Review: Reaver by Larissa Ione

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Reaver by Larissa Ione
Series: Demonica #10 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 17th 2013
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

WARRIOR OF HEAVEN

Reaver is an angel with a past, a record, and a less-than-heavenly attitude. Powerful enough to fight alongside the fiercest battle angels-and crazy enough to risk his wings on a one-way mission to hell-he’s agreed to go where no angel has ever gone before…to steal the most seductive and dangerous prize of Satan himself.

ANGEL OF HELL

Harvester is one of the Fallen, a once-heroic angel who sacrificed her wings to work as an undercover agent in hell. But now her cover has been blown, and she’s been doomed to an eternity of agonizing torture. Even if Reaver can snatch her away from Satan’s lair, even if they can fight their way out of the underworld’s darkest depths, there is one thing Harvester can never escape-her newfound thirst for an angel’s blood…

Reaver is pure freaking awesome! It’s intense, exciting, and sexy, and another excellent addition to the incredible Lords of Deliverance series. Larissa Ione is a master at paranormal romance. To be honest, it’s been a while since I’ve read any books from that genre, but what better way to go than with Larissa Ione? I adore her writing, which had me laughing out loud numerous times, and since you know it’s Larissa Ione, it’s hot hot hot! Scorching hot, really. Reaver is one sexy angel.

In Reaver, the fifth book of the series, we finally, finally get the whole truth with Reaver and Harvester’s past. And let me tell you, it’s truly heartbreaking. Both Reaver and Harvester have made terrible mistakes, and accepted the consequences, but at least they own up to them. At the beginning of the story, Harvester is taken by Satan (her father!) and tortured for being a traitor. She used to be an angel, but she gave up her wings to become a fallen angel and work as an undercover agent in hell. And guess who goes to rescue her? Reaver!

Reaver has always been a side character in the previous books, but now he’s up front and center, and I truly wasn’t disappointed with his story. He’s a hilarious character, so snarky and sarcastic, but he’s a good guy at heart. All he really wants is to get back his memories of the past. Well, that’s maybe not all he wants. Ever since finding out that Harvester has been working on the good side, he can’t get her out of his head.

I really liked Harvester’s character. She has a lot of depth, and she’s very complicated. But I loved how she’s so tough and badass. Her time in hell has hardened her heart, and because of her past with Reaver, she hates him, even though she’s attracted to him. They have an incredible chemistry together. The only thing I wish could be better was if there was more Harvester and Reaver time. I liked that they have history together, but I really wanted more romance! But the action and twists and turns were so good that I forgave that part. Even though there wasn’t as much romance as I wanted, I knew that Reaver and Harvester were perfect for each other. They are crazy hot together, but they can also be sweet, and I adored that part of their relationship.

And the action! Oh my god, it was crazy intense. Reaver kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time reading, and there were things that I never saw coming. What a wild ride Reaver is. It’s thrilling, heart-pounding, hot, intense, and everything I expected for these two incredibly complex angels. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed with Reaver.

Reading Order: Demonica series

#1 ~ Pleasure Unbound: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Desire Unchained: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Passioned Unleashed: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Ecstasy Unveiled: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Sin Undone: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Eternal Rider: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#7 ~ Immortal Rider: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#8 ~ Lethal Rider: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#9 ~ Rogue Rider: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#10 ~ Reaver: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#10.5 ~ Azagoth: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#11 ~ Revenant: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#11.5 ~ Hades: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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31Dec2013

Release Day Review: How to Run with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

How to Run with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper
Series: Naked Werewolf #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 31st 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Pocket Books) in exchange for an honest review

Down, Boy

Anna Moder has just witnessed a shooting, seen her car pulverized, and rescued a wounded stranger only to discover he’s really a werewolf. And by her recent standards, things are actually looking up. Lycanthropes don’t faze Anna. Doctoring a wolf pack outside Grundy, Alaska, is the closest thing to home life she’s known in years. But hitching a ride to Anchorage with long-absent pack member Caleb Graham—that’s a risk. Part of her itches to whack his nose with a newspaper. The rest is trying unsuccessfully to keep her own paws off every delicious inch of him.

The problem is—Caleb employs his lupine tracking abilities as a notquite- legal bounty hunter, and Anna is suspicious of both him and his profession. On the run from her past, with old problems closing in, she’d like to stay far, far away from anybody with connections to the law. Caleb, however, seems determined to keep her close. Are his intentions noble, or is he working a more predatory angle?

Anna’s been dreaming of returning to a semi-normal life, but now she’s experiencing a strange new urge . . . to join Caleb in running with the wolves.

This is my first Molly Harper book, and I had a fantastic time reading it! How to Run with a Naked Werewolf is a fast read with a relatable, witty heroine, and the most adorable werewolf hero, and it’s filled with humor. I loved how the author manages to balance everything out so well–from the romance to the humor to the more serious parts of the book that include an abusive husband. How to Run with a Werewolf is basically a quick, fun read, and if you’re a paranormal romance fan who likes funny books, look no further.

Anna Moder, whose real name is Tina, has been on the run from her abusive soon-to-be ex-husband. She ran away when things were escalating and she settled down for a time as a doctor for a settlement of werewolves in Alaska. But when her husband was close to finding out where she was, she had to run again to protect the werewolves she grew to care for. And Anna runs right into Caleb. Caleb, the sweetest, most caring guy who worms right into Anna’s heart.

Caleb is the most adorable werewolf ever. He doesn’t know that Anna can tell he is one, but being a werewolf isn’t all that Caleb is. It turns out he’s a bounty hunter, but this doesn’t make him a bad guy. He’s actually a really genuine, down-to-earth, lovable, caring, and protective guy, if a bit furrier. And he can be totally sexy when he wants to be. He quickly manages to break down Anna’s walls and they grow to care and even love each other. But Caleb is hiding his own secrets too, secrets that might make Anna throw back up those walls Caleb so carefully managed to break down.

I really enjoyed the werewolf aspect of the book. Molly Harper doesn’t make werewolves complicated in her story. They’re simply there. There’s no elaborate backstory to the werewolves, and I liked reading that for a change. And I loved the humor in this book! Caleb and Anna match each other wit for wit, and they’re so freaking cute together. I had such a fun time reading this book, and I’ll definitely be reading the other books in this series!

Reading Order: Naked Werewolf series

#1 ~ How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf: Ebook • Goodreads
#3 ~ How to Run with a Naked Werewolf: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

28Nov2013

Review: World After by Susan Ee

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

World After by Susan Ee
Series: Penryn & the End of Days #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 19th 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback

In this sequel to the bestselling fantasy thriller, Angelfall, the survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what’s left of the modern world.

When a group of people capture Penryn’s sister Paige, thinking she’s a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken.

Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels’ secret plans where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.

Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can’t rejoin the angels, can’t take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?

*There will be spoilers for those who haven’t read Angelfall!*

Susan Ee does it again! I fell in love with World After, and with Penryn and Raffe all over again. Oh, how much I love this series. Angelfall was absolutely genius and World After doesn’t disappoint. It’s got everything that I loved in Angelfall–a kickass heroine, a fascinating world, a badass, swoony angel, and an intensity that hooks you in and blows your mind.

After I read Angelfall, I wanted to get my hands on World After so freaking bad, but nope, I had to wait nearly a year for it to release. And Angelfall having a cliffhanger that nearly killed me certainly didn’t help with the wait. But now.. the time has come. I’ve finally read World After, and all I can say is… I WANT MORE. I loved World After, but I couldn’t believe it when I finished. I never wanted it to end. It was gorgeously written, and the characters are so real and relatable (I’m excluding the angels of course). The only bad part about World After was that it didn’t have Raffe in it as much as I’d have liked.

Alright, listen up. If you’re expecting World After to be a romance where Penryn and Raffe end up happily ever after–don’t. Because in the devastating world they live in, you don’t get happily ever afters, especially if you’re an angel and a human. As much as you wish they’d get together…

“Stay with me,” says a familiar masculine whisper from above my head. Even over the yelling of the mob and the roaring of the waves, something unfurls in my chest at the sound of that voice.

Sniffles. Yeah, okay I’m one of those readers who want Raffe and Penryn to have their own HEA, but I’m still perfectly content with the way Susan Ee is taking their story. World After mainly focuses on Penryn and her sister, Paige. Paige is an abomination now and Penryn doesn’t know how to deal with that. She’s terrified that Paige has lost her humanity, but it’s clear that Paige is frightened and terrified of what she’s become. Paige is run off by those who only see her as a monster, and once again, Penryn goes out in search for her.

I love Penryn. She’s awesome and kickass and fiesty and protective of those she loves. And she’s hilarious. I found myself laughing just as much as I did in Angelfall because of her. Penryn’s tough and brave, and she’s not afraid to go after Paige. She has to deal with killer angels and nasty, scorpion-like creatures, one of which had almost killed her at the end of Angelfall, leading Raffe to believe she died, and it’s so gripping and exhilarating to read. I was always at the edge of my seat, worried for Penryn and how she’d get out of situations alive.

As for Raffe, he’s still searching for his wings. His bat wings have caused the other angels to shun him, and he’s out for revenge on Beliel, the angel who stole his wings. We get glimpses of his past through his sword, which Penryn has, but unfortunately, Raffe doesn’t have a big part of the book until later on. And oh. my. goodness. I was squealing so hard when he and Penryn finally see each other again. I mean, come on, Raffe thought she was dead, and he was devastated over it. And it was such a relief to see them together again. They honestly belong with each other. They’re perfect together, they work well together, and their bantering is always so hilarious.

Okay, one more for the Raffe fans:

“Let go,” I say into his ear. Raffe holds me tighter like there’s no room for discussion.

World After is an incredible sequel to Angelfall. The ending isn’t nearly as bad as Angelfall’s, thank god, but I’m still eagerly awaiting the third book. I’m not sure if the series is a trilogy or not, but please Susan Ee, don’t make me wait long! This series is an absolute favorite, and I can’t recommend it enough!

5 hearts!

Reading Order: Penryn & the End of Days series

#1 ~ Angelfall: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ World After: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ End of Days: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

28Nov2013

Blog Tour + Review & Giveaway: Undertow by K.R. Conway

Posted in 3 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Click the banner to see the rest of the tour stops!

Undertow (Undertow #1) by K.R. Conway
Release Date: 10/18/13

Luckless Eila is unknowingly the last of her kind: Rare. Gifted. Breakable. Stunning Raef is her kind’s historic enemy: Soulless. Lethal. Lost. A legendary death 160 years before would set their lives to collide, forcing a beautiful killer to become a savior, a simple wallflower to become a warrior, and ruthless destiny to become a death sentence.

SUMMARY:
High school senior Eila Walker knows that good luck skips over her like an Easter Bunny on Speed. So when she inherits her grandmother’s million-dollar Cape Cod home, she is downright shocked. And yeah, her new town isn’t perfect: the cheerleaders are heinous clones, the local undertow can kill ya, and her Great Grams was supposedly fried by lightning in the harbor square. Still, Eila is hopeful her luckless days are in the past . . . until history decides to repeat itself.

A self-proclaimed loner and previous-social reject, Eila thinks she’s hit the jackpot when drool-worthy Raef O’Reilly becomes her friendly, yet weirdly protective shadow. But being hauled beneath the waves by an unnatural undertow slams the brakes on bliss – especially when Raef storms to her aid with coal-black eyes and iron-like strength.

Eila, entirely freaked, demands an explanation and Raef comes clean, revealing that neither of them are average humans but rather the genetic remnants of an angelic pissing-match gone wrong. Eila supposedly can channel the power of human souls, while Raef is quite adept at stealing them. Even worse, the legend about her ancestor isn’t such a myth, since Eila’s grandmother was one kick-ass warrior until her lightning-like power backfired. A power that is written all over Eila’s DNA.

Now sought by Raef’s own family for her destructive ability, Eila must trust him to watch her back. But when a quest for information goes terribly wrong, Eila is suddenly left with only two options: become a weapon for the enemy or follow in her Gram’s fearless footsteps to save those she loves. Unfortunately she needs a willing enemy to ignite her suicidal energy and the only one she trusts has been guarding her butt and scorching her lips.

Buy Links:
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Kobo

What readers are saying:

WOrkS of FiCTioN – “All in all Undertow is a great book that not only keeps you guessing, but doesn’t let you set it down. I loved the characters and their interactions and definitely hoping for a continuation of their story.”

Reading Diva – “This series takes paranormal somewhere I haven’t been as a reader and I can’t wait to spend more time at the Cape or wherever Eila’s journey takes her. Do I recommend this book? Yes, Yes, Yes, and YES!” (TOP PICK winner)

Book Talks by the Library Lady – “I could not put this one down! Even when I needed to put it down, I had to almost immediately pick it back up. It took mere hours for me to read this entire book and I am truly ticked that Eila’s next story won’t be published until July 2014. I don’t want to wait for this story to continue! This is an addictive read.”

Undertow surprised me, but in a very good way! There was a little of everything–an intriguing world with strange, fascinating beings, a sweet romance, and an edge-of-your-seat mystery. I enjoyed reading this book, and though I didn’t connect much with the characters, I found the story very interesting and the twists and turns kept me hooked and guessing.

Eila Walker has inherited an enormous, beautiful house in Cape Cod from a mysterious benefactor. She and her guardian move to the new house, and Eila has to attend a new school. She makes friends with a jokester named M.J., and his friend Ana. And on the first day of school, she meets a mysterious, gorgeous boy named Raef. She and Raef have a connection with one another, but Eila doesn’t know what to make of it, while Raef seems to know what’s going on between them, and he seems to be more than he is.

Undertow had a slightly vampire-themed feel to it, in that there this secretive mystery surrounding Raef, but luckily, Undertow is not a vampire book, and we don’t have to wait long to find out what Raef–and Eila–truly is. Raef is what’s known as a Mortis, a soul-sucking creature, and Eila is a descendent of the Lunaterra, beings that are meant to fight the Mortis. So Raef and Eila are meant to be enemies (star-crossed lovers!) and their relationship has a forbidden feel to it, but they make it, or at least try to make it work anyways. They grow to care and love each other, and Raef is very protective of Eila in the sweetest way.

The paranormal part of the story really intrigued me. It’s the usual good vs. evil, but I really liked how K.R. Conway played it out. I couldn’t guess what would happen next, and the tension and mystery built up very nicely. Overall, Undertow is a good paranormal read, and I’ll be looking forward to the sequel.

I have been a journalist for 15 years and serve on the Board of Directors for the Cape Cod Writers Center. I also drive a 16-ton school bus because I am ENTIRELY NUTS.

In addition to working jobs that should come with a warning label , I hold a BA in Psychos (Forensic Psych), torment the tourists about Jaws, and occasionally jump from the Town Neck bridge in an attempt to reclaim my youth.

I live on Cape Cod with two smallish humans who apparently are my kids, my fishing- obsessed husband, two canines (adept at both flatulence and snoring), and a cage-defiant lovebird that sleeps in a miniature tent. Nope – that’s not a type-o. The bird is quite the indoor camper.

Website • Goodreads • Twitter • Facebook

2 – Signed print copies of Undertow (US only)
1 – ebook of Undertow (INT)

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24Nov2013

Early Review: Bitter Sweet Love by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Bitter Sweet Love by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: The Dark Elements #0.5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 1st 2013
Purchase: Ebook

Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Harlequin Teen) in exchange for an honest review

In a sizzling prequel novella to her new series THE DARK ELEMENTS, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout draws readers into the extraordinary, irresistible world of Wardens and demons.

Dez wasn’t just Jasmine’s crush. A gargoyle Warden like Jas, he helped her come to terms with her destiny—fending off demons and maintaining balance between good and evil. He was her everything…right until the moment he disappeared without a trace. It didn’t help that Jas’s father had just announced that she and Dez would one day be mated. Hard not to take that personally.

And now he’s back, three years older, ten times hotter, ready to pick up exactly where they left off. But Jas isn’t taking that risk again. Dez has seven days to meet all her conditions and earn back her trust. Seven days filled with terrifying danger and sweet temptation. Seven days to win her heart—or shatter it all over again…

Gargoyles!!! JLA’s new series is about gargoyles!

I honestly believe that JLA can write about anything and everything and still make it good. And she made gargoyles good. It’s so easy and fun to read JLA’s writing, and I had no trouble reading about gargoyles. The world of The Dark Elements series–with gargoyles and demons and god-knows-what–is fascinating and so smoothly written. And… the gargoyles are HOT!

The gargoyles are known as Wardens, and they fight against demons. The heroine, Jasmine, is a gargoyle, but since she’s a female, she doesn’t really get to fight. What she really wants, though, is to see the world. Jasmine never gets to leave home, and she’s been lonely ever since her best friend and crush, Dez, left for no reason three years ago. Plus, Dez left the day after he and Jasmine were announced to be mated. So, obviously, she is not elated with joy to see him again when he reappears out of the blue after three years. Jasmine still has feelings for Dez, of course, but she’s still pretty pissed. Especially when they’re announced to be mated again.

Jasmine has seven days to decide whether to accept the mating with Dez or not. And she has conditions. Jasmine wants to go places and see things, but even after those conditions are met, she’s still not sure if she can accept the mating. But Dez won’t give up. He know’s they’re meant to be together, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make her believe in him again.

“And I’m just saying that by the end of these seven days or maybe a week from then, or a month, you’ll say yes.” He cupped my cheek and leaned in, pressing his forehead to mine. “And I’ll be waiting. No matter how long it takes.”

Swoon.
Faint.
Thud.

This book was so. much. FUN! There’s JLA’s classic humor, a swoony book boyfriend, and lots of kissing! Be excited for this novella and new series. It’s going to be amaze-balls.

We also get introduced to the main characters from the first full novel of the series, White Hot Kiss (coming out the day after my birthday! AH!!). Jasmine meets the half demon, half gargoyle Layla, Zayne (the guy Layla’s crushing on), and the mysterious demon Roth. They don’t play a huge part in the novella, and they’re younger than they are in White Hot Kiss, but it was nice to see them for the first time before their book comes out (which I’m SO excited for!).

This was fantastic for a novella. The characters were fully fleshed out, the story kept me riveted, and the romance was so sweet (not bittersweet!). It’s only a hundred pages or so, and you can read it in one sitting, like I did. So if you’re a JLA fan, don’t miss this! It’s another brilliant addition to her YA books. And even if you’re not a JLA fan, you must give her a try, and why not with a shorter book of hers?

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: The Dark Elements series

#0.5 ~ Bitter Sweet Love: Ebook • Goodreads
#1 ~ White Hot Kiss: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Stone Cold Touch: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Every Last Breath: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (July 28, 2015)

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