Review: Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews

Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: December 3, 2013
Publisher: NYLA
Number of Pages: 175
Format: Ebook
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
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On the outside, Dina Demille is the epitome of normal. She runs a quaint Victorian Bed and Breakfast in a small Texas town, owns a Shih Tzu named Beast, and is a perfect neighbor, whose biggest problem should be what to serve her guests for breakfast. But Dina is...different: Her broom is a deadly weapon; her Inn is magic and thinks for itself. Meant to be a lodging for otherworldly visitors, the only permanent guest is a retired Galactic aristocrat who can’t leave the grounds because she’s responsible for the deaths of millions and someone might shoot her on sight. Under the circumstances, "normal" is a bit of a stretch for Dina.

And now, something with wicked claws and deepwater teeth has begun to hunt at night....Feeling responsible for her neighbors, Dina decides to get involved. Before long, she has to juggle dealing with the annoyingly attractive, ex-military, new neighbor, Sean Evans—an alpha-strain werewolf—and the equally arresting cosmic vampire soldier, Arland, while trying to keep her inn and its guests safe. But the enemy she’s facing is unlike anything she’s ever encountered before. It’s smart, vicious, and lethal, and putting herself between this creature and her neighbors might just cost her everything.

First I would like to thank Ilona Andrews in providing me with a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Everything I pick up from them I instantly fall in love with, and with this is no exception. The world building is just amazing. I love that with all of their books the world isn't explained up front. It makes the book more mysterious, and the reader sitting there coming up with different theories. 

Dina is pretty kickass herself. And you have to feel bad for her, struggling to get by. Not to mention her parents just disappeared one day and no one has any clue what happened. What's a good book without a love interest or two? Although myself I preferred Sean. I wished there were a little more romance in it and that it was a little bit longer. But you take what you can get.

The book was exactly what I come to expect from a Ilona Andrews book. I think one of my favorite things about the book was the humor. There were parts that had me laughing so hard I was crying. If you haven't read this yet, you should. And the illustrations included was pure amazing.

Looks like this will be made into a series. That news made me beyond excited and already want more of this series. I'll be looking forward for the next installment impatiently.

Rating: 4/5

 

 

Review: Fifth Grave Past the Light by Darynda Jones

Fifth Grave Past the Light (Charley Davidson, #5) by Darynda Jones
Publisher: Piatkus
Publication date: July 9th, 2013
Number of pages: 339 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | The Book Depository

Charley Davidson may not look like your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper, but she has vowed to reap grimness wherever she goes despite this unfortunate fact. Sadly, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. As he is the main suspect in her arson case, she has vowed to stay away from him until she can find out the truth.

However, when dead women start appearing in her apartment—lost, confused and terrified beyond reason—Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes' help, especially when it becomes apparent that her own sister, Gemma, is the serial killer's next target. With his ability to observe incorporeally, surely he can find out who's responsible. And even if he can't, he is the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what came at her. But he wants something in return: Charley. All of her—body and soul. And to keep her sister safe, it is a price she might be willing to pay...

There are times when I can't believe I hadn't read this series sooner. This is far becoming one of my favourites in Urban Fantasy. Darynda can do it all. From hot and sexy. To humorous fun and interesting cases. This is definitely one that needs to be read by everyone interested in this genre.

With book five under the belt, I can honestly say this has been my favourite thus far, and that goes to saying something as the last few books have been amazing. The stakes have been raised, the cases have been intriging, but most of all, the relationship between Charley and Reyes have progressed to a point of no return.
Reyes is full of flaws, is a complicated man, but loved with his whole heart. Charley is the one who has made him heart and soul ever since the beginning. Reyes is the only man for Charley, no matter what she might have told herself from time to time. They will come to a stand-still, a never-ending point where they cannot go back, only forward.  That time is now...

It's about time things have started to happen with our favourite couple. It has been a slow burn over the past four books, but that all has changed with this newest installment. Things have always been hot, heated and steamy  where it concerns these two, but there was never a real push in the right direction. Things have changed --   ever since Reyes became Charley's new neighbour, he has made his intentions clear to her.  He wants her, body and soul, and there isn't anything he isn't willing to do to claim her as his.  The thing is though, she has always been his, and he hers. It just has taken them a while to admit certain things, because they sure have not been easy.

Charley and Reyes as individuals have grown from strength to strength. They have had their own personal journeys they have been on, but those journeys have lead them to one another. It's where they are supposed to be, if they can make things work, that will be the end of it. The start of a new life.. together.
Charley is at first a little hesitant, but of course, nobody can ever rest Reyes for very long.  Minus that, her newest case keeps her busy especially when her sister becomes the possible next victim, and she'll need Reyes help in locating the person responsible. But by him helping her, he'll need only one thing...

If you are a fan of Urban Fantasy and have not yet been introduced to these books, then what are you waiting for?  This is a series you should not be missing out for a second.
I look forward to the sixth installment. BRING IT ON.

5 Stars

Review: Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet by Darynda Jones

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet (Charley Davidson, #4) by Darynda Jones
Publisher: Piatkus
Publication date: October 30th, 2012
Number of pages: 308 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | The Book Depository

Welcome to the world of grim reaper extraordinaire, Charley Davidson. Try as she might, there's no avoiding her destiny.

Sometimes being the grim reaper really is, well, "grim." And since Charley's last case went so awry, she has taken a couple of months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above . . . or at least get dressed. It becomes clear something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she's insane. But the more they refute the woman's story, the more Charley believes it.

In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, is out of prison and out of Charley's life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved.

Darynda Jones has done it again. She has produced yet another amazing installment in the Charley Davidson series. She steps everything up a notch. Not only do we learn more about Charley, but also Reyes, who is very promiment in this book, and we finally get major progress for our favourite couple, Charley & Reyes. In every way possible.

Charley has been a bit, not herself after she takes a break after the events of the previous book. She probably wouldn't have come out of her stupor if it wasn't for her best friend, Cookie who brings her a case that she can't refuse. A woman comes by and claims someone is trying to kill her. This may be a run of the mill type case, and at first she doesn't think of it, until Charley begins to think Harper's claim just may well be true.

Charley goes through many changes in this book, but I feel it's to make the readers see that she is human. She goes through life events and it does affect her. She isn't some sort of robot that has no emotions, but she does.
She went through a lot and is still recovering after what Earl did to her in the previous book, and it's not something one easily gets over.  With the help of one best friend, Charley slowly begins to come back into the world and take her place as she knows it.
There are many reveals in this book,  one for example is the reason why her dad went to the extremes that he did, and I think you can understand him a little more now that he wasn't doing those things just for the kick of it. He had valid reasons, and it kind of made me a little teary when telling her about it.

After Charley tries to get the vacant and yet superior apartment, she discover who exactly had bought it, shockingly, a new neighbour in Reyes.
Out of prison and now back in her life. Who would have thought? Reyes acting like a human and decides to court her. He seems to have gotten over his issues about her bounding him when he was in prison and all the stuff that went on.
Charley, and the readers get many answers when it comes to Reyes. Like why he calls her Dutch, and just what other abilities Charley may have that she doesn't yet know about.

I look forward to the fifth installment, to see what Charley and her band of friends are up to.

5 Stars

Review: Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones

Third Grave Dead Ahead (Charley Davidson, #3) by Darynda Jones
Publisher: Piatkus
Publication date: February 2nd, 2012
Number of pages: 310 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository | Kindle

Paranormal private eye. Grim reaper extraordinaire. Whatever. Charley Davidson is back! And she's drinking copious amounts of caffeine to stay awake because every time she closes her eyes she sees him: Reyes Farrow, the part-human, part-supermodel son of Satan.

Granted she did imprison Reyes for all eternity, but how is she supposed to solve a missing-persons case, deal with an ego-driven doctor, calm her curmudgeonly dad, and take on a motorcycle gang hell-bent on murder when the devil's son just won't give up on his plan of seduction..... and revenge?

The third installment to the Charley Davidson series is just as awesome as the previous two. Seriously, there is just nothing not to love. These characters. Hilarious lines and a swoonworthy love interest in the form of the son of Satan. What can get any better than that?

These characters just get better and better. While Charley is trying to not to sleep because she is told she is summoning Reyes, who she has bound his spirit back to his body and he aint too pleased about that. It's like her subconscious wants him there with her, no matter what she thinks in the daytime.
There were some scenes that were downright heartbreaking, there were others that were sexy as well.  This is what you get when dealing with Reyes. He is sex on a stick, man. No way to go around that.

We have other characters that come into play.  Cookie, who is just as great as ever, and then there is Charley's dad. Now, okay. I can understand where he is coming from, and I felt bad for him in time especially toward the end, but I guess it was also his own doing when you think about it. Not wanting your daughter involved with this kind of stuff anymore is hard to explain when you're the one who got her into it in the first place.  I think he is kinda regretting that now.  Ah, men! I hated seeing them fight though, because I love their father/daughter relationship they have going on.

Garrett's story just is too heartbreaking, and there was a little something that happens at the end where he is concerned. I was both concerned and worried he may not come back from this, but thankfully it is not his time yet.
And then we have the Biker gang who happen to own the asylum. They were a crack and a half, and interesting and new interactions we have with our Charley.

The relationship between Charley and Reyes heats again, and he is more present in this book than he was in the previous one. We discover a lot about him that we didn't before. He will make your heart bleed, and make you swoon all at the same time.

Onto the next book it is.

5 Stars

Review: Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones

Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson, #2) by Darynda Jones
Publisher: Piatkus Books
Publication date: January 5th, 2012
Number of pages: 307 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase:  Amazon | The Book Depository

"If you hang around with dead people, life can deliver a whole world of trouble."

Take it from Charley Davidson, part-time P.I. and full-time Grim Reaper.The deceased find her very sparkly. Demons find her irresistible. And one entity in particular wants to seduce her in every way possible...

When Charley and Cookie, her best friend slash receptionist, have to track down a missing woman, the case is not quite as open and shut as they anticipate. Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally.) has left his corporeal body because he's being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can't let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they'll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven...well, let's just say it wouldn't be pretty.

Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Can she keep those she loves out of harm's way? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel her as she does?

When Charley gets woken up in the middle of the night by her best friend Cookie, to go to a meeting with her friend, Mimi, but it seems she has gone missing. After some much thought, Charley decides to take the case and she soon discovers not everything is as it seems. There is someone after Mimi, and they won't stop until she is dead.
This is a mystery only Charley can solve, and even she will be finding a hard time in doing that. With questionable suspects, disappearances and murders, she might figure that this is something she can't even solve.

Then there is Reyes. Charley's kind-of lover, who is also the son of Satan. Charley has no idea what's going on with him, and when she demands some answers ---  she may not be prepared for the ones she gets. With his enemies trying to use his body to open up the gates to hell, he'll do anything to stop that from happening... even if it means getting rid of his host body, once and for all.
I loved the relationship between these two.  In The First Grave on the Right, I was intrigued by Reyes and loved their little interactions, but with this book, Second Grave on the Left just expanded things so much more. I couldn't get enough. The chemistry between the two of them is burning hot, and got to love they have some history.

Charley is such an awesome character. She is witty, honest, hilarious and loyal to her loved ones. She'll do what is right, or what she thinks is right and will do her damned best to make sure the spirits get peace and help others any way that she can.
The friendship she has with her best friend, Cookie is great. They have some fabulous scenes to the point I couldn't help laughing at some of the things they find themselves in.

I'm so glad I was introduced to this series. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but I am proud to say it has sucked me right in.

Bring on the next book.


If you prefer reading via Audiobooks, here is a sample for this book, thanks to the publisher.

 5 Stars.

Review: The Thing About Weres by Leigh Evans

The Thing About Weres (Mystwalker, #2) by Leigh Evans
Publisher: St. Martins.
Publication date: July 30th, 2013
Number of pages: 422 pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Love is like a wild animal. It can't be tamed…

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

In the never-ending saga that is my love-hate relationship with Robson Trowbridge, I, half-Were Hedi Peacock, have had a change of heart. Ever since I shoved Trowbridge through the Gates of Merenwyn, I’ve been the leader of the pack—hard to believe, right? The thing is: I’m half-Fae. So even though my Were side is ready to heed the call of the wild, the other part of me is desperate to take flight. And much as it pains me to admit it, life without Trowbridge is really starting to were me down…

I Am Were, Hear Me Roar.

To make matters worse, the wolves of Creemore want my blood—and the North American Council of Weres wants me dead. So I’m just counting the days until Trowbridge returns from the other realm…and comes to my brave rescue…and becomes my alpha mate. Wishful thinking? Of course it is. But given all the mess I’ve been through already, what’s the harm in doing a little bit of daisy-plucking? Besides, Trowbridge owes me bigtime. A girl can dream.

The follow-up sequel to The Trouble with Fate, comes an exciting, emotional and action-packed story which only adds so much more than the previous book did.
Hedi has been trying to lead Trowbridge's pack ever since she pushed him through the gates of Merenwyn in an attempt so he could heal from his injuries. She didn't know when she might see him again, if she would.

It's been six months and Hedi hasn't had the easiest time with her mate's pack, especially given they have no proof that she is even his mate. She is half fae. She does not hold his scent, so they probably don't think they should follow her just because she claims such things.
When the North American Council begins to investigate the pack, Hedi begins to realize she needs to step up and take charge as the Alpha otherwise she could lose it all. She was not going to let that happen. She couldn't let Trowbridge down in his absence, no matter how long that might be.

This book goes from strength to strength. Hedi becomes more confident, stronger and more self aware. She starts to become the person they need her to be, but it doesn't come without some hiccups. She gets put through many tests, though she does not pass them all, but I felt she learns from each one differently. She grew much in this book. She had to, since she only had herself to rely on. She had no family. No mate. If there was something that had to get done, she had to do it herself because there would be nobody there to save her.

When Trowbridge does return --- yes, indeed he does, it's not under the best circumstances, and soon Hedi realized that some things has changed. Not only is he older -- you see, time works differently over there. While it might have only been six, hard months without him for her, for him through, it's been years... man. years without his mate.. that cannot have been easy, but he has loved her through it all. He doesn't return alone though --- he brings her back a surprise..

I was so happy when he returned, because I couldn't wait to see how they interacted with one another, since the last time they saw each other, they did the mating ritual and she pushed him over to the gates, which was not the best goodbye she could have given him, but things she did for love.
Trowbridge might have changed a bit here and there, the things he went through over the other realm, as that's understandable, but he is just as alpha-like, stubborn, protective and sexy as hell as he was before.

Hedi and Trowbridge don't exactly pick up where they left off romantic-wise, they have many things to work through, but slowly, they find a place that's comfortable and just right for them to start from again, to finally be a couple which they have yearned for so long. Things aren't going to be easy for them, but least they are together and will battle things as they come. That's all you can really do.
Leigh Evans has written their relationship beautifully and natural that I can't wait to see what happens with them next. They are the real deal, I knew that from the moment they met again in the first book in this series. There was always something between them that just couldn't be ignored. Not then, and certainly not even now. It's now and forever.

5 Stars.

Review: Darkness Splintered by Keri Arthur

Darkness Splintered (Dark Angels, #6) by Keri Arthur
Publisher: Signet
Publication date: November 5th, 2013
Number of pages: 382 Pgs
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

When Risa loses the second key to hell, she angers several powerful people, and she’s starting to feel the pressure from all sides. She gets a visit from her father, who gives her an ultimatum: Get back the key or he will kill her friends.

Risa 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, Madeline Hunter, 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 second gate is opened and brings the world closer to all hell breaking loose..

I was lucky to have scored an early copy of this book last month (I know, late review, but I'm so behind as it is, lol) and I couldn't wait to dig back into Risa's world.
She does not have very good luck, this girl. If something goes wrong, everything does. This book is no exception. After the second key goes missing, Risa puts everything to rest to find it as soon as possible, especially when her father makes a threat of his own as incentive, nothing will make her find this bloody thing than threatening someone does loves. That's not all she has to deal with -- she also has her Boss, Madeline Hunter on her back wanting the keys for herself for god knows what to do with, but I have a feeling it won't be anything good, that's for sure.

Risa and Azriel. Oh, what could I say about them? Their relationship has to be my favourite part of the series, as with any series really that I love the romance between the characters, this one in particular.  Things between them have not been easy at any cost and the end of the previous book basically killed me and I wasn't sure what was going to happen next, especially with Risa pregnant and sending him away because she was hurt that he did something she couldn't understand.
You can sense where the story is going and will end up with these two. There is hope and some sort of happiness, but the angst is sure not over, by a long shot.  Keri does not do her relationships easily and most of her characters don't end up blissfully happy until the very end, so thankfully there is one book left. 
I feel that sometimes Risa puts Azriel on a petastool and expects him to go by standards she goes by, but given the fact he is not like her, the way he acts and does things need to be judged on a different kind of merit.
I absolutely love though how much progress these two have had since the beginning of the series. At first I wasn't sure if Keri was going to put romance between them, or whether Risa would be with someone else, but I am glad she decided this route because they match each other perfectly.

This series has always been action-packed. Risa is not your typical heroine. She has her flaws and is not perfect. But she has gone through so much throughout the series, I just want her to be happy and loved. For her to have some peace for a while. She deserves that.
It doesn't feel like it has been six books. It feels like it was yesterday that I picked up Darkness Unbound and started this series.  I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it since I had just come off Riley's series, but as the series has moved on, I have absolutely loved everything Risa has gone through. Good and bad.  It's definitely more Urban Fantasy while the original one, I felt was more PNR.
I look forward to the final book in this series, to see how everything is all wrapped up. I also wouldn't mind some final appearances from the old characters since they are closely connected to Risa. It will be sad to say goodbye to this series, characters and this universe, as I'm not sure if Keri would be another spinoff.  I don't like goodbyes...

Keri is a definite must read where I am concerned. I do need to read her prior books though.

5 Stars.

Review: The Trouble With Fate by Leigh Evans

The Trouble With Fate (Mystwalker, #1) by Leigh Evans
Publisher: St.Martins.
Publication date: December 24th, 2012
Number of pages: 344 pgs
Format: Mass-market Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | Kindle |  The Book Depository

Meet Hedi Peacock. She's half Fae. Half Were. And all trouble…

I Have Two Words For Werewolves:

My name is Hedi Peacock and I have a secret. I’m not human, and I have the pointy Fae ears and Were inner-bitch to prove it. As fairy tales go, my childhood was damn near perfect, all fur and magic until a werewolf killed my father and the Fae executed my mother. I’ve never forgiven either side. Especially Robson Trowbridge. He was a part-time werewolf, a full-time bastard, and the first and only boy I ever loved. That is, until he became the prime suspect in my father’s death…

Bite Me.

Today I’m a half-breed barista working at a fancy coffee house, living with my loopy Aunt Lou and a temperamental amulet named Merry, and wondering where in the world I’m going in life. A pretty normal existence, considering. But when a pack of Weres decides to kidnap my aunt and force me to steal another amulet, the only one who can help me is the last person I ever thought I’d turn to: Robson Trowbridge. And he’s as annoyingly beautiful as I remember. That’s the trouble with fate: Sometimes it barks. Other times it bites. And the rest of the time it just breaks your heart. Again…

Meet Hedi Peacock. Half were. Half fae. Definitely all trouble.

This book was recommended to me by a friend who thought I'd like it. I could kick myself for not getting around to reading it sooner than I did. I definitely loved it.
I loved Hedi. She is a strong, passionate, head-strong woman who has been through way too much in her life. She lost her parents and her brother in one night, and has one person to blame for it -- her old crush, Robson Trowbridge, who comes crashing back into her life whether she likes it or not.

When her aunt gets kidnapped by a pack of weres and forces her to steal something, the only person that can help her is the last person she would ever go to.
Going by Bridge now, he never expected to see Hedi again, and he doesn't quite remember her, since it has been over 10 years since that very night that not only changed her life forever, but also his own as well.
When the pair of them are forced to work together, something begins to transpire between them, something that has been lingering between them for way too long, especially for her, who has been in love with him since high school, and it will be something they can't ignore.

The chemistry between them is sizzling, but they have many issues between them that will determine whether a future is in the cards for these two love birds, mainly is whether he is still pining over his dead wife. Yeah... that's always a cockblocker, right?
The other thing? Hedi remembering that his family being the cause of the murder of her family and the kidnapping of her twin brother, who she has not seen since.

This was a very strong debut, and as soon as I finished it, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the sequel, because that cliffhanger? Yeah.. you just needed to know what was going to happen next for these two.

A debut as strong as anything, Leigh Evans does an amazing job with the kickass characters, mythology and world-building to boot.

A definite recommend read.

Rating: 4.5/5

 

Review: On the Edge by Ilona Andrews

On the Edge (The Edge #1) by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: September 29, 2009
Publisher: Ace
Number of Pages: 309
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads

Rose Drayton lives on the Edge, between the world of the Broken (where people drive cars, shop at Wal-Mart, and magic is a fairy tale) and the Weird (where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny). Only Edgers like Rose can easily travel from one world to the next, but they never truly belong in either.

Rose thought if she practiced her magic, she could build a better life for herself. But things didn’t turn out how she planned, and now she works a minimum wage, off the books job in the Broken just to survive. Then Declan Camarine, a blueblood noble straight out of the deepest part of the Weird, comes into her life, determined to have her (and her power).

But when a terrible danger invades the Edge from the Weird, a flood of creatures hungry for magic, Declan and Rose must work together to destroy them—or they’ll devour the Edge and everyone in it.

I'm not sure why it has taken me this long to read this series. I've been thinking about it ever since I discovered Kate Daniels. I had even brought the first book a few months ago and hadn't gotten around to it. And once again I wanted to hit myself for not reading this sooner.

Ilona Andrews is a literary genius. I'm convinced now that they can write nothing to disappoint me. However I think I do enjoy Kate Daniels more this book stands on its own. I knew only a few pages in I was hooked when I came across this line:

 “Yes, I'm too mad to punish you right now. We'll talk about it when we get home. Go brush your teeth, comb your hair, put on dry clothes, and get the guns. We're going to Wal-Mart.”

Although we learn afterwards the guns has nothing to do with actually going to Wal-Mart, but the statement makes you think that. And along with thousands of others sometimes I wished I had a gun in Wal-Mart. *sigh*

We potentially have two love interest for Rose, who I loved from the beginning. It's almost hard to hate a kick ass heroine, especially one with two younger brothers who she is responsible for. Initially I wanted Rose to give William a chance. I didn't particularly care for Declan, although I grew to love him as did Rose. I really did love the ending, and I couldn't help but smile/giggle about it for days.

From looking at the descriptions of the other books, I find it interesting that each book features different main characters like the paranormal romance series, yet there's no doubt that this is urban fantasy. At first I wasn't sure I would like that, but after reading this book and seeing that it focus more on the plot rather than romance I'm positive I'm going to love it. I can't wait till I can go buy the rest of the series and continue.

Rating: 5/5

 

Review: First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones

First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson, #1) by Darynda Jones
Publisher: St.Martins Griffin
Publication date: July 5th, 2011
Number of pages: 338 pgs
Format: Mass-Market Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Private investigator Charlotte Davidson was born with three things: looks; a healthy respect for the male anatomy; and the rather odd job title of grim reaper. Since the age of five, she has been helping the departed solve the mysteries of their deaths so they can cross over. Thus, when three lawyers from the same law firm are murdered, they come to her to find their killer.

In the meantime, Charley's dealing with a being more powerful - and definitely sexier - than any spectre she's ever come across before. With the help of a pain-in-the-ass skip tracer, a dead pubescent gangbanger named Angel, and a lifetime supply of sarcasm, Charley sets out to solve the highest profile case of the year and discovers that dodging bullets isn't nearly as dangerous as falling in love

It took me until a few months ago to pick up the first book. A friend of mine kept telling me to read this series, but when I see the word 'Ghosts' and I start to feel disinterested because it's not my favourite aspect to the supernatural world. When she told me that it wasn't ghosts exactly, but the fact the main character is a reaper --- that is the point I thought, Oh well, that is different, so I decided to take the chance and pick up the first book.

In this first novel, Charley is a reaper for ghosts who have died and want to pass on.  She is basically like the light tunnel to which they go through to their ever after. Some stick around though, sometimes because they aren't ready to move on, and sometimes, to maybe bug her, LOL 
In the meantime, Charley has been having hot and sexy dreams of a mystery man, and also she tends to see him in real life from time to time.  She has no idea who he is or why she is seeing him, but why question the sexy man? :P
Work also keeps her pretty busy, especially now when she has more than one case to deal with.  She needs to deal with the fact she has three murdered lawyer ghosts trying to get her to help find their bodies and solve their murders.  Ah, the life of a reaper.  Life is never dull for Charley. Just an everyday occurance.

Charley is a very fabulous heroine.  Not only is she smart, talented and gorgeous... but she also has this awesome wit where you can't help but laugh at some of the things she says, does or events she finds himself in the middle of.  If she wanted easy, she would not be in this job --- not that this was a choice where she could decide yes, or not if she wants this career path. This was chosen for her, but it's not so bad.

The hero for this series, well he is unlike any other male. I have had heard about Reyes from Alpha male contests around the web and also from friends, but until I met him, I had no idea what I was really dealing with.
We see small things regarding him. He is a mystery I can't wait to find out more about. Charley discovers some things about him when she finds out he is the man from her dreams. I loved what I have read about him so far, and I can't wait to dig into the rest of the books to get to know him even more deeply than you do in this first book.

I was surprised at how much I loved this book. It just goes to show that sometimes the best stories are the ones you don't have in your life.

I can't wait to dig into the next book in this new fab series.

Rating: 5/5

Review: Darkness Unmasked by Keri Arthur

Darkness Unmasked (Dark Angels, #5) by Keri Arthur
Publisher: Signet Select
Publication date: June 4th, 2013
Number of pages: 372 pgs
Format: Mass-market Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

The sexy, exciting, suspenseful adventures continue in New York Times bestselling author Keri Arthur's Dark Angels series, starring Risa Jones, a half-Aedh/half-werewolf. She can speak to the souls of the dying and the dead, and can see Reapers, the collectors of souls.

Shortly after her fight on the astral plane, Risa receives a phone call from Madeline Hunter, the leader of the vampire council, ordering her to investigate the death of Hunter's close friend and lover - Wolfgang Schmidt. His body has been discovered wrapped in a web-like substance and has been completely drained. As the body count continues to grow, Risa must summon her gifts to find the dark spirit before it strikes again.

Meanwhile, as the search for the keys that keep the gate to Hell closed grows more intense, Risa begins to unravel mysteries that will have startling consequences for her.

This recently installment to Keri Arthur's Dark Angels saga is downright my favourite in the series thus far. We get a few answers to some lingering questions, but there was progression in terms of the romantic entanglement with Azriel.
But Risa herself gets caught up time and time again in another adventure.

Just when Risa was recovering from her latest near death experience, she is then called pretty much right away to deal with another important case, and this time it's Hunter's lover who has been found dead in a way that's even more gruesome than most murders.
Risa doesn't have much time to solve this, because if she doesn't, then not even Azriel's healing abilities can stop the wrath that would be coming for her.

The relationship between Risa and Azriel really heats up and comes to a head in this book. It was everything I hoped it would be and more. But par usual, things with Keri Arthur do not come easy, or at a cost. They may finally give in to all those feelings that's been underlying under the surface, but Azriel breaks all the rules he is bound to as a reaper for Risa, and everything he does comes at a massive cost. A cost that does not come to light until later on in the book, and it's something Risa herself will not be happy with.
The things you do for love.... hopefully Risa will come to forgive and understand eventually, but until then, things are not going to be easy.

Not to mention we have the return of Lucien, I always knew there was something off about him, and so did Azriel.  It isn't until this book where his true colours get exposed and you see him for what he really is.
There was parts of this book where I was shocked. I couldn't see coming, but then I think back to previous ones and everything makes much sense.
Lucien reminds me of one of the characters from Riley's series. He makes some really bad decisions and those that affect Risa so very much.  Decisions that will have consequences not only on herself, but also to Illiana, one of her best friends.

Everything changes in this installment. There is no going back to how something was before now. It's only dealing with what has happened and how to proceed forward from here on out.

It's only  been two months since the release and I am aching for the next book. The wait until November is terrible and I wish it would hurry up because I need to know what happens next for these characters.

Rating: 5/5

Review: Rise of the Gryphon by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love

Rise of the Gryphon (Belador #4) by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love
Publication Date: July 30, 2013
Publisher: Pocket Books
Number of Pages: 480
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads

To prevent a genocide, Evalle is forced to embrace her destiny…but at what cost?

As an Alterant who fights everything from trolls to demons, Evalle has lived as an outcast among the Beladors, but can now change all that…and find answers to her origins as well. Those answers and a traitor hide within the Medb coven, an enemy poised to destroy the mortal world and all that Evalle holds dear. While her best friends Tzader and Quinn want to help, they have their own conflicts and face unthinkable choices as relationships with the women they love twist in unexpected directions. With time ticking down on a decision that will compel allies to become deadly enemies, Evalle turns to Storm and takes a major step that only complicates matters more when the witchdoctor he’s been hunting now stalks Evalle.

 Evalle is running out of time to find five Alterants to swear loyalty to Macha, and to find Tristian to find out their true origins. But first they must find a way into an illegal beast fight club, one that if she gets caught nobody will able to save her. Not to mention succeeding means going with the Medb, where she might not have a way out of their plans for her.

I didn't enjoy this book as much as the others. Don't get me wrong I still loved the book, but it felt like something was lacking. Maybe barely any scenes with Evalle, Quinn, and Tzader. Also we only got one scene with Isak. But on the plus side this book is filled with Storm and Evalle moments. I felt like some scenes were a little too cheesy, but I've been waiting since book one for these two to get with the program.

A little change from previous books, this one focus a lot less on the other characters and subplots, and focus mainly on Evalle. We do get a few answers in this book. We find out about Evalle's past, which I'm sure most of us had already figured out what had happened. Also we FINALLY get to know the other half of Alterants origins. And I was shocked. Thinking back, it kind of made sense. But still.

There's a significant death, that was both shocking and unexpected. I wanted this character gone from the beginning, but when it came down to it, well I realized I came to kind of like this person. Plus along with the death came a shocking revelation. The ending came with a few other surprises. Without giving anything away, Evalle stands up to Macha and basically tells her they will doing things her way from now on.

Giving how everything is coming together, I'm sure the next book will be the last. I can't wait to see how everything is wrapped up.

Rating: 4/5

 

Teaser Tuesday 26

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Want to play along?

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share 2 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include spoilers
• Share the title and author

In honor of Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews being finally released today, and since I've already read the book I can't hold my excitement and even my emotions in. And because of that (and because I couldn't chose just one) I'm going to share to share two teasers and they are longer then two sentences. Enjoy!

"A young dijigit stopped by my room," I said. "His name is Volodja and for three thousand dollars he will walk me deep into the mountains and show me where the bad shapeshifters live."
"How fortunate." Aunt B's eyes lit up. "Would you like some compmany for this wonderful trap, I mean, adventure?"
"I would." 

 "So this is what it's about? This is your mature response-to go off into the mountains rather than talking about it and have s'mores with a gnome and a mountain man."
"Yep."
"What's your plan for tomorrow? Brunch with a unicorn?"
"As long as it doesn't involve you, it fine with me."

Review: Magic Rises from Ilona Andrews

Magic Rises (Kate Daniels #6) by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: July 30, 2013
Publisher: ACE
Number of Pages: 327
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
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Atlanta is a city plagued by magical problems. Kate Daniels will fight to solve them—no matter the cost.

Mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate, Curran, the Beast Lord, are struggling to solve a heartbreaking crisis. Unable to control their beasts, many of the Pack’s shapeshifting children fail to survive to adulthood. While there is a medicine that can help, the secret to its making is closely guarded by the European packs, and there’s little available in Atlanta.

Kate can’t bear to watch innocents suffer, but the solution she and Curran have found threatens to be even more painful. The European shapeshifters who once outmaneuvered the Beast Lord have asked him to arbitrate a dispute—and they’ll pay him in medicine. With the young people’s survival and the Pack’s future at stake, Kate and Curran know they must accept the offer—but they have little doubt that they’re heading straight into a trap…

What's that you say? This book isn't out till tomorrow? Yes I know. But I happened to won a copy from a giveaway on Goodreads. I was beyond excited. And of course after waiting two years I couldn't wait to read it.

Both Curran and Kate has been asked to arbitrate a dispute and to protect a pregnant shapeshifter from the European packs. They both know it's a trap, but being paid in medicine that will help the children stop going loup. They can't ignore it and must go. But they aren't stupid enough to go alone, and take with them a team. The only one that I'm sad didn't go was Jim. I really do love him, and I thought it would feel weird not having him around. But in his place we get his sister, Kira. Love Kira, who is equally amusing.

They all are staying at a castle in a neutral area. The lord of the castle is human, but is widely respected by the shapeshifters and even have them as guards. The first holy shit moment happens, the lord turns out to be Hugh, Roland's warlord. And what seems to be a filler book suddenly turns into something much more. But Kate can't figure out what Hugh is up to, he's not actively trying to kill Kate nor seems like he has alerted Roland. I was fully expecting to hate Hugh. But DAMNIT! I ended up liking him, and seems like he's interested in Kate more than just turning her into Roland.

But Hugh isn't the only thing Kate has to worry about. The shapeshifter princess from the Alaskan pack is there. And it's obvious that she wants Kate's position. And as everyone keeps telling her, she's easy to replace since her and Curran aren't married.

The book isn't all sunshine and unicorns. It's emotional draining for Kate and Curran. Through majority of the book I just wanted to jump in there and beat him. There were plenty of times where I just wanted to throw the book out the window. I wanted to cry through most of the book. Trust me, when you read this book have lots of tissues around you. And a punching bag, and someone/something to scream at. There were times where I wanted to fine Ilona and just scream at them and ask why. But hold on to hope. It will be worth it in the end.

There's an almost death that had me in tears. And who saves the character will shock you to the core. But just when you think they may all get home safe, a shocking death that you never saw coming. I never thought I would miss this person.

Amazing isn't the word for this book. I haven't read a book/series that made me feel this way since Fever series by KMM. It will make you laugh, cry, scream, punch things. After I was done all I could do was sit there, and cry. It's been two days since I've finished the book and I still can't get over it. I find myself skimming through the book and re reading passages. Ilona Andrews have outdone themselves. Hands down the best book in the series yet.

Tomorrow when the bookstores open, run don't walk. You will not be disappointed in this book. This book deserves a million stars.

Rating: 5/5

Review: Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews

Magic Slays (Kate Daniels #5) by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: May 31, 2011
Publisher: ACE
Number of Pages: 308
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
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Plagued by a war between magic and technology, Atlanta has never been so deadly. Good thing Kate Daniels is on the job.

Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Merciful Aid, but she’s still knee-deep in paranormal problems. Or she would be if she could get someone to hire her. Starting her own business has been more challenging than she thought it would be—now that the Order is disparaging her good name, and many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate’s mate.

So when Atlanta’s premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work. Turns out this is not an isolated incident, and Kate needs to get to the bottom of it—fast, or the city and everyone dear to her might pay the ultimate price .

Being mated to the Beast Lord has it's perks. Kate has now opened her own private investigation business, and things would be great if only Kate could get some business. When the Red Guard comes to her and want her to find a missing inventor and his invention, Kate jumps to the chance at her first paying job.

This is the first book in the series that isn't connected to Roland. But the danger could be worst than anything they have seen before. The missing device has the power to kill anything in its range that has any kind of magical abilities. And a secret society is behind it all and wants the world magic free. I won't go into much detail because it would give a lot away.

We finally get to see Kate and Curran as a couple. It's also a fear in books once your favorite duo gets together they will become boring and lose that spark. Kate and Curran could never be boring. He's still a control freak and she still fights all authority. We even discover they have pet names for each other. How sweet.

This book is just as amazing as the rest. We learn the fate of Andrea, whom true identity was discovered by the Order, and was forced to retired. With no job, Kate offers Andrea a job with her. I've always enjoyed Andrea and I love her and Kate's scenes together. We see Julie return, getting kicked out of school. But not everything is peachy. Julie is bitten by a shapeshifter and is endanger of going loup. Kate refuses to kill her. And her only other option is something dangerous. And Kate barely comes out of it alive, and in return ends in a coma, and it's Curran's turn to sit by her.

Of course I can't have a Kate review without some quotes:

The tension in his voice eased. "You sure you don't need your Prince Charming to come and save you?"
The kot in my stomach evaporated. My Prince Charming, huh. "Sure, do you have one handy?"
"Oh, I think I could scrounge one up somewhere. As often as I have to rescue you..."

 “Andrea raised her hand. “This is the hand that slapped Aunt B.”
“Maybe you should have it gold-plated.”
“Here, you can touch it, since you’re my best friend.”

 “Yes I can,” Curran snarled. “Listen: this is me telling you what you will not do.”
I raised the cookbook and tapped him on the nose. Bad cat.

 “It’s your duty as my best friend to be outraged with me.”
“I’m outraged!” I snarled. “That bastard!”
“Thank you,” Andrea said.

 “I know it's late, but could you find a book for me? It's called The Slavs: Study of Pagan Tradition by Osvintsev."
Barabas sighed dramatically. "Kate, you make me despair. Let's try that again from the top, except this time pretend you are an alpha."
"I don't need a lecture. I just need the book."
"Much better. Little more growl in the voice?"
"Barabas!"
"And we're there. Congratulations!”

 Shapeshifter parenting motto—if your kid slit somebody's throat, always have a backup plan to make the body disappear.

 “You snore worse. At least I don't turn into a lion in my sleep."
"I only did it once."
"Once was weird enough, thank you.”

 “I clawed my eyes open and rolled off my bed. For some reason, someone had moved the floor several feet lower than I had expected, and I fell and crashed with a thud.
Ow.
A blond head popped over the side of the bed, and a familiar male voice asked, “Are you okay down there?”
Curran. The Beast Lord was in my bed. No, wait a minute. I didn’t have a bed, because my insane aunt had destroyed my apartment. I was mated to the Beast Lord, which meant I was in the Keep, in Curran’s rooms, and in his bed. Our bed. Which was four feet high. Right.
“Kate?”
“I’m fine.”
“Would you like me to install one of those child playground slides for you?”

 Andrea stared at me. "You're not taking me seriously!"
"That's probably because you're not excited enough," Derek said. "You should clench your fists like they do in the movies, shake them, and yell, 'This is bigger than any of us! It goes all the way to the top!”

 “Did he just rip out the engine?" I asked.
"Yes", Saiman said. "And now he is demolishing the Maserati with it."
Ten seconds later Curran hurled the twisted wreck of black and orange that used to be the Maserati into the wall.
The first melodic notes of an old song came from the computer. I glanced at Saiman.
He shrugged. "It begged for a soundtrack.”

We also learn that Kate's mother was a witch and learn about her power. And we learn the truth what really happened when Kate's mom ran away with Voron. I like to ignore that. It's not a happy picture.
As I said this is the first book not to have a direct threat from Roland. But at the end Kate receives flowers and a card from Hugh, Roland's warlord. In the note he calls Kate Highness, which I find interesting. Or maybe not too interesting, just that Hugh knows for sure who Kate is.

Rating: 5/5

 

Review: Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews

Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels #4) by Ilona Andrews
Publication Date: May 25, 2010
Publisher: ACE
Number of Pages: 349
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads

Atlanta would be a nice place to live, if it weren't for the magic. When the magic is up, rogue mages cast their spells and monsters appear, while guns refuse to fire and cars fail to start. But then technology returns, and the magic recedes as unpredictably as it arose.Kate Daniels works for the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, officially as a liaison with the mercenary guild. Unofficially, she cleans up the paranormal problems no one else wants to handle-especially if they involve Atlanta's shapeshifting community.When she's called in to investigate a fight at the Steel Horse, a bar on the border between the territories of the shapeshifters and the necromancers, Kate quickly discovers that there's a new player in town. One who's been around for thousands of years-and who rode to war at the side of Kate's father.This foe may be too much even for Kate and Curran, the Beast Lord, to handle. Because this time Kate will be taking on family.

The fourth book picks up on the night of the dinner date between Kate and Curran. Kate has pulled out all the stops and even puts makeup on. Only one problem, Curran is a no show. When Kate calls the Keep she is informed that he is too busy to talk to her and next time to go through the proper channels. Ouch. Naturally Kate is pissed, no beyond pissed. She's heartbroken.

But magic doesn't wait for Kate to nurse her broken heart, and it seems like someone is targeting shapeshifters...again. It doesn't take long for Kate to realize that her crazy aunt has come to town. And once coming face to face it didn't take long for her aunt to realize who Kate is, especially since Kate and her aunt looks exactly a like. Even though her aunt wanted to destroy her, their meeting before hand I actually enjoyed. Especially since it was kind of nice to see Kate have a somewhat civilized sit down with one family member, since I'm sure she won't get that with her father. Also her life was saved by an unusual shapeshifter. And who hired the shapeshifter comes at a complete shock, but once you think about it makes sense. Kind of hoping we will see her again sometime in the future. I'm curious about a reptile shapeshifter, plus she knew exactly where Jim's safe house was.

And then we have Curran. He refuses to let go of Kate, the night of the dinner was a misunderstanding. But once Kate gives in she realizes that he expects to give all or nothing. Which Kate simply can not do with working for the order. Curran threatens to walk away from it all, but is Kate strong enough to let him go?

Keeping in theme with the last review here's some amazing quotes:

"You don't return your phone calls." The vampire leaned forward, tapping my doodle with a scimitar claw. "Is that a lion with horns and a pitchfork?"
"Yep."
"Is he carrying the moon on his pitchfork?"
"No, it's a pie. What can I do for Atlanta's premier Master of the Dead?"

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Curran's face. Like looking into a glacier.
"Please relay my greetings to the Beast Lord," I said. "I appreciate his willingness to alter his extremely busy schedule and make an appearance."
Curran showed no emotion. No gloating, no anger, nothing at all. Jim looked at me, looked at Curran, looked back at me again.
"Kate says hi," he said finally.
"I'm ecstatic," Curran said.

"I pulled the plug? You stood me up, you arrogant asshole!"
"You ran away!" He moved toward me. "I deserve an explanation."
Slayer left its sheath almost on its own. It was the fastest draw of my life. One moment empty space lay between us and the next my saber jumped into my hand. "You deserve nothing."
Gold rolled over Curran's eyes, so briefly that had I blinked, I would've missed it. His face gained a slightly bored expression. "Do you honestly think your toothpick can hurt me?"
"Let's find out."
"Let's not." Jim stepped between us.
Curran looked at him. his voice rasped with the beginning of a snarl. "What are you doing?"
"My job."

For the love of God. "I didn't run away. I made you your damn dinner, but you didn't have the decency to show."
Jim's eyebrows crept up. "Dinner?"

"Hey!" Jim barked.
"What?" Curran and I said at almost the same time.
Jim looked at me. "Did you make him dinner?"
He'd find out sooner or later, "Yes."
Jim turned on his foot, went out of the room, and shut the door behind him.
Alrighty, then.
"He thinks we're mated." Curran moved forward, too light light on his feet for a man of his size, his gaze locked on me-a predator stalking its prey. "In the Pack, one doesn't stand between two mates. He's being polite. He doesn't realize you broke it off."

"I'll cal you," he repeated.
"If you call me, I won't pick up the phone."
"You will wait by the phone for my call, and when it rings, you will pick it up and you will speak to me in a civil manner. If you don't know how, ask someone."

"He's making a big deal about never expecting me to behave like a shapeshifter. So I did."
"Are you out of your mind?"
It's not polite to lie to your best friend.
"It's a possibility."

He almost ran me over. Coward. Let's have a partnership, Kate. I offer honestly, Kate. I don't have to outrun the Beast Lord I just pissed off, Kate. I only have to outrun you and hit you wiht my car as I ghttail it out of here.

"I miss you."
This wasn't happening.
"I worry about you." He dipped his head and looked into my eyes. "I worry something stupid will happen and I won't be there and you'll be gone. I worry we won't ever get a chance and it's driving me out of my skull."
No, no, no, no...
We stared at each other. The tiny space between us felt too hot. Muscles bulged on his naked frame. He looked feral.
Mad gold eyes stared into mine. "Do you miss me, Kate?"
I closed my eyes, trying to shut him out. I could lie and then we'd be back to square one. Nothing would be resolved. I'd still be alone, hating him and wanting him.
He grabbed by shoulders and shook me once. "Do you miss me?"
I took the plunge, "Yes."

"Look, you don't get to run my life. We slept together once-"
He held up seven fingers.
"Fine," I squeezed through my teeth. "We had sex seven times in a twenty-four hour period. Just because I'm your lover-"
"Mate."
Words died in my mouth. In shapshifter terms, mate meant monogramy, family, children-a union, civil physical, and spiritual. It meant marriage. Apparently he hadn't given up on that idea.
"Mate," I said finally, tasting the word. He winked at me. Dear God.
I gave him my hard stare. "You're a control freak and I fight all authority. And you want us to mate?"
A wicked spark lit his eyes. "Many, many times."
"What's wrong with you? did I hit you too hard on the head?"
"My mate lives with me," he said. "In the Keep."
"Have you had many mates before?"
He gave me a look reserved for the mentally challenged. "I had lovers."
"So this is a new rule you made up on the spot?"
"That's the perk of being the Beast Lord. You get to make up rules."

I could've picked somebody rational. But no, I had to fall in love with this arrogant idiot. Come to the Keep with me, be my princess. Mourn me when your crazy dad kills me. Yeah, right.

"Little squirrel!You taste like family."
Oh, shit.

Erra chuckled. "I figured out who you are. You're the lost child Im carries on about, when he gets his attacks of melancholy."
Melancholy, right. He mourns the fact he failed to kill me-how charming. "Im?"
"A childhood nickname of your father's. Do you know who I am?"
"The scourge of the ancient world. Plaguebringer. City Eater. My aunt."
 Roland's older sister.

She smiled. "You're too funny to be his. His children tend to take themselves absurdly seriously."

"I will kill him."
Erra's eyebrows rose. "You'd have to go through me first."
I shrugged. "I have to do something for a warm-up."
She laughed softly. "That's the spirit. I do think you might be my favorite niece."

He sighed. "Because certain people aren't altogether rational at the moment. If I came with you, I'd have to answer uncomfortable questions. I ask questions, I don't answer them."
"What kind of questions?"
"Why were you in a vehicle with Kate, alone? What were you wearing? What was she wearing? How long were you there? Did you do something or did you talk? What was the nature of your discussion? Could this trip have been avoided?"
I rubbed my face. "So basically you're scared that His Lordship might get his panties in a bunch?"

So they told him already. "Did you rip anyone to pieces?"
"Not yet, I'm thinking about it."

"We don't live in a safe world. I can't give you the white picket fence, and if I did, you'd set it on fire."
True. "Only if I ran out of kindling."
"Or needed some hardened wooden shards to drive into someone's eye."

"You stayed with me," Curran said.
"Always."

I especially love the last one since it mirrors the quote between them in the last book. Kate was raised to depend on only herself and not to care or let anyone else in. Four books in and we can see that had failed. She has many people in the pack she would die for, she's adopted a kid as her niece, and in this book a dog.

I haven't read a Kate Daniels book yet that I haven't loved. Yes there are times when I want to smack Kate and yell at her. But she has to be one of my favorite heroines ever.

Rating: 5/5