Review: Burning Dawn by Gena Showalter

Burning Dawn (Angels of the Dark, #3) by Gena Showalter
Publisher: Harlequin Australia
Publication date: May 2nd, 2014
Number of pages: 384
Source: ARC from Publisher
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | The Book Depository |Booktopia


A tormented past has left Thane with an insatiable need for violence, making him the most dangerous assassin in the skies.
He lives by a single code: no mercy. And as he unleashes his fury on his most recent captor, he learns no battle could have prepared him for the slave he rescues from his enemy's clutches—a beauty who stokes the fires of his darkest desires.
Elin Vale has her own deep-rooted scars, and her attraction to the exquisite warrior who freed her challenges her every boundary.
But Thane's unwavering determination to protect her means she must face her greatest fears—and enter a world in which passion is power, and victory means breathtaking surrender.

Just when you think Gena has lost her touch when it comes to romance, sexual tension and sex, think again. Burning Dawn has got to be one of the most hottest books I have read from her in a while. *fans self*

I admit I didn't remember exactly what happened at the end of the previous book, but soon enough the information is basically given to you and it then it all came back to me.
Thane *drools* is such a gorgeous son of a beast. He doesn't apologise for nothing. You take him as he is and nothing less. He has tastes for strange things, which not everyone would go for, and if you do, don't expect anything more to come from the liasion.

Elin Vale is half Phoenix and prisoner in the same place that holds Thane captive. When he saves the young prisoner and takes her up into the skies under his protection, he has no idea how much affect she'll have on him from that point forward.
Elin has as much of a dark past that Thane does. Not only has she lost her entire family, when she finds kindness and some sort of purpose up in the skies, Elin just might discover this was where she was always meant to be.

The passion between them was so gloriously hot. Heart-pumping sexy especially a certain scene that involves a bath tub *cough*

This is my favourite book in the series thus far, and I certainly hope this is not the last. Not only was the romance was top notch, but it had mentions of the lords and awesome interactions between Thane and his best friends, who desperately need a book of their own *hint*

A big thanks to Harlequin Australia for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Review: The Darkest Craving by Gena Showalter

The Darkest Craving (Lords of the Underworld #10) by Gena Showalter
Publication Date: July 30, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Number of Pages: 466
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads

Having endured weeks of torture in the bowels of hell, Kane wants nothing to do with his beautiful rescuer, Josephina Aisling. The half-Fae female threatens to awaken the demon of Disaster inside him—a beast he’s determined to kill, no matter the price.

Josephina is hunted by a brutal enemy—her royal family—and Kane is her only source of protection. He’s also the only male to ever set her aflame, and even he succumbs to the heat. But as they navigate the treacherous world of the Fae, they are forced to make a choice: live apart…or die together.

I've been putting this off for almost a month. Honestly, I'm sorry for being MIA lately. But also this is going to be a very short and brief review.

First off, I absolutely love the cover model. He looks like Paul Wesley. *drools* I had a mix of emotions going into this book. On the one had, the memory of the disappointment with Paris' book, and the failure of the second angel book had me hesitant. But I had friends say this book was a lot better, that it seems like Gena is getting her groove back.

While this book was a great improvement, I still found it lacking. I really enjoyed the beginning of the book. But once they go back to the land of the Fae, I found it a little slow and almost boring. Even after they leave, I still couldn't invest myself fully in. I really liked Kane and Josephina. Or at least at first I did. Don't get me wrong I still liked the book and both the hero and heroine, but I could tell the difference. Josephina was strong, but she had a vulnerable side too.  And towards the end I felt like she was too vulnerable. Also with Kane we saw his vulnerable side, a soft side that we haven't seen in any of the Lords. One that I felt was too soft. Yes it's nice to see a soft side and not just the "caveman" affect on these men, but it was just too much for me. I like to see these as the alpha man, and when they fall in love they take charge and protect their woman; not saying Kane didn't do that, I just don't want to see them weak in love.

Also something different in this book, the Fae  knew all about the Lords. And to them the Lords were celebrities and watched their every move. Even had fan clubs, and the girls even fan girl over them. There was no retelling of the Lords backstory, which was kind of nice. After so many books you get the picture. We got to see Torin's story being set up, which I was more interested in. I didn't like how the story ended, where ended up living.

This wasn't her best book, but he wasn't her worst. Although I still love this series and remains one of my favorites, I'm looking forward to the series wrapping up.

Rating: 3/5

 

Review: Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter

Through the Zombie Glass (White Rabbit Chronicles, #2) by Gena Showalter
Publisher: Harlequin Australia
Publication date: October 1st, 2013
Number of pages: 480 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon |  The Book Depository | Bookworld Australia

Inspired by the childhood classic Alice in Wonderland, this harrowing and romantic story features teen zombie slayer Alice Bell who has lost so much—family, friends, her home. After a strange new zombie attack, Alice fears she may be losing her mind as well. A terrible darkness blooms inside her, urging her to do wicked things. The whispers of the dead assault her ears and mirrors seem to come frighteningly to life. She’s never needed her team of zombie slayers more—including her boyfriend, Cole—than she does now. But as Cole strangely withdraws and the zombies gain new strength, Ali knows one false step may doom them all.

Ever since I devoured Alice in Zombieland I have been anxious to read the sequel to this unique and fascinating story. There is nothing from this author that I would not read. Her adult books devour me. And just as much so, this YA series is just as interesting as her PNR ones.
I fell in love with Ali and Cole.. with all of the characters, the world. I could not wait until to read what this installment had in store for us.
I was lucky to be able to get an ARC a few weeks before the release date and I couldn't have been anymore happier.

This is a dark saga, but those are the best kinds, right? It takes a fairytale story and Gena has made it work in her own, interesting way. To bring Ali to such limits, to make her into this character which you never ever saw before. She had her ups and down in the first book to this series as she dealt with the deaths of her family, and then being forced to live with her grandparents. Then there was dealing with the fact she can see  monsters out there in the world that not many people can, only a select few, but she was lucky enough to be able to befriend some of these unique people and form her own new group of friends, a surprisingly new relationship which did not come easy, and found that life might not be so bad after all in this new town.

When we pick up this story, not much time has passed and Ali is still recovering. She yearns to be in Cole's arms, but when he suddenly starts ignoring her, she discovers that a new batch of Zombie Hunters have arrived in town, and not only does she have to deal with his recent ex, yet another girl from Cole's past makes her entrance, and she sure does not like Ali. That's not all she has to deal with... the moment she gets a look at one of the new guys.. something strange happens --- yep, you guessed it, a vision, which is something, I felt she thought her and Cole only shared. The question is.. what do these visions actually mean, and what really is the whole purpose of them? I want to know this answer too.

Ali and Cole are my favourite part of this series, and this book is no different. There are some scenes... well, you just know she has an PNR background because of how hot and saucy they are. There is something to say about a sexy scene without sex being involved -- yet. And these two are the perfect counterparts to a hot duo. There is nothing Cole wouldn't do for Ali, although, yes, he can be overprotective but I think it's because he has never felt like this for someone else and so it's new territory for him as well.
They have their issues during this book.. some which make me scream and pull out my hair, but with all great romances, things end up where they belong.

Ali goes through a crazy, dark and interesting period that involves the Zombies, and it provides a different take on her character. Some will like it, some won't. Ali was battling more than Zombies in this installments --- in more ways than one, she was also battling herself. 

I loved the direction of the relationship between Kat & Frosty, they don't have the easiest relationship either, maybe moreso than most, but I loved we got to see more of them and understand Kat a little more, getting more into her personal life. These two are meant for one another, no matter how many times they may break up and get back together.

There was lots of action and heartbreak to go along with the romance.  There was new characters, I really liked Gavin. He is a major flirt, actually more than that, but I liked that in the end.. he wanted something more someday. It was progress I felt. I hope he does find the happiness he deserves.

I look forward to the next (Last?) installment to this epic, fascinating story.

Thanks to Harlequin Australia for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5/5

Review: The Darkest Craving by Gena Showalter

The Darkest Craving (Lords of the Underworld #10) by Gena Showalter
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication date:  July 30th, 2013
Number of pages: 466 pgs
Format: Mass-Market Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Having endured weeks of torture in the bowels of hell, Kane wants nothing to do with his beautiful rescuer, Josephina Aisling. The half-Fae female threatens to awaken the demon of Disaster inside him—a beast he’s determined to kill, no matter the price.

Josephina is hunted by a brutal enemy—her royal family—and Kane is her only source of protection. He’s also the only male to ever set her aflame, and even he succumbs to the heat. But as they navigate the treacherous world of the Fae, they are forced to make a choice: live apart…or die together.

The latest installment to the Lords of the Underworld series, Gena brings us Kane's story, which I never thought I'd love as much as I did.
I felt like I understood Kane a lot more after this book than I ever did before, but I suppose that was the whole point of us hearing this story of his, right?

It feels like it has been so long since I was put back in this world, I think maybe because I was a tad disappointed with the previous book, but this one.. was so much better. I was so thankful.
I felt Gena was getting back to her roots where the romance/action/sex scenes are concerned; not fully there, but slowly.
We have a couples stories going on in this novel. Forefront is Kane's story, which he has been rescued from hell by a half-Fae. The journey these two go on just warmed my heart. Josephine has her own share of horrors and problems, and Kane is the perfect solution. They kind of fix one another along the way. The perfect combination.

Then we have Torin. Whose book is next, which I can't wait for. He has his own personal journey going on when he meets a young girl who is lost in time by an enemy from the past, and Torin finds himself in quite the situation.
Lastly, we have Cameo and a not-so-newcomer. Theirs is a story I found interesting as well. I can't wait for these two side stories to be played out. I adore both of the characters and I look forward to see what comes next.

Gena definitely knows how to hook in a reader with her magnificent world she has created over the past ten books. Each has been different, yet unique on their very own. The characters have been great, plot and sub plots that go along with it.  She is one of my favourite PNR authors to date.

If you haven't read any of Gena's stuff, and this is something up your alley, I suggest you check them out ASAP.  You will not be disappointed.

You can feel the end of the series is nearing, which is sad but probably is time, so I look forward to the next few books or how many there shall be, and see this series end on a great note.

Rating: 4.5/5

Review: Beauty Awakened by Gena Showalter

Beauty Awakened (Angels of the Dark #2) by Gena Showalter
Publication Date: February 26, 2013
Publisher: HQN Books
Number of Pages: 448
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble 
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His name is Koldo. He is scarred, powerful, his control legendary-and he lives only for vengeance, determined to punish the angel who viciously removed his wings. But if he yields to the forces of hatred, he will be kicked from the heavens, eternally damned.

She is his last hope. Nicola Lane was born with a defective heart, yet this fragile human shows surprising strength as demons stalk her every move, determined to end her. She is the key to Koldo's deliverance...and his downfall. Though he fights duty, destiny and his first addictive taste of desire, his toughest battle will be the one for Nicola's life-even if he has to sacrifice his own....

 I was excited to read this. I love Gena Showalter, and the first book was amazing. But sadly this book falls short on my scale. I just couldn't really get into the book, and it took forever to read. I also heard she wrote this at a time where she rediscovered faith and got real religious. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking down religion, I'm religious myself. But you can tell it impacted the book. It was toned down a lot, and not a lot of steamy scenes that you expect with one of her books. Once my friend told me she had gotten religious, the style of the book made sense.

Don't get me wrong, I liked the book, but it wasn't one of her best works. I couldn't really connect to either main character. And felt like the plot just dragged on, and felt like the book could of been cut by at least 100 pages. I really did like Axel and want to see more of him. William showed up for a brief moment and we got hints to William's heritage.

The one theme that kept repeating was that to heal yourself you must let go of the negative thoughts and focus on the positive. Also that the Most High loves them and will always answer their pleas. It's a good message, although I felt like it was repeated a little too much. Like I said I liked the book but it felt like something was missing.

I almost consider not finishing the book and continuing with the series. But I was told that the new LotU book is a lot better and steamier. And the next Angel book sounds better too.

Rating: 3/5

 

Review: Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Alice in Zombieland  (White Rabbit Chronicles, #1) by Gena Showalter
Publisher: Harlequin Teen Australia
Publication date: October 1st, 2012
Number of pages: 404 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository | Bookworld AU

She won't rest until she's sent every walking corpse back to its grave.

Forever.

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that's all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.

Her father was right. The monsters are real.

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn't careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies.

Oh boy! Man, this was pure awesome. I have a big fan of Gena's work. I've read some of her YA (Intertwined) and I go crazy over her PNR series (LotU) so naturally this was a MUST READ for me.
I love re-tellings of fairytales and the sort, and the thought of zombies in a story like this, with a twist intrigued me even more so.
I could smack myself for waiting this long to read it though. I had so much to read and it kind of fell to the backburner, but I am so glad I did give this a chance as it was so awesome. I should not have expected anything less from a fabulous author such as Gena!

Gena gives us  such an amazing story. It's not what you would expect, nor are used to, but Gena brings a whole new aspect to this world and it's such an interesting one that I would not have wanted anything but.
We meet Alice fairly quickly who is the daughter to two loving parents and a sister to a younger sibling. Then, one things changes everything. A horrible crash completely throws her whole world upside down. Her life. Gone. Her family. Gone.  As a survivor to a horrible tragedy, she can't get the image of how her family was taken from her... but this is a secret she can't bare to tell anyone for fear she may appear to be crazy.

Soon Alice (going by "Ali") has to move in with her grandparents and attend a new school. As if that isn't daunting enough. The moment she sees bad boy Cole Holland, she is drawn in by him. A first look and she is smacked with images, exotic and intense images of the two of them making out. WHAT THE? You must be thinking. It is kind of strange, I thought so too.  The relationship between Ali and Cole was so intense, so soulful, exciting and aching to see more.
Gena sure knows how to write romances, and this one is no exception. She brings out everything and more.. especially when things begin to get complicated...

I really adored the characters. Ali, our protagonist I felt for quite deeply. How could you not? After witnessing the murders of her family, having been uprooted and starting a new life someplace else --- it couldn't have been an easy adjustment for a teenager. Her experiences. Her emotions and everything that came after was so real. It's easily relatable especially if you have lost someone close to you. Becoming an orphan is not something she anticipated and that is something Ali needs to deal with and find some way to cope.

Cole easily became a favourite character of mine by the end of the book. Initially he may appear to be your average bad boy, but he was so much more than that. As you begin to get to know him, you see him for who he is, what he has been through and the world he has opened up to Ali.

Of course given the title of the book, it was a given that this take on this world would include zombies. That might have been a little odd to think about at first, but Gena works it into this story as easy as pie. They aren't your average zombies. They are different, but yet have that similar feel about them.
I was very intrigued and this version of zombies enticed me throughout the story. I will never look at them the same way again.

If you are a fan of Genas, or never heard of her before. If you want something different and are intrigued by this story, then I would recommend giving this a shot. You will not be disappointed.
I look forward to the upcoming sequel. I can't wait to find myself back in this world once again.

Review: 5/5

Review: Wicked Nights by Gena Showalter

Wicked Nights (Angels of the Dark #1) by Gena Showalter
Publication Date: June 26, 2012
Publisher: HQN Books
Number of Pages: 411
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
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Leader of the most powerful army in the heavens, Zacharel has been deemed nearly too dangerous, too ruthless -- and if he isn't careful, he'll lose his wings. But this warrior with a heart of ice will not be deterred from his missions at any cost…until a vulnerable human tempts him with a carnal pleasure he's never known before.

Accused of a crime she did not commit, Annabelle Miller has spent four years in an institution for the criminally insane. Demons track her every move, and their king will stop at nothing to have her. Zacharel is her only hope for survival, but is the brutal angel with a touch as hot as hell her salvation -- or her ultimate damnation?

I have had this book for about six months now and kept putting off reading it. Zacharel had appear in a few of the Lord of the Underworld books, which is no secret is one of my favorite series. It had me interested, but only enough that I would get to it eventually. For the last few months I've been saying I'm going to read it next and then kept putting it off. Now I just want to slap myself for not reading it right away. AMAZING! It had me from the first page.

Zacharel doesn't like to follow the rules. His job is to slay demons and he doesn't care about the human lives that ends up as collateral damage. He's on his last chance with his Deity. His punishment? He is put in charge of a leader of other dangerous angels whose are on their last chance too. Every human that is killed by him or anyone in his army, Zacharel must bare the whippings for them. When he comes across Annabelle in an asylum, he can't bring himself to leave her there with demons coming after her.

I fell in love with both characters immediately. Zacharel is very broody, has cut himself off from emotion, but at the same times he does have some hilarious lines. And Annabelle is right off the bad witty, and won't let anyone walk all over her. Not your typical damsel in distress. And of course this is Gena Showalter you know there's steamy scenes. I was needing a cold shower during several scenes and they weren't even sex scenes. Ms. Showalter doesn't disappoints.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book:

 “Look, Winged Wonder. Get me out of here, then we'll hammer out the details about where I'm staying. Okay?"
"Winged Wonder," he said, nodding. "I find that I do not mind that one. It fits."
"Captain Modesty fits better," she muttered.
"I disagree. Winged Wonder is clearly the better choice for a man such as me."

 “You know, you’re pretty when you smile,” she said, patting the side of his cheek.
“Fierce, woman. I am fierce.”
“If you say so.”

 "I don't--Argh." She raised a fist at him. "So maybe I do ask a lot of questions. So what. Anyone in my position would do the same. Besides, I'm a girl and that's my job. You're a boy. You're supposed to pound your chest with your fists and grunt, then do everything in your power to please me."
"Hardly. The man you just described is more likely to knock you over the head with a club and drag you away by the hair."

"You said your men were not here," Burden gritted out.
Zacharel smiled the cruelest of his grins. "And they are not. Yet. I told you I brought no angels with me, and unlike you, I'm a man of my word. But I didn't make any promises about demons, did I? Allow me to introduce you to the Lords of the Underworld."

"Below. I will not leave the club without you, and no one in the room will attack you," he said loudly, so that everyone could hear. "They will keep you safe, putting their lives at risk if necessary. Even if they do no trust you. Won't they?"
Silence.
"Won't they?" he shouted.
Wow. She never heard him raise his voice like that.
Murmurs of agreement echoed. 

And being a spin off from LotU, several of them makes appearances in this book. Probably has to be one of my favorite parts in the book. There were two twists in the story, one was a minor one which deals with another character, Koldo. Which I love how she starts to next only set up the next book, but future books. The other twist is a huge one. It will make your jaw drop and go WTF. I had to re read it a few times to make sure I didn't read it wrong.

The spin off is set in the same world as the LotU series. You don't necessary need to read LotU to start this series. But it would make more sense on the world. Plus with the Lords having cameos, it's nice to know who exactly they are. But I would say if you are a fan of LotU definitely check the spin off series out. Especially since the feeling I got is that both series are moving towards the same plot, and I'm sure at one point these two are going to collide.

Rating: 5/5

 

Jen's review of "The Darkest Seduction" by Gena Showalter

The Darkest Seduction (Lords of the Underworld #9) by Gena Showalter
Publication date: February 28th, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin
Number of pages: 504
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Add to Goodreads
Description: Possessed by the demon of Promiscuity, immortal warrior Paris is irresistibly seductive-but his potent allure comes at a terrible price. Every night he must bed someone new, or weaken and die. And the woman he craves above all others is the one woman he'd thought was forever beyond his reach…until now.

Newly possessed by the demon of Wrath, Sienna Blackstone is racked by a ruthless need to punish those around her. Yet in Paris's arms, the vulnerable beauty finds soul-searing passion and incredible peace. Until a blood feud between ancient enemies heats up.

Will the battle against gods, angels and creatures of the night bind them eternally-or tear them apart?

I'd say Paris's story is the most anticipated book in the series yet. There is always one male in a book series like this in which has been built up for so many books, and you hope pays off to which you hope. In my case, I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped. 
But that's not to say it was bad, I did enjoy it, and glad he had his story. I guess I expected more. I did enjoy the side stories though, and if I am honest, those were my fav parts of the book. 

Its no surprise that his love interest is Sienna. I think that has been obvious for some time now, and I like her. I can understand that she has been through a lot.
The relationship Paris and Sienna have had since the beginning has not been an easy one, or even one where they liked each other. The opposite really.
But as time went on, they saw that what they felt with one another was something they haven't felt with anyone else before, and that was something worth fighting for.

The side stories, especially with Kane, whose book is coming up next captivated me the most. I look forward to reading his story.

Even though this is book 9, Gena Showalter stays true to each character throughout the series, and keeps the stories of each book fresh and a captivating for the character arc.
Its just a shame we have to wait almost a year until the next book. Gena is one busy woman, and she writes so much.
I remember when she used to release 2 LOTU books a year, but I guess that was before she had so many books she had to write.

My Rating: 3 out of 5

April's review of 'The Darkest Seduction' by Gena Showalter

The Darkest Seduction (Lords of the Underworld #9) by Gena Showalter
Publish Date: Feb 28th, 2012
Publisher: HQN Books
Number of Pages: 504
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Description:  At long last, New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter unveils the story of Paris, the darkest and most tormented Lord of the Underworld….Possessed by the demon of Promiscuity, immortal warrior Paris is irresistibly seductive—but his potent allure comes at a terrible price. Every night he must bed someone new, or weaken and die. And the woman he craves above all others is the one woman he'd thought was forever beyond his reach…until now. Newly possessed by the demon of Wrath, Sienna Blackstone is racked by a ruthless need to punish those around her. Yet in Paris's arms, the vulnerable beauty finds soul-searing passion and incredible peace. Until a blood feud between ancient enemies heats up.Will the battle against gods, angels and creatures of the night bind them eternally—or tear them apart?

The ninth installment of Showalter's enticing Lords of the Underworld series starts us off with Paris in the heavens continuing his search for Sienna. Along the way William and Zacharel, the deadly angel warrior, aides him in his quest. Sienna trapped in a castle by Cronus is desperate to get away. Paris finally finds Cronus secret realm where Sienna is hidden he's determined to break her out and have her at least one more time. 

I have mix feelings about the book. Paris' story has been long awaited and has been building up since the third book. I'm not sure if I was just expecting too much or if it's the fact that I was never completely sold on Paris and Sienna. Paris had never intended to keep her. While Cronus has a special mission for Sienna to spy on Galen and learn his secrets. Along the way of trying to escape the realm they become attached to each other.  Honestly I felt bored with Paris and Sienna. I never fully understood his depression of her death in the earlier books. But in the end I came to adore them. 

The side stories and and the overall bigger plot is what really made me want to read more. Without giving too much away there is a big game changer when it comes to Cronus and his fate. That's not the only big surprise. We learn that Galen isn't just paired with the demon of Hope, but also a second demon. And a very shocking surprise about Baden's death is revealed.  Meanwhile Kane is stuck in hell with his story starting to build up. We are also introduced to four more immortals hosting demons; Viola hosting Narcissism, Pùkinn or Irish as most refers him to hosting Indifference, Cameron hosting Obsession, and Winter hosting Selfishness. The only one of the three we really get to know is Viola, which is a very big pain but really has a good heart, and also obsessed with Screeching which is the Gods version of Twitter. Viola is pretty much the female counterpart of William. Which usually I adore William but in this book he was just plain annoying. Ashlyn finally have the twins and which are adorable. 


All in all I really did enjoy the book. I just wish Paris had a more steamier romance. 

Rating: 

3/5