Spotlight:Winter Halo (Outcast #2) by Keri Arthur

Winter Halo (Outcast #2)

by Keri Arthur
December 6th 2016 by Signet
Mass Market Paperback

368 pages
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Souls of Fire novels comes the second in the futuristic fantasy series that will make you want to keep the lights on...

When the bombs that stopped the species war tore holes in the veil between worlds, they allowed entry to the Others. Now, a hundred years later, humans and shifters alike live in artificially lit cities designed to keep the darkness at bay....

The humanoid supersoldiers known as the déchet were almost eradicated by the war. Ever since, Tiger has tried to live her life in peace in hiding. But in the wake of her discovery that Central City’s children are being kidnapped and experimented on, Tiger’s conscience won’t let her look the other way.

The key to saving them lies within the walls of a pharmaceutical company called Winter Halo. But as she learns more about the facility, Tiger’s mission is derailed by a complication: Winter Halo’s female security guards are being systematically attacked by an unknown force.

Now Tiger must summon all her gifts to stop those responsible for both atrocities—no matter the cost to herself...

About the Author:
website-FB-twitter
Keri Arthur is the New York Times bestselling author of the Dark Angels and Riley Jenson Guardian series. She has written more than thirty books, received several Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category, and has won RT’s Career Achievement Award for Urban Fantasy. She lives with her daughter outside of Melbourne, Australia. Visit her online at www.keriarthur.com.

Spotlight: Flameout (Souls of Fire #3) by Keri Arthur + giveaway

Flameout (Souls of Fire #3)

by Keri Arthur

July 5th 2016 by Signet 

Kindle Edition, 384 pages

Emberly and her red hot partner, Jackson, have hit an impasse in their battle against the crazed humans infected by a plague-like virus derived from vampire blood. Their quest to unearth the leader of the group leads them into an ambush—and leaves Emberly at odds with her former lover, Sam, who’s pressuring her to join his Paranormal Investigations Team.

To make matters worse, three local witches have been kidnapped—and if their spells fall into the wrong hands, Emberly’s powers could end up smothered. With time ticking until the virus consumes the world, Emberly and Jackson must race to save the witches, find a cure, and smoke out their nemesis—or go down in a blaze of glory... (less)

"Arthur has blown me away again. Her worlds are so complex and 'real.'...I highly recommend [her] books."
—USA Today

“A red hot new series that’s destined to become an urban fantasy favorite.”
—Rabid Reads

About the Author:

website-FB-twitter
Keri Arthur is the New York Times bestselling author of the Dark Angels and Riley Jenson Guardian series. She has written more than thirty books, received several Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category, and has won RT’s Career Achievement Award for Urban Fantasy. She lives with her daughter outside of Melbourne, Australia.

GIVEAWAY

print copy of Flameout (US only)

Flameout print book giveaway

Spotlight: City of Light (Outcast #1) by Keri Arthur + giveaway

City of Light (Outcast #1)
by Keri Arthur
January 5, 2016

378 pages

Signet

The first in an all-new futuristic fantasy series from Keri Arthur—the New York Times bestselling author of the Souls of Fire novels.

When the bombs that stopped the species war tore holes in the veil between this world and the next, they allowed entry to the Others—demons, wraiths, and death spirits who turned the shadows into their hunting grounds. Now, a hundred years later, humans and shifters alike live in artificially lit cities designed to keep the darkness at bay....

As a déchet—a breed of humanoid super-soldiers almost eradicated by the war—Tiger has spent her life in hiding. But when she risks her life to save a little girl on the outskirts of Central City, she discovers that the child is one of many abducted in broad daylight by a wraith-like being—an impossibility with dangerous implications for everyone on earth.

Because if the light is no longer enough to protect them, nowhere is safe...

amazon

About the Author:
website-FB-twitter
Keri Arthur is the New York Times bestselling author of the Dark Angels and Riley Jenson Guardian series. She has written more than thirty books, received several Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category, and has won RT’s Career Achievement Award for Urban Fantasy. She lives with her daughter outside of Melbourne, Australia. Visit her online at www.keriarthur.com.

GIVEAWAY

copy of City of Light

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spoiler-free Book Review: Blood Kiss (Black Dagger Legacy #1) by J.R. Ward

Blood Kiss (Black Dagger Legacy #1)
by J.R. Ward
December 1st 2015 by Signet
Paranormal Romance
Pages: 432
Paradise, blooded daughter of the king’s First Advisor, is ready to break free from the restrictive life of an aristocratic female. Her strategy? Join the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training center program and learn to fight for herself, think for herself...be herself. It’s a good plan, until everything goes wrong. The schooling is unfathomably difficult, the other recruits feel more like enemies than allies, and it’s very clear that the Brother in charge, Butch O’Neal, a.k.a. the Dhestroyer, is having serious problems in his own life.

And that’s before she falls in love with a fellow classmate. Craeg, a common civilian, is nothing her father would ever want for her, but everything she could ask for in a male. As an act of violence threatens to tear apart the entire program, and the erotic pull between them grows irresistible, Paradise is tested in ways she never anticipated--and left wondering whether she’s strong enough to claim her own power...on the field, and off.

Blood Kiss may "technically" be the first in it's series, but it's an overall arc of the BDB world and characters. You can certainly start from here, I mean it's never too early to get in a J.R. Ward world, but readers from the ongoing saga will also love this edition. I sure did!

This is the exact type of story I love to read from Mrs Ward. Hard hitting, drama filled, angst, sexy vampire men, more drama and more sexy ass men getting buck wild with there ladies. I'll have seconds please! But here comes the hard part in a reviewers life, how do I review this without giving away all the goodies? So I'm keeping this review spoiler free and looking forward to hearing all your reactions after you've read it.

I will say that this latest edition had many follow ups with the previous charters I've fallen in love with. From Bella to Wrath and all the Doggen in between. You get a nice helping of the all-star cast while getting to know some of the less known or newbie vamps. The BDB has decided to open it's doors to all, including the ladies, and with that comes a cast of fresh recruits we have yet to meet. That whole progression throughout the rigorous program was a blast to read. (PS remind me never to sign up, too much carido for my liking.)

If you want to read pnr that's positively sure to entertain you, then this is the one for you. You can not go wrong with this series or author, it's pure magic!

Getting 5 Sheep

KD

About the Author:
website-FB-twitter

J.R. Ward is the number one New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series of vampire books. She is a winner of the prestigious Romance Writers of America RITA award for Best Paranormal Romance and is a multiple RITA nominee. A graduate of Smith College, she was a double major in History and Art History with a medieval concentration in both and she still longs at times for a return to those days sitting in dark lecture halls, looking at slides of old triptychs and reliquaries. Prior to becoming a full time writer, she was a corporate attorney, serving for many years as the Chief of Staff of one of Harvard Medical Schools premier teaching sites. Her idea of absolute heaven is a day filled with nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot and the Brothers, of course.

Book Review: Rising Fire (Stone Circles #1) by Terri Brisbin

Rising Fire (Stone Circles #1)
by Terri Brisbin

Paperback, 352 pages
March 3rd 2015 by Signet

What if the standing stones and stone circles across the old Celtic world had a secret origin and use? What if some opened into another world? What if the goddess of fire was trapped beneath one?

Lovely and innocent, Brienne of Yester has always been able to manipulate fire, but when her powers suddenly surge, the simple life she once knew explodes.

Handsome, fearless, and commanding, William de Brus has been summoned by the king to investigate a nobleman rumored to have powers linked to the fabled fire goddess. When he chances upon Brienne, his desire for her is immediate. But as his mystical quest unfolds, William realizes that she is at the center of it — for Brienne possesses the very power he has been sent to vanquish....

As their attraction deepens, William attempts to free Brienne from the dark force beginning to control her — even when his duty demands that he treat her as an enemy. With emotions flaring, fire rising, and evil threatening at every turn, can the two lovers survive the coming battle and save all of humanity?

Rising Fire is the first book in the Stone Circles series by Terri Brisbin. Set in AD 1286 in Yester, Scotland, Brienne discovers that she can play with fire, literally. She keeps her secret from her adoptive parents but soon finds out that her mystical powers are not something that she alone carries. Always told not to wander away from the village alone she finds herself meeting a mysterious man that instantly sparks a fire between them. 

The story would have had a more genuine feel if the language would have reflected Scotland, the surrounding areas and the time period. I enjoyed reading a story that hasn't been told a thousand times with different names for the main characters. Terri wove a tantalizing story filled with ancient Celtic Gods and bloodlines that possess different powers that kept the imagination going. There was a great chemistry between the two main characters, Brienne and William that was hot and steamy which made me hope for their love. William was filled with honor and loyalty which I’m a sucker for. I look forward to continuing the journey with Brienne and Will in the next book of the series.

Getting 4 sheep

Denise B

About the Author:

website-FB
Terri Brisbin, an award-winning author and three-time RWA RITA® finalist, has had her historical and paranormal romances published in more than 20 languages and 25 countries around the world since 1998. She’s written more than 33 novels, novellas and short stories for Berkley/Jove, Harlequin and Kensington Books. Now working on more romances for NAL/Signet, Terri has also self-published her backlist books.

When not living the glamorous life of a romance author in the southern NJ suburbs, Terri spends her time being a married mom as well as a dental hygienist to hundreds while plotting and planning future stories.

Book Review: Wolf's Fall (Alpha Pack #6) by J.D. Tyler

Wolf's Fall (Alpha Pack #6) 
by J.D. Tyler

352 pages

December 2nd, 2014 
by Signet
A top secret team of wolf shifters, the Alpha Pack are former Navy SEALS that use their Psy powers to take on the world’s greatest predators. But while each member is loyal to the pack, it can be hard to deny the call of desire…

Still tormented by his recent captivity, Alpha Pack commander Nick Westfall isn’t sure he’s fit to lead—especially when he meets the one woman he can’t claim without reliving the torture he endured at the hands of a rogue vampire.

Vampire princess Calla Shaw has seen her own share of heartbreak, but she can tell that the wild attraction she and Nick feel for each other could turn into something significant—if only he’d let it. But Calla isn’t about to give up on her mate without a fight.

Time is running out, not only for Nick to claim his mate, but for Calla and her coven. A vampire war is on the horizon, one the Alpha Pack can’t hope to win if their leader can’t pull himself back from the abyss.

To be fair, this was my first time jumping into this series. Saying that, you can certainly read this latest story as a standalone if you fancy. 

Wolf's Fall starts out really interesting, being in Nick's head and hearing the internal struggle he's got going on. It all laid the ground work from some compelling reading. 

Enter stage left, Calla the vamp princess. I didn't really get a chance to feel much for her. Fairly soon the story is moving along to capture the vampire and the chance begins. A lot of back and forth action between the wolves and vampires brings the action, but brushes over the continued building of a realistic relationship between the pair. 

In short, they fall for each other really fast and hop in the sack to get it on. I would have liked more time on building a bond between the pair, without kidnapping and rescuing. But that aside this was overall a pleasant read. 


Sheep review: Cole's Redemption (Alpha Pack #5)

Getting 3 and 1/2 Sheep 
KD

About the Author:

website-FB-twitter

J.D. Tyler is an award-winning, multi-published author who writes for New American Library under three pseudonyms. Whether this is due to an overdose of ambition or a multiple personality affliction, she’ll never tell.

J.D. writes dark, sexy paranormal romance and has a huge thing for shifters, vampires, the Fae, and just about everything else that goes bump and grind in the night. She can’t get enough of those dangerous supernatural heroes, and the fun of creating her own was just too much temptation to resist… so she didn’t. J.D. doesn’t do self-denial.

When she isn’t writing, J.D.’s idea of a good time certainly isn’t cleaning house (sniff), bungee jumping (not in this lifetime, or the next), or camping (her idea of “roughing it” is a slow bellboy). She enjoys reading, being pampered like the diva she is, and spending time with her awesome family. She lives in Texas with her two teenagers.

Book Review: Circle of Blood (Witch Hunt #3) by Debbie Viguie

Circle of Blood (Witch Hunt #3) 
By: Debbie Viguié
Paperback, 336 pages
Expected publication: April 1st 2014 by Signet
ISBN13: 9780451240149

Samantha Ryan—cop by choice, witch hunter by necessity—is about to confront the witch who has been secretly manipulating her life. But her search for the truth about her past may end in her death.

All her life, Samantha Ryan has been haunted by a circle of blood, which she has tried to keep at bay—ever since she escaped a vicious Salem coven of witches as a child. But now her carefully constructed life has given way to the darkness she might have embraced, had she not run away.

Angry, focused, and more than willing to use her powers on anyone who gets in her way, Samantha travels to New Orleans to confront Lilith Black, the witch who has been mercilessly shaping events around her for months.

But little does Samantha know that her own nightmarish past and Lilith’s are inescapably intertwined—and that what Lilith wants most of all is for Samantha to suffer until her final breath.

After leaving Salem, N.H. and San Francisco, CA, Samantha Ryan (a.k.a Desdemona) is now in New Orleans, after being baited to follow a trail left for her at the end of "The Last Grave". While in New Orleans Samantha discovers someone or something is using a lot of magic to keep other magic users trapped in the area, along with draining them of their magic and leaving them for dead.

With some help from her ex-partner and love interest, Samantha discovers  she wasn't the only one that survived the horrific killing of the coven she was a member of as a child. With amazing flashbacks throughout the story you find out that Lilith was the other member. Lilith is a woman hell bent on revenge along with attempting to recreate the ritual that killed the coven, but this time she aims to succeed where the coven failed.

The inner turmoil Samantha has with herself, if she really is Samantha or Desdemona was interesting to read and follow. The conflict Samantha has about her religion I found intriguing since she has always assumed using magic was "evil" and there is no possible way you can be good and use magic at the same time.

If you enjoy the show Grimm, I recommend checking this series out. The similarities between Nick and Samantha (both cops, both with supernatural abilities) are visible, along with similar side characters . This is also a great trilogy to read if you want a short series to get hooked on.

4.5 Sheep

Danielle

About the Author:

website-FB-twitter

Debbie Viguié is the New York Times Bestselling author of over a dozen novels including the Wicked series and the new Crusade series co-authored with Nancy Holder.  Much of Debbie’s writing has a dark edge to it, including her retold fairy tales, her latest being Violet Eyes, a retelling of The Princess and the Pea.  In addition to her epic dark fantasy work Debbie also writes thrillers including The Psalm 23 Mysteries and the upcoming Kiss trilogy.  When Debbie isn’t busy writing she enjoys spending time with her husband, Scott, visiting theme parks.  They live in Florida with their cat, Schrödinger.

Book Review: Werewolf in Las Vegas (Wild About You #6) by Vicki Lewis Thompson + giveaway

Werewolf in Las Vegas (Wild About You #6)
By: Vicki Lewis Thompson
Paperback, 336 pages
Published March 4th 2014 by Signet

Win it all, or lose it all…

Giselle Landry is in Las Vegas to haul her wayward brother back home. But casino owner Luke Dalton is also looking for her brother, who has run off with his little sister. The two should join forces, but Luke is unaware that Giselle’s brother is also fleeing his duties as the future alpha of the Landry werewolf pack—which includes his Were bride.

The Landrys don’t believe in Weres mating with humans, and Giselle is no exception. Though Luke is wealthy, gorgeous, and protective, Giselle can’t let herself get close to him, even to solve their shared dilemma. But the tension wears away her resistance, and after a wild night with Luke, she is shocked to find she’s fallen for him.

But Luke still doesn’t know Giselle’s true identity. And once their siblings are found, Giselle must return to San Francisco. Can they overcome the odds—or will what happened in Vegas stay in Vegas?

amazon link

Vicki Lewis Thompson has done it again! Werewolf in Las Vegas is a flashy, fun, romantic romp that made me smile, laugh out loud and sigh.

What’s always fun for me as a fan of these books is the idea of werewolves existing right under the noses of unsuspecting humans. They have their own hotels, resorts and in the case of Werewolf in Vegas, they even had their own casino before it was lost in a card game to a human.

I’m normally used to the male character being the paranormal creature but this time it’s the female character who sprouts fangs and fur, making for some very interesting and funny exchanges between Luke and Giselle. Giselle comes from a long line of weres who don’t believe in mating with humans so her attraction to Luke is most inconvenient. Added to that, she’s there to find her runaway brother who is the future alpha of the Landry pack and who has apparently run off with Luke’s little sister.

I’m such a fan of the way Lewis takes a usually dark, heavy sub genre of romance and makes it light hearted without completely doing away with the paranormal element. I’d categorize her Wild About You series as a medium level paranormal romance, with emphasis on sensuality and humor. Perfect for a paranormal fan who isn’t too keen on too much blood and violence.

With Las Vegas as the backdrop for the story, there’s just so much that can and does go wrong in the best possible way. Luke and Giselle are looking for their errant siblings all while trying not to fall into bed together. Their chemistry is believable yet humorous. Luke, especially, doesn’t take himself seriously and that makes him all the more likable to me. He always tries to have an optimistic outlook on his situation with Giselle even though it sometimes gets on her nerves. Giselle on the other hand, is more pessimistic and rigid but that didn’t make me like her any less. She’s tough but sympathetic and loyal to boot. She and Luke made a great couple.

Werewolf in Las Vegas was everything I’ve come to expect from a Vicki Lewis Thompson novel and I can’t wait to read more from her!

4 Sheep

Adria Reyes
Reviewer/Owner of Adria's Romance ReviewsFacebook
Twitter: @adria_r

About the Author:
website-FB-twitter
A romance writing career has broughtVicki Lewis Thompson many wonderful things –New York Timesbestseller status, an appearance on LIVE with Regis and Kelly, the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from Romance Writers of America, thousands of readers, many dear friends, and the cutest little yellow convertible in the world. Her career has also given her work she loves.

Although she’s written more than 100 books, she continues to be fascinated by the many ways that a man and woman fall in love. The age-old story remains a challenging puzzle to be solved anew with each book. That makes her a very lucky person, indeed.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Darkness Splintered by Keri Arthur

Darkness Splintered
A Dark Angels Novel
Keri Arthur
Signet Mass Market | 400 Pages
November 5, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-451-41959-0

Risa has angered several powerful people, and she’s starting to feel the pressure from all sides. She also finds herself under the scrutiny of the vampire council, some of whom consider her a monster who should be destroyed. But they offer her a bloody bargain: Take on the lethal head of the council and others will support her.

As the search for the keys to hell heats up, Risa realizes that she has no choice. For the sake of the people she loves, she must find the keys—and get rid of Hunter—before the next gate is opened and brings the world closer to all hell breaking loose....

Author Keri Arthur continues her Dark Angels series as half-werewolf, half-Aedh Risa Jones races to save the world from descending into chaos. When Risa lost the second key, she feels the pressure from all sides. Her father visits her. He gives her an ultimatum—fetch the key back or watch her friends be murdered by him. The vampire council comes to her with a bargain; take on Madeline Hunter, the head of the council, and they will support her, even though they consider her a monster. Time is short and she must find all the keys before the second gate opens and all hell breaking loose grows that much closer.

I’ve read Ms. Arthur’s books before, of werewolf/vampire hybrids Riley Jenson and her brother, and enjoyed them, though not this series. And though not read the first books in this series, it was not hard to understand what is going on and Ms. Arthur catches one up here and there. Angels (called reapers in the books), vampires, werewolves, sorcerers good and evil, and demons (including demon dogs) are many of the supernatural creatures Rise runs into or is friends with. She even is romantically involved with a reaper who guards her, and is with child by him.

The novel kept me reading it, hesitant to put it down. The story is a good read for the cool nights of autumn.

4 1/2 sheep

Guest Reviewer:

Pamela K. Kinney Website Blog Facebook
aka Sapphire Phelan
Website Newsletter Facebook

About the Author:

website-FB-twitter-blog
Keri Arthur, author of the New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson Guardian series, has written more than twenty-five books. Her most recent in the Dark Angels series are Darkness Hunts, Darkness Devours, and Darkness Unmasked. She’s been nominated in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category of the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Awards and has won a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for urban fantasy. She lives with her daughter in Melbourne, Australia.