[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Black City

Christina Henry is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago and enjoys running long distances, reading anything she can get her hands on and watching movies with samurai, zombies and/or subtitles in her spare time. She lives in Chicago with her husband and son.

Black City, BLACK WINGS series Book #5

Author: Christina Henry

Synopsis:

Former Agent of death Madeline Black may have been stripped of her wings—but she hasn’t lost her purpose…

When Maddy finally killed her father, Azazel, she thought his depraved experiment died with him. But now Chicago has been infested with vampires immune to the effects of the sun, and the bloodbath is worse than she could have ever imagined. While the Agency refuses to interfere with other supernatural courts, Maddy is determined to do everything within her power to save her city—wings or no wings.

But when the leader of the vampires requests that she turn herself in or risk more deaths, Maddy becomes a target for the very people she’s trying to save. Left with no other choice, she turns to Lucifer, the one creature who has the power to help her. But her grandfather’s aid has always come at a price…

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

*ARC provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review

I have a handful of favorite Urban Fantasy series. BLACK WINGS is definitely one of them, and while some series start to get a little stale by about book #5, this series just gets better, and better, and BETTER with each book that Christina releases!

My first words after finishing Black City were "Whoa! Just whoa!
Even darker, just as gripping, action packed as usual, and dare I say... SEXY! :) I love this series so very much!"

Christina is definitely embracing her dark side, and I am positively giddy about it. LOL.

Following the mystifying events in Black Lament, there were countless ways that Christina could have gone with Black City. Out of all of the possibilities that I had floating around in my head though, nothing was as good as the way it actually turned out. The intensity of the action, the depth of the story, the emotion embedded in the dialogue and the choices that were made were wonderful and I absolutely couldn't get enough. And while BLACK WINGS is an Urban Fantasy series, this installment was really sexy and surprising! There were characters I had thought never to like that I found myself letting in and embracing, and there are definitely new villains to hate as well.

I know that's all very vague and you probably hate me right now, but I refuse to ruin the goodness for you and can only urge you to start this series as soon as you are able and get lost in the world of Maddy and company like I and so many others have. We'll welcome you to our lovefest and fanclub when you do. :)

LITERAL ADDICTION gives Black City a well deserved 5 Skulls and hopes that this series keeps going. It will be a very, very sad day for me when there are no more BLACK WINGS releases to look forward to. I can only hope that Christina has something up her sleeve for us and a new series when that day comes.

Black City

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of A Howl for a Highlander

Terry Spear is an award-winning author of urban fantasy and medieval historical romantic suspense. Her HEART OF THE WOLF series was named in Publishers Weekly’s “Best Books of the Year” and received the NOR Reader Choice for Best Paranormal Romance.

She also writes true stories for adult and young adult audiences, and is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. She has an MBA from Monmouth University and a Bachelors in Business, and is a Distinguished Military Graduate of West Texas A & M.

When she’s not writing, she also creates award-winning teddy bears! Her Wilde & Woolly Bears have an array of personalized bears designed to commemorate authors’ books.

When she’s not writing or making bears, she’s teaching online writing courses.

A Howl for a Highlander, HEART OF THE WOLF Book #9

Author:  Terry Spear

Synopsis:
A Highland Wolf on a Mission...

Duncan MacNeill is hell-bent on catching the thief who's stolen the clan's fortune and run off to Grand Cayman Island. Duncan has rarely left his homeland and he couldn't care less about an island paradise. He never expected to find a beautiful distraction who will show him just how appealing paradise can be...

Meets a Dangerous Distraction...

Lone wolf and botanist Shelley Campbell headed to the island to study the old growth forests. She didn't count on meeting a handsome Highlander who can't keep his paws off her.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
*eARC received from NetGalley

Terry Spear has a very good thing going with her HEART OF THE WOLF series and my favorites so far have had to do with those sexy highland wolves...

This one had a cool concept. I liked the set up, I loved the way that she overlapped the stories to create cohesion between the characters, and there were just enough surprises.

Shelley is a professor of botany and on a research trip to the Cayman Islands. She locks eyes with a sexy Scottish wolf in the airport and there's instant chemistry.

Duncan is younger brother to the Laird of MacNeil castle. He's in Grand Cayman trying to track down a con artist wolf that has utterly and completely ripped of his pack and family, not to mention countless others. Once he spies the sexy redhead in the airport he has trouble thinking of much else.

Fate and circumstances push the two together and they end up as roomates and partners in trying to take down the sleezy, slimy con man.

While neither planed for it, they can't escape their attraction and one thing leads to another; their mission, families, and others' expectations be damned.

A Howl for the Highlander was another super sexy 4 Skull highland wolf read from Terry Spear and I enjoyed it a lot

There was something about it that wouldn't allow me to give it a higher rating though. I think it was the all-of-a-sudden abruptness to the culmination of Shelley and Duncan's relationship. It was going along great, plenty of sexual tension, lots of action, the story led well to their relationship progressing, etc, and then all of a sudden they were just 'together'. It was still good, but it reminded a lot me of how I feel when I read PNR Novellas; like they're just not long enough to hold the full story and feel like they're rushed. This wasn't on that level, but it was the same type of feeling. I might have been able to give this 5 skulls if it were a bit longer and drawn out just a tad more...

A Howl for a Highlander

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Black Moon

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

J.D. writes dark, sexy paranormal romance and has a huge thing for shifters, vampires, the Fae, and just about everything else that goes bump and grind in the night. She can’t get enough of those dangerous supernatural heroes, and the fun of creating her own was just too much temptation to resist… so she didn’t. J.D. doesn’t do self-denial.
When she isn’t writing, J.D.’s idea of a good time certainly isn’t cleaning house (sniff), bungee jumping (not in this lifetime, or the next), or camping (her idea of “roughing it” is a slow bellboy). She enjoys reading, being pampered like the diva she is, and spending time with her awesome family. She lives in Texas with her husband and two teenagers.

Black Moon, Book #3 of the ALPHA PACK series
Author: J.D Tyler


Synopsis:

A group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top-secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers combating the greatest dangers in the world. But sometimes those dangers are more intimate than they bargained for…

Ever since he saved Dr. Mackenzie Grant’s life, panther shifter and sorcerer Kalen Black has had trouble keeping the beautiful doctor out of his thoughts, and his heart. The brush with death awakened an intense passion between them—one that for the first time had the notorious loner letting down his guard.

With the Alpha Pack battling an evil Fae who is slowly gaining control over Kalen’s mind, Kalen can no longer trust his own actions, and he breaks off his affair with Mackenzie in order to keep her safe. But when Mackenzie learns that she is carrying Kalen’s child, no amount of danger will keep her away from the man she loves. To protect his mate and unborn child, Kalen will have to battle a terrible evil, unleash the full fury of his power, and risk destroying them all…

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

If you've followed my reviews for Primal Law and Savage Awakening you know that I really like this series. If you've followed our Author Events with J.D on LITERAL ADDICTION for the ALPHA PACK series, you also know that I absolutely LOVE Kalen.

Black Magic gave me a taste of what Kalen's book might be like and I really enjoyed it, but nothing could have completely prepared me for this book. It was so much MORE than I expected it to be... and so, so wonderful!

Like Primal Law, Black Moon was a fast paced, action packed romance overflowing with paranormal that will have you squealing from mid-book throughout... Like Savage Awakening, Black Moon is a captivating and enjoyable read... But more than that, Black Moon was mysterious, heartbreaking, frustrating, uber suspenseful, and full of surprises. It was so engaging that I turned the last page and just sat there shaking my head in wonder for a few minutes.

We've known since book one that Kalen is dark, dangerous, powerful, and sexy. We also know that underneath all the bravado, he's vulnerable because of all of the crap he had to go through growing up. This book literally stripped him raw and laid him out for all the world to stomp on. It tested him, and tortured him, and while things were given, they were just as quickly taken away. It was gut wrenching and powerful, and amazing. Each time a new breathtaking revelation was revealed it turned things on their head for all involved and opened up yet another can of 'what ifs' and possibilities. I know I sound like I'm spouting a bunch of riddles but I don't do spoilers and this book is SO jam packed with stuff that I don't know how else to gush about it without giving things away.

Suffice to say I loved this book. It was my absolute favorite of the series so far and not just because it was Kalen's book. It was beautifully written and J.D did a tremendous job of grabbing the reader and weaving a captivating tale of preternatural danger, mystery, drama and romance.

LITERAL ADDICTION gives Black Moon a well deserved 5 Skulls and recommends that everyone read it. I do however strongly suggest that you read the entire series including Black Magic (Kalen's eNovella) before digging in. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Black Moon

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of The Dog in the Dark

Barb & JC HendeeLike most writers, I've worked at many jobs in my life, including teaching pre-school until I completed my master's degree in Composition Theory. Between 1993 and 2006, I taught college English while writing fiction on the side, some independently and some with my husband and life-long partner J.C.

Over the years, we've lived in Washington State, Idaho, Colorado, and now moved just south of Portland, Oregon. I love the Northwest, and it's a great place to write.

We have a lovely and talented daughter, Jaclyn, who lives in Houston, Texas along with our wonderful and talented son-in-law, Paul.

J.C. and I sold Dhampir in 2001, which changed our lives considerably. It was published in January 2003, and we've published a book in the Noble Dead Saga every year since. In May of 2006, we were both able to quit our teaching jobs and move into full time writing.

A Dog in the Dark, NOBLE DEAD Series #3, Book #2
Authors:  Barb & JC Hendee

Synopsis:
The Noble Dead series has been hailed as "a crowd-pleasing mix of intrigue, epic fantasy, and horror."* Now, national bestselling authors Barb and J.C. Hendee present the latest thrilling novel following the adventures of dhampir Magiere and half-elf Leesil...
Barely escaping the city of Calm Seatt--and the assassins hunting them--Magiere, Leesil, and the elven dog Chap sail south to continue their quest to find the powerful Orb of Air before their enemies do. But they are not alone, much to their frustration.
The aging elven assassin Brot'an has forced himself on them by offering his protection. Chap doesn't believe this ruse, however, and seeks to uncover the assassin's true agenda--as well as the cause of the secret civil war that has erupted into the open among Brot'an's people.
Meanwhile, Magiere struggles with her own dark nature, using Leesil's love as an anchor to keep her grounded. For the personal price she paid to procure the Orb of Fire was more than she thought--and more than she wants to reveal to anyone.
But that is exactly what the cunning Brot'an wants to know. And he is willing to do whatever it takes--even if he must reveal his own dreaded secrets that may cost the entire party their lives...and their very souls

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
*ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review

I'm a NOBLE DEAD SAGA groupie. I won't deny it. Since discovering the Hendees and this series in the 90's I eagerly await each and every release. When I got an Advance Reader Copy of Dog in the Dark I was beyond thrilled.

Despite the length, I absolutely devoured it, and immediately upon finishing, knew that 5 Skulls wasn't enough for this book. I have loved this Saga from book one, and the first trilogy was astonishing, but this is my absolute favorite of the Saga thus far - so full of emotion, secrets, action, intrigue, & intensity. It was absolutely incredible!

Our band of misfits is once again broken into 2 distinct groups, each with some unlikely players. The Dog in the Dark focuses on Magiere, Leesil, Chap, Bro'tan and Leanalham and their journey back to where Wynn just came from.

Not only is the journey itself intense, each is dealing with their own inner demons, paranoia, mistrust, etc. Magiere is consistently getting darker and darker and it has Chap and Leesil completely worried. Noboby really trusts Bro'tan because he's always only out for what he wants, and yet they need him. Leanalham has lost pretty much everyone close to her and is still struggling with trying to fit in...anywhere.

The Hendees write this beautifully as a mix of real time action and flashbacks to the things we didn't get to see when we were following Wynn in the 2nd series of the Saga. It makes for intense and gripping reading and illuminates so many things.

The last couple pages before the Epilogue literally gave me goosebumps, & the last couple pages as an intro to the next book had me squealing with anticipation.

Barb and JC are an amazing artistic duo, and I am so happy to be enjoying this journey that they have set up for us all.

LITERAL ADDICTION gives The Dog in the Dark 5 Skulls and would highly recommend it to all Fantasy and Urban Fantasy lovers. I strongly suggest reading the entire saga however...

The Dog in the Dark

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of A Sinister Game

Heather Killough Walden is a California native currently living in Texas with her husband and child. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the Big Bad Wolf series. Heather’s educational background includes religious studies, archeology, and law. She has traveled all over the world but hopes to one day live in a town with a world-class hockey team. (Let’s Go Pens!) 

A Sinister Game
Author: Heather Killough-Walden


Synopsis:
In a world ruled by Game Leaders, a dark and dangerous man proposes a wager....

“If you can escape me for seven rounds, Victoria – if you can keep from being taken off of the board for that long, I will admit defeat and step down as Gray leader. But if I find you," he let the words sink in. "And if I capture you….” His voice trailed off just as his gaze trailed over her lips, her throat, her breasts.
His green eyes locked on hers again and she felt she would die right there at that table.
“Then you’ll join me. You'll give yourself to me for one night.” His smile was the devil’s promise. “This is the wager.”

But this is a game far more complicated and far more deadly than either of them anticipated. As the real world unfolds around them, what they thought they knew becomes obsolete, and the rules are ruthlessly changed... in this SINister game.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

I love the way Heather Killough-Walden writes. There's just something organically magickal about it. And this book was no different. It was absolutely incredible!

I don't read a whole lot of sci-fi, but knowing that I'm a HKW groupie, I had no problem wanting to give this a try. Sooo glad I did, it blew me away. It was so unique, so wonderfully structured, so vivid, so gripping... It was sort of an adult version of The Hunger Games but darker, more insidious, and sexier, mixed with some amazing Norse mythology, suspense and intrigue.

Heather created an amazing world where psychically gifted people are mind wiped and sequestered inside a walled off sector and forced to play Game after Game against each other. Like real life, the lines between 'light' and 'dark' can sometimes be blurred, and it's not always readily evident who the 'bad guys' are.

Victor and Victoria are great leads. Victoria is confident, strong, powerful, and yet a bit naive and vulnerable. Victor is sexy, majorly alpha male, and has that awesome bad boy appeal that so many of us women drool over. He's also incredibly honorable and somewhat misunderstood.

The supporting characters were well rounded and necessary and the story was full of fabulous surprises.

LITERAL ADDICTION gives A Sinister Game 5 Skulls and would highly recommend it to Sci-Fi, Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance readers who are looking for something engaging and unique.

A Sinister Game

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of This Wicked Magic

Michele Hauf has been writing romance, action-adventure and fantasy stories for over nineteen years.  Her first published novel was “Dark Rapture”.  
France, musketeers, vampires, and faeries populate her stories.  And if she followed the adage ‘write what ou know’, all her stories would have snow in them.  Fortunately she steps beyond her comfort zone and writes about countries she has never visited and creatures she has never seen. 
The proud creator of the BEWITCHING THE DARK, WICKED GAMES, OF ANGELS AND DEMONS, CHANGELINGS, THE NETWORK, THE SAINT-SYLVESTRES, and THIS WITCHERY series, Michele continues to amaze release after release.

This Wicked Magic, THIS WITCHERY Book #2
Author:  Michele Hauf

Synopsis:

His destined mate

Certainly Jones has pushed it too far this time. Gnawing and clawing at his soul are the demons he unknowingly carried back from his quest into their land. Weak and exhausted, the dark witch gazes down the dim, cobbled street at his only hope—a lone vehicle with blazing headlights. Desperate, he makes a mad dash for the light, and the striking woman illuminated in its wake.

Vika senses him before she sees him. The good witch with emerald eyes and fiery red hair has never dabbled in dark magic. But one look at CJ turns her life upside down. Soon Vika is lured into his dangerous world…and his powerful arms. A few sultry kisses are not enough to save CJ from his demons—it's going to take some seriously potent sorcery. And they're running out of time.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
*ARC received from the Author in exchange for an honest review

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

I love Michele Hauf! I love her stories, her worlds, her characters, the subtle and not-so-subtle differences that she brings to Paranormal Romance... it's fascinating and wonderful.

I've been drawn to the Jones's since they were introduced some time back. What's not to love? They're Dark witches and they have fascinating names. :) When Thoroughly's story (and part of Certainly's) was unveiled in This Glamorous Evil I was instantly smitten and clamoring for Certainly's full story. Then Michele teased me yet again by bringing CJ into the short story in the Holiday with a Vampire anthology and I was even more anxious to get his story. Now that I've read it, Michele definitely delivered and I am thrilled.

This Wicked Magic was dark, thrilling, sexy as sin and utterly fabulous.

Let's start by discussing these incredible characters...

Certainly Jones is a Dark witch (because someone has to practice the dark magicks and keep the balance!) who spent a good chunk of time in Daemonia, the realm of all demons. Unfortunately, after his brother helped to free him and he returned, he came with some extras - a cadre of demons sharing space with his soul - thus making it necessary for him to stay in the light or risk being overtaken. He's damaged and vulnerable, yet optimistic. He's technically a Dark witch, but he has an innate goodness that is impossible to miss. Like the rest of us he has made some stupid decisions and mistakes, sometimes for the silliest of reasons, but had the greatest good in mind above and beyond it all. And... he gives these incredible Titles to everything and it made me smile every time he popped out with a new one.

Vika is a powerful Light witch with an interesting 'talent' and an even more interesting job. She attracts detached and roaming spirits and they stick to her soul. As a paranormal cleaner (getting rid of any supernatural evidence before the mortals can see), she's constantly attracting these souls and ferrying around extras until she can be cleaned. Vika is a conundrum and I love her! She's this clean freak who secretly wishes for a bit of disorder. She's an incredibly powerful Light witch and yet craves a bit of darkness. She's sensual, smart, and strong. She's CJ's exact opposite, but like they say... opposites attract.

The chemistry between these two was explosive and yet unbelievably sweet. You wish that you had someone in your life who could be so utterly understanding and end up loving you so very unconditionally despite (or in spite of) everything.

The story was rife with twists and turns, mystery and surprises, had some wonderfully stable and engaging supporting characters, and ultimately pulled me in and along with little effort.

Michele states in her intro that this is her most Goth and Gothic book to date and I for one am completely hooked! Her writing was absolutely beautiful. She used words like "poison" and "Alchemy" to turn normal sentences into something darkly profound. I was enchanted.

LITERAL ADDICTION gives This Wicked Magic 4 1/2 Skulls and would definitely recommend it to all Michele Hauf fans & PNR lovers who don't like their love stories super fluffy. I do suggest that you read This Glamorous Evil and the short story in the Holiday antho before you take on This Wicked Magic though. You'll be happy that you did and both tales are amazing in their own right.

This Wicked Magic

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of The Cat's Meow

Stacey Kennedy loves the paranormal genre and loves a series even more! Nothing can hook her more than adventure and one that keeps on going.
Her novels are lighthearted fantasy, heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even a good chuckle every new and again.
She’s not a planner, she doesn’t write with a set idea because no matter what she plans, the characters’ voices always come through and demand that she listen to them.
Her journey as a writer began when she was a teen and wrote poetry, which still to this day she pulls out for a good laugh. Later, she tried a couple of times to put together a book with no luck until she was exposed to the paranormal world and the ideas came quickly.
She’s a thirty one year old wife, mom, house cleaner, cook, teacher, play-doh extraordinaire, swing pusher, toddler chaster after – who loves outdoors, curling up with the latest flick and if she’s not plugging away at a new novel, she’s not her nose buried deep in a good book.

The Cat's Meow, Book #1 of the WITCH'S BREW series
Author:  Stacey Kennedy


Synopsis:

Libby is an Enchantress—a witch gifted by the Goddess to conjure spells. When a magical presence is detected around a recent string of feline slayings, Libby takes the case to uncover the reasons behind the odd deaths. Much to her displeasure, the coven also sends a sexy warlock, Kale, to assist her.

While having the muscle around proves to be useful, fighting the attraction between them is worse than a hex, especially considering Kale is keeping secrets. But soon, Libby has bigger problems than the elusive warlock when her spells turn up clues that point to something far more sinister than slaughtered cats.

Now Libby has landed herself in the midst of an uprising. She trusts no one and isn’t safe—not from the warlocks stirring up trouble. Not from the worrisome rebellion she can’t escape. And certainly not from Kale, who is weaving a very dangerous spell over her heart.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

*ARC received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

It's no secret I'm a Stacey Kennedy fangirl. I've said it again and again, and while all of her books are stellar, Stacey's Frostbite series has been holding its own as my favorite books of hers to date... Until now. :) Stacey told me that she figured this book would be 'my cup of tea' and she was so VERY right about that. :)

The Cat's Meow was incredible and I really LOVE this hero!! Kale is sigh worthy... He's strong yet sensitive. Smart yet down to earth. Honorable, passionate, thoughtful, seriously kick-@$$ and oh yeah... SEXY.

Libby is an incredible heroine. She's feisty, spunky, independent, capable and confident. She's an Enchantress for her coven and investigates crimes that may be tied to magick. During investigation of an odd run for feline murders she meets Kale and they partner up to investigate. Sadly for Libby, things are NOT what they seem on so many levels, and she's thrown head first into a dangerously dark and wicked situation. To make matters worse those that she trusts and those that she's working with aren't allowed to give her all of the details so it becomes incredibly frustrating. Not to mention this explosive connection that she and Kale share, despite the fact that she's professes to hate warlocks and knows little to nothing about him.

The world that Stacey has created with this new series is enchanting. A beautiful mix of reality and magick that blends seamlessly to immerse the reader in space and time that are both plausible and yet extraordinary.

I got all of the mystery, intrigue, surprises, quick wit & romance that I have come to expect from Stacey, and really, really enjoyed this book.

LITERAL ADDICTION gives The Cat's Meow 5 Skulls and would recommend it for all Paranormal Romance Lover

The Cat's Meow

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of The Eldritch Conspiracy

Cat Adams is the pen name of Cathy Clamp and C.T. Adams (also co-authors of the Thrall trilogy and the Saziseries published by Tor). They created this name to write under to make it easier for new fans (or old) to find them on the book shelves.

The Eldritch Conspiracy, Book #5 of the BLOOD SINGER series
Author:  Cat Adams

Synopsis:

Celia Graves was once an ordinary human, but those days are long gone. Now she strives to maintain her sanity and her soul while juggling both vampire abilities and the powers of a Siren.

Not every bride needs a bridesmaid who can double as a bodyguard. But Celia's cousin Adriana is no ordinary bride: she's a Siren princess, and she's marrying the king of a small but politically important European country. She's getting death threats from fanatics who want to see the whole Siren race wiped out—including Celia herself, who is half Siren.

Luckily, Celia is on duty when a trip to a bridal salon is interrupted by an assassination attempt, so everyone survives. When Adriana returns to the Siren homeland to try to prevent a coup, Celia is free to hunt for the terrorists and the vile mage who is helping them (while keeping her eyes open for the perfect maid-of-honor dress).

Assuming the bride and groom both live to see their wedding day, this will be one royal wedding no one will ever forget.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

*ARC Received from the Author in exchange for an honest review

I've been meaning to read the BLOOD SINGER novels for quite some time. I've read other series by Cat Adams and the CT Adams/Cathy Clamp duo and absolutely loved them, so I knew I would probably thoroughly enjoy these as well. Unfortunately I just haven't had time to dig in. When I set up an Author Event to promote The Eldritch Conspiracy I was sent an ARC for review and decided to take the plunge even though it's book #5 of the series...

I read it in 2 sittings. This book was intense, action packed, and filled with abundant goodness!

So much happens in this book that it's difficult for me to go into things without spoilers (and I don't do spoilers) so let me just say this: The book takes a kick @$$ heroine who is 1/2 vampire and 1/2 siren, starts up literally in the middle of an insane mission where all involved either die or almost die trying to thwart the bad guys, throw in some immediate betrayal and follow all of that up with a deeply intriguing mystery surrounding the pending nuptuals of a siren princess to the king of a European country (both of which have their share of enemies and secrets and therefore incite multiple assassination attempts), dust the edges with a bit of paranoia, romance, and some family drama and you have The Eldritch Conspiracy. It was like an action/thriller movie on paper and had me riveted from page one. Literally.

My only wish is that I had read the rest of the series first - not that this book doesn't stand well on its own, it absolutely does, but it was just so good that I immediately wanted more of the world of Celia Graves. Good thing I have the other books waiting. ;)

LITERAL ADDICTION gives The Eldritch Conspiracy 4 1/2 Skulls and would recommend it for all Urban Fantasy lovers. It was amazing and from what I've heard from my readers and friends, the rest of the series is just as good. I can't wait to find out for myself!!

The Eldritch Conspiracy

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Gilded

Karina Cooper: After writing happily ever afters for all of her friends in school, Karina Cooper eventually grew up (she got taller, anyway) and delightedly learned it counts as A Real Job. Not one for half-measures, she broke into the scene with her gritty Dark Mission series and introduced a new world that RT Book Reviews calls “an electrifying start”.

One part glamor, one part dork and all imagination, she writes dark and sexy paranormal romance and historical urban fantasy. When she isn’t writing, Karina is an airship captain’s wife and Steampunk fashionista. She lives in the beautiful, moss-ridden Pacific Northwest with a husband, four cats, two rabbits, the fantasy of a dog and a passel of adopted gamer geeks.

Gilded, Book #2 of the ST. CROIX CHRONICLES
Author:  Karina Cooper

Synopsis:

The second book in Karina Cooper's stunning steampunk series featuring fearless heroine Cherry St. Croix, in which she is faced with two men after her heart—and one killer out for her blood.

In the gleaming heights of Victorian London, a world of deception awaits an unconventional Society lady whose taste for adventure makes her a most formidable adversary . . .

Though Society demands that I make a good marriage, I, Cherry St. Croix, have neither the time nor the interest. I am on the trail of a murder with no victim, a mystery with no motive, and the key to an alchemical formula that could be my family's legacy.

Yet the world is not so kind as to let me pursue simple murder and uncomplicated bounties. Above the foggy drift, an earl insists on my attention, while my friends watch my increasingly desperate attempts to remain my own woman. From the silken demands of the Midnight Menagerie—to whose dangerously seductive ringmaster I owe a debt—to the rigorous pressures of the peerage, all are conspiring to place before me a choice that will forever change my life.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

I really enjoyed the first installment of Karina’s ST CROIX CHRONICLES, "Tarnished", but the sequel blew me away. My exact, 'first thought' words upon completion were: "Hells bells & damn Karina... You butter us up for a book & a 1/2 and then drop THAT on us!? Just wow. The series is getting better & darker & I want the next one now!"

Once again we're immersed in a split world, that of London above and below, where the line between the classes is darkly drawn, and where Cherry is not quite completely a part of either.

Gilded picks up where Tarnished left off with Cherry trying to fit in with the upper-crusters of London above, but continuing her work as a Collector below the drift as she tries to get over the ordeal she went through in Tarnished.

Immediately upon starting out she's battling her demons, both real-world and inner, while trying to make her chaperone happy by entertaining the advances of Lord Compton and attending soirees. In true Cherry St. Croix fashion however, she remains outspoken and doesn't shy away from her love of science and the mystery therein, thereby shocking and scandalizing society and intriguing Lord Compton all the more.

The heart of Gilded revolves around Cherry’s quest to solve Lady Rutledge's riddle about some mysterious murders of Men of the University while still playing a game of cat and mouse with the mysterious collector who both hindered and helped her in Tarnished.

Once again Karina weaves a wonderfully magical tale of Victorian Gothic literature using some of the best aspects of the classics we all know and love and gives us an utterly spell-binding read.

Not only was the mystery amazing, the action was captivating, and that ending... holy cow! I said I wasn't going to forget Tarnished anytime soon, that goes doubly for Gilded. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book!

LITERAL ADDICTION gives Gilded 4 1/2 Skulls.

Gilded

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Last Kiss Goodnight

Gena Showalter is a New York Times and national bestselling author of more than thirty novels in a wide range of genres. Her fiction has appeared in Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazines as well as on MTV, and has been nominated for the prestigious RITA, as well as the National Reader’s Choice Award.
She has always believed in love... An avid romance reader, she decided to try her hand at a story of her own, and is now the author of a multitude of white-hot paranormal romances, sexy contemporary novels, and thrilling young adult titles.
Gena’s wildly sensual page-turners have a mix of humor, danger, and wickedly hot sex – a combination that is sure to enthrall! After all, she is universally known to be “made of awesome”, and we couldn’t agree more!

Last Kiss Goodnight, OTHERWORLD ASSASSIN Book #1
Author:  Gena Showalter

Synopsis:

The breathtaking first novel in New York Times best selling author Gena Showalter’s new paranormal romance series, Otherworld Assassins, featuring a black ops agent who is captured and enslaved…and the beautiful deaf girl who holds the key to his salvation…

THE SWEETEST TEMPTATION…

Black ops agent Solomon Judah awakens caged and bound in a twisted zoo where otherworlders are the main attraction. Vika Lukas, the owner’s daughter, is tasked with Solo’s care and feeding. The monster inside him yearns to kill her on sight, even though she holds the key to his escape. But the human side of him realizes the beautiful deaf girl is more than she seems—she’s his.

THE ULTIMATE PRICE…

Vika endures the captives’ taunts and loathing, hoping to keep them alive even if she can’t free them. Only, Solo is different—he protects her. But as hostility turns to forbidden romance, his feelings for her will be used against him…and he’ll be put to a killer test.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

I adore Gena Showalter's books. I'm obsessed with LOTU, devour the Alien Huntress books, and am smitten with her new YA. So, when I heard that Gena was writing an Alien Huntress spin-off I was beyond excited.

First off, as always and expected from Gena, Last Kiss Goodnight gives us a fascinating world, lovable characters, & a unique story.

Gena celebrates her faith in this book by prefacing each new chapter with a bible verse, and uses tie ins to those for the characters and their plight. Some readers might not like this, but knowing how important Gena's faith is to her, I found it wonderful to see her openly celebrating it in such a manner.

Vika is a wonderful heroine. She's strong, smart, spunky, and overcoming some incredible challenges. I love strong heroines and while she has her vulnerabilities she is exactly that.

Solo is an interesting hero. He's got some baggage and definitely is struggling with some self esteem problems, but I like that he's different and I love the way he cares for Vika and his friends.

So, all-in-all, while I didn't love Last Kiss Goodnight as much as I do Gena's other books (it just wasn't as action packed or sexy to me), it was an enjoyable read and was wonderfully written.

LITERAL ADDICTION gives Last Kiss Goodnight 3 1/2 Skulls.

Last Kiss Goodnight

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of The Bonded: Adriel's Legacy

John FalinA chronic daydreamer, musician, black belt, consumer of books, and avid outdoor maniac, John Falin is a “foodie” wannabe, restless pacer, father of three girls, and devoted husband.

Before and after receiving his B.A. from Trevecca University, John traveled and lived in Europe and throughout the southern United States which helped shape him into the person he is today.

John’s not really limited to his full time job or as an author though; he was “Chicken Wing Champion” at Camp Happyland at the tender age of 13 and to his knowledge, still holds the record from 1989 for longest hair amongst all male Falins.

The Bonded, ADRIEL'S LEGACY Book #1
Author:  John Falin

Synopsis:

Vinculum.

A word hastily scrawled on a scrap of paper left behind by his long dead parents, becomes much more than a mystery. It becomes Adriel’s world.

Adriel struggled with his life, travelling the world and searching for his place in it. His pale green eyes and snow-white hair instantly singled him out in a crowd, but that wasn’t what made him different. As he struggled with conformity, he also waged war with himself—never able to control the raging pressure that swelled deep within him, alluring him with dark desires, tempting him to think of unspeakable things. Things no human should ever think about.

When he awakens from a vicious attack, he is reborn in a world where the unspeakable is real. And they are more terrifying than the one he has fought within himself for so long. Blood-sucking creatures, terrors with razor-sharp claws, and strategists with lethal plans lurk in the shadows, living in a world of darkness.

And Adriel is one of them.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
*Copy received from the author in exchange for an honest review

When John reached out to me to see if I might read and review his debut novel, I took one sweep through the synopsis, one look at that gorgeous cover, and said "absolutely". Now that I've completed the book I am very happy that I did...

Take an ages old vampire villain that becomes corrupted by his gifts and ends up with a God complex, add in a stubborn, snarky, independent hero with an unknown past, supporting characters that act as perfectly placed building blocks to help build and unravel a complex tale of mystery, intrigue, loyalty, fanaticism, and destiny, and you end up with The Bonded.

ADRIEL'S LEGACY is an engaging new dark Urban Fantasy series with captivating characters, an interesting switch on the mythos of vampires, waers & the fae, & intellectual prose that made me instantly respect the author for seeing his readers as exactly what we are, bibliophiles.

I thoroughly enjoyed this unique journey and I can't wait to see where John takes the series and Adriel's quest in the next installment!

LITERAL ADDICTION gives The Bonded 4 Skulls and would recommend it to all Urban Fantasy lovers who are looking for something new and exciting.

Note to the reader: this isn't a mindless, happy read. It's often times dark, titillatingly complex, and precisely and intellectually written. If you're looking for a book that has a new take on the vampire, shifter and fae storylines and challenges you a bit as a reader, then this is definitely a book for you! :)


The Bonded

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Dark Wolf Rising

Rhyannon Byrd is an avid, longtime fan of romance and the author of more than twenty paranormal and erotic titles. She has been nominated for three Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Awards, including best Shape-shifter Romance, and her books have been translated into nine languages. After having spent years enjoying the glorious sunshine of the American South and Southwest, Rhyannon now lives in the beautiful, but often chilly county of Warwickshire in England with her husband and family. For more information on Rhyannon’s books and the latest news, you can visit her website atwww.rhyannonbyrd.com or find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhyannonByrd.

Dark Wolf Rising, Book #4 of the BLOODRUNNERS series

Author:  Rhyannon Byrd

Synopsis:

Eric Drake, a powerful Dark Wolf, has never trusted himself around human females-preferring to mate only within his pack. That is, until he encounters Chelsea Smart snooping around Silvercrest pack land in search of her missing sister. Secretly, Chelsea thinks Eric is the sexiest man she's ever seen, though she is wary of his potent Alpha energy. Then it's discovered that Chelsea's sister is being held by a pack of vicious Lycans, and Eric heroically leaps into action. Now, Chelsea will risk everything-her body and soul-to surrender to the passion that will mark her as Eric's woman for all eternity...if they survive.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

*eARC provided by NetGalley

I am a huge Rhyannon Byrd fan. I adore her worlds, I love her writing style, I lust for her heroes... Yeah, I'm a fangirl.

I had forgotten how much I loved the BLOODRUNNERS series though, until I got back into it with Dark Wolf Rising.

This book was darkly sensual, action packed & at times, utterly frustrating & heartbreaking. I absolutely loved it!

Amongst turmoil galore, Eric is desperately trying to find his place among his pack and people. He has a tainted legacy left by his corrupt father, and doesn't quite fit in with the pack or with the BloodRunner hybrids; though he has always felt more at home with his friends in the Alley.

When stubborn yet adorable Chelsea shows up out of the blue in a hippie bus looking for her sister, his world is turned even more on its ear. Because while she doesn't belong in his world, he can't seem to get rid of her and feels that the only way to make sure she stays out of trouble is to keep her close.

Eric is an amazing hero. He's dominant yet caring, sexy yet vulnerable, damaged, and yet with an infinite potential for growth. He's loyal to his friends and loved ones, and Alpha to the core.

Chelsea was an interesting heroine... I like my females strong and independent and Chelsea had that in spades, but she was quick tempered, a bit flighty, and almost too stubborn. It made for some VERY intense reading moments where I literally wanted to scream at her or smack her upside the head for one stupid thing or another though, and inducing that kind of emotion in a reader is never a bad thing. :) Ultimately she finally figured things out and all was well, but it was NOT an easy road getting there and boy oh boy do you ever feel for Eric and everyone around him.

Revisiting the Alley and its inhabitants was absolutely wonderful. I missed the guys and their incredible mates and I can't wait to read more about each and every one of them. I really want to go back and re-read the first 3 books of the series now though, because I remember things but I wish they were clearer in my mind. It certainly wouldn't be a hardship, this series is utterly fantastic!

LITERAL ADDICTION gives Dark Wolf Rising 5 Skulls and would recommend it to everyone! If you're looking for a dark and sexy action-packed read with lots of emotion, this book is for you. And if you want a series with captivating characters that will stick with you and a world and story arc that keep you wanting more page after page, then I highly suggest you grab books 1-3 as well. Dark Wolf Rising stands fine alone, but this series is amazing and shouldn't be missed.

Dark Wolf Rising

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Hot Winter Kiss

JoAnne Kenrick
Born n bred Brit, JoAnne Kenrick grew up in a wee sea-side town in North Wales and has enjoyed a variety of vocations such as holistic healer, window dresser, and ghost tour guide. Having lived in Wales, England, and Scotland with her dear family, she finally escaped the dull British summers to reside in sunny Australia. After two years, they moved to the States where she endured three harsh winters in Minnesota. She now lives in North Carolina with her husband, two kids and two puddy cats. When they aren't demanding her attention, or jumping on her head, she strums away on the keys of her little laptop, creating worlds and adventures she could only ever dream of. Come across the pond and faraway....with JoAnne Kenrick!

Hot Winter Kiss, SWEET IRISH KISSES Book #4
Author:  JoAnne Kenrick

Synopis:

Hot winter kisses to warm broken hearts....

Sick of tending to everyone else's needs around the holidays, divorced barmaid and granny Sandra ferries it from London to Belfast. All she wants for Christmas is some peace with a romance story in front of a roaring fire in a remote Irish castle. What she gets is a most unexpected Christmas present from her friends at Bell's—A 1Night Stand with a young Irishman.

Can she hack it in the real world of romance, or are life's complications and treacherous snowstorms best left to the pages of a book?

Newly widowed Ardan Draighean owns Ballygalley castle. Once run as a hotel with his late wife, the stone building now serves as a home for him and his son. After hearing about Madame Eve's matchmaking skills, he contacts her in search of the perfect match. Although much older than him—by fifteen years—Sandra is his ideal woman. He be damned if he'll let a good story get in the way of his happy ever after with her.

Hot winter kisses are all this couple needs to stay warm this Christmas, but will the heat stay long after the magical season of mistletoe has finished?

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

*eARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

This was an amazing novella! It was fast paced, "awwww" inducing, and believable despite the whimsy and lack of time to get in a full story.

I loved the characters! Sandra is a feisty bibliophile who is fed up with her family taking advantage of her always being available, and decides to take some time for herself for the holidays by touring some castles and using a giftcertificate for a 1-Night-Stand date that her co-workers gave to her.

Ardan is a young widower and the owner of Ballygalley Castle. When Sandra, his intended 1-Night-Stand date, comes to stay for the night he realizes right off that she could be a great fit for him and makes a choice to hide the fact that he's the owner of the castle.

Despite their age difference there is definite chemistry between the two, and though things don't always go smoothly, and sometimes secrets can come to bite you, they ultimately work out in the end (those awww moments I spoke of earlier). :)

Hot Winter Kiss is a great holiday read that will definitely have you wishing for your own hot, young Irish Castle Owner, and I give it a well deserved 4 Skulls. :)

My only complaint was that there wasn't more. I loved these two and their story and I could have definitely immersed myself further in their romance and world.
Hot Winter Kiss

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Betrayed by Shadows

Nancy Gideon With over 50 sales to her credit since her first publication in 1987, Portage, Michigan author Nancy Gideon’s writing career is as versatile as the romance market, itself. Her books encompass genres from historicals and regencies to contemporary suspense and the paranormal. Her works have been published overseas in Romanian, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Danish, German, Icelandic and Chinese, among other languages.

Also listed on the International Movie Database (IMDB), she collaborated on the indie horror films In the Woods and Savage with screenwriting and ADR script credits, and even played the character “Bar Extra.”

A national speaker on writing in general and romance in particular, Gideon is a Western Michigan University honors grad with a major in journalism and minors in history and communications. She’s a member of Novelist, Inc. and the Mid-Michigan, Greater Detroit, PASIC and FF&P chapters of Romance Writers of America®, and is former vice-president, published author co-liaison and award-winning newsletter editor for MMRWA.

The mother of two grown sons, one married and proud producer of her grandson and the other shanghaied into being her assistant, she also works full time for the law firm, Redmond, Redmond & Yokom.

A prolific writer, Gideon attributes her creative output, which once peaked at seven novels in one year, to her love of history and a gift for storytelling. She also credits the discipline learned through a background in journalism and scheduling writing time around diaper changes, Scout meetings, band lessons and outings to the Zoo Boo...and, of course, OCD. The due date for her third book and her second son were on the same day...and both were early! When on deadline, she turns on the laptop between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. to get a chapter in before work.

While the pace is often hectic, Gideon, a Gemini, enjoys tackling diverse projects. One month it’s researching the gritty existence of 1880’s Texas Rangers only to jump to modern themes of intrigue and possibly a legal thriller or two. Then, it’s back to the shadowy netheworld of shape shifters, vampires and movie serial killers. When not working on her latest plot twist before sunrise or arranging medical depositions, she enjoys indulging in Netflix, hosting her critique group, and feeding a variety of wildlife on her fourth-floor balcony including a yearly family of raccoons. And, of course, reading.

Betrayed by Shadows, MOONLIGHT Book #7
Author:  Nancy Gideon

Synopsis:
Balancing a criminal empire and a preternatural clan war, reluctant front man Giles St. Clair doesn’t need a problem like Brigit MacCreedy . . . How much trouble can the head-strong and manipulative Shifter beauty get into in two weeks? Plenty when her schemes range from kidnapping to fleeing the retribution of her dead lover’s relatives.

With her family’s lives on the line, Brigit is willing to do whatever it takes to save them. The only thing standing in her way is an immovable stone wall of a man she can’t bully or beguile . . . a human, no less, who has promised to protect her from the secrets and dangers she conceals.

Risking her own safety gets complicated when an honorable and annoyingly desirable man puts himself between her and her powerful enemies in a battle he can’t win in this Taming of the Shrew meets Shifter Goodfellas on the bayou tale of consequences, redemption and finding love in all the wrong places.

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:

*eARC received from Edelweiss

In the 7th installment of Nancy Gideon's MOONLIGHT series, we get a peek into the history of Giles St. Clair and Brigit MacCreedy...

Giles was a human hired gun for the mob until Max took over and he started walking the line towards law and order again. Sort of. Giles is an incredibly honorable, loyal, and GOOD guy who doesn't try to pretend that he's not a little bit bad, but being one of the lone humans in a world full of powerful shifters requires one to be a little bit, well... different. So, when Brigit MacCreedy, sister to Giles's co-2nd-in-command comes into town trailing nothing but trouble behind her, Giles takes responsibility for her and ends up in the middle of something much bigger and learns quite a few things about his charge (and himself) along the way.

I really liked Giles as a hero! He's exactly what I look for in my alpha males (even when they are human) - sexy, confident, strong, a bit cocky, different, and slightly damaged.

Brigit grows on you as a heroine. I honestly wasn't sure if she would... She has a lot of baggage herself and comes across incredibly selfish, spoiled, and slightly irritating at first. Once she starts opening up and helping Giles and those in his inner circle, however, she shows that she's incredibly strong despite her insecurities, and it becomes apparent that a lot of her bluster is just for show to shield her from being hurt.

The two of them together as a leading couple are frustrating, heartbreaking, sexy as sin, and ultimately perfect.

In Giles and Brigit's action packed quest to make the world safe again for themselves and those they love, lots of secrets are revealed, unlikely alliances are forged, some new friends and relationships are discovered and solidified and things majorly change in the whole outfit of the clans. I don't do spoilers, so you're just going to have to read Betrayed by Shadows and find out everything for yourselves. I will say however, that I absolutely LOVE the St. Clair dysfunctional family. ;-)

LITERAL ADDICTION gives Betrayed by Shadows 4 1/2 Skulls and most definitely recommends it to all fans of Nancy's MOONLIGHT series as well as Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Shifter fans.

Betrayed by Shadows stands alone just fine as a novel, but you do miss the history of the supporting characters by not reading the first 6 books. I would suggest just settling in with book 1 and enjoying the ride!

Betrayed by Shadows

[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Review of Shadow's Claim

Kresley Cole  is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series and the young adult Arcana Chronicles. She has also written five award-winning historical romances.

Since her first novel was released in 2003, Kresley has published nineteen books with Simon & Schuster and has seen her releases translated into more than eighteen foreign languages. She has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings. Two of her favorite places to visit include the rain forests of Central America and the Queensland area of Australia.

Cole’s trademark action, sensuality, and humor are exemplified in her popular Immortals After Dark Series, which revolves around the Lore, a secret stratum of hundreds of immortal creatures--ranging from Vampires to Lykae, Furies to Shifters, and Fey to Valkyrie--that each have their strengths, weaknesses, and age old prejudices against the others. Though they secretly live among humans, they constantly war among themselves, which gives her a lot of material.

In 2007, Kresley won the prestigious Romance Writers of America RITA award for best paranormal for her novel A Hunger Like No Other, and in January 2009, she became a #1 New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestseller with her sixth IAD installment, Kiss of a Demon King. In 2010, Kiss of a Demon King earned Kresley her second RITA award. 2011 brought Cole her second #1 NYT bestseller with Dreams of a Dark Warrior.

She lives in Florida with her husband and far too many animals. She spends any free time traveling and enjoys all things related to boats and water. You can learn more about Kresley at www.kresleycole.com.

Shadow's Claim - THE DACIANS: REALM OF BLOOD & MIST Book #1
Author: Kresley Cole

Synopsis:
#1 New York Times bestseller Kresley Cole introduces The Dacians: Realm of Blood and Mist, a new paranormal series following the royal bloodline of Dacia, a vampire kingdom hidden within the Lore of the Immortals After Dark. Shadow’s Claim features Prince Trehan, a ruthless master assassin who will do anything to possess Bettina, his beautiful sorceress mate, even compete for her hand in a blood-sport tournament— to the death.

HE WON’T BE DENIED

Trehan Daciano, known as the Prince of Shadows, has spent his life serving his people—striking in the night, quietly executing any threat to their realm. The coldly disciplined swordsman has never desired anything for himself—until he beholds Bettina, the sheltered ward of two of the Lore’s most fearsome villains.

SHE’S BOUND TO ANOTHER

Desperate to earn her guardians’ approval after a life-shattering mistake, young Bettina has no choice but to marry whichever suitor prevails—even though she’s lost her heart to another. Yet one lethal competitor, a mysterious cloaked swordsman, invades her dreams, tempting her with forbidden pleasure.

A BATTLE FOR HER BODY AND SOUL

Even if Trehan can survive the punishing contests to claim her as his wife, the true battle for Bettina’s heart is yet to come. And unleashing a millennium’s worth of savage need will either frighten his Bride away—or stoke Bettina’s own desires to a fever pitch. . . .

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
*ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review

Shadow’s Claim was an amazing blend of the best of the IAD series.  It included some of my favorites of the Lore and overlaps beautifully with the timeline of the last release, Lothaire.

Unlike other ‘spin-off’ series that I’ve read recently, wherein the plot of the debut book picks up where the last book of the previous series left off, Shadow’s Claim takes a subset of characters and actually happens in parallel with the events of Lothaire. This was made even more enjoyable when the timelines mesh at the end of the book.

Our hero and heroine: Trehan and Bettina are phenomenal together and easily worked their way into my top 3 IAD power couples. Their journey is intense, riddled with emotion, sexy as sin, and full of surprises.  I loved how it wasn’t a foregone conclusion that things were going to work out and give us that “Happily Ever After” that we expect from Paranormal Romances, and I actually wondered if Kresley might make us wait for Book #2 to find out what would ultimately happen.

The world: The realm of blood and mist was magical and complex, and Shadow’s Claim was made even more intricate by the fact that it took place in several different locales. Kresley painted the set beautifully with her descriptive prose, impeccable timing, and enthralling character interaction.

Overall story: The book was chock full of danger, intrigue, action, and romance.  The multiple twists and turns that were introduced made things fabulously unpredictable and extremely entertaining.

Some of my favorite things...
1)  Simply put, the depth of Trehan! It was completely mystifying, and he may very well have become one of my favorite PNR heroes.  Yes he’s a ruthless, detached assassin, but he’s also a somewhat vulnerable, bookish introvert. He shows indications of being a closet romantic, an art aficionado, and a loyal family man, and somehow manages to perfectly balance being an uber alpha male with having a surprising and wonderful soft side.

2)  The fact that Bettina’s entire future hinged on the outcome of a gladiator style life and death tournament was unique and made for high anxiety reading. It also paved the way for some very interesting little surprises that Kresley introduced, as well as some wonderful dialogue.

3)  The supporting characters were solid and felt necessary to the story. I found myself finding favorites among them outside of our leading couple and hoping that we find out even more in future releases. In addition, we get cameos from some great IAD veterans and more storyline on a couple that were only briefly mentioned before, therefore making me yearn for the future releases because there is just so much potential with these characters in play.

All in all, LITERAL ADDICTION gives Shadow’s Claim 5 Skulls and would recommend it to ALL Kresley Cole IMMORTALS AFTER DARK fans.

While I don’t think it’s 100% necessary to read the entire IAD series before reading Shadow’s Claim, I do feel that having done so made Shadow’s Claim more enjoyable. Reading Lothaire before Shadow’s Claim was a definite plus. With that said, IMMORTALS AFTER DARK is an incredible series and should be devoured by paranormal romance lovers far and wide, so take the plunge and get lost in the Lore. You won’t be disappointed! :)

Shadow's Claim