Category: This one’s a Keeper

Review: Dance Until Dawn by Berni Stevens

Posted July 9, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 3 Comments

Title: Dance Until Dawn
Series:
Author: Berni Stevens
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published: April 15, 2014
Publisher: Choc Lit
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: Owned, Kindle edition
Cover Description:

Do you Believe in Love After Life?

At twenty-five, West-End dancer Ellie Wakefield should be having the time of her life. The only problem is, ever since waking up in a leaky cellar belonging to three-hundred-year-old vampire Will Austen, she’s been very much dead. And to make matters worse, she’s since found that an aversion to blood and a fear of the dark aren’t very helpful—especially when you’re a fledgling vamp.

William James Austen has fallen hard. He’s spent the last year loving Ellie from afar, and now he’s finally able to be truthful about who and what he is. As the most powerful and revered vampire in London, he’s used to getting what he wants. But this time, Will might just have bitten off more than he can chew.

Read on for my thoughts on Dance Until Dawn. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Vampires of Manhattan by Melissa de la Cruz

Posted July 7, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Vampires of Manhattan
Series: The New Blue Bloods Coven #1
Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Genre: Paranormal
Published: September 9, 2014 (Paperback) July 7, 2015
Publisher:
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

The Vampires of Manhattan is “hipster horror”–the memorable characters from her Blue Bloods series are older and cooler than before, trying to build “Millennial” lives in the bustle of Manhattan while battling forces of evil and, of course, each other.

Hero of this sexy, paranormal action tale is Oliver Hazard-Perry, former human conduit, and Manhattan’s only human-turned-vampire, now the head of the Blue Bloods Coven. When his all-too-human lover is found murdered on the eve of the coven’s annual Four Hundred Ball–a celebration meant to usher in a new era in vampire society, and to mark the re-unification of the Coven after decades of unrest and decay–Oliver is devastated.

Now, not only is he trying to create a new world order for the immortal elite, he’s the prime suspect and is stalked by the newly installed head of the vampire secret police. Because according to the new rules, vampires who take human life can now be executed. Burned.

How can an immortal sentenced to die fight back? He has to find the killer–and the answers lie deep in vampire lore.

Read on for my thoughts on Vampires of Manhattan. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Final Protocol by J. C. Daniels

Posted July 7, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Final Protocol
Series:
Author: J. C. Daniels
Genre: Erotica, Sci-Fi (dark erotica)
Published: July 7, 2015
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Tip #1: Don’t get on her bad side. Tip #2: There’s no good side.

Her name is Silence. If she was ever known by any other name, she doesn’t remember.

She is a killer. If she was ever anything else, she doesn’t remember.

She has an owner. If she was ever free…well, that she does remember. She was free and then somebody gave her to a madman to pay a debt that wasn’t hers. She’s his toy, his pet…and his trained killer. She kills at his whim or she dies.

She has a target. Her so-called owner…the man who makes her life a living hell. If she could kill anybody in the universe, it would be him. But he holds her life in his hands.

And she has a wish—to find a man she barely remembers. A man she knows she once loved. The man who betrayed her and stole away her freedom.

With one final target between her and the tantalizing promise of freedom, she moves in for the kill. There’s one problem. There’s something strangely familiar about her mark. Something that echoes in the void where love used to live.

Warning: One woman with a mission, one evil bastard who lies as often as he breathes, and a man who will stop at nothing to find what he lost. Be warned…some questionable consent lies within. Not recommended for anyone under 18.

Read on for my thoughts on Final Protocol. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: A Duke But No Gentleman by Alexandra Hawkins

Posted July 1, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: A Duke But No Gentleman
Series: Masters of Seduction #1
Author: Alexandra Hawkins
Genre: Historical Romance
Published: June 30, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
My Rating: 3 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

The Duke of Blackbern and the Marquess Norgrave have always had the wildest of friendships. Best friends growing up, they bask in the pleasures the rich, opulent world that London has to offer, consuming drink and women at their leisure.

But Norgrave has always been a step behind. Blackbern can best him at anything—playing cards, riding horses, and bedding women. So when the stunningly beautiful but innocent Lady Imogen Sunter strays across their path, both men agree a friendly competition for the lady’s affections cannot hurt.

But when Blackbern’s feelings turn into something deeper and Lady Imogen’s desire become clear, Norgrave will do anything to win the wager. Only one man can lay claim to Lady Imogen’s heart… and one shocking act will change them all irrevocably.

Read on for my thoughts on A Duke But No Gentleman.

Review: The Vampire Jonah by Ann B. Morris

Posted July 1, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: The Vampire Jonah
Series: The Whitcombe Legacy #3
Author: Ann B. Morris
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published: June 30, 2015
Publisher: ImaJinn Books
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

The Whitcombe Legacy: Triplet brothers were initiated into the vampiric life one hundred and twenty-five years go. Now they will either fulfill their family legacy and save the world from evil . . . or forfeit their chance to ever become human again.

Jonah Whitcombe enjoys a satisfying life in a remote Washington state community. An accomplished musician, Jonah’s lifelong dream is to play the piano at Carnegie Hall. But fate has another thing in store for him . . .

When the earthquake in San Francisco interrupts Jonah’s blood-substitute delivery, his supply is delivered by Angela Martin, the woman destined to be his lifelong mate. But before the two can plan a future together, all hell breaks loose.

Mt. St. Helens is about to erupt, Angela is abducted, the vampire leader Zurik has been spotted in the area, and the ritual—that will grant the brothers power to rid the world of the evil vampires forever—must soon be held in New Orleans. On top of it all, Jonah learns his audition at Carnegie Hall is just days away.

Will Jonah be able to fulfill his family legacy, save the woman he loves and fulfill his lifelong dream?

Read on for my thoughts on The Vampire Jonah. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Heat of the Moment by Lori Handeland

Posted June 30, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Heat of the Moment
Series: Sisters of the Craft #2
Author: Lori Handeland
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published: June 30, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
My Rating: 5 star
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

A spell that tore three sisters apart is broken four hundred years later, when the magic in their blood reunites them. Now, one of them will discover her gift—and reignite a love long thought lost…

Flame-haired Becca Carstairs was born to be a veterinarian. Since childhood, her affinity for animals has been special, and her healing touch nothing short of magic. But only Becca knows the truth—that she alone can hear the creatures’ voices. She’s always trusted her sixth sense… until a string of missing pets, an attempted murder, and a face from her past converge into one explosive mystery, with her at its center.

Is haunted Owen McAllister, the boy who broke her heart ten years ago, related to the sinister crimes that have peaceful Three Harbors, Wisconsin, on its guard? Or is his reappearance part of the answer to questions that have troubled her all her life? As Becca delves into her strange heritage, she’ll have to fight for her life… and the man she will always love.

Read on for my thoughts on Heat of the Moment. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Wolf with Benefits by Shelly Laurenston

Posted June 29, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Wolf With Benefits
Series: The Pride #8
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published: Original March 26, 2013, Mass Market June 30, 2015
Publisher: Kensington Books
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

There’s nothing like a good-ol’-boy wolf. And ace security expert Ricky Lee Reed serves, protects and seduces with all the right moves…

Sure, Toni Jean-Louis Parker has to be the responsible oldest sister to a crazy-brilliant clan of jackal siblings. But now she’s cutting loose for some hot, sweaty, no-commitments fun—and the sexy, slow-talking, swift-moving predator assigned to keep her family safe is just the right thing to shapeshift her love life into overdrive. Trouble is, he’s starting to get all obsessive wolf on her every time he looks in her direction…

Getting serious about anyone isn’t in Ricky Lee Reed’s plans. Hell, even now he doesn’t really have a plan—outside of catching whoever is threatening this dangerously brilliant family. But the more he sees of Toni, the more he’s howling for her. And whatever it takes to convince her that what they have is everything, well, this wily wolf is down for the sizzling chase.

Read on for my thoughts on Wolf With Benefits. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Dying to Date by Victoria Davies

Posted June 23, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Dying to Date
Series: Fated Mates #2
Author: Victoria Davies
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published: June 23, 2015
Publisher: Entangled
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Cover Description:

Vampire socialite Melissa Redgrave has the worst luck with men. Frustrated, she decides what she needs is a little help…from New York’s biggest supernatural dating agency. Except that sometimes, a vampire doesn’t always find her match.

Until she does. And he’s delicious enough to bite.

Tarian Drake keeps his necromancy background quiet. After all, the ability to control the dead isn’t exactly welcomed in the supernatural community. When he runs into the beautiful Melissa, she tempts him in a way that has never happened before. She’s his perfect match in every way.

But just as they are about to take their relationship to the next level, his family decides to make a stand—by kidnapping his new girlfriend. Now, if he ever hopes to date again, he’s going to have to get control of his family and free the girl. Oh, and stop a war.

Read on for my thoughts on Dying to Date. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Wild Hearts by Evie Ryan

Posted June 17, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

owned Wild Hearts Title: Wild Hearts
Series: By Moonlight, part three
Author: Evie Ryan
Genre: Paranormal, Erotica, Romance
Published: May 14, 2015
Publisher:
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: Owned, Kindle edition
Cover Description:

A twist of fate…

Against all odds, Gwen and Brandon cheat death when she infuses him with her immortal blood. Now they are free to venture into the wild unknown of their forbidden love.As they flee the Cascade Mountains to start over in Seattle, Gwen’s attraction to Brandon becomes sparked by fresh desire. And his devotion to her blossoms as well.The bond between them just might be unbreakable. It seems this new beginning will be their last.

For a mountain man ruled by the wolf within, living in Seattle isn’t without its challenges, especially when Gwen pushes Brandon to adapt, impress her family, and otherwise help her reclaim the life she once knew. He’s determined to please his woman and makes every effort to set his bad boy ways aside. After all, she refused Christoph’s twisted seduction in order to be with him. He can do this for her. How hard can a little city living be?

But when Brandon begins to undergo radical changes as a result of her vampire blood, they discover precisely why vampires and werewolves shouldn’t mix.An evil storm is brewing in Brandon’s soul, and if it emerges it will tear them apart.

There’s only one way to conquer it and Christoph holds the key. He can help them, but first there’s something they must do…

Deep in the Cascade wilderness, the shifters are preparing for battle. The vampires plan to attack, but need the lovers to fight by their side. A war is on the horizon, which will put their love to the ultimate test. If they want to finally live in peace, they’ll do this. But agreeing isn’t as easy as it seems. Gwen’s true nature is surfacing and it threatens to destroy the one man she’s given her heart to.

Will they stand united or divide and fall?

Destiny is drawing near.

Read on for my thoughts on Wild Hearts. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Primal Darkness by Evie Ryan

Posted June 17, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Primal Darkness
Series: By Moonlight, part two
Author: Evie Ryan
Genre: Erotica, Paranormal Romance
Published: May 15, 2015
Publisher:
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: Owned, Kindle edition
Cover Description:

Darkness becomes her…

Rugged, commanding, and undeniably sexy, Brandon Scott is the reason Gwen’s alive, but she isn’t sure about this mountain man who’s mischievous yet careful with her. He drives her nuts, but keeps her smiling. Every kiss sends her reeling with desire, but every mishap makes her smack him, annoyed. Despite his brazen attitude and rough ways Brandon charms her every time he flashes that bad boy smile. He’s not the type of man Gwen usually goes for, but then again she’s never fallen for a werewolf. This werewolf has her hooked. And neither Gwen nor Brandon seems very concerned that she’s a vampire. Vampires and werewolves don’t mix.

Caught up in their sudden romance, Gwen moves into Brandon’s cabin where falling in love and making love are their only priorities. But when Gwen discovers she isn’t the only hiker who was saved from death, she begins to unravel a dark secret that threatens to divide them, and an ancient power called primal darkness is at its core.

A vampire amongst werewolves, Gwen investigates alone. The closer she gets to discovering the truth, the greater the rift between her and the man she loves. Brandon’s keeping something from her, but the vampire who turned her isn’t. Refined, inviting, and highly seductive, Christoph Barone would do anything for her and Gwen can’t deny the temptation. His hands are strong, yet smooth as silk. Every touch melts her. And when he looks at her with those piercing green eyes she feels a connection so deep it takes her breath away. But isn’t Brandon the one?

As primal darkness rises, the two men vie for her heart. Gwen is torn between her werewolf lover and the love of a man who’s like her, a vampire. She must choose before the dark power makes the choice for her. If it does, it could mean her life.

Read on for my thoughts on Primal Darkness. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Vamp Rising by Evie Ryan

Posted June 17, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Vamp Rising
Series: By Moonlight, Part 1
Author: Evie Ryan
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published: May 14, 2015
Publisher:
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: Owned, Kindle edition
Cover Description:

Death is only the beginning…

When Gwen Keller arrives in the Cascade Mountains, ready for the long weekend ahead, she knows she’s out of her element. The steep terrain, crisp mountain air, and rugged wilderness are nothing like Seattle’s state-of-the-art amenities she’s accustomed to, but that’s the point. She wants an escape from her grueling career as a high-powered executive and the hectic lifestyle that comes with it. She needs time alone, just her and nature,so that she can come to terms with the diagnosis that’s looming over her head: Gwen will not live long.

Brandon Scott notices the city slicker the second she sets foot in his neck of the woods and he isn’t pleased. The way she wrestles her tent poles with a clatter, stomps noisily through the brush, and sings aloud through trails she has no business hiking sets his teeth on edge. But the longer he studies her from afar, the harder it is to deny she’s piqued his interest. Her curves, the short mop of blond hair she tosses with a smile, and the perky pep in her step has him curious about her, if not intrigued. Does she have what it takes to survive in his territory? Would his inner wolf scare her off? Maybe she’s the one…

But the opportunity slips through his fingers when he finds the lone hiker dead at the bottom of the ravine.

There’s only one way to restore her to life and it isn’t to make her like him. An ancient favor is called in, and the mysterious woman is saved. But what she’s become is destined to destroy him: a vampire.

Brandon must tame her darkness if he wants to win her heart, but Gwen is torn between the vampire life and that of werewolves. She must choose before time runs out…

The search party is closing in.

Read on for my thoughts on Vamp Rising. No true spoilers, promise.