Nocturne City Series by Caitlin Kittredge

I have read books by Caitlin Kittredge before, so I kind of had an idea of what to expect with this series. For some reason to me the first book in Caitlin's series is always the best. I thought so with this series and with her Black London series.

Bk 1, Night Life: You are introduced to Luna who is an insoli werewolf- which means without a pack. She is also a cop. She is tough and witty. Her cousin, Sunny- a witch is her roommate. She is investigating murders and meets a guy named Dmitri who is also a were. This book was definitely my favorite of the series. Luna is kick ass and Dmitri is just the kind of rough edged guy Luna needs. 4.5/5

Bk 2, Pure Blood: A good story but not my favorite. Luna is now a detective. Dmitri is settling issues with his elders. Luna is investigating murders caused by rival witch clans. I was into Luna missing Dmitiri and wondering how that would play out with them. Sunny is not in this one as much and I missed her character. 4/5

Bk 3, Second Skin: And this is the book in which the series start to slowly descend downhill. I felt like this book didn't resolve any conflicts and just made new ones. Dmitri and Luna are not getting along, someone is killing elder were pack members. Luna meets Lucas who is in a class all on his own. 3/5

Bk 4, Witch Craft: By far my least favorite in the series. Luna is now running her own paranormal division. I just felt that everything that could have been done already in this series was. There was not really any new element added to this book. I really struggled to finish this one. 2/5

Overall Thoughts: Fire whoever does the cover art. Seriously. The first book looks like a drawn girl they tried to make look real- not attractive. The second book cover was okay, but the title had nothing to do with this book. The third book cover has Luna in heels and a lingerie corset thing, when she is more of a jeans gal, and the title is completely random. The 4th book has Luna in skimpy clothes holding onto rope- okay, what?! Caitlin must have a thing for the leading gals being cops (or private investigators). I hope that the next bk in the series isn't as predictable. *sigh*

The Shadowdwellers Series by Jacquelyn Frank

I really enjoy Jacquelyn Frank's writing style. She always manages to create unique worlds that I thoroughly enjoy!

Bk 1 "Ecstasy": I am not sure what was going on here. While I did enjoy the book I felt like I was overwhelmed with information. This was by far my least favorite book of the series. A shadowdweller is someone who lives in darkness and can not be in the light. There are different dimensions that a shadowdweller can go- there are just simply too many to name here and they get rather confusing. Trace is the main man in this book and Ashla is the girl. I liked them both okay but did not love them. Trace is a shadowdweller and Ashla is someone with a healing ability. I think what turned me off the most about this book is that the history of the shadowdwellers society became overwhelming. 3/5

Bk 2 "Rapture": This book was way better than the first in the series. Magnus is Trace's father. Dae is his disturbed but gutsy handmaiden, who has had a hard life to say the least. What I did find weird was that is the first book Magnus is portrayed as the older, wiser, father. Then in this one he was supposed to be the virile lover...hmmm. Once I got over my hangups about that the storyline was really good. Honestly I thought I wouldn't like this book at all but it was very good. 4/5

Bk 3 "Pleasure": I really enjoyed this book but I was disappointed all at the same time. Instead of just one main love story this book condenses two. Sagan is a loner priest who has been captured and then wakes up to be in the Alaskan wilderness in Valera's home. I thought Sagan and Valera got skimped with their story. They are hardly in the book at all. Instead you get Guin and Malaya's story which you knew was coming way back in bk 1. Malaya is a chancellor and Guin is her body guard. I liked Guin and Malaya, even though for someone who is supposed to be so smart Malaya acts pretty dumb. I liked the book but these two stories should have been made into two separate books. 4/5.

Sisters of the Moon Series by Yasmine Galenorn

This is a review of books 1-5. I have never read any other books by Yasmine Galenorn. These stories are about 3 sisters.

The background info for BK 1, "Witchling" is- We're the D'Artigo sisters: half-human, half-fae, we're savvy- and sexy-operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency (OIA). But our mixed-blood heritage short-circuits our talents at all the wrong times. My sister Delilah shape shifts into a tabby cant whenever she's stressed. Menolly's a vampire who's still trying to get the hang of being undead. And me? I'm Camille- a wicked-good witch. Except my magic's as unpredictable as the weather, which my enemies are about to find out the hard way...

Story: Camille is the oldest sister. Her and her sisters are trying to keep the bad guys from taking control of both earth and otherworld. They must find portal seals to keep the main bad guys- Shadow Wing and other Demons.

My thoughts: Camille is not my favorite sister, she is kind of arrogant and annoying. Camille runs a bookstore as a cover job on earth. The main problem I had with this book is that the story is bombarded with unneeded information. I know it is necessary to know the story history but in this case it was almost too much. I liked the book but didn't love it. 3/5

Bk 2, "Changeling": Delilah is the middle sister but is treated like the baby. She is a werecat but shifts into a tabby. Her cover job is running a private investigator office. She takes a job for another werepuma and the sparks fly. Her and her sisters are still fighting Shadow Wing. Of all the sister's Delilah is my favorite. Delilah's love life gets tricky in this story she likes both the were-puma and an FBH (full blooded human) named Chase.

My thoughts: This book is much better than the first one. Delilah is a force to be reckoned with. I gave it a 4/5.

BK 3, "Darkling"- Menolly runs a bar and she is a vampire. She is a tough, scary (but in a good way) chick. She is facing demons of her own. She attends VA, vampire anonymous, meetings. She has to face the wicked vampire who turned her.

My thoughts: Menolly is strong but you do get to see her vulnerable side. She is dealing with a lot of personal issues in this book. Her love life is complicated, but I wanted more in that area out of this story. All in all not a bad story. 4/5.

Bk 4, "Dragon Wytch"- This story goes back to Camille's side. Her love life is crazy, she has 3 main men. A Demon, a svartan, and a dragon. The girls are still fighting bad guys.

My thoughts: I was disappointed in this book. Maybe it's because I don't really like Camille, or maybe it's because judging by the title I thought, Smoky, the dragon would play a bigger role in the story than he did. Also the cover is disturbing. Camille is supposed to be hot and while her body is banging, her face looks like a drag queen (and not a hot one). 3/5

Bk 5, "Night Huntress"- Throughout the story Delilah and Chase, the FBH, have become very close. But Chase screws up majorly. Delilah is trying to figure out what she wants in life and love. She also finds out some surprising info about her past.

My thoughts: Really liked this book. Delilah is growing up and you get to see her evolve and not seem so naive. 4/5.

The 6th bk is Demon Mistress and it follows up with Menolly's story. I liked this series well enough to definitely put this book on my to-read, wish list.

Veil of Shadows by Jennifer Armintrout

This is book 3 of the Lightworld/Darkworld series. I must be honest, out of all 3 books in the series this one was my least favorite.

Synopsis (from back of the book): With the Immortal Denizens of the subterranean Lightworld & Darkworld societies locked in battle, the heiress the the Faery throne is exiled to the human realm above. Accompanied to the upworld by her mother's most trusted advisor, Cerridwen is bound for Eire- and the last fae stronghold on earth. But even this fabled colony is no true haven.

In the absence of the true Fae monarch, the formidable Queene Danae established herself as a ruler-and she does not wish to relinquish her power, especially over the devout Humans who live among the Fae servants.

Torn between her own beliefs and the ideals her mother died for, Cerridwen searches for clues to her destiny- is it on Earth among the Humans, or beyond the ethereal portal, in the immortals' ancestral home? Neither path can avert bloodshed- and the choice may not be hers to make.

My thoughts: It took me over a month to read this book. It was just really slow in the beginning. Luckily the storyline does pick up but not until halfway through the book. The cover of the book is cool. Danae is a wicked, mean, and very bad girl. I really liked her as the enemy. But mainly the story is a sad attempt at a love story. Overall I give it a 2/5.

Queen of Light by Jennifer Armintrout

This is the first novel of Ms. Armintrout's Lightworld/Darkworld series. I really liked the unique story in this book. Goodbye Vampires and wolves to taking center stage. Hello Death Angel's and faeries.

Synopsis (on back of book): In a time not long from now, the veil between fantasy and reality is ripped asunder- creatures of myth and fairy tale spill into the mortal world. Enchanted yet horrified, humans force the magical beings underground, to colonize sewers and abandoned subway tunnels beneath their glittering cities.

But even magic folk cannot dwell in harmony, and soon two Worlds emerge: the Lightworld, home to faeries, dragons, and dwarves; and the Darkworld, where vampires, werewolves, angels and demons lurk.

Now, in the dank and shadowy place between Lightworld and Darkworld, a transformation is about to begin...

Ayala, a half faery, half human assassin, is stalked by Malachi, a Death Angel tasked with harvesting mortal souls. They clash. Immortality evaporates, forging a bond neither may survive. And in the face of unbridled ambitions and untested loyalties, an ominous prophecy is revealed that will shake the Worlds.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this book. It was different from your typical romance. Ayala is strong, independent, and completely kick ass! Malachi is a guy you just can't help but like. I gave this book a 5/5! I loved the fae creatures and their magical world, along with the inside look at their corrupted fae court.

I also loved the cover art for this book!

Shifting Love by Constance O'Day-Flannery

This book is really good. It is a lot different than I thought it would be. The main gal, Maggie, is the one in the story that is a shifter. She is also coerced by a secret society to help men open their hearts to love, so that they can love the one they are supposed to be with.

Synopsis (from back of book): Maggie O'Shea knows that because of her dark past, there's no place for love in her life. She owns a successful store in Philadelphia, where she uses her special gifts to help the people she meets. Though this doesn't fulfill her , she is content. Most of the time.

Entrepreneur Julian McDonald runs an empire. He's rich, cynical, bored- and not interested in relationships. He was in love, once, but since her death, there's been no space in his heart for anyone else.

Maggie knows as soon as she meets Julian that she could fall in love with him. But a secret society devoted to bringing the world back into balance has a mysterious agenda for Julian- and doesn't care about the heart's wish of a vulnerable shapeshifter...

My thoughts: Maggie and Julian are both love able characters. This book had some good surprises coming that you don't expect. I give this book a 4/5.

HeartMate by Robin D. Owens

This is a sci-fi/ paranormal romance. While I absolutely hated the cheesy cover, the story was really good. Robin Owens wrote a unique, beyond the norm love story. I can't wait to read the next book in this series, Heart Thief. These books are part of the Celta's HeartMate series.

Synopsis (from back of book): All his life, Rand T'Ash has looked forward to meeting his HeartMate, with whome he could begin a family. Once a street tough but now a respected nobleman and artisan, he has crafted the perfect HeartGift, which, in the custom of the psychically-gifted population of the planet Celta, is the way a man finds-and attracts-his wife.

Danith Mallow is irresistibly drawn to the magnificent necklace on display at T'Ash's shop, but she is wary of its creator, despite an overpowering attraction. In a world where everyone is defined by their psychic ability, Danith has little, and thus is at the opposite end of the social spectrum from T'Ash. But T'Ash refuses to accept her rejection, and sees it as a challenge instead. They are HeartMates, but can T'Ash persuade his beloved to accept her destiny by his side?

My thoughts: I give this book a 4/5, mainly because it is so different from your usual love stories. Ms. Owen's opens the door to a new planet, and new customs, and does it without it being really dumb. That is talent. Danith is a bit of a whiner and doesn't want to give in to her feelings easily. T'Ash has a familiar who is a cat that is really funny. I am curious to see where this series is going.

The Dark Lord by Patricia Simpson

When I read the synopsis off the back of this book I thought "Eh- it will be mediocre", yet I was surprised. This book is better than mediocre, it's great! This book has been sitting on the bookshelf for quite some time and I am sad I didn't read it sooner!

Synopsis (from back of the book): Faye Rae Lambers is caught between two men...

Simeon, debonair and charming, and Michael, street-smart and sarcastic. Simeon thinks Michael is crude and base; Michael thinks Simeon is evil. Really evil.

When Rae's beloved mentor, Michael's father, dies, Rae discovers that he has been consulting a psychic and goes to see her. The psychic insists that the souvenir deck of cards from Rae's Egyptian vacation is actually the Forbidden Tarot, and that one of the men in Rae's life had something to do with her mentor's death. Rae can't believe that- Simeon is far too sophisticated to murder someone, and why would Michael kill his own father.

But the psychic insists that the dark spirit of the Tarot has taken form as one of the men in Rae's life. Rae must figure out whether it is Simeon or Michael before she loses her heart...and possible her life.

My thoughts: This book I rated a 4/5. The reason it did not get a 5/5 was because some of the storyline was really predictable and Rae received a message from her mentor that left clues that were not really elaborated on like they could have been. All in all though this book set up nicely for the next book in the series, The Dark Horse. Also it might be petty but I hated the name Faye Rae, yuck.

Covet by J.R. Ward

This is the first book of Ms. Ward's new series, Fallen Angels. I really liked this book. It has some characters from the BDB series, Marie-Terese and Trez. The story is engaging and fast paced. This story is a great start to a series. The ending of the book left me wanting answers and I can't wait until the next book is out!

Synopsis (from back of book): Redemption isn't is a word Jim Heron knows much about- his specialty is revenge and to him, sin is all relative. But everything changes when he becomes a fallen angel and is charged with saving the souls of seven people from the seven deadly sins. And failure is not an option.

Vin diPietro has surrendered himself to his business-until fate intervenes in the form of tough-talking, Harley-riding, self-professed savior, and a woman who makes him questions his destiny. With an ancient evil ready to claim him, Vin has to work with a fallen angel not only to win his beloved over...but to redeem his very soul.

My thoughts: Jim is a good guy who can be bad. He has a mysterious past and even more mysterious friends. I can't wait to learn more about him in the next book. Vin is an intriguing character who has everything in life but yet he is very miserable. I loved that he evolved so beautifully in this book. It is very rare that I give a book a 5/5 but this one earned it!!

Jacob by Jacquelyn Frank

This is the first book in the Nightwalkers series. I currently have the second book Gideon on my wish list at goodreads.com, so that should clue you in that this book rocks! I enjoyed the character's, the storyline started out kind of slow but once it picked up it kept my attention, the cover of the book was attractive, and I can't wait to see which direction the series takes.

Synopsis (from back of book): Since time began, there have been Nightwalkers-the races of the night who live in the shadows of the moonlight. Love with humans is absolutely forbidden, and one man makes certain to uphold this ancient law: Jacob, The Enforcer...

For 700 years, he has resisted temptation. But not tonight...

Jacob knows the excuses his people give when the madness overtakes then and they fall prey to their lust for humans. He's heard every one and still brought the trespassers to justice. Immune to forbidden desires, uncontrollable hungers, or the curse of the moon, his control is total...until the moment he sees Isabella on a shadowy New York City street. Saving her life wasn't in his plans. Nor were the overwhelming feelings she arouses in him. But the moment he holds her in his arms and feels the soft explosion of her body against his, everything changes. Their attraction is undeniable, volatile, and completely against the law. Suddenly everything Jacob has ever believed is inflamed by the heat of desire...

Bring on the night.

While writing the synopsis I was asking myself what makes this book any different from the other paranormal romance books out there? I think it is that the author kept the story simple, interesting, and didn't overwhelm the story with unnecessary gibberish. The story is to the point while still allowing some mystery. I found that aspect of the book to be the most refreshing. I recommend reading this book. Now I only help that the next book in the series is every bit as good as this one.

Lover Avenged, by J.R. Ward

This is Ms. Ward's 7th book from the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. After reading the 6th book, Lover Enshrined (Phury's story), and not really enjoying it, I was a little hesitant to read this book. But I have followed the series faithfully so I had to give this book a fair shot. J.R. Ward does not disappoint in this book! I rate it a 4/5.

First of all, this book was better than book 6 (thank god) and I would definitely recommend it to a friend. Rhev is a sympath vampire and not actually in the Brotherhood. Rhev is a bad bad boy. He manipulates emotions, owns the club Zero Sum, and is a notorious drug dealer/gangsta type guy. Ehlena is a vampire nurse who is dealing with family drama. This story has many different plot lines going at the same time. There were many things I liked and just one thing I did not like.

Likes: RHEV, enough said. Ehlena was like able and sweet but not spectacular. This book has drama, sex, suspense, romance and intricate plots- whats not to love? This story sets up nicely for John Mathew and Xhex's story which will be book 8- Lover Mine out April 2010. I was happy that in this book it was not all about Mr.X or Mr.O but more about Rhev and Ehlena.

Dislikes: I don't know why this bothers me, but I don't picture Rhev having a Mohawk at all. Actually as I am reading the story I picture Rhev as the actor Maurice Benard who plays Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital, except with lots of tattoos and amethyst eyes.

The Perfect Wife by Victoria Alexander

Oh man you just gotta love a tawdry romance! Sure this book is predictable and smutty but that's half of it's charm. While this is not as good as some of Victoria Alexander's other books it was still good.

Synopsis (from barnesandnoble.com): When the Earl of Wyldewood meets Sabrina Winfield, he thinks he's found the ideal match. Graceful and genteel, the elegant blonde will look simply exquisite displayed on his arm. And a lady like Sabrina will undoubtedly occupy her time with proper matters, leaving him free to pursue his own pleasures . . .
But beneath Sabrina's delicate beauty lies the most infuriatingly stubborn, wildly adventurous woman the earl has ever met. She's nothing like the perfect wife he had imagined. And before long, all he can think of is quieting her biting wit (with his kisses), putting an end to her outlandish schemes (with his own carefully planned seduction), and doing everything in his power to become the perfect husband.

Dislikes: The story was really slow at times and could have been a little more exciting. The cover is kind of blah.

Likes: Sabrina is strong and an older woman which I thought was a nice change from a 19 year old virgin leading lady. Earl of Wyldewood is hott. A descent historical romance read.

Belle by Melanie Jackson

This was an interesting and entertaining read. Every once in a while I just get in the mood for a historical romance.

Synopsis (from melaniejackson.com): With the letter breaking his engagement, Stephan Kirton's hopes for respectability -- and his chance at happiness -- went up in smoke. He supposed it was inevitable; his travels abroad, his "interaction with the lower classes", had put him beyond the scope of polite society. Oh, those and the fact that he was a bastard. He could still find consolation, though. Ormstead Park was a place for dancing and flirting, for drinking and gambling... and those came before less innocent sports. It was a place where he could find a woman for the night. Instead, she found him.

He didn't recognize her at first; real ladies didn't come to Lord Duncan's masked balls, and this young beauty -- as he recalled from his youth -- was just that. Her descent into this netherworld had brought her within reach, yet this was no girl of the day. Annabelle Winston was sublime. And if he had to trick her, bribe her, dare her, or get her drunk... if he had to protect her, server her, save her, whatever -- one way or another he would make an honest woman out of her. And she would make a happy man out of him.

My Thoughts: This book is beginning to end fun. There is romance, adventure, humor and can be read in one sitting on a rainy afternoon. Belle is courageous yet naive all at the same time. Stephan can be dominating and gentle. I would recommend. A good read.

The one complaint I have is of the cover. While reading the book the Belle in my mind did not resemble the girl from the cover. There is nothing interesting about the cover which is boring.

A Taste of Magic by Tracy Madison

I would give this book a 3/5 simply because the story is sweet and a quick read. Honestly though the whole gypsy -magic -love- story thing just really isn't for me. There was one laugh out loud funny moment. This book also has a story that follows it called, A Stroke of Magic. I don't know if I will read that book or not. This book was okay but not stellar.

Synopsis (from barnesandnoble.com): A young, divorced bakery owner discovers she's inherited her gypsy ancestress's fabulous magical powers, but learns that when seeking true love with her hunky new neighbor, a person has to be careful what she cooks up.

If you are into quick, witty, light-hearted witch romances books then this book might be for you. It didn't suck but it was not the best book I have ever read.

Killing Moon by Rebecca York

This is the first book in Rebecca York's Moon Series. I really enjoyed it. The storyline flowed really well. There is an alpha male werewolf. There is a serial killer. There is a genetic researcher who is smart. I hope the second book in this series is a good as this one.

The Series Order is:

Killing Moon

Edge of the Moon

Witching Moon

Cravings

Crimson Moon

Shadow of the Moon

New Moon

Huntress Moon

Ghost Moon

Eternal Moon

Dragon Moon

Synopsis (from rebeccayork.com): Ross Marshall, my werewolf detective. He’s on the trail of a serial killer, who shoots him at the beginning of the story. Out of his mind with an infected bullet wound, he’s treated by a beautiful young doctor, Megan Sheridan. He’s drawn to Megan–and she to him--yet he’s vowed never to pass on his werewolf genes. As he becomes more intimately involved with Megan, she helps him figure out his genetic heritage. But the killer turns his attention on them. And Ross finds he must reveal his violent nature to Megan if he wants to save her. The setting is always important to my books. KILLING MOON takes place in the DC area because that’s where I live, and I also felt that setting a story here adds extra cachet.

My Thoughts: What made this book so great to me was that Rebecca York wrote a story that is an actual suspenseful story. Sure this is considered a paranormal romance book but there is a real story that flows. There is steamy friction between Ross and Marshall but the best part of the book is Ross' hunt for the killer.

One Silent Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Oh how I do love me some Dark-Hunter drama. Sherrilyn Kenyon is brilliant. She has taken bad boys, Greek mythology, drama, comedy, action, and romance and made them into a whole series. If there is anyone out there who has been living under a rock and not read a Dark-Hunter novel I would suggest you do so- TODAY!

The series order is:

Fantasy Lover

Night Pleasures

Night Embrace

Dance with the Devil

Kiss of the Night

Night Play

Seize the Night

Sins of the Night

Unleash the Night

Dark Side of the Moon

Devil May Cry

Upon the Midnight Clear

Acheron

One Silent Night

Bad Moon Rising

Synopsis (from barnesandnoble.com): In the world of the Dark-Hunters, all hell’s breaking loose…
Stryker has sent word and is gathering his forces.
While the world carries on unawares, Stryker, who leads an army of demons and vampires, is plotting an all out onslaught against his enemies—which, unfortunately for us, includes the entire human race. To avenge his sister, Stryker prepares to annihilate the Dark-Hunters. But things go awry when his oldest enemy returns. Enter his ex-wife. Zephyra. Just when he thought nothing could stop him, he’s now embroiled in a centuries old war with a shrew who gives new meaning to pain.
It’s Christmas Eve and new battle lines are being drawn as the Dark-Hunters rally for a final showdown on ONE SILENT NIGHT.

My Thoughts: If you have read any of the other novels you know that Stryker, well, he's an ass. But in this book I was thrilled to learn about his past and his emotions and thoughts from his point of view. This book is front to back pure entertainment. While this book was not as dramatic and compelling as Acheron it is more than worth reading. Once I start one of Sherrilyn's books I just can't put it down.

The Accidental Vampire by Lydsay Sands

This is book 7 of the Argenaeu series. This is probably one of the few series that I have read not really in order. I have just read some of the books randomly. I really like the witty humor and funny stories. Lysay Sands knows how to entertain.

Synopsis (from barnesandnoble.com): Ever since an accident turned her into a knockout vamp, Elvi Black's been catching her z's in a coffin, staying out of the sun, and giving up garlic. She knows there's more to being undead than what she saw in Dracula, but she can't very well ask her mortal friends about proper biting etiquette. But when her neighbors placed a personal ad for her in the local paper, she never imagined she'd meet Victor Argeneau, a vampire who could have his pick of any woman—dead or alive.
Rich, powerful, and drop—dead gorgeous, Victor's the perfect man for a novice neck—biter like Elvi. He's willing to teach her everything he knows, but he'll have to do it fast. Someone's out to put a stake through her new vamp life, and only Victor can keep her safe—and satisfied—for all eternity.

I would recommend any story written by Ms. Sands. I have yet to find one that I have not liked. This book makes for a great read on the story rainy days inside ;o)

Eternal Pleasure by Nina Bangs

I have read several Nina Bangs books and liked them. This one was no exception. This book was a quick read and really entertaining. This is the first book of the Gods of The Night. I am looking forward to reading book 2 in this series Eternal Craving.

Synopsis (from barnesandnoble.com): The Eleven must use their natural skills and highly developed preternatural strengths to stop the spread of evil by the Lords of Time.

What really sets this book apart from usual paranormal romance stories is that each of the eleven possess the soul of a dinosaur. I think that is unusual and brilliant. The eleven really do have the soul of a beast. But can the beasts be tamed? The main guy in this story is Ty short for T. Rex. The female in the story Kelly, is strong and descent. Compared to Ty though she is pretty boring. This is definitely a series to read!

Bengal's Heart by Lora Leigh

I could not wait for this book to come out after reading Tanner’s Scheme (see my other review). Did I think the book was good? Yes. Was it as good as I thought it would be? No.

Synopsis (from barnesandnoble.com): Reporter Cassa Hawkins has always supported Breed rights—especially in light of a specimen like Cabal St. Laurents, the epitome of the male animal. But when the Breeds are incriminated in a series of violent murders, it's left to Cassa and Cabal to discover the truth before they become prey.

While this book was good I could not help but feel a little let down. I did not like that there was tension between Cabal and Cassa in terms of their past. That was already done in Tanner’s Scheme. Their story was sizzling but not anything new. I was hoping for a fresh perspective in this romance. I mean come on- Cabal was a notorious playboy- he and Tanner used to share their women. Yet he seemed toned down in this book. I just wanted Cabal to be more. Would I recommend this book? Yes. Even despite the romance flaws the story was really good and complicated. I am really hoping Jonas will get his story next! Or maybe Dog. Either way I hope Lora Leigh comes at the next book with a new angle. The conflicted past stories have been done to death.

Although if nothing else the cover design is very nice.

Dark Embrace by Brenda Joyce

I enjoyed this book. Brenda Joyce has a captivating writing style. The one thing that confused me was on the back of this book it says that this book is the first book of the Rose Trilogy. What it does not tell you is that this book is also the third in the Masters of Time series. So while reading I had to pay extra attention because I had not read the previous Master’s books. My advice is to read the two previous books then this one. I felt like I did not get to fully appreciate all this book had to offer because of that.

Synopsis (from barnesandnoble.com): Aidan, the Wolf of Awe, has abandoned the Brotherhood and forsaken his vows. Feared by all and trusted by none, he hunts alone, seeking vengeance against the evil that destroyed his son. He has not saved an Innocent in sixty-six years--until he hears Brianna Rose's scream of terror across centuries, and leaps to modern-day Manhattan to rescue her....
Brie is a gifted empath who spends her time fighting evil from the safety of her laptop--and fantasizing about the medieval Highlander she met just once. Still, her life is pretty ordinary--until she awakens one night consumed with Aidan's pain and rage. When Aidan suddenly appears and takes her hostage, Brie cannot believe how dark and dangerous he has become. She knows she should be afraid, but instead, she will fight across time for his redemption...and his love.

Honestly who doesn’t love the alpha male?! This story was captivating, so much so that I read it in one sitting. The ending is intense and surprising. This story is fast paced and a great read. Aidan is a tortured soul and Brie is his redemption. This book is well worth reading.
My only complaint is that while all the books in the Masters Series have some nice eye candy on them- they are all too much the same! I know you should not judge a book by its cover, but sometimes while considering which one to buy I do tend to go for the ones with the most attractive covers. I just hope maybe on the next book of the series they will switch the cover design of the book up a little bit.