Review: Bright Blaze of Magic (Book #3) by Jennifer Estep

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Magic, Supernatural
Publisher: Kensington
Published: April 26th 2016

Pages: 368
Source: NetGalley and The Fantastic Flying Book Club

Synopsis:

Bad Things Always Come In Threes…

As a thief, I'm good at three things: hiding in the shadows, getting in and out unseen, and uncovering secrets. I put these skills to work for the Sinclair Family, one of the magical mobs that run the tourist town of Cloudburst Falls. 

Everyone knows Victor Draconi wants to take over all the other Families--and kill every last Sinclair. What they don't know is that I'm on to him, and no way will I let the man who murdered my mom get away with hurting all the other people I care about. Especially when I've got places to break into, stuff to steal, and Devon Sinclair fighting right by my side…

Black Blade Series:

Jennifer Estep is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance.

Her Elemental Assassin series follows the life and times of Gin “the Spider” Blanco, a barbecue restaurant owner who also happens to be an assassin with magical control over the elements of Ice and Stone.

The Mythos Academy series focuses on Gwen Frost, a 17-year-old Gypsy girl who has the ability to know an object’s history just by touching it. She studies at Mythos Academy, a school for the descendants of ancient warriors.

Her Bigtime paranormal romance books feature sexy superheroes, evil ubervillains, and smart, sassy gals looking for love.

Estep’s new Black Blade series is about 17-year-old thief Lila Merriweather, who has a Talent for sight, along with the ability to take magic others used against her to boost her own powers. She tries not to get involved with the Families who control much of the town, but ends up in the middle of a potential turf war.

My Rating:

★★★★★

Review:

I received this book from The Fantastic Flying Book Club for the book tour, all reviews and opinions are my own.  If you would like to check out the rest of the blog tour click here for the official schedule.

I also have a review of the first book here and the second book here.

I loved the ending to this it was nonstop action from the very beginning. Everything that was building up in the first two books finally gave way and everything started to come together. Of course one of my favorite characters is the Lochness monster, and we get to see a lot more of this creature in this book and learn a little  more about it and why it isn't all bad. 

Lila again is back to take names and kick some butt with the help of her friends as well. I like Lila a lot because she is so tough but she has issues just like everyone and deals with them the best way she knows how. The ending was awesome and I was left wondering what next I know this is the end of the Trilogy but I could definitely see more if ever needed. Maybe about when she is older. 

Like I said the pace of the book is really fast I flew through it and couldn't put it down, which is good for a last book. Since some times it is hard for me to pick up the last book but this one kept me on the edge of my seat I had to finish it to see what happened. I also enjoyed that it wasn't all lovey dovey and was more about the story than the relationship though that was in there as well just not as much.

Favorite Quotes:

My stomach rumbled, reminding me that it had been a very long time since I'd eaten. "So... please tell me that they have some bacon in this joint."
Oscar laughed. "Now I know you're all right."

"You didn't think I would forget to pay the lochness toll, did you, Lila?" He smirked, seeing my disappointment. "Your mother taught me better than that." 

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Review: The Obsession by Nora Roberts

Genre: Romance, Romantic Suspense
Published: April 12, 2016
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 464

Source: First to Read
Synopsis:
Naomi Bowes lost her innocence the night she followed her father into the woods. In freeing the girl trapped in the root cellar, Naomi revealed the horrible extent of her father’s crimes and made him infamous.

Now a successful photographer living under the name Naomi Carson, she has found a place that calls to her, thousands of miles away from everything she’s ever known. Naomi wants to embrace the solitude, but the residents of Sunrise Cove keep forcing her to open up—especially the determined Xander Keaton.

Naomi can feel her defenses failing, and knows that the connection her new life offers is something she’s always secretly craved. But as she’s learned time and again, her past is never more than a nightmare away.

My Rating:

★★★★☆

Review:

I received this book from the First to Reads program for an honest review, all reviews and opinions are my own.

I really liked this one I am learning that I like a lot of what Nora Roberts writes. The last thing that I read by her though I did not like the main character which unfortunately makes it hard to continue on with the book but in this one I loved Naomi and how she was so strong yet she did have her weaknesses. Xander is a really good fit for her I think pushes her into uncomfortable territory for her but still lets her make the ultimate decision regardless.

The book took a twist ending I thought it was going to be something completely different then what it was. The ending was quiet short, I am not sure why other than to say maybe it wasn't about the ending but more about the middle and how she changed through out her life even and grew even with the horrors she has seen and the ugliness of humanity that she shouldn't of had to endure.

I think the title relates to the book really well it not only tells of just one person's obsession through out the book but many her brother has an obsession with learning what their father did and how he hid it to become a better detective to hunt down others and put them away. Then there is the fathers obsession with fame and wanting to be in the spotlight once he was arrested. Also there is Naomi's obsession with work and putting her all into it to ignoring people and trying to ignore her past. Which doesn't work out real well.

Review: Burning Both Ends (Book #3) by Ally Shields

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Published: September 16, 2013

Publisher: Etopia Press

Pages: 288

Source: Red Moon Book Tours

Synopsis:

"Friend or lover. Life or death..."

Supernatural cop Ari Calin arrives at the hostile Toronto vampire court with an ultimatum from the Riverdale vampires: Sebastian, Toronto's vampire prince, must stop his unprovoked attacks--or else. Ari wasn't expecting a fight--the "or else" was typical vampire grandstanding. But even with vampire Andreas De Luca by her side for a show of strength, things get ugly fast. Toronto's vampire world is in crisis, and surrounded by enemies, Ari and Andreas find themselves under attack.

That's when Ari gets the call from the Magic Council ordering her home. Steffan, a good friend and leader of Riverdale's werewolves, has gone missing during top secret negotiations with the US government, and is believed to have been kidnapped--or killed.

Andreas can't abandon the Toronto vampires, and Ari can't leave him to face impossible odds alone. But neither can she disobey her orders from the Council, or leave her friend Steffan to be tortured and killed. Ari's loyalties pull her in two directions--the closest thing to love she's ever known on one side, and friendship and duty on the other. If she can stay alive long enough for the choice to matter... 

Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo│iBooks│Google Play│All Romance Ebooks│Etopia Press

About the Author:

Ally Shields was born and raised in the Midwest, along the Mississippi River, the setting for the Guardian Witch urban fantasy series. After  earlier careers as a teacher, lawyer and Juvenile Court Officer, she turned to full-time writing in 2009. She still lives near Des Moines with her Miniature Pinscher, Ranger. When not writing or reading, she loves traveling in the US and abroad. Way too often she can be found on Twitter.

Author Links

Email│Website│Blog│Twitter│Facebook│Google+│Goodreads│Amazon Author Page│Newsletter│Book Trailer

My Rating:
★★★★★

Review:
I received this book from Red Moon Book Tours for the book tour, all reviews and opinions are my own. If you would like to check out the rest of the blog tour click here for the official schedule.

I also have a review of the first book here and the second book here.

I like the cover in this one I mean all the covers are done really well but this is the first one I can see an up close picture of this charm bracelet she is talking about in each book. I can not get enough of Andreas and Ari, even though they have their problems like any couple they still make it work. Even when everything looks bleak and not fixable they some how make it through. I loved how this one wrapped up and can't wait to see what they do with Bella's kittens. I can just see the kittens harassing the vampires and guards of the vampires.

Ari deals remarkably well with little to no sleep for like three days and all the added stress of everyone needing her. I know she bit off a couple of heads and only had one crying fit I think after three days off basically no sleep she did pretty well. I like how strong of a character she is becoming. Even her powers are growing and that scares her a little but she works on it and Andreas try's to distract her from time to time.

Gabriel is an interesting character and I hope we see more of him, I like how funny and care free he tries to be, which is needed I think because most vampires we have seen a lot of are to serious for their own good. 

I really enjoyed this series so far and hope to continue on and finish this one up really soon I need to know how everything plays out. It has cast it's spell on me and has me enthralled.  

~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

Fangs flashed where her cheek had been an instant before. Ari whirled, crouching to meet the vampire’s return charge, and her fingers sparked, witch blood clamoring for action. Refusing its urgent call, she threw the magic powder as he wheeled and sped toward her in a blur. Green particles sparkled. A loud thump. The vampire recoiled from the invisible barrier and took two staggering steps. A direct hit. Before a smile more than touched her lips, the dark figure recovered and leaped. Ari backpedaled, but his weight drove her to the hard ground.

He grinned down at her, a lock of dark hair falling across his forehead. Trapping her arms above her head, he leaned close, his dark eyes glittering. He brushed her lips with his and whispered, “Better—but not yet good enough.” Andreas shifted his six-foot, muscled body, sprang up, and offered her a hand.

Ignoring the courtesy, Ari scrambled to her feet. Getting pinned by your boyfriend wasn’t always a good thing. “Back off, bloodsucker,” she grumbled. She shook out the fallen leaves and pine needles that clung to her long, honey-colored hair.

Andreas chuckled. A rich, warm sound. “Touchy tonight. Did I put your nose out of joint, little witch? And here I was, trying to help with your training.” Andreas glided across the forest clearing with the smooth grace of a natural predator. He collected their cell phones from under a park bench where they’d stashed them earlier in the evening and handed her one.

“Thanks.” Ari avoided his eyes. Damn right she was annoyed. She was competitive, and second place wasn’t good enough—even against a master level vampire. Especially one who wasn’t really trying to kill her.

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Review: Fire Within (Book #2) by Ally Shields

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Published: May 7, 2013

Publisher: Etopia Press

Pages: 300

Source: Red Moon Book Tours

Synopsis:

A hidden evil stalks the city... 

Ari Calin refuses to believe her human friend Eddie murdered a vampire--in spite of his confession. Her human partner Ryan thinks the case is a slam dunk, even though there's no weapon and no witnesses, but Ari's not about to let her friend take the rap without finding out more. 

When Ari attends a charity event on the arm of a handsome werewolf, she finds someone she never expected to see again--Andreas De Luca, the charismatic vampire she used to date. When their eyes meet across the room, memories come rushing back. His kiss, his touch, a savage death...and a terrifying magical bond. A reconnection is the last thing she wants. Only by staying away and forgetting Andreas can she hope to avoid the Legend of Ramora. 

But when vampires keep dying, one thing becomes clear: Riverdale has a serial killer on its hands, and Andreas could be next. Ari begins to fear something truly evil is stalking the city, waiting to take control...

Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo│iBooks│Google Play│All Romance Ebooks│Etopia Press

About the Author:

Ally Shields was born and raised in the Midwest, along the Mississippi River, the setting for the Guardian Witch urban fantasy series. After  earlier careers as a teacher, lawyer and Juvenile Court Officer, she turned to full-time writing in 2009. She still lives near Des Moines with her Miniature Pinscher, Ranger. When not writing or reading, she loves traveling in the US and abroad. Way too often she can be found on Twitter.

Author Links

Email│Website│Blog│Twitter│Facebook│Google+│Goodreads│Amazon Author Page│Newsletter│Book Trailer

My Rating:
★★★★★

Review:
I received this book from Red Moon Book Tours for the book tour, all reviews and opinions are my own. If you would like to check out the rest of the blog tour click here for the official schedule.

I also have a review of the first book here.

I love how slow Ari and Andreas relationship is going, there is so much heat going on something will happen soon and it will be glorious! Plus it kept me reading and wanting more of both of them. In this one of course Sebastian is sending trouble their way again. They really need to deal with this bad guy or eventually he might get his way. Ari keeps getting in her own way in the relationship its kind of cute but also she needs to let somethings go. I am glad they are both trying and hope more is to come.

I also liked the difference in bad guys in this one we see a demon and what kind of havoc one can cause, though I think it would have caused more problems if not on Sebastian's leash, so a small win there. Ari really grows in this novel and pushes through a lot of barriers I am wondering if Andreas is going to be able to grow with her or if he is going to keep being his arrogant self. Ari is the one to be able to take him down a peg or two.

We see a lot more of Ryan in this one and them all working together to bring down the demon. He is still a worry for me because he has some hang ups on vampires so hopefully that won't interfere to much with the trio. Claris is also seen in this one more and is a very good and dear friend of Ari's I just hope that doesn't cause any problems for her though it probably will. Ari can't escape her work everywhere.

The story wrapped up nicely and left some questions unanswered for the next one to pick up. The flow also was paced very nicely this one didn't seem rushed at the ending. I do want to know more about this supposed legend though and what it means for Ari and Andreas.

~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

The auditorium of the Arts Center was packed. The annual Charity Auction always drew a large crowd, not only of bidders but those who came to see and be seen. It was one of the biggest community events of the year. For an exorbitant entrance price, each person earned the right to free appetizers and wine and the opportunity to bid on a lot of things he didn’t need. Ari ran a cynical eye over the merchandise. And, in her case, many items she couldn’t afford. Like the perfectly ordinary-looking granny vase with a starting bid of $3,000. Of course, she could just ogle at all the rich and famous of Riverdale. It was expected. Looking around at the crowd, Ari estimated there were more oglers than bidders, but the auction always met its goal.

The two couples dutifully filed past the tables and viewed the choices in the silent auction. Brando kept up a running commentary on the city officials and wealthy patrons he recognized. Steffan placed a bid on a case of wine but was immediately out-bid by the couple behind them in line. He grinned at Ari, shrugged, and they moved on.

Ari paused when she spied a champagne dinner for two from Club Dintero. She wouldn’t be bidding on that. Claris’s attempt to hurry them past, to skip that particular auction item, brought a frown to Ari’s face. Like she wouldn’t notice. Apparently, Claris wasn’t convinced the past was in the past.

Ari’s frown deepened. She knew she had been a little touchy on the subject of Andreas and his club. Unbidden, a series of scenes flashed through her head: strong arms holding a grief-stricken young witch; a dark figure singing on stage, the crowd captivated; the same sexy figure sipping Chianti; a forbidden kiss. Ari determinedly brushed aside such highly selective memories. Those were only the good things—and there were some not so good. She flashed a reassuring smile at Claris and turned her attention to the next item, a spa package.

As if Ari’s traitorous thoughts had conjured it, a surge of Otherworld power touched her. Vampire. And not just any vampire. Sensation raced across her skin, her witch magic singing in recognition as the air shimmered with his dark, slightly wicked energy. She whipped her head around, focused on the front entry, and there he was.

Andreas’s dark eyes captured hers from across the room. Her breath caught, and like always, that compelling swirl of power wrapped itself around her, beguiling, irresistible. She barely registered the presence of the other vampires with him. Seconds, perhaps hours or years, passed with her caught in his gaze. As suddenly as it came, the magic withdrew, leaving a void. Andreas turned away and said something to the woman at his side. His companion laid a possessive hand on his arm.

Shaken, Ari took a shallow breath. After eight months she’d thought her reaction to him would be diminished. She’d be the last one to deny Andreas De Luca was heartbreakingly attractive, despite being one of the undead. That still didn’t explain his almost paralyzing effect on her.

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Review: Awakening the Fire (Book #1) by Ally Shields

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Published: September 14, 2012

Publisher: Etopia Press

Pages: 290

Source: Red Moon Book Tours

Synopsis:

Arianna Calin has sworn to keep the peace in Riverdale. Most of the Otherworlders prefer to haunt the Olde Town district--partying at vampire strip clubs, dining in elegant supper clubs, and inhabiting the cliffside caverns along the Mississippi. Being a cop is a tough job, but someone's gotta do it, and Ari's got her derringer, a sharp stiletto, and a few handy charms against things that hunt in the night. She's also a fire witch--a pedigree that comes in handy, since her partner's only human.

When a virtual reality drug hits the streets, people start to die, and an elusive pack of werewolves threatens the status quo. Ari and Ryan are drawn into a web of murder and evil that will lead sworn enemies to a confrontation. While the city simmers around them, Ari struggles to prevent an all-out supernatural war...

Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo│iBooks│Google Play│All Romance Ebooks│Etopia Press

About the Author:

Ally Shields was born and raised in the Midwest, along the Mississippi River, the setting for the Guardian Witch urban fantasy series. After  earlier careers as a teacher, lawyer and Juvenile Court Officer, she turned to full-time writing in 2009. She still lives near Des Moines with her Miniature Pinscher, Ranger. When not writing or reading, she loves traveling in the US and abroad. Way too often she can be found on Twitter.

Author Links

Email│Website│Blog│Twitter│Facebook│Google+│Goodreads│Amazon Author Page│Newsletter│Book Trailer

My Rating:
★★★★★

Review:
I received this book from Red Moon Book Tours for the book tour, all reviews and opinions are my own. If you would like to check out the rest of the blog tour click here for the official schedule.

I could not put this book down, which is nice because lately that's all I seem to be doing with some books. Ari is a witch and not just any old witch a witch that is supposed to protect her section of the city and keep things civil between otherworlders and humans or at least try to. Of course nothing is going to be easy when predators and prey come together so she keeps busy, and how she gets any sleep I will never know. If I was her in this first book I would have fallen over multiple times from being so tired, maybe witches have extra energy, or she is drinking lots more coffee then she mentions.

Ari I like so far she isn't stupid and she thinks things through. She doesn't let anyone tell her what to do if she doesn't want to do it and also doesn't let anyone push her around. The only thing I think this story was lacking was the strong side characters, I would like to know more about some of the side characters like her best friend Claris we see a little bit of her but not enough to really get me invested I hope there will be more about her friends and family in future books.

I also liked Andreas a lot! Which is saying something because in many of the vampire urban fantasies I read I am starting not to like vampires very much, they're all so political now. Andreas though is charming and he hooked me, of course I was like Ari at first and cautious of him but he grew on me very fast. Of course there is vampire politics in this one as well but he doesn't let it interfere to much where it bothered me. Andreas and Ari both have great character development now we just need to see that in some side characters as well.

The pace of the story was done really good the only things is that the ending felt a little fast paced after everything moving kind of at a normal pace. But it was exciting and thrilling, especially that ending, I couldn't wait to get to the second book. I will also be doing a review of book 2 and 3 so please stay tuned to what I think of the next ones. Overall I think it is a nice start to a great series.

~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt:

The vampire’s coal-black eyes found her and silken threads of magic wrapped her in a soft web. The room faded away. She floated as in a dream, warm and safe. A place to linger forever. Her witch magic began to sing in concert with his, and Ari called it back to her. The effort brought her out of his web with a jolt.

Damn, how strong was he? She wrapped her magical aura around her. As long as she kept it in place, his magic was held at bay. Then, mercifully, the song was over. Andreas bowed to a wildly applauding audience and left the stage.

“Good evening.” Startled, she stared at him.

“Uh, hello.” How did he move so fast? He produced a polite smile.

“If you will come this way.” He waved a hand toward a hallway on the left.

Ari hesitated. A meeting in private? She hadn’t anticipated that.

His brows rose. “We have twenty minutes.”

Swallowing her doubts, Ari preceded him down the hall. It was better this way, she told herself. Fewer interruptions. At least she knew her time parameters. He ushered her past four closed doors, not stopping until they reached an exit door at the end. He touched a security panel, the door opened, and they stepped into a paved lane leading to the rear parking lot. Dense trees lined the opposite side of the lane. Total privacy.

The night was pleasantly cool. The crisp cleanness of fall filled the air. Ari hung back and watched her companion as he stopped in the middle of the lane. Andreas arched his shoulders and threw back his head, breathing deeply. For a moment all Ari could think about was how sexy he looked.

“I hope you don’t mind talking out here. It has been a long evening, and I needed the fresh air.”

“Not at all. It’s nice.” She looked up at the stars, pinpoints in an uncluttered sky, to keep from looking at him. “What was that last song you sang?”

“An Italian love song. Did you enjoy it?”

“Amazing.”

He turned to look at her. “It was, or I was?” His voice invited a broader interpretation.

She smiled. “Both,” she said, not bothering to hedge. “But who’s fishing for compliments now?”

“Touché.” His familiar laugh came then, rich and intimate, strangely companionable.

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Update of life!

So if you haven't noticed I haven't been around much this last month and the reasoning behind that is that I have been busy getting and being married. Me and my significant other have been together for 10 years, can you believe, neither can I. But we have and on our ten year anniversary we decided that we wanted to get married on that day. So we made it happen and had a wonderful time. We had one of our close friends marry us it was perfect I think, it was small and not to stressful. Though if you talked to me a couple of days before the wedding like every bride of course I was super stressed in making sure everything went well. My friend took pictures and I hope to have some posted later but until then I will at least put a couple of pictures of the cake and what not. But I just wanted to let you guys know I did not fall of the face of the earth and should be getting back to normal and writing and reading more now.

 This was a tres leches cake and super delicious!

This was the bouquet I made myself I think it turned out really good for my first time. I had a lot of difficulty with it at first but I manhandled it into this beauty.

Blitz: 99 Cent Pre-Order Sale

Genre: New-Adult Romance
Published: March 30, 2016
Pages: over 400
Synopsis:
The Debt Collector

 I pay my debts, and I expect others to.

I was raised in the slums of London, I knew nothing of privilege. My father was murdered when I was seventeen. Morty figured my father's passing meant I would automatically take on dad's debts. I refused.

And I paid for that refusal.

So did my sister.

So now I fight. All I know how to do is fight. The best cash is in the states, so that's where I am now. A big fish called Vito came along offering me a "favor" when I arrived.

Another debt.

I paid for that one too.

I knew Kyla Hensley would be trouble when I met her. But I wanted her. I could see through the falsehood of her wannabe-slutty clothes and her sexy legs. So I chased her.

Besides, trouble is my middle name.

Kyla Hensley

I was brought up in privilege, but I lacked everything else. My father is a business tycoon who buys and sells and doesn't care who gets rolled over in the process.

I never knew my mother, and all I have of her is a photo with a note scrawled on the back in French saying "I'm sorry." The only Female Figure I had growing up is my dad's wife who is a bleach blond with seven boob jobs. We never bonded.

I drink. I party. I meet guys.

But I wasn't always like that.

I've had a string of lovers in the last few years, the worst and most recent of which was Vince Somerset. My best friend Vera was dating a guy called Rory Cansoom who is the opposite of Vince in so many ways, and yet so the same.

She and I hit the road for the summer, getting away from the two college psychos and just trying to have some fun.

But there's a funny thing about trouble, the more you run from it, the more it finds you.

Which is when I met the Debt Collector.

It was only supposed to be sex. He made that clear. I made that clear.

That's all it was supposed to be.

I never expected to fall in love. I never expected to fall so deeply, madly, uncomfortably in love with a man who is wrong, so wrong for me.

And yet...so unbelievably right.

Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes and Noble│iTunes│Smashwords

About the Author:

Rachel Dunning hit the scene in August 2013 and is the author of the highly praised Naive Mistakes Series, Truthful Lies Trilogy, Johnny Series and the paranormal romance series, Mind Games.

A prolific writer, she sticks to stories where Alpha Males aren’t pricks and where women have guts.

She’s lived on two different continents, speaks three different languages, and met the love of her life on the internet. In other words, romance is in her blood.

Author Links:

Blog│Facebook│Twitter│Amazon│Barnes and Noble│iTunes│Goodreads

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