Finding Love in Unexpected Places

Mark of the Sylph (Demons of Infernum)

Author: Rosalie Lario

Taeg a half demon fairly new to the earth realm.  Desperate to save Brynn, his sister in law out of guilt at his perceived wrong to his brother.  Maya a human, librarian with a rare ability to see Demons whom she considers to be the lowliest of creatures only capable of death and destruction.  They meet when Taeg discovers the little human is not all that meets the eye she holds the ability to see through their charms and it is an ability he desperately needs in his quest to save his sister in law.  Shame for him that Maya doesn't see eye to eye with him.  Can he convince her there is more to demons than the opinion she holds, will they be able to save Brynn before its too late.

I loved this story, Rosalie succeeded in grabbing my attention right from the very first pages and I couldn't put it down.  Taeg's sense of humor is delightful and you can't help but love his mischievous nature.  Maya is such a strong character who has been through so much for her young years but she has a backbone of steel, facing down demons twice her size without even flinching.  You can't help but be sympathetic to her and her mistrust of anything otherworldly.  

The characters were all well written and realistic and you were transported along with them on their adventures.  The chemistry between Taeg and Maya was hot but realistic in Maya's feelings of shame and her sense that she would be betraying her family to give in.  I absolutely loved the chemistry between the two, Maya's prickliness giving it a spark that made their encounters that much more delicious.

It is a definite worthwhile read.  Giving a whole new spin on Demons.  Well written and intriguing with a powerful love story.  I look forward to reading more by Rosalie Losario.

ARC given by Publisher for honest review

A Time of Lairds and Lasses

Highlander Most Wanted

Author: Maya Banks

It was the time of Lairds and Lasses where Lasses were still meant to be under the protection of their clans and treated with love and adoration.  Not so for Genevieve McInnes, kept captive by a Laird McHughe's cruel son, abused and used at whim.  Desperate for a way to be free.  The Montgomery's out for blood and retribution for the wrong doings of Laird Graeme Montgomery's wife Eveline.  Bowen Montgomery sent to be new Laird of the McHugh keep, is intrigued by Genevieve and bewildered at the same time.  The attraction flares between the two.  Can Genevieve learn to trust again, will their love survive.

A wonderful story that captured my attention right from the very first moment and kept it throughout.  I could not put the book down, needing to find out if love would win.  I loved Genevieve's spirit and show of strength even after all she had endured at the hands of a cruel man and even crueler clan.  It is just one of those feel good stories where the spirit triumphs despite the hand that is dealt.  I was drawn to Bowen's character and was so impressed with his patience and caring. It made the story so real to see his internal struggles to remain gentle and caring despite the passion he felt for Genevieve.

You feel for Genevieve and champion her despite the plot twists!  That she comes out the other side of the abuse with her honesty and values still intact yet still faces the emotions that go with having suffered any form of abuse are what make the story so realistic and believable.

Maya Banks books and stories never fail to enthrall me and whisk me away whether to the highlands of Scotland or a jungle of South America I will never get enough! A thoroughly awesome read!  Grab your copy today.

ARC given by Publisher for honest review.

Fighting Against the Inevitable....Love

Free Fall
Author: Catherine Mann

Publish Date: March 1 2013

Fighting against the inevitable love!

Catherine Mann has written another intriguing story with solid characters.

Stella Carson is an Interpol agent with a personal agenda for her current mission in Africa.  She rescues Pararescuman Jose James and the sparks fly between them they have a brief but hot affair.  Jose has a complicated family history.  Stella wants more but, they cannot compromise and their affair burns out.  When Stella's life is in jeopardy their is only one man who can save her; Jose.  Once again the love burns between them but will love be enough to hold their relationship together.   

They both have jobs to complete and need to remain focused on the job at hand.  Love is complicated at the best of times but throw in the fate of the world and it becomes downright difficult.

I enjoyed this book but, found myself frustrated with Jose and Stella occasionally which made it a bit more of a challenging read for me and took me longer to read the full story.  Sometimes I just wanted to yell at them both and say, "come on, get your stuff together!"  It is the sign of a well written story that gets your emotions roiling and involved.  Overall the characters are well written and the supporting characters are strong.  I love the setting and the detail that goes into describing their dates or adventures, it makes you feel as if you are there seeing what they see.

Catherine Mann never fails to deliver with her stories, they make for a thrilling and enjoyable read.  I look forward to reading what's up next.

ARC given by publisher for honest review.

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.