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Most Wanted Reads: Up From the Grave by Jeaniene Frost


Most Wanted Reads is inspired by Waiting on Wednesday hosted/created by Breaking the Spine. I just wanted to personalize it a little bit for me.

One of the many reasons,
I'm addicted to Urban Fantasy!



 

There’s always one more grave to dig.

Lately, life has been unnaturally calm for vampires Cat Crawfield and her husband Bones. They should have known better than to relax their guard, because a shocking revelation sends them back into action to stop an all-out war…

A rogue CIA agent is involved in horrifying secret activities that threaten to raise tensions between humans and the undead to dangerous heights. Now Cat and Bones are in a race against time to save their friends from a fate worse than death…because the more secrets they unravel, the deadlier the consequences. And if they fail, their lives—and those of everyone they hold dear— will be hovering on the edge of the grave.

 

I've been waiting for the next Cat and Bones book for a while. And after getting an excerpt  in Jeaniene Frost's Twice Tempted I'm more excited than ever. Cat and Bones will be back! Yes! I am curious to see where the author is going with this book, all that is happening! I only wish the wait wasn't so damn long. end of January 2014?! You might as well say February 2014! UGH!



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Review: Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks


Title:  Never Seduce a Scot
Author:  Maya Banks
Series:  Montgomerys & Armstrongs, #1
Publisher:  Ballantine Books
Release Date:  September 25, 2012
Pages:  372
Rating:  

 

Eveline Armstrong is fiercely loved and protected by her powerful clan, but outsiders consider her “touched.” Beautiful, fey, with a level, intent gaze, she doesn’t speak. No one, not even her family, knows that she cannot hear. Content with her life of seclusion, Eveline has taught herself to read lips and allows the outside world to view her as daft. But when an arranged marriage into a rival clan makes Graeme Montgomery her husband, Eveline accepts her duty—unprepared for the delights to come. Graeme is a rugged warrior with a voice so deep and powerful that his new bride can hear it, and hands and kisses so tender and skilled that he stirs her deepest passions.

Graeme is intrigued by the mysterious Eveline, whose silent lips are ripe with temptation and whose bright, intelligent eyes can see into his soul. As intimacy deepens, he learns her secret. But when clan rivalries and dark deeds threaten the wife he has only begun to cherish, the Scottish warrior will move heaven and earth to save the woman who has awakened his heart to the beautiful song of a rare and magical love.

 

"I love you, Eveline," he whispered, though he knew she could not hear him. "Somehow, I'll make you hear me and you'll know that I love you as fiercely as it's possible for a man to love a woman."

This was my first Maya Banks book and I have been avoiding this author a lot, I don't know why! But finally I have read one of her books and Holy Hell! I am in love! NEVER SEDUCE A SCOT was one of the best Historical Romances I have ever read! Maya Banks has become an immediate favorite and I will definitely be checking out more of her books! But I gotta say it again, I am in love!

The Montgomerys and The Armstrongs have been at war with each other for a long time. King Alexander II is sick of having two of his allies at war with each other so he declares that Graeme Montgomery and Eveline Armstrong will marry and hopes this marriage between the two will slowly bring peace between the two clans. Let just say everything starts as hell in the beginning, but eventually by the end peace definitely happens!

Then she turned her gaze on Graeme. "I know not whether she's afflicted or daft or whatever it is that's said about her. I only know that she's courageous. And whether she speaks or doesn't has little to do with the fact that she can communicate because she made it very clear what she wanted --- nay, demanded ---from me."

Eveline Armstrong is our lovely heroine of the story and she is such a beautiful heroine on the inside and outside. Eveline is loved, cherished and protected by her family. There is rumor going around that she is touched and defective by outsiders. She has not uttered a single word either since her accident. But the truth is that she just cannot hear. She is able to read lips. She accepts her marriage to Graeme. Eveline becomes attached to Graeme quite quickly and she becomes loyal to her.

He hadn't expected such a thing. Never would he have imagined feeling this way about the bride who had been forced upon him. As he glanced down at her golden head, he couldn't imagine it any other way. He didn't wait to imagine being without her.

Graeme Montgomery is our sexy hero of the story and Man, oh man! I couldn't ask for someone better! Graeme is definitely intrigued by his wife. He is gentle and kind with her and treats her like a treasure and desires her as a man should a woman. He is perfect and by the end, he loves Eveline so much that he won't let his hatred for the Armstrongs ruin what he has with Eveline. He loves her too much! Definitely my kind of highland hero!

She smiled. "I quite like you, husband." He blinked in surprise at her pronouncement. Then he laughed. "I like you, too, Eveline." Then he realized the one word she hadn't said and he was suddenly filled with impatience, wanting to hear it from her lips.

One thing I didn't like is the way that The Montgomerys treat Eveline. I mean, even after Graeme makes it known how she should be treated. It takes Graeme threatening to throw his people out of the clan for them to finally get it. I feel that Graeme should have pushed the threatening speech a bit sooner, but that is just me. But it was a fun ride for the hate to peace thing develop! Eveline gained respect from the Montgomerys by the end, so all is good! NEVER SEDUCE A SCOT was definitely a page turner! As soon as I picked up the book I could not put it down until I finished reading it! I am so very excited for the next book in this amazing series and hopefully release date gets her quickly!



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Cover Reveal: Up From the Grave by Jeaniene Frost



There’s always one more grave to dig.


Lately, life has been unnaturally calm for vampires Cat Crawfield and her husband Bones. They should have known better than to relax their guard, because a shocking revelation sends them back into action to stop an all-out war…

A rogue CIA agent is involved in horrifying secret activities that threaten to raise tensions between humans and the undead to dangerous heights. Now Cat and Bones are in a race against time to save their friends from a fate worse than death…because the more secrets they unravel, the deadlier the consequences. And if they fail, their lives—and those of everyone they hold dear— will be hovering on the edge of the grave.

    
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Review: River Marked by Patricia Briggs


Title:  River Marked
Author:  Patricia Briggs
Series:  Mercedes Thompson, #6
Publisher:  Ace
Release Date:  March 1, 2011
Pages:  326
Rating:  

 

Coyote shifter Mercy Thompson knows that life with her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will never be boring, but even their wedding doesn't go as planned. Nevertheless, a ten-day honeymoon camping on the banks of the Columbia River, alone, just the two of them, should make up for it. But the trip - and the pimped-out trailer they're using - is courtesy of the fae. And nothing from the fae comes without strings attached...

Being a different breed of shapeshifter - a walker - Mercy can see ghosts, but the spirit of her long-gone father has never visited her. Until now. An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River - and innocent people are dying. As other walkers make their presence know to Mercy, she must reconnect with her heritage to exorcise the world of the legend known as the river devil...

 

“What did you do?” I heard a siren and hoped that it wasn’t someone coming looking for me. I made my brisk walk a little brisker. “Got in a fight with my girlfriend, apparently.” I hung up before he could ask me anything else.

I had seriously been holding off on RIVER MARKED big time! Honestly, I was scared to read it. I had heard it was very disappointing and that scared me off, but now that Frost Burned would be releasing soon I decided to read it to get it over with. Adam and Mercy were wonderful as always, but beyond that I did have some major problems.

Son of a bitch. I would kill him. I didn’t care if he was Coyote or the son of Satan. He was a dead man walking.

What I love about the Mercedes Thompson series is that Mercy has my middle name. Haha! Just kidding, though that is true! What I love about this series is that Mercy is a total bad ass and that she has a super hunky alpha werewolf as her mate that I am totally envious of, the Pack and the wonderful characters of the Mercedes Thompson Series. This book has a lot of Mercy and Adam and then Mercy learning about her heritage and her father. To be honest, it was completely boring!

“Otters,” I told Adam, my teeth beginning to chatter with the effect of the water. “If I start screaming, it’s because the otters have come to get me.”

I could only stand the beginning up to the point where we have the Mercy and Adam scenes and that's it. The new characters and plot I couldn't stand because it was so un-interested. I must be so terrible to say that, but I felt like something huge was missing. The Pack really made the series for me. I guess it took for them to be absent for me to realize that. I could really feel like something was off and missing.

“Sorry,” he said. “Too many changes and not enough food.” I patted his hard belly and kissed it. “Poor thing,” I told it. “Doesn’t Adam treat you right? No worries. I’ll go feed you.” My head bounced when Adam laughed.

Thankfully the Adam and Mercy moments were not boring, Thank the Lords! Adam and Mercy were so darn cute! Adam worrying so much over Mercy and Mercy kicking some serious butt! And there was this really cute scene were they had this fight and they shift and Adam brings her a dead bunny as an apology! I look forward to more of them in the future books for sure! They are just so awesome! Little disappointment like many have pointed out, no sexy honeymoon scene? Come on, Briggs! I want some action here!

“I’ll stay here. But you better put a shirt on, or your gorgeous self will cause an accident if you go running by the road, and someone sees you.” He smiled at that; I think he thought I was joking.

RIVER MARKED would not be my favorite book by any means, but it wasn't so horrible, just the boring parts. Not the worst book in the series, but I wasn't thrilled with it. I'm sure the next book will be tons better since they will all be back in the comfort and home of the Pack where they are supposed to be! I am much looking forward to Frost Burned and can't wait for its release!



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Review: Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews


Title:  Gunmetal Magic
Author:  Ilona Andrews
Series:  Kate Daniels, #5.5
Publisher:  Ace
Release Date:  July 31, 2012
Pages:  435
Rating:  

 

The New York Times bestselling Kate Daniels novels have been hailed as “top-notch urban fantasy” (Monsters and Critics). Now, Ilona Andrews delves deeper into Kate’s world, and reveals its untold stories…

After being kicked out of the Order of the Knights of Merciful Aid, Andrea’s whole existence is in shambles. She tries to put herself back together by working for Cutting Edge, a small investigative firm owned by her best friend.

When several shapeshifters working for Raphael Medrano—the male alpha of the Clan Bouda, and Andrea’s former lover—die unexpectedly at a dig site, Andrea is assigned to investigate. Now she must work with Raphael as her search for the killer leads into the secret underbelly of supernatural Atlanta. And dealing with her feelings for him might have to take a back seat to saving the world…

I pointed my fork at her. “Are you implying that our relationship is like a Spanish soap opera?” “I’m not implying. I’m saying it.”

I admit I was a little scared because I am a Kate and Curran lunatic! And I need my Kate and Curran fix, so when I heard about Andrea getting a full length book instead of Kate and Curran I had a fit! Surprise! Surprise! I did end up liking GUNMETAL MAGIC more than I thought I would. I"m so sorry I doubted you Ilona Andrews! I bow down before you greatness!

To me being a shapeshifter meant being hurt, degrades, and living in fear. Every bone in my body had been broken by shapeshifter a before I was the years old. I've been stabbed, punched and kicked, whipped, and set on fire. I've watched my mother being beaten to a bloody pulp repeatedly and with vicious glee. I had rejected that life and chose the Order instead. The Knights were my pack and Ted was my alpha.

I had always though of Andrea as a side character and how could I ever enjoy her, but this book really gives some insight to her and I have to admit she is just as tough and bad ass of a character as Kate is! I love how bad ass Andrea is! Andrea has been through a lot of stuff and she is sort of a broken character! I won't say broken, tortured character! And it just pains me to find out everything about her past and why she is so reluctant to join the pack! My heart burns for her! And by the end of the book, even before that, I came to really respect and love her as a character!

“You’re touching me,” I chided him. He caressed my back, sliding his hand down, hitting every sensitive point I hadn’t even known I had. “No, this is touching you. That was just accidental contact.” “Oh? Good to know. If you touch me again and I break your arm off, you can be sure it will be completely accidental.”

And then we have Rapheal. They had some business to take care of, to really talk about everything! I think a lot of others agree with me, but Rapheal was such an ass in the beginning. I kind of hated him. And then I loved him again! He felt a bit absent in this book though and I guess that I think about it that is much how the Kate Daniels book goes as well, not enough of the Curran. But that is okay. But alas, we have another mating frenzy which was hilarious! I totally love the purple, Andrea!

“Curran and Kate stood by the door. “I can’t believe you decided to come down here and check on me,” she said. “The guy once handed you a fan and told you to fan yourself if the sight of his naked torso was too much.” “That was like a year ago. Will you let it go already?” “No.” Curran grabbed her and pulled her to him, kissing her. “Never.” She kissed him back and smiled. Awww. Kate and the Beast Lord sitting in a tree…”

We did have some glimpses of Kate and Curran, thank god! Of course, how could I not appreciate it! THANK YOU! And of course some time with the other side characters which I have missed! Can I have some more Ascanio, please? This book was good, I admit, but now I want my Kate and Curran book! I can't be kept away too long or I will go in a mad fit of rage! I look forward to the next Kate and Curran book!



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Most Wanted Reads: Macrieve by Kresley Cole


Most Wanted Reads is inspired by Waiting on Wednesday hosted/created by Breaking the Spine. I just wanted to personalize it a little bit for me.

My Lovely Macrieve,
I Just Want to be Claimed Already!



 

A Beast In Torment

Uilleam MacRieve believed he’d laid to rest the ghosts of his boyhood. But when a brutal torture revives those ancient agonies and destroys his Lykae instinct, the proud Scot craves the oblivion of death. Until he finds her—a young human so full of spirit and courage that she pulls him back from the brink.

A Beauty In Chains

Seized for the auction block, Chloe Todd is forced to enter a terrifying new world of monsters and lore as a bound slave. When offered up to creatures of the dark, she fears she won’t last the night. Until she’s claimed by him—a tormented immortal with heartbreaking eyes, whose touch sets her blood on fire.

A Full Moon On The Rise

With enemies circling, MacRieve spirits Chloe away to the isolated Highland keep of his youth. But once he takes her to his bed, his sensual mate becomes something more than human, evoking his savage past and testing his sanity. On the cusp of the full moon, can he conquer his worst nightmare to save Chloe . . . from himself?

 

Hurry up and release, damn it! I need you so bad! I have yet to finish the Immortals After Dark Series, but I am almost caught up. I believe I have three books left, but they are so addicting I want them all in my possession. I simply cannot not get enough of this series.

Immortals After Dark in one of my all time favorite paranormal romance series and Kresley Cole in a fan favorite! In romance, she can do no wrong! And this book is back to the lykae! Yes! I love the lykae book! So bloody addicting!



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Review: Hot Blooded by Amanda Carlson


Title:  Hot Blooded
Author:  Amanda Carlson
Series:  Jessica McClain, #2
Publisher:  Orbit
Release Date:  April 23, 2013
Pages:  320
Rating:  

 

It hasn't been the best week for Jessica McClain.

Her mate has been kidnapped by a Goddess hell-bent on revenge --- but Jessica is playing for keeps.

Because she's the only female werewolf in town...it comes with its own set of rules...and powers.

Aided by two vamps, two loyal Pack members, and one very reluctant human, Jessica must rescue her man while coming to terms with what being a wolf really means.

All in a day's work for a girl.

The second novel in the Jessica McClain series is a full on action adventure featuring one angry Goddess and plenty of monsters, demons, and a few newly risen beasties...

 

Jessica is turning into quite the bad ass! I liked HOT BLOODED, but not quite as much as the first book in the series, Full Blooded. This book picks up right where the last one ended and it starts all cool and wicked with more prophecies arising to what Jessica is or will become that makes a lot of supernatural creatures wanting to take her down!

There are some new characters that I fell in loved with as well as the old ones and I'm loving these characters and I'm excited for what's to come. In HOT BLOODED Jessica has to go and get back her man, Rourke from the evil clutches of bitch goddess, Sabine. I felt like I spent too much time in the traveling and rescuing department. And there was NOT ENOUGH ROURKE! I need more sexy times, like now! Don't you know the sexy times are the best parts of books?

But I absolutely loved the new developments with Jessica and the new powers, abilities she has. It is wicked cool, but I wanna explore more into that. But the storyline and plot in HOT BLOODED was totally cool and I really can't wait to see what's going to happen next in the next Jessica McClain book!



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Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass


Title:  The Elite
Author:  Kiera Cass
Series:  The Selection, #2
Publisher:  HarperTeen
Release Date:  April 23, 2013
Pages:  323
Rating:  

 

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Iléa.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

 

My brow folded together. He couldn't still think I wanted that now? Apparently, he did. As he slowly took in my expression, he fell into absolute shock.

"America, I know you're upset, but please? I told you; you're the only one. Please don't do this.

I have been very excited to read THE ELITE ever since I finished the previous book, The Selection. I fell in love with the whole concept and I was eager to see what was to happen in the next installment. America has fallen for Prince Maxon and she is in the middle of Maxon or Aspen and she has to decide. And if she chooses Maxon, she gets the crown and responsibilities that go with it.

There is an terrifying incident early on in the book (which has nothing to do with Aspen or Maxon), that makes America question everything about becoming the prince, parts of the job that she doesn't want or thinks that there is no way that she could possibly do. She begins having doubts and Maxon doesn't make it easy or reassuring for her either.

Marlee laughed. "You're so ridiculous. If Maxon didn't have feelings for you, he'd have sent you home a long time ago. The reason you're still here is because he refuses to lose hope."

This is where my rant comes in. America is having doubts. Aspen doesn't think she can do it, the princess thing. First of all, why the hell are you talking to Aspen, of course he's going to say no. He wants you to pick him, The public see America in last place, don't worry about what they say. Just have faith in yourself, okay? And how can you not know Maxon has the hots for you, huh? Does he have to come and see you every freaking day for you to feel secure. I have no idea why you are having doubts. He's kept you at the palace this long. And he has told you his thoughts.

America just seemed like a weak heroine this time around and it was incredibly irritating. I wanted to knock some sense into her. And she does something incredibly stupid near the end of the book just because she is mad at Maxon and she only thinks of the consequences after she does it. I mean, seriously, what did you expect? I really hated how since she was mad at Maxon near the end, she decides Aspen is the better choice. You cannot base that on a stupid fight you had and had not really talked about with Maxon?! Are you stupid or what?

"I need to know that I can depend on you. I need to know that you can keep my secrets, trust my judgement, and not hold things back from me. I need you to be completely honest with me and to stop questioning every decision I make. I need you to have faith in me, America."

Maxon had some mistakes, but not like America. I feel like America really betrayed Maxon's trust and she needs to earn it back. Maxon is down to the wire and needs to make decisions about these girls, about choosing his wife and he needs America to come to a decision if she wants him or not. There are other girls who deserve to be there. And I agree with him. I think both characters went through a lot through this book with discovering what they want and things about each other.

Overall, I loved THE ELITE, but because of the little problems I had with America, I had to drop a star, but it was still great! I couldn't put the book down, just like with The Selection. I think Kiera Cass is freaking amazing and Oh, my god! I can't wait to see the cover of the next book, the synopsis and just get my hands on the actual next book in this outstanding trilogy!



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