Luca's Magic Embrace (Immortals in New Orleans #2) by Kym Grosso

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Kindle Direct Publishing
Publication Date: October 17, 2012
Links: Goodreads  Amazon
Star Rating:

An erotic paranormal romance…

Sexy vampire, Luca Macquarie doesn’t do love; especially not with humans. Yet, ever since he rescued Samantha Irving, he can’t deny the enigmatic attraction he’s developed for the alluring mortal woman. Concerned for her safety, he’s determined to bring Samantha back to her coven. His mission is to go find the novice witch and bring her home, nothing more, nothing less; falling for her is not supposed to be part of the plan.

Samantha doesn’t want to be a witch, yet that’s exactly what she is. After failing to elicit her magic, she escapes to the mountains in an attempt to resume a semblance of her previous human life. When an arsonist torches her cabin, Samantha’s worst fears are realized. Aware that her life is on the line, she reluctantly agrees to return to New Orleans with Luca.

In the Big Easy, Samantha and Luca embark on a spellbinding journey, searching for a mystical amulet that promises to release her obligation from an ancient, lethal vampire who’s been threatening her life. With cryptic clues and clandestine allies, will Luca and Samantha destroy the dangerous amulet before others acquire it, setting forth a chain of catastrophic consequences? And will Luca give into his erotic desire for the witch who magically captures heart?

Sometimes when you find a series you just have to hang in there. I did not give up on this series, and I’m so glad I kept going. Luca Luca Luca…was absolutely delicious in “Luca’s Magic Embrace” the second book in the Immortals of New Orleans Series. This book was simply a pleasure to read. I was unimpressed by "Kade’s Dark Embrace" which was the first book in this series, and if the book had not ended on such an intense cliffhanger, I would have missed the opportunity of reading Luca’s story.
Over Impression of the Book

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Kym Grosso’s writing has improved greatly since her last book, her writing style was completely different this time around. She must have found a better editor. This book had it all, action, romance, and mystery, which seems to be the trend for this series. I loved the storyline that focused greatly on Samantha coming to terms with becoming a witch. That made the story so much fun to read. I also loved the first few chapters that focused on Kade helping Luca heal. It was soooo emotional and I loved it. I felt way more connected with the character this time. What did bothered me was the lack of Kade’s presence in the rest of the book. Luca had some series drama going on that not only affected him and Samantha, but the vampire race as a whole. I would have thought the leader of the vampires would be a lot more involved in getting the issue resolved. Maybe Kade had complete confidence in Luca, but it frustrated me, especially since Luca was so instrumental in helping Kade and Sydney in the last book. 

Characters

Luca - Luca is my new book boyfriend. He changed so much in the course of one book. He loathed humans in Kade’s Dark Embrace. In this book he is so loving, intense, and dominant. I loved the light BDSM scenes with he and Samantha, so freaking HOT. His strength was unparalleled. Everything but the kitchen sink was thrown at this vampire during this book, and he continued to overcome all adversity geared toward him and Samantha. He was a true protector, and I understand why Samantha trusted him so much. He definitely needs to be the leader of his own territory, he is surely capable. I must admit that after I read this book, I said Kade who. I also love the scenes he shared with Tristan. I can’t wait to read about that sexy Alpha wolf.

Samantha - FINALLY!! A heroine I can get behind. I really loved Samantha, and it has been a long time sense I’ve truly loved a heroine. Vulnerable, yet strong, she had to overcome a lot. Unlike Sydney, she was loyal to Luca from day one, and was open to explore her feelings for him. She has a big heart, and the potential to be a very powerful witch. This book was not just about Luca saving her, she also saved him. She was smart, funny, tough, and feminine.
Plot - The overall plot of the book was just okay. The plot in the first book was far better yet, this book surpasses its predecessor, hands down. This book was packed with action and mystery, which is something I expect from a Kym Grosso novel. The story moved along fluidly, with little to no dead spaces, there was a lot of story to tell. The sudden switch in POV is new to me, but was still easy to follow. The writing was so much better in this book, and I look forward to reading about Tristan’s story next. I love the wolves!!

Kade's Dark Embrace (Immortals in New Orleans #1) by Kym Grosso

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance Series
Publisher: Kindle Direct Publishing
Publication Date: March 5, 2012
Links:  Goodreads   Amazon
Star Rating: 
 

After a series of girls are ritualistically murdered on the cold streets of Philadelphia, seasoned detective, Sydney Willows, is forced to work with sexy, alpha vampire, Kade Issacson. While working the case, Sydney finds herself inexplicably drawn to Kade, fighting the passion she feels towards him.

Kade, determined to solve the case and mete out justice, is captivated by the independent, fiery detective. As he attempts to protect her from a very real murderer, Kade grows concerned that the beautiful, but very human detective, could easily end up dead should she tangle with supernatural forces that are beyond her control.

The investigation leads them into a dark and dangerous world, deep in the heart of New Orleans, where together, they search for the perpetrators of the Voodoo killings. Sydney soon becomes the target of the killer and ends up fighting for her life and love in the Big Easy. Will she eventually give into the intoxicating desire she feels for Kade if she makes it out alive?

Kade's Dark Embrace is the first installment in the Immortals of New Orleans Series.  The book centers on tough as nails Detective Sydney Willows and New Orleans Vampire Leader Kade Issacom.  These two are like oil and vinegar from the very beginning.  I give this book three stars. This book was a pleasant surprise, it showed up in a suggested read email from Amazon.  I can’t pass up a free book about vampires and werewolves…lol.  Although I loved the plot, the writing was horrible and almost ruined the book for me. 

Overall Impression of the Book

This book is True Blood with a sprinkled of Twilight (but way more fierce).  Yes I said True blood because I have not read the Sookie Stackhouse Novels.   Although this book puts me in the mindset of True Blood, it was a unique story.  This was a decent book, and I do not feel like I wasted my Saturday afternoon reading it. I may have felt differently if I paid for this book. I think it was smart of the author to offer this book for free, it was just not good enough to pay for. In this book the Supernatural Beings (Vampires, Werewolves, and Witches) are known to the public, but not treated like second class citizens like they are in True Blood, which is a plus. I like the fact the different supernatural factions are not at war with one another, but are allies. Kade's best friends is a werewolf, how often do you see that!! Not to mention Kade’s BFF Tristen, the Alpha Wolf, is HOT HOT HOT. The story starts with a string of murders happening in Philadelphia. Sydney and Kade must work together to solve the case. Kade is happy to spend more time with the human detective, but Sydney wants to get always from the vampire as soon as she can. There is sexual tension between the two from the very beginning, but it was a nice build up to the action :-). This book was only about 250 pages, but there was a lot of story within those pages.

Characters

Sydney - I liked Sydney but I did not love her. I respected the fact she was not some whinny damsel in distress and she kicked ass and took name. The fact that she made so many mindless mistakes putting herself in harms way numerous times irritated me. 

Kade - Was an okay hero. I didn't like the fact he let Sydney boss him around in the beginning. Not what I expect from a 200yr old vampire. Where the hell his backbone was for first 50% of the book, I could not tell you. He became a little more dominate toward the end of the book, which is how I like my vampires…dominate and in control.

Plot - The plot saved the book, it was interesting and kept my attention. It ended on a cliffhanger and I purchased the next book…yes I spent money this time. I have my fingers crossed that the sequel to this series is worth the $3.99 I paid for it. There a lot going on in the story, the mysterious murders of young girls, an unknown enemy, and a brooding romance. The author did some decent, but not great world building that gave me a good sense of the main and sub-characters. 

Writing - The writing was a hot mess, and nearly ruined the book. It was amateurish, cheesy, and I felt myself cringe on more than one occasion. At times it felt as though I was reading a cheesy drugstore novel, not a kick ass paranormal romance. All in all, this book was not a waste of my time and energy.

Book Review: Claimed (Dark Protectors #2) by Rebecca Zanetti - A Must Read

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance Series
Publisher: Entangled: Teen (August 27, 2013)
Publication Date: August 27, 2013
Links:  Amazon Goodreads
Star Rating:

A Daring Rescue Emma Paulsen is a geneticist driven by science. But she's also a psychic, so when a dark, good-hearted vampire frees her from the clutches of the evil Kurjans, she realizes he must be the man who's been haunting her dreams. But with a virus threatening vampires' mates, Emma may discover a whole new meaning of "lovesick".

A Deadly Decision As King of the Realm, Dage Kayrs has learned to practice diplomacy. Still, it's taken three hundred years to find his mate, so he'll stop at nothing to protect her—even if it means turning his back on his own kind...

Overall Impression of the Book

Claimed is the second book in the Dark Protector series. Claimed focuses on Emma Paulsen and Dage Kayrs. I LOVE ME SOME DAGE!! Emma was an okay heroine but she worked my nerves at time. This group of males are primitive alpha males and you get a sense of the era they are from. They protect their mates, or potential mates at all costs. Again I love the world that Zanetti has created. Again I am more interested about the world building then the characters at times. I firmly believe this series should be read in order so the reader can get a better since of the world and the characters. The love connections are pretty fast but hey…it is a romance novel. If you love Immortals After Dark or the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, these book are for you. One thing that is different about this series is that there are significant time jumps between the books. I am sure the purpose of the time jumps are to have the final

Characters

Emma – is a very headstrong heroine. I like how she made Dage work for her affection, but she was a little over the top and unreasonable at times and that really irritated me. She is a feminist, and the whole mating and marking thing drives Emma crazy. I have to disagree; I would love to be marked by Dage Kayrs…lol. Emma and her sister Cara are like night and day but so are Dage and Talen for that matter.

Dage – Is the King of the Realm. He has the weight of th world on his sholder. Unlike his brother Talen, Dage has known who his mate would be for over a 100 years. Both Dage and Emma dramt about on another, but had know idea they either one actually existed. Dage is a little more refined

Plot & Writing: Love the plot of these books. So the Kayrs brother are basically the royal family, but they act more like soldiers then royalty. They have a enemy called the Kurjans. These two factions have been at peace for hundreds of years until both factions find out about Janie, who is a little girl with special abilities. Cara also has special abilities and these qualities are needed in the mate of both the vampires and the Kurjans. So the war is between these two factions is back on, and all the other factions in the realm (witches, shifters, deamons, werewolves) will have to pick a side. The world that Zanetti has built is both fresh (for a paranormal romance) and interesting.

This series is a must read!!

Book Review: Fated (Dark Protector #1) by Rebecca Zanetti

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance Series
Publisher:  Kensington Books

Publication Date:  March 1, 2011
Links:  Amazon   Goodreads

Star Rating

Marry Me! Cara Paulsen does not give up easily. A scientist and a single mother, she's used to fighting for what she wants, keeping a cool head, and doing whatever it takes to protect her daughter Janie. But "whatever it takes" has never before included a shotgun wedding to a dangerous-looking stranger with an attitude problem.

Or Else! Sure, the mysterious Talen says that he's there to protect Cara and Janie. He also says that he's a three-hundred-year-old vampire. Of course, the way he touches her, Cara might actually believe he's had that long to practice. . .

My Overall Impression of the Book:  
 

Fated is the first book in the Dark Protect series by Rebecca Zanetti. The book is about Cara Paulsen and Talen Kayrs. Cara is an enhanced human with special gifts and Talen is the vampire who wants to mate her. I recently finished the Immortals After Dark and Black Daggar Brotherhood series so I was looking for a new group of alpha males to fall in love with. Well I got them. I love the Kayrs brothers. There a lot of mix reviews about Talen and his “run you over like a Mac Truck” approach to Cara and there mating. I do think he is the most barbaric of the bunch and that is okay with me. I loved him personally. Cara was in danger and every action he took (rather you agree or not) was to protect her. Zanetti did a great job with the world building. I was actually more interested in the world she created then some of the characters, a first for me. 

This book was a good start to the series. Now I am hooked!! The books are an easy read. I actually read the first two books in the series over the weekend. Zanetti also writes novellas that focus on the side characters. Although I see her reasoning, I wish she just wrote full novels about the side characters as well. Anyone who loved IAD or BDB will probably enjoy this series as well. One thing I love about this book series is the Dark Protector’s world is so different from other paranormal books I have read, I do not feel like am reading the same story.  Cara was a likeable heroine.  She had to deal with the cards she was dealt, and Talen did not leave her a lot of choice.  Her life was going to change forever one way or another.  She could either go with vampires, or get kidnapped by their enemy…the Kurjans.  No I do not agree with her leaving her daughter for a extended period of time but Talen did not leave her much choice.  I fell in love with Cara’s daughter Janie, and she is a very important part of the series.

Characters

Talen – Is a barbaric old school alpha male…and I absolutely loved it :-).  There was one thing Talen did in the book that I did not like at all (you will know when you read it), but for the most part I love me some him.  Talen is the take charge, kick butt and ask questions later kind of guy

Cara – Cara was a likeable heroine.  She had to deal with the cards she was dealt, and Talen did not leave her a lot of choice.  Her life was going to change forever one way or another.  She could either go with vampires, or get kidnapped by their enemy…the Kurjans.  No I do not agree with her leaving her daughter for a extended period of time but Talen did not leave her much choice.  I fell in love with Cara’s daughter Janie, and she is a very important part of the series.

Plot and Writing: Love the plot of these books.  So the Kayrs brother are basically the royal family, but they act more like soldiers then royalty.  They have a enemy called the Kurjans.  These two factions have been at peace for hundreds of years until both factions find out about Janie, who is a little girl with special abilities.  Cara also has special abilities and these qualities are needed in the mate of both the vampires and the Kurjans.  So the war is between these two factions is back on, and all the other factions in the realm (witches, shifters, deamons, werewolves) will have to pick a side.  The world that Zanetti has built is both fresh (for a paranormal romance) and interesting. 

This series is a must read!! 

A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark #2) by Kresely Cole

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance Series
Publisher:  Pocket Star

Publication Date: April 1, 2006
Star Rating:  5/5
Links:  Goodread  Amazon

Synopsis 

A mythic warrior who'll stop at nothing to possess her...

After enduring years of torture from the vampire horde, Lachlain MacRieve, leader of the Lykae Clan, is enraged to find the predestined mate he's waited millennia for is a vampire. Or partly one. This Emmaline is a small, ethereal half Valkyrie/half vampire, who somehow begins to soothe the fury burning within him.

A vampire captured by her wildest fantasy...

Sheltered Emmaline Troy finally sets out to uncover the truth about her deceased parents—until a powerful Lykae claims her as his mate and forces her back to his ancestral Scottish castle. There, her fear of the Lykae—and their notorious dark desires—ebbs as he begins a slow, wicked seduction to sate her own dark cravings.

An all-consuming desire...

Yet when an ancient evil from her past resurfaces, will their desire deepen into a love that can bring a proud warrior to his knees and turn a gentle beauty into the fighter she was born to be?

My Overall Impression of the Book:

Wow Wow Wow.  This book was amazing.  The Immortals After Dark (IAD) series has 13 books for far and I must say that this is my favorite.  Lachlain is a very powerful Lykae King that is dealing with the torture he faced by the hands of the vampire horde.  The Lykae is one of the most feared factions in the Lore, so when sweet, innocent, and fearful Emmaline meets Lachlain for the first time…it was not a happy moment.  People will either love this book or absolutely hate it.  I must also point out that Kresley is very gifted in created love scenes.  You will need a cold shower after this read…seriously…lol.

Characters

Lachlain MacReive – Love him!!  I am serious, that dang werewolf does things to me…whooo (fanning myself).  Talk about an ALPHA…and in this instance he is a werewolf so he is literally an ALPHA, and it shows.  Lachlain is the first Lykae introduced in the IAD series but will not be the last.  If you love a werewolves as much as I do, you will look forward to future stories were the Lykae are the heroes.  Lachlain was horrible at first.  It was very hard for him to admit that Emma was his mate because she is half vampire.  He was torture by vampires…the sworn enemy of the Lykae so how can she belong to him?  Emma slowly breaks down his wall of anger, hate, and self-loathing, but it is not easy. 

Emmaline Troy – I actually loved Emma.  I dislike a whinny weak heroine but you really see her evolve and grow in this book.  She is sheltered because her Valkyrie aunts always protected her….she never had to fight her own battles.  Well she learns quickly when a overgrown Lykae is trying to kidnap and mate you…you better buck up…lol.  She had to learn be strong or she would have been destroyed emotionally by Lachlain.  She fought for herself and in the end she fought for him also.  Who knew a powerful Lykae needed someone to fight for him…let alone a vampire.  

Others – You get a good look at the side characters in this story.  Bowen MacReive…Lachlain’s cousin was an instant hit with me…and Bowen’s book is amazing.  Nix - The Ever knowing soothsayer….enough said..lol.  She is important in every IAD book so far.   Regin the Radiant is a force to be reckoned with…get to know her…lol.  

Plot and Writing:

The writing is fantastic.  This is a well written novel and the plot of the Lore and the factions within it is always great.  This story, like the rest of the novels in this series surrounds the upcoming Accession.  The Accession is a battle that happens about every 500 years.  There is no real reason for the war…more like nature’s way of dwindling down the immortal population.  The alliances and enemies made in these love stories are going to be essential during the Accession.  

Recommended Read!!

Book Review: The Warlord Wants Forever (Immortals After Dark #1)

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Publisher:  Pocket Books
Publication: Date: November 22, 2011
Star Rating:  5/5
Links: Goodreads Amazon

Nikolai Wroth, once a ruthless human warlord in the 1700s and now a general in the rebel vampire army, needs to find his bride, the one woman who can render him truly alive. As a turned human, he doesn't enjoy a heartbeat or breathing and is consequently weaker than fully blooded vampires. He wants his bride for the power she will bring him and can hardly believe it when his heart beats for Myst the Coveted, a mad, fey, mythological creature.

She eludes him for five years, but he has finally chased her to ground and stolen the jewel which commands her, giving him absolute power over her. While he possesses it, he can make her do anything, and he plans to in order for her to experience firsthand the agonizing, unending lust she'd purposely subjected him to for half a decade. Yet when Wroth realizes he wants more from her and frees her, will she come.

My Overall Impression of the Series:

Wow Wow Wow. I have to take a breath so I can write this review. Whomever suggested the Kresley Cole “Immortals After Dark Series,” on Goodreads, I pledge my undying love to you!!.  Very hot and steamy love scenes that will leave you breathless and looking for you man…ASAP!!

I recently ventured into the Paranormal Romance Genre over the last year or so. I did not see how far-fetched fantasy could be romantic…boy was I wrong!!  Nikolai Wroth is soooo yummy. Who knew that a Warlord Vampire could be so sexy:-).  Myst is my new favorite heroine. She is so full of life and I love it.

I love the whole concept of the story, and if anyone is interested in reading the series PLEASE start with this Novella.  This book gives you all the information you need about the Lore and all the immortal beings within it.   I was nervous that world would be overly complicated, but Ms. Cole has done an exceptional job in explaining the Lore and gives reminders about key point in other books. I have read this novella and the first three books in this series within a week. I have a full time job and a toddler…figure that one out…

This series is so addictive and I love every minute of it. You can never get bored with these characters. My new favorite author and my new favorite series!!

Characters:

Nikolai Wroth – Oh Nikolai…where are you been all my life you sexy Vampire Warlord…Worth was a Estonian Warlord turned vampire by King Kristoff.  He is a part of a new vampire faction called the Forbearers…which are a upcoming and little known Lore faction.  When people in the Lore think of vampires they think of the Horde which is a vicious vampire faction that all other factions despise.  He is a young vampire but when he sets his sights on Myst…she is in a world of trouble…in a very good way!! 

Myst the Coveted – She is one of my favorite heroines.  Myst was fierce and strong and did not take crap from anyone including Wroth :-).  I thought no other heroine would top her in this series but I was wrong…lol.  Just keep reading the books people…

The Valkyrie- The series centers around the Valkyrie, female warriors of the Lore.  They are old and very powerful and each faction will have to deal with them one way or another :-).  This faction is instrumental through the entire series.

Plot and Writing:  The plot was fantastic.  In this novella you get your first taste of the Lore and some of the immortal beings within it.  Worth is new to the Lore and he and his King have a lot to learn. They are hoping to get answers out of Myst…but they have another thing coming they think this wee fey Valkyrie will tell them anything…they have no idea who the Valkyrie are…or how powerful Myst and her sisters are…but they find out very early in the story.  Worth and Myst have instinct connection that Myst must deny…I mean he is in fact a vampire :-).  This book is smoking hot and full of action.  The writing is suburb…