Showing posts with label #Paranormal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Paranormal. Show all posts

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Reaper by Larissa Ione - Review

Reaper - BT banner

"Reaper is . . . Epic. Thrilling. Amazing. No one can suck me into a story like Larissa Ione." -- Donna Grant, New York Times bestselling author”

For love, he’ll watch the world burn.

For revenge, he’ll light the match.

New York Times bestselling author Larissa Ione returns to her fan favorite Demonica Series with REAPER, available now!

Reaper_Demonica Series_300dpi


Author: Larissa Ione
Publication Date:  15 October 2019
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts
Series:  Demonica, book 19
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Age Recommendation: 17 and Up
Rating: 5 Stars
~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

THE DEMONICA SERIES RETURNS…
He is the Keeper of Souls. Judge, jury, and executioner. He is death personified.
He is the Grim Reaper.

A fallen angel who commands the respect of both Heaven and Hell, Azagoth has presided over his own underworld realm for thousands of years. As the overlord of evil souls, he maintains balance crucial to the existence of life on Earth and beyond. But as all the realms gear up for the prophesied End of Days, the ties that bind him to Sheoul-gra have begun to chafe.
Now, with his beloved mate and unborn child the target of an ancient enemy, Azagoth will stop at nothing to save them, even if it means breaking blood oaths and shattering age-old alliances.
Even if it means destroying himself and setting the world on fire…

Reaper now available

My Review:

Where do I even start?  Can I just tell you that this is a must read, trust that you will just listen and leave it at that?  I wish in a way that that could be the entirety of my review, JUST READ THIS BOOK, because to try and tell you all the reasons that I loved this book could last way longer than you would be willing to listen, I am certain.  

Alas, I can not leave you hanging with just a READ IT, so let me just tell you a few things that are my favorite points.  

1. The world building.  I think that I have shouted about this for ages but honestly you have to know that the world building in the Lords of Deliverance,  Demonica, and Demonica Underworld (all related) series is some of the absolute best out there in the paranormal world.  I know that isn't specific to this book itself but world building in a paranormal series and it's continuity through out a series is huge and Larissa brings it all together making the world almost as much of it's own character as Azagoth himself.  

2. Character development.  Wow, one of my favorite things about this book is the prologue.  Going all the way back to the beginning of the Azagoth we now know, it puts a spin on things that you may not have seen coming.  Poor Azagoth goes through so many changes, as you might expect from a character who was once an angel, then a guardian of souls, then a 'man' in love, a 'man' in pain, 'a man' in despair.....it goes on and on for this poor character but watching his evolution over the thousands upon thousands of years of his existence is amazing.  It's even more pronounced because when you compare him up against the Angels that are basically holding him captive he is the only one that changes, they're all still the same a-holes they were at the dawn of time, haha.  I love that we get to see some of the same in past characters as they pop up through out the story.  

3. Suspense.  This is huge in this book because this story isn't just a story about Azagoth and Lilliana, no, and don't think that it is, it is so much more.  This is the story arc cumulation of the entire Demonica series, going all the way back to the Lords of Deliverance.  So much happens, so many truths are told, so many lies uncovered, so many futures begun.  While this story closes the chapter on one arc it opens up an entire new one and I am so ready for it.  

4. Romance. Ah, the sweet sweet part of romance in paranormal romance. I loved how Larissa weaves the story of many of the ongoing relationships in this book. Again, this isn't just the story of Azagoth and Lilliana, it is so much more and that includes seeing not only their ups and downs and the ups and downs of the other couples. Watching Azagoth's, Eidolon's, Shade's, Serena's, etc hearts break is so devastating in those moments. But what you really want to know about is the 'steam' right? It's there and when it's steamy it is so steamy your windows will fog up, but know that it is only a side part of the story and in general it weaves seamlessly into the story. I will say there was one moment of romance that through me completely off because it came out of no where, but I am not one to turn my nose up at a bit of a tumble across a 'marshmallow floor' (you'll understand when you read it, ha) The most important romance in all of this (though see my point above about how it's not what the whole story is about) though is the story of Lilliana and Azagoth. The things that are set in motion when Azagoth's heart is broken is what fuels this story and watching this amazing character break over what happens with Lilliana will tear you up. The love that he (and she for him) has for her will set hell on fire, no pun intended. Their's is a passionate and sweet relationship, and they play beautifully off each other, bringing out each other's best.

5. Action. Holy baby hellions, there is so much action going on in this book. It will wrap you up right from the get go and stays strong through the entire book. It makes this a real page turner, one that you aren't going to want to put down until you are finished because you won't be able to stop thinking about what is about to happen when you step away.

6. Take Away. The lines are never truly black and white, there is a world of muddled color out there and while there are demons who are straight evil and angels who are glowingly good, there is a whole lot more of a mix out there so don't always take everything at face value.
      
Obviously if you are a fan of the series this is a must read, so much happens and so much more is begun in this book that you can't miss it, but trust me when I say more importantly, you don't want to miss it. If you have not read this series, DO NOT start here. This is the end (a beginning) to an entire story arc that began all the way back with Eidolon and Tayla, in Pleasure Unbound. If you don't want to go all the way back to book one, you could start at Azagoth, a novella that begins the story of Lilliana and Azagoth, but your enjoyment of the series will be so much higher if you take the plunge and start at the beginning. You know you are going to want to in the end anyway, lol.


Finally, I have so much more to say, there's just so much that happens and so much to come so I am going to need you to all go and read this and then you need to get in touch with me so we can talk, I mean I need something to hold me over until the story of the kids...the kids y'all, they are coming! <3 Back to my original thought... JUST READ THIS BOOK!



~ HAPPY READING ~ 


Reaper teaser 4


Excerpt:

“I have no doubt Azagoth will stop at nothing to save Lilliana,” Reaver admitted. “But he knows that if he releases Satan, Satan will kill Lilliana. He can’t risk it.” “What do you suggest we do then?” “I can talk to him,” Reaver said. “Hawkyn requested information about a fallen angel named Flail. I’ll use that as an excuse to get to Azagoth.” A flock of gulls squawked as the birds circled the palace, looking for handouts from Caila’s guests, and Metatron had to raise his voice to be heard. “You said he sealed off Sheoul-gra.” “Hawkyn will open it to me if I can convince him that I’m not there to destroy his father.” It shouldn’t be a problem; Hawkyn wouldn’t have contacted Reaver at all if he weren’t sure Reaver could handle the situation without killing anyone. “And if Azagoth is out of control?” Metatron asked. “Will you destroy him?” “Isn’t it a little early to be discussing that?” Metatron rolled his shoulders, probably not even aware he’d done it, but Reaver knew he was testing his wings and his powers, feeling them out at the thought that shit might get really fucking biblical real soon. “He can’t be allowed to release Satan,” he said, fire in his tone. “And he can’t be allowed to escape Sheoul-gra.” “Would escaping be such a bad thing?” Reaver wasn’t Azagoth’s biggest fan, but the guy had been trapped for thousands of years. He’d proven that he was capable of wrangling souls and navigating the politics of both Sheoul and Heaven. He’d chilled out a lot since getting mated, too. Seemed like it wouldn’t be a big deal if he lived where he wanted and commuted to work. Metatron appeared troubled that Reaver would even ask such an apparently insane question. “Yes, it could be bad.” “Why?” Reaver asked. “I mean, I get that he’s an asshole, but a lot bigger assholes are running around loose.” Like the fallen angels who had killed Wraith. He clenched his fists, wishing he was out hunting them right now. “Azagoth signed contracts,” Metatron said. “Contracts sealed with the powers of Heaven and Sheoul. We don’t know what kind of damage we’d take if he made that big of a breach.” Sounded kind of minor to Reaver, but he knew well how seriously Heaven took broken rules and breaches of contract. They also weren’t fond of Heaven being damaged, which was why Revenant, while technically welcome here, wasn’t…welcome. His presence destroyed everything around him. “Okay,” Reaver said. “Let me grab the info on Flail and give Hawkyn a call. I’ll let you know what happens. And, Uncle?” Metatron inclined his head. “I want this to stay between us for now.” Silence stretched. Not even the gulls called out, and Reaver started to sweat. Metatron had always been fair and by-the-book, which was probably part of why Reaver had been such a rule breaker as a youth. And beyond. Hell, he still was, he just wasn’t as reckless about it now. Responsibility was a bitch.



About Larissa Ione:

Air Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career in meteorology to pursue her passion of writing. She has since published dozens of books, hit several bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today, and has been nominated for a RITA award. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her retired U.S. Coast Guard husband, her son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhounds, a King Shepherd named Hexe and a Belgian Malinois named Duvel.



Connect with Larissa:

Facebook ~ BookBub ~ TwitterAmazon


Thursday, October 10, 2019

Reaper by Larissa Ione - Trailer Reveal

I am so excited for the next book in Larissa Ione's Demonica series.  Check out the trailer below!

Reaper releases 15 October!

For love, he will light the world on fire…








Book Description:


THE DEMONICA SERIES RETURNS...

He is the Keeper of Souls. Judge, jury, and executioner. He is death personified.

He is the Grim Reaper.

A fallen angel who commands the respect of both Heaven and Hell, Azagoth has presided over his own underworld realm for thousands of years. As the overlord of evil souls, he maintains balance crucial to the existence of life on Earth and beyond. But as all the realms gear up for the prophesied End of Days, the ties that bind him to Sheoul-gra have begun to chafe.

Now, with his beloved mate and unborn child the target of an ancient enemy, Azagoth will stop at nothing to save them, even if it means breaking blood oaths and shattering age-old alliances.

Even if it means destroying himself and setting the world on fire…






Meet the Author:

Air Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career in meteorology to pursue her passion of writing. She has since published dozens of books, hit several bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today, and has been nominated for a RITA award. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her retired U.S. Coast Guard husband, her son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhounds, a King Shepherd named Hexe and a Belgian Malinois named Duvel.




Connect with Larissa:

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Ensnared by Elisabeth Naughton - Review and Excerpt Tour

 

From New York Times Bestselling author Elisabeth Naughton, comes ENSNARED, a new novella in her Eternal Guardians Series, brought to you by 1,001 Dark Nights

Be sure to grab your copy today!

 


Author: Elisabeth Naughton
Publication Date:  12 February 2019
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, INC
Series:  Eternal Guardians
Genre:  Paranormal Romance, Mythology/Fantasy
Age Recommendation: 17 and Up
Rating: 4 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 


Book Description:

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Elisabeth Naughton comes a new story in her Eternal Guardians series…

RYDER–Mysterious, powerful, every woman’s fantasy come true.

For thousands of years, Ryder has reveled in his role as an immortal messenger—a dream weaver sent to seduce and manipulate. Until he’s ordered to deceive a fantasy of his own.

Zakara, the daughter of one of the mightiest Eternal Guardians, is his perfect woman. But she’s impervious to Ryder’s advances. Each attempt to sway her to his will pushes him deeper into a dreamscape she seems to be controlling. To survive, Ryder will need to find a way to master his sexy new prey. Because if he can’t, he risks forever condemning himself and the woman he’s grown to love to a never-ending nightmare drawn straight from the twisted depths of hell.

   


   

My Review:

One of my true bookish joys is getting to go back to worlds that have stolen my heart but then quietly slipped away as the world's characters have found their HEA's, so you can well imagine my joy over Ensnared!  I have beeb following along with the Eternal Guardians for so long now that when the worlds story arc started to see it's end I felt bereft, getting this glimpse of them all again just brings home how much I love these characters and this world.  I hope that Elisabeth will be able to find more of these gems to share with us and perhaps one day we'll get the stories of the children's children...I mean it's not too much to expect/want her to keep this going for year and years is it?  ;-)

Ensnared is the story of Ryder, a messenger for Zeus (he's such a jerk that Zeus) and Zakara the beloved daughter of Callia and Zander, whose story you can read in Entwined, book 2 of the Eternal Guardians series. As always I love that you can almost always dive into a 1,001 Dark Night Novella having never read the series before and be perfectly content.  Ensnared is no exception which is wonderful because if it were any other book in the series I would tell the reader that they want to start at book one.  The Eternal Guardians world builds upon itself in each book so starting at book one is important typically, but you will be fine here, though it will make you want to go back and read from the start and meet the moms and dads that started this journey with the PitA Zeus.

I was completely enamored with Ryder and Zakara, I loved Ryder's over all storyline and his sweet Alpha Male personality.  Zakara is just refreshing in her individuality, I love that while she becomes a kick butt heroine she always retains her gentle spirit.  Their love story is sweet and totally steamy and the way that Elisabeth always makes things work out in the end will have you smiling and wanting more...which we should be getting, squee!

This is a great read for any fan of the series or anyone just curious to see what the Argonauts are all about!  Grab this one up and sit back and enjoy!

~ HAPPY READING ~ 


 

Excerpt:


Happily ever after wasn’t in his future. Reality and dreams—as he’d learned long ago—did not intermix. It was too dangerous. And he’d spent months successfully avoiding her, only to have Zeus send him straight to her now.

Only now that he was here, some part of him was thankful he no longer had to avoid her. He knew he should go on fighting the attraction but he didn’t want to. She was everything he’d been denying himself. Everything he craved. That connection he’d been missing for so damn long. For tonight, at least, he wanted to indulge in the one temptation he knew he could never truly have. 

“I wondered when you’d return.”

She turned at the sound of his voice and lifted surprised eyes to his. Violet eyes. Mesmerizing eyes. Eyes that softened and warmed the instant they locked on his. “I was tied up all day with family stuff. This was the soonest I could get here.”

Damn, he didn’t remember those eyes being quite that brilliant.

“Thankfully, you’re here now.” He reached for her hand, silky soft skin sliding over his much rougher palm, and drew her toward him. Her lithe body brushed up against his without even the slightest hesitation.

“Where is here?” she asked, tipping her face up toward his, teasing him with her plump, pink lips beneath the softly swaying palms in the warm breeze.

“Right where we left off.”

He lowered his lips to hers with a kiss that sizzled along every one of his nerve endings and taunted his rock-solid self-control. But before he could deepen the kiss and tease her with the promise of a little pleasure, he registered that the water beneath his feet had turned cold, and the warm breeze that had once been ruffling his hair now left a shiver down his spine.

He drew back, lifted his head, and glanced around the beach, only to gasp at what he saw. No more palm trees, no more powder white sand, no gently lapping waves. The water was now still and black, the shore a mixture of rough sand and small round stones, and there was no more tropical foliage rising from the beach. Instead, steep, rigid mountains stood tall against a starry sky. Mountains covered in pine and fir and spruce and cottonwood.

“What in all the gods...” Still holding her hands, he turned to the left and looked back behind him, no longer seeing his bare footprints in the soft sand as they’d been moments before. Catching nothing but the dark rocky shoreline as it curved around what looked to be a small bay in a rather large lake.

“Something wrong?”

Her sweet voice drew him back around, and he looked down with wide eyes, shocked she didn’t seem the slightest bit concerned. “I...”



Words faltered on his lips. Had he altered the dream right there mid-kiss?


   



ABOUT ELISABETH NAUGHTON:

 Elisabeth Naughton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. From Elisabeth: “I was never one of those people who knew they wanted to be an author at the age of six. I didn’t have imaginary friends. I didn’t write stories in my journal or entertain my relatives by firelight after Thanksgiving dinner. For the most part, I was just a normal, everyday kid. I liked to read, but I wasn’t exceptional at it. And when my teachers complimented me on my writing abilities, I brushed them off. I did, however, always have a penchant for the unique and absurd. And as my mother told me all throughout my childhood, I should have been an actress—I was a drama queen before my time. “Years ago, my husband bought me Scarlett: The Sequel to Gone With The Wind. If you ever saw the book, you know it’s a long one. I sat and read that thing from cover to cover, and dreamed of one day being a writer. But I didn’t actually try my hand at writing until years later when I quit my teaching job to stay home with my kids. And my husband? After that week of reading where I neglected him and everything else until I finished Scarlett, he vowed never to buy me another book again. Little did he know I’d one day end up sitting at a keyboard all day drafting my own stories. “My writing journey has not been easy. I didn’t just sit down one day, decide I was going to write a book and voila! sell my very first attempt. As most authors will probably agree, the path to publication is filled with hours of work, pulling all-nighters I thought I’d given up in college, sacrifices, rejections, but a love I discovered along the way I just can’t live without. Instead of a big, thick book to read by lamplight (I do read much smaller ones when I get the chance), I’ve traded in my reading obsession for a laptop. And I’ve never been happier. “I’m one of the lucky ones. I have a wonderful family and fabulous husband who put up with my writing—and obsessive personality—even when life is chaotic. More than once my kids have been late to swimming or baseball because I needed just five more minutes to finish a scene. Their support and encouragement mean the world to me. I also have amazing friends and a support network I couldn’t survive without. So to all of you out there who have encouraged me along the way, sent me emails and fan letters, phone calls and congratulations, I just want to say, thank you. You make this whole writing gig that much more enjoyable. I truly wouldn’t be here without you.”

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Author Goodreads

 

Elisabeth Naughton’s ENSNARED – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:
February 13th
I Smell Sheep – Review & Excerpt
Kaidans Seduction – Review & Excerpt
TjLovesToRead – Excerpt
February 14th
Reads & Reviews – Review & Excerpt
The Reading Cafe – Review & Excerpt
February 15th
Cup of Tea Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Diane's Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Read-Love-Blog – Excerpt
Shelleen's Musings – Review & Excerpt
February 16th
AC Squared Book Blog – Excerpt
Kick Back & Review – Review
The Bo0ki3 – Excerpt
February 17th
Books are my friends, come see why – Review & Excerpt
Little Shop of Readers – Review & Excerpt
Reads All the Books – Review & Excerpt
February 18th
Ginreads – Review & Excerpt
Tfaulcbookreviews – Excerpt
February 19th
Dreamer's Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Life in the Book Lane – Review & Excerpt
February 20th
Brittany's Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Louise's Book Buzz – Review & Excerpt
February 21st
Lynn's Romance Enthusiasm – Review & Excerpt
February 22nd
Ash P Reads – Review & Excerpt
Books 2 Blog – Review & Excerpt
My Nook, Books & More – Excerpt

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Archangel's Prophecy by Nalini Singh - Review




Author: Nalini Singh
Publication Date:  30 October, 2018
Publisher: Berkley
Series:  Guild Hunter, book 11
Genre:  Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Romance
Age Recommendation: 17 and Up
Rating: 4 Stars




Book Description:

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.



My Review:

I do love this series, but I have to say it is getting to be a fairly complicated world, not that's not true. It's alway been a complicated world, I am just starting to get lost inside of it. Remembering exactly who is who is becoming more and more challenging.

Archangel's Prophecy through me for a little bit of a loop because I feel like it completely left me in limbo. Some major things have happened but we have no true understanding of the hows and the whys. The Cascade is running rampant and turning this world of angels, vampires, and mortals upside down. It's honestly a bit of a scary reflection of our world today, or at least how I can say I feel here in the U.S. We're surrounded by chaos and turmoil, never knowing what will be coming at us next or if our leaders are or will stay sane. There is something in the air, in the ground that isn't right and it's changing the world around us in unexplainable ways.

As always I adore the characters in this series. Raphael and Elena will always be a favorite couple of mine, heck characters in general. 'BlueBell', oh 'BlueBell', I can't wait for your story. And sweet Jessamy and Galen...oh my heart, what is going to happen? I know I talk about how hard it is getting to follow along and remember the details of every character, but I will say that I am not looking forward to the day that we have conclusion. I will miss these characters with all my heart.

I know, I know, maybe I am looking too deeply and searching for something in this book to help understand our world in their world, but it truly feels like Nalini is, of course with a lot of imagination, that she sees everything, that it is happening around her too and that confusion and fear we are feeling is the same confusion and fear even the mighty Raphael is feeling too. We are not alone, and neither are Raphael or Elena.

If you are a fan of this series, you need to read this, because every thing is changing. If you have not started this series, don't start here. This is truly a series I feel like you must read from book one on. I know it sees daunting, this is book 11 after all (and doesn't include the novellas) but I think you will be lost. You won't be totally lost, but there is no true explanation of what is happening in this world, you have to have a basic understanding of who Raphael and Elena are and all the challenges that have come before now. Every book is an adventure and while some books focus on other characters and their romances, each books storyline leads us through adventures that have built upon the one that came before it.

I listened to this on audio, and love the way that the narrator of this series, Justine Eyre, 'reads' these books. She is so good at switching between the characters voices and it is easy to know exactly who she is voicing even if we aren't told. She has a distinct voice for each person and I can't imagine them sounding like anyone else. It is fun to be able to hear their individual accents as well...I mean who would have guessed Illium would have the voice that she gives him, but honestly it is perfect. It is a sweet voice, almost child like, (and considering he is considered a bit of a baby angel, it fits so well) and full of lightness and heart. Raphael a deep commanding voice, Jason, a quiet mysterious voice...honestly she just nails each one perfectly! So if you are an audio 'reader' I highly recommend this series as a must listen! <3



~ HAPPY READING ~



About Nalini Singh:

I've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.

I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).

So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.




Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Dragonfire by Donna Grant - Release Day

We are beyond excited to be celebrating the release of Donna Grant's DRAGONFIRE with you today! DRAGONFIRE is #14 in the Dark Kings series. 

Purchase your copy now, and check out some teasers for the book below. 

-------------------- 


Goodreads ~ AmazonUS ~ Amazo UK ~ AmazonCA ~ AmazonAU

BAM ~ Barnes&Noble ~ IndieBound ~ Powells  

Kindle ~ Nook ~ Kobo ~ iBooks ~ Google Play

Audio: Tantor  

Book Description:

  Passion burns hot in Dragonfire, the next Dark Kings novel from New York Times bestseller Donna Grant. 

It was a soul-deep longing, one that got into his bones and settled there, sending whispers of desire through him. The need, the hunger, grew tenfold with every breath. . . . 

 As a Dragon King, Roman is sworn to protect all mortals—even though they no longer believe in dragons. But deep in the Carpathian Mountains, he discovers a beautiful and mysterious gypsy who possesses the power to see into his very soul. To reignite the fire in his heart. And to help him find the long-lost sword that could save the dragons forever… Sabina remembers the stories her grandmother told her. Legends of dragons and kings, fire and ice. And she’s never forgotten the dark prophecy that filled her ancestors with fear—a fate they tried to prevent by stealing a Dragon King’s sword. Sabina knows that helping Roman is dangerous. He is a dragon betrayed, and more powerful than any man. He could destroy her in a single fiery embrace. But how can she resist the longing in his eyes—or the feelings in her heart—when their destinies are bound by desire?

------------

Praise for the Dark Kings series:

“Provocative [and] sizzling.” —RT Book Reviews (4 stars)

“A must-read.” Night Owl Reviews

 

 





About DONNA GRANT:


New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant has been praised for her "totally addictive" and "unique and sensual" stories. Her latest acclaimed series, Dark Kings, features a thrilling combination of dragons, Fae, and immortal Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with her two children and an assortment of animals in Texas. 


  Follow Donna Grant:  

Shadow and Ice by Gena Showalter - Release Day Review

 

The Queen of Paranormal Romance, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Gena Showalter, stuns with SHADOW AND ICE, the first title in her scorching new paranormal romance Gods of War Series.

 Check out the tour stop below and get your copy of SHADOW AND ICE today!

 

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ 

Barnes&Noble ~ Kobo ~ iBooks


Author: Gena Showalter
Publication Date:  23 October, 2018
Publisher: Harlequin 
Series:  Gods of War, book 1
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Age Recommendation: 17 and up
Rating: 4 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 


Book Description:

Gena Showalter, the New York Times bestselling author who brought you the Lords of the Underworld, introduces a scorching new paranormal romance series… Gods of War.

Knox of Iviland has spent his life competing in the All Wars, where vicious warriors with supernatural powers fight to the death to claim new realms. One winner takes everything—and all losers die. Enslaved as a child for his ability to control shadows, the most ruthless champion in history will stop at nothing to kill his king. But first he must win the battle for Earth. When a fearsome weapon imprisons every combatant in ice, centuries pass without progress…until she walks in.

Vale London craves a fun arctic getaway with her foster sister before settling down to open a bakery. Street-tough but vulnerable, she is unprepared to find ancient gods escaping a frozen cave—merciless beings who target her when she inadvertently enters their war.

Though Vale is now his enemy, Knox is consumed with lust and a fierce need to protect her. But only one combatant can prove victorious, and he will have to choose: live for freedom, or die for love.


   

My Review:

When I first heard about this series I had a mini heart attack from the excitement, a new paranormal romance from GENA SHOWALTER, Heck yeah, gimme, gimme, gimme!  

I will say that there is a lot happening in this book but I blame that on it being the first book in an entirely new series and world.  There is a lot of information to pass along and characters to meet.  It can be confusing if you aren't paying close attention.  I will say that in the back of the book Gena adds a index of all the characters that is particularly helpful because there are a lot and it can be hard to keep up with who is alive or dead and who has what powers.

All in all though I really loved this book.  I loved this new world but with the feel we have come to know from Gena, the snark, the depth of the characters, even if it seems like they are nothing more than meat heads, the concept of their being a fine line between good and evil and who gets the right to decide what is and what isn't.  

I quite enjoyed these characters as individuals.  Their stories will break you heart and the depth of love that they have for others is a beautiful thing.  Together they were a mixed bag, I wanted a stronger connection but can't deny that they connection in and of it's self was hot.  I feel like due to the amount of information that had to be shared in this first book the relationship of the main characters may have suffered some.  When it comes down to it though this is a book about learning to trust and I can say with out reservation that these two characters walk away with complete faith in one another.  

Knox's internal monologue may have been one of my favorite parts.  Just 'watching' this warrior fight with himself was entertaining.  Seeing how he acted like the big bad fierce warrior on the outside but was a man who wanted more than revenge and battle on the inside made me smile.  He really is a big old teddy bear when everything else is pushed to the side.  Vale, is a kick butt heroine.  I want so much more of her.  Once she gets on board she doesn't even wait to take names after kicking tush.  The way she announced herself at the first gathering after she comes into the picture is one of the best parts!  They are both broken on the inside, both in one way or another having been beaten down, but they are two of the strongest characters out there.  They are two people who will overcome their circumstances not become their circumstances.  

I am really excited for Nola and Bane's book, mainly because until a certain moment in the book I had no idea that was even going to be the connection, it was unexpected and super exciting!  

This is a great start to a new series.  Go in with a lot of time on your hands just so you can sort through everything in your mind, but be ready for an exciting ride.  

Sidenote:  I partially listened to the narration of this as well and I will say the male narrator was not my favorite, I felt like there was a campiness to the way he read Knox that isn't there in Gena's words.  I loved the dual POV narration though, it felt really 'alive' that way.  

~ HAPPY READING ~





 

   


“I love this world…this is Gena Showalter at her best!”—J.R. Ward, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“The Gods of War series is my new obsession.”—Christine Feehan, #1 New York Times bestselling author


About Gena Showalter: 
   
Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the spellbinding Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, two young adult series--Everlife and the White Rabbit Chronicles--and the highly addictive Original Heartbreakers series.  In addition to being a National Reader's Choice and two time RITA nominee, her romance novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan (Red Hot Read) and Seventeen magazine, she's appeared on Nightline and been mentioned in Orange is the New Black--if you ask her about it, she'll talk for hours…hours!  Her books have been translated in multiple languages. She’s hard at work on her next novel, a tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who brings him to his knees. You can learn more about Gena, her menagerie of rescue dogs, and all her upcoming books at genashowalter.com or Facebook.com/genashowalterfans  

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Gena Showalter’s SHADOW AND ICE – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:
October 22nd
All Things Dark & Dirty – Review & Excerpt
Beneath The Covers – Review & Excerpt
Diane's Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Evermore Books – Review & Excerpt
NallaReads – Review & Excerpt
Read more sleep less – Review & Excerpt
October 23rd
Book Reader Chronicles – Review & Excerpt
Ceres Books World – Review
Declarations of a Fangirl – Review & Excerpt
Little Shop of Readers – Review & Excerpt
Moonlight Rendezvous – Review & Excerpt
October 24th
@reads_romance – Review
Bout-a-Book blog – Review
Crazii Bitches Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Lo’s Lo-Down on Books – Review & Excerpt
Milky Way of Books – Review
Romancing the Laser Pistol – Review & Excerpt
Somewhere Lost in Books – Review & Excerpt
October 25th
Bambi Unbridled – Review
Caitlin's World – Review & Excerpt
Feel the Book – Excerpt
Kay Daniels Romance – Review & Excerpt
Reading in Pajamas – Review & Excerpt
Reese's Reviews – Excerpt
October 26th
Feeling Fictional – Review & Excerpt
Incidental Inspiration – Review & Excerpt
My Book Filled Life – Review & Excerpt
Sip Read Love – Review
The Ink Spell – Review
October 27th
Another Book Hangover – Excerpt
Bookgasms Book Blog – Review
Booknerd1107 – Review
The Reading Cafe – Review & Excerpt
October 28th
Jax's Book Magic – Excerpt
Ginreads – Review & Excerpt
Mother/Gamer/Writer – Review & Excerpt
NC 2 DC – Review & Excerpt
Red's Midnight Readers – Review & Excerpt
October 29th
3 degrees of fiction – Review & Excerpt
Avephoenix Naughty Readings – Review & Excerpt
Books 2 Blog – Review & Excerpt
Sharing Inspired Kreations – Review & Excerpt
The Book Dutchesses – Review & Excerpt
October 30th
Dirty Girl Romance – Review
Nerdy Dirty & flirty – Review & Excerpt
Reads All the Books – Review & Excerpt
Sassy Book Lovers – Review & Excerpt
Total Book Geek – Excerpt
Writes Forward – Review
October 31st
Book Lovers Hangout – Review & Excerpt
KDRBCK – Review & Excerpt
Mean Girls Luv Books – Review & Excerpt
Reviews from the Heart – Review & Excerpt
Shameless Book Club – Review & Excerpt
November 1st
Book Nook Nuts – Review & Excerpt
Busy Bumble Bee Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt
Dreamer's Book Blog – Excerpt
Jeri's Book Attic – Review
Romance Schmomance – Review & Excerpt
Up All Night w/ Books Blog – Review & Excerpt
November 2nd
Book Addict – Excerpt
Fundinmental – Review
Ruby's Books – Excerpt
The Book Maven – Review & Excerpt