. Thankfully I already have the last two books sitting on my shelves so I'm off to start reading Dreamfever!
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2nd Read
I loved this even more the second time around but it was even worse knowing what was coming and not being able to do anything to stop it!
I love how Mac has grown from the beginning of the series, of course I'm still nuts about Barrons, V'Lane makes me want to punch him and I can't stand Rowena but I'm glad the other sidhe-seers are able to think for themselves and don't always follow her blindly.
A few favourite quotes:
Nobody looks good in their darkest hours. But it's those hours that make us what we are.
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Barrons’ lips twitched. I’d almost made him smile. Barrons smiles about as often as the sun comes out in Dublin, and it has the same effect on me; makes me feel warm and stupid.
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When Barrons looks at me like that, it rattles me. Lust, in those ancient, obsidian eyes, offers no trace of humanity. Doesn’t even bother trying. Savage Mac wants to invite it to come out and play. I think she’s nuts. Nuts, I tell you.
---
Barrons was powerful, broodingly good-looking, insanely wealthy, frighteningly intelligent, and had exquisite taste, not to mention a hard body that emitted some kind of constant low-level charge. Bottom line: He was the stuff of heroes.
And psychotic killers.
---
“What are you?” I said irritably. “In the Serengeti, Ms. Lane, I would be the cheetah. I’m stronger, smarter, faster, and hungrier than everything else out there. And I don’t apologize to the gazelle when I take it down.”
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The great MacHalo Fever reread starts in October! It's been over 4 years since I read these books and I still haven't read Iced or Burned so I'm VERY excited about this! Anyone is more than welcome to join us - whether you're a JZB superfan or a Fever virgin!
1st read May 2012 2nd read November 2015 3rd read December 2017
Original Review
Bloodfever is the second book in Karen Marie Moning's Fever series starrin1st read May 2012 2nd read November 2015 3rd read December 2017
Original Review
Bloodfever is the second book in Karen Marie Moning's Fever series starring Sidhe-Seer MacKayla Lane. The story picks up right after the ending of Darkfever - Mac is staying with Barrons as she recovers from her injuries and has agreed to help him search for the Sinsar Dubh (an ancient book that is supposed to contain Fae secrets). She now knows who was behind her sister's murder and is determined to track them down and make them pay. With the number of Unseelie Fae on the streets of Dublin increasing daily and the interest she has attracted from the Seelie prince V'lane it isn't going to be easy for Mac to keep her head down and stay out of trouble. Especially when an old enemy comes out of the woodwork looking to get revenge against her. Add in the Sidhe-Seer organisation that want her to join them and things are about to get complicated.
I'm making it my mission this year to finally finish reading all those series that I started, bought the whole series after enjoying the first book and then never got around to finishing and the Fever series is first on my list. I really enjoyed the first book when I read it last year and I have no idea why I never got around to finishing it, perhaps afterwards I'll finally get around to trying Karen Marie Moning's Highlander series too!
Mac isn't your typical urban fantasy heroine, she is much more girlie than most - she loves to dress up in fun flirty colours and was quite a pool bunny before she left her home in Georgia to track down her sister's killer in Dublin. Having said that she is also smart and stubborn and she is learning to kick ass when she needs to. She may not be the strongest character physically but she has determination and she is able to stand on her own two feet emotionally. I love the fact that Mac still has that flirty side to her but it was nice to see that she has started to grow up too.
My favourite thing about this series so far has to be Mac's developing relationship with Barrons. I love the banter between them, every single scene with the two of them in it has me on the edge of my seat waiting to see how things play out. They have such a love / hate relationship right now but I know exactly which way I want to see things go as the series continues. Barrons is a complete mystery man and I'm dying to start uncovering some of his secrets. He can be evasive and often comes across as uncaring and emotionless but every so often you get a glimpse of something more to him and those instances have me hooked. Barrons is definitely the kind of guy that leaves you wanting more. The chemistry between him and Mac is intense and I can't wait to see that spark finally ignite -- I have a feeling that when it does the outcome is going to be an inferno!
I'm still curious about the death-by-sex fae prince V'lane too, I wouldn't trust him as far as I can throw him but I don't think he is all bad. I have a feeling that he could end up being someone that Mac has to rely on in the future and it will be interesting to see if he ends up betraying her or if he'll actually be someone she can trust to support her. Bloodfever had a darker story line than Darkfever and I was actually shocked at the things that Mac has to go through so early in the series. It just goes to prove that she is a lot stronger than most people give her credit for though and it made me look at her with a new respect too. These are the kind of books that you want to make sure you have time to devour in one sitting, I found it impossible to put down once I'd started and I'm itching to pick up the next book. Luckily I have the rest of the series sitting on my shelves and I'm determined that it won't be another year before I pick up the next one!
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b>2nd Read
I'm so glad I'm rereading this series, I'm enjoying it even more now I know where the series is heading and I'm more in love with Barrons than ever!
A few favourite quotes:
One day you will kiss a man you can't breathe without, and find that breath is of little consequence. --- I was about to look away when he reached across the seat, touched my jaw with his long, strong, beautiful fingers, and caressed my face.
Being touched by Jericho Barrons with kindness makes you feel like you must be the most special person in the world. It’s like walking up to the biggest, most savage lion in the jungle, lying down, placing your head it its mouth and, rather than taking your life, it licks you and purrs. --- “What are you Barrons?” “The one who will never let you die, and that’s more, Ms Lane, than anyone in your life has been able to say to you. More than anyone else can do” --- There are only shades of gray. Black and white are nothing more than lofty ideals in our minds, the standards by which we try to judge things, and map out our place in the world in relevance to them. Good and evil, in their purest form, are as intangible and forever beyond our ability to hold in our hand as any Fae illusion. We can only aim at them, aspire to them, and hope not to get so lost in the shadows that we can no longer aim for the light. --- Flirtation doesn't have to go somewhere; it certainly doesn't need to end up in bed. I like to think of it as a little friendlier than a handshake, a little less intimate than a kiss. It's a way of saying hi, you look great, have a wonderful day. A tasteful flirtation, played out people who understand the rules, leave everyone feeling good and can perk up the bluest mood. _________________________ The great MacHalo Fever reread starts in October! It's been over 4 years since I read these books and I still haven't read Iced or Burned so I'm VERY excited about this! Anyone is more than welcome to join us - whether you're a JZB superfan or a Fever virgin!
1st read - January 2012 2nd read - April 2015 3rd read - April 2016 4th read - November 2017 5th read - July 2018 6th read - May 2019 7th read - October 2021st read - January 2012 2nd read - April 2015 3rd read - April 2016 4th read - November 2017 5th read - July 2018 6th read - May 2019 7th read - October 2020 8th read - January 2021
Original Review
A Questionable Client is a prequel short story for the Kate Daniels series and shows a bit of Kate's history with the Mercenary Guild and we see her first meeting with shape shifter Saiman. This is a great introduction to the series and I loved finding out more about Saiman who is a character that intrigued me in the first book Magic Bites. Although short this story is full of humour and was a quick, enjoyable read that has reminded me how much I liked the first book in this series and has made me keen to continue reading Kate's story.
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2nd Read
I already read and reviewed A Questionable Client as part of the Magic Graves anthology but I can't reread the series without including all the short stories and little extras!
I'd actually forgotten how creepy Saiman can be! I still find him fascinating though and I loved getting to see how Kate met him. This is a fab little intro to the series & I'd definitely recommend giving it a try if you haven't already.
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3rd Read
My fellow Ilona Andrews Addicts have started their annual reread of the Kate Daniels series and of course it was imposssible to resist so I'm joining in too. This series is definitely one of my favourites and I'm excited to dive back in!...more
Evie has always been the black sheep of her family, she was the wild chilI read this novella as part of the Baby, It's Cold Outside anthology
3.5 Stars
Evie has always been the black sheep of her family, she was the wild child who wanted to go off and do her own thing while her brother and sisters were happy to tow the family line and get a good education and find a good career or at the very least marry someone who fitted the family's idea of successful. Having spent 10 years away from home travelling with her ex boyfriend and his band she hates the idea of coming home with her tail between her legs now that things have all gone wrong. Wes has been her brother's best friend since childhood, he fits her parent's idea of the perfect guy - rich, successful and the CEO of his own company - so that automatically means that Evie shouldn't be interested in him. He couldn't be more different than any guy she has dated before but in spite of that she has always felt a surprising attraction to him. When they bump into each other on the way home sparks fly and they are both forced to reconsider what they want from life.
This was another enjoyable story, Evie was terrified of flying so she gets herself into quite a state by drinking too much on the plane. Watching her proposition Wes was really funny but he found her incredibly hard to resist. When she has had time to sober up Wes takes great enjoyment at teasing her about the things she said but she turns the tables on him when she sets out to seduce him. Because the couple have known each other for so long and we get to see things from both of their points of view it was much easier to believe how quickly things progress between them. The attraction between them is intense and the way Evie sets out to get her man was great fun to watch....more
Tamara is sick of men who are only interested in one thing, she is determined thatI read this novella as part of the Baby, It's Cold Outside anthology
Tamara is sick of men who are only interested in one thing, she is determined that she will no longer sleep with someone unless they have at least a chance of building a future together. She's not looking for guarantees but she wants someone who is looking for the same things from life as she is so has instigated a new rule - she won't even kiss a guy until their 10th date. To escape the New Year celebrations she is spending time alone in her friend's family cabin but the last thing she expects is for her very sexy, much younger brother to arrive. Luke has recently arrived home from Afghanistan and is planning on surprising his sister, it turns out the surprise is on him when he meets her drunk but adorable friend.
Without a doubt this was my favourite story in the anthology, I had so much fun reading it and as soon as I finished I wanted to go back to the beginning and start it all over again! Tamara is the kind of girl I think most women can relate to and she had me laughing out loud at the way she drunkenly propositions Luke. Now Luke, what can I say about Luke? I guess the main thing is he was absolutely delicious! Not only is he a returning hero with an incredibly chiselled body but he is also a genuinely nice, caring guy. I want to know where I can find a Luke of my very own please. I loved the connection between Tamara and Luke, they are so obviously attracted to each other but she is determined to resist him. I really enjoyed seeing him slowly break through her defences, the way he manages to fit their first 10 dates into the space of a day was hilarious but surprisingly romantic and I'm never going to look at a game of scrabble in quite the same way again! When they finally give in to their passion it was explosive and my only disappointment was that I wasn't ready for the story to end....more
I read this novella as part of the Baby, It's Cold Outside anthology (This story was called 'Tis the Season to Love Shopping in the anthology & has beI read this novella as part of the Baby, It's Cold Outside anthology (This story was called 'Tis the Season to Love Shopping in the anthology & has been re-named before being released as an individual novella)
Kate moved from London to New York for her dream job but she left her boyfriend behind and their attempts at a long distance relationship were a disaster. Lonely and miserable she decides she might as well make the most of the Christmas day quiet to catch up on her work. When she ends up getting stuck in the department store with her boss's son thanks to a sudden blizzard things quickly start to heat up between them but can she trust a playboy with her heart?
I really enjoyed this story and would love to see more of Kate and Ryder in a future book. This story really does show that you shouldn't judge people by your first impressions or rumours that you hear about them. Both Kate and Ryder completely misjudge each other but as they get to know each other better they realise how wrong they were and how much they actually have in common. I loved the idea of being trapped in a department store and just being able to wander around and take whatever you needed to make it through the night, it sounded like a lot of fun and would be even better of you had someone as hot as Ryder to pass the time with. This story had everything I look for in a romance - great chemistry, fun banter, a sexy, protective hero and a likeable heroine.
In this first story we meet Ellie who absolutely loves everything about Christmas I read this novella as part of the Baby, It's Cold Outside anthology
In this first story we meet Ellie who absolutely loves everything about Christmas and spending time with her extended family. After a nasty break up she has travelled to the other side of the world to be with her godmother who is recovering in hospital and she is quick to volunteer her services at a Children's Christmas party. Mitch is the complete opposite of Ellie, throughout his childhood Christmas was never something to look forward to and now he is more than happy to ignore that time of the year completely. He only ends up agreeing to play Santa at the Christmas party because he hopes it will get him the promotion he has spent months working towards. Can Ellie teach Mitch the real meaning of Christmas and melt his heart?
I did enjoy this story but I have to admit it was my least favourite of the four. I liked the way Mitch started to reassess his life after watching the children at the party and was pleased to see him start to warm up as he got to know Ellie. I think my main problem with the story was that the conversations between them sometimes had a bit of a stilted feel to them and it didn't always feel true to life. I also felt that they rushed into having the big chat about not being able to guarantee anything long term - they had only met that afternoon so I didn't feel like that was something they would or even should be talking about so quickly. I know that things often move quickly in a short story but it came across as particularly rushed. It was still a sweet story though but I think I'd have enjoyed it even more if it had been a longer novel where there was time to develop the relationship more slowly....more
I read this book as part of the Naughty & Nice: Three Holiday Treats anthology last year & would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a swI read this book as part of the Naughty & Nice: Three Holiday Treats anthology last year & would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a sweet and spicy holiday read.
My thoughts on the story (taken from my review of the anthology):
Carson couldn't wait to get away from his home town and left as soon as he was old enough. Apart from the occasional visit home he hasn't looked back since but now thanks to his father's ailing health it looks like he's going to be trapped in a longer visit. The only thing even slightly attractive about staying in town is spending time with his ex girlfriend Julie but Julie has had her heart broken by him one too many times and she isn't going to let him back in without a fight.
The main reason I wanted to read this anthology was for the story by Ruthie Knox, I've read and loved her work in the past so I had high hopes for her contribution and Room at the Inn didn't disappoint - it was my favourite story in the anthology. Carson has spent his whole life running from his feelings, he was so convinced that he would lose Julie one day that he ran out on her before things could get serious (now there's some typical man logic at work if ever I saw it!). Since then he has been so busy focusing on staying away from home that he's forgotten what is missing from his life. I found it quite amusing watching him go from desperately trying to escape to realising that Julie is all he has ever wanted and having to convince her that this time he means it. It would have been easy to feel sorry for Julie but after getting her heart broken she picked herself up, dusted herself off and got on with building a life for herself. She may not have had the man she loved in her life but she was determined to chase her other dreams and you have to admire her for that. Room at the Inn is a really sweet, and definitely sexy, story of two lovers who are reunited and given the opportunity to try again and I really enjoyed reading it....more
I read each of these short stories & novellas as ebooks when they were released last year but I thought I'd put all my reviews together in one place fI read each of these short stories & novellas as ebooks when they were released last year but I thought I'd put all my reviews together in one place for anyone who is considering buying the book. If you're a fan of the series and you haven't already read these novellas then I'd say it's well worth investing in this collection. If they bring out a paperback I'll definitely be buying a copy to sit on my shelves with the rest of the series.
Please note that as these short stories slot in at different points of the series some of these reviews may contain slight spoilers for earlier books.
A Killer First Date - 4 stars
It's no secret that I love Alyxandra Harvey's Drake Chronicles series, these books are just so much fun to read and always have me laughing out loud all the way through! So when I spotted this short story for just 65p on Amazon UK for the Kindle I bought it without even reading the description.
Lucy has been my favourite character ever since the first book - I love her snarky sense of humour and the fact that she is so fearless despite being the only human hanging out with the Drake family - so I was delighted when I realised that this is the story of her first official date with Nicholas. A Killer First Date fits into the series between Out for Blood and Bleeding Hearts and is told from both Lucy and Hunter's points of view as they go on a double date with their respective Drake brothers. Hunter is fast becoming another favourite character in the series and I would have a hard time picking between Nicholas and Quinn so I really enjoyed getting another glimpse of their lives now they are couples.
Although I wouldn't recommend reading this story before Out for Blood you won't be missing out on anything if you decide not to read it at all as it doesn't contain anything important to the series story arc. However I'm happy to recommend the story to fans because it contains everything you'd expect from Alyxandra Harvey. You get humour, action and kissing scenes with characters you love wrapped up in a short story that can easily be read when you don't have much time to spare. It's helped tide me over while I wait for Blood Moon to be released in June!
A Field Guide to Vampires: Annotated by Lucy Hamilton - 3 stars
Alyxandra Harvey has recently written several novellas to go along with her Drake Chronicles series, they are all quick reads and available for a reasonable price via Amazon for the kindle. If you don't have a kindle there are options to read the story on your computer or through various apps for other devices.
A Field Guide to Vampires: Annotated by Lucy Hamilton is the guidebook given to all new members of the Helios-Ra but with added snarky comments from Lucy. It does contain minor spoilers for the rest of the series so I wouldn't recommend reading it until after the 4th book (Bleeding Hearts).
The guide includes everything that the Helios-Ra know (or think they know) about the different vampire groups and the Drake family. It also gives you some interesting snippets of the Helios-Ra history and information about some of the most famous vampire hunters since the society was first formed. Considering this is Lucy's personal copy of the guide she obviously hasn't been able to resist adding her own sarcastic comments and I'm sure any Lucy fan will enjoy reading them. Although I enjoyed reading this I have to admit that it was shorter than I expected it to be, I would have liked it to have been longer and had expected to see more of Lucy's comments. It was still a fun read though and worth picking up if you're a major fan of the series.
Corsets and Crossbows - 4 stars
Alyxandra Harvey has recently written several novellas to go along with her Drake Chronicles series, they are all quick reads and available for a reasonable price via Amazon for the kindle. If you don't have a kindle there are options to read the story on your computer or through various apps for other devices.
Corsets and Crossbows is set in the early 1800's so can be read as a prequel to the series or at any other time because it contains no spoilers for the main storyline. The story is told using a series of letters from one of the first female members of the Helios-Ra; Rosalind Wild, to her friend Evangeline. Rosalind wants nothing more than to prove that women can be as good at vampire hunting as men are but although she has been allowed to join the Helios-Ra she hasn't exactly been welcomed with open arms. When she uncovers a plot to assassinate their leader she sees it as the ideal way to prove her worth.
This is an enjoyable quick read and has the same humour to it that the Drake Chronicles books do. Although there is no crossover of characters from the rest of the series it was nice to see a glimpse of Helios-Ra history. Rosalind is an ancestor of Hunter's and it shows that her family has always contained it's fair share of spunky women - you can see where Hunter gets it from! I'd recommend this for any fan of the series.
Lost Girls - 4 stars
I read this novella as an extra bonus the UK paperback of Blood Moon.
Lost Girls tells the story of how Liam and Helena first met. I don't want to say much about the story because it would be too easy to give spoilers but I really enjoyed getting to see them both before they married and had the children. It's easy to see them just as parents in the rest of the series and not think about the lives they had before they met so I liked this extra side to them. It was also great to get a better idea of how and why Helena became the kick ass mum that she is now....more
Lila and Spence had a three day fling several months ago when they met at a hotel, their chemistry was scorching but neither of them were looking for Lila and Spence had a three day fling several months ago when they met at a hotel, their chemistry was scorching but neither of them were looking for anything permanent so they were happy to walk in opposite directions to go back to their normal lives. Lila has just moved across the country to start over again after being badly betrayed by her ex-husband, the only family she has left is her elderly uncle who has recently retired to Florida leaving her in charge of rebuilding his holiday resort but she gets more than she bargained for when she realises just how run down the resort really is. Spence may not be looking for a relationship but he isn't the kind of guy who can let anyone struggle on their own so he jumps at the chance of helping Lila settle into her new town, besides he owes her an apology for the lies he told when they first met and he still hasn't forgotten how hot they were together.
We'll be Home for Christmas is actually the third story in HelenKay Dimon's Holloway series but it was my first book by this author and it worked fine as a stand alone. I enjoyed it so much that I'm fully intending to check out the rest of the series though, it has that perfect small town setting with a bunch of great characters and I laughed at the way they were all happy to meddle in Spence's love life. I loved Spence and Lila but I also liked Spence's brother Austin and I really want to get to know some of the other town members better. Lila is a strong character, she is brave and determined and although she has been through hell she is going to do whatever it takes to make the most of her new start. She has never really had anyone to rely on so she is shocked when Spence and the other members of the town come to her aid and expect nothing in return. Spence might not be the kind of guy who believes in happy ever afters but he is still a caring and protective guy who looks out for the people around him. He was constantly helping people but most of the time he did it in secret and he never expected praise or thanks for his help. I felt that Spence and Lila made a great couple, they have fantastic chemistry but they also had a genuine connection and both really cared for each other. I'd recommend this story to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with a small town setting and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author....more
Quinn has been in love with Lyric for as long as he can remember but she was only ever interested in his twin brother Oliver. Then after Oliver tragicQuinn has been in love with Lyric for as long as he can remember but she was only ever interested in his twin brother Oliver. Then after Oliver tragically dies in a car accident grief pulls them together and they end up having a passionate one night stand. But Quinn was struggling to cope with the loss of his twin and he blamed himself for Oliver's death so he left town without a word. Four years later and Quinn has returned, he still has feelings for Lyric and wants to both gain her forgiveness and claim her heart but Lyric has a secret - one that could break Quinn's heart and end things between them forever.
Yours at Midnight starts just after Christmas and culminates on New Years Eve so it was the perfect book for me to read this week and made a nice story to end my years reading with. I have to admit that I'd guessed what Lyric's secret was before I even started reading the story but that didn't reduce my enjoyment in the slightest. Lyric is a strong character who you can't help but admire for the way she has made the best out of a difficult situation and built a good life for herself. I could understand why she initially kept her secret but I did find myself getting a little irritated with her for taking so long to open up to Quinn and I felt that he forgave her a little too quickly but that is to be expected in a fairly short novel.
I really liked Quinn, he has been in love with Lyric for so long but had to watch her daydream about his brother. He was so jealous of Oliver but that doesn't mean he didn't love him and he was devastated by his death. I really felt for him and was pleased that Lyric was able to help him get past the guilt he felt over the accident. I enjoyed watching them spend time with Lyric's family, her mother had some great advice for them both but I also enjoyed the friendly sibling rivalry and banter between her brothers and sisters. Yours at Midnight was an enjoyable holiday romance and I'm looking forward to reading more from Robin Bielman in the future....more
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