Book Blogger Follow for 18 and Over Books

Question of the Week: What are your top favorite reads for the month of February? If you've reviewed them, make sure to link it up so others can check them out!

My top favorite reads for February have to be Cynthia Eden's, Die For Me:
Blurb:  She thought her fiancé was the perfect man—until he turned out to be the perfect killer…

Katherine Cole is running for her life, desperate to escape the Valentine Killer—so-called because he stabs his victims through the heart and leaves them holding a telltale single red rose. Still he tracks her to New Orleans and begins carving a bloody path to her door. But this time, Katherine refuses to run any farther. This time, she’ll do anything to stop the madman she once loved, even trust the sexy cop promising to keep her safe…
Detective Dane Black never lets his emotions interfere with his job, even as the Valentine Killer surfaces in New Orleans to stalk his prey. But when Dane agrees to protect the killer’s ex-fiancée, Katherine Cole, he can’t ignore the passion kindling between them. After a single unforgettable night binds them body and soul, Dane knows he won’t rest until Katherine is safe in his arms—and the Valentine Killer is dead. Dark and intensely sexy, this romantic suspense novel from USA Today bestselling author Cynthia Eden is sure to leave readers breathless. See my review here:  http://loveofromancebookreviews.blogspot.co.nz/2013/02/loves-deadly-obsession.html

 Lara Adrian's Edge of Dawn: Blurb: 

Twenty years after First Dawn - the morning that followed a blood-soaked night where Mankind learned that vampires lived among them - wars and skirmishes continue. Peace between humans and the Breed seems elusive, but the Order and their allies will not rest until it is won. For Mira, raised with the Order from the time she was a child and now the formidable captain of her own team of warriors, the fight is personal. War with mankind has cost her a great deal - the life of someone she loved dearly.

Vowed to avenge his death, Mira blazes into every battle like a Valkyrie - until an unexpected encounter with a rebel leader brings her face-to-face with a startling truth, and a betrayal that will cut through her every defence... straight to the core of the wounded woman whose faith has never been more tested, nor her heart more deeply torn.  See my review here: http://loveofromancebookreviews.blogspot.co.nz/2013/02/when-love-is-lost-edge-of-dawn.html

I absolutely enjoyed both of these reads, full of suspense, intrigue and chemistry, well worth a read!

When Love is Lost: A New Generation Of Warriors - Edge of Dawn

Edge of Dawn
Author: Lara Adrian

Publish Date: February 26, 2013

Mira a warrior with the Order, watches helplessly as her longtime friend and recent lover is killed in a fight with the rebels.  She swears vengeance on all rebels.  Never able to truly let go of her love or her grief.  She works her way up and becomes a captain of her own team but remains full of anger and regrets.

Bowman a Rebel leader with a secret.  Fighting as a rebel but still protecting both humans and breed.
A job gone wrong, brings the two together and forces them to face their past and the betrayal that stands between them.  Can they get past their differences and work together to save innocent lives.

Another fabulous story in this series by Lara Adrian.  It is full of suspense, action and of course the all important chemistry.  The characters are well written full of dark, mystery and intrigue.  You are able to revisit past members of the order glimpsing their current lives,it also gives you glimpses of the new generation of warriors that grace the order.

Bowman and Mira's story is a heartbreaking roller coaster ride of emotion; full of highs and lows, I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next but also dreaded where the story was headed.  Bowman despite being the leader of a rebel faction has always retained his pride and his integrity only doing things to benefit others.  Mira is selfless in her love, steadfast and true.  I love the chemistry between the two of them they balance each other and make for a thrilling read.

It is a time of unrest within the world and the line between humans a breed is a fine one.  Lara tells a story that is intriguing and keeps you in suspense of what twists will happen next, a book I could not put down.

I look forward to reading more in this series and following through as younger members of the order come into their own.

I would recommend as a worthwhile read. You can read it as a standalone title but I would definitely recommend reading the series so you know the history of the order and the other members of the breed, not to mention how fabulous it is.

ARC given by Publisher for Honest review.

Loves Deadly Obsession

Die For Me
Author: Cynthia Eden

Publish Date: February 12 2013

Cynthia has done it again with another well written and intriguing book.

Katherine is a woman with a past shrouded in secret.  A woman just wanting to get on with her life and the ability to live without fear.

Dane is a Police Detective, not without secrets or a troubled past of his own.  They are thrown together by a current murder investigation, romance blossoms despite the danger they face.

Valentine, a man with an obsession, the one person he has truly loved but lost, is she now his next target?

I absolutely loved this story.  From the moment I read the first page I was hooked!  The plot is so enticing and realistic, I felt I was along for the ride on the investigation.

Katherine is such a strong person and just inherently good.  She is just one of those genuinely beautiful people; the sort of person you aspire to be like. 

Dane is dark, but believes wholeheartedly in justice and in doing what is right.  You have to like him for the integrity he shows.  He is tenacious in his search for the truth and in having the responsible person brought to justice.  He has a real protective streak towards Katherine which is shown again and again by his actions.  You just can't help but like him; he is one of those dark, mysterious types that women love!

Dane and Katherine together are pure sizzle.  Their connection is hot but believable.  They just seem to balance one another; she is the light to his dark.  You can't help but want them to find their happy ending.

The story was full of suspense, keeping you guessing as to what would happen next and who the next victim would be.  The supporting characters are strong and well written with a depth that lends credibility to the story.  I particularly liked Mac as he played the voice of objectivity, not willing to just believe blindly.

Overall Die For Me is a stunning read.  I look forward to reading what is up next by Cynthia Eden, her stories just get better and better.

ARC provided by publisher for honest review

When Destiny Comes Calling

Bayou Heat: Raphael/Parish
Authors:  Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright

The Pantera are Puma Shifters, a mystical race shrouded in legend and living in the swamps of the Bayou.

Book 1 Rapaheal by Alendra Ivy
  Raphael a 'suit', looking after diplomatic relations for his people.  Ashe a woman with a difficult and unpleasant family life; the one left to look after a drunk mother, and made to forgo a childhood.  A chance encounter that leads to a night of bliss.  A bliss only remembered in dream like fragments by Ashe.  Raphael's cat wanting to claim it's mate and protect her from the unknown hunter that stalks her.  Can Raphael convince Ashe that they are destined to be together, can he protect her from the unknown danger?
I enjoyed this story, I love the fact that Raphael, known for his control is so shaken and out of control when he meets his mate. "Raphael battled through the primal instincts that had nothing to do with humanity and everything to do with raw animal desire."  His need to protect is so strong and makes you dream of having all that protection aimed at you.
  Ashe on the other hand is cautious, not overly trusting, which isn't a surprise considering her background.  However, it is that background that portrays such strength in her character.  I love her independence and skepticism that all is not as it seems.
  Then there are the Hunters, an unknown evil faction with a foul smell about them.  I would have liked to learn a bit more about them, but it draws you in so that you want to read more to find out who they are.  I was slightly disappointed when the story ended, I was left wanting to know more.  But, luckily the story continues and connects with the next installment.  It ensures I will need to carry on reading to get those answers I seek.

Book 2 Parish by Laura Wright
  Parish a hunter and protector of his people; fierce in that protection and known for his dislike of humans.  Julia a doctor, specializing in obstetrics, at the top of her field in practice but, disillusioned by love.  She is a necessity to the Pantera people but, a human, an outsider.  Can they each see past the events that have shaped them and warped their views, allowing them to discover the love that awaits as their destiny?
  Parish was a favorite for me, I love his untamed rawness that shines through.  Although he portrays a roughness on the outside, he is very caring and loyal to his people and to those he loves.  That caring and love is now directed at an unsuspecting Julia.
  Julia is sensible and pragmatic, completely disillusioned by the cad that is her ex and forced to leave a job she loves.  When she meets Parish the attraction is immediate if not unwanted.  "I like the way you look at me," he said, his voice a dark sexual rumble. "For once, I am the prey."
  I love the chemistry between the two, that ultimately balances both, and I love that Parish just thinks he command and everyone will follow, Julia included.  "I am a Hunter.  I do not ask.  When you ask, you give your prey the opportunity to say no."
  Whilst the story predominantly surrounds Parish and Julia, you also get a continuation of Raphael and Ashe and the danger that stalks them all.
  Overall I really enjoyed this complete book and recommend as a great read.  I am looking forward to the next installment, which of course I will read to get my answers.

 

Feature and Follow Blog Hop

Feature and Follow Friday is hosted by both Alison Can Read and Parajunkee’s View
It is a great way to gain new Followers and Meet new friends.

Q: What is the last book that kept you up late into the night to finish it?     

That was only two nights ago and it was Shades of Gray by Maya Banks, it is the 6th book in her KGI series.  I just couldn't put it down until I had finished it.  I love the KGI series and had been waiting to read the story of PJ and Cole.  See my full review here:
In The Name of Vengeance

Do you have a book that kept you up late? 
 
  
 

Conquering Love Through Adversity

 Their Virgin Princess, Masters of Menage, Book 4
Authors:  Shayla Black and Lexi Blake

A princess in need of protection and three men are tasked with the job.  Chemistry sparks between them but, is simultaneously ignored by all for different reasons.  Can they overcome their insecurities and embrace loves kiss?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, once I started reading I couldn't put it down.  It was fast paced and kept your interest.  The sex was hot but believable as they took into account Alea's past history. Dane, Cooper, and Landon were well written and intriguing, each with traits that endear them to you. They are all so patient and understanding, the perfect compliments to Alea.

Alea's character makes you see how strong she actually is in the face of the adversity she has had to overcome.  I found myself silently encouraging her to be more confident in herself.  I really felt for all she had been through and yet she has this wonderful kind heart that still shines through.

The plot had great twists which kept you guessing.  it made you wonder who the true villain was. I found myself vying between wanting to get to the end of the story where all would be revealed, to not wanting it to end as I was enjoying it so much.

Overall an awesome read and I would recommend you add it to your "To Be Read" pile.

In The Name of Vengeance

Shades of Gray: A KGI Novel

Author: Maya Banks

A close knit team used to running high risk missions together. A budding romance between two members. A mission that goes terribly wrong. The need for vengeance to the exclusion of all others. Can they get through this? Will the Team remain intact? Can love truly overcome all?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I applaud Maya Banks for tackling such a difficult and taboo subject matter. It is totally believable and plausible as something that would happen in a real life situation.

PJ's character is well written and so realistic in her emotions and thought processes that I felt my own emotions on a roller coaster ride with her. She is such a strong character but believable as her situation proves that even the toughest aren't infallible. I really empathized with Cole and his fight for love whilst dealing with his own emotions and guilt. The tell of a good story is when your own emotions are swept along with the tide of the story, and Shades of Gray does not disappoint. I found myself so entrenched in the story that I was actually getting angry at the Villain Brumley, who as villains go was quite well written.

Steele, Dolphin, Baker and Renshaw are steadfast in their support and they take their “We live as a team, we die as a team” seriously and it endears you to them to see their solidarity with their team mate.

I could not put the book down, I needed to see the outcome and find out if there could be a happily ever after.

In all the KGI novels, Steele's team and PJ and Cole in particular is a story I have been waiting for and it was most definitely worth the wait. I would recommend this and all the others in the KGI series as definite must reads.