Keystone (Crossbreed #1) by Dannika Dark

Genre: Urban Fantasy | Supernatural, Magic, Romance

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available:

Amazon

Barnes and Nobles

Nook

Kobo

Synopsis

Raven Black hunts evildoers for fun, but her vigilante justice isn’t the only reason she’s hiding from the law. Half Vampire, half Mage, she’s spent years living as a rogue to stay alive. When a Russian Shifter offers her a job in his covert organization hunting outlaws, dignity and a respectable career are finally within her grasp. The catch? Her new partner is Christian Poe - a smug, handsome Vampire whom she’d rather stake than go on a stakeout with. 

They're hot on the trail of a human killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. One misstep during her probationary period could jeopardize Raven’s chance at redemption, and her partner would love nothing more than to see her fail. Will Raven find the courage to succeed, or will she give in to her dark nature? 

Dark secrets, unexpected twists, and a blurred line between good and evil will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Review

I will start by saying that I absolutely love Dannika Dark and everything she writes! I loved the Mageri series and the Seven Series both, and now I am a big fan of Keystone and the new Crossbreed series! For those who loved the Mageri series, you're going to fall right into step with this one because it takes place in the same Breed World, even in the same city of Cognito. They talk about all the same kinds of Breeds - Vampires, Mages, Shifters, Sensors, Chitahs, and even a couple of new ones. 

The main character, Raven Black is a crossbreed - half Vampire and half Mage which everyone says is impossible as nobody has seen it before. She is really something else. She is living on the streets as a scavenger, killing evil breeds who hurt humans until she is noticed by a group that will soon change her life - if she can manage to play by their rules and stick with them. Her partner she is given is none other than the Vampire bodyguard we all love from the Mageri series, Christian Poe, and he is as sexy and devilish as ever. Things sizzle between Christian and Raven from the beginning, but not always in a good way. There is a lot of heat between the two of them, but don't read this book expecting a big romance - it's not that kind of book. The series may eventually go there, but it hasn't yet. It has led to a possible trail there, but so far it's been more about Raven's story and really done an awesome job of building up the characters that surround her in the group. 

The character building is outstanding and it really leaves us wanting more and wondering what else is in store for us in more books to come from this series. The main characters are outstanding, and so are the supporting characters, and the story kept me reading straight through until I was finished. 

Me telling this to the book if it were a person. 

By the way, love Marvel, have you seen the recent Doctor Strange movie???

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/keystone

Sterling (Mageri #1) by Dannika Dark

Review: Two Stars

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, New Adult

Available: 

https://www.amazon.com/Sterling-Mageri-Book-Dannika-Dark-ebook/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sterling-dannika-dark/

Synopsis:

Zoë Merrick lived an ordinary life until the night she was brutally attacked. She narrowly escapes death, rescued by Adam Razor, an ex-soldier who offers her friendship and a place to stay. But something else is different. Zoë is unable to control an unexplainable energy coursing through her body.

Justus De Gradi is a man who can teach her that control. She meets him by chance - a man who's handsome, arrogant, and not entirely human. He reveals that she's a Mage - an immortal made of light, not magic. Zoë must now make a choice: Rebuild her life in the human world with the man who saved her, or live with Justus and learn how to use her extraordinary gifts. Justus has sworn an oath to protect her life, but can he guard her from the one man who has a right to claim it?

Zoë learns the price of freedom...and the value of loyalty.

Review:

This book isn't one of those fantasies, where it starts with some badass and snarky heroine. We get this weak and pathetic ass given to us. Generally, I don't read those types because I get really fucking annoyed with them and their whiny tendencies. But hey, I just kept reading. There was this one scene, where Zoe and Justus were walking and someone pulled a gun on them with the intention of mugging them. Zoe, being the pathetic and worthless bitch she is, throws down her purse and screams to just fucking take her shit and leave. So absorbed in her fuck my life screams, she doesn't even notice Justus cold and still as a statue. And blah blah blah, Justus disarms the man and I think......just beats him up, maybe? I don't remember. That was the scene where I was like fuck me and this Zoe bitch. But I kept reading. That, my friends, is called being strong-willed if I'm willing to deal with these fuckers.

So, Zoe meets Justus who by the way, I am not a fan of. Apparently, Justus has this power where he oozes sex appeal, and I'm like where the fuck can I get some of that? According to the synopsis, you would think wow Justus must be her like soulmate or some shit. Nope. Wrong. No, no, no. Justus is just some guy she starts fucking around with, catches some lusting feelings, but then gives him the middle finger not until like the end of the first or second book.

Spoiler Alert.  If you're actually getting to the third book, you'll meet Logan. Logan apparently, is her forever evermore.

Sorry for the short review. I'm trying to get more reviews out on my blog, and I decided that I would start to shorten all my reviews. Quality, not quantity my friends. Quality, not quantity.

Sapphire Flames (Hidden Legacy #4) by Ilona Andrews

***repost. my website had a malfunction***

Genre: Urban Fantasy | Magic, Romance, Adult, Series

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available:

Amazon: amazon.com/sapphire-flames

Barnes and Nobles: barnesandnobles.com/sapphire-flames

Nook: nook.com/sapphire-flames

Kobo: kobo.com/sapphire-flames

Synopsis

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews comes an enthralling new trilogy set in the Hidden Legacy world, where magic means power, and family bloodlines are the new currency of society…

In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.

But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame.

To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart.

Review

I officially like Catalina better than Nevada. And I really liked Nevada's trilogy. But Catalina brings..something else entirely.

The Hidden Legacy series has now come to focus on Catalina Baylor, one of Nevada’s younger sisters who is now head of House Baylor. Catalina has taken over as lead investigator for their firm as well. Runa, a poisoner we met in Diamond Fire comes to Catalina after tragedy befalls her house. Taking on Runa’s case, Catalina runs up against a dangerous foe bringing not only her, but her whole family into danger. To complicate matters, after three years of no contact, once again Alessandro Sagredo pops back into her life right smack in the middle of her case. Alessandro alternatively flirts with Catalina and then seriously warns her off the investigation. Oh, I look forward to seeing how it’ll all play out in the coming books!

Ilona Andrews is such an amazing writing talent; I’m always anticipating their next story. There’s never a dull moment with lots of action, danger and humor expertly woven into their smart plots! The Hidden Legacy has been an amazing series and I’m sooo happy we’re getting more stories in this world, now focusing on Catalina. I’m so happy to see her as a power in her own right, gaining confidence, and whipping out attitude when needed. I was glued to the pages right from the start! Love the teasing humor from Grandma Frieda (her Herald must be very entertaining) and Arabella! There was bound to be some payback from Nevada, lol! The photo was priceless! The other Baylor’s continue to entertain as well, and I wonder at something between Burn and Runa? The current mystery/conflict is solved, but as this is a three-story arc, things are up in the air which made me very eager for the next book!

While I think a reader would benefit from reading the books in order, I do think you could read Diamond Fire, the novella before this story, and then Sapphire Flames and still enjoy the story. However, skipping the previous stories would deprive you of the awesomeness of this series!

Thank you, HarperCollins for sending me this ARC through Edelweiss. This is my full and honest voluntary review. 

Literally favourite book. 

Add to Goodreads: goodreads.com/sapphire-flames-ilona-andrews

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J.Maas

  

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Fiction | Magic, Young Adult, Series

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available:

Amazon: amazon.com/throne-of-glass

Barnes and Nobles: barnesandnobles.com/throne-of-glass

Nook: nook.com/throne-of-glass

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/throne-of-glass

Synopsis

After serving out a year of hard labour in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. 

Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for four years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her ... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. 

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead ... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Review

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well formed and excellently developed. There are recognisable and enjoyable twist on the classic Cinderella. Example Celaena Sardothien's fairy godmother is a ghost of an ancient warrior queen. There are also slight touches such as Celaena has an innate charm with animals. 

I was also very impressed with the pacing and evolution of the story. Honestly the 406 pages just seem to fly by. Just because Celaena was the greatest of assassins after being in a death camp for over a year she needs to capture her old form, but her skills are still intact. Also, I like the way the author plays with her feeling even though she is an assassin she is still very young and prone to her feeling and ego getting hurt. 

So, Calaena is actually such a true bad-ass. Generally, I love characters who begin to develop as a stronger heroine, however, I can respect one that begins at the very start, specifically this book. Calaena is so strong, so determined, so fierce that you can't help but admire her for her tenacity. Oh, let's not forget her wit. Many would guess that Calaena, who has been in Edovier's mine prison, would be very broken. However, that's not the case. Along with the book, we see the snarky and lovable side that just makes her so humane... it's amazing. But anyway, back to what I previously said, Calaena is the shit, like she's such a badass assassin...like what the fuck you have no idea. 

The book does leave a lot of questions many of which are for the second novel, but as much as I hate prequels I will have to read the backup stories on the kindle version. I cannot wait for the next book and am really looking forward to what is going to happen next. Like I said earlier this book was more about Celaena recapturing her old form and claiming a position of power, also setting up her side cast, I am expecting a lot more action in the next book after all the training in this book.

I mean like, if the woman in the gif was blonde, it would be literal Calaena Sardothian. 

Add to Goodreads: goodreads.com/throne-of-glass-sarah-j-maas

One Grave At A Time (Night Huntress #6) by Jeaniene Frost

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance Adult, Series

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available:

Amazon: amazon.com/one-grave-at-a-time

Barnes and Nobles: barnesandnobles.com/one-grave-at-a-time

Nook: nook.com/one-grave-at-a-time

Kobo: kobo.com/one-grave-at-a-time

Synopsis

How do you send a killer to the grave when he’s already dead? 

Having narrowly averted an (under)World War, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans’s voodoo queen just keeps on giving—leading to a personal favour that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit. 

Centuries ago, Heinrich Kramer was a witch hunter. Now, every All Hallows Eve, he takes physical form to torture innocent women before burning them alive. This year, however, a determined Cat and Bones must risk all to send him back to the other side of eternity—forever. But one wrong step and they’ll be digging their own graves.

Review

Well, I flew through this book. I know there are a lot of people who didn’t particularly love this installment in the Night Huntress series, but I found myself addicted. I just can’t get enough of these characters. 

What I loved about this one is we really see how good of a person Cat is. She doesn’t just step up when its people she loves in danger, she steps up whenever it is needed. I love her fierceness and determination. 

Of course, I’m still madly in love with Bones and that’s not going to end any time soon. I’ll be madly in love even when I’ve long finished this series. He is just wonderful. 

I still love the secondary characters. Spade and Denise are fabulous. Justina still grates on my nerves in the best way possible. Ian is still a pain in the ass, but also amusing. And then there are some new characters that I know I’m going to wanna hurt. So it’s a good cast of characters. 

I’ve talked about this before, but I’m going to again. I love Cat and Bones as a couple, especially as they have developed over the last few books. I really like how strong their relationship is and that they continually work together. I love angst and relationship drama, but I also love it when the couple finds strength by working together and that is exactly what Cat and Bones do. 

All in all, One Grave At A Time was awesome. This series has solidified itself as an all-time favourite and I am dreading the day when I have no more Cat and Bones books to read.

Such an accurate picture. I don't know why but I that they used a string to lift up the end of her trench coat, instead of wind or something. I'm so weird. 

Wild Hunger (Heirs of Chicagoland #1) by Chloe Neill

Genre: Fantasy | Vampires | Werewolves,  Romance, Spin-Off, Adult, Series

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available:

Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | Nook | Kobo

Synopsis

In the first thrilling installment of Chloe Neill's spinoff to the New York Times bestselling Chicagoland Vampires series, a new vampire will find out just how deep blood ties run. 

As the only vampire child ever born, some believed Elisa Sullivan had all the luck. But the magic that helped bring her into the world left her with a dark secret. Shifter Connor Keene, the only son of North American Central Pack Apex Gabriel Keene, is the only one she trusts with it. But she's a vampire and the daughter of a Master and a Sentinel, and he's prince of the Pack and its future king. 

When the assassination of a diplomat brings old feuds to the fore again, Elisa and Connor must choose between love and family, between honor and obligation, before Chicago disappears forever.

Review

The next generation is here! This spin-off of the Chicagoland Vampires features the one and only Elisa. As the only born vampire, she is unique and treated differently. It is possible to read this book as a standalone. Reading the original series would help. In this new series, it is literally featuring the son and daughters of the original powerhouse. The powerhouses are still here, in a supporting cast role. They will be needed as it seems this next generation has issues. I like the new generation. 

Elisa is a responsible and conscientious daughter. As a possible heir to her father's house, she is a princess. This could make her a spoiled brat. She is not. She did her training in Paris, France to be treated the same as other young vampires. However, her apparently lack in age does not equate to a lesser power. She holds an extra oomph and she's afraid of it. This has trouble written all over it. Why children think they can hide something from responsible, caring, loving and supportive parents is beyond me. We do get to see a little bit of what is to come. Personally, I think it's awesome what Elisa has, but that is because I'm a jaded old woman uncaring of other people's opinions. When I was as young as Elisa, it would have mattered a lot to me. 

Along with Elisa, Connor, son of the Pack Alpha makes his presence known. Connor is a hawt, sexy werewolf shifter with issues of his own. His are responsibilities to his pack. It shouldn't be a problem, but it is because Elisa messes with his priorities. He isn't expecting to be attracted to the snot-nosed little princess he remembers. To round out this supernatural triad is LuLu. She is the daughter of Mallory. As a witch from two very powerful magicians, one would think Lulu is a powerhouse too. But no, she complete cut of any magic use and ignores her full potential. Of the three, Lulu is the one I'm most disappointed in. I understand where she is coming from. However, her willful blindness to magic is going to be a major handicap and will only bring her grief. I'm already thinking of all the different scenarios of how she will be a liability. None of the permutations are looking good. 

The conflict in this story is a long time coming. The Fae are back and what they want is fathomable if unachievable. When they attempt to do what they want, all hell breaks loose. The strong alliances between the American vampire houses and the shifters are strains. This flushes the European Vampires peace treaty talks down the drain with Elisa caught in the middle. The political intrigue in written heavy-handed. The players are not subtle in the Pack, Vampire house and especially not in the Fae. It is clear from the get-go who are the main threats. It will be exciting to see what happens. 

This new adult book is recommended to paranormal readers who enjoy seeing a new batch of supernaturals coming into their own.

Sighhh. Werewolves are such kryptonite to me. 

 Add to Goodreads: goodreads.com/wild-hunger-chloe-neill

Angel's Blood (Guild Hunter #1) by Nalini Singh

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal | Angels,  Romance, Adult, Series

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Available:

Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | Nook | Kobo

Synopsis

USA Today bestselling author Nalini Singh introduces a world of beauty and bloodlust, where angels hold sway over vampires… 

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux knows she’s the best—but she doesn’t know if she’s good enough for this job. Hired by the dangerously beautiful Archangel Raphael, a being so lethal that no mortal wants his attention, only one thing is clear—failure is not an option…even if the task is impossible. 

Because this time, it’s not a wayward vamp she has to track. It’s an archangel gone bad. 

The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other…and pull her to the razor’s edge of passion. Even if the hunt doesn’t destroy her, succumbing to Raphael’s seductive touch just may. For when archangels play, mortals break…

Review

Elena is a guild hunter which means she hunts down crazy vampires or ones on the run from their sires. Raphael the archangel hired Elena to do a special job. It required her to find a demented angel who was a major threat to society. Tracking angels was not her specialty, and the limited information she was given about the job didn’t make it any easier. 

I loved Raphael even in the beginning when he manipulated Elena just to get her to work for him. He was definitely dangerous and not someone to screw around with but I never really felt that Elena was in any danger from him. It wasn’t good that he was arrogant and demanding, but he had enough charm that I didn’t care. Raphael and Elena were great together. I didn’t bother me that he was very old and enamored with a much younger woman. The chemistry oozed off the page when they were together, so it didn’t seem unrealistic. Elena never backed down to anybody no matter how easily the other person could kill her. She’d rather die being true to herself than be somebody’s puppet. Both of them have family issues but the full extent of them has not been revealed. 

The world building was so good. The angels in this series are different. They’re not nice and generally lack compassion. Most of them are selfish and power hungry. So far no direct connection has been made to religion or God. It was an unusual twist to have angels create vampires. Who would expect angels to create vile, bloodthirsty creatures? People know vampires and angels exist but have no clue what they are really capable of. Just enough info was given that I wanted to keep reading to find out more. It’s a great world with entertaining characters.

I would highly recommend this to all those angel lovers in the world!!!

LOL I seriously can't be the only one who imagined this scene when it was mentioned dozens of times. 

Add to Goodreads: goodreads.com/angel's-blood-nalini-singh