Showing posts with label Shape-Shifters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shape-Shifters. Show all posts

Monday, December 14, 2015

Dakota Cassidy, Moves Like Jagger (Wolf Mates Book 4)

Title:  Moves Like Jagger (Wolf Mates Book 4)
Author:  Dakota Cassidy
Rating: Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre:  Paranormal Romance, Romantic Comedy
Keywords:  Shape-Shifters, Wolves, Bears, Cats, Holiday, Christmas, Wolf Mates Series, Mystery
Page Count:  113             
ISBN E-Book:  Amazon Digital Services, Inc.   
Price:  $2.99
Publisher:  Self-Published
Reviewer:  Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:


Moves Like Jagger, the eagerly anticipated 4th book in the Wolf Mates series by USA Today bestselling author Dakota Cassidy is here. Return to Cedar Glen for a laugh-out-loud cast of characters and a mystery to solve. Love is in the air and danger is on the horizon in this holiday romp in the woods.

The weather outside is frightful, but the romance is so delightful in Cedar Glen! 

Vivienne Hathaway is a cat shifter who's still learning about the ways of the paranormal. Sometimes she finds herself in a bit of a mess as she works out the kinks.

Like looking out from the inside of a dog crate.

Naked.

And on her way to be spayed.

EEK!

When she meets hot bear-shifter, Jagger Dubrov and Cedar Glen's local mobile veterinarian during a catch and release program designed to thwart the population of feral cats in his new hometown, Jagger mistakenly catches Viv, and it's all out holiday magic at first sight.

As Viv and Jagger begin a perfectly fine Christmas romance and get to know each other over eggnog and mistletoe, a problem lurks. Someone’s hunting pets and killing the wildlife in Cedar Glen, a strictly forbidden practice. And that someone? They also want Viv dead.

Review:

You won’t want to miss this little gem of a story.  Dakota Cassidy brings us back to Cedar Glen for Vivienne Hathaway and Jagger Dubrov’s story.  In case you are new to the series, Cedar Glen is a small town of shape-shifters most of them werewolves.  However, diversity is hitting the little town. 

Vivienne Hathaway is a cat-shifter that is best friends with the alpha’s wife JC.  Vivienne is down on her luck and is accepting the help of both JC and Max the werewolf alpha.  She finally feels free enough to shift and run through the town and surrounding woods, that is until she gets caught by Jagger Dubrov.

Jagger Dubrov is Cedar Glen’s newest arrival and is setting up shop as the mobile veterinarian for the area.  He accidentally traps and catches Vivienne during her cat shift.  Hilarity ensues from that point on. Vivienne and Jagger’s comments, quips, and inside jokes had me laughing out loud.  Their chemistry together is palpable.

As they get to know one another and share their love of animals there is someone in the shadows ready to rip them apart.  There is just enough mystery and suspense in this romance to keep you turning the pages as fast as you can.

Moves Like Jagger is a great holiday read for all of you that like to read seasonally.  Dakota Cassidy artfully combined Christmas, mystery, romantic comedy, paranormal romance, and a HEA ending into a fun story to read.  I fell in love with this couple and you will too.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Lynne Connolly, Dept. 57: Rubies of Fire

Title:  Dept. 57: Rubies of Fire
Author:  Lynne Connolly
Rating:  One Siren Stone

Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Sub-Genre: Fantasy
Keywords:  Vampire, Shape-Shifters, Graphic Language    
Length:  Novel            
ISBN E-Book: 978-1-61118-801-1
Price:  $6.99 
Publisher:  Loose Id 
Reviewer:  Marcie Corrao Oropeza


Blurb/Summary:
Vampire and full-time field agent for the CIA, Andreas’s only loyalty is his job with Department 57. Until he sets eyes on sexy Roz Templeton. He already hates his assignment to pose as the office wolf, but he hates it even more when he realizes Roz is also a vampire.

Roz is out to discover who killed two members of her family, and when she does, the culprit will die. Andreas is a distraction. And she can’t understand why she’s drawn to him, anyway--he’s a sleaze. But she can’t resist.

Drawn into a passion neither can fight, they set fire to the night, and then some. For a young vampire, Andreas is fully versed on how to keep a woman happy in bed, even one that is centuries older than he is, and as dominant and demanding as any man. From their first steamy
kiss in the elevator on the way to work, to bed and beyond, Andreas and Roz can’t get enough of each other.

But that passion may be a deadly distraction when Roz's life is on the line.

Publisher's Note: This book is a re-edited, revised book previously released by another publisher, and contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: anal play.


Review:

I was shocked and appalled that I could not even finish this book. Lynne Connolly is the reason I began reading this genre in the first place years ago.  This novel was confusing, hard to follow, kept referring back to other characters who had not been previously introduced in this story….all together just a mishmash of convoluted plot that was sadly disappointing.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Aline Hunter, Enemy Mine

 Title:  Enemy Mine
Author:  Aline Hunter
Rating:  Five Siren Stones

Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Keywords:  Shape-Shifters, Vampires, Alpha and Omega Series    
Length:  Plus-Size Novel          
ISBN E-Book:  978-1419938535
Price:  $6.99 
ISBN For Print:  978-1419967085
Price:  $14.99
Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave
Reviewer:  Stacey Krug


Blurb/Summary:
Book two in the Alpha and Omega series.

Divided by blood. Destined by fate.

Emory is a shifter living on the edge. For years he’s struggled with his Alpha nature. Then he meets the one woman capable of soothing the savage beast—Mary incites a carnal hunger that leaves him eager and burning. Sweet, kind and impossibly beautiful, Mary is everything he and his wolven half have been craving. Unfortunately, she’s also something else, something dangerous—a Shepherd, bred of the line of hunters determined to destroy his kind.

Emory discovers earning Mary’s trust is the least of his concerns. Her relatives want Mary back. If Emory won’t hand her over, they’ll do everything in their power to take her from the pack. As danger closes in, the passionate connection between them flares into a lascivious bond that refuses to be broken.

If Emory wants to keep his mate, he’ll have to protect her—at any cost.

Publisher’s Note: While Enemy Mine is a standalone story, readers who start with book one, Omega Mine, may find added pleasure in the adventure.


Review:

It doesn’t matter that Enemy Mine is book two in the Alpha and Omega series; the prologue sets the story up and includes background information to bring the reader up to speed.  You’ll want to read the previous book, not because of feeling lost, but because the characters are simply intriguing.

Aline Hunter’s writing style is wonderful.  While we have the main characters, Emory and Mary, we are introduced to a menagerie of secondary characters.  The reader gets Emory and Mary’s personal story while several other story lines are happening at the same time.  The plot and suspense keep the pages turning as fast as you can read.

Emory is the perfect alpha male, all protective and bossy, but still uncertain of himself when it comes to Mary.  All the while, Mary blossoms before our eyes, step by step, into a confident young woman.  She overcomes adversity and horror and Emory is there to help her rebuild her life into something wonderful.

Their journey together was a joy to read.  The story as a whole is an emotional rollercoaster.  Aline Hunter had me laughing and crying because her characters were likable and relatable.

I will be seeking out the first book in this series, the next book in this series, and other works by Aline Hunter.  I highly recommend Enemy Mine.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Cyndi Friberg, Therian Prisoner



Title:  Therian Prisoner
Author:  Cyndi Friberg
Rating:  Five Siren Stones


Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Keywords:  Shape-Shifters
Length:  Novel        
ISBN E-Book:  978-1419941917
Price:  $5.95
Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave
Reviewer:  Stacey Krug


Blurb/Summary:

Therian Heat, Book Three

Though Devon comes from a line of cougar-shifters, her own animal nature has not yet been defined. The mysterious “backers” have captured her, intent on using her untapped Therian abilities for unknown ends. She escapes from their prison, but not from the emotional scars left by their abuse.

Ian, an ancient Therian raptor, offers protection and encouragement. Devon has always wanted Ian, always felt a connection deeper than friendship. But Ian insists he’s too old and jaded to make Devon an honorable mate. If she hopes to feel whole again, she must regain control over her emotions and desires. And she desires Ian.

At first Ian resists Devon’s attempts at seduction. She needs a shoulder to cry on, not a demanding lover, and Ian is never satisfied until his partners surrender unconditionally. But Devon stirs primal instincts and awakens ravenous longings he has suppressed for centuries. He wants her, but he fears the darkness inside him will destroy her.


Review:

Therian Prisoner is part of a series by Cyndi Friberg.  I had previously read Therian Prey so I already had a sense of the world and some of the characters.  I did not get a chance to read the second book in the series, but it makes no difference to the flow of this story.  The author does a nice job filling you in with background history as Therian Prisoner progresses and just builds up curiosity of the past.  Even though this is part of a series, it stands alone quite well.

Cyndi Friberg packed Therian Prisoner full of non-stop action that pulls you in from page one and keeps you enthralled.  The story is filled with twists and turns in the plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Ian and Devon have a wonderful chemistry together as well as some history.  Even though these characters have been in the previous books of the series, the author ‘introduces’ us to them while letting us know that Ian and Devon have know each other for a very long time.

Ian rescues Devon unexpectedly from the evil backers that have been experimenting on her.  From there everything takes off for the two of them.  Ian helps her overcome some of the horrors that she experienced while in captivity.  Ian has lived a very long time and his experience and background help to make Devon more comfortable and able to trust.

There developing romance does not disappoint.  I look forward to seeing what will become of Ian and Devon in the future for while this story comes to an end the complete story has not been told.

During Therian Prisoner the main characters, Ian and Devon, shine, but there are a lot of other story lines that run through their tale.  It makes for a very interesting story.  There are several secondary characters that sparked my interest in Therian Prisoner.  Hopefully they will get their own romance later.   

This is one of those series that will need to be followed.  The story lines, unanswered questions, and cliff hangers will have me coming back for more.

Friday, October 5, 2012

T. Sue VerSteeg, Secrets of the Sapphires

 Title:  Secrets of the Sapphires 
Author:  T. Sue VerSteeg
Rating:  Four Siren Stones


Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Keywords:  Black Rose, CIA, Vampires, Shape-Shifters
Page Count:  268       
ISBN E-Book:  978-1-61217-180-7
Price:  $5.25
ISBN for Print:  978-1-61217-179-1 
Price:  $12.99
Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press
Reviewer:  Nikki


Blurb/Summary:

Nia Brooks entered the CIA to get to the bottom of her parents' deaths. Joining the Paranormal Division, she learns to fend for herself after dealing with prejudice, not to mention the vampires and shifters. Paired with an egotistical agent, the bloodsuckers and hairy boys don't seem so bad. 

Garrett Van Deren has his own agenda behind joining the CIA. When his dead partner's body disappears without a trace, Garrett knows the vampire underground is responsible and the Paranormal Division offers him answers. He slams head first into a roadblock when he meets his new partner. A hundred pounds soaking wet, he'll be babysitting instead of tracking down the killer. 

Tossed back in time by a mysterious white sapphire, two headstrong agents must learn to trust one another while they search for a way back to the Twenty-First Century and the people responsible for the rift in time.



Review:

In a world so different from ours, shape-shifters are known and roam around.  There's a special division in the CIA devoted to all things paranormal.  Nia Brooks is a part of that, fueled by deaths of family members.  Garrett is driven by a similar reason.

Secrets of the Sapphire is a paranormal, time travel, suspense, and adventurous story.  I was blown away at how the story lines blended so well and kept me reading.  I'd love to read more stories like this.  I found myself very intrigued by the characters and the plot.  And wow, what twists and turns that there were I never saw coming. 

Monday, August 6, 2012

Rebecca Cline, R.A.V.E.N. (Vampire Eradication Network)



Title:  R.A.V.E.N. (Vampire Eradication Network)
Author:  Rebecca Cline
Rating:  Five Siren Stones



Genre: Paranormal Romance
Keywords:  Vampires, Shape-Shifters, Black Rose, Spicy 
Page Count:  400       
ISBN E-Book:  978-1-61217-229-3
Price:  $5.99
ISBN for Print:  978-1-61217-228-6 
Price:  $16.99
Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press
Reviewer:  Rhonda J Callum-King


Blurb/Summary:

Kachina Raven is a Reconnaissance Agent for the Vampire Eradication Network.  One night while escaping a murderous cult of vampire wannabes, she meets Kael.  There is an immediate attraction but she knows there is something odd about him. 

He has some very unusual skills and abilities.  She’s sure he isn’t a vampire but knows he’s no ordinary human either.

She knows she’ll always be stalked by vampires and doesn’t want to put anyone else at risk by having a relationship with them. Her life is further complicated by the relentless pursuit of a homeland security agent.

Kael is an alpha male used being the protector but Raven makes it clear she can fight her own battles. He’s frustrated by her refusal to acknowledge the strength of the attraction between them and is determined to have her as his mate.

Review:

Kachina Raven is a tall Native American beauty who works for the Vampire Eradication Network, otherwise known as VEN.  She is an enhanced human with nearly vampiric abilities herself.  Her job is reconnaissance for the VEN.  While on a recon mission without her backup, she is injured severely and ducks into a biker bar to blend with the crowd.  While there, she meets Kael.

Kael also appears to be doing some recon of his own in the bar.  He's waiting for a pretty long haired girl.  Is Kachina the girl?  It seems not, but he can't be sure.  From the moment they meet, sparks fly.  But Kachina is not truly full human and can't share her secrets with Kael.  She also doesn't fully trust him.  He moves too fast, seems too strong and knows things he shouldn't.  No one can hear that well.  Is he one of the hated vampires, a lurker, or something else?  Kachina doesn't know.

This book is well written and keeps you reading late into the night.  A long novel, it moves right along and keeps you turning pages.  Clearly this book is meant as the beginning of a series.  It introduces many characters and develops most of them fully.  I did think it ended a bit abruptly after 400 pages of detailed descriptions, but it leaves you waiting for the next book to continue the tale of life in the VEN.

How will Kachina and Kael blend their lives?  Will Killer hookup with a pack member or the Homeland Security agent who has a thing for her?  Where has Taven been sneaking off to?  Is Kachina's brother Palin actually a “good vampire”?  These are all questions I await the answers of in later instalments.  Any lover of the paranormal, urban fantasy genre will love this book.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Miranda Stowe, Caught in Heat

Title: Caught in Heat

Author: Miranda Stowe

Rating: Three Siren Stones

Genre: Erotic Romance

Sub-Genre: Horror

Keywords: Shape-Shifters

Length: Novella

ISBN E-Book: 978-1600886638

Price: $4.99

Publisher: Cobblestone Press, LLC

Buy-Link: http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/caughtinheat.htm

Reviewer: Kristin Boyd

Tagline: When her first mating heat hits, only one man can appease the ache.

Blurb/Summary:

Fearful of how she’ll react during her first mating heat, Riley Bane flees toward a sanctuary, hoping to arrive before her fever hits. But she’s caught in an animal trap set by hunter Shaw Griffin, and her fever begins, consuming her with lust. Determined to wipe out the entire shape shifting race after a wolf pack murdered his family, Shaw snares his first shifter, only to capture Riley begging him to fulfill every wicked desire pounding through her. As things turn hot and heavy, the scent of their mating attracts nearby shifters and soon brings Shaw’s monstrous past to their doorstep.

Review:

The prologue of this book sets the tone for an adventure packed erotic thriller. The graphic and descriptive narrative of a family being attacked by a pack of shifters under the influence of “blood lust” is not for the faint of heart.

The book, itself, begins with the main character and shifter, Riley, being caught by shape-shifter hunter, Shaw. Their instant chemistry and sexual attraction is written so well, it’s nearly palpable. Where the development of the individual characters falls short, carnal eroticism fills in the gaps. One begins to wonder how the prologue will tie into the story, nearly getting lost in all the sexual encounters between this female shifter in heat and her human mate, but when Shaw is alerted that another trap has gone off, the reader is whisked back into action as past and present transgressions collide.

Though Caught in Heat is an engaging read, I hungered for more plot, and as referenced above character development, leading up to the climax of the story. That being said, I would recommend this story to anyone who is looking for a quick read full of sexual heat.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Skyhe Moncrief, Feral Fever

Title: Feral Fever

Author: Skhye Moncrief

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Sub-Genre: Science Fiction

Keywords: Shape-Shifters, Alien Race, Multiple Partners

Page Count: 216

ISBN E-Book: 1463589107

Price: $6.99

ISBN for Print: 978-1463589103

Price: $14.99

Publisher: New Concepts Publishing

Buy-Link: http://newconceptspublishing.com/skhye-moncrief/feral-series-iii-feral-fever/

Reviewer: Rhonda J. Callum-King

Blurb/Summary:

Feral Series III: Feral Fever

Blessed are those who just give into the darkness of Luvk... Earthling archaeologist Aisling Bjorn never really considered juggling multiple husbands for were-assassin duty on planet Luvk—a world of tiger folk subjugated by winged aliens--for a career. Her sanity is out of the question when surrounded by enormous muscled Tiger Lords cloaked in sexy leather pants. Their glorious bodies alone could incite riots on Earth. And they all want her. One thing’s for certain, love or lust, everyone eventually succumbs to Luvks’ FERAL FEVER. (Multiple sex partners)

Review:

Feral Fever is book three in a series. I had not read books one and two. While this book can be read as a standalone, and enjoyed, I am positive that it suffers somewhat from that. Read as a third book, I believe that I may have given it a higher rating. Much of the back story as to why Aisling Bjorn is a Marshall or even what a Marshall is, is missing in this story. Unlike many other books, there really isn't much of a re-hash on the back story to catch up anyone who had just happened to start with this book.

The story itself is excellent. It involves a matriarchal cast society with female domination over the males of their race. They are a humanoid race that have slightly furred faces and tiger stripes imbedded into their skin (tattoo like). The royal females, those with the palest markings, are queens and take up to fifty or more husbands if they wish. They are capable of having children for many years and often have 40 or more children themselves. Somehow most of these children turn out to be males, against all statistics. This produces many unattached warring males looking for mates. There is a sadness to this book.

Aisling is sent to this planet to become a royal queen as an ambassador from the Marshalls. She is forced to take a minimum of 7 husbands, one from each region, against her personal beliefs. With time she comes to embrace the five husbands who survive the warring planet. This story is not a ménage per se as she is only with one husband at a time, however different men may visit her in the same day. Each husband has his own baggage and traits so there is something for everyone in this story. Once you read past the opening story, this book is mostly about Aisling creating workable bonds with all of her husbands, so the heat level on this book is pretty high. If you are looking for a hot book, with multiple partners, all in one to one situations, this is the book that you should read.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Karilyn Bentley, Magical Lover

Title: Magical Lover

Author: Karilyn Bentley

Rating: Three And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Fantasy

Sub-Genre: Paranormal Romance

Keywords: Faery Rose, Dragons, Shape-Shifters, Spicy

Page Count: 278

ISBN E-Book: 1-60154-962-8

Price: $6.25

ISBN for Print: 978-1601549624

Price: $13.99

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=177_139&products_id=4593

Reviewer: Cia

Blurb/Summary:

In a world where men can become dragons, Thoren is one of the most powerful. As a shape-shifting Draconi, Thoren wants nothing more than to continue searching for Halfling children and returning them to Draconia. The last thing he wants or needs is a mate—until he meets Keara, an outcast unaware of the power that lies within her.

Keara doesn't know what to make of Thoren or of the magic he practices. She learned early to keep her magic hidden—her witchy red hair and green eyes are burden enough. When Thoren offers his hand in place of a forced marriage with Lord Simon, Keara jumps at the chance to leave her town behind. But she fears Thoren will shun her when he discovers the truth about her abilities.

Can Thoren convince Keara she is his lifemate, or will her secret talent be the wedge that drives them apart?

Review:

Magical Lover by Karilyn Bentley led me into the lives of the Draconi and the lost Halflings searched for by Thoren and his Watcher. The story is filled with magic and intrigue. I fully loved the world build and the beautiful descriptive settings, along with the varied dragons. I felt for Keara growing up believing she was nothing but the spawn of evil. I enjoyed that her spirit wasn’t crushed and that she followed her gift of healing instead of turning from it with all the negativity around her. When Thoren came into the picture I imagined them finding peace together and then the villains came into view. I disliked Lord Simon but more than that I disliked the rogue Draconi and hoped he’d be dealt with. Further in the story we learn more about Keara and her gifts, we learn of her heritage and how she’s welcomed into the family fold. The passion between Thoren and Keara burned the pages, when they gave into their desires and needs.

In the end the story was good. I waited for the rogue to be caught since he was the major danger in their lives who had made it past numeral wards. I found the lack of closure disappointing and his getting away scott free after his heinous crimes implausible. I checked to see if this was a series and came up empty handed. All of the greatness seemed to fade with this one part left undone. Reading a story of this length was disappointing in that regard. Though I was pleased to see the hero and heroine have their happy ending.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Sandra Cypress, Descending Into Darkness

Title: Descending Into Darkness

Author: Sandra Cypress

Rating: Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Fantasy

Sub-Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance

Keywords: Vampires, Shape-Shifters, Fire Breather

Word Count: 33,000

ISBN E-Book: B004PGNIUE

Price: .99

Publisher: CreateSpace Kindle

Buy-Link: http://www.amazon.com/Descending-Into-Darkness-1-ebook/dp/B004PGNIUE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1315965425&sr=8-2

Reviewer: Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:

Katherine was living in a nightmare. She was studied daily as a freak of nature because of something she couldn't control; something she was born with. A unique gift of controlling fire. But her luck soon changed. In the dead of the night, a man saved her from hell. He carried her to freedom, or so she thought. In the two years she had been locked away, the world had changed. Nightmares had come out of hiding and proved they were real. Now she is surrounded by them; vampires, shifters and every other creature that couldn't possibly exist. And she is one of them. Katherine is the last surviving dragon shifter, a being so powerful that even vampires fear her. Then one night, in one simple act of bliss, she finds herself becoming something different, something unheard of. Something other people wish to control. A hybrid of shifter and vampire. Something that has never existed before. Now she must fight for what she has, unwilling to give up her perfect life. But this may very well prove to be beyond her control, something that will force her to fall further. Descending her further into darkness with every turn. But she must let herself fall to save the ones she loves before her time runs out. Descending Into Darkness takes you on an adventure as Katherine must come to peace with what she has become and deal with her new life, pulling you into the Katherine Sinclair series. The book makes very strong twists and turns, pulling every emotion from you as you read and leaves you wanting more in the end.

Review:

Descending Into Darkness is a dark, erotic tale filled with vampires, shape-shifters, power, and a little horror. Katherine Sinclair is rescued from a facility doing experimentation on her and others. Damien and Lucian, vampires, bring her to their carnival to live and be a part of the show.

There is no clear time line for how long Kat is at the carnival before her world changes drastically, but it seems to be only days. The plot moves quickly with a lot of action. As the story progresses the reader is filled in on background details pertinent to the progression of the story line. However, we never really get details on where or why Kat was being kept or by whom. If she was so important, why didn’t they come after her? Instead the story grows more enemies as Kat’s powers increase.

As Kat is thrown deeper into the vampire’s world, she comes into contact with extremely powerful and dangerous vampires that want to control her. Kat will not give up her taste of freedom so easily. She does what she has to in order to escape, but now that Kat is known she and her friends will never be safe. With questions and characters left hanging, the author leaves the reader waiting for the next story.

Descending Into Darkness if an enjoyable read. It definitely has some hot, erotic love scenes. The love scenes also have a splash of humor related to Kat’s powers. The only drawback that I found is the story is so fast-paced that, as a reader, you don’t really get to know any of the characters in great detail. However, this is the first story in The Katherine Sinclair Novels so I’m hoping that more detail will be forthcoming in the next story to help us connect even better with these great characters that Sandra Cypress started.

If you like vampires, shape-shifters, romance and horror all rolled into one story then you won’t want to miss Descending Into Darkness by Sandra Cypress. I will be waiting for the next instalment in this series.