Review: Diamond Fire by Ilona Andrews

Diamond Fire by Ilona Andrews

Hidden Legacy #3.5

Nevada Frida Baylor and Connor Ander Rogan cordially invite you to join their wedding celebration. Summoning, weather manipulation, and other magical activities strictly forbidden.

Catalina Baylor is looking forward to wearing her maid of honor dress and watching her older sister walk down the aisle. Then the wedding planner gets escorted off the premises, the bride’s priceless tiara disappears, and Rogan's extensive family overruns his mother’s home. Someone is cheating, someone is lying, and someone is plotting murder.

To make this wedding happen, Catalina will have to do the thing she fears most: use her magic. But she’s a Baylor and there’s nothing she wouldn't do for her sister's happiness. Nevada will have her fairy tale wedding, even if Catalina has to tear the mansion apart brick by brick to get it done.

DIAMOND FIRE is a bridge novella that does a great job of tying up a few things from Nevada's series and transitioning us to Catalina's. I really enjoyed getting that additional closure for Nevada and it was also a lot of fun seeing her from a different perspective. She came across so strong in her series, to see her as a mini almost-bridezilla was a lot of fun.

On Catalina's side, being in her head was a lot different as she's in a much younger and inexperienced stage of her life. If this novella is anything to go by, her series is going to be very enjoyable getting to see her really grow and blossom. Even in the short amount of time that this story covers she made a lot of ground, and I can't wait to see how things progress.

All in all, DIAMOND FIRE is an incredibly entertaining novella that will satisfy fans of the original series and wet their appetite for the next.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     Between Dreams and Reality
     All Things Urban Fantasy
     Fangs, Wands, & Fairy Dust

Previous Books:
     1. Burn for Me
     2. White Hot
     3. Wildfire

Review: The Phoenix Illusion by Lisa Shearin

The Phoenix Illusion by Lisa Shearin

SPI Files #6

The agents of Supernatural Protection & Investigation (SPI) are used to dealing with the weird and the wacky, but even they are stunned when a building from another world suddenly appears on an empty lot in New York. . .

I’m Makenna Fraser, seer for SPI, and it’s just my luck that my birthday party is literally crashed by a building from another planet. And it’s not just any building—it’s my goblin boyfriend’s house from his home world. SPI’s mission, to keep the public clueless about the supernatural, has us scrambling to find who did this and why, not to mention how.

The deeper we dig, the more we realize this incident is the opening gambit to a much larger event. Old enemies have combined forces with an even older nemesis to develop the means to kidnap an entire building and everyone in it. But who, or what, is their ultimate target? Finding out and getting to the mark before they do will require all hands on deck, including some extraterrestrial help from the goblin home world. We’re running out of time, and if we can’t get our act together, we’ll have front-row seats for the end of the world as we know it.

Yet again, Lisa Shearin has knocked it out of the park again with THE PHOENIX ILLUSION. I really love how she seamlessly blends wit and humor right alongside a pretty intense and high stakes plot. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. This time around Makenna and crew are elbow deep in one heck of rabbit chase after an entire building appears out of nowhere from another dimension. And yet, not matter how dire the stakes got, the book never once lost that feeling of levity. I really enjoy a heroine who doesn't take herself too seriously no matter the stakes, and that perfectly fits Makenna. She's fierce and tough, but she's also not unrealistically powerful, which I appreciate. She's not afraid to step up and do what's needed to be done, but she also doesn't hesitate to let others more powerful than her jump in, instead. She's very level headed, and I love it. Add that to her quirkiness and overall spunk and she's the perfect recipe of a heroine.

I don't think I can quite express just how enjoyable reading this series is. It checks off all my favorites; awesomely high staked plot, check; incredible cast of characters, check; a smoking romance, check; more than plenty hilarious moments, check, check, check. Seriously, if you enjoy a fast paced, fun story full of adventure and a great cast of characters, look no further than THE PHOENIX ILLUSION and the entire SPI series.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     All Things Urban Fantasy

Previous Books:
     1. The Grendel Affair
     2. The Dragon Conspiracy
     3. The Brimstone Defection
     4. The Ghoul Vendetta
     5. Myth Manifestation

Blog Tour - Re-Read of The Trouble with Twelfth Grave + Giveaway

The Trouble with Twelfth Grave by Darynda Jones

Charley Davidson #12

Re-Read Thoughts:

With the final book in this epic series coming soon, this felt like the perfect to re-read Twelfth Grade in preparation. It was every bit as good the 2nd time around if not even better. However, I will say that the cliffhanger did not get one bit easier, but I honestly wasn't expecting it to. You can't soften that kind of ending! I really feel like this book is the perfect set up for the epic final showdown we've all be waiting for! I really appreciate just how fun, but rich and intensely full this series and books are, more than keeping my attention no matter how many re-reads. There aren't too many series that have that claim and this one's at the top. All in all, fantastic series whether it's the first read, or the tenth and I can't wait to see how everything pans out!

Scroll below for an awesome giveaway and my original review!

Ever since Reyes escaped from a hell dimension in which Charley accidently trapped him, the son of Satan has been brimstone-bent on destroying the world his heavenly Brother created. His volatile tendencies have put Charley in a bit of a pickle. But that’s not the only briny vegetable on her plate. While trying to domesticate the feral being that used to be her husband, she also has to deal with her everyday life of annoying all manner of beings—some corporeal, some not so much—as she struggles to right the wrongs of society. Only this time she’s not uncovering a murder. This time she’s covering one up.

Add to that her new occupation of keeping a startup PI venture—the indomitable mystery-solving team of Amber Kowalski and Quentin Rutherford—out of trouble and dealing with the Vatican’s inquiries into her beloved daughter, and Charley is on the brink of throwing in the towel and becoming a professional shopper. Or possibly a live mannequin. But when someone starts attacking humans who are sensitive to the supernatural world, Charley knows it’s time to let loose her razor sharp claws. Then again, her number one suspect is the dark entity she’s loved for centuries. So the question becomes, can she tame the unruly beast before it destroys everything she’s worked so hard to protect?

Enter for a chance to win the entire Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones, an ARC of the epic finale, Summoned to Thirteenth Grave, plus fun swag!
https://read.macmillan.com/promo/charleydavidsonseriessweeps

Original Review:

Holy mother of cliffhangers batman! I'm honestly not even sure how to write this review as I can't get past that ending, even a week after finishing. The book was utterly fantastic, a bit short, but ultimately incredible. But that ending? It ripped out my heart, put it in a blender, and sadistically pushed the puree setting. Just wow.

Cliffhangers aside and out of my system. THE TROUBLE WITH TWELFTH GRAVE continued the series in normal snarky Charley style. Reyes is up to no good throughout most of the book and Charley is in a tailspin trying to bring down her own weakness. Things continue in a Scooby Doo gang style as they all group to try and figure out just what to do with the Reyes problem. It made for a really enjoyable read.

All in all THE TROUBLE WITH TWELFTH GRAVE is a fantastic installment in the Charley Davidson series that I thoroughly enjoyed. And after that ending I'm desperate to get my hands on the final installment next year. Fans of the series will be more than pleased!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
     Between Dreams and Reality
     All Things Urban Fantasy
     Gizmo's Reviews

Previous Books:
     1. First Grave on the Right
     2. Second Grave on the Left
     3. Third Grade Dead Ahead
     4. Fourth Grave Beneath My Feat
     5. Fifth Grave Past the Light
     6. Sixth Grave on the Edge
     7. Seventh Grave and No Body
     8. Eighth Grave After Dark
     9. The Dirt on Ninth Grave
     10. The Curse of Tenth Grave
     11. Eleventh Grave in Moonlight

Early Review: Archangel's Prophecy by Nalini Singh

Archangel's Prophecy by Nalini Singh

Guild Hunter #11

Return to New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s darkly passionate Guild Hunter world, where human-turned-angel Elena Deveraux, consort to Archangel Raphael, is thrust center stage into an eons-old prophecy....

Midnight and dawn, Elena’s wings are unique among angelkind…and now they’re failing. The first mortal to be turned into an immortal in angelic memory, she’s regressing. Becoming more and more human. Easier to hurt. Easier to kill.

Elena and Raphael must unearth the reason for the regression before it’s too late and Elena falls out of the sky. Yet even as they fight a furious battle for Elena’s very survival, violent forces are gathering in New York and across the world.

In China, the Archangel Favashi is showing the first signs of madness. In New York, a mysterious sinkhole filled with lava swallows a man whole. In Africa, torrential monsoon rains flood rolling deserts. And in Elena’s mind whispers a haunting voice that isn’t her own.

This time, survival may not be possible…not even for the consort of an archangel.

After finishing ARCHANGEL'S PROPHECY all I can say is wow, just wow. That was one heck of a nail-biting and gut-wrenchingly intense read that led up to the cliffhanger to end all cliffhangers. I feel like my insides were put on the puree setting. Honestly I had to wait on this review a good long while after finishing the book because I felt too raw to string coherent thoughts together. Even this far removed from reading, I'm still struggling, but I'll do my best. But the ending has me all out of sorts. In fairness the events of the book did continually warn the reader, but I held out hope until the bitter end that author would somehow put a twist and change things before the end. Don't get me wrong, I have high hopes for the next book for that much needed twist to come (I hope) but the wait will be agonizing. 

Getting past the ending. The book was utterly fantastic, simply put. Elena and Raphael are still dealing with all of the insane effects from the Cascade, but the stakes have been raised even higher with the advent of this horrible prophecy looming over their heads. It's a doozy and dominates a lot of the focus of the book, but there's so much more intertwined through out too. I truly have to give props to the author in her ability to masterfully craft such and amazingly emotional story that affected me so much. I truly adore these characters and each book feels like returning home to much loved family. 

All in all ARCHANGEL'S PROPHECY was one heck of a phenomenal read. I make have wanted to chuck my kindle at the end, but I loved every single moment of the book. My hat goes off to Nalini, and I will be counting down until I can get my hands on the next book. Bravo Ms. Nalini, Bravo!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
     Book Twins Reviews
     Steamy Reads
     Gizmo's Reviews

Previous Books:
     1. Angels' Blood
     2. Archangel's Kiss
     3. Archangel's Consort
     4. Archangel's Blade
     5. Archangel's Storm

     6. Archangel's Legion

     7. Archangel's Shadows

     8. Archangel's Enigma

     9. Archangel's Heart

     10. Archangel's Viper

Early Review: Fury by Rachel Vincent

Fury by Rachel Vincent

Menagerie #3

1986: Rebecca Essig leaves a slumber party early but comes home to a massacre—committed by her own parents. Only one of her siblings has survived. But as the tragic event unfolds, she begins to realize that other than a small army of six-year-olds, she is among very few survivors of a nationwide slaughter.

The Reaping has begun.

Present day: Pregnant and on the run with a small band of compatriots, Delilah Marlow is determined to bring her baby into the world safely and secretly. But she isn’t used to sitting back while others suffer, and she’s desperate to reunite Zyanya, the cheetah shifter, with her brother and children. To find a way for Lenore the siren to see her husband. To find Rommily’s missing Oracle sisters. To unify this adopted family of fellow cryptids she came to love and rely on in captivity.

But Delilah is about to discover that her role in the human versus cryptid war is destined to be much larger—and more dangerous—than she ever could have imagined.

How do you review a book and trilogy that on one hand kept you hooked from the very first page of book 1 until the last page of final book, yet leaves you feeling completely bereft in the end? The writing, story, and characters were all phenomenal, but I have more than a little bit of leanings towards bitterness with the way everything turned out in the end. I won't spoil things, but was the ending more realistic than many series that get wrapped up in a neat little bow in the end? Yes, perhaps. But I'll admit, I like my neat bows, and tidy endings as I read for an escape from reality. Fury's ending, while fitting for the series when I attempt to take an emotional step back, left me too raw to even grudgingly admit it could have been the right one. And perhaps that in itself is a win for the book. A book that doesn't emotionally grip you cannot never be fantastic, and this one, well lets just say it chewed me up and spat me out.

Getting past that ending and back to the rest of the actual book, FURY was told in alternating timelines, which I really enjoyed. The past timeline gave a better insight into the reaping, but also held very relevant to current events and situations. I really enjoyed the twists and turns these dual timelines revealed the further the book went along. Prior to this glimpse into the the time of the reaping it was easy to see humanity as evil based upon their treatment of the Cryptids. And yet with the new perspective and insight it became more gray. I'm not defending humanity in this book, but after seeing through someone's eyes "firsthand" it changed my perspective a bit. I don't condone the behavior, but a part of me understands that fear. Which again, that's a major compliment to Rachel's writing in her ability to make this reader feel so many different and complicated emotions.

Reservations on the ending aside, Rachel Vincent has written one heck of a profoundly thought provoking trilogy. I'm very glad I read this series and I highly recommend this read!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
     Carina's Books
     Tome Tender
     Hidden in Pages

Previous Books:
     1. Menagerie
     2. Spectacle

Review: Lionheart by Thea Harrison

Lionheart by Thea Harrison

Moonshadow #3

King Oberon reigned over his Dark Court in Lyonesse for centuries, until an assassination attempt laid him low. Now he lies unconscious in his snow-bound palace, while his Power battles the enchantment that threatens to end his life.

A skilled trauma surgeon and magic-user, Dr. Kathryn Shaw reigns at the top of her profession in New York. Then comes a challenge she can’t resist—she is asked to cure the uncureable. Just getting close enough to try healing Oberon is a dangerous proposition. When she does reach him, he awakens too soon.

Roused from darkness by Kathryn’s presence, Oberon confronts the beautiful stranger who claims she wants to save his life. But the enchantment has frozen his emotions. How can he learn to trust her when he can’t feel anything?

Oberon’s desire is icy, devoid of all tenderness. Not only must Kathryn match wits with him, she must also fight her reaction to his touch, because there is so much more at stake than her own endangered heart.

For the Dark Court faces its most deadly peril yet. Its ancient enemy Isabeau, Queen of the Light Court, is obsessed with its annihilation, and Oberon must be brought to remember his loyalty and affection for his people.

Because if he won’t fight for them, Lyonesse itself may very well be destroyed…

Man do I love a grumpy, surly hero. Oberon in many respects has filled the "hole" left behind with Dragos no longer getting featured books. There's just something so yummy about reading a book with such an "overbearing" hero and the tough as nails heroine that tames them. LIONHEART more than delivered in this aspect. Kathryn is the match for Oberon and then some. She gives as good as she gets and I truly enjoyed watching these two dance around each other. Their romance was a slow but fierce burn, exactly perfect for the pair.

Aside from the romance, the rest of the world, characters, and plotline were all fantastic as well. The war with Isabeau has come to a boiling head, ratcheting up the intensity. And the sideline characters added a richness to the story. I have to admit the Puck stole the show for me. I want to see him grow and heal, and maybe some day find love of his own. Hopefully he's on the author's mind for the future!

I've really enjoyed the Moonshadow trilogy and I can only hope Thea changes her mind and decides to continue this spin off series. I love these characters, and all of the Elder races books. Regardless, if Thea writes it, I'll be first in line to read it. Fans of the Elder Races will be more than pleased with LIONHEART and will want this one on their e-reader asap!

(Received a copy from the author)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
     The Bookish Sweet Tooth
     Angel's Guilty Pleasures
     Tome Tender

Previous Books:
     1. Moonshadow
     2. Spellbinder

Review: Touch the Sky by Kari Cole

Touch the Sky by Kari Cole 

Mated by Fate #2

Sheriff Vaughn Ellis’s very existence as a rare double-shifter defies the natural order. It also makes it extremely difficult for him to get close to anyone. To trust anyone. It’s nothing Vaughn can’t handle, until a seductively sweet woman arrives in Black Robe, and suddenly he can’t think about anything but her.

The product of a witch/werewolf pairing, Hannah Cochran gets the odd-wolf-out thing. But when she uncovers a major threat to the lycanthrope world, she finds herself playing nice with the sexy sheriff. Abiding by the law isn’t usually Hannah’s style, but nothing catches her breath quite like the commanding attraction she feels toward Vaughn.

Working closely together only intensifies their fated connection, making it impossible to deny—or resist. Hannah fears that getting involved puts Vaughn in danger. But when she becomes the target, it’s Vaughn who’ll have to decide which rules he’s willing to break to save the woman he can’t live without.

Kari Cole has done it again! TOUCH THE SKY was one heck of a Paranormal Romance read that kept me hooked from the very first page. From the characters (LOVE Vaughn and Hannah!) to the current plotline of Hannah's danger, to the over-arching Apex plot. this book had it all and then some. The romance is off the charts hot, but it's not bogged down with instalove. Instead, the progression is realistic considering just how much baggage the two were carrying. Very well done romance and plot! 

The only thing that kept me from rating this book a solid five was due to some pacing issues throughout the middle. I just felt like Hannah's past was kept unnecessarily shaded from the reader, and would have helped pacing if things had been revealed at least to the reader sooner. I understand the need to hide the truth from the hero for plotline purposes, but I just felt like the knowledge could have been shared with the cousin earlier as to not feel like a contrived wool over the reader's eyes. But that's just my opinion and take it with a grain of salt. The book was utterly fantastic otherwise.

It is extremely impressive to note that this is only Kari's second book. To be honest, her writing style and plotlines of danger mixed in with romance feel very much in the vein of Nalini Singh's Psy-Changelings. Considering just how much of a powerhouse writer Nalini is, trust me, this is a HUGE compliment for Kari. I cannot wait to see how she grows as a writer. I think there are many great things in store and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     The Book Binge
     Once Upon a Book Blog

Previous Books:
     1. Hunt the Moon

Release Day Review: Worldshaper by Edward Willett

Worldshaper by Edward Willett

Worldshapers #1

For Shawna Keys, the world is almost perfect. She's just opened a pottery studio in a beautiful city. She's in love with a wonderful man. She has good friends.

But one shattering moment of violence changes everything. Mysterious attackers kill her best friend. They're about to kill Shawna. She can't believe it's happening--and just like that, it isn't. It hasn't. No one else remembers the attack, or her friend. To everyone else, Shawna's friend never existed...

Everyone, that is, except the mysterious stranger who shows up in Shawna's shop. He claims her world has been perfect because she Shaped it to be perfect; that it is only one of uncounted Shaped worlds in a great Labyrinth; and that all those worlds are under threat from the Adversary who has now invaded hers. She cannot save her world, he says, but she might be able to save others--if she will follow him from world to world, learning their secrets and carrying them to Ygrair, the mysterious Lady at the Labyrinth's heart.

Frightened and hounded, Shawna sets off on a desperate journey, uncertain whom she can trust, how to use her newfound power, and what awaits her in the myriad worlds beyond her own.

WORLDSHAPER had a very intriguing premise, the set up is there for something really incredible, but unfortunately the characters and actual plot line didn't always live up to that amazing premise. Don't get me wrong the story was enjoyable, but unfortunately in a mediocre way leaving me searching for the greatness I felt could be there. At times it really felt like critical information was being held, with no real reason behind it. I kept waiting for the pay off of explanations or reasons by the end, but unfortunately they never came.

The characters are intriguing and full of potential, but again pieces felt to be missing. Shawna is your typical powerful heroine that didn't know she was powerful, which is a common storyline in this genre. However the problem was that the reasoning behind her memory lapse/lack of knowledge was withheld and I felt it detracted greatly from the story. I wanted to be given so much more than I was, and it just made her character feel half formed. She never got to grow enough in my eyes and her quirky personality lent to so much I think. Karl, her supposed savior wasn't much better as he just felt to be a unthinking soldier rather than a solid addition to the story. Any time Shawna questioned anything he became irate and all but threatened to leave her to die. It just left a bad taste in my mouth.

And also speaking of being half-formed, the Adversary, the villain, wasn't really fleshed out at all. He's supposed to be this terrifyingly evil man, and yet, which he does do a few things, honestly I just felt like he was the opposition rather than a true villainous force. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't root for him, but I didn't really feel any true animosity either, which made it harder to attach to our heroine's plight.

All in all WORLDSHAPER is a book with an intriguing premise, but had a rocky start to this series. I am interested in seeing where things head next and I hope much more will be revealed in the next book. 

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     Gizmo's Reviews

Early Review: Vampires Like it Hot by Lynsay Sands

Vampires Like it Hot by Lynsay Sands

Argeneau #28

“Vampires...”

When Raffaele Notte pulls a barely dressed, disoriented woman from the ocean, the last thing he expects is for her to utter that word. The immortal has come to the island resort to help his cousin, but now, it seems, there are rogue vampires dining on unsuspecting tourists. And he soon realizes that not only is Jess a target, she’s also the life mate he’s been waiting for…

Vampires are real. Jess would’ve never believed it until she saw them with her own eyes. She knows she has to get off the island, and her gallant rescuer has offered to help. There’s something about Raffaele that’s unlike any man she has ever met, and his touch sends pleasure through her that is beyond all imagining. But when Jess discovers who he really is, will she risk life as she knows it for a chance of forever by his side?

VAMPIRES LIKE IT HOT was a fun tropical romp that felt more lighthearted than some of the most recent releases in this series. Don't get me wrong, this entire series has plenty of humor, but this one was more on the lighter side, and I really enjoyed every hilarious moment of it. The "vampirates" were nothing short of hilarious, especially the captain, one of our trusty heroine's potential life mate. That's right TWO lifemates for our heroine, Jess nothing easy or straight forward here with Raffaele Notte playing a white knight role as the other lifemate. But getting back to the captain, he's crude and greasy, but oh so outlandishly hilarious in the way he speaks to Jess. Honestly he's everything you'd expect from a vampirate.

The premise of the story is largely a cat and mouse in each of the potential lifemate men trying to keep Jess from the other. It became quite comical at times and perhaps a little eye roll worthy at the heroines ability to make a few rather poor decisions in order to further the white knight plot despite being level headed at others. But we can't always be on the top our game I guess. That being said it was pretty obvious from the start who she'd end up with, but that didn't detract from the story at all. The steamier scenes are absolutely delectable and fit the story perfectly.

All in all, VAMPIRES LIKE IT HOT is a fun filled romp that kept me laughing the entire book. If you are looking for a humor filled, steamy read, this book is for you.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
     WTF Are You Reading?
     Urban Book Reviews
     Tome Tender

Previous Books:
     1. A Quick Bite
     2. Love Bites
     3. Single White Vampire
     4. Tall, Dark, & Hungry
     5. A Bite to Remember
     6. Bite Me If You Can
     7. The Accidental Vampire
     8. Vampires Are Forever
     9. Vampire, Interrupted
    10. The Rouge Hunter
    11. The Immortal Hunter
    12. The Renegade Hunter
    13. Born to Bite
    14. Hungry for You
    15. The Reluctant Vampire
    16. Under a Vampire Moon
    17. The Lady is a Vamp
    18. Immortal Ever After
    19. One Lucky Vampire
    20. Vampire Most Wanted
    21. The Immortal Who Loved Me
    22. About a Vampire
    23. Runaway Vampire
    24. Immortal Nights
    25. Immortal Unchained
    26. Immortally Yours
    27. Twice Bitten

Review: Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill

Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill

Heirs of Chicagoland #1

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.

In many ways, returning to Chicagoland felt like coming home to visit old friends. There's that sense of familiarity, but things aren't exactly the same as you left them as lives move on. In WILD HUNGER time has fast forwarded twenty some years, so there's a lot of things different despite the vampires' immortality. Elisa is a smart and spunky heroine, but she's not just a clone of her mother. She's actually a good blend of Ethan's logical ways and Merit's strong will. She's determined to make her own path, with no nepotism, which is rather admirable. This winds up working to her benefit due to events that would have tied her hands in this book. I really enjoyed how she showed a strong determination to take the harder path in order to do what was right. Again she's just an admirable heroine.

Moving on to the romantic elements. Not to anyone's surprise, but Conner, the "prince" of the pack looks to be the love interest. At the start of the book, they can stand one another. But I'm a huge sucker for enemies to lovers stories, so this was like cat nip to me. I really enjoyed the natural feeling progression of their attraction as they danced around one another. Granted things felt just a little bit rushed towards the very end, but this reader isn't complaining about a little extra romance gratification. I can't wait to see what's in store for these two!

All in all, WILD HUNGER was an enjoyable kick off to the Heirs of Chicagoland series. I can't wait to get my hands on the next installment!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

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Other Reviews:
     Fangs, Wands, and Fairy Dust
     a GREAT read
     Gizmo's Reviews

Early Review: Magic Triumphs by Ilona Andrews

Magic Triumphs by Ilona Andrews

Kate Daniels #10

Kate has come a long way from her origins as a loner taking care of paranormal problems in post-Shift Atlanta. She's made friends and enemies. She's found love and started a family with Curran Lennart, the former Beast Lord. But her magic is too strong for the power players of the world to let her be.

Kate and her father, Roland, currently have an uneasy truce, but when he starts testing her defenses again, she knows that sooner or later, a confrontation is inevitable. The Witch Oracle has begun seeing visions of blood, fire, and human bones. And when a mysterious box is delivered to Kate's doorstep, a threat of war from the ancient enemy who nearly destroyed her family, she knows their time is up.
Kate Daniels sees no other choice but to combine forces with the unlikeliest of allies. She knows betrayal is inevitable. She knows she may not survive the coming battle. But she has to try.

For her child.

For Atlanta.

For the world.

Let me just start by admitting how devastated I am that this is the last Kate and Curran book! Considering how much I love this series and these characters, MAGIC TRIUMPHS had mighty big shoes to fill in order to meet my expectations for a proper send off. After finishing, I realized I shouldn't have worried nor doubted this amazingly fantastic author duo. MAGIC TRIUMPHS was everything I could have hoped for and more to end their series. Everything and I do mean everything comes to a head in this book, including events from Hugh's book. The proverbial bleep hits the fan... And then splatters. It's just that intense and I truly loved every minute of it.

Kate and Curran are fantastic, as is the entire rest of the character cast. But honestly it's the newest edition that completely and utterly stole the show for me. Conlan has one heck of a personality packed into his little but mighty body. He'll be a force to be reckoned with that sure loves to give his mother a run for her money. I also really enjoyed the changes he brought in Kate as a mother where she's so loving but utterly and completely neurotic. And seeing her struggle and eventually come to terms with her beserker level protection when the little man is threatened rang a chord in this mamma's heart as well. Motherhood, no matter unconventional her circumstances are, suits her.

While I'm so sad to be saying goodbye to one of my all time favorite couples, I can't really complain in the end after being given this gift of a great read. MAGIC TRIUMPHS is utter magic from start to finish and fans of the series should run not walk to their nearest bookstore and snatch this one up immediately. Bravo!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

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Other Reviews:
     Book Twins Reviews
     Gizmo's Reviews
     Fantasy Book Review

Previous Books:
     1. Magic Bites
     2. Magic Burns
     3. Magic Strikes
     4. Magic Bleeds
     5. Magic Slays
     5.5. Gunmetal Magic

     6. Magic Rises

     6.5. Magic Steals

     7. Magic Breaks

     8. Magic Shifts

     9. Magic Binds