A Review of The Taming of the Wolf by Lydia Dare

.25
4.25 Fangs for The Taming of the Wolf by Lydia Dare

I was so happy to see this series continue on past the Westfield Brother's Trilogy.

I'm even happier to know this isn't the last we'll see of Lydia Dare's werewolves even though she's moving onto vampyres. No, a few familiar werewolves may cross paths with the vampyres in her upcoming series.

Check out the interview I did with Lydia.

The Taming of the Wolf picks up right where the last book left off.

Dashiel Thorpe is a lycan but he doesn't know what he is other than a monster. His whole life he's dealt with shame and fear. Now he's encountered the Westfields, men who are lycans just as he is. He also encounters a witch, a feisty Scottish lass who bewitches him instantly.

Caitrin Macleod is a witch who can see the future but when Dash comes along she can't see anything which is both a blessing and a curse. She is drawn to him but her fear of getting hurt and not knowing what the future holds for them makes her run scared.

Dashiel has serious issues he has to work through and get over before he should get involved with anyone but he's so entranced by Caitrin he bites her- thus marking her as his mate so he can't think of anyone or anything but her. They are bound together whether either of them wants it or not.

This leads them on adventures in self discovery and love. They are fighting destiny and each other. Will they ever get past their own selfish fears and be able to work things out? Or did fate get it wrong this time?

A compelling read that left me turning pages. The tone was a tad darker this time without as much witty banter as the previous books but it was still quite enjoyable.

I love what Dare has done with werewolves, can't wait to see how she handles vampyres.

Book Blurb for The Taming of the Wolf

Lord Dashiel Thorpe has fought his true nature his entire life, but whenever the moonlight proves too powerful, Dashiel is unable to control the werewolf within him. It is on one such moonlit night that Dashiel accidentally bites the beautiful Scottish witch, Caitrin McLeod. Though now bound to him irrevocably, Cait decides that she wants nothing to do with him. When she flees to her native Scotland, Dashiel has no choice but to follow her and convince her that it was nothing short of destiny that has bound them together body and soul.

A Review of The Devil's Playground by Jenna Black

.5
4.5 Fangs for The Devil's Playground by Jenna Black

This was my week for reading the final books of a couple series that I had grown to love.

The Devil's Playground is the 5th and final book in the Morgan Kingsley series featuring an exorcist that hosts the king of all demons inside her.

Throughout the series Morgan had to battle with her thoughts and feelings about demons as she learned many things she had previously perceived to be true were not.

She also had to deal with the fact that she, an exorcist who really hated demons, had become an unwilling demon host and not just to any demon but the king of all demons. This not only drove Morgan crazy but it also put her life and the lives of those around her in danger...constantly.

In this book Morgan finds out that demons are coming into the human realm in greater numbers than ever before- into hosts that never before would have been recruited. Morgan and Lugh along with Lugh's council in the human world decide that Dougal, Lugh's brother, must be behind it. But why?

Along with the demon conflict Morgan has to deal with her brother's depressed and dismal attitude and her boyfriend Brian wanting her to get rid of Lugh. With utter disbelief Morgan realizes she has grown accustomed to Lugh and doesn't think she could stand to live without him, or would she want to. Will she give up Brian to keep Lugh or will she sacrifice Lugh to keep Brian happy?

Having a demon inside you can be alot to deal with. Can you imagine having a separate entity inside you that knows everything...and I mean everything. Even the little things that you have tried to hide from yourself, subconscious thoughts you'd rather not address...everything! Lugh's not a mind reader-he's actually in there, inside Morgan seeing, doing, feeling everything she is.

No wonder her boyfriend isn't exactly thrilled with that-and neither was Morgan at first. But after having Lugh with her for so long-can she give him up?

And as far as Dougal is concerned, will Lugh be able to regain his stronghold without sacrificing all of the demons in the human realm? Will he be able to find a way to stop Dougal without killing himself in the process?

Morgan and everyone she is close to are drafted to take part in a demon war they really want no part of, but Dougal has left them with no other choice.

Black wraps this series up nicely ending it in a way that most of the loose ends are all wrapped up and we are given a somewhat happy ending-with plenty of wiggle room should something ever happen and Black decides to continue with any books later on (you never know, it could happen).

I am sad to see this series end. This was a series that was a surprise enjoyment for me because the first couple books were a little heavy on the m/m and bdsm aspects of the story lines which I am not really into but the characters intrigued me and I just kept reading despite the stuff that made me cringe.

Black's world of demon hosts and exorcists is completely unique and filled with characters that you might not necessarily like but you easily grow attached to. You don't want them to end up getting hurt. And the story lines are also very unique and easily suck you in, making you not want to put the books down.

I know I started reading the first book and just didn't stop until I was done with the third book. Then I had to wait for books four and five to come out.

And now the series is over.

I do look forward to reading other works by Black. Her new YA series hits bookstore shelves soon, Glimmerglass looks like a YA book that may be worth picking up.

Black is also the author of The Guardians of the Night series which I just discovered features...vampires. I am going to have to check those books out.

Review of A Certain Wolfish Charm by Lydia Dare

A Certain Wolfish Charm is the writing duo known as Lydia Dare's first book in the werewolf trilogy featuring the Westfield Brothers.

A Certain Wolfish Charm features the eldest brother, Simon, the intimidating Duke of Blackmoor.

Like most dukes Simon has his flaws; he's annoying, cranky, entitled, loves to drink, gamble and hang out in irreputable establishments with a certain type of woman. But this Duke has a reason to be cranky, especially when the moon is full.

Lily has been caring for her nephew Oliver but the older he gets the harder he is getting for her to handle. Thinking he needs some male guidance she tries to contact Oliver's guardian, Simon Westfield the Duke of Blackmoor. The Duke tries to dodge her inquiries every chance he gets but she, being the stubborn and resourceful woman that she is, finally puts herself in the middle of his life...and his home. Simon can't ignore her now. And to his dismay he doesn't want to, though he knows he should or he will risk his animal nature being discovered.

Lily finds Simon to be annoying, a complete rake and...utterly irresitibale. Will she be strong enough to steer clear of the temptation?

An engrossing read, I can't wait to devour the other books in this series.

A fast paced book that kept me wanting more. A classic, almost gothic, style historical romance with a paranormal twist.

Review of Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison

Rachel sure has gotten herself into a mess this time. The magic ethics coven is after her and they are using lethal force to grab her- and they call her a black witch.

Before she knows what's happening or finds a way to stop it she finds herself locked up in Alcatraz facing a lobotomy. Luckily she has good friends that try real hard to keep her safe. Too bad they haven't found a way to keep her out of trouble.

Poor Rach, half the world shuns her because of her "black magic and demon ties" the other half wants to use her because of it. Trent, Al, Pierce even a rogue member of the committee all seek to control her for their own purposes. Even her ex Nick comes back into the picture and has his own agenda. As if Rachel needed all the men in her life to be more complicated than her life itself. She's getting away with murder with Al because he wants her for his own reasons, Pierce is a big question mark- who knows what he's really after, and Nick is just scum that should have been disposed of a long time ago. Really if you meet someone who has been magically changed into a rat out of revenge...well that might just say something about that person.

Then there's Trent...he and Rachel have a very complicated respect/hate and maybe something more relationship. They've known each other since they were kids. Too bad Rachel doesn't remember much of it.

Warning- something very sad happens in this book that had me in tears for pages. If you are sensitive you'll be crying, too.

Black Magic Sanction is a fast paced roller coaster ride that has Rachel in peril on almost every page. You keep wondering how and if she'll make it out of this mess alive.

Definitely a five fang read. I couldn't put it down. These books continue to get more complicated as they go. I can't wait to see how it all ends up. Rumor has it Rachel will get her happy ending. I just wonder how and with who.

I'll be sad to see this series end though, it is at the top of my favorites list.

This series is the epitome of urban fantasy. A complex world full of fabulous characters, plots, subplots, and enough story arcs to keep you wondering what's going on and what's going to happen next.

If you haven't started reading this series yet and you are a fan of the genre...I wonder what you're waiting for.

A Review of Serpent Moon by C.T. Adams & Cathy Clamp

If you are into the complex hierarchy of shifters- this book is for you.

A new spin on shape shifters- The Sazi- this series of books takes complex world building to a whole new level.

The authors have turned the world of shifters into a complex system of politics, military and scientific experimentation rolled into a story line that includes drama, suspense, murder, and romance- an urban fantasy world like no other.

Now I feel a little out of the loop since this is the first book of the Sazi that I have read. It looks like there are 7 before it though in the front of the book it said this one is based on a minor side character and a brand new character but that it answers a lot of questions and completes a couple story arcs.

Ugh. I feel like I received the answers to the test but not the actual test. No real big deal though- it was still a fabulous story full of action, adventure and yes...some romance. It was a great book and this series is now on my to- read list. I am going back and starting from the beginning.

Here's more info about this book:

"Lions and tigers and bears. Oh MY!"

Shapeshifters live among us, their very existence a secret they're willing to die . . . or kill, to protect. Welcome to the world of the Sazi, a dangerous world of passion and intrigue where human and animal natures clash in a continuing struggle for dominance.

Serpent Moon Book 8, Tales of the Sazi
Publisher: Doherty, Tom Associates, LLC
Pub. Date: March 2010

Eric Thompson has always lived in the shadow of his older brother, the Alpha of the Canadian werewolf pack. While he has strength and speed and a howl that can truly make his pack whole, he doesn’t have his brother’s viciousness—and the pack wasn’t worth either of them dying. To Eric, a leader should lead wisely and well, and his brother has done neither. So he left to become a lone wolf.

Holly Sanchez has likewise lived in the shadows. A full human born to the Omega of the Boulder pack, she was attacked and turned into the very thing she had come to hate. Worse still, she became an alphic healer—except that as a wolf, she now terrifies the very animals she’d hoped to one day treat as a veterinarian.

But as the world goes mad and species begins to attack species, Holly and Eric learn that they may only have their special gifts, and each other, to rely on to hold together the fragments of what was once a mighty shapeshifter population.

For She has finally come, and the world will never again be the same.

Click here for an excerpt.

Review of Catch of a Lifetime by Judi Fennell

Catch of a Lifetime is the third (and hopefully not final) book in the Mer series by Judi Fennell.

With Fennell's blend of wit, charm, humor and sexy romance it is no wonder this series has really made a splash.

In a book world dominated by vampires and werewolves sexy Mer Men (and women, as this book features Angel the mermaid) are something totally new and refreshing. From the very first book I was hooked and Fennell has continued to reel me in with her amazing characters and laugh out loud humor. I love how she so easily combines romance, suspense, humor and total sexiness into her books. (I am eager to see what she does with Genies in her new and upcoming series.)

In Catch of a Lifetime mermaid Angel Tritone (sister to the Mer Men in the previous books) is out to save the ocean and the rest of the planet by hoping to find a way to stop humans from polluting. While studying humans from afar she ends up on a hungry shark's radar. She has to hop into a boat to avoid becoming shark food and discovers a way to pursue her mission...if she can keep her identity a secret.

Which of course isn't possible and the hot guy in the book- Logan, to his surprise finds out what she is. Too bad there's more at stake than just secrets. Soon both their lives are in danger.

This is a great read filled with drama, underwater adventure and a fabulous romance. Logan and Angel have great chemistry that really sizzles.

While I love my dark paranormal romances and urban fantasies filled with fangs and fur Fennell's books are light refreshing reads that have opened me to the new and wonderful underwater world that is really worth reading.

I hope Fennell will be able to continue this series later, I know right now she is working on a new Genie series but has plans (keep your fins crossed) to continue the fishy tales of a few other mermaids.

A Review of Season of Love

Title: Season Of Love
Category: Paranormal Romance
Reviewer: Michele Rioli
Reviewer Email: Deseng@crown.net
Author: Susan Blexrud, Bill Haworth, Kate Hofman, Miriam Newman
Publisher: DCL Publications
Release Date: November 2009
ISBN Number: 9780984282838

Rating: 5 Fangs
Format: E-BOOK

MISTLETOE FANGS by Susan Blexrud is a fast, fun blend of vampire thrills and chills. Get ready to buckle in for a creepy, thrilling ride!

When Lauren mentions to her friend Meredith that she still hasn’t fully recovered from her kidnapping event, Meredith puts her in touch with a highly recommended psychiatrist called Dr. Erasmus Gephart. Lauren has pregnancy woes along with crying jags that come unexpectedly stemming from paranoia over her kidnapping event with the Mafia. Lauren’s visit with the psychiatrist goes smoothly on her first visit but he is rather odd. Her loving husband John, vampire vigilante, is concerned for her welfare. Does Lauren finally get some relief from her symptoms? Is Dr. Gephart who he says he is?

Ms. Blexrud delivers another great vampire adventure starring all the main characters along with a skeptical, weird doctor and his faery sidekick. The faery almost steals the show! When things unexpectedly take a turn for the worse, John calls in Luc to help him out. Ms. Blexrud does a superb job throwing in right and left curves and I was anxious to see what would happen next! MISTLETOE FANGS is a crazy, funny, sexy vampire tale with a lot of oomph!

THE OFFICE PARTY by Bill Haworth is the story of a Scrooge in a suit and a Christmas Eve miracle.

Fred Perkins, a charismatic sleaze ball but a sharp businessperson, commandeers a Christmas Eve party to celebrate his big promotion. Unfortunately, the coworkers get the full lip from him as he progressively gets drunker at his own party. Mattie, a pretty brunette and the secretary, makes her excuses to leave the party. Mr. Perkins, totally blasted, from excessively drinking, talks cruelly to Mattie about leaving his party early. She has had enough of his overt sexual advances on her. She wants to get home to her husband and kids. A phone call comes through from her husband, telling her that the weather is supposed to turn nasty and to leave as soon as possible. Just when she is about to leave, the caterer for the party calls to say they can’t deliver the food because the weather is dreadful. Mr. Perkins angrily protests at her leaving “his” party, asking if she can stay to help out, and boldly pronounces that only a miracle can save this party. In walks a little old office cleaning lady. Will she possibly save the day?

THE OFFICE PARTY plays homage to the rude, dude called the Scrooge of Christmas stories. It is a fast-moving story with bantering office employees, a scrappy boss, a pretty secretary and a very unassuming old cleaning lady. Bill Haworth expertly depicts teasing office employees to the hilt. The dialogue is peppered with smart-alecky innuendos and snappy comebacks. Mattie and the cleaning lady save the day with their sudsy-bubble optimistic attitudes, which brightens the whole story. You never know what will happen at an office party, let alone the one in this story that has an ending that delights and warms the heart!

A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFT by Kate Hofman is a luminous love story about the reunion of two lovers who are inexplicably torn apart by treachery and deceit.

Glenda St. George, a beautiful blonde-haired lady, is busily creating decorations with her two-year-old son Jason, a couple days before Christmas, when her door buzzer goes off. Whom could it be she wonders? She opens the door and is startled to see Alexandros Manitakis, her lover from three years ago, standing there. She goes white, as if seeing a ghost, and practically passes out but Alex catches her. She discovers that Alex’s office assistant, Nana Demos, was infatuated with him and wanted to marry him. Thus, she deliberately broke up their love affair with devious plans and lies. Will Alex win Glenda’s heart all over again? What surprises and battles await them?

A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFT is a touching story of love walking in again. Glenda and Alex unfortunately have their love tryst wrecked by a deceitful lady who is Alex’s assistant. After three years, Alex finds the woman of his dreams again, along with an unexpected surprise. Her two-year-old son is his. Ms. Hofman weaves a beautifully written romance story that tugs at the heartstrings. Ms. Hofman throws in some strong and unique secondary characters that add to the story’s appeal. Exquisite and stylish, A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFT is a heartwarming romance and the risks we take for love.


PEACE ON NEW EARTH by Miriam Newman is a uniquely romantic futuristic tale of two different races cohabitating together on the same planet in the twenty-fifth century.

Avron, leader of a powerful tribe called the Megastes, has volunteered to undergo treatments to be vaccinated against a virus that has infected his tribe. Some have fallen ill and some even have died due to this illness, which was inadvertently spread to them through the colonists. The colonists are an advanced human race called the Terrans who are cohabitating with them on their planet. When Avron travels to their dome, he is surprised to meet the doctor. She is a woman with beautiful blonde hair who pleasantly stimulates his nose.

Jadelle Reid, a research med-tech doctor and specialist in antiquities, doesn’t get out much with the opposite sex since she is to busy with work. In fact, it seems most men don’t find her as suitable dating material. She spends a lot of time at home baking lots of cookies and breads to fill the void. When she meets Avron, she is immediately taken aback by his presence. What a handsome, muscular body, she muses to herself. She offers him a peace offering, a Christmas cookie. He helps himself to a second one after eating the first savory treat. Happy with herself, she secretly looks forward to spending time with him but then remembers to act professional. After all, if all goes well with the injections, maybe the Terrans and Megastes can cohabit peacefully. What does the future hold for these two and more importantly will the injections work?

PEACE ON NEW EARTH brings a new dimension to the futuristic genre in an enthralling tale that breaks down boundaries. When Avron and Jadelle discover there is chemistry between them on an aromatic level, things soon heat up from there. The clever story line of two different races trying to find peace amongst illness balances the plot out perfectly! A fascinating premise, strong characters and a powerful message make this a perfect ending to a collection of holiday stories.

SEASON OF LOVE, a brilliant diverse collection of holiday stories, with romance as the underlying theme, is at times scary, then refreshing, and sprinkled all over with good holiday cheer!

Review of The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox

.5


Imagine one day you are a boring preschool teacher that maps out a timed route to a restaurant you've been to several times, everything is planned to a T, lists are made, life is planned.


Then on your 3o birthday a crazy geriatric biker lady who claims to be your grandmother shows up and tells you that you are a demon slayer - then all hell breaks loose. Literally. A demon ends up on your toilet trying to kill you.


That's what happens to Lizzie Brown. Not only does she find out she is the chosen demon slayer, her grandma's a biker witch, and now her terrier is talking to her.


One minute Lizzie's ready to go to her 30th birthday party the next minute she's on the back of a Harley with only her dog and what could fit in a backpack- her old life is history.


The Accidental Demon Slayer is a wild ride ride at mach speed on the back of a Harley on a bumpy road full of twists and turns...and I couldn't get enough of it.


This was a super fast read that I couldn't get enough of, I devoured book 1 and now I'm onto book 2 and can't wait to get my hands on book 3.


The roadkill magic totally grossed me out but the rest of the magic and the witches are just hilarious. The descriptive wording is so detailed I could picture these crazy old ladies in their tight pants and (ewww push up bras).


What I liked best was the sexy shape shifting griffin, Dimitri ( go figure). Too bad he started the game with ulterior motives- but hey don't all guys?


In the end he turns out to be a sexy guy that has Lizzie's heart and I can't wait to see how their relationship progresses. If she don't want him I'll take him, though the feathered part might creep me out. I am a fur girl not so much into the feathers, I know a griffin has both but...don't know.


Anyway if you like your paranormal urban fantasy books filled with humor and craziness this series is for you. Fox has filled it with wit and charm that you can't possibly resist.

Psychic Cat

Angie's newest demon slayer book - A Tale of Two Demon Slayers hits stores officially on Tuesday.

Visit Angie's site and blog for info and lots of fun and freebies like these fun quizzes:

Which supernatural pet is right for you?

(mine, psychic cat)

Are you part demon slayer?

(I'm 86% slayer)

What's Your Biker Witch Name?

(mine's Owl Eyed Olive Fast Pants, I like the owl part not sure about the rest :-)

86%

Be sure to drop by Friday January 29 to visit with Angie when she'll be a guest here at Fang-tastic Books.

A Review of Divine Misdemeanors by Laurell K Hamilton

In the 8th Merry Gentry Book by Laurell K Hamilton Merry has turned down the thrown of the Unseelie court and exiled herself to LA along with anyone who wanted to be away from the craziness and danger of the sidhe courts.

The exile is so far quiet with no one threatening Merry or her men but she has had to return to working for the Gray Detective Agency to earn money to support everyone who is now in their clan. The book opens with Merry being called in to consult on a homicide case where several small demi-fey have been killed and posed like a storybook illustration- exactly like one.

Working on the case puts Merry and her people in the spotlight and the paparazzi are becoming more hazardous than the enemies. at every tun they have to be careful of human paparazzi and inhuman threats- this keeps them on alert.

Merry is pregnant though not showing yet and this also throws a bit of a wrench into everything because the effects of the pregnancy are starting to catch up with Merry including tiredness and morning sickness.

Throughout the book Merry is working trying to solve the fey serial killer case while keeping herself and her people safe while those amongst her want to squabble over power. The Goddess makes herself know through Merry several times and the sex is really back in this book- though lacking some of the intensity it has had in previous books.

I feel the book focused more on sex and violence then the actual plot and storyline and several parts were very repetitive. I found myself thinking "yeah, you've said that already-several times" I also felt this book was much more "telling me instead of showing me" than previous books in the series. Sure Merry's voice has always been dominant but in this book it was distracting... so much repetition.

The ever growing cast of characters has reached a confusing level as well. Other than her closest men, her inner circle of lovers, the rest of the cast needs to be tamed. Too many are becoming filler and detracting from the story not to mention have you racking your brain trying to remember exactly who everyone is and where they fit into everything.

So while I still enjoyed the book and did not want to put it down until it was finished I was left feeling a little less than satisfied with what this book contained. It opened more doors, more questions and while it completed the main story of this book, the murder, it left me wanting something else, something more...something that wasn't fulfilled.

A Review of Moon Kissed by Michele Hauf

Five Fangs for Moon Kissed by Michele Hauf



Moon Kissed is the second book in the Wicked Games series, the first was The Highwayman which I loved.



Though I loved Moon Kissed even more, because it features hotter than hell, alpha male werewolf Severo which we were introduced to in The Highwayman, in this book he is much more rough around the edges than he appeared to be in The Highwayman.



The book opens with Belladonna running for her life away from a group of bloodthirsty vampires-and right into the arms of a dangerous werewolf...who keeps her safe until the vampires are gone.



But once the threat from the vampires is gone Bella's still in the arms of a "man" she knows is anything but safe yet he protects her even while being overtly sexual towards her.



Soon Bella learns there is more to life than the basic human existence she knew of-all kinds of creatures exist including vampires and werewolves. She finds out her best friend is dating a vampire and she suddenly has a werewolf shadow because sexy Severo just won't leave her alone. He's convinced the vampires are out to get Bella...and his suspicions are soon proven correct. But why? Why are they after her? Is it because her best friend Seth is dating a jealous vamp and "Elvira" wants to make sure she has no competition? Severo isn't sure but he knows he has to keep Bella safe...she's the mate he's been waiting for- for so very long.



Michele Hauf has written and extremely interesting and sexy tale about opposites attracting. Showing that it does happen and can work although it may not be easy.

**Possible Spoiler Alert Ahead**

Two things about his book were left kinda up in the air- one the whole situation with Seth was left rather unresolved for me, there wasn't enough emotion in the situation. I would have liked to see at least a little more considering the circumstances and the length of their friendship.



The other thing was how did "Elvira" know to go after Bella in the first place. Things are revealed about Elvira's reasons for going after Bella and she sends those vamps after Bella before Bella and Severo ever meet. Either this was a slip up or somehow Elvira could see into the future...maybe with the help of a witch or wizard perhaps? I don't know.

** Spoilers Done**

Other than those two minor issues (that really didn't damage the flow or the story, just made me stop and wonder a bit) the book was fabulous. I'll be dreaming about rough around the edges werewolves for a few nights.



It amazes me how some men could never in a million years get away with such overtly sexual advances on a woman...and others can- and not only can they get away with it they are welcome. Severo is the type of guy you want to come on strong. He'll bring out your cave woman craving and your animal instincts, that's for sure.



Now I have to go download After the Kiss, a Nocturne Bite ebook featuring Severo and Bella after this book ends. And I can't wait for Her Vampire Husband originally scheduled to be out this month now it won't be available until March or April 2010.