Paperback, 1st Edition, 323 pages

Published February 7th 2012 

by Sourcebooks Casablanca 

(first published February 1st 2012)

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Series: Paladin Warriors, #1
My Rating:  ❀ ❀ ❀
Genre: Paranormal Romance 
        
A STRANGER IN THE NIGHT...

He had once been a warrior of the Light, one of the revered Paladin. A protector. But now he lives in darkness, and the shadows are his sanctuary. Every day is a struggle to overcome the bloodlust. Especially the day Karissa shows up at his doorstep.

COMES KNOCKING ON THE DOOR

She is light and bright and everything beautiful—despite her scratches and torn clothes. Every creature of the night is after her. So is every male Paladin. Because Karissa is the last female of their kind. But she is his. He may not have a soul, but he can't deny his heart.

I have had this novel on my list of books for a long while. Some are really buried in there. But of late, I thought it'd be fun to get to some of them and so I have been. Deliver Me from Darkness is the opening book of this series, and the plot is pretty clean cut. Roland is a Paladin warrior who was turned into a vampire. Karissa is his bond mate. Unfortunately, Roland has issues with that since he thinks he doesn't have a soul. 

Because all of his Paladin comrades also share this opinion, it's tough to rid himself of this idea. The first half of the book was mostly spent introducing Karissa and the world of merkers, Paladin warriors, vampires and demons. Karissa distrusts both Roland and the Paladin for the first half of the book. Roland because he's a vampire (duh) and the Paladin because they all want to mark her in hopes of pairing with her. Pairing is different than bonding. But since the Paladin are a race without females,

Book Two in Paladin Warriors

 a pairing will do. And Karissa is far too modern minded to like this idea. Which I liked about her. She was funny and kick ass.

The second half of the book was focused on building the relationship between Roland and Karissa and developing the reasoning as to why all the forces of evil want Karissa so badly. While Karissa doesn't like the idea of men possessing her, she is open to the idea of bonding with Roland since he is her bond mate,and has to spend some time convincing him that they can have a life together. The smexy was sexy. Nuff said. As to the forces of evil, I have no doubt the baddies in this book have some very evil plans now that they possess so much of Karissa's blood, but also not sure exactly how that's going to play out as it seems to change vampires--making them both powerful and weak at the same time.

The novel had a lot of great ideas. The world development was a bit vague in my opinion, and while the writing is pretty polished and witty, I think the plot and character development were not as polished as they could have been. However, I was invested enough in most of the characters and thus found the romance heartwarming and sweet towards the end. And the author has piqued my curiosity in regards to some of the other characters that were introduced. A fun, sexy read.

Paperback, 438 pages

Published January 25th 2013 

by Metal Blonde Books

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Series: The Artists Trilogy, #1
My Rating:  ❀ ❀ ❀ ❀ ❀
Genre: Contempoary Romance

Ellie Watt is used to starting over. The daughter of a grifting team, Ellie spent her childhood being used as a pawn in her parents' latest scam. Now she’s much older, wiser and ready to give her con artist life a rest. But returning to the dry desert town of Palm Valley, California means one more temptation than she bargained for – Camden McQueen. Once known as the high school weirdo, Camden is bigger and badder than the boy he used to be and a talented tattoo artist with his own thriving business. Ellie’s counting on Camden still being in love with her but what she’s not counting on is how easily unrequited love can turn into obsession over time. When Camden discovers Ellie’s plan to con him, he makes her a deal she doesn’t dare refuse, but her freedom comes with a price and it’s one that takes both Ellie and Camden down a dangerous road.


***The Artists Trilogy is a dark and sexy contemporary ride about three flawed individuals caught in a world where it's so easy to justify the bad things we do. This is a pure adult read (Not YA or NA).

This is the 1st book in the trilogy. It is followed by the novella On Every Street (released in March 2013) and the sequel Shooting Scars (released in May 2013). The third and final book in the series will also be released October 15, 2013.***

It is really difficult to know where to begin with this novel. I loved it. I hated it. I went through a series of heart pounding emotion as I read it; joy, hope, anger, betrayal, anguish, disgust, fear, anticipation and even sorrow. It might be stating the obvious to say that this novel had me dreading every word I was reading and yet wanting to read more. It wasn't a total train wreck. It just made me a total wreck. 

The book opens with Ellie wanting to start a new life, to go legit. And then immediately, she marks Camden as her next con job. It made me furious with her.

Book 0.5
Best read after Book 1

 Camden seemed nice and even though their history was heavy, I thought that he was someone Ellie could start over with, build a life that wasn't based on lies and deception, that wasn't lived on the run. She and Camden do start a life together, but it was not what I expected and certainly, not what I wanted for them. Though, for them, it's perhaps all they can have. It's hard to say.

The plot becomes ever more twisted up after Camden discovers Ellie busting into his house. The Camden who seemed so laid back and maybe a little broody, like artists usually are, became violate and nasty. I was so disappointed in him. Ellie might have been betraying him, but I felt betrayed by him. Yet, I learned to forgive both of these messed up characters. The flashbacks helped me learn about Ellie. And the more Camden and Ellie run together, the more the plot twists as Javier gets ever closer to them, the more I learned about Camden, who is intelligent and broken and brutally honest, not to mention oh, so perceptive. And very dangerous in some ways.

So I was a mess reading this book. I wanted so much for these characters. I wanted a fresh start for them. I wanted them to be free from the danger and the hurt and wanted them to know a little simplicity and peace. I hope that they get that, somewhere in the future. This book will make you feel and keep you on the edge of your seat. It was hard for me to read but I loved it. If you enjoy a gritty plot and a romance that is alive and both angry and loving, then you have found the perfect book to read. 

Dear Readers, 

I just to had to write up a Quote It! post for you today. I read a book recently that is really very good. It made me feel a lot. It's a book that I just had to share with you, so today I'm bringing you quotes from Sins and Needles by Karina Halle. Review to come soon too!

I hope you are intrigued by these quotes and pick up Sins and Needles. I have to warn you, while the novel is wonderful, it's not your typical romance novel. It's more dark, the characters are flawed and their choices will make you hurt. It's a bit of a wild read, but a great one.



"...That's the trouble with pain Ellie. If you're lucky, you can wear it for all the world to see. Most people have their pain deep inside, in places no one ever goes. Not until it's too late."

"You're not bad Ellie. The world is bad and you're just trying to survive in it." Or maybe it was just a dream. 

"You're afraid to come to peace with your scars, because the minute you do, the minute you accept them, you have to let go of your anger. You have to let go of your quest. And then who would you be?" I didn't know. 

"I hate you Ellie Watt," he whispered, lips coming closer to mine, "because I still love you after all these years."

Stayed tuned for more!

Paperback

Published May 6th 2014 

by CreateSpace

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Series: Irin Chronicles, #2
My Rating: ❀ ❀ ❀ ❀ ❀
Genre: Urban Fantasy

When you've lost everything you love, how do you fight the darkness?

Ava left Istanbul with a new identity, new name, and new magic she could barely control. Laid low by Malachi's sacrifice, she searches for help from the fabled Irina. But will the secretive women of the Irin race welcome or shun her? Ava's origins are still a mystery, and her powers are darker than any they've encountered before.

The Irin world hangs in the balance. And as the children of angels battle their own demons, ancient rivalries among the Fallen threaten to wreak havoc on earth.

Thousand of miles away, a warrior wakes with no memory of his identity or his people. Stumbling though the dark and twisted schemes of fallen angels, ravenous Grigori, and even his own leaders, he must find a way back to the one thing he remembers. A single voice calls him. Malachi has one mission. 
                                                                     
                                                                      "Come back to me."

I was devastated at the end of The Scribe for Ava, yet I was also filled with a sense of hope. Elizabeth Hunter wrote a moving, poignant and beautiful ending to the first novel in this trilogy. So, if you'll remember, I was on pins and needles waiting for book two, The Singer to be released. And luckily I didn't have to wait too long. 

This time, it's hard to know what to say. I absolutely loved the novel, and that's the truth. It was hard to see Ava and Malachi apart, each longing for the other. But it was also wonderful to see them together as they dreamwalked. It reminded me that even though Malachi was...only mostly himself, that what he and Ava had transcended even death. Their love is somehow greater than the physical reality we know as life and death. It's soul deep and nothing can mess with that. I think I'm in love with that idea because it's so utterly romantic and touching and just beautiful. It broke my heart when they finally meet for the first time in months, but it also made me melt. Elizabeth Hunter wonderfully writes emotion, and doesn't shy away from intensity. 

So knowing that, knowing that these soul mates would find each again, made the book really easy reading. And it was a thrilling read. We learn more about the Irina, more about Ava's past--though that is still shrouded in mystery--and we learned that the Irin are deeply divided politically speaking. I have a sneaking feeling something is rotten in Vienna. But more importantly, we see Ava coming into her powers. I have a feeling she hasn't even tapped into the tip of the iceberg that are her powers, but she finally sings, astounding all the Irina with her ability to share her visions with them. But...there's something dark lurking around Ava too. It'd be easy for me as a reader to assume that it's one of the Fallen angels, namely Jaron. But something nags at me. Both Jaron and Malachi have now told Ava "Do not fear the darkness." Which has me thinking maybe the darkness isn't so...sinister. I could speculate all day long, but there's hardly any point in that. I'll only drive myself crazy! If only Book Three was due out soon! This series has it all: romance, magic, mystery, a beautiful and compelling play of emotion, and a storyline that just keeps you guessing. It's been a long while since I read anything so completely engrossing. A mesmerizing tale you simply gotta read!

Mass Market Paperback, 371 pages

Published November 24th 2009 

by Avon 

(first published November 4th 2009)

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Series: The Tulloch Sagthan Trilogy 
My Rating:  ❀ ❀ ❀ ❀ ❀
Genre: Historical Romance


When Douglas Eston arrives at the home of the Duke of Herridge, he expects to leave with an investment—not a wife! With his brilliant ideas attracting attention all over London, Douglas does not need to rely on the duke. But when he meets Lady Sarah Baines, the stubborn beauty whose virtue her father would willingly sell, Douglas finds himself utterly entranced and desperate to protect her.

Lady Sarah Baines always knew her father was cruel. But this time he's gone too far. Demanding that she marry a complete stranger—even an absurdly handsome one with eyes the color of a dawn sky—is utterly ridiculous. She swears she'll never submit to the wanton delights of the marriage bed. But soon Douglas's considerable charms prove impossible to resist... and the decadent ecstasy he offers shows Sarah that an affair that began with business can end with the ultimate pleasure.

I am thoroughly impressed by this novel. I'm so glad I found it and read it as soon as I did. Though, I'm really amazed that no one has mentioned to Karen Ranney to me before! Because I would highly recommend this novel to you.

First off, let's just say, this is not as ridiculous as the premise might sound. It was a really well told, thoughtful story with characters that were just...well, just wonderful! Lady Sarah is probably the most prim and proper heroine I've met, and there is a fragile strength about her that makes her entirely likable. She's managed the whole of her father's estate on her own because her father is an ass and her mother has been ill.

Book Two in
The Tulloch Sagthan Trilogy

She's managed the estate so thoroughly that the servants are at something of a loss without her, used to her overseeing every little thing. She's is strong willed, independent, capable, and reserved. Not to mention stubborn, and maybe a little proud. She's not the sort of heroine you meet every day, but I thought she was wonderful. I loved seeing her fall in love with Douglas, who she only married so that her mother might spend her final days peacefully.

As for the hero of this story...he's not what you'd expect. I was expecting some alpha male who was going to be bossy and learn to mellow out a little. Instead I got a sexy, patient and yet equally strong willed beta hero. And there's something to said for the betas I think--at least there is in Douglas' case. I loved how patient he was with Sarah, how he woos her, wants to protect her, how he never makes her feel afraid and yet he doesn't back down from her either, whispering intimate questions and desires without ever being crass just to point out to Sarah that they are married. I loved how very caring he was all throughout this novel.

Every good historical romance needs a bit of action, and we get towards to the end when Sarah's father kidnaps Dougals. We also get a romantic rescue and a touching HEA. I was drawn into the languid style from the beginning of the novel, the subtle characters and their emotions, the romance that bubbles under the surface throughout (until it bubbles over) as well as the bit of mystery and action that unfolds. I'm really looking forward to book two!