A Book Obsession..

City of Ghosts

, by KT

City of Ghosts by Stacia Kane

Downside Ghosts #3

IT’S A THIN LINE BETWEEN ALIVE AND UNDEAD.

Chess Putnam has a lot on her plate. Mangled human corpses have started to show up on the streets of Downside, and Chess’s bosses at the Church of Real Truth have ordered her to team up with the ultra-powerful Black Squad agency to crack the grisly case.

Chess is under a binding spell that threatens death if she talks about the investigation, but the city’s most notorious crime boss—and Chess’s drug dealer—gets wind of her new assignment and insists on being kept informed. If that isn’t bad enough, a sinister street vendor appears to have information Chess needs. Only he’s not telling what he knows, or what it all has to do with the vast underground City of Eternity.

Now Chess will have to navigate killer wraiths, First Elders, and a lot of seriously nasty magic—all while coping with some not-so-small issues of her own. And the only man Chess can trust to help her through it all has every reason to want her dead.

After the incidents from the last book Chess cannot stand to be alone in her head, so when Elder Griffin offers a special assignment she chomps at the bit. There's one small problem, as Chess must agree to be bound, and the penalty for speaking of her investigations is death. She also has to accept a condescending partner named Lauren, who is the Grand Elder's daughter. Sparks fly between them instantly and Chess is reminded why she always works alone. Lauren undermines Chess's intelligence and capabilities every chance she gets. Yet amazingly when trouble strikes, Chess still feels loyalty towards Lauren and saves her from death. Proving at the root Chess truly is a good person, she just has an addiction problem.

When Chess is caught in Bump's territory doing magic he tries to force her to spill her beans. When she attempts to, her binding marks start to kill her. Luckily Bump gets the point and decides to send Terrible to shadow her since she may not be able to speak about the case, but he can. Despite her fear of getting caught by the church, she agrees, with the hope at a chance to tell Terrible the truth about what happened between her and Lex. Of course, Terrible being "terrible" could not make that easy and the tension between them is thicker than water.

The saying always goes, "You don't know what you got 'till its gone." This could not be more true for Chess. Terrible now treats her like she has the bubonic plague, trying to avoid her at all costs. Regardless of his outer angry attitude, underneath it is clear he is hurting. It is clear just how much he cares for her which makes her betrayal all the worse. Chess finds herself trying to do anything she can to win him back. She knows she messed up and has no problem fessing up to it, but that just doesn't seem to be enough. The emotional angst between them is heart wrenching. The two find nothing is irreparable, but the road will be long and very bumpy. Their rocky relationship kept me on the edge of my seat the entire book.

The first two books may have been very good, but this book stepped it up to a whole new level and completely blew me away. Chess made a lot of character growth in this book, and while she still is very much a drug addict, she starts to have more depth as she allows herself to have feelings for others. The ending gave Chess some resolution and happiness, something I didn't expect for her. While I still cannot wait for the next book to released, hopefully next year, the way this one ended left me with a sense of contentment. If you loved the first two books, you'll love this one even more.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
City of Ghosts (Downside Ghosts, Book 3)

Unholy Magic

, by KT

Unholy Magic by Stacia Kane

Downside Ghosts #2

ENEMIES DON’T NEED TO BE ALIVE TO BE DEADLY.

For Chess Putnam, finding herself near-fatally poisoned by a con psychic and then stopping a murderous ghost is just another day on the job. As an agent of the Church of Real Truth, Chess must expose those looking to profit from the world’s unpleasant little poltergeist problem—humans filing false claims of hauntings—all while staving off any undead who really are looking for a kill. But Chess has been extra busy these days, coping with a new “celebrity” assignment while trying on her own time to help some desperate prostitutes.

Someone’s taking out the hookers of Downside in the most gruesome way, and Chess is sure the rumors that it’s the work of a ghost are way off base. But proving herself right means walking in the path of a maniac, not to mention standing between the two men in her life just as they—along with their ruthless employers—are moving closer to a catastrophic showdown. Someone is dealing in murder, sex, and the supernatural, and once again Chess finds herself right in the crossfire.

A few months after the events of the first book, Terrible takes her to the site where a hooker was brutally murdered to look for a possible ghost culprit. Through her investigations she soon finds out that it isn't just Bump's people getting killed, but Sloebag, the rival drug lord's, as well. As a result Chess finds herself stuck between the two men in her life, Terrible and the occasional lover, Lex. Chess starts to really realize how stupid it was to get mixed up with both sides when she agrees to help both of them. She knows what it could cost her, but she doesn't have much choice as her addiction has her stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Terrible's character continued to grow on me in this book. He shows a much softer, vulnerable side that just caught Chess completely off guard. She starts to realize she has real feelings for him and that scares her to death. She doesn't want to lose him but she doesn't know how to let herself need him as her past has taught her to only count on herself. Her betrayal with Lex starts to really weigh on her and for the first time Chess starts to really realize the potential consequences of her actions.

Her drug addiction hits really hard in this book. It seems now that she is getting free drugs from Lex she is only using that much more since she wants to keep up the facade with Bump so he doesn't get suspicious. She starts down a slippery slope that will only bring her world crashing down around her. It never ceases to amaze me just how much drugs she does as well as her constantly popping pills in the middle of fights. I just do not know how she has survived this long. At this point, because of her addiction she has virtually lost all freedom and can be easily manipulated for fear of exposure. Her ideals of maintaining her addiction in comfort are pulled right out from under her and at times she truly doesn't know if she wants to continue on. Unfortunately, I imagine that would be what you would have to expect as a junkie, but it doesn't make me have any less sympathy for her.

The book ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger that left me desperate to see how Chess will try to dig herself out of the bottomless pit she has made. This gritty, dark, urban fantasy is a great read and will make you care for characters you never thought you could. If you enjoy the darker side of urban fantasy, this is a must read.

Rating:

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Unholy Magic (Downside Ghosts, Book 2)

It's Monday, What are you Reading? (2)

, by KT

It's Monday! What Are You Reading, hosted by Book Journey, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Here's what I read this week:

Host by Faith Hunter (Review)
Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost (Review)
Wait for Dusk by Jocelynn Drake (Review)
Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill (Review)
Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill (Review)
Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill (Review)
Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane (Review)
Unholy Magic by Stacia Kane (Review to come)

This week was quite more productive than I expected. 8 books read, 7 of those reviewed, plus the Review of Seraphs, which I read last week. I also participated in the Book Blogger Hop and Follow Friday. I'm not very sure about my list for this week since it is almost finals time. I probably won't be able to get near as much reading in, but we will see.

As of now, this is my reads and reviews for the upcoming week:

City of Ghosts by Stacia Kane
Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells
The Mage in Black by Jaye Wells

I'm not sure what series to start next. I was thinking about the Weather Warden Series by Rachel Caine. What do you think?

Unholy Ghosts

, by KT

Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane

Downside Ghosts #1

THE AFTERLIFE IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.

The world is not the way it was. The dead have risen and constantly attack the living. The powerful Church of Real Truth, in charge since the government fell, has sworn to reimburse citizens being harassed by the deceased. Consequently, there are many false claims of hauntings from those hoping to profit. Enter Chess Putnam, a fully-tattooed witch and freewheeling Debunker and ghost hunter. She’s got a real talent for nailing the human liars or banishing the wicked dead. But she’s keeping a dark secret from the Church: a little drug problem that’s landed her in hot and dangerous water.

Chess owes a murderous drug lord named Bump a lot of money. And Bump wants immediate payback. All Chess has to do is dispatch a very nasty species of undead from an old airport. But the job involves black magic, human sacrifice, a nefarious demonic creature, and crossing swords with enough wicked energy to wipe out a city of souls. Toss in lust with a rival gang leader and a dangerous attraction to Bump’s ruthless enforcer, and Chess begins to wonder if the rush is really worth it. Hell, yeah.

Chess is a church witch whose job as a debunker is to disband rouge ghosts and disprove false haunting claims against the church. She is a broken character with many flaws and weaknesses. In the middle of a fight she will pop pills or snort up. She is completely unable to function without being high. Surprisingly though, I couldn't help caring for Chess. Her past is a little murky, but based on what was revealed its no wonder she is a user. Despite her weaknesses, she has a tremendous underlying strength. A lesser person could not have survived some of the thing she went through.

Chess's habit lands her in hot water in this book when her drug lord, Bump, orders her to clear up a ghost problem at an airfield he wants to open. She thought it would be an easy way to wipe her debt clean but quickly finds herself in the middle of a deadly plot with a great evil at the root. As if these evil forces were not enough, Chess is pitted between the two main drug lords when Bump's rival, Lex, tells her he doesn't want that airport open and it would be in her best interest to stop it. Teamed up with Bump's enforcer, Terrible, she must figure out how to play both sides, and unravel the nefarious plot or it could mean countless deaths including her own..

Terrible's character completely caught me off guard. Chess describes him as an ugly brute who is only good for beating down people for his boss, so I wasn't expecting anything else behind that facade. However, he seems to have a slight vulnerability towards Chess and given his normal behavior, this makes him very endearing. As the book went on, Chess began to see intelligence behind that brawn, as well as compassion and found herself trusting him, something she never does. There was a definite spark between the two of them that was much more than the lust between Chess and Lex. Hopefully this trust will build into something more between them.

I didn't particularly care for the extreme slang from some of the characters. It was difficult to read at first, but as the book went on it did get a little easier to understand. I understand the author was trying to show the characters from downside as uneducated, but the slang could have been written a little more clearly. Putting that aside, the rest of the book flowed really well and kept me sucked in until the very end. Considering how dark the book is as well as Chess's habits, it is a surprisingly good read, and makes a good addition to the Urban Fantasy Genre.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:

Unholy Ghosts (Downside Ghosts, Book 1)

Review: Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill

, by KT

Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill

Chicagoland Vampires #3

Merit, Chicago’s newest vampire, is learning how to play well with others. Other supernaturals, that is. Shapeshifters from across the country are convening in the Windy City, and as a gesture of peace, Master Vampire Ethan Sullivan has offered their leader a very special bodyguard: Merit. Merit is supposed to protect the Alpha, Gabriel Keene—and to spy for the vamps while she’s at it. Oh, and luckily Ethan’s offering some steamy, one-on-one combat training sessions to help her prepare for the mission.

Merit must accept the assignment, even though she knows that she’ll probably regret it. And she’s not wrong. Someone is gunning for Gabriel Keene, and Merit soon finds herself in the line of fire. She’ll need all the help she can get to track down the would-be assassin, but everywhere she turns, there are rising tensions between supernaturals—not least between her and a certain green-eyed, centuries old master vampire.

There were many times throughout this book where I wanted to reach through the pages and smack Ethan silly. He takes one step forward towards Merit, and then two steps back. He makes some poor choices out of fear. Considering how emotionally closed off he usually is, those decisions, although terrible they may be, actually show some development in his character. Due to a certain stubborn sentinel, he is slowly progressing and becoming more "human." This is ironic of course, since Merit seems to be slowly losing her humanity. However, this does not detract from her personality because she hasn't changed at the core, just gained more confidence and a more flexible nature. It will be interesting to see whether Ethan can ever see her for who she truly is not what benefit she can be to the house.

One good thing does come as a result of the issues with Ethan. Merit and her best friend Mallory mend their fences and once again become the best friend the other one so desperately need. Both their worlds were torn apart when Merit was changed and as a result, Mallory found out she was a sorcerer. I was really glad to see their relationship fixed as I missed the comfort and banter between the two.

Even through dealing with the repercussions of Ethan's poor decisions, Merit never once flinches in her loyalty to her house and her oaths. When issues brew with the shifters, she risks herself to protect the leader of the pack, the Apex. Her loyalty could be the very key to securing the shifters' help in the looming war. Without them, the vampires are vulnerable since the shifters are pure magic, the very magic the vampires depend on for strength. Through the Apex's visions of the future, she learns some interesting things about her possible and finally understands why he asked for her help when the animosity between vampires and shifters usually runs very high.

The book ends on a high note, but definitely left me desperate for more. As Merit grows more into her strengths and powers as a vampire she becomes a even more amazing character. This book more than lived up to the previous two, and I eagerly await the next installment.

Rating:

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Twice Bitten: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel

Review: Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill

, by KT

Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill

Chicagoland Vampires #2

Vamps in Chicago!

You'd think headlines like that would have provoked the fine citizens of the Windy City to take up arms against us bloodsucking fiends. Instead, ten months later, we're enjoying a celebrity status reserved for the Hollywood elite—fending off paparazzi only slightly less dangerous than cross and stake-wielding slayers. Don't get me wrong, Joe Public isn't exactly thrilled to be living side-by-side with the undead, but at least they haven't stormed the castle yet.

But all that will change once they learn about the Raves—mass feeding parties where vampires round up humans like cattle and drink themselves silly. Most civilized vampires frown on this behavior, putting mere mortals at ease with their policy of asking a person's consent before taking a big gulp of the red stuff. However, that doesn't make good copy for a first time reporter looking to impress his high society family.

So now my "master," the centuries old, yet gorgeously well-preserved Ethan Sullivan, wants me to reconnect with my own upper class family and act as liaison between humans and vampires—and keep the more unsavory aspects of our existence out of the media. But someone doesn't want people and vamps to play nicey-nice—someone with an ancient grudge.

Merit has been a vampire for two months now and is still trying to come to terms with this idea. To protect her house she begrudgingly agrees to reenter her families high society. Through this, she learns some interesting things about some people from her path, and stumbles upon yet another plot against her from the one responsible for her attack. These machinations keep bringing war closer and closer and it will take everything Merit has to prepare to protect her house.

As if the constant plots against her and her house were not enough, her vampire side keeps trying to take over, something she senses is not normal for her kind. For fear of banishment she keeps this inner turmoil to herself which ultimately risks her safety as well as the others around her. This fear "humanizes" her and makes her all the more endearing. For all her strengths she has just as many weaknesses making her a very realistic character.

Morgan, the newly appointed master of the rival house whose ex-master was responsible for Merit's attack, continues to try and woo Merit. Try as she might, she cannot make herself feel that spark she feels for Ethan. Even though she knows that path can only lead to destruction she continues to find herself inexplicably drawn to him. He of course tries to continue his stubborn refusal of their chemistry but as the book progresses it seems he is loosing his will to fight more and more. The two are wrong for each other, yet so completely right. Only time will tell if the two have a chance at the potential I see between them.

Merit's character goes through some major changes in this book and as she sinks further into the vampire world her personality starts to change as well. Even though this is a natural progression as she is no longer human, it is still sad to see the inevitable distancing between her and her friends. It will take a lot of work and understanding for all parties to come to an acceptance about her new identity, and I just hope she does get left alone without any support.

This book was every bit as good as the first one and once I picked it up I just could not put it down. I highly recommend this both this book and the first installment if you haven't read it. Merit's story will be sure to impress.

Rating:

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Friday Night Bites: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel

Follow Friday & Book Blogger Hop

, by KT

On fridays I participate in both Follow Friday and the Book Blogger Hop.

Follow Fridays is hosted by Parajunkee's View, and is just Fridays.

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-for-Books, and runs Friday to Monday. There are new rules for the hop, so make sure to check out Crazy for Books for the details.

This week's hop question is:

Who is your favorite new-to-you author this year?

Wow, this is a really tough question since I've found so many different authors this year. I think I'm going to have to pick Jeaniene Frost. I found her books in January, so she just made the cut off of this year, but definitely warrants the title of "favorite." Her books are amazing and the characters just suck you in. I don't think I've ever cared for characters more than the ones in her books. Jeaniene's latest book, Eternal Kiss of Darkness was just released and you can find my review here. Her books are a must read for any paranormal/urban fantasy fan.

Some Girls Bite

, by KT

Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill

Chicagoland Vampires #1

First in a brand new series about a Chicago graduate student's introduction into a society of vampires.

Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn't exactly glamorous, but it was Merit's. She was doing fine until a rogue vampire attacked her. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker—and this one decided the best way to save her life was to make her the walking undead.
Turns out her savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now she's traded sweating over her thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan "Lord o' the Manor" Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four-hundred- year-old vampire, he has centuries' worth of charm, but unfortunately he expects her gratitude— and servitude. But an inconvenient sunlight allergy and Ethan's attitude are the least of her concerns. Someone's still out to get her. Her initiation into Chicago's nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war—and there will be blood.

In this first book by Chloe Neill, we meet Merit, a literary graduate student, who is changed into a vampire against her will. Merit is full of sarcasm and rebellion against the yummy master named Ethan who changed her and now expects her unquestioning loyalty. Of course that sarcasm gets herself into plenty of hot water, but I was glad to not see her just roll over. I have to say that I absolutely LOVE Merit, her attitude and sarcasm, as well as her determination and willpower. Her rebellion against being turned are very realistic. I found it refreshing that she didn't immediately accept this new lot in life, as most people would have to take time as well.

I found the friction and sexual tension between Ethan and Merit to be frustrating, but not in a bad way, ultimately making this book an even better read. Neill has created two characters with such strong wills there is no chance for an easy progression in a relationship between them. As much as I may have wanted to see them together, their love-hate relationship makes better sense. I think there is great potential for those two if either learns to give a little.

The most admirable thing about Merit was that she knew when to put the rebelliousness behind her and step up to do what is right. As her acceptance grows, she quickly learns she is stronger than most and takes steps to use this power to protect. Her transformation from mild student to a kick ass, katana wielding, heroine is nothing short of amazing. Merit has the potential for greatness and I cannot wait to see how she develops in future books.

This is not a book to start late at night as you will not be able to put it down. I made this mistake and paid for it dearly the next day due to my lack of sleep. Neill has surely delivered an amazing read and will be sure not to disappoint.

Rating:

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Some Girls Bite: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel

Wait for Dusk

, by KT

Wait for Dust by Jocelynn Drake

Dark Days Series #5

After being summoned by the Coven to claim her seat as an Elder, Mira learns of a growing Naturi threat in Budapest. When her rival Macaire, another Elder, suggests she travel there to dispatch the Naturi, she knows she is stepping into a trap but must go anyway for the good of her people. While two other nightwalkers set out with her, she knows she can only truly count on Danaus, her hunter companion. With her own kind afraid of her, her past coming to haunt her and the threat from Macaire, Mira is yet again in for the fight of her life. She needs Danaus now more than ever and his betrayal ultimately risks her fragile hold onto her sanity.

While the slow progression of Mira and Danaus' relationship has been frustrating as a reader, it has been realistic considering they started out as mortal enemies trying to kill each other. The two make major progress in their relationship in this novel. Avid fans, myself included, have been begging to see "angry wall sex" between Mira and Danaus and this book will not disappoint. Drake sure knows how to make the heat between the two of them almost reach the boiling point. However, after seeing into Danaus's head in the previous book, Pray for Dawn, and his deep feelings for Mira, his betrayal came at a complete shock. Even though he is conflicted over her since he believes nightwalkers are evil, I would have never believed he could ultimately betray her. In the end, it makes sense since the only thing that could bring him down would be his greatest weakness, humans. As if the betrayal wasn't enough, she has no choice but fall into Macaire's trap, and must come to terms with the dark secrets from her past. Poor Mira never gets a break and everything seems to be thrown at her at once. While her hold on sanity may be tenuous at times, any other character would have long crumbled under the pressure. Her fortitude and determination to protect her people makes Mira such an admirable character and this book will leave you desperate for more.

Rating:

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Wait for Dusk (Dark Days, Book 5)

My First Award!

, by KT

Yesterday, Missy's Reads & Reviews gave me my first award. I am so excited and want to send HUGE thanks to her! Here it is:

Here's how this award works:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason! (In no particular order...)
4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award.

Here are my 7 things:
1. I'm really short, as in only 5 foot even short
2. I love frogs and the color green
3. I really really want one of the new synergy green Cameros
4. I've been married for 5 years
5. My kids are 2 and 3 1/2
6. I have 263 books and counting on my kindle
7. I'm 12 credits from finally getting my degree (part-time takes forever!)

Here are the 15 bloggers:
1. A Journey of Books
2. A Life Bound by Books
3. Amberkatze's Book Blog
4. Bewitched Bookworms
5. Book Addict's Book Reviews
6. Candace's Book Blog
7. Confessions of a Bookaholic
8. Erika Breathes Books
9. Escape Between the Pages
10. I's So Rather Be Reading
11. My Neurotic Book Affair
12. Reading the Best of the Best
13. Tattooed Books
14. The Bookologist
15. The Ramblings of a Book Addict